A/N: I like this chapter a lot. More Madeline and Erik cute scene! I hope to have one or two more chapters up before I leave for vacation, which is in exactly a week! I think that's it. Ok go read this chappie!

Salinde: Thanks!

Layla Wendel: I agree. They are both very stubborn, but don't worry. Things will heat up pretty soon!

TheaterAngel: Thank you!

RachErikaSam01: Don't worry. This is the chapter!

Clayphan16: -talking with hand at the level of my eyes- Sorry about the short chapter. This one is longer.

bejou: Keep going with that description! I was drooling myself while reading it, and was seriously contemplating just locking them in the Room of Requirement together, and letting them…work out their differences. LOL.

Sally: Thanks! I don't really like writing longer chapters. I get chapters up faster, when they're shorter. By the time I write the chapters, usually during class, and then type them at home, if they're long it takes double the time. I will try though, with summer here.

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Christine walked into the house to be greeted by a very angry Madame Giry. It was dark by then, and she had had a hard time finding her way out of the forest.

"Where have you been?" Madame Giry demanded. "I have been worried sick!"

"I'm sorry," Christine said dropping her head guiltily. "I was thinking, and lost track of time."

Madame Giry sighed. "Come lets go get you some dinner."

"I'm not really hungry," Christine said quietly.

Madame Giry looked into her eyes, trying to read her. Christine felt that Madame Giry could see through everything. Finally she dropped her gaze.

Madame Giry sighed again. "That's fine, but I'll bring something up to your room just in case."

"Where's Madeline?" Christine asked.

"She's playing with Erik in his room," Madame Giry replied.

Christine nodded and headed for the stairs. First she stopped at her room to drop off her cloak, but then headed to Erik's room. The door was open, and Christine stood in the doorway to watch them.

Erik was in the same chair he was in that morning, with Madeline on his lap. In his hands was his monkey music box.

"See when you wind it up music plays," he whispered demonstrating.

Christine smiled as the boxes haunting melody reached her. Madeline clapped her hands and giggled with glee, mimicking the monkey. Erik placed his lips by Madeline's ear, and began singing.

"Masquerade!

Paper faces on parade…

Masquerade!

Hide your face,

So the world will

Never find you!

Masquerade!

Look around-

There's another

Mask behind you!"

He sang it so quietly; Christine had to lean in to hear. Not entirely sure why, she felt a pang of jealousy.

Madeline smiled up at Erik, completely enwrapped. When he stopped singing Madeline was asleep. He held her for many minutes, just staring at her chubby face. He gently brushed her curls away from her face, his face lit up in a smile. It was the first time Christine had seen him truly happy. She hated to ruin the moment, but she had had a long day, and wanted to put Madeline in bed. She walked in the room, but found she couldn't speak. Finally after many minutes, she spoke.

"You're really good with Madeline. She adores you."

If Erik was surprised to see her he didn't show it. He didn't even look up. "Where were you today?' He asked quietly.

Christine hesitated. "I had a few things to think about, and lost track of time."

Erik did not pursue the subject, he just nodded. "Madeline missed you," was all he said.

"I think I'll go to bed," Christine said. "I'll take Madeline." She took Madeline from Erik's arms, though he seemed reluctant to let her go. "Good night," she said leaving the room, with Madeline in one hand, and her cane in the other.

"Good night," he replied.

On the way to her room, Christine ran into Madame Giry.

"Here let me take Madeline for you," she said taking her. "I left some dinner for you on your table."

"Thank you," Christine replied. "Where's Nadir?" She asked curiously. She had not seen him since she had over heard his and Erik's conversation.

"He went home this afternoon. He will be back next week with Meg."

"Oh," Christine said. He probably left because of his and Erik's fight, she thought.

They reached Christine's room, and Madame Giry placed Madeline in her crib.

"Thank you," Christine whispered trying not to wake up Madeline.

"Your welcome," Madame Giry answered. "Make sure you eat," she said leaving the room.

Christine sighed, but walked over to the table, and made herself a cup of tea. Instead of filling her it made her hungry. Resignedly she had some bread, though she didn't eat anything else on the tray. She was hungry, yet she didn't feel like eating. Then she changed into her nightgown, and lay down in bed to read. After reading a few minutes, and finding she couldn't concentrate, she pulled on her robe, grabbed her cane, and left the room.

Christine wandered the house awhile not sure where she wanted to go. She was about to go back to her room, when she heard music coming from the music room. The music stopped abruptly, and she knocked on the door. After a few minutes she opened the door. Inside she could see Erik hunched over the piano, writing feverishly.

"What are you writing?" She asked curiously.

Erik didn't look up as he answered. "A lullaby, for Madeline."

"Oh."

"What are you doing up Christine?" Erik asked, still not looking up.

"I couldn't sleep," she answered. "Will you play it for me?"

"It's not finished yet," Erik replied, absently.

"Please."

"Alright," he said sighing, finally looking up.

"Thank you," Christine said taking a seat at the edge of the piano bench.

As Christine listened to the music, she could tell all he felt about Madeline. She could hear how much he loved her, and how much joy she brought him. She could also hear Erik's pain, and how much he wished Madeline was his daughter.

Maybe that wouldn't be such a bad thing, a voice in her head whispered.

She realized music was his voice. It was how he expressed all his feelings. This was the first time she had ever bothered to listen, really listen to his music. She had never been so over whelmed by music since she had performed Don Juan Triumphant.

For what felt like the hundredth time that day, she asked herself if she loved this man. This time she got an answer.

Yes.

Or she was pretty sure she did.

Abruptly the music stopped, and Erik turned towards her expectantly.

Not realizing what she was doing until it was too late; she leaned in and kissed him.

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A/N: Wow first kiss in my story! I hope its ok. I didn't really like that scene. I pictured it so much better in my mind. Oh well tell me what you think.

Review!

P.S. Don't you love cliffies!