Hi guys! I know it's been 3 years since I updated and I'm so sorry. However, I never wanted to abandon this story as I have enjoyed writing it, and I know you guys enjoy it as well. I hope many of you that enjoyed the story previously are still going to be regular readers. Here is a long chapter to make up for all that time. I hope you like it, and reviews are greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Chapter 6- A Plan in Action
It was late morning and Raoul was sitting agitatedly at the desk inside his office, mulling over all that Nadir had told him and awaiting to meet up with someone whom could put his plans into action. He had spoken to the managers about increasing the Opera Houses' security, as it was currently non-existent. Ever, since the threat of the opera ghost had died down, the need for security hadn't been a top priority.
The managers had asked as to why Raoul wanted to increase security and he had simply told them that the safety of his staff and customers were of top priority and that given the history of the opera house, there was certainly no harm in trying to keep its occupants safe. After all, a girl had been kidnapped and a man had been hung from the roof's rafters. Though it pained him to do so, he pointed this out, explaining that the shaky truce they currently had with the Opera Ghost could fall through at anytime and that if he became murderous again, he wanted no more deaths on his hands. Though, he was fairly sure Erik had learnt his lesson after the Joseph Bouquet incident, he hoped so anyway. Damn! He prayed to whatever star was in the sky, that Erik hadn't overheard him say that. He didn't want Erik to think that he didn't trust him in that department, even though knowing Erik's tendency for violence, he couldn't be one hundred percent sure. He loved him still, nonetheless.
Remembering the havoc reaped by the Opera Ghost during the whole Christine Daae incident, the managers shared a tense look, before they nodded and told Raoul that it was a good idea, and that they believed he was being responsible. They then left the preparations in his hands.
Raoul had written a letter to one of his old friends that he had served with in the navy since he was sixteen, asking him to meet at his manor for lunch. He hadn't seen him in three years since he had left the navy at twenty. He was now twenty-three and looking forward to meeting his old friend again. He trusted only the best with Erik's protection. As well, as everyone else's in the opera house.
His thoughts then turned to the man he was trying to protect. The man he now knew he loved. He still wondered how this had happened, when over a month ago they had despised each other and were fighting over the girl they had both loved. At the thought of Christine, Raoul winced, though he supposed he owed her somewhat for bringing himself and Erik together. Raoul wondered how Erik felt about him. He knew that he loved Erik, but was Erik even aware of the attraction between them? That their feelings went beyond friendship? Surely, he had noticed the shared intense gazes, the near kiss, the spark that ignited the air whenever they were in close proximity, the way their temperatures rose when their bodies had been closely entwined while Raoul lay on top of him on the floor? At the thought of this, Raoul flushed. No matter how sure his feelings for Erik were, such thoughts still made him heated and created butterflies in his stomach.
He hoped Erik had some clue, or he could just be in denial, and sadly Raoul wouldn't put it past him as he had learned that his past had instilled in him the belief that he was a monster and didn't deserve to be loved. This thought invoked a sharp pang in Raoul's heart, and all he wanted at that moment was to find Erik and embrace him, plant kisses all over his face, and tell him he was loved. No, he had to take things slowly. He didn't want to rush things, and he definitely didn't want to scare Erik away. Tonight, he would see Erik and speak with him.
Reaching into his desk draw, Raoul pulled out some parchment and sprawled a quick note on it telling Erik that he wanted to meet with him, and asking if they could meet at his underground lair at the lake about 9pm. He asked that Erik leave a reply in the basket on the table where the managers and he normally corresponded with O.G.
Standing, Raoul walked to the table holding the basket and dropped the letter into it. Checking his watch, Raoul made his way to the door in order to make his appointment with his friend which was in two hours.
Raoul sat in the parlour he used to entertain guests. He was gazing out at the lovely grounds of his estate, contemplating over life and...Erik. Wasn't he the epitome of his thoughts nowadays? At the thought of Erik a warmth grew in his chest and Raoul grinned. 'I guess these are the feelings that comes from being head over heels' Raoul entertained amusedly. There was a knock at the door and Raoul whipped his head around to watch one of his maids enter. She was but a girl of fifteen, had a rather shorter stature than most women, a round face, and lovely brunette curls that fell on either side of her face as she smiled widely at him, baby blue eyes shining, and balancing two plates in her hands.
"Refreshments for you and your guest when he arrives Monsieur De Chagny" she said cheerfully, as she gracefully placed the plates on the table in front of him, and continued to beam at him. Raoul smiled in return at her. He really appreciated his staff, as good ones were often hard to find, and she worked very hard. "Merci Annaleise. And I must ask you once more to please to call me Raoul" he said with playfullness in his voice. At this, the cute brunette blushed, accentuating the adorable dimples on her cheeks, and Raoul tried not to laugh as she replied "Yes Sir Raoul-I mean Raoul" before she curtsied and walked quickly to the door flustered.
Once the door had closed, Raoul chuckled to himself. He really shouldn't do that to his staff, but she was just so adorable and it was just too amusing to pass up. Annaleise had come to him a couple of months ago seeking a job as a maid, having been abandoned by her family at fourteen, for reasons she hadn't yet disclosed. However, the girl was distressed about facing the world as a young woman with no fortune, family or prospects, and Raoul, being the compassionate person he was, couldn't bear the look of fear that was plastered on her face, nor could he ignore the desperation in her eyes. Although the family did not need another maid, Raoul gave her a job anyway, paid her quite decently, and promised himself that he would always look after her. He had witnessed too many children on the streets due to the harshness of life, and many girls in such circumstances as Annaleises' were forced into prostitution in order to survive. He felt a strong affection for her as he had always wanted a sister, and he wanted to see her make something of her life, much like Cordelia was doing. He wanted her to marry well when she was ready, and he would help her with that as much as he could.
His brother often teased Raoul and told him that he was too sentimental and compassionate for his own good, and that people would take advanatage of his kindness, but Raoul was glad that he was deeply in touch with his emotions and wouldn't want to be any other way. Just thinking of Annaleise in such a profession as prostitution sent shivers down his spine. This reaffirmed his satisfaction about his sentimentality, and that he had done the right thing by his conscience and Annaleise.
This particular attribute was probably one of the reasons he had fallen for Erik so easily. Not to mention that the man was also hard to resist-an enigma. He had seen enough of that quality during the whole incident with Christine. I wonder if he'd sing to me if I asked... Raoul mused softly, as he lay back in his chair, eyes closing in pleasure as his mind replayed the haunting, rich, soft timber of his voice during Don Juan that night.
His reverie was cut short by a knock on the door. It seems I am always interrupted before I get to the good parts. Raoul sighed and then turned his gaze expectantly to the door.
"Come in." he called.
The door opened revealing Annaleise who smiled demurely. Raoul had quickly found out that she was shy when admitting or being around strangers.
"A Monsieur Bellami to see you, Raoul" Annaleise announced softly, standing to the side to let the man pass. She then curtsied to the both of them, before gently shutting the door.
The man was in his mid thirties and smiled at him. He was a pleasant looking man and had an air of warmth about him. He was of average height, slightly muscular, like Raoul, had sandy blonde hair, and deep blue eyes that sparkled with warmth and affection.
"Raoul" the man said warmly, embracing Raoul like a long lost brother. "It's so good to see you again" he murmured into his shoulder. Raoul returned the embrace eagerly. "Its so good to see you as well my friend. Thank you for coming Alexandre" he said gratefully, just as he was detaching himself from the embrace.
Alexandre simply smiled. "Of course. You stated in your letter that you needed my help and it has been such a long time since I last saw you." he said affectionately.
Raoul grinned. "How are things back home?" Raoul asked curiously, referring to the old ship he had served on.
Alexandre grinned in return. "Well. Even though Andrew and Pierre are still getting into trouble sometimes" he joked.
Raoul chuckled at the mention of his former crewmates who were known for their mischevious behaviour and whom Raoul had gotten into trouble with a few times. "That doesn't surprise me" he laughed in fondness.
Alexandre laughed lightly. His eyes then turned serious. "I must say when I received your letter Raoul, the urgent tone you used worried me a little. Is everything alright?" he asked concerned.
Raoul sighed and sat down on one of the chairs, his head suddenly in his hands. Alexandre sat opposite him, waiting for Raoul to say what he wanted to say. "I'm in love Alexandre. And he is in critical danger. And it is scaring the hell out of me" he confided, his voice heavy with affliction.
Alexandre looked back at him, his face passive and serious. "He?" he asked, the only emotion he felt coming out in the slight surprise in his voice.
Raoul turned to look at him and nodded. "Does it surprise you? I should think that you'd be used to it. What with Andrew and Pierre and with our line of work" Raoul answered evenly.
Alexandre looked at him calmly. "I am not one to judge these things Raoul, as I have many friends who are that way inclined and it does not change the men they are heart. Love is love, and people cant help who they fall in love with. But I must say I never thought you would be attracted to men. The last time you wrote to me, you were engaged to one of the girls who performed at the Opera Populaire. I assumed it was the Little Lottie you used to tell me about?"
At the mention of Christine, Raoul grimaced to which Alexandre raised his eyebrows.
"Please don't remind me of her" he stated in displeasure.
"I'm sorry Raoul. She has obviously hurt you. Forgive me, I did not know" Alexandre said apologetically.
Raoul shook his head. "No, it's alright. You did not know. She just makes me so angry and I still haven't gotten over her betrayal. She brought much pain to the ones I love. Madame Giry, Meg, Erik..."
"Erik?" Alexandre echoed, trying to somehow connect the dots. "Is he-?" but he was cut off.
"The man I love. Yes" Raoul answered simply.
Something clicked in Alexandre's head and he gasped. "Is the man you love-Erik, the Phantom of the Opera you often mentioned in your letters?"
Raoul looked at him and nodded simply.
Alexandre gazed at Raoul for as few seconds as he did not quite believe what Raoul had confirmed and thought that Raoul might turn around and reveal he was joking any second. However, he didn't.
"Raoul, how is this even possible? I thought he attempted to kill you, kidnapped your fiance, murdered a man and otherwise terrorised the Opera house" he said in disbelief.
"He did. But that all changed after Christine broke off our engagement and he comforted me during a time I almost fell into despair. We then formed somewhat of a shaky friendship after Christine revealed that she had played both of us and left the opera populaire. Then, we sort of realised that all we had left was each other I suppose. I then realised my rather complex feelings for him after a brawl we had where i ended up, er, wedged on top of him and nearly kissed him, if not for that vase that fell and shattered" Raoul admitted sheepishly, his face flushed.
Alexandre raised his eyebrows. It sounded complicated alright.
"But Raoul... Are you sure you're safe around him? From what you've told me he sounds rather unstable...and dangerous".
Raoul looked at him, his eyes glimmering. "Looking back on it now I truly beleive he wouldn't have killed me the night we fought, despite the rage he was in. Call me naieve, but after thinking about everything that has happened and hearing about his past from a friend of his, I believe that he too has feelings for me, but just doesn't realise it yet. After all, as I said, all we have left now is each other".
Alexandre sighed. "But Raoul, this isn't a healthy relationship. This kind of relationship could destroy you" he said deely concerned.
"I know." he whispered. "But I'm adament about this Alexandre. You said yourself that one can not help who they fall in love with. And I'm so deep in it now, that I can't go back... and I dont want to. He needs me, and whether I, or anyone else agrees or not, so do I" Raoul admitted whoheartedly.
There was a long pause as both men mulled over their thoughts.
"Have you told anyone else?" Alexandre asked seriously.,
"No" Raoul answered. "How can I? That's one of the reasons I asked you here. It feels good to finally be able to talk to someone about it. You're the only one I would trust with this at the moment." he answered simply.
"You won't tell anyone will you?" Raoul mumbled uncertainly.
"Of course not!" Alexandre scoffed. "You should know me better than that Raoul!" he chided softly.
"I-I'm sorry. I've just been through a lot and-" but he was cut off by Alexandre leaning forward and embracing him. "Hush Raoul. You don't need to apologise. I can't say I agree with your choices, but I came to help you, and I will do whatever I possibly can to do so" he replied soothingly, rubbing comforting circles into the younger mans' back.
Alexandre pulled back slowly, and gave Raoul a serious look. "Now what do you need me to do?" he asked.
"I-You mentioned in your letters that quite a few of your men were looking for employment elsewhere, including Andrew and Pierre. I'm in need of some well trained men to help me protect not only Erik, but also the occupants of the opera house for they could be in danger as well. I promise they will be generously paid"
Alexandre nodded. "I think they would be quite happy to accept the job. Are we talking general security to start with? For the men you're not familiar with of course. I'm sure Andrew and Pierre could help with particulars."
Raoul nodded and smiled. "That sounds great. Thank you, Captain". he said with the utmost gratitude in his eyes.
Alexandre smiled and inclined his head politely in response.
They then spent the rest of the afternoon eating the lunch Annaleise had brought up, talking, joking about the old times, and playing a few games of chess. Before Alexandre left, he assured Raoul that the men would arrive and report to Raoul in around a week or two to which Raoul replied that he was once again grateful, before they embraced one last time, and Alexandre proceeded to his coach and drove off into the sunset, Raoul sighing and watching after him.
Raoul returned to his office at the opera populaire around seven, in which to his delight, he found a reply awaiting him in the baskett he had asked Erik to leave his letter in. He opened it quickly, fumbling a little with the envelope. He opened it and read the contents which was written in the most beautiful handwriting:
Yes. You may come and see me. I'll meet you at the lake.
Erik.
Raoul beamed and grinned around the room like an idiot. The longing and excitement within him threatening to burst through.
For the next hour and a half he attempted to work on some paperwork, but ended up drawing squiggles on the parchment an hour into it due to his anticipation. He then gave up on trying to do paperwork altogether, grabbed his cloak, and walked to the mirror and down to the underground lake.
He was half an hour early, so Erik was not here to greet him. The boat however was on this side of the lake with an ore laying in it. He debated waiting the remaining thirty minutes, but then decided to hop into the boat and paddle through the water. Once he reached the other side, he gently hopped out of the boat, leaving the ore resting inside.
He walked ahead into Erik's lair, looking around him as he went. Erik wasn't anywhere to be seen. Raoul assumed he must be in his room sleeping or dressing himself, or involved in some other preparatory activity. He finally stopped at Erik's beautiful black wooden organ, which had a vase on top of it with a single red rose in it. Music sheets lay on the organ stand, notes written all over them.
Raoul tilted his head to the side and tried to make out the melody in his head before a voice startled him.
"Do you make a habit of invading other people's homes? Or has it only happened twice now by coincidence" Erik drawled, eyebrows raised.
Raoul jumped and turned in a flash. "I'm sorry Erik-I" he paused. Erik was clothed only in black britches, his muscular chest bare, and his hair dripping as he held a towel over it, dabbing the strands. His white half mask was in place and he was looking at Raoul with amusement. The sight completely stole Raoul's breath and he flushed a deep crimson.
Attributing Raoul's discomfort to his jibe, Erik waived his hand. "Don't worry about it."
"You're early." he then stated.
"Yeah" Raoul breathed. His voice sounded like he had just run about a hundred miles and his brain was not functioning to find a suitable response to this situation. Could he seem anymore stupid?
Erik came closer, and on his way dropped the towel on a nearby table. "Are you alright?" he asked suddenly concerned.
Damn! His closeness was not helping his brain to function, He could smell his scent. Strong, pure and musky. Light droplets of water were dripping down a shoulder and trailing down his chest. Beautiful strands of brown hair clung to either sides of his face, a few drops drippind down both his masked and unmasked cheek. He so badly wanted to touch him and barely managed not to. He finally looked into piercing amber eyes, which further stole any intelligent thought he may have had. "You have just bathed" he stated rather dumbly.
Raoul could have smacked himself in the head. He had officially reached a new level of stupidity.
Erik looked at him amused and grinned. "What!? You think Opera ghosts don't bathe?" Erik asked in a cheeky manner.
"Er no. I mean yes, of course you would bathe. I was just surprised to see you so-" Bare, beautiful?
"Normal?" Erik provided for him, smiling.
Raoul nodded simply.
Erik gave him a look over and Raoul fidgeted. "You're acting strangely tonight Raoul. Are you sure you're alright?" he asked concern filling his voice once more.
Raoul nodded. "Yes I'm fine. I was just surprised by your sudden appearance that's all"
Erik finally seemed to accept this reason and nodded. He then motioned with his hand. "Follow me" he said in an authorative voice. They walked to the other end of the lair where a couch sat next to a table holding some liquor on it. To Raoul's dissapointment, Erik grabbed a white shirt off the couch and chucked it over his head and slipped into it. He emerged smiling at him and brushed his hair out of his eyes which Raoul found so adorably cute.
"Would you like a drink?" he asked motioning to the alcoholic beverage on the table.
"What is it?" Raoul asked.
"Brandy. I have wine if you'd prefer"
"Mhmm Brandy is fine. Thank you, Erik". he said politely, as he watched Erik reach for the a bottle and pour them both a drink.
Both men raised their drink to their lips and took a sip. The brandy was strong, and burned Raoul's throat. It was likely a good year. After their sip, both men just gazed at eachother. Raoul shifted from foot to foot nervously.
Erik watched him and frowned. Something was definetly wrong with Raoul, but he wouldn't tell him what was wrong.
"Are you still afraid of me?" he asked in a small voice. "Is that why you've started carrying your sword with you everywhere you go?" he inquired, indicating to the scabbered attached to Raoul's side. Raoul now carried his sword with him wherever he went, ever since learning of the threat on Eriks life, and in case he needed it to defend himself or others.
"What!?" Raoul spluttered, panick settling in his veins. He didn't want Erik to get the wrong idea. "No, no. I am perfectly comfortable in your presence" he said quickly, trying to placate him.
"Don't lie to me Raoul. Your mannerisms would suggest otherwise. You're fidgeting and highly unsettled" he remarked sternly .
Raoul sighed. Could he not be in Erik's presence and simply enjoy himself?
"Okay, I admit it, I suppose I am a little nervous. I have the tendency to get nervous though. I have ever since I was a child. I swear, I'm not afraid of you, Erik. Its just this place is rather foreboding and this is the first time we have spent any quality time together since that night. We may be friends now, but I suppose some of the unease still lingers from our tumultous relationship previously. I suppose its a natural response, but I want you to know I completely trust you now" Raoul explained grabbing Eriks hand and squeezing it in a comforting gesture. Well at least it was the half truth. He was still a little weary of him, even though he did trust him.
Erik's eyes widened at the contact before he smiled and stepped forward, not relinquishing Raoul's hand, and his face only inches from Raouls' own. "I will never hurt you ever again. I swear it." he promised softly, squeezing Raoul's hand in return.
Raoul's gaze flickered over Erik's, trying to decipher every emotion in their depths, but there were too many, though he did see the sincerity he was obviously trying to convey. Raoul gave him a sweet smile. "I know" he said softly.
"Would it be more comfortable for you if we sat down?" Erik asked gently. Their hands were still interlocked, and Erik was unaware that he was rubbing his thumb over his fingers, but Raoul noticed and his heart lurched. Such a simple gesture brought him such pleasure. He remebered back to everything Nadir had told him about this beautiful man in front of him, and pleasure turned into a feeling of burning passion.
"Yes" he whispered. "Lets sit down" he replied warmly. Erik smiled and slowly pulled him over to the couch, and the two took a seat. Erik took a sip of his brandy, and regarded Raoul. "How was your day? What did you do?" he inquired politely.
Raoul smiled and took another mouthful of brandy. The combination of the alcohol, and the comfortableness of the couch made him relax. "I had lunch with a friend. My old captain from when I served in the navy. I hadn't seen him in a very long time. It was good to see him again" he answered conversationally.
Erik regarded him thoughtfully. "What did you two do?" he asked curiously.
"Nothing much. We just talked. Joked about the old times and old friends. Had lunch together, and played a few games of chess. But it was great to catch up with him" He answered happily, avoiding the more specific parts of Alexandre's visit.
"I didn't know you played chess" Erik stated in mild surprise.
Raoul grinned and leaned forward a little. "There's a lot you don't know about me, Erik" he purred softly. But I know a lot about you. Kind of unfair isn't it, love?
Erik redened slightly and Raoul grinned an ear splitting grin. He really was too cute sometimes.
"I bet I can beat you too" he said, his voice going several octaves lower.
Erik chuckled. "Is that a challenge, Viscount?" he asked lowly.
Raoul leaned back, grinning, and took another sip of his brandy. "You know what, I believe it is" Raoul laughed.
Erik through his head back and laughed. A rich, melodious sound that warmed Raoul's heart. "I warn you Raoul. I've never lost a match. Are you sure you wish to challenge me?" he asked deviously.
"There's a first time for everything, Erik" he responded cheekily.
That had settled it, and after raising his glass to his lips and downing the remaining brandy, Erik stood up with a grin, and moved over to a cabinet where he procurred from it what Raoul assumed to be a folded chess board.
Four hours later, both were extremely drunk and Raoul had lost every game. Raoul being the less drunk of the two sat sulking behind the chess board while Erik sat there swaying and smirking victoriously. "I can't believe I lost every game" Raoul complained, pouting.
Erik smirked. "I did warn you that it would be unwise to challenge me viscount!" Erik teased, as he moved closer and stopped only inches from Raoul's ear. His face was hot and flushed, and Raoul could feel the heat radiating off his face as well as smell the alcohol strong on his breath. "I cannot be beaten" Erik whispered hotly, his breath ghosting over his earlobe.
The way he said this sent shivers of delicious pleasure down Raoul's spine. He could feel and hear Erik's strong breaths prickling his nerve endings. Slowly, Raoul turned his head to gaze at Erik, whose lips were now only mere inches from his own, staring intensely into his eyes. Raoul's heart was beating so fast he could swear it was going to jump out of his chest, and his breaths came in short puffs. Raoul's chest was flooded with warmth and he couldn't help the passion that surged through his body at his proximity. "Erik..." he whispered against his lips, ever so slightly brushing his lips over Erik's top lip.
As Raoul pulled back, Erik gazed into Raoul's eyes, desire, disbelief, fear and pain flashing through them. Raoul seemed to recognise these emotions, and his chest constricted painfully. "Erik..." Raoul trailed, hating the pain in his eyes, and just wishing he could do something to make it go away. He reached up a hand to cup a warm cheek in comfort. "Please don't be afraid love. I won't hurt you." he said tenderly, brushing his fingers over his unmasked cheek. Erik took a sharp intake of breath, but Raoul embraced him to his chest, rubbing circles on his back and running his fingers through his hair. "Just let me hold you, sweetheart. I promise I'll keep you safe" he whispered against his hair. Erik gasped softly at this. No one had ever whispered such words to Erik before, and Raoul's voice was comforting, so much so that for that moment he believed him and accepted the warm embrace and pleasing things Raoul was doing with his hands. Minutes past by with just Raoul holding Erik and stroking him in a soothing manner. After around five minutes Raoul looked down with surprise and found that Erik had fallen asleep, snoring softly.
Raoul was surprised for a moment, before he smiled softly. He then grabbed one of the cushions that lay on the couch and lay Erik down gently, resting it under Erik's head. Standing up and looking around the room, he saw a quilt neatly folded on a nearby couch and grabbed it, before unfolding it, and draping it over Erik's sleeping form.
He stood there a moment, watching the strong rise and fall of Erik's chest. Raoul was quite sure that whomever was after Erik, wouldn't be able to attack him here in his home due to the many traps Erik had in place. However, he still needed them to review his trap and alarm system due to the possibility of assassins teaming up in order to get past them. He knew that Erik left the opera house to get supplies from time to time and this could be a big problem. He needed to talk to him about that, and tell him he was not to leave the opera house under any circumstances, even if lured, and arrange some other way of getting his supplies. Raoul sighed, Erik was most likely going to be difficult about that. How could he ask this of him, without alerting him to the bounty on his head? He thought back to Nadir's words You must, Raoul. He had no choice. He would find a way. He wondered about the path behind the mirror. He was the only one besides Madame Giry, Meg and Christine that knew about it. A thought suddenly clicked in his head. Shit! Christine! She could expose this information and Erik if she wished it. But surely she wasn't that evil? No, surely not. She wouldn't, couldn't. A fear grew in Raoul that he could hardly contain. Whether she would or not, the path that so easily lead to Erik's home was a liability and he wasn't going to take any chances. It needed to be guarded.
Satisfied, that Erik would be alright for the night, he turned to leave, before he stopped, and turned to look at him one last time. "Everything will be alright, sweetheart. I promise you. You'll see". Though, the impending threat was there nawing at his mind and fillling him with dread.
Raoul made his way back over the lake in the boat, walked up the path to the mirror, and entered Christine's old dressing room. Going to one of the drawers, he took out a match and lit a tripod of candles and lay them on the bedside table. Raoul then removed his scabbered from his waist, removed his sword, and laid it upright against the bedside table. Removing his clothing and shoes, he untucked the covers, and hopped into the bed, falling into an uneasy sleep.
Sneak Peak:
"You want to what?" Andre asked the viscount in disbelief. Firmin standing next to him was also staring.
"I want to move in to Christine's old dressing room" he repeated seriously.
A/N: So will Erik remember the events of the previous night or was he too drunk?
