A/N: Much thanks to all my faithful reviewers: The-Lady-Miranda-Van-Tassel, Bergerac, JenValjean, Snarky.Kitty, and MadameGiryMiranda. You guys make this phic a reality. Many blessings upon you. Disclaimer: No more mine than yours. But Erik resides quite peacefully in my closet.

A/N: A further note to JenValjean: Never fear, all will be explained.

Erik felt Giry's arms wrap around him in her sleep. He lifted her head and kissed her lips silently. Giry stirred a little in her slumber, but did not wake. Erik said nothing, but placed a hand on her naked shoulder, and shook her a little. She awoke with a start.

"Erik," she said. "What is it?"

"It's nothing." He murmured, and turned ashamedly away. "I just needed to see your eyes."

She sighed, and turned over to go back to sleep.

"But ma belle ange," he continued. "How long do you wish to stay here?"

"Oh." Replied Giry, "In my naivety I had quite forgotten about it." She laughed a little at this. "Well, as long as you shall have me."

"I would have you forever." Said Erik lustily. "But I know that is not possible."

"A day or two." Said Giry. "My post and daughter cannot go without regard."

She kissed him and fell back against the sheets, then straightened herself and got up. She dressed herself and while doing so smiled coquettishly at Erik.

"Mon ange." She said, feigning shyness. "Would you be so kind as to lace my corset?"

"If you so ask, ma cherie." He said, and walked up behind her and did it up, running his hands along her waist and breasts. She backed away from him and turned around. "It fits your figure." He said, "And it emphasizes it quite nicely, especially your breasts."

She giggled melodiously and kissed him with fervor.

"I agree with you, Erik." She said flirtatiously. She kissed him again, and then pulled her blue wedding gown over her head. She plaited her hair skillfully into a braid, and then pushed her feet into her shoes.

Erik got dressed as well, donning the elegant white shirt and pants, and also putting on a black mask to hide his disfiguration. He slid easily into his embroidered vest, and also into a black cloak.

"You will dine with me this morning?" he asked.

"Of course." Said Giry. "I have no intention of leaving now."

"Good." He replied, and made his way to a small table, where he usually fixed himself a sparse meal. "I do not have much,' He admitted. "Just a few croissants." Still, he put them delicately onto plates and put a small serviette on Giry's lap. "Go ahead and eat." He said slowly; as he too sat down to begin the meal.

He and Giry ate in silence, a little embarrassed over last night's affairs. Giry broke the silence suddenly.

"Erik, would you care to go out?" she said simply. "I am dying to see Paris again."

"Paris is one thing which I wish to forget." He said slowly. "But for your sake I will go."

"The Seine is exquisite in the dawn's light." Explained Giry. "And do not worry, we will not see a soul."

"That is good." He said, and finished his croissant. Giry followed suit, and then went to the bedroom.

"Come on Erik, we must go before it gets too light out." She said, and took his hand. "It is marvelous to feel the wind against your face and watch the river bubble."

"Indeed I believe you Antoinette." He said, and kissed her.

"We can stay there for hours and hours." She said excitedly. "Just the two of us."

Erik nodded, and led the way up from his lair, and the pair skirted out of the Opera Populaire. Giry led Erik to the banks of the Seine, the gray mist lifting as the early morning sunlight, pink in hue, streamed from the sky. She sat down complacently in the grass, and invited Erik to join her.

"It was so long," he admitted. "Since I have been like this. A free spirit, if you will."

"Erik!" she said, "Aren't you forgetting that you are a free spirit? The Opera Populaire itself would not be so well-liked if it wasn't for the havoc you wreak upon it!"

"I commit a fair share of the felony so gossiped about." He admitted lightly.

"And you're proud of it?" she said quizzically.

"No." he sighed heavily. "Why should I be?"

He lay down in the grass and listened to the turbulence of the river. Giry laid her head upon his chest and toyed with his shirt. She kissed his cheek delicately and fondled his hair.

"What do you think of Christine?" asked Giry suddenly.

"What do you mean what do I think of her?" asked the Phantom. "She has something of a voice, I shall grant her that. But it could be trained. In fact, I heard her on my walks about the Opera House. She had a rather flat air about her voice that irked me."

"Really?" said Giry, "I got the impression from Meg that she had a divine voice."

"Children are impressionable Antoinette." He replied. "Meg doesn't know much about the voice. But I did hear Christine say she wished to be prima donna."

"Do you think that will happen?"

"Well, it only would if she had a teacher, someone with the musical knowledge and the charisma and passion to teach her."

"Someone like you." Said Giry. "Erik, don't lie to me. Have you seen Christine?"

"Yes, I have instructed her to be taught. She needs some help in fulfilling her dream. Can't you see she's lonely, Antoinette? She seems a little lost, if you get my meaning."

"And rather simple." Said Giry. "Meg runs circles around that poor girl!"

"But if I give her that much." Continued Erik. "It will be for the better."

Giry nodded and kissed him and stroked his hair. Erik kissed her back and let his hands run down her waist.

"You are unparalleled in beauty." He said caressingly.

"And you are unrivaled in magnificence." She whispered back passionately. "I love you Erik." She whispered, and kissed him again.

The couple sat languidly by the Seine, unabashed by their openly passionate kisses. The dawn light streaked down on them, and the sunlight played on each of their smiling faces.

A/N: Like? Hate? Adore? Loathe? Be kind and leave a review. Also, the chapter title is a play on my pen name. Chiao for now, mes amis.