Again, I must first apologize. Apart from the internet being stupid, parents putting restrictions, and plain old Errors, I haven't been able to type, post, etc. etc. But I thank all my readers for reviewing and giving HUGE boosters. Thanks:D

Anyways, I have gotten complaints that my chapters are too short. Well I can't help it. Really, I would LOVE to make them HUGE, but then I can't update as much cause it takes longer to type 'em up. So I hope you don't mind that I shall be sticking with short chapters, though I will encrease them to at least 1,000 words per chapter.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything of Phantom, though I own my ERIK PLUSHIE!!! (SQUEE!!!)

Part Forty-nine:

"I can't believe you dragged me into this." Erik looked around his room with horrified, far off eyes. They had left Richard's home and had planned to meet each other at the Masquerade ball. Near the entrance hall they would get together; for they all had to get ready. Lark brushed past Erik eagerly and started to paw through his wardrobe. "It'll be fun, Erik!" she insisted happily, observing the clothing. Erik found a seat and sank into it, his legs unable to hold him up any longer. "Fun?" he croaked, "What fun?"

The young girl didn't answer, but dug relentlessly in the closet, pushing past different styles and colors. Erik groaned and placed his masked face in his hands. "God, why'd I say 'yes'? I could have easily said 'no'!" He glanced up at Lark. "What are you doing?" She shifted past a blue vest and turned to her guardian. "Well you don't seem to be able to pick out a costume by yourself." He glared at her until she smirked and turned back to the closet, peering closer to the cloth in front of her. "I am very capable to dress myself." Erik muttered darkly. "I don't need help."

"You sure?" she replied absentmindedly. Erik ground his teeth together and got up, brushing past her. "Yes." He said curtly, pushing her gently out of the way. Lark wasn't ready to be pushed as she stumbled back with her familiar "WAHH!" of surprise and shock. Quick as lightning, Erik's arm shot out and gripped hers; pulling her back up before she could hit the floor. "What is wrong with you?" he snapped. "Can't you see anything?" Hurt filled her green eyes as she avoided his smoldering gaze. "I-I'm sorry…Erik." She looked away, shamefacedly and bit her lower lip. Instant remorse filled him as he got on one knee down to her level. Placing his hands lightly on her shoulders, he searched for her eyes.

"Lark, look at me." He commanded softly. Hesitantly, the girl locked her eyes with his then avoided them, looking down at her feet. Erik bit his lip. How could he apologize…? "I'm sorry." He said finally. "I'm sorry I snapped at you." Lark sniffed once and looked up at him with hazy eyes. Erik grimaced, he hated it when anyone cried, and continued. It's not your fault. I'm just…irritated right now." She nodded and suddenly threw her arms around him in a tight embrace. Erik started instantly, his whole body stiffening as she hugged him. He was still unused to this sort of affection. "I know I should be more careful." She whispered in his ear. "And I should not go around deciding things when I have no right to."

"So true." She drew away from him in surprise as he smirked. Lark's face burst into a large smile as she whacked his shoulder lightly. "Meanie!" she laughed, torn between being amused and being outraged. Erik merely sighed and got to his feet. "So are you going to pick out anything or not?" Lark looked up at him, confused. "Huh?" Erik crossed his arms and scowled down at her in annoyance. "You don't think I will honestly go to this event?" He snorted. "There are other things I can be doing than making a fool of myself." It was Lark's turn to scowl as she placed her hands on her hips. "Like what?"

"Like what?" Erik echoed. "Well like…" He stopped and tried to start again. "Like…um…" Lark smiled triumphantly as Erik tried unsuccessfully to come up with an excuse. He glared at her. "You don't need to know a reason. Only that I do not wish to go!" How could he want to go? The last time he had gone to the New Year's Masquerade…Erik shuddered on the spot. It had been a horrible night even if he had seemed like he was in control. Cold and impassive he came, and trembling and wretched he left. "Erik?" A small, tremulous voice broke through his burdened thoughts causing him to look down on the child's concerned face. He had worried her again.

"I'm just...thinking." He muttered, turning from her. Lark made a face and turned her attention to the wardrobe. "You think too much, Erik." She grumbled as she pulled out a golden costume. Pulling the costume out fully, the child skipped up to her guardian and held the clothing up to him. "I think this would be alright." Erik peered down at the costume in disgust and pushed it away. "I told you," he snarled, "I will not be going!" Lark looked up at him with scorn, an unusual look to be placed on a thirteen-year-old's face. Erik glared back with venom. "What?"

"You promised Rachel." He stared at her. "What?" he repeated, this time with confusion. Lark looked at him sadly. "You promised them you would go. You said 'yes,' remember?" Erik ground his teeth and looked away. Damn his promises! "You're going to make Rachel sad…" the child said pithily. He glared down at her, wiping away all emotion from his face. "So?" he replied coldly, though he would rather bite his tongue off for such cruel words. Lark stared at him. "So… you refuse to go?" Erik remained silent. "I won't gloat if you change your mind." She said brightly. Erik gave the child a long look before walking up and snatching the costume out of her hands. "Fine." He said. "I shall go. But only for a short time, understand?"

With waiting for an answer, Erik gently pushed her out of the room. "Go get something on." Lark turned to him and smiled. "Thank you, Erik!" she chirped happily, skipping down to her own room. He rolled his eyes and pulled the door closed, glaring at the costume. "Damn."

Poor Erik and I need some reviews to survive this crisis. XD