The night of the debut of 'Don Juan' came, just a few short weeks later. As Gabrielle dressed she felt a sense of dread she couldn't shake. With shaking hands she pulled on her gloves and descended the stairs to walk out her door on Raoul's arm. Once she was safely seated in their box Raoul disappered to finalize his plan she supposed. As she looked around the box the single rose on the shelf caught her eye. A note was secured to the rose with a black ribbon.

Her hands shook so hard it took her a few tries to get the note off, opening it she saw Erik's scrawling script.

Forgive me, my Gabrielle
Obediently Yours,
Erik

Her eyes drifted shut for a moment as she inhaled the rose's sweet fragrance.

Erik watched her carefully, she'd found his gift. His one regret would be her presence here this evening. For he knew it was going to end in disaster one way or the other.

All too soon, the lights dimmed, and the performance began.

The opera progressed fairly smoothly…until the main love song, a duet between the portly man who was performing as Don Juan, and Christine, called 'Past the Point of No Return'. She furrowed her brow when she saw the lithe male figure appear on stage. '

As soon as he sang the first note Gabrielle knew with a sinking heart that it was Erik, she would never forget his voice for as long as she lived.

She cast a worried glance around the auditorium; so far, she and Christine appeared to be the only two people who had noticed the tenor on stage was not Signor Piangi. '

Raoul sat forward as the song became more passionate. Gabrielle was barely able to tear her eyes away from the scene on the stage, but when she did, she saw tears in her brother's eyes. She watched helplessly as Erik caressed Christine's body passionately; who returned his lustful looks as she sang to him. It broke her heart to see the hurt in her brother's green eyes, which were bright with unshed tears. She reached over and took his hand, offering him silent comfort. He responded with a gentle squeeze, but didn't take his eyes off the stage.

She watched Christine and Erik slowly ascend the twin spiral staircases on the stage, but frowned as they stood close together on the bridge above. Christine stood in front of Erik while he ran his hands from her stomach, just below her breasts, up to her neckline, before threading his fingers through her hair.

"Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime. Lead me, save me from my solitude. Say you want me here with you, here beside you. Anywhere you go, let me go to…Christine that's all I ask of…"

Gabrielle's eyes were filled with tears; next to her Raoul had stood and was speaking to the sniper who had joined them in the box. At that moment, Christine ripped away Erik's mask and wig.

Gabrielle leapt to her feet. Along with the entire audience, she gasped in horror, her hand going to her mouth. She could see the anger, hurt and betrayal in Erik's eyes. She watched as he looked around, seemingly in a daze, before taking out his sword and slicing through a rope, opening a trap door and dropping through it with Christine.

Then she heard it…a horrible rumble and the sound of glass tinkling. She looked up in horror and realized the great chandelier in the center of the dome above was falling! She gasped and turned to find Raoul standing behind her. He grabbed her shoulders and pulled her to him, shielding her eyes from the horrors in the auditorium and the flying glass.

She heard the deafening crash of glass and metal as the chandelier barreled into the stage. She turned and saw flames licking at the heavy stage draperies.

"Raoul!"

"Get out of here! Go home!" he shouted.

"Where are you going?"

"To save Christine!" he leapt from the balcony, climbed down to the stage and disappeared into the confusion.

Gabrielle looked around nervously before running out of the box. She joined the crush of people trying to flee the disaster, and it was some time before she could get a carriage to take her home. As she walked through her door, she was shaking. The events of the past few weeks, on top of the horrors she had just witnessed, were burned into her memory.

She climbed the stairs wearily, undressed, sank onto her bed and began to cry. It was all too much for Gabrielle. As her sobs intensified, she tried to make sense of it all until, at last, she cried herself into a fitful slumber that was interrupted only a few short hours later.

Stumbling down the stairs she opened the door, Raoul pushed his awy in with Christine in his arms, passed out cold. They tucked her into one of the spare rooms, Gabrielle took her brother's hand and led him into her suite so she could tend to his wounds. There was a bruise forming around his throat from where he'd obviously been strangled and his arm was bleeding.

She had him strip the shirt off, tossing it into the fire so she could dab at the wound carefully while he told her of all that had happened. He told her of the fight, the choice Erik forced Chrisitne to make.

"I almost feel sorry for him" Raoul admitted reluctantly, wincing as the medicine she pasted on his arm stung like the dickens "The poor bastard has probably had a rough time of it."

Gabrielle could only nod "Yes, I'm sure" she wrapped his arm carefully and tied it off. Without thinking about it she brushed some hair away from his sweaty, dirty face before embracing him "I was so worried about you" she mumbled into his shoulder.

She felt him chuckle before kissing her cheek and setting her away from him "I'm fine. I'm going to take Christine to England, get her away from the bad memories" he expelled a breath "You have a spare bed for your brother?"

"The house has 12 bedrooms Raoul, I'm sure I can find you something"

With one last kiss Raoul disappeared into the bedroom next to Christine's leaving Gabrielle to her own thoughts. She returned to her room, cleaned up her mess and sunk down into her bed. When she was finally able to go to sleep the sun was peeking over the horizon. When she rose later in the morning she found a note on her bedside stand.

Gabrielle,
Thank you for the bed, Christine and I have departed for my estate. We will be leaving for London in a few days. Take care of yourself Gabrielle.
With love,

Raoul.

Three days later Gabrielle was trying to get back to her life, before this mess. Raoul and Christine were on a ship bound for England, Philippe had arrived the next day, making sure everyone was okay. He hadn't been happy with Raoul's choice but he didn't say so.

Gabrielle had dismissed her staff once she'd finished dinner, they all needed a rest after the flurry of visitors over the past few days. Gabrielle climbed the stairs slowly, feeling much older than 26 years old. She went through her nightly routine, pulling a dressing gown over her robe when a movement out of the corner of her eye startled her.

With a short scream Gabrielle whirled around and came face to face with Erik. He had not changed since the night of the opera, he was dirty and looked exhausted.

"Erik" she gasped taking in his disheveled appearance. He looked as though he'd been crying and he had cuts and bruises all over him.

Taking his hand she led him to the chair by the fire and sat him down. He said nothing, just stared into the fire.

"Erik…Erik" she called, trying to get his attention. When he looked at her he seemed to snap out of it.

"Oh..Gabrielle" she whispered "I…I'm sorry, I…I didn't know where else to go. My home…it's…it's not safe"

"No, you don't have to explain. You're welcome here" she put her hand on his shoulder. After a few long moments Gabrielle said "Erik, how about I draw you a bath. You can get cleaned up, change into some clean clothes and I'll get you something to eat"

Dazed Erik nodded "Yes, that sounds…acceptable"

Hurrying around she drew the water in the tub, set out some towels and soap for him. She took his hand and led him into the bathroom "I'll find you some clothes, take your time"

Once he shut the door she ran to the room Philippe used when he visited and took some clothes out of the wardrobe, they might be a bit loose on him but they would work.

Setting them out on the bed she hurried down to the kitchen and began making Erik an omlette. She entered her room as Erik was pulling the shirt on, she set the tray down on the table in the sitting room.

"I'm sorry they are a bit big" she said uncertainly.

"They are fine, thank you" he looked so tired, Gabrielle just wanted to hold him. He looked so sad.

He ate a few bites of the meal she prepared and sat back, unsure of what else to do. Gabrielle sat next to him and touched his shoulder to get his attention "Would you like to talk about it?"

He shook his head, still numb. He was clearly at a loss. Gabrielle looked around before taking his hands and pulling him to his feet "Lets get you in bed, you look like you haven't slept since…" she let the thought go.

Erik allowed himself to be led like a child to the room adjoining hers. He sat down on the bed, his expression forelorn and his body tense.

Gabrielle was unsure what to do until Erik looked up at her, his eyes bright with unshed tears, his unmasked face a picture of perfect misery. His hands groped for hers, once he found them he pulled her down next to him. Carefully Gabrielle wound her arm around his shoulders, he let his head fall to hers. She felt the tears and felt his body shaking as he tried to hold in the sobs.

Slowly Gabrielle maneuvered them onto the bed and reclined against the pillows, pulling Erik down with her. Her broken phantom curled himself against her, his face pressed to her shoulder as he allowed himself to cry. She stroked his back, ran her fingers through his hair and held him as he allowed himself to mourn the loss of his love. Her own tears welled in her eyes, a few falling to mingle with Erik's.

After an hour or so Erik fell asleep, slowly Gabrielle tried to extricate herself from his grasp. He woke up as she was pushing herself away from the bed "Please" he whispered brokenly "Please don't leave me, my Gabrielle"

Unable to refuse him she laid back down on the bed and pulled him to her, kissing his temple as he fell back asleep.

When he finally drifted into a deep sleep as the sun was peeking through the clouds Gabrielle crept away from his bed to go dress for the day. He slept the entire day away, while he slept blissfully unaware Gabrielle had been preparing for the days ahead. She summoned the Persian, explained the situation. Within an hour he'd returned to her house with a bundle of Erik's clothes. He left his calling card, should she need anything else.

She explained to her staff that she had a visitor who she would tend to, they were to stay off the second floor and she dismissed them early after Cook prepared a hearty stew and fresh baguettes for supper.

As she finished her solo meal Erik appeared at the doorway, looking better rested but so very unhappy.

"Good evening Erik, would you care for some supper?" she inquired. When he nodded his assent she hurried into the kitchen and returned with his meal. He ate in silence, avoiding her gaze.

"I want to thank you for your assistance Gabrielle" he murmured once he was done.

"You're more than welcome Erik" she responded with an encouraging smile.

He stood from the table and returned to his room with haste. After the dishes were washed up Gabrielle climbed the staircase, pausing in front of Erik's door before entering her own room.

Erik was curled up on her bed, gazing at the wall vacantly, almost as if he didn't know he was in her bed. Gabrielle's heart ached for him, he had no one to turn to but her and he so badly needed love.

Gabrielle sunk onto the bed next to him and put her arms around him her front to his back. He rested his hands on hers as they rested on his stomach. She saw a few tears fall from his eyes, coursing down his unmasked cheek. Unsure of what else to do Gabrielle layed her face against his and pressed her lips to his cheek.

"Oh Erik, I wish I had been brave enough to save you that night" she murmured softly.

"All I've ever wanted Gabrielle, was for someone to love me" he said, his voice full of tears "My own mother wouldn't give me a kiss…even on my birthday." She couldn't help but hold him tighter "My soul is bathed in blood my sweet Gabrielle, every night I see their faces. Every single one" he turned over to face her, his eyes full of tears, his face wet with them "I've done horrible things…I 'am' a monster. I don't deserve your kindness, Gabrielle. Please..tell me you hate me" he pleaded "Please. I'm not worth saving. Please tell me you hate me" he begged, giving in to his sobs as he buried his face in her neck.

Her own tears mingled with his, she held him to her as his body was racked with sobs. "Am I a thing worth saving?" he asked desperately.

Gabrielle leaned back and brushed his tears away with her fingers, ignoring his gasping shudders as her skin caressed his scarred visage.

"Oh Erik" she breathed, trying to compose herself "You are not a monster or a thing" she dared to press a kiss to his lips, which only made him shake more "You are most definitely a person worth saving. I can't hate you" another kiss, this time to his temple "There is no one more deserving of salvation or love then you Erik" she cupped his face in her hands forcing him to look her in the eye "I could never hate you, I love you too much for that"

His eyes slammed shut at her words, such sweet words…his sweet Gabrielle. He jerked back when he felt her lips on his again, but only for a moment before he gave himself over to her kiss. He was powerless to resist or refuse. For so long he'd yearned for someone to love him, he'd been so obsessed with Christine that he never truly noticed Gabrielle, or allowed himself to hope that she would have him.

Gabrielle pulled him closer, so close her breasts were pressed against his chest. His arms came around her, his hands running over her body as her lips worked their magic. If he didn't stop this madness now he wouldn't be able to stop before he went too far. Somewhere in the back of his mind he knew he was far too fragile for this, Gabrielle deserve more than this. His fierce protector was giving herself over to him without a thought…and he had no more will to keep his lust a bay. Christine had torn down the walls of his resistance, piece by piece.

When she pulled away she saw that his eyes were glazed with passion, he was no longer thinking clearly…she should get up and take refuge in another room. But when those heartbroken eyes gazed into hers she knew…with perfect clarity..that she would sacrifice all her happiness, her very being to him. Even if it was for one hour of solace…she would give him everything.

Erik saw the moment she shed the chains of propriety, tamping back the consequences of her actions before she pulled his face down for a devastating kiss.

With a groan Erik stopped fighting, he no longer had the will to refuse the animal that growled within him. He pressed his hardness against her, feeling the shock waves as she arched against him. His brave, dear Gabrielle responded to him in a way he had only imagined.

"Erik" she kissed him again "If you don't want to continue any further you should leave now" she gasped against his lips.

His only response was deepening her kiss, claiming her mouth for his own, his hand wandering up and down her body before settling on her breast. With his answer she sat up and moved off the bed, when she saw his crestfallen expression she tipped his chin up "Be patient Erik"

With that cryptic message she turned her back to him, looked over her shoulder at him and asked "Unbutton me please"

With shaking fingers he managed to undo all the buttons so he could push her dress off her shoulders, pressing kisses to the bare skin. Not long after that her undergarments followed, women shouldn't be permitted to wear so many layers Erik was convinced after being forced to wait while she shed all of them. Her bare body captivated him, he was no longer able to think. He hardened to the point of pain, but he was used to such a state.

Very slowly she straddled his lap and pulled his shirt off him before letting her hands run over his body. He could feel the tension and trembling in her frame as she focused on his pleasure. He groaned as her hands caressed his skin, he had never thought anything could feel 'so' good. Once he was divested of his pants she pulled the blankets back and pressed him against the sheets.

Gabrielle took comfort in her lover's gasps as he felt her soft skin against his, something he had never hoped to experience. Even in her passion induced madness she couldn't stop the tremors in her limbs, never before had she done anything remotely like this...a few stolen kisses here and there, nothing like this and she was absolutely terrified of disappointing Erik.

Unsure of how to continue and far too tired, emotionally and physically to resist her tantalizing touches and kisses, Erik allowed Gabrielle to do as she wished. Even if she was driving him to the brink of insanity. When she stretched out next to him, her body pressed to his so she could kiss him again he pulled away to say "Gabrielle, I…I have no idea wh-"

She silenced him with a kiss before covering her body with his own and smiling down at him "Neither do I Erik." She drug her tongue up his collarbone to his neck, delighting in how he bucked under her before he pulled her face up with gentle pressure to capture her lips in a kiss that belied all his need and desperation.

Erik's fingers trailed down her shoulders, grazing her breasts (he hadn't had the courage to touch those) and over her hips, kissing her lips, chin, neck as he did. Every touch that had been denied him. His fingers dipped between her thighs for just a moment, feeling her readiness for him was too much. He made eye contact with her, he saw all the hesitation in their blue depths. He knew she wouldn't stop him now but it was clear she didn't know where to go from here.

He maneuvered himself over her body, his lips blazing a trail from her collarbone up to her lips. His fingers drifted up to caress her cheek before heading south, over her collarbone down to her breasts and down to her hips. He could feel her warmth, he dipped a finger between her thighs, groaning when he felt her readiness. Her hands were clenching his shoulders, begging him to do what he so desperately wanted.

Carefully he positioned himself, daring to look her in the eye making sure this was what she wanted. His sweet Gabrielle kissed his lips before whispering "Please Erik". That was all it took for him to bury himself in her, pausing a moment before pushing past the thin barrier. He paused when he felt her clench around him and gasp in pain. "I'm sorry my sweet Gabrielle" he whispered against her lips before clenching his jaw as she adjusted to his invasion. Her breathing was coming in gasps, her eyes shut as she tried to overcome the pain.

After the longest few moments of his life Gabrielle leaned up to brush her lips against his chin "It's okay Erik."

With that he was set free and he began moving inside her, certain he'd never felt anything as exquisite as her warmth surrounding him, her gasps and moans encouraging him on.

He continued his movements, groaning when her legs came up and wrapped around his waist to pull him even further in. Her lips where everywhere, her hands digging into his hair as he continued his slow movements, savoring every second. Gabrielle's gasping breaths, his name on her lips as she moved with him was driving him closer to the edge until he could hold back no longer.

With a few last, hard thrusts the two lovers became one and then two again, their impassioned cries echoing off the walls of her bedroom. Erik came to rest on her, kissing her lips with a silent thank you.

His last memory before falling asleep was his beautiful Gabrielle nestling into his embrace and falling asleep still entwined with him.

When she woke the next morning Erik was gone, the pillow next to her still bore the indent of where his head had been. A part of her had known he'd flee after their night of passion. Now that she was in total control of herself she saw the he had not been ready…though he'd needed her love. She only hoped she hadn't permenately damaged him.