Author's Note
I am placing this at the top, since we are on the final Chapter. Kelli, this Chapter I dedicate to you! -wonder twin hugs-

This Chapter starts off with Erik and Christine intimacy. Hopefully this is tasteful enough for the M Rating. I don't want to offend anyone, but believe me I edited as much as I could to still keep the action flowing. If you don't read the uncut version, you won't be missing any of the storyline, so don't worry. -hugs- As a reminder for those who are looking for a little more, you can read the uncut version over at the Adult Fan Fiction site (same pen name and story name over there). You have been warned!

Now, on with the fluff...

CHAPTER 50

Everything had fallen into place. The Phantom had finally come full circle and he was determined to be nothing more than Erik Delacroix. The grand opening of the Opera Populaire was a week away and Christine was excited. They had picked out their costumes for the Masquerade Ball. Erik chose to be Hades, since he refused to go to the ball as a fairy tale prince, so Christine decided on Persephone. The mask he designed was black and came down on both sides of his cheeks with flames around the eyes. He also created Christine's mask. It was silver with white feathers fanned out along the sides. As and personalized feature, Erik had two sets of wings custom made for their costumes, a pair of white wings for Christine and a pair of black wings for himself.

"Mon ange, you will look exquisite!" Erik said as Christine played with her mask. She placed it on her face and turned to him.

"Do you like it?" Christine asked carefully.

Erik had to wear a mask all his life, so she wasn't sure how he would feel about her wearing one now before him.

Erik walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "I prefer your angelic face than to have it covered up by a mask, but perhaps we can have a bit of fun," Erik grinned.

"What are you suggesting, Erik?" Christine asked curiously.

Erik placed his finger to her mouth to silence her, and then slowly traced her lips.

Christine closed her eyes and soon his touch was replaced by a kiss.

He nibbled on her bottom lip and picked her up into his strong arms, bringing her by the fireplace, and placing her onto the crimson and gold fainting sofa.

Erik stood before her, the light from the fire silhouetting his frame. He gazed into her eyes as he slowly removed his shirt, tossing it aside. Placing his hands onto his trousers, Erik watched, as Christine's eyes grew hungry behind her mask. He slid his trousers down and stepped out of them. He placed himself on top of Christine carefully.

She brought her hand up to try and remove his mask, but he grabbed her wrist and said, "Tonight we shall hide from the world, making love in this, our masquerade." He brought his mouth down to her neck passionately.

Christine gasped as he nuzzled at her neck.

He pulled her nightgown down from her right shoulder. He moved his mouth to it, pulling her gown further to reveal her supple breasts. He kneaded and stroked her silken peaks, adding more pressure as he licked her nipple and covered it with his mouth. She moaned in delight as he teased her breasts. He moved his right hand down between her legs and slowly traced along the inside of her thigh. He could feel her heated skin underneath his touch, as he got closer to his destination. As he held a steady hand against her moistened haven, he moved his mouth up against the underside of her chin and began to caress her slowly.

Her breathing became heavy as she quickly captured his lips with her own. Her tongue plunged into the warmth of his mouth as Erik massaged her swollen flesh. He slowed his movements purposely as he listened to her whimper. He brought his mouth to her ear and nibbled her lobe.

"Tell me how it feels, Christine," he said in a growl.

"Your touch… is like… fire… upon my skin…" Christine panted as Erik continued his slow movements between her legs. "I cannot… deny you, Erik… I need you…"

"You are mine, Christine," Erik said as he quickened his rhythm. "I shall play upon your body until it sings for me!" He commanded feverishly.

Christine gripped the sides of the sofa firmly as the pressure began to build against his touch. She bit down on her bottom lip as he stroked her with reckless abandon. She could no longer hold back the burning need for release. Ecstasy consumed her body, as beads of sweat glistened against her creamy skin.

The look behind her mask was filled with carnal desire as she grabbed onto Erik's shoulders and brought him to the floor. He let out a breath as they fell before the fireplace.

She ran her fingernails across his chest as he growled under her control. She leaned forward and bit his neck gently, then ran her tongue across his skin. She brought her mouth over his nipple, circling her tongue against it.

He reached underneath her nightgown and held her backside firmly.

"Since you wish to play tonight, perhaps I should dance upon your stage, maestro," Christine purred as she moved lower, placing tiny kisses upon his stomach.

Erik brushed at her curls as they rested across his chest.

Christine ran her hands against his sides and down across his legs, then ran her fingernails upward along the inside of his thighs.

"Christine? What are you…" he swallowed hard as she wrapped her hands around his manhood.

She placed a kiss to it then proceeded to pleasure him instinctively.

Erik's body tensed at the sensation she was giving him. He growled deeply in the back of his throat as she had her way with him. He held his hands at the back of her head, the warmth of her mouth around him maddening. His breath quickened as she increased her rhythm.

She looked up at him and the tension in his face was apparent. She quickly got on top of him and guided him within her.

Erik grabbed her breasts as she moved against him forcefully. He met her movements with equal fervor, as he brought himself up in a sitting position. He placed his arms around her back and held tight to her shoulders, pulling her down upon him. She threw her head back as Erik sucked her neck savagely.

His need was becoming undeniable and the pressure was building within her. She wrapped her legs around his waist, bracing herself for sweet release.

"Oh… Erik… my Angel…" Christine panted in delirium.

"Christine…I am yours…" Erik whispered seductively and then growled roughly, "And you… belong to me!"

Their breathing intensified as they brought each other to a climactic crescendo. He filled her completely with his essence then slowly collapsed against the floor, bringing her down with him.

Their bodies trembled against each other as they listened to the steady crackling of the fire. They held each other tenderly, falling asleep to recapture their masquerade in dreams.

The festivities for Bastille Day were in full swing across France. Fireworks could be seen all across town, as its Parisians walked the streets in colorful costumes. The Opera Populaire was about to open its doors for the first time since its destruction and crowds anxiously waited outside the magnificently rebuilt opera house.

To avoid the onslaught of people, Victor drove the carriage around the back to allow the Delacroix's private access inside.

"Are you ready, my prima donna?" Erik asked as he held his hand out for his wife.

"Oui, mon amour," Christine said with a smile.

Victor followed behind the couple, carrying their costumes for the ball. They entered the building and made their way to Christine's dressing room.

Raoul arrived at the Girys flat to escort them to the opera house. Meg insisted that they keep their costumes for the ball a secret, so Raoul had his costume delivered to the opera house.

Francois carried Meg's costume as Raoul helped Meg and Madame Giry into the carriage.

Madame Giry was already dressed in a gold and silver ball gown. Her gold mask was wing shaped with crystal beads hanging from both ends.

Arriving at the front of the opera house, Raoul and the Girys' swam through the crowd as they made their way to the foyer. Once inside, Raoul went backstage to meet with the managers and make sure everything was going as planned.

Meg went to her dressing room to change for the production and Madame Giry went to gather the ballet girls upstairs.

Moving between several backdrops, Raoul approached the managers. They seemed to be arguing with one another. Andre had his hands behind his back, pacing the area between him and his partner. Firmin was gesturing wildly with his hands like a madman.

"What more can possibly happen this night?" Andre groaned.

"What will we do, Andre? It's much too late to find a replacement for the part of Harlequin!" Firmin panicked.

"What is the problem, Messieurs?" Raoul inquired.

"It's Perrin! He cannot perform. The fool was celebrating the Bastille earlier and he is quite inebriated!" Firmin said with disgust.

Raoul looked beyond the managers as he saw several of the stagehands trying to remove Perrin from backstage. The drunken ninny fell over several of the props before passing out.

"Is there no one that can take his place?" Raoul said with concern.

"None! We're ruined!" Firmin took his handkerchief from his pocket and began fanning himself.

"Then I will do it," Raoul said immediately.

"Comte? But, you do not know any of the lines," Andre said perplexed.

"I assure you, Messieurs, I know the production well and I have been going over the lines with Mademoiselle Giry," Raoul said confidently.

Both managers looked at one another then back at Raoul.

It was either him, which was a risk considering they did not know what his singing or acting abilities were, or refund everyone's money.

They each grabbed a firm hold on the Comte's arms and swiftly ushered him off the stage and to the dressing room to prepare him for the play.

Andre and Firmin sat in their private Box, bracing themselves for the start of the production. They nervously wondered if placing Raoul in as Harlequin was a good idea or not. They would find out soon enough.

As the house lights dimmed and the curtain rose, they crossed themselves in hopes for a miraculous performance.

"I do hope the audience refrains from stringing us up above the rafters," Firmin said nervously.

"Oh do shut up, Richard!" Andre whispered firmly.

Christine and Meg appeared upon the stage and they played against each other wonderfully.

Lisette (Meg):
"But surely, I cannot do this! Is it not wrong to deceive the man you are to be married to?"
(Lisette is holding up Silvia's elegant gown as her mistress motions to her to put it on.)

Silvia (Christine):
"The only deception, dear sweet Lisette, is that I know not of this Durante's intentions. What if he is some pompous boob?"
(Silvia places the backside of her hand to her forehead dramatically.)

The audience laughed at the girls' performance as they spoke about trading places to fool Silvia's betrothed.

As Harlequin was cued in, Meg was surprised to hear Raoul's voice. She wondered what had happened to Perrin, but she was not complaining. It was wonderful to have Raoul with her on the stage.

Harlequin-Durante (Raoul):
"My lady! I have arrived! Surely, you must have missed me. I believe a kiss is in order!"
(Harlequin, posing as his master Durante, tries to kiss her. She turns her head and he kisses her cheek instead.)

Lisette-Silvia(Meg):
"Do not misbehave. I am a lady. It is not proper for you to be so forward!"
(Lisette, posing as her mistress Silvia, smacks her fan upon Harlequin's head.)

Christine smiled as Meg and Raoul ran through their lines. Raoul playfully capered across the stage, engrossed in the role of Harlequin as he sung to Meg.

Harlequin-Durante(Raoul):
Come now, don't be shy
You should not question why
Because I love you
And I know you love me too!
(Lisette gasps at Harlequin's bluntness.)

Do not play this game
I know you feel the same
Because I love you
And I know you love me too!
(Harlequin tries to kiss Lisette again as he sings foolishly, but she pushes him away, shaking her head.)

The audience was in hysterics at Raoul and Meg's performance. They took on their respective roles mischievously. He sang through several lines and after his last note was sung, the curtain fell to change scenes.

The applause was deafening as Andre and Firmin grinned from ear to ear.

The curtain came up again and a single spotlight was focused upon the stage as Erik made his dramatic entrance.

Durante-Harlequin(Erik):
This game of love is ending
I cannot go on pretending
For you and I can never be
You do not know the real me
(Durante moves across the stage alone, until a second spotlight shines on Silvia.)

The audience was mesmerized by his voice and as Christine graced the stage joining him, their heavenly song took flight.

Silvia-Lisette(Christine):
This game of chance is a lie
But these feelings I cannot deny
Please guide my wayward heart
For I do not wish us to part
(Silvia walks toward Durante, but as he's about to touch her face, she turns and takes a few steps away from him.)

Erik and Christine continued several lines of their song of love and denial as they circled one another. Their portrayal of Durante and Silvia, posing as their servants, was spellbinding. The audience was captivated by their performance, holding their breaths as the two singers sang in unison.

(Both)
Hold me like you've never held
Touch me like you've never touched
Kiss me like you've never kissed
We will love each other now, in this stolen moment
(Durante and Silvia meet in the middle of the stage, holding each other's hands tightly. Their faces are mere inches away from one another, but they do not kiss.)

The audience was in awe as their song came to a close. There was a few moments of silence and in one swift uproar, everyone rose to their feet and threw roses at the couple.

Erik and Christine smiled and turned to the audience, taking a bow.

The rest of the play was a huge success. The final curtain call was held as the cast came together upon the stage. They took several bows as the audience showed no desire to exit the auditorium.

The cast retreated, scrambling to the dressing area to change for the masquerade ball.

Erik thought about the crowd ahead of time and brought Christine through a secret passage that led just a few feet away from her dressing room. They entered the room and Erik quickly closed the door behind them as several gentlemen started calling out for Madame Delacroix.

"It appears you have many admirers, mon ange," Erik said as he took in the sight around the room.

Dozens of flowers were scattered about in different colors.

Christine smiled as her cheeks flushed. It had been too long since she had performed on stage and the feeling was exhilarating.

"Shall I put my cape on and scare them away?" Erik teased as several voices behind the door called for his wife.

"Don't worry, mon amour. There is but one man that holds my affection," Christine said as she walked up to him and kissed him devotedly.

She began to remove her clothes during their kiss and Erik opened his left eye to view her.

"I did not know we had time to make love, but if you insist," Erik said as he began to strip his jacket from his body.

Christine giggled at her husband's playfulness.

"We must get dressed for the ball, Erik, but don't worry, there will be plenty of time to make love when we return home," Christine winked.

Erik grabbed her close to him and began to kiss her neck. "And plenty of time to make love the following morning," he moved to kiss her cheek, "and the next day," he kissed her nose, "and the next!" he covered her mouth passionately.

Raoul changed into his costume for the ball. He wore a full suit of chain mail armor and a knightly surcoat over it, in the colors of the French flag. He tied back his hair and placed his coif onto his head. Under his coif, he wore a silver facemask. "Meg will never recognize me with my entire face hidden," Raoul thought as he inspected himself in the mirror. "One last thing to get and the night shall be mine," Raoul smiled under his mask. He placed his sword in its sheath and then turned on his heel out of the dressing room.
Madame Giry helped Meg into her mermaid costume. She pinned sections of her daughter's loose hair with tiny gold seashells.

Meg began to have second thoughts about her costume choice. She was not sure how Raoul would act. "Maybe Cinderella would have been a better choice," Meg thought.

"Do you think he will like it, Maman?" Meg asked nervously.

"You look beautiful, chéri. That man is blind if he does not think so," Madame Giry said as she tied Meg's sea-green cape around her neck. It flowed behind her, ending in the shape of a tail.

Meg looked at herself in the mirror and smiled. The shimmering sea-green and gold designs on her dress sparkled in the light.

Madame Giry handed Meg her golden mask and brought her daughter out to the foyer where everyone was gathering.

The orchestra played various symphonies by Bach and Mozart, as Parisians gathered in the foyer. Once the crowd had settled, Monsieur Reyer proceeded with Mouret's "Fanfare" as the upper class of society made their way down the grand staircase, under announcement.

The corps de ballet entertained the guests with a routine Madame Giry had spent weeks rehearsing with the girls. They were dressed in market costumes, mimicking the personalities of Viennese women. They paraded around the grand staircase to Strauss's "Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka." The crowd laughed in delight at their humorous display and then cheered as their whimsical production came to an end.

Madame Giry clapped proudly for her girls. They did not miss a single step, to her amazement.

Erik and Christine walked down the grand hall as the orchestra began to play Tchaikovsky's "The Sleeping Beauty Suite: Waltz." He swept Christine into his arms and spun her into the middle of the foyer.

"They are playing our song, mon ange," Erik smiled as he took up her hand, wrapping his right arm around her waist.

The couple danced like they were upon a cloud. Their black and white wings were a vision to behold. They stared into each other's eyes as if no one else was around them.

"I love you, Christine," Erik said faithfully.

Christine beamed a precious smile at her husband. "I love you too, Erik. Always!"

Meg had looked everywhere for Raoul. Unbeknownst to her, he had been watching her since she had entered the foyer. She found it impossible to spot him through the mass of people. She stepped outside of the Opera Populaire to catch her breath.

The night sky was a sea of colors as fireworks continued to celebrate the Bastille.

"I wonder if my lady would care to join me for a dance?" a muffled voice said from behind her.

Meg turned around and stood before a knight. His face was fully covered and she couldn't make out whom this man was. She continued to stare at him curiously.

"Oh, my apologies," the muffled voice said as he reached under his chin and freed his face from his mask.

"Raoul!" Meg said with excitement as she wrapped her arms around him fiercely.

"You look amazing, little Meg. This was a wonderful surprise, indeed," he smiled as he ran his hands along the sides of her hair. He brought them down her arms then took her hands within his. "Shall we dance, little Meg?" Raoul asked charmingly.

"I would love to, good sir knight," Meg curtsied.

Raoul and Meg entered the foyer as the music died down. Raoul looked to Monsieur Reyer and nodded. The orchestra began to play Handel's "Water Music: Suite No. 2" and Raoul danced her across the foyer through the crowd.

They circled the floor elegantly as his mother and father watched from the top of the grand staircase.

Meg became breathless as Raoul swept her off her feet, spinning her around as the song came to a close. He brought her down then slowly got down on one knee.

"Raoul, what are you doing? Get up!" Meg whispered in a confused panic.

Everyone around them was staring at the young couple.

Raoul cleared his voice then said aloud, "My apologies for the interruption, ladies and gentlemen, but there is something important I wish to ask this beautiful maiden of the sea."

He reached into a small leather pouch he had attached to his belt, which kept his surcoat in place. He pulled out a small velvet box and held it up to her with both hands. "Meg, you have graced me with tender moments that I have treasured since you came into my life. Your smile has warmed my heart. Your laugh has filled me with happiness. The comfort of your eyes and the warmth of your arms have lifted my soul. Your beauty is timeless, like a work of art and every time I close my eyes, your face is there on the canvas of my mind. I wish to spend every new moment by your side, if you will have me."

Meg's eyes began to swell with tears. As she blinked, they fell down her face like drops of rain.

Raoul opened the box before her and inside was an engagement ring, made of white gold. A mine cut sapphire was uplifted in the center, accented by thirty-two diamonds, four of the diamonds being set within a heart shaped design on the band, two hearts on each side of the center stone. The rest of the diamonds were set horizontally on the cut out band.

"Megan Alaine Giry, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Meg placed her hands around his and said in a shaky voice, "Yes, Raoul! Yes I will!"

The crowd of people applauded as Raoul took the ring from the box and placed it upon Meg's finger. He kissed her hand then got back up. They looked into each other's eyes and kissed each other lovingly.

Raoul's mother was in tears, as was Madame Giry.

The Marquis de Chagny stood tall watching over his only son. A small tear twinkled at the corner of his eye.

Anaïs looked to her husband and smiled as she wiped the tear away. The Marquis cleared his throat trying to compose himself.

"Oh, Jérôme…" Anaïs said with a small giggle.

Erik and Christine stood behind Madame Giry as she wiped at her face with a handkerchief.

Christine rubbed her back and smiled. A few tears escaped her eyes as she viewed her two dear friends.

"This has certainly been an interesting year," Erik said as he watched the Comte and Meg embracing each other. "Maestro!" Erik called out to Monsieur Reyer.

Catching his attention, he continued, "This is a celebration, Monsieur. Would you be so kind as to play Handel's "La Rejoissance" for the young couple, s'il vous plaît?"

Monsieur Reyer nodded and tapped his baton on the music stand. The orchestra began to play as everyone danced joyously around the newly engaged couple.

From beyond the crowd, two men watched as everyone continued to celebrate. They were particularly interested in the young Comte.

"So… is he the one?" the burly man asked his partner.

"Oui," the thin man answered

"And all we do is keep an eye on him?" the burly man scratched his bald head in confusion.

"For now… until we receive further instruction," the thin man grinned evilly.

It was just past midnight as everyone began to exit the opera house. The entire evening was amazing. The Bastille had come and gone and the Opera Populaire was in the Parisian spotlight once again.

Erik and Christine thought about gracing the stage once again in the near future. Erik had several operas written that he would love to have performed on the stage someday.

As they arrived at The House of Roses, Nicolas was sitting outside awaiting his master.

"Monsieur, this came for you," Nicolas said as he handed a letter to Erik.

"Is it not a bit late to be receiving a personal correspondence?" Erik questioned as he took the letter from his butler.

"Oui, I thought the same, Monsieur. I figured it must be of great importance," Nicolas stated.

"Who is it from, Erik?" Christine asked curiously.

Erik looked at the front of the envelope and recognized the handwriting immediately. "It appears to be from the Daroga. Go and get ready for bed and I shall be with you shortly, mon ange," Erik said as he placed a quick kiss to her lips.

Christine entered the house while Erik addressed Nicolas. "Be at my disposal, Nicolas. I sense this will require an immediate response."

"Very well, Monsieur," Nicolas said as he nodded in compliance.

Erik sat in his study and turned up the gas lamp upon his desk. He broke the seal on the envelope and unfolded the letter. He began to read, furrowing his brow curiously at its contents.

Erik,

I hope this message finds you well. I have heard of Christine's recovery and I am overjoyed. Unfortunately, I have some information that requires your immediate attention. Yes, my old friend, you must come to Morocco as soon as possible. What I have to tell you must be told in person. I am not sure how you will take the news I possess, but you should find it most intriguing.

I await your response and I suggest you come alone. It may not be suitable for Christine and I am not quite sure of the situations we may encounter.

-Nadir

Erik placed the note on his desk and thought about what Nadir had written him. "What exactly have you uncovered in Morocco, you Persian devil?" Erik thought curiously.

He leaned against his leather chair and placed his long legs on top of his desk. "What mischief are you getting me into this time, Daroga?" He sighed heavily.

XXXXXXXXXX-Fin-XXXXXXXXXX


Author's Note x2
Yes, there will be a sequel. Be sure to look for it in a few weeks, as I am taking a small break for myself. -smiles- The sequel will be titled: "Truth Be Told." To those who have stuck with the story since the beginning, I love you all for the support and the wonderful reviews you have given me. I never thought my first fan fiction would get this much interest. I am truly humbled. I am glad I was able to entertain you all with my imagination. Thanks for being so phantastic to me! -salute-

Regarding The Game of Love and Chance, for anyone that's actually seen the play, I've ad-libbed the production (dialogue/music) here to fit the story setting, so I hope that did not take away from the story at all.

Regarding my French, it's not something I am perfect at, though I wished to include it in the story to bring it to life. I am very open to editing any errors, so feel free to contact me via email or review and let me know what corrections need to be made. Thanks again in advance and my apologies again if anyone found this fic hard to read because of the language errors.

Update Regarding Languages
I may decide on removing the French altogether, when I re-edit this story in the future. I'm still undecided and it's not a high priority at this time, but I'm playing with the idea. I just thought I'd let everyone know.

Special Thanks
I wanna take this opportunity to thank my editor, Kelli, for putting up with all my typos, errors, and for giving me revision ideas. This is as much your story as it is mine. Without you, this wouldn't have been possible, so thank you from the bottom of my heart!

To Gerard Butler: You have been a great inspiration for me to finally get off my butt and write. You truly are amazing! I hope one day to cross paths with you, if only to be able to thank you in person. -super snogs-

Last, but certainly not least, to the wonderful Gaston Leroux, Susan Kay, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Joel Schumacher for giving us "The Phantom of the Opera." All us POTO fan fiction writers would not be here today without these beautiful characters, your vision. -bows to the masters-

Disclaimer
I do not own any rights, nor am I affiliated to the following: Mouret's "Fanfare," Strauss's "Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka," Tchaikovsky's "The Sleeping Beauty Suite: Waltz," and Handel's "Water Music: Suite No. 2," and "La Rejoissance."