Note: For those of you who think this is a plotless story, and cliché... just wait. If you've read anything that I've ever written before, either here or at fictionpress, you know that my stuff starts out slow, but gets very intricate very fast. The first chapter was just that; an introduction of sorts. Anyhow, here's the next chapter.

And you didn't think Raoul would give up that easily, did you? And if he sounded like a prick... I happen to not mind him that much, so yeah... if your wife of three years left you for someone who seemed to you like a monster, what would you do? Be a prick! ^_^




Erik fed Christine, preparing her a grand breakfast, before seeing her out the door to go file her desired divorce from Raoul. He had asked if she would like him to accompany her, but Christine had gently insisted that he remain home, reminding him that he didn't like to go out in the light, and she assured him that she would be just fine.

He agreed, and spent the day, to his amazement, composing music.

The song was gentle, and he decided right away that it was for the baby. Their baby. He was so involved in his music that he scarcely realized when Christine had arrived home, until he heard her voice call tentatively from the doorway.

He turned and smiled invitingly at Christine. He stood swiftly, and seemed to glide across the room to take her into his arms.

All is taken care of? He asked, smiling down into her lovely eyes. She nodded, cuddling close to him.

Yes, and the papers are on their way to Raoul as we speak.

He laughed excitedly, pulling Christine up into his arms, and spinning her around before setting her back to the ground, kissing her gently.

Christine blushed, looking up at Erik and grinning. Now, we can only hope that Raoul signs the papers in a timely fashion... She mused, looking around. Erik merely nodded, lost in thought. Christine, to be his bride! The thought filled him with an unbearable joy, he wanted to jump up, to scream from the roof of the Opera House that Christine Daae, the love of his life, would marry him, would have a child which the two of them would raise as their own! He couldn't believe his good luck... and he knew that Christine was the only thing which could ever make him so... giddy.

Erik... Erik, are you all right? Christine asked, noticing the strange look on his face. He turned to grin at her, and nodded slowly.

Of course, my dear. I was just thinking... soon you.. you will be my wife...

Christine smiled, putting a hand gently to Erik's cheek. Yes, and you will be my husband.

Lovingly, Erik placed his hand on top of Christine's, holding it to his cheek with his eyes closed. Come, my dear... we should talk. He stated, leading Christine by her fingertips to sit on the sofa near him. She nodded, curious, but not speaking.

Erik, instead of sitting next to Christine, chose to sit across from her.

Christine... a child... a child cannot be raised beneath ground... cannot be raised in a house near an underground lake beneath an Opera...a child needs sun, needs fresh air and light and... and people, Christine...

She lowered her head. She had thought of this as well, but had not known how to bring the subject up.

he continued, we have a problem, my dear. For we will have to leave this place before our baby makes an appearance in the world... I will not have it live here. I could not do such a thing. He stated firmly, wringing his hands slightly. Which means... we shall need to begin a search for a new home... he took a deep breath, running a hand over his masked face, in the light. And here, in Paris.

Why in Paris, Erik? Christine asked, genuinely confused now.

Erik looked baffled. So you can sing, of course! Erik insisted, giving her a strange look. That is what you wish to do, isn't it? Start singing again?

Christine nodded slowly. Well... yes, that would be what I want to do, but Erik... I'm to have a baby... and I left without telling anyone where I went... I don't think the managers will welcome me back with open arms. She said in a cynical voice, and Erik chuckled.

You forget, your fiancé is the the infamous Opera Ghost. I can make sure you return to your position.

Christine frowned, shaking her head. I don't want to receive something out of their fear for you... I want it because I earn it...

Erik nodded, it made sense. But Christine, you're good enough for it... you earned it once..

Let me try my way first, please? She asked, looking to him pleadingly, let me earn that position once again... Erik gave a slight smile.

Of course. I would have it no other way, if that is what you wish.

She nodded gratefully, and moved closer to Erik. May I sit with you now? She asked lovingly, and he smiled, pulling Christine into his lap.

That sounds lovely. He mumbled, nuzzling his face into her hair and causing her to laugh.

--

Raoul received the papers later that day, and put his face in his hands. He had hoped that Christine would change her mind, that instead of the papers showing up on his doorstep, a guilt-ridden Christine would be there.

But no, he instead held some papers in his hand, and a pen. All they needed was his signature, and he would no longer be the husband of Christine.

How could he do this? Briefly he thought of burning the papers, but the image of a livid Phantom surged through his mind, and he hastily signed the papers, tears in his eyes as he handed them to the messenger, who got back onto his horse and set off to Paris again.

Raoul sobbed softly, walking through the Chateau and to the large room, filled with children's toys, and against one wall, a small crib.

Walking to the hand-carved bed, waiting for their bundle of joy, Raoul reached inside, drawing out the blanket which Christine had carefully labored to make, spending endless nights before the fire sewing, and sobbed into it, burrying his face into the soft material.

It seemed all the time spent acquiring the carefully made items for their child had been a waste.

He thought of giving them to Christine, but he didn't want to go back there. Never again.

--

Thank you all so much for the positive feed back, and I assure you there will be more of this fic very very soon!