Disclaimer: The usual.

Chapter XVI- Visiting Meg

Erik did not get any more sleep that night. All that plagued his mind was how beautiful Christine looked and how hideous he was. It had surprised him that Christine kissed him with equal want and need that he had kissed her with. He could not overcome the fact that she wanted the same thing he longed for.

He suddenly remembered that she was still inexperienced in the department and was still pure and innocent. He had had encounters with women, so he knew what to expect. She on the other hand was still untouched and should remain that way. There would be only one way that he should have the right to take her and that would be in wedlock.

Meanwhile Christine was fidgeting with the ring Erik had given her so many moons ago. During the last few weeks, she wore it on a chain around her neck and today she took it off and slipped it on her finger. It still shone by the candlelight and she sat there admiring it. She slowly drifted off to slumber land once again.

Next morning, Christine sought out Erik who was in the organ room in some very leisurely suit. He was sitting in an armchair and reading one of his favorite books. He heard her enter and but did not look at her. He acknowledged her presence by stating, "I hope you slept well."

Christine nodded as she made her way to the desk where she picked up his empty teacup and retreated to the kitchen to make herself one. If someone would be watching, one might conclude that the couple was in a fight and was giving each other the silent treatment. Although this is not the case here. After a few minutes of waiting for her to return, Erik decided to go after her.

He found her peacefully sipping her tea and reading the paper that he had earlier gone out and retrieved. He watched her for a while before letting his presence be known. She still had on her pale pink nightgown with a robe over top. She had her ankles crossed and she had on hand on the cup and the other at the corner of the page ready to turn it. She eventually turned it and a sparkle caught his eye. He thought he had imagined it, but she flipped the page and there it was again.

He let out a little cough as he stepped further inside the room. She looked up and gave a small smile. He found the source of the sparkles were from the ring, his ring. This made him pause for a moment before beginning, "I have some errands to run in the outside world, and I do not know whether you would want to stay here or I could take you back to the Opera house."

Christine considered the options before her and decided to visit Meg. She had not seen her lately. Good time as any to visit. She proceeded to her room to change. She carefully picked a simple dress. Most of the dresses that Erik had provided for her were too beautiful to wear on a daily basis. They left shortly, and Christine let Erik escort her to her former quarters. Before she stepped out to the dressing room, from behind the mirror, Erik told her that he would be back for her around eight and he stressed that she should not leave the premises.

Meg was delighted to see her friend. They had not really talked since the grand performance of Don Juan Triumphant. She had been afraid for Christine's well-being but after Madame Giry's constant reassurances, she believed that if it made Christine happy and her mother was not fretting about it too much, then there was no major apparent danger that she should warn her friend about.

When Christine showed up at the Meg's dressing room door, the girls let out a feminine thrill squeal and hugged gaily. Recollecting her manner, Meg invited her in and offered her tea. As they sat down at a table meant for two, they launched into gossip about the Opera, Chorus, Carlotta, and men.

Meg's curiosity got the best of her, and asked Christine about her "mystery man." Christine insisted that she stop using that name and just refer to him as Erik. "He is honestly unlike I've ever met. He is so loving and so tormented that I just want to protect him always."

"Sounds like you're in love." She stated, "Are you?"

"Yes. I love him with all my heart."

Meg was truly happy and was a bit jealous of her. "You're very lucky."

"Does Louis not give you all that you want?"

Everyone that Louis had been courting Meg for several months now and they were cute together. "Yes, but he's not a passionate being as your mystery- Erik seems to be."

"It may not be Louis' forte but he might surprise you."

Soon, Christine changed the subject to recent fashions and new objects that she noticed in Meg's room. Apparently Louis had given her a family heirloom pearl necklace.

After much girl talk, the hour of eight struck, and Christine returned to her dressing room where her beloved was waiting. "A joyous visit, I assume."

"You assume correctly." She remarked as she stepped through the mirror.

They walked down to the lake in silence and only until they were in the middle of the lake was that spell broken. "Christine, I was wondering if you might accompany me tonight on a moonlight stroll, after dinner." He uncharacteristically fidgeted. "The temperature is pleasant and the breeze is ever so refreshing."

" I would love to, Erik."

A/N: This chapter is dedicated to a certain Fan fiction fan Moonwalking Phantom who was so kind to send me a personal message reminding me to update. That meant a lot. Thank you.

Thank you to the rest of my readers. I promise more fluff to come. Read and Review please.