Disclaimer: I do not own PhofOp.

Wisdom From a Niece

"Uncle?"

Erik turned and saw Meg looking at him questioningly from her spot on the piano bench. She was wearing her long blond hair down and even though it was getting chillier as the days went by, she was still dressing herself in short sleeves t-shirts and shorts. She had stop the piano piece he had asked her to play. Though he cannot not think of when she ceased playing. He cleared his throat.

"Forgive me, little Meg, I seem to be distracted today."

That got him a pout in return.

"I do not like it when you call me 'little.' It's just as bad as when you add 'young.' Why must you continue to do so? I'm certainly not little nor a child anymore."

He moved to her and placed a hand on her head, which she allowed. Good. That means she was not annoyed at him.

"But my dear, I have known you since you were a baby. You will always be my little Meg. Even on your wedding day, I will still be calling you so. Plus you are not half my age, so compared to me, yes I shall say that 'young' Meg quite suits you."

Meg let out a snort and Erik tapped his finger on her head a couple times before removing his hand.

"Now come. What shall be played next?"

Meg eyes still followed him with concern.

"You just seem to be very distracted lately, today even more so. Is something wrong?"

Erik waved his hand dismissingly. "I'll admit that something has happened that has caused my mind bafflement but let us not speak of it now."

Meg looked like she wanted to argue but he stopped her with a raised hand. "If you are so interested after the remainder of your lesson, I shall tell you. Perhaps a young mind will do well to give advice for my predicament."

He knew she was placated when she beamed at him in reply. Such a curious child, Erik thought fondly.

"I want to play my lullaby." Meg replied to his earlier questioned. Now that she had his word to talk to her after, she was more willing to go back to the lesson.

Erik tapped his finger to his chin before settling by the piano facing her.

"Do you? I would think, by now, you would tire of such a piece that was made for your child self."

Meg played the first few notes of the song on the piano before pausing. "Never. You made that song especially for me. It was your first gift to me. I'll always treasure it."

Erik shrugged but was secretly pleased. He always loved it when people enjoyed his music.

"Should I sing as well, or would you have me only play it?" Meg asked, setting her fingers onto the correct keys.

"Hmm…I think I should have you sing as well. Make it that much more challenging." Erik answered with a grin.

The corner of Meg's lips twitch but then she began to play. The melody filled the room, soft and sweet. Erik let it wash over him, closing his eyes so that he could focus on the notes being played. Then Meg began to sing.

Wandering child,
So lost, so helpless
Yearning for some guidance.

Angel or family
Friend or phantom
Who will be there, staring?

Its there, your Angel of Music

Have you forgotten your Angel?

Angel, shall speak
What endless longings
Echo in this whisper!

Wandering child,

Too long you've roamed in winter
Far from your angel's gaze...

You'll resist...
But your soul obeys...

Angel of Music,
Do not deny it!
Turn towards true beauty!
Angel of Music!
Wandering child,
Come to your strange Angel...

Meg's voice trailed off at the last word, fingers pressing the keys a few more seconds after before silence engulfed the room. Erik opened his eyes, having to blink a couple times to refocus on the room and Meg.

"Your playing is as exquisite as ever, though your breathing on some parts was not well-timed so effected your voice. However, you have been practicing outside our lessons. I can tell."

Meg's cheeks turned a slight pink and she glanced away. "Yes, I—I've been singing more as of late. Just trying to make you proud."

"It shows. And you will always make me proud, whether you chose to sing or even play music or not." Erik gestured for her to get up from the piano bench and when she did he closed the top.

"I think that was enough for today. We will pick up on where we left off on our lesson next time." He waited at the bench a few moments, seeing if Meg would leave, having forgotten his earlier promise.

When he started hearing her foot tap, he knew it was not so.

He turned back to her and saw that she was standing with her arms crossed, tapping her foot with an impatient scowl on her face. He let out a purposely exaggerated sigh before shaking his head.

"Yes, yes, I will tell you what has been bothering me. Come. Let us go to the kitchen for refreshments."

Instantly the scowl turned to a smile and, as if she thought he would try to escape, grabbed his arm before marching him into the kitchen.

The kitchen was small but practical, though you certainly could not have more than two people in it at one time. The cabinets and walls were a light blue. Aged but still appealing. Erik sat down at the small four-chair round table while Meg headed to the magnet covered fridge. Each magnet was a souvenir of a city M. Giry had performed in and Mr. Giry travelled. There were quite a lot. Meg got out the pitcher containing water and poured it in two glasses, after returning the pitcher, she sat in a chair next to Erik handing him his glass.

After each took a couple sips from their glasses, Meg could not wait any longer.

"What's wrong?" she demanded.

Erik stared at her a few moments before looking away with a sigh.

"I would not say anything is wrong per say. Quite contrary. Just a little complicated is all."

Meg frowned at that but waited for him to continue.

"You see, I have over the recent months fallen in love with the most extraordinary woman."

Meg nodded. "The one who's your student and has a boyfriend?"

Erik raised an eyebrow at her and she shrugged. "Mom told me."

"I am not surprised. Anyway, yes that is her, but more than that, her partner had been coming around when I would be with her. Over time, I have realized that I feel a growing affection for him as well, much to my dismay."

"So you're in love with two people? But isn't that a good thing? They are already together so there's no problem with them not liking each other, making it so you wouldn't have to choose between anyone."

Erik let out a harsh chuckle. "Dearest Meg, most relationships do not work like that. While those types of relationships are possible, they are extremely rare. However, they have each other already and are quite suitable together, so there is no need for a third person to be involved. I can tell they love each other deeply. Besides, what would they possibly want or need me for?"

"Well, cause you're you of course." Meg replied matter-of-factly. When Erik just blinked in surprise at her she continued, raising her fist to count off reasons.

"You're very smart. You treat me very kindly and make me laugh when I'm upset. You music is amazing and you're an awesome teacher. Mom loves you and you very well dressed and handsome! And that's just off the top of my head!" Meg finished, proud at her list.

"Handsome?" Erik inquired doubtfully causing Meg to glare at him.

"Yes. And if others can't see that, they don't deserve your love in the first place!"

Erik let out a chuckle at that and held a hand towards her to appease her. "Alright, alright. You are, of course, wise beyond your years my little Meg."

"And don't you forget it!" Meg responded with a smile.

They sat there quietly for a few moments, letting the other gather their thoughts. After a while Meg spoke.

"So you love two people now?"

Erik cocked his side a little to the side appearing troubled. "Yes, I guess I do. What a mess!"

The last part he spoke more loudly, giving into his frustration for a moment before taking a long breath in and letting it out slowly to calm his emotions.

"What's it like?" Meg probed, curious.

"It is both a blessing to be able to feel such warm feelings, yet also a curse knowing it is all for nothing. This is worse still because there is twice as much because it starts and ends again for another." Erik answered softly.

"But, maybe they are like those relationships you said about more than two people…" Meg tried but Erik shook his head.

"Thank you for your optimism, young Meg, but I also said those people are rare."

"Would you be willing to try, if you found out that they were?" Meg continued.

That made Erik hesitate. "I suppose…I would be open, but I would also have to believe that they are also interested in me as well. However, that is the very last thing I'm expecting to ever happen so it will be best to not dwell on it."

Meg nodded in understanding and, satisfied that she got her answers, stood from the table.

"Would you mind helping me start dinner? You know mom doesn't like it when I try to cook without an adult around."

Erik stood from his seat as well and they headed back to the kitchen.

While Meg began getting items out of the fridge she spoke, "You'll be staying to eat."

It did not at all sound like a question, making Erik grin.

"Of course."

Okay yeah, so my bad for the delay update. Yesterday was crazy busy and my mom came up for the weekend. Today she's taking me to see Phantom of the Opera in Austin! Super excited!

Anyway, hope you enjoyed Meg and next chapter will be in Erik's POV.

Comments are loved and appreciated.