Chapter 23 The Beginning

Erik opened his eyes slowly, his eyelids heavy with sleep. Blinking a couple of times, he finally managed to clear his vision. The early morning light streamed through the large crystal windows of the doors that led to the balcony, illuminating faintly the contours of the room. For a moment he felt disoriented as to where he was, but it was then when he felt something warm sliding down his chest. Looking down with surprise, he felt the corner of his lips turning up at the sight of his wife's peaceful face, her sleeping form curled up against him. Images of last night flooded his mind, making his heart beat harder in his chest. He had never felt more alive than he had the night before, somehow he had managed to not lose his mind at the force of the new feelings he had experienced. If a year ago someone had told him that he would end up marrying Meg, he would have surely laughed at them. But now there he was, lying down on the bed, his arms wrapped around her bare frame, his own body pressed against her flesh in a way that made his stomach form knots.

Meg was still asleep, oblivious that she was being admired. The light was still faint, but he couldn't imagine witnessing something as beautiful as she was. The contours of her face were faintly outlined by the light, her eyelashes projecting infinite shadows down her cheekbones, soft as silk. She was lying on her side, one of her long lean arms draped over his chest, trapping him in her embrace. Her face was just above his heart, her hair sprawled on the pillow beneath her head and some strands over his chest. Her bare skin seemed to glow with the light, the sheets covering most of her body.

He watched with amazement her full lips, a hint of a smile playing in them, slightly swollen by the countless kisses he had given her, the way they were parted, tempting him in a way he didn't know it was possible. Sometimes he was still surprised by the intensity of his attraction towards her; she had somehow bewitched him, crawled under his skin and conquered his heart. He had fallen hard for the petite woman, and not just fallen, but now he had also declared his love towards her. The image of her face brightening up the moment those words left his lips was something he would treasure forever, her warm caramel irises glowing with tenderness and adoration, the way he had kissed her afterwards, slowly and carefully, as if it was their first kiss.

But when she admitted her love for him, he was absolutely sure that his body had burst on fire, no one could be feeling so much happiness and not die because of it. To hear those words from her was something he wasn't expecting, but still their impact had been the same as if his heart had burst into flames. He had spent his whole life wishing to hear those words from anyone, at some point he had wanted that person to be Christine, but after last night, he was completely sure that it wouldn't have been the same to hear it from her. There was something about Meg that got him hypnotized, and he was sure that he wouldn't be able to live a single day without her. After she had spoken those words, he had been barely able to contain himself, showering her with kisses all over her body, every single part of her skin had been touched by his lips.

She shifted by his side, nuzzling her head against his neck. Her hair tickled his cheek, making him smile lightly at the sensation. She then shifted in her sleep, turning her body away from his. He unwrapped his arm from her waist hastily before she proceeded to turn around. His eyes travelled down the exposed column of her throat, his eyes widening slightly as he saw some purplish marks in the skin of her neck. A wave of images flooded his mind as he continued to watch the marks until they were completely hidden by her hair and she ended up resting on her other side, giving him her back. He barely remembered making those marks, just being concerned on touching every single part of her body and marking her. The blanket fell around her lower back, covering part of her chest and her bottom, but still he was able to feast with the sight of her bare back, the sight of her smooth skin making him fight the urge to trace it with his fingertips. He almost chuckled when he saw some more purplish marks near her hips. Probably it had been when he tried to keep her in place, close to his body. He closed his eyes as he remembered the hours he had spent cherishing her body, trying to make her feel how much he loved her, how much he wanted her, how much he needed her. He recalled the events from the previous night, the way her body had seemed to fit perfectly with his, the sounds that had escaped from her lips as he continued to make her his.

He was new at this, everything concerning the joys of the flesh had been something he had never dreamt of experiencing. And now he was discovering the intensity of the passion that stirred deep within his soul every time he became one with his wife. Without intending to, he moved closer to her, his chest pressed almost entirely to her back. He smiled when he felt one of her long toned legs sliding down his shin and then moving her feet down his ankle, wrapping them around his legs, trapping him somehow. Erik rested his forehead against her shoulder blade, absent-mindedly drawing lazy figures in her bare back. His arm found its way around her hips, resting it just below her stomach. It was then when he felt a delicate warm hand interlock slowly with his.

Meg let out a content sigh as she started to wake. A warm muscular arm was wrapped around her hip from behind her, a comfortable weigh pressed against her back as a lingering touch travelled all over her bare back. A small smile stretched on her lips as the memories of the previous night entered her head and she slowly opened her eyes. The sunlight flooded in from the window and faintly lit up the room. Her eyes travelled up from the modest couch and up towards the walls. It was then when she allowed herself to remember the night before. No words were spoken after she had declared her love to him, and his response had left her breathless, surprising her of the passion he had shown. It had been an explosion of every emotion they had experienced since they realized their undeniable attraction towards each other.

"Bone matin" he whispered from behind, his voice thick with sleep.

Slowly, she turned around to face him, not letting go of his hand. He was lying on his side and looking at her, his emerald green eyes glowing with the morning light, making them look almost blue. Her hand came up and ran over the muscles of his sculpted chest as he leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss on her lips. The night before had been the first time she had had the opportunity to appreciate how truly beautiful he was and she had tried to show him just how much she loved him. Her hand traveled to his face to caress the new skin of his cheek just as he pulled her closer to him, the sheets being the only obstacle between them. He pressed his forehead against hers, breathing slowly as he traced her bare arm with his fingertips.

"How are you?" he asked quietly as a small smile grew on his lips.

"Never better" she answered with a soft giggle as she leaned forward to trace with her lips the contours of his face "Did you have good dreams?"

"Hm?" he murmured with his eyes closed, enjoying the sensation of her lips on his face "Yes I did. But reality is much better"

She giggled and laid back onto the soft pillow, feeling Erik move slightly to lay closer to her. He chuckled, and brushed her hair off her face softly, his other hand running up and down her body, brushing the sides of her chest and hips.

"What do you want to do today?" she murmured against his hair as he kissed all the way down from her jaw to her collarbones.

"Arabelle is coming with everyone to dinner tonight" he answered against her skin and then groaned "I promised her"

Meg laughed happily startling Erik, who looked up raising a brow. Meg only smirked and pulled his lips closer to hers "I love Arabelle, she's incredible"

Erik chuckled "You love her more than you love me?"

Meg pretended to think as she tapped a finger to her chin "I don't know…she does cook deliciously after all…"

His jaw dropped slightly in mock offense before Meg began laughing once more, and without a warning she pushed him down onto to the mattress, positioning herself over his chest. He chuckled at her vain attempt of knocking him down and decided just to admire her as he propped up onto his elbow. She was radiant in bed with him, the sunlight lighting up her caramel eyes and making her white porcelain skin glow. He reached a hand to cup her cheek, his thumb grazing her bottom lip.

"In that case I must say I'm really hurt, my dear" he stated before trying to get out of the bed.

Before he could react, she leaned down towards him, pushing him slowly down onto the pillow. He tried to capture her lips, but she pulled back, leaving him with his eyes closed. Erik opened his eyes and sat up straighter, and circling her waist with his arm, he pulled her closer. She tried to resist, their mouths inches apart, but in the end it had been too much for her and she crashed down her lips onto his, making every single thought slip away from his mind. He tangled his fingers in her long waves, pulling her even closer to him. She responded eagerly to his kiss, placing her hands on his face to pull him closer. She felt his hands tracing the contours of her legs as he turned them so now he was on top of her. It still surprised them both the current of electricity that traveled through their bodies every time they touched, and Erik was completely sure that he wouldn't get tired of it.

After a moment he pulled away and leaned back onto the bed resting on his stomach, his head turned to one side so he could still see her. Meg moved closer and rested on her side, her arm supporting her head as she began tracing the contours of his wide shoulders, slowly sliding down until she touched the slightly roughened skin of his scars. She knew that someday he would open up to her and perhaps tell her everything about his past, but at that moment, she felt happy just by sensing his acceptance. He sighed and closed his eyes, burying his head deeper into the white pillows. She continued to trace the scars delicately, pretending that with every touch, one of the scars disappeared.

"I fought back" he whispered, startling her momentarily. She moved her gaze towards his closed eyes, waiting for him to open them "They wanted to throw away the sack I used to wear as a mask. I fought them, kicked and punched, but in the end they won, they always did. And whipped me as punishment. But still…I got to keep my sack."

Meg stared at him shocked, her lower lip trembling slightly. She managed to compose herself and moved her hand slowly towards his face, cupping his cheek "You didn't have to tell me."

Erik opened his eyes, his green depths dark and stormy "Yes I did, at least the woman I love deserves to know the truth."

She leaned down and pressed her lips against his cheek, down to the bridge of his nose, his chin and breathed against his skin "I love you, who you are, everything about you. Je t'aime " and after a moment of hesitation, she kissed his lips passionately.

Erik responded to her kiss eagerly and without breaking the kiss, he turned around to hold her between his arms. They pulled away after a moment, silence surrounding them. Somehow Meg felt that something had changed in their relationship. There were no more secrets between them, he had trusted her enough to reveal his own secrets and past.

She turned her head against his chest, settling more comfortably in his embrace. His breath caused tickles on her bare skin as his arms circled her upper back, making her feel warm. His fingers began tracing the skin down her spine, thrilling her at the sensation of the texture of his own skin, the solid weight of his body against the natural curves of her own. Meg lifted her head to trace with her lips his cheek, surprised when she realized that he was waiting for her kiss. He captured her lips with a passionate kiss that took her breath away.

"What do you say if I prepare some pancakes with caramel syrup?" she breathed against his lips, smiling when she felt his lips tugging up in a smile.

"Loads" he answered, easing the pressure on her lips for more lingering kisses.

After a moment he straightened, sitting up on the bed. He sat down at the end of the bed and looked back at her. Erik smiled before placing kiss on her forehead and standing up. Meg blushed fiercely and looked down to her lap. How could she be so shy when the night before she had felt him like never before? She heard him chuckle softly and from the corner of her eye she was aware that he was putting on a pair of his trousers. When she was completely sure that he was somehow covered she looked up, meeting his eyes, sparkling with amusement.

"You are impossible" he said with a grin.

Meg was ready to stand up, the blankets wrapped tightly around her frame. Suddenly a jolt of pain ran up through her inner thighs and up to her lower abdomen. She winced softly, clenching her eyes and laid back down quickly.

"What? What is it?" he asked anxiously hurrying to her side.

"It-it's nothing" Meg shook her head, suddenly a fierce blush crept up her cheeks "I'm just a little…sore"

"Oh" he breathed out, a soft pink coloring his cheeks with embarrassment. He sat down on the bed next to her, an apologetic expression written on his face "I'm sorry, I didn't know I was hurting you…"

She interrupted him by placing a hand on his cheek and forcing him to look at her and smiled "It's all right. We are both new at this, nothing you could've done would've avoided this"

He sighed and interlocked their fingers "Perhaps if I had been gentler…"

"I will get accustomed" she stated with a smile combing his hair with her fingers.

Erik looked up to meet her eyes and suddenly he had an idea. A mischievous smile appeared on his lips as he got up from the bed gingerly and disappeared onto the bathroom. Meg followed his form until he disappeared from her view. She tried to stand up once more when the sound of running water reached her ears but failed miserably.

"What are you doing?" She called out curiously.

He returned to the bedroom, a smirk on his lips "Let's go"

And without a warning he leaned back over to pick her up gently in his arms. She let out a surprised gasp and circled his neck quickly, a blush creeping up her cheeks at her nudity. Erik walked over to the bathroom, and Meg felt a tingle in her stomach when she realized that he wasn't looking at her body. No matter what, he would always be a gentleman. When they reached the massive bathtub, which was at that moment nearly half filled, he gently lowered her down into it. She hissed softly as the heat touched her body, but adjusted to it after a few moments. He bent down to kiss her as the tub filled, and after a moment, he turned off the taps and sat down on the floor with his back against the tub, one of his arms resting on edge of the bathtub. He couldn't help when his heart began beating faster. Her long waves were slicked back from her face, the steam rising from the tub making it curl delicately. As she breathed in and out contentedly, she closed her eyes and allowed her head to loll back, bringing her chest dangerously close to the surface. He tried his hardest not to stare and decided to cup her wet cheek, his fingers slowly stroking her hair.

"I remember I once read that hot water helps relax sore muscles" Erik whispered, surprising her. She had nearly forgotten where she was.

"It does" she declared with a satisfied smile.

They remained in silence for a long time, the only sound was the lapping of the water against the tub. He nearly jumped when a light, wet hand touched the back of his neck. He turned, only to find her bright eyes staring intensely into his.

"Thank you Erik, for all of this, for all that you have done" she said quietly, her eyes glowing with the morning light that came through the window.

"It is me who should be saying thank you. You are the one who saved me" he answered with a smile, his hand slipping into the water and playing with it.

"Can you believe we did it?" she asked with wonder "We finally can live in peace. We are finally beginning our future and leaving our past behind"

"Sometimes I wonder if this is not only a dream" he thought aloud, her hand catching his under the water "It's just too good to be true"

She tilted her head to one side "What do you mean?"

He straightened and came closer to her face, never letting go of her hand.

"It's just…the night of the fire I thought my life was over, my dreams, hopes, everything. But then you came and turned my world upside down, showed me that not everything was lost. You showed me what love is, what it feels like" he brought their hands to his lips and kissed the back of her hand, wetting his lips on the process "When I first began falling in love with you I must admit that I tried to deny it, I was too scared of being rejected once more. There's been heartache and pain in my life, I wasn't sure that I could face it again. It took me a long time to realize that what I felt was love, and even longer to say it…I didn't know what love was. But then I began yearning for your presence, your smiles, your warmth…I couldn't imagine a day without you. I can't imagine a day without you."

Meg straightened and kissed him tenderly, wetting his face with her hand as she cupped his cheek. It was the only way to show him how much it meant to her what he had said. After a moment she pulled back, meeting his powerful glance.

"You weren't the only one learning, Erik. You too showed me what love was about" she whispered with a smile "I guess that they are right after all, every end is a new beginning."

"I'm sorry that I caused a fight between Christine and you, I know how close you used to be" he said apologetically.

"Don't worry" she shrugged, trying to remain emotionless. But beside all of what Christine had done, she still felt sad that her friend had acted that way "Perhaps someday we'll be able to see each other again and solve our problems."

"Perhaps" he said pensively "But still that doesn't justifies the way she treated you."

"I know, apparently I was the one who changed" Meg scoffed indignantly "Sorry but it wasn't me who married Monsieur Pompous"

Erik started laughing uncontrollably, making Meg laugh too. She loved the sound of his laugh, a deep masculine sound which caused goosebumps all over her body. Soon their laughs became silent and he stretched out a hand to cup her cheek. She turned her head, welcoming his touch.

"Dieu, jet'aime tellement" he whispered, a fire in his eyes burning passionately.

"J'aiplus" she countered.

He chuckled "I've loved you longer."

"Liar" she giggled with mock offense "Now why don't you stop arguing with me and you just get in the tub?"

Erik looked up, surprise written all over his face. But it was soon replaced by a smile as he stood up and began working with his trousers. He hopped in lithely after, the warm water welcoming to his skin. He sat behind her, and pulled her frame to his chest. His hands reached out to circle her waist as Meg leaned back against him. They closed their eyes, as Erik began humming a tune too familiar to Meg, she smiled and leaned further into him, enjoying the sensation of being in the arms of the person she loved. Erik couldn't imagine a more perfect day.

"Ma Cherie!"

Just as Meg opened the door, something or rather someone, collided with her body roughly, almost knocking the blonde down. After recovering from the shock, she realized that it was Arabelle who was hugging her tightly. Meg laughed and returned the hug enthusiastically, looking over the woman's shoulder to meet the laughing faces of Federico, Fabrizio, Gisella, Marco, Isabella, Lorenzo and Clara. Erik who was behind her, decided to help Meg and put a hand over Arabelle's shoulder.

"No hugs for me?" he wondered with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh but of course, my boy!" she squeaked excitedly and in a moment she had trapped Erik in a tight hug.

Meg turned around, a bright smile on her face as she began hugging each one of their friends.

"But please come on in!" she urged as she pulled away from Fabrizio, who was carrying a large stewpot.

As they began filling the living room, Meg couldn't help but notice how effusively Erik greeted Marco. She smiled, realizing that if it weren't for Marco, he would still have the deformity. She turned at the feeling of a warm hand on her shoulder, and turning around she met Isabella's warm eyes.

"He has changed, hasn't he?" she asked, her gaze focused on their husbands.

Meg's smile widened and nodded "Yes, he has. And I thank all of you for that"

She was about to say something else when she realized of the bulge in the stomach of the petite woman.

"Mon Dieu!" Meg squeaked, her hands rising to cover her mouth in surprise "You are pregnant! What else did we miss? How long have you been pregnant?"

"Calm down, my friend" Gisella said with a grin "She didn't tell me until it was obvious that she was carrying a child in that small body of hers."

"I wanted it to be a surprise for all of you!" Isabella complained crossing her arms.

Meg laughed at her reaction "That's all right, it definitely is a surprise after all! How long has it been?"

"I found out a week before the New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball, right now it has been six months" she said thoughtfully "Marco was really surprised, but after the initial shock, he was extremely happy, but I believe the most excited about this is little Clara."

Suddenly the little girl came rushing in their direction, Lorenzo following closely behind.

"Can you believe it, Signorina? I'm going to have a sister!" the girl squeaked excitedly as she placed a tiny hand atop the round belly of Isabella.

"Or maybe a brother, Clara, we still don't know" Isabella reminded her sweetly.

"No-oh" the girl sang happily "It will be a girl! I've dreamed about her!"

"Oh you have?" Erik said from behind Meg as Marco, Fabrizio and he approached to them. He placed a hand around her waist, pulling her closer to him "And what did you dreamed about?"

"We were dancing together!" Clara said excitedly, oblivious to the fact that now all the adults were watching her "And Lorenzo was playing the violin! Right, Lorenzo?"

"Yes, I will play for you to dance with your sister" Lorenzo nodded solemnly as Fabrizio put his hand on his son's shoulder tenderly.

Everyone laughed at the interaction between the two children and Meg couldn't help but think if perhaps one day their children would play with Lorenzo and Clara. She looked up to meet Erik's eyes, surprised to discover that he was already looking at her. They didn't have to say anything, they both understood what the other felt, and Meg didn't need to hear it from him as he almost imperceptibly moved his hand to her stomach. A shiver ran down her spine as she realized that he wanted it too. Perhaps it was already happening inside her body.

"Come on, dearies, dinner is served!" Arabelle called out from the dining room.

They all walked into the beautiful dining room laughing and talking with each other. Before Meg sat down she hurried to Arabelle's side and grabbed her hand.

"Thank you for this, Arabelle, you have no idea how much this means to me" she whispered effusively looking at the older woman.

Arabelle cupped her cheek and smiled sweetly "It's nothing, ma chérie. But who you must be grateful to is the wonderful husband you have"

Arabelle gazed over Meg's shoulder with a smile. Meg turned around and observed Erik, who was sitting by Federico's side talking animatedly. As if sensing her stare, he looked up to meet her eyes. He raised an eyebrow inquisitively as if asking if something was wrong. She shook her head and smiled. Erik returned her the smile and motioned her with his head to come and sit by his side. Meg smiled and complied, moving swiftly around the room to sit next to him. Erik grabbed her hand under the table and gave it a gentle squeeze before they both returned their attention to what Marco was saying.

They were all sitting comfortably in the living room after dinner, the cups from the tea Meg had prepared already resting empty on the small table. Meg was sitting by Erik's side, his arm draped lazily over her shoulder, a gesture that looked normal for most of the couples, but somehow, for them it meant something more. As if they couldn't get enough of the other. Meg turned her head slightly to one side and caught glimpse of the two children huddled together in one armchair, their little heads pressed together as they slept soundly. Returning her attention towards Fabrizio, she was interested at the improvements they had made on the Studio.

"Would you like to return?" Fabrizio asked to Meg, a hopeful glow in his brown eyes.

Meg smile widened and nodded "I would like that very much. Only if you want me there, of course."

"Of course we do!" Gisella answered excitedly "You are by far the best teacher we had ever had. Besides a little bird told us that you had your debut as Prima Ballerina back there in Paris."

Meg shifted her attention towards Arabelle who just looked around the room trying to look innocent. She caught her attention and smiled playfully

"Guilty" Arabelle declared with a grin "But what did you expected me to do? Not every day your little ballerina becomes Prima Ballerina!"

"That's all right" Meg laughed "I just wished you had been there, Erik was fantastic also! You should have heard him sing!"

The group burst into questions and praises towards Erik who just shrugged and poked Meg playfully on her ribs. He leaned down and whispered loudly enough for her to hear it "Traitor"

"I needed to get the attention away from me!" she laughed and settled deeper into his embrace.

The laughs were interrupted by a knock on the front door. Erik looked down questioningly at her, but at her confused expression he sighed and began to stand up.

"I'll go," he offered, walking toward the hallway, feeling her gaze upon him as he went. As he reached the door he heard the voices of Fabrizio and Isabella as they continued to interrogate Meg. He chuckled to himself as he reached the door, turning the doorknob.

"Yes?" he asked, pulling open the door and seeing who had knocked. Erik's eyes widened at the sight of the conductor of the orchestra, his white mustache twisting as he glanced nervously around, clutching his hat between his hands.

"Good evening, Erik" Mon. Reyer greeted with a smile "I was worried that Madame Giry had given me the wrong address"

"Monsieur Reyer, what a surprise" Erik breathed with astonishment "Oh, but please do come in"

Erik stood aside to let him enter. The older man walked cautiously inside, looking around to appreciate every detail and then he turned to murmur apologetically "Oh, I think I have interrupted your dinner."

"Not at all" Erik said with a wave of his hand "Come, we can have more privacy in my studio."

Mon. Reyer nodded and followed Erik down the corridor until they reached the living room. Everyone stopped talking at the sight of them and turned around to look at the newcomer.

"This is Mon. Reyer" Erik introduced as his gaze traveled to Meg "He's the conductor of the orchestra at the Opera Populaire"

"Good evening" Mon. Reyer greeted politely with a nod of his head.

Meg stood and walked hurriedly towards the old man, catching him by surprise when she circled her arms around his fragile form. Mon. Reyer stood surprised for a moment but then returned her embrace warmly.

"Welcome, Monsieur" she said with a warm smile as she pulled back "Our house is your house"

"Thank you, Madame" Mon. Reyer answered, his mustache curling when he smiled "But I will only be staying in Florence for a few hours, I must return to the Opera House immediately. The Premier was a success and now tickets have been sold for the whole season!"

"Mon Dieu! That's incredible! Maman must be thrilled" Meg squeaked excitedly "I'm really glad everything is going perfectly"

"It is, Madame" Monsieur Reyer affirmed "And mostly thanks to you both."

Meg blushed and giggled softly "It was you and that fantastic orchestra"

Mon. Reyer laughed softly and turned towards Erik, grabbing hold of his shoulder "That's why I need to talk with your husband, here"

"Well in that case I will let you go on, it's always a pleasure to see you, Monsieur" Meg smiled and walked back to the couch.

"Shall we?" Erik asked sweeping his arm to indicate the way.

Before he followed Mon. Reyer he grabbed a bottle of wine and then turned around to face Meg once more, who stood with a puzzled look upon her face as she sat down onto the couch. Erik shrugged and then gave her an encouragingly smile. Erik closed the door behind him and indicated Mon. Reyer to sit down as he poured two glasses of wine for them. The studio was one of Erik's favorite places in the house, the dark red walls, a fireplace by the corner and an enormous wooden desk. But out of everything, the black pianoforte was his favorite object in the room.

"So what would you like to discuss?" Erik asked as he offered the glass to Mon. Reyer

"Thank you" he mumbled and then shifted comfortably on his seat "You'll see, Erik, as soon as the performance ended, you were already on a train on your way here. People began asking to meet the composer, and there was one man who was really stubborn on finding out who he was. After a brief discussion, he told that he was Signore Ferdinand Palazzi, manager of the Teatro Comunale, here in Florence."

"And what does that has to do with me?" Erik asked slowly with curiosity.

"He's looking for a new conductor for the orchestra of the Teatro, Erik" Mon. Reyer stated with a smile "He wants you to be the new conductor"

"Me? But he barely knows me" he said incredulously.

"Actually, he had seen you perform as Don Juan, and is aware that you are the composer, a brilliant one, if I might add. He has been trying to contact you for a very long time, so when you appeared two nights ago and sang in front of the audience, he almost passed out from excitement. He is eager to have you as the conductor. "

Erik rubbed the back of his neck nervously as a frown appeared on his face "I don't know if I can do this…"

"Oh yes you can, Erik!" Mon. Reyer squeaked indignantly "I've had the pleasure of working with you, although not face to face, for a long period of time, I realized that you know how to instruct musicians, I have witnessed your success and your abilities. If anyone deserves this job, it is you."

Erik leaned back thoughtfully. He? As a conductor? It had always been his dream, to be in front of a full orchestra and create the most beautiful music. But to be able to do it was a complete different thing. He loved music, it had been his only way to express himself, it had been there for him when no one else was…

"I'll do it" Erik declared with a smile.

"Excellent!" Reyer gasped excitedly and stood up "You will be the best conductor that this world has ever met!"

"No I don't believe that" Erik frowned as he stood up "Because he is standing in front of me."

Mon. Reyer's eyes widened as realization dawned in him and suddenly he was hugging Erik tightly. Yes, Erik had never met a more respectable and unique man than Monsieur Reyer was.

"So what did Monsieur Reyer need?" Meg asked as she grabbed tighter his arm for support.

Erik guided her towards the higher part of the hill. He followed the path towards the area where the biggest trees were, the lights of the fireflies surrounding them as the different scents of flowers that grew on the meadow clouded their senses. He arrived to where he wanted to and to where the path ended. In front of him was a little rock wall which reached his waist, similar to the one in La Medicea. Guiding her even closer, he breathed in the fragrance of nature and looked up to the sky. It was late in the night and their friends had already left, with the promise of seeing them soon. Meg would begin the ballet lessons in a week, which provided her with time to adapt to their new home.

"I was offered a position as the conductor of the orchestra of the Opera House here in Florence" he said, a bright smile on his lips.

Meg gasped and without a second thought threw herself into his arms, circling his neck and hugging him tightly "Oh my God Erik! That's fantastic!"

"I know" he laughed returning her embrace "That's why I accepted"

Meg leaned back and rested her head on his chest, turning around towards the dark field in front of them, lit only by the sparkling stars above them.

"You are happy about that, aren't you?" she whispered, her voice carried away by the soft wind.

"Of course I am" he smiled, tightening his arm around her hip "And you?"

"My reaction wasn't enough?" she chuckled looking up to meet his eyes.

"You are right" he grinned.

After a moment of silence she spoke once more "This is what you want?"

"What do you mean, love?" he asked curiously.

"I-well, you know, to be in front of an orchestra, to be famous, everyone knowing who you are…" she trailed off, her fingers playing nervously with the buttons of his vest.

"Are you afraid of something?" he inquired with a worried expression.

"No! It's just…so much is happening" she breathed out "You don't regret anything, do you?"

Erik placed a hand under her chin, forcing her to look up at him. Their eyes met, sparkling with adoration, warmth, passion…love. He brushed her cheek with the back of his hand.

"Nothing. Every single choice I made led me to you" he declared hoarsely, his fingers interlocking with hers and squeezing her hand gently.

"You saved me" she whispered passionately, gazing into his green depths intensely.

He leaned down slowly, brushing her lips tenderly before pressing them completely. She circled his neck with her arms, her fingers threading through his hair as he placed his hands on her hips, bringing her closer. He savored the sensation of her skin against his, the way his body burst into flames once more. He leaned back and pressed a gentle kiss on her cheek before resting his forehead against hers.

"No, my dear. It was you who saved me."

The End

And that's it! We've finally reached the end. I hope this was what you all were expecting for, I tried to make it as complete as possible. This story had been in my mind for quite a long time, and one day I decided to give it a try. And here we are now, on the last chapter. I want to thank all of you for your constant support and appreciation, this story would be nothing without its readers. Specially I would like to thank my awesome beta-reader Judybear236, without her this story would have been a mess, your constant support and ideas made this story carry on, so thank you!

This story is over but I won't abandon the ff world, soon I will begin a new story called Explosions, a collection of one-shots from my favorite ship from Les Miserables: Éponine and Enjolras. I know this ship has been receiving a large amount of hate, but still, my imagination has no limits. So I would appreciate to know that some of you would read it and perhaps leave me your thoughts, I'm excited about this project.

So now I bid you goodbye my fellow readers, it was a pleasure having you accompanying me on this beautiful journey of The Phantom of the Opera, leave a message with your opinions about this chapter or the story in general, I would highly appreciate to know if you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it.