"The greatest thing you'll ever learn,

is just to love,

and be loved in return..."

Chapter Nine

Wooing the Nightingale

Christine pulled the drapes open in Erik's room, wanting to bring some light into the dank room. It had been a whole week since the swordfight and Erik's wound, thankfully, was healing quite nicely. She turned to him from her place at the window, a soft smile playing across her lips at the sight of him sleeping so soundly. The masked side of his face was turned from her and Christine was only given a glimpse of his flawless side.

How handsome he would have been if not for that deformed side. The thought entered her mind before she could stop it and she sighed. She needed company desperately. Anita was always busy doing something around the house and Erik was asleep most of the day. Although she was more then glad to see him sleeping so much. She wondered if he had ever been able to sleep so fitfully down in that cold cellar.

"Christine?" Erik murmured. Christine's head turned quickly to look at him, causing her curls to bounce. He was wincing against the harsh light from the window as he tried to locate her in the room. She immediately went to his bedside.

"Erik?" she whispered. His eyes found hers and he seemed to relax. Christine smiled and sat down beside him.

"Is there something I can get for you?" she asked, expecting him to say no and close his eyes. He seemed not to want anything to do with her.

"Could you read something to me?" he asked. Christine blinked in surprise but could not contain her smile.

"Of course! Let me go and get a book!" she said happily, nearly running from the room.

xXx

Erik waited patiently for Christine to come back with the book. He needed to someone show his love for her and a good way to begin was to spend some time with her, something that would not be to hard since he thought of her constantly. She came in moments later with a book in her hand and a bright smile upon her lips.

"I found one," she said happily, sitting down in a chair not far from him. Erik frowned, that would not due.

"Sit on the bed, Christine," he instructed. Christine glanced up at him in surprise and slowly did as she was told. She settled her skirts about her and pushed her hair from her face, getting herself comfortable. Erik closed his eyes when she began to read, getting completely caught up in the sound of her voice. He felt a smile turn up the corner of his mouth at the way she changed her voice for the many different characters.

Without fully realizing what he was doing Erik found his hand reaching for hers, gently grasping it in his own. Christine's voice faltered only slightly at his touch before she continued to read. Erik's thoughts slowly wandered away from the story. Who would have known how soft a womans hand could be? Would the rest of her body feel the same?

The idea of Christine naked caused him to groan. He could not think that way toward her, it was not right. He felt her hand gently squeeze him.

"Erik?" she whispered. Erik's body had grown tense and hard at the first touch of Christine's hands but her soft, nearly breathless whisper put him over the edge into a realm he had no business being but was to far gone to pull himself out from. His eyes opened to see Christine staring at him strangely. She was so beautiful with her blue eyes and flawless features.

The book tumbled to the ground as Erik gently tugged Christine toward him, unable to move completely due to his condition. Her eyes widened slightly when his large, warm hands cupped her face. His eyes were on hers and they did not waver, although deep inside he was trembling in fear. If she pulled away or blanched he did not know what he would do.

Her small, pale hands landed palm down on his chest, trying to keep her balance. Very gently Erik pressed his lips against Christine's, causing her eyes to widen in surprise. Her lips were so soft, just like he remembered them being that night in the opera. He refused to frighten her or take the kiss any further then chaste one he was giving her now. He pulled away to stare into her eyes.

She was changing him. How he did not know, and when it had begun to happen he had not a clue, but he knew it was for the better. She was showing him light in the darkness, something he had never believed would happen to him.

"Thank you," he whispered. Christine's smooth brow creased in confusion.

"W-what?" she asked, still completely bewildered from his kiss.

"Thank you...for everything," he whispered. Christine's shock was apparent. She had never heard him thank anyone for anything before, and the idea that he was doing so now had her more then surprised.

"Your welcome, Erik," she whispered.

xXx

"Mademoiselle?" Anita said, knocking softly on Christine's chamber door. Christine turned from her place at the windown to smile at the woman. She had been daydreaming again, something she had been doing for the past two days since Erik's kiss. He was now able to walk and often left his room to compose music. She could hear the sound of his piano playing long into the late hours of the night.

"Yes, Anita?" Christine asked.

"I was told to give these to you," she replied, holding out a vase full of the most beautiful red roses Christine had ever seen. She gasped and went to take them from the other woman, a wide smile playing on her lips. Anita left the room as Christine put the flowers on the table beside her bed. Erik was the only one who could have given them to her and she smiled in absolute joy. He was changing. She was sure of it. It was hardly apparent now but she was sure it was there.

She flew from her room in her haste to get to Erik and thank him for the roses.Was this a sign that he truly did want her to be with him? She hoped so.

A/N: This chapter was short and full of fluff but the next chapter will once more delve into the darker aspects of things, I am grateful to all who have reviewed! thanks!