A/N:My delay in updating is truly appalling I know and I am so ver sorry but it was, unfortunately, unavoidable. All I can say is if it is taking me a while to update don't worry, the story is not abandoned! If you have any such worries or questions feel free to PM me.

So thank you, thank you, thank you to all you wonderful reviewers and faithful readers. (",)

I had to spilt this chapter in two because it was getting very long and I wanted to get an update out to you all a.s.a.p. Part 2 will be along as quickly as I can type.

This starts in Christine's POV and ends in Erik's.

Now enough of my rambling, on with the story (finally!)

Enjoy and don't forget to review please. (",)

Chapter 16

A Visit With The Ghost & His Lady (Part 1)

Madame Giry and Monsieur Khan came under the pretext of saying goodbye but really it was also an interrogation.

It seemed that away from the Opera House we were forced more than ever to explain our love.

Why did we always have to explain ourselves and convince others that we were where we were meant to be?

- Extract from Christine's Diary

He had said he would be back by now.

I was worried.

Erik had left almost immediately after we'd decided to invite Madame Giry and Monsieur Khan to our home. He left with barely a goodbye; consumed with the need to get this all over and done with, no doubt.

My mind seemed to be purposefully trying to drive me mad as I envisioned dozens of different ways in which Erik could have encountered trouble in Paris.

Why had I allowed him to leave me again?

Things had just become so complicated again so suddenly…

I had almost welcomed the reprieve from the situation's intensity that I had thought his temporary absence would bring, but I had found no respite. Had I not learned by now that things were often worse when Erik was not around? My heart ached; my mind became increasingly restless…

And I worried…near constantly…

Sighing in frustration, I desperately tried to find something to distract myself with.

I drifted through the house like a wraith for quite some time.

I had contemplated trying to make a start on dinner but my culinary skills were rather drastically lacking, and I assumed our guests would prefer their meal to be edible.

So, alas, the preparation of dinner would have to wait for Erik's return.

I hoped no one was too hungry. I hoped Erik had not expected me to cook.

I searched my addled mind for something to do.

Nothing was in need of darning and, though I tried, I could not relax enough to enjoy a good book.

Singing, sadly, was also out of the question.

While a favoured outlet of mine, I feared it would make me long for Erik's return all the more.

Finally, I decided I would try some ballet warm-ups and such. In honour of Madame Giry's impending arrival I suppose.

Vigorously I threw myself into the dance, trying to lose myself in the familiar patterns of my old rehearsals.

This, of course, turned out to be not my finest idea.

A word of advice, one should not attempt the graceful art of ballet when one is fully clothed in the rather bulky, restrictive under and outer garments that a proper lady is required to wear. It will most likely end badly.

This was my exact thought as my various layers twisted round my legs in quite the knot and I felt myself tilt precariously towards the ground; all notions of grace and balance lost in an instant.

I squeezed my eyes shut and braced myself for the sharp impact that would conclude my clumsy fall…

But it never came.

Instead I felt myself swept up gracefully into undoubtedly strong arms.

Opening my eyes I gasped as I was met by a dearly familiar gaze.

"Erik!"

I had not heard him return and yet here he was, holding me tightly to him…saving me from falling…

He had not been gone very long really, I suppose, and yet I realised with a pang that I had missed him so very much.

"What were you doing, my love?" He still seemed so tense but his voice was so soft…so beautiful. However, embarrassment inhibited my ability to enjoy its beauty.

"I…well…I was trying to dance and I…"

I blushed as he lowered me carefully to my feet and tried to cover my humiliation with indignation.

"You were late!" I admonished almost sternly, planting my hands on my hips.

I sounded very much like a scolding wife and the realisation had me blushing again.

It also made me wonder - When would I truly be Erik's wife?

However my mind was stolen away from its musings by Erik's gentle laugh. Such a beautiful sound! My mind reeled and my heart swelled for him. He only added to the sudden intensity of emotion that he had wrought in me by uttering my name in a tone of quiet ardour. Erik's voice was capable of so much more than other mortal voices…So much more…

"Christine."

Saying my name seemed to drain him of some of his tension and he regarded me adoringly. I smiled and moved to embrace him tightly. It was so good to have him home again.

He held me to him for a brief moment.

I would have kissed him then with all the relief I felt but he restrained me gently.

"Company, my dear," He whispered gravely, though his gaze was somewhat amused.

Coming back to my senses somewhat, I whirled around swiftly, almost losing my balance again and causing Erik to lay a steadying hand on my shoulders.

Instantly I saw that Erik had, of course, not come home alone.

Our guests had arrived.

Madame Giry and Monsieur Khan stood somewhat uncertainly in the doorway, half in the room and half out of it. They were looking at Erik and I with a sort of strange fascination. Madame Giry's expression was a little more guarded than Nadir's though, I noticed. I did not like this. I did not like feeling as though I were being examined.

Straightening up with all the dignity I could muster, I tried to adopt the stance of a proud hostess. I was the lady of this house, (though, strictly speaking, this would not be so for much longer), and therefore I had no right to be intimidated.

I had practically lived with Madame Giry and her daughter; she was almost like a mother to me. And Monsieur Khan had known Erik for a very long time, they had been sorely needed, (yet somewhat guarded), friends to one another for so many years.

We were not each others' enemies here. They would see that I had made my choice to be with Erik and that I was content with it. We would be civilised and perhaps we could enjoy this night.

There was no need to draw battle lines.

Yet, secretly, I think I prepared myself for war.

Gliding towards them, I tried to conceal how nervous I truly was.

"Welcome," I greeted them formally, too uncertain to show them too much warmth or familiarity, "I hope your journey was pleasant."

I paused, hoping that someone would respond. As the silence began to become noticeable I began to babble.

"I had hoped to have our meal ready in time for your arrival but I fear I am not very proficient at such things. I'm afraid we shall have to wait just a little longer to eat as well…obviously nothing is prepared...and I…Oh, I do hope you are not terribly hungry!"

I felt like such a terrible hostess. I could not even provide a meal for our guests!

Luckily Erik was ready to step in and save me from my shame.

He gently placed his hand upon my elbow to soothe me. I almost laughed then to see both our guests' eyes follow the familiar gesture with rapt interest.

"Christine, it is of no great significance. I shall prepare the meal. It will not take too long. Do not worry so."

His soft, intimate tone brought a smile to my face instantly.

"I am glad you are home." I could not help but whisper to him in response.

I think we lost ourselves for a moment then in each other gazes, content to be silent and still…Until Madame Giry's stern voice cut through the delicate moment with all the severity she was renowned for.

"Yes, that sounds agreeable indeed Monsieur. You and Monsieur Khan may converse together in the kitchen while you cook. Mademoiselle Daae and myself shall retire to the parlour and wait. A pleasant sort of role reversal, non?"

Instantly I was worried. I did not wish to leave Erik's side. I did not wish to face the interrogation that would no doubt ensue once we were parted. How would I deal with it? How would Erik? It would be better if we remained and faced it together. There would be no need for suspicion or doubt then, we would stand together as a couple and defend our choice.

But one look at Madame Giry's stern face made me realise that there would be no arguing with her choice. We had spirited her away into the woods and she intended to get the answers she sought. I suddenly felt as though we were the ones out of our element here, not she.

Erik seemed to have come to this realisation also and I could see the worry in his eyes as he looked at me.

"Come old friend," Monsieur Khan said gently, "We best not keep our women waiting too long for sustenance."

To my surprise Erik did not argue. He began to make his way toward the kitchen with Nadir in tow. But the look he gave me before he left caused a lump to form in my throat. His eyes seemed haunted by past memories. They seemed to whisper goodbye…

Did he still think I would leave him? Would he always doubt that I would remain?

What kind of life would we lead then?

I was torn from my reverie by a firm hand on my arm.

"Come child, we have much to discuss."

Bolstering my courage inside, I showed Madame to our parlour and prepared for whatever the next few hours would bring.

Erik's POV

This would not be pleasant.

Why had I brought these noisy intruders into our home? They had separated us already and now they would surely work on gaining a separation of a more permanent nature.

I had been so confident before, so content that I finally had the love that I sought, but my joy had been brief and far too delicate.

Christine's promises of love and loyalty were whispering through my thoughts but my fear, my insecurity was louder. It shouted straight at my soul and I had to struggle to stop the violent trembling I could feel building within me.

When I reached the kitchen I did not stop to face Nadir, in truth I had almost forgotten he was there. My mind was preoccupied with thoughts of what was occurring in the parlour between the brutally honest Madame Giry and my beloved Christine.

So I immediately set to work preparing dinner as the tension in the air around me mounted. If I could get this meal prepared quickly there would be no time for Christine's mind to be poisoned against me. No time for her eyes to be opened to what little I could offer her…

"Stop it! Stop it!" I whispered to myself, clutching my head between my shaking hands.

Dimly I felt a hand come to rest upon my shoulder.

"Erik, why are so worried?" Nadir's tone was that of both comfort and curiosity, "What have you to fear, old friend? What have you to hide?" He whispered hesitantly.

I took this as an accusation.

I most have been frightening indeed when I turned to face him for it took much to make Nadir flinch away from me as he did.

"Why do you assume that I am hiding something, old friend?" I hissed coldly, "Is it not conceivable that I could be loved for myself, hmm? Am I that undeserving?

Have I hidden Christine from you? No, I have not! Instead I have brought you to my home as a guest and what do I receive in return? Accusations! Perhaps I should uninvite you!"

I did not raise my voice as the anger and pain raged within me. I did not have to.

It is amazing the effect that quiet rage can have on people. It is far more unpredictable.

I expected Nadir to leave then as he had paled considerably but it seemed that I underestimated him. He stood his ground and I was considerably impressed.

"I know that you love her, Erik…and…I believe that I can see that she loves you too…" This I did not expect.

"But you thought about hiding her…didn't you? Spiriting her away in the middle of the night, no goodbyes, no explanations, and a secret house in the woods? You did not want to be found Erik; you were only forced to change your plans because we refused to let you go. That's right isn't it?"

I had forgotten how shrewd the honourable Daroga was, and how brave.

He dared to challenge me and for that I should have been very very angry. But I was a man who was changing and so instead his words made me feel so very guilty.

"You are right, Daroga, I had not wished to be found. I saw her, you see, I saw Christine with that boy and I do believe it brought me to a true state of madness. I planned to steal her away…"

I did not know why I was telling him all this. I think perhaps a part of me longed to explain.

I wanted these people, (who were the closest thing I had to friends), I wanted them to see that I was not a monster. I wanted them to see that things were changing. I was no longer O.G., no longer Angel. I was simply Erik and, for once, Erik had not done anything terribly wrong.

"But she consented to come with me! You must believe me Nadir! She looked me in the eyes, she saw my soul and she said that she loved me. Erik! Even with all my horrors that beautiful girl says she loves me! She has chosen to stay though I have offered her freedom! So you cannot take her away! She is mine! But more than that I…I am her's!"

When I had finished my tirade, I was breathing hard and there was a slight pain across my chest…and Nadir was looking at me in the strangest manner.

It was almost like a mix of pity and pride.

"I believe that is the most honest you have ever been with me, my dear friend. To admit all that...and to admit that she possesses you so completely. It is most refreshing. And so it seems I find myself able to forgive you the mistakes you made in handling this situation, particularly after such sincerity."

I did not know what to say…Nadir believed me? I had thought it would be harder to convince him. I thought my tendency to allow my emotions to get the better of me would make it difficult to show that I was trying desperately to better myself for her. Everything for her.

"I would not take her from you against her will, Erik. I would not dream of separating you from the extraordinary young woman who, I believe, has finally taught you to love."

I was rarely shocked and yet there I stood thoroughly and utterly shocked.

I was not used to acceptance and yet it was shining in Nadir's eyes.

I was almost embarrassed. I felt like a shy little boy receiving praise from his Father.

I felt…I hardly know what I felt…I had never really been told I was good as a child so I did not know what to do. I was overwhelmed. And much as this moment meant to me, I did not like being overwhelmed.

All I could think about was seeing Christine. Everything would make sense if I was with her. I would find peace in her eyes.

Vaguely I wondered when was it that I had become so dependent upon her?

"So, you will let her be with me…" I whispered.

"I am not her keeper and I would never interfere in a love such as this."

I felt a tightness in my throat and I began to fear very much that I would begin cry. That would not do at all. I needed to get out of this kitchen. I needed to escape this surreal moment.

Nadir must have read the thoughts in my face. He smiled at me but there was no pity in the look now, as there had often been before. There was only relief and that once elusive look of pride.

"Go to her. I believe I still remember how to prepare a decent meal."

I made to rush from the room but paused.

"Thank you, dear friend." I whispered, throwing my voice so it would find its way straight to Nadir's ear. I then quickly left.

I did not see the tear that escaped Nadir's eye and he did not see the tear that escaped mine.

I was at the parlour door before I even realised. I was just about to enter when I was stopped in my tracks by the voices within. I believe Nadir and I had almost completely forgotten that Christine had not been left alone. She had been cornered by Madame Giry. How had I forgotten?

I had been so full of joy…and, dare I say, hope…

All of that came crashing down around me as I listened to the voices drifting out from within that room.

It was with cold dread that I listened as the discussion turned to a matter that could very well still have the power to take my love from me.

Agony ripped at my heart as I listened to my beloved's mournful sigh.

"Oh, poor Raoul…"

Perhaps my hope had all been for naught, for how could I compete with perfection?

Would Christine really choose me again or would the very persuasive Madame Giry lure her back to that wretched white knight?

There and then I resolved that, if she left, I would die.

Perhaps she would consent to return to bury me at least...

Like some sort of masochist I remained outside the parlour door and listened carefully, awaiting my fate.

It was so hard to believe that I was worth loving. For so long I felt like a thief who had stolen something unimaginably precious and was constantly waiting to be caught.

I tried, but I had not been taught to hope, so it was hard to hold onto that strange feeling. Without Christine by my side it was hard to believe.

Without her I didn't exist.

I did not see what she saw in me.

I only saw her…

- Extract from Erik's Journal

So there ya go. A cliffie I know but have faith in E/C everyone!

Part 2 of this chapter will be coming a.s.a.p.

Hope you enjoyed it!

Let me know your thoughts in a review!

x Restless And Tempted x