So, this turned out to be longer than I had planned for it to be. Hopefully now, things are falling into place and the narrative is differing more from the actual plot. Of course, it cant differ too much; some of the events from the movie will still take place, but the new narrative will depend upon Christine's new point of view more than anything.

This is a lot of Raoul in this chapter but i promise it is necessary to the plot.

Many thanks!

Phanty belongs to Leroux and Lloyd Weber.

Christine

When I awoke, he was gone. Had it all really happened? Had I fallen asleep in his arms? I had always dreamed of such a thing happening with a man but had never conceived what sort of man it would be.

When I was not with him, I simply existed... I did not feel alive and I would count the drab minutes until I could see him again. Today I would have to do that. I had promised to see Raoul and while I am not entirely dreading it... I can't help but think that I would rather spend the time with Erik. I have never felt like this before... I had not believed it to be possible, only something one reads in books as a child.

As I prepared myself for the day I wondered what Erik would be doing... Perhaps he was sleeping. Now that I knew him as a man I could not help but imagine him waking up and performing daily mundane tasks similar to mine. I laughed to myself at the slightly paradoxical imagery I had conjured up. But, surely the Phantom eats breakfast and irons his clothes just like everybody else?

I met Raoul in the grand foyer of the Opera. He was more than excited to see me and could not wait to tell me the elaborate plans of the day he had prepared.

"I am so glad that you are finally able to spend time with me." He said, turning to me as we entered the carriage and sat down. He was planning to take me to a small cafe near Notre Dame for lunch.

"Yes." I smiled earnestly. Honestly, I was quite relaxed in his company and I was enjoying myself... but I knew that it was only a matter of time before he mentioned his intentions again and I had not prepared an answer for when he did.

"It's been such a long time." He said, taking my hand. The sounds of Paris filtered in through the open window; the horse's hooves on the cobblestones beneath us, the quiet creaking of the carriage, gleeful yells from children on the streets. The city was alive and the sun was shining and I wondered if I would ever be able to share something like this with Erik. "What is troubling you, Christine?" He asked.

"Hmm?" I looked at him. I hadn't realized that he had spoken until I heard my name. "Oh... No, nothing. Nothing, I'm fine." I smiled.

"Its just that... you seem distracted."

"Forgive me. I was just... thinking about the Opera; my performance." I lied. Yes, I was thinking about the Opera but I neglected to mention exactly what aspect of the Opera was on my mind.

"Your performance was perfect; faultless. There is no need to think on it at all." He smiled, taking my other hand. I smiled at him but sat in silent cynicism. How could he hope to know what was perfect and what wasn't without a hint of musical knowledge?

"Thank you." I said, dismissing my cruel thoughts. He was my friend after all and I was being far too hard on him. "So, what do you have planned after lunch? I do need to be back..."

"Need to be back? Christine, we haven't even eaten yet and you are speaking of your commitments back at the Opera."

"No... I mean I have to be back by the evening. That's all."

Raoul smiled smugly, apparently at the prospect of being able to spend so much time with me. It was sweet. Surely I should be able to appreciate someone who cares so much for me... shouldn't I?

"Well..." He began. "I thought that we might take a wander in the Jardin du Luxembourg. I don't know about you, but I haven't been there for a very long time. And then... I thought that you might like to visit the Musee d'Orsay... and if time permits, I thought that we might have an early dinner as well."

"That all sounds lovely, Raoul. But... I think that I should be back for dinner."

"Oh? Why is that?" He asked as the carriage came to a halt.

Because Erik has promised to take me to his home and if he offers me dinner I don't want to have to lie...

"...Because I had promised Meg that we would dine together." I lied. "We always dine together on Monday nights."

"Oh. Alright then, I suppose." He stepped out of the carriage and offered his hand. "Mademoiselle?"

I took his hand and stepped out in front of what appeared to be a very small but expensive cafe.

"Raoul... this looks expensive." I remarked. He turned around and took my hand.

"Christine... with me you shall never have to worry about money. How can I put a price on you?"

Once inside we were seated at a small table near the window. This suited me perfectly as I would be able to stare out the window and find entertainment in trivial things when conversation with Raoul dwindled; like what passersby were wearing and how many carriages went by that I could count. It wasn't that I was bored by Raoul... it was simply that we hadn't much in common.

"I'm so glad to see that you are still singing, Christine." He remarked. "I always loved the sound of your voice when we were children. It was beautiful accompaniment to your father's violin."

"Yes..." I agreed. "He had much talent." Raoul took my hand in his and held it gently.

"I am... sorry that he passed. When my brother saw it in the paper and he told me I was... overcome with grief for you but I had no way of contacting you. How long have you been at the Opera?"

"I came to the Opera as soon as my father passed. Madame Giry has looked after me ever since."

And as soon as I found the Opera, I found Erik.

Raoul nodded, regarding me silently.

"How is Philippe?" I asked, changing the subject before I was forced to dwell on my thoughts... before I was lost in my thoughts; Thoughts of him.

"Oh..." Raoul released my hand and peered out the window absentmindedly. "Philippe passed about a year ago..."

"Oh. I'm very sorry, Raoul." I reached out and took back his hand. "Do... you mind if I ask what happened?"

"No, not at all. We don't know what happened exactly. His..." He cleared his throat. "...his body was found near the Opera."

"That's terrible. Did he visit the Opera often? I am surprised I didn't see him at all." Surely I would have recognized Philippe had I seen him?

"Not often... I believe it was only his second visit."

I wanted to embrace him. Hearing about his brother was truly awful and I found that I was condemning myself for not being there for him; not being there when my friend needed me...

"I am so very sorry, Raoul." I said sincerely.

"Thank you, Christine." He looked at me and smiled; a tear in his eye. "It seems we are both well acquainted with loss..."

We spent the remainder of the meal on a lighter note; reminiscing about childhood memories without going into too much detail lest we be reminded of the loss that brought us together. Raoul had been my closest childhood friend and now, I found that I was elated to be in his presence once more. Yes, I was close with Meg Giry but Raoul had known my father. He and I shared memories that no one else did. There was a part of me that I left behind when my father died... and only he would truly understand that part. I found that in spite of myself, I was enjoying his company and I was able to converse with him just as I always had. I did not have to look out the window to find entertainment as I had so planned.

Even so, I missed Erik. I had not spent that much time with him but when I did I felt... whole. I did not think about anything at all except him and his presence. I wondered if on any platform, Erik and Raoul could become friends...

"Shall we?" Raoul asked cordially, standing up and presenting his arm. I gratefully took it and together we walked out of the cafe.

Erik

When I awoke I was pleased to see that no one else was in my sleeping quarters... not like last time. With one eye open I reached for my pocket watch and checked the time. It was early afternoon. Usually I only woke up at night but I had slept quite early. Were my sleeping patterns changing? Was I becoming normal...? More like Christine? I had always slept when others were awake and I had taken comfort in going about my business during their slumber. Never had I wanted to share anything with the rest of the world but now... the rest of the world included Christine... I yawned and rolled onto my back. Beneath me the crisp sheets crackled and I was reminded that this was the bed that Christine had slept in that night; the very same sheets. I smiled to myself.

Upon recalling the time spent with Christine the night before and the plans made with her for this evening, I couldn't prevent a smile from spreading across my face. Surely, a smile on this horrid face would look ghastly but I did not care. I looked around at my house; my domain... Soon, Christine would be here once more. She would be here of all places and willingly! Sitting on my chairs, walking my floors... breathing my air. Everything had changed. Even my own home looked different to me. I would get up, and after I bathed and dressed I would clean the place; make it presentable for Christine. It was the least I could do. Perhaps I could prepare music for her... or plan dinner? Again I yawned. Time to get up and prepare.

Upon stretching I was greeted with a severe burning sensation in my side. Pulling back the sheets and looking down I was met with a cut just below my rib cage. It wasn't deep but it was long and I had left blood on the sheets. Then, I remembered.

Buquet.

I had killed last night.

I must have been so distraught that I had neglected to treat it or even acknowledge it. I must have gone straight to bed.

How could I allow myself to be in such a mood when mere hours ago I had taken a life? How could I allow myself such boyish excitement when I knew that I would have to tell Christine what I had done? I would tell her and it would be over. It would all be over.

I sat up in bed and held my head in my hands. The cut was nothing. I had had much worse and I daresay that there would be worse to come... I had ruined my one chance with Christine. She was out the boy at this very moment... Perhaps when she returns she will have decided against me and telling her what I have done will only compound her thoughts...

What am I going to do?

I pulled my legs up to my chest and began to weep just as I had done last night. Never before had I reacted in such a way after murder. I had never had consequences before now... I did not weep for what I had done... I wept for what I would never have because of my thoughtlessness. I wept for the love I was so close to having... for the happiness I had never felt and would never feel. I wept for her. I don't know how long I sat there for, trying to find a solution through my madness.

Then, my body shaking and my mind delirious I made my decision. I would not tell her. Love built on a lie was not right... but it was still love, wasn't it? It was better than nothing. I could not live with nothing... not anymore. Not when I knew how I could feel... how a man should feel with his mate. I could not go back to nothing. After what I had experienced and felt I could not live without her... without her touch... without her caresses... without her warmth. I would do anything to keep her.

Anything...

Christine

"Christine, I can't tell you how lovely it is to be in your company once more." We had been exploring the Jardin du Luxembourg for the past hour; the palace, the greenery, the fountains. It was wonderfully relaxing and I imagine that it would have been quite romantic had I been with Erik. Even so, I had always wanted to do something as simple as this with a man... a mate; just to walk hand in hand and talk.

"Yes. This is lovely." I said. "I can't believe that I have never been here in all the time I have lived in Paris."

"Ah well, you have been busy making a name for yourself as the country's leading soprano."

"Oh, Raoul. I've only done a handful of performances."

"Yes, and I have seen every one. You will be a star, Christine Daae." He had seen every one. But so had Erik... and Raoul would not even have seen her had it not been for Erik's instruction. She wanted to get back to him... I smiled earnestly.

"What is the time, Raoul?"

"Christine." He said. "Do you really want to depart my company?" He checked his pocket watch. "It is just after three."

"No, Raoul I told you... it isn't that." I couldn't afford to be late. I got the distinct feeling that Erik wouldn't take kindly to it. Raoul regarded me for a moment before rewarding me with that charming smile of his and speaking.

"It's quite alright, Christine. It's just that after finally seeing you again I realized how much I had missed your company. I don't want today to end..." Again he took my hand in his and I did not have the heart to deny him. He stood in front of me and looked into my eyes. His lips twitched slightly, as if on the verge of speaking; his eyes seeking searching mine, seeking the answer to a question he had not yet asked. Just when he seemed as though he was about to speak his mind, he simply took a deep breath and smiled once more. "Shall we head to the Musee d'Orsay, Christine?"

I smiled halfheartedly and agreed. I had known what Raoul was going to ask me... Not the exact words perhaps, but I knew of his intentions. As he was looking into my eyes I was hoping against all hope that he would not voice his thoughts. Not just yet. I was nowhere near ready to answer them. No doubt, Raoul would be an idea man to marry. He would be a most suitable husband. We would have perfect children and I would want for nothing. I had known him for many years and he seemed decent in every aspect... But did I love him? I did not know. It would be right if I loved him... it would be all that was correct and proper. Perhaps love would grow? Perhaps the more time I spent with him... but surely, marriage must be built on love. After all, when one grows old and all else is gone, once all other hopes have failed, what else remains but love? And if there is no love to begin with... what then?

All of a sudden Erik came to mind. Perhaps I could love him? No, it was too soon for that... and surely it was impractical. But the way I felt around him was paralleled by nothing, no one...

For the next hour or two we walked arm in arm around the museum, remarking at the skills of those who we could never hope to match and all the while all I could think of was how much Erik would enjoy something like this. Erik was talented; artistic, creative... I had no doubt that he would benefit from something like this far more than Raoul would. When we finished, it was around five o'clock. I hadn't planned to meet Erik at a particular time but we had planned to meet earlier than we usually did; around six. It would be nice to share a meal with him as I had done with Raoul.

"I should return now, Raoul." I said to him.

"Now? But Christine, it is so early!"

"I know but I told you that I had to be back by this time... I'm meeting Meg, remember?" I lied.

"But surely, Meg won't mind too much if we stay out?" No, Meg would not, but Erik would.

"Raoul, you said it was fine. Won't you please take me back? I have to be back." I was beginning to panic, if he did not take me back I would have to make my own way back and I had not spent that much time in Paris by myself... especially not when it was growing dark.

"Alright. I will take you back. But not before a very quick meal!"

"No, Raoul I cannot eat now!" It was infuriating!

"Yes, you can! Come, It won't take long. Just have something small so that you can eat again with Meg. I haven't seen you in years, Christine!"

"I know but..."

"One quick meal... Thirty minutes at the most." I looked at him, knowing that I would either have to accede to his request or make my way back to the Opera in the darkness. It would not be thirty minutes. I knew that. Raoul had always had a poor sense of timing and I never knew if it was some sort of short-coming or whether it was just plain carelessness.

"Raoul... if you don't take me home, I shall have to find my own way."

"Don't be silly, Christine! What is thirty minutes with an old friend?" He held both of my hands in his and walked closer to me. "Thirty minutes, that is all I ask."

I looked down. It was only thirty minutes more... surely Erik wouldn't be that upset.

"Alright." I said.

When we arrived back at the Opera it was almost seven o'clock. The dinner had run late and we had been there for more than thirty minutes; just as I had predicted. I bid Raoul goodnight and thanked him for everything. He asked me when I was free to do it again but I told him that I wasn't sure. Truly, I had no idea and all I could think about was Erik and how late I was. I rushed up the grand staircase and through the passageways; their beautiful filigree was almost completely lost in the darkness.

As I reached the floor of my dressing room I was confronted by Meg.

"Meg, what is it?" I asked, as she looked clearly distraught. She embraced me.

"Christine... something has happened."

Happened? Immediately my thoughts were filled with Erik. Had something happened to him?

"Wh...what is it?" I asked.

"There has been a murder. At least that is what the police said..."

"A murder?! Who was it?"

"It was Joseph Buquet; the scene shifter." She whispered frantically as if she had waited for hours to be able to discuss it with someone. "They found him in the rafters above the stage..."

Immediately I relaxed and realized how silly I had been to worry for someone like Erik. There was no way that he would be at risk in this Opera house. There was no possible way that anyone here would be able to outsmart him. I was so relieved that I had to stifle a laugh that escaped my lips.

"Christine... aren't you worried?" She asked, beguiled at my actions. "The murderer could still be here! Maman says that it isn't safe to be wandering the corridors after dark anymore and that I should make sure you had arrived."

Worried? No... I wasn't worried. I knew that Erik was watching over me and would never let any harm befall me under this roof, even if I had just spent the afternoon with someone else. Then... I realized... Buquet had been found in the rafters above the auditorium... exactly where I had found Erik a few nights ago. He was considered the Opera Ghost and there were rumors flying around the ballet dormitories about him... But there were rumors about everyone. Surely Erik was not the thing to be afraid of.

Surely not.

I pushed the thought to the back of my mind.

"I will be fine... Meg. I have to go to my dressing room right now. Would you tell maman that I am safe and that I have to practice?" I knew that if what Erik had told me was true, Madame Giry would understand.

"Your dressing room! At this hour! Christine... what is going on?"

"I cannot explain right now Meg, but I promise that I will."

"Alright." Meg replied with much reluctance. "Alright, I will tell her. How was your date with Raoul?" She teased.

"It was not a date!" I corrected. "I have to go, Meg. I will tell you everything, I swear!" With that I hurried through the corridors, leaving Meg in the darkness.

"You had better!" She called after me. I hated leaving her ignorant to my plans. I had always told her everything. But I had Erik on my mind and it was getting later.

In darkness i entered my dressing room. I closed the door behind me and locked it before turning around and squinting in a foolish attempt to see further in the darkness. Struggling over to my dresser i clumsily lit a candle and held it out before me. It allowed me to what i was looking for; a figure at the end of the room. Erik was there. He had been simply waiting in the darkness since I entered my dressing room, waiting for me to find him. He was standing by the mirror, his cape draped across his shoulders, his arms folded across his chest. I could not see Erik anywhere in sight, there was only the Phantom; shrouded in darkness. I couldn't help but shiver slightly at his icy stare. Then he spoke, his voice low and menacing.

"You're late." He said.

Please let me know what you think! :)