Was Born to Love You
Erik's eyes:
I was finally with Gabrielle again. She was with me and that was all that could ever matter in the world. As I laid there, her lying in my arms, my lips on hers, I felt the happiest I had ever been in my life. My emotions were so concentrated on loving her, that I almost didn't feel the tips of her fingers holding the edge of my mask. I silently cursed her for making me forsake our kissing. I caught her wrist with my hand firmly but I had a hard time holding it because my withheld fear and anger caused my hand to shake. WHY DO THEY ALWAYS HAVE TO SEE IT? CAN THEY NEVER TAKE MY WORD FOR IT? WHAT IF I LOSE HER TOO? WHAT WILL I BE REDUCED TO?
"Erik…you forget I have seen your entire face before…" I loosened my grip slightly as I noted that she told the truth.
"But, there was so much else occurring around us…and…please…don't do this…You don't have to see my hideousness…I…I am afraid…I…I don't want to lose you…" I doubted her loyalty. How could I not? Everyone who had seen my unmasked face had betrayed me. What was stopping her from leaving me in horror?
"Erik! YOU WILL NEVER LOSE ME!…nothing could make my love for you die…I want to see and love all of you , not just the half that you are willing to let me see." I closed my eyes and released her wrist. I was petrified of what her reaction to me would be, but I knew there would come a time when she would have to see my deformity, and why should it not be now, when she was prepared and willing? I felt her gently remove my white porcelain mask and I waited for the screams of repulsion that would most certainly come.
My eyes were shut tightly and my breathing was coming in gasps. I didn't dare to open my eyes; I knew I couldn't bare the look of terror that undoubtedly distorted her beautiful face.
Suddenly and without warning, I felt a light touch on my mutilated cheek. Her fingertips gently moved over the parchment-like skin that covered exposed bone. I let out a moan at the feeling. I had never felt any tenderness with that side of my face. Even when I touched it, there was an anger and harshness in my movements. Unexpectedly, her warm, soft lips placed a kiss on my misshapen cheek. I opened my eyes as I felt her kiss me again, this time on my own lips. She propped herself up on her elbow and stared at me as lovingly as she had before.
"You see? There is nothing to fear…I will love you no matter what."
I was in complete shock. I had NEVER expected her reaction to be ANYTHING like this. She saw the confusion in my eyes and nestled her head under my chin, placing her free hand on my cheek once more. I lifted my own shaking hand to hers, held it to my cheek for a moment longer then moved it to my mouth and kissed her palm. She smiled up at me and I returned the gesture. I hesitantly moved to kiss her. She said she didn't mind my repulsiveness, but would she shy away from the intimacy of a unsightly creature such as I? I had to know. I took her mouth in mine and kissed her gently and uncertainly. To my great relief, she didn't shy away but only increased the intensity while she returned the kiss. My stomach knotted at the passion I was feeling. I wanted her forever with me…I wanted this to never end? God, would I ever grow tired of this passion for her? Never would I! I knew it and so did she. I felt my eyes grow dark as I looked at her, catching my breath. It saddened me slightly when I noticed her eyelids flutter shut. She reopened her eyes in a flash and continued watching me. I realized that she must have not slept well due to her worry for my life. I kissed her forehead one more time and lead her head to the pillow carefully with my hand. She snuggled against my body and sighed happily. After a few moments I heard her breaths become very relaxed and I knew she had fallen asleep.
The darkness of the room became intense as I remembered all she had been through. Christophe's repulsive and malicious glares, his savage blows to her once flawless flesh, and the terrible threats I had overheard. I felt a sudden urge to never sleep again, but to remain watching over her, protectively, for all eternity. I stared into the darkness for a few hours allowing her to sleep peacefully, while I remained on guard. I remembered the scream that had caused me to place myself in front of her body, and then the sensation of the bullet passing into my flesh. Her cry and the terrorized look on her face as she watched me fall to the ground. I don't remember much after that, but I knew she had been upset beyond my imagination. I loved her so completely even then and now, as our days continued together, my love grew at an extraordinary pace. She was mine…forever and for always! I let those feelings lull me to sleep.
