Meg smiled a watery smile at Erik. "So now that all that was said would you like something to eat?" She cut a piece of bread and handed it to him.

"Thank you," Erik took the bread and popped a chunk into his mouth. Meg sighed as she cut another piece for herself and spread the preserves on it. She looked at him over her cup as she took a small sip of water. "What?" Erik asked.

"You aren't wearing your mask." She said.

"You asked me not to. It's in my room though if you want me to wear it,"

"Oh no," she said hurriedly. "No, I didn't think that you would want to walk around with out your mask." Meg shrugged and Erik answered with a shrug of his own broad shoulders. Meg licked the last of the preserves from her fingers and finished her water. "Erik?"

"Yes Meg," He looked up from the half-eaten piece of bread in his hands.

"Would you mind very much if you showed me how to get out? I need some clothes and other things." She ran a hand through her tangled blonde hair.

"Until you can walk longer distances you will not be able to get out, however I can get you most of the things you need. What do you need?" Erik asked.

"Clothes, preferably a pair of breeches and a loose shirt, but I also am going to need some skirts and dresses. Most of the things I need you can find in my bedroom in my old house-" She stopped abruptly. When had she started thinking of Erik's lair as her own home? It was nothing near the comfortable softness of her old flat. Meg shook her head. "I need a brush among other things." Erik nodded. "Please let me come with you. I need to get out into fresh air. Don't get me wrong I like it here just fine," she added hurriedly, "But I am not accustomed to being inside for such a long period of time. Please?"

Erik sighed and bit the inside of his cheek. This girl was making him as soft as butter, and in a way he almost liked it. He liked her presence in the lair, she seemed to brighten it and touch the darkest corners. The funny thing was she hadn't been all that cheerful. "Let me think about it." He said quietly still immersed in his own thoughts.

"Now don't you dare try and father me Monsieur. I am just as much an adult as you are." Meg retorted heatedly. "And besides, I have had to deal with bad ankles many more times than you have, and half the time I had to dance on them!"

Erik raised an eyebrow at her. "Did I ever say you were a child?" he asked.

"No…"

"Then why did you say I did?" he smirked.

"Urgh." Meg groaned. "I'm going to my room." She stalked off to her room and Erik heard the door slam.

"Meg, my dear, you forgot your food." Erik smiled as Meg huffed back into the room and snatched up her food. But as she passed him she cuffed him on the back of the head. "OW!" he jumped up and Meg ran into her room laughing. Erik chased after her, but before he could step inside the room she shut it and locked it. Erik growled and stomped back to his coffin room. He opened a small lock box that held a key for all the locks in the opera. Erik went over to Meg's door. "Meg, open the door."

"Aw, is poor Erik upset?" Meg laughed.

"Yes, poor Erik's head hurts. Meg open the door." Meg just kept laughing. "I'm coming in."

"Oh no you aren't,"
"Yes, I am." Erik turned the key and opened the door, smiling at the look of surprise on Meg's face.

"How did you get in my room?" she asked.

"It's called a key," Erik said, "and you are going to learn not to hit me." He lunged at her and tackled her to the bed.

"Eep!" Meg squeaked as she fell back onto the bed. Erik's long fingers found her most ticklish spots on her belly and neck. She squirmed under him laughing and grabbed a pillow. Meg tried to wiggle out from under him. "Erik… Gets off! … That tickles!" She shrieked as she hit him with the pillow.

"Then stop hitting me."

"Fine!" she threw the pillow against the wall. Erik just smirked and put his hands on either side of her head. They both breathed in large gulps trying to fill their lungs. As soon as their heads had cleared they both became acutely aware of how they were positioned. Lying down on a bed. With Erik on top of Meg… Erik's shirt was also open down to his waist exposing his clearly defined muscles. Although Erik had not spent time in the sun his skin was swarthy and looked really healthy. Oh… My… God… Meg thought.

Erik looked down at Meg. Her blonde locks were splayed in a halo about her head, her brown eyes were bright, and her pale cheeks were flushed. He felt a slight constricting in his chest that he was sure wasn't from the tickle attack. No… It's too soon, but then why do I feel like this? Erik brushed Meg's cheek with the back of his fingers, and a slight blush rose up her neck. Meg smiled slightly and reached up to return the gesture. Meg ran her fingers over the right side of his face feeling the differences in texture. Erik winced and Meg yanked back her hand fearing she may have hurt him.

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

Erik shook his head, "It's okay, you didn't hurt me, just surprised me. No one has ever touched me. At least not of their own free will."

"Well then I guess I am just different." Meg said quietly.

Erik nodded. "Yes just a bit." Meg shrugged, and Erik leaned down so his lips were close to her ear. "But it's a good thing," he brushed his lips across her cheek, sending a jolt through Meg's spine. Erik half smiled and swung his leg over Meg and moved to get off the bed. "Now rest that ankle and I may let you come along with me to get your things." He said seductively. Meg wordlessly leaned back against her pillows and started reading the book he got for her. Erik walked out glad that he could still use his voice to his advantage, even if it was something as simple as having Meg rest her leg.