Disclaimer: not mine at all.

Erik began. The music was slow at first, almost as if it was somehow sad. Slowly it began to build it's rhythm until it was more fluid and graceful, but still it retained an edge of sadness. Meg's heart began to beat faster as she realized that Erik was looking at her as he played. A few strands of hair became loose and fell softly onto his mask. Meg's fingers itched to gently brush it back into place.

He continued to stare at her intently until she began to feel as if she couldn't breathe anymore.

She continued to feel as if Erik was eating her alive with his eyes. Strangely she felt more alive when he looked at her. Keeping her eyes trained on Erik she slowly walked toward him. He closed his eyes as Meg moved closer to him. She put her hand on his face and gently stroked his cheek. Eventually the music stopped. It just seemed to fizzle out into nothing and left the both of them feeling the effects of it.

"It's not finished yet." Erik commented, his voice hoarse.

"It's beautiful." Meg told him sincerely.

"It's ironic isn't it?" He asked with a sarcastic smile as he looked away.

"What?" Meg asked.

"That a monster can create something beautiful." Erik said turning his head sharply to stare at Meg.

At first Meg didn't know what to say but eventually she found the words. Breaking her silence she said, "You aren't a monster Erik." She chewed her bottom lip to build up her courage. "And you're just as beautiful as the music you create, if not more beautiful. I told you once that you gave me back my dancing, but it's more than that. Erik, you've taught me to feel again. I am happy now. Happier than I have been in a very long time." Meg told him passionately. She sat next to him on the bench holding his face between her palms as she talked. "All your life people have made you hide what you are, they've told you that you are a monster, but it's not true. They are the monsters Erik! Not one of them has any of the passion that you've just shown me." She continued heatedly. Erik was staring at her in awe. No one, no one had ever said things like this to him. There was a curious aching in his heart. It was a good ache. So wonderful actually that he never wanted it to stop.

"Thanks Meg." He said quietly. "Why is it that you care about me? Surely I've done nothing to deserve this." He said as he gently stroked her cheek.

"I'm not going to pander to your ego anymore mister. You will just have to believe what I've already told you." She teased with a grin.

"If you insist." He said gallantly. Then he moved his head to kiss her. This kiss was gentle. His hands ran through her hair, tugging to let it loose. Finally he succeeded. With a small groan he shifted his position. Before Meg realized what was happening she was lying on the bench with Erik on top of her. His weight pushed her into the bench but she relished the feeling of him being with her. Her hands were frantically pulling at the cape tied around his neck trying to untie it. She finally succeeded in untying it and it fell unnoticed to the floor.

Erik moved his hands down her sides, lightly brushing her breasts as he went. He hasn't meant to move so fast but he just couldn't help himself. She felt so amazing to him. Just being near her was a healing salve on his poor wounded soul. Gently he stroked her hair as she eagerly kissed him back. He heard her groaning frustratedly and noticed that she was obviously trying to get his shirt off. He pushed himself off her gently to help.

"Erik, what's happening to me? This is so amazing. I haven't ever felt so close to someone." Meg whispered softly as she gently rubbed his cheek.

"Me either." He answered her as he looked into her eyes. Suddenly he was awestruck. She was so beautiful and not just physically either. It was a beauty beyond any sort of possible description, inside and out. "Meg, are you---"

Whatever Erik was about to say was drowned out by the sudden ringing of one of his alarm bells.

a/n: I know this is short but I stopped her because once again I'm trying to decide exactly what to do next. I'm not sure exactly how I want to work this out yet. I have 2 scenarios in mind. I'll think it over and then write. Hopefully I'll have something posted in less than a week. I'm really trying so THANKS for reading because it helps to inspire me!