A/N: C'mon guys! I've had this chapter up for 3 weeks and not one person has expressed their opinion or reviewed yet. I wanted to ask, review and tell me how you think the story should go next! I will take the most interesting idea!

Chapter 4- Realisations

The next day Raoul walked into the opera house with a splitting headache. The opera house was in a complete uproar when the disappearance of Christine was discovered. The cast and the crew were fuming, and the managers were nearly having seizures. It seemed now to everyone that the production that they had been working so hard on, and was predicted to make record sales had to be cancelled. One of their lead roles was gone, and it was only one week until the first show!

Raoul sat in one of the office chairs, his forehead resting against his palm. He was irritated! He had a splitting headache, and it didn't help at all when Andre and Firmin were at present, panic-stricken. "We will definitely have to cancel it!" Firmin said frantically. "Yes it is our only choice; we will not be able to find a suitable replacement in time!" Andre added hysterically. "Oh, what misfortune!" they both cried in unison. They then both turned to their third partner. Their patron had yet to voice his opinion. "Viscount, you haven't said a word since you have been sitting there. Surely you agree with us that nothing can be done. We will have to can-!" but Andre was cut off, unexpectedly, by Raoul's sudden and avid outburst.

"No" he stated strongly, standing up and clenching his fists in anger. "I will not let the selfish actions of a foolish girl destroy the hopes and the hard work that my cast and crew have put in. I will find someone to replace her." He assured resolutely. "But Viscount-" Firmin tried, but was once more cut off by the the irritated Viscount. "Gentleman, my decision is final. The performance will continue. It is my wish that it does. I will report back soon when I have found someone" Raoul stated decisively. "Until then I bid you good day." He said brusquely, before nodding and stalking out the door.

He just had to get away and think somewhere, alone. The managers were driving him insane. His head hurt and listening to the managers argue with one another just made it worse. He was under so much pressure and he knew that he shouldn't allow himself to feel this way and that he probably should cancel the production, but his stubbornness wouldn't allow him to just give up. He had to try. He had seen many people work so hard to get the production underway, and he just simply couldn't let down the many excited faces that came to mind when he thought of cancelling. His resentment towards Christine, too, only fuelled his desire to continue on. He would not yield just yet.

However, more than anything that had him on edge was the events of the previous night; because of it he didn't get an ounce of sleep as he couldn't help but he mull over it continuously until he thought his head would explode.

How could this have happened? Why did he accept his friendship so easily in the first place? And why had Erik even asked? Weeks ago the man had been trying to kill him, and had just tried to again last night, and would have succeeded if not for his luck. They had shared a moment together, understood each other, once, but that shouldn't mean an instant friendship, especially between them. Raoul knew that it was mainly to make Christine more at ease and to end unneeded fighting since Christine had made her choice, especially since the inhabitants of the opera house deserved no more conflict.

Obviously Erik had thought so too when he had offered. But did Erik really see enough into his soul that night to understand that he needed it? Needed to be connected to the person that he thought had held his ex-fiance's heart? Did he understand that he couldn't just be excluded, that he needed familiar contact? Was their friendship just a passing whim or was it just another mask so he could get Christine easier? No it wasn't just that.

Thoughts flooded his mind and he gasped in realisation. His breath hitched and his palms were getting sweaty as it all crashed down on him.

The Phantom was circling Christine, akin to some predator as their voices danced in a beautiful duet. Intense and lustful amber eyes drank in naked sweat glistened shoulders. A tall muscular frame, with long sinuous legs moved gracefully and languidly. The scene was like a piece of art. And blue eyes watched intensely from the box above.

Oh God! This realisation brought to mind the events of the previous night and Raoul clenched his teeth. He felt his body readily respond as he remembered wide expressive eyes looking up at him in wonder, the warmth radiating off the body pressed beneath him, and the soft, smooth parted lips that he had almost- Raoul pushed the thought away.

He had been enchanted by him all along and he hadn't realised!

Raoul was now very scared. He didn't know how to deal with this as this was the last thing he'd ever expect. But it explained everything; the concern for him; the happiness he felt from being around him; the willingness in accepting his friendship. He had been secretly infatuated with him all long, even while he was with Christine.

But now what should he do about it? Raoul knew that any chance of a relationship of that nature was unattainable! Actually, any relationship at all was now impossible. Erik hated him. And he should hate Erik. But the problem was; he didn't. He still wanted to be near him. He wanted to touch him again; to feel him underneath him once more.

Raoul blushed and chastised himself for his thoughts. No I can't let this happen. Erik is better off without me. He hates me and seeing me again... he'll kill me. I have to let this go. With those thoughts Raoul came to a decision he would no longer contact Erik, whatever business he had with him would be done through the managers.

The following day, Raoul was at one of his cousin's estates on the outskirts of Paris interviewing his cousin's dear friend who came from the prestigious Perrault family. Lady Cordelia Perrault was just seventeen years old and had made quite a reputation for herself in the arts. She was gentle, intelligent and sometimes hesitant and self-conscious. She was also unusually beautiful with long midnight curls, a strong defiant jaw line, a swan like neck, a cute button nose and almond sapphire eyes. She was known for her persistence and passion for the arts, and like him she played the violin as well as other instruments. Her true strength though was in calligraphy and she adored it so much that she taught poor children how to read and write.

However, she had recently discovered a new strength and was currently taking singing lesson as she was eager to develop her abilities. However, she found that singing was harder to master than other instruments. However, her hard work and training had payed off and had earned her the reputation of having one of the loveliest voices in the region and Raoul had witnessed it today when she had sung for him. Her voice was as clear and pure as the notes of wringing belles. It was exquisite; and more importantly unique. It was ethereal in some sweet manner. She wasn't as superb as Christine yet, but she was still exquisite, and also possessed a different style.

"I have sung the arias to Romeo and Juliet in my lessons with maestro and am decently familiar with them... I don't know if I can do it, but I'll try my best... With a few days of hard work I think I can save you and the Opera" Cordelia said openly, her eyes shining with kindness.

Raoul beamed and held out his hand to shake hers. "I'm sure you will be fantastic Lady Cordelia. Thank you for your help" he said earnestly. Cordelia smiled gently in return and gripped his hand firmly in reassurance. "I will arrive early tomorrow to begin rehearsing. I promise Raoul. I won't let you down" she vowed.

Raoul nodded and stood to take his leave. "The Opera owes you a lot Lady Cordelia. We all have hope again now. Thank you again and farewell."

"Until tomorrow then." She said happily, and nodded her head in farewell. Raoul smiled and took his leave. Everything would be alright. Cordelia would do well.

Raoul was happy and relieved that his dear cousin had recommended Lady Cordelia to him. She was such a sweet girl with a lot of potential. He felt honoured to have met such a person and to have received such kindness from her. He had a feeling she would do very well and that everyone would love her.

Raoul's thoughts then turned to Erik. What would Erik think of the girl? Would he approve? She was not Christine, but she would provide a different air to the Opera Populaire. Thinking of Erik, Raoul grew depressed. He had not seen him for two days nor had Erik made any effort to contact him. Sadly, that was the way Raoul wanted it to stay. He should not complain.

It was the night of the performance and it had just ended. It had been spectacular! Lady Cordelia had performed brilliantly, and she had managed to work through some of her shyness to really astound everyone with her beautiful voice. She had arrived that morning like she had promised and had sung in front of everybody. The managers were surprised that Raoul had found someone of such calibre so soon and everybody applauded her performance. Smiling faces beamed at her and some cheered. She had simply blushed and smiled back in return.

From there things went rather well. After a few rehearsals she had the idea of it and was progressing really well. Towards the end of the week she knew most of what Christine had, and had impressed the cast, crew, the managers, himself and Erik.

Erik had sent him a note yesterday and Raoul wished he hadn't.

Viscount,

I am rather impressed how you managed to find a rather good replacement for the main role in such little time. The girl's voice is pure and sweet, and she has quality. She will be a great star in the future as she learns to posses more confidence. I am writing to tell you how pleased I am with the effort you have put into this production, but more importantly, I am writing to ask you to meet me tonight after the performance so we can discuss what happened. Meet me behind the mirror at 9 pm sharp.

Erik.

Raoul had no intention of meeting Erik, he didn't know how to face him and he promised himself that he would ignore him. Didn't Erik see this? That it was better for both of them this way? It was already 9:15 pm, and Raoul was walking in the direction of the opera house doors to head home when he was forcefully yanked by his coat into one of the smaller rooms of the opera house.

Raoul felt himself flying through the doorway and colliding with cold wooden floorboards. He moaned in pain and slowly lifted himself up off the floor. He scanned the area with his eyes and expected to see Erik, but he wasn't visible. It was only when he spoke that he realised that he was concealing himself as he usually did.

"Avoiding me now? Is that how it is?" came the probing voice of Erik. The hurt was evident in his voice.

Raoul's heart jumped at the sound of Erik's voice. The tone sent shivers down his spine, and he fought the power of it as it sought to bring him to his knees. Raoul walked closer to the shadows and attempted to find out where Erik was hiding. He was just nearing a particular section of shadows in the room when a hand zoomed out, and as quick as lightning he was pulled into them and forced against a stone wall.

"Ouch" Raoul moaned as he lifted a hand to rub his now sore head. "Are you mad? Are you trying to trying to contribute more to my headache than you already have, Erik?" he had meant to ask it disapprovingly, yet the humour seeped through his voice. It was only until he realised what he said that he mentally beat himself.

"I cause you head pains do I Viscount? I must be of some significance to your life to have done so, though I'm sorry to hear it..." Erik drawled. He didn't sound sorry at all Raoul noted.

It was very awkward and neither knew what to say. Erik seemed to have forgotten his anger in favour of staring into Raoul's eyes in an attempt to figure out something unknown. Raoul shivered yet again and he could swear his body was raising two degrees every second.

"Um..." Raoul muttered uneasily, as he tried to squirm his way out of Erik's grasp. Erik tightened his grip on his arms. "Don't even think about it Viscount! I'm not letting you leave only to have to go through the hassle of catching you again" Erik replied sternly.

Raoul's eyes widened. He'd have to stay here and talk with him. There was no escape! His feelings for him would be exposed! Stupid, stupid, stupid He yelled in his mind. Raoul took a deep breath to calm himself and said calmly:

"Well then. What do you want!"

Erik's eyes narrowed and his grip tightened ever so slightly. "Why the sudden change of heart viscount? This is not like you." Erik said icily.

Raoul scoffed. "That's funny, considering our last encounter you tried to kill me!" Raoul said sardonically.

Erik's eyes widened slightly before he let go of him, took a step back and stared at a place to his side. "I-...I'm sorry. I was enraged and heartbroken by her disappearance. I didn't mean to hurt you..." but he was cut off.

"Didn't mean to hurt me! You tried to beat me and then proceeded to choke me!" Raoul yelled in defence.

Erik gave him a pained look. "I'm apologise Raoul. When I get into those moods I am unpredictable and violent. Due to our past history you being there set me off" Erik said apologetically, his eyes begging Raoul for forgiveness, but Raoul was too angry and upset to accept it right away.

"Our past history? It's not my fault Christine left..." he said defensively.

At the mention of Christine, Erik grew angry again. "No it never is anyone else's fault but mine! I'm a monster! She said so in her letter! And she lied to me! She never loved me, she despises me! Just as I should despise you!"

Those words hurt Raoul deeply. And he responded the only way he knew how. "Then why did you offer me friendship if you despise me!".

Erik looked at him severely, and then sighed. "Because Raoul...I empathised with you that night. I felt your pain! And as much as I tried to say that you deserved it! It wouldn't work; because nobody deserves to feel that way. And for one moment you saw me not as a monster but as a man. From that moment on I wanted our conflicts to end. I thought it would be better for all of us that way." Erik explained honestly, his eyes shining with light. His eyes then became hazy and he looked away with a depressed sigh. "But clearly it wasn't enough... she left and you now hate me."

Raoul regarded him and the pain that he saw in those eyes made his anger dissipate completely. He took a few steps forward and rested a hand on his shoulder. "I-I forgive you." Raoul said slowly. "And I don't hate you." Erik looked up at him shocked, his eyes questioning if what had just happened was real.

Raoul nodded and gave a tiny grin. He then reached up a hand to rest it on Erik's unmasked cheek. Erik eyes widened further, and he covered Raoul's hand with his own before nodding slowly. Raoul withdrew his hand then gave Erik a large grin before saying: "You're not a monster Erik and I am happy to have you still". He then bowed before giving one last smile, and departed from the room.