Here are the remaining 2 chapters. I decided to post both since the Epilogue is rather short and brings everything full-circle. However, once again, if anyone is interested in a continuation, I can always retract the Epilogue and continue for awhile, though the time between postings will lengthen a bit as the rest isn't written yet (so don't read the last chapter (25) if you're interested in a continuation and don't want to know how I ended it yet). I can always try to throw in some drama, angst, or comedy if anyone is interested.

Otherwise, thanks so much to everyone who reviewed. It's been a real treat to share my first fan fic with ya'll. I have another one in the works that I hope, if I don't continue this one, I may try to post after I get a few more chapters written.

Chapter 24

In the hall, Nicole stood with Erik, holding tightly onto his hand. When her father walked out, she looked at him expectantly, hoping that she had not disgraced him in her fervent desire to defend Erik. She was pleasantly surprised when she saw him smile as he walked towards them.

"My dear, that was most impressive," he said proudly. "Perhaps you should have trained as a solicitor instead of a musician," he said jokingly.

"Then you're not angry with me for defending Erik against the Vicomte?" she said, trying to conceal the happiness in her voice. She had been so worried that defending Erik would cause her father to disown her.

"No, my dear. I'm not angry. Far from it, in fact. The mental pictures you described worked on me as well, though I already had a special understanding of Erik's…shall we say, perspective on life, to begin with," he said with a smile.

Erik looked over at him and gave a single nod of thanks.

"Well, Monsieur le Fantôme," she said with a slight smile as she turned her attention to Erik. "What did you think of my little speech to our dear Vicomte?"

He looked solemnly at her, his mind so full of thoughts he wanted to express to her, but he longed to do so in private. "What you've done for me this evening has left me without words for the time being. Whatever the Vicomte's decision, I want you to know that I'm truly grateful for all you've done for me over the past several months," he said with a heart-felt smile.

She was just about to give him a hug when the door to the library opened and Raoul stepped out. "Christine and I have discussed things, and we've come to an agreement. If you all will be so kind as to join us…" Raoul said politely.

Monsieur Clary followed Raoul back in to the library. Nicole gave a quick glance to Erik. She could sense his uneasiness returning, and she gently squeezed his hand before leading him into what she hoped would be a situation full of good news for him and them, both.

As Nicole and Erik walked into the library, Raoul shut the door behind them. Now it was his turn to play the part of gracious host. Raoul gestured for them to have a seat while he prepared to deliver the decision he and Christine had come to.

"Christine and I discussed all that has happened tonight, and we've come to the conclusion as to what our role should be in what is to come," he said, looking over at Christine with a faint smile. "Mademoiselle, I cannot pretend that this is easy for me, but I have given it much thought, and I feel it is the right thing to do, given the unique circumstances." He focused his attention on Erik as he continued, "Erik…"

Erik gave him a surprised look as that was the first time Raoul had ever called him by his name before.

"I want to apologize for my previous behavior." He paused, as if not sure how next to proceed. "Nicole has made me see things in a new light where you are concerned, and while it will take me some time to forget the past, I've decided that it is in everyone's best interest to try to move beyond that and…" Raoul paused again, looking to Christine for support.

"What Raoul is trying to say, Erik, is that we give you our word that we shall not reveal anything about you to anyone back in Paris. Since you've suffered so much over the years, Raoul and I feel it is time you got some well-deserved happiness," she said with a smile.

Erik looked at them both, wondering if what he was hearing could possibly be true. Were his former rival and former love really willing to let bygones be bygones and leave him to pursue a life of happiness, preferably with Nicole at his side?

"Nicole and Christine have convinced me that you are truly remorseful concerning the past, and that there is no fear of a repeat of what happened," he said. Turning to Nicole, he said, "Nicole, you mentioned something about Erik getting to experience a fraction of what I have with Christine. If what I've seen so far is any indication of what Erik has to look forward to, I'd say Christine and I should be so fortunate as to have a fraction of what he'll get by having you in his life."

She smiled at Raoul, the tears welling up in her eyes. "Thank you for such a kind thought. And thank you both so much for granting Erik some peace. You're doing the right thing, you know?" she said, briefly looking up at the ceiling in an attempt to stave off the tears.

Erik cleared his throat before he could speak. "Yes, I…that is, thank you very much for…everything," he stammered. His composure slipped a little more when Raoul offered his hand to Erik.

Erik shook Raoul's hand, and Raoul gave him a half smile. "Now, there's something I never would have thought I'd do," he said lightheartedly. "Make peace with the erstwhile Phantom of the Opera."

Monsieur Clary walked over and slapped his hand on Raoul's back, hard enough to nearly cause him to stumble directly into Erik. "My boy, I'm proud of you. Putting such a past behind you is quite an accomplishment. Congratulations to you both for putting it all behind and starting fresh," he said, smiling at both men.

They broke off their handshake, and Raoul returned to Christine's side. Christine took her turn to walk over to Erik. She took his hand in hers as she gave him a tender smile. "Erik, I hope you finally find the happiness you deserve with Nicole. She's a wonderful girl," she said, looking over at Nicole. Nicole blushed slightly.

"Thank you, Madame. I wish the same for you and your husband," he said. "And again, thank you both for not stringing me up to the horses and dragging me back to Paris," he said, his humor starting to return.

Christine returned to Raoul's side, and they both smiled at Erik. "Before we go, I'd like to make a toast," Raoul said, surprising everyone.

They all filled some glasses with brandy from the bottle that was on a nearby table. Raoul raised his glass and, with a devilish smirk, said, "To the former Phantom of the Opera. May he finally find the happiness he's deserved for so long."

"To Erik's happiness," Monsieur Clary said cheerfully.

"To Erik," Christine and Nicole chimed in together.

They finished their drink and then walked the de Chagny's to the door. It was late, and they had a long ride back to Paris.

At the door, Raoul shook hands with Monsieur Clary and Erik once again. He then turned to Nicole with a smile. "I don't know how you did it, but you've managed to get me to do something I never would have thought possible…giving the former Phantom a second chance."

"See?" she said with a smile. "He's not such a bad guy after all, now, is he?"

He looked briefly at Erik and then back at Nicole. "As long as you're influencing him, I'd say he stands a chance to be a decent gentleman," he said. He turned his attention to Monsieur Clary. "Well, sir, thank you for the most…interesting evening of my life. Perhaps we can dine together again sometime. Though I think we can leave out the dramatics next time."

"You're welcome here anytime, Vicomte. Madame…" Monsieur Clary smiled, kissing the hand she'd put up for him.

The carriage came around, and after saying their final farewells, Raoul and Christine stepped into the carriage and headed back to Paris.

Monsieur Clary sighed as the carriage pulled out of sight. "My, Erik, you certainly know how to influence a party," he said with a smile. "Well, my dear, I'm going to retire for the night. Don't be up too late," he said with a wink before heading back through the front door and up the stairs.

Erik took Nicole's hand and led her over to the outdoor couch there on the porch. He sat down and pulled her onto his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled. "See? Everything turned out far better than either of us expected, all things considered," she said.

"Yes, strike up another strange turn of events. Tell me, do you think things will settle down with us now that I've met your father and have been forgiven by Raoul and Christine?" he asked.

"Perhaps. Now, if you don't mind, I would like to take a break from discussing tonight's events. It's late and I'm tired, but I need one more thing from you tonight," she said with a devilish grin of her own.

"And what might that be, my dear?" he asked mischievously.

"A good and proper kiss from my sweet angel of music," she said.

Erik granted her request and gave her a good and proper kiss. When the kiss was over, Nicole got up and extended her hand to Erik. He took her hand as he got up and walked over to the steps leading off the porch.

"Until tomorrow, my dear?" he asked.

"Yes, Love, until tomorrow. I'll expect you here at our normal time," she said innocently.

"Expect me here? For what?" he asked, puzzled.

"For our lesson, of course. It's time to get you out of that basement and join the rest of the world," she said.

He sighed as he said, "Very well, little one. Perhaps you're right. Perhaps it is time for me to join the real world as long as you're by my side."

"I'd say you're stuck with me, so you might as well get used to the rest of the world," she said brightly. She leaned up and gave him another kiss, more intimate than the last. She felt a shiver go up her spine, and Erik trembled all over.

He pulled away reluctantly and said, "I shall see you in the morning, my dear. I love you."

"I love you, too, my sweet angel. Good night," she said.

Erik walked down the steps and back to the church as Nicole walked through the front door and up to her room. As he walked, it occurred to him that his dream of conducting their lessons at the Clary château would be coming true the next day, and it put a spring in his step. That night, they both had pleasant dreams of each other and woke with smiles on their faces and songs in their hearts.