A/N: I decided to do "Iris", okay guys? Okay, so… this is just a song-phic about the night that Christine goes down to Erik's Lair! Things might go differently; heck…they will go differently! E/C is the way to go, people!

Artist: The Goo Goo Dolls

Warning: Slight Lime

Iris

By: The Sweet Allure of Lady Red Death

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Christine triumphed over her last note with sterling perfection. She didn't even have to wait before the Opera House broke into a loud, pleasing applause; it seemed to shake the gala. Christine took a dainty bow. Her cheeks threatened to glow red as she looked out into the crowd. This feeling…this feeling of absolute praise and adoration, it was more than anything she could ever have dreamed of. Christine bowed again, and the cheers rose into a crescendo. Then, the curtains billowed out in front of her, and Christine was given permission to walk off stage.

Was today the day? She had certainly fulfilled his every desire for her. She would remain Prima Donna forever. No one else deserved it more. Please, that Spanish toad, Carlotta? Christ-all-mighty, now her voice needed work. And even with lessons, it would be a hopeless attempt. Erik shuddered with the disturbing thought of him tutoring Carlotta. He'd gladly throw himself into the torture chamber after one lesson. So, thank god that his student was Christine. Lovely, beautiful Christine…

Pfft. Student? Christine was his student? What a horrible, disgusting lie! Erik didn't think a mere teacher would create life-like mannequins in Christine's resemblance and spend hours on end water-coloring away in his studio. Sometimes, he would begin to feel lonely in the cold damp darkness that had so long been his home, and he would see her, pushing stray curls behind her ears.

Every time he did this, he would furiously shove the thought from his mind. She was his student, and he forced himself to think of her this way. Certainly she was beautiful—when she smiled, there was the faintest dimple in her left cheek, and her eyes would sparkle with an indescribable innocence that often left him tongue-tied. Occasionally, Christine's hair would fall in her face as she leaned over her music, and she would absent-mindedly push it aside.

Erik grumbled a couple of profanities at his detailed analyze and straightened out his wig. Student…it was this student who made him strive to look perfect. Although, one—

He would never allow her to see him

And two—

He was far from perfect. In fact, the sentence in itself was the most painful understatement, ever spoken by man.

So why the evening dress? Erik shrugged and wrapped a black cloak around him. He strode casually over to the lakeshore and stepped into the boat, grasping the gondola pole firmly.

Hey, no one ever knows what the future can bring. He might as well look nice for it.

Christine smiled to herself after showing Raoul out, and moved towards her closet to change out of her costume. How nice it was to see her old family friend! And on the night of her first big performance! Christine began fiddling around with the jeweled clasps in her hair. She delicately placed them in her jewelry box and walked behind her changing curtain. A slight blush crept across her cheeks as she let her costume slide off her body and drop to the floor. She wondered what her sweet Angel of Music had thought of her singing tonight. She truly hoped with all her might that she'd pleased him. He'd been there so much through the past years, teaching her, guiding her, building her confidence. If he were a real man, a real breathing man of flesh and bone, how she would love him. She let out a tiny, feminine gasp. Oh, how licentious it would be— giving herself to a celestial being of virtue. Such impure thoughts! The soprano cupped a hand to her burning cheek and smiled sheepishly.

Erik stood behind the mirror. He felt his blood beginning to boil as the boy practically threw himself at her, and his hands tightened into fists, clutched so hard to his sides that his knuckles turned white. Unconsciously, Erik had reached for the obscured pocket that held his trusty Punjab Lasso, but just before he lost all control, Christine showed the young man out... then began to undress.

Erik began to get flustered. He could feel himself going back in time to that little boy who would be so bashful around girls. He was a gentleman! He quickly turned his back to the mirror and waited.

Yet…he couldn't deny wanting to see her in nothing but herself… May God punish him for it!

When Erik let a couple of minutes go by, he swirled around facing her with absolute grace, filled with relief that Christine had selected a new gown. Erik beckoned her towards the mirror.

Christine's eyes went wide with excitement and she looked around. "Angel?" she questioned, looking hopeful. She'd just been thinking of him! When she thought of him, did that mean that he would come? She smiled wide and glanced up at the ceiling shyly. "Angel, is that you?"

And I'd give up forever to touch you

'Cause I know that you feel me somehow

You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be

And I don't want to go home right now

'Curse her for her adorable innocence!' Forcing himself to breathe normally, Erik closed his eyes as he spoke again. "Yes, my dear... the angels wept tonight. Jealousy is not very flattering on them. I am so very proud of you." He paused awkwardly and felt his heart speed up unnaturally inside his chest. "and as to reward you... come, look at you're your face in the mirror, and see your tutor." Erik's throat tightened and he winced. 'You fool! What are you doing!'

Christine gasped and her smile seemed to consume her entire face as she glided towards her mirror. Her brown eyes were wide and excitement sparkling in them. "Oh, Angel!"

Slowly the mirror became nothing more than clear glass between the two of them, as Erik pulled the small lever that activated the mechanism, moving the reflective mirror away. Slowly, he pulled the glass aside, until they stood with only a foot of air between them. He knew that it would be glaringly obvious that he was no angel now. "Christine," was all he was able to say, extending his hand and bowing slightly.

Christine's mouth gaped open in shock as she gazed over this... this man before her. A man! How could this possibly be her tutor, her angel? And the mirror! Her eyes left his as she wondered how the mirror worked. Had this... man... been watching her the entire time? She looked up at him once more. He was dark, and wore an alluring white half-mask which gleamed softly in the glow of the candle-light. His mysterious air excited and frightened her. Christine took a step back protectively, not believing what was going on.

"Christine..." Erik's voice was soft now, intoxicating as he moved tentatively forward just an inch, his gloved hand still held out for the taking. "Do not be afraid, my dear...I would never—could never hurt you." His (insert eye color here) eyes begged her to trust him, and his hand tingled in anticipation of hers.

And all I can taste is this moment

And all I can breathe is your life

'Cause sooner or later it's over

I just don't want to miss you tonight

A shiver spread up Christine's spine and to her neck as she recognized her name. His eyes... they were so deep, so enticing. She couldn't resist and she was hardly aware of what she was doing, it was like she was in some sort of a trance, breathing deeply as she took his outstretched hand. She shivered once more at the feel of his icy-cold flesh, even underneath that glove clad hand. But Christine did not let go.

Erik brought her hand up, brushing his lips over her knuckles, then led her forward and through the mirror. Reaching over without breaking eye contact with Christine, he flipped the lever, and the mirror became just that again. "Come, child... see the world your angel must inhabit."

Christine bit her lip and timidly followed him, curiosity washing over her. It was so dark, she could hardly see anything, and she held onto his hand tighter as she followed him. She noted that he was very tall, and she tried to keep her eyes on his mask, as it almost seemed to glow in the darkness. She didn't understand what was happening, but she was so curious and adventurous that she was persuaded to follow... Not to mention she loved the sound of his voice, and would follow him into hell if he would continue to talk and sing to her.

Erik strode easily through the darkness, his eyes well adjusted completely to the situation after many years of living below the ground. Minutes later, they reached the lake, and Erik gently assisted her into the boat. "Do not be frightened." Erik reassured his voice warm and flowing. He stepped into the boat, which did not rock as he swiftly entered it. Slowly he poled the gondola across the still waters of the misty lake, his body knew the way across, so he allowed all of his attention to be placed on watching Christine as she sat on the soft pillows.

She situated herself with a soft blush. He was so lithe, agile, and she felt sure she one of the clumsiest people in the world. He had to have great strength to be able to pole them across so easily, as well. She dared not meet his eyes. Who was this man and why was he so interested in her? Christine could not put his face to his voice and she frowned in thought. He was alluring, granted, but nothing like a true angel. Her expectations of everything had just dropped to a dangerously low level. Lifting her gaze, Christine meant to look into his eyes, but thought the better of it and let her eyes travel to the swishing of the water beneath her.

And I don't want the world to see me

'Cause I don't think that they'd understand

When everything's made to be broken

I just want you to know who I am

"I'm sorry Christine; I just couldn't wait to see you. When that mirror was nothing more than a space of unseen air…" Erik fell silent again. After a moment, he continued, "I was so happy. Christine. I might not be the angel you were expecting, but you certainly are mine." Erik suddenly felt sick with the thought that once Christine came out of her shock, she would never forgive him. He would be a monster in so many ways…

Looking up, she immediately regretted it as Christine's face flushed from his compliments. Well, she was getting past the shock, and instead of thinking bad thoughts about him, she realized he was actually quite charming. He may have not been an angel... but he was still the same person, the same one who'd listened to her fears, her tears when Carlotta had treated her rudely, her complaints... her maestro. He was the reason she had been center stage tonight, a dream since she'd been a little girl. Not frightened any more, hardly shy, she smiled up at him. "I couldn't have done it without you." Christine didn't adore him for pretending to be her Angel of Music, she adored him for him.

It was Erik's turn to become a bit embarrassed, and he shook his head weakly. "Yes, you very well could have, Christine." He insisted gently. "It was within you all along... you needed only to find it." Sighing, he slowly moved past the risen gates and candelabras (which made Christine's eyes widen in absolute delight) and docked onto the shore. He got out first, twirling his cloak carelessly to the ground and listening as Christine inhaled another sharp breath. The corners of his mouth twitched as his lips threatened to form a smile. "Welcome to my home of music. Since the moment I first heard you sing, I knew that I would someday bring you here…when I was ready." He outstretched his arm and offered Christine help. She now, gladly accepted, as her white dress flowed like a train over the stone floor. She looked around fascinated, and then back to Erik. "I'm afraid I don't entertain much..." He began, looking away from her to avoid even more embarrassment, "So I'm not altogether sure what we do now."

Christine entwined a strand of hair around her index finger. "We could talk," she suggested, her eyebrows lifting slightly. She wished he'd open up to her more, and perhaps a light conversation would help. All they ever talked about when he tutored her was either her or the music. Which, there was nothing wrong with that, but Christine was curious him, she wanted to know every little thing there was about her "Angel".

Erik nodded softly, looking down at his feet. "What shall we talk about, then?" He asked gently, chancing a shy glance to Christine, and then looking back to the floor.

Christine shrugged delicately and gazed at him hopefully. "How did you learn to sing? Did you have an angel?" She smiled gently at her playful comment.

Erik flushed slightly, but rewarded Christine with a soft smile. A faraway look came to his eyes, and he sighed at the painful memories. "No, child... there was no angel for me. Never an angel for me..." Slowly he turned his head to look into her eyes. "I have sung... as I do now, since I was very small." He stated, willing the pain that must be very evident in his eyes to go away.

Her head tilted to the side and she pursed her lips as she studied his pained features. It seemed he'd been through some painful things, and she felt bad for making him recall those memories. "I'm sorry if I've made you remember things that you did not wish to. I didn't mean to pry."

"Nonsense..." He said, reaching out to grasp her hand before realizing what he had done. Looking down at their joined hands, he slowly met her eyes and chanced a very slight smile. "You may ask me anything you wish... you have every right to know about the man who has told you such a great lie."

Christine almost began to move closer to him, but decided against it and gazed into his eyes, lovely (I'll just say golden; I like it when Erik hasgolden eyes. Kay Erik has amber, Leourex Erik has amber…) orbs that seemed to touch her soul. "I've forgiven you, Monsieur." She smiled reassuringly at him and squeezed his hand. 'Wait! Wait, Christine! You haven't even had the sense to ask him his name!' Her face had now surpassed pink and flew all the way to magenta.

He stared down at her in shock, moving closer and squeezing her hand tighter. "Forgiven me...?" He was beyond surprise... he had expected Christine never to trust him, and here she was insisting that she forgave him! "I am not worthy of your forgiveness... But thank you, sincerely I thank you." He then laughed, and as if reading her thoughts, answered, "It's Erik…"

Just his presence was intoxicating, and now he had to have a beautiful name that made her heart flutter? It wasn't fair! Being so close to him, she could feel herself becoming dizzy. She couldn't stop looking into his eyes, and she didn't want to let go of his hand. He was so different from all the men she'd ever met, and he was so humble with her. She forgot the mysterious mask. It didn't matter.

Erik then led Christine over to the Sawn bed where he sat down, pulling the shy girl next to him. She squealed in secret delight, sunk down into the softness and relaxed.

"Christine…" he moaned, watching her as her beautiful hair spread out over the red cushions, "you are a seraph."

Christine batted her eyelashes and reached out to tug on his arm. "In the years that I've known you, you've always acknowledged me with the most flattering compliments. So I have another question… do you work all day just to come up with them? Because they're addictive, you know. I'm beginning to expect them." She laughed lightly, a glorious sound to Erik's ears. If only she just looked around and saw how obsessed he was with her.

"It's my job," At that moment, Erik was so grateful that his back was facing her. His entire face felt like it was on fire. Then, Erik felt a rush of air sweep past him, realizing that Christine had pulled him down to her.

"Then don't ever retire from it," she giggled. "Oh, Erik…I'm afraid you've made me spoiled." She squirmed a bit underneath him, the position of the two finally registering in her mind.

"Oh, of course…" Erik got flustered again and quickly rolled to Christine's side, a foot or two away from her.

Christine pouted. She scooted closer, so that their legs were at least touching, but stopped as she realized: You only just met him! She frowned. 'No... I've known him for years! This is my angel! This is the angel that I love! I've never felt this way before! This is not the way a girl should act! Oh, God have mercy on me!' She'd asked multiple times for her angel to be a man, so that she could love him and not feel guilty. And now here he was. She smiled shyly up at him and pushed him on top of her again. 'Why should I care? I love him!'

Erik sucked in a deep breath when she moved, and looked at her with such emotion in his eyes. Don't do this... His mind warned, even as his heart brought him closer and closer to Christine, until his face was just a bare inch or two from hers. This will end in pain! Swiftly he moved forward, brushing his lips to hers, eyes slipping closed just at the mere touching of their lips. My first kiss... oh God...Christine...

And you can't fight the tears that ain't coming

Or the moment of truth in your lies

When everything feels like the movies

And you bleed just to know you're alive

Christine froze, realizing what was going on, but she couldn't help but close her eyes and lean into him. 'Have you gone mad! Christine ignored her mind. It was an annoying thing at times, and his lips were so soft…

Erik began to tremble when he felt her respond, and his free hand came up to cup her cheek, drawing her closer to him and slightly intensifying the kiss. Running completely by instinct now, his lips cautiously opened and he tilted his head, whimpering as he brushed his tongue against her lips.

She moaned slightly at the feel of his warm tongue pleading for entry, and her hand came up to cup his neck as she opened her mouth to him. Erik wrapped both of his arms around her waist, and lifting her slightly off the bed, he brought her completely against him. Their bodies were pressed tightly together, and Erik's hand slid to her hip, resting there while his lips moved over hers, tongue sliding into her mouth and brushing against hers. 'This cannot be real... if only she knew…'

And I don't want the world to see me

'Cause I don't think that they'd understand

When everything's made to be broken

I just want you to know who I am

Christine's eyes remained tightly shut, and she pressed against Erik without protest, not really sure of her tantalizing movement. She'd never done anything like this before, but she felt an unexplainable heat spreading throughout her entire body and her hip tingled where Erik's hand was. She hesitantly moved her tongue against his, and twisted her head away from the mask so she could kiss him without it getting in the way. Christine couldn't understand this overwhelming feeling she had for him, this thing that she knew was desire, something she had never felt. It was like raging fire… In many ways, Christine knew she was still a child.

Erik gave a great moan at her actions, tangling his hands in her hair and pressing his own body against hers fully, his mind and heart racing like wild animals that could not be tamed. He didn't want them to be… 'If I don't stop now... she'll thank me for it…' Gently he ended the kiss, looking down at her and willing his hands to keep still.

Christine whimpered slightly before her eyes flew open and she found him staring down at her. She blushed and averted his eyes, her hand shaking involuntarily at his shoulder. "I'm sorry," she squeaked softly, biting her lip and becoming even redder as she tasted him there. "But…why'd you—?"

"Christine..." Erik whispered, grasping her chin to tilt her face up. Slowly he placed a kiss to her cheek, then to her forehead. "Oh, Christine..." Swallowing hard, he looked down into her eyes and trembled at the desire he saw there. "I do not wish to frighten you with my ardor." He said warmly.

And I don't want the world to see me

'Cause I don't think that they'd understand

When everything's made to be broken

I just want you to know who I am

Her body shook slightly, but nodded. She was so embarrassed. She'd been entirely too unladylike, and he was worried about his ardor! God, he was so damn charming! She didn't know what to do. She still felt her lips pressed against his, her body tingled with what she could only describe as a want. She wanted him. But she wouldn't tell him so, she couldn't. No, she couldn't tell him that. And now, perhaps he wasn't just a want. Perhaps he was a need… She was so new to these feelings, and she didn't know how to handle them without someone to guide her...

Erik slowly brushed his fingers against the air that kissed her cheek, and then let them fall back to her petite waist. "Christine... do you..." Shaking his head lightly, he sighed. "Never mind, my dear." Slowly he moved forward to kiss her forehead again, and then he simply stroked his fingers through her hair, unsure what to do now.

Christine's piercing brown eyes locked onto his as she looked deeply into them. "Do I what?" She signaled for him to continue, and she was sure hope was evident on her face. Do you want to kiss me again?

He sighed; looking completely embarrassed, and ripped his gaze away from her. "Would you swear you love me? Christine, would you love me no matter what? And please, be honest. I don't know if I'm as forgiving as you. I don't know if I can take the lies." He finished his string of questions, meeting her gaze and having to fight quite hard to keep it.

She smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Erik, did you really have to ask?" she murmured as she lifted her face to his again, and her hand went behind his head and into his dark black hair.

He gently pulled away and placed a finger to her lips. "Then I want you to ask me one more question."

Christine nodded, just wanting to kiss him again, to feel his fingers grace her body…

"Ask me about my mask…" He whispered in her ear, making her tiny hairs stand on end. It almost seemed like he was choking on sobs. Christine felt a sting of pain in her heart when she heard its slight hint. "Ask me why I wear a mask… Please." 'I need to know if this love is true…if it can ever be…'

"Erik…I don't understand…"

"Please…" he asked again.

Christine looked up at him with questioning eyes. She swallowed past a small lump in her throat and then did what she was told. "Why do you wear a mask, Erik?" Her voice trembled slightly with the fear of his reaction.

Erik bit his lower lip until he tasted salt. "Take it off, and you shall see… But I warn you, Christine, you will not love me afterwards."

"That's not true—"

He shook his head, "Take it off."

She was nervous, and rightfully so. There was no telling what would happen after this.

She collected herself. There was no going back now… she had to do this. Their relationship wouldn't be able to grow at all with this secret in the way, and she knew it. And Erik had asked her to do it. She wouldn't have a chance at coming to love him unless she saw what was behind the mask.

With that last thought in her mind, Christine reached forward and tenderly removed the mask away from Erik's face.

And I don't want the world to see me

'Cause I don't think that they'd understand

When everything's made to be broken

I just want you to know who I am

First instinct told her to scream, but she found herself incapable of producing such sound. The entire left side of his face was dominated by marred flesh, barely stretching over his visible white tints of skull bone. His nose shrunk in, leaving a gaping hole in its place and his left eye, Christine noticed with horror, drooped slightly. How could one side of his face by so flawless, so untouched, and the other looking like death itself. Christine's blood drained from her rosy cheeks as she flew a hand to her mouth in shock.

"I knew it!" Erik seethed, quickly snatching the mask and positioning it back into its rightful place. Unshed tears burned in the backs of his eyes as he leapt from the Swan bed and over to the organ, where he pounded his frustrations away at its ivory keys.

Christine sat up in a daze and looked over at him, wobbling onto her feet. She shakily met him at his side and placed her hand caringly on his right shoulder. She winced as she felt Erik's muscles tense up underneath her touch.

"Erik…" she began, listening intently to his irregular breathing patterns. "You didn't even wait to see what I was going to say…"

"I had no need to," he ran his long, slender fingers over the instrument once more before looking over his shoulder at her, "you're face says it all."

Christine let out a frustrated sigh at him.

"Do not fret Christine; I had expected such a reaction. After all, since my own mother did not deem me worthy of her love—"

Christine waved her hand furiously in front of her face, begging for Erik to stop it. "I don't need this! You don't need this; and another thing— I am certainly not your wicked excuse for a mother! So please, don't compare us in that way. In fact, don't compare us at all!" She lowered her hand just in time to see Erik raise his visible eyebrow at her.

Christine took a seat next to him at the organ bench and then turned to her side. She addressed him, "You want to know what I really think? The truth, Erik?"

His response was a dumb nod.

"To anyone, your face is…" Christine paused to collect her thoughts, "surprising. It will take some getting used to. I cannot lie to you, there. But," she made a small smile, "for the people, who just see you and your outward appearance, nothing more…well, they're shallow. You wouldn't want to know them, anyway." Christine finished up her mini speech with a corny, 'It's what's inside that counts,' but she had never meant it more.

"And so, do you think of me that way? Do you think I'm shallow, Erik?"

"No! No, of course not!" he said, immediately afterwards.

Christine reached up to cup his cheek and then removed his mask again. Erik felt his pulse stop. He was about to turn away again, but his cat-like reflexes seemed to have dulled. Christine didn't notice however, as she lightly brushed her lips to his. They were like the faint touch of a beautiful butterfly. She then traced her lips over each inch of his face, making sure both deformed and perfect flesh were being equally graced by her kisses. Christine continued these actions until she tasted tears, not sure whether they were Erik's or her own. She reluctantly pulled back to look at him, thoughtfully. "Erik?"

Wet streak stains left their marks on his cheeks. He then broke into a thousand happy sobs. "Christine… Oh, Christine!" He murmured, suddenly wrapping his arms around her; bringing her to his enticing chest. Christine took a moment to inhale his scent. Erik smelt of ambers…it was delightful. She grabbed his shirt in her hands and snuggled her face into its silk-smooth fabric. Christine then felt Erik's chin resting in her curls. She sighed in peace.

"I love you, Erik…" Christine whispered shyly.

Erik took her chin between his thumb and forefinger, his eyes filled with such raging passion that it made Christine shiver with excitement. He then brought his lips to hers in a deep, captivating kiss.

I just want you to know who I am

I just want you to know who I am

I just want you to know who I am

A/N: Happy Father's Day, everyone! Time to go appreciate Erik, my husband…

Erik: My dear, you didn't have to do anything!

Me: Nadir says he wants to play golf with you and the guys. I didn't know you had 'guys', Erik, nor did I know you played golf!

Erik: A man has to have a little mystery left in his life…

I suppose… Anyway, still open to song suggestions!

And my authors notes about Erik's eyes… I mean, really, look at the options! We've got:

Golden

Deep Blue/Cobalt

Mismatched (Blue/Green)

Turquoise

Wowww… and probably more.