Meg looked around the tiny room, hoping to find another place. It was rather…disconcerting to even imagine sharing a bed with a man…especially under the strange circumstances that had brought her there.

But there really was nothing she could do but accept his proposal.

She sat down on her trunk and unlaced her slippers. She had brought a nightgown with her when she took her clothes from the dormitory, but it was such a thin thing…it didn't seem right to change into it.

She blew out the candle and, cautiously, climbed onto the bed beside him. He had been right; there was just enough room for them both.

She tried to settle into place as best she could without nudging him.

As she curled up on her side, trying to make herself as small and unobtrusive as she could, she realized that his face was still covered.

"Erik," she whispered, "do you want me to remove your mask?"

"No, let it be."

"Isn't it too uncomfortable for you?"

"I am used to it," he said in a tone that made it clear he didn't not wish to discuss the matter.

There was silence and Meg wasn't certain if he was still awake.

"Good night, Erik," she said softly…just in case he heard her.

----------------

Meg's sleep was deep and quiet, though completely without dreams. It was nothing but a gentle oblivion brought on by the strain of the past day and night.

She let herself forget where she was and who slept beside her.

She opened her eyes when she felt something tickling her cheek.

She found she was no longer tightly huddled on the edge of the bed. During the night, she had snuggled against his side. Her arm lay across his waist, her head pillowed on his chest, the delicate curls of hair…which she had not let herself notice before…soft and unfamiliar against her face.

She found she was quite comfortable like that, resting against him and listening to the steady beat of his heart.

And she didn't dare move for fear of hurting him.

So she closed her eyes, tried to drift back to sleep.

But she couldn't now. She was too aware that there she was lying beside him, that one of her legs was tangled with his.

She had never been this close to anyone before and she wondered if he felt her against him, felt the heat of her flushed face on his cool, bare skin.