A/N: Again, I do not own POTO. Sorry it's been another long time since I've updated (over a month, ah). But band has been over for about 2 weeks, and I've used that time to try and recuperate my life. Not to mention I've had a million essays to write (the biggest being 35+ pages). Also the stress of school probably added to the fact that the cold I had last time I posted just finally went completely away last week. I am planning to get a lot written over this holiday weekend, and start posting more regularly.

Finally, and most importantly, I would like to thank the wonderful Ladyflutter, who has so kindly taken up the position of my Beta! She helped a bunch with this chapter, and we all owe her a standing ovation.

Quick note to all of my reviewers:

Eriksangelofvoice: your defiantly gonna think that I was banned now, I mean after more than a month since my last post! But no, I wasn't banned either time, and as stated above, I didn't have the time. Thanks a bunch for the review, and tell Erik I'm next on the list for the massage ; )

Kay Blue Eyes: Thanks for the review, and Aslynn and Erik should slowly start to get a bit "Friendlier" (hint) But I'll let you read this before I spoil it for ya!

Wandering Child24: Ah, sorry about it taking a bit longer this time to update. I'm glad people still liked the shorter chapter even though Erik wasn't in it.

Aislynn "Lesh" Meyers: Haha, well this chapter should get you a bit more excited, since it is longer. And about the Masquerade, well lets just say it is in the works, but not for several more chapters (other stuff needs to happen first… hint hint)

Actress19: Thanks for the complement, all reviews are much welcomed!

Des Iries: Thanks for reviewing. Yes, our band only typically takes up August to early November (minus the Christmas parades), but I think its just because that way people can do Drum Corp tryouts in November and not have to worry with regular band. I play Clarinet, but wish I had picked up Trumpet along the way to be able to do DCI.

Aslynn spent the rest of the week working in the lavish library during the day, eating her midday meal with Monsieur Garnierand then returning to Erik's lair in the late afternoon. She tried to be in the same room as Erik most of her time, but it was hard when he was constantly playing some type of musical instrument.

Aslynn wasn't used to these newly arisen feelings that swam through her. She found during this week that she wanted to spend most of her time with Erik, but would soon become frustrated when she was with him. Erik still was in a grumpy mood which made it harder when she tried to talk to him. She would then storm off to her room and try to sort out the whirlwind of emotions he created in her.

When Friday morning finally came, Aslynn had small butterflies in her stomach She was going to try and trick Erik into coming for dessert with Monsieur Garnier that evening. At the same time she also had this evil feeling, like she was a child who was misbehaving. She came into the room on the lake dressed in her blue dress, ready to go out like all the other days.

"Erik?" she called out to the figure crouched over the pipe organ.

The man turned his head revealing the bone white, emotionless mask. His eyes met hers, bright green and full of his music. He turned back to his work and pushed the papers together. Slowly he rose, keeping his back to her until he was fully standing.

When he turned to face the woman, her eyes briefly traced over his toned body. He was dressed in what Aslynn called his "Slack clothes", which would have been the equivalent of jeans and a tee back in the 21st century. He was wearing a ruffled white shirt that was unbuttoned in a low "v", revealing his chest His shirt was tucked into a pair of black pants. She was brought back from her brief daydream when he spoke.

"Are you going out again?" he asked, his voice deep and musical.

She nodded and replied, "Yeah."

"Let me get my cloak and I'll escort you up."

Meekly smiling Aslynn replied with a shy "Thank you." Her gaze dropped from him as he walked down the dim hall to his room.

Why do all these things keep going though my head?' Aslynn thought to herself Even when I'm not near him, these thoughts… Am I feeling something for this man? Am I ready to move on is more of the question? Erik isn't anything like Chris, but yet I'm feeling things that I felt for Chris. Frustrated with her feelings, she rubbed the bridge of her nose.

When Erik reentered the room he found the young woman where he left her, rubbing her head. He was standing right behind her when he asked, "Are you ready?"

Aslynn whirled around, slightly frightened and startled.

"Oh what? Yeah I guess." she stumbled.

Erik led the way to the dock, and Aslynn submissively followed. Once they started the journey across the lake the young woman broke the silence.

"Erik?"

"Yes?" he replied, looking down at the woman sitting in front of him.

"Um, well, today is the day that Monsieur Garnier asked for us to come to dinner," she started but quickly added, "but I know you said you didn't want to go. I was just going to go my self" she faded away, uneasy of what to say next

"You're getting at something, are you not?" the phantom asked.

"Um, yes. I was just wondering if you would come pick me up from Monsieur Garnier's manor, so I don't have to walk home in the dark?" she asked, turning her head to look up at the masked man.

He looked down at the woman. Her light brown hair glowed in the yellow light from the lantern. Some of the yellow light glittered off of her blue eyes. "Yes, I can. When would you like me to meet you?"

Aslynn sighed in relief. Hey, my plan might work, she thought. "Eight?"

The phantom nodded.

"What else would you like me to do?" The young woman asked her employer. It was around four in the afternoon and she spent most of the morning documenting finances of Monsieur Garnier's company.

"I think that will do for now mademoiselle. Here, I have something to show you." The elder gentleman said, his voice very raspy, worse than it was yesterday.

With a small smile sliding across Aslynn's face, she rose and followed Monsieur Garnier out of the library.

"What?" she inquired, full of curiosity.

"You shall see soon enough" he said with a large, friendly grin spreading across his face.

They continued walking down the hall and entered a living room decorated in shades of blue. Aslynn hadn't been in this room yet. She looked around eagerly. There were two pale blue tapestry armchairs on either side of a darker blue sofa. The furniture was facing a fireplace that had a soft fire glowing in it. The tall windows dressed in tan tapestry drapes, were open, revealing the flower garden outside. Standing by the coffee table was a maid in her late 40's.

"This is one of my oldest servants, Louisa. She has been working for me and my wife since she was very young" Monsieur Garnier said, gesturing to the maid, who curtsied when he mentioned her name. "Do you have the package Louisa?" he asked the woman.

"Yes sir, here it is." she replied, holding up a box.

"Good, good." he replied, taking the box. He then turned to Aslynn. "Here, this is for you."

With a confused look, the young woman accepted the paper wrapped box. "What is it?"

"Open it and see" was all the elder gentleman said with a smile.

After looking at the package and then at her employer she unwrapped the outer layer. With a grin she opened the box and inside was pink tissue paper. Wrapped in the tissue paper was a baby blue piece of fabric.

"What is this?" she asked, even though she had a pretty good idea.

"Finish opening it and let us see."

Shaking her head Aslynn finished unwrapping it. She pulled out a silk dress that flowed to the floor. It had an embroidered neckline and the sides cut in sharply.

"Wow. What is this for?" she inquired, holding the dress up.

"Oh well, I figured you needed something nice to wear to dinner" he said, sitting down in one of the chairs.

"So this is mine?" she asked incredulously.

The white haired man nodded. "Yes, and don't worry about it coming out of your salary. Consider it a gift. Well go ahead and put it on, dinner will be in less than an hour."

Before Aslynn could respond the maid was hurrying her out of the room. The young woman briefly glanced behind her before she was pushed on into the hall.

"This way mademoiselle, I'll help you change" Louisa said, leading the way to the stairs.

They went up the grand staircase and down the red hall to a bedroom. Louisa opened the door and let Aslynn go in.

"Lets get you dressed now. There is a screen you can use to take that dress off behind."

With out protest Aslynn nodded and went behind the screen.

"So, do you want me to take my corset of too?" She asked the maid.

"Yes, I have a new one for you that fits the dress." The maid replied, putting a new corset on the top of the screen.

Shortly after Aslynn came around the screen with just underwear and a loose corset on.

"I'm having trouble tightening it, I can't reach my back." Aslynn said, a red blush rising to her cheeks.

"Yes ma'am, here," Louisa said hurrying over to the young woman. As she laced Aslynn up she asked, " So this man who is joining you and Monsieur Garnier for dinner is a friend of yours?"

Gasping for air Aslynn tired to reply. I never realized what a brilliant invention the modern bra is. It doesn't try to suffocate you. "Yes, but he's only coming for dessert around eight."

"M. Garnier has not said much about him, expect that you talk very highly of him. May I ask if there is something there?"

A bit shocked Aslynn replied, "Well, honestly I don't know."

As Louisa helped Aslynn slip on the dress, she asked, "Do you want something to happen between you both?"

Once the dress was on, the young woman looked at herself in the mirror. " I can't tell. He's just… different."

"I understand ma'am. You look lovely."

"Thank you. I can't believe M. Garnier is giving me this dress."

"He bought dresses for his daughter, before she…"

"I heard that she died."

"Yes it was very tragic. She was giving birth to her first child. I think she just gave up because of her husband's earlier death. The child died shortly after he was born." Louisa grimly said.

"I'm sorry."

"She was a sweet child, didn't deserve to die. But on to happier things, we need to get you down to dinner. Ah, but before you go, here, some stockings." The maid said, handing Aslynn a pair of white stockings, the kind that stopped at the upper thigh.

Grumbling, Aslynn pulled the white sheered material over her legs, and once ready, followed the maid out of the room.

The third course had been served and now the butler was clearing the table when the conversation between the two drifted to families.

"Is your family in Paris?" Monsieur Garnier asked across the table to the young woman.

What do I tell him, 'No, they live in America in the 21st century, while I'm considered dead?' No I don't think that will work. "No, at least not that I'm aware of. I lost contact with them." She said, half of it true.

"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that."

The clock suddenly chimed eight, causing Aslynn to jump.

"He will be here soon. There is something I should tell you about Erik. He's different…" Aslynn started but was cut off with the butler entering the room.

"There is a man here for Mademoiselle O'Neil." He said, his face was pale as if he just saw a ghost.

"Let him in, and while you're at it, bring him to the living room where dessert will be served. But don't tell him about dessert, jut tell him we will be with him shortly." Monsieur Garnier commanded the butler.

He then turned to Aslynn. "Come, let us finish here and move on to the living room."

Erik was walking up the front drive to the Garnier Manor when local clocks chimed eight. He knocked on the door, hoping that Aslynn would be there ready to go.

The door slowly creaked open to reveal a man.

"May I help you?" he started to ask, but stopped when he saw the figure cloaked in black.

"Yes," Erik growled. "I am here for Mademoiselle O'Neil."

"Let me get her," the butler quickly said, closing the door. He was sure it was the grim reaper. The man's face was completely covered by his dark hood.

Erik's mood started to go down hill very fast. He didn't like how this man stared at him, and them left him out side. Shortly after the man left the door creaked open again, with the same man beaconing him in.

"Mademoiselle O'Neil will meet you in the living room. Follow me."

The hooded figure nodded and followed the butler, lowering his hood when the butler turned away.

"Please wait here," the butler said, gesturing to an armchair in the golden living room. He turned to fin the man with half of his face revealed. He opened his mouth to say something, but closed it and hurried out of the room.

I don't know why I agreed to pick her up. All these people are going to gawk at me. Especially that butler. The phantom sat down in the armchair and waited for Aslynn to come.

He didn't have to wait long until a side door opened and in walked a beautiful young woman. He immediately stood up and his eyes traced her body. Her light brown hair flowed gently over her shoulders, showing her low neckline. The sleeves of the baby blue dress fell off her shoulders slightly, and her figure was very well shaped. The top of her chest was slightly exposed, curving softly down her abdomen to her hips, where the dress ruffled out.

"Erik, I want to introduce you to my employer, Monsieur Garnier." Aslynn warmly said, looking deeply into Erik's green eyes.

The phantom turned his gaze from the beautiful young woman to an elder man standing to her right. Monsieur Garnier's high-class standing was extremely visible to Erik, making him uneasy. Tensing up slightly, he nodded a hello.

"It's so wonderful to finally meet you Monsieur, your young friend has told me many things about you." the white-haired man said, stepping forward to an armchair. While sitting down, his eyes glanced over the mysterious man's mask.

As soon as Erik heard this he shot a death glare over to Aslynn, his eyes almost on fire. What the hell did she tell this man? Why did she tell him about me? Damn her if she told him about my past!

Seeing the masked man's quick reaction and the anger in his eyes Monsieur Garnier realized that he might have said something wrong. "But do not worry, Mademoiselle O'Neil spoke very highly of you."

Aslynn watched as Erik's scorching eyes left her, and went back over to the seated gentleman. Maybe this wasn't such as good idea. Erik doesn't seem to be in the best of moods, and that look he just gave me. Ug, I can still feel the chills running up my spine. How can he do that? How can he be so threatening and make you feel like such a weak adolescent?

As Monsieur Garnier continued to watch Erik's many reactions, he went on. "Yes, she told me many wonderful things about you, especially about you being a musician."

The stone cold face of the Phantom lighted up a bit, mostly out of shock. She said good things about me? After all the times we have fought? Hasn't she figured out who I really am, what I'm really like? "Yes, that is true." his voice was deep, a bit of anger still visible; but at the same time there was music in his voice.

Monsieur Garnier was starting to see what Aslynn would say about Erik being stubborn, but yet at the same time very demanding. His voice was so powerful, and the way he spoke those few words was enchanting. He was also starting to see what Aslynn meant by him being deferent, not just by looks.

"Mademoiselle, Monsieur, please sit down," Monsieur Garnier addressed the two, who where still standing, Aslynn watching Erik, who was watching Monsieur Garnier. The two took a seat, the masked man in the other armchair, and the young woman on the small sofa. "So tell me Monsieur, do you just play music, or do you compose too?"

"I do both," was all the Phantom said. He felt the presence of Aslynn's eyes on him, but he didn't turn to look.

Monsieur Garnier nodded as he watched the young woman. Her gaze had never left the masked man. She looked at him the way his late wife used to look at him. The old man then turned to look at Erik, and couldn't hold back the curiosity any longer. "May I ask Monsieur, why do you wear a mask?"

Like a cannon being fired Erik exploded. A fierce flame grew in his eyes, and his stone face soon showed anger. Standing up, he growled, "No. It is my business alone." He then turned to look at Aslynn. "You, you set this up! How could you? I told you to never ask about my mask!" he yelled, his voice ringing through out the room.

Shock came to Aslynn's face as fast as Erik's anger. Instantly her friendly gaze turned to hurt and confusion. "I… I didn't…" she stumbled, turning to her employer for back up.

"I'm sorry sir, I did not mean to offend you." Monsieur Garnier said, watching the pair.

"We're going," the Phantom commanded, " NOW."

Aslynn sent a quick glance to the old, white haired man before following Erik out. Stopping at the door she paused. "I'm sorry he got like this…"

"That is okay dear, and you do not have to come back until Wednesday."

"Thank you sir." Aslynn said, walking out the door.

On the journey back, Erik remained in the shadows, his hood drawn up over his face. The event hadn't worked as Aslynn hoped, and now Erik was angry with her. As they silently walked Aslynn replayed what went wrong.

She was pulled out of her thoughts when she heard a slight noise behind her. Nervously she glanced back, and didn't see anyone or anything behind her.

Its okay Aslynn, there's nothing there. It's just your imagination. Erik is right beside you anyway. She glanced to her side and saw Erik's silhouette in the shadows. Shaking her head, she turned forward again.

It only took another minuet before she heard the sound again. This time her heart started to pound against her chest. She glanced behind her again. This time she thought she saw a glimpse of a person. She immediately turned around and picked up pace.

Her palms where now sweating. She heard it again, this time closer.

"Erik," she whispered, looking to the shadows on her right. There was no response.

"Erik? Please. Can we leave it for now?" She whispered again. Her hear was now in her neck.

She heard him sigh. "Erik? Please." She was now begging. "Just walk closer to me."

He slowly emerged out of the shadows and walked a few feet away from her. She then heard it again.

This time she didn't say anything but just grabbed the Phantom's arm. He pulled away slightly, and remained silent.

The noise had turned into footsteps and Aslynn pulled him closer, her blood pulsing. Out of impulse she stopped and threw her arms around his neck. Quickly she stood on her tiptoes and gently kissed his lips.

A new fire soon filled her veins, not like the one of fear from a few seconds ago. It was a fire that she hadn't felt in a long time. He didn't respond to the kiss, and just stood there, his body as tense as a board.

Aslynn pulled her head down and pressed it again his chest. She still clung to Erik, hoping that her stalker would see them together and leave. The Phantom hadn't' responded to any of her actions, expect Aslynn could hear his heart beating like a drum. His arms remained stiff to his side.

"He's gone," she whispered to her self.

When she turned back to Erik, she couldn't see his face, which was covered by his hood. She was slightly uneasy with this, since she couldn't read his expression. He still hadn't done or said anything to the kiss, and the young woman was now having second thought about what she did. Color quickly rose to her cheeks and she looked down, away from his face.

Quietly the two set off again, with one thousand things flying though Aslynn's head.

Erik watched the young woman as she continued on. He followed her, keeping right by her side, but he was afraid to touch her. His head was filled with thoughts and emotions that he hadn't felt in a long time, if ever.

Was I dreaming, or did she really just kiss me? Her lips were so soft, and the way she clung to me like I was her life support. Why did she do it? Her heart was beating rapidly, as if she was scared. What was she afraid of? I didn't see anyone following us, or hear any noise. Still, she kissed me. How could she?

How could she care for a monster? No it's not possible. The only reason she did it was… was what? Did she think someone was following us, and that kissing me would be the only way to get him away?

But what if it was more than that? What if she really does care for you? No, it's not possible, look at yourself, look at your face. At least she hasn't seen it yet. But if she does, that would be the end of everything. That cannot happen, she cannot see under my mask!

The rest of the journey to the Opera House seemed longer than usual. Once the pair was inside Erik lit the lantern that he had left by the door. He continued on, sensing the young woman right behind him. The whole time she never looked up or even glanced over to the Phantom.

As they descended the vast staircase, Erik gently took Aslynn's hand, remembering what she had told him in the past. He could feel her pulse rise and the dampness of her hands through his gloves. She still kept her gaze away from him. The rest of the journey across the lake was quite and uncomfortable for Aslynn.

She didn't like having to remain with Erik, who still hadn't exactly reacted to her kiss. She felt like an idiot and wasn't looking forward to talking to Erik again. As soon as they softly collided with the dock, Aslynn was ready to get out. She waited until Erik was tying off the back ropes, facing away from her, to jump onshore.

After readjusting her dress, she quickly made her way to her room through the dimly lit halls, not once glancing back.

Hope you enjoyed it! As many of you wished, they are started to get more "friendly". And this is just the begining. Now please REVIEW!