His New Muse (Phantom of the Opera/Love Never Dies)

XIII

 Carwyn wasn't even back in his office for an entire minute when he heard a soft knocking on the door. He was about to call 'come in', but remembered that he had locked the door. He went to unlock the door, and Jacques standing in the hallway, looking nervous.

 "Are you busy?" he asked. "I-I can...come back later if you're-"

 "No, no, come in," Carwyn said, gently pulling him in. "You're always welcome here, Jacques."

 "Of course." Jacques slowly closed the door behind him, and then locked it. "Are we alone?"

 "Of course we are," Carwyn replied.

 "Good." Jacques put down his hat and coat, while looking around the room nervously, as if someone would jump out at them any minute. Once he seemed satisfied, he grabbed Carwyn by the waist and kissed him fiercely. Carwyn was surprised by the gesture, but gladly kissed him back.

 "What's this all about?" Carwyn asked as Jacques planted kisses along his cheeks. 

 "I don't know," the other man replied. "When I woke up this morning, I had a burning desire to see you, and came here as quickly as I could."

 "Did you really miss me that much? We only just saw each other last night."

 "I know." Jacques sighed and shook his head. "There's something about you, Carwyn Descoteaux. You're merely charming."
 
 Carwyn smiled and cast his eyes downward. "I don't believe anyone's ever said that to me before."

 "Never? I'm surprised. Someone should have said so, because it's true."

 "Thank you, Jacques." He paused. "Actually, someone did say something like that to me once. But that was a very long time ago. I would prefer," he slipped his hands through Jacques', "To think about now. I'm not busy at the moment, so you can have my full attention."

 "Well, I did also come to ask you to join me for dinner tonight, once you've finished everything here."

 Carwyn smiled. "I would enjoy that. But you know we can't go out to dinner by ourselves too often. People may begin to suspect something."

 "Well, it's no business of theirs. And besides, most people would just see two male friends enjoying dinner."

 "I know, but still, not very often."

 Jacques sighed. "I know. I wish we did not have to keep everything so secret, but we can't be caught. I can't bear the thought of something happening to you because I wasn't careful enough."

 "Shh." Carwyn pressed his finger to Jacques' lips. "Don't think about it." He took his finger away and gave him a kiss. "You should go home, or go to whatever business you have to attend to, and I will meet you for dinner. With all the work I will have to get to, it may be our last time to truly enjoy each other's company for the next few days."

~~~~~~

 For the next week, Carwyn was indeed practically up to his elbows in work he had been putting off for a while. Jacques did stay to help him with some things, so they did spend a bit of time secretly holding hands or stealing a kiss.

 When Carwyn finally finished everything, and Jacques happened to not be around, he heard the wall passageway open up behind him.

 "I see you're not busy," Erik said.

 Carwyn turned around and smiled at him. "No, all the hard work is done. There is nothing that needs my immediate attention. I meant to talk to you, but-"

 "You did seem rather busy," Erik cut in. "But if you are able to now, will you come with me? I was hoping you would be able to visit."

 Carwyn got up and locked the door to his office. "There. Now no one can come sneaking around. I'm ready."

 Erik gave him a small smile and held out his hand.

~~~~~~ 

 "Well," Carwyn sat down, "I'm here now. If I asked, would you tell me more about you?" 

 Erik sighed. "What do you want to know?"

 "How did you get away from those awful people?"

 "The Gypsies I traveled with? Simple. I fled in the night."

 "Where did you go?" Carwyn asked.

 "Further east. I would perform magic tricks and sing songs as I traveled. Soon, I found myself in Persia. The sultan heard of a young man who would sing like an angel and do magic tricks in the streets, and had me brought to him. He offered me a place at his palace, and I soon became a court favorite."

 "That sounds grand," Carwyn said. "Why did you leave?"

 "I had no choice," Erik answered. "It was flee or die. With my knowledge of architecture, I was chosen to help design a palace for the sultan to hide his treasure in. Once that was done, he wanted me killed, so I would never tell. I fled, and found myself here, in Paris."

 "And you came here?" Carwyn asked. "To the opera house?"

 He nodded. "I hid down here, and slowly began to make it my home. I missed it during the ten years I was in America."

 "This is where you met Christine Daae, isn't it?" 

 Erik looked away. "That is a story for another day, my friend. You already know things about my past I have never told a soul."

 "Oh. Well, do you want me to stay longer? We can talk about something else."

 He shook his head. "I should let you return to your duties. How can I let you run the opera house if I have you down here with me?"

 As they rowed back across the lake, Carwyn asked, "You hate pity, don't you? You make it sound as if people either fear you or pity you." 

 "That is the truth," Erik replied. "Do you have any fear or pity?"

 "No fear, certainly. But I pity the fact that you never had parents who loved you. My parents always loved me, so I really don't know what to say."

 "You don't have to pity me for it, Carwyn. I survived. Life was cruel to me, but I have survived."