(A/N: I am so sorry this took so long. I was seriously going to post it when I said I would, but then I had internet issues and then I wanted to write more to give you as recompense for my lateness and then I was experiencing serious block and so it just really took forever for me to write and I'm so freaking sorry. But I shall be posting multiple chapters and it'll be to the big unmasking scene. Right now I'm working on Christian's point of view of the whole scene and asdfghjkl. I hope you like it none the less. And I am so sorry. :'( Again...)
Dinner was eaten quietly, the silence only being broken by the clinking of silverware. Chris kept stealing glances at Erika, who was seated to his left instead of at the other end of the table, but her gaze remained steadily on her food. Erika resisted the urge to scratch her neck, ever thankful that she wore long sleeves because they hid the goose-flesh that had risen under Christian's consistent gaze.
Once he'd finished, Chris gave a small smile and broke the silence, "Thank you for the delicious food." Erika turned her head, a blush spreading on her cheeks, leaving only the mask in Christian's sight. "Erika," Chris began, hesitantly, "why is it that I'm here?" Erika gave a small sigh and thought to herself, I've been asking myself the same thing, Christian.
Instead she said hurriedly, "To further your vocal and musical education, of course." Chris gave a quiet huff of surprise and his Angel turned to face him. "I do not wish you any harm," she assured softly. "If I have frightened you in any way-"
"No, no," Chris interrupted. "You've done nothing of the sort, Erika." She still found pure joy when her name passed his sweet lips, rolling off his tongue in that velvety voice. "I was just curious as to the reasons of my..." he paused, searching for the right word. Failing to find one, Chris fell quiet, positive his point was made.
Erika nodded solemnly. She understood all too well. They simply sat in silence for a second or two before Erika asked, "Would you like me to show you your quarters?" Christian's head lifted instantly, curiosity piqued and excitement evident in his rich blue eyes. Smiling, Erika stood and collected the dishes, asking quietly for a moment as she dashed to the kitchen and dropped the soiled ceramics and silverware into the sudsy wash bucket. She came back, not a moment later, and motioned for Christian to follow.
Chris eagerly followed, mind wandering again and thinking back on the fleeting smile he was graced with a few minutes ago. Erika's face was normally stony or drawn with worry or dislike. But when she smiled... Chris found a smile spreading across his own face, just thinking about it. Her eyes light up and soften and she even gets a little dimple on her cheek. Christian followed Erika in a daze until he ran into her when she stopped in front of the door farthest to the left. He shook then ducked his head sheepishly, a small bashful grin there and gone in a flash.
Erika gestured to the door. "This will be your room. And this," she pulled out a key from Chris knew not where, "is the key to your room." She handed it to him, careful not to brush fingers with the young man. "Have a look." Erika gave a small, close-mouthed smile and nodded towards the door in encouragement.
Smiling widely, Chris quickly unlocked and opened the wooden door. Within was a large, welcoming room. Christian took a few slow steps till he stood in the center of the room, on top of another Persian rug, this one a melody of darker colors. A four poster bed rested in the middle on the far wall, dark curtains hanging from its rails, and a nightstand with an oil lamp and candle on it lay to the left. There was a dark mahogany chest-of-drawers on the wall to the right of the bed and a hollow that, Chris assumed, was a closet.
Erika held back, waiting at the doorway, watching Christian as he made his way through the room. He seemed pleased, and when he turned to face her again, eyes alight with joy, Erika couldn't help but smile inwardly. Christian came forward to meet her at the door, still smiling widely. Chris stopped when he reached Erika, glancing down at her still-gloved hands. With a start, he realized how close they were, and he took a step back.
"The room is lovely," Chris found his voice again. "Thank you." Erika only nodded mutely. "I'm feeling a bit tired, so I think I shall retire for the day." Erika nodded again. Chris gave her a puzzled look before saying cautiously, "Goodnight."
Erika simply nodded once more and stepped back into the sitting room, closing the door behind her. Chris stared at the closed door. That was odd… he thought, scratching the back of his head as he made his way around the room. After a quick search in the chest-of-drawers, Chris found a nightshirt and changed before sliding into the large bed. Turning off the oil lamp, he gave a sigh of relief as he closed his eyes and slipped into the welcoming darkness of sleep.
Erika stood outside of Christian's door, listening to him bustling around in his room until she heard the groan of the bed as he settled onto the mattress. She leaned her head forward until it gently rested against the thick wooden door, and whispered, "Goodnight Christian. Sweet dreams."
(A/N: I know I haven't been so loyal to you, but I'd seriously appreciate it if you'd review. :/)