A/N: Guess what I almost did... I almost gave you guys chapter 31 without giving you this chapter. That would have been sad. I liked this chapter. TheNugget... You will be pleased with this chapter. You'll figure out why quickly enough. Anyways... ENJOY!
Chapter Thirty
Warm
They stayed like that four a while until it was late in the morning. "As comfortable as I am, and trust me I am comfortable, it's time for you to return to the surface. You will be missed otherwise. Wouldn't want anyone to think you spent the night in a man's bed," he teased. "You might want to get dressed first. It's bound to be freezing up there still." She sat up and scooted to the edge of the bed before standing. She heard him stand up as she walked to the door. She glanced back to see the scars on his back before he pulled on a shirt. Darcey quickly moved out of sight before he caught her watching him. She moved into the room she still called her own. She got all the way dressed but couldn't get her corset laced up. Blushing, she went to find Erik. She shouldn't be embarrassed. She had just spent the night in his arms wearing less than this but she couldn't help it. She found him in the kitchen, preparing a light breakfast for them.
She cleared her throat before speaking. "Erik, will you please help me?" She turned to expose the corset strings that were peeking through th unbuttoned back of her dress. He stepped up behind her and she felt a strange thrill run down her spine at his touch. He effectively tightened the strings and started doing up the buttons. She started to protest, saying she could do it but his shushed her. She held still as he slipped the buttons through the holes. When he was done, she whispered, "Thank you, Erik."
"Not a problem," he whispered back. She turned and found him to be really close. She felt the heat rise up her neck and couldn't help but look at his lips. She wanted him to kiss her. She was embarrassed at the thought but it was true. She wanted to get up on her toes and press her lips against his. She wasn't brave enough to follow through but she wanted too. He reached up a hand and tucked her hair behind her ear before stroking her cheek with the back of his fingers. "Come, let's eat and I'll walk with you to the surface," he whispered. Darcey was disappointed when he stepped away to pull out a chair for her. She wished he would have kissed her. Why would he do that if he didn't love her though? He wouldn't. She sighed and sat down.
They ate quickly, remaining silent as they were both lost in thought. Erik wondered why he hadn't just leaned forward and kissed her. It would have been so easy. He ran a hand through his hair. He knew why. He hadn't wanted her to reject him. What if she had been disgusted? How would he have been able to live with that knowledge? He honestly didn't know. It would hurt to have her reject him but at least he wouldn't be left wondering. They both finished eating and he pulled out her chair. They began walking towards the surface. It got gradually colder and Darcey shivered, grabbing hold of his arm and walking close to him. They eventually got to the surface and they stopped in front of the mirror. He ran a hand through his hair and turned to face her. They were so close he again wondered what would happen if he were to kiss her. "Darcey, I..." He tucked her hair back behind her ear. He kept looking at her lips and her eyes and back again. He couldn't figure out how to continue. Their faces were only a few inches apart. He wouldn't do it. He couldn't risk her reaction. He started to move away but was surprised when she grabbed hold of his lapels and pulled him to her, pressing her lips gently against his. He was startled for a second before he wrapped his arms around her carefully, as if afraid to scare her, and returned the gentle kiss. The brief kiss was over before he had wanted it to be but it didn't matter. As she rested her head against his chest, he felt his heart skip a beat. She had kissed him!
What had she done? She hadn't been able to think of anything but how much she wanted to kiss him. They had been so close and as he had started pulling away, she couldn't help herself. She had pulled him to her. She could tell he had been surprised at first but then had kissed her back, wrapping his arms around her. She knew she was inexperienced but then again, he couldn't have that much experience either. She sighed knowing she had to go. She hoped he wouldn't avoid her all the time. She missed the time they had spent before. The talking and just being together. "I have to go," she whispered, regret coloring her voice. He sighed and gently moved away, putting distance between them. He tucked the stray piece of hair back behind her ear yet again before dropping his arms to his sides. He looked about as ready to leave as she felt. "Will I see you again?" she whispered, scared to hear his answer.
"I do believe will see each other soon." He looked her over, just now really realizing what she was wearing. Sure he had helped her but he hadn't been paying attention. He had been too busy looking at her eyes. Her mouth. She was wearing a pale pink dress with long sleeves. He had noticed that her scars peeked up over the back. She looked very beautiful in it though he thought she looked beautiful all of the time. "Soon," he repeated. He turned to walk away but didn't make it two steps before he turned back and pulled her back into his arms. He pressed his lips back against hers for a brief but urgent kiss. Her arms wrapped tightly around his neck as she returned the kiss. It only lasted a couple seconds but when he pushed her gently to stand at arms length, they both were panting lightly. He ran a hand through his hair before turning and positively running down the passageway.
Darcey leaned against the cold glass, suddenly very warm despite the cold air. She was out of breath and was glad he had left. She didn't think she could have contained herself much longer. She slipped into her room and shut the door behind her. She had to relax. She would never be able to focus on playing the violin if she didn't. She took several deep breaths until she could breath properly. She decided to take a short walk outside before practice started. She pulled on her gloves and got her coat before going out.
The day was clear though the ground was white with snow. It hadn't snowed the previous night as it had been too cold, so she could see places where the snow was no longer white and it made her sad. She hated to see the defiled snow. She figured she was cooled off enough so she returned to get her things and go to practice. She wouldn't let thoughts of the past ruin her day. It had started out so wonderfully she hated to see it ruined. With this thought in mind, she started off to practice.