Disclaimer: I visited ALW and asked him for permission to own Erik, but he told me I can't and now I have a restraining order against him. JK! I wished I did…

A/N: Well, all those who were wondering if I would mention Music of the Night then here it is! I was waiting for the right opportunity to use the song and I found it in this chapter. Enjoy!

Chapter 17- Lesson 8: Wooing Christine Part 2

"Listening is the main key to any relationship," Stephanie shouted through the kitchen. She was busy making some snacks for her and Erik while he waited in the next room over. "If you show you are paying attention to what she says then you're on the path down the right road. Listening shows you care."

She came out with a couple of plates with peanut butter crackers and handed one to Erik. "What was that again?" he asked.

She narrowed her eyes at him as he chuckled. "I'm kidding my dear. Please continue," he said as he put a cracker in his mouth.

"As I was saying, it means something to her when you have an interest in her life. Now in Christine's case it might be her father she might focus on. Since you can be a sensitive guy when you want to be, you can have her talk about him and go with her when she visits his grave. That right there shows you're compassionate and scores points," she explained. "Since Raoul knew him he might not have the same interest as you will about the elder Daae."

"I see."

"But if she doesn't want to talk to you about him then don't push it," she warned. "Christine will open up to you when she's ready so don't try and force her. I'm sure it will be the same for you as well. And also, I know this might be hard for you, but no stalking. That just shows you're some crazy mental case."

"Hey!" Erik protested. "I don't 'stalk' her. I just happened to be in the same vicinity as her and overhear things at the right time. I don't go around in my Opera house looking for her all the time. I have things to do just as she does."

"Keep telling yourself that and you might believe it," Stephanie said wryly. "Erik you're one lovesick puppy."

He ignored her and waved at her to get back to the point.

"Anyways, communication is another key. You have to get your thoughts and feelings heard. No one's a mind reader so don't go expecting she's going to know everything. That's impossible. And while you're out communicating this earns you more points for being open and honest with her. Trust comes into major play. Without trust then your relationship won't have any foundation. Now, I know the human race has treated you unfairly so trust won't mean much to you, but it will to her. So you need to let those awful guards down and put up a strong front in this. Show you're not afraid and when she tells you your face doesn't scare her, then take her word for it. Grant her the right to look at you, the real you, when she asks it. I'm not sure if this is needed, but take your time when doing so.

"And when you and Christine are a couple you need to be aware of Raoul still being part in your life. Christine and he were childhood friends so don't try and interfere with that. If she wishes to see him, let her. This goes to show you trust her and your love. Raoul might try and change her mind, but if she's true she won't leave your side. When there's a good thing going on, no girl wants to lose it. Remember that Erik."

"I'll remember it. But I don't want him in my life," Erik replied bitterly.

"Well you have to suck it up man. News flash: he doesn't want to be in your life either but when it comes to Christine he will. Raoul will be desperate to find faults in the relationship so don't let that get to you. That shows you're the better man than him. And that's what you want understand?"

He nodded. "Good. Also try to get to know him. Maybe you could become friends and the three of you can spend time together. This shows how much you appreciate her friends even if he is a fop."

"I'll try but it will kill me," he promised already sensing his doom to having fun with the fop.

"That a boy!" She playfully smacked his arm. "That's the spirit. See? Soon you will be an expert."

"Thanks to you," he said with sincere gratitude.

"Do you want to take a break or keep going?" Stephanie asked him.

"Break. My head is just swimming."

"In a good way or bad way?" she teased.

"Both," he answered. "Could we perhaps listen to…?" Hope filled his voice.

Stephanie smiled. "Sure. Be right back."

Within seconds she returned with the soundtrack. "Any requests Monsieur?" she asked in a fake French accent.

Erik chuckled heartily before responding. "Music of the Night."

"Got it boss." She put the CD in and soon Erik's voice filled the atmosphere.

Night time sharpens,

Heightens each sensation.

Darkness, stirs and

Wakes imagination.

Silently the senses

Abandon their defenses.

Stephanie went over and sat next to Erik, her head resting on his shoulder. She closed her eyes and allowed his sensuous voice to sweep her off her feet. "I love this song," she murmured.

"Me too," Erik whispered. "It's all for her."

"Hmm-mmm," she replied dreamily. "To seduce Christine I highly recommend you sing this all the time."

He smirked. "I'm sure I can do more than just that with this song."

Close your eyes

And surrender to your

Darkest dreams!

Purge your thoughts

Of the life you knew before!

"Christine is seriously going to be one lucky girl," Stephanie mused. "Erik you found yourself the perfect girl."

"I know."

Softly, deftly,

Music shall caress you…

Hear it, feel it,

Secretly possess you..

Open up your mind,

Let your fantasies unwind

In this darkness which you know

You cannot fight.

"So tell me, Miss Larson, what put you in a glorious mood today? You couldn't stop smiling when you came home."

"You would be so proud of me," she said. "Anyone who picked on me got it. There were a few kids who didn't know what I meant by 'fop' that live close by. It was great. And the best part was that Dan winked at me or at least in my direction in math."

"I told you so," Erik replied. "Watch, he'll come your way."

"Hmm, I can't wait."

Floating, falling,

Sweet intoxication!

Touch me, trust me,

Savor each sensation!

"Erik?"

"Yes?"

"Do you ever miss home?"

He sighed. "I do very much. Christine is my home."

"That's sweet. What happens if you can't go back?"

Erik's body went rigid. It never crossed his mind, well once briefly, but that was it. He just assumed he would be sent back when the time came. He choked back the awful lump that arose in his throat. He didn't want to think about it. He couldn't.

Stephanie felt him tensing and regretted ever asking him. She didn't know why that popped into her head.

"But I'm sure you will," she answered herself. "Forget I even asked."

You alone

Can make my song take flight-

Help me make

The music of the night…

When the song ended, neither one of them made a move to stop it or pick another song. They were lost in their own thoughts about his future and what would happen if Erik doesn't return.

Stephanie knew if he had to stay he wouldn't last long. So for Erik has been fine, but he wasn't born in this time and he wasn't cut out for this life. There was so much for him to learn that Stephanie was positive she couldn't teach him all of it. Plus, she wouldn't be around long enough to watch him. She had her own life she was planning. She couldn't baby sit him 24/7.

Erik tried to remain positive throughout his stay. Whenever he felt down an image of Christine appeared to him, pushing him to continue. For the first time in his life, Erik hoped that God would have mercy upon him to let him return to his angel. He couldn't live without her. Erik was sure he would die if she were not by his side. He wasn't ready to go just yet, though. Not when so much occurred in his life.

"Let's call it a day and we'll continue later," Stephanie announced, breaking the awkward silence.

He nodded. They did plenty and he was mentally exhausted.

They retired to contemplate on the possibilities if Erik can't return to Paris and what would be his fate. Both hoped that this wouldn't be the case.

TBC…