AND WE'VE FINALLY REACHED THE END, FOLKS.

Chapter Forty-Six: I'll Remember Always

Raoul Vicomte du Chagny had not thought about the Phantom of the Opera for quite some time. In fact, he had made every effort over the years to keep the Phantom's presence out of his mind. However, he was not so sure Christine had been capable of doing so.

Occasionally, Raoul caught her staring out windows, across empty fields, and past people in bustling cities, and he wondered if she saw something he didn't, if she heard music in the air, or felt a tug on her soul, but, before he could ever ask, she would return to herself, smile brightly at him, and continue on as if nothing had occurred.

Raoul had heard nothing of the Phantom since that fateful night, and had no way of knowing if he was even still alive. Oftentimes, Raoul wondered if the Phantom thought on Christine. The idea plagued him constantly the first few months of their marriage, but faded to a distant whisper in the back of his mind with time and normalcy.

In any case, it would cease to bother him any longer. There was simply no point to worry anymore.

They came to a stop in the graveyard, surrounded by grey stone and silence. His footman reached over to help him stand, but he waved him away.

He wanted a moment alone with his wife.

Slowly treading over to the stone made brighter by her portrait, Raoul laid the music box he had only just purchased at its base. She had spoken of it so fondly and so often, it would be a sin to leave it anywhere else.

Breathing a deep sigh laden with repressed despair, Raoul prepared himself to turn around and return to his estate, suddenly made empty without his lady's presence, when he caught sight of red in a sea of pale grey.

There, tucked away beside his beloved wife's tombstone, was a bright red tea rose. One of her favorites, he recalled, if not for its sheer beauty, then the equally lovely meaning it held.

I'll remember always.

Immediately, Raoul found himself searching the area for the old foe he had fought long ago in this very spot, but there was nothing to be found except rustling leaves.

Looking back at the small offering, Raoul noted the gleam of his old engagement ring, and, despite himself, found a small, sad smile come to his face. He found himself simply incapable of begrudging an old enemy this one, final goodbye.

The Phantom had left them to their happiness, despite the fact that it had cost him his own. For that, Raoul could simply not find it within himself to hold onto any enmity. In his heart, Raoul suddenly knew it was foolish to think that the Phantom could have ever stopped thinking of Christine when it was quite obvious she had not been able to leave him behind.

Sometimes Raoul wondered if Christine had ever really left that lair, if, given the fair and honest choice, she would have chosen him over Erik. Raoul wondered a lot of things, but he was older and wiser than he had been. He could wonder all he wanted, but the fact remained that he had been blessed with a long happy marriage, with beautiful children, and the most spectacular woman the universe had managed to conjure.

It was for that reason, and for that reason alone that he could admit that, despite the fact that he had held her heart tightly with both hands, there was another who pulled at her very soul. There was only one man who stirred her spirit and entranced her so deeply. She had held onto another, more fragile heart, and had pieced it back together with painstaking care.

Raoul was unsure of what kind of life Christine and her Phantom could have had, but, one thing he knew for certain. For however short a time it lasted, their love was true.

Glancing one last time at old memories and monumental stone, Raoul bid goodbye to his wife and turned to leave, knowing it was finally time to give them their moment alone.

Tea Rose: I'll Remember Always

Author Note: Thank you to everyone who stuck with this until the end. I know this has been quite a drawn out endeavor and I really appreciate it.

As you can probably guess, I threw away the word count for this one. I thought the ending was far too important to be restricted by something so paltry. Also, for a long time I found myself debating which perspective to put this one in. The obvious choice was, of course, Erik, but after watching that scene again, I found myself wondering what was going through Raoul's mind at the sight of that Rose and BOOM suddenly this came out.

I would really appreciate a final review and for you guys to let me know what you think of this. Who knows, if I get enough, a bonus chapter might magically appear...

Thank you again. You guys are the best.

The Beauty Underneath