Chapter Nine:
Erik softly leaned his head against her chest as he felt her stroke his hair. "It's alright Erik. Nothing bad will happen to you anymore. I promise." She leaned her head over his and gently placed a kiss on the top of his head. Knowing full well she didn't have a beautiful voice like Erik's, she sang a short lullaby that her father used to sing to her.
Erik felt her gently wrap her arms around his neck. "Erik, I love you. I know it is hard to believe, but please understand that I am not Christine. I will not leave you nor hurt you like that."
"Angel, I know this. I know you have been truthful with me." He replied as her fingers skimmed along his back. "How could you love a monster?"
"Oh Erik." She replied as tears welled in her grey eyes. "You are no monster. A monster couldn't be kind and caring as you are."
"But this face.."
She interrupted him, "I love this face. But you are more than a face. You are a man who deserves love and compassion, kindness and respect, and passion. You make yourself out to be incomplete, but I see you as everything that a woman could possibly want in a man."
She brushed her fingers over his marred cheek and gently traced the ridges of his right cheek. "I love you angel." She smiled and for a little while held him to her body while gently caressing his face and whispering words of love and respect in his ears. She did this until he fell into a deep sleep in her arms. His head rested heavily on her chest and his arms wrapped around her waist as if she was a comfort to not be let go of.
Michelle adjusted herself slowly as not to disturb him then absentmindedly began to stroke his hair. Michelle realized that she would have to do something to raise Erik's confidence in himself. Some drastic, yet something that he could feel comfortable with. Being a man meant that he still had urges. She realized that from the first time she saw him looking at her. He wanted her in another way. A woman had many aspects of her being when becoming involved with someone she loved. One was a passionate aspect that involved love and passion in bed.
Maybe this, she thought, would shock him out of his grief and self-pity then make him see that he was worth more than he thought. Michelle realized that she was taking a big risk in losing her virginity. Maybe after he wouldn't want her. But it was all worth it for Erik. The ability to show him how wonderful he was would be worth it. And with this thought in her mind, Michelle fell asleep as well.
xxxx
Erik helped Michelle into her bedroom as they came back from the stay at the lair. He smiled as she sat on the bed and looked at him. "I will be back to see you soon enough Michelle. Do be careful with your ankle. I do not want you to get hurt."
"Thank you Erik. I look forward to our next visit."
He took her hand and kissed the top of her hand then swiftly left, disappearing quickly and silently behind the mirror.
A/N: Please review! I need reviews!