A/N: Slight smut warning ahead, I guess, if I can call it that? Though I prefer to think of it more as 'steamy' but I tried to write the scene where our main characters make love for the first time as romantic as possible, not quite so much smut. If it's not your thing, skip to the next chapter. I was listening to the song "Try" by Pink while writing this chapter, and it gave me some ideas for Madellaine's healing process, namely Quasi using this opportunity to show her how much he cares.

Though there were things in life Madellaine wanted to give up, a baby was never on her list. But now as she reflected over what she had done to Jehan's child, cringing as the memory of the events of last night played over and over in her head, watching as the child was expelled from within, she now knew how selfish she was. She let out a cry and cried harder than she ever could have imagined as she heard Sophia's words over again in her mind. "You're not alone in this. This will make you strong."

It did, it did, but at what cost? Madellaine thought, despairing. Sophia's words of reassurance continued to play in her head, trying to reach Madellaine. "Abortion is never a means of condemning a woman. An abortion to a woman is a form of spiritual self-harm. It's never an action she would take if the alternative didn't scare her more. It's only healthy to bring a baby into this world where it can receive the love that it needs."

Madellaine rested her head in her hands, her elbows against the balcony's railing as she watched the sunset. She grew strong against the autumnal winds as September crawled to an end, her muscles working all the more. It was the freshness over her skin, that which made a fine flag of her tousled hair. In the trees that lined the edges of the village down below, it was a gusting chorus, a song so confidently sung. There were times when she felt it within, that pushed and swirled, stirring to show what was solidly there. Madellaine was okay with it, for if she was being honest with herself, it felt as though the breeze was helping her to heal, as was her love's voice.

She smiled gently to herself as she strained to listen. Madellaine could hear Quasi talking to the bells over their ringing as he rang for evening Mass, coaxing the bells to make the music he so desired. "Marie, you're in good voice today. Jacqueline, I need to fix your clapper before Mass tomorrow, or Darius will have my head if you keep that horrible clanging sound, it's quite unbecoming of you. Marie, pour your flood of sound into the square, sing for me my bells, sing until you are all quite out of breath!" he shouted over the tolling, somehow managing to make himself heard, despite his soft tenor-like voice.

Madellaine grinned as she heard his footsteps approaching her from behind, enjoying it immensely as he snaked his arms around her waist, his fingers gripping onto her dress almost painfully tight, as he rested his chin on her shoulder. She squirmed in his arms slightly so she could look into his one good eye, his blind left eye unnerved her slightly, but she focused only on his right, losing herself in the brown eye the color of the boughs on a dark oak tree, rich and deep. Madellaine let out a content sigh as she felt her hands drift downwards and rested over his. His brow furrowed in a frown as he looked.

"How are you feeling, Madellaine?" he encouraged, pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek. "Are you in any pain? What can I do to help you through this?" His voice was pained as he spoke, sounding on the verge of breaking down. The heartbreak in his eyes was almost too much for her to bear as she looked at him.

"No," she whispered, turning away her head sharply in pain as a muscle in her jaw twitched as her facial muscles tensed. The wound was still too fresh. She couldn't talk about it to him. Not yet. Sophia had saved her life last night, and just in time too.

For that, she owed the midwife a life debt.

Jehan's threats still lingered in her mind. Wincing and hoping Quasi didn't see it; she drew in a sharp breath that pained her lungs. She would have to invite him to Jehan's party if they both wanted to live. She didn't see another way out of this. The deadline was fast approaching; her party was in another three days.

Sensing her discomfort, he decided not to pressure her for an answer, thinking she would tell him the details when she was ready. He took a moment to think, glancing out at the sunset. The last vestiges of the setting sun disappeared over the horizon, the copper hues giving way to a dusty purple scattered over the sky with the occasional glimpse of a star. He did his best to quell the worried anxiousness in the pit of his stomach. He worried for Madellaine, knowing that whoever had raped in the market would likely come for her again, but he wouldn't let that bastard get within a few feet of Madellaine. I still can't believe I found someone to share my life with. All those years ago, when I thought I'd been in love with Esmeralda, how wrong I was. That wasn't love. Not like this. Not like what I feel for Lena. I'd kill for her and give my own life if it came to that if that's what it took to keep her safe. I'd travel to Hell and back if that's what it took to keep you safe.

"Have you thought of what you want to do to celebrate your twenty-eighth name day next week, love?" he asked, setting his face to casual indifference and hoped his nervousness didn't show in his eyes. He reached up a tender hand and brushed her bangs out of her eyes. Alice's voice rang in his ears. Don't tell her. Keep your proposal a surprise. Women love men with a dash of mystery and intrigue, after all. If she truly means that much to you, if you love her, do it right. Surprise her with it.

"I have," she whispered. "There's a…one of my family members is throwing a party in my honor. I've been invited. Actually, no, summoned would be more the appropriate term in this regard. I have to go," she muttered, a dark look overcoming her features.

"How many people?" he questioned, curious. "This is the first I'm hearing about this. Why didn't you tell me about it before?" he answered, growing slightly suspicious. If it's her brother…

"I only just found out about it myself. And as for how many people, I—I don't know," she admitted sheepishly, reaching up to scratch at an itch behind her ear. "Probably a lot," she groaned. "My father, he was a popular man. A well-liked lord before he died. His family, what's left of it save for my brother, respects me," she grumbled darkly, turning away.

"As they should," he complimented warmly. "Do you want to go?" he asked gently, not wanting to pry.

"I…" Her voice trailed off as she bit her lip, looking deep into his one good eye. "Yes," she whispered at last, though she was having trouble believing her own words. He smiled at her in the way that made her heart soar within her chest as he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

"Then we'll go," he answered simply.

"You'd…you'd do that? For me?" she asked, staring at Quasi in disbelief. "But…why? I know you hate crowds."

"Do I need a reason?" he joked. "Because I love you, that's why. You're my reason why," he laughed. "I'd do it for you. You're right, I don't do crowds, but if this is something you truly want, then, of course, I'll come."

Madellaine glanced up at Quasi with tears brimming in her eyes. "That you would do that for me and ask nothing in return means so much, more than I can ever put into words. I could stay up here forever with you. In this life, you're the only one my soul feels safe with. You're my heaven and I hope I can be yours," she whispered.

Her words coming from her now made him want to weep. He swallowed hard and turned away for a moment. Quasi turned back to her and grasped her hands in his, reaching up and kissing them gently. "If I ever give up on your life, I've slain myself, for it's your heart that allows me to live. If I ever grow cold, come find me, because then I'm truly lost. With your love, I'll always find my way home to you, darling. You are mine, and I am yours. Always."

She swallowed hard, brushing away her tears. "I love you," Madellaine whispered. She reached up on her tiptoes and kissed him. In his embrace, the world stopped. There was no time, no wind or rain; just the two of them and nothing else mattered. How could it be that I didn't see his love for what it was before? Pure. Unselfish. Free. In his arms, I know I'm safe. Madellaine felt her body press in, soft and warm against his chest. This was the love she'd waited for all her life, had prayed for it every day, and had started to think she'd never find it, not until she came here to Notre Dame. I'm home, she thought, feeling her heart swell with so much love and affection for the bell ringer, and she thought she might be having a heart attack. Her fingers entangled themselves in his red hair as she wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him deeper, needing this, needing him. I've wanted this for so long. Nothing's going to stop it. He's mine, and I am his.

His hands gripped her waist tightly as he shifted before pulling apart, taking shallow deep breaths. Quasi turned away, feeling his jaw muscles go rigid, as he grew upset with himself. "What the hell am I doing?" he growled.

"What's wrong?" Madellaine asked, laying a gentle hand on his chest near his heart. She had to crane her neck up to look at him. "You…you don't like it?"

Quasi stared, noticing how hurt she looked. "No, no, I do!" he protested. "I—I love it, but I just…we're not married, you and I. This is...wrong, what we want. I don't think we should continue," he admitted, looking pained. "Not until..." I want it as much as you do, but I'd hoped to be married to you, first. But I almost lost you... Her hurt expression was too much for him to bear. "I—I don't want to hurt you," he confessed. "I can't do this to you, love."

"You won't hurt me, I promise," she said, letting out a sigh of frustration and brushing her bangs out of her eyes. "But I—I don't understand. How is showing love for someone a sin? You won't hurt me, Quasi. You won't." Then it dawned on her, given where they were. "Oh. I should have known. Well…I know we aren't married, but we love each other, and this is your tower isn't it?" she challenged, her hands on her hips. "Nobody ever comes up here without you hearing it and knowing about it, so I don't think we'll be interrupted. Besides, it's late. Who else is still up at this late hour? There's nothing to worry about."

Madellaine leaned into his chest and gazed up at him, her gray eyes aching for him. His scent to her was intoxicating, his smile her salvation, her hope.

Quasi's face went ashen at the look of absolute desire in her eyes. He was confused as well as to what was happening between them. He'd never been with a woman in this way, and he wanted to do it right. It's wrong of me to want this before we're married, but yet it feels so right. I almost lost her once; I'm not going to lose her again.

Madellaine furrowed her brow and frowned, frustrated at his lack of response. "Fine," she snapped. "It's clear to me that you don't want me. I'll just go then. Sorry I ever suggested it. I just thought, maybe…that you felt it too. I can see I was wrong in that regard, I guess. I'll just...go." She sensed his hesitation and began to turn away.

You are an idiot if you let her walk away from you now! Don't let her go, you almost lost her once, now's your chance to show you how you really feel. If it's what she wants, then do it. You know you want it, too. Stop trying to deny it and run from it. Love her the only way you know how. Show her how much you care about her. Do this for her.

He didn't give her a chance to walk away. Grabbing her arm, Madellaine startled by the sudden gesture, turned back around to ask him what he was doing and to let go of her arm, but he didn't give her a chance to speak the thought on her mind. Quasi held Madeleine's head in his hands and pulled her tight for a fiery kiss. Her hands worked her way around his body, feeling each crevasse, each line along his physique, so perfectly molded to perfection by God. The heat he gave off traveled through her veins like a fire, burning intensely with a passion, warming her entire body. His hand slid smoothly onto her arm and lifted it, pinning her arm against the balcony wall. His body crushed hers as their kiss became more passionate. Madellaine felt her breath catch in her throat as she let out a low groan as she felt his hand press in softly against the back of her hair, his other hand drifting along her spine. He tilted her head to the side and kissed her, his kiss hungry and demanding, yet gentle at the same time. He slanted her head further, deepening their kiss. When he, at last, pulled away and looked at Madeleine, she could see there was softness in his gaze. Although his eyes were soft and loving, Madellaine noticed the feelings in his eyes, as if he longed for more. I know he does.

She could see his eyes were full of love, whereas hers were burning with a fiery passion and determination to never let him leave her side ever again. I love you, Quasi. Madellaine let out a content sigh as he rested his forehead against hers, and she felt warmth, invigorating her, giving her a new life, a new purpose, here in his arms.

He knew as he looked into her eyes that he never wanted to be with anyone else. You're the one I want to marry, Madellaine. To spend the rest of my life with if time will let us. Madellaine's skin was amber in the twilight, and he knew at the moment, they were safe from prying eyes. Nobody entered his tower unannounced.

Her hand lingered on his face, moving down past his collarbone, where it drifted to his waist and settled there. Already, his brain was on fire. She was his angel with the fingertips of flame, his angel of fire, sending warmth to his entire body with every gentle touch, every caress. Every time she touched him, it sent his mind reeling.

Their souls mingled in the quiet moment of the stillness, their fingers caressing each other's skin as if they were both afraid a heavier touch would break the arousing magic.

Gently, she grabbed his hand and led him back into the loft with a soft, shy smile on her lips. He didn't make it far. Quasi gently lifted her off her feet and gently placed her on a nearby table, slipping a gentle hand beneath the skirt of her green velvet dress, trailing his hand along with the softness of her thighs, thinking how soft and smooth her skin felt. He leaned in to kiss her, capturing her lips with his, thinking how true it felt when the two of them kissed, it was though they were made for each other, how when they kissed, the entire world fell away, leaving just the two of them to wander the earth together, as it should be. The only thing present was the burning flame of their love, burning as bright as the sun, their heat warming each other. Madellaine canted into his touch, sighing his name, her voice heavy with desire for him as his thumb deftly stroked her once between her legs. The only thing she wanted was to love him, the only way she knew how.

Jehan can never take this away from me, she thought. Madellaine let out a small gasp, burying her face in the crook of his neck as he pressed a trail of gentle kisses down her neck and to her collarbones, his other hand still gripping the back of her hair in a tight grip as he kissed her hungrily, never seeming to get enough of her embrace.

I—I can't fight this anymore. Quasi's voice inside his head was screaming at him to stop what he was doing to her and walk away before they took it too far and regretted it for the rest of their lives, but he waved it away angrily, lost in their kiss, accidentally knocking over a chair in the process. He didn't care if anybody heard.

"Madellaine, I…." She could hear the desperation to use his hands and the willpower it's taking to restrain himself of his urge. Quasi buried his head into her neck and let his hands move all over her body. Their breathing became rough, fast. Madeleine felt her back arch as he explored every inch of her, the first moan escaping her lips as he fisted himself, gently guiding himself to her entrance. She cried out only once as her walls were impossibly tight and it burned, but she forced herself to will her body to relax to accommodate him, never taking her eyes from his gaze as his eyes desperately searched hers, searching for some sign of reassurance that what they were doing was right. It was. She tried to communicate as much with her eyes and her kisses. When I'm with you, I'm safe. I know you won't hurt me. "You're irresistible," he murmured into her ear, before pulling back to study her face. There was something so disarming about this moment the two of them were sharing. There was a vulnerability in her eyes that he couldn't resist. His eyes traveled from her face to her collarbones, delicate in the darkness of his dimly lit tower. He didn't let his gaze linger, just enough for her to see how beautiful she was to him. It was her eyes he wanted to see, and her hands could tell him the rest.

Madellaine lost herself in his one good brown eye, the cool boughs of the trunks on a summer's day, the earth after a spring rain. His eyes bore into hers, searching hers for the truth, for some reassurance that what they were doing is right. This, what we have, is right. It always will be. She was momentarily tempted to stop and tell him the truth about Jehan, about how the party was a trap, and that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him…Her thought was interrupted as he nuzzled his face into her neck, and she grabbed at his hair, clinging to it tightly and burying her face in the crook of his neck, as his thrusts were gentle, soothing to her, not like what Jehan had done to her. The experience the two of them were sharing at the moment was so radically different than when Jehan had raped her in the marketplace. Madellaine shuddered and her eyes darkened at thoughts of Jehan. The bastard was right, she thought bitterly. Whether I like it or not, he's now a part of me forever and he'll never leave me alone. I hope he chokes and dies, and oh, God, I'm ruining this! I can't help it!

He sensed her hesitation and stroked her cheek. "Don't let him in," he begged desperately. "Look at me, just focus on me, know that I love you and I will never hurt you as long as I live, Madellaine, I swear it," he urged. "Don't think about him."

Jehan didn't care if he hurt me, she thought, gazing up in awe at Quasi, her soul mate, she could only hope. Jehan never took his time, never cared about me, the only thing he cared about was dominance, making me his. But Quasi…he's not at all like Jehan. His movements were gentle, soothing, slow, and deliberate. He took great care in being considerate, cautious of her injuries while he was inside her, and she felt like she was home. At the moment, Quasi could see Madellaine loved him with her eyes as much as her body, their souls connecting in this quiet moment. He loved her, and that was all he needed. He'd never wanted or needed another but her. The more he moved inside her, the more urgent his movements became, and it became harder for her to speak as she lost herself to the sensation of loving him.

He didn't care if the whole world ended and burned in a terrible fire, as long as he was moving inside Madellaine when it happened. It was hard for him to hold back, to make the moment last, caught between the intoxication of their climax and extending a moment neither of them wanted to end.

They loved each other, and that was good enough for them.

It had been easy enough for the Watcher to sneak into the north bell tower undetected after the sun had set, despite the heightened security around the cathedral. He'd waited until the two of them had retired for the night; sulking in the shadows and hiding high above the bell tower in the rafter beams, where he watched his prize fall asleep in the arms of Satan's child himself. Stifling his urge to be sick, he waited until two o'clock in the morning to make his move, when his targets were lost in the throes of their sleep. Gingerly and without making a sound, he stealthily crept forward and was all too satisfied to clamp the rag with chemicals over the redheaded man's mouth, stifling the noise of surprise he made. The Watcher took advantage of the moment to savor the fear in the young bell ringer's eyes, feeling like a wild beast pulling against its leash as he leaned in close to whisper into the man's ear. "She's mine," he hissed, watching the very anger drip from his words. "I was there for all her troubles. I was there when she was sad from heartbreak, angry or hurt from the insults Claude threw at her daily. I was there, by her side, helping and celebrate with her. . .You—a person who's only known her all of two months—to take her away from me. She…is…mine," he snarled angrily, clamping the damp rag harder over the boy's mouth, watching him struggle.

In seconds, he was out. The blonde stirred uneasily in her sleep in the man's arms, but she didn't wake. The man hesitated, weighing his options, and finally decided to take her too. Jehan could do what he liked with the monster that was his son, but the girl, the girl was his. The Watcher struggled his temper. It took all of his resolve not to scream in frustration. He clamped a hand over the girl's mouth, muffling her screams as she woke. She stared at the Watcher, wide-eyed and horrified, before he raised a chunk of stone in his right hand and hit the girl over the head, her head lolling backwards as she lost herself to her unconsciousness. He hadn't managed to hit Madellaine so hard, but he had no choice. She didn't cooperate. He cringed at the welt forming on her head, it was going to bruise, no way around that, but she'd forced his hand. The Watcher wasted no time in hoisting both of them over his shoulders, carrying them as though they were mere dolls in his arms. He smirked to himself on the trek back to Jehan's estate. Things were coming together quite nicely. Soon, she would be his, at long last, after years from watching Madellaine Barreau from a distance, loving her from afar, tonight she would know how he truly felt about her, and she him. He had to tell her.

"You'll see," he crooned to the unconscious blonde angel in his arms. "You'll see very soon what my love for you is, my love."