"I think I said the wrong thing, Raoul." Christine sighed, stepping out of her cousin's room and shutting the door behind her. Raoul, who had been waiting patiently in the hallway, raised his eyebrows in concern and straightened up, waiting for his wife to go on.

"I just wanted her to know that I understand how difficult losing a family member is and she completely shut me out. Aunt Lydia was hopeful that I could help her with the death of her sister and I'm afraid that I can't." Christine kept her voice quiet as the two of them made their way down the long hallway. They entered their bedroom before Raoul sat down on the edge of their bed and replied.

"Perhaps she simply needs a bit of time to get comfortable with you. Think about it; she's just been moved to Paris to live with her leading lady of a cousin. Perhaps she's just intimidated." He suggested, patting the spot beside him. Christine silently declined, choosing instead to pace around their bedroom.

"I've never intimidated anyone, Raoul. Even if that is true, how on earth do I undo that?" She asked, stopping to gaze at herself in the mirror. How could she intimidate someone?

"My love, I really do think you must keep trying to speak to her. If she sees that you aren't a diva and that you genuinely want to know and help her, she has no reason not to allow you to." The man reasoned, rising from his seat on the bed. He approached his wife and stood behind her, staring at the two of them in the mirror.

"Enough worrying about this tonight. Come to bed, we'll have the entire day tomorrow to spend with her and you can keep trying." Raoul coaxed, rubbing Christine's shoulders soothingly. The young woman sighed under his touch and finally relaxed the tension in her muscles a bit. She knew that he was right and that she was probably expecting too much too soon.

"I'm so lucky I have you to keep me sane." She murmured, turning around and laying a hand on his chest. The corner of Raoul's mouth twitched upwards in a crooked smile and he placed a gentle kiss upon her forehead.

"My words will warm and calm you," He chuckled. Christine smiled as she recalled that night on the rooftop and buried her face in his chest.

"I love you, Raoul."

"And I, you."

Erik sat at the candle lit desk, staring at the flickering flames intently. He hadn't been able to think clearly since Christine and her family walked through the theater doors earlier in the day. He was only able to focus on formulating a plan. That was something he had always needed; a plan of action.

"Should they choose to torment me, I shall torment them." He muttered to himself, clasping his hands together and resting his chin on them. Possibilities flooded the genius's mind and he began to work through them, picking and choosing small parts of each scenario he came up with. He could tell by the expression on his former obsession's face that having her new young guest here meant quite a lot to her. Christine had stared at the teenager with the same excitement that he had once observed on her face during their lessons. So it was quite obviously that this girl was going to have to be the center of his actions.

Then of course, there was that blasted, spoiled brat Raoul. As upset as he was with Christine for not choosing him, the whole of his rage was directed towards her husband. Perhaps if he could lure the Vicomte de Chagny back down to his part of the theater, he could truly enact revenge. For if Raoul could be hurt, then Christine could be hurt. And if the youngest girl could be hurt, maybe then Christine could finally feel something close to the pain in his chest when she followed Raoul away from him.

Christine stood outside the guest room door, tray balanced in her left hand deftly. She had assured the serving staff that it was quite alright if she brought Camille breakfast on her own that morning, despite their protests. Yet now her nerves were beginning to get the best of her again, apprehensive about potentially bothering the teenager. Nevertheless, she built up enough courage to knock lightly on the thick wooden door. A few seconds later, Camille opened it.

"Good morning. May I come in?" Christine asked hopefully. The teen in front of her blinked sleep from her eyes, but nodded. She stepped to the side politely and then shut the door as her cousin set the tray down on the table by the bed.

"Christine, I'm sorry for snapping at you last night. I understand that you were just trying to be helpful, and I really do appreciate it. I've just never like the idea of speaking about my sister to anyone. Please don't take offense." Camille apologized quietly, taking a seat in one of the chairs near her bed. Christine followed her lead, a bit surprised at the apology, and nodded.

"You have nothing to be sorry for. I was a bit too intrusive last night and I apologize for that. I'm really not experienced in this sort of thing. I can only hope that you'll decide that Raoul and I really are to be trusted." The older of the two replied. She stared at her cousin with hopeful eyes, waiting to see how she responded.

"I promise to try my best. You both do seem wonderful. I know that I'm young, but after what happened, sometimes it just seems wiser to me not to get close to others so easily." Camille admitted. Christine couldn't help but feel a little relieved at the fact that her caution wasn't to be taken personally. Camille seemed willing to at least give an effort towards making things work, and that was all she needed.

"I understand. There's always a risk in letting yourself begin to care for others. Sometimes it is worth that risk. But you don't have to make that decision until you feel ready to. However, we would like to take you to the shops today. Madame Giry is quite particular about what her dancers wear and it's best if you come prepared." Camille nodded in agreement immediately.

"Of course. Thank you. I am excited to see the city. May I have half an hour to get ready?" She questioned, rising from her chair. Christine stood as well, hiding a smile at the tiny burst of excitement she had seen on the younger girl's face, and headed towards the door.

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