I apologize for not updating soon enough. I've been busy writing Phantom Stallion fics. I seem to get more reviews with them. I wish I could get more for this one. This chapter wasn't originally finished but I decided to post it sooner. Next chapter will be funny. Any body have any plot ideas?

Erik: I do

Me: what?

Erik: You die! *cackles*

Me *glares* No! Shut up.

Review!

Erik *mimicking* Review!

Chapter 10:

I opened my eyes hearing piano music. It must be a little late in the morning because he usually waits until I'm awake to play since he's afraid he'll wake me up. It sounded like Fantasie-Impromtu in C Sharp, Op. 66. I gave a sigh. I had gotten so used to his music that I think if I left to go back home I would be going crazy with silence.

Home…

That shot a pang in my heart. I missed home but I couldn't leave Erik! No I wouldn't think it. I had grown to close to Erik to leave him now. Not to mention how that might hurt him. Knowing him he might try something drastic.

I got up slowly, hissing as I hit my feet. They were extremely sore from all that running last night. I was too tired to realize I was wearing the clothes from last night and reached for my robe beside the vanity dresser. I looked up in the mirror and gave a scream.

Blood and dirt covered my face, and dress. My dress torn. It took me a minute to realize it was phony and not real. Suddenly I was embarrassed.

The piano bench screeched as the player got up quickly, hearing my scream. I heard running footsteps then Erik was there.

"What's the matter?" he asked alarmed, grabbing my arms.

I started laughing then. I was so dense sometimes. How could I forget that that had been just make-up for the prank. "I thought-," I bent over laughing, but then stood up trying to contain myself, "That—that this was real," I pointed at my face, cackling.

Erik had a bewildered expression then shook his head as if I were crazy. "I made breakfast," he said as he waited for me to calm down.

"Alright," I giggled, as he led me out toward the kitchen.

I saw him smile from my corner-vision.

Breakfast went by nicely. Eggs, turkey bacon, and toast. Erik even nibbled a little bit.

"I'm going to go do some errands," Erik announced when we were finished eating and done the dishes.

"Can I come?" I asked excitedly. I had never went out with him before. It could be really fun.

He hesitated as he pulled on his cloak, "If you would like," he went to a table where some masks laid and ducked his head, slipping a whole mask on.

He looked like Zorro, with all black even the full mask was black.

He made a strangled noise that I had learned was a suppressed laugh.

"What?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at his behavior. I felt probably like he had when I had screamed then started laughing hysterically.

"You may want to wash your face unless you plan on wearing a mask like mine. I will not be seen walking with someone all bloody and dirty," he declared to me.

I touched my face in self consciousness, "Yes of coarse," I said walking back into the bedroom toward the wash basin. I grabbed a rag folded beside it. I began to scrub furiously. It was like glued to my face!

I groaned, scrubbing so hard my face felt raw. I was almost tempted to steal one of Erik's masks to be honest.

"Erik!" I said with aggrevation. Not really calling him just saying his name. He had done this to my face. He ought to be one removing it.

Even though I hadn't said his name very loud, Erik walked to my side from the other side of the lair.

"I forgot to tell you. You have to use this remover to get it off," Erik produced a small bottle from his cloak. The secret compartments!

Note to self: While he's not looking or around, check his cloak to see what else he hides in that thing!

I took it with a scowl, pouring some of it onto the rag. I then started to scrub again.

Still didn't come off and I gave an exasperated groan.

A bony hand took the rag from my grasp, "Here," he said, before gently pressing it against my face. He didn't scrub as I did. Just lightly wiped and it came off.

"Thank you," I smiled, as he sat the rag down.

He didn't say anything back. Suddenly he leaned down and brushed his lips against mine ever so faintly, "I love you," he whispered.

I was surprised. He had never actually said it like that before or kissed me before saying it. Maybe this was a start of a relationship.

"I love you too," I said back to him with a smile.

He smiled back then left for me to get dressed.