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Notes: The first collaborative piece of fiction between LadyWillow and AngelofMusic2008! Joy and rapture! Be sure to leave us some reviews!
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The Music of Angels: The Charm of Spiders
Christine sat by the fire, reading a book peacefully. She looked up and saw Erik with Ayesha on his lap, sighing inwardly, and looked back down to her book. Erik gently stroked Ayesha's fur, staring into the flames of the fire and letting himself be lost in thought. He felt Christine's eyes on him for a moment, but didn't look back at her, allowing her to look at him without protest. Only when she looked away did he let his gaze fall on Christine, admiring the curve of her neck as she bent to read her book, the way her hair fell around her shoulders like a waterfall, strands flowing, how her delicate hands held the leather bound book so reverently, turned the thin pages with gentle fingers. What would those hands feel like on his face? Would they still be so careful and loving?
Christine yawned, finishing a chapter, and set the book aside, stretching. She smiled at Erik. "I think I'm going to go to bed now...I hope you don't mind," she said softly, moving to get up. Erik smiled guardedly at Christine, standing as well and taking her hand in his own. Placing a gentle kiss to her fingers he pulled away and looked again to the fire. "I shall see you in the morning then... sleep well." He said softly. She smiled back; glad the firelight concealed her blush. "Thank you...Goodnight, Erik," she replied, turning to go back to her room. She walked into it quickly, taking her dress off and changing into a shift. She turned to get into bed, letting out a soft shriek as she saw a large spider on the floor in front of her. Erik's eyes went wide, fearful that someone had snuck into his lair and was trying to accost Christine. Rushing forward, he threw the door open and frowned when he saw her alone. "What is it? What is wrong?"
She turned to look at him, shaking, and pointed to the floor. "Look…" she said nervously, blushing as she realized how childish she must sound. Erik looked to the floor and saw the spider. "What's the trouble? He's just a little spider..." He murmured, moving a bit closer and looking at her curiously. "He can't possibly hurt you."
She lowered her head, still blushing. "I…I'm frightened, Erik..." she said quietly, not daring to look at him. He didn't understand. "Frightened? Of a spider, why?" The blush deepened. "They're just so...so ugly. They frighten me so! I don't think I could bear it if one touched me, Erik..."
Erik's eyes darkened. "Of course. I should have known. Here, I shall take him outside of the house, and he will leave you be." He bent over, taking the spider carefully into his hand and holding it gently, looking down at it with pity. We're quite alike, aren't we? Christine smiled shakily at him, sitting down on the bed. "Thank you, Erik..." she said, watching him go. Erik nodded and made for the door, looking back at her before opening it and stepping out, holding the spider gently. She gasped and followed him to the door, a thought occurring to her. "Erik...what if it comes back? And..." she looked around nervously. "There's another one in here, I know it!"
Erik frowned, turning and looking back at her. "What would you have me do then, if you're so worried it will come back?" He was beginning to get angry... She lowered her gaze, looking at the floor nervously. "I...I would prefer it if you...got rid of them..."
"Got rid of them?" He repeated. "Got rid of them? I suppose you mean that you wish for me to kill them, murder them? And why shouldn't I? What right does something ugly have to live? What right does something unseemly have to exist in a world with more beautiful beings? I suppose if this were a butterfly, or ladybug, you would be enchanted. A spider, however..." Looking down at the spider in his hand, he frowned. I don't think I could bare it if one touched me. I don't think I could bare it if you touched me. He could hear the change so easily, as if she had spoken those words instead so recently. Closing his hand around the spider, he looked with hard eyes at Christine as he squeezed his hand, then dropped the lifeless spider to the ground, turned on his heel, and strode out.
Christine whimpered, running out of the room. She knew that other spider was in there somewhere...in her bed, in her closet. She didn't think she could bear to be in the room any longer, and followed him. Her eyes were still fixed on the floor. "Erik...what about the second one?"
Erik spun, eyes wide with anger. "The second one?! As if it is not enough that you've had its mate put to death, you'll have the bereft widow executed as well?!" He looked at her, body shaking with his rage and sadness both. "It cannot help but to be ugly, Christine. Some of us have that difficulty." Striding into her room, he turned in the doorway. "Stay out here." Then the door was closed. The sound of furniture being shifted around came from Christine's bedroom, and Erik emerged several minutes later with a crumpled bit of paper in his hand. Taking it to the fireplace he tossed it in, then looked at her and glared. "I've done your executions, will you sleep easier tonight knowing you dictated the death of two beings?" He asked, advancing on her slowly.
"Will it calm your heart and soul to know that two of the three ugly creatures you are forced to be with are gone? How long until you order the death of the third?" He demanded, staring down at her now in rage. Her eyes widened, she backed against the wall, trying to get away. "The…the...third?" she stuttered out, shaking. "I...Erik...I..."
"Yes, my dear, the third. For surely you know that you live with the ugliest creature that was ever created... how long will you be able to sleep at night, knowing I am but a room away? How long until you wish to dispose of me as well. After all, you couldn't bare it if I were to touch you, just as the spiders. Only I'm much worse than them, aren't I? Have the spiders given you nightmares that have chilled you to the bone as I have? And what's worse, the spiders were not in love with you; the spiders did not want to know your kiss, to know your love, your touch. They wanted merely to exist... and they had to die. What horrible fate belies me, for wanting so much more than that from you?" As he spoke his voice grew louder and louder, until he was nearly shouting. Seemingly drained from his outburst, he spoke in a more sotto voice. "Perhaps I should make sure that this creature cannot destroy you as well? Shall I anticipate your soon-desire and end my life as well? Would it please you?"
She shook her head, willing herself to stop shaking. "No! No, Erik...I didn't mean anything like that..." Swallowing hard, he willed himself to keep the tears from his voice. "No one can help if they are ugly or beautiful." He spoke, voice cracking all the same. "Those spiders couldn't help it any more than I can. To know that you are beautiful... a butterfly, and I, a spider..." He turned his head, looking away until the tears were gone from his eyes. "Your room is safe, you need to sleep." He strode out of the sitting room purposefully, and as soon as he was out the door, sunk to his knees, put his face into his hands, and wept.
Christine remained in the hallway, chewing on her lip in thought. She quietly padded to the other side of the sitting room, opening the door. There was a quiet gasp as she saw Erik on the floor, and sunk to her knees beside him, tentatively placing a hand on his shoulder. "Erik..." Erik's body tensed and he shrugged her hand away, moving to get up. "What is it? Is there another creature in your room?" He asked, looking away as he tried to regain his composure. "Or would you like something to help you sleep, perhaps..?" She shook her head, looking at the floor miserably. "I wanted to apologise. I hurt you...I didn't mean to, at all..."
Erik sighed heavily. "Child, you have not hurt me. You have merely reminded me of my place." Turning to look at her, he trembled and had to look away. She's too good for you. Your demon's eyes should not be allowed to even gaze upon her. Christine sighed, impulsively pulling him into a hug. "Erik...I am sorry," she murmured into his shoulder.
He stiffened, gently extracting himself from her arms before he allowed himself to feel or think about the embrace. "Do not apologize. You've a long day ahead of you, it would be best if you were to get some sleep." He stated shakily, before moving away from her again, this time retreating to the music room and sitting down heavily on the piano bench.
She shook her head, looking at her feet. "Now I'm not tired...I think I'll finish reading that book," she replied softly, turning to go back into the sitting room. She sat down in the chair she had vacated earlier, curling up with a soft sigh. Erik sat at the piano bench for a long while, staring down at the keys blankly and trying to think of anything except the feeling of Christine holding him. He tried to deny the fact that he had felt such comfort in that short embrace, had felt so protected and cared for... of course, it was his first hug, and it would make sense that it was so different to him... but still, he had felt so comforted... Standing as though in a daze, he wandered back to the sitting room and moved toward the chair Christine sat in, tears falling from his eyes. Moving toward her, he went to his knees before Christine and lowered his head, not sure why he had gone to her, only knowing that he wanted comfort so badly. Shyly he leaned his forehead against her knees, the simple contact making him tremble. Christine smiled, wiping her tears from her eyes, and lifted his head, smiling shyly at him. sit with me?" she asked, blushing.
Erik blinked several times, before nodding slowly and standing. Only then he realized that she was on the chair. There was hardly any room beside her... Looking at her curiously, he flushed and began to back away. She gulped, watching him pleadingly. "I'll move, if you like," she said, feeling a blush creep up her cheeks once more. She looked down at her lap, embarrassed that she was acting this way, like a little schoolgirl.
Swallowing hard, he moved to sit on the divan, and nervously motioned to the spot next to him, quirking an eyebrow. Words seemed impossible for him right now, and he trembled uncontrollably, not knowing what was to happen this night. She nodded, getting up from her seat by the fire and moving to sit next to him. She was so very aware of how close she was to him, and the blush became deeper. "Erik..."
Erik breathed deeply, not sure how to convey that he needed comfort, and feeling extremely foolish. The Opera Ghost receiving comfort from the woman he steals away... yes, it makes perfect sense. He thought sarcastically. Since when have you needed comfort? You've gone your entire life without it. He looked at her fearfully, cautiously moving so that their legs touched. Christine's eyes widened as he moved closer to her. She desperately wanted to hug him again...so she did, not caring how foolish she felt. She drew him into a tight embrace, smiling into his shoulder and cooing happily.
Instead of pulling away as he had done before, he nearly collapsed against Christine's body, resting his head against her upper chest and closing his eyes. His shoulders shook with soft sobs as he wrapped his arms around her waist and cried out the years of hate and neglect. Christine said nothing, still holding onto him gently. She started to rub his back, humming a lullaby under her breath. "Erik...shhh...my angel..." Erik's sobs softened as he felt himself fall into a dreamy state. Christine's soft voice was enough to calm his tears, and he continued to lie against her, drawing strength from her embrace and every once and a while whimpering softly.
Not able to help herself, Christine raised her head to kiss his cheek gently. She immediately looked away, blushing. "I...I am sorry..."
Erik gasped, eyes going wide as he pulled back slightly and looked at her in shock. "Christine...why...?"
She blushed still more, looking down at her lap. "Erik…I...IthinkIloveyou..." she said, all in one breath, afraid she wouldn't be able to get it out. She continued to stare at her lap, her hands toying nervously with her shift. Staring down at Christine, Erik couldn't say a word. He was dumbstruck. Me? She loves me? How is that possible..?! Reaching out, he shyly touched her chin, tilting her head up. "I... Christine...? You... love me...?" He couldn't believe it. This must be a cruel joke. She nodded at him, the blush fading from her cheeks now. "Yes, Erik. I love you," she said, smiling at him. He looked at her with wide eyes, unable to believe, unable to comprehend. "Christine...?" He was shocked, his mind was swirling, he couldn't focus on a single thought in particular.... and then all he knew was darkness. He fell forward and fainted.
Christine stared for a minute, rather shocked at this turn of events. She sighed and lifted Erik's face again, hoping a kiss would wake him. That done, she kissed him softly on the lips. "Erik? Erik, wake up...." His eyes went wide, just as Erik had come into consciousness; he had felt Christine's soft lips press to his own. Gasping, his eyes snapped open and he stared at her in shock. "Christine...?" Reaching up, he placed his fingers to his lips, trembling and breathing quickly. She let out a sigh of relief, reaching for his hand. "Are you alright, Erik?" she asked, watching him worriedly.
Swallowing hard he nodded and whispered softly. "My first kiss..." Tears filled his eyes, and he looked at Christine adoringly. She smiled back at him, snuggling close. "Would you like a second one?" she grinned, looking up at him impishly. Staring at her in shock, he felt himself nodding slowly, as his mind raced. "Yes, please..." He murmured, swallowing hard.
She grinned and kissed him on the lips, softly and sweetly, not bothering to hide her blush. "Erik..." Erik's eyes were closed even after Christine's lips moved from his own. Was it possible that anything could be so soft as her lips? Trembling, he opened his eyes and looked at Christine, breathing labored. She smiled at him shyly, still quite pink. "I'm sorry...I'm being too forward..."
Erik shook his head, reaching out to touch her cheek gently. "No, you are not being too forward... but why? Why do you love me...how can you..?" She smiled again. "I don't know, my angel. Love just happens...I was already half in love with you when I thought you were the Angel of Music...now I know it, though." Erik gaped, hardly able to believe that any of this was happening. "You... this isn't just out of pity..?" Christine looked at him, shocked. "Erik! How...how could you think that? I love you. You are music..." she smiled shyly.
Erik took a deep, shuddering breath, and reached out to stroke his fingers through her soft curls. "Oh, Christine... you've no idea how happy you have made me... I never dared hope..." Christine smiled at him, resting her hand on his knee. "Erik..." she breathed, watching him lovingly.
He smiled fully, something he hadn't done in a very long time, and put a hand over hers on his knee. "Christine...?" He swallowed hard, watching her chest rise and fall, watching her eyes blink, her pulse beat at her neck... suddenly everything about her was so sensual that he felt as if he may explode from the overload. Trembling, he swallowed hard and let his eyes slide closed. She tilted her head, a bit confused. "Erik...are you alright?"
Erik opened his eyes and nodded, stroking her cheeks and down her neck. Stop, you fool! But he couldn't stop, and he leaned forward, kissing her lips shyly, before trailing them over her jaw, and down her neck curiously. Sure enough, her skin tasted as good as it looked in the firelight, and he moaned very softly. Christine tensed, her eyes growing wide, and leaned against him, cooing softly. "Erik..." She gave up on trying to express herself and kissed his cheek, grinning.
Slowly he drew back, looking into her eyes, his own darkened with the desire that was rushing through him. "Christine... We mustn't... we aren't wed..." Then his mouth was on hers, kissing her with a passion he didn't know he could express. Finally, that fire deep inside of him had found the way to release and he growled against her mouth, clutching her tightly to his body and making her his with his lips. Christine gasped, kissing him back with all the passion he had kissed her with. She twined her fingers in his short, dark hair, pressing herself close to him. "I love you..." Erik looked down at Christine with wide eyes, passion clouding them. "I love you too... oh Christine..." Pressing his face into her hair, with a will of iron he was able to squash his desire. He couldn't take advantage of her. He wouldn't.