That Face in the Mask

Chapter Twelve: The Garish Light of Day

A/N: Okay, so so so SO sorry for taking so long to update, but my stress level was high enough already, I was sick for awhile with the flu going around, and on top of that when I FINALLY got well, I had writers block :( . So yes, I'm already aware how corny and stupid the dialogue in this chapter is, but gimme a break, please? It was written over the course of several nights, usually around midnight, and has a fair amount of E/M fluff. Okay, just start reading now...


Disclaimer: I am no where near rich enough to actually own the Phantom of the Opera, or buy the rights to it.
Mme. Giry paced worriedly in circles around the living room. She couldn't help but worry about Meg. Where was she? Where could she possibly have gone at this late hour? What if something had happened to her? She was absolutely furious at Meg right now, but she couldn't help but worry. Her little girl was out on the mean cold city streets all alone. Anything could have happened to her.

She recalled the furious words Meg had spat at her. They still stung so horridly. She knew Meg had only told her those awful things out of anger and frustration, and who could blame her. Even Mme. Giry realized sometimes she was far too overbearing. She just hoped that Meg had only spoken out of anger, and didn't truly feel that way.

The sound of the door slamming made Mme. Giry look up suddenly. There stood Cedric, with an anxious and worried expression on his face that could have mirrored her own.

"Mme. Giry, I just ran into Meg."

She sharply turned "Cedric, you had better not be joking about this"

"Mme. Giry, I would never joke about a serious matter such as this. I was walking back from orchestra practice when I ran into her on the Avenue. She looked a fright and she was completely flustered and out of breath like she'd been running. I asked her what was wrong and tried to lead her back home, but she was raving about, well, I don't really know what exactly it is she was carrying on about, but she yelled for me to leave her alone and then ran away. I tried to catch up with her, but I had no idea where she went, so that proved to be impossible"

"Well, thank god at least you saw her. Where was she going? "

"Mme. Giry, as I already told you, I don't know or I would have gone after her instead of coming here!"

'Well, where do you imagine that she went Cedric? Where were you two?"

"We were at the corner of rue Du Jour et Etainne when she ran off"

"Well, then, what are we doing still here?" Mme. Giry asked, grabbing her coat as she stepped out the door

"Wait! Mme. Giry ,what are you-"

"Oh Cedric, think! We shall go look for her. She couldn't have gone far by now"

No, but quite a few things could have happened to a sheltered little blond flower on the mean city streets at night with all sorts of rough drinkers and gamblers wandering around Cedric thought to himself sickeningly. He shook the thought from his mind

Cedric thought to himself sickeningly. He shook the thought from his mind

"Of course, you're right Madame. Come on, let's go!" And the two raced off into the night


Meg awoke with a start to find herself in an unfamiliar bed in an unfamiliar room. Her mind, still heavy with sleep, instantly began to panic for a moment, until she realized where she was. The red plush bedcovers were still rumpled from sleep, and the pillow still held the faint outline of her small head. She looked over at Erik, sleeping soundly beside her. Her stirring hadn't awakened him, and she starred absentmindedly for a moment at the rise and fall of his muscular chest, visible beneath his unbuttoned shirt. His black, smooth hair was a mess from her running her fingers through it in their brief display of affection, and lay strewn all about the pillow. He was so handsome.

Meg felt so perfectly happy in that instant. Nothing, absolutely nothing on earth could have shattered the perfect sense of calm and quelled desire she felt in that instant. She realized that someone, no, a man, actually loved her. Her! She, that couldn't do anything right or to anyone's satisfaction. The girl that was so moody, she was a meek, mild mouse one moment and as dangerous with her temper as a raging beast the next. She was absolutely imperfect in every way, and she knew that he loved her for that. It was such a sense of relief and satisfaction, so much so that it has driven one to tears, when they realize they have found their soul mate, their true love. There is nothing left to keep desperately searching for. Such a relief to have the long hidden feeling of true love released, an unspoken but knowing presence, to let their feelings for each other freely flow forth, like rushing water from a spring. They were both slightly less rigid and stiff, not having to continually worry about words or facial expressions or gestures hinting at their true feelings for the other. It is such an experience, a wonderful, amazing feeling, Meg knew it was impossible to describe to someone else until they too had experienced it.

And, as if Erik didn't already seem the perfect man, he loved her enough to have respected her needs and wait. He could have just taken the plunge in that electrifying instant, as any sane man would, driven by desire, but he didn't. He could sense her small feeling of fear and uncertainty, her hesitation at something some new and not yet experienced but awaited subtly peeking out from her newly found lust and desire, and knew she wasn't ready to be had yet. She wondered if she would later regret the decision of turning him away and remaining pure. Oh well. In retrospect, if she had just given in to her desires and primitive urges and let herself be swept away by his passion, she'd have a hell of a lot more to worry about than she did now.

She gently poked Erik's chest. "Erik" she whispered playfully "Wake up!"

He grunted and turned a bit. Meg giggled innocently and patted his face

"Hey Phantom, wake up!" she said, getting more giddy by the minute

Erik groaned lightly and opened his eyes. He thought at first sight that he'd either overdone it with the brandy again, or he was still dreaming, because there couldn't possibly be a sweet, little blonde girl in his bed telling him to wake up.

"What?" he asked sleepily

" Come on Erik, we're wasting the day away!" Meg said, tugging at his hand like an impatient child

The sleep suddenly dissolved from his mind and he realized it was Meg in bed with him. They must have fallen asleep together last night. He also recalled the sweet, desiring things he'd dreamt about her.

Oh god. That hadn't actually happened. Had it?

Now that he'd noticed it, Meg was only in her chemise and petticoats, and he was only in his undershirt and trousers, and her soaking wet dress and his jacket and boots were thrown in a hasty mess on the floor.

She noticed him eyeing her undergarments and their strewn clothes nervously and she laughed as he forced himself to ask "Uh Meg, did we really-?"

"No. You just dreamed about it"

His face instantly flushed crimson. He didn't realize how well she could read his emotions.

Although, her face turned an even brighter shade of red as she laid back down next to him and guiltily confessed "And, I suppose I...dreamt about it too"

He looked over at her with a mockingly stern look, and she tried making a face to match his own, but couldn't before they both started laughing uncontrollably.

Erik laid his arm around her once they had both calmed down. He gently whispered in her ear "I love you"

She smiled up at him longingly "I love you too"

She couldn't help but feel like she was still clinging to a sweet dream after a long night, so close to waking up, but wanting to treasure the sweet pleasure of the dream as long as she could, and not let go. Maybe that was what love was supposed to feel like.

Although, in her case, it did seem more like a guilty secret one kept, knowing that in worst circumstances the secret was revealed, the consequences wouldn't be harsh, but just wanting to keep the secret a secret, to keep that special feeling of being the only one to know. And, she realized, her heart sinking, no one else ever could know she loved Erik. They would probably emerge the rest of their lives into a passionate, but quiet affair never brought to light, that they would both end up carrying to the grave. Oh well. She wasn't worrying about the future right now. She had just wanted Erik up so that they could start the day.

She yawned and sat up, stretching "Oh, that was some night last night, huh?"

"Yes it was" Erik agreed, chuckling. She saw him try to smooth his hair back, buttoning up his shirt, and carefully checking to make sure his mask was still in place. She frowned slightly

"Erik?" she asked a bit more seriously

His head jerked up to look at her "What is it, Meg?"

"Why do you wear that mask when you sleep?"

He sighed "Meg, just don't start with that, all right?"

But she couldn't hide her curiosity "But why? No one's down here. And isn't it awfully uncomfortable?"

He exhaled sharply "No Meg, it isn't. I've worn it for so long, it almost feel like a second skin now. I don't care, and you shouldn't either. I just wear it all the time. Always have if I want to be able to look in a mirror"

She sighed "Erik, you know I didn't mean it like that. And you're right, you know I don't care about it. You're perfect, as you are. You never should have taken that mask back from me. You don't need it"

With that, she gently removed the mask from his face and placed it delicately on the pillow. For a moment, it was almost as if Erik was jostled back through time, to almost a year ago, when Christine had done exactly the same thing. He recalled his violent outburst towards her, and the fear in her eyes whenever she looked at him from then on.

Well, that was one beneficial thing about a horrid past. You learn from mistakes, not repeat them.

His hand immediately jolted up to his face to cover it, but Meg gently pushed his hand away, bringing it to her lips to kiss it before softly placing it on the bedcovers.

He couldn't look at her when he was like that. Couldn't bare to look at her angelic, porcelain face, glowing with pure beauty on the inside and out.

She gently tilted his chin up to look at her, but he swiftly averted his eyes. There couldn't be any pain worse than what he felt right now.

"Erik, look at me"

His eyes remained downcast

"Erik" she said a bit louder "Look at me. In the eyes. Go on"

He looked up into her eyes, ashamed "Meg, please, just stop it. I can't bear going through this. Not with you"

"Erik, I'm no different than anyone else. I'm a person. I love you and you know that. I couldn't care less what one side of your face may look like. You're perfect as you are and you have nothing to be so ashamed of. You know that"

He could feel a small, warm tear slowly roll down his face. no one had ever said anything so kind

She wiped the tear from his eye "You know I don't care about that. It's just a part of you, like your sweet voice or your kindness or your strong figure. It's part of you Erik. And you shouldn't keep hiding it. You're masking all these wonderful qualities you have. You needn't do it"

Erik managed a raspy "Thank you" before he closed his eyes for a minute to stop the tears from flowing. Christine could rot in hell for all he cared. She could never have been this kind, or sincere as his little blond angel.

He opened his eyes suddenly, and quietly lifted the mask from the bed, grasping onto it

"Meg, I can't ever thank you enough to suffice. You're really the only angel that's ever entered my life. You won't ever know how much you really mean to me, or how much I need you to go on living. But, Meg, I really believe all of what you said, truly, I do, but for now-"

He stopped himself, sighing as he put the mask back on and watching her face gently fall. He took her hand

"I know, and I swear to you Meg, I won't wear it as much. But, I've had it for so long now, I can't give it up just yet. Just yet. But, if it means this much to you, I'll try. I'd do anything for you"

She blushed, looking down as he repositioned his mask. He suddenly threw off the covers and stood up. He grasped her hand formally and helped her up out of bed, leaving a trail of burning kisses down her arms

"So" he asked "What are you planning on doing today?"

She giggled "That" she said, gesturing to his lips on her hand

He scoffed "Other than that."

"I don't know. I never sleep in very late, with ballet rehearsals and such. Force of habit, you know?"

"I know"

He watched as she positioned herself on his settee, gracefully folding her legs beneath her in a natural dancing poise. She shook out her hair into a wild mess of golden blond curls on her bare shoulders, and pulled her chemise straps down a bit further. No mortal woman should be allowed to be this beautiful Erik thought. Or possess so much sweetness and perfect innocence and good in her. She has to be some kind of angel sent to me that I don't deserve.

"Erik?" Meg asked quizzically "Anything wrong?"

He smiled and sat down next to her "No"

"You looked upset. What are you thinking about?"

He sighed and didn't say anything, glancing at her. Unfortunately, Meg didn't take the hint and kept chattering away.

" Well, I've been thinking about a number of things since we woke up. You must have more sheet music in this place than Apollo himself does. It's a wonder you find the time to compose that much. I could never write so much music in three lifetimes. But, then again..."

Erik smirked for a minute, listening to the sound of her childlike voice prattling on and on. She was so easily amused to just talk, if only to herself. But he quickly came back down to earth when he heard her talking about staying with him down here. God, as much as he wanted her, needed her to, he couldn't let her. He couldn't ruin her by keeping her down her with him, as he'd done with Christine, even if Meg was willing to stay.

He exhaled sharply and turned to look at Meg, cutting her off

"Meg, you know I do love you, right?"

Meg smirked and pretended to yawn "Oh, that's only about the, what, hundredth time you told me this morning?"

He had to force out a small chuckle that stopped when she cleverly slipped her arms around him and settled her legs on his lap and said in a seductively low voice "But I love hearing just the same. Almost as much as I love you" She smiled wickedly

God, why did she have to start seducing me now of all damn times? he thought to himself bitterly.

He gently pushed her up off of him and stood up, turning away from her. She glanced at him queerly

"What's wrong? Are you mad at me?"

He turned around quickly "No, it's nothing like that. Meg, I wish you could stay here with me forever. You know how much I want you here and how much you want to be here, but we both know it won't work out. God, this is probably the hardest damn thing for I've ever had to say in my whole life, but you have to go back home"

She stood up suddenly, stomping over to him, her eyes blazing furiously "Why! I thought you loved me! Why would you want me to leave?"

He started to kiss her hand, but stopped when she glared at him

"Meg, don't look at me like that. I do love you, more than anything, but you can't stay here. People will wonder what's happened to you, they'll talk, and your reputation will be destroyed. You could never be a famous ballerina that way. And then people will start getting suspicious and confront whenever you leave here, and who knows? It's best for everyone, especially me. You're the only person that knows where I'm hiding. What if someone discovered that? I couldn't see you anymore, Meg."

"I know you don't like it. Hell, I hate the idea worse than you do, but you can't stay here. At least not for right now. I've thought it over very seriously, and really Meg, it's best for the both of us. Please? Just trust me"

He saw her eyes soften and her gentle hand stroked his cheek

"I do trust you Erik. If you think it's best, I'll go. But I don't know how I'll be able to stand it"

He smiled "I don't either. But you can still come visit, whenever you want. I'll always be here Meg"

She smiled "I know"

With that, she had to force herself to break away from his sweet arms and stop kissing him. She retrieved her rumpled, water-stained dress from the floor. It smelled faintly of hay, from the stable and candle wax from Erik's lair. She sighed as she put it back on, pulling her skirts down past her knees and tugging her bodice up. She really didn't want to go back and face her maman and Cedric again, but if Erik asked her to, she would. She knew she'd do anything he asked of her, and that he would do anything she asked of him.

She sat in front of a large, cracked mirror as she plaited her hair and wound it tightly in a bun at the base of her neck. She turned to find Erik gazing wistfully at her as he finished putting his boots and jacket back on, but she was surprised when he reached in a small closet for his heavy black woolen cloak and a thin, yellow women's shawl

"Why are you getting those out?"

He looked up at her, tearing his gaze from the women's shawl "I'm escorting you back to your house"

"Any particular reason why...?"

"I suppose now a gentleman has to have a reason for escorting a beautiful lady home other than making sure she arrives there unharmed"

She rolled her eyes at him and stood up "You just want to make sure I actually go home and don't run off to the stable again, don't you?"

He smiled sheepishly, a guilty look in his eyes "Maybe that reason, yes I suppose"

She walked over to him as he fastened the cape around his shoulders hurriedly. She could see how nervous he was

"Erik, it's all right. You don't have to do this for me. I'll be fine-"

"Meg, no. I can't just throw you out of here and let you walk all the way back alone. It's unheard of for a-"

"What if someone sees you with me? We could-"

"Meg, I've been hiding most of my life! I think I'd be capable of doing it if anything happened-"

She silenced him with a rough, sudden kiss on the lips. His growing frustration and anxiety melted away as she stroked his hair smoothly and fiercely conquered his rough lips with her own smooth, sweet ones.

he looked at her and smiled, attempting to break the awkward tension between them

'We always argue about the most ridiculous things don't we?"

She paused, thinking it over, and burst out laughing "Yes, I suppose we do. Oh, and of course, I assume most of them are my fault"

"No, they're my fault"

"No, they are most definitely my own fault-"

"Meg! We just stopped arguing. Lets not start again"

She smiled innocently "All right, if you insist"

He handed her the neatly folded yellow shawl with her rose laid gently on top of it. She felt the exquisite, finely woven material in complete awe.

"Oh Erik, this is so beautiful! Where did this come from?"

He cleared his throat, attempting to stop the tears from springing to his eyes

"It was- ahem, It was my mothers. She gave it, well, threw it at me right before I left with the gypsies. It's the only remaining possession I have left of her I didn't destroy or be rid of long ago"

Meg gasped softly, for she was so moved by the gesture. Anyone could plainly see how much the shawl meant to him. She held it out to him

'Erik, no, I couldn't possibly think of wearing this. Not when it means so much to you. Truly, you have to keep this. I won't accept it."

"You have to. I'm not keeping it, and otherwise it's going into the fire. Why burn such a beautiful shawl when it could belong to a very beautiful lady?"

She smiled and gave in, even though she knew it this probably was very hard for Erik to do for her. He was very insistent though, and besides, she had no intention of keeping it. She was sure he'd realize he made a mistake and want it back. But, if it meant so much to him, she would wear it for now.

He gently draped the yellow shawl around her petite figure, the fringed edges gracefully flowing onto her arms, swirling merrily as she turned

"Meg, you look absolutely exquisite in that." he said breathlessly, making her blush. She quoted a saying of her mother's

"' It doesn't matter how lovely one looks, it only matters how kind one acts.' That's what maman always says"

"Well, true as that is, you still look lovely" He looked down at his watch and quickly stuffed it back into his pocket

"All right, we had better be going. It'll be daylight pretty soon, and we can't have anyone seeing us. Come along, right through the tunnel here." he said, moving aside the tapestry covering yet another tunnel in his lair.

Meg didn't want to admit it as she entered the dark tunnel, but all these secret passageways and entrances still frightened her a bit. There were so many of them, and any sort of dangers could be lurking around the corner. She did feel so much safer and reassured with Erik leading her through them. He knew exactly what he was doing, so she knew she hadn't any reason to feel the least bit frightened.

Finally, they came out of the tunnel and Meg felt a tinge of regret stepping out of the darkness into the early morning light, knowing she had to leave Erik's lair. There were so many more things they still hadn't talked about, places they hadn't explored, things they'd never done. Unknown to her at the time, Erik was feeling a far worse sense of dread and regret than he could bear at the thought of leading Meg away from him when she wanted to stay.

They talked a bit, about unimportant things on the walk back, both knowing they were just trying to ignore how closer they were getting to the boardinghouse by making small conversation. From a distance, the two would have made quite an unusual couple; a small, blond dancer in a wrinkled dress and yellow shawl, taking small, pattering steps and a broad, strong man in a black suit and cape wearing a mask always walking several strides ahead of her and waiting for her to catch up. The sun was just beginning to come up, the majesty and mystery of the night slowly fading into the soft light of dawn. The streetlights weren't yet lit, and the street was completely empty and calm, a complete contrast for Meg, who was used to the normal hustle and bustle of the streets in the daytime. Erik, who hadn't ventured into the city or anywhere for that matter, since God only knew when, was savoring every instant of the dreamlike experience. They both took in every detail of the surreal, dreamlike morning, locking it close to their hearts to reminisce and yearn for later on.

At long last, the dreaded moment arrived, and they were at the entrance to the boarding house. The sun was now up, casting a brilliant streak of blending violet and pink across the morning sky, and Erik was extremely anxious, glancing about nervously from years of habit, petrified that someone would see him. He followed Meg up the steps and before opening the door, she glanced and the window cautiously, and then turned to face him, giggling.

"Erik, no one's here! They must have gone out looking for me."

"Well, that will make it much easier for you to return, wont' it?"

"No, silly, you should come inside!"

He backed away sharply, immediately rejecting the idea

"Meg, no, I couldn't possibly-"

"Oh, come on! When are you going to get to see something like this again?"

Unwilling to admit it to himself, he had always wanted to see a real home, and it did sound so tempting, but he knew he shouldn't

"I couldn't do it, Meg. You should get inside. You'll get sick again staying out here. Go on, I'll see you-"

Without any warning, she yanked his arm roughly, pulling him suddenly up the steps a few inches from her body

"Please? For me?" she pleaded, kissing him softly

He gave in instantly "If you insist" he whispered huskily

She smiled and led him inside, closing the door behind him. He looked around. The room was bathed in a soft, warm glow of light from the morning sun, but maybe it was the modest, cozy furnishings adorning the place that made the small room look so welcoming. He noticed Meg blushed a little as she watched him looking around

"It isn't much. Most of what we had was destroyed in the fire, and we buy necessary things with our salaries, but I thought you might like seeing the house anyway"

"It looks wonderful. I've never seen anything look like this before"

She walked over to him and slipped her arms around his neck seductively.

" Look like what?"

"Beautiful" he whispered

She leaned against him softly and whispered "I have"

He closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of her body against his

She was just about to kiss him again when her foot became entangled on one of her discarded ballet slippers lying on the floor, and she stumbled and tripped, falling onto the couch and dragging Erik down with her suddenly. His eyes snapped open as she screamed before she hit the couch.

They both fell with a soft thump onto the couch. Erik looked over at Meg to make sure she hadn't hurt herself, and found her laughing, her face red and breathlessly laughing. She looked at him for a moment, making them both burst out into fits of uncontrollable laughter. Erik leaned his head back and sighed when they finally stopped

"You, mademoiselle, very well may be the clumsiest dancer I've ever seen"

"Really?" she asked, giggling again

He leaned a bit closer towards her, pulling her body over towards his "Really. That's just one of those things I love about you"

She smiled "Surprise me"

And he did. He pressed his own mouth onto hers, raging fire and passion flowing from his body into hers in their embrace. He felt the sweet, innocent taste of her small lips, felt the warmth burst from her body into his own in an electric current. The kiss would have lasted forever if Erik hadn't spotted something outside the window

He instantly tore himself away from Meg and immediately buttoned his cape back up

"Oh shit!" he cursed angrily

She stared at him, rushing like a madman "What is wrong with you?" she asked astonishingly

"Meg, look out the window!" he hissed

She turned and saw her mother and Cedric right outside the door, saw her mother fumbling with the lock and Cedric leaning against the wall, looking exhausted. They would both walk in to find Erik here if she didn't do something

She instantly bolted up and opened a window in her room "Oh shit! Erik, I you-"

"No time for that" he whispered, hurriedly stroking her hair. She saw him fasten his cloak finally, and the panic in his eyes. He kissed her once, quickly and sharply. She looked at him, anxiously glancing back at the door to see it almost open.

"Hurry" she whispered

He grasped her hand "Come visit me again. Promise?"

"Promise" she whispered

He slid his lean body out through the window and she watched him push himself down, landing neatly on the pavement below. He stalked off into the nearby alleyway in the darkness and crept hastily along in the shadows. He was gone within a few seconds, vanishing almost as if he'd never been there before.

She heard the door click as it slid open and heaved a silent sigh of relief. Their passionate secret was safe for now. She couldn't wait to see hi gain. But first she thought it's time to correct a horrible wrong.

She stepped out into the living room, seeing the sudden relief and delight on her mother and Cedric's faces that as reflected on her own as she moved into her mother's gentle loving arms, heard her softly weep with delight when she realized Meg was safe and sound.

Meg whispered the three golden words she'd been anxious to say since the last night "I'm sorry, mother"

Her mother kissed the top of her head "So am I, Meg"

Neither of the women realized Cedric had quietly taken his leave, not wanting to interrupt the perfect scene of familial bliss. And, unknown to Meg at the time, Cedric and Erik had both walked away that evening lovingly recalling every perfect, sweet detail about this love, and wondering how long it would take before they were lovingly united as one.


O.k., how was it? Too much fluff? Too much sappy crap? Did the authoress have too many bad combinations of late nights and caffeine? Review and let me know!

--And, as a challenge, if anyone's insanely obssessed enough w/ this story or has some time to kill, count the number of times Meg and Erik kissed in Chapters 11 and 12. And, let me know the final amount in your review if you're willing to do it!