Disclaimer: If I ever own Erik he would be in deep trouble. But I don't.

A/N: Whoo-hoo a quick update! Thanks to all of my lovely reviewers! Here's an Erik doll and Raoul dolls for you all! And some nails for the Raoul one if you like…

Chapter 15- The Pep Talk

Erik went over his plan once more in his head. Stephanie was still asleep and he heard her parents say it was a "snow day" or something. All he knew was that Stephanie wouldn't be going to school. This worked perfectly for him.

Quietly, he tiptoed into her bedroom and headed over to her dresser. On top was the box for her contacts. He knew there would be Hell to pay for what he was going to do, but he didn't care. It was time for him to teach Stephanie a lesson or two. Grinning devilishly, he picked up the box and slipped it into his coat pocket. She will have no need of them for today, he mused with delight.

He heard a low moan and quickly turned to the bed. Her eyes were still shut and it appeared she only moved. Erik let out the air he was holding in and relaxed. That was a close call. Returning back to his task, Erik went about the room taking any extra contacts; a couple of pair of glasses, and some several types of sunglasses (just in case she was desperate).

He kept a careful watch over the sleeping teen and when he finished, Erik snuck out of the room. Moving swiftly, he hid all of the contacts and glasses in places she wouldn't dare to look. With that done, it was time to awaken Miss Larson.

"Harp-er!" Erik crooned.

She was having such a wonderful dream. There she was, walking down the aisle where Dan waited. Like in many of her dreams, Stephanie didn't have mismatched eyes and she glowed with perfection. Everyone she knew was there at her wedding- family, friends, and Erik with Christine.

All those lessons paid off, she thought as she saw the little Destlers' squirming in their seats. Beaming, she made eye contact with her one true love. As soon as she reached the altar, the vows were made and the moment she been waiting for came. She closed her eyes in bliss as Dan inched closer to seal their fate forever-

"Harper!" she shriek as the dog covered her face with his wet tongue. Erik's musical laughter greeted her ears. After shoving the pesky animal off of her, Stephanie picked up her stuffed panda and threw it at him. Erik dodged the flying toy and caught it before hitting the ground.

"Now that wasn't very nice," he said, placing the toy back on her bed.

"Yeah and neither is this!" She got up and grabbed her pillow. Swinging hard, the pillow made contact with Erik's skull. "I was sleeping! Didn't I tell you never to wake me up?"

She moved to hit him again but Erik was too quick for her. He wrestled the pillow out of her hands and set it on the bed. Smirking, he patted her on top of her head like a pet. "Miss Larson, I think it's best for you to wake now. And never mess with me with a pillow."

Groaning, Stephanie shuffled over to her closet and grabbed something and headed to the bathroom. Erik made the bed for her and ushered Harper out, knowing when she realizes what he did she might use her dog as her next choice to throw at him.

She merged minutes later, fully clothed, and gave Erik an odd look. Something was up, she could sense it and the goofy expression surely wasn't hiding anything. She walked over to her dresser to put in her contact when she noticed her box wasn't there. Growing frantic, she pulled out the drawers and searched for them. When she couldn't find them, she ran over to her nightstand and her extra box was missing as well. Stephanie flew to every spot in her room that she hid her glasses and some back-up contacts, but none were to be found.

"Looking for something?" Erik gave her a sly look.

Breathing heavily and eyes flashing menacing, Stephanie stormed up to him. "Where are they?" she ordered.

When he didn't reply, she slammed her foot down on his. She didn't care how childish it was, he did something to her contacts and he was going to get it!

"Miss Larson, throwing a tantrum isn't going to bring them back," Erik gritted between his teeth. He didn't expect her to do that and she might not look strong, but her foot packed quite a few pounds.

"Erik, tell me where my contacts are now! Please," she said, resorting to begging.

He shook his head. "That will be too easy. I believe it's my turn to teach you something about yourself."

Her jaw dropped. "Erik what are you talking about?"

"You're helping me so I'm helping you," he explained. "That way we're square savvy?"

"No-" His hand covered her mouth before she could finish. "Now I'm the teacher and you the pupil," Erik spoke in a low tone. "To start off, no more contacts when I'm around. Shall we begin?"

Stephanie wasn't sure how this happened, but the last thing she remembered was that she was teaching Erik and not the other way around. She didn't like the look in his eyes and thought about screaming for help.

Erik watched her in mock fascination. He always got a thrill in being in charge and frightening people, but putting her in her place was an extreme joy for Erik. He had power over her and whatever she does nothing could stop him.

"From what you told me and what I picked up on my stay, there are few things I want done," he began. "For one, you don't need those contacts like I don't need my mask. Because of you I'm practically used to showing my face in public and it's time for you to do so as well. You do have lovely eyes, believe it or not. And it doesn't matter that they're not the same color. Just like it doesn't matter that half of my face is deformed.

"Secondly, I have read your diary on the computer. I'm sorry for invading your privacy but I'm glad I did. You are a beautiful young lady, even if you don't agree with me. Dan Shaw has to be crazy not to notice how wonderful of a person you are. And speaking for most men, you have the sort of traits expected in a woman that every man desires. You have a good heart, you're honest, and you're not scandalous by no means. You're the Ruth of your time if I say so myself.

"And lastly, don't listen to your mother. I'm never one for parents, but despite the few good points she has, it's not for you. I do agree a change in your hairstyle might be needed, but if you prefer it the way it is, then I'm not stopping you. You are your own person and no one should change that. You do what's best for you because only you know what makes you happy. Madame Larson is nothing more than a rous petiter.

"And if I wasn't in love with Christine I would be more than happy to court you. Alas, I think it's wrong of me to do so, but we both have another in our hearts and helping each other to get them is just the medicine we need. Miss Larson, I'm not the type who can easily befriend people or let them into my cold heart, but since I met Christine that changed and the same with you. You're the sister I never had and my conscience in the flesh to keep me on track. There isn't many good deeds I can do that will make up for all what you've done, but I will like to try in making you to the best of your potential. I have complete faith in you on what you're telling me and it's the best advice I've ever received. I believe it's time for you to take to heart of what you've been saying."

Erik's words touched Stephanie. What he spoke was true and he made a good point that she couldn't ignore. Tears of gratitude made their way down her pale cheeks and she solemnly promised she would do what he requested of her.

Erik moved over and pulled her into his embrace. He held her like she held him when he told her of his past. His own tears threatened to fall, but Erik held them in. This wasn't his time to shed tears. This was Stephanie's moment to let her pain and fears go. It was his duty to comfort and guide her like he did for Christine. He was now Stephanie's Angel.

TBC…

Aww! Such a tender moment if I say so myself. So go ahead and make me (and Erik!) happy with your wonderful feedback.