Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Prologue

The Royal Albert Hall is where many magical shows have come to life. What has come to life is Andrew Lloyd-Webber's fantastic music 'The Phantom of the Opera'.

Far below the magnificent stage in the Paris Opera House called 'Opera Populaire', hides a man known as the Phantom in a shadowy and dark existence. Shamed by his physical appearance and feared by all, the love he holds for a beautiful ballerina and singer Christine Daaé is so strong, but she shuns his love for another. He is left in despair and anger takes over.

The Albert Hall hired in many freelance professions for the shows and tried to find passionate people who loved the plot. They hire 2 very capable and impassioned theatre crew, who were more than ready to take on the world of the phantom of the opera.

Their names where Bethany Ellis and Leonna Willey.

Bethany Ellis is a 25 year old women who is rather short and with that came a short temper. Her face is covered with freckles which she mostly hid with makeup, but sometimes she would forget to put some on and everyone would comment about how she was a freckle factory. Her hair is long hazelnut colour which in certain lights looked ginger, but no-one actually said that to her face as they were terrified of her anger when called ginger. Her eyes are a deep brown, which many have commented saying that they thought with those eyes that she could see into your soul if she stared long enough and that she would know every secret just by looking at you. Her face is fairly pale, but due to the freckles she looks much more tanned. Beth liked wearing leather and black jeans with any top, but it was usually black with something on it.

Leonna was also 25 year old woman who was only centimetres taller than Beth, but her temper was much more controlled than Beth's. Her face was pale and her complexion is fair. Her hair is long, thick and brown with blonde highlights, it's quite frizzy anymore frizzy and she would be Hermione Granger. Her eyes are blue like the sea after a storm. She has a mischievous air about that set many people on edge. Leo on the other hand liked wearing shorts, a crop top and any thin cardigans if it was colder.

It was the last night of the production when Leonna found out about a competition online, which had a prize of  being 2 tickets to Paris for a week as well as tickets for the tour of the Opéra Populaire. The competition itself was a 20 quiz about the Phantom of the Opera book, which is why so many of the competitors failed the quiz.

They were really excited when answering the questions and had so much fun seeing if they would win. About a week after they completed the quiz Leo got an email saying that they had won by answering all the questions right. Even though they had years of lessons both Beth and Leo spoke very little French, just about enough to get them by.

And so the story begins with the adventure that would change their lives forevermore….

Chapter Text

Chapter 1 – Fun Holiday Time

They both arrived at St. Pancras station in London at 10:30am ready for the euro star train at 1pm.

"So do you have everything that the company sent…the tickets for the train and opera house?" Beth asked.

"Yes already stop asking dear god woman you are really annoying me now" Leo replied in an irritable voice.

(AN: Just to let everyone know we had this conversation in the past…for example it happened yesterday.)

"Right ok…so…I have my check list for the gate let's get our stuff out and ready. I think my mum put all mine into an envelope for me." Beth remarked.

They had been seated in the waiting area for about 10 minutes now and Beth has been annoying Leo by asking so many questions and even repeating some just because she was on edge, plus it was a bonus to annoy Leo.

They were soon passing their passports and passes through to the security and they passed with no problems. They soon boarded the train at about 12:30pm. They had won the premium seats on the train. The train itself was lovely and the seats were a wide comfy leather that had a reasonable amount of foot room. Enough that Beth would not complain about getting cramps.

Once they had arrived in Paris they had arranged a taxi to take them to the Cleré Hotel, which was near the Eiffel Tower. Their room was on the top floor, so all Beth did was groan and grumble up the steps. They had been given one room which had an ensuite attached, with 2 double beds, a wardrobe, chest of draws and desk with a chair. They room had a balcony which had a table and chairs and was decorated with several pots of plants. The balcony itself had a beautiful view of the city and the Eiffel Tower.

As soon as they had explored the rooms they unpacked all their clothing into the wardrobe and the draws.

"Hey now that we have finished unpacking, do you want to look up somewhere to eat for dinner this afternoon?" Beth queried to Leo.

"Sure, let me look some close restaurants now." Leo replied.

Leo looked up on her phone, which she had not put down since they had arrived in London hours before, the closest restaurant. The restaurant that they went to was called 'La Rose de France'. Beth ordered the 'Steak Diane', which is a lean steak cooked in a sauce which has been laced with brandy and set aflame when cooking, which Beth could see from her seat. Leo on the other hand ordered 'Blanquette de Veau' which is a stew made up of veal cooked in a white sauce usually made with butter, cream, lemon and much more. It was served with some, in Leo's opinion adorable, baby carrots on the side.

While eating they discussed what they were going to do the next day. They finally made a decision and chose to explore Paris and visit the Eiffel Tower in the evening. With their plan made they decided to go back to the hotel and spend some time watching TV they do not understand for fun. They soon fell asleep.

The next day they went to the lobby of the hotel and bought a map of Paris to wonder around the city and find their way to the tower in the afternoon.

They made their way to Notre dame de Paris as Beth wanted to sing songs from the movie 'Hunchback of Notre Dame'. They explored the treasury which contained various items that intrigued Beth and Leo, such as old books and documents relating to the restoration of the Cathedral itself. They also climb up the towers to the top of the building and saw the view of Paris, which was beautiful. They also saw the bells and Beth made a joke if calling Quasimodo's name out. The last placed the went in the Cathedral was the crypt underneath the buildings where some old artefacts from years ago had been found and had been placed on display. They walked to a Crêperie du Cloître, a restaurant near the Cathedral to have lunch. They walked to the metro which took them to the 'Arc de Triomphe' and then make their way to the Eiffel tower by the metro again. They discussed whether to take the lift or the stair, but decided to take the lift as there was too many stairs for Beth to handle, plus she was way too lazy to climb the steps. Beth and Leo both enjoyed the view, it was amazing and Beth could not get enough as she loved heights as did Leo.

They found themselves at a different restaurant than yesterday near their hotel as they made their way back on the metro and they decided to visit the 'Louvre' museum the next day. Beth had explained that the museum itself was very large and that they may not see everything that they wanted to see due to the size of the building. So they returned to the hotel and retired to bed for it had been a very long day and Beth wanted to be wide awake for the tour around the museum and she knew if she stayed up any longer she would not be ready for the next day.

The next day they took a bus to the louvre museum, which cost them 15€ each for the day and they saw the 'Mona Lisa' much to the pleasure of Beth who had been talking about it. They visited the mirrors exhibit, which was an exhibit full of paintings that included a mirror. They also visited the body in movement dance and the museum which was full of statues and different paintings posing. They went to many panting exhibits with different themes and had fun making up who the people in the paintings were from the first look at it. They had lunch in the museum itself, which was French sandwiches and they spent the whole day in the louvre as they had time.

After they had visited all the areas they wanted they slowly made their way to a shop to buy something simple for tea in the hotel room on the balcony. They planned and discussed what they wanted to do. They decided to spend the next 2 days at Disney to explore the parks, so they went to bed early so that they could get early to leave for the bus.

Just as they had planned the next day in Paris they got up extremely early to go to Disneyland Paris. After having breakfast they set off towards the Madeleine, which was a ten minute walk away from the hotel, to get the express bus, which took them to Disney which was 20 miles away. On the bus journey down Beth and Leo annoy multiple of the passengers by starting a sing-a-long and getting their children way too hyper active for eight o'clock in the morning. Upon arriving at the park and getting multiple glares as the other passengers got off the bus with their children, Leo and Beth headed towards the park entrance and Beth got excited over Mickey Mouse being on her park ticket whilst Leo was amused with Beth reaction when she realised Leo had Minnie Mouse on her ticket.

Leo then proceed to drag Beth towards the Studio Park first they passed through security quickly and they grabbed a map and spent a few minutes studying the map trying to decide the best route to get through the attractions they want to. By the time they stop for some lunch at 'Restaurant en Coulisse' where Beth proceed to get and freak out over her Dark Vador burger meal which consisted of a drink, fries, a Yoda cupcake and a black bun beef burger which cost her 15.99€ whilst Leo got a chicken burger with a side of fries, a chocolate brownie and drink 13.99€. Whilst they were eating lunch they talked about the rides they had already been on in Toon studio and in Toy Story Land. After lunch they went to watch some stunt shows whilst their meals settled. They headed to the Rockin Roller-coaster first as they were closest to this ride where they luckily managed to get front row seats on the ride. After the ride they headed over to The Hollywood Tower Hotel, as they walked off the ride Leo was ready to murder Beth for dragging her onto the drop ride. They stopped at another restaurant is Disney before leaving the parks for the day

After the long day they headed back the express bus and headed back to the hotel. Once the arrived back at the hotel they went straight up to their room and proceeded to crawl into bed to regain their energy before they head back tomorrow for the Magic Kingdom.

On the fifth day they headed back to Disney again. They worked around the different areas going on the rides and meeting the different characters and getting pictures taken with them. They went to lunch at Restaurant Agrabah Café where it was Middle Eastern restaurant as well as a buffet. They continue going round the park going on rides and watching the various parades throughout the day. That evening though they went to watch Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show where they were given green cowboy hats and unfortunately did not get the opportunity to perform in the show alongside the cast (but Beth came close to being picked) but they both had fun and bought many souvenirs for themselves as well as gifts for various family members.

It was nearing midnight when they returned to the hotel with their six million bags of gifts and souvenirs, as Beth was way too enthusiastic about buying things. They knew the tour planned for the next day was in the afternoon, so they went to bed to have a lie in ready for the tour of the Opera house the next day.

Chapter Text

Chapter 2 – Tour of Opera House

They woke up after their long days at the theme park. The tour was just after lunch so they fed themselves and spent the rest of the morning reading in the hotel room. When it was time to leave they got their things ready and left the room. They got a taxi to the opera house and was there a little early but was really excited

The staircase to the stage was a magnificent and was made of marble which had various colours, it had a double staircase leading to the foyers and the various floors of the theatre. At the bottom of the stairs, a true theatre within the theatre, two female allegories holding torches greet spectators.

They travelled through the theatre seeing nearly every room.

The auditorium itself was a true Italian theatre, the horseshoe-shaped "French" auditorium, so-called for the way the seats are arranged according to their category, was designed for the audience to see and to be seen. Beth and Leo did extensive research about the place. The seats were made of a plush red leather and were very comfortable to sit in.

(AN: Reading back through our work we realised we had done a little too much research sorry if throughout this story you get random facts. We based all of this off the original theatre from the book.)

They then travelled to Beth's favourite room the Opera Library. Books were her favourite thing in the world. Beth turned to Leo and asked "Can I live here?"

"No Beth amazingly I don't think they let people live here." Leo promptly replied.

"Why not?" Beth whined.

The collections of the Library-Museum of the Opera were holding three centuries of the theatre's history right in front of Beth's eyes who looked at everything in wonder. The museum gallery houses a permanent exhibition of paintings, drawings, photographs and set models. In the staircase leading to the temporary exhibition hall, remained the massive stone blocks dating from 1870. Access to the reading room was restricted to researchers. As you can guess Beth was not pleased.

The Opera's secret places was Leo's favourite part of the tour. The tour manager explained that there were many passage ways under the theatre and all around.

The backstage areas were fascinating both for their sheer size and for the intense activity that takes place before, during and after performances. They were shown a lever that when pulled would slide a part of the wall to show a corridor. Leo was impressed and proceeded to ask about a million questions to the tour manager who looked scared.

They soon moved onto a room called the Foyer de la Danse. The Foyer de la Danse was for many years open to a select public who were rich or well known. Serving as a salon, a place for courting and a meeting area all at once, the Foyer de la Danse provided a model or a source of inspiration for many painters and writers.

The public are now no longer being admitted to the Foyer de la Danse, which is now the exclusive domain of dancers from the ballet, who are happy to have a rehearsal studio just a few steps from the stage. It is used before, during and sometimes after performances. It is where the dancers warm up and gather when the ballet master or the Director of Dance needs to speak to them they were told.

Mysterious as it may appear, the Foyer de la Danse is not entirely inaccessible. Situated directly behind the stage, it can be used to provide additional depth and was a good hiding place to begin any scenes. It was rumoured that it was the main way the Opera Ghost travelled through the theatre.

They were then allowed one hour to wonder as long as they didn't go where they were not allowed. They made their way to the stage to pretend to be acting and singing on stage. The sound of an old film reel being played sounded throughout the theatre and suddenly ghost like creatures appeared before their eyes.

They see a small child being lead into the theatre walking next to a woman who looks like madman Giry. As the young girl and Giry look-a-like walk past them they realise the young girl looks like a young Christine.

Leo and Beth turn to each other and the scene changes to the chapel with Christine kneeling on the ground crying in front of the description of Gustave Daaé. Then out of the shadows we see a silhouette of a man coming from the far wall concealed in the shadows of the room and they can just make out a white porcelain mask concealing the right half of his face. Beth gasps upon seeing the mask and the scene before them changes again as Erik begins to speak to Christine.

The scene changes to Meg and Christine having a ballet lesson when they are young still learning the basics so in the future they can perform in the opera. Madam Giry has them and the other young dancers practicing their pirouettes that during mid turn Leo and Beth see all the dancers all grow up and are now practicing more complex ballet moves.

The scene changed to teenage Christine having a singing lesson from her Angel. She is singing scales and taking instructions from the musical and beautiful voice tat was resonating throughout the room. The teenage Christine was beautiful and Beth could see why he loved her. The Angel praises her voice, but criticises her posture.

The scene quickly changes to Christine gracefully dancing ballet in a performance with Meg as the lead ballerina and the music is following her movements. Beth was carefully watching her wanting and wishing with all her might that Christine would fall over or make a mistake, but Christine made no mistakes.

The next scene that the girls saw was Erik wearing his mask in Box 5 in the audience watching and admiring Christine. Beth could see the love that he held for her in his eyes and how he was watching and observing everything his eyes and ears could be hold. As a note was played wrong in the band the phantoms sharp eyes found quickly who looked the guiltiest and knew exactly who played the wrong note.

More and more scenes flickered through the theatre all featuring Erik, Christine, Meg and Madame Giry, showing them their lives from when Christine came to live at the theatre. The last scene they saw was Erik being greeted by his friend Nadir, who had come to visit him as they had not seen each other in years.

The music slowly faded as did all the images and scenes and the girls were stood there in silence not knowing what to say or whether they had just been dreaming of what they saw. Silence was ringing throughout the theatre.

"What the fuck was that?" They both say as they turn to each other.

"Jinx" Beth says quickly afterwards realising Leo had spoken at the same time as her.

"Come on, let's head back to the hotel I don't think it is wise to speak what we just witnessed here" Leo quickly drags Beth out of the opera house and they catch a taxi back to the hotel.

Upon arriving at the hotel the two girls quickly go up to their room and lock the door and windows so there is no chance of them being overheard. Beth turns to Leo after she finishes locking the window in their room. "Did that really just happen?"

Leo gives a small smile as she perches on the end of Beth's bed "If your referring to seeing moments of the past of a purely fictional world flash before us. Yeah that happened and I have no idea why"

Beth sits down on the bed "Shall we head back tomorrow and see if that actually happened or if we just got caught up in the moment."

"That's sounds like a plan. I am going to bed to see if I can process what happened anymore as this seems all surreal"

"I think I am going to turn in as well...I will see you in the morning Leo"

"Night Beth"

Day Seven

It's the final day of the holiday but the night before has left Beth and Leo in a state of shock and they pack their bags and grab all their bags of souvenirs and placed them inside the suitcases after a lot of juggling and rearranging to make them all fit along with clothes. Even though Leo argued the clothes they brought with them aren't as important as the gifts they bought but Beth claimed they were important so they kept them all without having to buy another suitcase.

Before they headed to the train station they headed back to the Opera House and went on another tour to see if they have gone mad or if they had just got caught in the moment. When they received their hour of free time again the went to the stage and messed around for a little bit before Beth decided that if what they saw was true, then that must mean The Phantom of the Opera is real and that also means there is a trap door on stage. Beth grins and turns slowly turns to Leo and opens her mouth "Ca-".

"No"

"But you don't know what I was going to ask"

"Beth, you were going to ask if we can search for the trap door on the stage as if what we saw was true that means the trap door must exist as well" Leo turns to look at Beth "Am I right?"

"Yes but come on you know it would be cool. Well I am going to look no matter what you say" Beth turns around to walk towards the rig.

"Just one holiday without any mischief would be nice, maybe next I should just stay home…or leave without Beth..." Leo mutters under her breath "Beth wait up, I might as well help as someone has to keep you out of trouble" Beth gives Leo a shove.

As they climb up the rig they look for a lever to open up a door to lead into the fabled Phantoms' lair. They try some levers and they cause different pieces of scenery to fly through onto stage, somehow no one had noticed that bits of scenery are flying on stage, before Beth sighs and leans against the railing and sighs in defeat. But as she leans it is against a lever which swings open a door at the end of the rig. Beth and Leo look at each other then turn on the torches on their phones before walking towards the door but as they both step through the door everything goes black…

Chapter Text

Chapter 3 - Oh Dear!

Speaking: English French

Beth woke up very confused and looked around noticing that Leo was beside her still unconscious. A woman who looked suspiciously familiar was is standing above them with what looked like her daughter.

"Miss, are you ok?" She asked

"Yes sorry…I..umm…I must have fainted "Beth replied.

"Is your friend alright, does she need help?" Replied the strange woman

"Yes, please do you have anything to wake her up like smelling salts are something" Beth answered thinking why am I asking for smelling salts?

"Of course, here you are. My name is Madame Giry and this is my daughter Meg." She said giving Beth some salts from her jacket pocket. Beth's head jerked up at the name, she took the salts, trying to mask her panic and keep calm.

"Thank you, Madame and nice to meet you Meg, Leo…" Beth waved the salts under her nose. "Leo wake up…" Beth explained to Leo who was slowly waking up and regaining consciousness.

"Beth, huh what's happening?" Leo asked slightly slurring her words.

"We missed breakfast so we fainted, but I couldn't wake you up. Madame Giry gave me some salts to wake you." Beth explained emphasising Madame Giry's name.

"Wait…what?" Leo asked looking very confused.

"Sorry to interrupt, but what are your names and are you here the auditions?" Madame Giry interrupted.

"Oh, I'm terribly sorry my name is Bethan Chouinard, but you may call me Beth. This is my friend Leonna Noir and yes we are here for the auditions, what are they for again my mind has not quite got back to me?" Beth stammered.

"They are for a dancer and a chorus girl with some dance skills, but mainly singing." Meg Giry replied happily.

"Yes, it is as Meg said. We are in need of only 2 people, but not many have auditioned to our standards, soon we will need a new a principle artist for both the chorus and dancers, as we have a Prima Donna."

"Sounds good I will go for the dancer and Beth will sing." Leo remarked.

"What?! Sorry yes that's right" Beth exclaimed. Beth then helped Leo up onto her feet making sure she was alright before giving her a hug.

"Right this way ladies so you can get changed into more appropriate attire. Meg go find the girls and start rehearsing for the next opera" Giry said leading them to a small room filled with dancing attire as Meg left to do as she was told.

"Thank you, Madame Giry for all your help." Beth responded.

"Yes, thank you Madame Giry." Leo also said.

Giry left leaving the girls alone to ponder and what the actual frack happened. Beth was staring at Leo and Leo was staring at Beth. Finally Leo had enough and said "What, what are you staring at?"

"The fact that you are wearing a dress from like the 18th Century. I am as well which is weird, but not as weird as how tight this corset is. There is also the fact that her name was Madame Giry. Which really weird, but not weird as you making us audition when I can't dance" Beth retorted.

"Well yes there's that…do you think we have travelled in time? Cause like that we kinda cool." Leo said looking dazed.

"Probably, looks like it and the book is real. Now the first thing to deal with is the audition because someone stupidly said we were going to."

"Don't be like that and wait…are we speaking fluent French right now." Leo yelled.

"Wait we are…let's try speaking English…Hello? No way… We can speak both French and English cool." Beth said excited.

"So let's get changed into those dancing outfits." Leo said pointing at the outfits. They slowly changed into different outfits.

Beth got into a dress that stopped just below her knee so she could dance a little. It was corseted at the top, with long sleeves which were a pale blue colour. She wore white tights underneath and placed her hair up in a ribbon. The skirt part of the dress had small flower patterns which complimented Beth's hair. She wore her Mother's locket around her neck which was made of silver and her Nan's gold ring on her finger. She also had her watch on placed under her sleeves as she felt weird not wearing it, while she took off all other bracelets.

Leo on the other hand had put on a ballet dress. The traditional leotard and frilly skirt sticking out. The dress itself was a light pink with matching tights. Unlike Beth's her leotard was short sleeved, but had small flower patterns on the top instead of the bottom. She also had her hair up into a ribbon. She also had a ring on her finger accept this one was silver and not gold, which matched Leo's rather large locket on her neck.

There was a knock at the door and Madame Giry entered asking "Are you girls ready for your audition is in a few moments?"

"Yes thank you" Leo replied.

They made their way to the stage were someone was singing, well they didn't know if you could call it singing more like screeching but getting a bit off topic.

The acting crew and ballet girls were all in the audience behind the current manager and the conductor who were sat on stage behind a table with paper and quills on. You could see Carlotta with Piangi, Christine and Meg as well as Bouquet seating creepily in the back.

The manager at the table making notes yells "NEXT" so that the whole theatre could hear. Leo pushes Beth towards the centre of the stage after Beth hesitates.

"Your name and what you are auditioning for please" The man asked

"My name is Bethan Chouinard and singer sir as well as a little dancing monsieur." Beth timidly replied.

"Very well proceed and tell the conductor what song." The man tiredly said not even looking at her rubbing his head.

"umm…may I play the piano please sir?" She asked.

"If you must" He impatiently replied waving his hand at her still not looking at her.

Beth may her way down to the piano and sat down onto the stool clear her throat, says "Thank you Elvis, but I'm going to have to steal your song dear" as quietly as she can and gently starts playing the introduction. All around her people were whispering and talking about her playing suggesting that she could play not sing so she was trying to cover it up by playing. She starts to sing.

Wise men say

Only fools rush in

But I can't help falling in love with you

The people in the theatre all stopped talking to listen to music and the way she seemed to be so graceful and calm. They were entranced by her voice and how soft it was. The manager had finally lifted his head and was staring at her.

Shall I stay?

Would it be a sin?

If I can't help falling in love with you?

Like a river flows

Surely to the sea

Darling, so it goes

Some things are meant to be

More and more people were gathering in the audience as they wanted to see what all the gossip was about. The conductor at the table was looking at her entranced so much so that he didn't realise that he had dropped his pen as well as the manager.

Take my hand,

Take my whole life, too

For I can't help falling in love with you

Like a river flows

Surely to the sea

Darling, so it goes

Some things are meant to be

Take my hand,

Take my whole life, too

For I can't help falling in love with you

For I can't help falling in love with you…

Beth stopped playing there was silence for a moment then all a sudden there was clapping and cheering, Beth stood up and curtsied. She looked up and saw movement in the gantry and smiled at Leo, who also had a smile. Beth then asked the conductor to play a dancing song and then showed off her dancing skills that were not amazing, but she looked like she was gypsy dancing than a ballerina. However, she was evidently skilled as well as accomplished in the arts. Many people were impressed with her dancing but more enamoured with her singing.

"Well done mademoiselle…well…err…done…well done…Next" He said.

Leo then came forward, told them her name and that she wanted to be a dancer. She was like an angel when she danced her movements told a story and everyone was impressed by her skill. She danced and leaps and turns all with a smile on her face enjoying every moment. All eyes were on her and no-one would be surprised if she was picked because she was the most amazing dancer.

Silence reigned over the stage as she finished and moments passed as they were in awe of her dancing. They suddenly started clapping almost louder than Beth's, but Beth's cheering and clapping were the loudest to hear she was proud of her friend.

They got the roles in the upcoming opera Hannibal. Everyone was impressed by their talent and although Beth and Leo were popular they both kept to themselves, making no connections with anybody.

Slowly, but surely both Leo and Beth work the way to become the principle artists for their respective areas. La Carlotta on the other hand was somehow still the Prima Donna for the Opera so was the lead in Hannibal. Both became acquainted with the cast as well as the crew, while they stayed best friends. They meet Meg and Christine, but while Beth hated Christine she tolerated Meg due Leo and Meg working closely together. Leo on the other hand was indifferent to Christine and saw Meg as like as a co-worker or something.

As the girls became friendlier with the chorus and backstage crew, due to their previous occupations in the past (the future actually), they started hearing stories of the opera ghost which they laughed at. They had the best time listening to the theories they had come to hear throughout their time in the Opera.

During those weeks Beth felt someone watching her and sometimes she saw a glimpse of a shadow before it quickly disappeared. She always smiled to herself; she knew who it was.

Up in the rafters the shadow was a man. What you could see of his face was snow white and his hair as black as coal. The man known as the phantom was watching Leo and Beth trying to figure out the mystery of who they were and where they came from. One day as he was watching the rehearsal to take notes for the manager to improve he was joined by Persian man either known as just 'The Persian' or to his friends Nadir Khan. He was a ebony skinned man with eyes of jade. wearing clothes from Persia which were coloured pale gold to compliement his skin.

"Daroga, what are you doing here? I thought that you were leaving." He asked the man with a brusque voice.

"Well I was going to, but the condition of my child means no travelling until after he has fully recovered from his disease. Why can I not stay any longer." Nadir asked with a pout.

"Don't pull that face, it makes you look like an idiot." He replied distracted by Beth singing her part with deadly accuracy.

"Aww Erik that hurt my feelings…What are you staring at?" Nadir said.

"Oh nothing. I am done here." Erik replied stalking off.

Nadir looked down to where he was looking and saw a lady standing next to Christine and Nadir couldn't help, but wonder which lady Erik was staring at…his proclaimed love Christine or the mysterious new singer known as Beth.

Chapter Text

Chapter 4 – The New Margarita

It had been a few months since they arrived at the Opera now and were finding themselves enjoying their time at the theatre as well as reading all they could to gather the correct history of the time and make sure they said nothing out of turn. They missed the convenience of the future such as taps used to fill a bath, the toiletries created for women as well as make up.

They missed the future but were really enjoying the rehearsals as well as the experience of the opera house. They were lucky enough to get a room together by themselves as the others had already got rooms together. They both were given the lead roles after the Prima Donna.

During the rehearsal weeks rumours were spreading around the cast as well as the crew that the current manager Monsieur Lefèvre was thinking of retiring made both Leo and Beth giggle whenever they heard it confusing the other members of the cast. They had spent a lot of time with crew learning all the tricks and the trade to how the productions were created as they did not have the technology that the future provided.

The rehearsals of Hannibal were well under way and soon we were at the first Opera Ghost incident.

Carlotta:
This trophy
From our saviours
From our saviours
From the enslaving force
Of Rome!

Chorus:
With feasting and dancing and song
Tonight in celebration
We greet the victorious throng
Returned to bring salvation

The trumpet of carthage resound
Hear, Romans, now and tremble
Hark to our step on ground
Hear the drums!
Hannibal comes!

Piangi/Hannibal:
Sad to return
To find the land we love
Threatened once more
By Roma's far-reaching grasp

When Monsieur Lefèvre interrupted introducing the cast and crew to the new owners just like the story they had seen, Leo and Beth suddenly glanced at each other and got excited.

"Ladies and gentlemen if I could have your attention please…Madame Giry." Madame Giry bangs her cane on the stage silences everyone. "Thank you. As I am sure you are aware, there have been some rumours going around of my imminent retirement from the Opera Populaire, I can now tell you that they are all true." He says motioning two weaselly men forward. "It is my pleasure to introduce you to the two gentlemen who now own the Opera Populaire: Monsieur Richard Firmin and Monsieur Gilles Andre. I'm sure you have read of their recent fortune in the Junk business." Said Monsieur Lefèvre.

Both Beth and Leo did not look surprised; they shared a smile and a knowing smirk as they watch on with glee. They looked at each other and hid theirs smiles behind their hands.

"Scrap metal, actually." Andre interjected. Meg and Christine were gossiping about how rich the new managers were and how they could use that to their advantage.

Soon they were dancing and singing again. Madame Giry and the managers walked around the stage watching the girls dance and sing.

Chorus:
Hannibal's Friends!

The trumpeting elephant sound
Hear, Romans, now and tremble
Hark to their step on the ground
Hear the drums!
Hannibal comes!

Madame Giry saw the managers interest in the Christine and revealed who she was as well as introducing Meg as her daughter. Soon it came to the moment both Beth and Leo were waiting for…Carlotta's solo, the moment of truth…

Carlotta stood centre stage and sang…

Carlotta:
Think of me
Think of me fondly when we've said goodbye
Remember me once in a while, please promise me you'll try
When you find that once again you long to take your heart back and be free...

Then suddenly a piece of scenery falls onto Carlotta stopping her singing, Beth claps and laughs with glee, Leo looks and shakes her head at Beth in despair.

"What?! She was so bad, she sang like a train going off the rails. She sort of starts off in tune and then it goes completely off. And very, very fast, whoever dropped that on her is a genius" Beth said with glee.

"Why am I friends with a lunatic?" Leo whispered.

"We are great at deep conversations, obviously." Beth quickly replied.

"Bouquet! For God sake, what is happening up there?" Lefèvre shouted up into the rig.

"Please sir don't look at me, as God is my witness I was not at my post. There is no-one there; if there is it must be a ghost." He replied coming from the right wing of the stage holding a length of rope which looked like a noose.

"He's here, the Phantom of the Opera." Meg said looking scared.

"These things do happen." Andre replied nervously to Carlotta.

Carlotta starts getting upset.

"Si, these things do happen! Well until you stop these things happening, this thing does not happen! Fetch my doggie and my purse…" Carlotta yells storming off the stage in a hurry.

Piangi exclaims "Amateurs" walking off after Carlotta.

"I do not think I can be of any help to you, gentlemen. Good Luck. If you need me I will be in Australia enjoying my retirement." Lefèvre says calmly walking off the stage with his belongings.

"Bye Monsieur!" Both Beth and Leo yell, while Leo continues with "Hope you enjoy the spiders." Both the mangers stare at her looking like they were wondering whether to question what she said or not. They decided against asking.

"She will be back" Andre nervously says.

"You think so monsieur's? I have a message, sir, from the Opera Ghost."

"God in Heaven, you're all obsessed." Firmin exclaimed.

Madame Giry stepped forward and read the letter from the 'Opera Ghost' stating his demands.

Gentlemen,

Welcome to my opera house.

Just follow my instructions and advice to the letter we will have an amiable relationship in which you may profit.

I have previously used box 5 for my personal use during not only the rehearsal, but the performances as well. I wish for this box to be kept empty for my further use.

Let me remind you that my salary for my role at the Opera house is due.

Do not be late

Your Obedient Servant O.G

"His salary?!" Firmin yelled

"Monsieur Lefèvre paid him 20,000 francs a month. Perhaps you can afford more with the Vicomte de Chagny as your patron." Madame Giry Calmly replied.

Christine became excited and hugged Meg while Beth looked at them with hatred while Leo on the other hand looked very unimpressed.

Andre quickly inserted "I would have like to make that announcement myself"

"Will the Vicomte be attending the performance tonight monsieur?" Madame Giry asked.

"In our box." Firmin firmly replied.

"Madame, is there an understudy for this role?" Andre asked quietly.

Reyer, the conductor rapidly interrupted. "An understudy? there is no understudy, the opera is new."

Madame Giry stepped forward to suggest that Christine sing the part when Leo stepped in saying "Beth could sing it for you sir?"

"What?! No, I couldn't…Christine could though, I have heard she is good." Beth quickly replied trying to stick to original plot.

"Fuck the plot dude. Sing." Leo quietly replied to Beth

"Well why don't you both sing it and we might decide who. A verse each shall do" Firmin interjected.

They both stepped forward and looked at each other, Beth motions to Christine to start cause she actually doesn't want to do this, thinking Leo that bitch. Suddenly she could feel someone staring at her, she slowly turned wishing she was wrong. Nope, there behind her was Leo glaring at her saying sing you idiot through her eyes.…

Christine:
Think of me, think of me fondly
When we've said goodbye

Beth:
Remember me, once in a while
Please, promise me you'll try

Both (Beth is harmonising this):

When you find that once again you long
To take your heart back and be free

If you ever find a moment
Spare a thought for me

Suddenly all the cast and crew were clapping as loud as they could for the two girls on stage.

Up in the rafters were two watchers our esteemed Ghost and his Persian. Nadir was in tears of laughter watching with glee watching Beth unknowingly praise Erik with her words, Erik on the other hand was displeased that Beth had interfered and sang with Christine.

"Well Beth's voice is truly wonderful…and Christine's voice…" Nadir started.

"Christine has the voice of an angel and the nobody will not take away my Christine's chance at being a star. She is just a stepping stone to my Christine's success." Erik stated angrily.

"Don't be so angry, you should be happy there are talented people and not more people like Carlotta." Nadir said trying to defuse Erik's anger.

They watched the girls singing when he saw the happiness on Beth's face he felt something deep inside him that he could not name. The cogs were turning in Erik's head as he thought of ways to get Beth from singing too. Plans to be made, musicals to written and the way Christine looked were all that Erik could think about…until he caught the look the Beth was unknowingly giving to him as if she knew he was there… 'can she see me? Why does she look so happy singing looking at me?' He stood for a while mesmerised by the way she moved so gracefully across the stage. Suddenly the sound of clapping from all the cast and crew broke him from his revere.

Nadir on the other hand was watching Erik and was wondering if anything was wrong 'til he saw who Erik was looking at. 'Is he alright? Oh dear, I wonder if this Beth person is going to be another one of Erik's victims.'

"Oh Andre, I can't decide between the two their voices complement each other very well especially with Beth harmonising. You know what I think they should both sing the aria together on stage." Firmin exclaims.

"What?! That has never been done before…" Andre replied.

"Which is why we should do it, be different from other theatres and everyone will be talking about us." Firmin interrupted.

"What on earth is he saying...Christine was obviously better than that…that…that harlot. How dare she…How dare she…"

"How dare she what Erik? All she did sing and it was so much better than that Carlotta women, not that that's very hard, but I think she sang well…her friend…" Nadir said as he turned to look at Leo, suddenly enraptured by her bewitching beauty. "Her beautiful friend recommended her very well…I like to think…"

"You think?! You actually know that do you?" Erik replied with an unforgiving stare.

"Are you done?" Nadir sighed. "as I was saying her beautiful friend recommended her and I would agree with the assessment that was given…"

"No, you do not get to say that you agree…Christine was so much better and is more beautiful than both of those harlots…" Nadir slowly started to tune out Erik's annoying rant of how lovely Christine was and took his time to drink in the gorgeous form that captured his attention. He loved the way her stunning hair bounced around whenever she laughed and how those magnificent eyes would light up in glee. He noticed her dress complimented her beautiful figure and made her look like a goddess. He was pulled from his love captured thoughts when Erik spoke words which made Nadir laugh with glee and amusement.

What Erik had said was "one day I shall show myself to Christine and she shall love me forever more…" This made Nadir laugh as he knew that whatever Erik was dreaming of would not come true.

"What on earth are you laughing at? No Nadir seriously what are you laughing?" Erik questioned as they walked away…

Chapter Text

Chapter 5 – Questioning Sanity...

Soon the rehearsals for the duet of 'Think of Me' were well under way. They stood next one another taking turns in singing their lines to one another and to the conductor. Erik and Nadir are in the rig watching from above.

(AN: Christine underlined, Beth in Bold, Both in Italics, Raoul's weird interjection, because who likes him, later will be in Bold Italics)

Think of me
Think of me fondly
When we've said goodbye
Remember me
Once in a while
Please, promise me you'll try

When you find
That once again you long
To take your heart back and be free
If you ever find a moment
Spare a thought for me

We never said our love was evergreen
Or as unchanging as the sea
But if you can still remember
Stop and think of me

Think of all the things we've shared and seen
Don't think about the way things might have been…

'Stupid trumpet player…I will have him replaced playing a wrong note in the crescendo of the song…' This is what was going through Erik's head as he was watching the rehearsal.

"Ok, ok people let's stop right this moment." Says Beth stopping the music. "I am sorry, but that trumpet player over there played a note wrong and it put me off completely. If I can hear you play a wrong note then I think I am singing in the wrong."

"Well if you think you can play it better miss, then have a go otherwise leave me to do my job."

"Ok then…" Beth exclaimed walking towards the musician with a look of utter distain. "Let me play the piece like it should be played."

Beth too the trumpet into her hands and got into position. She breathed in and started playing the crescendo perfectly hitting every note. She calmly gave back the instrument saying, "That is how to play the trumpet idiot." She then walked away looking very proud of herself

Leo on the other hand was doing something very different. She was standing in the corner questioning her life out loud looking like she was about to break out into tears (or she was going to beat Beth up, to death…)

While up in the rig the two gentlemen were thinking very different things. Nadir was impress with Beth's skills at playing an instrument as she was a woman, they learnt the violin or piano not the trumpet. Erik was a very different story he was just staring at Leo who was still in the corner while questioning himself as to why Leo was crying and why he hadn't thought of stopping Beth from playing to the managers. Meg was just quietly practicing the ballet piece with the other ballerinas and Madame Giry at the back of the stage.

So many thoughts were running through people's minds that night. Plots were being formed and Erik left the rig already planning to write a letter to the managers as well as seeing Christine later, Nadir hurried after him as he didn't know all the ways to Erik's lair.

Soon it was the night of the concert and Beth with Christine was performing the duet together…

Think of me
Think of me fondly
When we've said goodbye
Remember me
Once in a while
Please, promise me you'll try

When you find
That once again you long
To take your heart back and be free
If you ever find a moment
Spare a thought for me

We never said our love was evergreen
Or as unchanging as the sea
But if you can still remember
Stop and think of me

Think of all the things we've shared and seen
Don't think about the way things might have been…

Think of me
Think of me waking
Silent and resigned
Imagine me
Trying too hard
To put you from my mind

Recall those days
Look back on all those times
Think of the things we'll never do
There will never be a day
When I won't think of you

(AN: The italic bold is the idiot Raoul whom I dislike very much just a reminder of the first note I made.)

Can it be?
Can it be Christine?
Bravo
Long ago
It seems so long ago
How young and innocent we were
She may not remember me
But I remember her

Flowers fade
The fruits of summer fade
They have their seasons
So do we
But, please, promise me that sometimes
You will think of me

The applause was astounding, the crowd loved the singers as both Beth and Christine bowed down while the roses were being thrown.

Just like the story we know Christine goes down to the chapel in the basement while Leo and Beth get changed. Leo and Beth bump into Meg who was looking for Christine. Beth looked at Leo and quietly communicated that they would go with Meg t find Christine. Beth didn't really want to, but Leo thought it was an important moment that they should see.

They sing the Angel of music their voiced harmonised together nicely that echoed throughout the backstage are. Unfortunately there was one person whom it would be best if he didn't, Joseph Boquet.

(AN: I would put the song here, but I genuinely do not like this song so imagine that the lyrics are here)

They escort Christine to her room, then leave just as Raoul turns the corner. Meg leaves straight away with her mother, but Leo and Beth linger.

"Can I hit him yet?" Beth whispered to Leo.

"Amazingly no. Not yet anyway." Leo hesitantly replied.

"…But I can in the future."

"…Just don't kill him." Leo replied exasperated.

"I make no promises." Little lottie song was heard from Christine's room. "Ugh…Let's get out of here…" They walked away and decided to go explore the Opera House.

"Right let's split up and see if we can find an entrance to lair. Deal?" Beth proposed.

"Sounds good. If you find an entrance find me first, then we go together." Leo replied bumping fists with Beth.

They split off with Beth wandering the halls until she sees Raoul trying to get into Christine's room and she heard the voice of the phantom and thought it was the most beautiful sound she had ever heard. She with a new vigour to see the man himself she walked along the walls that looked suspicious tracing her hands along to see if she could find a trigger.

"Why can I not find one? Merlin…wait did I just say Merlin?... it is official I am weird. Calling out to Merlin instead of Jesus…Ugh…Right on with the quest, you can do this Beth." She carried on walking along different parts of the Opera house hoping to find an entrance.

Leo on the other hand was not really looking so hard as Beth but was curious so she was lightly looking across each of the walls, wondering the history of the building that they were told in the future on their tour. The layout of the building and how each section of the Opera house was being used intrigued Leo as she set her eyes backstage.

Soon she was going around a corner when she saw a man, whom she identified as Nadir, who was looking around him to see if anyone was watching as Leo hid looking around the corner at what he was doing. His hand disappeared out of her view and Leo could not see what he was doing as much as she tried otherwise she would get caught spying on him. As the wall turned into a door Leo was too satisfied at finding an entrance before her friend, so she stepped out.

"Hey how did you do that?" Leo yelled walking towards Nadir. He just stared at her his mouth opening and closing like a fish. He did not know how to respond he was looking at Leo starstruck at her beauty.

"Well…how did you do that?" Leo asked getting impatient.

"I…uh…My name is Nadir." He stammered out, holding out his hand for her to shake.

"And my name is Leonna, you can call me Leo though, but answer my question!" She answered getting more impatient, shaking his hand quickly.

"I…there is a button here under the wooden beam…that umm…releases the door." He answered nervously.

"Wait here." She says sternly walking away, to then walk back and say, "Do not move an inch…Do you understand me?" pointing her finger at Nadir. He nodded his head quickly, scared of what she was going to do.

She backed away still pointing her finger at Nadir until she rounded the corner, she then proceeded to go looking for Beth and started saying her name in a loud voice, but not quite shouting. She found Beth near a wall knocking on it saying nonsense that Leo did not hear.

"Beth…Beth…BETHAN!" Leo yelled down the hall getting louder with each word. Beth turned around stunned at the shouting, seeing Leo she ran towards her with a worried face.

"Why are you yelling is everything ok?" Beth worriedly said hugging Leo.

"Everything is fine I yelled because you did not hear me the first hundred times. I found a way in come on."

Beth eagerly followed Leo back to where Leo found Nadir was still standing there looking shocked and yet too scared to leave disobeying Leo's orders. Beth looked surprised to see him there.

"Hi I am Beth and you are?" Beth asked politely.

"I'm Nadir…Nadir Khan. Nice to meet you Mademoiselle Beth." He replied quietly.

"So show us the way to the Phantom's Lair…now…I mean it." Leo impatiently interrupted them.

"Are you sure Mademoiselle? It is not a pleasant place really and there is a lake so you need to be careful not to fall."

"Yes we are certain…just take us stop stalling." Beth replied quickly.

"Very well ladies come this way."

Beth and Leo followed Nadir through the passageway down into the catacombs of the theatre…down into the dungeons of black despair…

Chapter Text

Chapter 6 – Explosiva...

Nadir quietly leads them through numerous hallways telling them to only step where he did as some of the floor toles were booby trapped.  Beth thought it was amazing, Leo on the other hand not so much and proceeded to hit Beth whenever she marvelled at the different torture devices.

Soon they heard a voice singing…

“Hide here until Christine has disappeared, then I will introduce to the Phantom.” Nadir quietly said hiding in a room with a one-way mirror so we could see Erik and Christine singing.

Erik:

Night time sharpens, heightens each sensation
Darkness stirs and wakes imagination
Silently the senses abandon their defences
Helpless to resist the notes I write
For I compose the music of the night

Slowly, gently night unfurls its splendour
Grasp it, sense it, tremulous and tender
Turn your face away from the garish light of day
Turn your thoughts away from cold unfeeling light
And listen to the music of the night

Close your eyes and surrender to your darkest dreams
Purge your thoughts of the life you knew before
Close your eyes, let your spirit start to soar
And you'll live as you've never lived before

Softly, deftly, music shall caress you
hear it, feel it, secretly possess you
Open up your mind, let your fantasies unwind
In this darkness that you know you cannot fight
The darkness of the music of the night

Let your mind start a journey to a strange new world
Leave all thoughts of the world you knew before
Let your soul take you where you long to be
Only then can you belong to me

Floating, falling, sweet intoxication
Touch me, trust me, savour each sensation
Let the dream begin, let your darker side give in
To the power of the music that I write
The power of the music of the night

(AN: Christine faints here like in the original plot…)

You alone can make my song take flight
Help me make the music of the night

As Erik gently laid Christine in the bed Leo and Beth made their way into the lair properly and sat at the dining table, while Nadir cautiously made to sit down too when he came back into the room.

“Brava Brava bravisima, lovely song Opera Ghost” Beth said suggestively clapping with Leo.  They looked very comfortable at the table as if they belonged there.

“What on earth are you two doing in my kitchen. Explain!” Erik yelled loudly at the girls and Nadir.

“We you see it was all Nadir’s fault for being caught going through a trap door Leo is very beguiling, so we were able to persuade him into bringing us down.” Beth calmly explained.  Leo on the other hand did not agree.

“Don’t blame Nadir, it’s not his fault I’m beguiling and you practically threatened him to bring us down here.”

“Rude that’s not true I was very subtle I didn’t actually threaten him.”  Beth quickly replied.  Erik having enough of the girls walked away to his organ and began to compose very loudly trying to block out the idiots in his home.

“Soooooo... Have you always enjoyed the theatre or did you just want a job?” Asked Nadir trying to break the tension.

“I have always enjoyed going to the theatre since I was young and both Leo and I have always wanted to work in a theatre no matter the job.” Beth explained with a wistful look on her face.  This caught Erik’s attention as he started play quieter to hear what they were saying.  Leo was nodding along letting Beth do all the hard work of explaining before saying...

“But we already work in theatre we are fabulous, if I do say so myself, managers.” Leo whispered into Beth's’ ear.

“Leo shut the fuck up, they don’t know that do they...huh?” Beth promptly replied in Leo’s ear.

“Bethan mind your language you are meant to be a lady” Leo proclaimed to the world.

“Lady? Who wants to be lady? Who do you think you are –” pauses for dramatic effect Leo starts singing “who do you think you are running around leaving scars”

“collecting your jar of hearts tearing love apart you’re gonna-”

Leo says, "shut up we know the fuc-flipping song you don’t need to carry on anymore...God.” Nadir put up his hand all the while saying.

 “I don’t know the song and I don’t think Er- the Phantom knows the song either” Almost saying Erik’s real name.  Erik stalked over to the girls standing menacingly over Beth.

“How dare you take the role from Christine I have been mentoring her for years so she may get a leading role in an opera or singing alone onstage and you ruined it you insipid girl.”

“Well I’m sorry that I took the chance to perform on a stage in front of a live audience and fulfil a dream I have had since I was young not everything is about you or Christine even.  I didn’t do it to spite her she wasn’t even in my thoughts for more than a moment.  I felt that it was the right thing to do for me to develop as a person and start my singing career.  Now that I have ranted for so long, I am tired so Leo and I are going to sleep in the spare room that you have and you are not going to stop me...Goodnight Monsieur Nadir, Monsieur Phantom.”  Beth explained slowly getting up into Erik’s face and then pulling Leo up from her seat taking her to the spare room across from the kitchen.

“Night sweet dreams Nadir, evening Monsieur Phantom.” Leo quickly said while being pulled away.  Beth slammed the door behind her.

“Well done Erik goodnight my friend I think you have a cross woman on your hands.” Nadir calmly said slapping Erik on the back walking out of the opera house to go home.

“What have I done?” Erik whispered to himself walking away to his room not knowing what he would wake up to in the morning.

Chapter Text

Chapter 7 - Jodidamente Estúpido

As Beth woke up the conversation of the night before came into her mind which made her put her head into her pillow moaning and wishing that she didn’t have to wake up from this nightmare.  Leo on the other woke up looking forward to seeing Nadir again and when she heard Beth moaning, she could not help but laugh loudly at her.

“Oh my God Leo can you not laugh at me please I yelled in his face.” Leo proceed to laugh more at her misery. “Ahhh what have I done please dear lord help me I didn’t mean to yell at him argh he gets on my nerves.”

“Well you know what they say if you don’t have anything nice to say then don’t say anything...” Leo said giggling.  “Now don’t be such a baby and get up so that we can have breakfast I am hungry.”

“Noooo... I don’t wanna you can’t make me!!!!”  Beth yelled into her pillow.

“Get up I’m warning you hun.”  Leo replied sweetly.

“NO! Don’t wanna” Beth replied miserably.

“I warned you...”  Leo replied walking out of the room into the kitchen looking for a bucket.  Finding one in one of the cupboards so picked it up filling it with water from the lake.  “Don’t mind me gentlemen I am just going to do something quickly.”  She explained waling with the bucket of water back in to the bedroom.  “Here you go hun something to wake you up.”  She said while pouring the water all over Beth who yelled as soon as the cold water touched her.

“Leonna you wench how dare you...get back here so I can kill you.”

“No, I am not that stupid Beth God.” Leo yelled behind her running around the kitchen avoiding a wet Beth casing her.

“Morning Nadir anymore of the breakfast.”  Beth asked sitting down at the table.  While Erik was hiding behind his newspaper wishing he was anywhere but here.

“Yes of course, Madame Leonna have a seat as well I will get you some too.  Are you two sisters as you seem very close?”  Nadir asked while getting the food out of the oven box.  He placed two meals that consisted of croissant and some scrambled egg on toast.

“We are sisters from another mister” They said in unison as if they rehearsed it before, Nadir looks at them confused opened his mouth to no doubt ask what they meant before realising that asking could be considered rude or that their original answer meant that they didn’t want to talk about their family.  Beth on the other hand found that they said it together hilarious and started to roll on the floor laughing and crying hard.  (AN like she is as we are writing the basic plot)

Leo saw that he was going to ask so she explained that they were close and saw each other as sisters but that they were not blood related which made Nadir nod as if he understood their bond.  Nadir seeing that Beth was mouthing that he should take Leo for a walk held out his hand asking if she would accompany him up into the opera house.  At first Leo was reluctant to leave Beth, she explained.  “I want to have the chance to explain to The Phantom that I apologise for the tone I spoke yesterday” Leo raised an eyebrow with disbelief written across her face at Beth, “aannnnddd so I can tease him about Christine.”

“Okay, but when you are done come upstairs and meet me in the main hall alright?”

“Of course, sweets I’ll be up soon.”  Beth replied.  Just as Beth walked towards Erik, she spotted Christine making her way out of the room and hid behind one of the many mirrors.  Erik put the paper down and was about to ask her what she was playing at when Christine’s voice floated through the lair.  He walked towards her.

Christine
I remember there was mist...

Swirling mist upon a vast glassy lake  
There were candles all around, and on the lake, there was a boat  
And in the boat, there was a man  

Who was that shape in the shadows?  
Whose is the face in the mask?  

Beth prayed she wouldn’t take off his mask but low and behold she did all the while Beth started crying quietly holding her hand over her mouth.  Erik yelled out in pain and agony.

Phantom  
Damn you!  
You little prying Pandora  
You little demon  
Is this what you wanted to see?  
Curse you, you little lying Delilah!  
You little viper  
Now you cannot ever be free!  
Damn you, curse you...  

Stranger than you dreamt it  
Can you even dare to look, or bear to think of me  
This loathsome gargoyle  
Who burns in hell, but secretly yearns for heaven  
Secretly, secretly...  
But Christine...  

Fear can turn to love  
You'll learn to see, to find the man behind the monster  
This repulsive carcass  
Who seems a beast but secretly dreams of beauty,  
Secretly, secretly...  
Oh, Christine...  

Christine gave the mask back to him which he put on then soothed back his hair and all of a sudden, he was composed as if the mask helped him become himself. “Come, we must return those two fools who run my theatre will be missing you.” (AN: this is a direct quote from the movie enjoy) Once Beth saw they left she came out of her hiding place wiping away the tears all the while thinking “He left me here, he forgot...oh my love you will never love me will you I am just fooling myself into believing we can change your ending.  It will not happen...Let’s go find Leo she can cheer me up.”  Beth pulled herself together making her way through the opera house meeting Leo who was alone after Nadir said he had business to attend to.  They walked and met Meg Giry who explained they were just about to read the Phantom’s note to the managers that Madame Giry had given them.

(In Erik’s voice.)

Gentlemen,  
I have now sent you several notes of the most amiable nature  det ailing how my theatre is to be run.  You have not followed my instructions; I shall give you one last chance.  Christine Daaé has returned to you  and I am anxious her career should progress  i n the new production of Il Muto.   You will therefore cast Carlotta as the pageboy  and put Miss Daaé in the role of Countess.  The role which Miss Daaé plays calls for charm and appeal.  The role of the pageboy is silent, which makes my casting, in a word, ideal.

I shall watch the performance from my normal seat in box five, which will be kept empty for me.  Should these commands be ignored a disaster beyond your imagination will occur   I remain, gentlemen, your obedient servant.
O.G.  

( AN: This is the letter from the movie version.  Also we cannot be bothered to sort out the rest of the lyrics from Notes so there will be inserts but not the entire song)

Leo and Beth saw Carlotta go outside and be shunned and asked where Christine was and could not help but laugh quietly to themselves.  The managers convince Carlotta to stay and perform the opera.  Beth and Leo follow the managers whilst getting ready for the show.

(AN: This bit seems chaotic but for every line that we chose we had an insult for sooooo.... here you are.)

André and Firmin sang “The world wants you” Leo replied saying “Please that's why they are waiting for Christine not you...”

André sang “Can you bow out when they’re shouting your name?” Beth replied with “Of course they are shouting your name it's so they know which one to throw the fruit at.”

Firmin sang “Think of how they will adore you” Leo heard that and said “Yeah adoring, they adore to throw things at you”

André and Firmin sang “...enchant us once again...” Beth said “Enchanting people with magic is the only way you people would ever want to see or hear her horrific voice.”

Carlotta sang “...of undying support” Leo replied with “Zombies don’t exist so it’s not possible for there to be support and there are no deaf people who go to the opera to give support either.”

Meg sang “Voice of hell or of heaven” Beth replied with “or of heaven no definitely of hell, though that’s probably an insult to Satan.”

Carlotta sang “Think how you'll shine in that final encore!” Beth wittily replied “Thank the lord there is an end to this horror.”

André and Firmin sang “Who'd believe a diva happy to relieve a girl, who's gone and slept with the patron?  Raoul and the soubrette, entwined in love's duet!” Leo turns to Beth smirking “They weren’t discreet at all, even the managers noticed and they can be blind as bats.”

Giry sang “This is a game you cannot hope to win!” Beth whispered “Game!  If this was a game, I would definitely win with no competition at all.  That or I would kill her.”

“No killing no matter how tempting it is.......in fact I will help plan” Leo whispered back to Beth.

André and Firmin sang “...the world is at your feet!” Leo replied “Yeah picking back up the money that was thrown at you once they heard you singing.”

Carlotta sang “The stress that falls upon a famous prima donna! Terrible diseases, coughs and colds and sneezes! Still, the dryest throat will reach the highest note, in search of perfect opera!” Leo whispered “the ‘perfect’ opera with her in it?! In her dreams, if anything she will croak getting the highest note”

Phantom spoke “So, it is war between us! If these demands are not met, a disaster beyond your imagination... will occur!” Beth heard him say and replied with “Please, I have a very vivid imagination especially one of these kinds of things.  I will probably guess whatever you think of doing.”

All together they sang “once more” Leo held her hands over her ears saying “Please not again my ears couldn’t bear it, they might start to bleed.”

By the time the song had ended both of them were in hysterics laughing so hard holding onto one another as to not fall on the floor.  They soon realised everyone had left and they made their way to the dressing rooms to get ready for the upcoming opera.

Chapter Text

Chapter 8 – Thanatos claims Bouquet

While both Leo and Bethan were social people in their time in the future, being in the past in a new place where they could not truly be themselves without having to lie to people meant they kept to themselves.  They were one of the many mysteries of the opera house.  They roomed together and let no-one else help them get ready for they did not know who to trust and so they were also with one another. 

They both were walking down the sides backstage getting ready to go on.  Leo was helping Beth fit her hair wig on properly and once that was finished Beth helped Leo fix the last of here dramatic ballet make-up. 

“Jesus Christ Beth slow down this hair wig is ridiculous, and you still need to finish my French make-up remember.” Leo muttered hurried.

“Sorry you know how I hate rushing and being late…here let me finish your make-up now we are here.” Beth apologetically said.  Beth used the brush she had brought with her to finish off Leo’s eyeshadow and blusher.  “There now we are both ready just in time for what will probably be the best performance ever.”  Beth finished sarcastically.

Beth

They say that this youth
has set my Lady's
heart aflame!

(1st Fop)
His Lordship, sure,
would die of shock!

(2nd Fop)
His Lordship is
a laughingstock!

(Beth)
Should he suspect her,
God protect her!

(All Three)
Shame! Shame! Shame!

This faithless lady's
bound for Hades!
Shame! Shame! Shame!

(Carlotta)
Serafimo - your disguise is perfect.

(A knock at door)

Why who can this be?

(Don Attilio)
Gentle wife, admit your loving
husband.

My love - I am called to England
on affairs of State and must
leave you with your new maid.
(Aside) Though I'd happily take
the maid with me.

(Carlotta)
The old fool is leaving!

Serafimo away with this pretense!
You cannot speak - but kiss
me in my husband’s absence.

Poor fool, he makes me laugh!
Haha, Haha! etc.
Time I tried to get a better, better half!

(Countess and Chorus)
Poor fool, he doesn't know!
Hoho, Hoho, etc.
If he knew the truth, he'd never, ever go!

(Phantom's Voice)
Did I not instruct that Box Five was to be kept empty?

(Leo backstage mockingly)
He's here: The Phantom of the Opera...

(Christine)
It's him

(Carlotta)
Your part is silent, little toad!

(Phantom's Voice)
A toad, madame? Perhaps it is you who are the
toad...

Just like in all the plots that the girls had seen Carlotta went backstage for her vocal spray that they knew had been switched by Erik.

(Carlotta as Countess)
Serafimo, away with this pretense!
You cannot speak, but kiss me in my…croak!

As the audience laugh so is Leo backstage slowly getting into her ballet performance outfit without anyone know what was going to happen.  Beth on the other hand was onstage trying her hardest not to burst out into giggles like Leo had done.

(Carlotta)
Poor fool, he makes me laugh -
Hahahahaha!
Croak, croak, croak, croak…

“Mother…help me” Carlotta yelled despairingly running offstage in a panic.  This was the moment that destiny and fate changed for so many people, Beth and Leo saw the curtain fall and were waiting on the managers to announce that Christine would be playing the countess when all of a suddenly Beth’s hand was in Firmin’s grasp pulling her in front of the curtain.

Firmin says to the audience "Ladies and gentlemen, we apologize.  The performance will continue in ten minutes' time... When the role of Countess will be played by Miss Bethan Chouinard.

Andre says "In the meanwhile, we'd like to give you the ballet from Act III of tonight's opera.

 (AN: This is taken directly from the movie script just to let people know.)

Beth renewed in spirit excited by the prospect of finally performing an important role onstage completely forgot about Bouquet in the rafters.  Once she had gotten into her dress that had been resized for her she ran to get to the stage and had a sudden thought to run across the rafters to gets to the other side quicker.

Bouquet looking for the Phantom saw a beautiful lady in dress in what he called his domain knew he had to have her and menacingly made his way towards her.

“Now wha’…hav’ we here. Petty lil’ lady in my place.” Bouquet spat out menacingly once again.  Slowly making his way towards her as if stalking a pray.

“I am making my way to the stage they are expecting me.” Beth stiffly replied trying to make her way around him, but he caught her arm.

“I donna think you are goin’ anywhere milady, no withou’ payin’ the toll. I think you’re body willa’ do.”  Bouquet replied grabbing her hands and tying them up so she could not fight back.  She pulled at her dress trying to get under them.

“GET OFF ME!!! Please stop…No! Don’t touch me you monster.”  Beth yelled desperately kicking out at him and was able to kick him hard pushing him off her for a moment.  He yelled in pain and anger; his hand went towards her neck.  His fingers curled around her neck pressing, closing.  Beth’s mouth fell open, a strangled scream leaving her.  The hands continued to squeeze the breath out of her.  Her feet kicked out protest and tears were rolling down her face not stopping as the pain in her neck intensified and slowly her vision started to fade away; she was losing consciousness. 

Her face began to turn a sickening colour as she felt her life slipping away form her body.  ‘Please Erik come, help me.  Please I don’t want to die…Please my love save me.’  She thought to herself.   Her heart, once beating began to slow in tempo, the fight leaving her body drained and tired.  Just as she thought she was going to die an angel appeared behind Bouquet using his lasso to pull him off her.  Beth’s vision returned to her as she coughed noisily letting the air back into her lungs.

Erik pulled at the lasso around Bouquet’s neck, but he was able to loosen it enough to get away and he charged.  Erik threw up his arms to defend from Bouquet’s punches and he caught his fist in his left hand and punched Bouquet in in the face and let go of his hand leaving Bouquet with a broken, bloody nose.  Erik smashed an elbow in the side of Bouquet’s skull, the soft spot on the temple leaving him feeling disorientated.  Punches were thrown and blocked by both sides, Erik felt pain in his side where he was punched in the ribs and felt blood roll down from a cut on his temple.  Finally, after a while of punches Erik was able to get the lasso back around his neck and pulled it tight chocking Bouquet as he chocked Beth.

“Let’s see if you like being chocked.  You are a monster that shall never harm a person again.  Go to hell.”  Erik exclaimed into Bouquets ear before throwing him over the gantry dangling over the stage where Leo was dancing. 

Leo saw the body and even though she knew it was coming felt shocked and only slightly horrified seeing a dead body, she saw Beth on the gantry and guessed what had happened and silently thanked Erik for saving her.  She then saw Nadir backstage and thought that this was her chance she ran offstage looking upset and in need of comfort.

“Miss Leonna are you alright?  Come lets us get away from here.” Nadir asked gently pulling at her hand and guided her into Erik’s lair.  For a moment he did not know what to do with the woman that was crying silently into her hands.  Then he thought of something but did not know how she would respond, he threw caution to the wind and hugged her tightly one arm around her waist the other gently stroking the back of her head hoping to soothe her.

Meanwhile Erik was untying Beth’s hand from the rope and helping her stand.  He looked a worried as she was silent, but not a moment later did she throw herself as Erik hugging the life out of him.

“Thank you so much, thank you, thank you, thank you.  I thought he was going to…kill me.  Thank you so much I can never repay you this kindness.”  Beth rambled into Erik’s ear.

“It is nothing Miss Chouinard.  He has done what he did to you to many of the other ballet rats which they didn’t deserve.  While people will no doubt be shocked by his death, but no-one will miss him I assure you.”  Erik replied shocked at her hug, arms dangled by his sides not sure what he should do and just as he was about to hug her back did Beth realise what she was doing and released him from her warm hold.

“Oh, I am so sorry I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, I just wanted to thank you for saving me.  Also please call me Bethan or Beth it is the least I can offer you.” Beth hurried said releasing him with a flushed expression.

“It is quite alright Bethan; come with me I will take you to the roof where no-one will find us, and I can apply so cream to your neck to ease the bruising that will no doubt appear.” He hastily replied holding out his gloved hand not really expecting her to take it but being polite in offering it.

Beth with a small wistful smile gently took his hand in hers squeezing it with thanks and comfort and started to move not letting go of his hand.  Erik looked at his hand in shock and was about to place her hand on his elbow until he felt the warmth from her hand slowly travel through his body making his heart beat faster at the beauty and grace of this woman.  He thought she would be frighten by his actions and thought him a monster but no she had done the complete opposite of what he thought she would do.

With gentle and graceful move, that he did not know he possessed, he guided her along the gantry, up some stairs and onto the

Chapter Text

Chapter 9 – The Cursed Day

The roof door opened as they came out, Beth breathed in the night air was most grateful towards Erik. They stood facing one another taking in all the happened only moments before and not really knowing how-to carry-on life as normal.

"I…I want to thank you properly somehow…and…I…I am grateful that you killed him, so don't feel bad because you have saved the next poor girl he was going to hurt. So thank you again." Beth stammered out trying to fill the silence that had filled the air around them. Erik went to say something hand in the air mouth open when her heard people coming up the stairs to the roof, so he pulled Beth towards his chest hiding behind the statue on the roof out of sight. Seeing it was Christine, Erik was about to move towards her when Raoul came into view and Beth felt him stiffen.

(Raoul)
No more talk of darkness

Forget these wide-eyed fears

I 'm here, nothing can harm you

My words will warm and calm you

Let me be your freedom

Let daylight dry your tears

I'm here, with you, beside you

To guard you and to guide you

(Christine)

Say you'll love me ev'ry waking moment

Turn my head with talk of summertime

Say you need me with you now and always

Promise me that all you say is true

That's all I ask of you

(Raoul)

Let me be your shelter

Let me be your light

You're safe, no one will find you

Your fears are far behind you

(Christine)

All I want is freedom

A world with no more night

And you, always beside me

To hold me and to hide me(Raoul)

Then say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime

Let me lead you from your solitude

Say you need me with you, here beside you

Anywhere you go, let me go too

That's all I ask of you

(Christine)

Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime

Say the word and I will follow you

(Together)

Share each day with me, each night, each morning

(Christine)

Say you love me

(Raoul)

You know I do

(Together)
Love me, that's all I ask of you
Love me, that's all I ask of you

They kissed pouring their love into one another, but Beth wanted to vomit, and the grip of Erik's hands grew tighter and tighter throughout the song. They soon left so happy in their love not realising that they were even there. Beth felt it in the air…the pain and despair coming from Erik's hunched form. She felt lost…she did not know the heartbreak he was going through…and while picking up the rose he gave Christine, just like the whispers of the wind, he sang…

(Erik)

I gave you my music

Made your song take wing

And now how you betray me

Denied me and repaid me

He was bound to love you

When he heard you sing…

Christine…

(Christine and Raoul)

Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime

Say the word and I will follow you

Share each day with me, each night, each morning

(Erik)

You will curse the day you did not do

All that the Phantom asked of you…

He sang in pain and anger; most would be afraid of the man in the mask. Bethany on the other hand just wanted to know that he was alright, but she knew it would take time to heal, this injury, and she was afraid that he would only love Christine. The thought of that terrified her to the core, but she knew he needed a friend not someone to take away the love of Christine and try to replace it. So she went with her instincts and moved slowly but loud enough to not be startled, she placed her arms around him one hand on his back and one in his hair stroking him. At first, he was startled by what she did, but then it felt soothing like balm to his burnt-out soul. After a moment of tears running down his face a song came into her head that she felt the need to sing it.

(Beth)

Come stop your crying

It will be alright

Just take my hand

Hold it tight

I will protect you

from all around you

I will be here

Don't you cry

She softly sang into his ears and soon the tears stopped and pulled herself away from him looking deep into his eyes until she saw what she was looking for. She was looking into his soul to make sure that if she let go and carried on then he would be fine, that this moment had not broken her saviour.

"Will you be alright? Do you need anything?" Beth asked softly.

"No thank you my dear…I wish to thank you for the kindness you have just shown me." He replied with the same softness.

"No you do not have to do that. I didn't do this to gain your favour I just wanted to ease your pain." Beth was quick to reply.

"I know and that is why I shall repay you, for you didn't need to do this and didn't think to gain any true reward from it. So after the opera has finish meet me at the entrance Nadir showed you and I will take you to my lair and show my thanks then." He replied with his hand out, which Beth took into her own and he guided her backstage and let her get ready and complete the opera.

He watched Bethany from the rafters but soon enough he saw Christine and he soon forgot about all that had happened before. He was in love with her and could stay there watching for all eternity until he saw what she was staring and smiling at. The fop. Raoul de Chagny. His rage built up inside him until he knew what he had to do.

He made his way to the ropes that held the chandelier and did which Beth no doubt thought he would do. He cut the ropes and let the chandelier fall onto the stage with a maniacal laugh that sent shudders through most of the people who could hear it. Beth on the other was in denial telling herself that she was not turned on by his evil laugh. She wasn't at all more in love with his laughter and people screamed to get away from the shattered ceiling. Ok fine she was just in denial, but she knew that even though he was hurt, injuring innocent people was not the answer. The chandelier fell to the left of her near where she was previously standing, and she knew that even if she was standing there it would not stop what he had done and that hurt.

As soon as he had done it, he realised who was on stage and knew that what he had done was wrong as he could have hurt her. So he decided to run to the entrance and see if she would forgive him for what he had done…

Chapter Text

Chapter 10 – Tease

AN: - Speaking: French English.

Erik meet Beth at the entrance to the lair like they had arranged. Beth was standing still, looking into the distance and he knew in that moment that he had caused her harm whether it be emotional or physical he did not know, but all he wanted to do was make it up to her. He slowly made his way up to her and not wanting to startle her he made his presence known to her. At first, he didn’t notice but then in the silence the dripping sound became louder and it was only then he noticed the cut on Beth’s arm and the blood pouring form the wound. It made his heart hurt.

Beth on the other was feeling numb, so didn’t notice the pain coming from her arm as her heart was in more distress than she ever felt before. As she heard him come up behind her, she could not help but think that this was the punishment for trying to change Erik’s fate from Christine.

Erik slowly wrapped his handkerchief around arm while saying “I apologise my temper got away from me. All thoughts from the roof consumed me that I completely didn’t think how…how it would hurt you as well as her. I know that is not really a good excuse, but I just wanted you to know…”

Beth did not respond as she did not know what to say and so she just smiled at him in thanks and motioned her head towards the entrance. Erik knowing that she was still upset, but thankful for the apology took her hand into his elbow. In comfortable silence they made their way slowly towards the lair taking in the peaceful silence with company. Beth was so lost in her depressive thoughts that she did not see the slight dip in the stone flooring, which caused her to trip up. Erik saw it and was able to catch her pulling her to his chest holding her tight.

“I really am sorry. Do you forgive me?” Erik asked while holding her in a tight hug.

“Ye...Yes, I do forgive you. I forgive you, but I will not forget how little I meant to you in that moment. Though I do understand what you said.” Beth replied hugging him back loosely speaking into his chest.

“I understand… May I escort you milady?” Erik said letting her go holding out his elbow.

“You may milord.” She replied curtseying before holding his arm. They made their way down into the lair glad of the company. Erik was enjoying the warmth that radiated from Beth. When they were close they saw shadows moving until they turned a corner and saw something that made Beth point her finger laughing and Erik speechless.

(Flashback)

(Previously)

…He threw caution to the wind and hugged her tightly one arm around her waist the other gently stroking the back of her head hoping to soothe her.

“Are you alright Miss Leonna?” Nadir gently asked as though not to disturb her.

“I am alright, thank you…You know you can call me Leo no need for the Miss bit.” Leo answered placing her arm around Nadir.

“Very well Leo, you can call Nadir if you wish. You are very beautiful and I don’t wish for you to have any nightmares so if you feel scared just call for me and I’ll be there.”

“Nadir…” Leo started, but was interrupted by sudden laughter…

(End of Flashback)

“Leo has a crush.” Beth sang in a funny voice laughing at her friend.

“Shut up Beth, let’s not get started on you non-existent love life. Got that!” Leo quickly replied letting go of Nadir reluctantly putting her hands on her hips. Beth then noticed that her friend was a little shaken from the events of the day so her walked over and hugged her. Beth pulled her into the guest room while saying.

“As punishment Phantom we are taking the guest room for the night do not bother us we will be back in our room tomorrow morning. Got it!” Beth yelled sticking just her head outside the door. Erik just shrugged letting her do as she wanted, he then looked at Nadir who was looking as lost as he was.

Time skip – Two Days later  (AN: Like in SpongeBob that voice over is all I can hear with time skips)

Two whole days after the death of Bouquet in the evening, Leo strutted her way into Prima Dona quarters, which they shared and flopped into the bed with a heavy sigh. Beth, who was getting undressed and taking her make-up off looked into the mirror at Leo’s reflection.

“What’s wrong this time?” Beth asked gently.

“Life” Leo replied in a tired voice.

“Why are you dead?” Beth playfully replied.

“No it’s just as you probably have guessed I really like Nadir, but since the hug days ago I feel like he is avoiding me…I just I don’t know what to do…Tell me what to do please?” Leo said looking ad Beth with puppy dog eyes.

“I know you like Nadir, but we have always been very close so maybe Nadir doesn’t know how you feel and is avoiding you because he likes you? Leo…you are not the only one that likes someone as you probably know I have fallen like an idiot for The Phantom of the Opera. I knew and know he will never feel as I do, but as cheesy and ridiculous as it sounds, I felt my soul sing and I feel more alive than I have ever felt before. He awoke something in me and all I know is that I think it was our destiny to come here and be with them…” Beth rambled to her friend.

“It’s okay Beth I know…I know. Here I propose a deal if you tell him how you feel I will tell Nadir how I feel. No matter the outcome we will be there for each other.” Leo said standing up and waling towards Beth to hold her hands.

“Deal. I’ll talk to Erik about…” Beth started to say.

“You know my name?!” Erik intervened.

“Shit, I really need to be aware of my surroundings.” Beth whispered to herself and Leo.

“Yeah…how are we going to explain this one???...” Leo replied in kind...

Chapter Text

Chapter 11 – It’s time…for the date  

(Beth – Singing, Erik – Singing , Both – Singing)  

Beth looks at Leo in horror.  What had they heard? The only way to know was to summon up the courage to ask and like the Gryffindor she was Leo spoke.  

“What are you talking about? Do you know how rude it is to eavesdrop on people?  How much did you hear?” Leo asked hands on hips looking very disapproving.  

“I am The Phantom of the Opera; all I do is eavesdrop.  Don’t worry all I heard was something about a deal and then…you said my real name.” Erik answered not in the least ashamed at Leo’s stare.   

“Well umm I was talking about someone else but thank you for revealing you name.” Beth said looking very pleased with coming up with a lie, but Erik’s face was full of disbelief, so Beth decided to yell “It was Nadir’s fault I heard him call you that!”  

“Nadir I told you to be careful when saying my name!” Erik yelled at Nadir who looked very confused at being accused.  

“Beth don’t you dare blame Nadir, but speaking of Nadir what are you doing here?” Leo yelled at Beth, before turning around towards Nadir.  

“Miss…Leo I wanted to talk with you and Erik here wanted to accompany me so he could converse with Miss Bethan.”  Nadir pulled Leo aside and asked her “I wish to take you to a restaurant to talk and learn more about each other if you do not mind Leo.”  

“I would like that very much when shall we go?” Leo answered gently holding onto Nadir’s hand.  

“Now if you don’t mind, but I will have to stop off at the lair first to gather my funds so you can get properly attired.” Nadir said pulling her close.  

“I am nearly ready so you can wait, and I will accompany you to the lair.” Leo replied already walking away from him to screen to change.  Once Leo was ready Nadir took her hand and they made their way to the lair, but not without yelling bye to Beth.  

When they had arrived Nadir realised, he had not enough stored in his hiding place.  Leo noticed and asked, “What’s wrong?”  

“I do not have enough funds to take you out, do you mind waiting till I am able to?” Nadir replied with hope.  He saw Leo thinking and the next thing he knew she was taking funds from Erik’s pot and getting a piece of parchment to write on.  

“I’m far too impatient to wait to dine with you.  I am just leaving a note for Erik and Beth then we will leave.”  Leo said writing to Beth where she was going and an I.O.U for Erik while chuckling to herself.  Leo walked back to Nadir and said, “Right I am ready let’s go.”  

They made their way to the carriage that Nadir had prepared and soon they were off to the restaurant Perchiana, which specialises in Persian cuisine.   

“Have you ever had Persian food Leo?” Asked Nadir.  

“I do not think I have before so I shall rely on you Nadir to steer me in the right direction with the food.”  Leo shyly replied.  

“This is the only restaurant that suited my taste buds I would be more than happy to guide you milady.  Table for Khan please.” Nadir replied guiding her in and then holding her seat once they had been seated.   

The date was a new experience for Leo, not the actual date itself but the cuisine.  So when Nadir was seated and Leo was nervously viewing her menu he quickly took her hand in his simply saying…  

“Trust me I think I know what to get you” He calmly and reassuringly said to Leo.  You could see the tension flow out of her and in that moment she felt alive.  Nadir ordered Kotlets with herb salad for himself and a simple Persian noodle soup for Leo.  

(AN: If you look on the BBC food recipes you can see both on there for more info on the dishes.)  

The conversation started simple with questions on the favourite colour, moments and soon they were talking about family.  After Leo finishing saying about her immediate family of 4, Nadir went quiet.  Leo calmly took his hand and said, “What is the matter, whatever it is I will not judge you.”  

“Do you like the name Casper?” Nadir suddenly asked holding her hand tightly.  

“Yes, it reminds me of a story I was told as a child.  Did you know that it means King of Treasure in some cultures?”  Leo replied holding his hand just as tightly.  

“I did know that which is why I called my son that…I…you haven’t meet him as he is still getting over an illness and is with the governess, I hired to teach him French.”  Nadir nervously replied.  

Leo thought for a moment than taking liberties moved her chair next to Nadir pulling his hands in hers.  “My brother has a child and I love looking after him, I have no doubt with you being his father that Casper is anything, but wonderful.”  

“Leo will you allow me to court you?” Nadir impulsively replied looking into her eyes.  

“Let me think about it…yes I would love that.”  Leo replied teasing him and gently kissing him on the cheek. “Let’s go for some ice cream.”  Leo said after they had finished eating pulling Nadir from his seat (don’t worry Erik’s money went to good use).    

Whilst Nadir and Leo were on a date, Erik had invited Beth back to his lair to help her with singing lessons due to her new role in the Opera Wicked .  (AN we know it's not actually an opera leave us alone).  Erik and Beth practiced both the important solo parts of Defying gravity and I'm not that girl , when Beth mentioned she had trouble singing As long as your mine.    

“So what are you having trouble with?  Which part?” Erik asked looking at the score on his page.  

“The part where Fiyero starts singing after me and getting the harmony sounding anything like it’s meant to.  I don’t know what it is but whenever I am singing the words it somehow don’t feel right.”  

“Very well let us start with your first problem.  So from the chorus.”  

“And just for this moment 
As long as you're mine 
I've lost all resistance 
And crossed some borderline 
And if it turns out 
It's over too fast 
I'll make every last moment last 
As long as you're mine” 

“Ok that so that sounded ok, but I know your problem, you are breathing in the wrong places here.”  He took her music score and placed a mark where she needs to breathe.  Beth looked on the score realising where she went wrong.  Beth repeated the chorus sounding much better.  They carried onto the moment Beth had trouble harmonising.  

...Somehow I've fallen 
Under your spell 
And somehow I'm feeling 
It's up that I fell 

Every moment 
As long as you're mine 
I'll wake up my body 
And make up for lost time 

Say there's no future 
For us as a pair 

And though I may know 
I don't care 
Just for this moment 
As long as you're mine 
Come be how you want to 
And see how bright we shine 
Borrow the moonlight 
Until it is through 
And know I'll be here 
Holding you 
As long as you're mine 

They sang perfectly sounding like two people in love like Beth wanted their voices matching and harmonising perfectly.  H ow she felt every moment she spent with him, but soon reality (so to speak) set in when Nadir and Leo interrupt with "well don’t you look comfortable".  

Breaking out of their stupor Erik began to question the feelings that were rising in him for Beth, but like you can guess he started to swim in denial saying that Beth is just his friend in his head. He loves Christine, that was to be his mantra for the next so many weeks.  

Beth on the other hand saw the look on his face after Leo had interrupted and knew what he was thinking and planned in that moment to be like every clique movie and planned to let him be happy.  She just wanted him to be happy so knowing that he did not love her decided to teach Erik how to woo a woman and help him get Christine back.  She knew what she needed to do…  

That on the other hand was not important to her at the moment though as soon as she realised Leo was in the room took her hand and pulled into another room while saying “So how was it?  Was the date everything you wanted it to be?”  

“Ahh it was wonderful…”  The door shut leaving Erik and Nadir to stare after them knowing the next so many weeks would change their loves for better or worse…   

Chapter Text

Chapter 12 – Here we are...again  

(Beth – Singing, Erik – Singing , Both – Singing) ( Eric thoughts )  

Erik POV  

I can see Miss Chouinard give Miss Noir a look that I cannot not interpret correctly, but whether they teel the truth or not...They had better tell me the truth....  

Suddenly Miss Noir spoke.  

“What are you talking about? Do you know how rude it is to eavesdrop on people?  How much did you hear?” Miss Noir looked at me as if we were in the wrong.  Her hands on her hips with a look that I often saw on Antoinette.  

“I am The Phantom of the Opera; all I do is eavesdrop.  Don’t worry all I heard was something about a deal and then…you said my real name.” I retorted quickly not in the least ashamed at Miss Noir’s stare.   

“Well, umm I was talking about someone else but thank you for revealing you name.” Miss Chouinard responded looking very pleased with herself, but I knew that could not possibly be the truth so I give her a look of disbelief.  The next thing I knew she was trying to blame the Daroga.  I saw Nadir who looks as confused as me and it made me think that they were telling the truth.  

Seeing his confusion, I yelled “Nadir I told you to be careful when saying my name!”  

 “Beth don’t you dare blame Nadir, but speaking of Nadir what are you doing here?” Miss Noir exclaimed, before turning around towards Nadir.  I saw Nadir pull her aside and while they were talking I spoke to Miss Chouinard.  

“Miss…Leo I wanted to talk with you and Erik here wanted to accompany me so he could converse with Miss Bethan.”  Nadir pulled Miss Noir aside and I overheard him asked her “I wish to take you to a restaurant to talk and learn more about each other if you do not mind Leo.”  

“I would like that very much when shall we go?” Miss Noir answered gently holding onto Nadir’s hand.  

“Now if you don’t mind, but I will have to stop off at the lair first to gather my funds so you can get properly attired.” Nadir said pulling her close.  

“I am nearly ready so you can wait, and I will accompany you to the lair.” Miss Noir replied already walking away from him to screen to change.  Once she was ready Nadir took her hand and they made their way to the lair, but she also very unrefinedly yelled to Miss Chouinard goodbye.  

Miss Chouinard and I was left standing in silence...  

“Shall we go to the lair and practice our musical?” Miss Chouinard.  

“Yes that sounds like a wonderful idea.” I replied offering her my hand escorting her to the lair.  

“So what are you having trouble with?  Which part?” I asked looking at the score.  

“The part where Fiyero starts singing after me and getting the harmony sounding anything like it meant.  I don’t know what it is but whenever I am singing it I don’t feel right.”  

“Very well let us start with your first problem.  So, from the chorus.”  Once I heard her sang, I knew immediately what he needed to do, so picked up her score and marked her new breathing places.  Then when she sang again, I let myself enjoy her performance.  

We then carried onto the moment she was having trouble with the harmony.   

And though I may know 
I don't care 
Just for this moment 
As long as you're mine 
Come be how you want to 
And see how bright we shine 
Borrow the moonlight 
Until it is through 
And know I'll be here 
Holding you 
As long as you're mine 

We sang looking into each other's eyes... I did not know what to think her eyes...they pierced my soul.  Yet she still looks...I am a... My train of thought is interrupted when I heard  

"Well don’t you look comfortable". Miss Noir interrupted.  Breaking away from Miss Chouinard I scolded myself.  Beth is just a friend nothing more...no Miss Chouinard is just a acquaintance...mantra  

I saw Miss Chouinard look at me before nodding to herself and puling Miss Noir away to their rooms.  I could feel Nadir’s eyes on me, so I turned and looked at him.  I felt that he could see that I wasn’t ready to talk so he nodded and left me finally alone with only my thoughts to keep me company.  

I walked towards my organ ready to play through my emotions.  That was when I noticed Beth...Miss Chouinard had left her score and some what at first looked like notes.  I walked towards them hesitating.  This is my lair anything she left is now mine, if she didn’t want me to see them then she shouldn’t have left them here... I picked it up and placed it on the organ.  She had written about a man... I wrote over her lyrics to be women, what was she thinking about when doing this tune.  I need to change the key, and this bit.....this needs changing too...there perfect.  I stared at it, my thoughts racing, I finally placed my hands on the organ and started playing a melody while humming the tune.  Soon I started singing...  

No one would listen 
No one but her 
Heard as the outcast hears. 
 
Shamed into solitude 
Shunned by the multitude 
I learned to listen 
In my dark, my heart heard music. 
 
I longed to teach the world 
Rise up and reach the world 
No one would listen 
I alone could hear the music 
 
Then at last, a voice in the gloom 
Seemed to cry "I hear you; 
I hear your fears, 
Your torment and your tears. " 
 
She saw my loneliness 
Shared in my emptiness 
No one would listen 
No one but her 
Heard as the outcast hears 
 
No one would listen 
No one but her 
Heard as the outcast hears...  

He slowly rested his hands onto his lap and realised that maybe he didn’t know Beth as much as he assumed he did.  He made a small vow to get to know her better and started making plans...