Sorelli felt uncomfortable walking towards his place of work. It was just wrong to display people in such a manner. To treat people like nothing more than wild animals. As if these people were something to be laughed at and mocked.
However, she knew that it would never be unpopular. Not enough shared this opinion.
To the vast majority there was nothing wrong with it. As long as it wasn't their shame and pain display, it hardly mattered to them.
When she finally arrived, it wasn't hard to spot him. The scarred, bloody back made it more than obvious.
She hurried over, knowing and understanding that there wasn't much time to waste. Christine had been in labor for awhile- she could actually give birth at any time.
Though it was unlikely to be overly quick, the more Erik missed the more disappointed Christine would be.
It would probably taint the memory of delivering her first child. That was to be avoided.
She ran around the cage so she could look him in the eye. He looked up at her and she froze in her steps.
His face was utterly shocking. Perhaps even more so as this was the first time that she'd ever seen it. She'd heard it described, but hearing about it was a very different ballpark.
She could see a sliver of something hard by his knee and she was inwardly relieved. The mask being taken away completely would've made this needlessly hard.
She noticed that the key had been left in the lock and that was another plus.
It was a stupid move by whoever ran this place, but she wouldn't complain. Not when it worked in her favor.
Sorelli reached out to turn it and open the door, keeping an eye out for anyone coming in their direction.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Erik demanded quietly, breaking the silence between them.
It surprised her so much that she actually jumped. She turned to face him again, eyes slightly wider than usual.
Even when it was quiet and reserved, there was a hidden intensity in his voice. It had made her think he was angry that she was here, that she was doing this.
This could be the case but he didn't particularly look angry. He didn't even look confused. He just wanted to be let in on what was happening.
"I'm letting you out. We have to get back-." She was unable to finish explaining herself.
Erik had jolted upwards with a quiet hiss, his hands wrapping around the bars. The way that he glared at her made her feel five inches tall.
"No, we most certainly do not. You do. I'm sure Meg is looking for you. I need to make a living so I can support Christine and our child." Erik sneered.
Anger and awe swirled within her, creating a potent concoction. Not many men would be so damn willing to sacrifice so much for a woman.
Especially not their pride and general well being. He didn't care what happened to him as long as she and the child were alright.
It was just touching. But the sweetness was definitely overshadowed by her anger.
She hated being interrupted and she hated being snapped at with no good cause.
Any fear she may have felt around him dissipated as she wrapped her hands around the bars as well, just over his.
She leaned in as close as she could, ensuring that he would be paying attention to what she had to say.
"No. What you need to do is come with me because Christine is in labor. She wants you with her. She's most probably scared and she's definitely in pain. Are you really going to just sit here and let her down?" She demanded harshly, the words holding more than a little venom.
Erik looked almost hurt by the words and she almost felt guilty. But he needed to hear this.
He released a shuddering sigh and shook his head. He didn't say anything, but he simply gestured towards the door.
Sorelli opened it as she originally intended to and backed away.
Erik climbed to his feet and put his mask on before getting out. He closed the door behind him somewhat quietly
He hurried away from her as quickly as he could and she followed behind, doing her best to keep up.
They were both extremely lucky that no one had noticed and that they hadn't drawn attention to themselves with their mini argument.
She never wanted to do anything that nerve-wracking again. Even if she didn't notice the nerves until afterwards.
When they arrived, Meg and her mother were sitting in the hall outside the room. Meg was gnawing on her lower lip but the older woman just looked bored.
Sorelli immediately sat down beside them but he wasn't surprised by this. Her only task had been to retrieve him.
Erik headed towards the door and began to push it open. As soon as it was open wide enough, he slipped inside.
The sight of Christine was like a punch to the gut.
Her curls were soaked and limp and her face was paler than usual. He made a beeline towards her but the midwife finally noticed his presence.
The older woman turned away from Christine and planted herself in his way. She had one hand on her hip and she pointed back the way he came with the free one.
"Out. Out now. Men aren't allowed in this room." She ordered.
"No. Do you're fucking job. Don't worry about me." Erik snapped, pushing past her.
Normally the scandalized expression would make him laugh but today wasn't one of those days. He had more important matters to attend to.
Erik knelt beside Christine and carefully took one of her little hands in his own. He brought it up to his lips and kissed the back of it tenderly.
Christine jerked slightly and peered up at him in surprise, a weak little smile forming across her lips.
"I'm here, Ma Cherie. I'm here." Erik breathed.