Erik decided it best to wait on the vocal lesson until a later date as she was already a little hoarse from the crying. He kept stealing glances at her warily as he made their dinner. She had pouted and grudgingly accepted this service as he had insisted quite earnestly. She sat now, gazing distantly out of the window over the sink. It had been enough of a struggle to get him to not carry her down the stairs, though she had to admit she was loath to leave his arms. She felt like everything was right with the world so long as she had his protective frame around her. She had never felt so perfectly at home with someone since her father, but even then it was different. She could sense Erik's need to have her there as well. It was the most wonderful feeling to have someone who you know loves you just as much as you love them. Erik was most assuredly her guardian angel in disguise.
'I'm awake.' She snapped back into reality as he waved his hand before her misty eyes. He smiled at her childlike assurance.
'Just checking.' He told her before taking a seat beside her. 'So, where is the flower shop you are to be working at?' He asked, trying to make full amends for his foolish actions and words.
'It's not far; about two blocks down that way.' She pointed to the right of the house.
Erik nodded silently. 'Would you mind if I walked you to and from there?' He asked, testing to see if she would mind his protective nature.
'If you want to. I know you are busy designing and such, but I would never begrudge the company.' She smiled cheerily at him. She was glad to see a bit of his earlier anxiety ebb away. She knew it would be a while before he would let her do too much. He still wanted to shelter her from the world.
'I would like that very much. I will always make time for you, my darling.' He told her, taking her free hand in his. He adored the softness of her skin against his. Her knuckles, though bony now, were so smooth and perfectly rounded to his fingers.
'Of course, if you ever worried too much, you could always ask Nadir to take me.' She assured him. She nearly laughed at his playfully aggravated smirk.
He watched her cheeks pinch as she tried not to giggle. He would insult the Daroga endlessly if it made her laugh.
'I take it we will be seeing more of our favourite Persian now that he is here.' He rolled his eyes at the thought of Nadir coming and getting in the way of even more of his precious time with Christine. That insufferable man always knew just the right instant to ruin a perfect moment.
'Indeed we shall.' She nodded firmly, grinning all the while. 'I can't look after you all on my own.' She giggled at his mock glare.
There. There was that laugh. 'Me? Why do you think I'm the troublesome one?' He persisted, enjoying their game. 'You're the one who can't be left alone.'
She gaped at him in playful surprise. 'Name one time.' She challenged.
Erik raised his eyebrows behind his mask and tipped his head forward to look at her doubtingly. 'Hmm, let's see…' He pretended to be lost in thought. 'Well, there was the time I found you on the wall of the Gulistan, or the day you sunk into my apartment, or when you got cut while protecting Noir.' He listed. 'Though I think my favourite by far was the time I almost had a heart attack watching you on the scaffolding at the site. That, I think, is the one that proves you're too mischievous for your own good.' He had been revelling in her laughter the whole time he had named her rash adventures, but the last one made her sober. Something in the tone of his voice brought her out of the joke.
'Did I really scare you that much?' She asked, her brow knitting in concern.
'Oh, I was terrified. I thought you might fall or get hurt and I would not be able to save you.' He continued on through, expecting her mirth to return. 'You were lucky you came back down to not see how much I was trembling.' He laughed, but it hung dryly in the air as Christine looked to be on the verge of tears again. Flustered over how this could have happened, he reached forward to take her other hand.
'I'm so sorry, Erik. I didn't know I…I didn't mean to scare you, I was just having fun. You were so busy that I didn't want to be a distraction. I really did not mean to…I'm sorry.' She confessed, ducking her head.
'Christine, no, please don't cry. It's alright. You were fine and we are both here now, that's all that matters. I just did not know what to do when I saw you had disappeared. You know how I jump to conclusions. I knew you were only trying to enjoy yourself, and it was partially my fault for not entertaining you properly. Oh, Christine,' he reached up to brush her cheek, lifting her chin. 'I love you, my darling. There's nothing for you to be upset about. I'm just happy you're here.' He told her, rubbing a thumb under her eye. He opened his hands a bit to see her smile softly at him. It still amazed him that she could bear to smile around him, let alone while he was touching her.
'I love you too, Erik. I don't know what I would do without you.' She told him, taking his hand and pressing it to her cheek. His hands were always cooler to the touch, but against her skin they quickly warmed. She felt him tremble as he often did at her contact. Somehow she still surprised him by wanting his touch. She suspected that would never change.
The next morning brought Christine a renewed sense of excitement as Erik had promised something special for the day. She had argued that he should not separate himself from his work too much just for her, but he had that look in his eye that told her words would be useless now that he had set his mind to it. Smiling, she shook off her worries and simply let him have his fun.
They started off with a small breakfast, he mildly protesting his need for food any more than once a day. She had retorted that she would follow the same rule of necessity, but the look of concern over her thin figure made him relent. She loved him just the way he was, there was no doubt about that, but she did not want him to grow sick for her not caring for him properly.
Once the meal was finished, Erik brought her up to the library where they worked on her voice. More often than not, she was fighting back tears over the loss of her once full range. Now she croaked at the high notes which had been so easy not long ago. She could tell it bothered him, but Erik remained steady throughout. He was encouraging and kind while also giving strong instruction. He would hold her hand when she gasped back her despair and would give her soothing words of hope.
'It won't happen overnight, my love. These things take time. But I promise, I will do everything I can to restore your angelic tones.' He promised her when she finally let a disappointed tear slip free. He was her rock, and she clung to him.
They went on like this for a little while, entwining soft praise with honest corrections. When they stopped, she found her once five octaves had stunk to barely two. She sounded more like an alto rather than the soaring soprano she had once been. She knew deep down, no matter how Erik may try to hide it, that she would never sing as she had. It would never be the same. She did not care so much about singing professionally as she did just being able to regain that harmony between herself and Erik. It was an indescribably feeling when their voices rang together. Her heart hummed and her soul warmed when they had sung. She longed for that feeling again.
When she could sing no more, she sat beside Erik at the organ. She was mesmerised by the way his long, elegant fingers danced across the keys so fluidly. This coupled with the sheer beauty of the music he played, made her feel as if she were in a dream. At her subtle request, he put words to his song, solidifying his hold over her. She nearly dozed, leaning gently against his shoulder as he played. He would play until his fingers screamed in pain and his voice died in his throat if it made her happy. If it kept her here, beside him, he would play forever.
He sang her songs of twilit skies and all of the bright and vibrant colours that shone just before evening's cool blanket overtook them. He sang of how the stars peeked out to see the last rays of the sun before they took their shimmering place in the night. Weaving words with melody brought forth in her mind the most stunning and beautiful images she had never before realised were real. She had seen sunsets before, but through Erik's words she saw them as he did. He had often amazed her with his undying worship of the natural world. He saw beauty in every corner so matter how light or dark it may be. The day was blinding, but so full of energetic life that it almost boggled the mind. Everything moving about to get it all done before night descended. But to him, night was not the end. It was simply another beginning. He sang of so many wonders the night brought, so gentle and yet fierce. It consumed all, while also wrapping around like a pair of angel's wings. It protected and provided, bringing wonders like none had ever seen. So many took it for granted, or did not realise what gloriousness hung just inside the shadows of the later hours, but through him, Christine saw it all.
They say the eyes of a child see wonders that no one else could ever comprehend, but Erik saw them just fine. He guarded anything he thought too lovely to be left to fend for itself against the cruelties of the human world. He kept from his song the horrors he had seen and been dealt, but Christine knew they were there just the same. They were always there, but with her beside him, they faded considerably. Her presence alone proved all he had come to know was wrong. His mother was wrong, he could be loved. The gypsies were wrong, he could do more than morbidly fascinate. Luciana was wrong, he could be looked upon without fear. With Christine there, he was loved. Even though he had kept parts of himself and his past from her, she still loved him. Even though he had lied to her, hurt her, and scared her, she stayed with her Erik. Her Erik. He would gladly be hers forever.
After some time of this, Erik suggested she get some lunch. He was insistent upon his not needing to eat once again,
'Please, Christine.' He practically begged of her. 'Food has never appealed to me, but I need you to remain healthy.' He told her, hiding his memories of how his mother would force him to eat.
'Very well, my love.' She assured him, an apology written firmly in her eyes. She had not meant to cause him distress.
He accompanied her to the kitchen while she made a light sandwich and some tea. He watched her every move as if trying to memorise it, revelling in her little smiling glances at him. Everything she did was beautiful in his eyes.
Once lunch was finished, he brought her back to the library, noting it was not dark enough yet outside for his intended expedition. He took a seat in one of the wingbacks and was again amazed as she sat at his feet, leaning against his legs, asking if he would read to her. He could have cried at the sight of her like this while he tried to focus on the words of his book. It was a collection of rather horrific short stories, but they did not seem to disturb his Christine. In fact, they both found themselves held rapt by one about a costumed ball.
'I liked that one. The way he described the colours in it sounded like you.' She smiled up at him, laying her head back on his knees. He could not help the smile that came to his lips at her bright and beaming face as she looked upside-down at him. He wondered how terrible his already monstrous features must look when flipped in this way, but he would never know from her persistent smile.
The clock downstairs chimed five as Erik stared off distantly. Where had the time gone?
'Erik,' her voice beckoned him back to her. 'Didn't you say you wanted to take me somewhere today?' She asked.
He muffled a groan in his throat. He had intended to do something very important today, but sitting like this, he could not bring himself to end it. He wanted to exist in this time and place forever. He would happily stay all night if it meant she remained beside him in perfect bliss. But her question still nagged at the back of his brain.
'Yes. Would you still like to go?' He asked, leaving it to her to decide their fate.
'Well, I am curious as to what it was you wanted to do. If you still want to, that is.' She added, turning to rest her chin on his knees.
Leaning forward, he held her chin, rubbing it with his thumb. 'Believe me, my darling, I do.' He told her, smiling as she closed her eyes at his touch. She seemed so wonderful in his hand.
'Shall we, then? Before it gets too late?' She asked. He nodded after a pause of smiling dreamily at her. He could watch her all day and never grow bored.
Heading downstairs, he donned his cloak and hat. She beamed up at him as he bathed himself in shadows. Somehow, the same way she always did, she found his arm beneath this covering. He felt she could always find him, no matter how much he hid. He knew it was because he could never truly hide from her for long.
Stepping outside, he guided her down the opposite end of the street than she and Nadir had ventured the previous day. They walked at a fairly calm rate, but Christine could feel Erik growing tense at her side the farther they went. She leaned into him slightly, nuzzling her cheek against his shoulder. He stiffened at the initial contact, but quickly relaxed. He looked down at her lovingly as she drew in closer.
They walked a little ways further until they reached a secluded area with thick, overhanging trees. Erik felt his chest tighten as he prepared for what he was about to say. A distant rumble in the sky threatened to interrupt, however, as they looked up to see storm clouds making their way towards them. She noted the proximity of the clouds, and turned to him with curiosity gleaming in her eyes. She looked so lovely he thought he would simply melt beneath her touch.
Coming in front of her, he took her hands in his, savouring the feeling of her gentle fingertips resting in his palms. He felt one knee give out as he came down before her. He looked up at her surprised eyes with what he hoped to be conviction.
'Christine, I love you. There's nothing I would not do for you because you have done so much for me. You have shown me that there is more to the world than what I had foolishly determined there to be. I know I am the farthest thing from perfect or what you deserve, but I simply cannot live without you. Please, Christine, just…say you'll be mine.' He told her, feeling his breath hitch in his throat.
She looked at him in complete shock, holding back the tears that threatened to overflow her shimmering green eyes. She held a hand to her mouth to stifle the gasps of shock and joy.
Reaching into a pocket she did not even realise he had, Erik pulled out a black velvet box. Opening slowly revealed a small, simple, yet elegant ring. Its band and facet were silver with a ruby in the middle.
'Oh, Erik,' she breathed. She smiled tearfully as he put the ring on her outstretched finger. It fit perfectly and looked like it had always been meant to rest there.
Looking back at him, she saw his growing smile, though the apprehension still remained in his eyes. He rose, still holding her hands and not daring to gaze at anything else. He feared it would all disappear if he looked away. That is, until her fingers reached up to turn his head. A bit more of his concern washed off when he saw the look of unconditional love shining in her beautiful eyes.
'I love you.' She told him, pulling his head gently down to meet her lips. Slowly, his arms encircled her slender waist, bringing her small form into him a bit. He pulled back for breath and saw the most wonderful smile upon her rosy lips. 'I am yours forever.' She told him, watching a light come on inside him.
Wrapping his arms around her, he lifted her up and spun round, kissing her deeply at the same time. He released her lips to hear that delectable laughter ring through the dampening air as he continued to spin. Setting her down softly, he looked at her still excited smile.
'Christine,' he relished her name, knowing that it was only a small part of the beautiful woman he could now call his own. 'I am yours completely, you know that, don't you? I will never love another. Only you, my sweet, beautiful Christine.' He brushed his palm across her cheek, smoothing away a bit of the now damp curls which stuck there.
'Oh, Erik,' she sighed again. 'My Erik.' She said, pulling her cheek into his chest. She felt his arms wrap around her, sheltering her from the world and wrapping her in a cocoon of undying devotion.
He caressed her mane of curls, enjoying how soft they were. He could have lived in the gentle warmth of her breath on his chest. He could have stood there for an eternity with her in his arms like this. She was embracing him. That thought would have sent him reeling not too long ago. She had kissed him and let him kiss her. This action would have made him question his consciousness not two days before. She was engaged to him. That notion still surprised him.
Looking down at her, he reflected her smile. He noticed something, then, and almost burst out laughing at how unaware he had been.
'It's raining.' He told her, still grinning.
'Is it?' She asked as if in a daze, looking around to find the change in weather to be true. She was already getting fairly soaked. 'Huh, so it would seem.' She noted calmly, making Erik laugh.
'Come on, let's go home, it's not good for you to get wet and cold.' He told her, pulling his cloak over her shoulders and head to shield her.
They ran back to the house, laughing giddily at every clap of thunder that rumbled out in the distance. It mattered little to them as they immediately resumed their kisses and embrace once in the door.
'Hmm,' Christine hummed happily. 'Reza was wiser than us all.'
Erik stopped, thinking on that for a moment. He remembered his own embarrassment when the child had boldly announced that he and Christine would make a good pair. Reza had given a strict order that Christine was only allowed to marry him or Erik. Laughing on it now, Erik found a small part of him satisfied. He had made the child's wish come true. Of course, it never would have been were it not for Christine's amazing ability to love him. A part of him would never completely get used to that idea, but he would be damned if he regretted it.