Zoe had been living at the Opera Populaire for about six months now. While she loved living there, it wasn't as perfect as she hoped. The other girls she stayed with ignored her, and she did not have many friends other than a mysterious teacher she had been taking voice lessons with. As much as she loved her teacher, she felt as though she could not confide in him with her problems. Knowing she was hurt would hurt him, and she didn't want to hurt him.

Zoe couldn't stand it. She didn't want to be here anymore. She didn't want to feel this pain, and she didn't want Erik to have to deal with her. She was nothing but a burden, and she knew it.

She stood on the roof of the Opera Populaire, peering over the edge as the rain soaked into her clothes. Tears fell from her face and mixed with the raindrops. She knew she had to jump. Finally, they would be rid of her, and she would be rid of the pain. Forever.

******

Erik was worried. His angel hadn't shown up for her lesson, something she never missed. He knew she suffered from depression, which made it difficult for him to leave her alone for an extended measure of time. Eventually, he thought to check the roof, where he heard someone faintly sobbing.

******

Zoe prepared to cast herself off the roof. Just jump. It'll be over before you know it. She shut her eyes. "Goodbye."

As she was about to jump, she felt a pair of arms grab her firmly from behind. She tried to wriggle out of their grasp, but they only held her closer. She looked behind her to see the masked face she had learned to love so passionately. "Please...." Erik begged. She nodded and placed her head on his shoulder, succumbing to her exhaustion and how relaxed Erik made her feel.

******

When she woke up again, she was in Erik's lair, dressed in dry clothes and covered with a warm blanket. Someone was stroking her hair. She looked above her to see Erik, guilt welling up in her as she noticed the tears in his eyes. "E-Erik I-I'm sorry..." She couldn't get any words out. She had let him down, again. Erik's arms wrapped around her.

"Why?"

Zoe couldn't get her words out. "Zoe, you are my angel...what could have pushed you so far you wanted to end your own life?"

Sobbing uncontrollably, Zoe told him everything, about her depression, about how she was ignored, about she didn't want to hurt him with her problems. Erik held her to his chest as her words poured out along with her tears.

He caught his breath in his throat. "Thank you, my angel, for telling me."

"Y-you aren't upset?"

Erik shook his head. "Never, my angel. I love you so much, and I can't bear to lose you. Zoe, you are all I could ever want and more than I deserve." His hands let go of her waist to hold her hands, and moved down onto one knee.

"Erik, what are you trying to say?"

He took a small velvet box out of his suit pocket and popped it open to reveal a dazzling diamond ring. Tears reappeared in Zoe's eyes.

"Zoe, my angel, will you do me the honor of sharing with me one love, one lifetime? Will you marry me?"

Zoe threw her arms around her angel of music. "Yes, Erik! Yes, I will marry you!" The two lept into a passionate, loving kiss, Erik's hand reaching up to wipe the tears from Zoe's rosy cheeks.

When they broke away, Erik ran his fingers through her hair. "My angel, promise me one more thing."

"Yes, Erik?"

He gave her a quick kiss. "Promise me you will always tell me when something is wrong."

She looked into Erik's eyes. "I promise."

"Thank you, future Mrs. Destler."

(If you enjoyed this oneshot, maybe leave a vote and share it with your friends! And follow me for more writing like this.)