Chapter 18: Memories/ Finally One

Dreama was more then excited to finally go on a trip with her sister for her tenth birthday, ever since the birth of her new sister Bunny four years ago things haven't been going to well. She felt sorry for Jennie though being only seven, it must be more then pain going on right now, she new Thomas and Noah wouldn't do anything to help, their both twelve and don't plan on doing anything except see who is better hiding mothers necklaces. Dreama has heard of the great adventures Thelma has been through, and finally when she was asked to come along she was beyond thrilled.

Dreama was used to her sister's crew they practically raised her, well barley, they were sort of like distant cousins to her, or uncles.

She sat down in the corner of the deck and watched the crew and Thelma work. Her sister was great, only eighteen and she was able to do anything! Dreama glanced at the sky above her, It was unlike anything she has ever seen before, the air smelt clearer and free, must be the sea that's doing that.

The sea, oh yes. What was the point of going on a ship if you are not going to see the sea? Dreama slowly stood up and gasped as she saw the sunset, the clouds where of many beautiful colors! Dreama closed her eyes, she felt warm inside, she will never forget this day! This day was defiantly a time to remember.

She slowly opened her eyes and stared ahead. Her eyes then settled on a dark shape not to far ahead. She squinted a bit not knowing what it was. She placed a hand out before her to cover the bright light and finally the shape came into to a clear view. It was another ship.

"Thelma!" she called out to her sister who was helping her crew tie up a cannon.

Thelma turned to her little sister and rushed to her.

"Yes? What is it?" she asked gently. That's when Dreama pointed to the ship ahead; she glanced at Thelma and watched as her eyes grew. Suddenly Dreama heard a faint bang. She glanced ahead but was yanked to the side.

"All heads down now!" Dreama fell to the floor her elder sister tightly holding on to her. She then quickly gasped as the whole ship shook; she glanced to the side and saw a big hole on the side of Thelma's cabin.

Thelma's grip on her arm tightened as she was yanked to another corner.

"OW! Stop it your hurting me!" Dreama screamed Thelma bent down.

"I'm sorry! Dreama listen to me I want you to go down below and stay there until I say its time to come out understand?" Dreama said nothing to scared to speak, Thelma gently shook her.

"Dreama do you understand me?" she said firm. Dreama quickly nodded her head. Suddenly another explosion hit the cabin causing Dreama to scream in terror. Thelma growled and looked at Dreama again.

"Dreama, I want you to stay here, and when I say for you to go below run as fast as you can alright?" Dreama nodded quickly. "Good, hey sing one of her pretty songs for us ok?" Dreama nodded again. But quickly stopped and grabbed her sister's sleeve.

"I want to help!"

"No! You can't…"

"Please…!"

"Thelma we need you!" a crew member shouted to Thelma. Thelma glanced behind then back at her sister. She was silent until she glanced up toward the sails then back at Dreama.

"Alright listen," she said as she grabbed a rope both ends tied to something above her. "I want you to hang on to this rope ok? Remember when I was talking about the sails?" Dreama nodded. "Well this rope, you let go of it, the sails will come loose and come undone. Dreama the men on the other ship are shooting at us, and they could rip are sails having a better chance of sinking our ship. Hang on to it you understand?" The whole time Thelma was gripping on Dreama's shoulder making sure she followed every word. Dreama nodded in response.

Thelma ran to the starboard side of the ship pulled out a pistol and began shooting and yelling at her crew mates.

"Load the cannons!"

Dreama did as she was told, held on to the rope and began to sing.

"Come all ye fair and tender ladies,

Be careful how you court young men…"

The cannon went off making a huge booming sound. Dream's hands went to her ears, she forgot the rope, and it fell to her shoulders. She closed her eyes and continued singing, not noticing herself slipping in a noose that wrapped around her foot

"There like a bright star, on a summer's evening

They'll soon appear and then their gone…"

Suddenly Dreama flinched when the ship shook once more; only worse, she glanced above and saw one of the poles holding the sails has been shot in half by one of the other ships cannons. It fell on the deck but not before Dreama realized one of the ropes tied to the pole was wrapped around her neck.

Dreama gasped trying to get the rope off of her. But it was too late; Dreama was lifted in the air the rope tightening the higher she went. It squeezed her throat making her lose air immediately. Then suddenly she stopped only because the rope tied to her foot was holding her down, but also killing her. The rope around her neck was pulling at her throat wanting to go up, the rope around her ankle was pulling her down. Dreama was beyond surprised she wasn't dead yet, all she wanted was to die instead of having this painful feeling of having her throat crushed, she'll do anything for her small neck to just snap and be done with it! She didn't want to live!

Dreama let out her last breath of air, the last thing she heard was the sound of pistols going off, cannons going off, and Thelma screaming. Oh yes, this is a day Dreama will never forget, this will defiantly be a time to remember and always will.

I watched as Dreama's tears stopped. Now I knew why. I cursed at myself for being such a fool! Dreama wiped her eyes and continued.

"Thelma cut the rope before my heart stopped. She apparently didn't defeat the ship that attacked but managed to get away. She rushed home to mother as soon as we hit land. They saved me, but my throat was practically crushed, I wasn't able to talk. They said I would never talk again. I couldn't bare it, as seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years! They all went by, all I did was stay in my room and try and get my voice back. As you can see I recovered…" she gently smiled at me and looked at her shaking hands.

I watched her carefully wanting to wipe away the new tears that gathered and fell. I knew there was more; I slowly sat down on the bench next to Dreama.

"But?" I said urging her to continue, and she did.

"But as I tried to sing…" her voice cracked when she said the word sing and her hand flew to her mouth tightly holding down, keeping in the sob that ached to come out. She quickly stood and walked to an open window.

I stayed where I was, I watched her as her shoulders shook. I couldn't look at her. I turned and focused on the piano keys and waited for her to continue.

"I can't sing anymore Erik, if I even try and sing now I may never be able speak again, I can't risk it. I…I…I just can't!" She let out a sob that was too much for me. She began rubbing her arms trying to protect herself from the cold. I stood grabbing her cloak as I did; I walked up behind her, hating myself for causing her so much pain making her remember what she has been through.

Ever so gently I placed the cloak on her shoulders, as I did Dreama slowly grabbed my hands and pulled them to her face. I tensed but quickly relaxed when I felt the warmth of her red wet cheeks. Without knowing my hands gently cupped her cheeks, I closed my eyes and pulled her to me. My hands traveled from her face to her neck, to her soft shoulders.

I lowered my head to her neck, I small gasp rushed out of her lips as my hands began to unwrap the white scarf around her soft neck. Her breathing became so fierce it worried me. I stopped and she quickly turned around and faced me.

Her hands flew to her neck. She was hiding something. I slowly walked toward her; she backed up against the wall. My hands found hers; slowly I pulled them away never looking away from her beautiful brown eyes. She staggered for a bit not wanting to reveal what ever it was she was hiding, it pained me she did not trust me. But that didn't stop me, more firm I pulled her hands down, a sob escaped her. I stilled hoping I didn't hurt her, no I didn't. Her hands gripped my arms, she stared at me with warning, telling me be ready for what I was about to see.

I took the end of her scarf in my hands and little by little unwrapped it. As soon as it was off Dreama quickly looked away, my eyes settled on the scars traveling from one end to the other. The markings of the rope that almost killed her, she had scars that she will always have, for life. Just like me.

Dreama started sobbing again. Why didn't she understand she was beautiful? Funny you should ask that, you feel the exact same way.

She gripped my hands tightly, shutting her eyes to stop the tears. Oh Dreama…What could I do?

Swallowing the lump growing in my throat I lowered my head and kissed her neck. Dreama gasped and tried to move away, but no, I won't let her sink into the darkness.

"Beautiful…" I whispered gently placing kisses along her neck. "Everything about you is beautiful…" she must know how much I care, that there will always be someone there.

My kisses increased, my hands traveling down her arms, her back, hips. I pressed her more against me making Dreama moan against my shoulder. Just then she placed her hands on my face and pulled me down on her lips. Oh the feeling of her innocent lips against mine I couldn't help but moan out her name.

Everything we were doing was nothing compared to what I truly wanted. To become one with her. Everything about her was innocent I couldn't just take her.

But the sudden feeling of her tongue rubbing my lips was too much. I placed my hand on the back of her head, the other on her back and pulled her close. Our tongues entwined over and over. No, stop this now.

I pulled away making Dreama frown.

"I'm sorry, I just…I can't do this to you…" she placed a finger on my lips and slowly pulled my head down. She kissed my lips, and then flung her arms around my neck. I wrapped my arms around her and buried my head in her black hair.

I wanted her so much, we were both ready I knew it. Suddenly without realizing I took her hand and guided her to the piano. She sat down staring at me with deep confusion, I grinned at her puzzlement.

"Play something for me" I simply said to her. Her eyes never left mine; she then glanced away and blushed.

"What is there to play?" she said glancing at the pile of papers on top of the smooth piano surface. I smiled gently and walked to the pile where I searched for the piece I wished that would be played. There were so many compositions, and just by glancing at them I noticed most of them were songs of…being alone…

Finally seeing one to my liking I pulled the piece out and set it in front of her. She frowned at the music and glanced at me.

"Why this one?" she asked sounding a bit worried. My curiosity for this specific piece grew.

I smirked. "I wished to hear your best" she quickly protested.

"How do you know this is my best?" my smirk increased till it turned into a smile.

"Dreama, I'm a master of music, I know these things. Trust me" I stood in front of the piano waiting for her to begin. Dreama swallowed slightly, glanced at the music then me.

She began…

As she played her eyes never left the keys, she put her soul and mind in her work, like that night on stage. Only there was no passion growing between us, only sadness. As the song flowed through the room I understood why she wrote this song. She made it to tell how much she missed singing; she wrote saying how she can't live without her voice. Saying how she will do anything to get it back.

The song slowly ended; as it did I timidly walked to the bench and sat by her side.

"Anything just to get it back," was all I could say. She simply nodded; I placed my hand on her shoulders. Comforting her in anyway I could, she leaned her head on my arm, I placed a kiss on her head and took a breath, breathing in her sent of red roses.

Suddenly she jumped of the seat and glanced at me devilishly, I have seen that look before, she would use it on her brothers when she had a plan that she knew for a fact they wouldn't like. Now it was being used on me, what did she have in store?

"Now it's your turn" she said standing in front of the piano. I chocked and nothing but coughs came out. She smiled again glaring at me.

"You made me play" she said child like. I sighed, I really did not want to play, but that's only what I felt on the outside, in side I wanted nothing more then to play for her.

"Must I?" I said acting annoyed. She laughed as I slowly began to get up from the seat. She ran around the piano and pushed me back on the seat and then quickly sat on me. Lust almost fully controlled me when I felt her light weight on my groin, I had to stay calm. And the only way to be calm is lose your self in music oh what a shame.

I sighed, "What is it you wish me to play?" I asked showing my calmness. She smiled at me with joy making me feel warm inside.

"Surely being a master of music you must have created your own music" she said cheerily placing her forehead against mine. She was teasing me into playing music…and it was working damn it!

But she was right, I have created many compositions.

"Yes indeed I have," I said answering her statement "But my music is not meant to be played in front of anyone. Especially a beautiful woman like you," she blushed and glanced down.

"And why not?" she asked with such arousal. I gulped down.

"I wouldn't want you feeling miserable now would I?" I whispered to her ear making her shudder.

She leaned in, making me feel her breath on my skin. "Then just pretend I'm not here."

I looked into her eyes needing to say my thoughts. "Do you know how hard it is to pretend a beauty such as yourself is not here in this place?" I said with a smile. She then looked at me. With those pleading eyes, oh those eyes!

I sighed knowing she has won. I nodded to her; she jumped off and sat next to me as I moved over for her.

What was there to play?

Suddenly one came up, it was perfect! But I swore that The Music of the Night was over, never to be heard again. Too long I have not played music, my music! I need it and need it now!

Without knowing, my fingers slowly pressed a key and I opened my mouth, and slowly, the words I have written for one woman I thought I loved came floating out. Only this time it wasn't for Christine, it was for Dreama.

Night time sharpens

Heightens each sensation

Darkness stirs,

And wakes imagination,

Silently the senses

Abandon their defenses…

Slowly, gently

Night unfurls its splendor

Grasp it, sense it,

Tremulous and tender,

Turn your face away

From the garish light of day

Turn your thoughts away

From cold

Unfeeling light

And listen to the music of the night…

Close your eyes

And surrender

To your darkest dreams

Purge your thoughts

Of the life you knew before…

Close your eyes

Let your spirit start…

To soar…!

And you'll live

As you never lived before…

Softly, deftly

Music shall caress you

Hear it, feel it

Secret may posses you…

Open up your mind,

Let your fantasies unwind

In this darkness

That you know

You can not fight…

The darkness of the music of the night…

I glanced at the Dreama, she was buried deep in my music, she never took her eyes off me and I thought thatshe was just in trance because of my music, but then I looked in her eyes…those eyes…she was in no trance…she was here with me. Listening to my singing, to my music, my voice…oh my god… I love her…

Let your mind

Start a journey thought a strange new world

Leave all thoughts of the life you knew before

Let your soul take you where you long

To be…!

Only then can you belong to me…

Floating, falling

Sweet intoxication…

Touch me, trust me

Savor each sensation…

Let the dream begin

Let your darker side give in

To the power of the music

That I write…

The power of the music of the night…

You alone can make my song take flight…

Help me make

The music of the night…

As I continue to sing my last note, I slowly leaned in, Dreama did the same. I looked into her beautiful brown eyes, slowly and gently bowed my head, and met her with a kiss…

My hands left the piano keys and went to cup her face. Her skin was so soft I could caress it forever! Just then Dreama placed a hand on the back of my head, grabbed my shirt and pulled me closer, deepening the kiss.

Dreama let out a moan and that was enough. I pulled her over me so she straddled my waist, my kiss traveled to her scared neck where she tensed for a split second then quickly pulled me closer. Her movements of going forward and backwards, massaging my manhood with her womanhood made me groan firmly. I grabbed her legs, wrapped them around my waits and stood, knocking the bench over. She continued massaging, feeling the dampness almost made me trip, she nibbled my neck and ear making me whimper, something I ever do.

I finally reached her bed where I gently lay her down, I tried to get up to undress but she wouldn't let me go. I didn't want to let go either but if we wanted to be one she had to let go. I placed my hands on her buttocks and squeezed hard. She whimpered and released. Quickly as fast as I could begin to undress, knowing that if I did not join her quick she might finish herself off. I couldn't let that happen.

My clothes were now gone, I joined her when I saw her reach for herself. I grabbed her hand and placed a kiss on its back and slowly shook my head.

"That, My Lady, is for Sir Erik to do." I said my voice full of nothing but lust. I loved our small game of the Knight and the Princess. Ever since she bid me farewell before she went to rehearse with her family. She was my princess, and I was her knight.

I slipped my hands under her night gown and quickly got rid of it. Dreama slightly gasped, the feeling just hitting her that she was now fully bare in front of me, and I fully bare in front of her. I started having doubts, the way she looked, scared, nervous…was I scaring her?

Somehow knowing what I was thinking, she took my hand and guided it to her dark curls between her thighs. Surprised I was indeed, but that did not stop me, finding her hidden bud I pressed and began making my small circles. Dreama quickly let out a gasp of pleasure.

"Oh my-!" she cut herself off, not wanting to embarrass herself. Oh but what she needed to know was that moaning in pleasure would not embarrass her, only make me want her more.

"Let your self go…come for me my lady," my small circles went faster, I pressed down harder. I knew she was close. She gripped the sheets and threw her head back, then screamed out with a cry of pleasure.

"ERIK!"

I quickly lunged forward, capturing her mouth with mine. She grabbed a fistful of my hair and pulled me down. I pressed my hard erection against her wetness making her moan again. I was ready to take her, but unfortunately she wasn't. With strength I didn't know she had flipped me over on my back. She sat between my legs and stared at my hardness, her eyes went slightly wide. She then let out a chuckle.

"It's so big…" she whispered.

If I was not aroused I would be completely mortified. But those words coming from her mouth…oh god I need her now!

Just when I was about to reach for her she seemed to have reached for me first. Anxiously she grabbed my hard manhood and slowly began to stroke me. I arched up growling her name with arousal; she tightened her grip and began to stroke faster. I was so close, if she didn't stop I swear I would be long gone, my eyes rolled in the back of my head. Oh god! Just then she stopped. I heaved a huge sigh of relief.

A few seconds went by, and I thought she had second thoughts, but oh how wrong was I. My eyes shot open to the feeling something I thought would never happen. I glanced down between my legs and there was Dreama's head suckling my manhood hard and fast. I clenched my fist till I felt my knuckles crack. I tried keeping in control but she was driving me insane! Feeling myself about to climax I quickly grabbed her and pushed her away.

She looked at me with fear suddenly.

"I'm sorry! Did I do something wrong? I didn't mean to I just…I just-"

I quickly cut her off by violating her mouth with mine. My tongue snaked its way in and entangled with Dreama's. She let out a moan as I leaned on her small body, making my caresses soft yet rough, gently yet seductively fast. I spread her legs and rubbed my manhood over her bud making her go possibly wetter. She threw her head back and gripped my arms, digging her nails in my skin. I growled as I positioned myself in front of her entrance. She suddenly became silent. My head snapped up toward her eyes. What was she thinking?

For the longest time, all we did was stare at each other, deeply mixed in each others eyes. Then with one swift movement I thrust forwards. Dreama's eyes widen, a painful gasp left her lips. I pulled her toward me, grabbing her in a way she was sitting. I held her back making sure she did not fall back down, while I used my other hand to support us both. I held her tight against me. Her breast pushing into my chest, I slowly began to thrust my hips forward making Dreama cry out. I knew it was hurting her, but from what I've seen and heard, it's better to do it fast then slow. Dreama was clinging on to me, crying on my shoulder, trying so hard to find the pleasure as well as I was.

"Shh, it's alright my love…it will pass…" I moaned into her ear.

Concerned I gently laid her back down, yet I never parted, I moved my hand down to her bud and began to stroke her hard and fast. Her crying stopped and soon moans came rushing out. I wanted her to enjoy it as much as I was enjoying it, if this is the only way so be it. I rubbed harder making her thrust up toward me.

Yes! She was already getting used to me.

I stared at Dreama, her eyes were shut tight, and she was breathing tremendously fast. I glanced at her breast and her pink erect nipples. Without thinking I began sucking her nipple moaning and groaning deep within. Dreama groaned out loudly making me harder and closer to my climax.

"Oh! More!" she screamed.

I moved to her other breast and repeated the action. I was so close! And by the sound of her sweet massive moans I could tell she was close as well…

My last few thrust were hard and fast as I felt Dreama tighten, Dreama screamed her loudest tonight, grabbing my hair together we quickly reached our climax shuddering and moaning and trembling.

I collapsed on top of her, breathing faster then ever.

"Oh…Dreama" I whispered out of breath in her ear.

She did not speak, she did not even move. Was she even breathing? I couldn't tell, all of my energy was spent and finally after thirty-six years, I knew what it was like to be one.

Suddenly I felt a clammy hand on my head, gently rubbing. I slowly glanced at Dreama, her eyes met mine. I leaned in and placed a kiss on her forehead, I stayed in that position for more then I intentioned. She caressed my face and kissed my deformed side, I frowned.

My face…never have I felt better without it. She helped me; they all helped me mend the shredded heart I thought would always be shredded.

I moved to the side where I pulled her close into my arms. Together, we fell asleep where happy dreams I know will be waiting for me and her.

Hello everyone,

This scene is a bit steamy I know...but yes...want to apologize for not writing sooner, I was stuck on trying to make this scene good...so please forgive me if its not good lol...and yes I know The Music of the Night is almost always in a fic but I just had to do it...lol...I had to...lol so yes I hope you enjoyed this chapter, finally Erik knows he's in love, but ohhh! I have such a surprise! Oh and those of you whoa re wondering about Johnnie and Jennie, I have not forgotten them they will show up in the next chapter or the one after that, but they will show up soon, ok, now I'm excited ok see you next time...

Crytsal A.

"Life is a mask, its our job to take it off and discover the journey behind it not in front for there is nothing there but a mask"