This is an odd mix of ALW, Leroux, and Kay's Phantoms, all rolled up in one. So... bear with me. I own not the Phantom or the Opera House that goes with him, nor the de Chagnys, if and when they make their appearance. But dear little Margeaux's mine, and her daddy gets a little... crazy when people take her. So, you should get permission first. That out of the way~ Enjoy!
He glanced around, making certain he was alone. Satisfied he took off his mask, tipping his face to the sun.
"Hey, m'sieur? Your face looks funny."
His eyes flew open, quickly replacing his mask. He looked down at the little girl. "Where did you come from, ma petite?"
The little girl pointed behind her.
"You had best go back, then; your mother is probably worried about you."
She shook her head, looking at her feet. She scuffed the ground with her toe. "Dun have a mum. Or a dad."
He knelt down. The little girl looked up at him, meeting his eyes unflinchingly. This little cherub-faced girl, with curly red hair and bright green eyes, had no parents, and probably no family, judging by the state of her clothing. She looked like she belonged to an orphanage, and wouldn't be missed. "Do you want a family?"
The little girl nodded shyly. "Will you give me one?"
He nodded. Standing, he offered his hand. "Come with me."
She took his hand, tiny fingers wrapping around one of his. "You have long fingers. Do you play the piano-forte?"
"I do," he responded, wrapping the rest of his hand around her tiny one.
"I love the piano-forte! I've always wanted to play one!"
"What is your name, ma cherie?"
"Maggie. Marguerite. Marguerite Ayesha." She looked up at him. "What's yours?"
"Erik Destler."
"Can I have your last name?"
His heart swelled for this little girl. "If you want it."
Her smile melted him. "Maggie Destler." She giggled. "I like it!"
"Do you like the name Maggie?"
She smiled sadly. "I can't have the other nickname. The other one's for people who can afford it."
"Do you know how much money I have?"
"More than me?"
"A lot more. You can afford the nickname Margeaux. Do you want it?"
"Margeaux Destler. I love it!" She tossed her free arm around him. "Thank you, Erik!" She kissed his hand.
A tear slid down his cheek under his mask. This little girl didn't even know him, yet the simple knowledge that she had a pretty nickname and a last name made her impossibly happy. She loved him already, such a simple, pure love that she felt the pain of loosing Christine dissolve and fade away. He picked Margeaux up, hugging her gently.
She squealed happily, wrapping her arms around his neck and resting her head on his shoulder. "Are you my daddy now?"
"Do you want me to be?"
She closed her eyes, nodding.
"Then I can be your daddy, Margeaux."
She smiled, kissing the cheek of his mask. "I love you, daddy Erik."
With a trembling hand, he stroked her hair as she fell asleep. "I love you too, ma petite Margeaux."
I'm sorry. I had to. Erik... I love him, see, and all this unhappy endings for him made me have to write him a happy ending. Margeaux was perfect. But don't worry - Erik will fid out soon enough raising a girl isn't all sugar and spice and everything nice. Heheh, my parents learned that right quick once I became a teen, and Margeaux's not gonna be much better. Review, please! I love y'all!