A/N: I am so sorry guys! The past few months have been torturous, along with exams and other pressures I've found it impossible to find the time and creativity to continue my story. However my exams are finally over and I'm eager to continue! I promise chapters will be more regular now (at least one a week) and again thank you if you're still sticking with the story, I will try my hardest not to disappoint. Again sorry and I hope you enjoy!

Also please feel free to comment suggestions and reviews J

Chapter Six

Erik guided me through a series of dark long passages similar to those I had initially walked when searching for him not so long ago. The walls were narrow which meant I had to walk slightly behind Erik whilst he held a burning candle dimly lighting the way as he seemingly glided down the passages; myself in pursuit. We were silent the way aside from Erik's occasional comment to mind my step as the cobbles beneath jutted out oddly at certain corners.

Suddenly my foot caught. I let out a small yelp as I felt myself fall forward before Erik quickly caught me with one arm pulling me into him slightly as he did so. For a moment we both stood in shock as his muscular arm cradled me in a soft embrace, my ear against his chest hearing the rapid beat of his heart. Then as if snapping back into reality he became stiff and quickly recoiled softly pushing himself away from me before his hard eyes met mine.

"Are you okay?" he asked his voice blunt, yet his face betrayed him when his eyebrows knitted together in frustrated concern.

"I'm fine just tripped…thank you" I tried to match his tone yet my voice was softer as his intense stare entranced me.

He quickly nodded before turning back around as we continued our journey. It was not long until we came upon a set of steps the passage brighter now as light from the moon streamed down highlighting our ascent. The midnight air hit my face as a shiver of pleasure ran through my body. It had seemed so long since I had seen the outside world. For I moment I stood my eyes closed as I felt the Parisian night time around me. When I opened them Erik was gazing at me in a most peculiar way his mouth toying with a rare smile.

"What?" I asked my tone light as a flood of happiness coursed through me

"I've never seen you look so…content Christine. It's refreshing" he smiled and I couldn't help but return one.

"Shall we walk?" He offered out his arm in a gentlemanly manner, the first bit of voluntary contact. I timidly linked my arm through his, goose bumps quickly rippling across my body. I was unsure whether this was because of the chilly night air or my body's response to being in such close proximity of Erik. We slowly walked down a familiar market street path, the windows of the carts and stalls closed as the people of Paris slept blissfully unaware of the unusual couple below. A question suddenly sprung into my mind;

"Erik…What was your childhood like" as soon as the words left my mouth I could see this was a bad move as a dark cloud descended upon his face.

"I didn't have one Christine…not really" he replied darkly "If it is okay I wish not to speak of it tonight. It is not a place I like to think about"

"Of course Erik I'm so sorry if that was intrusive please forgive me" I quickly blurted not wishing to darken his mood further. Surprisingly my desperation made him laugh as he glanced at the panicked look across my face

"You're scared I'm upset?" he asked a smugness in his tone

"No of course not!" I playfully nudged him, not wishing for him to get the better of me despite the fact that it was true and I couldn't help but be relieved he was okay. After all I needed him just as much as he needed me.

We continued our walk and I chatted absentmindedly as he nodded, smiled and laughed although did not add to my conversation. We were by the river now as we sat down on a bench that faced out across the waves below. I watched as ripples crossed the dark waters as it felt like bolts of electricity flowed between us. I turned to find his head facing mine, the same piece of hair falling across his mask. Slowly, I moved my hand towards his face and placed the strand back into place before his hand caught mine and held it there for a moment. His eyes closed as he sighed seemingly blissful at my touch he had earlier recoiled at.

Feeling braver than usual I began to caress the exposed part of his face. Erik would undeniably be a handsome man had his deformity not been there, however I still found myself incredibly attracted to the way he looked especially tonight as the moonlight seemed to enhance his high cheekbones and pale skin. Not wishing to push my luck I brought my hand down slowly as his lilac lids opened and I met him with a shy smile. Then it was Erik's turn as he leaned in tentatively and placed a gentle kiss upon my cheek.

A/N: I promise next chapter will be longer but how do we feel about this new found chemistry?