A/N: See Chapter 1. I see this song as so very Harry-and-Erica, what with him being a label executive and her fine taste in music. But then I also see it as very Richobel. At any rate, it's a lovely song. Go listen. Search YouTube for "Johnny Hartman" and "I See Your Face Before Me."
In That May Be All I Need, there were two interludes revolving around this song. Here is the second.
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"May I?" Harry asks, taking her hand and drawing her in, the opposite arm encircling her waist.
"Please," Erica begs, head nodding. She allows his hand to enfold hers, her free hand cupping the back of his skull as she draws his lips down to meet her own. She kisses him like it's the most meaningful thing she'll ever do, telling him wordlessly about life and death, love and loss, ambition and regret and the vitality of being here now.
He understands it somehow, despite the natural differences between them. He buries his face in the warm crook of her neck and kisses her, licks her, bites her gently as his lips travel upwards toward her ear. The arm she had around his neck slides down, fingers caressing each of his vertebrae on the way, and she stops at his hip, pressing him into her as they continue to move to the music.
"This feels - you feel so good, Harry. For all my posturing I've honestly needed to be with you like this. You're so warm and this song is so beautiful and I feel better ...stronger when you hold me."
He smiles at her, burying his fingers deep in her hair. She thinks he's going to say something, but he surprises her when, while looking deep into her eyes, he sings along with the song:
Would that my love
Would haunt you so
Knowing ...knowing I want you so
I can't erase your beautiful face before me
I can't erase your beautiful face before me
She's speechless, tears running down her face at this expression of love from her sentimental, soulful, sexy husband. Just like the times he's sung to her before - and he does it often, she realizes - he communicates his affection for her straight to her soul.
"Love it when you sing to me, baby," she manages through tears. Their song has ended, so Harry takes Erica's hand and walks with her to the bed.
"Lay down with me?" He asks, arranging pillows to make room for them.
"Of course." She smiles, climbing onto the bed as he does.
