A/N: I am SO sorry that I haven't updated for a few weeks. I really don't have an excuse; I've just been neglecting this story. I am damn determined to finish it though so even if it takes me the rest of the year I promise I will do so. Anyways, read and review, thanks for your patience!

The next day Maria carefully avoided the Captain's eyes and kept busy with the children. Elsa seemed to notice the tension between them and smiled in delight.

Meanwhile Georg was desperately trying to get a moment alone with Maria but he was finding it extremely difficult. He knew she was avoiding him and he wished he could leave well enough alone but he cared for her too much to not apologize.

Between Maria's determined avoidance and the Baroness's constant attempts to sabotage his efforts, it wasn't until all the children were in bed that Georg finally had a chance to be alone with Maria.

He caught her just as she was entering her room to change.

"Maria." He said firmly, grabbing her by the shoulder. "We have to talk."

She shrugged him off and continued into her room. He followed.

"Please…" The Captain begged, as she rummaged through her drawers. "Just allow me to explain."

"What is there to explain?" Maria asked turning around and facing him.

He was shocked to see the tears in her eyes.

"I need to apologize. What I did last night… well I shouldn't have done that."

She considered him for a moment.

"It's just as much my fault as yours." She replied turning away again and wiping her eyes.

He wanted so desperately to wrap his arms around her and comfort her.

"Are we okay now?" He asked nervously.

"Uh huh…" She replied finally locating her nightgown. "Now if you'll excuse me I need to change and get some sleep."

He nodded and left.

As soon as he closed the door Maria removed her dress and undergarments. Slipping into her nightgown she quickly pulled back the covers and got into bed. Although she was exhausted, it was hours before her mind finally found peace. All she could think of was the Captain's soft lips on her own and the guilt that haunted her each time she wished he would kiss her again.

--

The Captains night was much the same. He tossed and turned, desperately trying to sort through his thoughts and feelings. He wanted Maria so badly and yet he was unsure of why. Was it truly just because she reminded him of Agathe? Or was it something more? He couldn't imagine letting her go and yet he was starting to worry that if she stayed much longer he would end up hurting them both, if he hadn't already.

If all he felt for her was the love he still carried for his deceased wife, then things would be simple. He knew he could never use her to fill that gap. However, everything about her seemed much more complex than a pang of longing for something that once was. She was young, spirited, and so happy. That was what really got him about her. Her happiness. She had entered his home when he was at his worse and by some miracle had managed to transform his barren, miserable existence into something that seemed tangible. Something that was worth living for. She had brought him alive. Any woman who could do that was truly worth fighting for.

TBC…

A/N: I'm sorry the chapters are so short… I'm gonna try to work on that too, sometimes they just work out that way though.