A/N- I honestly can't think of anything to say right now, which is pretty unusual for me.

Anyway, reviews!

From Chapter 1:

daringwolf2000: sorry, I would have replied to this in the last chapter, but you reviewed AFTER I posted it, so, yeah. Sorry again. Also, glad you like the chapter! And, you're welcome! :D

Chapter 2:

daringwolf2000: yeah, like I said, completely useless, and somewhat gross. XD And did you honestly think that any of my characters would ever sit back as someone accused them of murder, even one like Adrienne? I mean, they all seem to be pretty headstrong and temperamental (though I'm trying to dial that down in Adrienne, for the sake of her character development in this story)

Disclaimer: I don't own POTO.

I don't know how long I was sitting there, crying, but it felt like an eternity. Not that I had any kind of a life that required a time schedule, though.

Suddenly, there was a creak, and a few footsteps. They stopped short, though, and I could feel the gaze of someone on me. I froze, my sobs immediately stopping, and slowly looked up, gasping at what I saw.

Standing before me, in all his enigmatic glory, was a dark figure, clad in a black shirt, trousers, and cape, his dark hair combed back. But, what stood out the most was the bright white mask covering half of his face, and the mysterious eyes that captured my attention, many layers hidden within them, but the foremost emotion being surprise.

It was the Phantom.

I tried to scoot back, though I was already against the wall, and made myself as small as possible. Something about his aura just screamed fear me. I dipped my head low, hiding my face in my hair, and avoided eye contact.

"Please don't hurt me," I whispered.

The Phantom didn't say anything, but he did walk closer to me. His footfalls were almost silent, but it was an innate instinct that told me he was now crouching before me. Every fiber of my being told me to run, but there was no where to go.

I felt a finger lift my face, and, terrified, I studied him with a morbid fascination, as he did the same. Though, his gaze was more calculating, and showed no fear. He reached his other hand out, and gently brushed away the hair that was hiding my burns. I flinched when he touched me, and looked away as he inspected my scars.

He withdrew his hand, and I dared to look him in the eye. He didn't seem horrified by my scars, nor did he seem like he wanted to mock me for them. Instead, he seemed… empathetic?

"What's your name, child?" he asked. The Phantom's voice was smooth, and deep, almost comforting, and I knew that he could put much power behind his voice, if he put the right emphasis on the right words. And I think he knew that.

"A-adrienne," I stammered. "Are you truly the Phantom of the Opera?"

He smiled, though it seemed bitter. "That appears to be the name I have adopted over the years, yes."

I felt myself relax the tiniest bit, and I smiled wistfully, my mind going back to when I was younger, and my parents were alive. "You know, I've spent almost my entire life looking for you here."

"I usually don't want to be found," he replied simply.

"Yet the one time I'm not looking for you, and am trying myself not to be found, is the time I finally see you," I chuckled slightly at the irony, as did he.

"I suppose you're right, Ms. Adrienne." His smiled slipped away. "May I inquire, what brings you up here, in such a distraught state?"

"The cruelties of the world," I answered bitterly.

The Phantom's expression took on a darker countenance. "Believe me, I know of cruelties. I assume it has to do with your scars?"

I nodded. "I recently lost my parents in a fire, which is where I was burned. Because of my injuries, everyone has been treating me differently, speaking warily around me, and acting more nervous. The only person to take me in was a cruel woman, and I was basically her slave, and preferred object of ridicule. Then, I found out that everyone thinks I started the fire, and killed my parents, since I was the only one who made it out alive. So, I slapped a lady, and ran off, somehow ending up here."

The Phantom was silent for a second, and seemed surprised. "So, you were the one I threw the rope to?"

My head shot up, startled. "Wait, you were the one who threw me the rope?" Suddenly, I recalled the dark figure disappearing after I was given the means of my survival. "I saw you! I saw you leave, after you threw me the rope!" I smiled at him, more genuine and heartfelt than any I had given since that tragic night. "Thank you, by the way. For saving me. How did you know I was up there?"

"I heard you yelling," he answered. "There was a rope coiled on the ground, and so I threw it up, hoping you would be able to make it out."

I nodded, and cocked my head. "Why were you there, though? I thought you stayed here?"

He gave me a bemused look, and, I'm assuming, raised an eyebrow. It was understandably uncertain to tell, due to the mask. "Do you honestly believe that I spend all my days here?"

I shrugged, realizing how ridiculous that truly was. He was obviously a living, breathing person, so he of course needed to get food, supplies, and perhaps simply some fresh air.

I sighed, and leaned my head against the wall, and felt fresh tears begin to fall down my face anew.

"I have nowhere to go now," I whispered, as the realization crashed down on me. I don't know what spurred on this sudden emotion, but it was there, nonetheless. "I left the little bit of a life I was offered. That was all I had, terrible as it may have been."

The Phantom gave me an odd look. "Given what you have told me, you couldn't have stayed there, regardless. Not with people like that."

He stood, and held a gloved hand out to me. "Come, Adrienne. Follow me."

I complied, accepting his hand to help me stand. He led me through corridors, and down winding steps, until we reached the far bottom. Water lapped gently at the stone, and the Phantom helped me into a boat, before getting in himself, and propelling the two of us along.

Before long, we reached the other side, and I smiled, gasping lightly at what I saw.

Many candelabras were set up, their small flames giving off a warm light. Red velvet curtains decorated the walls, and I saw a full-length mirror, though it was shattered. I puzzled over this for only a second, before looking around more. Few furnishings were there, but the Phantom helped me out of the boat, and pulled aside some black curtains, revealing a silver, shell-shaped bed, with lush red interior.

"You may sleep here," he said, motioning to the bed.

I looked up at him, astounded. "Pardon?"

He gave me a bittersweet smile. "I know firsthand how cruel this world can be, even more so than you could understand. I empathize with you. You may reside here, in the opera house, with me, if you wish."

I smiled gratefully, not believing my luck, and dipped my head to him. "Thank you. I don't know how I could ever repay you."

He didn't respond, simply motioning once again to the bed. I climbed in, and fell asleep almost immediately, hardly noticing when the Phantom closed the curtains, and left me to my slumber. It was the first truly good sleep I've had in three weeks.

A/N- So, yeah. That happened. This chapter was kinda cool to write, it's been floating around in my brain for a while.

And, did you honestly think it could have been anyone else to save her from the fire?! Or to find her, in her perfect little hiding spot? XD

Anyway, fave, follow, review, and PM me!