Authoress Notes: Hey peeps! Sorry I couldn't get this one out as fast! The moment of truth, so strap yaselvz in!

Disclaimer: Nope, don't own anything but OCs, and you know who they are! ALW and Leroux own the original stuff!

Thoughts

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A Twist of Faith

Chapter Seven: The Holly and the Ivy

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It was now Christmas Eve and the snow was falling thickly. Wisely, the pair had resolved to remain inside all day anyway. Miraculously Erik had managed to procure a nicely sized tree and set it up in the corner by the organ. Its rich forest scent made it all the more festive in the candlelit house. They planned to decorate it together after Elaine's rehearsal.

As she tuned her violin, the ethereal tones of the organ vibrated through the fire-warmed air. She lifted her dark head and smiled at her teacher. He was dressed in a thick wine-colored smoking jacket with the pristine white dress shirt underneath it. His eyes were fastened on the ivory keyboard as he coaxed the music out like a conjuror. By the gods, he was so beautiful. Her eyes wavered from him for a moment and fell on a huge manuscript on a shelf above his head.

"What's that?" Elaine asked.

"What cherie?" Erik replied, looking up from the organ. His eyes fastened on her for a long while. She was dressed in a simple white dress and a green cloak but she carried it like an empress. Her raven hair poured down freely. He held back a wistful sigh and sank into reverie. It had been a marvelous two weeks since Elaine had stayed here with him. They did everything together; playing music, singing, reading in the parlour, walking the streets hand in hand from broad daylight to darkest night. One might think to look at them as sweethearts, but sadly Erik knew better. No matter what he wanted, they were only friends. How could it be anything else? Why should a sweet, innocent, intelligent, gorgeous woman such as herself even consider loving an old, misshapen catacombs-dweller? Well, at least with Elaine there were no false pretenses. She had proved that she stayed because she truly wanted too, though it still baffled him to no end.

"That big book up there," she said pointing, her voice bringing him out of his musings. He followed her golden gaze to the manuscript and smiled secretly. Darkness passed over his brow, but he still smiled.

"Oh that. That is 'Don Juan Triumphant', my opera."

Elaine's eyes lit up. "You wrote an opera? My goodness it must have taken a long time."

"Most of my life had been spent on the idea for it, but it took six months to compose," he said, reverently taking down the binder "For half a year this consumed my soul and allowed nothing else in." He spoke with such passion that it drew in her vast curiosity. She sat beside him on the velvet bench.

"Will... will you sing something from it? I'd love to hear it."

Erik frowned a little. "I'm not sure Elaine. You might not like it, it's... quite carnal."

"I gathered that from the title," she said with a wry smile. "But if you don't want to sing the lyrics you don't have to."

"No, do not misunderstand me. I want to but..." He trailed off, gazing at the eagerness in her eyes, falling into her lovely smile. He couldn't refuse her. But just to be safe, he would choose one of the gentler pieces: when Don Juan first lay his wandering eyes on the lovely Aminita.

"He said your name...Aminita...

Have I fallen?

Can it be?

Are you the next

To come to me?

Will I take you?

For you've taken me

Could you dare

To be with me?"

Erik played with a tender sensuality that did not escape Elaine. He was fast becoming impassioned. She too began to feel the effects of the risqué words and driving music. She could feel Don Juan's lust and see through his eyes how desirable the one before him was, because the person before her eyes was the very same; all-consumingly desirable.

"I see the future

Brief yet very sweet

I feel you with me

And we have yet to meet."

"Oh Aminita..."

Elaine shivered violently when Erik whispered the girl's name. Such a sinfully beautiful voice. She also couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy towards whoever she was. It was obvious that he'd composed this opera for a certain person.

"Turn your eyes to me

I can see your soul

On that purest innocence

Passion takes its toll

"Sweet miss,

Faraway treasure

Come to me

To find your pleasure

"You will fall

My dear, you'll see

You are the next

To be with me."

With a sigh, Elaine slumped against Erik's shoulder. She was finding it hard to catch her breath in the wake of such a wonderful song. Erik slowly turned her to face him, mild worry etched onto the visible side of his face.

"Well, did you...like it?" He asked. She lifted her head and smiled. Erik's eyes widened, taking in her flushed skin and reddened eyes. "You're...crying..."

Elaine sniffed and found her energy again. "I am?" She swiped at her eyes and found them wet. She let out a quiet laugh. "I am. It was so beautiful Erik. I've never heard music like that. Wonderful!" She exclaimed, jumping up. "Is there an instrumental we can play together?"

Erik let free a sigh of relief, thankful that she hadn't become aroused as he had. He would die before seducing her with his music. "Yes, there is. Let me see," he began flipping through the pages and stopped at a barely legible section. He wondered briefly if she would be able to read it.

Elaine took up her instrument and tuned it. Her eyes traversed the red inked page. The piece was in a minor key and looked very rhythmic. Erik played a short introduction and immediately the two began playing in perfect unison. Erik was in rapture. She had only glanced at the page once and she already played like she'd written it. Never did she miss a single note in her rapt concentration. Her technique was exquisite.

At the same time, he saw that she recognized the sexuality in the music. She rocked on her feet in harmonic rhythm to the stroke of her bow. Her cheeks grew rosy pink as the tempo began to change to nearly ecstatic. Erik loved this point in the music. It was hard and driving, mildly reminiscent of the tango. He concentrated fully on the music and felt its power immediately take hold of him. Everything around him faded until all he was aware of was the deep, dancing tones of the organ and the sudden exciting phrases of the violin. It had been so long since he'd heard another instrument play his music and he was amazed at how perfect it sounded. Had he really been alone for so long?

All too soon, the song ended. Elaine looked blissfully tired and again sank down next to Erik. Her breathing was deep and heavy and her eyes opened to let free many tears. Still she smiled and lovingly patted the wood of her violin.

"My papa always wanted this...to make such music. That was amazing Erik." She looked at her hands and glanced up at Erik's face. "I'm shaking."

"Are you cold?" He asked, taking her hand. He could feel her pulse thundering beneath her warm skin. No she most certainly wasn't cold.

"I'm just a little overwhelmed. Erik...to have written that music, and then share it with me...you are wonderful," she whispered gently touching his cheek. He felt his skin flush with heat under the touch of her hand. Still very aroused, he fought to keep his control as she lingered on his skin. Finally he turned away to face the organ again. Elaine looked at him questioningly.

"I think that counts as enough practice for one day. I wonder if you would mind something different."

"And what is that?"

"Will you...sing for me?"

Elaine smiled softly and stood up. "Of course. Sing what?"

"Actually a piece from my opera," he said, turning to a page. Elaine's eyes widened when she saw how high it was.

"An aria? I don't know Erik...do you think I can?"

Erik turned earnest eyes on her and smiled. "Cherie, if you wanted to touch a star, I believe you could. You can do anything. Sing for me."

Elaine smiled, and receiving his blessing, took a deep breath.

"I feel your eyes on me

They sweep over me like a breeze

The touch of so many blind fingers

Caused my heart's blood to freeze

"Yet your kiss of fire

That can melt a winter heart

It stirs up new feelings inside me

And it tears my soul apart."

Elaine had never sung like this before in her life. The song was so sensual and dangerously beautiful. With no conscious thought, she began to assume the role of Aminita, once the innocent, but now stained with a sinful love. Her hands pushed through her thick hair and ran down the curves of her body as she felt her libido responding fiercely to the passion in the music.

"What yields my heart to you?

What placed it in your careless hands?

What did I see that took me,

And bound me up in passion's bands?"

Yet she knew the passion was not only in the music, but also in her own body and soul. Her breasts felt firm and heavy and she did not miss the pulse of heat between her thighs. A feeling stronger than love welled up in her heart for the man playing the organ, who was now rocking to and fro in a primal rhythm. Seeing the man she loved in such a state awoke a realization in her mind; she wanted him. She wanted his love, his body, his heart, all of him.

"I see the road of destiny

So take my hand and guide my soul

Balance my innocence with your shadows

Share your passion, make me whole"

Erik was lost in his music, drunk on the power of her perfect voice. It filled his every fiber, sending waves of pleasure through him. Hot blood pounded throughout his body in increasing fury. He was aware of very little besides Elaine's incredible voice surrounding him and the familiar constriction in his loins. He felt hot and cold all at once and knew what was happening. The song must end soon or he would pass the point of no return, taking his beloved Elaine with him.

"I'll be the candle in your night

If you'll be the dark side of the moon

Now my winter heart beats with fire

And my time to love is coming soon.

"My Don Juan!"

Finally, the aria ended in a last burst of ecstasy as Elaine poured all she had into the high C sharp against the dissonance of the pipe organ. There was a long moment of intense silence, broken only by the sound of harsh breathing. When finally she could stand no more, she groaned and let her quivering legs give way. Erik cried out and rushed to her side.

"Elaine! Are you all right? Elaine!" He asked frantically, reaching out to touch her, but suddenly pulled back, sensing what the feeling of her skin might do to him in his state. By the gods he'd never been so aroused in his life! He had to get away!

No, he had to get Elaine away.

She gulped in a breath of air and heaved it out again. "I'm- I'm fine Erik. I'm...just a little..." Aroused, she finished her sentence in her mind, feeling quite certain that Erik could hear the loud thunder of her heart.

But maybe that was his heart. One look at him would tell you that the song had just as strong an effect on him as it had on her. The visible side of his face was reddened and shone with sweat. His barreled chest heaved up and down almost in time with hers. The great weight in her breasts returned and her head suddenly grew dizzy. She leaned forward into his chest, but he got up quickly and turned away from her. "Erik?"

"Elaine...you must get out of here right away," he croaked, an evident strain in his voice.

"What do you mean? Why?" she asked perplexed as her body returned to normal.

"I fear you might not be safe...around me."

Elaine almost laughed. "What are you talking about? What could..."

"Elaine! I fear you are not taking me seriously!" he said, disgusted with the black thoughts he was having about her. She was his best friend, his only friend. He couldn't allow her to be destroyed by his desire. Damn his feelings, he had to keep her safe. "I want you to go and not return to me. Ever." He could barely get these words out before tears overtook him and he retreated to his room.

"Erik!" She called and went to follow him. He turned on her, angry fire in his eyes. She gasped and took a step away.

"Don't Elaine! Just GET OUT!" He roared, running into his room and slamming the door.

"ERIK!"

"NOW!"

For a long while, all was silence. A mixture of grief and relief washed over Erik. It seemed his last display of anger had caused her to take him seriously. Tears ran in torrents down his cheeks. He'd lost her now, and he regretted it with all of his heart. Why did this have to happen? Why did she insist on hearing his cursed music?

No, it wasn't her fault. It was his. He could have told her of his feelings if he hadn't been such a wretched coward. He could have been happy. But now Elaine, the love of his heart, was lost to him for good.

Nothing in the house seemed to move for many minutes. Then a sound shattered the silence. It was soft and broken like a sob. That's what Erik thought it was for a moment. He could picture Elaine's golden eyes full of tears because of him and that image pained his heart. After a moment, he then realized that the sound was no sob; it was a violin. Elaine hadn't left, and she was playing for him. The tune was foreign and yet familiar to him. The dancing, soaring phrases swirled around him, cooling the ire in his heart. The song called out to him and he pressed against the door, his hand reaching for the knob. Suddenly, his head cleared and he stepped back. It seemed that she knew how her music affected him. Much like his did her. She was trying to draw him out with her music. He steeled his mind against it, determined not to let it happen.

In response to his denial, the song became a little softer. Erik strained his ears to hear it, but the heavy door snuffed it out. Perhaps if he opened the door a little bit, he could make out the tune. He pushed the door open a crack and the music washed over him again. He felt like he could drown in its depths of sound. Never stop. Never, ever stop…

Then as before, the music softened. Frustration burned inside him; the music was fading. Soon it would disappear. A growing need to be near the hypnotic tune overcame him and he returned trance-like to the study.

Elaine sat on the floor where he left her, her white gown pooling around her, spinning a Gypsy dance from the golden strings of her instrument. She didn't look up, only continued to lovingly draw the bow. Erik's dream-like state allowed him few thoughts but on how beautiful she looked…how much he loved her.

"I'm glad you came back," she whispered, slightly lifting the spell of music from him. Erik blinked as the waking part of his mind tried to figure out how he arrived in the study. He looked at Elaine in disbelief.

"I…I thought I told you to leave," he said, the trance he was in disappearing more rapidly.

"You did," she answered, pulling the bow across the strings in a sweet finish. She placed the violin on the organ bench and turned her head to face him. "I can't."

With the utterance of those words, the spell shattered. He found the anger the music hadn't quelled and felt it rise in his chest.

"What do you mean you can't?" He spat. "You are not my prisoner! I order you to go!" He commanded and lashed his pointed finger towards the door.

Elaine stood up slowly, her thick hair pouring over her face. Her arms were pressed firmly to her sides and Erik could see her tiny fists tremble by her hips. She seemed to be fighting panic and the sight nearly broke him. Her lips quivered and from them issued a strangled whisper. "If I am not your prisoner, you can't order me about," she struggled to keep her voice steady. "I won't go Erik. My heart won't let me."

"What beautiful poetry. Please tell me more," he drawled sarcastically. "Your pity won't let you leave! Well I don't need your pity!"

Elaine's foot came down with a loud slap that resounded throughout the house. Her head snapped up, throwing her long tresses back in a flurry. "I do not PITY you Erik! Surely you don't think so little of me!" Her eyes blazed from her pale face with a fury of emotions. Erik could only stand shocked out of his rage by her sudden tempestuous beauty.

"I don't know what to think," he struggled in frustration. "All I know is that you cannot stay here. You are not safe! Please go!"

"Erik-"

"Don't say you can't one more time! Or-"

"Or what?" she snapped, leaving him dumbstruck again. "You'll throw me out? Strike me?" She asked, tears skating sown her face. "Well GO AHEAD!" She thrust her arms open wide, leaving her vulnerable. "I've dealt with being struck before and I can do it again!"

Erik's heart bled that she would even consider him doing such a thing to her. He took a step forward, his hands longing to touch her. "Elaine, no… No, I would never hurt you…"

"You say that Erik. But you don't know what you're doing now, do you?" She said, her demeanor growing softer. "What do you think you're doing if not hurting me in the worst way?"

"Elaine…" His voice trembled. If what she was saying was true…

No! He couldn't let this happen! A soft moan escaped him, rising into a low growl of frustration and renewed anger. "Must I MAKE you leave!" He shouted and ripped his mask away from his face, tearing the ribbons that held it in place. With a grunt, he hurled it to the floor at her feet where it shattered. She cried out in surprise and jumped back, tripping over the corner of the rug as she did. Landing rather gracelessly, she whimpered as a chunk of ceramic sank into her thigh. Erik heard her and, realizing she had not yet seen, dropped to his knees. "Look Elaine. This is why I cannot let you stay," he hissed rather painfully. This is why you could never love me. "Look."

She did not look up. "Is this what you want? Do you wish for me to see?"

Erik swallowed hard past the stone in his throat and screwed his eyes shut. "Yes. Goodbye Elaine."

Wondering what deformity he'd unveiled, Elaine forced her eyes upward. They went as wide as plates and she felt the color draining from her already pale face.

The marred skin was discolored with deep scars running over the entire right cheek, as if someone had dug their fingers into the flesh. The eye of stormy silver rested in a sunken socket, the delicate skin around it dark violet from lack of sleep and excess of tears. His nose looked like it had been smashed in a fight. The skin covering his jaw barely covered it at all and seemed stretched too tight over the bone. He was ugly.

Her expression softened as the love in her heart swelled to an even greater intensity. Her gaze returned to his closed eyes. She saw them quiver behind the lids and suddenly felt a deep longing to fall into his strange eyes. Slowly she lifted her hand to touch his ruined cheek.

Erik's eyes flew open when he felt the gentle pressure of her hand across his ravaged skin. Immediately he focused on her eyes and was lost. He saw no pity, fear or revulsion at all in those bright pools, only deep compassion and understanding. Softly, she drew her fingers along the deep scars, as if her touch could somehow close them up and make him whole.

"What… are you doing?" he croaked in a ragged voice. Two big tears slipped free from his eyes and he watched as two similarly fell from hers.

"I'm trying to understand…why you ever thought I would leave you…because of your face."

Erik's entire body began to shiver intensely. "How…how can you bear to touch me…to look on this…loathsome thing?"

"You are not loathsome; you are beautiful. Everything about you is wonderful. Your face… it's just another part of you. You wear a mask to hide behind, but a face is also a mask. But even that cannot hide the true Erik. He is the most lovely of God's creations. Erik…" she smiled, a new light shining in her eyes as she ran her hands through his soft sunset hair. "I'm still not leaving you."

At the close of her words, the dam exploded. With a shuddering cry, he crumpled to the floor at her feet. "Elaine! My dearest Elaine! Forgive me! Mon ange, mon luminat, forgive me!" His voice cracked and he buried his face in his hands, weeping bitterly. Elaine drew him into her arms, holding his head to her bosom as he clung to her desperately. "I'm so sorry Elaine, so sorry."

"Shh, hush now Erik. No more tears please," she murmured, gently stroking his silken hair.

"How could I be so idiotic to treat you like that? I'm sorry! Please say you forgive me!" he begged, unwittingly grasping the material of her satin dress.

"Oh Erik, you know I forgive you. How could I not? Hush now, dear. Don't cry."

"Sweet Elaine…did you… mean what you said?" He asked urgently, hoping for the world there was a chance she felt the same as he. "Would it hurt you to be away from me?"

"Yes Erik, it would. Life without you wouldn't be worth living. Truly, I would like nothing better to spend every moment with you. You are sweet and wonderful and…and…Erik," she trailed off for a moment. Slowly, he lifted his head up to look into her eyes. They shone brightly as she placed her hand on his cheek. Her cheeks burned but she felt no fear or shame at all. Not idly did she say her next three words and she meant it with every fiber of her being. "I love you."

Erik's jaw fell open and his eyes widened in wonder, awe etched on his brow. He truly hadn't expected that. His mouth opened and closed dumbly for a moment and then regained its function. "Elaine…you… love me?"

"Yes I do Erik. I have for a long time. I'm just sorry it took so long to say," she whispered, gently caressing his face with both hands. A tremble went through his body and a tear traveled the clefts of his scars. Elaine's smile softened as she smoothed a stray lock of his hair back. Then, all tension in his body shattered and he breathed a huge sigh of relief, leaning forward to enfold her in his arms. His heart leapt when she returned the embrace, her arms looping around his neck. She could never feel warmer or safer than she did now, finally in the arms of the man she loved.

"I tried to send you away. I was afraid of myself. I was a fool," he breathed in a velvet voice, burying his face into her thick, silky, raven-black curls.

"Shh, Erik, shh. No more. Don't call yourself a fool."

"No Elaine. I am a fool." Slowly, he drew back, not loosening his hold on her. He gazed into her eyes for a long time, loving the feeling of falling deeply into them. Then a beautiful smile graced his lips. His right hand pressed into the small of her back, subtly bringing her closer. "But, I am a fool who loves you more than life itself." There was liquid fire in his mismatched orbs and Elaine could feel the air tingle around them. Blindly, her hands returned to his face and bestowed their feathery caresses again. She felt as if her soul had left her body and had been replaced by an ethereal spirit made of warmth and light and love.

Erik was completely mesmerized by the pure emotion in her eyes. All their softness had been set ablaze by a love and passion he had never seen before. He felt drawn to those golden flames like a helpless moth to a candle. His hands trembled as he laid them over hers, so gently as if he were afraid she might disappear. The fair, warm skin beneath his palm made every nerve in his body quiver. When he realized that she was not going to pull away, he grew bold and gently trailed his hands along her arms to her back. Her eyelids drooped lazily as one falling into slumber. The room dipped and swam before his eyes, and before either of them could form their next thought, their lips met.

Elaine's eyes widened as his silken smooth lips closed over hers. His warm, gentle hands holding her pulled her closer to him. She closed her eyes to savor all these feelings she was discovering. His tongue slid along her lower lip, teasing, tasting and entreating entry all at once. She drew him into her with a long gasp; he was hot, wet velvet in her mouth. Humming into his mouth, she slid her hands to the nape of his neck and pulled him even closer, the love for him swelling under the weight of this earth-shattering kiss.

Erik could never have imagined a more heavenly moment. She was exquisite perfection; warm, sweet, soft and passionate. He felt her tiny teeth graze his lower lip and he let free a moan of pleasure. She slid her tongue against his, exploring his mouth. Lowering his arms a little, he wrapped them more tightly around her tiny waist and gracefully stood. A moan escaping her filled his mouth as her feet left the ground and he groaned, further deepening the kiss. He crushed her body to his, relishing her warmth and softness, evident to him through the thin soft material of her dress. She shifted the position of her mouth and let her lips caress his. This time Erik's eyes widened. He'd never felt a kiss like this before. It was perfect.

Reluctantly, the pair realized that they needed oxygen. He set her back on her feet, not letting her out of his embrace. Their lips clung together for a long moment and parted with a soft sound. Elaine's eyes opened sluggishly and a drunken smile turned up one corner of her mouth. With a small grin, Erik tapped the tip of her nose with his. She giggled with delight and he answered her with an almost giddy chuckle.

"Erik?" She murmured, placing a tiny kiss on his lips.

"Hm?" He answered returning the kiss quickly. She nuzzled her nose against his, resisting the temptation to go in for another kiss before she opened her mouth to speak.

"Did I mention that I love you?" she asked breathlessly.

He laughed softly, gazing in rapture at the joy and love in her eyes. "Yes cherie, I believe you said something along those lines."

"Good!" She grinned and threw her arms around his neck. "Then you won't mind if I say it again! I LOVE YOU ERIK!"

"Ma cherie amour!" he returned with a loud laugh. Lifting her from the ground, he spun them in full joyous circles all about the room. Their laughter mingled in perfect harmony and echoed throughout the cellars of the Opera House.

A few minutes later, they sat exhausted by the fire. Erik held Elaine closely to his side. Elaine's fingers were tightly intertwined with his, massaging her thumb over his porcelain flesh. Erik's skin thrilled at her touch and he pressed his hand into the curve of her hip. The fire popped and flickered in the hearth, wrapping the pair in an embrace of gentle warmth.

The tall grandfather clock in the corner struck midnight. Deep resounding notes from its core echoed throughout the house.

"Merry Christmas Elaine," Erik murmured kissing the top of her head.

"Merry Christmas my dear," Elaine answered, her voice almost cut off as she yawned behind her hand. Erik smiled.

"Tired love?" He asked, brushing her hair through his fingers. She looked up at him, her eyes sleepy as she nodded. Without a word, Erik scooped her up and cradled her close, treading gently down the hall to her room. He laid her gently on the soft mattress. She stretched her arms over her head and yawned again as her love drew the down comforter over her body. Erik leaned down and stroked one thick, spiraled curl of her hair. Elaine smiled blissfully and sank into the pillow a little more.

"Sleep now love," Erik whispered, pressing a lingering kiss to her lips. "Tomorrow will be a Christmas long remembered."