Hello ~ thank you for reading my story and welcome to Chapter 4! 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.

As they got closer to the opening night of Giselle, Meg saw more and more glimpses of Erik as he watched over the production from above. While she pretended to be unaware of the fact that he was there, Meg was sure that he knew she saw him as he walked around above the stage.

Meg performed a series of spins before she leapt into a grand jeté across the stage. Strong arms wrapped around her waist as her partner caught her and, lifting her, turned around with her. She lifted her head and noticed Erik perched on a beam, the white mask shining back at her through the darkness.

Their eyes locked for a split second before her partner set her down and she continued rehearsal.

Soon after, she was on her way down to Erik's lair, a small picnic basket in her hands. As she got closer, she saw him pause what he was doing before he turned towards the lake. His eyes widened slightly as he saw her coming towards him. Clearly, he did not expect her to continue visiting him in his cave.

"Hello Erik," she greeted him warmly as she stepped out of the boat.

"What do you want?" he sighed, setting his pencil down as he stood and walked towards her. She raised the small basket in her hand, replying, "it's lunchtime."

Moments later, Erik was sitting beside Meg munching on fruit and some tiny sandwiches she had prepared.

"Thank you," he mumbled after he finished his 2nd mini sandwich. Meg gave him a quick nod before she finished the strawberry she was eating.

"The production begins in less than two weeks," she absently said and Erik nodded.

"I know," he replied, his tone not leaving room for further conversation. Meg paused, unsure what to say. Deciding that it was better to remain quiet, she grabbed another strawberry and began to munch on it.

"Are you scared?" Erik suddenly asked, watching as she tensed. A few moments passed but she said nothing.

Finally, she gave a small nod, replying, "honestly, a tiny bit. It is the first time I am the lead in anything and I am terrified my performance will not be good nor memorable."

"Why do you think that?" Erik asked and she shrugged, answering, "I feel like my abilities are slightly above average but not worthy of being the star of the production."

Not everyone can transition into the spotlight the way Christine had, she wanted to add but bit her tongue. Erik seemed to be in a pleasant mood and she didn't wish to sour it by reminding him of her sister.

"I think there are many who will disagree," Erik pointed out, earning a short laugh from Meg before she said, "I fear they are biased, monsieur. Maman favors me because I am her daughter and the others in the ballet corp because I am the ballet mistress' daughter."

"You are too harsh on yourself," Erik immediately replied, watching as her eyes widened slightly before she looked down, not saying anything. He continued, "you are talented and have been working hard for the last few months in preparation. If you do not give your full self, then the entire production will suffer."

With those words, he got to his feet and said, "you should get back before practice resumes and they realize you are gone." Nodding, she got to her feet as well and made her way to the boat.

As she got to the boat, she turned back to him, a small smile on her face as she said, "thank you, Erik." He didn't reply, watching as she got into the boat and began to row back to the other side.

"Are you ready, Meg?" Madame Giry asked her daughter, who visibly blanched.

"Maman, I'm not sure I am ready," Meg stuttered, shaking her head as she continued, "I am not like Christine. I don't know how to move from the background to the spotlight."

"Meg," Madame Giry softened her voice as she touched her daughter's cheek. Looking her daughter in the eyes, she continued, "you are one of the best ballerinas I have ever seen, and I do not say that because you are my daughter. Your body possesses an affinity for music that few dancers have. Your performance will be spectacular, my love. I know it."

With that, Antoinette wrapped her arms around her daughter, who relaxed into the hug, her anxiety momentarily at bay.

Maybe she could do this, Meg thought to herself as her mother released her from the embrace. Either way, she had no choice because Firmin and André had just welcomed everyone and announced the show.

Everything became a blur as Meg became Giselle. As she danced across the stage, she could feel every inch of her being begging her to return to the shadows. However, there was something else deep within her that was begging to be set free.

Conflicted, she continued to dance as the feeling grew inside her until it was all Meg could feel as she danced across the stage. It continued to grow, grow, grow until it was almost overwhelming by the time she reached Giselle's death. Meg quickly closed her eyes, attempting to quell the emotions bubbling within her.

Suddenly, it felt like a dam had been broken and a wave of emotions washed through her, energizing her as her eyes shot open. The music flowed through her, into her and fusing with her soul.

Giselle came to life for the first time as every emotion poured out of Meg.

Erik watched from the shadows as Meg danced across the stage. Her eyes were closed as she prepared herself for her final dance in the first act. Although her performance was flawless, there was something missing from it. Her every movement was fluid yet controlled, as though she was afraid to show just how deeply her talent ran. It was as if she was fighting some internal conflict.

Suddenly, her eyes flew open and Erik almost staggered back under the intensity of the emotions in them as a fire blazed in her normally soft chocolate eyes. She continued the dance he had seen so many times during the rehearsals but it was clear something had changed.

Her movements suddenly became one with the music as Meg released herself fully and became Giselle. A small smile crossed his face as he watched her.

This was the real Meg dancing, the one he had seen so often on the rooftop.

Bewitched, Erik couldn't look away and watched as the dancer playing Albrecht struggled slightly to keep up with Meg's momentum. She continued to dance across the stage, simultaneously looking for her love while succumbing to the madness threatening her mind, her dancing capturing every emotion Giselle was feeling.

The audience watched transfixed as Meg danced around the stage, clutching the dagger in her hand as she did. She began to dance wildly and more erratically as Giselle became more and more unhinged.

Albrecht ran towards Meg, who raised her hand for him to stop before she looked down at the dagger and began to caress it as though it were a lover. She continued to dance with it, engaging in a dark dance of life and death. Erik's eyes followed Meg's every movement in the beautifully haunting scene.

She raised the dagger and launched into a series of fouetté turns that became faster and faster as the townspeople and Albrecht watched helplessly. Abruptly, she stopped before she plunged the dagger into her heart, collapsing onto the stage as Albrecht ran to catch her. Erik released the breath he hadn't even realized he had been holding.

Thunderous applause erupted from the audience as the curtains closed and Erik knew at once that the show was a success. Meg had finally gotten her spot in the light.

Meg felt like she was drowning and wanted nothing more than to melt into the shadows. Admirers seemed to rush at her from all sides, leaving her feeling breathless. She was happy that the show was a success and ecstatic that her corp was finally being recognized for the immense talent they possessed. But she didn't like the admirers who seemed to crowd around her like bees around a flower. As she retreated backstage, she saw some of the other ballerinas speaking to their new admirers, clutching flowers as they enjoyed the newfound attention.

Erik watched as Meg struggled with the attention she was receiving from members of the audience. She tried to maintain a polite demeanor but he could see that she wanted nothing more than to disappear into her room. Her arms were currently full of flowers and he had seen more being sent to her room. While the other girls enjoyed the attention and flowers they were given, Meg looked as though she was being tortured and in need of rescuing. Her prayers seemed to have been answered as her mother appeared moments later and informed the crowd that the ballerinas would be retiring for the evening due to early practice the next day.

A relieved look on her face, Meg all but ran to her room to escape the crowd of admirers.

Bravo, bravissimo.

Meg looked up as the Phantom's rich voice called out to her and sat forward in the chair.

"Did you enjoy tonight's performance, Erik?" Meg closed the book she was reading and stood, her eyes eagerly seeking him out.

"You were wonderful tonight. On your bedside table is a token of my appreciation." His deep voice seemed to wrap around her, sending a shiver down her spine. She quickly turned, surprised to see a white rose on her bedside table. When had he put that there?

"Erik," she called softly as she looked around but he was nowhere to be seen. She approached the table and picked up the rose, a small smile tugging at her lips as she inhaled its scent. "Thank you for attending the performance."

He didn't respond.

Of all the flowers she had gotten, she liked this one the most. She gently laid the rose back down and returned to her chair to continue her book. As she resumed reading, Erik watched her from behind the fake wall in her room. She was engrossed in the book, her expression occasionally changing ever so slightly in response.

"Are you enjoying it?" he asked, causing her to startle. Clearly, she hadn't realized that he was still there. "My apologies for startling you."

"It's fine. I just thought that you had left. And yes, it's a favorite of mine," Meg replied, holding up the slightly battered copy of the book. Because of the distance between them, he could not make out the name of the book. "It is also one of my dearest possessions."

He didn't reply and she continued, "I noticed that you also have a lot of books. I take it that you enjoy reading?"

No response. Perhaps he had left this time.

Meg had returned to reading when he said, "reading is the only way that I can see the world and freely be part of it."

At his answer, Meg felt her heart break ever so slightly. What a life he must have endured to only feel like part of society through books. But Meg also knew the protection and comfort that books offered from the world.

"Books are an escape," she mused to herself as the image of a shy blonde girl sitting in a corner eagerly reading book after book appeared in her mind. Pulling herself from her thoughts, she asked, "what is your favorite book, Erik?"

Her question surprised him and Erik found himself thinking deeply for a moment. What was his favorite book?

Finally, he replied, "I don't believe that I have a favorite, mademoiselle. However, one that I do enjoy rereading time and again is The Tempest."

"Ah, a fan of the bard," Meg replied, to which Erik asked, "have you ever read it?"

She gave a slight chuckle before she said, "'I weep at mine unworthiness, that dare not offer what I desire to give, and much less take what I shall die to want.'"

To say Erik was surprised was an understatement. He continued, "'but this is trifling, And all the more it seeks to hide itself the bigger bulk it shows. Hence, bashful cunning, And prompt me, plain and holy innocence.'"

As his deep voice quoted Shakespeare, Meg felt the shivers running up her spine again. He had a deep and rich voice, one that was as lulling and as captivating as he was. Although she dared not say it, Meg had realized that Erik was a fairly handsome man. He was tall and muscular, his body toned from years of climbing around the opera house. Although he wore a wig, his dark hair was always slicked back and well-kempt, and his suit was always neat and perfect.

Although half his face was always hidden, she could see that he had full, pouting lips, a sculpted jawline, and a straight aristocratic nose.

But, more than any of that, his eyes stood out the most. Beautiful green eyes that reminded Meg of the most breathtaking emeralds that could switch to a tranquil blue in the blink of an eye.

Suddenly fighting back a blush, Meg drew a breath and finished, "'I am your wife, if you will marry me. If not, I'll die your maid. To be your fellow you may deny me, but I'll be your servant whether you will or no.'"

For the first time in his life, Erik felt a sense of belonging. The last few moments seemed unreal as Meg was one of the last people in the world he would have expected to quote Shakespeare with.

"That was fun. I've never had anyone to quote Shakespeare with. Thank you, Erik," Meg smiled before she added, "I suppose I should resume my reading."

Getting no response from Erik, she returned her attention to the book in her hand. Silence filled the room as she resumed her reading. As she did, Erik continued to stare at her, his mind racing as he thought about the moment they had just shared.

Not too long after, Erik saw Meg struggling to remain awake before she finally succumbed and closed her eyes as sleep washed over her. He knew she was probably exhausted after that night's performance.

She had truly been a sight to behold on stage, he thought to himself as he left his hiding spot and walked towards her. He lifted the battered book she was reading, pausing slightly as he read the title.

A Tale of Two Cities, another one of his personal favorites. As he put it down, the inside cover flapped and he saw a note someone had written. Carefully, he opened the book and read the message:

To my own Lucie Manette, may you always continue to be the light in a world full of darkness. I love you, my little Marguerite.

-Love, Papa

Looking at Meg's sleeping form, Erik was surprised that he could easily imagine her as Lucie Manette and chuckled lightly. He quieted when Meg stirred, afraid that she would awaken. However, she shifted and continued sleeping, her body exhausted from the strenuous performance.

Gently, Erik laid the old book down before he turned and lifted Meg bridal-style, careful not to wake her as he carried her to the bed. As he did, Meg leaned in towards him, nestling her head in his chest as she continued to sleep, leaving Erik feeling much more uncomfortable than he would have expected. He gently set her down on the bed before he pulled the cover over her, making sure that she was comfortable and still asleep before he turned to leave.

He paused and turned back to look at the sleeping Meg, who had a peaceful smile on her face. It seemed the little ballerina would have pleasant dreams that night.

Over the next few days, Erik hid and observed as Meg battled with her newfound fame and popularity. He watched as admirer after admirer approached Meg with dozens of flowers and small gifts. She was always sincere in her apologies and gentle in her rejections.

However, there was one admirer who never stopped pursuing her and showed up after each show, a bouquet in one hand and an invitation or gift in the other. Charles Aubert, if Erik recalled correctly. He was some type of nobility, the son of a marquis or a duke. To Erik, he seemed like another Raoul, just waiting to swoop in and steal another beautiful and talented young woman.

As politely as she could, Meg always turned him down yet he never seemed to give up. He was back once again, a bouquet of red roses in one hand and a box of chocolates in the other.

"Marguerite, you were divine. Truly a goddess," Charles smiled at Meg as she made her way backstage after the show. She paused and gave him a small smile, her eyes taking note of the flowers and chocolates. She prepared herself to reject him yet again.

"Thank you, monsieur Aubert," she gave a small bow in appreciation.

"For you," he said, presenting her with the roses. "Although their beauty pales in comparison to yours."

A slight blush tinged her cheeks at his words and she quickly smiled, accepting the flowers. He presented her with the chocolates as well before he reached into his pocket and pulled out an envelope.

Upon seeing the envelope, Meg had to swallow the groan threatening to escape. No doubt it was another invitation to attend dinner with him.

He was handsome, Meg could not deny that. His dark hair was full with a slight wave and hung over his hazel eyes just a bit. He had a straight, aristocratic nose and full lips that were always in a smile whenever he saw her. He was tall, standing a good foot above her and was fit, no doubt from years of outdoor activities. His clothes were all perfectly tailored and seemed to hug his body, highlighting the rippling muscles that lay beneath.

All in all, he was a very handsome man and would have made any woman a wonderful husband, even more so because he was next in line for the dukedom in his family. Marrying him would secure a beautiful future for any woman.

However, Meg found that she was simply not attracted to him. He was handsome but she could not imagine a future with him nor could she imagine giving her heart to him.

Because it already belongs to another, her mind whispered to her, which she quickly pushed away.

"Monsieur, I am truly grateful and humbled to be invited to your estate. However, I am afraid that our ballet mistress is very strict about practice and it is nearly impossible for me to get away," she apologized, watching as his face fell at her words. However, he quickly recovered and, shooting her a smile, replied, "I shall speak to your ballet mistress. Excuse me."

With that, he turned and disappeared into the crowd, Meg staring after him speechlessly. She hoped more than anything that her mother would reject his request.

Quickly, she turned and began to make her way to her room, slipping through one of the other hallways to avoid the crowd of admirers that regularly flocked backstage after the show. After weeks of endless admirers, she finally managed to find a route that allowed her to slip away unobserved to her room.

Just as she was about to turn into the corridor that led to her room, a door opened and she was pulled into a dimly lit room, dropping the flowers and chocolates in the process.

"Mademoiselle Giry, please forg-" Erik began apologizing after he pulled Meg into the room. However, a scream quickly cut him off.

"No, get away from me!" Meg was screaming as she pushed herself against the door, wildly trying to open it. Erik froze, confusion on his face. What was happening? Why was she so terrified of him?

Did she think he would kidnap her as he had Christine?

"Please, help me!" Meg screamed as she banged on the door, tears streaming down her face as panic set in.

Erik's confusion slowly turned to anger as he took in the terrified Meg. So, that was what she truly thought of him, he bitterly scoffed to himself before yelling, "enough!"

His voice caused her to pause and she turned towards him, fear still evident on her face.

"So you are no different than all the others," he spit, anger coursing through him as he glared at her. Her eyes grew wide and she gasped, "Erik." Before he could respond, her eyes began to close as she slumped forward.

Erik quickly caught her, confused as he held an unconscious Meg.

"Damn," he growled to himself as he lifted her up and carried her back to her room, careful to avoid the crowds that were still gathered after the show. Erik entered her room and placed her on the bed. As he did, his eyes took in the endless flowers placed throughout her room. There was no denying that Meg was a complete success as Giselle.

She was simply divine. Her every movement and emotion was perfect and exactly what the audience wanted. It seemed as though each performance released a new depth to her talent. She truly was a marvel to behold and unlike any dancer he had ever encountered before.

Erik looked down at her sleeping form, his hand poised over her face as he took in her graceful beauty. There was something otherworldly about her, giving her an enchanted look. He slowly began to reach out, ready to stroke her face, when he froze and abruptly pulled his hand back. Quickly, he turned and disappeared from her room, his heart pounding in his ears.

What was happening?

Meg let out a sigh as she leaned forward and began to stretch, her mind drifting as she did. She hadn't seen Erik since the night she'd fainted after her show. She felt such embarrassment at her reaction and wanted dearly to apologize to him for her behavior.

However, because of practice, she hadn't seen him in a few days and was feeling rather low because of that. She let out another sigh and got into her usual spot on the roof. Just as she began to spin, she heard a swoosh and paused, her eyes moving towards the shadows.

"Erik," she called into the darkness, knowing that he was there. There was no answer. She slowly approached the gargoyle, pausing before she reached out into the dark. "Erik, are you there?"

No response. She continued, "I want to apologize for my behavior a few nights ago. I'm very sorry and I hope you're not upset with me."

She heard some movement behind her and spun around to see Erik standing there, his expression unreadable as he looked down at her. Neither spoke and an awkward silence stretched between them.

Finally, he asked, "why did you scream?"

His question clearly took her by surprise, Erik realized as he saw her lips part slightly and her eyes widen. She didn't respond and he scoffed, "so you're just like the rest of them."

He turned to leave when she replied, "that's not it."

At her whispered words, he paused before he slowly turned, looking at her expectantly as he waited for her to continue.

"I didn't scream because it was you. I screamed because you startled me. Monsieur, I was suddenly pulled into a room by a stranger. I think I was allowed to be a bit startled and surprised," she said, giving him a small smile as she finished speaking. Erik stared at her, trying to look at the situation from her perspective.

It made sense, he supposed, that she would panic if suddenly pulled into a room by a stranger. Shrugging, he mumbled, "I suppose."

"Exactly!" Meg exclaimed, a slow smile appearing on her face as she continued, "now, can we be friends again?"

Erik looked at her once again, not responding, and saw her face slowly drop as the time stretched on with no answer.

"Erik," she whispered, moving towards him. Her brown eyes were full of remorse and sadness as she continued, "I truly am sorry for my reaction. Please forgive me."

Slowly, he nodded, his expression softening as he replied, "very well. You're forgiven."

She shot him a large, dazzling smile that left him slightly dazed before she turned and moved back into her usual spot. She resumed stretching and began her routine again.

"Why do you dance at night?" Erik asked as he watched her dance.

She paused and shrugged as she turned to face him. "I suppose it helps me relax. Besides, I like the quiet and seclusion that the night offers. During the day, I practice with the entire corp. It's nice to have some time for myself to practice alone."

"Though it's not exactly alone, now is it? Since I'm here," he pointed out, earning a chuckle from her. Erik found that he liked the sound of her chuckle. It was a light jovial sound with a melodic rhythm to it.

"I suppose so. But, it is nice to have a friend to offer feedback." She saw his eyes widen a bit before he smiled, replying, "I'm not sure you want my feedback, mademoiselle. I can be a harsh critic."

"Not worse than my mother, I can assure you. Did you know that she would ask me if I had elephant feet when I was younger?" Meg asked, watching Erik shake his head before he asked, "really? Why was that?"

"Because she said that I would stomp around like a baby elephant whenever I danced," she replied, earning a robust laugh from Erik.

Meg found that she rather like the sound of his laugh - a low sound that rumbled through his chest like thunder.

"I find that hard to believe," he said after he had recovered from his laughter. "I've never seen a dancer as graceful as you are."

"Oh, it is the truth, monsieur. Alas, I was not always the skilled dancer you see before you," Meg sighed dramatically before she continued, "I caused my Maman many restless nights."

She gave an impish smile before she sobered slightly, her face growing pensive.

"I remember one night when I was around 4. It was before we moved to the Opera Populaire, before Papa's death. I saw Maman and Papa together in the dining room. Maman was crying and Papa was comforting her. She was worried that I would not follow in her footsteps. She had such dreams for me, and wanted nothing more than to see me become Prima Ballerina. But, she didn't know if I would become a ballerina because I lacked grace and couldn't do any moves correctly," Meg paused, her eyes glimmering with emotions. "The next morning, I did my first fouetté en tournant and it was absolutely perfect. I remember Maman just staring at me before a large smile appeared on her face."

She paused again and turned toward Erik, giving him a small smile as she whispered, "the things we do for the ones we love."

He did not respond but merely looked at her as her words replayed in his head.

The things we do for the ones we love.

He immediately thought of Christine and all that he had done for her. How much he had given her, how much he had done for her. Only for it to be worthless in the end.

He returned his attention to Meg, who was dancing once again, her eyes closed and a peaceful look on her face as she lost herself to the music in her head.

The more he got to know her, the more Erik realized that Meg was the type to sacrifice her own happiness and joy if it meant making others around her happy. He thought of her mother, who was ecstatic that Meg was the star of the ballet even though Meg herself would have rather been a background dancer.

It truly amazed him the lengths some would go to for their loved ones.

How far would Meg go, he wondered as he watched the blonde ballerina continue her routine.

And that's a wrap for chapter 4! Curious to hear your thoughts so please leave a review sharing your thoughts. Thanks and more to come!

-DramaQueen95