Disclaimer: Please don't sue. I don't own POTO... All I own is an overactive imagination.
Summary: ErikRaoul slash.
Warning(s): homosexuality (that's what slash is people)
Pairing(s): ErikRaoul
A/N: Been swamped with work. Even missed a deadline, which thankfully didn't get me fired. Dodged a bullet with that one, but still, I've been backlogged for a while, so I set aside time on my Saturday to just focus on writing fanfiction because we all need a break sometime.
Story Note: I hate to do this, but an OC is going to play a large role from now on. Well, not humongous since we'll still see Carlotta and the managers as evil, but they have the support of the Comte de Montmartre in their evil schemes.
o.o.o.o
Imaginary Friends
Chapter 15 – The Chase
o.o.o.o
By: Lucifer Rosemaunt
o.o.o.o
Last time: After their big fight, Erik starts destroying everything in his sitting room and when he goes off to search for more rooms to destroy, he comes upon a room full of portraits of Raoul. Unable to destroy them, he decides in the end that killing Raoul isn't the answer, kidnapping him is. Raoul on the other hand is already regretting the things he said in their argument. Well, imaginary!Erik is also back. He's not being very subtle anymore about the real Erik. Go figure. (I think he thinks it's about time for Raoul to remember).
o.o.o
After breakfast, Raoul had to ask his butler to help him with bandaging the various injuries he had gotten from the fight last night. In his opinion, he did not look very presentable, not at all the proper Vicomte he should be; however, there was nothing he could do. The bruising and scratches on his face, the cuts on his arms and hands would take time to heal, but he needed to go to the opera house as soon as possible to handle this current situation. Raoul could not remember a time when he had gotten so many injuries in such a short period of time. It was not healthy. Nothing since he had become the patron of the opera house had been healthy.
I resent that, Erik remarked.
Raoul tried not to grin, No offense to you of course.
As he was being subjected to the free use of alcohol on his open wounds, Raoul relayed the business with the managers to the butler to distract himself from the pain and because Erik seemed to think that it would be better if Raoul told someone.
It did feel better to speak to someone about it, someone who at least had a sympathetic ear. He thought he was going to get through this bandaging session without having to explain the wounds when his butler asked, "Did you fight with the managers?"
"We argued," Raoul said cautiously.
"And these wounds?" His butler prompted.
Raoul considered saying he should not have to explain himself to his butler but he knew it for the bad excuse that it was. He also knew that they worried about him mostly because they were good people and partly because of Philippe. Philippe had asked everyone who worked on the estate to watch over him. The first time he realized he was having his daily life being reported to his brother, he had been justifiably angry. He and Philippe had argued and fought, but in the end, Raoul could actually do nothing to prevent it so he had learned to live with it. He kept it as his back up argument if Philippe ever disagreed with him though. Philippe had always been overly protective of him. Though annoying at times, it was good to know that someone worried for him.
"I had an altercation with someone at the opera house who wanted me to leave."
That's putting it lightly. Erik commented. I think you should tell them about the opera ghost. I'm sure they all have suspicions already.
Raoul frowned. I don't think it prudent to share information like that. They think I'm off seeing some woman.
I don't know. Erik replied, the doubt evident in his voice. Maybe they do, maybe they don't.
"You don't sound..." the butler tried to think of the right word, "angry." It was not the anger that was missing. Maybe it was the indignation or just the fighting spirit that was missing from Raoul's demeanor. They had all seen Raoul when he had arguments with others, and Raoul's current behaviour was far from normal.
"I hadn't wanted to fight this person," Raoul tried to explain with as little detail as possible.
The butler nodded but said no more.
Then you should've calmed yourself down. Erik commented.
Yes, I think we've been over this countless times since I woke up. Raoul remarked. It had been stupid to fight, but they had and there was nothing Raoul could do to undo it. He already was leaving. He already did not want to visit the opera house any more than necessary. This was just more incentive to leave his role as the patron or to leave Paris in general.
When the bandaging was done, Raoul checked his arms and hands for moveability. He was glad he could cover them up with an overcoat. He thanked his butler and was heading towards the back door when he was informed that the Opera Populaire had sent him a carriage.
Raoul rolled his eyes. He wondered what the managers were playing at.
"Please tell the driver I'll be going to the opera house on horseback."
"It's snowing," the butler stated.
Raoul shrugged. He had been riding carriages too much of late, and looking outside, it was not snowing too hard.
Are we even going to go to the opera house? Erik asked.
Of course, Raoul replied as he put on his riding gloves and coat then walked to the stable. This will simply allow me to go at my own pace.
Erik snorted. Then perhaps we should pack a lunch.
Raoul was about to mount his horse when he ran back to the kitchen. A snack does not sound like a bad idea.
Erik's only response was a sigh. He was quiet as Raoul grabbed some fruit and pocketed it before mounting his horse. He led his horse around the long way to the opera house. En route, Raoul replayed the argument of the night before in his head. There had been odd moments if he thought about it now, phrases that he had brushed aside even though they had made no sense.
What do you think he meant by 'this is how you repay me'? Raoul asked. Shouldn't I be saying that? After all, I was the one that did everything he asked of me.
Erik was silent before responding, Maybe he has the wrong idea.
I don't know. Raoul responded. That had been my initial reaction, but the ghost knows everything that happens in the opera house. There's no way that he does not know what the managers have been planning. Maybe he's just trying to put the blame on me and make it seem like he's the victim here.
That doesn't sound very much like the ghost. Erik noted.
How do we know what the ghost's supposed to be like? Raoul snapped back.
Why are you mad?
I'm not mad. Raoul said.
Then why are you sulking?
Raoul frowned. He ignored the question because Erik already knew the reason why Raoul was touchy about that topic. A part of Raoul had believed that he had uncovered a small piece of his past. He thought the ghost had been someone who might help him remember, but Raoul thought himself to be wrong after their encounter last night.
I thought he had been you. Raoul admitted.
Erik was silent. After a few moments, Raoul restated.
I thought…
I know, Erik finally replied. How do we know he's not?
The way he acted. That can't be you. Raoul vehemently argued.
Erik sighed. It's been fifteen years. You know it cannot be coincidence.
Coincidence?
Erik did not need to say anything to convey his disbelief.
So what if he sounds like you? Raoul grudgingly admitted. He does not completely sound like you.
It's been fifteen years.
That can't be your argument in this conversation, Raoul stated firmly.
How about… you've been having more dreams. You think you know what I look like.
Raoul did not respond. He could not argue that fact. Ever since he had come to the opera house, he had been having more flashes of memory, more dreams that Raoul was almost certain were more memory than fabrication. The certainty in the dreams did not carry over in wakefulness though. In his dreams, he could be certain that the deformed teenager is Erik, but when he woke, he simply did not know.
I'm deformed and the ghost's deformed.
Raoul quickly countered, We don't know that.
Know what? Erik's calm voice grated on Raoul's nerves.
We don't know if that's you. We don't know if he even has a deformity.
Erik laughed at him. It was not malicious, but Raoul scowled anyway. I'm sure he wears the mask to make a fashion statement.
I'm not even going to respond to that. Raoul replied, but he knew he was being stubborn for no reason. I simply cannot believe it.
Perhaps it would have been better if you had not had me around after all. Erik said more to himself than to Raoul.
Don't say that.
Your expectations may be too high for him. His logic made Raoul pause.
What is that supposed to mean? Do you really believe it to be him! Raoul ranted. It can't be, and I don't have expectations of anyone, most of all him. I simply know you and you can't be him. Or he can't be you. It doesn't matter. You wouldn't act like that. You wouldn't say those things or hit me. I know what you're going to say and I know you. I don't even know what the ghost was thinking.
Erik interrupted before Raoul could continue. Like when he said 'Your desire to leave this place'? Erik brought to mind the sentence that had confused him before breakfast and breaking Raoul's momentum enough for him to come back to himself.
Yes, Raoul replied feeling a little calmer. He took a deep breath and answered evenly, and there was something else, something in his voice, eyes, demeanor.
You two were yelling so much. I'm surprised you even noticed any of those things. Erik chided testing to see how Raoul would react.
Raoul frowned and said tersely. Well, I had been angry.
You'd been out of control. Why don't you think things through before you do them?
Don't talk like that. You're starting to sound like Philippe. Raoul commented.
When is he coming home? Erik asked.
The fact that Erik seemed to jump topics quickly made it hard for Raoul to build up enough anger for another rant. The question surprised him. Erik usually never spoke about anyone else unless he was making rather snide remarks about them or responding to Raoul's questions. As it were, Erik hardly spoke about Philippe. Raoul had always just assumed that since he loved Philippe, Erik would to – no words or show of concern was necessary.
Soon. Raoul tried to think. The schedules that Philippe usually sent over were tentative at best. He would say that he was returning within the week, but nothing more specific and even then, it could be a week off. Philippe was always away for work.
Why do we live in Paris if all of his business is elsewhere? Erik asked the most obvious question.
He knows that Paris is quite the city to be a part of. This is where many things will happen. Raoul reasoned. He pondered that question as well though. Living elsewhere was becoming a very tempting option. He thought back to Erik's original question. Optimistically, Raoul guessed. I'd say he should return three days from now.
Hmm.
Why?
Why what? Erik replied guilelessly.
Why do you want to know? Raoul pressed.
Aren't you curious about what he'd said last time?
Raoul thought back. It seemed so long ago since his brother had been here. So much had happened. The 'kidnapped again' statement?
Yes, that one. Erik replied as though Raoul should have known what he was referring to immediately.
It's not as though I haven't been thinking about that. I know Philippe wouldn't lie to me, but could I really forget being kidnapped?
Apparently, yes.
Raoul was trying to think about how that would be possible. He had to admit that it would not be completely unthinkable since he really could not remember much before his parents' funeral. If he had been kidnapped, that too could have been lost. I've been having these moments, like flashes of insight I guess. And I think you're there.
Me? Erik ignored the seeming change of topic.
Not like right now, but I can hear your voice and I can almost swear that the person I see is you.
Like the dream.
Yes, like the dream. It's less distinct but I have a stronger feeling of familiarity. It's frustrating at best.
Raoul tried to pinpoint the feeling as he rode around Paris rather aimlessly. He hardly noticed as the sun struggling against the darkening sky, but at least it had stopped snowing for the moment. The clouds on the horizon seemed to indicate more snowfall though.
It was not until well after noon did Raoul realized that he had to head towards the opera house. His face was almost numb and his legs were becoming sore.
When he arrived, he paused to gather his bearings before giving his horse to the help. He entered the opera house half expecting something horrible to happen to him the second he walked in. When nothing happened, Erik breathed a sigh of relief with him.
Do you think he's calmed down? Erik asked, the doubt evident in his voice.
Raoul suggested, Maybe he's forgiven me for what I said. Do you think he knows it to have been the heat of the moment?
I doubt that. You called him a monster.
Raoul grimaced. He's going to kill me.
Erik sighed. Maybe you can outrun him.
Raoul ignored Erik's suggestion deciding that he should first visit the stage where he was certain to find Christine along with everyone else. He could avoid the managers for just a little while longer.
When he arrived, surely enough, the stage was filled with the actors and the stagehands, but Raoul felt uneasy as he approached.
Everyone's quiet. Erik commented.
Raoul realized that he was right. The stage was usually brimming with noise and people moving to and fro. Now everyone seemed incredibly subdued like they all thought that the opera ghost was watching them and waiting for one of them to be too loud.
The opera ghost was watching them. Since everyone was onstage and whispering amongst themselves, Erik found he could easily stay on the catwalk and watch them. He had been waiting by the entrance of the opera house anxiously for Raoul to enter when he grew too restless. He could not just sit idly and watch the entrance. He had needed to move. He had been pacing when there had been a momentary bustle of commotion by the stage and he had gone to investigate.
Erik still had to watch over his opera house and make sure no one did anything that was not to his liking. So, he walked through the building expecting the usual revelry and rambunctiousness that occurred after every successful opera, but instead, Erik found them all gathered around, on, and near the stage in small clusters speaking to one another. The commotion had come from the managers who had been making their hasty retreat by the time Erik arrived.
After listening in on a few conversations, Erik easily discovered that he was the cause of their odd behaviour. He smirked. They should be afraid of him. They should worry that he was not pleased because he was not. He was not pleased at all with the situation with Raoul, and if the opera house suffered with him, then it was only right that it did.
He saw Raoul approach and cursed his bad timing. Had he been there when Raoul was first entering, he would have kidnapped him immediately. He tried to console himself with the thought that Raoul would have to eventually be alone.
As much as Erik would have liked to simply walk on stage and kidnap Raoul on the spot in front of everyone, he knew that a mob would surely come after him. The Vicomte had a lot of money and prestige, and everyone knew the ghost lived somewhere in this building so it was only a matter of time before they found his home. So, Erik had to think a little more about his plan to kidnap Raoul. Initially, he had dressed, found his spare mask, and raced upstairs ready to kidnap him upon first sight before he realized how ineffective a plan that was. It sounded too much like his earlier 'kidnap Christine' plan, which had consisted of mainly that one step: kidnap Christine.
Seeing how unsuccessful that had been, he knew he could not have a repeat of that. He had been too careless. He had been trying for finesse and effect when he should have been focusing on the practicality of it all. For instance, he should have closed the mirror. If the mirror had been closed, then Raoul would not have walked into his tunnels. Erik would not have found Raoul and shown him another way out. Then Raoul would never have come back and Erik's life would not have been horribly ruined. Maybe all of this could have been avoided, but Erik was not so sure. Raoul had been a rather aggressive patron. Certainly, they would have crossed paths even if Raoul had not found that tunnel entrance. Then again, things would have turned out completely different had Raoul remembered him, but he tried not to think about things like that.
He had to focus on his current plan. Erik could not allow himself to be caught in this particular kidnapping since everyone had a stake in the Vicomte while Christine on the other hand had for the longest time been merely a ballet rat. He would have to err on the side of caution and that was not what Erik was accustomed to. It especially meant that he had fewer opportunities to kidnap Raoul if he was worried about being seen, caught, or even suspected of kidnapping Raoul.
He would wait though. He simply repeated to himself that as long as he stayed by Raoul's side, there would be an opportunity.
Raoul approached Christine and found himself whispering. "Did something happen last night?"
Christine looked at him disappointingly. She replied quietly as well, "If you'd been there, you would know."
Raoul looked concerned and Christine almost felt bad for making him worry.
"Is everyone okay? Is anything broken?"
Erik frowned at his concern. What business was it for the ex-patron to worry about the Opera Populaire?
"No," Christine gently placed a hand on his arm, and Erik scowled at her. She should not be touching Raoul. He was further displeased when she moved even closer. "Everything's fine, but do you have new bruises?"
She reached out to touch his face and Erik was glad to see Raoul pull away before she could. Raoul blushed. How was he going to explain that?
Fell down stairs in a drunken stupor? Erik suggested acerbically. His distaste for Christine had not faded.
Raoul tried not to visibly frown. How is that supposed to be better than the truth?
Try the truth then.
Raoul started, "Well, last night..."
Christine looked at him expectantly.
"... things happened and my fiancé left me. I wanted to forget and… well, I fell down the stairs in a drunken stupor."
God, that sounded stupid even to my ears. Raoul commented.
Raoul could sense Erik shrug as he said, At least you made it sound believable. Are you getting better at lying?
Raoul was not pleased with the thought that he was becoming a better liar. He did not think it was gentlemanly to be a liar. Erik scoffed at that thought.
Christine looked shocked.
Erik watched him dubiously. Raoul had lied to Christine. Unless Raoul had broken up with his fiancé and had fallen down the stairs in a drunken stupor after they fought, but Erik knew at least some of those bruises were from him. Raoul apparently had a busy night last night, but he could not picture Raoul drinking so much that he could not walk up or down stairs without falling.
"Oh," Christine pouted, "I'm so sorry, Raoul. I can't believe it. Are you okay?"
Raoul forced a smile, "I'll be alright. It was bound to happen anyway." He frowned, "A lot has been happening and it seems that I had been wrong in my judgment of her character."
Who are you talking about? Erik asked even though he knew the answer already.
Raoul ignored him. He looked up and saw the pity in Christine's eyes. He wondered how pathetic he must look pining after an imaginary lost love.
Pining after the ghost maybe.
He cleared his throat to drown out Erik's response and looked around to see if anyone else had seen their exchange.
Erik had seen the wistful expression on his face and hated Raoul's fiancé even more for being able to make him have that expression. A fleeting thought of wanting to be able to have that much affect on Raoul crossed his mind, but he ignored it. He was here to kidnap Raoul, not examine his all too complicated reactions to him. He could always worry about those thoughts after he had Raoul.
"Enough about me though," Raoul said cheerily, "Tell me about the opera."
Christine looked uncertain about his change of attitude, but she was convinced enough by his smile. It looked less forced. "It was wonderful. It was so different from Hannibal and the crowd was laughing and enjoying it." Christine explained the sets and scenes that had the biggest laughs. She gesticulated and giggled animatedly. She had to pause sometimes to quiet her voice after she remembered that everyone was expecting the ghost to act upon the slightest noise.
Erik watched as Christine described the night to Raoul. Yet, it was not on Christine he focused. He found himself watching Raoul's reactions. Erik had not been convinced that Raoul had recovered from speaking about his fiancé when he changed topics. He would have pressed it further to find out what was really bothering Raoul. Erik wanted to know. It was frustrating to simply be a spectator in their conversation. It was frustrating to watch them being so close and being unable to separate them. It was more frustrating to see Raoul being cheered up by Christine's antics.
Raoul could not help but smile for her. She was so excited and joyful that she looked like she wanted to dance or perhaps break out into song.
"I'm glad," Raoul replied and he was, "I'm sure you were perfect."
Christine lost some of her energy. She whispered so soft that Raoul almost missed it, "My Angel of Music didn't visit last night. I don't know if I did well at all, Raoul."
Raoul looked at her sympathetically, "I'm certain you did so well that he wanted to let you revel in your success for just one more night."
Christine was unconvinced.
He didn't visit her last night? Raoul yelled in a panic. It cannot be a good sign that he ignored her. Maybe he's really mad.
"Christine," Raoul's voice was calm and steady, "I cannot even imagine you singing poorly. Your tutor would not be disappointed."
Maybe he didn't go because he missed the opera too. Erik tried to reason. He was outside arguing with you.
She nodded, appeased for the moment. Something dawned on her, and she said excitedly, "The Angel did say once that one day I'll no longer need my Angel but something more. Maybe I've reached that level."
Something more? Erik repeated suspiciously. Does that mean what I think it means?
Raoul tried to look encouraging. "You probably have surpassed that expectation by now."
I don't think I want to know what that's supposed to mean, Raoul replied.
From the rafters, Erik watched the exchange and wondered what he should do with Christine. He had been too angry and too focused on Raoul to even watch the opera much less remember to congratulate Christine. He was truly wasting the past years on her for Raoul. In all truths though, he had given her everything she had ever wanted. That had been his goal so that one day, she would be able to return the favour. One day, she might have been able to see him for who he was and not what deformity he had. He had cultivated that dream and that hope.
He had only had that one desire for so long. Nothing else mattered but Christine, not even the opera house. It did not matter if she would be with him, if he could have her. And he'd had only one dream before that – one dream that he had buried because he had known it to be impossible. It was simple really. It was the dream of one unaccustomed to dreaming large, unaccustomed to larger possibilities.
He had only wanted to be with Raoul. With Christine, he had wanted more. He had wanted her to love him, to be the world for him. With Raoul, he did not know if it still held true now, but he had only ever wanted to be near him, to be able to be beside him at all times.
He wanted to be with Raoul.
It was odd how that one dream, that one statement had deep roots in his soul. Even in its simplicity, he could not rid himself of it. One dream would come true, and Erik knew it was an exclusive decision. He could not have both dreams. He could not have both Christine and Raoul because if he somehow managed to be with Raoul, he knew that Raoul would be his world. There would be no one else. Almost like how it was now, how he could not focus on both Christine and Raoul.
The decision was easier than he thought it should be. The decision had already been made the night before. He would kidnap Raoul. There was no other option now. But, maybe the decision had been made when he saw Raoul unconscious on the divan or the first time they met in person or maybe it had been made the second Raoul became the patron of the opera house. Erik could not tell. His emotions, his resolve had not completely formed until last night though.
Christine giggled, "You must watch the show tonight and tell me then."
If he watched the show, then Erik knew it would be the perfect time to kidnap him. All eyes would be focused on the stage and Erik would not have trouble with being seen with the lights so dim. It would be incredibly fortunate if Raoul watched the show tonight.
"I," Raoul began hesitantly, "I'm sorry, Christine, but this is the last time I'm ever coming to the theatre."
"What?" Christine voiced Erik's disbelief.
When Erik's mind finally started functioning again, it raced trying to think of the possible solutions to this new problem. There were not many choices. Raoul would be almost untouchable outside this opera house. This was Erik's domain. He hardly went into the public arena. How would he manage? At least in the opera house, Erik did not have to go very far to bring Raoul to his home. If he tried outside, then he would have to worry about being seen carrying an unconscious Vicomte to the opera building.
"I am not returning after today," Raoul stated firmly. He would not return. It actually hurt him to think that. He told himself it was only his pride.
"Why?" Christine asked.
She knows something, Erik scoffed in Raoul's head, She knows you have to leave. She's heard something and simply wants confirmation.
Raoul was about to defend her saying that she would not listen to rumours when she continued.
"Are the rumours true or is it because your fiancé left you?"
At least she's straightforward, Erik laughed.
Raoul frowned, "There will be a new patron, and that's partly the reason my fiancé left me."
Christine's brows furrowed in confusion, "Then why do you want to leave?"
"What?" Raoul replied, "If it were my choice, I wouldn't be leaving so soon or at all."
From the catwalk, Erik leaned dangerously far over the edge. He could not believe what Raoul had just said. He wondered if he had misheard. He wanted to yell out, 'What is that supposed to mean?' but he held his tongue. It was not as though Raoul would answer him. Maybe the Vicomte knew he was listening and only said those things to confuse him.
When he heard Christine ask, "What is that supposed to mean?" Erik cheered her on mentally. He could not wait to hear the answer.
Raoul was just about to respond when the managers came up from behind him.
"Vicomte!" Andre said cheerily. Firmin's smile was obviously fake. Erik glared at them from above. Raoul had almost answered her question and he would have finally found out what the truth was. Now, he was still unsure of Raoul's objectives.
Raoul inwardly cringed, but he was not going to be outdone. He smiled at them. "Shall we walk?"
They nodded.
He apologized and bowed to Christine giving her one last smile. "Good-bye," he mouthed and hoped she knew he wished her all the best. It would probably be the last time he saw her, but he was surprised that he did not particularly mind. Their paths had separated years before.
Perhaps it's something else you will miss about this opera house. Erik suggested.
Raoul walked beside the managers, smile still in place. You keep pressing that matter. Remind me later to ask you about your comment this morning.
"Shall we discuss matters in our office?" Firmin asked.
"No," Raoul stated. "We do not need to waste time. You may walk me to the entrance. That's all the time we need to discuss matters."
Raoul strode confidently towards the entrance. Christine's reaction had been odd to say the least. He wondered about the rumour, but did not have time to properly think about it. He had to worry about the managers and he did not want to lengthen their meeting any more than necessary. He wanted to leave; it was not safe for him to remain in the building with the ghost still on the loose.
"I'll make this brief," Raoul started, "I'll leave like you asked."
He did not miss the look of triumph that the managers shared.
From the catwalk, Erik was about to follow Raoul when Carlotta approached Christine. He hesitated. He wanted to know what Carlotta was up to. There was something that had bothered him since first hearing the rumour about Raoul's decision to leave. The rumour had originated from Carlotta. He had not been able to keep close attention to her, and the fact that she had been free to roam about his theatre as well as out of it made him suspicious. If what Raoul had said was true about him not wanting to leave, then part of the reason he was leaving had to be because of Carlotta.
Raoul and the managers had not gotten very far. They were walking at a sedate pace even though as Erik watched them, their backs were tense. They were having a confrontation.
Erik faltered still.
He watched as Carlotta asked Christine, "What did the Vicomte say?"
"He said…," Christine was unable to finish.
"That Vicomte is terrible," Carlotta began, "He is not only rude…"
Shaking his head, Erik left Christine to deal with the prima donna. He chased after the trio to listen in on their conversation.
Raoul continued, "Only when you give me ten percent."
Firmin stared at him, "Ten percent of what?"
"Ten percent of all the earnings from Il Muto until its last performance as well as ten percent of each and every franc earned since I've been patron." Raoul looked challengingly at them.
Those were not the demands of a patron leaving because of a ghost problem. Erik knew that sounded almost like blackmail, like the managers owed the Vicomte.
Firmin was so angry he sputtered, "Th-that's impossible. The money from Hannibal has already been spent."
Raoul pretended to look sympathetic. "Too bad."
Erik had never seen this side of Raoul. It was ruthless. His face was cold and impassive. He was aggressive, and Erik had not known Raoul could look so defiant.
"Please, Monsieur," Andre reasoned, "try to understand."
"You're right," Raoul nodded, "Perhaps I am being unreasonable. We're all reasonable men. Aren't we?" Raoul stated pointedly, "Twenty five."
"Twenty five!" Firmin yelled, and as he watched, Erik silently laughed at his predicament.
He did not completely understand what Raoul had over the managers or why he could make such demands, but he had not liked the managers from the beginning. It seemed proper for Raoul to be giving them a hard time as well. He wanted one of them to explain though. Why was Raoul leaving? Was he leaving because he wanted money?
Andre tried to calm Firmin down, "Twenty five percent of what?"
Firmin mumbled, "That's going up, Andre. Up!"
"Twenty five percent of all the earnings of Il Muto and only Il Muto. I'll leave quietly then." Raoul was glad that they had reached the entrance of the opera house. This way, the managers would not try to talk him out of his demands. It would be best to leave them with the threat of money hanging over them.
"That will be in the millions!" Firmin exclaimed.
"Yes, I know," Raoul replied, "My financial attendant will arrive tomorrow to discuss the specifics with you. You should decide before then."
Andre responded before Firmin had time to fully recover from the shock, "Of course, Vicomte."
Raoul walked out of the opera house and breathed a sigh of relief. He waited impatiently for his horse, but the managers did not follow him outside.
Erik tried not to think about the repercussions as he ran through several passages to reach the stable. He only allowed a moment of hesitancy before he stole a horse. Grabbing a cloak, he draped it over his head. The sky was dark and it had begun to snow again. The skies looked like they would soon completely swallow the little light from the sun. A storm was on the horizon, and Erik hoped that it would help him stay undiscovered in public. He hastened to reach the front of the opera house before he lost Raoul and almost rode into Raoul as he was leaving.
Both horses stopped and Raoul apologized. He had been doing his best to leave the Opera Populaire as quickly as possible. He had not been watching where he was going. The man nodded, and Raoul directed his horse forward.
As Raoul rode out into the street with Erik a discrete distance away, a carriage pulled into the Opera Populaire.
o.o.o
The Comte de Montmartre arrived at the Opera Populaire not for the first time, but the first time as its official patron. Andre had calmed Firmin enough so that when they greeted their new patron as he entered, the Comte could not tell anything was amiss.
"Managers," the Comte began, "Was that the Vicomte de Chagny I saw leaving just now?"
Andre nodded and Firmin frowned.
"What a shame."
"Indeed," Firmin replied, "He rode horseback."
"And the ghost?" The Comte asked as the managers led him to their office.
"He has scared everyone," Andre relayed, "They heard an inhuman scream during the opera last night."
"They?"
"The orchestra," Firmin answered brusquely, "and now everyone is frightened."
The Comte laughed, "As are you it seems."
As they entered the office, the managers were surprised to see Carlotta seated on one of the desks.
She grinned slyly at the Comte, "Why, Pierre, you look more handsome today than ever."
Andre looked at the Firmin with uncertainty mouthing 'Pierre' to him. Firmin shrugged. They knew the Comte and Carlotta had known each other, and though there had been suspicions of a 'deeper' relationship, they had not asked, not with the amount of money the Comte would be providing.
The Comte bowed and took her outstretched hand to kiss it. "It is you who have grown even more beautiful."
He held her hand and drew close, but Carlotta pushed him back, "The Vicomte was here. I thought you were going to take care of that."
The Comte smiled, "If the managers are correct about the Vicomte having an accomplice, perhaps it was better that that Vicomte did not take the carriage we sent."
Being the only one unaware of the carriage situation, Andre frowned and asked, "What was to happen in the carriage?"
"We were," the Comte stated, "merely going to frighten him with a small accident."
Shocked, Andre wondered why things had turned to such methods, but he remained silent. Twenty five percent was a high price to pay even with the Comte. He was not going back to the scrap metal business.
"I'll deal with him," the Comte said confidently.
Firmin interjected, "You better. The Vicomte wants twenty five percent of whatever is earned by Il Muto."
The Comte laughed, "I'll send the Vicomte a note and deal with him and his ghost. You needn't worry." He grasped Carlotta's hand and helped her down. "Now, let us introduce the opera house to their new patron."
Taking the lead, Carlotta and the Comte walked towards the stage.
"He seems to be quite comfortable with such matters," Andre commented quietly to Firmin.
Firmin did not disagree, "It is what we need now."
As they approached the stage, Carlotta went ahead of the group.
Firmin began, "As you know, there have been rumours of the opera house gaining a new patron…"
o.o.o
Erik followed Raoul what he considered a safe distance. However, instead of heading towards his estate as Erik thought he would, Raoul went into the city. He stopped in front of a bank and dismounted.
Erik stopped and cursed. No one had stopped him yet, but he did not like to remain loitering out in public. He tried to look discrete, but he had a feeling that he was utterly failing. The only reason no one had really questioned him was because the snow was beginning to fall heavily. Everyone was rushing to get inside while he was stuck outside looking like a beggar.
He had feared that Raoul had seen him several times earlier. Raoul had turned around to look back, and Erik felt his eyes fall upon his form. There was no other reaction from him though. Erik maneuvered across the street from the building that Raoul had entered and tried to stay warm. He stood in the cold, his body battered by wind and snow waiting.
Erik hated the city. He avoided leaving the opera house at all costs, but currently, he did not want to be anywhere else. He was here because Raoul was here. He hardly minded the snow. He was too focused on what Raoul had been saying at the opera house. There was the conversation with Christine where he had said he had not wanted to leave and then he was blackmailing the managers. Did he not know anything about his opera house any longer? Did he not know anything about Raoul?
He wondered how long he would have to think about it.
Raoul walked out of the bank an hour later. He wanted nothing more than to go home and stay by the fireside. He was hungry and considered eating the fruit in his pocket, but he wanted a more substantial meal.
To Erik's relief, Raoul went directly home. Once they reached the gates, Erik had to dismount and release his horse. He could not bring it with him in fear that it would make too much noise, but it would make it harder to bring Raoul back to the opera house. Erik decided that he could always steal one of Raoul's horses for that chore. He managed to get inside and walked the distance to the front door.
By the time he arrived, Raoul was already inside. Erik peaked through the window. He checked his surroundings to see if anyone would see him but only saw a gardener clearing the walkways of snow quite far from where he was hiding in the bushes. He wondered how he could possibly sneak into the household. All the ground floor windows did not open. There were several balconies above him, but the trees were too unstable for him to climb.
He could always wait until Raoul left or fell asleep, but Erik did not think even he could wait in the snow for such an extended period of time. Watching the movements inside the household though made him despair. There were servants everywhere. He did not think he could carry an unconscious Vicomte out of the house without being automatically seen. Even Raoul was never alone. Getting into the building would be his first problem though. He wondered if he could simply use the front door to enter.
Raoul sat at the table eating a warm meal. He had foregone changing his clothes to first eat. He ate silently, almost relieved that he would not need to go back to the opera house. He could forget everything that had happened and move on with his life. The real question was if he actually wanted to forget.
I doubt that. Erik commented. You've been spending most of your life trying to remember. I don't think that you'll be forgetting anything intentionally.
A knock on the door startled Raoul. He waited as his butler went to see who arrived. It was moments when the butler returned with a letter.
Raoul took it worriedly. He thought it to be from the managers, but when he opened it, the stationary was different.
Vicomte de Chagny
I would like to meet. I will send a carriage at seven to bring you. I feel we have much to talk about. We will soon have much in common after all.
It was not signed, but Raoul immediately knew who it was from.
The new patron of course. Erik said. What are we to do?
Raoul placed the letter aside on the table. We will finish eating and go over the numbers of how much the opera house will owe us. Then we will worry later about the Comte later.
Raoul did everything to keep the letter from his mind. He wanted to go, but he knew it would probably anger him further. It did not matter. Raoul did not have to think about it for another three hours.
Unfortunately, those three hours passed more quickly than he expected. The sound of the carriage roused him from the numbers he had been calculating.
We're going aren't we?
Raoul grabbed his coat and told his butler that he would be leaving.
Erik had been waiting hours outside. He had followed Raoul from the perimeter of the household. Certain times he had lost sight of him, but Erik made sure that he would not leave without his knowledge. The letter that had arrived earlier seemed to disturb Raoul, but Raoul had remained within his home.
He was used to the cold, but the snow was making it harder for him to keep some semblance of heat. He had come to the point of wanting to leave Raoul's estate for a little while just to get feeling back into his limbs when a carriage pulled up to the front entrance.
Erik realized that this was his chance. He had not known how to kidnap Raoul, but everything seemed to fall into place.
The front door opened and Raoul stepped outside.
This was his chance. He could knock Raoul out, drag him into the carriage before anyone noticed, and tell the driver to go to the Opera Populaire. That way he would not be seen at all. He crouched forward towards the entrance.
Raoul would not be able to escape him this time.
o.o.o.o
End Chapter
Word count: 7,240
o.o.o.o
o.o.o.o.o.o
o.o.o.o
A/N: Don't forget to R/R (Read and Review)!
Chapter review: Will Erik's plan succeed or will the Comte's? Find out next time!
Thanks to you awesome reviewers!