Dun dun dun dun, dun dun dun dun. Yes, its one of the chapter's we've all been waiting for, WEDDING DAY!
Okay, after some thought and laziness, I decided to hell with whatever the people in charge of the sight say about review replies. Until I get in trouble for it, I'm just gonna do replies anyway.
And I'm sorry this chapter took so long. One of my close aunts died last week and then on top of that I've been on vacation so I haven't had much of a chance to write. (Here on out is deticated to you Aunt Lib!)
Aronoded: Yay! You liked the last chapters. Ya, one of the best things about checking on updates after a while is finding out that there are a ton of new chapters. Thanks for your review!
HPROXMYSOX: Yay! Yes, I loved the fluff too. I wasn't terribly pleased with that chapter, but it came out decently. I hope you enjoy this chapter cuz I sure enjoyed writing it. Thats so cool that you're in Beauty and the Beast. I was actually in it too a few years ago and I never had as much fun as I did when I was in it. I couldn't help but put more of that show in this story either, as you can tell from this chapter.
Mutinous Phantom: Yay! I'm glad you like it. Ya, I know that the little angel thing is a little two Christine-ish cuz I was starting to feel a little of that myself and I was like NO SHE IS GONE, but I was getting sick of all the "my loves" and "my dears". Who knows, I'll try to think of something else. Actually, (spoiler here) Erik's old obsession isn't going to return, but that doesn't mean that Erik and Meg are just gonna have it easy from here on and our favorite dark and murderous Erik is going to make a return. Thanks for your review and I hope you like this chapter!
Charity: Omg I'm so glad you liked that line! I was trying to think of something like that for this part but I wasn't quite sure and ended up with that. I'm so glad you liked it though. It makes me feel intelligent.
I Love Gerry: Thanks, I'm glad you like the fluff. Actually, (and I know I never mentioned this) Meg got stuck with Erik in January and the wedding is in November so it's kinda close to a year. I hope that isn't too fast. But you are right, is there possibly anyone on Earth who could resist Erik? Actually, I don't have a live journal account, but if you want to get in touch with me, I've got my email and screen name in my profile so feel free to contact me! Thanks for your review!
Nameless Waif: Ya, review replies can be a pain in the butt, but I still like doing them anyway. Thanks for all the yays. Here is your update!
Blissful Rose: Yay! I'm glad you like it so much! Thanks for your review and here is the update.
Emily singing reflection: Wow, I'm touched! I call it fluff just because of all the romance that has been going on. I'm glad you think it's deep though. That's what I've been aiming for. I'm flattered!
ThePhantomsShadow: Thanks for all the wonderfuls! I'm glad you liked that last chapter. This one is loaded with fluff. Even though I'm still doing review replies now, I'lltry to do email anyway.
meeka: Yes, I know I have been very evil. I'm glad you like my interpretation of Erik though. It's so much fun to create his character because there are so many different sides of him. I'm glad you like the fluff too! Thanks for your review and here is your update.
Meg Giry the Angel of Dance: I like your penname! Don't worry, there is still much more to come! Yes, E/M phics are terribly addicting. They are a little more realistic than the countless E/C and EOW stories out there and much more enjoyable. And don't worry, wedding night is the next chapter. I do have it written down, but since the idea is already on paper and out of my head, I'll need to type it and that may be a little difficult since my mom will skin me alive if she finds it because she thinks I'm a little too obsessed with Phantom. Then again, she's probably right, but she doesn't need to know that. Nothing wrong with a little POTO obsession!
whitedragon235: Don't worry, there is still much more left! And the wedding night will be the next chapter but it's going to be hard to find time to type it up so that will be the only delay.
Thanks for all of your lovely reviews!
14. One Last Vow
Tonight was my last night as Erik's fiancee and everything was ready to go. My dress was hanging up in the wardrobe, the buquet of roses was sitting on my nightstand, and Erik had a fresh suit out. While waiting for those torturing hours to pass, Erik and I sat on the shore of the lake, resting in each other's embrace and enjoying the beauty that night possessed. I couldn't have been more content. Suddenly, I remembered an old superstition and tradition.
"Erik?"
"Mmmhmm?"
"What are we going to do about tomorrow?"
"What do you mean?"
"I remembered that old tradition about bride and groom not seeing each other before the wedding or it will be bad luck."
"Do you really believe that old wive's tale?"
"Not really, I just like to keep traditions."
Erik thought for a moment trying to come up with a way to make this work out. "What if you leave before I do and get to the church first. Then I'll get there later. Besides, I have a small errand to make anyway."
"That should work."
An question I had often thought about was still in the back of my mind and decided that it would not stay there any longer. "Erik, I have a question for you."
"Yes?"
"When you first told me your name you said that you didn't have a surname. What will my name become then?"
"Well actually, I was hoping that I could use your's."
I was very surprised. It was incredibly uncommon for a man ot take the woman's name. "Really/"
"If you will let me."
"Of course!"
A toll from the grandfather clock caught our attention, signalling that it was 11:45.
"We should go to bed," Erik suggested. "We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow."
I knew he was right and got up, making the way to my room. I noticed that Erik didn't follow me.
"Where are you going?" I asked.
"As much as this pains me, our plan is not going to work if I stay with you tonight. But don't worry, tomorrow night should be able to make up for it," he added slyly.
"Will you at least tuck me in?" I asked like a little child.
"Of course, my dear." I laid down and Erik pulled the covers over me and kissed my forhead.
"Good night Erik," I whispered.
"Good night, mon amour. Sweet dreams."
Try as I might, I found that it was very hard to actually sleep that night. My excitement was too overpowering to sleep deeply. But somehow or other I managed to get a few solid hours in.
On the dawn of November 12, at 7:30 in the morning I was wide awake and ready to go. I felt like a child at Christmas. It was so hard to believe that I was actually getting married, especially to the compassionate, caring, and all around amazing man that Erik was. In a matter of hours he would be my husband and I guess you could say that I would take up the title Phantomess of the Opera. And tonight, oh yes, tonight I would indulge myself entirely in passion and pleasure. What a day, and it had barely begun!
I sat down at the vanity and put on some makeup, just enough to enhance my features. I couldn't decide what to do about my hair, so I ended up pulling some of it back with a pink ribbon that matched the sash. The dress would be saved for the church; it would be easier to get there that way and it would prevent it from getting dirty before the wedding began.
When I was done, I grabbed my dress and buquet and got into the boat tying a long rope to it so Erik could pull it back. After making my way through the tunnels I got a cab and headed off to the church. I knew that I liked the little chapel as soon as I saw it. It was small and quaint, yet beautiful as its white steeple stood against the early morning, winter sky. As soon as I walked in a little priest who suited the church very well came to greet me.
"Ah, you must be Meg. I'm Father Pierre."
"Pleased to meet you Father," I said, shaking his hand. "My fiancee should be here shortly."
"Oh yes, Erik. He is a fine man. I can tell that you two will be very happy together."
"Thank you Father."
The old priest led me to a small room int he vestibule where I would change and wait there until it was time. I looked back at him, feeling as though a block of ice had just slipped down my throat and I knew that from his knowing look that he had seen the fear in my eyes.
"Here, take this," he said, reaching into his pocket and taking out a rosary with white beads. "The Blessed Mother will help calm you."
When Father Pierre left, I closed the door and changed into my gown and veil. For the finishing touch, I put on a gold chain that had a small, pink crystal rose on it. My father had given it to my mother the day of their wedding and she had given it to me after he died. I clutched the rose amulet as I took adeep breath and turned around to see myself as a bride for the first time.I couldn't believe what I saw in the mirror. 'Is that really me?' I wasn't vain, but I had to admit that I had never looked or felt more beautiful in my entire life. The dress loooked stunning, clinging to the right places, showing just enough cleavage to still be modest while the skirt fanned out around me. The veil hung down with grace, delicately framing my face. I just hoped that Erik liked the way I looked too.
I had lost track of time as I sat in the little room, feeling an entire swarm of butterflies fluttering in my stomach. I had never been so nervous before in my whole life, not even during my first time on stage. I occupied myself by doing everything imaginable; checking to make sure that every detail was right over and over again, whistling and twiddling my thumbs, singing and humming little songs to myself, and occasionally praying feverently to my mother. My gaze drifted over to the rosary. I picked it up and wound it around my wrist hoping it might offer comfort. "Immaculate Mother, guide me.' There was a sudden knock at the door and I opened it to finda little alter boy and I hastily pulled the veil over my face.
"We're ready ma'amselle."
'Oh God in heaven help me!' I thought as my stomach did flips. I clutched my rose to me as I approached the doors, knowing tht this as truly the final threshold. With a very deep breath I started my walk down the aisle as the wedding march began. I looked at Erik and almost laughed when I saw his eyes and mouth drop wide open. I smiled upon him. Erik was every bit the handsome groom I imagined, looking incredibly stunning in his black suit. My eyes wandered over to where the crucifix hung. I could have sworn that I sw my mother smile and wink at me before disappearinginto the air. 'Thanks maman, I know you're here.' At last I reached the alter and Erik took my hand.
"You look so beautiful," he whispered.
I smiled in reply and turned to face the priest.
""We are gathered here today," Father began, "to witness the union of this man and this woman in holy matrimony."
And so the wedding began. Throughout the service, Erik's gripbecame increasingly painful, though I was sure that my own was close to matching his. But when the moment came to exchange our vows, I thought that he might crush my hand. His voice had become considerably weaker and I even saw a tear slip from underneath the mask. I held his hand tighter, giving him all of my support.
"I, Erik, take you Meg to be my wife; in good times and in bad; for richer and for poorer; in sickness and in health; till death do us part. I will love you and cherish you all the days of my life."
Oh God, I was my turn. I felt my heart beat nervously as I recited the words that I meant from the bottom of my soul.
"I, Meg, take you Erik to be my husband; in good times and in bad; for richer and for poorer; in sickness and in health; till death do us part. I will love you and cherish you all the days of my life," I finished with tears choking my throat.
Father Pierre blessed our rings and Erik slipped the brilliant diamond onto my finger.
"Meg, take this ring as a symbol of my love and fidelity."
I picked up the simple gold band that was meant for Erik and slipped it on him.
"Erik, take this ring as a symbol of my love and fidelity."
I looked up at Erik, whose gorgeous eyes glistened with tears. He smiled a genuine smile, knowing that this was the moment of truth.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife," Father Pierre said.'husband and wife.' Those wonderful words echoed in my head. I was Erik's wife! No more loneliness, no more hellish nights as a whore, no more sorrow or pain. In this binding I found new freedom, knowing that at last I would have a place to call home and someone in this miserable world who would love me. "You may kiss the bride."
Erik carefully pulled the veil up and cupped my chin in his palm. "I love you," he whispered before our lips met in a gently kiss. We broke away, deciding to save the more intimate kisses for later.
"Father I can't thank you enough," Erik said, shaking Father Pierre's hand.
"My pleasure. Good luck and God bless!" he said as Erik and I strolled arm-in-arm up the aisle feeling completely happy. Before we left, Erik grabbed two cloaks; one black and one white handing the white one to me. He hailed a cab and soon we were off.
"So, where are we going, my dear husband?" I asked, loving the way that new word felt on my tongue as I rested in Erik's embrace.
"Home, my lovely wife," he replied, drawing me closer.
"You mean to get to that already?"
"No, no!" he laughed. "There are some things I have planned, like dinner for example. But if you insist..."
Erik leaned over, pulling me into a deep kiss and sliding his tongue over mine. I moaned pulling him down on the seat, not caring where we were. However, a sudded jolt sent Erik rolling onto the floor of the carriage, causing him to hit his head against the door.
"Perhaps we should at least wait until we get home," he suggested, rubbing his head and I giggled, knowing that he was right. When we arrived back home, Erik paid the driver and we returned to our underground home. As soon as we reached the shore, Erik set off to start dinner. I noticed that he had set up a table with two candles after I had left. In no time, Erik returned with bowls full of pasta, salad, a loaf of bread, and a bottle of wine that actually tasted good this time. I took a bite of the pasta and knew that I had never tasted any cuisine as good as this.
"Mmm Erik you sure do spoil me. This is delicious!"
"I was hoping that you would like it. Besides, you're my wife now; I'm, supposed to spoil you."
When we were done eating, I helped Erik clean up. Then he took me over to the organ and sat me down besides him on the bench. He looked at me for a moment, his piercing eyes taking in everything.
"You know Meg, when you walked down that aisle, I hardly recognized you. You looked so incredibly beautiful, heavenly beautiful."
Erik stopped, leaving us in an awkward silence as I stared back at him, feeling a bit of my soul weep from his voice. I didn't have to reply. Erik understood what I felt without words. He took out a few sheet sof music and propped them up on the organ.
"This is a little song that you inspired me to write. It's also that little project that I had been hiding from you. I hope you like it."
" I like all of your music Erik."
He smiled nervously and I could tell that there was something about this piece that made the situation different from any other time when he would play something for me. With a pause, he began to play, gently caressing the keys and producing some light and soothing chords that made me feel very peaceful. Immediately I recognized the first few bars of that same, gentle lullaby that I had sought to hear so many times. Erik began to sing and I sat there and listend, feeling my heart swelling with love and pride for him with every note.
"Tale as old as time,
true as it can be.
Barely even friends,
then somebody bends
unexpectedly.
"Just a little change.
Small, to say the least.
Both a little scared,
neither one prepared.
Beauty and the Beast."
I found myself enchanted by Erik's song, swept away by it's soothing melody and touched by the truth, yet simple sweetness in his lyrics. He looked over at me, smiling as he continued and sparkling with gaining confidence.
"Ever just the same.
Ever a surprise.
Ever as before,
ever just as sure
as the sun will rise."
I closed my eyes, loving the way Erik's voice increased in warmth and richness as it increased in volume.
"Tale as old as time.
Tune as old as song.
Bittersweet and strange,
finding you can change,
learning you were wrong.
"Certain as the sun
rising in the East.
Tale as old as time,
song as old as rhyme,
Beauty and the Beast."
Erik's eyes closed as he sang the last bit in barely more than a whisper.
"Tale as old as time,
song as old as rhyme.
Beauty and the Beast."
Erik finished the last measure and looked at me with eyes full of untold emotion. I couldn't speak. He had put his heart, soul, and entire being into his work, making it something more than beautiful could even come close to describing.
"Erik..." I started, but all words faltered to describe what I felt.
"Wait, there is still one thing left." He reached over, handing me a small package. "Open it."
I pulled the paper away to reveal a small box decorated in dark blue and lined with gold. I lifted the lid, finding a tiny dancer dressed in pink twirling around inside. Immediately, the box began to play the song that Erik had composed for me. I looked closer at the inside of the lid where there was a small sentence engraved.
"For my wife Meg, who found the man within the beast. -Erik"
I looked up at Erik with tears brimming my eyes. His eyes held a gentle, knowing gaze that saw right through me, down into the depths of my soul.
"Erik... I love you so much," I whispered, pressing my lips against his. Fire immediately shot through my veins. Both of us pulled back, knowingthat the true events of tonight could not be delayed any longer and there was no choice but to let it begin.
Yes, I know that I am incredibly evil for cutting you guys off like that. I'll try to post the next chapter as soon as possible, but due to the uh, content it's gonna be hard to type.
Sorry but I just couldn't resist more BatB. I wanted to have Erik sing something for Meg and I just wanted something simple so I just did it anyway.