AN: Hey guys! I'm back with another chapter! Sorry that I haven't updated in a while but my friend (the girl helping me write this) and I got into a bit of a writer's block and boredom with this story. So, to get ourselves inspired again we watched Phantom 25th Anniversary MANY times. Anyways, hopefully we'll be able to get the next chapter out soon and I hope you enjoy the chapter. :) By the way, thank you for all the reviews I've been receiving, I'm glad that you all like the story.

DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, ERIK, CHRISTINE, OR ROAUL! ALL CREDIT GOES TO GASTON LEROUX AND ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER! I ONLY OWN ERIKA!

The first few weeks were a bit awkward for the trio living in the house. The embarrassment was mostly on Erik's part – Erika would walk into his room to get something and see him shirtless. Quickly, he would grab his shirt or a blanket to cover himself, but Erika didn't seem fazed by it. She didn't even give him a second glance most times. On one such occasion, Erik finally asked the question that was bugging him.

"Erika, why don't you blush or even give me a second glance when I'm half-naked?" Erika just laughed.

"Welcome to modern society. Let's go buy you some new clothes," she said. "Christine, grab your purse, we're going shopping!" Immediately a squeal was heard throughout the house before pounding feet made Christine arrive at the door.

"Are we seriously going shopping?" Christine asked incredulously. Erika nodded. She squealed before noticing Erik's shirtless frame. "Nice body." Erik smiled before realizing his nudity. His smile dropped and his shirt was slipped on. The trio drove into Los Angeles – the Grove shopping center. The first store was Pac Sun. Erika outfitted Erik with a pair of skater-style jeans and a polo shirt. He didn't mind it, but he wanted something different. Erika gave him a v-neck T-shirt and a purple sweatshirt. He couldn't pull off the look.

"Not your style. Let's go somewhere else before Christine has a panic attack," Erika suggested, looking at her friend's shaking and hyperventilating frame. They walked over to the nearby Abercrombie and Fitch. Being Tuesday, shirtless models were working the store. Erik was appalled. Here they were walking around with only half of their clothes on! Sure they had nice muscles and all, but he did too! At least he had a sense of decency!

"Hey, can you help us?" Erika asked, stroking the bicep of a worker. He smiled charmingly and flexed his muscle. Erika smiled up at him.

"What can I help you with?"

"My friend here is outdated. Can you help us fix him?" she pleaded, a flirting tone in her voice. Erik was steaming inside. How dare he touch her! She was ignoring him and flirting with the shop worker – touching his bicep or toned chest. Finally, Christine whisked Erik away with more jeans and T-shirts. Erik tried them all on – much to Christine's delight – and he didn't really dislike any of them. Erika was silently judging each outfit before giving her approval. The salesman was still there, helping where needed. Erik tried to be congenial, but he couldn't help but feel animosity towards the man. Erika was always next to him, stroking his muscles and making Erik jealous. Christine nearly laughed at him.

"What's wrong Erik?" she held his arm.

"What does he have that I don't?" he asked, looking at Erika who was laughing at something the man had said.

"A modern life that you plan her a part of. She's trying to make you jealous."

"It's definitely working. I have a body like that! See?" Erik asked, pulling off his shirt. Christine saw that he was right – he did have a VERY nice body. She had only caught a glimpse earlier that morning and realized that there was a lot more than what she saw. "Is it because I don't believe in Topless Tuesday?"

"That's all it is."

"So I have to flaunt this?" Erik asked, pointing to his chiseled abs.

"That's what this society is about. Flaunt what you have so people will like you," Christine said, slightly making a motion. Erika seemed disinterested in what the salesman was saying and walked toward Erik and Christine. She looped her arm through his, her other arm stroking his bicep.

"I thought he was yours," Erik murmured, trying not to convey his pleasure at her choosing him.

"Nick is too…I don't know. All I know is that you seem to be doing well in your campaign for my heart," Erika said, flashing him a charming smile and winking at Christine.

"You have a LONG ways to go," Christine whispered to Erik. The smile that had been on his face dropped. How could he be so far away? Christine had never been this hard to get…

After a few more hours of shopping (mostly done by Christine and her many over-drawn credit/debit cards), the group made it back to the house where Erik changed into a pair of 'gym shorts' and a 'T-shirt'. He sat on the couch, waiting for Christine or Erika to turn on the magic box called a 'television'. Erika liked the murder mysteries (always a personal favorite of his) while Christine like the sappy romance dramas. Erik could always tell the plot lines and would tell the girls what was going to happen. Before either of the girls did so, a knock was heard. Christine clamored to answer it.

"Come in Raoul!" she cooed, closing the door. Erik stood (bad habit) and Erika headed towards the kitchen after rolling her eyes at the two; Erik followed her.

"May I hide in here too?" he asked, picking up a dirty dish. Erika laughed.

"Only if you earn your keep," And thus, Dishwasher!Erik was born. The two worked in sync until Erik noticed a dark mark on Erika's arm.

"What's that?" he asked, touching the black mark. She hissed when he touched it as if he had burned her. He felt pain shoot up his right arm. What was with this? More of the reincarnation/time-space barrier stuff?

"Nothing of too much importance," Erika said. As she went back to what she was doing, Erik noticed she had the body and look of a natural singer. He came and wrapped his arms around her shoulders and leaned against her.

"Thank you for a great day and the new clothes," Erik said, his head next to hers – making their cheeks touch.

"No problem."

"May I ask a favor of you?"

"What is it?" Erika seemed unfazed by the man attached to her back – she was washing dishes!

"When we go out in public, will you make sure Christine doesn't make me look like Raoul?" Erika laughed at his simple request.

"Yes I will. I will also glower at any girls that make attempts to get close to you unless you specifically say otherwise," Erika said, placing the last dish away.

"I thought I was supposed to protect you. I guess it'll be the other way around," Erik said, smiling. "Thank you." He kissed her cheek softly before walking away and smiling like an idiot.

Erika stood in the kitchen, hand to her tingling cheek. She had been kissed on the cheek many times – by many people – but none of them had felt like this. Something was wrong with her and him – and she needed to find out before either of them fell too hard.

AN: Well, there's the chapter and I hope you all enjoyed it! Also, I'm planning on starting a Labyrinth story so be on the lookout for that as well. Please R&R and thank you for reading!

~MewAngelWings