AN: Well here it is guys the next chapter! As always I am grateful for your support and interest in my fic! Enjoy! Cheers.

Chapter 7- Moving In

The next morning Raoul woke up with a painful headache. His mouth was dry and his throat was scratchy. It had been a while since Raoul had experienced a hangover, and he was once again reminded of the price humans paid for drinking in excess.

With a groan he reached for the glass of water he usually kept on his bedside table. His hands brushed the bare wooden surface and he realised that it was not there. Slowly, he opened his eyes and his blurry vision suddenly adjusted to his new surroundings. Christine's old room. Why was he here?

Then, the memories of the previous night all of a sudden flooded his brain and Raoul smiled blissfully. He had spent a beautiful night in the company of the man he loved, and even though both had been intoxicated, it had been a pleasant and fun get together. He had gotten to know Erik more during their chess games and most pleasurably had been privileged enough to hold him, almost kiss him, and whisper sweet endearments that came from deep within his heart into the other man's ear.

He was uncertain if Erik would remember the later events of that night however, as he had been extremely intoxicated-more so than Raoul had been.

He looked around Christine's old room once more and quickly regarded the window, the drawers, the mirror and the bedside table which he had laid his sword up against. He had chosen to sleep here in order to prevent anyone from getting through the mirror to Erik as he realised that Christine who was now somewhere out in the world could expose the only unguarded path to Erik and his home.

Fear for his safety filled him once again, but Raoul pushed it back. Now was not the time to let his emotions get the better of him. He needed to be level headed and practical if he was to protect Erik to the best of his ability. He would tell the managers that he would stay in this room from now on. The only one he trusted to guard the most liable path to Erik was himself.

With this thought in mind Raoul got up. He then picked up his clothes and effects and went to prepare himself for the day.

"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 room" Raoul repeated seriously.

Firmin and Andre shared a disbelieving glance and then turned back to Raoul.

"Why?" Firmin asked in bewilderment.

Raoul met Firmin with a firm glance. "Because as much as I love my home, I feel more at home here to be honest. It would save me the hassle of traveling here and home everyday, and I could spend more time with the staff and all in all get more done." Raoul said honestly. Even though the main reason for this decison was due to Erik, this was still the truth.

"And your brother would allow this?" Andre inquired.

Raoul twitched. Allow!? He glared.

"My brother doesn't control my life gentleman!" Raoul said, slightly irritated. Seeing the hurt looks on both their faces Raoul sighed and added more gently:

"My brother has supported me in every decison I have made so far in my life and I do not think he would be adverse to this decison". Not that my brother's opinions have ever stopped me from doing what I wanted anyway. No matter how much I love him. Raoul thought matter of factly.

Andre and Firmin shared another glance and nodded.

"We didn't mean to anger you Raoul. As your friends we just wanted to be sure you were doing the right thing and that it would cause you no trouble" Andre said mindfully.

Raoul smiled at them, suddenly feeling guilty. "No, I am sorry gentleman. I shouldn't have snapped like that. Thank you, both, for looking out for me" he said genuinely.

Andre and Firmin returned his smile and nodded kindly.

"Is there anything else that you want to tell us Raoul before we conclude the meeting?" Firmin asked politely.

Raoul nodded. "There is one more thing. I want to arrange for Annaliese to stay here as well. With Philippe always being away she would have no company back home, save for a couple of maids whom are much older than her. I feel she would be miserable without me closeby. Perhaps you could arrange a room next to Lady Cordelia's for her? I feel that given the chance they could become good friends."

The managers nodded and smiled once more. They remembered the Viscount telling them he had adopted the young girl around the time she had come to him six months ago. His act of generosity had created a lot of gossip at the time; such as people saying that the Viscount was very charitable and kind to do this for a poor, helpless girl. They remembered that the ballet girls had swooned and giggled as he had passed, whispering how sweet and gallant he had been to do such a thing. Their patron had put so much effort into the development of the opera house, and he made sure that all the staff were looked after. The inhabitants of the opera house adored him for this and as much as it might surprise people, the managers did too. The girl was said to be very special to their patron, and who were they to not help him when had done so much for them all.

Raoul had taken a carriage home after the meeting in order to prepare for the move. He informed all of his attendants of his plans to move, wrote a letter to his brother for when he returned home and packed various items that he needed such as clothes, candles, books, his violin etc. The only matter left was to inform Annaliese.

He found her sitting in the sunroom. She was seated at a desk near the window which overlooked the garden, her head rested on her hand as she stared out at it deep in thought. She had a pencil in one hand which hovered over a half finished sketch. She had began sketching very recently, and he was happy to discover she had quite the talent for it. In addition to her duties as a maid which consisted of her working from 8am to 12pm, five days a week, Raoul made sure that she had the opportunities that other young ladies of his class had in her free time which was in the afternoons and on the weekends. This meant he hired tutors to give her lessons in music, art, science, philosophy, italien, latin. She also did horse back riding which he taught her his self.

The door was open and Raoul gave a soft knock to alert her of his presence before entering.

So lost in thought and not expecting anyone to disturb her, Annaliese jumped, before realsing it was him, before standing and giving a wide smile.

"Sir, forgive me, I was not expecting you this afternoon" Annaleise said politely.

Raoul smiled and held up a hand, before taking a seat in the chair next to her. "It's alright Annaliese. No apology necessary. Please take a seat".

Annaliese nodded and sat back down, gazing at him with a shy smile.

Raoul gazed at her with affection, before he looked over at her unfinished sketch.

It was a sketch of a variety of trees, bushes and flowers on a select side of the garden. The drawing was very intricate and detailed, and the shading and lighting was immaculate and beautiful.

"No matter how many sketches of yours I see. Every one of them still amazes me Annaleise" he said warmly.

Annaleise blushed before waving her hand. "Thank you very much Sir. But its not that good" she said, red-faced and embarrassed.

Raoul chuckled. "Oh, I think it is Annaliese. You have a real talent here. I look forward to what artworks you will produce in the future" he said honestly.

Annaliese flushed once more before looking away and then back at him with a smile. "It is because of your kindness towards me that I have the will to draw the world's most beautiful things again. I could not draw for a long time after I left my family, but your kindness saved me in more ways than one, and for that I am eternally grateful Raoul" she said earnestly. Raoul noticed that she seemed to drop the formalities between them when she was experiencing feelings of intense friendship.

Raoul smiled and gently took her hand. "I know how grateful you are Annaliese. You showed it everyday by how hard you worked and even more by how happy you were to do it. Every moment you came to serve my meals was a pleasure. Philippe and the other staff all told me how happy they were to have you around. You were the sun that brightened everyone's day. Even on my most miserable days you never ceased to bring light into my world." he said passionately.

He thought about the weeks after Christine broke off the engagement. The weeks where he had hardly ate, and lost so much sleep. Annaleise had been there by his side always, bringing him meals even though he didn't feel like eating, attending to his various needs, and keeping him company by talking to him, playing chess with him and reading with him when the depression threatened to take over. If it wasn't for her, he didn't know if he would have recovered as quickly as he had.

Annaleise smiled beautifully and squeezed his hand in response. "I am honoured that people think of me so positively. I am happy that I've been able to make others happy, especially you Raoul. You haven given me so many opportunities that I never expected to have in order to give me a good future, and you have never failed to care for me. I- I've never said this before but I love you very much." she said sincerely.

He didn't have to think about the meaning behind those words because he knew in which way she meant them. Overcome with emotion, he pulled her into his embrace.

"And you must know that I love you as well. You are very special to me Annaliese. And I only want you to be happy. That is why I want you to come and live in the opera house with me. I've decided to move there and don't want to leave you here alone. Of coarse the decison is yours"he said tenderly.

Annaliese pulled back and regarded him softly. She then gave a small smile and nodded happily.

"Thank you for considering me. I would be happy to come with you." she said serenely.

Raoul smiled happily. "I will always consider you. Always...".

They shared another smile, before Raoul announced that Annaliese should pack what she needed and he went to take care of a few more things before they left.

Once they arrived at the opera house, Raoul had his men take his and Annaleise's luggage and put it outside their respective's bedrooms. He then called for Cordelia to meet him in his office so he could introduce her to Annaliese.

Upon entering the office, Cordelia smiled and went to give Raoul a quick hug. "Bonjour Raoul! It's good to see you. How are you?" she said cheerfully.

Raoul smiled. "I am very well Cordelia. It's good to see you as well. I hope you are well?" he asked politely.

"I am" she asserted strongly. "I've been working on the new play I wrote titled 'The woman who dared to love a Monster' I hope to finish it in the next couple of days, and would like to present it to you, Andre and Firmin next week?" she said excitedly.

The woman who dared to love a Monster? Now that was an interesting title. And it seemed strikingly relevant to his situation currently. Although Erik was not a monster, others perceived him to be, and perhaps he could use this story to teach the audience some morals.

"That is a very interesting title and I can't help but admit I am intrigued. I look forward to viewing it" Raoul said with excitement.

Cordelia beamed. "Thank you, Raoul" she said gratefully.

Annaliese was watching the two from behind Raoul with wide eyes. She was entranced by the confidence and passion this woman exuded. She seemed to have this fiery light around her entire being which made her glow and her voice was beautifully clear like any wringing belle. Her long midnight curls fell over pale skin and trailed down to a periwinkle dress. And sapphire blue eyes pierced the air with all their brilliance. She was the most beautiful creature she had ever beheld.

Raoul smiled at Cordelia before accepting her thanks and expressing his gratitude for her hard work. He then remembered Annaliese who was keeping out of sight behind them. "Oh, I meant to introduce you to someone! Cordelia, this is my friend Annaliese. Annaliese this is Lady Cordelia".

Due to her excitement Cordelia hadn't noticed Annaliese hiding a few metres behind Raoul. She smiled at her, as Annaliese slowly crept forward. She was looking down as she walked, her face very red.

She then looked up and managed to give a small smile.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Annaliese" Cordelia said cheerfully, as she extended her hand for a handshake.

Annaliese took notice of her pale wrist, it was very narrow and elegant she concluded. She took her hand and shook it gently. "It's a pleasure to meet you also, Lady Cordelia" she responded plitely, still keeping the smile on her face.

Cordelia laughed. A rich, melodious sound that sent warm waves throughout Annaliese's body.

"Please Annaliese, call me Cordelia" she said happily.

Raoul rolled his eyes in amusement. There she goes again he thought humourously. Cordelia and her distastefullness for formalities.

Annaliese's blush deepened, though she nodded and smiled. "As you wish, L-Cordelia".

Raoul smiled at them. "I've arranged it so you two will be neighbours, as your bedrooms will be right next to eachother. I thought that you two might become good friends" he explained hopefully.

Cordelia simply gave Raoul a pleasant smile, while Annaliese stared at him alarmed. Raoul's brows furrowed. "Are you alright Annaliese?" he asked concerned.

"Y-Yes" she squeaked. She then brushed her hand over her brow as if it was hot. "I am just rather tired" she explained.

Raoul nodded.

"Cordelia, would you please be able to take Annaliese to her room?" he asked politely.

Cordelia smiled and nodded. "Of coarse Raoul."

She then turned to Annaliese and gave her a gentle smile.

"Come Annaliese. I will show you where our rooms are" she said kindly.

Annaliese simply nodded. The the two girls then bid Raoul farewell, and Cordelia walked gracefully to the door, with a red-faced Annaliese trailing not far behind.

After introducing Annaliese to Cordelia, Raoul went to his new bedroom, unlocked the door with a key he kept on his keyring in his pocket, and started to unpack his belongings. He opened the drawers and put his clothes inside, and laid the five or so books he had brought on top of the chested drawers. He pulled out his candles and put a few on top of the drawers and one each on either bedside table. He then lay his violin against the wall on the other side of the room and lay his scabbered against the bedside table. His men had already taken his toiletries to the bathroom at the end of the hall.

After Raoul had finished packing, he then walked over to his violin, picked it up and ran his bow across it to play a few notes. After tuning it a bit, Raoul began to play one of his favourite songs he had played since he was a child 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusik' by Mozart. The notes flowed beautifully, and Raoul lost himself in the melody. Raoul wasn't a musical genius like Erik, Christine or Cordelia, but he was proficient and passionate. Like everything he did, he commited himself entirely to the discipline and no matter how hard it became, he was persistant. No one who had the privelage of hearing him could doubt this.

He then started to play a different melody, and not being able to resist, he sang along softly. His voice would be described as smooth and pretty. Nothing spectacular, but pleasant to listen to. He had sang often with Christine, and their duets was something he use to deeply enjoy. He hadn't dedicated much of his time to his own music recently, only occassionly picking up the violin at home and playing for a few minutes a couple of times in the last few months. Raoul had forgotton how good it felt to just let go of his worries and engage in something so enjoyable and liberating.

Slower:

I love you, darling
And if it's indeed alright
I need you, darling
To warm my lonely night
I love you, darling
Trust in me when I say
Oh, pretty darling
Please don't dishearten me
Oh, pretty darling
Now that I found you, stay,

Please let me love you
darling, let me love you...

(An alteration of 'Can't take my eyes off you' to suit the period. This wouldn't be to the modern tune, but you can think of it as being to the modern melody if you like. :):D )

Upon finishing the song, Raoul was smiling, his thoughts of a certain phantom whom he wished he could express the exact sentiments of the song to, and who would then accept them. Raoul gave a small giggle at the thought. He was feeling very lighthearted at the moment, and quite giddy. Great, I sound like a adolescent girl mulling over her crush! he thought disgruntledly, though still grinning from ear-to-ear.

He slowly walked over to the opposite side of the room and lay his violin back up against the wall, caressing the instrument lovingly before he turned to leave it.

The current emotions he was experiencing was nothing compared to what he suddenly felt as he turned around and came face to face with:

Erik his brain shot at him, stunned to seeing him standing there by the mirror, with an intense expression on his face, his mouth slightly parted in awe.

Raoul's world turned. The look he was receiving was almost enough to cause him to spontaneously ignite. Raoul coloured from head to toe. Intense heat flared in the space between them. Satic igniting the air between their gazes.

"Uh..." Raoul began shyly, trailing off due to the nervousness he was now feeling which seemed to emerge everytime he was around Erik. How was it that he could be confident at times with Erik, and at other times he was completely incapable of thought and speech?

Raoul reached up a hand to brush blonde strands away from his face in a timid gesture; forgetting to tuck them behind his ears and only to have them fall back in his face again. He looked back bashfully, shifting from foot to foot as he nervously watched Erik walk over to him, never withholding his gaze and stopping a few inches in front of him.

"That was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen" he breathed, his breath ghosting over his face. He was so close! And his eyes were glazed over as he looked at him. As if he were hypnotised.

Raoul's heart was beating like it had never beat before. He was so close now and Raoul was struggling to deal with his recurrent proximity. "I-" he stopped, once again at a loss for words.

"I felt it you know" Erik told him. "The emotion in your voice. The passion and longing you felt for the person you were thinking of as you sung. I didn't know you had found somone again Raoul, but I'm glad you have" he said softly. Why did his voice sound like it was breaking as he said this?

Raoul started. "I-" he began. What should he say?

"Actually I-" but he was cut off from explaining by the sudden knock that sounded on the door.

"Please excuse me for a moment, Erik" he said apologetically, not noticing as he walked to the door that the phantom had snuck back behind the mirror.

He opened the door to have Cordelia and Annaleise greet him happily.

"Good evening Raoul" greeted Cordelia politely. Annaleise also greeted him from behind her as she smiled, her cheeks tinged a faint pink.

" Good evening Cordelia, Annaleise" he greeted happily in return. "Were you able to get everything with the room sorted out alright?" he asked politely.

"Oh yes!" Cordelia replied enthusiastically. "I have been helping Annaleise unpack her things, and for the last couple of hours we have been adding some new decor. We added the usual things any girl would need such as flowers, mirrors, wall paintings, perfume and some very beautiful blue swan motif wall paper. We were even able to find some extra furniture that we could use from the opera storeroom downstairs. Some chairs, a table, and a very exquisite toilet table that complements the room quite nicely. The room looks very beautiful now that it is finished, I must say."

"Yes, it is very beautiful. Cordelia has helped me a great deal and I greatly appreciate her help and company" Annaleise added gently.

The two girls exchanged soft smiles.

"Yes! We have had a long time to talk during this time, and we have become good friends! Haven't we Annaleise?" Cordelia enthused happily.

Annaleise blushed and nodded her head vigorously.

Raoul smiled at them in turn. "I'm very glad to hear it" he said warmly.

Cordelia then turned back to him. "It is a very lovely night outside, and I think we should celebrate your new move. I already asked Annaleise, but we wanted to celebrate with you as well. It would be lovely if you joined us for dinner Raoul?" Cordelia asked gently.

He looked at them. They were both smiling at him widely. Their eagerness for his company could not be missed, as it was shining brilliantly through their eyes.

Raoul smiled and his heart warmed. He was lucky to have these two girls in his life. True friends. True family. He would die for either one of them.

"It would be my pleasure. Just let me prepare and I'll come downstairs to meet you shortly"

The girls nodded and grinned happily, befor bidding Raoul goodbye and telling him they would wait for him downstairs.

Raoul turned and was about to tell Erik that he wished to talk to him later only to find him gone. He walked over to the mirror and opened it gently.

"Erik?" he called.

Their was no answer.

He shut it and his brows furrowed. Why didn't he wait for me? I was only occupied for a couple of minutes...

Raoul felt a little worried about why he had departed so swiftly. He thinks I have fallen in love with someone! Well, he's right of coarse but I never had time to tell him that the person I was singing about, the person I yearn for is him. If he is worried about that... Could that mean-? Could that mean he has feelings for me too? he thought, hope flaring within his heart. The thought of Erik returning his feelings made his heart swell in happiness. I have to tell him how I feel tomorrow he thought resolutely.

With that thought in mind, Raoul quickly dressed and got himself ready for the evening. When he was ready he grabbed his scabbard and walked to the door before taking one last glance at the closed mirror, and locking the door behind him. He then made his way down the stairs to meet his friends, his heart feeling light.