Chapter 25
"Hey, look, it's that guy who got the part of The Phantom!" someone yells from the cast, who is grouped together, discussing the past couple of days' weird events. Some of them look a little confused at the fact that this man has his arm around Jeslyn's waist. After all, Devon HAD said that they were dating, but then again, who ever believed Devon. The rest of the cast however, seems unfazed by it. Erik is jumpy and nervous, it has been a long time since he has been around this many people. Jeslyn puts her arm around his waist, and her other arm around his neck and pulls him closer to her, so that she can whisper in his ear, "Don't worry, they're clueless. Just relax, you don't even have to talk." Some of the other actors come up towards the couple, "So are you two dating?" One of them ventures to say. "Yes, we are." Jeslyn says while smiling seductively at Erik, whose hand slides much, much lower on her back. The group of brave individuals then heads back toward everyone else to tell them what they have learned. There are constant stares and whispering about Jeslyn and Erik, who seem blissfully unaware of it all. They are too busy with each other. "I don't get it, he shows up for rehearsals, she already knows him, there's obviously some problems between the two of them and Devon. And lets not forget that creepy way that he showed up and disappeared during the audition." "Yeah, and look at Devon, he's petrified of the guy. I think we need to put someone on his tail, you know, follow him around." A couple of people nod their heads in agreement. Finally it is agreed that one of the newer, younger actors would tail this mystery man. At the same time, Erik is at the breaking point, "Jeslyn, please, lets leave. This is too much too fast, I need to get out of here," he whispers anxiously into her ear. "Okay, okay. Come on, lets go," she says, leading him by the hand back to her room. When they get there, Erik collapsed on the bed, his face pale and taunt. "Erik, what's wrong? Erik, talk to me," Jeslyn asks worriedly. "I don't know, I don't feel well." Jeslyn runs and gets a pitcher of water, a cloth, and some aspirin. She sits on the bed and puts Erik's head in her lap. "Shhh, it's okay. I'm going to take care of you. Now who's the helpless one?" Erik laughs, but starts to cough. "I think I caught whatever you had," he grimaces. "That wouldn't surprise me, after all the fooling around we did," Jeslyn responds, a slight smile flickering on her lips. She continues to run the cool cloth over Erik's face. She has to remove the mask in order to do so, so she gets up and locks the door. Eventually Erik falls asleep, his breathing becoming more steady. Steadied by Erik's breathing, Jeslyn soon too falls asleep. When morning comes Jeslyn gently shakes Erik awake, "Erik, sweety, wake up. I need to see if you're feeling any better." Erik slowly sits up next to Jeslyn. "I'm feeling better, just a little weak," he responds meekly. "Here, we'll go to the kitchen and I'll make you something to eat," she says. She helps him out of bed and puts his arm around her shoulders, supporting him. As she unlocks the door he stops, "Wait, my mask." Jeslyn leaves him, and he leans against a wall. Jeslyn goes and gets his mask off the floor by the bed. She comes back and puts the mask on his face, but does not remove her hands. "Erik," "Yes?" he asks tenderly. She just smiles and kisses him. They then head, very slowly, toward the kitchen. Once they get there, Jeslyn helps Erik onto one of the stools by the bar style counter/table. She gets him some orange juice, which he doesn't drink. He puts his head in his arms on the counter and doesn't move. Jeslyn keeps glancing worriedly at him as she makes some bacon. When she sets the plate in front of him, he still hasn't moved. "Erik, you have to eat something. If you don't have any energy, you won't be able to get over this." Erik shoots her a pitiful glance that says, "Oh just leave me alone." She takes his hand, "Please, Erik, you need to eat." He sits up and proceeds to eat the bacon and drink the orange juice. After a couple of minutes Kaori comes walking in, yawning, "Morning Jeslyn. Morning Erik." "Hey," Jeslyn responds. Erik just moans, his head in his arms again. "Come on, lets get you back to bed," Jeslyn says as she helps Erik up, once again letting him use her shoulders for support. Kaori watches as they struggle. She opens her mouth to offer to help, but Jeslyn shakes her head at her. When they get back to Jeslyn's room, she places him on the bed, where he promptly falls asleep. Jeslyn goes over and changes into some sweats and a baggy t-shirt. She sits down at the vanity and starts to brush her hair. After a couple of minutes, Erik wakes up and sneaks up behind her. He begins to run his fingers through her hair. She relaxes under his touch and leans back, her head resting against him. His hands slide down to her neck, shoulders, and arms as he caresses her. The look on her face is pure ecstasy. He then picks up her hair brush and begins to brush her hair, gently singing, "Sing once again with me, a strange duet. My power over you grows stronger yet." He turns the chair around, takes her hand and leads her to the center of the room. He spins her around and puts his arms around her waist, gently caressing her. She lets her body rest against him, trusting him, her hand on his face. His song changes, "Floating, falling, sweet intoxication! Touch me, trust me, savor each sensation." She turns around and kisses him, his hands running over her body, and she running her hands over him. "Well, someone seems to be feeling a lot better," Jeslyn sighs. Erik leans over and speaks softly in her ear, "Well, I've had a great nurse." He begins to kiss her neck, slowly moving downwards. He pauses only for a moment to pull her shirt off over her head. He continues to move down her neck, to her shoulders, and then to her chest. Jeslyn is totally limp in his arms. She trusts him and is euphoric because of it. She has her hands placed on his muscled upper arms, and he has one hand in the small of her back and the other on her shoulder blades. Erik picks her up and carries her to the bed. He sets her down lovingly and lays next to her. As she moves closer to him, he slides her pants off. She slips in between his legs and they began to kiss, their hands running over each other. After awhile they stop and just lay in each other's arms. "I need a shower," Jeslyn says, eying Erik oddly. It takes him a moment, but then he gets the hint, "I think I do too," he says, getting up and following her earnestly.