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Raoul left with instructions to bring his wife by that evening. All that was left to do was tell Erik..something Gabrielle was dreading.

Throughout dinner that night Erik could tell something was on Gabrielle's mind. When he could take no more he reached over to take her hand in his "Where have you been my dear? You seem preoccupied"

"Raoul is bringing Christine here tonight Erik" she said quickly, grasping his hand when he tried to get up "I will be with you every moment but Erik…you both need this. If you don't she will continue to seek you out and we will never have peace. Raoul's marriage is on the line. I love my brother too much to not try. Please?"

He could deny her nothing it seemed. He released a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.

"As you wish" he said finally.

Later that night Erik was seated on the couch nearest the fireplace with Gabrielle sitting next to him, holding his hand when the Vicomte and Vicomtesse were shown into the library.

Christine's eyes lit up when she saw her former teacher. Erik became a statute on the sofa next to her, his hand clenching hers painfully. Christine had never shown that enthusiasm for his company before.

No one was speaking, Raoul watched his wife's eyes light up at the sight of Erik and felt his heart break a little more.

"Erik" Christine breathed "I've…I've been writing to you for weeks"

"Yes, I've read all your letters Christine." Was Erik's clipped reply.

Gabrielle sat forward to perch on the edge of the sofa "Christine I asked Raoul to bring you here so you could say what you need to and close the door on your past with Erik" she paused while Christine processed that before saying "your time together is over. You are married and about to be a mother. Erik and I are to be married in 3 weeks"

Clearly that was news to the singer, her expression fell. "Erik is this true?"

"Yes Christine."

"But..but…you…you loved ME! You said so!"

"That wasn't love Christine. That was desperation and loneliness" Erik replied.

"NO! When I kissed you, you told me you loved me" the young girl insisted.

"I thought for a long time I loved you. But I was so deranged…you…you don't…couldn't know how twisted I'd become…years of suffering, isolation…" he stopped and rubbed his hand over his face agitatedly. "The only kindness I'd experienced in my life was by Gabrielle. Can you imagine a life like that Christine? You were terrified of me! You begged the Vicomte to take you away!"

Erik stood up and stalked to the fireplace and braced himself against the mantle. He couldn't face Gabrielle or her brother in the face of this humiliation.

"I'm sorry angel…I'm sorry" Christine whimpered.

"Are you sorry?" Erik turned to look at his student "Are you truly sorry Christine or are you just sorry you didn't get your way?" He'd asked her that once before and she hadn't been able to answer him then either.

He saw that remark sting as her eyes filled with tears, she looked to her husband for help but was met with a stoney glare. There was no reprieve to be had for her. She had truly lost him…her angel.

Gabrielle approached Erik and ran a hand over his shoulder before sliding it down to grasp his hand in hers. He raised their hands and kissed the back of hers, silently thanking him for her support.

At the tender show of affection Christine began to cry in earnest and no one was disposed to help her. Christine rose "I'm sorry Erik" she mumbled "I will leave you two alone" and she was gone.

Gabrielle watched as Raoul followed his wife out into the foyer, a few moments later they heard the front door shut.

Erik relaxed immediately, folding Gabrielle into his embrace and burying his face in her hair. After a few minutes she turned her face so she could kiss him, her hands digging into his hair. After what seemed a lifetime Erik was able to pull away and press her head to his chest where she could hear his heart pounding in time with hers.

Only three more weeks to go…

One week before the wedding Raoul came to visit, seeking to escape the toxic environment that permeated his home. Erik was locked away in the library, for which the young man was relieved. He didn't want to burden Erik anymore with his wife's instability. Gabrielle had of course welcomed him with a hug.

They were tucked away in the salon, two cups of tea remained untouched in their laps. Gabrielle waited patiently for Raoul to tell her his troubles.

"Christine is seeking a divorce" he finally said, unable to meet his sister's eyes. "She will remain in my house until the child is born, I've secured a flat for her. She will be returning to the Opera as soon as she can"

Gabrielle's heart broke for her brother, she simply couldn't understand what had happened between them. They had been so happy, so very in love. And now she watched her beloved brother choke back angry, hurt tears over his failed marriage.

"I'm so sorry Raoul, truly I am"

"I know pigeon" he took a sip of his tea "I don't know how this happened. Everything changed after we-" he paused, his cheeks turning red. He was uncomfortable discussing the more tawdry aspects of his marriage with his sister.

Gabrielle blushed as well "Ah, I see"

The Vicomte cleared his throat "Yes, well...she wasn't really the same after and then we found out about the child and she's gotten worse. I wish I had never given into her demands...perhaps things would be different"

"It's best not to dwell on what could be. You two made a choice, these things do happen. I'm sorry to see you going through this but it sounds as if it's for the best Raoul. Christine isn't strong enough for our world...she's meant to be on stage, the center of attention." she stirred her tea absently "She never recovered from her parent's death, she's just far too fragile and I fear that Erik's interference only made things worse"

Her brother nodded "I agree, though I can't blame him for our problems...we've made a mess of things without anyone's help" he paused, watching his sister for a moment before saying "You mentioned to Christine that you've known Erik since you were a child...is he who you were sneaking off to visit when that gypsy fair had come through?"

The blood drained from Gabrielle's face for a moment, she had been certain no one knew of her late night trips. The guilty look on her face confirmed it. "How did you know?" she asked.

A crooked grin graced his handsome face "Pigeon, you couldn't sneak anywhere. Philippe and I both knew, though I don't know if Mother and Father did. Philippe didn't say anything because he figured if you risked punishment for sneaking food to someone they needed it far too much for us to interfere."

"Yes" she admitted "It was…" she thought back to that week for a moment, her eyes filling with tears as she thought of her Erik locked in a cage "It was inhumane, they...they had him locked in a cage Raoul, a cage!" she set her cup down "I wished I'd been able to free him that night, perhaps-" but she stopped herself "But then I wouldn't have him now and that would be unbearable for me"

"Indeed" a velvety voice said from the doorway.

Gabrielle swung around in her chair, her face lighting with happiness when she saw Erik entering the room, she rose and took his hand as he situated himself next to her not letting go of her hands.

"Forgive my eavesdropping, it's a hard habit to break it seems" Erik said with a self depreciating smile.

Gabrielle leaned into Erik, relaxing when his fingers entwined with hers in her lap. Raoul watched as any tension in the older man's shoulders melted away. For so long he'd thought of Erik as a monster, but he could hardly think that now...not when he so obviously loved his sister.

"I should be going. I will of course send word once the child is born." Raoul rose and leaned down to press a kiss to Gabrielle's forehead, nodding at Erik before departing.

"He's so unhappy Erik, his marriage isn't anything like he thought it would be." Gabrielle let her head fall to his shoulder. Erik pressed a soft kiss to her temple unsure of what to say but he had a question he had to ask.

"Did our encounter have any ne-" Gabrielle stopped his question with a kiss "That night was perfect Erik, I have never regretted that"

"I should have taken better care of you Gabrielle, I was a coward for leaving you. I hope you can forgive me"

His sweet fiance pulled his face down for a sweet kiss, her fingers threaded in his hair. 7 days...it seemed like an eternity.

Their wedding day was beautiful, the sun shone as though the heavens were blessing the marriage. Nadir stood by patiently while Erik paced nervously as they waited for the bride to appear.

It was a very small affair at Gabrielle's estate, the garden had been tended carefully so it was blooming and fragrant

Nadir stood with Erik, Philippe was going to give Gabrielle away and Raoul sat in a chair. Christine was not there, she'd begun her confinement so was unable to join. Things were still miserable in the De Chagny household, Gabrielle could see that her brother was at the end of his patience. It made her sad to see her brother so unhappy when she was so content.

In the back of the yard on the veranda the bride stood next to the Comte, as calm as he'd ever seen her. She looked magnificent, her honey colored locks were curled and pulled away from her face and secured in the back of her head with a sapphire studded clip that had belonged to their mother. Her wedding gown was a work of perfection. The full skirt was studded with beads up the bodice, bustled in the back with exquisite beadwork trailing down the train.

Philippe helped her settle her veil over her face before taking her hands in his "I hope he makes you happy pigeon" he said, his voice thick with unshed tears.

"He will" she said firmly.

Father Maison stood with a very nervous groom and Nadir looking on with a serene smile.

Because Erik was not particularly religious the ceremony was short and sweet. Before he knew it…he was married. He knew that at some point he might remember the sweet vows she'd written and spoken with reverence…but all he could focus on was the beauty before him, holding his hand and giving him the sweetest smile.

After a small dinner the elderly priest, Raoul and Philippe tactfully left the newlyweds alone.

"I have one more gift to give you" Erik murmured as they settled onto the couch in her study as they did every evening.

He reached into his pocket "Close your eyes" he instructed as he pulled the mystery object out.

Gabrielle felt something metal drop into her palm, slowly she opened her eyes and looked down at the key in her hand. With a questioning look to her husband he answered "I designed and built a home for us…in Italy. If you'd like" he added quickly.

At first she was unsure what to say, she very well understood that France held many unhappy memories for Erik.

"I'll go anywhere with you Erik."

He captured her lips in a searing kiss, plunging his tongue into her mouth, claiming her as his. Her hands wound into his hair as she pressed herself to him, giving herself over to his kiss.

Without knowing what was going on, so focused on his lips she didn't realize he'd moved them to her bedroom until she felt the soft mattress against her back. Memories from the last time they'd been there hit both of them. The desperation of that night washed away by the love and acceptance Erik had found in Gabrielle's life.

His hands fumbled at the buttons to her dress before they finally gave way, he peeled the garment away from her body and pushed it to the floor, his lips following the fabric as it fell. Her corset and petticoats joined the gown a few minutes later.

When she realized he was still frustratingly clothed Gabrielle began to peel his layers away to the same end her own clothing had met…a heap on the floor, forgotten by their owners.

Erik suddenly lost his nerve and cast his eyes away from her magnificent body to the ceiling. He was dreaming…he was sure of it.

Gabrielle took his hand and traced the wedding band that adorned his finger. She had known that while Erik desperately wanted to be able to take what most 'normal' men took for granted that his instincts that had kept him alive all these years would make it difficult.

Her hand traced up his arm, to his neck before she peeled his mask away from his face. She heard his hiss as he felt the air on his bare face and turned away from her but she held her ground.

"Erik, this" she said as she caressed his ravaged face "Never mattered to me. Not once." His lips began to tremble "I love you" she said on a whisper before she touched her lips to his.

As though a weight was lifted off his shoulders Erik responded liked he'd been launched from a cannon. He pressed her into the mattress, his hands everywhere at once followed by his lips. His tongue dipped into her navel as his hand trailed to her softness, groaning against her skin when he felt her readiness.

She thought she would burst if he didn't do something until she felt his careful exploration. Arching under his touch she pulled his head up so she could capture his lips in a scorching kiss, wiggling until she felt his hardness pressing against her most sensitive area.

His gasping breath as he felt her warmth against him, felt her fingers digging into his back as she urged him on. Finally she could take no more and she shifted her hips to pull him into the place he so desperately wanted to be but was too hesitant to go himself. He could do nothing but give in to his instincts and begin to move, each gasp and moan from his wife's lips driving him closer to his glorious end.

When he felt her tighten around him he was done for, with a few final thrusts he gave her his all with a cry that rivaled hers as she shattered around him.

When their breathing evened out Erik pulled the sheets back and situated themselves under the blankets, still wrapped in each other's arms they drifted into blissful sleep.

Erik's eyes flew open when he felt the bed shift as a body pressed against his. Soft lips brushed his bare shoulder...had he really slept naked? Gabrielle's arm snaked around his waist, her body molded to his in delicious ways...as he felt his body stir he knew they were destined to remain in bed for the time being.

An hour later his wife was curled against him, her head on his chest listening to the thundering of his heart in time with hers. Erik was still adjusting to the idea of having a wife, much less a wife that desired him as much as Gabrielle did. Only when their stomachs began to rumble did they leave their bed in search of sustenance.

It turned out the Gabrielle was quite capable in the kitchen and had made some delicious crepes with fresh fruit on top. Erik was eager to discuss their new home and plan for their departure.

"I received word that construction at the villa was almost complete" Erik said before taking a sip of coffee.

Bright blue eyes lit up with glee "Wonderful! I'm anxious to see it"

That please Erik immensely though not nearly as much as when Gabrielle perched herself on his lap and plucked a kiss to his lips.

"It is for you to set the date for our departure."

"I would like to wait until after the baby is born. Raoul will need all the help he can get, Christine is planning on moving out as soon as humanly possible once the child is born." Gabrielle explained, frowning when she felt her husband tense.

"I thought you made peace with that" she asked, leaning back so she could see him.

He gave her a soft kiss "I have, I'm just unhappy that she continues to be a burden to your family. I can't help but feel as though I am partially to blame"

Gabrielle smoothed his hair back away from his forehead "Oh Erik you certainly can't be blamed for all of this. Raoul and Christine made their choice. She's always been delicate. Her father's death affected her more than we knew. She wasn't ready for the responsibility that comes with having an intimate relationship. It's never about one person, it's a compromise and she sadly doesn't know how to do that" she rested her head against Erik's before continuing "I'm sad that my childhood friend is gone, she was very dear to me."

"You were a good friend to her" he pressed a kiss to her lips, meaning for it to be sweet and short but his wife had other ideas. Her hand cupped his cheek as she teased his mouth open with her tongue, his soft moan sending shivers down her spine. She loved that she could do this whenever she wanted, he was all hers. His hand tangled in her tresses, holding her head so he could press more kisses down her jaw and to her neck. Christine and Raoul were long forgotten as Erik carried his bride back to her bedroom, kicking the door shut on his way through them.

Feeling Gabrielle's even breathing as she slept blissfully on after their love making relaxed Erik, his thoughts travelled back to his former student. He hadn't seen her downward spiral after he left Paris, he still felt guilty and relieved that his one night of passion with Gabrielle hadn't resulted in more serious consequences. He reflected on how lucky he was to have won Gabrielle's hand, she was the level headed voice of reason he needed. She would make a wonderful mother some day...if she wished to have children. He frowned at the thought...unsure if he even wanted any.

"Such serious thoughts" she mumbled from his shoulder "Share them".

"I hadn't realized you were awake" he kissed her forehead "I was just thinking we were very lucky there were no serious consequences from that night"

Gabrielle pushed herself up onto her elbow "A child would have been so terrible?" she asked lightly, though she was trembling on the inside that he might not want children.

"Not now, but almost a year ago I was a deranged lunatic. I was not fit to be a father, I'm not sure I'm fit now" he frowned in thought "I never put much thought into fatherhood, I never imagined to have anyone willing to bear my children"

Her hand found his, entwining her fingers with hers watching as the light bounced off his wedding band "A child would have been unexpected but never unwelcome" she glanced up at her husband "I would love any child of yours Erik"

Unexpected relief flooded Erik at her answer. The thought that she could've already conceived niggled at his mind and he knew he wouldn't be able to shake it until there was proof. Suddenly he wanted very much to see his beautiful wife round with his child. Sometimes he thought Gabrielle could read his mind as she said "Perhaps we've already created one"

If they hadn't Erik would work very hard to change that.

They didn't have to wait very long for news of the impending birth. The next day Gabrielle was in her study, making a list of what they would need to take to Italy when the Comte came pounding down the driveway. Hurrying to the foyer to meet her brother Gabrielle waited impatiently while her brother handed his horse off to a stable hand, when he came in the door she knew something was very very wrong.

Philippe's eyes were tinged with sadness, dark circles under his eyes. Gabrielle's stomach clenched, the breath stolen from her. "The baby?" she asked in a small voice.

Her brother could only shake his head, tears welled in her eyes as she flung herself into his arms. She allowed herself only a few moments of crying before she pulled away to see her husband walking towards them.

"What has happened?" he asked as Gabrielle folded herself into his embrace.

Philippe cleared his throat, trying to compose himself "The baby did not survive the womb. It was a little boy."

Erik was speechless, he had no idea what to say other than "You should go, the Vicomte will need you my love" he wiped a tear off her cheek as she nodded. She hurried to go change into appropriate mourning clothes before departing with her brother.

She hurried into Raoul's home, ignoring the somber expressions of the staff. She found her heartbroken brother in his study, staring at his boots. Her footsteps broke him from his thoughts, she hurried to him as he stood so he could pull her into his embrace. The dam opened and he began crying for his son, the son he never had a chance to love. Raoul's grief wracked sobs echoed in the room, Gabrielle held her brother as he cried. Unfortunately she knew it would never be enough. Finally she was able to say "I'm so sorry Raoul" she pressed a kiss to his temple. Sadly there were no words to bring him comfort.

There was no formal funeral, only the three siblings standing over the tiniest casket. Christine had departed the previous day unable to meet anyone's eyes as she slunk out of the door, though Gabrielle had seen her red, swollen eyes.

The family priest who had married Gabrielle performed the last rites for the child, Charles Philippe. Gabrielle stood at Raoul's side, holding his hand hoping that it gave him some comfort.

Gabrielle's heart broke for her brother's loss, not only of his only child but of his marriage as well. He didn't deserve this. After the short ceremony was completed Philippe departed, leaving the two younger De Chagny's at the family crypt. "Is there anything I can do for you?" she asked softly, her voice thick with unshed tears.

Raoul could only shake his head and hold her hand tighter.

"Would you like to return to my home?" she asked. He paused for a moment before saying "Thank you pigeon, but I wouldn't ruin your honeymoon with this. I will be going to Philippe's for a while. I have no wish to remain in that house."

"I understand, we will be leaving for Italy in a few days. You will always have a bed in my home"

Her brother pulled her in for a hug and kiss "I know, thank you. Perhaps in a few months" he pressed one last kiss to her forehead before handing her off to a waiting footman "Good bye Pigeon"

It was with a heavy heart that Gabrielle returned to her estate, Erik was waiting for her in her study. It pained him to see her in such agony knowing he couldn't do anything to ease her pain. He stroked her cheek with the back of his hand "Do you need anything?"

"Just you" was her simple reply as she tucked herself into his embrace, breathing in his cologne. It was hard to believe that in a matter of a few days she'd gone from the apex of pleasure at marrying her Erik to burying a nephew.

Life could be very cruel.