Hello everyone. :)

I got 8 reviews for last chapter, I think its a new record! It made me so very happy:D Reviews always makes me happy and I have to admit these days I need them more then ever... Okay,off with the emotions, here's your new chapter.

Enjoy!

Kaya

Chapter 36

Love

Erik was sweating, his hands were shaking, the rest of him trembling just as much, he even thought he would pass out if he did not remember to breath very soon. He only had three words to say, one short sentence that would change both of their lives forever, but these words seemed to be lost somewhere between his heart and mouth. After more deep breaths than what really was necessary, Erik decided he had let this linger long enough.

-"Just say it Erik." Josephine whispered in the softest voice

-"I love you." He breathed out. "There, I said it!"

Josephine blushed deeply, but could not repress a giggle. Erik was a bit worried about that reaction, though it did not sound as though she was mocking him. He had expected a gasp, or a scream even, but not giggles. At least, she was smiling, not cowering away from him. Her hands tightened around his as though they were holding his heart and after a moment more, she calmed down. When she finally opened her mouth to speak, Erik interrupted her.

-"I-I know it is sudden but…well, I guess I cannot explain it." He sighed. "I have been alone for a long time…"

Erik decided then that she had the right to know a bit about himself and in what circumstances they had crossed paths. He feared to tell her it was because he was in love with another girl, that all this, the fire and the escape, occurred. Calmly, more than he would have thought actually, he explained everything about Christine, his will to make her voice soar to heaven, his desire.

It took him hours. He told Josephine every details including the murders and the madness. He did not want any lies between them and he needed her to know. Erik knew that she might be afraid of him now, knowing what he could be, what he could do, how possessive and violent he could get. But then, he confided how she changed him, his dove. It was easy to say he had changed, but it was the truth.

-"I thought Christine would accept me as I was, be receptive to my love, but her rejection drove me mad." He continued. "But now I know how wrong I was. She was shallow and only a child. Now, even if you do not love me, I will understand, because it would be your choice, made out of pondered thought and not because some boy charmed you. You wont have to choose between some handsome gentleman and an old gargoyle."

Josephine remained completely silent, even her breathing was barely audible. Her eyes were opened and filled with tears, but none fell on her cheeks. Erik took a decision then and if she felt repulsed, he would have his answer and leave her be. Taking her right hand in one of his, he removed his mask with the other. He had never let anyone touch him. Christine did, but only to save her viscount.

The young woman held her breath as she felt him raise her hand, fully knowing she would finally get to touch his face. She would know what he looked like. She knew what it meant to him, she could feel his fear. Both her hands reached for his cheeks and Erik let her touch him as she wanted, closing his eyes as she ran her thumbs over his lids. There was no hesitation in her movements, which came as a complete surprise to him.

Deftly, her fingers traced his features. Her heart sank when she felt his tears against her sensitive fingertips. He truly was deformed, not that she doubted his words, but it was not enough to disgust her. It did not made him who he was. He may have done many terrible things in his life, but what he said was true, he had changed. For her, with her. She truly believed redemption was possible, if one really was truthful. She heard no lies in his words and it meant everything to her. It also meant that he trusted her with who he was, which she was sure was never easy for him to give. He was sincere, a rare quality.

-"Erik…?" She murmured

-"Yes?" He answered just as low

-"No more mask, no more phantom." She whispered. "Be just Erik, the man I know I will come to love."