Dislaimer: Nothing is mine except the story itself

A/N: So yes, I was up all night writing this... Currently now 7:43 a.m. and I'm not the tiniest bit tired. Watch me pass out after this! XD Anyway, I hope this is entertaing. I can't believe I'm almost done writing this..It's quite a sad feeling... but don't worry this isn'tthe last chapter!

So enjoy!

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It was so sudden, so pure. I could hardly believe it was actually real and not a dream from one of my many recent, repetitive naps. The joy we both felt was released through wet tears. It was heaven in ever way.

But Heaven, no matter how perfect it may be, is always plagued by the grim understanding it is rivaled by Hell. And in consequence is consumed by it over time.

Erik suddenly froze up, hands digging into my back as he gasped for breath.

" Erik, what's wrong, my love?" I asked with urgency.

He backed up, leaning over in a frenzy of gasps, moans, and wheezing attempts to get any amount of air into his lungs.

I motioned to help him but he staggered back into a candelabra, sending the candles flying and the wax spilling onto his suit. He fell to the floor, lying motionless.

" Oh god..." I whimpered. " Erik, please don't be dead... Don't leave me... You can't die now... please..."

I knew that this pleading was useless. No matter how much I tried to will his death away, the dire seriousness of the situation was undeniable as I watched the crimson liquid seep from the corner of his mouth.

It was my omen that I was alone with only my memories of him, foggy and otherwise.

I pressed the back of my hand to my mouth in hopes that the physical dam would stop my whimpers. But my body shook as my salty tears and shaky wails of anguish escaped.

The I heard a gasp. That loud gasp was my reassurance that he would live to see another day in this unending night.

" Christine.." He said hoarsely.

I pressed my tear drenched fingers to his lips " Don't talk. Just rest." My words came in shorts spurts.

Ripping a strip from the bottom of my forest green skirt, I wiped away the blood. " You must get in bed. Rest is what you need." I cooed.

His eyes darted around the room. " No..." He stated after a moment " I will be fine, this is-" He went to get up, but collapsed again, his head landing in my lap.

" You must get in bed. I will hep you there. Come"

Struggling to be independent, he refused to lean on me, using the wall and my shoulder to steady himself as he walked.

He eased himself onto the bed, and I gently pulled off his wax splattered coat.

He laid back and I stroked his forehead. " You poor thing." I whispered.

He grunted, slowly adjusting to a comfortable position on the bed. Seeing his long skeletal figure lain on the coffin bed, he looked as if he had been long dead. Imagining this, I shivered.

" Are you cold, my child?" he said, forcing his angelic voice to become louder. It was still as soft as the pastel colors of my dressing room, despite his effort.

'Yes, quite cold" I fibbed, rubbing my hands on my arms to create frictional heat. He stretched out his arm, inviting me into his weakened, yet comforting embrace.

I climbed onto the bed, placing my head on his chest as he wrapped his arm around me. His strength was returning, I could feel it in his tender grip.

" Forgive that episode. I fear it has gotten worse." He tired to conceal the last bit under his breath.

" What has?" I asked in weary alarm. He sighed, closing his eyes.

" I'm ill, Christine... dreadfully ill..."

I bit my lip, trying to funnel out my sorrow through the tiny pin prick of pain my tooth was creating.

" Christine, don't do that." Erik commanded softly. I ceased, and he began to stroke my hair.

"Please don't worry, child." He said, trying to calm my anxiety, but he and I knew something was definitely wrong. I kissed him.

" I won't let you go... I won't let you die. Not now, not ever..."

He chuckled, but it only caused him to cough.

" You have so much to live for..."

He won't die. Not now. I won't let him.

I kissed his forehead, moving down to his lips.

" Christine, what are you doing?" He asked as I began to unbutton his shirt.

" I love you...this is what I want..."

His eyes grew with the understanding of my intentions.

" No... I won't allow you to soil yourself..."

"Soil myself? Erik, if this is what I want why won't you let me do it..."

" You can't..." He looked at me hopelessly as I hushed him.

" I love you... and I'm sure you love me... do you want me to?"

He said nothing, but I could see the longing in his eyes and feel the sudden strength in him.

I smiled, letting the buttons come undone.

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Endof chapter 12! I'll update soon, I promise!

Bella