You all know the drill by now. Also, this is the part of the story where things get dicey. I knew how I was going to bring them together, and I have a vague idea of what happens after, but if anyone has any comments/suggestions, now is the time to let me know!

Nadir left the house shortly thereafter, claiming he had urgent errands to run. Erik and Christine sat alone in the drawing room, unable to be separated for even a moment. She sat with her back against his chest, and he absently ran his fingers through her hair as they spoke.

"God," he prayed to himself, the first prayer he'd offered up in quite awhile that wasn't angry, "thank You. She's so perfect." To Christine, he asked,

"Christine, are you certain you want to marry me? Can you cope with a husband society will probably never grow to accept?"

"Yes," she said immediately. "Of course."

"Are you certain? Think of this carefully." He hated to talk about it, but this time, he did not fear nearly as much that she would leave. Would she? It was a question that had to be asked, it was not fair to her to put her in a situation that would make her miserable. "I've come too far to ruin this over being selfish," he thought to himself, tracing her cheek with one finger. He continued.

"Christine, I grew up near this town. We will not be here for long, most likely. But people don't forget anywhere you go, and they judge every move you make. It will be very hard for you."

"But Erik, I am not ashamed of you. I love you!"

Erik stood suddenly, though he made sure to place a pillow behind her head.

"Erik? Where are you going?" She asked urgently, afraid that her comment had somehow upset him.

"Wait here, please," he commanded gently, and left the room.

Christine sat for almost ten minutes before the door opened again. She almost gasped. Erik stood before her, but he looked almost completely normal, by the world's standards. Only close inspection revealed the nose to be false and showed a line around the cheek and eye where something clever concealed his deformity.

"Erik! How?"

"I have put some thought into this for some time," he explained, "though I wonder why I still did after you left. Perhaps something was telling me not to give up. It takes awhile to put on properly using the adhesive I invented, but once the rubber is in place, there is almost nothing unusual about it. Is there? I tried to tint the rubber to match my skin tone." If he was expecting an overjoyed reaction, Erik was greatly disappointed. Christine said nothing for a moment.

"What's wrong, my dear?"

"It must be terribly uncomfortable," she said simply.

"It does get a little warm, but it can be worn for hours before I have to remove it. I've gotten used to it. Why do you ask? I thought you'd like it."

"Erik, the invention is marvelous, but I don't understand why! I love you! That means you, as you are! Wear the thing outdoors if it makes you feel more comfortable, but for God's sake, never discomfort yourself like this for my benefit alone! Ever!"

Erik felt tears welling up for the hundredth time that day. He sank onto the couch with Christine in his arms, planting kisses in her hair.

"I love you," he whispered, over and over. "I love you so much."