Disclaimer- I own nothing from both the book and musical The Phantom of the Opera except my made-ups! I really wish I did though.

Hoping to get more reviews by the end on this chapter. . .Need more people to R&R! I have to get opinions from people. And you don't have to be kind in your reviews. If you hate it than just tell me. I don't mind because I know it's your choice to like it or not. Also haven't updated in sooo long because I've been going through some troubling times. Sorry everyone! But I'm back again with this story and hopefully my other Phantom story too. There will be a kiss in this chapter!!

Chapter 9- Returning to the Surface

1876

I have been here already four years and yet it looks like I haven't aged a day, thought Mirabelle as she stood in front of a mirror down in the barrels of the newly refurbished Opera Populaire. She was wearing a dark navy blue dress, without a corset, and it seem to bring her features out quite nicely.

"Mira," said a voice making her turn around to see a man with dark brown hair, that had grey streaks going through it, and brown eyes looking at her with a smile on his face.

"Nadir! It's so good to see you!" she said as she rushed over to him and gave him a friendly hug, "How's the outside world? Is the Opera Populaire as beautiful as ever?"

"I think it is far more beautiful than before," said another man's voice, and it made her look over Nadir's shoulder at a tall man with slick black hair, green eyes, nicely toned body, and a porcelain mask looking right back at her.

"Hello, Erik," Mirabelle said as she released Nadir and walked over to Erik.

Erik felt a knot form in his stomach as she approached him but he gave her a friendly smile so he wouldn't show how she had effected him by this simple advancement to him. Mirabelle has been in his life for four years, and she was just there to make sure he didn't kill himself; which he had almost tried making Mirabelle's temper fly. "Hello to you Mademoiselle," Erik replied as he gave a bow and brought her knuckles to his lips giving them a soft peck before releasing her hand.

"I see you and Erik have made great progress, Mira," Nadir said as he smiled at the two. Erik had almost completely forgotten about the daroga being here. Damnit, Erik thought wishing he and Mirabelle were alone.

"Yes, we have, Nadir. We have finally bloomed into such great friends," Mirabelle replied giving Erik a smile before turning back to Nadir.

"That's good...I won't have to worry about you two killing each other then," Nadir said with a laugh which made Mirabelle give a slight chuckle but Erik seemed almost offended by it to where his hands formed into fists at his side.

Mirabelle noticed this and soon she said, "Nadir I think you better go. Erik seems to have had a long, tiring day." Nadir raised an eyebrow at this but he sensed the anger of Erik and decided that it was time to go.

"I shall see you two later then," Nadir said before he went off.

When Nadir was gone Mirabelle turned away from Erik and went back over to the mirror. She looked so pale and thin that it made her frown. "Erik...I have noticed that you have not tried to kill yourself in the past two years. I feel that it is time that I return to the surface," Mirabelle said which almost made Erik stubble as he approached her.

"W-What?" Erik replied in a slackened voice making Mirabelle look at him in confusion.

"I won't be gone, gone I just want to go up and live in the Opera Populaire," she said but Erik stared at her as if he didn't believe what she was saying.

"Why? Why must you leave me, Mirabelle?" Erik moaned as he turned away from her and walk over to his organ. He couldn't bare to look at her not now. She's leaving me...Leaving to go back to the surface! What if she finds someone else, and leaves me forever like Christine? Oh God I can't let that happen, he thought in panic. He had grown so se to Mirabelle's company, so use to her smile, voice, face, eyes, hair, and even her fiery temper.

"I must Erik...Please look at me. I look thin, pale...I'm no myself without the warmth of sun on my face and my skin somewhat tanned. Even my hair seems to have lost it's luster. I have grown plain, and unbeautiful I must return," she said as she went over to him and sat down next to him; placing a hand on his knee, "Please Erik. I'm asking you as a friend, a companion to allow me my freedom. I love it down here really I do but my heart is taking me back into the sun now that I feel you are safe from your own harm."

"Oh Mira, Mira, Mira, you'll never be unbeautiful to me, my darling," he said as he wrapped his arms around her and brought her close to him; burying his face in her thick, long, black hair that smelt of lily.

When he did this she felt her eyes close loving being this close to him, and being in his arm. Suddenly she felt his face move from her hair and his finger on her chin. "I'll allow you to leave, my darling, and I'll return you to the surface though I want you to leave with this," he whispered and soon his lips touched hers. His kiss was slow, unlike the first time, which was rough, but still passionate.

"Erik," she moaned his name, which was like music to his ears, and he slid his tongue into her mouth. His tongue met hers and then began to explore the rest of her mouth, drinking in her taste, which he loved. She kissed him back and soon he had laid down on the bench; they were kissing each other like long lost lovers.

After what seemed like forever of kissing Mirabelle pulled away, breathless. "Thank you for a loving departing gift. I will treasure it always," she said as she gave his lips one more kiss before getting off of him. Well, I'm finally returning to the surface after four long years of being down here with Erik, she thought as she straightened out her dress to make herself look presentable.

Like? Don't Like? I need to know!