A/N: Has it really been two years since I updated? I can't believe it! I tried so hard because I didn't want to be the person who only updates after years of nothing. I know that no amount of apologies can make up for my absence, but I will say that I am truly sorry. I never had any intentions of abandoning this story. Honestly, it was a combination of school being too busy, unfortunate events in my life, writer's block, and just general laziness. To clarify, I have just finished high school, and I will be trying to update as chapters are written. I don't want to set a schedule only to disappoint you. I will also be going on a two week trip to Denmark in a couple of weeks, so I will not be updating during that time. I will do what I can to get as many chapters in before then. Now, I present chapter 7, Erik and Marie's second meeting! Allons-y!

Disclaimer: Do you honestly think I would need to write fanfiction if I owned the Phantom of the Opera? No.

ThoughtsLyricsHandwriting

Erik

I waited in the park for Marie to arrive. I had decided to where my mask as well as my hat today, so that I could remove my hat in the park. I only hoped that I could handle the inevitable questions from Marie. I prayed that she would not connect me to the mysterious "Phantom of the Opera," because I was trying to leave that life behind. While I sat and looked around at the trees and the general tranquility of the park, I had a sudden thought. What if she doesn't come? What if she came to her senses about agreeing to meet with me? This whole thing is ridiculous. I didn't want to get involved in anyone's life after what happened and here I am, getting involved. I should leave. As I thought this and made to stand up, I realized that someone was trying to tap on my shoulder to get my attention. I jumped up and turned around, heaving a sigh of relief when I saw that it was only Marie. Too late. Well, here goes. "Hello, Marie. How are you?"

"I am well, Erik, thank you for asking. I am sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."

"That is quite alright. I was only lost in thought." I smiled at her. She hadn't started with a question about my mask, which I was very grateful for. I knew that the subject would come up eventually, though. She smiled back at me. I then realized that I was staring at her. "Oh, uh, should we sit?" She nodded and we sat down across from each other. Here we go.

Marie

I almost didn't go to the park. I had walked halfway and almost returned to the opera house, because I had thought that Erik would not show. I was so grateful to be proven wrong when I arrived. I had tried to sneak up on him when I arrived, as he looked like he wasn't paying attention, but he jumped up before I could even touch him. When he turned around, I immediately noticed a mask that I hadn't seen the day before. While I was happy to see at least a little more of his face, as well as his amazing eyes, I couldn't help but wonder what had happened to him. I almost asked, but I thought better of it. I decided to speak as if I hadn't noticed. We could talk about it when he wanted to, if he wanted to. We sat across from each other, and I couldn't think of what to say. I found myself staring and I turned away to hide my blush. Erik seemed concerned.

"Marie, are you alright?"

"I'm fine. I thought I saw a bee." I knew this was a poor excuse, but he seemed to drop the subject.

"Oh, alright. Well, how are you enjoying Paris and the opera house?" He seemed to genuinely want to know, unlike the people I had met over the years who only made half-hearted attempts at small talk without really being interested.

"I love it here. I am a little uncomfortable about staying in the opera house without my parents, but I know that this is part of growing up. I do enjoy the work though. It seems more like fun than work to me. I am making friends fairly easily, though I have trouble remembering all of their names. There are quite a lot of them." I chuckled. Erik looked at me, and he smiled. His smile was another thing I was beginning to love about him. I wanted to see it as often as I could.

"That is wonderful. I'm glad that you are enjoying yourself." I fumbled trying to find something to say back. I didn't know what was happening to me. Get it together. I thought.

"How have you been?" He seemed to be surprised that I would say that, as if he had never been asked that question before. He thought for a moment, and then answered.

"I have been composing a new piece of music, but I am having trouble with a measure or two. This composition wants to elude me, it seems." I was curious as to what he was having trouble with, so I took out my violin, glad that something had possessed me to bring it with me.

"Can you show me? I haven't done much composing, but maybe I could still help in some way." He looked at me with surprise, but he picked up the instrument. He hesitated, but then he started to play. It was one of the most beautiful things I had ever heard. It sounded like a bittersweet lullaby, and as I watched him, I noticed him close his eyes, seeming to be just as lost in the music as I was. As he came to the spot where he was having trouble, he slowed down, almost like he was trying to correct what was wrong before he arrived there. He started to struggle though, and as that was happening, I thought of something. I motioned to him to hand me the violin.

"Let me try something." He handed it to me, and I started to play what I felt would be a good ending to the song. I looked at him when I was finished, and he smiled the broadest smile I thought I had ever seen in my life.

"That was perfect." I blushed and looked away. He then did something that I think surprised him as much as it did me. He grabbed my hand and I looked at him.

"I am being completely honest. That was beautiful. That is a perfect ending. Thank you." I smiled and told him what I thought of the rest of the piece.

"What you played was incredible. You play beautifully." He just smiled and thanked me.

Erik

I was in awe when she played. I was not lying to her when I said that it would be a perfect ending. When she complimented me right after that, I couldn't think of what to say to express my gratitude, so I just smiled and said a simple thank you. She smiled at me and set her violin down.

"You're welcome, Erik." I loved the sound of her voice when she said my name. It filled me with joy I had never felt before. I then asked her something that I had been curious about.

"Marie, I have noticed that when you receive a compliment, you turn away. Why is that? Surely being a musician in the orchestra would have made you used to compliments by now." She seemed to consider her words before she spoke.

"I do receive many compliments from people, but I have never fully believed them in the back of my mind, not even if they came from my parents. I spent much of my life with my passion being pushed away by my mother wanting me to "be a real lady" and even though she says that she will support me, a part of me just doesn't believe it." I was surprised at this. She was a very modest person, with a kind and caring heart. I wanted her to know that I meant what I said.

"I want you to know, Marie, that I will always be honest with you." She smiled, but I knew that she didn't fully believe me, and while this hurt a little, I didn't press the subject. I saw her open her mouth to say something, but then I heard a voice, shouting,

"Marie! Marie, where are you?" She turned around, and I looked up, wondering when the sun had gone down. Marie looked at me in shock.

"My goodness! That's Meg! I didn't realize it had gotten so late. They must have sent her to look for me. I'd better go find her so she knows that I'm alright." I nodded.

"I understand. I should be getting home as well. Good evening, Marie." Without thinking, I took her hand and kissed it, before smiling at her and walking away. I turned back when I heard her running up behind me.

"When will I see you again?" I was surprised that she still wanted to see me again, but I knew that I wanted to see her again too. I had an idea.

"I expect so. I will write to you at the opera house." She smiled, satisfied with that answer. We stood there until we heard Meg shouting again. Marie turned around and then back to me.

"I have to go, but I will be expecting to hear from you soon, my friend. Good evening, Erik." I smiled as she walked away. She had called me her friend. What am I getting myself into?

A/N: There you go! Longer chapter since I have been gone so long. I hope that I am not moving the relationship too fast or too slow for you guys. I would like to hear any suggestions that you may have. If you have an idea about something you would like to see happen, don't be afraid to PM me. I hope that there are still people reading this story. Please Review! Bye for now!