The Phantom of the Opera: A Beauty and a Beast (Guile and Melody)

[Guile]

As soon as Meg gave him permission to enter, Erik opened the door to her room and took a step in, shutting the door behind him. It didn't take long for him to notice that she had been trying hard not to cry - her face was red and she was curled up in heartbreaking position that told him she was fighting to be strong in front of him. Erik knew she didn't want to talk about the audition, but he had to. "You flatter me, Meg." He chuckled softly, and took a few more steps into the room, closer to her. "It means the world to me that someone appreciates my work. Like...tonight." Erik held back in a sigh, knowing this was where he would address the audition - knowing that it would hurt Meg to speak of it. "You sang a piece from my Don Juan, Meg." He took a seat at the edge of her bed before he could think to stop himself and simply stand. "It was beautiful, Meg. I don't care what those managers say, you have talent. Your potential is high, you just need practice. There is no doubt in my mind that you can be as great a singer as you are a dancer." Erik offered a warm smile and hesitantly took one of her hands in his, gently caressing the back of her hand with the fingers of his free hand. "I am sorry that today did not go as you planned, but I am here to tell you that I enjoyed your performance very much. I...I know what you said before, about working for me. Still, if you ever change your mind, the position will always be open for you." All of his words were soft, spoken as gentle as he could muster. He prayed that he could offer her some comfort. Meg didn't deserve to be in anymore pain after all that she had done for him.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Meg was unaware of Erik's presence at her performance today. It was quite the shock when he mentioned it. When the subject came up, she gritted her teeth and groaned quietly. Then, she had to bite her arm to keep from crying. She listened to him talk. "I sang a piece from a favorite of mine, that's all, Erik." She wiped the saliva on one of her own scarves. "It was nothing." When Erik took her hand, Meg looked anywhere but at him. "I'm not trying to be rude, but, why are you here? Go to your boy." She muttered. "And, I appreciate your words."

 

[Guile]

Erik was hurt by her words, to say the least. Still, she deserved to say them didn't she? After the heartache he caused her, why should he show up and be welcomed with open arms? I've done to her exactly what Christine has done to me. I've pushed her away because I love someone else. I can't do this to her. I know how badly it burns the heart. "Forgive me for coming to you after what I've done. I never meant to hurt you, Meg." He wasn't sure why he was bringing this up now, but it had to be said. I can't continue to see her everyday just knowing that she probably despises me for the pain I've caused her. "I cannot go to my son. I can't see him and hold him and be a father to him. Christine is married to Raoul and has told him that Gustav is his." The words pained him to say and yet, he had to. "Even so, I did not come to you now because I am lonely and upset. I came because you are a dear friend that needs to be shown that you are not second best, Meg." Erik squeezed her hand tenderly, praying that his words would convince her that he was speaking the truth. "I love Christine, but can that not be changed? After all, she once loved me, and look at her now. She has married that fop. All I am asking is that, should you wish for me to give you a chance...you must also give my heart a chance to get over her. She and I have a child together, after all. It is quite hard on my heart not to see them." Why am I saying this? Do I really want to give Meg a chance? Am I going to take Madame Giry's advice and try to move on? God, I don't even know if I can. But, then again...what other way will I find out?

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Meg sighed, smiling as broadly as ever. "I'm not angry with you for loving Christine." She laughed. "I'm not dumb. I know you love her still." She was learning to get over Erik now. "Though I do appreciate your efforts, I know that you can't let go, so I'm over it." She placed her hand on his. "Trust me. I'm just fine with you and Christine, should she decide to come back." She didn't want to sound cruel, but wasn't it the truth? "I'll give you time to think about this. Don't rush into it." She kissed his cheek. "Just, please, don't do it because of me. Do it because you want to."

 

[Guile]

Erik let out a sigh of relief. She isn't angry with me. Thank God..at least she doesn't hate me. "Oh, thank you, Meg. Bless you for understanding." He couldn't contain his joy at seeing her smile. As she kissed his cheek, Erik returned he favor and wrapped his arms around her in a hug as well. "I will keep what you've said in mind. Don't think for a moment that I have forgotten you. I will spend every waking moment thinking of what I am to do about my torn heart, I assure you." Erik knew that it was going to be hell on his heart, but he had to spend time thinking about this. Christine was the only woman he had ever been in love with - they had a son. But...Christine was married and it was highly unlikely that she would ever come back to her angel of music. Even so, the question is whether or not I will ever be able to let her go.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

"I promise that it's safe to go back to her, if you want to." Meg told him again. "After all, you have to see her, for the boy." Meg knew that Raoul would be on constant watch. Using her biggest smile, she took his hands. "You've helped me, now, I will help you." She brought him to the door, unsure why. "Listen, I will distract Raoul when you wish to see Christine." She kissed his hand. "I want you to be with Christine when you want to. Don't worry about me." She told him before he could say anything.

 

[Guile]

"Meg..." Erik couldn't believe what she was saying. It was wonderful, yes, he just couldn't understand how she could be so kind to him after all of this. She was giving him the greatest gift he could ever ask for. "Meg, I don't...I don't know how to thank you." He was extremely flustered, but in the greatest possible way. She had shocked him with this kindness, to say the least. Erik was even in a daze as she led him to the door, the only thing bringing him out of it being the kiss she placed on his hand. "This means the world to me, Meg. I thank you from the bottom of my heart." The sincerity of his words could be heard in the tone of his voice.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Miss Giry smiled at her friend. "The only way to thank me is to be happy again." She hugged him. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I must get ready for your very first show tonight. I must practice." She laughed. "Knowing Mother, she'll want me to." That was something else to worry over. "And, I'm sure our new friends are more than happy to celebrate with us."

 

[Guile]

"Yes, of course!" Erik grinned, hugging Meg to him for just a bit too long - he was overwhelmed by her earlier offer. "Well, I will leave you to your practice and I look foreword to seeing if it pays off for tonight." He chuckled at his light tease and let her go. "And, naturally, I will expect you to be part of that celebration. If you aren't there I shall hunt you down." Erik threatened with a smile before turning with a goodbye and leaving her as she had asked.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

"Oh, you won't have to hunt very long." She teased back. "I'm always exactly where you ask me to be." With those final words, Meg couldn't help but feel a huge weight lifted off of her shoulders as she ran to the front of Phantasma and poked her head out. No one was here yet, thank God. She was very nervous. "Oh, I hope this goes well."

 

[Guile]

Erik grinned as he watched Meg run off. Just by the sound of her voice, the smile on her face, and the way she ran off Erik could tell that she was much happier than she had been when he had first entered her room. He let out a sigh of relief, feeling extremely thankful that he had helped put her at ease - and she had done the same for him. Still smiling, Erik made his way around to where he would be able to watch Meg's performance. It was still early, but on his way he would be able to make sure things were going well for tonight. Plus, he liked to be early for things.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Today was a second chance to prove that Meg Giry was just as good as Christine Daae. She would show them no matter how petty that sounded. "I just hope they like me." She started praying. "Please, God, all I need is a chance to prove myself to everyone." She smiled and dropped her hands as she started dancing and singing.

 

[Guile]

Erik went his rounds, checking to make sure everything was in order for the performance. He spoke with a few stagehands who all confirmed that there were no unexpected issues that would interfere with the performance. Satisfied that all would go as planned, Erik decided to take a look at the stage. He made his way into the wings and smiled at the realization that, here, he could move about freely. There was no need to slip through the shadows. I never knew how much I wanted to be able to walk around freely until now. This certainly is a nice change...

 

[Saiyan Princess]

"I'm assuming you like it, sir?" Squelch laughed as he watched his fellows at work. He enjoyed a nice glass of tea, having laid off the wine until the evening. "Everything is to your liking?" He rephrased the sentence. "We're all working very hard to make your time here enjoyable, still..." he looked past Erik, out an open window at the de Chagney home. "It would be nice to have people here sooner." "Stop your whining." The short little woman chastised. "Don't you dare think that you'll get away with doing nothing, then get all the glory." The two quarreled back and forth. "We'll have people come starting at sundown. Everyone knows that."

 

[Guile]

Erik turned to face his employee with a smile. "Oh, yes. Everything is wonderful. Everyone's effort is certainly clear - Phantasma is spectacular. Thank you." He followed the man's gaze and realized it rested on the very building in which Christine was in, most likely, at this very moment. She's so close and yet, still so very far away. Erik was pulled from his thoughts of longing when he heard another familiar voice. He chuckled softly at the quarrel that was going on between the two of them and cut in after a while. "There is no need to worry, my friends. You have all worked very hard and it shows in how magnificent this place looks. People will most definitely come, I am sure of it. How could they not be intrigued by the beauty of this place?" Erik said as he scanned their new home with a satisfied grin.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Christine was watching this all, as little as she could actually see. Her son was awake and babbling back and forth in her arms as he pointed down at the beautiful sight before them. "I promise, little one. You will see it, some day." She rocked him. "Some day." She repeated in a softer tone. "It's all going as it should, sir." The two responded simultaneously to their boss. "Where did you say you were from again?" The third, and tallest of the trio came into view.

 

[Guile]

"Wonderful." Erik grinned as soon as they confirmed what he was thinking. That's when he was asked, rather suddenly, where he was from by the tallest of the three. He chuckled slightly and turned to face them. "I apologize. I never really did tell you anything about me. I came here from France. Paris, France more specifically. I've lived there all my life, so you could say this is all quite new to me. Still, I never really got to see much of my homeland anyway." Erik unintentionally forgot to add details as to why. He was lost in his memories of days gone by.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

"And we know exactly why, Master." Gangle, with all her kindness that she could muster, she hugged his leg, for her height was that of your average five year old, maybe shorter. "We know how you feel, but don't worry." She looked up at him now. "They won't be coming for you again. You'll be happy with us." Meg came around, yes, she missed Paris, but, no, she wouldn't go back. "Erik, we have everything in order here, if you wish to leave for a while, friend." She smiled and hugged him. "Perhaps you would like to fetch the child and mother?"

 

[Guile]

Erik was touched by the gesture that Gangle bestowed upon him. He smiled down at her and his eyes were clearly filled with warmth. "Thank you, my friend. I will do everything in my power to make this place our safe haven." Erik promised them all, genuinely, just as Meg came around the corner and hugged him - a gesture which he returned with a smile. Then, she mentioned seeing Christine and his heart leapt in his chest. "Oh, yes. Yes, I think that would be...a wonderful idea." He was almost stunned by the idea of getting to see Christine and Gustav again. "Thank you, Meg."

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Raoul went out to gamble what was left of their money away. Christine tried to stop him, but was pushed away. "Leave me alone, Christine. I know what I'm doing." He warned her before throwing on his hat and coat then leaving without another word, not even a glance at his son. "I'll be back." He promised her. "I love you, Raoul." His wife whispered before sitting down and turning the handle of Gustav's little jack in the box toy. It started playing the most wonderful of sounds.

 

[Guile]

Erik made his way to the de Chagney home, but not before making a quick stop on the way. Perhaps Gustav was too young to enjoy it, but Erik could not help picking up a small, stuffed bear that he had seen at a shop nearby. And, naturally, he brought a red rose with him for Christine. Upon entering the property, Erik was cautious of Raoul, but he soon spotted the man making his way down the street away from their home. Thankfully he was alone and had not decided to take Christine with him, wherever he was going. Smiling at this, Erik slipped inside and found his way to Christine quite easily. All he had to do was follow the soft sounds of music. He wasn't sure what is was coming from until he opened the door and saw Christine turning the handle of what appeared to be some sort of toy. "Hello, Christine." Erik spoke softly, not wanting to alarm her, and held out the rose to her. "Like old times, isn't it? Only this time, there is one extra person." He smiled warmly, holding the stuffed animal behind his back. "Speaking of him, I've brought something for Gustav. He may be too young to enjoy it, but I...well, I wanted to give my son something." Erik's face went red as he realized how little he knew about children, or being a father for that matter."

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Christine watched the figure of her husband disappear over the hills and away from her. He was no doubt going to the local bar to get drunk, like always, then lose all of their money. "This is all that filthy Hammerstein's fault, Gustav." She kissed his forehead. "We wouldn't be here if he hadn't sent that letter." She knew that the child wouldn't understand a word she was saying. Still, he probably didn't hear her. For, like his parents before him, he was so wrapped up in his own music, the music emanating from his little toy. He stared at it, unblinkingly. He didn't make a peep when Erik came in. "Monsieur, you've come back." Christine was elated as she took the rose, but their son ignored his gift.

 

[Guile]

"Of course I have, Christine. I promised you that I would." Erik smiled at her, but found himself being hesitant to touch her. He wrapped his arms around her in a hug, something he had missed doing - it had been far too long. Still, his mind raced. She is married...she won't appreciate me coming back and acting as if she isn't. Reluctantly, Erik removed his grip on her - his heart still racing at their close contact - and made his way to his son. He chuckled, placing the stuffed bear beside him, knowing that Gustav was not interested in it. The boy was far too lost in the music coming from his other toy. "He's far too much like us." Erik laughed softly, unable to stop looking at this precious gift from God. He's so beautiful. I don't understand how I could create something so lovely. Surely he took after Christine far more than I.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Flashes of that last time in Erik's lair came flooding back to her all at once as his embrace hit her. He was so hurt, so...angry...that she felt the need to have him with her. That's why she kissed him, not once, but twice, during that time. She even admitted that she hated the man during that time. God, how she felt stupid, looking back on it. Still, Erik told Raoul to take her and leave, which, he did. Christine hugged Erik tighter, smiling. "You haven't changed a bit." She laughed, then, in regards to the boy, she nodded. "He has a brain just like his father."

 

[Guile]

"Unfortunately, no, I have not." Erik chuckled at his joke and smiled at Christine. I swear, it seems that she gets impossibly more beautiful each time I see her. I think it's that laugh of hers. Yes, it just adds to how enticing she is... "I suppose that is undeniable." He said in regards to Gustav. "Though, he most certainly took after his mother in looks. He's far too beautiful to even resemble me in the slightest." Erik said this lightly, as if he were joking, but a part of him still believed that he was incapable of creating something so beautiful.