It wasn't hard to sneak away from her parents once night came. They had gotten quite drunk and couldn't even remember their own names, let alone that they had a daughter who wasn't supposed to go out.

She was careful to check around her, but not too many people were on the streets. She ended up making it to the Opera House unharmed.

"Erik?" she whispered to the darkness. "Are you there?"

No answer.

"Erik?" she tried again.

"Yes, mademoiselle, I'm here," she suddenly heard, making her jump. "Sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you."

"You just surprised me, that's all."

Erik took her hand, and once more, led her down to his underground lair.

"I just can't get over this place," Eponine said as she stepped out of the gondola.

Erik smiled at her. He had a nice smile. She wished he did that more often.

"When is this revolution you spoke of?" he asked her.

"It begins in two days time. Enjolras, the leader, plans to build a huge barricade in the middle of the street. He will lead his men in a procession down the middle of the street and then they will reveal their intentions and go to the barricade. Then they will do whatever they have to in order to win this revolution of theirs. I'm going to help them in any way I can."

"Are you afraid?"

Eponine was quiet. "Yes," she admitted. "But I want to do whatever I can to prove my love for Marius."

"I understand going to extremes to prove your love. Believe me."

"All I ever wanted was for him to love me. Was that so much to ask?"

"I'm afraid it's not that simple. Love never is."

They both reflected on their lost loves.

"Well, will you sing for me again, mademoiselle?"

"On one condition: You call me Eponine now. No more 'mademoiselle.' It's too formal, especially for someone like me who can't even afford a scrap of bread."

"Very well, Eponine."

They went over to the organ and resumed the song Erik had been teaching her. It was so beautiful. Marius could never have done anything like this. He only knew his books and how to fight. And how to fall in love with the wrong person.

"You're voice is just lovely, mad—…Eponine."

"Thank you, monsieur. I'm glad I am able to please you," Eponine smiled.

She stayed down in his lair for hours, talking and singing with him. He had a perfect tenor voice that surpassed Marius's by far. With each passing second, she could feel her love for Marius dwindling. Erik could say the same about Christine.

Eponine yawned.

"Are you tired?"

"No, not really. I've learned to live on little sleep."

"I must insist that you get some rest before returning home."

"I can't. I must be leaving soon. My parents will wonder where I am."

"Please. You look exhausted. You can only go so long without sleep. I have the perfect place for you to rest. Just rest for a couple hours. It will do you good."

Eponine hesitated for a second before she finally agreed. He led her to a room with a pristine swan bed covered in soft satin sheets.

"It's beautiful," she said softly.

"You can rest in here. Sleep as long as you like."

Eponine crawled under the covers and she didn't realize how tired she actually was until she fell asleep the moment her head hit the pillow.


Eponine slowly opened her eyes. She had never had such a good sleep in her entire life. The satin sheets hugged her petite form, as if begging her not to leave their presence.

"Erik?" she called as she stepped out of the room.

"I'm here," he called back from the organ.

"How long was I asleep?"

"Quite long. It's been several hours."

Eponine's eyes widened in horror. "I have to leave right now."

"Is everything alright?"

"My parents are going to be furious! You have to take me back."

"Of course. Come, we'll take a shortcut."

Erik led her through a secret passage that reduced their travel time quite significantly. At first, she wondered why they didn't usually go this way, but her question was answered when she saw how dark and narrow the passageway was.

"Forgive me if I kept you longer than you intended," Erik apologized.

"It's not your fault. Thank you for giving me a nice place to rest."

She hurried away, but at the last second, she ran back to him and placed a soft kiss on the side of his face that was not masked. With a warm smile, she once again hurried back home.