Ok just so we're clear, I don't own any of it. Sorry to disappoint y'all.

Chances

As Erik and Christine sat on the couch, she asked him "You do believe me, right? You know I have no interest in Raoul de Chagny, right?" He smiled as he stroked her hair, and kissed her forehead before replying "Christine, I do. I apologize for my behavior. I beg of you, don't hold it against me." She kissed him on his cheek and said "I won't, I promise. I must say, I was touched by the John Cusack impression out there." Erik blushed a bit when he replied "I knew I needed a pretty grand gesture to gain your forgiveness. I behaved horribly, and most likely embarrassed you. Believe me, Nadir gave me an earful about that. I will be apologizing to Meg as well; I understand she was rather worried that night."

Christine said "I explained to her, at least a little. I told her you just are a little, well, insecure." She giggled at Erik's mock horrified look, but his expression changed as he started laughing too. "Yes, I suppose I am. It doesn't help when you tell others that however!" She hugged him close and said "I'm going to do whatever it takes to wipe those insecurities away."

He asked "I brought a bottle of wine. May I run down to the car and get it?" Christine agreed, and he left momentarily. She walked to the kitchen and pulled down two wine glasses. Her buzzer sounded again, and she checked by intercom to make sure it was Erik, and then buzzed him in. When he handed her the wine, she took one look and whistled. "Wow, I know what this label runs for a bottle." She said softly. At Erik's surprised look, she laughed and said "Oh Erik, come one, I work at the bar, remember? At a 5 star hotel. We carry this label, and I know the amount of zeros that go with this." He smiled and said "Well, I thought we deserved something for a little celebration."

When they settled back onto the couch with their wine, Christine asked playfully "So, what kind of earful did Nadir give you, exactly?" Erik chuckled "Oh, only the ones a father figure can give. He basically told me I was an idiot, and that you obviously cared about me, so why in the world was I acting like the world's biggest fool and pushing you away? Then he smacked me upside the head and left me pouting." Christine laughed at this mental picture and said "Remind me to buy him dinner as a thank you. Did he really smack you?" He laughed harder, having to actually put his wine on the table, and said "Yes, and he's the only person allowed to do so!" She smiled slyly and, setting down her wine, said "So what if I do this?" and smacked him lightly on the shoulder. Erik growled playfully and tackled her, causing them to tumble softly on the floor. Then he leaned in and whispered "Well, my dear, you would have to suffer the consequences." And Erik did something she was not prepared for: He tickled her. She screeched with laughter, trying to wriggle away. He stopped after a minute, looking at her adoringly as she kept giggling.

When they finally calmed down, he said "Nadir also reminded me of something. A quote that I love: 'Every life is a pile of good things and bad things. The good things don't always soften the bad things, but vice-versa, the bad things don't necessarily spoil the good things and make them unimportant.' And it's the truth. We have a good thing here, and one bad thing, one idiot, is not going to spoil our good thing." Then Erik got up and placed a CD into her stereo and said "And this song, it sounds like us. I almost played this song outside for you, but decided I'd rather play it in here, with the possibility of a dance." He held out his hand, and Christine smiled and stood, grasping the outstretched hand. The soft music seemed to surround them:

"Take all your chances while you can
You never know when they'll pass you by
Like a sum the mathematician cannot solve
Like me trying my hardest to explain

It's all about your cries and kisses
Those first steps that I can't calculate
I need some more of you to take me over"

As the song mentioned kisses, Erik took that as a hint and softly peppered kisses all over her face. She smiled, and snuggled her face to his neck. A line stood out to both of them, and Erik repeated it to her:

"Like the poster of Berlin on my wall
Maybe there's a chance our walls might fall"

He dipped her, kissing her slowly. Christine pressed her body against him, moaning into the kiss. He rested his forehead on hers, and said "I'm yours, all yours. I'm ready to take the chance with you." She looked into his eyes and said "And I'm yours. Erik, I care so much about you. I may be falling in love with you." His eyes widened, and a brief flicker of disbelief showed in his eyes, replaced by cautious hope. "Do you mean that Christine?" She nodded her head, and then leaned to whisper in his ear "Yes, Erik, I'm falling for you."

Erik couldn't help himself. He kissed her passionately, picking her up off her feet. He knew it was a cheesy move, but the moment called for it. He knew he had never been as happy as he was right then. And this was a good thing he would not allow anyone to spoil.

Alright, do we like the making up that happened here?

Just so you all know, the song is "Chances" by Athlete. It was featured in an episode of "Doctor Who" called "Vincent and the Doctor". One of my all time favorite episodes. The quote Erik mentions is also from that episode. Look up on YouTube "Vincent and the Doctor" and I dare you not to get a little teary at it. It's beautiful.

Gerry has been feeling the love. He offers more cheesecake to reviewers. Please hit that button!