Disclaimer: No changes, though again I wish to thank my roommate and my
boyfriend for their input, along with those who have reviewed and offered
me ideas (IE Erikstrulove, and Lessa to name a few). Thank you so much for
your support and help. Without you, there would not be a reason to write.
Some of the dialog is from the website "Phantom Passion." Many thanks to
the web-host for placing the lyrics on the net.
Remember folks, no disrespect intended but I only laugh at the flames.
Note: Delay for this chapter being posted and the rest of the story is due to working 40 hours a week at my new job and school work. I will update after the semester is over, which will be after 10 May. Also, for those who are Harry Potter fans, I plan to start my own fic focusing on Severus Snape. As I have not had a chance to read all of the books, and have seen the first two movies, any advice/feedback/ect is much appreciated.
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Chapter 6 – Reactions at Home and Reactions from Erik
It had been over two weeks to T'Maeve's understanding since she arrived in Paris, but on the Enterprise it had only been a few days since she disappeared. When Captain Picard found out from Amanda where T'Maeve was and why, to say he was mad would be putting it lightly. He still didn't trust Q as far as he could throw him, and as a captain and somewhat a father, he worried for Maeve.
Sitting at his desk in his Ready Room, his tea long gone cold, he replayed the conversation with Amanda and Q in his mind...
**Flashback**
"She's where?! Q, I do not care for your tricks, nor do I stand for you playing tricks on my crew!"
Amanda sat on the couch in the Ready Room, looking solemn, while Q just smirked. "Why, mon Capitan, I thought you of all people would be happy that the dear girl was living a dream and getting a chance to be happy. And I assure you she is fine and will remain so. I will not allow her to be harmed. This is, after all, my gift to her. And I don't care for this gift to go awry. Plus, Amanda would never let me forget it if I let anything bad happen to Maeve." At this, he turned to Amanda, who was giving him a look of 'You better believe it, Q.' She turned to Picard, who was still pacing by his desk.
"Sir, I know I was only on the Enterprise for a short time, but I grew to think of T'Maeve as a good friend. She is happy in giving this a try, and I will not let Q live it down if this gift goes awry. As we stated, this universe will not have Starfleet develop, so the Prime Directive is a moot point. Besides, she is taking every precaution to pass as Human. It is not as if she's parading around going 'Look at me, I'm an alien.' You know her better them that, sir. All three of us, and the rest of the ship, do."
Picard sighed, and sat down in his chair. "I do know that you state the truth, Amanda. But you do understand, that Q has done things like this before, and they never turned out well at all." Q looked hurt, and placed a hand over his heart in an exaggeration of a wound.
"My dear Jean-Luc! What of the chance I gave you, to see what would have happened if you had not been stabbed so many years ago? Was that not a blessing?"
Picard sighed again, and glared at Q. "I will not deny that I am glad I was able to see that possible future. But what of the Robin Hood foolishness? Or the encounter with the Borg? Those were not gifts!"
Q waved a hand in the air. "Details, Jean-Luc, details. You do have to admit, and I know you did, that the encounter with the Borg that I caused did give Starfleet the chance to know what was coming. And what of Vash? You saved her, and showed her that you did indeed care. True she left with me, but she is fine, and will return eventually."
Picard was about to answer when the door chimed. "Enter." Data walked in and stopped at the sight of Amanda and Q.
"Q, Amanda, what is the reason for your arrival?" Amanda smiled, and proceeded to fill Data in on what was going on with T'Maeve, while Q smiled smugly, as normal, and Picard fumed.
When Amanda was finished, Data turned to Picard. "Sir, if I may speak frankly?" At the nod, he continued. "I believe that T'Maeve is safe, and that both Amanda and Q will keep their word regarding T'Maeve's safety. As you may recall, Q's gift to me was quite safe, and welcome. I am not saying what they did was correct, but I am saying that what they have done is give her a gift that I believe she deserves."
Q stood and clapped Data on the back. "Ah, my professor of the Humanities. You have spoken true. And hopefully, Jean-Luc will understand that from you." All looked to Picard, who knew that he could argue with Q for hours, but could not undo what was done. Except to demand the return of T'Maeve, but he could see that was not possible, and he wouldn't get anywhere.
Sighing, Picard replied, "Yes, Q, I do understand. And I know that trying to argue with you to get her returned won't work. I have learned that much. When will she return?" Q looked to Amanda, and she in turn answered. "As soon as the gift is fulfilled, or if Fate isn't kind, and nothing will amount to it. I've already told her that neither Q nor myself are manipulating Erik's emotions. If love is going to form, it will form on its own. I don't know the outcome of this, and neither does Q. But T'Maeve deserves this chance. And so does Erik. Once the outcome is set in stone, as it were, we'll bring her back. It may be many months to her, but it will only be another day or more here."
Picard nodded, and looked to Amanda. "Keep her safe." The blond Q nodded, and smiled back. "I promise sir. I will." With that, she and Q left.
Data moved to leave as well, but Picard stopped him. "Data, was it wise to simply trust Q? After all that's happened with regards to him." Data pondered this, and moved to sit down in front of the desk.
"Again, sir, if I speak frankly? I know that an argument would not have brought T'Maeve back, and I believe that in this case, we can trust Q, and Amanda to keep T'Maeve safe, and to return her. Though I am curious why they would choose this time and this situation for which to give T'Maeve the chance to find love."
Picard laughed slightly. "You are not the only one. "The Phantom of the Opera",... well I know that she has always felt a strong affinity to the character of the Phantom. I just never knew it went this deep. But from what I know of Maeve, they would actually suit each other." At this he paused, and laughed again. "Here I am playing matchmaker. I really need a vacation."
Data said nothing, but Picard could make out an understanding of the joke and a slight smile. "Shall I inform the bridge of T'Maeve's location and situation?"
"No, Data, but thank you. I'll be calling a meeting in ten minutes. I shall tell everyone then." Data nodded, and left the room leaving Picard in deep thought.
**Oh, Maeve, I hope you know what you're getting yourself into,...**
**End Flashback**
That had been several hours ago, and Picard was still was worried. He only hoped that no matter what happened, that Maeve would not be hurt any more then she already had been in her life.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
It was raining again, and T'Maeve sat looking out her window. It had been three days after Erik met her at her flat, and after she had revealed nearly everything about herself, and what had happened to her. She never touched upon the history surrounding Erik, and what the outcome was of this path he held onto with determination. She reasoned that she wasn't here to change the future, but to let Erik do that on his own. Like Q and Amanda, she wouldn't interfere if it just wasn't meant to be.
But if she could, she would try to prevent the death of Buquet. She had caught the end of his demonstration of defending oneself from Erik's lasso, and hoped this time he might listen to Mme. Giry's advice. But the way he was egging on the ballet girls and making them laugh as well; Maeve doubted Buquet would listen to any advice.
After she got up to fetch more brandy, Erik had slipped away without a word. To be honest, Maeve wasn't that surprised. He was known, in a way, for doing just that. He most likely felt trapped and had to run. She probably would have done the same.
Sighing, she sat back in her couch, and could still smell Erik's scent on the cushions. Warm, sensual, and something else she couldn't identify, but whatever it was it made her heart ache with a longing she hadn't felt since Pon Farr. **Well, I've fallen, and fallen hard. I just fear it will never be returned, that maybe my differences will be even more shocking then his own, and he's honestly afraid. All I know is that his mind was actually comforting to be in, despite its chaotic thoughts, and being Human thoughts at that. But I still felt as if I were home.**
Groaning at where these thoughts were taking her, she pulled out some Engineering specs and papers and read them to take the edge off of the frustration she was feeling.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Later that week, on her back to her dressing room, Maeve's mind was caught up in all that had transpired: The flurry of Carlotta as she gloated over getting the lead as the Countess in Il Muto, and Christine as the silent Pageboy. Maeve knew this would irk Erik to no end, and was waiting for him to let his displeasure be known. She knew that if all went as it was in the musical, the chandelier would fall, and Erik's heart broken again by Christine, though not fully on purpose. Despite the dislike Maeve had for the girl, she was just that—a girl who was very confused, and still had a lot to learn.
It was humorous to watch Carlotta flounce about and the managers fawning around her. Both she and Meg were in stitches about it, enough to raise the anger of Meg's mother. But the laughter had been worth it.
Opening the door, Maeve's jaw hit the floor as she saw Erik, cool and collected, sitting on the divan in the room. Checking to make sure no one noticed his presence, Maeve ducked into her room and locked the door, "For security reasons," she told him as he nodded, and slowly made her way to her chair in front of her vanity.
"I was hoping I would see you before the performance tonight. I fear I may have overwhelmed you and made you feel cornered a few days ago," Maeve commented quietly. Erik shook his head, and shifted slightly. His cloak pooled around him, and that scent of his filled the room. Maeve enjoyed the feeling it gave her while using the logic she learned to make sure she behaved herself. **Goodness, I'm behaving like a hormonal Vulcan in Pon Farr!**
"I wished to reflect on what you told and showed me. And I wanted to do that alone. I had a feeling you would understand." He smiled slightly, and Maeve nodded.
"I did, actually. And I am thankful that you trusted me enough to come to me, someone you hardly know. Though, I never expected to be strangled as a way of 'breaking the ice.'" She looked at her hand, which was fine thanks to the dermal regenerator she had tucked away at her flat. Erik looked as well, and raised an eyebrow.
"How is it healed so fast? Another Vulcan trait?" Maeve shook her head. "No, technology. I shall show you at another time. But I feel you are here for more then idle talk. Please, tell me what is on your mind."
Erik smiled again, and rose to pace the room. "You know of what they have done with my orders regarding Il Muto? Do they have a death wish?" Maeve grinned and shrugged. "Wish I could say. But I think that Carlotta's acting tonight may chase away patrons and audience members alike. Though, who knows how the evening will turn out? I have a feeling that you'll make sure Christine is the lead, no matter what. What I cannot fully understand, though in a way I do, is why? After her actions four days ago?"
Erik stopped dead, and turned to look at Maeve. **How dare she?!** He tried to stay calm as he spoke. "I love her. With all you went through, I know you do understand that emotion, and what one would do for that love."
Maeve stood to look at Erik. A fight was brewing, but she really didn't care. "Yes, but you have not talked to her since then, not fully. I have. I have looked at her surface emotions, and I'm afraid to tell you that you are getting your hopes up. And I recommend that you let the girl go. She's young, and even though that's a good excuse, it's not enough. She needs to learn, but as your friend, I don't want her learning to be at your expense. You've had more then enough happen to you already." As she finished, she could feel the rage build around Erik. Again she thanked her parents' foresight to give her Vulcan DNA precedence. She had a feeling she would need the abilities she had, when Erik exploded.
And explode he did. "How dare you tell me what I should and should not do! You have no understanding of what I feel for Christine!!"
Maeve bristled at this. **And I thought I was stubborn.** She stood to her full height, five foot two, and looked Erik in the eyes. "Actually, I do know what you feel and how you want to have her fully and to have her love you! Yet like the others, she can't get past your face! And I don't want you to have to go through what I went through for over 65 years! I still have nightmares, and the scars still bleed, Erik! Do you want that? To always question why you lived, let your music die, and allow all those that ever hurt you to win!? For goodness sake, to borrow a 20th century term, get your head out of your ass, and see that you are leading yourself to destruction!"
Erik's eyes widened at her words, especially the ass part, but then narrowed as he hissed, "You are more of a prying Pandora then Christine!" He moved to hit her, his rage that great. It would be his first time hitting a woman, but she had pushed him that far.
Maeve was expecting this, and as his hand came around, shockingly fast for a Human, she caught it. "Don't Erik. You'll only hurt yourself. And though I know I pushed you, maybe this will be the slap upside the head you need."
Thinking of how she would defuse this situation, an idea came to her. She began to carefully rub the pulse point on his wrist, and his muscles surprisingly relaxed. Looking him in the eyes, she continued to talk. "Besides, you think what I did to my now dead husband was bad? That wasn't even the tip of the preverbal iceberg, Erik. There is so much more, so much more darkness in Vulcans, which we are all afraid of. And to let it go, I would rather kill myself then hurt you like that. That is why we have logic, to keep us from losing all control."
As she continued to rub his pulse point, she took a step closer and closed her right hand around his fist and her left hand. "Your hands are beautiful. Cool, yes, but that's because I'm rather hot-blooded. So slender, and actually quite soft." She continued her inspection of his hand, and as her nail grazed the skin over his pulse, he shuddered. Strongly.
Realizing she had accidentally taken it a bit too far, she softly kissed then gently squeezed his hand and stepped back. "It's time for me to get ready. I think you already know that Raoul is sitting in your box tonight to spite you. Be careful, and remember, I am here for you. Just like Nadir. I'm always here for you." She turned to give him a moment to compose himself, and to get her costume. Not surprisingly, he was gone, though her mirror, by the time she turned back around.
Looking at the ceiling she shook her head. "Oh, Erik, what you will go through tonight...I wish I could help and comfort you when you realize that Christine has chosen Raoul..."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Moving with none of his cat-like grace or speed, Erik moved up towards his box, replaying what had just happened in his mind. He was rather shocked that she not only provoked him enough to make him want to hit her, but yet another example of her Vulcan strength. Pausing briefly to actually catch his breath, he looked at his right hand, where it still burned with her warmth and her kiss.
**What did she do to me? No one has ever touched me like that,.. without fear or revulsion. Or kissed me like that,... Why? Doesn't she understand I love Christine,..but Christine never tried to touch me like that,..to do that with her fingers or her nails,.. or her lips... Is Maeve right? Am I plunging headlong into my own destruction? It wouldn't be the first time,... But the way she touched me,...** His body was still shaking at the emotions her simple touch had caused. It was more then just the fact she touched him and wasn't bothered by his 'death hands' as others had called them. It was more, because he reacted to it. And no matter what he did, he couldn't shake the feeling that she was right, nor could he lie to himself and say that her touch didn't affect him.
Because it did.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
As the lights came down, Raoul quietly spoke with the managers. "Gentlemen, if you would care to take your seats? I shall be sitting in Box Five." Understandably, the managers were surprised. "Do you really think that's wise, monsieur?" asked Andre.
Raoul shrugged. "My dear Andre, there would appear to be no seats available, other than Box Five." With that, he sat down, the curtain rose.
Watching from backstage, Maeve watched as the play opened with Carlotta as the Countess. Christine the silent Page Boy. Maeve cringed slightly seeing Raoul in Box Five, then as Carlotta began to sing. "Serafimo -away with this pretence! You cannot speak, but kiss me in my husband's absence! Poor fool, he makes me laugh! Haha, Haha! Time I tried to get a better half !" The chorus started in with their lines, and all was going well, until Erik's voice boomed out over the opera.
"Did I not instruct that Box Five was to be kept empty?!" Maeve closed her eyes, knowing what was to come next. Christine looked white, and murmured, "It's him. I know it. It's him!" Carlotta turned, and hissed in anger. "Your part is silent, little toad!"
Maeve couldn't help but grin, knowing Erik's comeback to this accusation to Christine. "A toad, madam? Perhaps it is you who are the toad." Carlotta brushed this off, and after talking with the conductor, the play began again. But no sooner then she began singing again, Carlotta croaked. Erik laughed quietly, though everyone in the opera heard him. Carlotta sang again, continuing with the song, but more croaks came out! Erik was now laughing full force, and it rang out from everywhere. Finally, as Carlotta began to cry and make her mad dash off the stage, Erik cried out, "Behold! She is singing to bring down the chandelier!" The lights on the chandelier began to blink on and off as he said this.
As Carlotta left the stage, the managers came out to address the audience. "Ladies and gentlemen, the performance will continue in ten minutes' time, when the role of the Countess will be sung by Miss Christine Daae. In the meantime, ladies and gentlemen, we shall be giving you the ballet from Act Three of tonight's opera." To the conductor, Firman whispered, "Maestro -the ballet -now!"
Maeve chose this moment to look up at Buquet, who was watching the action on the stage while working to move the props. She noticed he wasn't watching where he was going, and was getting very close to some looped rope on the edge of the catwalk. Yet before she could call out a warning, Meg all but drug her out on stage with the rest of the dancers to begin the dance. Spirits sinking, she began to dance. It wasn't long though that Buquet slipped on the rope, and fell, caught by the unintentional noose. Shadows of Erik became visible, and both Maeve and Meg noticed them. Maeve sensed that Erik was checking on Buquet, but she knew there was nothing that could be done. Finally, the prop of the sylvan glade behind the dancers flew out, and Buquet's body was visible.
Christine, who was standing backstage, cried out for Raoul, and Maeve watched as they took off towards the roof, Erik in hot pursuit. As the managers tried to calm the audience and stating that the fate of Buquet was an accident, Meg came over to Maeve, who stood out of site, watching.
"Maeve, are you OK?" Maeve shook her head and pointed to Buquet. "No one notices Meg, but it's an accident! The Phantom didn't do this to Buquet. I noticed that he was working up there and not watching where he stepped, but before I could say anything Carlotta started croaking, ran off, and we had to perform. I never got the chance to warn him,..." And it was true, and Maeve felt guilty for that.
As the two women stood with the rest of the dance troupe, Maeve mentally sought out Erik, and braced herself. He was about to be betrayed again.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Erik stood hidden by a statue on the roof, listening to Christine and that annoying boy Raoul, and was startled by what he heard. "Raoul, I've been there -to his world of unending night. To a world where the daylight dissolves into darkness. Raoul, I've seen him! Can I ever forget that sight? Can I ever escape from that face? So distorted, deformed, it was hardly a face, in that darkness!"
Raoul held Christine, trying to reassure her all that she had seen was a dream. "Christine. Christine. No more talk of darkness, Forget these wide- eyed fears. I'm here, nothing can harm you -my words will warm and calm you. Let me be your freedom, let daylight dry your tears. I'm here, with you, beside you, to guard you and to guide you." Christine responded much to Erik's pain, and as he listened they pledged their love for each other.
Inside, Erik's heart broke again, but this time it hurt more. He had held out a small glint of hope that he could show her that her fear could turn to love. But it was for naught. Tears ran down his face, soaking into his cloak and shirt. He watched, as the couple moved off, back towards the opera.
"I must go," Christine exclaimed. "They'll wonder where I am. Wait for me, Raoul! Order your fine horses! Be with them at the door!" Raoul nodded, calling out "Christine, I love you!" Christine replied the same, and they moved away from Erik, back inside.
Erik finally came out from behind the statue he was hiding behind, sobbing to himself. "I gave you my music; made your song take wing. And now, how you've repaid me: denied me and betrayed me. He was bound to love you when he heard you sing. Christine. Oh, Christine,..." Feeling his rage build, he cried out to the air: "You will curse the day you did not do all that the Phantom asked of you!" With that, he hurried back inside, to have revenge.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Maeve looked up to see Christine returning with Raoul several minutes later, in costume as the Countess. Stealing a glance to Box 5, Erik wasn't there, but she could feel him getting ready to let loose his fury and hurt. The force of his emotions had hit her earlier, while he was on the roof, and it had taken her several minutes to compose herself.
As the play ended and the actors came forward to take their bows, Erik's laughter overwhelmed the opera, and the chandelier began to sway. The lights flickered, and Maeve looked up to see Erik close to the chandelier. Finally, with Erik screaming, "Go!" it fell, and landed at Christine's feet.
With tears streaming down her face from the force of his emotions, Maeve looked up to see Erik where the chandelier had been, pain written all over his face. Despite the gravity of the situation, looking over the chandelier, Maeve commented to herself:
"And I thought I had a temper."
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Oy. This chapter hammered out in between finishing up a paper for a college class and other homework. Many thanks from those who proofread and gave ideas. Hope you liked it, and look forward to Chapter 7 – Descent Part I and II
Remember folks, no disrespect intended but I only laugh at the flames.
Note: Delay for this chapter being posted and the rest of the story is due to working 40 hours a week at my new job and school work. I will update after the semester is over, which will be after 10 May. Also, for those who are Harry Potter fans, I plan to start my own fic focusing on Severus Snape. As I have not had a chance to read all of the books, and have seen the first two movies, any advice/feedback/ect is much appreciated.
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Chapter 6 – Reactions at Home and Reactions from Erik
It had been over two weeks to T'Maeve's understanding since she arrived in Paris, but on the Enterprise it had only been a few days since she disappeared. When Captain Picard found out from Amanda where T'Maeve was and why, to say he was mad would be putting it lightly. He still didn't trust Q as far as he could throw him, and as a captain and somewhat a father, he worried for Maeve.
Sitting at his desk in his Ready Room, his tea long gone cold, he replayed the conversation with Amanda and Q in his mind...
**Flashback**
"She's where?! Q, I do not care for your tricks, nor do I stand for you playing tricks on my crew!"
Amanda sat on the couch in the Ready Room, looking solemn, while Q just smirked. "Why, mon Capitan, I thought you of all people would be happy that the dear girl was living a dream and getting a chance to be happy. And I assure you she is fine and will remain so. I will not allow her to be harmed. This is, after all, my gift to her. And I don't care for this gift to go awry. Plus, Amanda would never let me forget it if I let anything bad happen to Maeve." At this, he turned to Amanda, who was giving him a look of 'You better believe it, Q.' She turned to Picard, who was still pacing by his desk.
"Sir, I know I was only on the Enterprise for a short time, but I grew to think of T'Maeve as a good friend. She is happy in giving this a try, and I will not let Q live it down if this gift goes awry. As we stated, this universe will not have Starfleet develop, so the Prime Directive is a moot point. Besides, she is taking every precaution to pass as Human. It is not as if she's parading around going 'Look at me, I'm an alien.' You know her better them that, sir. All three of us, and the rest of the ship, do."
Picard sighed, and sat down in his chair. "I do know that you state the truth, Amanda. But you do understand, that Q has done things like this before, and they never turned out well at all." Q looked hurt, and placed a hand over his heart in an exaggeration of a wound.
"My dear Jean-Luc! What of the chance I gave you, to see what would have happened if you had not been stabbed so many years ago? Was that not a blessing?"
Picard sighed again, and glared at Q. "I will not deny that I am glad I was able to see that possible future. But what of the Robin Hood foolishness? Or the encounter with the Borg? Those were not gifts!"
Q waved a hand in the air. "Details, Jean-Luc, details. You do have to admit, and I know you did, that the encounter with the Borg that I caused did give Starfleet the chance to know what was coming. And what of Vash? You saved her, and showed her that you did indeed care. True she left with me, but she is fine, and will return eventually."
Picard was about to answer when the door chimed. "Enter." Data walked in and stopped at the sight of Amanda and Q.
"Q, Amanda, what is the reason for your arrival?" Amanda smiled, and proceeded to fill Data in on what was going on with T'Maeve, while Q smiled smugly, as normal, and Picard fumed.
When Amanda was finished, Data turned to Picard. "Sir, if I may speak frankly?" At the nod, he continued. "I believe that T'Maeve is safe, and that both Amanda and Q will keep their word regarding T'Maeve's safety. As you may recall, Q's gift to me was quite safe, and welcome. I am not saying what they did was correct, but I am saying that what they have done is give her a gift that I believe she deserves."
Q stood and clapped Data on the back. "Ah, my professor of the Humanities. You have spoken true. And hopefully, Jean-Luc will understand that from you." All looked to Picard, who knew that he could argue with Q for hours, but could not undo what was done. Except to demand the return of T'Maeve, but he could see that was not possible, and he wouldn't get anywhere.
Sighing, Picard replied, "Yes, Q, I do understand. And I know that trying to argue with you to get her returned won't work. I have learned that much. When will she return?" Q looked to Amanda, and she in turn answered. "As soon as the gift is fulfilled, or if Fate isn't kind, and nothing will amount to it. I've already told her that neither Q nor myself are manipulating Erik's emotions. If love is going to form, it will form on its own. I don't know the outcome of this, and neither does Q. But T'Maeve deserves this chance. And so does Erik. Once the outcome is set in stone, as it were, we'll bring her back. It may be many months to her, but it will only be another day or more here."
Picard nodded, and looked to Amanda. "Keep her safe." The blond Q nodded, and smiled back. "I promise sir. I will." With that, she and Q left.
Data moved to leave as well, but Picard stopped him. "Data, was it wise to simply trust Q? After all that's happened with regards to him." Data pondered this, and moved to sit down in front of the desk.
"Again, sir, if I speak frankly? I know that an argument would not have brought T'Maeve back, and I believe that in this case, we can trust Q, and Amanda to keep T'Maeve safe, and to return her. Though I am curious why they would choose this time and this situation for which to give T'Maeve the chance to find love."
Picard laughed slightly. "You are not the only one. "The Phantom of the Opera",... well I know that she has always felt a strong affinity to the character of the Phantom. I just never knew it went this deep. But from what I know of Maeve, they would actually suit each other." At this he paused, and laughed again. "Here I am playing matchmaker. I really need a vacation."
Data said nothing, but Picard could make out an understanding of the joke and a slight smile. "Shall I inform the bridge of T'Maeve's location and situation?"
"No, Data, but thank you. I'll be calling a meeting in ten minutes. I shall tell everyone then." Data nodded, and left the room leaving Picard in deep thought.
**Oh, Maeve, I hope you know what you're getting yourself into,...**
**End Flashback**
That had been several hours ago, and Picard was still was worried. He only hoped that no matter what happened, that Maeve would not be hurt any more then she already had been in her life.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
It was raining again, and T'Maeve sat looking out her window. It had been three days after Erik met her at her flat, and after she had revealed nearly everything about herself, and what had happened to her. She never touched upon the history surrounding Erik, and what the outcome was of this path he held onto with determination. She reasoned that she wasn't here to change the future, but to let Erik do that on his own. Like Q and Amanda, she wouldn't interfere if it just wasn't meant to be.
But if she could, she would try to prevent the death of Buquet. She had caught the end of his demonstration of defending oneself from Erik's lasso, and hoped this time he might listen to Mme. Giry's advice. But the way he was egging on the ballet girls and making them laugh as well; Maeve doubted Buquet would listen to any advice.
After she got up to fetch more brandy, Erik had slipped away without a word. To be honest, Maeve wasn't that surprised. He was known, in a way, for doing just that. He most likely felt trapped and had to run. She probably would have done the same.
Sighing, she sat back in her couch, and could still smell Erik's scent on the cushions. Warm, sensual, and something else she couldn't identify, but whatever it was it made her heart ache with a longing she hadn't felt since Pon Farr. **Well, I've fallen, and fallen hard. I just fear it will never be returned, that maybe my differences will be even more shocking then his own, and he's honestly afraid. All I know is that his mind was actually comforting to be in, despite its chaotic thoughts, and being Human thoughts at that. But I still felt as if I were home.**
Groaning at where these thoughts were taking her, she pulled out some Engineering specs and papers and read them to take the edge off of the frustration she was feeling.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Later that week, on her back to her dressing room, Maeve's mind was caught up in all that had transpired: The flurry of Carlotta as she gloated over getting the lead as the Countess in Il Muto, and Christine as the silent Pageboy. Maeve knew this would irk Erik to no end, and was waiting for him to let his displeasure be known. She knew that if all went as it was in the musical, the chandelier would fall, and Erik's heart broken again by Christine, though not fully on purpose. Despite the dislike Maeve had for the girl, she was just that—a girl who was very confused, and still had a lot to learn.
It was humorous to watch Carlotta flounce about and the managers fawning around her. Both she and Meg were in stitches about it, enough to raise the anger of Meg's mother. But the laughter had been worth it.
Opening the door, Maeve's jaw hit the floor as she saw Erik, cool and collected, sitting on the divan in the room. Checking to make sure no one noticed his presence, Maeve ducked into her room and locked the door, "For security reasons," she told him as he nodded, and slowly made her way to her chair in front of her vanity.
"I was hoping I would see you before the performance tonight. I fear I may have overwhelmed you and made you feel cornered a few days ago," Maeve commented quietly. Erik shook his head, and shifted slightly. His cloak pooled around him, and that scent of his filled the room. Maeve enjoyed the feeling it gave her while using the logic she learned to make sure she behaved herself. **Goodness, I'm behaving like a hormonal Vulcan in Pon Farr!**
"I wished to reflect on what you told and showed me. And I wanted to do that alone. I had a feeling you would understand." He smiled slightly, and Maeve nodded.
"I did, actually. And I am thankful that you trusted me enough to come to me, someone you hardly know. Though, I never expected to be strangled as a way of 'breaking the ice.'" She looked at her hand, which was fine thanks to the dermal regenerator she had tucked away at her flat. Erik looked as well, and raised an eyebrow.
"How is it healed so fast? Another Vulcan trait?" Maeve shook her head. "No, technology. I shall show you at another time. But I feel you are here for more then idle talk. Please, tell me what is on your mind."
Erik smiled again, and rose to pace the room. "You know of what they have done with my orders regarding Il Muto? Do they have a death wish?" Maeve grinned and shrugged. "Wish I could say. But I think that Carlotta's acting tonight may chase away patrons and audience members alike. Though, who knows how the evening will turn out? I have a feeling that you'll make sure Christine is the lead, no matter what. What I cannot fully understand, though in a way I do, is why? After her actions four days ago?"
Erik stopped dead, and turned to look at Maeve. **How dare she?!** He tried to stay calm as he spoke. "I love her. With all you went through, I know you do understand that emotion, and what one would do for that love."
Maeve stood to look at Erik. A fight was brewing, but she really didn't care. "Yes, but you have not talked to her since then, not fully. I have. I have looked at her surface emotions, and I'm afraid to tell you that you are getting your hopes up. And I recommend that you let the girl go. She's young, and even though that's a good excuse, it's not enough. She needs to learn, but as your friend, I don't want her learning to be at your expense. You've had more then enough happen to you already." As she finished, she could feel the rage build around Erik. Again she thanked her parents' foresight to give her Vulcan DNA precedence. She had a feeling she would need the abilities she had, when Erik exploded.
And explode he did. "How dare you tell me what I should and should not do! You have no understanding of what I feel for Christine!!"
Maeve bristled at this. **And I thought I was stubborn.** She stood to her full height, five foot two, and looked Erik in the eyes. "Actually, I do know what you feel and how you want to have her fully and to have her love you! Yet like the others, she can't get past your face! And I don't want you to have to go through what I went through for over 65 years! I still have nightmares, and the scars still bleed, Erik! Do you want that? To always question why you lived, let your music die, and allow all those that ever hurt you to win!? For goodness sake, to borrow a 20th century term, get your head out of your ass, and see that you are leading yourself to destruction!"
Erik's eyes widened at her words, especially the ass part, but then narrowed as he hissed, "You are more of a prying Pandora then Christine!" He moved to hit her, his rage that great. It would be his first time hitting a woman, but she had pushed him that far.
Maeve was expecting this, and as his hand came around, shockingly fast for a Human, she caught it. "Don't Erik. You'll only hurt yourself. And though I know I pushed you, maybe this will be the slap upside the head you need."
Thinking of how she would defuse this situation, an idea came to her. She began to carefully rub the pulse point on his wrist, and his muscles surprisingly relaxed. Looking him in the eyes, she continued to talk. "Besides, you think what I did to my now dead husband was bad? That wasn't even the tip of the preverbal iceberg, Erik. There is so much more, so much more darkness in Vulcans, which we are all afraid of. And to let it go, I would rather kill myself then hurt you like that. That is why we have logic, to keep us from losing all control."
As she continued to rub his pulse point, she took a step closer and closed her right hand around his fist and her left hand. "Your hands are beautiful. Cool, yes, but that's because I'm rather hot-blooded. So slender, and actually quite soft." She continued her inspection of his hand, and as her nail grazed the skin over his pulse, he shuddered. Strongly.
Realizing she had accidentally taken it a bit too far, she softly kissed then gently squeezed his hand and stepped back. "It's time for me to get ready. I think you already know that Raoul is sitting in your box tonight to spite you. Be careful, and remember, I am here for you. Just like Nadir. I'm always here for you." She turned to give him a moment to compose himself, and to get her costume. Not surprisingly, he was gone, though her mirror, by the time she turned back around.
Looking at the ceiling she shook her head. "Oh, Erik, what you will go through tonight...I wish I could help and comfort you when you realize that Christine has chosen Raoul..."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Moving with none of his cat-like grace or speed, Erik moved up towards his box, replaying what had just happened in his mind. He was rather shocked that she not only provoked him enough to make him want to hit her, but yet another example of her Vulcan strength. Pausing briefly to actually catch his breath, he looked at his right hand, where it still burned with her warmth and her kiss.
**What did she do to me? No one has ever touched me like that,.. without fear or revulsion. Or kissed me like that,... Why? Doesn't she understand I love Christine,..but Christine never tried to touch me like that,..to do that with her fingers or her nails,.. or her lips... Is Maeve right? Am I plunging headlong into my own destruction? It wouldn't be the first time,... But the way she touched me,...** His body was still shaking at the emotions her simple touch had caused. It was more then just the fact she touched him and wasn't bothered by his 'death hands' as others had called them. It was more, because he reacted to it. And no matter what he did, he couldn't shake the feeling that she was right, nor could he lie to himself and say that her touch didn't affect him.
Because it did.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
As the lights came down, Raoul quietly spoke with the managers. "Gentlemen, if you would care to take your seats? I shall be sitting in Box Five." Understandably, the managers were surprised. "Do you really think that's wise, monsieur?" asked Andre.
Raoul shrugged. "My dear Andre, there would appear to be no seats available, other than Box Five." With that, he sat down, the curtain rose.
Watching from backstage, Maeve watched as the play opened with Carlotta as the Countess. Christine the silent Page Boy. Maeve cringed slightly seeing Raoul in Box Five, then as Carlotta began to sing. "Serafimo -away with this pretence! You cannot speak, but kiss me in my husband's absence! Poor fool, he makes me laugh! Haha, Haha! Time I tried to get a better half !" The chorus started in with their lines, and all was going well, until Erik's voice boomed out over the opera.
"Did I not instruct that Box Five was to be kept empty?!" Maeve closed her eyes, knowing what was to come next. Christine looked white, and murmured, "It's him. I know it. It's him!" Carlotta turned, and hissed in anger. "Your part is silent, little toad!"
Maeve couldn't help but grin, knowing Erik's comeback to this accusation to Christine. "A toad, madam? Perhaps it is you who are the toad." Carlotta brushed this off, and after talking with the conductor, the play began again. But no sooner then she began singing again, Carlotta croaked. Erik laughed quietly, though everyone in the opera heard him. Carlotta sang again, continuing with the song, but more croaks came out! Erik was now laughing full force, and it rang out from everywhere. Finally, as Carlotta began to cry and make her mad dash off the stage, Erik cried out, "Behold! She is singing to bring down the chandelier!" The lights on the chandelier began to blink on and off as he said this.
As Carlotta left the stage, the managers came out to address the audience. "Ladies and gentlemen, the performance will continue in ten minutes' time, when the role of the Countess will be sung by Miss Christine Daae. In the meantime, ladies and gentlemen, we shall be giving you the ballet from Act Three of tonight's opera." To the conductor, Firman whispered, "Maestro -the ballet -now!"
Maeve chose this moment to look up at Buquet, who was watching the action on the stage while working to move the props. She noticed he wasn't watching where he was going, and was getting very close to some looped rope on the edge of the catwalk. Yet before she could call out a warning, Meg all but drug her out on stage with the rest of the dancers to begin the dance. Spirits sinking, she began to dance. It wasn't long though that Buquet slipped on the rope, and fell, caught by the unintentional noose. Shadows of Erik became visible, and both Maeve and Meg noticed them. Maeve sensed that Erik was checking on Buquet, but she knew there was nothing that could be done. Finally, the prop of the sylvan glade behind the dancers flew out, and Buquet's body was visible.
Christine, who was standing backstage, cried out for Raoul, and Maeve watched as they took off towards the roof, Erik in hot pursuit. As the managers tried to calm the audience and stating that the fate of Buquet was an accident, Meg came over to Maeve, who stood out of site, watching.
"Maeve, are you OK?" Maeve shook her head and pointed to Buquet. "No one notices Meg, but it's an accident! The Phantom didn't do this to Buquet. I noticed that he was working up there and not watching where he stepped, but before I could say anything Carlotta started croaking, ran off, and we had to perform. I never got the chance to warn him,..." And it was true, and Maeve felt guilty for that.
As the two women stood with the rest of the dance troupe, Maeve mentally sought out Erik, and braced herself. He was about to be betrayed again.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Erik stood hidden by a statue on the roof, listening to Christine and that annoying boy Raoul, and was startled by what he heard. "Raoul, I've been there -to his world of unending night. To a world where the daylight dissolves into darkness. Raoul, I've seen him! Can I ever forget that sight? Can I ever escape from that face? So distorted, deformed, it was hardly a face, in that darkness!"
Raoul held Christine, trying to reassure her all that she had seen was a dream. "Christine. Christine. No more talk of darkness, Forget these wide- eyed fears. I'm here, nothing can harm you -my words will warm and calm you. Let me be your freedom, let daylight dry your tears. I'm here, with you, beside you, to guard you and to guide you." Christine responded much to Erik's pain, and as he listened they pledged their love for each other.
Inside, Erik's heart broke again, but this time it hurt more. He had held out a small glint of hope that he could show her that her fear could turn to love. But it was for naught. Tears ran down his face, soaking into his cloak and shirt. He watched, as the couple moved off, back towards the opera.
"I must go," Christine exclaimed. "They'll wonder where I am. Wait for me, Raoul! Order your fine horses! Be with them at the door!" Raoul nodded, calling out "Christine, I love you!" Christine replied the same, and they moved away from Erik, back inside.
Erik finally came out from behind the statue he was hiding behind, sobbing to himself. "I gave you my music; made your song take wing. And now, how you've repaid me: denied me and betrayed me. He was bound to love you when he heard you sing. Christine. Oh, Christine,..." Feeling his rage build, he cried out to the air: "You will curse the day you did not do all that the Phantom asked of you!" With that, he hurried back inside, to have revenge.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Maeve looked up to see Christine returning with Raoul several minutes later, in costume as the Countess. Stealing a glance to Box 5, Erik wasn't there, but she could feel him getting ready to let loose his fury and hurt. The force of his emotions had hit her earlier, while he was on the roof, and it had taken her several minutes to compose herself.
As the play ended and the actors came forward to take their bows, Erik's laughter overwhelmed the opera, and the chandelier began to sway. The lights flickered, and Maeve looked up to see Erik close to the chandelier. Finally, with Erik screaming, "Go!" it fell, and landed at Christine's feet.
With tears streaming down her face from the force of his emotions, Maeve looked up to see Erik where the chandelier had been, pain written all over his face. Despite the gravity of the situation, looking over the chandelier, Maeve commented to herself:
"And I thought I had a temper."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Oy. This chapter hammered out in between finishing up a paper for a college class and other homework. Many thanks from those who proofread and gave ideas. Hope you liked it, and look forward to Chapter 7 – Descent Part I and II