Soo... yeah. Well, I hope this is enough fluff for now. Enjoy it while you have it for you never know... Not to queue in anything but... yeah.

Thanks and read and review and all the wonderful things you people do!
~The Phantom's Flutist~

Chapter 18:
When In Rome...


The hotel was huge, and I use this word in lack of a better term. Honestly, I didn't think I'd be able to make it back to room 333 (or as I recently thought out half-evil room, insert random snicker here), I might just leave bread crumbs so as to not be late. I had thirty minutes to be back and get dressed and all that jazz.

It was like one of those comedy shows, an American in the midst of all the finely-cut Europeans, and I felt clumsy in sweatpants and a somewhat-decent blouse.

I basically looked around at the architecture, nobody really seeming to care for a curious tourist roaming through the area. The lobby was the most interesting, and then I peeped into the cafe which looked nice as well, but I was most excited to be outside and on the streets for once. I tossed around the idea, knowing Erik would be mad, but once more... do I care? I'd probably get lost anyway. I settled with watching outside instead of being outside, sitting on one of the couches, looking out the large window.

I walked a few of the corridors, desperately wanting to not be on time, for I hated being locked up for any length of time. What does Erik think I am, anyway? His own pet that he could carry around in a cage, fawn over it, and be done with it? I grimaced to myself in anger, and then tossed about the idea of going outside again...

Why not?

I walked back down the staircase, and to the front lobby to where the doors were letting people in and out, and I casually walked out, feeling utterly relieved to breathe fresh air again. I passed the circle of cars, after rows of greenery and shrubs in front of the hotel, and found myself on the cheaply laid sidewalks which may have been here longer than America's sidewalks, I kept that thought in mind with a decent smile.

I probably looked quite foreign in the midst of tan people with my paper white skin and capability of a ghost. No matter... I was already acting like a tourist, amazed by the buildings, of the statues, of the people and their fabulous language.

I didn't walk far, remembering the statues that I passed earlier, for they weren't hard to forget. I turned back eventually and unfortunately.

I suppose it's not so bad if Erik is taking me out, and saying it's something formal. I almost forgot La Scala is around here somewhere in Florence of which he'll probably be taking me to as well, and the sudden thud of my heartbeat, I was very excited. Well... he'll take me to places is if I don't piss him off too much which is probably what I just did, looking at the clock on the wall of the lobby.

I raced back up the stairs and into the corridors, looking for the room, and eventually, I found it by finding my masked partner in it.

He was glaring at me, of course.

"...What?" I asked innocently, beginning to feel for the lock on the door and prepared to shut it on his face again.

"You're late. The hotel isn't that grand that it took you an hour to go through." He hissed.

Should I lie to him...? Or tell him the truth? Lying isn't nice, but he lies to me all the time without me knowing he was actually telling a lie, therefore, it's only fair.

"Sorry." I replied, "I was... looking around."

"Sure." He replied sourly. Once my door was unlocked, I slipped inside the room.

"Where are you going?" I questioned snidely.

"I'm checking to my planes are set and intentionally about to get you back here, to which you already are." He snickered. "I'll be back before you're finished."

"Will you let me know the 'plans' exactly?" I tried.

"No." He replied without any decision and turned to leave. "You'll enjoy it, that's all you need to know."

I nodded, and shut the door, turning to the closet where I hung my dresses. I picked a slimming black dress with a v-neck and halter top, but the rest of the dress wasn't so thrilling. It was good enough... he only said formal and all black is as formal as I've ever been.

I used a few clips to put my hair into something like a messy bun, not quite perfected as I'd like for it to be, and decided not to go with heels in fear of being awkward, so I stuck with flats, though I'd hate to feel shorter than I already was next to Erik.

It wasn't long before Erik knocked on my door, expecting me to be finished that quickly. I reminded him that I was, in fact, a girl, and I did take a long time, of which he didn't know. I kept him waiting another ten minutes or so until I was finished with makeup and getting my hair perfect.

I opened the door to find him standing right there in the doorway, looking down at me, and his entire body seemed to freeze up, looking at my face as if frightened to look anywhere else. I blushed at his boyish whim, and backed up a little. He was wearing a tuxedo, which was different this time from his usual attire because he actually wore white under the jacket. He looked... handsome, actually. A very gentleman-like fashion that men never seem to have anymore. My heart thumped so loudly, I was cautious that he would hear it. I looked up to his mask, as he tried to straighten himself out, reaching out his arm for my own, and I took it slowly. His touch was not of some insane, kidnapper who only exists to destroy me to pieces, but of a gentle, loving man who longs to care for me...

I felt his eyes look down to me, looking at his arm as if it was the first time I've ever seen it before, and I looked up to him quickly, without saying a word, and smiled... sort of.

We reached the front entrance where the familiar limousine was waiting for us in the courtyard which was lit up with lampposts for the night to guide the cars to the hotel entrance.

Erik helped me in as usual and sat next to me directly, and told the driver something in Italian, who nodded, and we drove off.

"You'll like this very much," He said quietly, stroking the palm of my hand with his thumb, and I could only stare at it, already knowing the sights of the nearby part of the city, thanks to my own outing.

"So heard," I muttered, tearing my gaze away from his hand, and took my hand away from his reach, placing it on my lap.

I felt him look back to me with disbelief, and a small grumble that wasn't understandable. My thoughts waved it off... why the sudden change, anyway? He didn't quite deserve it yet... I mean... you know... did he?

Whatever. My head hurt from thinking this through too much.

The ride wasn't long, so I found myself walking again on the sidewalk, to a classy and elegant-looking building, which I supposed was a restaurant. The smell of food made my stomach grumble obnoxiously, feeling my cheeks begin to flame for no reason.

People were all around, also enjoying a brisk late-summer evening. I shuddered, from both hunger and the chill that swept with the wind to us. Erik put his warm arm around my shoulders which helped a little, and I couldn't refuse.

The interior of the restaurant was like what you would see on some romantic movie, breathtakingly serene and elegant.

The hostess led us up some stairs to one of the top floors and we were now in the night air on the rooftop of the entire place. But the view was spectacular... I could see the entire city alight with lights that were more dazzling than the night sky in itself. A bridge was in the far distance, reflecting off the water below it, and a certain gold tint to it all, rich and beautiful. She sat us at one of the few tables placed there, a canopy over the rooftop to block harsh wind and break it before effecting the guests seated there. Candles were placed on each of the tables to give light along with some lanterns dangling on the sides.

The waitress was just as awkward as the last one, though I wasn't able to understand her, I still could understand the manner of which she acted. She handed us menus and went back down the stairs.

Some of the foods I got, for they were the familiar ways they were spelled in some Italian restaurants at home. I eventually had to ask Erik what some of the foods were that were described in Italian, most of it seafood and shellfish that I happen to be allergic to, so I stuck with the pasta dish, with some sort of meat at the side.

"Do you like it?" He asked when I put down the menu, taking a sip of the water at my side.

"Yes, definitely." I replied, looking at our surroundings one more time.

"This was the only somewhat empty spot in the restaurant for the time being." That was his excuse...

"Sure..." I replied dryly. I was sure he wanted to make it special somehow and significant. It was something I always dreamed of doing, and I probably told someone else this before, and he overheard. That was only a guess... throwing that into the vast pool of thoughts, but he had no idea how special this was to me, and I had no courage to say so.

"This is... so beautiful." I noted breathlessly. "I don't... really have many other words to describe this, honestly...But... Thanks for doing this..."

"I'm glad to oblige by your wishes."

"How did you know this was a wish?" I challenged.

He looked to me once more as if missing the entire point again and I breathed a laugh, nodding my head. "Okay, I give in... I get it..."

"Do you?" He asked, taking it comically.

"No, but whatever floats your boat."

"Why is this funny?" He asked, laughing musically as well.

"I don't know. Somehow stalking and being on a roof in Italy put together is hilarious." I smiled and laughed again as did he.

Once the waitress came back up to take our orders, I asked Erik to order for me so I wouldn't mess up. He gladly did so, and she went off, after our orders.

"I'll be gone tomorrow for business, so I'll have someone escort you in the city in the morning." He noted, and I had to restrain myself from rolling my eyes... of course he would if he wasn't there. I must be locked up or babysat.

"You know... I'd be fine by myself..." I replied sighing.

"It'll be very difficult for one who doesn't know the language, Christine."

"I can learn..." I spat back.

"Not that quickly."

"I know French."

"Not enough." He sighed and placed his chin on his hand, glaring at me with his yellow eyes that glowed in the candlelight. "I just want you to be safe. Understand?"

"Whatever."

The waitress came back up to drinks, and Erik took mine for me, placing it by my elbow, and he took his own wine. I eyed it curiously...

"Could I try some?" I asked on a whim, arching a brow to see if he would let me.

He looked down to his glass then to me. "Really?" He asked, tilting his head to the side.

"I've had wine before at a cousin's wedding." I replied to defend myself, failing to mention that was eight years ago."Could I try some?"

"It's not illegal here, I suppose." He hinted, putting the glass toward me slowly.

Aha... because everything you've ever done is legal to begin with? I thought to myself coldly.

I sipped at it, it's bitterness bringing back a few memories of trying alcohol for big events and in church, but... this was even more bitter. What was with Erik and these horrible tastes, anyway? I guess it just... matches him. Dark and bitter, right?

I tried hard not to grimace and put the glass closer to him, leaning back in my seat. He laughed again, and I have now decided just how much I love his laugh.

"Bitter, is it not?" He said casually, taking a sip of it himself.

"Very..." I said, taking a sip of the iced water to get the taste out of my mouth.

"You can't blame me this time, then." He hedged, and took another swig.

"Did you... drug me that one time, with the tea that was also very bitter?" I challenged, placing my napkin onto my lap without thinking much about it.

He remained silent, looking back to his hands. I glared, knowing he wasn't going to answer that. I sighed, and played with the napkin in my lap once more.

"You could be more honest, you know if wearing a mask isn't enough... At least... let me know if you... wanted to sleep with me that time."

"You objected." His voice was as small as a child's. I groaned exasperatedly.

"I wasn't ready..." I replied, shaking my head. "No matter how many times I tell you I didn't want this, you cease to listen. Tell me this if you plan on doing things like that... I'll hate it, but at least it wouldn't catch me in the middle of the night." It was the most particular conversation I've ever had, but at least... it would be off my chest in case I do happen to fall for him tonight. I shook my head and grabbed my chest at the uncertainty of my thoughts... in case I fall for him... "You know what? Never mind. Just... whatever." I hissed quietly, toying with my hands now, feeling startled tears come into my eyes.

"Is something wrong, my love? Besides this?"

"No!" I answered too quickly, and he was suspicious. "Nothing is wrong at all. I'm perfectly fine." That was partially true... I was perfectly fine here with him. I couldn't think of anything better I could be doing. I was in Italy, on top of a roof with someone who loves me more than life itself, besides all the small quirky details, how else would I have wanted it?

Erik's shown me so much about myself, some things I never wanted to know, and others I simply had to know. He's shown me how to get away... and in a way he's like my father... a friend. I just wish I never hurt him before, I wish I wasn't so selfish when he could be so selfless at times. I was crying now...and he saw it.

"Christine, my love, are you alright? Do you wish to leave?"

"I'm fine... I'm perfectly fine, Erik... it's just so... good right now."

"There's something more," he hinted curiously.

"Yes, there's a lot more," I agreed passively. "I'll tell you later."

"Alright, then," he muttered, trailing off.

I wouldn't ever be able to tell him that I actually do care. I hardly can admit it to myself to begin with. The rest of the dinner was basically silent, an awkward moment altogether and it was all my fault because of that. I felt horrible, seeing he couldn't move as gracefully as he did, and it was like he never met me before.

The food came eventually and I occupied myself with that, still keeping my head low as I ate, looking anywhere but where he sat. He looked at me strangely, as if I was eating something entirely ridiculous. I shifted uncomfortably and picked up my fork and chewed on a piece of meat, swallowed, and looked up again to see him not even moving toward the expensive food.

"What is it you want of me?" I asked suddenly, my fork clattering against the plate angrily.

"I-" He began, shook his head, and began debating with himself. I arched a brow, unable to resume eating, and took a sip of the water again, though I felt like I may not be able to spit it out anymore.

"It's... It's nothing..."

I restrained a faint laugh at Erik's awkwardness, for it was quite laughable the way he gracefully shifted in his chair, going from hands in lap to hands on table.

"It's something..." I murmured under my breath, enough to see him look up to me, then back down instantly. "What?" I managed, smiling a little at the side. "Erik, you can tell me!"

"You wouldn't..." He trailed off, and I saw his hand come up to rub his ear. He was such a little boy... it reminds me of how Raoul acted sometime... I couldn't specify when... but he was probably fourteen and he would rub his neck, pout, and go back to rubbing it again.

"Wouldn't do what?" I laughed at the thought.

"You wouldn't..." He began again, "wouldn't kiss me... would you? I don't think so... don't even think I mentioned it... Forget it."

For a second, I probably gave him the oddest stare ever, and I felt small all over again, going through middle school years awkwardly once more.

"See? Don't even ask next time. Forget it," He shifted to the side, taking a deep swig of wine. I wonder if he ever gets drunk...

"No... no, I'll... uh... kiss you."

He looked hopeful, his eyes brightened up, and I think I've never seen him more happy in my life.

"Truly?" He asked sincerely. "You would?"

I hope he doesn't mean... you know... on the lips. No, I'm not doing that.

I leaned over and took his hand. His was actually warmer than mine for the first time, and I smiled sheepishly for he looked extremely uncomfortable but overjoyed at the same time, making an odd combination of posture.

It didn't take long, I guess, I leaned over, and pressed my lips to his lower jaw bone, and leaned away, looking to his startling eyes, letting go of his hand instantly, my heart fluttering.

"I've never... been kissed before." He noted lifelessly, "My own mother would never kiss me. No, she just backed away and threw me my mask, even if it was all I asked..." He looked up to me heartily, his eyes narrowed as if he might cry again, "Thank you..."

"You're... welcome," I said quietly, still very much so awkward. I pressed my lips shut, for it wasn't much and I was used to much more divine kisses from Raoul that would leave me partly dazed and then the other part... awed. He is an amazing kisser, for all those who are wondering. Yes...a very good kisser.

"I love you, Christine," he muttered, looking to me long and hard.

"I know," I pressed my lips shut, on the curious note that I may continue that.

"Would you ever love me back?" Oh, why must he ask me that? I put on my best straight face.

"Maybe." I replied, looking away, using my hair as a wall between he and I, feeling my cheeks already turn a brilliant red, but I couldn't turn and look at him looking at me like that. I felt terrible, but what else could I do..?

I wasn't hungry anymore, no matter how hungry I was before. I wiped my mouth, and rested the fabric napkin on the table, and leaned my head against my hand and waited until he decides we should leave.

I wondered if Erik has ever been happy before... like really happy. Do I make him happy...? Something deep in my mind only found my purpose in life is to fill out the such unhappy man's life.. Everyone should feel wonderful at least one time in your life, no matter how ugly, disgusting, or mentally unstable you are... I felt terrible, I've made him cry so many times when he deserves to live... to live like everyone else. He could be such a wonderful man...