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She loved him. She knew this, and she had already told him that before. She shouldn't have to keep it a secret and when he did little things like remove his mask, just to show her that he trusted her, why should she not reward such efforts? Hadn't indecisions, fear and doubt cost them both so much time already?

When she saw the tears in his eyes, she didn't regret her actions one bit. She then began to caress his face and she couldn't get enough of how his skin felt. She could also see how her touch was effecting him. His face looked so calm and his beautiful, amber eyes with gold tilt practically glowed into hers. No, she didn't regret any of this. That is, until she realized the more she touched him, the stronger the feelings of wanting to press her lips to his was.

"Erik…."

He released a soft moan and inched towards her. "Christine, no one has ever dared do this but you."

"This is how your face should always be touched and I pity the fools who have never and will never have such an opportunity." She brought her lips to his but instantly pulled away when she heard Gustave call her name.

"Mother, I'm coming back. I just wanted you and Mr. Y to know so he could finish eating."

Erik was at the opposite end of the blanket in a frenzy, as he hurried to place his mask back on. Christine blushed at first but looked sad when she saw him so far away and once again feeling as if he had to hide. She knew Erik was right about trying to force Gustave into accepting his face, but he also didn't know about the conversations they had about looking with one's heart. She was determined to make her child see this sooner rather than later.

Gustave came up to her and hugged her. "Thank you for letting me play before supper, Mother." He then looked over at Erik. "Mr. Y did you eat enough?"

Erik nodded. "It was a wonderful." He then looked lovingly over at Christine, who couldn't keep eye contact with him, for fear she would giggle.

"Why don't you sit down right here, Gustave and enjoy the lovely meal that Mr. Y has prepared for us?"

"Mother?"

"Yes, Gustave."

"After supper, can we all play a game?"

"Gustave, the sun has gone to bed and afterwards, we will have to walk back to hotel. I'm afraid you will need to go to sleep."

"But Mother, Mr. Y has all these lanterns and it's still bright enough for a quick game. Mr. Y, would you like to play with us? Mother and I usually play together because Father never really wanted to join us, but I thought that maybe, you might wish to…." He suddenly felt embarrassed. "I'm sorry, Mr. Y. You don't have to."

Erik moved closer to the two of them. "Well, I suppose that if it is alright with your mother, we could play a quick game of blind's man bluff." He pulled out a handkerchief and grinned. "What do you say about having your mother wear the blindfold?"

Christine was a little uneasy having to play against Erik and Gustave, who she was realizing was resembling his true father in more ways than one.

"I do not think that will be rather fair. I will only play if I have an equal advantage." She teased.

"But we are outside and…." Erik pleaded.

"You picked this spot and I hardly know my way when the sun is out, let alone in the dark."

"What about back at the hotel? You must know your room by now? We'll keep it to the living room only." He grinned.

"Please Mother!" Gustave took her arm and gazed up at her with hope in his eyes.

Defeated, she sighed. "All right. One game but you will then go straight to bed, young man."

Both Erik and Gustave replied. "Will do."

This caused all three to laugh, as Erik winked at Gustave and took Christine's hand in his.

A/N: Even I have to aww at that image. LOL