Juti's POV
I was relieved Erik did not get offended by my Dracula remark about his Hussar costume he was wearing for the wedding. On the contrary, he seemed to like it, and I caught him bashfully giggling to himself while he was leading me by my hand towards the cab which was already waiting for us in front of the house to take us to the Civil Registry Office.
Christine and the Daroga were amused as well by the fact Erik started acting much more freely than he usually did, especially in front of Christine. He was relaxed and in a good mood by the time the cab left with all of us onboard. I started to suspiciously assume his great mood was the result of some small amount of alcohol he had taken to himself while dressing up, as I could smell a hint of rum on his breath, but only because I had no alcohol at all, but I did not mind it. If he needed it to get relaxed, especially with the fact he wasn't wearing a mask, I understood. To be honest, I would not have minded a sip either, if I could have had one at that moment, being a bit of nervously excited and happy at the same time.
I had felt this special feeling before in my life, it felt like before the Final Exam at High School. I knew my life was going to change in seconds, and I was looking to the future with a bit of worry and excitement. At least it is not Mathematics final exam where I was begging The Lord for a grade D, and nearly opened a bottle of champagne when they announced I did not fail. Erik hugged my shoulder as he was sitting next to me and complimented my appearance more times, with a playful intonation in his voice, stating what a beautiful little bride he has, he has the sweetest little girl next to her and he could not believe his eyes for it. He never openly complimented me before, especially not in front of Christine, but he did not seem to care about the beautiful Swedish soprano he used to be in love with at all. He did not even notice her, as he was too busy looking at me in my wedding dress.
Indeed you are beautiful. - Christine reassured me so I blushed, being complimented by all the people at once, as the Daroga also called me " a charming bride".
Aw, look how cute you are when you blush. - Erik cooed in my right ear and I subconsciously covered my face with an embarrassed smile, just as always when I felt I was being praised too much, but Erik's thin fingers curled around my wrist and gently but firmly he pulled my hand away from in front of my face. - Please, my darling little girl, never hide your face from poor Erik's sight, he wishes to watch it in all his coming life.
All right my love. - I giggled, but poked his chest with one finger. - But I ask the same of you.
I was anxious for a split second I ruined the atmosphere by my not thought out enough remark, and Erik indeed let out a small gasp, but after he did not stay surprised or angry, he rather seemed to be touched.
If THIS- he pointed at his face - is the thing my wife wants to see, I can't deny it from her. - He stated with a hint of pity in his voice but he looked rather thankful.
I did not think I will ever say so, but you two are so sweet together. - The Daroga stated with surprise.
Just the perfect couple. - Christine smiled. - They get the best out of each other.
Erik did not say a word, he tried his best to swallow back some upcoming tears while pulling me closer to himself, so my head touched his shoulder.
Do not ruin my hair before the selfie I am going to take. - I giggled.
Selfie? - Christine asked. - What is that?
A photography you take of yourself. With this. - I showed her my phone and opened the picture gallery in it to show her the photos I have taken before so she can see them.
This is marvelous! - She gasped. - One can take photographs of… Heavens, you took one of Erik while sleeping? - she giggled.
You did what? - Erik tried to catch the phone out of my hand, blushing bright red.
Sorry I could not resist. - I turned to him with an apologetic smile.
Meh. - He shook his head and took a sigh, but did not stay angry. I bet he did not want anything to ruin his mood. - But I am going to get a revans for that. - He shook his finger threateningly at me.
Explaining Christine the concept of taking a selfie I hugged her to make a photo of both her and me, and as she really liked what she saw on the screen we did several sisterly shots.
Erik wants that too, Erik wants to be on the same picture with Juti… !
He sounded like a whiny boy, clinging to my wrist.
I thought you disliked the concept of photographs. - I giggled.
Wedding photo I want, couple wedding photo.
Good. - I sat back next to him, extending my arm forward so we both fit on the screen, just like with Christine. - I was afraid I won't be able to have a single picture of my husband. - I added. - God, if only I had internet connection these photos would be on both facebook and tumblr sooner than you could blink.
I am not sure what facebook was but if you wish to have a photo with your husband I am not against it. - Erik gently, taking care not to ruin my hairdo, stroke my hair and looked at me with unhidden affection.
You are so tame Erik, I don't believe my eyes. - The Daroga still could not get rid of his surprise regarding Erik's great mood.
I told I will be as gentle as a lamb if someone loves me finally. - He stated seriously, while carefully adjusting the shoulder of my dress. - Love me and you can do whatever you wish to do with me.
As we arrived in front of the Civil Registry Office we were heading to, we realized we still had a good 20 minutes until the wedding, but I did not let Erik lose his good mood and start to get nervous or worried. We took some more pictures, I informed Erik about the poses which were in fashion in my century, the "peace" sign, the "forever metal" hand gesture, which Erik could do perfectly and it was so funny to take a picture of him, the 19th century opera composer showing off metal pride, but Erik suddenly dragged the Persian closer by his arm and requested I'd take a photograph of them both. I laughed, and did so, only realizing later Erik did the "you fool" sign above the poor Persian's head, and now we have a photo of that moment.
I am used to his tricks. - The Persian laughed. - At least this one did not get me in danger.
Erik's diary
I did not know it was possible to take my photograph at broad daylight on the streets or in a carriage without my hideousness breaking the camera lense. These photographs, to make matters worse, were much more accurate and detailed than the ones I was used to. They were clear and colored. I liked taking photographs of buildings with Juti's phone before while we were walking, but this was the first time I was photographed with her, and… I did not mind it…! On the contrary. I like the fact she wanted to have a picture with me involved… it means I was important enough to her that she wished to documentate my existence in her life and keep it for later. And she isn't disgusted or ashamed by the fact of being seen with me… and yet my face wasn't that handsome as it was in my new mask. Yet I had one with me to be able to wear if catastrophes happen… but... It was her wedding day after all… and mine…
Juti's POV
The selfie and group photo marathon was great for occupying Erik's mind from unneeded worrying, but when it was time for us to go inside he seemed so lost, yet again, as a young child at his first day of school. He was trembling suddenly and took my arm, checking the fake nose with his free hand to see if it did not slip off yet, even though he was able to see it didn't only a minute before on a picture. This indicated he was getting uneasy, but it is going to pass in a few moments, I was sure. Yet, he looked at me seriously, and held his hand in front of me to block my way as I wanted to take the first steps inside.
Erik, what's gotten into you, we are getting late?
Just one word. - He stated nervously and with a cold intonation. - If you have even a hint of doubt in you regarding your wish of marrying Erik, tell him NOW. - The word "now" was pronunced with a great authoritative tone.
Don't you think you ask it too late? - I tilted my head to the side with a sheepish grin, but Erik was not in the mood for that.
Never too late to say no, but I'd hate if you rejected me in front of the official, so if you are any less than a hundred percent sure about wanting to spend your life as my wife, do tell me NOW, as only death shall part, once it is official.
Erik. - I heard Christine's voice next to me as she turned back to see what is taking us so much time, and hearing Erik's last sentence she did not really like it. Neither did I, to be honest. I was a bit hurt he would assume such a cruel act by me against him on our special day which should be the happiest in our lives.
I am a hundred percent sure I want to marry you. - I said softly. "Do not blame it on me if you have changed your mind. And I really wonder if you don't trust me, what is the use of all the fuss. I am really not sure how could I make you trust me finally." I thought quickly, but I did not say anything else, I found it wiser not to tell him my other thoughts which came to my mind immediately out of hurt, as it would only start a fight between us, so I just walked a few steps forward towards the door and looked back at Erik with a "You not coming?" glance. He hurried to my side and whispered a broken "Forgive me" in my right ear. "I do trust you." He added, as we were walking down the hallway of the building to the office, with a slightly irritated Christine in our heels. She was distressed about Erik was fussing right again, but as she saw his penitent look at me, she took a relieved sigh.
Erik's diary
Of course, being such a fool as I am, I nearly successfully ruined the wedding. When will I finally learn to shut my face and not to hurt the ones I love? I am so sorry I hurt my dear with my words and accused her of changing her mind in the last minute. I am not searching for excuses, but it is so hard to believe a woman marries me out of her free will when I never met anyone in my life who would have… I need to learn to trust her, and to think before I talk and act. I should be thankful Juti did not leave me there alone after the scene I made. Christine is right: One can hurt people the easiest by the lack of trust.
And I do not wish to hurt Juti ever again…
I will be the best husband…
That hall was enormously long to walk with my worries and shame about hurting her on our wedding day, but I tried to concentrate rather on Juti and her beautiful wedding dress and how cute she looked and she finally smiled at me again at the door. This move indicated that she wasn't angry with me any more. I doubt I really deserve such a kind girl as a companion, and I still can't believe all of this was happening.
Though it happened only a few hours ago, and contrary to I remember memories from my early childhood crystal clearly most of the time, I seriously can't remember what has happened before the official asked Juti whether she wished to marry me or not. I think I was out of my mind with my overflowing emotions, the mixture of anxiety, happiness, doubt, being touched and thankful at the same time. I just stood there, waken from my memory lapse by that question I never dared to hear in my life and now all of my life depended on the answer I felt. I can't live without her, I was sure. I was so afraid of losing her as well, just as I lost everyone in my life…
When she said yes with a charming smile all over her beautiful face, I felt I was going to faint, but thankfully I was able to compose myself enough not to.
That would have been a shame.
Juti's POV
When I said yes after I was asked the big question of my life, I could hear Erik's sigh of relief and he whispered "thank you" nearly inaudibly. I am not sure if he thanked me or God, but sure he was looking up, so maybe he was addressing his creator and expressed his endless gratitude to the Lord.
From that part his anxiety seemed to fly away as quickly as it had arrived before, and he was smiling yet again. By the time the official asked him if he wanted to marry me he replied with such a happy determination I could not help but grin. I bet he had the urge to tell the man of law to shut his face and ask away finally, and when he was asked he was more than happy to answer. He even nodded eagerly, and sighed in relief after he said it, like his soul was freed from a huge weight.
Signing the papers wasn't easy for him as he was still shaking a bit, from I think, being so worked up earlier, he had to hold the pen firmly with his left to be able to sign. Poor guy, when I saw the document I noticed his signature and he must have spent a lot of effort to write as nicely as possible, and he wrote such a calligraphic "E" I was in awe. Is Erik able to write so beautifully as well?
My hand wasn't much steadier either as I noticed and just as usual, my palm was all wet, and my finger left a wet mark on the paper as I touched it. This was the first time I used my new name to sign a document, and to my relief, I did not mess up by writing my maiden name. How strange is it to have a maiden name, which used to be my only name just five minutes earlier. I took my name as Judit Csényi. It looked so foreign to me as I wrote it down, but I knew I was going to get used to it, and anyway, to Erik I will always be "Juti" in all my life.
So this is it. Now I am really "Madame le Fantome" though I would never say it to Erik, as he wants to lead a normal life from now on. The Persian and Christine congratulated us after the ceremony and I only remember hugging Christine tight and slightly crying on her shoulder. I wasn't sad, on the contrary, though Erik must have misunderstood it as I heard the Persian saying to him in the background "Erik, she is fine".
Talking to Erik the first time after the ceremony took place was a bit of awkward, especially after I cried with Christine and the Persian had to comfort him about I did not regret the wedding. Our witnesses were so kind and empathetic to go forward to the street to leave us just the two of us for a few minutes, so I looked up at my new husband and sent him a huge smile. Erik did not say a word, but put his hand on my shoulder and hugged me, now being able to hug me freely without worrying about the dress or my hair. He reminded me of a schoolboy after a hard exam who just starts to relax after realizing he answered most of the questions right. He leaned against the wall with his back for a few moments and was searching for his handkerchief to wipe his forehead. Some of the make up came off with that, so he snorted in distress, but after he just put the handkerchief away with a sigh.
Thankfully the make up lasted through the wedding, and people on the streets did not give remarks about Erik's looks, even though he wasn't wearing a mask, only the new false nose. This fact helped hi to relax, not worrying about his looks at least. He was worrying enough about the wedding and me saying yes or no in the end.
So… - I started, looking into his yellowish eyes, which were "discolored" even by broad daylight, - It seems… we are finally official.
We are through it. - He nodded, chuckling nervously.
I am not an old maiden any more. - I remarked jokingly.
And… neither am I a bachelor. Though I held a longer record without marriage than you. - He now laughed out, in his usual sense of humor. - May I kiss the bride? - He asked finally in his usual way of speaking, getting back into reality.
I thought you will never ask. - I hugged his shoulder and he held me close, finally kissing me on the lips at the long hallway of the office, near a window.
Time seemed to stop as he gently caressed my cheek and my hair, with his long pianist fingers, and he unintentionally started playing the piano on my shoulders while kissing. It was his habit when he was too much lost in his thoughts and taken away by his emotions to notice it, and I loved that about him. Finally he was able to give himself to his true emotions without fear and have our first kiss as a legally wed couple.
When we rejoined the group a few minutes later, Erik was finally just as happy as he was before his fears made him unable to concentrate on the positive side of the day. I was sure it was something he had as an aftermath of his earlier life full of traumas, but I noticed he was finally able to relax more in front of me and other people when he took us to a restaurant to celebrate instead of heading home right away. In the cab he spent a bit of time turning slightly away and adjusting the make up by the aid of a pocket mirror, so he was going to remain "bearable to look at", and to wipe off rouge marks of his face and ear. Christine also adjusted my make up, smiling. The Daroga was chuckling a bit, but he resisted laughing out loud, partly, I think because he was afraid Erik would take it badly, and partly because he did not want to be impolite. He could not resist a remark though:
How are you feeling, young husband?
Marvelous. - Erik sighed dreamily, then caught my hand.
I wish you to be so happy together as I am with my husband. - Christine smiled at him kindly, which caused Erik to nearly cry again, but he was able to fight it back.
I am so proud of Erik. Contrary to his endless fear and uncomfortable feelings of being an oddity, he took all of us to a fancy place to eat at, as he stated we needed to celebrate. Celebrating by food wasn't his usual way, but as it was the commonly accepted form by society, he wanted our wedding to be a perfectly normal one, and to say thank you to the Persian and Christine for helping us to achieve our dreams coming true. He had developed so much since the first time he finally dared to eat in front of me at the House by the Lake, and though he was only able to eat a little with his mustache on, and did not really like if I was looking at him, he did a great job, and managed to have a few bites without needing to remove his disguise. I was so proud he did this for me and did not just sit the whole dinner through as a marble statue. Love really can improve him. A lot. And I am sure we will be able to work things out as a married couple. He will never have to be afraid of losing me - I am his wife till death shall part.
At the end of the dinner he gracefully stood up and rose his glass of wine to say a most heartfelt thank you to the people by his side, making this the happiest day of his life. I was so touched. Erik mentioned everyone by name and thanked us for being present in his life, which he did not think to turn to be so pleasant, not even two years ago. He started at me, listing all the things I have helped him with by this day, and how I made him to become a better person, and being with him, I made his life complete and he is looking forward to the future he could spend with me. He thanked Christine for showing him the first step of selfless love, and for making his solitude sweeter with her angelic voice, and returning to him even after the horrible things he committed against her and her husband. He looked at the Persian and added:
And you, Daroga, please forgive me for not realizing of how much you have done before to make my life better. I was always sure you only did that favor to me so I will always feel I have debts towards you, to hold me in your grip. I am a selfish man, so I could not imagine someone else doing something for me out of pure intentions. And now, that I see what you meant of my life will turn to the better, I value that favor more than I ever did earlier. I believe I did not say thank you for it yet, did I?
The Persian, being surprised and touched by Erik's sudden confession, was only able to slightly shook his head.
It wasn't too nice of me, seeing how much you risked and suffered because of me. - Erik sighed and reached out his hand for a handshake. The Persian stood up and returned Erik's handshake with a small nod. - Thank you, Daroga, for saving my life and making possible for me to live up to the day of my wedding.
I would do it again. - The Persian said softly.
Are you serious? - Erik gasped. - Even knowing what will happen to you?
That is what are friends for. - The Daroga nodded.
I am sorry for that photo. - Erik stated.
I did not mind it. - The Persian shook his head with a forgiving smile.
After the dinner we took both the Daroga and Christine home, and with Christine we reassured to take her out to the railway station the next morning to take her train back to her husband. Finally we arrived home and Erik caught me up in his arms, carrying me through the door for the first time as his wife.
Neither of us were able to believe we were finally husband and wife- I think we still needed some time to get used to the luck we are finally having, and now we had to lead our life knowing we can always count on the other.
THE END
Author's note:
Thank you so much for reading this story which now came to an end. This was my little self- insert fanfiction to celebrate the 10 year anniversary in the fandom. I do hope you enjoyed Hungarian Rhapsody, and I do thank you for the many kind reviews you have left on the story throughout the installments. You gave me power to continue. I never imagined a self- insert story could be so loved.
Yet, I wish to have your opinion about a thought I am considering: If you enjoyed this story, do you wish me to continue it in a new story? Please write it in either PM or in your review if you feel like writing one.
Thank you so much!
