Unwillingly, Erik slowly disentangled himself from Christine's embrace, and stood. She nodded at him, but grabbed his arm as he turned. She pointed at herself and then him, and the bed; mouthing the words can we sleep in the same bed? It's cold here topping it off her actions with a false shiver and a hopeful smile. Erik nearly said yes- but even if he had convinced her that they had been married, guilt still hung over him and he couldn't accept. Not yet. He tried to look disappointed, and told her that he couldn't because he had work to do.

"That's why we have different rooms, because I often work late." He explained. Christine frowned, but accepted this and let go of his arm. He gave her a wave, and left, closing the door slower than normal behind him.

Behind the door, Christine broke into a wide grin despite the fact that Erik couldn't be with her for the night. Happiness seemed to have taken an active role in her life now.

But Erik was not as happy. He had Christine now- but he did not have her trust. It was a lie- and if she ever regained her memory, she would kill him. He dropped onto the edge of his coffin bed, soothingly rubbing his temples in small circles. He knew he'd have to get over this. It was better for them both. Exasperated with his brain, he fell back onto his pillows, still thinking. How far would he be able to take the facade? Would Christine ever realize that something wasn't right with her 'husband'? What if she tried to, once again, take off his mask? That would start everything all over again, the last thing he wanted.
And so Erik fell asleep, troubling thoughts swimming through his mind, bubbling at the surface of his brain.

Across the hall, Christine too remained awake, thinking. If Erik was her husband, why did he seem nervous around her?
Did I do something to him? Anxiety surged through her. She decided to simply ask him more questions tomorrow. Find the other facts that she was missing from her recent life. He didn't have the right to keep any part of her past from her. Especially since she was his wife. And as she slipped into a dreamless sleep, Christine knew what she would ask tomorrow.

By the time Christine had woken and dressed in a deep emerald green dress with light blue lacy trim, deep green shoes, and a light blue hair ribbon, Erik was already up, sitting at his at his organ, which hadn't destroyed, looking for composing paper. Christine stepped as lightly as she could, but Erik heard her anyway.

"Good morning, my dear." He said lightly, fishing some paper off the floor and putting it on his organ. Christine tapped his shoulder, a half smile on her face. Erik turned to be surprised when Christine wrapped her arms around him for a brief second, then retracted and brushed her lips against his. It took him a minute to remember that they were "married" now. He returned the hug and the slight kiss, and then watched for Christine's reaction. She didn't seem bothered by anything he did. He was about to turn away from her and start playing music, but she stopped him by waving her arms around.
Do you love me? She asked by pointing at him, then herself, and then making a heart at the left corner of her chest. Erik swallowed, and opened his mouth to reply, but found that his tongue seemed to stick to the floor of his mouth. He closed his mouth and instead nodded.

Christine stared at him for a second, then sat on the chair he had nearby. Why can't you show me your face then? She asked, shrugging and indicating his face.
Erik froze. He knew that she would ask this at some point. He just had to let her know how ugly and deformed he was without making her take off his mask again or flee from him. He'd had an explanation ready, but the second she asked him about his mask it flew from his head.

If you love me, you can show me your face, Erik. Please. Christine repeated through various hand motions, standing and walking over to him. At last Erik found his voice, but it was too late. A rush of cold air hit his exposed face, and he let lose a shriek of surprise and anger. Christine jumped back, her face contorted in a mute scream of horror, as Erik fled from the room. His voice echoed as he left.

"You WILL PAY FOR THIS!" Erik cried, his hands covering his face. The next thing Christine heard was the sound of a door slamming shut in anger.

Gasp! Christine's done it again! *sighs* will she ever learn? I know I said it would get more violent, but that didn't really translate into this chapter as well as I thought it would. But it will within the next few, trust me. Also, sorry this chapter is a bit shorter. Again, with not much dialogue and not even covering a very long time span. You people are enjoying this right? I hope so.

Also, I'd like to thank DeadTom77, PhantomFan01, and CLASSICDUH for the reviews! They mean a lot to me. Reviews are better than cookies! J

And! I know that I've had Christine as a mute for this from the explosion. Well, it occurred to me it may help you to understand what she's saying if my readers can look up words in sign language. Since I have been teaching myself some sign language, I just so happen to know where to find an online ASL dictionary. Just look up ASL dictionary, (preferably with Google) and click on the first one.

Hope it helps, if you were confused at all about Christine's hand movements.

Until next time, if you plan to continue reading, anyway.

-Happy Whatever