It makes me kinda nervous to know that the end is so near! I worked a lot on this chapter, and I really hope that you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it!

A special thanks to my Beta-reader Judybear236, she's incredible!

If you want to listen which song Erik is singing, here it is: www . youtube watch?v=S8UTXN_gkY8

Hope you like it!

Chapter 21 Her Song

Adjusting her skirt, Meg twirled in front the large mirror in her dressing room. The dress was absolutely beautiful, nothing like the one she had worn the first time. This one was a cascade of gold, her bodice brown hugging her curves. Her arms were bare, except from some straps of golden fabric that hung loosely from her forearms. Some parts of the original score had been modified by Erik, and that included her role. She no longer had to change her costume and wear those trousers; instead she would have a solo. She would dance to his music, something he had written just for her. Her mouth went dry and her heart began to beat faster when she heard the familiar sound of the ballerinas running down the corridor outside her dressing room.

Meg had danced in many Operas since she had been a girl, she had learned to control her nerves and insecurities. But there was something about tonight that made her stomach twirl with fear, she felt inexperienced, like if it was her first performance. A voice in her head was telling her the exact reason for that, but she was stubborn and refused to believe it. It's because you are dancing for him. Shaking her head to clear her mind, she looked to her reflection in the mirror, surprised by her appearance. Madame Toussaint had made a fantastic job with the dress, it felt light as air, like if she wanted to, she would be able to fly. Her hair was hanging loosely around her shoulders, one tendril pulled backwards, held by a bright red flower. Her lips had a tint of red, something her mother had insisted on, such as the faint pink coloring her cheeks, although she suspected that that had nothing to do with the powder she had applied on her cheeks earlier. But still there was something that kept her from feeling happy about herself.

Although Meg had never cared about her physic, there was something about tonight that made her feel insecure. She stood in front of the mirror, her eyes traveling from her head down to her toes. She knew that she was not an exceptional beauty, throughout all her life she had just admired Christine, her petit frame, small waist, the way her chocolate curls cascaded down her shoulders. Her big doe eyes, full lips and ivory skin. Yes, Meg knew that Christine was beautiful, and completely different from her. Her blond hair had nothing special, it wasn't curly or straight. Her eyes were brown, absolutely normal. She was too short, and what embarrassed her the most was her generous bosom, something that had bothered her for many years. Being a ballerina implied jumping and twirling, and sometimes she didn't felt comfortable with the costumes they made them wear.

Meg tugged down the hem of her skirt as if trying to cover her legs. What had Erik seen in her? She was the opposite of Christine, who was a hundred times more beautiful than her. Meg knew that, and that just made her feel even more nervous. She had seen Christine's costume, her tight corset marking her waist, curls cascading everywhere, a yellow skirt leaving almost nothing to the imagination. A stab of jealousy coursed through her as the image of Christine and Erik appeared in her mind, how he had held her, tracing his fingers up her body, grazing the skin of her throat and burying his nose in her curls. Meg blinked furiously as she continued to observe herself in the mirror. Her thoughts were interrupted by a voice at the door.

"Meg?"

Meg looked at her reflection in the mirror, her eyes finding his. She observed his reflection, he was dressed formally, wearing his black velvet jacket and a white dress shirt that contrasted elegantly with his dark suit. His sculpted jaw was clean shaven, his eyes sparkling as he observed her, his gaze traveling down her frame. She looked back to her reflection, her eyes still lingering at her hair. She was aware of the sound of the door closing behind her and his soft footsteps approaching to her, but then, he stopped.

"Are you alright?" he whispered, his voice warm and soft.

She lifted one hand to touch the cool glass, her finger tracing the outline of her cheekbone and neck. She continued to observe herself, her finger returning to the reflection of her nose. She pulled her gaze away from herself to look at him, a shiver running across her spine as their gazes collided. He held her gaze, confusion and interest clearly written all over his expression. His green orbs were shinning under the faint candle light that lit the dressing room, making him look more handsome that he already was. Meg returned her attention towards the mirror, looking at her own, dull eyes.

"What do you see in me?" she breathed almost unconsciously.

"What do you mean?" he asked confused, taking a step forward.

She was silent for a moment, lost in her thoughts just to then continue "Why do you like me? I'm not a great beauty."

"I don't like you just because of how you look, Meg" he stated, a tint of confusion in his voice "Myself, out of everyone should know that. "

She knows that he's right, but still there's something inside of her that doesn't allow herself to feel happy.

"I'm not as beautiful as…others" she trailed off, looking at her own reflection.

She knew that he had understood that by others, she really meant Christine. Meg saw his jaw tense visibly, just to then relax and let out a deep sigh. Meg was afraid that he might think that she was jealous of Christine again, when she was not. It was something more personal, she needed that security, a reassurance that he wanted her as she was.

"I don't want you to say that" he sighed sadly "You are beautiful"

She shivered involuntarily at his words. The word beautiful was not a common word in Erik's vocabulary and he had only called her beautiful a couple of times, the night of their first kiss and on their wedding day, so it was no surprise when her heart began beating harder in her chest. Meg looked down to the floor, a soft blush creeping up her cheeks. Suddenly, she felt his warm hands over her hips, the touch surprising her, making her head shoot up quickly. Her eyes met his at the reflection as he began to trace the length of her waist up and down.

"You don't believe me, do you?" he asked, his voice hoarse with emotion.

Her eyes never left his, as a frown appeared on his features. Slowly, his arms traced her waist, and then he continued with her arms, her cold skin warming wherever his hands touched. He reached her shoulders, his fingertips slowly caressing the exposed skin of her upper chest. Gently, he traced her neck and collarbone, his breath tickling her cheek as he drew nearer. His hands were replaced by his soft lips, tracing her jaw lightly and going up to her temple, causing her eyelids to close as he grazed with his lips the long column of her throat.

"Look" he demanded softly, his hand cupping her chin and coaxing her to look at the mirror. Her breath caught in her throat at the sight of her rosy cheeks, going down to observe how his arm was draped around her hip, supporting her while he kissed her throat, the crook of her neck and her jaw.

Suddenly, he looked up, their eyes locking. Meg turned her head to look at him over her shoulder, wanting to see him and not just his reflection. They stared at each other for a moment without saying a word. Without knowing how, his lips found hers, demanding and secure. She felt one of his hands sneaking upwards to cradle the back of her neck as the other rested at her waist, holding her gently as he deepened their kiss. Erik broke the kiss, straightening so he would be able to see her face. Meg's eyes were still closed, her lips parted slightly.

Softly, she felt his hand cupping her chin once more and forcing her gently to look into the mirror one last time.

"Look"

Meg opened her eyes, peering at their reflection shyly from beneath her lashes, a small blush staining her cheeks. Her lips were rosy, making them look fuller, yet the look in her eyes was something she had never seen before. Her breath caught in her throat in surprise at the sight. The person who was looking at her was someone she had never seen before. And although she was ashamed of admitting it, Meg knew that at that precise moment, she was beautiful.

"Do you see what I see?" he breathed, looking at the mirror "I am holding the most beautiful woman that has ever existed. Can you see her?"

Meg nodded shyly, a small smile forming in her lips "I hate when you do this."

"You have no idea how beautiful you are right now" he whispered, threading his fingers through her long waves and placing a kiss on her temple.

Meg turned around, looking up to see him straight into his eyes "I feel beautiful because of you"

He smiled softly, his eyes sparkling with mischief "You have always been beautiful"

"You like to make me blush, don't you?" she giggled, feeling her cheeks going warm.

"It's one of my favorite things to do" he chuckled, taking her hand in his "I just came to wish you good luck."

"Thank you" she answered with a smile, suddenly remembering that she was just about to perform "I must confess that I'm completely terrified"

"Marguerite Giry? Scared of dancing?" he asked with mock surprised.

"Stop it" she laughed, hitting his forearm playfully "I actually don't know what's going on with me, I'm really nervous about this whole thing"

"You will do great, mon ange" he declared with a smile "No one can dance like you do. I wouldn't have written a song if I weren't completely sure that you could dance it."

"I don't want to disappoint you" she confessed.

He laughed softly "Disappoint me? I think that will never happen, Meg. But I do want you to promise me one thing."

She raised a brow suspiciously "Yes?"

Erik leaned forward, his mouth near her ear "Show her that you are better"

Meg stared at him wide-eyed, her eyes opened with surprise. Without a warning she threw her head back and began laughing joyously, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"I will" she giggled.

"Good" he declared pulling her into his chest.

They held each other for a long time, oblivious to everything, enjoying the warmth that the other provided. Meg buried her face in his chest, listening to the steady beating of his heart and trying to calm down her own. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her mother calling everyone to the stage. With a sigh, Erik straightened, placing a tendril of her hair behind her ear.

"I'll see you when this is over" he said, his eyes scanning her face, looking for any sign of the fear he had seen when he entered the room "As soon as the show is finished, we will take a train to Florence. We will return home."

She smiled contently "You have no idea how much I've been waiting for that"

"I must go" he walked towards the door, opening it carefully. But before he stepped out he turned around once more, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead "You will be perfect"

And with that he turned around and disappeared in the sea of people that was in the corridor. She leaned against the threshold, observing as he walked away. After all they had been through, the last challenge had finally arrived, and she was completely sure that they would be able to get through it, together. She smiled to herself, and turning around to close the door, she marched down the hall in the direction of the stage.

Meg was standing near the entrance of the stage breathing rapidly as she observed the scene unfolding in front of her. Everything was just as they had rehearsed it. The male dancers led the ballerinas in a sensual dance that captivated everyone in the audience. She had been surprised the first time she went out to the stage and saw the crowds filling up the Opera House. Her stomach had twisted nervously when she realized how many people were out there, only increasing her constant fear of failing. There had been also a few police men standing near the stage and the entrance doors just in case any problems arose. But she knew that nothing wrong would happen, Erik was in the orchestra pit, she couldn't see him, but in the very moment the first notes of the piano began, she felt overwhelmed and somehow protected.

A hand touched her shoulder, causing her to jump slightly and turn around to meet Auguste's shy smile. He was dressed exactly as Erik had the night of the Opera. Brown trousers and jacket, white shirt with ruffles at the chest area, a black cummerbund around his waist, black boots and a black mask which covered half his face. The sight made her heart begin to beat faster, unconsciously thinking of Erik.

"I just wanted to wish you good luck" he whispered, and although he was evidently trying to hide it, he was just as nervous as she was.

"I could say the same" she said with a weak laugh "You are a great Don Juan"

Auguste glanced over her shoulder. Meg turned around, realizing that he was watching Christine, who was already walking into the stage with a basket of flowers, her voice filling the Opera House with its sweet and beautiful sound. She walked with confidence, her chin high and a radiant smile in her rosy lips. The audience began clapping enthusiastically as some fanatics threw flowers towards the stage. Meg spun around to see Auguste once more.

"Go and show everyone who Auguste Bourdain is" she said encouragingly placing a hand on his forearm.

He nodded, taking a step forward. He turned around once more and whispered "Promise me that whatever happens out there you will dance with all your heart"

Meg raised a brow in confusion "What are-"

"Promise it, Meg!" he urged desperately as Christine's voice began to fade away.

"I promise"

He nodded and turned around, walking into the stage, his cape covering his body. Meg followed his moves, confused by what had just happened between them. What did he meant by that? Did he know something she didn't? Her thoughts were stopped by the sound of the beginning of the familiar song. The ballerinas fled out of the stage and straight to where she was standing. Meg led the way along backstage towards the other entrance of the stage, where she was supposed to enter. She glanced toward the wings as if expecting for something. Auguste's voice flowed all around the Opera House, enchanting the young ballerinas and making some of them giggle. Meg rolled her eyes and hurried them to walk faster. Although Meg admitted that Auguste had a very lovely voice, she stilled loved Erik's raw and breathtaking passion. As soon as she arrived to her place, the ballerinas wished her good luck and disappeared in the direction of the dressing rooms to change their wardrobe for Act Two. Meg stood frozen in her place as her eyes followed every move of Christine and Auguste. She looked exactly as she had the night of the fire, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and adoration, one of her sleeves falling constantly from her shoulder as her dark curls danced around her with every movement. Auguste on the other hand, walked with elegance and confidence, his fear well hidden by the mask. Although the young man wasn't an admirer of Christine, he had managed to suppress his annoyance and tried to seduce her with his voice and touches.

Meg caught Raoul's eye at the other side of the stage, his eyes fixed on her. His eyes were cold, but under his mask of patience, Meg could see how nervous he really was. Did Raoul really expect that something would happen? After what Erik had told them on the rooftop? Meg shook her head as if to prove him that nothing bad would happen. He tensed and returned his attention towards his wife, pretending that nothing had happened. Meg sighed tiredly and followed his gaze; Christine and Auguste were already going up the stairs that led to the bridge. At that moment, the music reached its crescendo, Christine and Auguste walking towards the other in the bridge, they met in the middle, clinging to the other desperately as Auguste twirled her around and pressed her back to him. But before the song could reach its end, the music changed to something softer. Meg inhaled deeply, her eyes closed.

Erik stood behind the curtain, his eyes fixed on Meg. She was breathing heavily, her bottom lip trapped in her teeth. He knew that she was nervous, and although he had tried to assure her that nothing could go wrong, standing there alone, wearing his Don Juan costume once more just made his heart beat furiously with fear. Somehow he had managed to convince Maurice to take his place in the orchestra, something that had taken a long time, but between Mon. Reyer and him, the man had finally accepted. After that, they had to talk with Auguste and explained to him the plan Erik had. The young man had agreed almost instantly after knowing Erik's true identity and connection with Meg. Erik raised his hands to adjust his black mask once more, a sense of panic rushing through his body.

He forced himself to relax. This time is for Meg, just for Meg, he repeated over and over again in his mind. Everything was different this time, he was different this time and nothing could go wrong. His attire was the same as the night of the fire, except that this time he wasn't wearing the jacket. Mon. Reyer had suggested that he needed to mark in a way that he was a different Don Juan, opposite to Auguste's character. Pressing his palms against his tights nervously, he took a deep breath when the first notes of her song began playing, interrupting The Point Of No Return. He followed her every move as she floated into the stage and stood in the center. Although she had become an expert in hiding her emotions, he still was able to see what she was truly feeling. She was afraid.

Erik felt a stab of fear in his chest as he took a step forward, his throat going dry. Closing his eyes, he straightened his mask and stepped through the curtain and into the light.

Opening her eyes abruptly, she stepped out into the stage, the music filling her body and soul. His music. She was aware of the murmurs and whispers in the audience; they were actually confused about the change in the song. But as soon as the notes of the new song began to fill the Opera House, the atmosphere relaxed and was surrounded by a wave of calmness. Meg stood in the center of the stage, arms up, standing on her toes. As the opening chords sounded, Meg bent forward and began dancing slowly, her movements graceful and delicate. The notes played by the piano reached her ears, warming her heart instantly. It was as if he was whispering in her ear, sweet nothings that meant much more to her than he would ever understand.

Personne nel'écoute

personne,mais son

entendu comme le paria entend

Suddenly, the theatre erupted in cheers and applause, forcing her eyes to flutter open. She turned around abruptly, her jaw dropping in surprise as her eyes fell on Erik. He was standing behind the bridge, slowly making his way towards her. He was dressed exactly as he was the night of the fire, with the exception of the jacket, which he didn't have. Meg realized that he was trying to ignore the sound of the audience, which fell into silence as soon as the first words came out from his mouth. She turned around once more, looking off into the distance. His warm, hypnotizing voice surrounded her, caressing her warmly. She raised on her toes once more, her steps becoming more fluid and graceful.

Hontedans la solitude

boudé parlamultitude

J'ai appris à écouter

Dans monobscurité, mon cœur a entendula musique.

Suddenly forgetting the choreography, Meg began moving freely, her legs carrying her all around the stage. Continuing her graceful movements, she was aware of the sound of murmurs once more, forcing her eyes to open again. A glimpse of brown caught her eye, surprised by how close Erik was now from her, his green eyes sparkling with adoration, never leaving her own. The sound of another voice stopped her thoughts, realizing that Auguste was now descending the bridge, continuing Erik's song.

J'aspiraisà enseigner au monde
Lève-toietatteindre le monde
Personne nel'écoute
Moi seulpouvais entendrela musique

Meg tiptoed towards Erik, walking around him as he followed her every move. She circled him, stretching out a hand to trace with her fingers his shoulder, continuing with his back and then tracing the contour of his other arm.

Puisenfin, une voix dans l'obscurité
Semblaitcrier: "Je vous entends;
J'entendsvos peurs,
Votretourment ettes larmes. "

To her surprise, he lifted his hand and trapped her small hand in his, his thumb gracing her palm softly before she twirled out of his reach. Meg stood in the center of the stage, between Erik and Auguste. She rose to her toes and began doing a fouette, her body spinning rapidly over one foot. The song reached its crescendo as Erik held the high note for a moment, causing a shiver to run across her spine. His voice was so powerful and hypnotizing, warming her body and making her heart beat faster.

Elle a vuma solitude
Partager enmon vide

Auguste sang in a whisper, yet his voice continued being strong and confident, a tint of hope in it. Meg turned her head to see him straight to the eye. He smiled as he continued to step back, slowly returning towards the bridge. She smiled tenderly, mouthing a silent Thank you before she turned around once more and prepared for the finale.

Personne nel'écoute
Personne d'autre quelui
Entendu comme paria entend

She moved carefully, aware that his eyes followed her everywhere she went. Suddenly, as she performed a grand jete, she felt beautiful. Not just because the dress she was wearing, her skirts twirling around her like a tail, not because of her hair, cascading and dancing around her shoulders, it wasn't for any of those reasons. She felt beautiful because of the look he had in his eyes, as if he had never seen something like her before. It didn't matter that the entire Parisian high-society was watching her, it didn't matter that the woman who had destroyed his heart was up in the bridge watching her. Erik was watching, and for the first time in her life, she felt that someone had noticed her.

Personne nel'écoute
Personne d'autre quelui

Meg approached to him. He stretched out his hand, which she grabbed without hesitation. She bent her body down, supporting it on one leg, while with the other leg extended behind her body she kept that leg's knee straight, her hand gripping firmly his warm hand as he supported her. Daring to stretch her hand in front of her, she caressed softly the wooden floor and remained still for a couple of seconds, eyes closed. She straightened up slowly, meeting his eyes once more. Meg stood frozen in her spot as he began circling her without letting go of her hand. Without a warning, he twirled her around gently, bringing her close to his chest, and ignoring what the people would say or think, his fingers brushed her cheek. The audience breathed in approval to his gesture, and without a second thought, he bent down and kissed her forehead.

Entendu comme paria entend...

He sang the last few words. Meg opened her eyes, unaware that she had closed them. His eyes were warm and sparkling, more green and stunning than ever. A smile tugged from the corner of his mouth as he nodded towards the audience. Suddenly, she was aware of the explosion of applause and cheers that erupted from the crowd, standing up. Erik motioned her to face them, forcing her to stand near the edge of the stage. Her cheeks were red with embarrassment and tiredness, flushed by the effort she had just made. Despite all that, she smiled. Smiled because for the first time they were clapping to her. Her eyes locked with Mon. Reyer, a proud smile in his lips as he too, clapped enthusiastically, tears rolling down his wrinkled cheeks. Although she was trying not to, tears began gather at the corner of her eyes, but she fought them bravely, placing her hands on her heart, feeling it beating rapidly. She moved her attention towards the piano, surprised when she saw Maurice clapping too, shaking his head disapprovingly, but still a large smile in his lips. Her gaze traveled up to the Box 2, where she found the managers on their feet, clapping enthusiastically as they continued to scream congratulating words to them. She laughed, and turned around looking for Erik. She stretched out her hand towards him, which he took without hesitation.

Meg pulled him to stand by her side, surprised when the crowd erupted in another round of applause and cheers. She looked up to him with a smile, a lump forming in her throat when she realized that his eyes were glowing with unshed tears. It was then that she realized that this was what he had always wanted, to know that people didn't fear him but admired him. And here he was, standing at the stage, the Parisian society standing up and applauding his work. And not just that, Meg was standing by his side, showing the world how much she meant for him. He raised both of their hands entwined and bowed, a dashing smile on his lips. Meg couldn't help but smile, too and bowed with him, surprised when flowers began being thrown at their feet.

Erik turned around, raising his arm towards Auguste who was standing at the stairs. Meg looked up towards Christine, surprised when she found her clapping too, a sweet smile in her lips. Christine nodded in approval towards Meg and continued clapping as Auguste made his way towards them. Erik grabbed him by the arm and pulled him in front of them. The young man blushed fiercely when the crowd erupted in applause once more. Taking advantage of the distraction, Erik tugged Meg's hand and guided her behind the curtain, as the new score from Don Juan Triumphant began playing. The dancers began filling the stage as Erik guided Meg through the shadows and straight to the West Wing. Some of the dancers that were still backstage congratulated them, the male dancers clapping Erik's back with a smile and the ballerinas giggling and squeaking excitedly around Meg. The couple smiled and tried to thank as many as they could as they continued their way out. It wasn't until they reached the hall that led to the dressing rooms when they stopped, an old man waiting for them near the exit door.

"Inspector Jean" Erik nodded in acknowledgement.

"I must say Erik that that was a very impressive performance. Congratulations to both of you." Inspector Jean said with a grin "Although if I recall, among the conditions we had established, one of them was to not reveal who you really are"

Erik tensed, his hand squeezing Meg's slightly "Wait, Inspector, I can explain-"

"I know, Erik, I'm not here to argue" The man raised his hand to make him stop and smiled "I just wanted to tell you that your sentence has been completed. You are free to leave now."

"Thank you, Monsieur" Erik nodded, although his eyes were sparkling with happiness.

"Now, I don't want to take any more of your time, go!" Inspector Jean insisted with a laugh as he pushed them both towards the door.

Erik laughed and guided Meg out of the hall and into the Main Foyer of the Opera House. As they made their way out, the sound of someone calling for them made them stop. From the other side of the Foyer, Maurice and Antoinette came running in their direction.

"You were thinking of leaving without saying goodbye to your mother?" Antoinette scolded playfully, pulling Meg into a tight embrace.

Erik turned to face Maurice's beaming expression. He didn't know what he had done to deserve the friendship of this man, who had begun as his guard and now had made his debut at the orchestra of the Opera Populaire.

"Mon. Reyer just offered me the position of pianist at the orchestra" he blurted out excitedly.

"That's incredible, Maurice" Erik said with surprise and putting a hand on his shoulder he continued "You deserve it, more than anyone"

"Thank you, Erik" Maurice answered wholeheartedly, placing his hand at Erik's shoulder.

Without a warning, he pulled Erik into an embrace, clapping his hand at Erik's back.

"Thank you for all you did" Erik said hoarsely.

"It was an honor" Maurice nodded with a smile.

Suddenly Meg threw her arms around Maurice and kissed his cheek soundly, earning a laugh from the man. Antoinette grabbed Erik's hand and pulled him to stand in front of her. She looked up to meet his eyes, something in them calming him instantly.

"Promise me that you will take care of her" she said quietly, squeezing his hand tightly.

"With my life" he vowed. She must have seen something in his eyes because she just nodded.

Erik was about to turn around when she tugged his hand once again and raising on her toes, kissed his cheek, still covered by the black mask. He looked down at her stunned.

"I love you, mon ami" she whispered, her eyes teary.

"And I you" he whispered back, a lump forming on his throat "Thank you, for all you have done"

"I'm giving you the person I love the most, protect her and most importantly, show her how much you love her" she stated, patting his chest.

"I will" he smiled.

She smiled back and turned to Meg, grabbing her hand and pushing her towards Erik. He clasped her hand tightly and helped her down the grand staircase, carefully not to fall down as she still was wearing her ballet slippers. Erik opened the door allowing her to step out first.

"I will visit you soon!" Antoinette called from up the stairs, standing beside Maurice, who just smiled.

"We'll be waiting!" Meg answered loud enough for her to hear it and then, the door closed behind them.

The cool air of the night hit their faces as they made their way down the stairs, Erik's hand around her waist protectively as she tried to not loose balance hurrying towards the carriage which was already waiting for them. Meg stepped inside as Erik talked with the driver and handed him some money. She observed one last time the building which had been her home throughout all her life. Quickly she slipped further into the carriage, trying to stop the tears forming in her eyes. She waited for Erik, surprised when he glanced behind him, giving one last look to the great building which had been his home too. As if sensing her gaze, he sighed and turned to meet her waiting gaze. A smile brightened his face and he climbed up into the carriage, taking possession of her hand almost immediately. It was then when she understood the look in his eyes, he would not allow them to be parted never again. He tapped the roof twice and the carriage jolted into motion. In one swift movement, he took off the mask, relieved to allow his skin to breathe once more.

"You were absolutely perfect" he whispered in the silence of the carriage, and leaning closer he breathed in her ear "You stole the breath away from many gentlemen"

She blushed fiercely, but smiled "Why didn't you tell me that you were going to sing?"

"Because it was a surprise, ma cherie" he answered as if it was an obvious fact.

"Well, it was something beaut-"she began to complain, when a hand on her chin made her stop.

She looked up to meet his eyes, reflecting the lights of the street lamps. Before she could comprehend what was going on, he leaned down and pressed his lips over hers. Meg let out a soft gasp of surprise, which morphed into something more like a sigh of pleasure. He kissed her desperately, showing her all of what he felt inside, a combination of happiness and pride, adoration and hope, such as desire and joy. She pressed her hands against the solid wall of his chest as he circled her waist and leaned back, pulling her with him. At that exact moment, although they were slowly moving away from the Opera Populaire, he swore he heard music.

"You have a beautiful voice" she whispered, grabbing his hand and placing a kiss in his palm, as he rested his head back, observing her with wonder "I loved the song" she continued, letting go of his hand, reaching up to place a kiss in his neck. She inhaled sharply when she felt his hands snaking up to trace her back, pulling her closer "I hear you, Erik, I see you"

Without being able to stop himself, he pulled her lips down to his, feeling a smile forming in her lips against his. Erik tangled his fingers in her long waves, as she gripped his shoulders firmly. He traced with one finger her cheekbone, going down her jaw, neck, tracing the contours of her shoulder, sliding down her torso until he stopped in her waist. He broke the kiss, but his lips continued on her skin, kissing her jaw and chin, the corner of her mouth and then the long column of her throat. He leaned back and stared into her eyes silently.

He remembered dreaming of this night, when they would finally be able to escape and return to their home. No conditions or chains tying them to their past. At that moment, his breath caught in his throat at the sight of her, a smile in her red, swollen lips, cheeks flushed, her hair cascading around her, framing her face perfectly, her brown chocolate eyes sparkling.

"I see you too"