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the_red_doorElijah wasn't sure of the last time he'd anticipated something this keenly, and given who and what he was, that was something truly remarkable. Indeed, it had been a last minute whim that had brought him to the Opera House earlier that night, as he'd found himself with no particular plans and was merely seeking out a way to pass the time instead of simply staying in. What good fortune he'd chosen the opera for his entertainment that evening, Elijah thought to himself, for otherwise he would have missed the event that had become the talk of Paris society in an instant.
He'd attended the opera dozens of times, of course, and had a great appreciation for their work, but he had never felt moved until tonight. The difference? A last minute substitution for the lead role, a chorus girl stepping in for the diva, no less. And Christine Daae had taken that stage and stunned everyone in attendance, Elijah very much included.
During the festivities backstage after the performance, he'd hovered at the edges, wanting to have little to do with the revelers, but needing to get close enough to Christine to make contact. A few quickly exchanged messages and his ancient heart tripped just a bit faster to know she would arriving at his townhouse soon.
Elijah decided that fate had done well so far that night, so he would allow it to do what it would with Christine's visit. He'd fed earlier in the evening, and so there was little chance of him losing his control around the young woman and robbing the opera of its newest star. But as he'd watched her on the stage, not only had she roused his emotions, but his hungers as well.
He heard the door, followed by his servant announcing Christine's arrival. Elijah adjusted his jacket and descended the stairs to greet her.
He'd attended the opera dozens of times, of course, and had a great appreciation for their work, but he had never felt moved until tonight. The difference? A last minute substitution for the lead role, a chorus girl stepping in for the diva, no less. And Christine Daae had taken that stage and stunned everyone in attendance, Elijah very much included.
During the festivities backstage after the performance, he'd hovered at the edges, wanting to have little to do with the revelers, but needing to get close enough to Christine to make contact. A few quickly exchanged messages and his ancient heart tripped just a bit faster to know she would arriving at his townhouse soon.
Elijah decided that fate had done well so far that night, so he would allow it to do what it would with Christine's visit. He'd fed earlier in the evening, and so there was little chance of him losing his control around the young woman and robbing the opera of its newest star. But as he'd watched her on the stage, not only had she roused his emotions, but his hungers as well.
He heard the door, followed by his servant announcing Christine's arrival. Elijah adjusted his jacket and descended the stairs to greet her.
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Date: 2016-09-20 03:57 am (UTC)Her Angel would not be pleased with her disappearing before thanking him- before more practicing. That, however, was a worry for later, as her heart was beating against her chest. She accepted the help from the car, tucking her cell phone away in her purse as she walked up the steps and knocked on the door.
The young soprano was in over her head, she realized, as she stood just beyond the door that a servant just let her through and watched Elijah descend the staircase just ahead.
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Date: 2016-09-20 11:08 pm (UTC)Christine was, Elijah noted, even lovelier than he'd recalled from his box seat during the performance and during their brief meeting backstage. The madness that followed her unexpected debut, along with the champagne she'd imbibed, agreed with her complexion, giving her a rosy glow that made his mouth water ever so slightly.
Elijah took both of her hands in his and smiled. "Thank you so much for coming. I'm sure you had many offers this evening." He leaned in to kiss the young woman's cheek, and then inhaled deeply. As she'd indicated in her texts, the scent of expensive champagne clung to her hair and skin like a perfume. She smelled like youthful exuberance and abandon, and between that and the sound of her blood flowing just beneath the skin of her elegant neck, Elijah's interest was well and truly piqued.
"Success becomes you, Christine Daae. Congratulations."
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Date: 2016-09-20 11:32 pm (UTC)The sudden closeness had her face flushed more than usual, thanks to the lingering effects of the champagne, and she smiled bashfully at his congratulations and compliment. "Thank you, monsieur- it all feels like such a dream still, if I'm going to be perfectly honest."
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Date: 2016-09-21 05:54 pm (UTC)"I can only imagine," Elijah replied, still smiling and still definitely holding the young woman's hands in his. With as long a perspective on the world as he himself had, Christine's sudden rise to prominence was astonishing to observe.
"Please accept my assurances that the attention and praise is greatly deserved. I have had the pleasure to hear many, many performers in my day and you were stunning." Elijah turned slightly, releasing one hand to gesture further into the house. "Can I offer you anything?"
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Date: 2016-09-23 02:58 am (UTC)"That's awfully kind of you, thank you." Her hand that he released immediately went up to push her hair from her face. "I wouldn't want to impose- something to drink, perhaps, if it wouldn't be too much trouble?"
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Date: 2016-09-23 07:22 pm (UTC)"Of course," Elijah replied with a smile and nod. Retaining one of the girl's hands, he led Christine into the townhouse until they arrived in a spacious great room. There were plush sofas and comfortable-looking chairs scattered around, a fireplace on one wall and a bar on another.
Bringing Christine to the bar, he had her sit on one side then moved behind it. "What shall it be, then, mademoiselle? More champagne?"
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Date: 2016-09-23 10:02 pm (UTC)But she didn't dare break from him, not until she was led to the bar to take a seat there. "Champagne would be lovely- unless you have a better suggestion? I am open to them."
She pressed her forearms against the front of the bar and smiled brightly at him. "Your home is magnificent, monsieur."
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Date: 2016-09-26 10:47 pm (UTC)Elijah took a moment to regard the young woman carefully, not bothering to disguise his amusement. Even if he were not as he were, Christine would still be the most life that this house had seen in a great long time, and her warmth was infectious. So infectious, in fact, that it gave the vampire an idea.
While he could not claim an extent of mind reading as one of his talents, Elijah was nonetheless a student of human behavior. Putting two and two together, he realized that the former chorus girl must not have been off her feet or still since early that morning.
He placed two wide snifter glasses on the bar and poured several fingers' width or cognac into them. Holding the round glass bottoms in his palms, he swirled the amber liquid to warm it. "I think, perhaps, seats by the fire?" Elijah indicated a large, thickly-cushioned sofa in front of the hearth.
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Date: 2016-09-26 11:50 pm (UTC)Christine glanced over at the plush couch near the fire, her face lighting up. "That sounds amazing!"
The suggestion was enough to have her gracefully slide off the barstool and make her way to the sofa to curl up in the corner of it.
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Date: 2016-09-27 10:41 pm (UTC)Once they were re-situated, Elijah handed one glass to the young woman and sat on the sofa as well. He stayed closer, perhaps, than was polite, but not to the point of being improper.
Holding out his glass, he offered a toast. "To a spectacular debut, and continued success."
Taking a sip, Elijah regarded his guest appreciatively. "So where did you come from, Christine Daae? I follow the company quite closely and had no idea you were waiting in the wings."
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Date: 2016-10-03 05:03 am (UTC)She took a sip of her drink, humming as the alcohol warmed her. "I've been with the ballet for some time- no one except for Madame Giry and my dearest friend were aware that I've been tutored."
A pause as she smiled into her glass. "By an Angel of Music."
It sounded ridiculous when she mentioned it out loud, of course, but she owed a great deal to her Angel and it would be a great disservice to him to not credit him with her success.
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Date: 2016-10-03 09:35 pm (UTC)A thousand years of experience went into Elijah's keeping himself from scoffing or laughing in the young woman's face. He'd met and battled-- and even occasionally bedded-- all manner of supernatural creatures, but never had he met an Angel.
"How fascinating," he told Christine, his voice carefully schooled and devoid of any mockery. "This Angel of yours should be congratulated. Celebrated, even, if he or she is to credit with developing such a spectacular talent."
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Date: 2016-10-03 10:58 pm (UTC)She looked back up at him, eyes wide as he did not scoff, but seemed genuinely interested. "He is a great teacher, I agree that he should be credited with my success..." A pause. "He is very strict, however- I'm afraid he won't be pleased that I left without seeking him out."
Her brow furrowed and she took another sip of her drink, allowing the alcohol to push her worries aside. "You must think I'm mad," she laughed breathlessly.
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Date: 2016-10-04 07:49 pm (UTC)Elijah raised an eyebrow. Having a strict, demanding instructor was one thing, but what made this so-called "angel" believe he had a right to dictate Christine's comings and goings? He was still mulling over the question as the young woman continued shyly.
He switched his expression immediately over to an understanding smile. "Not in the least. Believe me, I have seen many unusual and mysterious things in my day. A music teacher wishing to remain anonymous is not so odd. Perhaps he is concerned with the appearance of impropriety in tutoring a beautiful young woman such as yourself. He may be married or in some position of authority."
apologies for the delay!!!!
Date: 2016-10-12 12:40 am (UTC)He was her angel, but perhaps it rang partly true. She had never seen him, yet he remained with her always. "Perhaps you are correct..." She paused. "I'm afraid you know so much of me, monsieur, and I know very little of you."
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Date: 2016-10-12 06:17 pm (UTC)He watched Christine consider the possibilities he'd just suggested. For his part, Elijah was powerfully curious about this so-called "angel", and if he might somehow be a danger to those who occupied the theatre he enjoyed so greatly, or might even perhaps be one such as himself. It would help explain the need for such secrecy.
Elijah gave the young woman a smile. "My family is originally from the United States, but I have lived in France on and off over... a number of years. I've always loved the theatre, and opera in particular, so I consider my patronage an honor. As I do your agreeing to pay me a visit tonight."
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Date: 2016-10-17 08:14 am (UTC)Still, she listened to him and sipped more on her drink as he answered her, smiling brightly as he did. "That sounds wonderful- having the option to travel and live in multiple countries..."
She paused and her eyes widened a little before she shook her head, still smiling at him. "You flatter me, monsieur. I never would have imagined my company an 'honor' before. I would dare to say that I am honored for such an offer to join you, truly."
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Date: 2016-10-17 11:44 pm (UTC)Elijah's smile only widened as the young woman dealt most gracefully and most prettily with his flattering. He raised his glass in her direction. "Well then, let's drink to honoring one another, then." He took another sip of the fine spirit, his enhanced senses attuned to Christine's, wondering what would happened as she approached a state of tipsy.
"You must travel, then," he said, his hand moving broadly as if to conjure a whole world before Christine. "Surely now that you've let Paris in on the secret of your talent, sharing it with the world will be next." His expression was shaded by just a touch of suggestiveness. "I would be most pleased to help you with that, if you would like."
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Date: 2016-10-18 01:47 am (UTC)She was positively enthralled by him, smiling brightly as he suggested that she travel- her skin flushing even more red at the suggestion that he could help her with that. "I would love to travel- but I hardly think I'm ready to face the world... That seems like an awfully big step to make."
And her angel would not approve... Another sip of her drink pushes that thought back as she shook her head. "You're far too kind, truly... I wouldn't know how to even begin to repay such kindness."
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Date: 2016-10-19 06:59 pm (UTC)In his mind, Elijah sighed as he watched himself engage with the girl. Without a doubt, she was one of his most favorite sort of dalliances-- wide-eyed, bright, and ready to take on the world but needing a wise older hand to guide her. And to teach her any number of other things, as well.
"I disagree. Right now, you are more open to new experiences than any other time. No preconceived notions. Ready for adventure."
He had yet to use any compulsion on Christine thus far, but Elijah knew how to speak, and while he'd been talking, the gap between them had closed another few inches.
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Date: 2016-10-20 01:47 am (UTC)"I'm flattered that you believe I am ready..."
She took another sip of her drink before leaning over and setting it down.
"I wouldn't even know where to start! It's all so overwhelming!"
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Date: 2016-10-20 05:51 pm (UTC)Elijah nodded sagely. "I see what you mean, my dear. Perhaps it would be best to begin by discovering what delights Paris itself has to offer."
They were sitting far closer than any kind of idea of propriety would approve of, but even Elijah's desire to be proper was fading in the face of Christine's wide-eyed, electric beauty.
He reached out and stroked a single fingertip along the young woman's cheek, then brushed at an errant curl that hung near her temple. "Or even simply the ones you might find right here..."
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Date: 2016-10-21 12:32 am (UTC)When had they become so close to one another? She hardly realized they'd been moving closer until just now. "So, perhaps if I explore more here, in Paris, before I start exploring elsewhere?"
She leaned closer into that touch, was she even breathing at this point? It was hard to tell- though she was awfully aware of just how flushed her face must be now. "The delights... here... and now?"
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Date: 2016-10-21 05:54 pm (UTC)His smile and expression softened, grew even warmer as his eyes stayed on Christine's and his fingers continued to idly but quite intimately stroke her cheek. "I think you wold be making a very wise decision, beginning your explorations of the world and all it has to offer close to home."
Elijah leaned in closer, until she would be able to feel his breath on her lips. "If you would like, you could begin right now."
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Date: 2016-10-21 06:12 pm (UTC)Though Christine was never the type to truly make the first move, she closed the gap and pressed her lips against his, softly, her eyes closing as she did.
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Date: 2016-10-21 11:16 pm (UTC)Having Christine make that gesture was all the confirmation Elijah required. She was a talented, bright young woman with enormous potential and something inside of him rankled at this talk of an "angel" that might stand in the way of her development.
And of course, she was the sort of fresh, light spirit that he craved. When their lips touched, he deepened the kiss, drawing in her breath. Elijah's hands lightly gripped her shoulders and drew her even closer.
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Date: 2016-10-22 06:40 am (UTC)Rather at a loss of what to do with her own hands now that she was closer to him, she brought them up, one holding onto the fabric near his shoulder... The other flat against his cheek before snaking around and pressing at his neck, eager to keep him close as she made a soft sound against his lips.
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Date: 2016-10-23 06:02 am (UTC)He smiled against her lips as Christine moved to hold him. Elijah relished that eagerness and knew he needed to encourage and reward it. And so, he pulled gently, guiding the young woman to rest her legs over his, and then move even more, placing Christine in his lap.
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Date: 2016-10-23 06:21 am (UTC)And her into his lap. There was no struggle, rather she found that she fit rather well there and she nestled close as she tentatively deepened the kiss. She would need to pull back to breathe eventually, though she didn't actually want to. There was something about this- about him- that made her feel safe, even as she found herself in a situation she never would have imagined.
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Date: 2016-10-24 09:00 pm (UTC)Elijah's mouth worked against hers, softly and coaxingly at first, but then growing in intensity as she responded in kind. Christine's kiss was soft and inviting, her lips plush against his, and pliable as he tested her by brushing his tongue along her lower lip.
His hands held the girl close, letting her body mould against his. The feel of Christine against him stirred different kinds of hunger within him, and he wondered which he would allow to win. Certainly the blood pumping though her strong, young body was as much temptation as her body itself.
Elijah's hand reached up to stroke her cheek again, this time much more boldly. "I think it might be best for you to stay the night, after all the excitement and drink, don't you think?"
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Date: 2016-10-24 11:55 pm (UTC)Breathless, she looked up at him, only just managing to decipher the insinuation. "I think so... If it's not too much trouble?"
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Date: 2016-10-25 06:50 pm (UTC)Elijah's smile was warm and welcoming, but very knowing in the face of Christine's irresistible naïveté. "I would consider it a great pleasure to have you as my guest tonight, and I hope you will feel the same."
He kissed her again, this time swiping his tongue across hers to taste the girl. "As well as considering it the beginning of your exposure to the delights of the world. In fact, would you like to see your guest room right now?"
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Date: 2016-10-27 07:03 am (UTC)Her heart fluttered and she didn't necessarily want that kiss to end, but the question following certainly caught her attention, regardless of any insinuations. Her skin could not flush anymore than it already has by now. "That would be lovely, yes please."
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Date: 2016-10-28 06:29 pm (UTC)Elijah had his vices, and seducing impressionable young women who strike his fancy was not the only one. He could be insufferably clever in his speech, something his siblings often merely tolerated and his enemies have often found irritating. But in times like these, where he was merely playing and teasing, are the times he enjoyed best.
Once Christine answered in the affirmative, he made the decision to be a little less dissembling and evasive. He could see in the girl's eyes that she was not entirely naive to his intentions, which was all the better. Moving quickly-- but not inhumanly so-- Elijah rose and scooped Christine up from the sofa, carrying her easily up the stairs and into a lushly appointed guest room, where he lowered her to a soft, four-poster bed.
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Date: 2016-10-28 09:05 pm (UTC)She made a sound as he scooped her up and carried her up the stairs... Surprised, but not so in a bad way. Her arms wrapped loosely around his neck as she clung to him until she was being set down on the soft bed. She barely had time to really appreciate the layout of the home, she was so startled by being carried to the guest room.
Perhaps that was for the better. She looked up at him, doe-eyed while taking deep breaths, fingers of one of her hands brushing over his. "It's even lovelier up here," she mused breathlessly up at him- eager to fill the silence.
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Date: 2016-11-01 07:03 pm (UTC)"It certainly is now," Elijah replied with a smile, and shrugged out of his jacket, hanging it carefully over the back of a chair before joining Christine on the bed. He supposed that everything must have been happening very quickly for the girl-- which really, was rather the point.
Elijah's hand touched her cheek tenderly once more before he leaned in for another kiss. As their mouths met and worked softly against one another, his hand slid over her body, exploring her gently through her dress.
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Date: 2016-11-03 02:20 am (UTC)Christine met his kiss enthusiastically, shivering as his hand ran over her body. She didn't know where to put her hands, so she leaned onto one and used the other to run over his shoulder and behind his neck to keep him close. Whenever his hand found a spot on her that she enjoyed, she pressed closer to him, eager to keep his hand there.
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Date: 2016-11-03 10:30 pm (UTC)Indeed, when all was said and done, Elijah had most definitely stacked the deck in his favor, but he also knew he was more than capable of delivering on every promise he'd made.
As Christine reacted to his touch, Elijah made sure to map all of the places that seemed to please the girl most, all while gently stroking her lips with his own, and with his tongue, tasting the fresh, sweet notes of her. After a bit, his hand's travels became more focused, searching for ways to rid his lovely companion of her dress.
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Date: 2016-11-03 10:41 pm (UTC)She did, however, have the forethought to toe off her flats in order to move onto the bed more, to be closer to him.
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Date: 2016-11-04 06:14 pm (UTC)The glimpse of leg made Elijah even more intent on divesting Christine of her coverings sooner rather than later. His hands moved skillfully, unzipping the back with a flourish before pushing the bodice down from her shoulders to her waist.
Elijah tipped his head back to admire the young woman's half-naked beauty before pressing his mouth to her throat and kissing her pulse. He followed the line down to her collarbone, and then to scatter kisses all over her breasts. "Mmmm, delicious," Elijah hummed while tugging at her dress to get it off completely.
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Date: 2016-11-13 06:52 am (UTC)Her arm dropped as he started pressing those kisses to her throat, then collar bone... She giggled breathlessly at the feel of his lips on her breasts- shifting to help him by wiggling to get out of her dress completely. And though she was eager to cover herself, she was more than distracted by his kisses.
"I.... I don't have much experience," she whispered breathlessly- as though it weren't already obvious. And by not having much, she really meant none at all.
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Date: 2016-11-15 06:42 pm (UTC)Continuing to explore the young woman's body, Elijah covered nearly every inch of her exposed skin with his kisses, traveling again and again back to her chest to tease the rosy tips of her breasts a bit more, wanting them to stand proud before he crushed them against his chest.
He looked up at the young woman with a warm, knowing smile. "That's all right, my dear Mademoiselle. I have more than enough for us both. I promise you a very pleasant experience."
With that, and thanks to Christine's eager assistance, he divested her of the rest of her dress, then began on his own clothes.
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Date: 2016-11-15 08:25 pm (UTC)"Thank you..."
And what did she dare do now other than watch him with extreme interest as he began to get rid of his clothing- idly wondering if she should offer him help... Though he seemed to have more of a handle on it all than she did- she couldn't even watch him half the time as she continued to avert her eyes when she became too flushed.
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Date: 2016-11-16 07:11 pm (UTC)The young woman's shyness was absolutely charming and endearing to Elijah, because he could feel how it was very much working against Christine's curiosity and enthusiasm. As far as he could tell, the ingenue wanted him as much as he wanted her, but simply lacked the experience to respond to him in kind.
As he'd told her, Elijah did not mind that at all. He was happy to play tutor this time. Christine Daae was to have a new "angel" to instruct her on much more earthly matters.
Once he was bare, he slipped onto the bed, pulling Christine to him gently. He would not force her, but he would guide her. His head dipped to kiss her once more, this time with the whole of their naked bodies able to press against each other.