Erik: *groans* OHH! Why did you end it there? Now you only have two more chapters to settle this once and for all! This is not fair Nightstar! Not fair at all! *pouts a bit*

Me: *smiling* Erik the chapters are going to be longer now but this story still needs that suspense and that drama that I categorized it in. Besides I needed time to see how I could attack this new chapter.

Erik: *flabbergasted* You needed time?! It took you years to come back to it! How much longer did you need?!

Me: Yes I know and I am sorry! I had life and college got in the way and then I got a job and then COVID-19 happened and I lost my job, then I had an endless amount of time which caused me depression. After some time, I got another job which now allows me to have a balanced work-life so I am so sorry Erik I neglected this story for a long time... but I needed to take care of my mental health and my overall financial situation before I went diving back into this. I apologize to the readers for this overload of information but I needed to come clean. Now the story will be finished don't worry and lets just say things will not exactly go as either Erik or Elena planned *smiles deviously* but you all will definitely enjoy this.

Erik: Who? The characters or the readers? *asking cautiously as he sees my smile*

Me: That's for me to know and you to find out! MWUAHAHAHAHAHA! *regain composure* Anyways thank you all for reading this story it really means a lot to me that after years of in progress you guys continued reading this story. Thank you so much and I hope I can deliver a truly unforgettable ending to this story.

Both: Please comment and review! And without further ado, we present to you the ante-penultimate installment of Guiding Light!

Disclaimer: I do not own Phantom of the Opera, it's character's, music, etc. I only am responsible for the creation of my OCs and this particular plot-line.

Elena P.O.V~

(A few hours later)

I had a dream... well I have had many dreams but this dream seemed so real. I was in a study... a study I had never seen before and there stood Erik, with his hair a bit longer but still combed back. There was something odd about him. He looked older but better in his health oddly enough. He stood in front of me and a gold ring shone on his right hand's ring finger and a gold ring also dressed my left hand. He caressed my cheek and whispered nothingness into my ear, as I embraced him. It was odd seeing as it was my dream but I could not hear what we were discussing, yet I made a few of his words and an exchange of I love you's. It was a beautiful dream but like many dreams, they must come to an end. I woke up to the unfamiliarity of the bed and a rather comforting weight around my waist. At first, I thought it was Rebecca seeing as my daughter had a tendency to come into my room and sleep in my bed for comfort, but that idea scratches off as soon as I nuzzled into what I thought was a pillow and smelled a rather masculine scent. I opened my eyes and saw none other than a rather chiseled chest, of course in these sort of situations one would stay calm and not panic but honestly if you were in my shoes wouldn't you panic a bit?

"ERIK? ERIK! WHY ARE YOU NOT WEARING A SHIRT?! AND WHY ARE YOU GRABBING MY WAIST! THIS IS IMPROPER!" I panicked at seeing the man of my dreams in such an intimate position with me. I felt my cheeks turned a deep shade of red as soon as I saw Erik's face a smirk graced his features and his hair disheveled, but even in my current state of panic, Erik did not let me go.

"Why Elena, I am hurt that you deem this action improper. I mean we are friends and you have slept in my home many times before and we have inclusively shared a bed before. How is this any different?"

"Erik, you know very well that those other times they were given consent and you had nightwear on you! You are only wearing your loose-fitting trousers and no shirt! If anyone saw us like this-"

"What? If anyone saw us like this, what would happen Elena?"

"They-they would a-a,"

" 'A-a' what my nightingale?" Erik whispered into my ear as I felt a pleasing shiver run through my body. I restrained myself shivering of sheer pleasure from his voice, instead, I mustered up whatever maternal voice I had and responded, "Erik if anyone else saw us like this they would assume the worse! They would either mark us as improper or they would force us to marry!"

"And would that be so bad?" Erik stated as he nuzzled my hair and held me flush against his being. I was literally pressed against his chest and my head went a bit above his shoulder, leaving me a good view of his collarbone and his Adam's apple. Accidentally I got a whiff of his scent again identifying all his scents. He smelled like musk, warm spices and a floral scent...irises? I love irises! Oh Dios mio, dame fuerza! (Oh my God, give me strength!)

"Erik I'm being serious! If anyone, in particular, Mathew, saw us like this they would force you to marry me! I wouldn't want you to face that burden!" I joked with Erik while controlling my blushing. I waited for Erik's response but all I received was silence. It wasn't until I heard the rather slow and even beating of his heart that I realized Erik fell asleep. Muerta. Estoy muerta! (Dead. I am dead) It is the only reasonable explanation! I thought his arms relaxed so I moved away but his hold on me tighten and pulled me closer to him. I froze and I knew I wouldn't be able to distance myself from Erik. So instead of trying to pry myself away, I basked in the warmth Erik's arm's and chest, and as I rested my head on his chest I had the odd feeling that Erik wasn't sleeping at all. I was right.

"Elena?"

"Yes, Erik?"

"Have I ever told you that you are beautiful?"

"Many times Erik," I answered with a slight blush to my cheeks. It was a bit embarrassing how many times he had done so.

"Many isn't enough, I should tell you hundreds, thousands of times."

"Erik," I scolded him.

"It is the truth," Erik mumbled as he adjusted his hold on me, "Now sleep, it's been a long day for both of us."

"Alright," I said as I realized fighting with him would be useless. I closed my eyes and sleep took over but I could have sworn I heard Erik say "I love you."

Next Day (morning about 9 am)

I felt a tickling sensation near my nose and I began to giggle a bit, I tried to bat it away but then I felt it again. I giggled again and then felt something soft again but this time I heard a purr. I opened my eyes and suddenly I was greeted by a rather elegant looking cat.

"Oh, hello there. You must be Ayesha, mi angelita (my little angel) has told me about you," I said as I petted her softly whilst earning more purrs from the cat, "you're quite mysterious like Erik, gatita (little female kitten or kitty). You were always present in my lessons with Erik but you always disappeared. I hope that you didn't find me as competition for Erik's attention, but never doubt that Erik will always choose you Ayesha." I said as she continued to enjoy the rubs and petting. She nuzzled me and as if feeling a familiar presence straightened up and meow towards the shadows. I looked at where she meowed and saw Erik smiling at me with a mischievous smile, he had a loose white shirt on, similar to the one Miguel Iglesias had on the day he arrived at the opera house, I could see his chest. I looked away blushing at my obvious stare, but this seemed to amuse Erik even further.

"Buenos días, ¿cómo dormiste? (good morning, how did you sleep?)," Erik asked as Ayesha meowed and leaped off the bed towards her master.

"I slept well, thank you... you're Spanish is getting better, Erik. Soon enough you'll be confused as a Spaniard!" I said as I stretched a bit and released my hair from the seal I still had on it. As soon as my hair was released from the tight bond, I felt a relief and let out a sigh, however, Erik was still observing me and looked amazed at how long my hair was.

"I will hardly be as fluent as you or Mathew... Elena, your hair it's very beautiful, why do you never have it down?" he said as he went to his vanity and grabbed a brush. He quickly went to the bed and began to brush my hair. The proximity between us made my heart flutter but I controlled myself once again. Calmate niña, calmate (calm down girl, calm down). He continued to brush my hair and I quickly answered his question.

"It is not proper for someone my age to have their hair down. I'm also a mother Erik. I need to be composed and an example to my daughter... well, attempt to be a good example," I whispered the last part more to myself. He stopped.

"I think you are an exceptional example to your daughter, my nightingale. Rebecca is fortunate to have you as her example. You are an incredible woman Elena never forget that," Erik said as he stroke my cheek and then slowly placed his thumb and pointer finger on my cheek. He gently moved my face and I meet his face, I was surprised that Erik still had his mask on and by instinct I touched it and removed it. Erik flinched when I lifted it a bit, but he soon relaxed. I then placed the mask next to me and smiled at the man before me, he was so preoccupied with his face but I only saw beauty. I only saw the man I fell in love with those five years ago. He had suddenly stopped brushing my hair and his face seemed to get close to mine, he ducked his head and his lips seemed to search for mine.

"Erik," I breathlessly said as he closed in on my lips. I closed my eyes instinctively.

"Elena," I heard his husky response. We were centimeters apart. Erik was truly going to kiss me, and it seemed that we were the only ones on Earth at that moment.

"MOMMY! Señor Erik?! Are you here?! Where are you?!" We both heard an echo through Erik's home. My little angel has a peculiar sense of time and made me realize that there were other people in the world again. Erik cracked a smile at my daughter's response, but the look in his eyes were still the same, a small fire dancing around and the pupils were blown up. It was the same look that Erik sported those five years ago on stage to the great soprano, but never in my life did I imagine Erik looking at me with that same expression. In all honesty, I dismissed the look and answered my daughter who I now was worried about.

"We're near the sitting room mi cielo (my sky or my heaven it's a term of endearment)! Um, Erik, we should see if-umph" I felt Erik's lips on mine. It was a warm pleasant feeling, I melted into that kiss. Just when I was going to deepen the rather chaste kiss, Erik stopped abruptly leaving me wanting more.

"I'll go see if Rebecca is near. I wouldn't want her to get lost," Erik said huskily as she grabbed his mask and peck my lips again. He placed his mask and left the room leaving me a bit frustrated and shocked. So he's teasing me, is he? Ha, dos pueden jugar ese juego! (Two can play that game).

I got to my feet and then saw a dress left on the chair by the vanity. It was a deep emerald green dress that was rather simple but beautiful nonetheless. I quickly changed and combed the rest of my hair. As I looked into the mirror I couldn't help but notice a small newspaper cutout of Christine at the corner of the mirror. Almost like a reaction and impulse, I began to compare my appearance with Christine's. She was five years younger than I was and she was slender, extremely slender. She had the build of a dancer. My hips were rather large, larger than her but I couldn't help to think my hips were perhaps too big. I remembered what my mother used to say to me whenever ever I became insecure with myself. Each person has their own beauty Elena. It does you no good to compare yourself to others, corazon. You are beautiful, both inside and out. I then squared my shoulders, walked to the sitting room and there stood Rebecca with Erik talking among themselves.

"Monsieur Erik, are you in love with my mommy?"

"If you must know, yes. I love your mother very much," Erik answered making me freeze in my spot. He loves me?

"Are you going to marry her?" Rebecca asked with eyes wide and a bright smile.

"Well, first we have to court, then, when I ask and if your mother accepts, yes. I'll marry her," I froze and suddenly my heart seemed to stop. Did he just say?

"Mommy, did you hear Monsieur Erik wants to marry you!" Rebecca spoke as she turned to me and Eric suddenly turned around and faced me. I was sure my face turned as red as a tomato. As soon as I was about to respond, Ayesha strutted by and came up to Rebecca who with pleading eyes looked at Erik to allow her to play with his companion. Erik gave her a small smile and nodded, as Rebecca left the room, Erik and I was left alone in the sitting room. The silence between us was becoming too much.

"Rebecca, she really likes you, Erik... you're the first person, aside from Mathew, to have such a positive influence on her. Keep it up and soon she'll force you marry me," I joked as fiddled with the brooch at the top of the dress. I was then immediately stopped by a pair of hands. Erik, being the way he is, looked at me with solemn eyes and then smiled at me with a nervous smile painted on his face.

"Would it be so bad? To be married in general, I mean," Erik asked as his eyes and voice soften holding my hands as if they were the most valuable jewels in the world.

"Well... in my youth I did think about it and, yes, I suppose being married wouldn't be so bad. However, I'm not young or desirable for most 'honorable' men and I would have to have Rebecca's approval of her potential father. Y mi angel es muy honesta con sus sentimientos. (Translation: And my angel is very honest about her feelings) In all honesty, it would be hard to find someone and allow someone to get that close to my daughter or for that matter me. It's difficult to open up to someone new."

"What about with me?" Erik inquired still holding my hands tenderly.

"What?"

"Can you imagine a life with me? Being man and wife, you and me? Forming and being a family?" he questioned me as if the thought had never occurred to me. It had occurred to me many times what a life with Erik would be like and my heart beat rapidly as I thought Erik might have thought it in the same way; however, his bluntness made me doubt the sincerity of his feelings towards me and maybe he was afraid that another pupil will abandon him... like Christine.

"Erik, where is this coming from? If this is because of Miguel, then I swear Erik it is not at all amusing-" Erik shook his head and stopped my thought.

"It is coming from here," he said while placing my hands over his heart, "It was about time I was honest with myself and with you."

"I-I don't know what to say," it was all so surreal, was this really happening? Is Erik, the man who I've been admiring for five years, just confessed that he loves me? "I don't think I can express what I'm feeling."

"Don't say anything then... show me what you feel," He whispered huskily while kissing my fingers and maintaining eye contact with me. If my cheeks were not red before, at this moment I knew I had turned into a tomato. Como me puede hacer sentir como si estuviera ardiendo en solo segundos (Translation: How can he make me feel on fire in just seconds?)?

"Erik," I breathlessly whispered trying to cool myself, I thought of Rebecca and how she was a moment away and how she wouldn't understand why her mother is so breathless or blushing madly. I somehow managed to cool off a bit and directed myself to him in a firm voice.

"I think Erik we should speak about this later, preferably when we are alone... then perhaps I'll show you how I feel," I answered getting close enough to feel his breath but not joining our lips. He gasped at my bold statement and at my proximity. I then ghosted over his neck and whispered. "I will go check on Rebecca." I walked out deliberately swaying my hips a bit more than my natural walk. As I exited the room, I hear a groan and was satisfied with myself. Él quería jugar sucio y ahora le di una dosis de su propia medicina. (Translate: He wanted to play dirty and now I gave him a dose of his own medicine.)

In the other room, Rebecca was playing gleefully with Ayesha and it seemed almost natural seeing her play in Erik's lair. Although I personally didn't picture my daughter's upbringing in the depths of the opera house's catacombs, I was at ease knowing that here she would be protected and her upbringing would be just as good as any house on the 'surface' level. Rebecca would love seeing Erik every day and she would be looked after quite well. Erik would be quite thorough with Rebecca's education and incredibly involved in the upbringing of our children. Our children would no less have musical talents and knowledge of the arts, and they would have unconditional love from both of their parents. I sighed thinking of a future with Erik, unfortunately, my little angel thought I was unwell.

"¿Mami estás bien? (translation: Mommy are you alright?) You're not sick, are you? Tío Mathew puede revisarte si no te sientes bien (translation: Uncle Mathew can check you if you're not feeling well)"Rebecca asked worriedly as she headed towards me with Ayesha closely behind her.

"Mi corazón, estoy bien. No te preocupes por mi, se supone que una madre debe preocuparse por su hijo no al revés. (translate: My heart, I'm alright. Don't worry about me, and it's supposed to be the mother who should be worried about their child, not the other way around)" I responded with a smile trying to reassure her daughter of her health.

"Are you sure? Tío Mathew said you were not feeling well and that's why you stayed in Monsieur Erik's home for the night. Are you okay, mamá (mom)?"

"I'm fine mi cielo (my sky/my heaven) stop worrying about me. What did your uncle say to get you this worried... Speaking of your uncle, where is he?"

"Oh he was going to take me through the mirror but got caught up with Monsieur Andre and Monsieur Firmin; They were so focused with work that they didn't notice me leave. I remembered the way to Monsieur Erik's home though and I came down."

"Mi angelito no deberías haberlo hecho! (my little angel you shouldn't have done that!) What if you got lost on the way down or if I and Erik would have gone up? I would have been so worried about you and been uncontrollably sad. I would have been so worried about you and would have torn the whole opera house and even heaven and earth just find you! Please don't do that again, alright? I don't ever want to lose you," I said while holding Rebecca tightly in my arms as if to protect her from the world's harm. Rebecca squirmed a bit but managed to get herself freed from my hold and hugged me back properly.

As we pulled away from the embrace, I turned around and saw Erik with a tray and almost instinctively I took the tray and set it on the coffee table that adorned the living room. A hungry meow from Ayesha and the clanking of plates being placed made Erik snap out of his daze and helped with the serving of the food. He took a small saucer and gave the elegant cat some milk near us.

"Erik, you like your coffee with a splash milk and three lumps of sugar right?" I confirmed with the phantom as I grabbed the sugar instinctively.

"What?" barely coming out of his daze status.

"I was asking on how you take your coffee, Erik. A splash of milk and three lumps of sugar right?"

"Yes, yes it is that... how did you know?" Erik wondered as he has never (in his home) eaten a meal with me or coffee for that fact.

"Let's just say a little Spanish bird told me," I answered with a sly smile. Erik smiled at the thought of Mathew giving every bit of details of their encounter to me. Erik and I then got comfortable and served Rebecca some tea (primarily milk with a miniscule amount of coffee) and pastries, we were enjoying our tea for a moment when we heard a familiar voice call out in the lair.

"REBECCA ARE YOU DOWN HERE? ARE YOU SAFE? REBECCA, WHERE ARE YOU?" an echo rang through the catacomb. Erik and I froze, it seemed Rebecca got her timing from her uncle.

"TIO MATHEW! I'M HERE WITH MOMMY AND MONSIEUR ERIK! I'M SAFE AND SOUND" Rebecca responded not realizing she was projecting into our ears. Surprisingly, Erik was alright with it as he kept looking at me and straighten Rebecca's stance. I gave him a look and he mouthed to me that my little angel had potential and strong lungs. Ever the opera ghost, I thought.

"ELENA! ERIK! MEG AND I ARE COMING DOWN NOW! I APOLOGIZE FOR KEEPING YOU WAITING!" We heard Mathew's voice echo the lair. Rebecca got up from her seat and carried Ayesha to the lake where her uncle was most probably going to arrive at. Erik then got up and helped me up as well. I straightened my dress and looked at the tray, suddenly a bold idea came to mind and I began to smile.

"Elena, what is so amusing?"

"Oh nothing... I just realized we are going to need more cups, Erik, I'll go get them. Go and greet our guests," Erik must have thought the same thing because he reluctantly mumbled a 'you're right' and went to go find the rest of our guests, but before he left the room I kissed him fiercely and made my way to the kitchen.

Erik's P.O.V~

"We are going to need more cups, Erik, I'll go get them. Go and greet our guests," she smiled as she kissed me and disappeared to the kitchen. I shivered from the sheer pleasure of her voice alone, it both excited and terrified how much power her voice alone held and how I fell for Elena so quickly. She was a breath of fresh air so different from Christine even the way she looked at me, Elena was honest from the start and I admired that infinitely; if more people were as strong and caring as she was the world would be a better place. And yet there was something that I couldn't shake off of myself. A doubt that one day this dream-like reality will end... the nerves of losing the woman I love is always in the back of my mind.

As these thoughts plagued my mind, I heard the approaching footsteps and straightened myself up for the company I was now expecting. I walked with Rebecca holding my hand to the main part of my lair to greet my now new friends. The word itself and using that word still impresses me to today. The horrific phantom actually having friends! If only my younger self would see what I'd have... maybe he's be someone worthy and would make less questionable decisions.

"Ah Erik, Hello! I apologize for the projection earlier, but a missing niece and the worry of not finding her made me not think of how improper it was to yell out in the catacombs," He knelt down to his niece, "Rebecca don't ever do that again! I was worried for you! What if something happened to you? You could have gotten hurt or lost! Please, if you're running off somewhere make sure to tell me or Miss Giry alright?"

"Yes Uncle Mathew," the little angel responded with her head down looking remorseful for what she'd done. I stepped in to make them both feel better.

"Mathew, there was no harm done. Rebecca is fine and I was going to meet you at the Prima Donna entrance, the entrance that Rebecca already knows. She's safe and now that you and Meg are here we can go into the parlor" I said as a means to distract myself from the current situation and relieve myself of my doubts. Mathew nodded and it was then that his outfit as well as Meg's caught my attention. He was dress in a dark sapphire suit jacket, with some black pants, white shirt, white bow tie and blue vest. Only a man with his looks could pull off such ridiculous suit colors, oddly enough it suited him more than dark formals that he wore during the performances in the Populaire. While Meg wore a cream color dress with some blue flowers and a blue lace adorning the accent parts of her dress. Do they honestly coordinate their outfits or is it mere coincidence? I thought as I saw them both in similar color patterns.

"I am quite well Erik, a little busy a while ago, but now I'm superb. I trust you all had a pleasant night?" Mathew inquired with a critical eye as if daring me to say something that will compromise the honor of his sister. Although Mathew was on my side, he also wanted Elena to be respected as the lady she is and knowing Mathew he would fight for his sister's honor.

"It was pleasant, I made sure Elena was well rested," I answered leaving out a few details as I knew Mathew would fight me then drag me to the nearest church to marry his sister. The thought itself made me realize that not much dragging would be needed for me, but maybe Elena would put up a bit of fight. The thought itself made me both laugh and saddened at the thought.

"Well that's good. She needs much deserved rest. Was last night insightful? Did you confess your feelings to my sister?" Mathew asked.

"I would say it was the most... insightful night I've ever had. Mathew, your sister is the most amazing human being and I don't deserve her, and out of all the people in the world who are not mons- not me, Elena chose me... somehow I think she could do better," I answered a bit forlorn.

"Ya hombre! My sister loves you even if she hasn't told you. I am sure of it," Mathew answered as he made his coffee as well as Meg's it was only a matter of time before Mathew would do this for Meg every morning. I thought as I grinned at the sight of the young man making his love her coffee and the glow emanating from their beings. Honestly, they made me feel both young and old as their love seemed less complicated and very pure but honest and mature. As soon as I finished the thought Elena returned with more cups and sent her pleasantries with both her brother and friend. We all adjusted to our seats and began chatting about mundane things. The opera house, gossip, the new plays that had come out, etcetera. Just then, Elena made a comment to Mathew that made both him and Meg turn tomato red.

"So, Mathew... what are your intentions with my friend? I mean clearly you both have deep affection for each other. Some might say it is love. Meg is a lovely young lady and it is clear to me that you both compliment each other, but if you are only using her for fun then you and I are going to have a serious talk Mathew! If your intentions though are serious then my question is... when are you going to propose to Miss Giry?"

"You know, Mathew, your sister is right. Meg Giry has not had a courtship as long as yours since... ever. I also haven't seen her smile so brightly in years. One day, who knows really, you may want to be with her always, wake up with her in the mornings, have meals together, build a home, have a family, grow old together and love each other everyday until the end of your lives. What I'm saying Mathew is that Meg is a good woman and you two seem to be truly in love, so much so that you should marry her. I know both of you are still young, but you two have proven true to each other. Opportunities like Meg don't come around everyday... Meg is like a little sister to me, Mathew. What I'm trying to say is you break her heart I'll break your legs? Understood?"

Mathew laughed knowing the technique himself, he used a similar technique on me when he got me to confess my feelings for Elena to him, but the last part of my speech was my own personal flair. Afterall, I was the infamous Phantom of the Opera!

"Erik, I know you and my sister are right in telling me this, and there will be a future where Meg and I will marry, but I want both of us to be sure and somewhat ready for that new step in our relationship and-"

"And we are both still young and we have our own goals to achieve in the immediate future that might prove a hardship if we get married. I want Mathew to finish his medical studies and Mathew supports me in my goal to be the prima ballerina of the Populaire... so we both need to accomplish those things before we move on. For now we are happy with our courtship and we respect each other's decisions and aspirations. Besides we barely know each other and many relationships falter when a couple marries young... at least from the ones I've seen."

"The ones you've seen?" I inquired as Meg looked sad for a moment. She then held her hand to her mouth as if she misspoke and Elena taking the cue of her friend's discomfort interjected.

"Well, I hope that when you both decide to get married I'll be one of the firsts to know. Meg, I wish nothing but good things for you and my brother. I am rooting for you both!"

"Both of you deserve the best and with the other by your side you'll surely be able to achieve it," I answered honestly as I knew these two kids would be alright.

"Thank you...Erik. That really means so much coming from you," Meg answered with a smile as she held onto Mathew's hand tightly, "and I wish you happiness and love as well. Who knows maybe it'll come sooner than expected."

"Oh dear it seems that we've run out of ammunitions," Mathew stated as he tried to refill his cup with the now empty coffee pot.

"Oh well I'll go get it,

"Oh no no no! Erik please entertain my precious niece and the lovely Miss Giry while I bring forth more coffee. Um Elena could you help with the rest of the assortments for this?" Mathew answered while giving his sister a knowing look. Elena knowing very well that look got up and made her way to the kitchen stopping at the frame to meet her brother. As he made his way to the kitchen and Elena in front of him I saw Mathew smile and make an odd signal to Meg Giry. This made me suspicious as to the conversation we were going to have.

"Erik, there's something I need to tell you," Meg said as she grabbed one of my hands and being in a playful mood I decided to tease Meg a bit.

"Meg, if this is a pass then I must say that I am old enough to be your father young lady!" I joked and laughed as I saw Meg's cheeks turn a rather bright shade of red, causing her to let go of my hand.

"Erik be serious! What I'm trying to say is... don't break Elena's heart, she's been through so much and well she has become one of my closest friends. In fact, she is my best friend! She knows me better than anyone. She has changed you- in a good way and you seem happier with her by your side. I've never seen you so decided to be a better person not only for her sake, but for your own. She's a wonderful woman and nothing would make me happier than to see her happy as well. SO if you are in love with her... then do something about it and do it now. Before you loose your chance at love again. This may not mean much but you have my support and my blessing for your relationship with my best friend," Meg said as she stared directly into my eyes for the first time in her life.
"Meg, I promise that I will tell Elena and don't worry I will not lose this chance to be free from the past and to love again and... Thank you. Truly thank you."

Elena's P.O.V~

Mathew had entered the kitchen grabbing the cezve with water that was on the fire and dumping the precise amount of ultra fine coffee with an agitated look on his face. He was pouting to be more preciseas he continued with the preparation. He had a habit of doing this when he was younger and he didn't get his way or when he got impatient with something. As he stood there huffin I took a chance and inquired my brother about his mood.

"Mathew, que pasa. Que tienes? (Mathew what is happening/what's going on? What is wrong?/What do you have?)

"Lo que pasa herman mía es que tu estas enamorada de ese hombre y no le has confesado tus sentimientos hacia él! Elena, el pobre no tiene ni idea que tu lo amas!" (Translation: What is happening sister mine is that you are in love with that man and you haven't confessed your feelings to him! Elena, the poor man has no idea that you love him!)

"I think you are overreacting. Erik is just being nice-

"Enough! Enough with the he's just being nice, he's just like that, he's only making me feel better- No! Elena he loves you and he's been telling you in in a million ways that he loves you! You are just being too stubborn to think that he has no interest in you because of what Philippe de Chagny said and did to you! It's time, dear sister, for you to be happy and to confess your feelings directly towards him because frankly I'm not getting any younger and I can only withstand this situation for a short period of time before I drag both of you to the nearest church and marry you off to each other! Though I suppose you would want to plan your own wedding and such with more time than say 1 hour.

"Mathew!"

"Elena, I'm serious. Confess your love for him because you might truly lose him if you don't.

"Alright, brother. I- thank you for your words of encouragement. I will tell Erik, but I need you to take care of Rebecca for tonight again. I feel like it's going to be a long night because I'm sure he'll have a lot of questions and concerns about this and I will most probably have questions too," I reasoned.

"Ever the methodical sister," Mathew chuckled as he grabbed the coffee, that he had been so rough with earlier, delicately going into the next room with Meg, Rebecca and Erik. For the majority of the visit Mathew and Meg were telling us about their first date and how things went and how much admiration and respect each of them have for each other. Stories about the past and past incidents that had occured in the opera house of which Erik would explain how he was or was not involved. Erik sat next to me and every so often he would catch my eye and hold my hand briefly, eventually he just placed his hand in mine indefinitely. This action gave me the courage to tell Erik, consequences be damn. The "outing" came to end afterwards and Mathew and Meg took Rebecca with them, though it would give me strength to have her with me I knew this was a conversation that she shouldn't be listening into. Not to mention if things did go wrong, then I didn't want my angelito to be upset with the outcome of my confessions.

As we cleared the dishes and tidied up the sitting room, I made small talk with Erik about Mathew, Me, the opera house and Rebecca.

Once we were done Erik started lighting or rather relighting his home with candles some of them were close to the end and he had to replace them. I offered help to which he graciously appreciated. Of course it took no time at all and by the time we finished all the common areas we headed towards the main bedroom. How comical to reveal my feeling towards this man in the most intimate room. I blushed a bit and continued with helping him light his bedroom.

"Thank you for helping me with this. I usually don't have to replace them so soon, but I'd rather have the lair well lit when we have guest over than be in darkness while trying to pour tea in the right cup," he joked as he finished replacing the last candle on his side.

"It was the least I could do. Considering that your guest were also my family." I stated as I was finishing lighting the the last candle stick on my end. "Thank you by the way for hosting them...I know you are still uncomfortable with social interactions."

"It was no problem. Your family is always pleasant to be around. You all make me feel... human and normal

"Is that bad?

"No! No not at all. It's a breath of fresh air, really I never thought I would feel this way and I would have never dreamed of having a normal life. It makes my heart very happy knowing that I have such amazing and supportive people. And that I have you in my life."

Before I knew it I embraced Erik. He was caught off guard but responded by putting his arms around me. We stayed like that for a moment in that comfortable silence. I felt very safe in that moment and in that very moment I blurted out my confession.

"Erik, I love you."

Erik's POV~

"Erik, I love you," Elena blurted as I still held her in my embrace. I stiffened at her words. Elena actually said those words, after restless nights of worrying that those feeling were all figments of my imagination and isolation. Now she said them here in my lair and I couldn't quite react to what she confirmed. I guess I was quiet for far too long that Elena misinterpreted my silence with rejection.

"Elena! Wait... I have to admit I was in shock with your declaration, not because I did not reciprocate your feelings but because I'm afraid of what I'm going to do next," I motioned to the room we were currently in and then Elena understood. Her cheeks turned a rather amusing shade of red, which almost made me laugh had her expression shown something I wasn't expecting from the young woman in front of me.

"Maybe it is a sign, Erik. Maybe I told you this because I love you and I would be willing to drop the last bit of restraint... just to be utterly and completely yours. Erik, I want you in a way I never thought I would want a man," Elena answered with clear desire in her eyes and a slight smile on her face. Wow, that was so honest I can't say anything about it I thought as Elena put her arms around my neck and placed her head on my heart. I melted into her and placed my hands on her waist to pull her closer to me. I could feel the rhythm of her heart thundering in cacophonous unison with mine.

I swear, I don't know how we ended up in the bed, but in a frenzy we both ended up stumbling to the very candle (ironically) lit bedroom. I don't know where my shyness went but I took off my shirt without hesitation as I helped Elena out of her gown. I kept stumbling with the buttons so eventually I ripped the dress open revealing Elena's undergarment. She tried to cover herself with the cloth but it was far too ripped to do much so she gingerly and I must say shyly revealed herself to me. Elena was more shy than I was about this, I was her first willing (and with consent) time with a man. While I, well let's just say in a moonless night I had some sort of practice, knew how this would turn out. With every sensation my blood rushed faster through my body and with every touch I felt on fire and no longer scared as to what the future may hold for us. As a gentleman, I will not tell you the details of this intimate moment, but I will say this: Elena Vega is a passionate woman and anyone who says otherwise is completely and utterly wrong, and I'll defend that statement till the day I die. As we created this symphony together, and had several encores that ended much much much later, I realized that for the first time in a long time I felt truly happy... or so I thought.

My dream:
Elena was running through a beautiful beach and I was chasing after her like children playing a game. I caught up to her and twirled her around. Elena laughed and her laugh was warm and inviting. In my vision Elena was still Elena but there was something about her that was different. First off her hair was shoulder length and she looked older but somehow she maintained her youthful look and she was sporting a wedding ring on her finger. We kissed and then Elena started running again this time she said "come find me" I ran behind her as I almost caught her I saw another shadow, Elena stopped and looks at me with a worry and sad expression she calls out my name and extends her hand. As I was about to reach out to her, I hear a soft whisper of a voice I haven't heard in years, Christine calling out to me.

Christine?

Save me! Christine called out reaching out to me in the opposite direction.

Erik? Elena cried out to me still concern and worried about Christine's reappearance.

Elena then ran to me and I- I pushed Elena away from me and into an abyss. Trust me when I say that I was shocked to have dreamt that. Never would I do that in real life especially after what we just did. As my dreamed continued to unfold, I saw myself run to Christine only for when I touched her, she turned a blood red color and a scream being heard from the abyss was surrounding me. More like suffocating me making me stumble into the black abyss. Faces of the people I had killed and hurt most began to reappear on my way down. Screams of Elena and Christine as well as other voices surrounded me questioning me on my decision. The voices of the managers, Mathew, Raoul de Chagny, Madame Giry, Meg, Rebecca, Miguel, Christine and Elena. All of them, in my head, forsaking and casting me further into the dark abyss. I reached out to them as I was going deeper and deeper, but I kept falling . "You brought this upon yourself Erik. You made your choice." As I reached the bottom I saw Elena's body it was barely breathing and as soon as I had her in my arms I noticed the severe cut on her neck and a wound on her heart she looked at me with anger and hate in her eyes and said "Monster... you killed us" as I quickly saw Rebecca's lifeless body along with Mathew and Meg. And in the reflection of her eyes my face more grotesque and contorted than ever and I saw that I had blood in my hands and blood coming from my mouth. I had cause this. It was then that darkness consumed me and I jolted awake from this nightmare. Beads of a chilling sweat adorned my forehead and I looked around the cavern making sure I was at home. I looked to my side and saw Elena slightly stirring from her sleep. As soon as she saw me she quickly got up and covered her chest to keep modesty. Seeing this made me ease a little. But Elena, seeing me struggle in for breath, furrowed her eyes in worry and touched my shoulder lightly.
"Erik? I need you to listen to me. Take a big breath in," I did as she asked," good now slowly breathe out. Keep repeat this action a couple of time."

I did this for a short while and then I let out a small thank you to Elena who now sat up next to and was rubbing my back for comfort.

"Erik, what's wrong? Are you alright?

"Elena, I am fine. I just had a nightmare. A horrible nightmare, I don't want to talk about it... Let's go back to sleep," I reasoned with my rapidly beating heart.

"Erik, come here," Elena opened her arms inviting me in. "Please, tell me what happened?"

"I can't say but it was just awful! Elena," I said not wanting to reveal to Elena that dream and by proxy making Elena worry about me further.

I slept in Elena's arm's for the rest of the night, but pondering on what Mister Iglesias said earlier that day. "Are you sure that she will be happy here with you?"

I shook it off as I tried my best to dismiss the conversation with the spaniard, yet deep down I knew he was right. Thus began my descent to the abyss of doubt and uncertainty. Thus I committed the worst mistake of my life. Thus, I ruined my life and I subsequently destroyed Elena Vega's life. Thus our destiny was set before us.

Author's Endnote: DUNN DUNNN DUNNNN! What will happen next? Also once again I'm sorry everyone about the very long hiatus, it took me a while to get back into this story and the feeling of this story not being finished ate up my insides. I will be back soon with another update (be prepared to read a mini novel length in the last chapters of this story). Thank you once again dear readers for the support, feedback, and love for this story truly I never would have thought y'all would still read my first work even after this long hiatus. Please leave comment and review and I'll see y'all in the next chapters.