(by Cara Twomey)
Erik had chosen to die.
His life had been a nightmare. He had done things he was beginning to regret. At least he could die knowing Christine was happy, even if it was with that Raoul brat.
Three weeks. Three weeks he had kept himself locked up in his lair. What would it matter if he died? He had nothing left to live for, nothing without Christine.
"Erik? Erik, are you here?" Splashing water, footsteps. "Erik?"
"Go away, Daroga!" Erik called.
If fact, the Persian did just the opposite. He walked right into Erik's bedroom.
"My God, Erik, you're paler and thinner than ever!" the Persian cried. "Here." Erik felt brandy being poured down his throat. "You look horrible."
"That is to be expected of a dying man." Erik retorted. "I told you I am going to die. Leave me be. Why are you even here after I nearly drowned you?"
"You need to eat." was all the Persian said. "Do you have any food here?"
"I don't need food. I need to be alone."
"Oh, no, you don't. You are coming with me." The Persian helped Erik up. "You can barely stand, Erik! You need food and drink, and please do not fight with me about it. You're too weak. Just put your arm around my shoulder, like that."
Leaning against each other, they made their way out of Erik's underground home.
They went to the Persian's home, where he coaxed Erik into eating and drinking some more brandy.
"Now, isn't that better?" the Persian asked.
"Why does this matter to you, Daroga?" Erik demanded. "Why do you care what happens to me? I'm a monster."
The Persian shifted in his seat. "Did you ever wonder why I have stuck by you the way I have?"
"Simple. You got in trouble for helping me escape, and you came here because you pity me."
"That is not all, Erik. Take off your mask."
Erik looked startled. "Why?"
"Just do it, please."
Erik hesitated a moment. Then he closed his eyes and took the mask off. He kept his eyes shut tight.
They were both still and silent for a long moment. Then the Persian leaned across the table and kissed Erik on the mouth. It was soft, but passionate. After a few seconds, he pulled away and they stared into each other's eyes.
Erik had been startled by the kiss. But in an instant, he saw his only friend in a entirely new way. This man who had thrown his life in Persia away to save Erik, who had stayed by him all those years in Paris...how had he never guessed?
"That was why you attempted to discourage me about Christine." Erik blurted out. "You thought she was an obsession."
"I still believe she was. You had her pity, Erik, but you did not have her love. But I...I love you. I have no idea how you feel, but I love you no matter that you were cursed with an ugly face."
He had stunned Erik into silence. Though he had never revealed it, Erik did have a secret fondness for the Daroga. He acted annoyed by his friend's presence, but was touched that he cared so much.
"I never meant it all those times I told to leave me alone." he said. "In fact, I secretly enjoy your company."
"Really? I had not known. But what now?"
"I would like it if you kissed me again." Erik said shyly.
The Persian smiled and kissed him, more passionately this time, and Erik kissed him back.
"Why did you never say you're such a good kisser?" Erik asked.
"You never asked."
"Daroga, what does this mean for us now?"
"Well, I believe this is when I ask if you will be mine."
Erik smiled. "I think I will."
"And now that we have discussed that matter, we should consummate our union." The Persian stood and held out his hand. "Will you come with me to my bedroom? There are some things you have not learned yet."
Erik took his hand. "I will."
And for the first time in his life, Erik was truly happy.