Chapter Nine: Say you Love me


"My true love. . . Lost in a shadow play, I will find a way . . . Through fear and doubt, I will find you out.

Let me know your face. . . Let me know you, now. " -Christine Daae


Erik waited impatiently. What was taking Belle so long?

He had been waiting out in the snow for almost ten minutes now, and every minute they spent at the cottage was another minute wasted. For the Vicomte De Chagny drew nearer with each second.

The Phantom patted Aria one last time, "Stay my friend. I'll be back soon."

When the horse obeyed him, Erik ran back towards the house. Time was of the essence. They needed to leave, now!


Christine felt the warm water as it wrapped around her delicate frame. It felt so perfect against her skin.

The young girl would have stayed mobile in her wonderful bathwater if a hand hadn't gently grabbed her wrist and squeezed it in a gentle, deliberate way. Christine's eyes popped open, and she yelped in surprise.

Belle stared down at her with green anxious eyes. "Sorry duckling, I didn't mean to startle you."

Christine took a deep breath, Calm down Christine. . . It's just Belle, checking on you.

"It's alright Belle. Did you need something?"

"I'm afraid so, dear." Belle brought Christine's white towel up and held it open for her. "We must leave immediately."

The girl just sat for a moment, before she asked, "But why?"

Belle's brow furrowed. "Master Erik told me to get you ready to leave as quickly as possible. He didn't tell me why, but he looked as if the very devil was chasing after 'im."

What would scare him so badly? Christine wondered, as she stood from her bath and let the stout woman wrap the towel around her.

"So he didn't mention anything," Christine pressed as Belle opened the bathroom door, and led her into their shared bedroom to help her dress.

"Not a word." Belle shrugged. "But that's Master Erik for you; always very secretive, and private in his affairs."

"But-" Christine began with a furrowed brow when Belle interrupted her.

"I'm sorry duckling, truly I am. But we don't have time to discuss it. Master Erik is waiting for us."

Christine reluctantly began to dry herself the best she could without removing the towel from her body, while Belle rummaged in the wardrobe. The plump woman laid the clothes she had picked on the bed, and briskly walked towards the door. As she reached it she turned back and addressed the girl.

"I have to grab some things for the trip, and get Beast ready. Can you manage by yourself Christine?"

Christine nodded, "Yes, thank you."

Belle nodded with a quick smile. "I'll be back in a minute love."

As the door closed Christine breathed a sigh of relief. She could fully dry herself off now, without anyone's prying eyes watching her.

The woman slowly let the towel swing from her body, and began to dry her wet hair. The cold air made goose bumps rise on her still damp skin, and she shivered, though it wasn't an unpleasant feeling.

Closing her eyes, the singer ran the white fabric across her body with purpose. When she was satisfied she turned to put the towel on the bed. As she laid it down, the door opened.

"Belle I told you to make haste! What are you-" the deep baritone voice instantly cut off, and a deafening silence followed. Christine stood in shock, unable to think, to cover herself.

The man, who had made her song take wing, stood in the doorway, his eyes wide with surprise at the sight that met him, before they instinctively traveled lower.

Christine blushed madly, but still didn't cover herself up. Her arms seemed to be made of lead, and were unmovable.

When Erik's eyes moved back up to hers', Christine couldn't help gasp. The look in his eyes was so animalistic and passionate, that the woman felt herself falter back a step.

Erik's eyes' instantly turned soft, "Christine. . . Please. . . Don't fear me. . ."

At his words the singer felt her heart break and she felt ashamed at her actions. Her Angel of Music had never hurt her, and she knew he never would. He was the one absolute in her life.

Christine felt tears prickling in her eyes. The love she felt for Erik wasn't like the love she had felt for Raoul. It went far deeper, and seemed to mean more to her. And with that realization, she felt the last of her resolve disappear, as she willed her legs to move her forward.

As she came within a foot of her Angel, Christine stopped and reached her hand out hesitantly. Erik meeting her eyes reached out his own hand and joined their fingertips.

"Do you love me, Erik . . .?" Christine whispered, praying that his answer would match her own.

Erik leaned forward so that their noses' almost touched. "You know I do. . . I always have."

Christine Daae smiled up at him. "Then that makes two of us."

Erik's confusion clearly showed, but before he could question her, Christine cleared the space between them, and planted her lips on his. Though Erik's mask slightly covered his lips, Christine continued to kiss him without hesitation.

Erik's hands slowly snaked to Christine's waist, and he kissed her back. Oh, how he had dreamed of this moment, when his Christine would love him back without doubt. His joy was endless.

As Christine pulled away from the kiss, she saw Erik's beautiful green eyes were filled with tears. Together the two cried for the pure beauty of the moment. For the peace they felt.

After a moment more of looking into her eyes, Erik brought her mouth back to his, and pulled her to him. Christine moaned, as their bodies smashed together.

"I love you Christine," Erik said breathlessly, as he gazed down at her naked body, his eyes aglow with desire.

"I love you too. . . Erik."


Allo there! I hope you liked the chap, cause as a fangirl, I sure did. loL! xP

Also I'm debating wither or not, I should change the rating of this fic to M so we can have some deeper love scenes. . . . I dunno. What do you guys think? Please leave a review and let me know.

Also, Happy Holidays guys! I hope they are memorable for you! Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year! I freaking love you all!

~Lyn Harkeran.