Wah! It's the last chapter! (Blows nose in Erik's shirt).
Erik: Ugh! That's disgusting!
Yes, Erik! It is disgusting! Who ever said that a fic this much fun should end, huh? And I was just starting to really get to know all the reviewers! I am disgusted! It's completely disgusting! Oh, I'm going to miss everyone! (Sniff) Anyhoo… Let's get these reviews done…
DarkSilverMaiden: Oh, dear! You must have reviewed while I was just updating, 'cause I only just got it now! Oh, well. Oh, football! I don't know a thing about it… A bunch of big guys jumping on each other, as far as I can tell.
Erik: I think she just implied that I was gay! I am not gay! I am independent! Tremble before the terror of – DUN, DUN, DUN! – the Chair of Impending Doom! (Munches on ginger snaps while watching the torture that ensues).
Pertie: Wait! Wait! It's not over yet!
Erik: No! Run! Run, while you still have a shred of sanity left!
saripunkinpie: You know, I've been getting a lot of requests for a closet-spoof… I thought I'd start posting that as soon as I get some good ideas for a fic… If you want to help speed the process, throw a few ideas at me for a really good humour-fic in the closet!
Erik: I'd rather not go through this again, actually… Sexy? I guess I can deal with that.
Haley Macrae: Aww, you're so generous!
Erik: Mmmm… I'm going to miss getting s'mores…
GerrysISUChick04: Aww… In the words of a very wise man, don't cry because it's over… Smile because it happened!
MasqueradingThroughLife: Ah, yes, Erik in a wet shirt… How very appealing… (Joins in the happy dance).
Erik: Don't worry, Erik… I didn't see a thing…
Elphie: Actually, I was thinking about a sequel to this fic… I thought I'd maybe make it about Erik and Fantine having a son and then the son falls in love with Christine and Raoul's daughter… But it's just an idea right now. It may or may not happen.
Erik: What? You're in hiding? I thought you melted when that wretched girl dumped a bucket of water on your head.
The Dancing Egg: Another request for a sequel! Well, read the above review and you'll see the idea I'm currently working with. What do you think?
Erik: (examines teeny-weeny orphaned egg) Hmm… She's kind of cute… Not very talkative…
VagrantCandy: Oops! I forgot after my brief glimpse of Erik's face that he doesn't have a nose. My bad!
Erik: Do you need a second look? (Raises the edge of his mask ominously).
Uh, no! Thank you! Once was good enough!
RowenaIsolde: You're up to chapter four already? Geez, I've gotta get reading!
Erik: Ugh… Please say the child-count has gone down…
Ceci Webster: That sequal is looking more and more like a possibility with all the requests we've been getting. Any suggestions?
Erik: Ugh! I hate weddings! Somehow I always end up sitting next to the rapid phan-girls who cry into my shirt!
Me and My Shadow: Aww… I are so cute!
Erik: Your grammar is deplorable.
Jedi Knight Padme: Ah, good, you're back to your old self… When you went evil I was like, "Oh, and she was such a nice girl," but now you've seen the error of your ways and Yoda's gonna tell you again how bad the Dark Side is and you'll be on community service for a month… Welcome back!
Erik: Ouch! Remind me never to anger you… Or get drunk around you…
Tadriendra and Company: Boys, be nice to your mistress! Oh, don't cry! I'll miss you, too!
Erik: Yuck! All the emotion and sentimentalness! It's so revolting!
Robika: My kitty's a psycho! I have a bite scar on my hand and nine claw scars on my left arm alone from her! But her brother is a total suck!
Erik: She's spazzing again… Dear, you must calm down!
Silent Phantasy: I'm going to read that fic! And it's totally OK if you want your Erik to help in your A/N's… I've actually seen a few other authors who do stuff like that… But I must say, selling Erik in the closet for reviews was totally my own original idea! But you could do the same thing with your Erik if you'd like! What's sea foam candy? I'm a little hesitant and yet a little intrigued… What's in it?
Erik: Oh, Muse!Erik, I feel sorry for you… Angel has just inspired your mistress to put you through the torture that I endure daily… This fic was so gross (sticks fingers down throat).
TheAngel'sMaggie: You know, Erik really needs a strong woman! If he had married a spineless little thing like Christine, she just would have done every that he told her to and eventually he would have gotten bored. A man like Erik needs a challenge.
Erik: And I need more popcorn (takes the toffee popcorn).
dulciluisa: Oh, don't worry! Erik and I will be around…
Erik: Yeah, over my dead body!
Araiona Dubois: You're recommending this story? Oh, you're awesome! You get a cookie for being so awesome (gives cookie).
Erik: You mean more phans are going to read about me getting sacked? Oh, no! (Hides under blanket).
Elly McGregory: I think you're totally awesome! I'd love to be your friend!
Erik: Oh, mush-mush! Uh, dearie? Could you please get off of me now? I eagerly await the torture-song!
Mominator124: Ooh, naughty, naughty!
Erik: Ugh! Sex with Fantine! Please, you're going to make me vomit!
Lady Golodwen: I would have written out your first name but it's really long… Hehe! I like your names for Erik!
Erik: My name is not Pootsie or Eri-wherik! It's Erik! And… oh, you're going to string me up by my whats? Ouch, that's cold!
Not as cold as my nights will be now without having reviews to cheer me… Sniff-sniff… Here's the very last chapter! Please… do enjoy it… (Breaks down into sobs).
XxXxX
Two years later…
Fantine looked around herself. She was standing backstage at the Opera Populaire.
"No," she whispered, aware that she was dreaming. "Not again!" Why would the nightmare never leave her?
The screams came.
"No!" Fantine cried. "I can't go! I'll die!"
But her legs would not obey her. She would be forced to repeat her actions from that fateful night for as long as she lived.
Fantine's legs rushed her out onto the stage. She saw the chandelier begin its descent. Fantine squeezed her eyes shut as it hit the stage and burst into flame. Then she felt the smoke invade her lungs… the pain of her flesh being burnt…
"No! Please, stop it! Someone, please, make it stop! Help me!"
Fantine cowered on the floor… the pain was so intense…
Then strong arms grabbed Fantine's shoulders. In an instant, the searing flames died away. Fantine was pulled against a strong chest. One large hand caressed her burning face. The pain instantly dispersed at his gentle touch. Fantine turned to look into the eyes of the one who had made an end to all her pain…
"Erik!" she gasped.
Erik pulled her close and cradled her against himself. One of his hands reached up and stroked her long hair. He began to sing softly.
"Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime. Take my hand, let's leave our solitude. I'll be here for you, always beside you. Anywhere you go, I'll go with you. Fantine, that's what I promise you…"
Fantine shuddered as she awoke. She felt the softness of her pillow beneath her head, her silky sheets whispering against her skin. She released a tiny whimper. The dream had been so real, as it always had been. But then Erik had come and saved her, taking all the pain away. She felt safe with the knowledge that he would always be there to rescue her.
Fantine felt warm breath tickle the back of her neck. A body stirred beneath the sheets beside her.
"Fantine?" a groggy voice spoke. "Is everything alright?"
Fantine sighed contentedly. "Everything is fine, darling."
Erik's hand slipped over her waist and rested against her belly, swollen from eight months of carrying Erik's child. Erik marvelled at the feeling of the little life moving about inside of her… a precious life that he had helped create.
Erik pulled her up against himself, one arm wrapping around Fantine and the baby, a protective gesture. He nuzzled her neck, burying his face into her long ebony hair.
Fantine sank back into his warmth. Surely there was no place safer than here in Erik's arms.
"Everything's perfect," she murmured.
She put her hand out and entwined her fingers with his. Erik felt her diamond-studded wedding ring graze the back of his hand.
"Erik?"
"Hmm?"
"Sing to me?"
She felt him exhale against her skin. "As you wish, my angel…" He pulled her closer. "Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime…"
Erik's soft voice lulled her to sleep. Her breathing fell into a deep, steady rhythm. He placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. "Good night, my angel…"
He closed his eyes and together they slept… Monsieur and Madame le Fantôme… Husband and wife…
THE END
XxXxX
NOOOOOO! IT'S OVEEEEERRRRRRRRR!
Erik: And my hearing just went down a few decibals! Damn, I'm amazed at how much this story sucked.
Oh, quiet you! Thank you everybody! You guys have been great! I hope to see you all in any of my future fics!
Erik: Thanks for bringing popcorn, clodhoppers, s'mores, mallows, etc... They were good!
You're all awesome! God bless and luv you all!