NOTE TO ALL; When I say '2 weeks later' below, I do not mean 2 weeks after Andre and Firmin recieve the letter (from the end of the last chapter). It means in the same 2 weeks, if that makes sense.

Chapter 14- Fear

Two weeks later; I'd solved the dancing problem. The managers sheepishly told Aria her debt was paid. I had been living back down in my lair for nearly 10 days, and the truth be told, I hated it. I missed the bright cheeriness, the peaceful comfort of Aria's room. But mostly, I missed Aria. I still saw her atleast once a day, but still...When I rested in her room, I was with her all day. Suddenly my island, which had once been the only place I could call home, was dark and dreary, bereft of Aria's warm smiles and beautiful hugs.

I missed her fingers on my face. I threw myself into my organ, but it really didn't give me as much support anymore- It lacked the genuine support of Aria.

I sighed and wondered if she'd be back in her room.

Walking along the tunnel, I peered into Aria's room. With widening eyes, I looked at her. She was sitting in a chair, looking fair miserable; her shoulders trembled.

I rushed thru the mirror. "Aria, what's wrong, mon cheri!"

Aria's tired, tearstained eyes looked startled. "Oh," she said weakly. "I didn't hear you."

I grabbed her hands and fell to my knees.

"What's happened? Aria..?" I whispered, wiping the small tears away.

Aria sighed and stood up, pulling me with her. She took off one of my gloves and traced the scar there; The scar from that knife.

"Erik...I don't know what else to do." She looked so unhappy. What was wrong?

"Aria, please make sense!" I begged.

"What else can I do for you Erik? I don't know how to make you happy." She murmured, dropping her head in embaressment.

I swallowed hard, emotions welling with in me. How could she think that- but no. That was my fault. Had I ever told her how much she meant to me? Of course not. I was too cowardly. But I had to try.

"Have I mislead you so?" I whispered softly. I lifted her head in my hands, my trembling hands, and rubbed a finger over her cheek.. "Oh Aria. I'm never happier than when I'm with you."

She looked so uncertain. My heart cried an order and I obeyed. Slowly, carefully I brought my lips to hers...my wildest dreams coming sharply into focus...My eyes shut, helpless to resist the notes my heart wrote.

Oh...Aria.

My hand slid blissfully down her back, drawing her closer and closer until our bodies pressed with a beautiful solidness. My soul exploded as I kissed her, tentitive at first with growing fervor and assurance. Aria's hands rested on my chest, sending little shocks thru my body as one removed my mask and let it fall to the ground. Heat waves coursed around us, sweet warmness filled me, complete and utter exultation slammed into my breathless body. I sighed against her lips, and she moaned softly back as my tongue asked permission and explored her mouth. A hand was buried in copper tresses.

I pulled back, with reluctance, but not away, and stared, stunned, into Aria's shimmering, shining emerald orbs.

My mouth opened to speak, but I had no words. This was so... perfect. She was perfect...and right now, I didn't feel like a wretched monster. I felt...whole.

"Don't...stop." Aria breathed.

I obeyed with all willingness, holding her tight against me while her arms wrapped around my neck. Never ending joy...it is something I have never experienced before. I ran a hesitant hand down Aria's side, relishing in her wonderful curves. The sense of belonging amazed me. I felt as though I could actually belong here, with Aria in my arms. Heat increased as our kisses likewise increased from passion.

A new feeling was again taking over; I hated it. It was fear- plain and simple fear. I was terribly frightened and I didn't know why. I tried to push it away; why should I be afraid? But I couldn't. My brain took over and I pulled away and scrambled backwards.

Aria's eyes opened and stared at me, dazed. I stuttered to say something but my lips, now swollen from kissing, would not function. "I've...got to go..." I finally pushed out, and all but ran away.

Back in the maze of my home, I collapsed against a wall, my chest heaving and my body uselessly weak. I tried to get up but could not. The feelings serged back in, pounding me mercilessly. Aria's name slipped from my mouth as I recalled her sensational lips on mine.

With a moan I peeled myself off the floor and staggered homeward.