Fandom: Phantom of the Opera
Disclaimer: Please don't sue. I don't own *insert fandom name from above*... All I own is an overactive imagination.
Summary: A songfic chronicling Erik and Raoul's relationship. Angst.
Warning(s): slash, abusive relationship, OC char deaths (not important ones is what that means), sex
Pairing(s): Erik/Raoul
Word Count: 816
A/N: Fanmix still available for download (check out my profile or blogs).
Story note: I think Erik would have a difficult time adjusting to a relationship, you know, since he's become so accustomed to solitude.
o.o.o.o
Gallery Piece
By: Lucifer Rosemaunt
Chapter 02 – I wanna hurt your pride
o.o.o.o
i wanna hurt your pride
i wanna slap your face
i wanna paint your nails
Shivering from the natural chill of the cellar, Raoul huddled into his clothes, his left arm cradled gently against his body. Making sure Erik's back was turned to him, he scanned the area, eagerly trying to take everything in. It wasn't very often that he was allowed here; Erik preferred meeting in Box 5 or parts of the opera house that were generally avoided. He did not mind so much, but sometimes, he wished he didn't have to worry about someone happening upon them. And lately, Erik had simply been too busy to set up any rendezvous at all.
Raoul sighed and watched as Erik rummaged through several drawers that were situated across the room. They were already two months into their relationship, and he hated that he still could not fully understand Erik or his moods. Perhaps he was being too needy in his desire to see him. It had only been two weeks since last they'd seen each other or been alone together and that didn't include the times that the ghost made appearances during rehearsals or the three other times that he'd attempted to come down here.
When Erik finally gathered all the necessary supplied, he deposited the bandages and alcohol on the seat beside him. Raoul acquiescently extended his arm for inspection. The last three visits, which had also ended in injuries, had led to arguments that clearly demonstrated that Erik had no qualms about injuring him further in order to help him. Raoul would contend that Erik wasn't stronger than he was; it was that between them, he was the only one mindful of avoiding further injury.
There was less blood this time; that was indeed an improvement. The bruising was quite extensive though, running from his wrist to his shoulder, the worst of which surrounded his now swollen elbow. At least there were no bruises around his neck, though he learned that falling on the candelabra hurt significantly more.
Erik began the familiar process of methodically cleaning each scrape and burn – because there simply had to have been lit candles nearby this time –, testing the extent of damage on his joints, and making sure there were no life-threatening injuries.
He muttered, "I've told you time and again not to disturb me."
Raoul liked to think that beneath the annoyance, he could hear a bit of apology for having done this to him. Again. One of the more disappointing factors of this last encounter was that Raoul had been expecting the attack. He'd even managed to avoid Erik's initial reflexive action, which was the Punjab lasso; he hadn't expected the subsequent attack to his stomach though.
"You may be better than other patrons, but your job lies with the finances, not the arts." Erik chided, the words so familiar to Raoul that he could quote it from memory. Still, they landed much like a physical blow. He knew his main role regarding the opera house was simply to keep them financially sound, and according to Erik, he only managed to do that well rather rarely. "And, it definitely does not lie in the cellars when I'm working," Erik added pointedly.
Another fact that Raoul knew too well now, and though he'd known that before deciding to risk the journey down, he'd thought that ever since Erik had shown him the way, he would be expected to visit. Moreover, he'd hoped that at least one of those times, he would be genuinely welcomed.
If bruises were welcomes, then Raoul would feel at home in the cellars of the opera house.
He scowled, knowing that Erik wouldn't even notice. The man had tunnel vision, and right now his focus was on fixing his arm… so that he could return to his work.
"I said we would visit when I finished with my work." Erik wrapped his elbow a little too tightly; Raoul flexed his fingers just to try to get blood circulating through them again. "Why do you not realize that fops shouldn't put themselves in dangerous situations?"
Raoul was about to retort that it wouldn't be dangerous if he simply stopped attacking him, but Erik didn't bother to spare him a single glance before returning to the organ, already considering his necessary duty to Raoul completed.
Mutely, Raoul watched him go. That was a new way to be dismissed, and despite his initial reaction to such ill-mannered behaviour was to become indignant, he simply clenched his hands and reminded himself that he had interrupted Erik's work.
He ignored the bruises on his arm and stared at his neatly bandaged elbow. And, Erik was unaccustomed to showing emotion.
As he was leaving, Raoul resigned himself to the fact that these brief glimpses of concern would be the only signs of affection he would receive.
He immediately thought of Erik's parting rhetorical question. "Avoiding dangerous situations?" That may prove to be impossible now.
o.o.o.o
End chapter 02
A/N: Don't forget to R/R (Read and Review)!
Chapter Review: This reminds me of Lingering Ghosts actually. Erik putting down Raoul and treating him dismissively when it's inconvenient for him is just plain wrong.
Btw, 'I wanna slap your face' brought too many amusing mental images for it to actually physically occur or be mentioned in a story.