Erik smiled down at Alanna as she stepped onstage and began to sing, and he closed his eyes, just letting her voice wash over him. He stood in the rafters of the stage, cleverly concealed from the eyes of the scene-shifters, so he could watch the final performance of the season.

The act ended, and the crowd clapped, and in the moment the shifters were busied with getting the curtain closed, Erik slipped away.

Erik toyed with the rose in his hands as he waited for Alanna, after making sure that she was returning to her bedroom alone, accidentally pricking one finger on a thorn. He snapped it off with distain, realizing he had missed one as he sucked his finger for a moment. Alanna then swept into the room, running her hands through her blonde hair. She twisted it into a braid as she smiled at him. She ran her hands over her skirts, which were a powdery blue color, as she sat beside him on her bed she snuggled into him, yawning.

"I'm tired." She muttered. And she stood, grabbing his hand. "Come on."

"I thought you were tired,"

"Yes, but I like it down there, it is more private." She said, and Erik stood, shaking his head. She had practically moved into his cave. Not that he minded. He actually had a bed now.

"Fine." He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and led her down the tunnels. Once they had entered the cave, she changed into one of his white shirts. She had nightgowns, but she claimed his shirts were more comfortable. She had had to buy him more clothes after she discovered this. The fabric clung to her figure and fell almost past her knees. She paced up and down the lake, despite her yawning. Erik watched her from a place in his musty old armchair, an eyebrow raised.

"You're making me tired just by looking at you," he said.

"I'm just thinking about something." She muttered.

"About what?"

She shook her head and sighed. Erik stood, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her to his chest. She turned in his arms to look up at him, and unable to stop himself, he lifted her, bringing her lips against his. She put her hands on his shoulders, then wrapped her arms around his neck, bringing her body closer to his. Erik lost himself in her, the smell of her hair, the feel of her body in his hands and against his. Everything fell away and it was just her and Erik, locked in their passionate embrace. Erik could not feel the pain in his chest, the hole Christine had left behind, it was gone, filled, and only Alanna filled his heart, his head, his soul.

()

I was aware that I was alone in Erik's bed when I awoke the next morning, rolling over in the soft blankets and watching Erik, who was sitting beside the lake, tossing pebbles into the water. He was clothed again, including his mask. I picked up the shirt that has been discarded on the ground and pulled it back on over my body. Yawning, I stood, walked to his side, and sat down.

"Morning," I said, a little awkwardly, my cheeks burning red. He only gave a muffled noise and didn't look at me.

"What's wrong?" I asked tentatively.

"Nothing," he murmured, and I folded my arms under my breasts, peering at him suspiciously.

"You are a terrible liar," I chided, and Erik shook his head, looking back over the water.

"I never think before I act." He growled under his breath. "I feel as though I have taken advantage of you."

I sighed. After had happened, I had feared a response like this.

"Do I look like a woman who can be taken advantage of?" I retorted, crossing my arms.

"No Alanna, it is just... I shouldn't have done that."

"We." I corrected him, and Erik raised an eyebrow. "The blame for what happened last night cannot fall onto your shoulders, it shouldn't and it won't."

"I should have known better than to-" he swallowed, scratching his head. "It shouldn't have happened, and I shouldn't have allowed it."

I opened my mouth to retaliate when I realized how late it must be.

"Velluae is announcing the new opera today," I squeaked, scrambling to my feet. I grabbed the gown I had worn last night and hurried back up the rest of the world.