Here's Chapter ten guys. Sorry I made you wait! I'm not going to make any promises about chapter 11. I'm unpacking and waiting for my girlfriend to decided if we're gonna get internet at home...but very soon!

Erik: You suck!

Eclaire: Erik Destler! Go sit in the corner!

Erik: *Stares*

Eclaire: Go! *points to the corner*

Erik: *goes to the corner*

Enjoy!

Chocolate Hearts

Three months of complete bliss seemed to pass by so quickly for Eclaire. She'd spent many a night with Erik while he composed or painted. She'd even let him paint her without her patch on. He'd insisted on hanging it above his organ. She'd even begun baking and the La'Court bakeries began making good business again. Erik was an avid fan of her baking and she made everything he desired. She cooked for him as well and he in turn eagerly ate every bite. Eclaire had Erik by her side and couldn't stand being away from him for even a moment. But London called her away for a week and she'd felt it was torture. But as she returned to the opera house and exited the carriage, there was Erik with a bouquet of roses standing on the steps. Eclaire could only stare then dropped her bags. He wore the half mask she'd given him. She smiled as she gripped her skirts and ran to him. He laughed and caught her as she jumped into his waiting embrace.

"Welcome home mon amour." He whispered in her ear.

"Erik! What are you doing out here!? You could be seen!"

"I wanted to be the first to welcome you home."

Eclaire laughed and shook her head as she stepped back to look up at him.

Of course the opera house flourished and Eclaire was certain in no way was she missed. She made sure her presence was there, despite Carlotta's disdain. Rumors began to spread that she'd found a suitor and that was just fine. Of course news traveled and it wasn't long before Valentine caught word. The little raven haired firecracker was at her side so quick that it made Eclaire's head spin. She bombarded her friend with so many questions, Eclaire didn't know where to start. And also Valentine's grandmother, Beatrice, was eager for details as well. Tea time with the two Maheu women was certainly entertaining. Eclaire was all smiles as they questioned her.

"What's his name?" Valentine asked, sitting on the edge of her seat.

"Erik." Eclaire answered

"What does he do?" Beatrice questioned, considerably more relaxed.

"He composes, paints, and is a very talented musician."

"Is he handsome?" her soare asked, smiling.

Eclaire let the blush that crossed her cheeks answer for her. Valentine laughed and Beatrice let a knowing smile grace her aging features. She set her tea cup down and became serious.

"Does he love you?" Beatrice asked.

Eclaire's features brightened.

"Yes." She answered confidently.

Beatrice smiled again and picked up her tea. She took a sip then looked back up to Eclaire.

"That's all that should matter then." She said wisely.

Eclaire was eager to hear about Valentine's season and was delighted to learn her darling friend had three men calling on her. But Valentine herself didn't seem eager or even remotely excited. Eclaire could see Beatrice's worry and decided to help. If anyone could tame the raven haired prankster, she knew she could give it one last try. By being gone so long during her kidnapping and Valentine's season, Eclaire was correct in guessing that Valentine wouldn't leave her side. With her stuck to her side so tightly, Eclaire was certain she would have a breakthrough. She questioned the younger girl constantly about her three suitors and Valentine answered. Of course, they seemed like complete bores.

It wasn't until weeks later that Eclaire had finally had enough. She'd idly mentioned how wonderful it was to be with someone and Valentine finally cracked.

"Eclaire, I'm terrified! I don't want to marry at all! They're all incredibly boring and stuffy!" Valentine whined over breakfast.

"Most noblemen are." Eclaire said with a gruff sigh.

She'd been acting distant all morning. She hadn't gotten a good morning kiss from Erik. They'd been interrupted by Valentine. So Eclaire was feeling a little sour this morning.

"But-"

"It's time to grow up Soare." Eclaire said suddenly as she put her fork down next to her plate.

Valentine's eyes grew wide.

"Eclaire?"

Eclaire sighed again. Valentine didn't care for Eclaire's sighs, they usually meant that a serious discussion was at hand.

"You're nineteen Soare. It's time you began acting like it. No more pranks, no more childish games. You have three wonderful men who each wish for you to be theirs and all you want to do is pull pranks. The games stop now."

Valentine looked as though she would cry.

"You suddenly get yourself a suitor and you think you can boss me around?" She asked, anger lacing her voice.

"This doesn't involve me soare, or Erik for that matter." Eclaire stated quickly.

But it would soon get out of Eclaire's control very quickly. And little did Eclaire realize, she would lose her temper rather swiftly.

"You're twenty-one. Do you know how lucky you are to have found Erik so late in your life?"Valentine jabbed.

Eclaire felt as though Valentine had punched her, but held her tongue, a battle she was losing.

"Especially with your eye the way it is."

Eclaire suddenly rose to her feet, towering over Valentine. Her hands gripped the tables edge as she shook.

"That's precisely the point, Valentine." She spat out her friend's name through her clenched teeth, "I do not wish for you to miss your opportunity for happiness."

Valentine jumped in her seat at the hard, rough edge in Eclaire's voice. She only called her Valentine when she was being completely serious. Eclaire's one visible eye met Valentine's and it had a darkness behind it as it narrowed.

"I'm not going to coddle you anymore Valentine. I am going to tame you down and you're going to listen, and listen well. You are a noblewoman who has had a hard beginning. I understand that, and I let the pranks slide because you needed them. But now you're going to grow a backbone and suck it up! I'm only going to say this once and you are going to listen, hear, and understand!" Eclaire's fist hit the Maheu's dining table rather hard, "you're going to be a lady and give each man a shot that they deserve! I will not stand here and watch as you throw away your chance at happiness and have you hurl insults at me!"

Beatrice sat at the end of the table in shock. Valentine's green eyes filled with tears. Eclaire softened and she looked down into Valentine's face with tears in her own eye.

"I love you Soare. Like a mother loves her child. I just don't want you to miss out on what I am experiencing. And if I have to be tough with you so you'll see, then so be it. But I say all this with all the love in my heart Soare."

Valentine cried and Eclaire walked around the table. It was clear that Eclaire had gotten through to her. Valentine sobbed and Eclaire knelt down next to her.

"I can't promise that it won't be scary, it is. But being in love and being loved, are worth every moment." She whispered.

Valentine nodded, promising she would give her suitors their chances. With that out of the way, they finished their breakfast. As Eclaire kissed Valentine on the forehead and hugged her tight she apologized for her temper. She truly loved this little woman as if she were her own child and wished her well. Beatrice walked with Eclaire out to the carriage and hugged her, thanking her for setting Valentine straight and Eclaire hugged the aging woman in return. Eclaire climbed into the carriage and waved to the older woman as they pulled away from the Maheu manor. Eclaire's thoughts turned to Erik and she smiled. He was waiting for her back at the opera house. He'd been telling her that he had something to ask her as soon as she returned home.

"I wonder what it could possibly be." Eclaire whispered to herself.

Me: YAY! In the original chapter it ended at Valentine promising she would give her suitors their chances. I just couldn't leave it there. Didn't feel right. Hope you all enjoyed it!

Eclaire: Erik? What did you want to ask me?

Erik: Eclaire...will you-

Me: *covers Erik's mouth with duct tape* DON'T YOU DARE RUIN IT! *turns* Please Review! love to hear from ya'll!