Um, I don't own any characters or anything. This story is a little aimless right now, but I'm sure it will get a purpose eventually. If you have any ideas, let me know. I'm certainly open to help with inspiration...
Chaos Ensues
When they reached the shore that they had just left, only twenty minutes before, Raoul and Christine found chaos. A milling group of ballet rats was chattering quietly in a corner, gasping, pointing, and staring wide-eyed at every "shocking" detail of the Phantom's home. Other than the useless girls, every other soul in the vast cavern was bent on destruction. The Phantom's lair had been destroyed. The massive bed had been turned on its side, the red silk sheets torn and strewn over the ground. Every full-length mirror had been shattered, every candelabra had been thrown to the ground, every piece of the infamous man's work, from sketches to compositions to models of architecture was burning. Police were scouting the area, attempting to restrain the crazed mob and restore order while searching for any clue as to the Phantom's whereabouts.
"Pardon, Monsieur," Christine said, grabbing one by the arm. "Has Er-... the Phantom been captured?" she asked fearfully, holding her breath. For the second time that night, her fear was misinterpreted.
"Don't worry, Mademoiselle," he said kindly, "we'll find him yet. He cannot hide forever, with half of Paris searching for him." Christine turned away quickly to hide her smirk at the thought of Erik not being able to remain hidden, and quickly returned to Raoul's side.
"I have to find him, Raoul. Before anyone else does. I can't bear the thought of him living with the pain my rejection has caused."
"But you can live with the thought of the pain it has caused me?"
"Oh, Raoul, please..." she said softly, her eyes filling with tears. "Don't do this to me..."
"I'm sorry, Christine," he said sincerely. "I do not wish to cause you pain. But... Erik. You cannot find him when he does not wish to be found, and I am certain he does not wish to see either of us right now. I think, he will stay around Paris, as it is the only home he has ever known. And Madame Giry will remain here, and she is his only ally, as far as he knows. I would give him a few weeks to recover from this night before you try to confront him. Come stay with me until then."
"What? I couldn't stay with you... It would not be decent..."
"Do you think that Paris believes that our relationship is decent? You know the rumors as well as I do. Besides, you have lost your home and your career. There is nothing for you here. Come stay with me until you find him."
All I want is freedom, a world with no more night... Christine thought. It had only been days ago that she had said that, to Raoul. He was offering that life to her now. How she had changed since then! She could sense that her acceptance would mean something more to him- that she had given up on Erik? The soprano sighed in resignation. "All right. But Raoul, it can only be until I find him. I... don't think I could ever go back now, after loving him." She placed her palm on Raoul's cheek. "You've always been so good to me. You've cared for me like a brother, and I don't know how I'll ever repay your kindness."
She saw his eyes shine with something that looked alarmingly like triumph when she accepted his invitation. She ignored it, and allowed herself to be led back to the boat. Raoul once again boarded behind her, and they rowed steadily across the lake, for the third time that evening.
"Christine, when we first arrive at the chateaux de Chagny, you'll have to excuse our lack of hospitality for a young woman. We don't often even have guests, much less ladies. It may take a while to arrange suitable long-term quarters for you."
"I understand, Raoul. I used to live in a cottage by the sea with my father, remember? I'm sure any accommodations you have will be much more comfortable than a tiny mattress beneath a window looking into the ocean!" She smiled hesitantly at him, and he grinned back. They continued in silence for a long while.
Oh, God, Christine thought, what have I gotten myself into? He won't give up on courting me! Especially not when the reason I won't marry him is his hated enemy! What am I to do? Erik, where have you gone? I'm sorry, so sorry... Please, forgive me, Angel! I can't make it through this without you. Please be safe... She began to weep silently, refusing to look at Raoul, staring at her hands until the tears stopped.
They reached the opposite shore of the lake, and Christine cried out in surprise to see Madame Giry standing in front of the boat. She rushed over to hug her stern instructor, and asked, "Madame, where is Meg?"
"I'm here, Christine," the little blond ballerina said, stepping out of the shadows, looking tired but defiant. She glanced shyly at Raoul, who didn't notice her look, and hugged Christine fiercely, taking her by the hands. "Oh, it's so terrible! The entire Opera House is burning! There's no possible chance of saving it, and the Phantom is nowhere to be found! But I'm so glad you're not hurt! What happened down there? I was so worried when he took you..."
"Later, Meg. I have a fantastic story to tell you, but it will have to wait. Madame Giry?" she asked, turning to her tutor who was talking quietly with Raoul.
"Yes, Christine?"
"Would it be possible for me to stay with you for a few days until the Vicomte can arrange lodging for me at his home? I would not be imposing myself, would I?"
"Certainly not. We have you to stay at our house often enough. You are like a daughter to me, Christine, and you are welcomed anytime. You know that."
"Raoul, you don't mind if I stay with Meg for a few days, do you? I would so love to have her company until I can come to your chateaux."
"No, I don't mind, Christine. Even if I did, there would be no stopping you," he said sagely. Christine hugged him, then Madame Giry, then finally Meg. She took Meg's hand and began moving down another corridor, one of the back passages that would lead them safely away from the burning Opera Populaire and into the bustling streets of Paris above.