Hello ~ thank you for reading my story and welcome to Chapter 3! This story is one I've had on my mind for years and is a fanfic for one of my favorite movies, The Phantom of the Opera, and features one of my favorite ships, Erik and Meg.

I welcome all feedback - my only ask is that you're respectful. I hope you enjoy the story!

Disclaimer: I do not own The Phantom of the Opera or any of the characters. The only thing I own are my ideas.

Hours after her performance, it was announced that Meg would play Giselle, which surprised no one. While everyone was excited about Meg's role, Meg herself felt like she was drowning.

She loved dancing but she was not like her sister. She could not go from a background dancer to the star of the production the way Christine had.

Her mother also noticed the change in her mood after it was announced that she would be the lead in the ballet and tried her best to encourage her daughter. She knew Meg did not enjoy being in the spotlight but she also knew that it would be a waste of her talent if she remained as a background dancer.

"It is a chance to showcase your skills, Meg. You are one of the most talented dancers I have seen, and I am not saying that merely because I am your mother," Madame Giry said to Meg as she brushed her daughter's hair.

Meg sighed. "Maman, everyone says I am talented but am I talented enough to be the lead of the very first ballet at the Opera Populaire? What if-" Meg paused, once again feeling as though she were drowning. "What if I am not good? What if I ruin the production? If I ruin the Populaire's only chance to recover?"

Tears glistened in Meg's eyes as she considered the possibility of her failing and disappointing everyone who was counting on her.

"Meg," her mother sighed and turned Meg around so that she was looking at Madame Giry. "You are talented and it is time you acknowledge that. I would not have pushed you to train harder than everyone else if I did not feel that you had natural talent. And I would not have pushed you to audition if I did not feel that you were ready."

"But, Maman-" Meg began before her mother cut her off.

"You are ready, Meg. And it is time you realize that as well and stop doubting yourself and your abilities."

Meg didn't say anything as she sat back down and allowed her mother to finish brushing her hair.

Although the production would not start for another four months, Madame Giry refused to waste any time and had the ballet corp begin practicing every day. Practice would begin in the early morning hours and last for hours until Madame Giry stopped for fear of injuries. Although she was strict, Madame Giry made sure that she allowed her dancers ample time to rest so as to not overwhelm their bodies with the rigorous practice. She was determined for the opening night to be a success for the corp, knowing very well that many of the younger ballerinas were excited about being able to finally showcase their talent.

Over the next few days, Erik spent some of his time sneaking looks at the ballet corp as they practiced, particularly when Meg was dancing.

He simply wanted to ensure that his opera house was running smoothly, he assured himself as he stood hidden in the shadows of the rafters, watching the blonde dance across the stage.

He heard light, melodic laughter and looked down to see Meg laughing at something the male lead said. The man continued to speak and Meg nodded, giving him a quick smile before her mother's voice rang out.

"Time to get back to work," Madame Giry said, rapping her cane on the floor.

The music resumed and Meg began her pas de deux with the dancer playing the role of Albrecht.

As the music played, Meg's body became pliant, bending perfectly to echo each of her partner's movements.

While the male lead was talented, there was no denying that the duo was unevenly matched, Erik noted, as Meg's talent visibly surpassed that of her partner. The young dancer lifted Meg and turned with her before they began to jeté across the stage. Deciding that he had had enough for the day, Erik turned and melted into the shadows.

As Meg danced, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. When her partner lifted her, she looked up and her eyes widened as she saw a dark figure disappear into the shadows.

The Phantom had been watching the rehearsal yet again.

Meg grabbed a candle and tiptoed to the door. As quietly as she could, she opened it before she slipped outside. It was the early hours of the morning and everyone at the opera house was still asleep.

Grateful for the silence, Meg made her way to the roof, the gentle tap of her ballet shoes echoing behind her.

Erik looked up from the candle he was lighting in the chapel. Someone was wandering around, he noted as his sharp ears detected light footsteps in the opera house. He stood and made his way towards the corridor. There was no one there.

Suddenly, he heard the door to the roof open. Who could be going to the roof at this hour, he wondered as he silently made his way towards the roof as well.

Erik crept along the stairs before he slipped onto the roof, easily blending in with the shadows as his eyes scanned the roof. They widened slightly as he saw a petite figure standing near the edge of the roof, her gaze focused on the city beyond.

The soft moonlight illuminated Meg Giry's face as she looked out at the city, a distant look on her face. She looked like she was longing for something, a subtle air of melancholy surrounding her. A gentle wind blew and picked up several loose strands of her blonde hair, pushing them across her face.

She closed her eyes and enjoyed the feel of the warm wind on her skin, allowing herself to relax as a small smile appeared on her lips. As she enjoyed the serenity the night offered her, Erik observed her. She was wearing a flowing white sleeping gown with lace ruffles around the neckline. Because the weather was growing warmer, the sleeves were capped and the dress ended just below her knees. Her blonde hair tied back in a raggedy bow with a few tendrils hanging loose.

There was something mystical about her, Erik thought as she stood there bathing in the moonlight. Her blonde hair seemed pale, almost silver under the moon, and Erik was immediately reminded of a fae. Yes, that was it.

Meg reminded him of a fairy, her beauty and features delicate and graceful. There was no denying that Meg was beautiful, but her beauty was light and ethereal, while Christine's had been a darker and more exotic beauty that left Erik breathless.

Suddenly, Meg opened her eyes and turned away from the edge, her brown eyes vivid and alert. Erik watched curiously as she made her way towards the center of the roof. She inhaled softly before she closed her eyes once again and began to dance to music that only she heard.

Her body seemed to be water as she moved, her every movement measured yet graceful. A small smile was on her face as she spun before she leapt into the air, landing not too far from where Erik was hiding.

Her eyes were still closed as she pushed herself up on her toes, one foot extending behind her as she moved into an arabesque. As she did, Erik studied her face. Her cheeks were tinged with a rosy glow and her full lips were parted in a soft exhale. As he observed her, her eyes shot open and Erik was shocked to see the deep emotions in her warm brown eyes.

Happiness. Sadness. Passion. Her chocolate eyes seemed to blaze with a fire from within her. She quickly shifted her weight and was now standing on both feet, her eyes focused on the spot where he was hiding. Did she know he was there?

No, there was no way she could see him if he did not wish for her to see him, Erik assured himself. Sure enough, she turned away and continued her dance.

Masked by the shadows, Erik moved closer to watch her private performance. Meg pushed herself up onto her toes and began her pirouettes en pointe. She began slowly, steadily building up her tempo. As she spun faster, her face took on a dreamy look before she transitioned into a state of complete ecstasy as she lost herself to the movements. As he watched her, Erik realized he had become a witness to something very personal. Meg was baring her soul, the same way he did when he played his music.

She did several more turns before she abruptly stopped and returned to a resting position, her eyes focused on where Erik was currently hidden. Erik's eyes widened and his breathing slowed as she looked right at him. However, there was no way she could see him as her eyes were glazed and half-closed, her chest steadily rising and falling as she took deep breaths to calm her racing heart.

Yet, Erik felt as though she was staring right at him. A cool shiver slowly ran up his spine as he looked back at Meg, his emerald eyes suddenly burning with intensity.

Having not moved from her spot, Meg continued her deep breathing, her cheeks flushed from the intensity of her dancing. Then, she slowly turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Erik alone on the roof.

Erik quickly learned that Meg snuck away every night to dance on the roof, and he continued watching her from the shadows over the course of two weeks.

Although Meg was unaware of his presence, Erik felt like he had formed an unusual bond with the dancer as she unknowingly bared her soul to him each time she danced.

Erik had also noticed that her dancing on the roof was very different from the dancing she did during practice in the day. While she captured each movement and emotion perfectly as Giselle, there was something crucial missing during her rehearsals.

As he watched her dance on the roof, Erik realized that Meg's rehearsals were missing the passion and intensity he saw during her late-night performances. She was controlled during her rehearsals and went through the motions flawlessly as was expected of her but she didn't seem to have the raw passion and emotions he saw on the roof.

The Meg everyone saw during rehearsal was an illusion, reflecting everything that everyone else wanted her to be, everything that her mother wanted her to be. Her true self emerged only when she danced on the roof, her every movement free and untamed as her heart dictated each spin and jump.

Erik watched as Meg moved into an arabesque before she returned to second position. She was breathing deeply, her eyes focused on the shadows where he was hiding. As she inhaled, she closed her eyes, a small smile on her face as she enjoyed the warm breeze washing over her.

"You know, monsieur Fantome, it is not polite to spy on a young lady," she said in a soft voice, causing Erik's eyes to grow wide. Had she seen him?

She slowly opened her eyes, which were still focused on the spot where he was hidden.

"How did you know I was here?" Erik threw his voice behind her, causing her to turn around before she chuckled.

"I felt as though I was being watched," she replied. "And who else but the Phantom sees all at the Opera Populaire?"

When he didn't answer, she continued, "but where are you, monsieur?"

Erik remained where he was, debating whether he should emerge or not. She continued to look at the shadows expectantly before she sighed, "you do not have to show yourself if you do not want to. But, you have my permission to continue watching my dancing if you wish to."

With that, she turned and quietly made her way towards the door before disappearing from the roof. Erik was left staring at the spot she had been in moments before. How had she known he was there?

Erik watched from the shadows as Meg made her way to her favorite spot on the rooftop. She closed her eyes and began her usual routine, losing herself in the movements. It had been more than a week since she had revealed to him that she knew he was there in the shadows.

However, she still continued coming to the roof each night and, after every dance, would ask him to show himself. Erik still chose to remain hidden but it had become a kind of routine for them.

Meg would dance and he would watch from the shadows. She would speak to him and ask him to show himself before giving up and returning to her bed when he did not. Tonight was no different.

"Where are you, monsieur Fantome?" Meg asked, her eyes darting around the rooftop. Little did she know that Erik was beside her, blended in with the shadow of a gargoyle. When he did not respond, Meg let out a small sigh before she turned and began to head back down.

"What do you think about when you dance?" Erik suddenly asked, causing her to pause before she slowly turned to face his general direction.

For a moment, she stared into the shadows with a contemplative look on her face. Finally, she answered, "I don't think about anything, monsieur. I just feel. The music just flows into me and it feels like something inside me awakens and suddenly I feel free. I just let myself be swept away by the emotions flowing through me."

When she finished, she waited expectantly for him to respond. When he didn't, she continued, "what do you think about when you play? What do you feel?"

Her question caught him off guard, particularly because no one had ever asked him what he thought about or what he felt when he played.

What did he feel and think about while he played and composed?

An image of Christine appeared in his mind.

Accepting that he wasn't going to answer, Meg turned to leave, calling over her shoulder, "good night, monsieur Fantome."

"I think about Christine," he suddenly replied. Meg paused, her hand on the door.

"I should have realized that," she said in a low voice, her back to him.

"Before Christine, I use to think about escape," he continued, watching as she slowly turned to look at the shadows. "Music was a way for me to escape my reality and it later became a way for me to redeem myself."

"'Redeem yourself?'" she repeated. "What do you mean, monsieur?"

"I hope to redeem myself by contributing beauty to this world," he replied, his voice low and almost hushed. Why was he telling her this, he wondered?

Meg looked in his direction for a moment, a thoughtful look on her face as she softly replied, "but you already have."

Before he could ask what she meant, Meg had already retreated from the roof, leaving a speechless Erik staring after her.

Erik looked down at his sheet music, unable to focus. He heard so many melodies in his head yet he was unable to capture any of them. What was happening?

It had been almost two weeks since his last rendezvous with Meg on the rooftop. He hadn't spoken to her since as practice for Giselle had become more rigorous. They were two months away from opening night and Madame Giry had become more demanding with practice. Oftentimes, the dancers could barely walk to their beds to sleep for the few hours they were able to before it was time for them to wake up and begin practice all over again. Meg had been especially tired, falling asleep the moment her head hit the pillow.

As he paced around the cave trying to clear his head, her words drifted back to him.

"But you already have."

What did she mean by that?

His thoughts were interrupted as a soft voice called, "monsieur Fantome, are you here?"

Turning, his eyes widened slightly as he saw Meg in the boat approaching his lair. What was she doing down there?

"What are you doing here?" he asked, his tone harsher than he intended it to be.

But she showed no sign of fear and responded, "I have not seen you for days. I was worried something may have happened to you."

Her words surprised him. She had been worried about him?

He quickly gathered himself before she could see the surprise on his face.

"Thank you for your concern, mademoiselle. However, as you can clearly see, I am perfectly fine," he replied in a curt tone.

"I see that," she gave him a small smile and stepped off the boat.

"Very well. Now please leave me alone," he said, turning to walk away. However, he paused when she reached into the boat and pulled out a basket.

"After we have lunch," was her response, watching as the Phantom inhaled sharply. Before he could protest, she was already setting the food out and plopped down, ready to have yet another picnic in his cave.

When he didn't move, she gave a sigh before saying, "please do not make me beg."

Moments later, Erik was reluctantly sitting nearby, watching Meg smile as she broke a piece of cheese for him. He looked down at the cheese but didn't touch it.

"Monsieur Fantome," she looked at him, nibbling on a piece of fruit as she did. "What is your name?"

Erik froze at her question, unsure what to say. No one had ever asked him his name before. In fact, the only person who knew his name was Antoinette, Meg's mother.

"Why?" he asked and she shrugged, replying, "I feel strange always calling you monsieur Fantome. Besides, if we are to be friends, I should know your name. You already know mine so it is only fair that I know yours."

Friends? She wanted to be his friend?

"I have no friends," he replied, turning away slightly. "And I do not need any."

"Everyone needs a friend," Meg said softly. Erik turned and looked at her, her soft brown eyes locking with his emerald orbs.

"Not everyone," was his response before he stood and began heading towards his room.

"Monsieur Fantome," Meg called after him as she got to her feet and began to follow him.

"Ouch," she suddenly cried, letting out a slight gasp as she stubbed her toe on something. Bending, she moved aside the curtain, her eyes growing wide as she retrieved the box she had hidden months before.

"Where did you find that?" Erik breathed as he turned to see her holding the monkey music box.

"I hid it from the looters when they came down to your home," she replied in a matter-of-factly voice, giving him a small smile. "It's been under the curtain. I thought that it might be important to you."

"I thought it had been stolen." Erik looked at her before he turned his attention back to the music box. Slowly, he approached her and took the music box as Meg offered it.

His voice thick with emotion, he whispered, "thank you."

At his thanks, Meg gave him a tender smile and replied, "you're welcome."

Neither spoke for a few moments before Meg suddenly gasped.

"Maman."

Turning, she began to make her way back to the boat. Just as she got to the boat, she paused and flashed him a smile, saying, "I brought you more pastries."

With that, she climbed into the boat. As he watched Meg get into the boat, Erik called, "Erik."

She paused and looked back at him, slight confusion on her face.

He called again, "my name is Erik. Erik Destler."

"Erik Destler," Meg repeated before she gave him a wide smile. "I like it. It's a nice name, Erik."

With that, she began to row across the lake, flashing him yet another smile before she disappeared from view, leaving him staring after her.

And that's a wrap for chapter 3! Curious to hear your thoughts so please leave a review sharing your thoughts. Thanks and more to come!

-DramaQueen95