Hi guys! I have finally updated chapter 5! Sorry it took so long, but I hope you all enjoy this chapter!

RowanMayfair13: Thank you for your review! I'm glad that you have taken a liking to my story, and E/M in general. I hope you enjoy this next chapter! Cheers!

sugarbomb53086: Hey thanx for your review! I appreciate it! Sorry I took so long to update! But I hope this chapter makes up for it!

Virginie: Thanx for your review Virginie. There is no need to worry about Jacques as of yet. Though he might get a little tricky in the story later on. I hope you enjoy reading this chapter!


Chapter 5: Moving into the Limelight

Erik's POV

Erik strode nonchalantly along the passage way leading back to his lair. He had just been investigating the arrival of this so called patron and the large party of guests that currently situated themselves in the main hall.

He didn't think very much on the matter, it was to be expected that the managers would nominate some rich pretty boy to help defend their little investment if needed, and that they would be so desperate as to try and please the community with their future fantasies of succession. Erik wondered just how successful these fantasies would turn out to be in the end.

Erik finally reached his lair, pleased to be in the comfort of his home once again, but when he glanced around the lair he realised something was wrong and he froze. Oh No! Erik thought dreadfully.

He stared at the open door in horror. He now remembered he had accidentally left the key in the door leading to his secret art room that held some of his most treasured items when he had been rushing to get to the celebration on time.

He began to make his way towards the door, feeling irritated with himself for being so careless and feeling enraged at the person who dared to invade his private space. He reached the door and stood in the doorway, feeling extremely livid.

What he saw made his heart strain slightly. Meg was there, surveying his precious replica of Christine. She stood there silently. He couldn't tell what her reaction was towards it, but when she suddenly felt his presence, she went rigid then whirled around to face him. Her face reflected utter terror and panic.

Erik couldn't believe his eyes, he had let her befriend him. He had let her visit him, take care of him and be in his company. He had talked freely with her and enjoyed her company as much as she seemingly enjoyed his. He had trusted her! And now he felt sourly betrayed!

Anger and rage filled his body as he moved closer to her. She stumbled back in fright and tripped over a small crate, but still remained standing. He stopped and took one breath to control himself. "Get out!" her roared in rage pointing to the door wishing she would just leave.

Meg flinched but still remained where she was. She tried to apologise. "Erik I'm so sorry" she cried. Erik couldn't take her apology, he felt to heated and betrayed. "Get out!" he yelled again.

That was the final straw. She shook her head and gave him a look of complete disbelief and sorrow as she bolted past him and out of the door. Her footsteps echoed in his brain as she sprinted back to her dressing room.

Erik watched her leave and immediately a surge of emotions shot through him. Namely one, regret. What have I done? Erik thought in despair. He had just hurt the only creature that cared for him. He had made her cry and he hoped he hadn't driven her away fully.

He couldn't take this torment any longer, so he quickly and quietly made his way up to her dressing room to talk things over.


Meg's POV

Meg laid on her bed, weeping into her pillow, saturating it with her tears. How could've she been so stupid? Erik had trusted her and she had just betrayed his trust, forever. She felt horrible. Guilt and sorrow weighed her stomach down and she felt terribly sick. Nothing could describe the turmoil she felt at that moment.

Why had she gotten herself involved with the Phantom of the Opera in the first place? Her curiosity and adventurous spirit had led her to help him and ever since, she had felt drawn to him, drawn to his uniqueness, his imagination, his passion for life, his kindness and his devotion to others. Traits she wished for in a man. With all the anger she felt towards Christine, and all the concern and worry she felt for him, it was now clear to her that she loved him. She had fallen for the Phantom of the Opera.

But now she had lost him. Damn her curiosity! She was so close to achieving the goal of helping him, making him feel again, and she had screwed it up. She was such an imbecile and she would never forgive herself for it. If only she had controlled herself better and been more mature she wouldn't be in this mess.

"Oh Erik" she whispered unbearably. "I have driven you away, betrayed you and hurt you" she cried agonizingly to the empty room as shivers wracked her small frame and tears slid visibly down her face. The feelings became too overwhelming and she began to shake uncontrollably and cry harder.

Drowned in her own misery, Meg didn't feel the hand that reached out to touch her shoulder until a voice spoke. "Meg you can never possibly drive me away from you, it's true you did hurt me, but you are sorry and I forgive you, and I always will. I never want to see you afraid of me again" Erik spoke with emotion as he gathered her up in his arms.

Meg cried harder into his arms, but this time not out of sadness, but out of joy. Erik stroked her back delicately and Meg snuggled closer to his chest and wrapped her arms around his waist.

They sat like this, holding on to each other for what seemed like ages until Meg pulled herself up to look into her phantom's eyes. Erik looked back at her with an odd expression on his face. "I just wanted to say Erik, I am truly sorry for what I have done, and I am grateful for your forgiveness" Meg spoke sincerely as she gave him a small smile.

Erik smiled back at her. "Everyone makes mistakes Meg, your curiosity led you to me in the first place, and for that you shouldn't be punished, but just remain mindful, for in some cases curiosity can be a very dangerous thing" Erik spoke wisely.

Meg's smile widened and she gave him a cheerful nod. She was content to have Erik back and was relieved that her actions didn't ruin their relationship because now she knew of her love for him and she couldn't bear to lose him ever again. No, she would be more careful in the near future.

Erik took her hand gently and Meg's attention was drawn back to him. His face was thoughtful and he looked as if he had something very important to say, but somehow it looked as though he found it awkward.

"M—Meg" he managed to say "Your friendship means a lot to me, more than you know, and I wanted to tell you, that night when I escorted you back here after you spent time with me down in my lair, I didn't mean to leave so hurriedly, it's just that your room reminded me so much of Christine that I found it hard to remain here, but I feel that I had offended you and I apologise" he told her truthfully.

Meg's eyes widened in surprise, she had never expected to hear this from him, especially now. "It's alright Erik, I wondered for a little while why you had left, but I figured it out later on. I understand that you cannot easily forget about Christine and I want you to know that I will always want your friendship no matter what happens" Meg said seriously, an affirmative smile now adorning her face.

Erik grinned at her. He was glad to hear those words from Meg. She would always be open for his friendship, no matter what happens, and she accepted and appreciated his feelings, something that no other being had ever done for him. "Thank you Meg, your kind and magnanimous heart allows me to have hope for myself, you have done a lot for me during the time of our friendship and I have cherished it" Erik replied delightfully.

Meg nodded her head and a row of scarlet aligned her cheeks. Did he just use those words to describe me? Meg thought happily. "You are very welcome Erik, It has been my pleasure and I have enjoyed our friendship just as much as you have enjoyed mine" she spoke airily.

Erik nodded, glad that things had been sorted out between them. He was just about to stand up when Meg pulled on his collar. He looked down at her questioningly and raised his eyebrows.

Meg had a playful glint in her eyes and she continued to grab for his collar. Erik got the idea and scrambled away from her. She reached for him again and he stopped her hand with one of his. She squealed and reached with her other. He laughed and stopped her other hand as well. Now he had both of her hands locked in a cross.

Meg wouldn't give up so easily she struggled to get free from his grasp but to no avail she could not. Erik found this highly amusing. She tried to jump on him next and he flipped her over on her back so he was straddling over her on the bed. Only then did she admit defeat.

"No one prevails over the Phantom of the Opera" he whispered as he took in every inch of her face. Meg turned three shades red. He was so close to her and so alluring. She looked up into his eyes and was frozen in their depths. She had never been this close to him before or any man for that matter, and god was he beautiful. Even through the mask his eyes shone a brilliant colour of hazel and his hair was so incredibly smooth. Her muscles ached for him to close the distance between them, but he removed himself off her bed and stood up.

Meg was still the colour of a strawberry when she stood up and she felt incredibly awkward, but her body desired more contact. She however knew it was probably the wrong time, and she wondered just what Erik was feeling.

Erik seemed deep in thought and she didn't want to disturb him, but she had to say something. "Erik?" she asked. Erik turned around "hmmm?" he asked, from what she could see his left cheek was flushed.

Meg had to do something, anything to get rid of the awkward silence. "Um Erik, it is six thirty and mama will be down soon to bring me supper" Meg spoke calmly, though on the inside a storm of emotions raged through her heart.

Erik's regained his usual status and nodded. "Very well Meg, I best be off then, I thank you for the pleasure of your company this afternoon" he replied courteously. "I will come and see you again soon, I promise" he said with certainty, and with that he dropped a kiss on her hand and stalked out of her mirror and descended the stairs leading back to his lair.

Meg stood there and watched after him for a couple of minutes, pondering, until she heard a knock at the door. "Meg I have brought your some supper" Madame Giry called lightly.

Meg sighed with pleasure and walked over to open the door. "Thank you mama" she said as she softly took the tray off her mother and placed it on the table. She then went back to her mother, gave her a wide smile and hugged a little too tightly.

"Meg? Why the sudden cheerfulness?" Madame Giry asked slightly confused. "Because mama tomorrow is another day" Meg replied joyfully as she bounced herself off to sit at her table and eat supper.