7
Giroro Erik
Natsumi stared. It can't be. It's not possible. Giroro and I are enemies now. Who we used to be- that changes so much of who we are now-
And yet, at the same time, it changed nothing.
Giroro cautiously pulled Natsumi back into his arms, with her face pressed against his chest. Natsumi's heart took off. No, no, it can't be. I can't possibly… but I am…
I'm falling for him all over again.
Natsumi took a deep breath and looked up at the man she had known so well- her Angel of Music, and now, her Red Guardian. And softly, ever so softly, she whispered both of his names. "Giroro… Erik."
"Natsumi… Christine," Giroro replied gently.
And then he leaned down and ever so softly pressed his lips to hers.
Natsumi was in heaven.
This was even better than the kiss they had shared down in his lair, in their past life- the kiss that Natsumi, then Christine, had been trying to use to convey she loved the Phantom and not Raoul, but had come across wrong. It was better because Raoul (or anyone, for that matter) wasn't there. Better because they had gone through so much more. Better because they were both doing it of their own free will- no fear or threats involved. And in contrast to that other kiss, so wildly passionate, this one was sweet. Tender. Giroro was clearly trying to be gentle and unalarming.
Natsumi loved him for that.
When they finally pulled apart, Natsumi uttered a sigh of contentment. She pulled in close and snuggled against Giroro's chest. Finally, she worked up the courage to say it.
"I love you, Giroro Erik."
"And I you." Then he paused. "Huh. Giroro Erik. I like that."
Natsumi smiled in return. "Then that's what I'll call you from now on."
"And to me you'll be Natsumi Christine," Giroro replied with a hint of a grin.
They embraced, and after a moment Giroro murmured, "You ought to get some sleep."
"Well, it's an awfully long way upstairs-"
With that, Giroro swept Natsumi off her feet and carried her to the elegant swan bed that crowned his sleeping chamber.