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Chapter 13

Kirsten's POV

I sat upright bed, staring around my darkened room. Reaching for my phone, I started towards my window, peering to see if the figure was still near. Without thinking, I dialed Erik's number.

"Hello?" He answered.

"Erik?!" I replied quickly.

"Kirsten, what is it? What's wrong?" His voice was panicked

"I...I don't know." I faltered "I..just needed to hear your voice."

"What happened?" He pressed on

" Something..odd happened. But, I'm sure it was just a dream." I took a deep breath, trying to rationalize.

"Ssssh darling, everything's alright. I'm here." Erik said softly, his voice caressing me.

"Yes, Erik thank you. I'm sorry a bothered you."

"Do not apologize Kirsten, I am here for you."

"I..I miss you, Erik." I told him meekly

"I miss you as well dear."

"May I come by tomorrow? I need a song for the Phantom auditions."

"Of course, sweetheart. Sleep well darling. I'm here, remember that."

I sighed "Thank you, Erik. See you soon."

"It can't come soon enough."

I hung up reluctantly, still longing to hear his sweet voice.

Erik's POV

I had frightened her. Tears pressed against the back of my eyes as she called me, desperation in her voice. She needed me for comfort, the same person that had brought her terror. Before her call, I had jumped from her bedroom window, darted across her lawn, and made my way to my car across the street. Now as I hung up, I sobbed against the steering wheel. How could I hurt her like this? I had evoked fear in her.

"Kirsten my darling, I am so sorry." I whispered into the darkness of the night.

I just wanted to see her again. I adored that soft smile that graced her lips as she slept, the way her hair lay across the pillow. My arms ached to hold her. My heart had stopped she whispered my name,

"Erik. Erik don't leave me." Her tender voice begged.

" I won't ever leave you, my love." I told her. I wanted to kiss her, rock in my arms. I wanted to protect her. I made this mistake of caressing her hair, her locks silky beneath my touch. I saw her beautiful emerald eyes flutter open, and then I made my escape.

I thought back to her voice. Did she really want me? No, it couldn't be true. No one could love me. No one would ever love me.

Kirsten's POV

The next day, I buzzed Erik's call box. It almost felt routine to be over at Erik's all the time. I needed to see him. Okay, I didn't NEED to see him, but it was as if every fiber of my being begged to see him. He answered door, a tender smile smile on his face. Before he could say a word, I rushed into his arms, finally back in his embrace.

"It's good to see you Erik" I told him, cuddling my head against his chest.

He chuckled "And you, Kirsten. Welcome back." He held me close

I took his face in my hands, careful not to touch the mask. "Thank you. I've missed you."

Erik patted my hand which sat on the good side of his face. "I've missed you too, darling."

We went to the studio, going through the motions of daily chit-chat.

"Are you nervous for the audition?" He inquired

"Of course I am! This Phantom we're talking about. I live and breathe it. It's my world, my everything." I gushed.

" I believe in you." He smiled tenderly

Blushing, I said "I apologize for the phangirl rant. They just kinda pop up. It's unstoppable."

"It's quite alright, my dear. I love that about you. Among other qualities." I blushed under his praise.

He picked up a stack of song books off the piano.

" I thought about doing Ave Maria." I told him.

He nodded "Very light, very sweet, but at the same time meaningful. Something Christine would definitely sing. It fits you beautifully."

I beamed at him. I had missed him so much. I didn't deserve it.

"Thank you, Erik" I gave his hand a squeeze. "You're faith in me means in the world." I took both of his hands in mine. He looked down at me, his large stature making me feel safe.

"Kirsten, you deserve the world, more than I can give you." He whispered, looking adoringly into my eyes.

"Erik, having you in my life means so much. I don't know what I'd do with you you. I need you in my life." I whispered to him. I don't know why I was telling him this or where it was even coming from.

Erik reached up a trembling hand to touch my cheek. He ran his thumb across my cheekbone. He ran his hand through my hair carefully, his eyes never leaving mine.

"No one has ever said anything like that to me before. I've never felt... needed..before." His breathing grew ragged

"I do need you. You're my rock, quickly becoming by best friend. You are here whenever I need you." I assured him.

"I'm will always be here for you." He whispered, wrapping me tighter in our embrace.

He tilted his face closer to mine. My heart pounded in my chest. I couldn't do this, could I? I felt the warmth of this breathe on my face. I pulled him closer me, practically on my tip toes to reach him. 'Please let this happen, please let it happen.' I prayed. Just as our lips were about to meet, the thrill ringing of my phone ripped us apart. I squeezed my eyes shut, shrinking against him in disappointment.

"I'm so sorry" I whispered

"Do not apologize, my love." He kissed my head

I looked at my phone. It was Rory.

Sorry, the whole interrupting kiss thing is really cliche, but I had to think of something! Thanks to funnygirl00 for the sleep-talking idea! You guys rock! Review!