A/N: Hello everyone! Okay, I know that I am really stupid for trying to juggle two stories at once, but this idea wouldn't leave me alone! So, that is my reason for deciding to start this lovely story. Now, to be completely honest, I have only been daydreaming about this story, so I don't know how it will turn out. So, please don't hate me! Alright, let's get this show on the road. On with they story!

Disclaimer: I do not own POTO. However, I do own Daniel. Please do not steal him.

Prologue

In the cemetery, 1881

As Raoul stole away with her on his horse, Christine could not help but look back over her shoulder at her fallen Angel of Music. Her heart nearly broke when she saw him standing there, a desolate, betrayed look marring the unmasked side of his face. She turned back around quickly and shut her eyes, trying to block out all the pain and confusion that had been thrown at her from every direction during these past few months. Burying her face in Raoul's back, she took a moment to compose herself, not wanting her betrothed to see how distressed she truly was.

When she had gotten some control on her emotions, she pulled back and opened her eyes. She blinked a bit as she took in her surroundings. They were still in the cemetery, but in a different section. A puzzled look crossed her face as something in her mind told her that this place was familiar. After a few seconds, she gasped aloud as her memory was finally restored and called, "Raoul, stop!"

Raoul pulled the horse to a jerky halt and glanced behind him anxiously. "Darling, what's wrong?" he asked, concern evident in his voice. What could make Christine want to spend another moment in the cemetery, where the monster could still be waiting to harm them?

Christine shook her head. "Nothing's wrong, Raoul," she replied quietly. "I just need to visit an old…f-friend." Her voice drifted off quietly as tears filled her eyes. No, the person she wanted to visit was not just a 'friend.' Mere words could not describe her relationship with the young boy who was buried a mere hundred feet away.

Raoul saw the look of pain upon Christine's face and felt a sharp ache go through his chest. He knew what it was like to miss someone unbearably, and he was sure that a quick visit would help soothe Christine's frayed nerves. "Of course, Lotte," he said softly, sliding off the horse to assist her. As he took her hand and pulled her down beside him, he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Take as much time as you need," he whispered, although he secretly hoped it would not be too long. He did not want to put them at the Phantom's mercy.

"Thank you Raoul," Christine said, trying to smile up into his loving face. After returning his squeeze, she stepped away from him and walked to a place that she thought she would never visit again. It was a place of conflicting emotions, bringing her sadness and happiness, joy and anger. It was a place she had sworn never to visit again, but now, she needed to, for her own peace of mind.

All too quickly, she reached the small headstone that had been placed there two years prior. Her breath caught in her throat and unwelcome tears pooled in her eyes as she stared at it. Dropping to her knees, she reached out and touched the engraved words with a reverence that would have made even the iciest hearts melt. She could not help but laugh quietly at how little justice the words did to the man who lay beneath the cold ground. As she traced each individual letter and number, she mouthed the beautiful name that had once filled her with hope, happiness, and love.

Daniel Bataille

1863-1879

Dearest friend and sweetest lover

A man who conquered everything except sweet death

An unparalleled grief washed over her as she stared at the last sentence. Yes, her beloved Daniel had conquered so much. He had conquered his horrid past, he had conquered his most hated foes, he had even conquered his friends' most hated foes. However, the most important thing he had ever conquered was not enemies, countries, or his past. No, his greatest victory was Christine Daaé's heart.

Christine allowed herself a happy, albeit tiny, smile. Daniel had not always been her treasured lover. In the beginning, they had actually shared a mutual contempt for each other. They could barely stand the sight of each other, yet at the same time, they could not seem to be drawn apart from each other. Without either of them realizing it, they began to form a tentative friendship, their first feelings of loathing slipping away each day that they spent together. From there, their hearts took complete control and led them both on a road that they loved and feared.

Christine chewed on her lip as she tried to remember the first time she had known that she was in love with Daniel. Was it when they had gone to the ball together and he had proposed to her? Was it when they had gone to the cliff that day? Or perhaps it was when she had first seen him with that horrid Patricia girl?

No, Christine thought confidently as curled into a ball and rested her head against the chilled grave, I believe I first fell in love with my sweet Daniel the moment he set foot in the Opera House…

A/N: Love? Hate? Not sure? Please leave a review so that I know if I should continue with this story or kiss it goodbye!