Author's note:
Kudos for anyone who gets the Jane Eyre reference in this chapter.
in the last chapter: "No One Would Listen" was written for the 2004 film. I used it.
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Erik's heart pounded in his chest as he drew back, his forehead no longer resting against Celine's. He looked up to meet her gaze, his breath coming in short gasps as he waited for her response.
As she looked into Erik's eyes, she saw the same mixture of emotions that she was feeling herself-fear, uncertainty, but also a glimmer of hope.
"Love...me?" she repeated, her voice trembling with emotion.
Erik's breathy laugh sent shivers down her spine. It was a sound she had never heard before-a sound of pure joy and happiness.
"You make it seem like it's such an impossible thing to believe, my darling," he said, grinning down at her. His hand came up to rest on her own cheek, his thumb tracing the curve of it before moving down to cradle her chin.
Celine felt her heart skip a beat. She had always been drawn to Erik's touch-it was like electricity, crackling and pulsing through her veins.
But now, with his hand on her face, she felt something else too-something deeper, something more profound. It was a feeling of safety and security, of being loved and cherished for exactly who she was.
He leaned in closer to her, the scent of her filling his senses as he fought against his desires. He wanted nothing more than to kiss her again, to show her the depth of his love and passion once more, but he knew he had to restrain himself.
His love for her had been like a wild stallion, long caged and finally set free. It was a force that threatened to overwhelm him, to consume him entirely.
Celine's eye fluttered open, and for a moment, Erik was lost in the deep, chocolate brown. He could see the turmoil and confusion in her gaze, as she struggled to put her thoughts into words.
Her hand went to rest on his wrist, and he felt a surge of warmth and tenderness wash over him, amazed by the gentleness and kindness in Celine's touch, and how it filled him with a sense of peace and contentment.
"Erik, it is. Have you forgotten what you are? W-What I am?" she said, her voice wobbling with emotion. "I've had feelings for you for the longest time, but I told myself it could never be."
He was instantly shocked by her confession.
Then confusion and pain entered Erik's eyes, clouding the intense love that still radiated from them.
Celine took a quick breath to explain.
"My love, you're...White. A French man...And I am a Gypsy. Do you understand now? Men of your race normally would never be interested in me romantically. At least not publically anyway. Perhaps as a secret mistress or something...But men of your people typically would think being with me would be so lowering and disgusting and that they would be betraying their race."
Erik's brows came together upon realization of what she said.
"That is something I have never considered. Ever since we met and you corrected my thoughts about you I just thought of you being on equal footing as me. Not as a pariah, but just a woman...A very beautiful and lovely woman... Unless you have any issues with us being together because of our racial differences?"
He frowned in worry.
Celine giggled.
"Oh, I don't know maybe do. Now that I think about it," she said with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Didn't you say you saw a gypsy man who was interested in me carnally at the camp?" She paused, drawing out the moment for maximum effect. "Maybe I should have you take me back to the camp to see if by chance he'll be interested in anything serious with me. Perhaps he-"
But before she could finish her thought, a low, feral growl rumbled from the depths of the Phantom's throat, cutting her off mid-sentence.
The air around Erik grew heavy with the weight of his jealous rage as he remembered the man who had dared to lay his eyes on Celine with a lustful look. The memory of that moment burned in his mind, a vivid image of the man practically drooling over Celine while his own anger nearly boiled over, threatening to consume him. The mere thought of that man now, even in jest, made him ache with a temptation of violent desire to slaughter him again as before.
Celine couldn't help but burst into a fit of giggles as she witnessed Erik's jealousy. To her, it was a sight to behold, one that she found both cute and incredibly attractive. With a coy smile on her lips, she leaned in and placed a few playful 'please forgive me' kisses on Erik's mouth, who in turn, gladly returned them.
When they finally pulled away from their little exchange, Celine looked at Erik with tenderness in her eyes.
"No, I don't care about our being different races," she said earnestly. "I love you too, my handsome Erik. You're the only man I have ever loved and will ever love."
Erik's heart was racing as he tried to process Celine's words.
He was so beyond the word happy to hear her say she loved him and had she really just called him handsome too?
Had he imagined that?
The thought sent a wave of shock through him, his mind struggling to catch up with his heart. For so long he had believed himself to be a monster, unlovable and grotesque. But now, hearing these words from the woman he loved, he felt as though his very being was melting away.
As Celine giggled at his reaction, Erik's face lit up with joy. It was as though the sun had come out from behind a cloud, and he could feel the warmth spreading through his body. He couldn't help but stare at her, his eyes drinking in every inch of her beauty, his heart overflowing with love.
"You really think that?" he asked, his awed voice almost a whisper.
Celine nodded, blushing. "Yes, Erik. I think you're the most handsome man I've ever seen."
Erik's heart was now puddling in his chest. He had never felt so happy, so alive.
"How could you say...think?..."
Celine's hands trembled as they reached and grasped Erik's disfigured face. It was a brave and bold move what she was about to do, breaking away from the traditional female role of her culture and French society's, but she knew it was necessary.
Erik needed to be affirmed and adored, and she was willing to do whatever it took to make him feel loved.
She took a deep breath and began to speak, her words pouring out like a river of honey.
"I see the face of an angel," she said, her voice soft and full of tenderness. "Blue eyes so radiate and deep they remind me constantly of sapphires. I see a chin that would make most men envious. A nose so lovely and reminiscent of ancient Greek statues. Blond hair that adds to the innocent angelic look you have and your disfigurement to me gives you a masculine edge to your angelic appearance just as a battle scar would. You don't know how many times I've kissed you in my dreams without you donning a mask. You give me butterflies like a young teen girl with an innocent crush on a boy when I see you."
Forget melted, Erik's heart exploded.
It was as if every insecurity and doubt he had ever had about his disfigurement and his worth as a man had been obliterated in an instant. He looked at Celine with a newfound adoration and awe, wondering how he had ever been so lucky to have her in his life.
Without a word, he lifted her up by the hips, eliciting a surprised squeak from her lips. He then sat himself down on the ground, stretching out his legs before him and placed her on his lap. He held her close in his arms, breathing her in and taking in the feeling of her as if she were a dream too good to be true. He began planting many fervent kisses over her face reverently, each one a testament to his love and devotion to her.
"Oh, Celine, my Persephone," Erik murmured, his lips peppering her face with kisses.
Celine's heart swelled with love as she was enveloped by his affection but as his words finally registered, she couldn't help but giggle.
"Persephone? Why Persephone?" she asked, playfully teasing him. "Does that make you Hades?"
Erik softly kissed the side of her nose as he chuckled, his laughter a deep rumble in his chest.
Taking her hand, Erik pulled her closer and kissed it before placing it on his disfigurement.
"Very much so," he replied, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes.
"This cellar is my hell, and you are the queen and goddess of spring who runs it with me," he continued, his voice turning serious. "You bring beauty and life wherever you go, Celine. That's why you're Persephone. I was in a coffin before you entered my life, then you brought me back to life and gave me back my music."
Celine's heart overflowed with joy as she looked into Erik's eyes, feeling the depth of his love for her. She leaned in and captured his lips in a tender kiss, knowing that she would forever be his Persephone.
As they continued to kiss, their passion grew stronger, and the intensity of their love was palpable. Celine ran her hands through Erik's hair, deepening their embrace, while Erik held her tightly against his chest. Their lips moved in perfect sync, each kiss more passionate than the last.
But suddenly, Celine's body went limp, and she fell against Erik's chest.
Erik's heart skipped a beat in panic as he caught her in his arms, holding her close to his chest.
"Celine! Celine, my love, are you alright?!" Erik's voice was filled with concern and fear as he gently shook her.
After a few moments, Celine stirred, her eye slowly fluttering open. She looked up at Erik with a dazed expression, her breathing ragged and her face flushed.
"I-I just suddenly feel really tired...It's hard to keep my eye open," Celine murmured.
Erik's mind immediately flashed to all the genius medical knowledge he had accumulated over the years. The word "concussion" echoed in his mind, sending a dark chill down his spine.
Without hesitation, he gathered Celine in his arms, cradling her gently against his chest. He could feel her weight against him, her body trembling with weakness."You have a concussion, Celine. You sleep my angel, sleep as much as you need!" Erik said as he moved quickly.
Celine could only grunt in return.
Erik's heart raced with anxiety as he placed Celine gently onto his bed, her head cushioned by a soft pillow. Her one unswollen eye stared up at him, revealing the fear that gripped her tightly. He leaned over her, his frown etched with deep concern. He reached out and petted her face in a soothing motion, hoping to alleviate some of her distress.
"I'll be here, Celine. I'll be with you, don't worry," Erik murmured, his voice trembling slightly. "Just sleep. Please. You need it to heal."
Gradually, the fear began to fade from her eye and face, replaced by exhaustion that seemed to consume her whole being. Erik watched as her eyelid grew heavy, and she gave in to the sleepiness that had wreaked havoc on her.
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Later that night:
He gazed down at her sleeping form, his heart heavy with worry and fear. Erik knew that Celine needed to eat something, anything, but the thought of waking her up from her much-needed rest was almost too much to bear.
"Sweetheart, wake up for me. Please," he pleaded softly, his voice laced with concern.
Celine let out a pitiful cry in protest, wanting nothing more than to return to the peaceful oblivion of sleep. But Erik knew that he couldn't let her starve, not when she needed her strength now more than ever.
"Dear, you need to eat. You haven't had anything in so long..." he urged gently, trying to coax her awake.
Celine couldn't muster the energy to open her eye, the weight of her exhaustion dragging her back down to slumber. But Erik was determined. He lifted her gently, cradling her in his arm, and held a cup of warm broth to her lips, pouring some into her mouth.
Celine groaned in confusion, her body sluggish and unresponsive, but her taste buds quickly came alive at the savory flavor on her tongue. Her stomach growled, a clear indication of how long it had been since she last ate. Weakly grasping the cup, she drank greedily, still too tired to even open her eye.
"Slow down, slow down. You'll choke," Erik warned cautiously, but his heart swelled with relief and joy to see that she still had an appetite. Despite his terrible concern for her, seeing her eat was enough to make him smile.
Celine listened to his warning and forced herself to drink at a slower pace that was painstakingly slow to her. Once she finished, drinking every drop in the large cup, she let go to allow herself to fall back on the pillow to sleep. However, Erik held her up.
"Not yet. I'm sorry." Erik said to her, kissing her cheek. "I think you need to do your business."
Erik's euphemism took Celine a few seconds to decipher with the foggy state of her mind, but once she did, she immediately felt the swollenness of her bladder and the urge to go. Slowly, she forced her eye open and, trembling from exhaustion, moved to get up.
"No, no. I'll carry you to my bathroom," Erik said.
Celine woke up a little more at that. She had never been in his private bathroom before.
Erik gently carried Celine to the door of his bathroom and asked her if she thought she could stand. Celine nodded weakly, her energy still drained. Erik set her down on her feet and she slowly made her way inside, closing the door behind her.
As she turned around to take in her surroundings, she was amazed by the opulence of the room. The walls were adorned with beautiful artwork. The large golden bathtub and shower were the centerpieces of the bathroom, surrounded by marble floors and walls. The candle lighting was soft and warm, giving the room a cozy and welcoming feeling.
Celine walked over to the bathtub and ran her hand over the smooth surface. It was unlike any bathtub she had ever seen before, with intricate details carved into the gold plating. She looked up to see a crystal chandelier hanging above, casting a sparkling light over the room.
The shower was just as impressive, with multiple showerheads and a glass enclosure that was adorned with beautiful etchings. Celine couldn't believe she was standing in such a luxurious bathroom.
Celine opened the door of the bathroom, feeling much better after relieving herself and splashing some water on her face. As she opened the door, she saw Erik standing there, looking at her with a mixture of concern and tenderness.
"Beautiful bathroom," She murmured groggily, considering the luxurious surroundings once more. "You bathe like a king."
Erik's lips quirked up in a small smile at her words.
"I suppose I do," he replied softly.
Celine playfully and slowly punched his chin, eliciting a wide smile from him.
"That's for never offering me to soak in that tub of yours," she teased.
Erik chuckled, a deep rumble in his chest.
"I'll have to make it up to you someday, my love," he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Celine smiled back at him, feeling a sense of warmth spread through her body at his words. Even in the midst of all their troubles and uncertainties, they could still find moments of lightheartedness and playfulness together.
She then stretched her arms up towards Erik, silently asking him to carry her once again. He couldn't help but inwardly swoon at the adorable gesture. She had just made him feel like a noble knight. With a fond smile, he lifted her into his arms and held her.
"Thank you," Celine murmured, kissing his cheek softly before closing her eye in exhaustion and letting her head nestle near his neck.
Erik carried her back to the bed and gently laid her down, tucking her in with the same care he had before. He sat down beside her, watching her sleep peacefully for a few moments before he couldn't resist the urge to touch her again. He brushed his fingers through her hair, marveling at the softness of it, and leaned down to place a gentle kiss on her forehead.
"Rest, my love," he whispered, hoping she could feel the depth of his affection through his words.
For the next week, Erik dedicated himself to taking care of Celine. He woke her up multiple times a day to drink fluids and eat something, never leaving her side. When she needed to use the bathroom, he would carry her there and help her back to bed. It was a routine that seemed to go on forever, but time passed quickly for Celine as if she was living in a hazy dream.
Days turned into nights, and nights turned into days, but Erik's care never wavered. He made sure she was comfortable and had everything she needed, even if it meant staying up all night to watch over her.
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Celine's heart raced as she remembered the nightmare that had just passed. It felt too real, too painful, too horrifying. She couldn't help the tears that streamed down her face as she sat up, trying to shake off the remnants of the dream.
Her eyes fell on Erik's peaceful form, asleep beside her and laying on his back. He was maskless and wigless. Despite the terror of her dream, the sight of him brought a small smile to her face. She couldn't believe how much he had taken care of her over the past week. She owed him her life again.
Celine wiped away her tears and looked closer at Erik. As she did, she noticed that her previously swollen and bruised eye was now open and functioning normally.
As she looked at Erik's face, she noticed that he looked thinner and he had facial stubble. Celine realized that Erik had been neglecting his own needs in order to take care of her. She frowned and she reached out and gently stroked the stubble on his chin with her thumb.
"Oh, Erik," She whispered. "You've been taking care of me all this time, and I haven't even asked how you are doing."
Erik stirred awake at the sound of Celine's voice, his eyes fluttering open to see her sitting up and looking at him.
Erik's eyes widened with elation as he saw Celine sitting up and looking at him with a clear mind. He sat up quickly, his heart beating faster with excitement and joy.
"Celine!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with happiness. "You're awake! You're finally awake!"
He reached out and took her hand, squeezing it gently. The relief and happiness in his face was so clear, and he couldn't stop smiling.
"I was so worried about you," he continued, his voice softening. "I've been taking care of you for a week now, and I was starting to think I would never see your beautiful eyes again."
He leaned in and kissed her forehead gently, then pulled back to look at her again.
"How do you feel?" he asked, his concern evident. "Do you need anything? Water? Food? I'll get you anything you need I-"
Celine silenced him with a kiss that caught him off guard but he pleasantly returned it, the roughness of his stubble brushing against her face as he melted into the kiss and held her by her arms. The kiss deepened, and Celine found herself losing herself in the sensation of his lips on hers, his arms holding her close. She ran her fingers through his hair, pulling him even closer as they kissed passionately, the world around them fading away.
Finally, they pulled away, both breathless and grinning as they gazed into each other's eyes. Celine's heart was racing, and she could feel a flush spreading across her cheeks.
Celine gazed at Erik with a look of genuine concern, her delicate fingers gently caressing his stubbled cheek. "The only thing I need for you to do for me is eat something. Please," she implored, her voice soft and earnest. "Take care of yourself after you've repeatedly been saving my life. Thank you so, so much, my heart, for all that you've done for me! Just focus your concern now on yourself. That's what you can do for me. When is the last time you've eaten something, Erik?"
Erik was taken aback by the depth of her concern, feeling a sense of warmth and gratitude wash over him. He knew that he had been neglecting his own needs in his quest to care for Celine, but he couldn't help himself. She was his whole world, and he would do anything for her.
"I don't know or care, my angel," he replied, his voice filled with tenderness. "All I care about is you! I had been so worried about you!"
Celine's expression softened, a bittersweet smile crossing her lips.
"Well, now I'm worried about you, honey," she said softly, her fingers still lingering on his cheek.
Erik sighed, knowing that Celine's worry was right.
"Okay, you win. I'll eat something," he said, his tone resigned but with a hint of humor.
Celine smiled, relieved.
"Good," she replied softly, feeling a weight lifted off her shoulders. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down, but Erik's sharp gaze didn't escape her notice.
Before she could say anything, he spoke up.
"But first, before I do, tell me, have you been crying?" he asked, his concern clear in his voice.
Celine touched underneath her eyes, feeling the remains of her tears there.
"Oh," she muttered, feeling a twinge of embarrassment. "It's nothing. It was just from while I was dreaming."
Erik's expression softened, and he reached out to take her hand.
"Would you like to tell me about it?" he asked gently, his voice full of compassion.
Celine hesitated for a moment.
"It was just a nightmare," she answered. "I dreamt that those men who had tried to hurt me were successful in their sick plan."
Erik furrowed his brow, confusion etched on his face.
"What plan?" he asked, his voice dark and concerned. Erik had no idea what Celine meant by plan. Hadn't those men already hurt her? What more could they have possibly wanted?
Of course, he doesn't know. Celine thought to herself, slightly shaking her head. The fogginess of her mind was now gone, but there were still certain ways of thinking she had to reprocess correctly from during the time of when it was hard for her to think clearly.
Celine took a deep breath, her eyes scanning the room before they settled back on Erik's face.
"They wanted to do more than just hurt me," she said. "They wanted to... to do something to me. A thing that I can't even say out loud."
Erik's face contorted with anger and horror as he realized the full extent of what Celine had been through. He wished he could revive those 'men' only just to kill them again.
"Those bastards!" He shouted with clenched fists. "I am sorry Celine! I wish I could have been there to protect you."
Celine looked up at him, giving him a tender smile.
Celine's voice trembled with emotion as she spoke, her gratitude pouring out in a torrent.
"But you were there," she said, her eyes glistening with appreciation. "You saved me, Erik. You're my hero."
The surface of Erik's eyes shimmered in delight above the deep sadness in them at her words, rendering him momentarily speechless.
Celine looked down at herself and sniffed the sleeve of her dress.
Celine wrinkled her nose at the smell of her own body after a week without bathing, her delicate features twisted in disgust.
"Ugh, I need to bathe," she muttered.
Erik's quick reply was laced with a playful, seductive smirk.
"Oh, really? I'll be more than happy to join you."
Celine's eyes widened in shock at the suggestion, her cheeks flushing bright red. She stared at Erik in disbelief, unable to believe what she had heard.
Erik's laughter rang out, filling the room with his amusement. Celine realized with a mixture of relief and embarrassment that he was only joking.
She playfully punched him on the shoulder.
"You roach!" she exclaimed.
"Consider it revenge for making me jealous before," Erik replied with a chuckle, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
As Erik chuckled, his eyes shone with mischievous delight, eliciting a scoff and an eye-roll from Celine, who couldn't help but crack a smile.
But just as the playful banter came to an end, a flash of memory swept through Celine's mind, bringing forth the image of Marcel. She couldn't shake the feeling of dread that came with the recollection - what had happened to him? How could she have forgotten to ask all this time?
It was the stupid concussion. Celine realized.
Celine's sudden shift in demeanor caught Erik's attention, and he could see the fear etched on her face. Before he could even inquire, she spoke up, her voice filled with worry.
"What happened to Marcel, Erik? Is he okay? Is he lost? I remember seeing him run away, after he escaped that officer's grip. I just don't know where he ran off to."
The line between Celine's brows deepened as she imagined Marcel wandering the streets alone, searching for food and shelter.
Erik took Celine's hand in his, offering her a comforting squeeze. With a gentle gesture, he directed her attention to a nearby cage, where a sleeping Marcel lay nestled.
Celine's heart swelled with joy at the sight of her beloved puppy, peacefully breathing in his slumber. Tears of relief threatened to spill from her eyes, and she quickly wiped them away.
"Oh, Erik, thank you!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him in a grateful hug.
"Of course, my love," Erik replied, wrapping his arms around her in return. "I couldn't bear to see you worried about him any longer. He's been doing well, enjoying his time running around and swimming in the lair."
Celine pulled back from the embrace, her eyes sparkling with happiness.
"I'm so grateful to have you," she said, beaming at Erik. "You take care of me, and even take care of my little Marcel. I don't know what I'd do without you. I was so worried he was outside wandering alone or dead."
Erik hugged her, holding her gently and rubbing her back soothingly. His warmth and presence comforted Celine, and she felt the tension in her body begin to ease.
"Don't worry, he's been safe and sound," Erik assured her, his voice gentle and reassuring. "I've been taking care of him while you've been recovering. Here, let me bring him to you."
Celine felt a surge of joy and relief as Erik got off the bed and went over to Marcel's cage. She watched as he opened the door, and Marcel woke up, his bright eyes locking onto Erik.
"Good morning, Monsieur Marcel," Erik greeted him playfully.
Celine couldn't help but smile as she watched Marcel's tail thump excitedly on the cage floor. Erik carefully lifted him out and brought him over to her, and Celine hugged the little dog close as he barked happily at seeing her again.
"Hi, there little guy!" she said to her beloved pet, her voice choked with emotion. "I'm so glad you're okay!"
Erik watched for a while as Celine petted Marcel, her eyes full of joy and gratitude. He was glad to see her doing so well after all that had happened.
After a few minutes, she looked over at Erik and smiled.
"I should be returning to my room," Celine said, "if you could take me by boat on the way to the opera house above, I'd appreciate it. I need to gather my clothes and take a proper bath that I really need."
As Celine mentioned returning to her room, Erik felt a sudden pang of sadness at the thought of her leaving. During the time she had been unconscious in his bed, he had grown accustomed to her presence, holding her in his arms and delighting in her company. It was like a taste of how he had always imagined married life with her would be like, and he didn't want it to end.
"Of course, my dear. I'll take you back to the opera house," he said with a smile, trying to hide the disappointment he felt.
Celine looked up at him, noticing the sudden shift in his demeanor.
"Is everything okay, Erik?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.
Erik shook his head and forced a smile. "Yes, everything's fine. I'm just glad to see you up and about again," he said, hoping to distract her from his melancholy thoughts.
Celine nodded, but something in his tone made her suspicious. As she looked into Erik's eyes, she could sense his sadness and understood what was troubling him. She smiled and playfully grabbed his chin, turning his head up to meet her gaze.
"Erik," she said softly, "I know what you're thinking. But you must understand, it's not proper for us to share a bed anymore. You know that."
Erik felt a pang of disappointment at her words, but he knew she was right. He had enjoyed having her close to him during her recovery, feeling her body against his as they slept. It had been a taste of the kind of intimacy he had always dreamed of having with her.
As if reading his thoughts, Celine leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. It was a soft and tender gesture, but it spoke volumes about the depth of her feelings for him.
Erik's heart swelled with emotion as Celine's lips touched his. He melted into the kiss, feeling all his worries and sadness melt away. His sadness and disappointment at her departure evaporated like mist under the morning sun as he remembered she was alive and well and he could have lost her. And now they were together in a way he had only imagined in dreams.
He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer to him, savoring the taste and feel of her. As they pulled away from each other, they looked into each other's eyes, feeling a sense of comfort and warmth that only they could bring to each other.
A small smile was on Erik's lips.
"I understand," he said softly, "and I'll take you back to your room."
He stood up with a gentleman's smile from the bed and offered Celine his hand to help her up.
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Erik led Celine out of the hidden lair and back up to the opera house above. As they reached the door to her room, he turned to her as she held her pup and said, "I'll make sure to prepare something for you to eat while you're bathing. It will be waiting for you in your room when you return."
Celine smiled gratefully at him, feeling her stomach grumble at the thought of a warm meal.
"You're always so thoughtful."
Erik chuckled.
"Of course, my dear. You are always on my mind, and every detail concerning your well-being is of great concern to me. It would be my pleasure to prepare a meal for you to enjoy after you bathe. And make sure to take your time and enjoy your bath."
Celine nodded with a smile, but before Erik could leave, she reached out and grabbed his hand. "But don't forget to make yourself something to eat too, Erik. I don't want you to go hungry."
Erik smiled at her kindness.
"I won't, Celine. Thank you for your concern." He brought her hand to his lips and placed a gentle kiss on it before turning to leave.
Celine watched him go with a grin on her face.
As Celine stepped into her room, she was enveloped by a sense of familiarity and comfort. She gazed around, taking in the familiar sights and smells, and couldn't help but feel grateful for the sanctuary that her room provided.
Her eyes landed on her pillow, where her rosary lay. She picked it up and held it in her hand, feeling the smooth beads between her fingers. She thanked God for all the good things that had transpired, including Erik's unwavering care and protection. She knew she had much to be grateful for, and her heart overflowed with appreciation.
She planned to light some candles and say the rosary once she was finished bathing and eating, seeking solace and strength in her faith. For Celine, there was no better way to express her gratitude than to pray, and she was eager to do so with a clear mind and a full heart.
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As Celine slept on her bed, the sweet fragrance of roses filled her nostrils, and she opened her eyes to see a single rose resting on her pillow. She smiled and reached out to pick it up, but as she did, she noticed that her bed was covered with delicate rose petals, arranged in a beautiful pattern. Her eyes widened in surprise and delight as she took in the sight.
She sat up holding the rose and looked around the room, seeing that the entire space had been transformed. Her vanity was covered with an array of items, including a vase of fresh roses, various perfumes, shampoos, and other pampering treats. And then she saw them: plates of delicious chocolates arranged neatly on a tray.
Celine couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with emotion as she realized the effort and care that Erik had put into this surprise. It was as if he had thought of every little detail, down to the very chocolates that she loved.
Celine was in awe of the romantic gesture and couldn't help but smile as she took in the beautiful scene before her. She couldn't imagine anyone else but Erik being capable of such a thoughtful and romantic surprise.
She tightened her grip on the rose, holding it close to her heart, and whispered a silent prayer of thanks for all the good things that had come her way.
As Celine approached her vanity, her eyes widened in wonder as she took in the sight before her. Amidst the sea of rose petals and items, her eyes were drawn to the array of makeup in colors she had only ever dreamed of wearing. The purples, blues, and reds were unlike anything she had ever seen, and she couldn't help but wonder how Erik had managed to procure such unique shades. These colors in makeup only existed in dreams.
A smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she realized that Erik must have created the makeup himself. She had always known he was a genius, but to create such exquisite shades was truly remarkable. Celine picked up a deep blood-red powder, admiring the rich hue before carefully applying it to her lips.
As she looked closer, she noticed that the labels on the makeup were written in Erik's distinctive script, confirming her suspicion that he had created them himself. She couldn't help but smile at the thought of Erik, the brilliant yet mysterious man she had come to love, spending hours in his hidden lair perfecting these shades just for her and he was genius enough to do it.
As Celine stood in wonder of the magnificent display in front of her, she heard a light knock on the door. She quickly gathered herself and walked towards the door. She opened the door to reveal Erik, standing there with a beaming smile on his face.
He looked freshly washed, shaved, and dressed to perfection.
Celine couldn't help but feel a twinge of confusion at his appearance. Why was he wearing a mask and a wig again? Was he afraid of being seen by her? But then she considered that this was perhaps his way of feeling the most comfortable around her, and she accepted it without question.
"Good morning, my Persephone," he said in a warm voice, holding out a very shortly cut rose and placing it behind her ear. "I wished to tell you I have made your favorite for breakfast."
Celine's eyes dreamily lit up as she took in the sight of him.
"Get over here, my handsome Hades," she flirtatiously grinned, grabbing Erik by the collar of his shirt, startling him pleasantly as she brought his face down to her level and kissed him, making him blush furiously.
As they broke apart from the kiss, Celine gently wiped away the smeared lipstick on Erik's lips with her thumb, and she couldn't help but laugh at the blush on his face.
"I apologize," she said with a chuckle. "I didn't mean to leave a mess on your lips."
Erik couldn't help but smile back, feeling his heart fill with love for the woman in front of him.
"It's quite all right, my angel. I'll wear it as a badge of honor," he replied with a playful wink, making it her turn to blush.
As Celine finished wiping off the lipstick off of Erik's lips she met his eyes with a grateful smile, feeling overwhelmed by his sweet gestures and kind words.
"Erik, you're so sweet and perfect, and you've been so good to me," she said, her voice filled with affection. "Teaching me, educating me, protecting me, and just being there for me. You've made my life so much better than I could have ever dreamed."
Erik felt a rush of delight and gratitude wash over him as he listened to Celine's words. He had never felt so appreciated and loved before.
"I'd give you the world if I could, Celine," he breathed, his voice filled with sincerity.
Celine's eyes widened with surprise and adoration as she gazed up at him. She smiled, her eyes sparkling.
"You already got it covered. You're my world," she said, causing Erik's heart to skip a beat.
The ghost stood up straight again.
Erik smiled warmly at Celine, his eyes shining with affection as he asked her, "Did you sleep well, my beautiful and wonderful Celine?"
Celine nodded with a smile, replying, "Yes, I did. And you?"
"Now that I know for sure that you're okay? It was as if I slept on a cloud!" Erik chuckled softly.
They both shared a laugh before Erik asked, "Do you like your gifts?"
Celine's face lit up as she looked around the room, taking in all the roses, chocolates, and makeup. "Of course! They're so wonderful and lovely, thank you," she said, feeling grateful for Erik's thoughtfulness.
He placed his hands on her shoulders and said, "Good. And I will make sure your mornings are lovelier each day."
Celine smiled looking up at him.
"You already make every day lovelier, Erik," she replied, her eyes shining with affection for him.
Erik felt overwhelmed by her words. It was such a new and delightful experience to experience love that was reciprocated.
An unspeakable gift.
"My Angel...I love you more than anything in the universe. Everything I am...my heart...my mind...my soul...it belongs to you. No woman has ever received so much of my love and attention before. You're...you're perfect, my Angel...the love I feel for you is more than words could ever describe...it's so difficult for me to say how I feel...for it's too deep and too strong for me to put into words. But if I could describe it in any way, it is like...a fire within my heart. A beautiful fire, that you have ignited."
Erik leaned in closer to Celine, his eyes filled with an intense longing and desire for her. He tenderly kissed her cheek, feeling the softness of her skin against his lips. Then he moved to her eye, pressing his lips gently against the corner of it, feeling her eyelashes flutter against his cheek. He traced his way down to her nose, softly brushing his lips against it, feeling her warmth and smelling the sweet scent of her skin. And finally, he reached her mouth, kissing her deeply, their lips locked together in a passionate embrace. It was a moment of pure love and devotion, a moment that they both wished would last forever.
Something primal took control over Erik and before he knew what he was doing, his tongue tentatively entered her mouth as his hands went to her hips. He felt a rush of electricity as their tongues danced together and he moaned so loudly it hurt Celine's ears.
The heat between them was undeniable as Erik's hands slowly moved upwards from Celine's hips, igniting a fiery desire within her. The kiss intensified, fueling the flame even more until it was almost too much for her to bear. She could feel his longing through his touch and kiss. But before the inferno could consume her entirely, with a quick, decisive motion, she grabbed his hands and pulled away from the kiss, with a firm "no!"
Both of them were left panting and red-faced, their chests heaving from the lack of oxygen. Hurt flashed across Erik's face as he realized what had just happened and Celine knew she had to explain.
"I'm sorry. It was too soon. I understand," He said softly.
Celine shook her head, taking his gloved hands in hers and kissing them tenderly. "No, no. That's not it, Mon amour," she murmured, gazing into his eyes. "Erik, I'm a Christian. I cannot do certain things. Where I felt we were heading to go it was too much for me...we must wait until we are married to each other first. I know you weren't going to go there yet, but I need to set boundaries for my own sake."
She watched as his face brightened, his hand coming up to caress her cheek.
Erik's grinned as he placed a hand on her cheek and looked into her eyes.
"You would imagine marrying me, Mon trésor?" he asked, his voice filled with wonder.
Celine blushed at his words, feeling a flutter in her heart.
He had already imagined marrying her countless times before they were even together.
She couldn't help but smile at his reaction.
"Oh, don't blush my angel," Erik said, a warm smile spreading across his face. "I understand. You are a lady and I should treat you just as one. You deserve more honor than any queen. We shall wait, Mon coeur (my heart)." He then reached for her hand and inspected her ring finger.
"And I shall propose to you on one knee like a proper gentleman once I get a ring for you, and we shall marry privately in church before a priest. I will have it arranged. Forgive me. I did wrong: I could have sullied my innocent flower—breathed guilt on its purity."
Celine breathed a sigh of relief, happy that he understood and respected her boundaries. She felt a surge of love for him.
Erik's gaze shifted to Celine's face, his eyes tracing the curves of her cheekbones and jawline before finally settling on her lips. His hand rested lightly on her wrist, feeling the softness of her skin beneath his fingertips.
"Tell me your boundaries: Where can I touch you?" he asked, his voice pleading.
Celine's response came quick and firm. "Just keep your hands off my chest and behind, and we'll be good," she smiled, her tone serious but gentle.
Erik nodded, understanding the boundaries she had set.
"So I can touch your neck?" he asked, stretching out his hand to brush his fingers along the smooth skin at the base of her neck.
Celine nodded in response, and Erik's hand lingered there for a moment longer before he spoke again.
"Can I kiss it?" he asked, his eyes looking hungrily at her throat.
Celine's face suddenly burned and she covered it with her hands.
"Stop it!" she exclaimed, laughter in her voice.
"Stop...what?" Erik asked, looking both confused and wounded.
Celine shook her head incredulously and let out a laugh.
"Less burning in the eyes and voice when you ask such things please," she teased, removing her hands from her face.
Before Erik could respond, Celine decided to show him what she meant by giving him a taste of his own medicine so he understood.
"Can I touch your neck? Kiss it?" she asked sultrily with just as much smoldering desire he had earlier as she stared into his eyes.
Erik swallowed hard, his breathing becoming shallow.
"I'm so sorry, my love. I don't mean... I just..." he trailed off, his voice thick with desire. He swallowed hard again before continuing. "I've held on for so long against such enjoyments... you know."
Celine giggled and crossed her arms, raising a brow.
"And I haven't, Erik? We aren't that far in ages. I'm still twenty-four. You were my first kiss," she reminded him.
Erik smiled, his hand reaching out and taking a part of her hair.
"I think we are both going to greatly enjoy our wedding night," he said, his eyes full of promise.
Celine blushed and covered her eyes with her hands while laughing.
"Oh, this man is going to be the death of me," She muttered in Romani.
Erik chuckled and asked, "Do I want to know what you just said?"
Celine translated and he laughed along with her.
Celine looked at Erik and said, "You can touch me and kiss me in the places I didn't forbid." She spoke solemnly once their laughter had ended, trying to convey the seriousness of the situation.
"But what about you?" she asked in a playful tone, grabbing him by the collar with a firm grip.
"Can I place my hands on your chest, kiss your ear?" she questioned seductively.
Erik's demeanor immediately changed, as he straightened up and turned rigid. He went red and gasped as if he had been stricken, clearly overwhelmed by Celine's sudden turn of character.
Celine hadn't meant to push him so far over the edge. After all, he had been the one who had come on so strongly at first. She had thought he would understand that she was just playing. She immediately began apologizing and explaining herself, hoping to alleviate any discomfort that she might have caused.
Erik's wide smile on his red face silenced her, and he leaned down closer to her face, his breath hot on her skin.
"My little vixen," he said, his voice low and husky, between kisses.
It was spectacular having someone he loved returning such sensual desires, and he couldn't wait to explore them with her in due time.
"Oh, our wedding bed will be most glorious," Erik said enthusiastically, his eyes alight with passion. "More love than Romeo and Juliet, and more passion than Don Juan could ever dream of. I will make repeated love to you so tenderly! So-"
"ERIK! YOU EITHER GET OUT OR I'M RUNNING OUT THE DOOR!" Celine interrupted shouting, her voice rising in desperation as she pushed him away with a hand on his chest.
Erik laughed apologetically, realizing he had gone too far.
"I'm so sorry, my queen," he said reverently, showering her face with apologetic kisses. Celine couldn't help but smile at his charming nature, even as she felt her cheeks burn with desire and embarrassment as she sought to catch her breath. They both knew that their wedding night would be one for the ages, but for now, she needed to gather her breath and compose herself.
Erik's voice was low and gentle as he spoke, "Touch me and kiss me where you will. I'm yours and will be a gentleman about it. I swear it."
Celine felt her cheeks flush with heat.
Just as she was lost in her thoughts, Erik leaned in to kiss her lips, but instead, he lifted her off the ground and took her in his arms, making her laugh at his playful trick. She wrapped her arms around his neck and gazed into his eyes, feeling safe and loved.
"Where are you taking me?" she smiled, curious.
"Breakfast," he replied with a smile.
Erik's gaze turned serious as he looked deep into Celine's eyes. "You deserve sunshine, not darkness, Celine," he said, his voice tender and solemn. "I cannot promise you a perfect life, but I can promise you that I will do everything in my power to make it as good as it can be."
Celine listened intently, unsure of where this was going to go.
"I can make a prosthetic for my face that should last long enough for what I plan to accomplish," Erik continued, his voice gaining strength. "I will purchase us a home, a mansion that is secluded and far away where no one will bother us. We can live there together after we are married. I want us both to have a normal life, as much as we can, my gem."