Disclaimer: Don’t own Phantom at all.

Notes: SO SO SO SORRY for the extremely long time since I’ve updated this (or any of my stories!), I have been completely uninspired to write any Phantom… but after editing this story, I felt compelled to play with it a bit more. Hence, this update!

XXX

“What nerve! First that note about his salary, about how this is his Opera House, and now this bit of rubbish!”

“Quite!” Andre nodded fervently as he stood across the desk from Firmin in their office.

“Mademoiselle Daae is currently studying at a capacity that far exceeds the level of tutelage she received under your organization. Rest assured that on opening night she will be back in your undeserving presence, ready to play the side roll – this time.

But mark my words, gentlemen. This will be the last time Mademoiselle Christine Daae is cast in anything but the highest roll. You have been warned.” Firmin recited as he held the piece of paper in hands trembling with outrage.

“At least he didn’t mention his wages again.” Andre soothed, patting his partner on the shoulder in a gesture of male camaraderie. Firmin rolled his eyes.

“What are we going to do about the Vicomte? I’d be less troubled by this missive if we didn’t have him breathing down our necks about the girl! He’s liable to tear this whole theater apart looking for her.”

“Who says he has to know?” Andre rejoined, and Firmin paused.

“Quite, my good man.”

XXX

Meanwhile, seven levels below the worried managers, Christine Daae was lost in a world of fantasy and romance as she reclined on the comfortable divan in the lair of The Phantom, reading one of many novels that had been recommended by her most unusual host.

In fact, Erik had pulled over a dozen books from his shelves and then had taken the time to sit with Christine and explain the premise and merits of each tome, eager to share some of his joys with her, and very pleased that she seemed so enthusiastic about his interests.

She was currently reading of the tiresome and rude Mr. Darcy when Erik slipped into the parlor with a tray in his hands.

He found himself rather eager to take care of the petite woman sharing his home, and had made a pot of tea, as well as gathered some biscuits from the kitchens up above, in order to treat Christine to a bit of an afternoon luncheon. He only had a month, after all, to convince her to never leave.

“Christine?” he called gently from the doorway, and she jumped a little before looking up and catching his gaze. He was pleased to see that she relaxed immediately.

“Oh, Erik! You startled me! I guess I was a bit lost in the story.” She said softly, face glowing. This book is absolutely wonderful! I find myself feeling almost as if I’m right there next to Elizabeth and the rest of the Bennett family, experiencing everything at their side!”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself, my dear. I had hoped you would find that particular novel to be to your enjoyment. The message that it gives, that people are not always as you first perceive them… well, I found it most appropriate, given our current situation.” Erik murmured as he brought the tray forward and placed it on the low table before the divan. Easily he poured Christine a cup and held it out on the small saucer, meeting her eyes with his intense gaze.

Blushing, although she wasn’t exactly sure why, Christine marked her page delicately, then set the book aside and accepted the tea from her host, giving a soft gasp when their fingertips brushed. Erik appeared equally as surprised by the unexpected contact, although Christine noted, most strangely, that he appeared more shaken than anything, as if touching her had disrupted some delicate balance inside of himself.

“Well, I shall leave you to your tea. I will be in the music room, if you have need of me.” Erik excused himself, giving a short bow and heading to the door.

“Wait, do you have to go?” When he turned and gave her a curious look, she flushed lightly and continued, “I mean, I’ve been on my own all morning and I certainly wouldn’t mind some company, if you’re agreeable.”

Giving a nod, Erik returned to her side, and seated himself on the other side of the divan, leaving plenty of space between them. It certainly wouldn’t do to crowd her, not when everything seemed to be going so well according to his plan.

“So, Erik…” Christine began, looking at him a bit shyly before returning her gaze to stare into the dark tea in her cup, watching the steam rise and the liquid swirl as she moved with her breathing, “before I came here, what did you do with yourself all day?”

He was thoughtful for a moment, and then replied, “I spent a great deal of time with my music, or buried within a novel or two. And of course, there was the time I spent tutoring you,” he looked a bit uncomfortable, “the time seemed to pass quickly enough, I suppose when you’re quite used to being on your own… well, it’s never quite difficult to entertain yourself.”

Christine nodded, realizing just what a lonely life her teacher must have led.

“But surely you must have had people around you before… before you and I met?”

He slowly shook his head. “No, no companionship for Erik… I have been most alone for a very long time. There are those I must associate with in order to maintain my lifestyle, some people I have under my… employ, I suppose, to fetch things for me… but it has been many long years since I have been in close contact with others, and even then, the experience was not… pleasant.”

“Oh, I see.” Christine said softly, although she didn’t feel all that less confused and in the dark.

She could see that Erik was fidgeting just a little, and realized that the line of conversation must be getting a bit uncomfortable for him. Well of course it is, you fool! She castigated herself, anyone could see that he’s had a painful life; poking into his business is probably quite unpleasant for him!

“But you aren’t unfamiliar to loneliness, Christine.” He pulled her from her thoughts with his softly spoken words. “For you have felt very alone, even in a crowd of people ever since your father died, have you not?”

She blinked, surprised to be stripped bare before him emotionally with just one simple observation. She nodded dumbly.

“We aren’t so different from one another, you know. We’ve both known great loss, and great misfortune. We both long for someone to understand us, to soothe us, and sometimes, to protect us from the cruelties of the world. I feel I must tell you, Christine, that I have often felt that you have the ability to understand me, understand the pain I feel, the lonesome depths of my soul, better than any other being ever could. Does that make you uncomfortable?”

She wasn’t sure. Blinking, she wet her lips with a quick pass of her tongue.

“I… I’m not sure. I don’t feel as if I understand anything about you, really.” She admitted, and Erik chuckled.

“Then we are quite on the same page, my dear. I often feel I don’t understand myself in the slightest.”