Sweet Seduction
Chapter Seventeen: The Music of the Night
A/N: Hello! I just got back from a wicked first day of school, and thougt you all might like a nice update when you come back from your first day too (whenever that may be)
So, Part Two of the wedding. Warning: I included a "wedding night" scene here, not extremley detailed, but rather steamy and if that sort of content makes you uncomfortable or you rather wouldn't read it, then just skip the bottom portion of the chapter, beneath the line. Otherwise, enjoy and please review!
Erik looked at Christine seated next to him at the banquet table. Their reception was by far one of the grandest Paris had ever seen. It was being held in La Petite Auberge, to everyone's (especially Erik's) delight. They had reserved the entire restaurant for the entire afternoon and evening, though most doubted the young bride and groom were going to stay that late. The entire placed was covered in white and black :white and black banners, white lilies and black tulips as flowers, a white cake with black icing, and as a very bold touch, each guest received a white or black mask with the date and couple's name engraved on the back as a wedding favor. A string quartet played beautiful wedding waltzes in a corner and people chatted and moved around the room happily in their wedding finery, conversing before the reception started and congratulating the bride and groom. Christine sighed happily. This was truly the best day of her life. Erik looked around at all the splendor and beauty of the place, all in their honor. But even the gorgeous decorations and architecture couldn't begin to compare with his wife's beauty.
His wife. It felt so wonderful to finally be able to say (well, think) those words. At long last, Christine truly was his wife. He had a wife. He was married. He was her husband. She was his wife. He knew he would be basking in those simple expressions for weeks, maybe even months. So would Christine. She couldn't believe she was actually married. To her angel. To the Phantom of the Opera. To Erik. It was just so unbelievably amazing that this had actually happened to them both. Neither of them could imagine what could be more wonderful than this. Well, except for children. Maybe they would have an entire family. That would be the only thing that could make their lives more perfect than they were right now. Maybe...
The sudden clinking of crystal against a glass snapped both the lovebirds out of their daydreams. It was time for Meg and Jacques to make their wedding toasts. Meg went first, turning to the couple
"Erik Christine, I've known you both for almost my entire life and I must say, I don't believe I've ever seen anyone hold more affections for each other than you do. I really believe that you two will have the best possible life together. I don't know where I would be today if I hadn't been blessed with these two angels coming into my life and sharing their love and kindness for each other with me and everyone around them. I only wish that your parents could be here to share in this joyous occasion with us" she said, as the room feel respectfully silent for a moment before Meg continued "But, I'm sure we all know that they are here in spirit and smiling down on you both from heaven. I know you both will continue to share your love and your passion and gifts for music with the world, and that's all anyone could ask for, besides blessings and happiness for your new life" she finished, dabbing her eyes with her handkerchief as everyone cried "Hear hear!" and drank in their honor.
Now it was Jacques' turn for the toast and Erik was starting to feel a little nervous. Meg's maid of honor speech was thoughtful and sentimental as it was supposed to be, but he had heard that best men sometimes went a little over the top with their speeches if they had a little too much wine. He hoped that Jacques wasn't going to make a fool of himself with any stupid risque jokes or sexual innuendos that would make all the sober men in the room cringe.
" And now for the toast" Jacques cleared his throat "I would just like to extend my deepest congratulations to the bride and groom. I've only been friends with them for a few months, but it's obvious how much these two love each other and everyone knows they're going to have a great life together, especially once their Opera House re-opens. I believe that may be the one thing Mademoiselle- I mean Madame Destler loves more than her husband!" he teased
Christine's face flushed red as Erik laughed good-naturedly along with the crowd. Jacques continued
"Oh, you know I'm only joking Christine. Only someone that loves music as much as she and Erik do would get married on the anniversary of Christine's opera debut! You two were made for each other and I know everyone here is happy you two finally decided on the date!"
Most people laughed politely at that
"But, I do know you two are going to have a wonderful life together. Everyone here knows how much you love each other, and how lucky you both are and I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say, we all wish you nothing but the best for your life together. And now, enough of these sentiments! We all should be celebrating and having fun. But not you two though, because God knows you're going to have enough of it tonight!"
That brought a hearty round of laughs from everyone and made both the bride and groom turn beet red. Everyone clinked their crystal glasses in unison waiting for a kiss, which Christine and Erik were happy to provide. Georges started to clink his glass again when Mme. Giry stayed his hand, calling out "Georges, don't make them kiss again. They certainly don't need any more encouragement!"
Everyone chuckled at that too. Meg called out excitedly to the bride and groom "Erik, Christine, come on! It's time to cut the cake!"
Erik and Christine rose as the crowd gathered around the table. Meg handed the knife to Erik, who motioned to Christine. She lightly grasped his hands with her own and they both waited four seconds before pressing down and making the first cut of the cake as everyone applauded. After everyone had feasted on the delicious cake and the other plethora of nuts, fruit, meats, sugared candies, sweetmeats, pastries and tarts, it was time for the first dance. Erik nodded to Georges at the piano, who started playing a very soft, yet heavily accompanied version of "The Music of the Night". Erik grasped Christine's hand and led her out to the center of the floor, where candles provided the only light, softly illuminating the young couple as darkness fell. They began to dance, as Erik instantly took the lead. She followed his movements precisely in every way, two lovers moving as one. He whirled her around the dance floor, hearing the stiff swish of her skirt and the soft patter of her dancing slippers and gently dipped her as the key changed into a harsher tone. He spun Christine around and she gracefully extended her arm out, spinning back into his strong arms. They elegantly twirled around the floor, matching their movements precisely with the music's tempo. They waltzed in that magical moment for what seemed like eternity, until they finally heard the last note being played and the chords suspending over it as Erik spun Christine dramatically around for one last time and lifted her up into the air as Georges struck the final note. The guests applauded wildly as Christine curtsied and Erik bowed and Georges stood up to receive his recognition.
The evening wore on, dance after dance as hearts beat faster and the wine in many guests' glasses disappeared slowly. Meg and Jacques performed a very fast, exciting yet romantic ballet number from Swan Lake and Erik gave Georges a break from playing so Georges and Mme. Giry could dance to a romantic duet as Christine sang and Erik accompanied her. Eventually, the guests dwindled away as it grew darker and finally Christine and Erik were all alone. He sat, kissing her again on the piano bench before the restaurant employees came to tidy up. He looked at her
"Are you all ready for tonight, my dear?"
"Yes, I think so. I've packed an overnight bag. Where are we going?"
"Oh, you're going to need much more than that for the honeymoon, but it should suffice for tonight"
"Oh, all right. I'll go change out of this dress" she said, starting to get up. Erik grabbed her wrist, sitting her back down "Wait, why don't you just leave your wedding dress on?"
"Erik, that's not the normal way the-"
"Christine" Erik said laughing "What about our courtship, engagement or wedding has been 'normal'?" he asked
She considered it "Well..."
"Besides, you look beautiful in it. Just take the veil off" he suggested. She did, carefully placing it into her small bag for the night. Erik escorted her out to the beautiful carriage decorated with small bells and white ribbons, where Erik told her to close her eyes for the trip.
"Erik, why? I would like to-"
"Christine, please? For me?" he asked, pretending to pout.
She smiled "All right. They're closed" she said, leaning back against the carriage seat. They talked and laughed on the way there, and Erik knew the expression on Christine's face was priceless when she saw their destination
"Oh, Erik, the seashore! This is the same place where my father and I..." she trailed off nostalgically, tears brimming in her eyes "This is going to be a perfect honeymoon. Thank you so much!" she cried, hugging him. He laughed
"Christine, you're insulting me again. This isn't the honeymoon. This is just for tonight" he said
She looked around "But if this isn't the honeymoon..." she trailed off
"Christine, believe me, our honeymoon will make this seashore look like a puddle" he said. She glanced at him oddly "I'll explain it later. But right now, we need to make a long overdue stay in a little cottage called Musica Angelica"
She laughed "Oh, I stayed there so many summers! How did you manage to rent it? In December no less?" she asked astounded
"I have my ways" he said
They trudged up the path to Christine's familiar cottage and Erik, of course, carried Christine over the worn threshold, sending her upstairs to go change. He lit a fire to warm up the dreadfully cold little rooms and went upstairs to get changed himself
Christine sat in the bed beneath the warm, woolen covers, waiting for her husband to enter. She really didn't know what to expect or how she was supposed to act. Mme. Giry had told her, very discreetly off course, about what it was like for a woman on her wedding night, but it only confused her all the more. What was it like? Was it truly the most wonderful pleasure a married couple could engage in, or was it really all the disgusting and rude terms she'd heard it been called over the years? Was she really ready for this? Was Erik-
She ceased her worrying as soon as Erik stepped in in only pants and a silken blue robe, his face almost as red as she was sure hers was at the moment. She had no idea Erik was even more nervous than she. He certainly had never been with a woman before. What was he supposed to do? Act like? Did he just make the first move or wait for her? As much as he desired her and wanted her, he was so nervous.
Christine smiled, breaking the ice "I think we're both more comfortable on stage than we are right now"
He forced a weak laugh "I agree"
He watched as Christine, suddenly gaining a little more confidence, slipped the heavy covers down from her body, revealing the same exquisite nightgown she had worn exactly one year ago in his lair after her debut. She had already removed her stockings and slippers. Erik marveled at the sight of her. She had never looked more angelic or innocent. Her hair was a loose and wild mess of curls, resting freely on her shoulders. Her skin was so pale and flawless, he could barely tell where her smooth skin stopped and the nightgown began. Her breasts were pushed up farther than usual in her elaborate corset they were both yearning to rip off. She looked so petite and fragile, he didn't want to harm her, yet he knew this was it. He couldn't contain his desire for her any longer.
As if reading his mind, she laid down suddenly, pulled him down over top of her and kissed him, seeking all the pleasure and warmth she could find in his firm touch. She ran her fingers through his hair, dragging her hand slowly down his neck and around to his powerful, muscular chest. He let his hands explore a bit, feeling her soft, smooth skin, her gorgeous slim waist, the tantalizing rise and fall of her breasts beneath her sheer nightgown. He kissed her harder than before, seeking all the love and desire he'd always yearned for. They both fell onto the bed, panting, their hearts both pounding with anticipation and pleasure. Christine stopped kissing him for a moment, exclaiming breathlessly
"Erik?"
"Hmm?"
"I trust you Angel." she said, saying all he needed to hear.
He resumed kissing her, passionately and harsh, and she responded with a need that was warm and hungry and blind, only wanting him right now in their rush of pleasure.
She slid his silken robe off and began unbuttoning his thin shirt beneath it, throwing it off to the floor when she finished. He followed her lead, ripping off her sheer lacy robe off of her flaming body, leaving her in only her nightgown, corset, and thin petticoats. He eagerly slid the nightgown off her body in a flash of twisting fabric and bunches of lace. She moaned with pleasure as he trailed sweet kisses down her neck. He felt the sheer material of her petticoats, torturing her by running the lace up and down her shapely, thin legs before tearing them off. He began fumbling with her confining corset laces, slowly undoing them one by one, watching her breasts move, little by little until he finally freed her of her restraints, and she drew in a deep breath as she watched him toss it onto the floor, trying to laugh.
"I've been dying to do that since, oh, I put it on this morning." she gasped breathlessly. Erik looked at her, the first sight of her womanly body, freed beneath him. She was no longer the innocent young angel he had fallen in love with after this night, true, but she would be his angel. And nothing would please either of them more.
"I love you" he gasped as she began fumbling awkwardly with the waistband of his pants. She spent the slow moments admiring him, his muscular chest and strong hands, his firm arms and rough desire and lust began conquering them both. Every moment was torture until finally she succeeded and another article of clothing was thrown to the floor. Neither one of them realized nor cared it was the middle of winter as they burned in the heat of their passionate embrace. But suddenly Christine removed his mask in a sharp, quick moment before he could stop her as he felt the rush of cool air on his sweaty face. He opened his mouth to protest, but she silenced him with a kiss, breaking apart to say
"Erik, please. I love you. I want to see your face, not your mask. I want to see all of my angel"
He sighed "I trust you"
She kissed him again, more fervently than before and proceeded to drag her lips over his deformity, kissing each little groove and scar gently, feeling the rough, twisted skin beneath her soft mouth. The deformity was part of him. It made him who he was and she had no problem accepting that. Erik gasped as the unimaginable pleasure engulfed them both and in that moment, no hellfire could have been hotter. Erik breathlessly started singing
"What raging fire should flood the soul?
What rich desire unlocks its door?
What sweet seduction lies before us?"
Christine gasped and then lightly moaned with pleasure in that moment when the two friends, lovers, soul mates, were finally united as one.
Eventually, the candles in the bedroom burned dim into a wavering flame before going completely out, covering the two lovers in total darkness as they concluded their passionate display. They both knew that night as they surrounded themselves in the eternal heat and pleasure that there was no one on earth they could possibly love more. Before the blessed moment when the flame would at last die and darkness would let them rest, Christine sang softly into the darkness
"You alone have made my song take flight.
At last we've made the music of the night"
Way too detailed? Tacky? Just enough? Not enough? Review (not flame!) and let me know what you think.