Hello old readers and hello to all who have only began to read. I have gotten quiet a few reviews telling me to not wait to write so I guess I shall obey my readers wishes. Today at lunch me and Cat (Catmarie here) sat down and plotted all most the rest of the story. In a way I feel sorry for our characters and what we will put them threw……The ending is not clear though, if it is to end like last time or not. Last chapter my lines did not come up oh well they better come up in this one.

Gerfan- How Erik will treat Meg -grins- you shall find out my friend in this chapter. He is not going to open up anytime soon though…..

L'Wren- It doesn't matter, as long as I here that I am doing good I shall be happy with any review.

Rue Marie- He is going to try, then again no one knows that it is an triangle yet. Yes I Love Erik's exits! I am hoping to add a few more in, I used this one as in the one he used from the masquerade.

Countess Alana- Thank you I am updating as fast as I can.

Modesty Sparrow9- Christmas tree?……….Interesting…(My Christmas tree's name will be Erik, jk lol)

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Erik had barely got to his house as Meg's voice called out. He had taken a long way around the opera seeing what was going on, trying to distract himself somehow. No distraction ever came though so he returned back here. He was closing the back door when he heard Meg call out. What was she doing now? He sighed and turned around and walked towards the lake. She was standing there waiting for him. He stepped from the shadows slowly.

His Eyes glance coldly down at her, he was still infuriated. He had heard them once more as they where leaving. He had to pass that way to return home. He had just heard Christine say that they had to go and he was gone. Her voice was more like torture than anything, he had been denied by her once. He wished that she would never return yet here she was again in his life just when he was able o move on. He shook his head and watched Meg. His voice rang out it was plain, casual if you searched deeper in his voice you would find anger 'yes Mademoiselle?'

He wondered why she had returned, then again she had been coming and going now as she pleased so what did it matter? He took a step foreword away from the hallway, Meg seemed a bit out of breath. She must have quickly come down here after they had left. What was she to ask about this time. She probably ask about his behavior. He tried not to rolls his eyes at the thought.

Erik watched Meg as she sighed, what else was she expecting of him? Was he to be all happy when the person that had almost torn away his life returned to the opera house. His upper lip twitched in annoyance at the thought. Meg replied something in her voice was slightly pleading 'Erik please I just want to help… are you alright?

Erik listened as she spoke, she wanted to help? How could she help him? She also asked how he felt, the truth would have been that he was angered that she had returned angry that he was starting to let go and here she was again bringing back memories. But he was stubborn and preferred to keep his own emotions to himself. He replied curtly in a way he answered her question with the sarcasm in his voice 'You know what Meg? I feel brilliant'

He threw up his hands in his anger his voice called out and it his anger seemed to hang in the air. He was confused still, what was Christine expecting of him? Did she think that they could go their separate ways. Or maybe she thought that he would forgive her, she comes to tell him this after the Victome dies? What did she want him to do? What ever it was he would not give it to her, he could not be hurt again. Then again she was hurting him right now, he searched within herself deeper and deeper for an answer.

…….:…….

Meg let out a sigh, so he was here, good she would have been a little ticked if she had come all this way and he was not there. Well he wasn't in as good of a mood as she would have hoped for, but at least there was no noose over her neck.

She let out a sigh, why could he not understand that she just wanted to help him. Well he would just have to get used to her being here, because she would come here every day if that was what it took. Then again what was she trying to pry out of him?

He felt brilliant? God he was so stubborn at times, did he not realizes that others were in pain as well as him? At times she just wanted to take his head and pound it up like clay. Taking a deep breath Meg composed herself, she just had to knock some sense into him. You know she sorry right, you didn't have to mock her, she been through enough. Did you ever stop to think that maybe she felt guilt for leaving you? And now her husbands dead and you show no pity for her, but you just mock her more! God Erik, would you look past your own nose and try and think about how others feel for once or is it just all about you?'

Meg realized she had let her anger get the best of her, and while taking she had stared about Christine, but ended with how she felt. She prayed that he would not notice that, but still. He was going to be mad, but Meg was ready to fight back, she was sick of his think headedness.

She gasped as he turned on her, she had never seen him so angry, not even when she took his stupid mask off. Before she could move to get away he had her pinned to the wall. She let out a small scream as she felt her back hit the sharp wall. She tried to struggle free but it was no use, he trapped her. She could feel his palms shaking from his anger.

He was so close to her she could feel his hot breath on her face; all she could see was his angry eyes as they bore into her soul, filling it with fear and pain. He then spoke his voice roaring threw the caverns. His voice was filled with pain and anger. Threw her own fear she saw his eyes start to get glossy, no tears fell though as he held her his voice ranting on. Not most of it sunk in though he opened his mouth but the words where slurred and did not seem to match the way his mouth moved. She was not understanding what he saw saying.

As soon as it stared it was over. He dropped her and she fell once more to the ground. She was really getting to know it better than she would like to. She looked up in time to see him retreat into his room. A lock sounded and she knew there was no way she was going to be able to talk to him.

'If you would just open your eyes Erik, you would see that I love you…' She whispered softly, knowing he could not hear her. Meg realized that she was crying and soon sobs racked through her body backing her tremble and shake. Why was he so blind to her? She tried to stand but found her legs would not hold her it was too much. Giving up she just set her head on the cold hard ground and let sleep overcome her.

She was on stage, every thing looked normal. She looked over to the wings. There was her mother! Looking to the other side she saw Christine and Raoul standing happily together. As the music came on she began to dance, never had she danced so well. She danced from her heart feeling nothing but joy from being on stage and her mother and friends looking on. But then she fell, her legs gave out and she was on the ground of the stage. She looked over to her mother but she was gone! Looking to the other side she saw Christine in all back crying over the dead body of Raoul. Soon all the lights went off and she was plunged into darkness. Looking around she called out in fear. 'Hello anyone?' But she was alone. Never before had she felt this way. It was if all mankind had forgotten her and left her in darkness. Then angry pain filled words echoed through the darkness. It was Erik's voice repeating what he had said to her earlier but the words made sense now. She couldn't help fall on the ground weeping a sense of loneliness settling over her.

Meg woke up shaking she was so cold. Her breath was coming in short gasp. She let out a cough, but it hurt. She let out a small moan of pain. What was wrong with her? She tried to get up, but found her legs were like jelly, and she could hardly feel them. Giving up she collapsed back to the ground as fever took over her body.

……:……

Once again she rambled on but her words all flowed for once. She told him to look beyond himself, when she was done she had a small look of regret on her features. Erik was tired of her prodding into his life, he walked towards her quickly. He grabbed both of her arms and held the up, he pushed her back against a wall and pinned her there. His whole body was shaking in anger.

What she was asking was too much of him. He had once tried, He had tried to care for Christine but all he got was this. He really could care less that the fool Raoul was dead. Years as a child he told himself that if they would ask he would forgive them. He had for years waiting, it never came. He tried, he had tried but it all had brought him nothing. He had given up on trying all it ever brought was pain. His hands shook as he pinned Meg against the wall. His eyes shooting sparks of anger. His voice roared out angrily 'Me think about others feel? I once did Meg it may be hard to believe but I once did! What has it all brought me? It brought me this Meg! It brought me here to no one could find me. It brought me scars across my back. If I had not cared maybe I could have escape all of the pain. Its no use do you hear me? Its no use, I don't care anymore'

His face twisted into a snarl, he was tired of the world. He was sick of all of it, his hands began to shake more violently. He let go of her hands before turning away. Almost at a run he dashed from the large room, his cloak flipped from around the corner. He disappeared into the darkness, he went into the safety of his room. The lock clicked shut after the door closed.

For the longest time Erik sat in his room, he sat at the desk doing nothing. He had laid his head in his hands and thought. He could not care anymore, caring brought him pain. Slowly his word drifted, he fell asleep there in that position. His own mind drifted into a dream world. His dreams where twisted with painful memories of the past. He twitched as a whip was brought down upon his back again and again. Then he jolted awake. He had heard something, He shook his head and slowly stood up.

He listened for a moment, then he heard it again, a moan. Erik wondered what Meg had done now to injure herself. It had to be Meg, she was the one who was down here. He walked to his door and unlocked it and stepped out. He looked around for a moment in the hallway. He sighed and turned towards the lake. He pace was quick and he came into the room. He saw the crumpled figure of Meg on the floor.

Erik quickly rushed over to her fallen form. He stopped and crouched down at her side, He looked her over for a moment. She was sweating and shivering, it looked like a fever. He quickly removed his gloves and placed a hand upon her forehead. Her forehead burned against his open palm. She was horribly sick, Erik made a quick decision, she needed to be moved from the cold floor. For a moment he stopped, how long had she been like this? He shook his head and leaned down. He put his arms under her small body and lifted her into the air.

He looked down at her body. She was wet with sweat, he shook his head and walked towards the guest bedroom. He walked carefully trying to not wake her. He turned into the room and walked towards The bed, he gently placed her down. He pulled the blankets out from underneath her and placed them on top. She was sweating but she needed to stay warm. He exited the room only to return with a damp cloth. He placed on top of her burning forehead. He watched her ill form for a moment, her hair was stuck to her forehead, with a gloved hand he push her hair out of her face. He shook his head and turned away to moved to the chair, he sits in the chair. For hours he sits there replacing the cloth every hour. As the night grew old he also fell limp into the chair.

-Some time later-

Slowly the sleeping figure stirred, Erik slowly raised his head. He blinked his eyes adjusting to the light, he looked around. He felt once again exposed, he raised his hand to his face. Once again he awoke to find that his mask was gone. For a moment he spun his head around, had it fallen off? He looked at his feet but it was not there. The only way it would have come off was someone else removing it. Erik turned to look at the sleeping Meg. The mask was folded under her arm.

She seemed so persistent with having his mask off. He stood and reached over to grab the cloth on her forehead. He would let her carry that mask if she wished. He departed the room and moved towards the kitchen to get the cloth wet again. After he got it damp he went to his room and fetched the other mask. He placed on the mask and returned to the guest room. He saw that she was still asleep, he placed the wet cloth back on her forehead. He turned away and pulled the chair a few feet away from the bed, out of arms reach and sat back down. He watched her as time went by, this time not falling asleep. He rarely got any sleep anyways so with a hour or so he was fine.

……:……

At times sickness can bring forth your worst nightmares, as Meg was finding out for herself. Her dreams were filled with painful images, from the when her father died to the first time she fell on stage, up to just a few minutes ago, when Erik was screaming at her in her face.

Her eyes opened and she looked around. Where was she? She was confused and to add to it her head pounded painfully. How long had she been asleep? How did she get here? Finally her eyes fell on the sleeping form of Erik. Aw he does still care. Meg felt a smile on her lips, but it was soon replaced with a frown as she stared at his stupid mask.

With all the strength left in her body she reached up and gently pulled the mask from his face. Letting her arm fall back to the bed she let sleep overcome her again as she held the mask to her chest, like a child would hold their teddy bear. A gently smile was on her lips as she fell into a dreamless sleep.

Slowly her eyes flittered open again. She was feeling much better, and her head had stopped pounding, thank God. Letting out a small yawn she rolled over. She mumbled softly, five more minutes' mom. But then the events of the night snapped into her head and her eyes opened again.

Meg turned and saw Erik watching her, it was kind of creepy actually. Meg could not tell if he was awake or not his eyes where open and yet his gaze was unfocused and he didn't move. The she noticed he had a mask on. She felt around for the one she had taken off and…yes there it was. Tisk tisk, he didn't even try and take it from her. He was loosing his touch.

She stared at him, he seemed to be lost in thought. She wondered if he even noticed she was awake? He had moved the chair back from the bed, well there went all her fun of tormenting him. Reaching out she managed to poke him arm. Her voice was weak and raspy. She cringed at the sound of it 'I wish you would stop staring at me'

The moment she felt her fingers touch the cloth he flinched and leaped up. His hand had leaped to his cloak and he had pulled out a very long rope. Meg turned to Erik's face for a moment, it was as if he had not recognized her gaze again turned to the rope. Meg recognized as a Punjab rope, she held in a scream and raised her hand to the level of her eyes and laid there gasping.

Slowly his eyes again became focused and he recognized Meg. Slowly Meg lowered her hand as Erik grumbled and irritation replaced shock. Meg watched with fearful eyes. He threw himself back down in the chair and in an irritated tone he replied 'I was not looking at anything'

Meg held a hand to her heart, boy was he in a foul mood. She let out slowly 'Don't do that again Erik!' she hated just sitting here. She looked up at him and decided she was going to do something about this. Swinging her legs to the side of the bed she stood up…for a few seconds. Soon she was falling as her legs gave out beneath her, still weak from the fever.

……:……

Erik eyes had groan unfocused a few hours ago, he was lost inside his own complex mind. Then he felt a sharp poke on his arm. He forgot about the evening and that Meg was there. He leaped up and his hand snapped to his pocket and he pulled out his Punjab rope. He looked down at his attacker and saw Meg looking up at him. The noose dangled at his hip, for a moment he watched Meg. It took a moment for him to understand what she had said. He grumbled under his breath and sat back down in the chair. He spoke clearly agitated telling Meg that he had not been looking at anything.

Erik Then turned to the noose he still was holding tightly. He put it back in his pocket of the cloak. He then looked up and spotted the other mask in her hand, he rolled his eyes. It seem to be a game with her to take off his mask. He was not in the mood to play her games so he merely had gotten his spare.

Erik watched as Meg gasped at the Punjab rope. She raised her hand up and told him not to do that again. He merely snorted, if she didn't want to see the rope then she better not go around poking him. He turned to look at her as he replied. He voice was plain pointing out the facts. 'It shall not happen if you don't do that'

Erik watch as she threw her legs over the side of the bed. He then predicted the future, she stood up and her legs not able to hold her gave out. Erik was tempted to let her fall to the floor in her own punishment for her foolishness. He stood up quickly and reached and caught her yet again as she fell. His arm was rapped around her waist as he pushed her back onto the bed. He smirked at her and said 'Clumsy aren't we? You are not strong enough to stand so I suggest that you stay there'

Erik then exited the room watching anger flash across the girls face. She would most likely be hungry. He made his way to the kitchen and threw some things together. From the room he heard Meg raspy voice yell 'I would thank you to quit mocking me' He smiled to himself and grabbed a few slices of bread and an apple he also grabbed a glass of water. He returned to the room and placed the plate down on the desk besides the bed.

He watched as she guzzled the water and nibbled at the food. Strange eating habits she had. Erik again looked down upon the mask that she had, it was the cracked one. He looked up and decided to reply to her comment 'I would be thankful if you could stop removing my mask'

Erik glared at her for a moment as he said this, he was finding it tiring to keep having to wake up finding that his mask was gone. He heard her mumble a thank you and replied with the nod of his head. He noticed that she was thinking, with her being quiet he also began to drift off. When things where silent down here e often would sit sometimes for days and just gaze off.

……:……

Meg glared at Erik when he soled her, who was he to be giving him a lecture? All she did was poke him! He really needed to work on his anger management or it was going to be end of him. She was tempted to tell him so, but ignored it.

She was falling…again. Letting out a sight she relaxed and got herself ready for the impact of the ground, but it never came. In stead she felt strong arms wrap around her waits as she was put back into the bed. Why had he caught her...again? She glared at him when he called her klutzy, that was rude of him.

She watched as he then left the room. He was always coming and going so quickly without explanation. She then shorted out to him about him mocking her. She had a feeling he had not heard her, but whatever. When he returned with food she realized how hungry she was. She had not eaten since yesterday morning. Taking the glass of water she sipped at it and the began to nibble at the bread trying not to take rather large bites to satisfy her stomach.

She thought for a moment, truth be told she had only heard him sing once, and that was in Don Juan Triumphant. She looked over at him, could he have as an angelic voice as Christine described? His voice had been amazing yet it was fitting the opera and was full of anger and yet it was full of compassion.

She had finished eating, and found herself starting off into nothingness. Her gaze turned to Erik, he was handsome, well at least half of his face was. He was also tall and muscular giving him a sense of power. If he did not have the deformity he would probably be one of the most sought after men in Paris. Yet with the mask he was so mysterious. She found herself not minding the other side of his face as much. It was just a face after all.

Meg had to shake herself from the thoughts in her head before she said something drastic that she would regret. Well she would get back at him for that klutzy comment he made. 'You know that man Christine was with? He was quite nice actually, he was a true gentle man. He even kissed my hand when we said good bye.'

Meg felt the color drain from her face…Christine and Alexander had said that they would come back today. Christine would be looking for her, and there was no way she could go up to the opera house in this condition, well Christine would have to get over that…hopefully she would not come down here.

Erik's reply was simple Meg was finding no trace of Jealousy or anything, though he nearly spat out De Changy. 'Knowing the De Changys he must be a charmer'

Meg glanced over to see if she had hit a nerve, but like always his face was emotionless. Well he did say De Changy with a large amount of spite in his voice. She felt slightly irritated that she was not getting a response that she wanted but she pressed on. She might as well see how far she could push him, after all would he hurt a sick person? 'Yes, he was quite nice. You could learn something from him…'

She let out a soft sigh, Alexander had been very nice. By the end of their visit it had been pretty clear he had some interest in her… She supposed he would not be that bad of a person to have woe you. He did have plenty of money and then she could be around Christine more…but would she have to quit dancing? It was the only thing in her life that brought her joy. Actresses and dancers were not looked well upon in high society.

Erik's reply held humor in it 'No thank you, wouldn't want to learn anything from a boy like himself. He may be charming but he has no brains my dear'

God, did he always have come backs? Did he think of things to say when ever he had a free moment? She sent him a soft glare for saying that Alexander was brainless. Well he might not be the brightest crayon in the box, but he understood art and that was all that mattered 'Well he might not be the smartest, but he can control his anger.'

Well lets see him say something to that. Perhaps she could back him into a corner and see some real emotion from him. She knew that she was pushing it a bit too far but maybe she would get a response. This was going to be interesting.

Meg got some of an response that she wanted. An angry spark lit in his eyes and he seemed to fume for a moment. He spoke under his breath but she could still hear him 'Well at least he has the ideal life'

Erik leaned back and closed his eyes, when he reopened them he was calmer. He spoke again waving his hand. Now it was Meg's turn to get irritated. He spoke on 'Go on about this brainless boy, so are you wishing to go off into the sunset on horse back and marry him?'

Did she really want that kind of life? A perfect life in a perfect house, but could she be the perfect wife, no she would only be living a lie. Sure it would be great in the beginning, but what of later in life? She would always have to be perfect, not to mention say good bye to her dancing carrier. No that was no life she wanted. A small smile lit her face as she went on 'No monsieur, that life is not for me, but it is nice to have someone adore the ground I walk on.'

……:……

He was snapped out of his senses when Meg started talking about the boy. When she said Christine's name he tensed, he forced himself to relax. He would had prefer to not have that name spoken at all but for once he let it pass. Meg seemed to go on about this man obviously trying to get some reaction out of Erik. His visible expression did not change though. He spoke then rather calmly though he had a hard time putting out De Changy. He told her that he must be a charmer.

Erik remained calm though somewhere his insides where raging. Could one say that in one part of Erik's body there was a twinge of jealousy? He somehow knew that the girl was playing with him. He kept a strait emotionless face though. He watched her pale he wondering what she was thinking about now.

Erik narrowed his eyes as she went on, what was this girl playing at? When she said that he could learn from him he snorted in laughter. That would be very amusing a de Changy trying to teach him…Hmm the boy would not last long. He raised his head up humor in his eyes, he then said back with humor. He commented on the boys lack of brains it seemed to get on her nerves a bit.

Meg was forever coming up with stuff to throw at him, then again he was always ready to throw it all back. She kept pressing the info on Alexander no doubt trying to make him jealous, but why would she want him to be jealous? Payback maybe. Meg sometimes was ready to slap him of not knowing, the truth was that he did not know what love was as it stared at him in the face.

For a moment she seemed to think, then she threw back another thing. Alexander could keep his temper? Erik couldn't help but light an angry spark. That Boy had everything most likely everything that he wanted. He didn't seem to be selfish like Raoul but still he possibly knew nothing of suffering. Erik huffed for a moment and said under his breath.

Erik's eyes where narrowed to slits, was getting fed up with the talk about a foolish boy. It was none of his concern anyways. If Meg liked the boy why didn't she go run off with him then? They could a perfect life on some mansion somewhere. Erik only got more worked up at that thought, then he realized this was just what meg was talking about. Well if she wanted his anger to change she could just be gone as soon as she was well enough. He sat back in his chair, he would play along. He waved his hand and told her to go on.

He had pushed his anger back again, making himself find an amusement in this all. He lowered his hand back down and rested it on the arm rest on the chair. He waited for her response.

He had puzzled her for a moment. She thought over what she would really want. That surprised him a bit, many girls would jump up and say yes without much to though to what they where saying yes too. When she said no he nodded. He Then wondered what was the life that she would fit into? He didn't know because he was not Meg. He listened as she began to smile and said that she enjoyed having someone chase after her. He chuckled himself at the mischievous smile she had on. Still having a question burn in his mind he spoke. 'What kind of life is for you then?'

His face showed interest on how she would reply. She didn't want the high class and she would defiantly not like the low class so was she in the middle? For that matter where was he? He was rich, from the pay he had gotten from the one manager yet he did not live a life of luxury. What ever her reply would be he did not hear it. The noise had been very quiet but it was there, he had heard someone curse something. Someone else was down here.

Erik snarled and stood up, he quickly dashed towards the door and looked out. He could not see anything but someone was out there, maybe still on the boat. It was pitch black only this room was still lit. Then another mumbled voice was heard with a hushing noise. There was two people down here! Erik reached into his pocket and pulled out the Punjab rope. He turned to Meg and spoke quickly his voice angered but it was in hushed tones. 'Blow out the candle beside you and stay quiet……..And STAY here Meg.'

Erik then quickly slipped out of the room, hoping that Meg would obey. He wondered who could come down here and this far. Sheer luck most likely, he moved towards the lake area and once again hid himself inside the nook that he knew s well. He twisted the noose in his hands ready.

-The fighting will never end lol. Maybe I can get the next chapter up tonight…if not tomorrow. I Really hoped that you have liked this one. It was fun to write with Meg and Erik tormenting each other.-