One Shots

Dear old fried

Raoul's POV:
had let her go. Christine was unhappy here, with me. And that killed me. I knew she went back to be with him, but at least she was happy now. That's all I ever wished for her. Happiness. But her being with the opera ghost left me all alone. I had to start over in my search for love. Christine was easy, we were childhood friends. I sighed as I walked down the cold street. It was winter. A terribly cold one at that. I pulled my collar tighter around my neck and continued on my way. I wasn't really going any place. Just for a walk, to clear my thoughts. I sighed and looked at the puff of steam that came from my mouth as I breathed. There was a commotion over further up the street to the left of me. I heard men. And a familiar woman's voice. She let out a shriek and I ran, careful not to slip on the ice. I saw Meg. One of the men was on top of her, reaching up her dress. The other was holding her arms down.
"Raoul!"
She called out for me. Both of them turned to me.
"Move along. You've no business here."
The one on top of her spit at me.
"Oh? But I do. She's a very close friend. I'd suggest you both move along."
They laughed. I was smaller than both of them, but if I had to fight I would. No one deserved this. Especially Meg.
"Oh yeah? Watchu going to do about it?"
The one holding her arms down asked. I reached inside my coat and pulled out my pistol. I only started carrying it after the whole Phantom mess. Their eyes widened and they jumped off of her. She jumped up and sprinted into my arms. They ran in the other direction.
"T-thank you,Vicomte."
"Shh I'm here.-God, you're freezing lets go get you warmed up."
She nodded. I gave her my scarf and gloves. She pulled her cloak closer to her and I wrapped my arm around her. I took her to the local inn. It was warm and cozy, with a roaring fire. I sat her down and got her tea and a hot meal. She kept thanking me over and over as I brought her the plate of food.
"Raoul I- "
"Meg, it's fine. Tell me though, how did that all happen?"
She looked up at me with her doe-like eyes.
"I-well. I was looking for extra work. One of them told me he was a manager for another Opera house! That one day he'd get me to all the big theatres! The other one was to be my 'agent'..."
She sighed.
"It turns out th-they were just a few dogs. Looking for some 'fun' and apparently after meeting me after a show, they thought I was gullible and they could do what they wanted with me..."
She put her face in her hands and started to shake. I took one of her hands in mine.
"Meg, it's not your fault. Anyone who would do that i-is nuts they obviously can't see your true worth. Your true beauty."
As soon as I said it I wanted to take it back.
"I-I mean uh-"
"Raoul, you think I'm beautiful?"
I blushed bright red.
"Of course. Extremely beautiful Meg."
"No one has ever told me that before..."
I couldn't believe that. Meg was gorgeous. The way her blonde curls fell, the way she smiled and her eyes sparkled. Her laugh. God forget about it.
"What? Are you sure?"
"I mean, not really. Only when they want...something from me."
She looked down at the table, away from me.
"Meg I would ne-"
"I know."
She reached for my hand and smiled.
"I should probably get you home."
I cleared my throat and turned to the door.
"Alright."
She sighed. I left some money on the table and held my arm out for her. She took it and I led her toward the opera house, where she lived.
"Raoul, I've missed seeing you around. It's not the same without you, walking around the building looking for Christine..."
She tapered off.
"I've missed you as well."
I answered simply, not wanting to be reminded of my broken engagement. After a few more moments of idle chatter we arrived at the building. It was just as I'd remembered. A large white building, carvings of angels looming over us. Small stone cherubs playing harps and horns. I looked up at the building and smiled weakly at all the memories I had of the place. Good and bad. Meg turned to me and looked me in the eye.
"I guess this is goodbye then?"
"It doesn't have to be."
I let go of her arm and gently cupped her face. I slowly leaned in, gauging her reaction. She too leaned in and our lips met. Heat flowed from my lips all through my body as soon as they did. I smiled as I broke the kiss, my heart skipped a beat.
"I don't want this to be goodbye."