No Angel Just Erik

"So tell me now that you know the truth what I am, are you afraid?" he asked as he carried her toward the lair.

"The truth, Erik, I already knew these things?"

"I am a murderer who's killed in cold blood. I am genius when it comes to the skills and devices of torture. I have hurt countless people and I did it with a smile on my face." Erik's voice turned suddenly cold.
"What do you want me to say Erik? I don't like that you did those things. But no I'm not afraid," Jewel said.

Erik carried her toward his desk, "I must say I find that hard to believe…"

"Believe what you want…" she said dryly.

"So after tomorrow are you just going to forget all of this?" he asked coldly

"Tomorrow?" she questioned

"Tomorrow is your last day with me," he raised his voice.

"Erik you don't need to raise your voice," she said calmly.

She watched him start pacing around and he seemed uneasy, "Erik what's wrong?"

"You, you damn girl!" his rage cut loose, "You and that smart mouth friend of yours. I should have never come to you and indulged your girlish fantasy!"

"Why are you so angry all of the sudden? All did was give you answer? What did you want me to say Erik, that I think you're a monster? That I despise your lust for blood? Do you want me to I'm afraid? I won't say it!" she yelled, "I'm not condoning the crimes of your past or even your present, but I won't call you things or say things I believe aren't true! "

"Why do you love me so much?" he asked.

Jewels breath caught in her throat he was looking her directly in the eyes, "Because… I grew up hearing your story, Erik. Since I was a little girl you have always been apart of my life. I've always felt a connection to you like I really understood you. I've felt a part of me can share your pain and loneliness," she laughed a little. "When I was younger I remember asking my mother, 'why doesn't anyone love him?' He's different was her answer." She let out a frustrated sigh, "I can't explain it…I just see the good in you."

She looked up to see him coming closer. He was calm now the anger in his face seemed to have melted away. Grabbing her by the waist he pulled her up. His hand held her fast at the waist with his other stroking her cheek. He leaded in letting his lips touch her forehead and his fingers stroke through her hair.

Aeris had just finished pack her things and carefully placed her two suitcases by the door of the door. Unclipping Jewel's Mp3 player from her belt she quickly changed the song to Alanis Morissette's, Uninvited. She threw another suitcase on the bed and started packing her friends things.

Erik stood outside in the shadows watching her through the window. Strange that he felt so uncomfortable standing there watching her. He was very use to spying on people and lurking in shadows. Composing himself he reviewed what he was about to do before stepping through the window. He was amazed he slipped in unseen for the room was well lit with lamps. He turned and pulled the curtains to window shut in one swift motion. He didn't want anyone that could pass by to see him. Erik turned his attention to Aeris who still had no idea he was there. He reached out and steady hand and gently gripped her by the shoulder.

Aeris jumped out of her skin but was quiet. She turned her around to face him as he stood by the window.

"How does he do that?" She thought to herself.

She took a moment to look at him closely. He had his usual black attire. His back fedora shading his face and mask he even in the light had the looked of a ghostly figure.

"Hello, Erik…" she said finally taking a breath, "Out for a late night stroll?"

"I must speak with you…"

Aeris sat down on the bed hearing the tremble in his voice. She motioned for him to come and sit next to her, but he made no move.

"You aren't coming back to Paris are you?"

"I told you, Erik, no probably not…" she answered slowly.

Erik folded his arm beneath his cape staring at her coldly.

Aeris stepped back, reading his eyes, "No, I told you she can't! She has family and life back home!"

"You both can make a life here in Paris…"
Aeris was seemed now, "What as a singer you want to make Jewel the next Christine Daae?"

Erik lost his patience," Get those damn ideas out of your head you foolish girl. Your friend is no substitute for the woman I lost many years ago. Yes, she reminds me of my dear angel, that's not why I return to her. You both love the story so much I wanted to give both of you a chance to live in that world. That's why I took her as my student that was my motive in everything I did. You silly girls didn't even realize that the Masquerade was only illusion of my creation."
Aeris stood her ground, "Those may be your intentions now but form the beginning she was just used. Don't deny that Erik you admitted to it the night you brought us back."

He sighed.

"You did that for both of us, I know. You've given us so much…"

Erik stopped her taking her hand, "Why can't you stay, Mon fleurir la fille?"

Aeris swallowed hard her eyes meeting his. The emotion showing in his eyes was warm and gentle. Erik moved closer motioning for her to stand. He moved her so they were standing in brightest of the light. Removing his hat he placed it on the edge of the bed. Taking her hands he slowly brought them up to his face.

"You may take off my mask…if you wish," he whispered.

Aeris was still for a moment but then her fingers started to trace the edges of the mask. Her hand creped up and she removed it from his face. He had his eyes closed as he turned his face more to the light. Several moments went by till he finally opened his eyes. Aeris smiled warmly touching his marred cheek.

"I think you're handsome…" she whispered.

The two stayed like that for awhile with no other words said. Aeris's compassionate gaze told Erik all he wanted. Aeris looked down at the mask as she held it out to him.

He shook his head, "Keep it it's my gift to you…"

She was speechless as she watched him take out a rose and as he handed it to her he leaded in kissing her on the cheek.

Aeris was barely holding herself together as he stepped back away from her. Erik himself was fighting his own battle. He wanted nothing more than to ask her again why she refused to stay. But he didn't want to push her too far. Surprisingly he accepted it none the less.

"I have a letter for Jewel," he said gently, "Can I trust that you'll give it to her as I instruct you to?"

Aeris nodded.

Erik pulled out the letter holding it firmly, "Give her this letter after you've left this hotel the morning of your departure. No sooner do you understand?"

Aeris nodded weakly as he handed her the letter.

Erik nodded placing his hat back on his head, "The lights…"

Aeris walked over quickly turning off both lambs by the beds. As soon as darkness took the room Aeris heard the rustling of Erik's cape as he ran for window.

"Good bye Mon fleurir la fille…"

Moonlight filled the room as all traces of Erik disappeared.