Author's Note: Well, what a lovely day this is. I am updating a new story called A Heart Full of You! Now, before I say anything else I NEED to mention that this story is co-written by my good friend Kate Pendragon. Miss Kate came up with all the real ideas for this story, and really just asked if I'd like to write it. Most credit goes to her, with a bit for me. It will be updated on my account, though some chapter belong to her and her only. I have written this chapter 1, though. This is my chapter. But please tell us what you think! Review! Thanks.

-Jennifer

Chapter 1. Two Lost in the Night

Blackness. It surrounded him, suffocated him. He took a gasping breath as he turned to looked at the Opera Populaire, a once majestic building, now engulfed in raging flames. Suddenly, Erik felt something cool on his skin… rain. A small fall of rain had fallen from the cloudy nights sky, where there was no moon or stars. The outside was almost completely black – or at least it would be, had the fire not provided light.

Erik let a gasp escape his throat, and he pressed himself against the cold stone wall of a building. It felt strange, water falling upon his skin, thrown down from the heavens. He had never felt rain, never seen it, only heard the thunderous booms from down in his lair. He felt some of the water fall down his cheek, though this was hot. He must have been crying. Erik touched his own tears, feeling his chest rise up and down in uneven, raspy sobs.

She was gone. And now, he had to find refuge someone in Paris. And that was when the thought came to him.

He was outside.

Outside, where people could see him. His hand instinctively went to his face, and he felt the pitted areas of his deformity. He had no mask. He was outside with no mask. He felt more tears fall down, and for one of the first times in his life, he felt something he never had: fear.

Suddenly, he heard something. Someone's voice? He pressed himself farther into the shadows and listened carefully.

"All my life I've only been pretending! Without me, his world will go on turning

A world that's full of happiness, that I have never – known!

I love him… I love him… I love him.

But only on my own"

Erik studied someone, standing just beyond the shadows. She was covered in sot and dirt, but he could still se she was beautiful. Shining, bright blue eyes and long, straight raven hair. Tears caked her cheeks. Her voice was not beautiful - not like his Christine - but it had such deep emotion and hidden beauty, it was perfect. Erik watched her intently, fascinated.

Suddenly, he heard a noise. Footsteps running. "There's one!" A man in a uniform shouted, pointing at the girl. A man next to him raised his gun aimed toward her.

Before Erik new what he was doing, he leaped out of the shadows and knocked the girl down to the ground, just as the gunshot went off. She let out a small gasp, but did not resist when he took her hand and began to run.

"M-Monsieur!" The girl shouted, her voice choked as they ran. She had a accent, he noticed. Cockney.

Finally, the two reached a dark alleyway, and Erik stopped, gasping for breath.

"Monsieur..." The girl said, she couldn't see him quite clearly in the darkness. "Thank you, Monsieur. Thank you."

"E-Erik," Erik correct breathlessly.

The girl smiled, "Erik." Her voice sent a pang in his heart, as she smiled at him as though her were a good man instead of the beast her truly was. She spoke again, "My name is Eponine."

Erik nodded shortly, "Eponine. Do you live around these parts?"

"In Paris all my life. On the streets, wherever I can find." She answered.

Erik didn't reply for a long moment, but then he said, "Your welcome Eponine." He turned and began to walk away, when her hand caught his arm.

"No, Monsieur. Please." Her voice softened, "You saved my life, Monsieur Erik. Please do not go."

Erik sighed, his free hand moving to his face, "Eponine - "

"Your hand..." She whispered, her eyes shinning in the night. Her hand began to rise up, towards his face. "Why do you -" She stopped speaking when her hand touched the deformed side of his face, she did not move her hand away, but she did not move.

Erik pulled away violently, "I must go."

"No! Monsieur Erik!" Eponine's voice stopped him. "You... something is wrong... you have been hurt? Something with - "

"Eponine please. You do not understand." Erik began to walk away from her steadily.

"I do not mind!" She called after him, causing him to stop walking. He could hear her coming toward him, "I will not hate you for what you look like," She said softly. "Monsieur Erik, you have saved me. You are a good man. I..."

He turned toward her carefully, "I cannot - "

"You are afraid. I can sense it. But you see, Monsieur Erik, I am in your debt. I am your servant, Monsieur, for the kindness you have given me, a stranger." Her voice was soft and her eyes piercing. "Please, do not go, Monsieur Erik."

Erik closed his eyes. She meant what she said, didn't she? But still, what would happen if she saw his face? Would she run like all the others? Why should this girl be any different? Erik swallowed slowly, thinking of his answer. He turned to her and said simply, "Come with me, Eponine."