Soooo I'm sorry I didn't update. A last minute contest came up on the day I was going to put finishing touches to this chapter, and I had to leave. But now I'm home! At least for a few days, I don't know how regular updates will be this week since I have lots going on, but I will try! Also I think this chapters one of the longer ones…so I hope you like it!

***Sadly I still don't own anything :(***

Raoul POV

Christine left me in the lobby of the opera house. I was just standing there looking like a fool with no purpose being there.

Where did she have to go to in such a hurry? Was she just giving me an excuse so she could leave? She wasn't really touching her soup at dinner but she did looked like she was enjoying our time together.

She had blushed when I complemented her in the carriage and she didn't fight me when I held her hand. Not that she would have had any reason too; every girl could only dream about such contact with me. I'm well known in Paris; I'm rich, good looking, my family has a grand reputation and I'm single.

The looks Christine got in the restaurant from the girls we passed just proved all the gossip I've heard about me to be true. I'm every girl's dream.

"Good evening Monsieur Vicomte De Changy." I heard a voice say which broke my thoughts away from my focus.

"Ah Madam Giry. How are you?" I said as I looked up and kissed her hand.

"I thought Christine was supposed to be with you."

"I did too...but she claimed she had somewhere else to be at this hour and was running late. She had me take her back here in a hurry."

"Alright then. Did she tell you where she had to go?"

"No Madam I know nothing."

"I see. Very well then Monsieur, I must be on my way. I have business to take care of."

I bowed my head slightly and decided to be on my way as well. I had plans and such I needed to sort out in my head that needed attending to.

Christine POV

I had finished putting on my dress and paused to look in the mirror. I braided my hair slowly, taking up as much time as I could. I didn't want to leave my room. I was enfolded in chagrin. I had been so doltish to ask my angel for help with my corset. Especially since I had run from the bathroom with just a towel.

But was it strange that I enjoyed every pull to the corset my angel gave? I shuddered at the thought and could feet my cheeks become hot. When he was helping me, my heart was pounding so furiously I was afraid my angel could hear it. Could he? Is that why he kept looking at me through the mirror in front of us?

I then heard chords that sounded angry coming from the piano in the living room. My heart sank to the pit of my stomach with trepidation and sadness. I could feel my angel's presence in the other room and it was filled with loathing.

Was he mad at me? There was no doubt in my mind he was. I had been a foolish girl and he had every reason to be angry with me.

I took the deepest breath my corset allowed (he had tied it a little tighter than what I normally wear but I didn't want him to stop...) and very costively walked out of my room.

I saw my angel with his back turned to me; pounding his fingers onto the pianos keys. I cringed at the stress that smothered every chord.

I found myself locked in the place I was standing. I didn't want to approach him. I felt disappointment in myself fill my throat, threatening tears. I wanted to earn this Angel's approval but I felt like I had failed him. Now he was mortified at me I was sure.

My Angel's fingers then stopped in their tracks across the keys. He just sat there with his hands hovering above the piano very still.

"Christine, I had just put something in the oven for you. It should be done shortly." He called to me as he still sat with his hands over the keys. I was a little hungry since I had barely touched the soup Raoul bought me, and was looking forward to whatever it was he was making.

I couldn't find words to form a reply. I just stood there like a chit. Wasn't he mad? Before I could realize what exactly it was that I was doing; my mouth began to form words.

"Angel…are you mad at me?" I put one hand on my mouth in an attempt to take my words back, but it was too late.

My Angel turned around on the bench and starred at me for a moment, he was still breathing hard from the emotion he had just poured from his soul into the instrument.

"No Christine. I am not mad at you."

"Then what is it that's causing you such ange-"

"Don't worry yourself over it my child." He interrupted me with a bitter tone. My mouth was slightly parted; frozen in the place it was in when trying to speak.

There was a heavy pause that made me uncomfortable until I decided to speak up again.

"Angel, I'm sorry for everything today. I'm not a very good student; I had been foolish all day with my actions and I'm so sorry."

"You have done nothing wrong." He stood up from the piano bench as he said this and began walking towards me. He stopped a few feet away from me and then with his hand; gestured to the furniture.

"How about we sit for a moment? Until your dinner is ready?" he sat down in the throne like chair and I sat in front of him in a smaller less gaudy chair.

After some time I worked up the courage to ask another question.

"What is it like in heaven; Angel?" he appeared to think for a second and then took a breath to reply.

"There is no hate, and no ugliness." His answer confused me a bit. Ugliness? I supposed that maybe I wasn't supposed to fully understand since I was a mortal. I also didn't pry for one I could better understand….I didn't want to be rude or insult him to the point where he really would think me a chit if he didn't already, and leave me.

Erik POV

I sat at my piano with confused emotions. I didn't know what I was to do; I had gotten myself in deeper with Christine then I should have. I should have never indulged my selfish needs of wanting another human to keep me company; I went too far. If I had left her alone at the beginning, I would have never given in to letting her see me, and I sure as hell would have never brought her down here.

I was angry at everything: God, the cruel world, and most of all me. No matter how hard I tried though, I couldn't bring my anger to take a liking to Christine. She was the victim of my cruel game. What is she to think if she ever finds out I am no angel; but some kind of a sick man. Or worse; my face, what if she were to see it?

I let my animosity start to flow out of my fingertips onto my piano. As I played I began to think about just a few moments ago, when I was tightening Christine's corset. I didn't like how nervous I was, it provoked my anger even further causing my fingers to strain the keys. I should have never complied with her wishes of me helping her; I probably hurt her and that's why she was taking a long time to finish getting dressed.

But as I thought back to every pull I gave to her corset; I felt what was like a fire in my abdomen starting to rage. I enjoyed helping her…and that scared me horribly. I felt like more of a monster than usual knowing it gave me a feeling of lust.

I pounded my fingers against the piano keys even harder now, trying to get such thoughts to leave me. It was disgusting of me to think in such a way. I had never felt that towards a woman before and I didn't want to get into such habits.

When Christine finally exited her room, relief washed over me; her presence did not seem in pain, just maybe sad? Then when I turned around to look at her, I felt a warm feeling in my stomach that wanted to draw a smile from my lips but I wouldn't let it. I had to remain calm and keep an angel like appearance for Christine.

But what was that warm feeling? I had never felt such a thing before and it made me want to be around Christine more. She looked very beautiful, more like an elegant woman, than the young girl I saw in rags for the first time a few days ago. I decided that until her dinner was ready; we could sit down and maybe even make small talk. I didn't want her out of my sight for some strange reason I couldn't name, she was safe here so it wasn't a need to protect her. I just felt a longing to be with her.

But before I could mention sitting down to her, Christine started to say something.

"Angel…are you mad at me?"

"No Christine. I am not mad at you." Why did she think I was mad at her? She was the last person I could be mad at.

"Then what is it that's causing you such ange-"

"Don't worry yourself over it my child."

I interrupted her. I didn't want to explain anything to her. It was obvious she was better at detecting a person's emotions than most people. She could tell I was angry and it sent a wave of trepidation up my spine. I preferred to keep any trace of my emotions hidden, and I would have to be more on guard around her.

Some silence passed and then she said something which left a bitter taste in my mouth.

"Angel, I'm sorry for everything today. I'm not a very good student; I had been foolish all day with my actions and I'm so sorry." She had no need to apologize to me; it should be me apologizing to her for even speaking to her for the first time in the chapel.

"You have done nothing wrong." I decided not to linger on the subject and dismiss it as fast as I could with those few words.

After a pause I decided to finally express my idea of sitting down. We sat down facing each other and I racked my brain for things to say or ask her, but that action was interrupted when she spoke up first.

"What is it like in heaven; Angel?" I wasn't sure I believed there was a heaven, but I knew if there was, I would never go there. Hell seemed more like a realistic destiny for me. But heaven was supposed to be perfect…so I conjured up an answer that was opposite of what I was.

"There is no hate, and no ugliness." I longed for that to simply be how the world was, but it was useless to just covet such things.

There was yet another silence. I was bad at making small talk. Too many years alone does that to a person.

"Christine, who was that boy you were with earlier?" maybe that question was a little bold for simple small talk but, I had been itching to know what her relationship was with Raoul since the time I had first seen her hug him

"Oh, his name is Raoul. He used to be a close friend of mine when we were children." she looked down into her lap as she said this.

"Well, with my best of intentions in mind, my child, He seems to be a distraction to you. I know you have not had many lessons with me but I predict he will hold you back and keep you from progressing." I wasn't sure if what I said was really true, but I despised the feeling I got when I saw Christine on his arm. I realized she respected me as an angel and with all her apologies for things that were not all that crucial, it was evident she would do anything to please me. If I said stay away from Raoul she would. So that I would have her do.

She froze when I said this and her cheeks blushed red.

"I'm sorry Angel. I will no longer be around him then."

"That is wise." I felt very cruel telling her to keep away from him but the boy made me sick. Something in my gut told me his intentions were not just friendly but something I didn't want to think of.

I could begin to smell the bread I had been cooking for Christine now. It was weird having my house filled with such aroma considering I hardly ever cooked or even ate all that much.

"Christine, the bread in the oven seems to be done and I am going to go fetch it." I left the room and came back with fluffy loaves that were very warm. Christine stood up and sat at the table where I had placed the rose next to her plate to look at, and then she began to eat.

I sat across from her and watched. It intrigued me the way she ate. Her mouth and lips were flawless and it looked bewitching when she took a bite. Nothing close to what I was sure I looked like when eating. My mask wouldn't allow for me to chew, so I would normally eat without it, which I was positive, looked hideous.

Every once in a while, between bites, Christine would look at me and then quickly pull her head back down to her plate. I wondered why she would glance at me like that, but it was very captivating. A smile always wanted to make its way across my face when she did this, but I did my best to conceal any trace of the grin that might have slipped onto my lips.

"Thank you Angel for this bread, it's very delightful." She picked a piece off with her fingers carefully as she spoke.

"You're welcome my child."

Once Christine finished eating she sat across the table and looked up, meeting my gaze. I stared into the blue pools of her eyes for a moment until I noticed the corners of her lips begin to make their way to opposite ends of her face, into an enticing smile that made it difficult for me to not mimic her grin.

"Angel I'm so glad my Papa sent me you. I couldn't ask for something better." the emotions in her eyes were soft and pulled at my heart.

"Me too, Christine." Then I felt my mask rise. I couldn't help it; her smile was contagious and I had caught it. She was truly an angel that provoked feelings in me I had never experienced before. This one I liked. I felt the warmth I had earlier flood me again as we kept eye contact.

Was this perhaps the love normal people felt? A shudder of trepidation went down my spine. It wasn't right for me to feel that, or even test the waters of it. If she were to see my face it would only cause heart ache for us both. But I quickly forgot that thought when she stood up, causing her dress I had made to sway beneath her. She was nothing short of gorgeous.

"I believe that I am going to retire to my bedroom, Angel." I stood up when she said this as well, my eyes never leaving her graceful figure.

"Very well then my dear. You have had a long day and I'm sure you are very tir-"my words were interrupted as I felt Christine embrace me causing me to freeze. She was on very high tiptoes which enabled her to put her arms around my neck; and even then she barely reached. Mine were to my sides like the awkward man I really was.

"Angel I am so thankful you forgave me for all of my foolish actions today and I hope you will always remain by my side!" she spoke into my chest and I could feel the small vibrations of her voice. It felt just as wondrous as she sounded when she sang.

My brain then finally came to grips with what was happening and I languidly wrapped my arms around her waist. I hoped she couldn't hear my heart beating quickly. I was almost sure that at the rate it was going, it would break away from my chest and melt at the scene I was now living. I felt a tear escape one of my eyes and slip down my cheek. I didn't care if I loved Christine. I would let it happen if it felt like this. Even if it hurt us both in the end, this was worth it. I had never felt such a feeling before, and I didn't want to let go of it. I would allow it to consume me whole for as long as I could…or for as long as I could keep my face concealed from Christine.

"Goodnight Angel." It seemed like her arms tightened around my neck as she said this, right before she let go.

"Goodnight Christine." I felt a smile faintly appear on my lips as I glanced into her eyes, while she went to her bedroom. When she went in her room, I just stood there for a moment looking at her shut door. I was sure I loved this girl.

I then felt my fingertips become engulfed with a longing to dance across my piano keys that broke me out of the haze I was in. I needed to compose my emotions into a song that spoke more into depths than words did. I had melodies already buzzing in my head before I sat down on my bench.

I played for many hours into the night. I even continued to play when I felt my eyelids begin to slip down and droop until finally, sleep took me in with open arms.

I was awoken with the feeling of eyes looking upon me from behind. I didn't have to look back to see who it was. Instead I just slowly sat myself upright on my piano bench and spoke softly, still turned away from the man standing behind me.

"Well, isn't this a delightful surprise. Please, be my guest. You're welcome to make yourself at home."

"I thought it was strange when I let myself in and your home was quiet without the sweet sound of some kind of instrument, but I now know why, I have stumbled upon you asleep. What a rare sight." I heard one of the cushions to a piece of furniture become plopped down upon as he said this.

I turned around and made eye contact with the man

"What are you doing here Nadir? Did you really think it was wise to show up so unexpected after years of not speaking?" I admonished.

"I've come to help you, Erik." My name on his lips stung. No one has called me that in years, and its bitter sound dug into my heart.

"Why now? Why after years of just letting me rot down here, you suddenly decide to offer your glorious help now?"

"Because of the girl Erik. I have seen you take her through your passage ways and I'm not sure what you're doing is a good idea. Does she even know about your fa-"

I slammed my hand down on the piano keys stopping him from continuing his sentence and stood up, walking slowly towards him. I tried to portray an intimidating presence as I walked.

"I know what I'm getting into Nadir, and I can handle it just fine without your help." My tone was strict and brought all of Nadir's attention to me.

"I don't want you to get hurt."

There was a silent pause and during that time I tried to collect all of my thoughts. They were so scattered; only a few hours ago I was privileged enough to receive an embrace from Christine, and now Nadir was suddenly in my house after years of having nothing to do with me.

I took a deep breath and ran my hand through my wig, then looked straight at the Persian man in my living room.

"I love her." I mentally scolded myself for telling him; he would now see me as weak. But I needed someone to turn to, and being the lonely monster I was, my options were very limited. His face softened and it looked like he pitied me, which made me sick.

I sat down next to him and and felt like I had laid myself at his feet and gave all power to him,

"She thinks I'm an Angel." As I said this his eyebrows creased inward and his softened face was now gone.

"What?"

"That's the only reason she doesn't run form me. I've lead her to believe that I am an Angel of music here to teach her to sing and perfect her voice."

Nadir's mouth began to open in order to say something, but he was stopped by a knock on my door.

Wellll I'm not usually a copycat…but there was one writer on here who did this for her story "A Rose in Winter" which I thought was a great idea: if you review, I'll PM you a snip of the next chapter :) If yall don't like me copying her or something, let me know and I will stop, I just thought it was so brilliant :)

Let me know what you think!