in-a-world-of-my-own-creation:
Erik let his eyes linger on her as she spoke, grateful for the truth in her words. But for Raoul to suffer so after his leaving of their lives – well, he supposed he couldn’t blame the other on his distress. Was he not also another prayed upon by the all feared Opera Ghost? “A poor man’s choice of comfort when he has a wife such as you. But as it is clear I’m to blame, I can only offer an apology. It was never my intention to cause you any further pain. I’m sure you’re doing what you can, though as I expect, you love him still regardless. However, you must make decisions best for yourself. Yet, I have no right to provide advice, for I remain the one who nearly tore you from him.”
Forcing Christine to choose, to marry him or Raoul should die, what kind of life was that to live? Even if she came to be the very reason he managed to carry on. She said she’d love to see him however. Love. It wasn’t his to have sine he was a small child. “Then I will be at you side whenever,” he promised, surprised to find her hand reaching for his. Her soft skin couldn’t be felt beneath the glove, but he still remembered her touch upon his face and kiss she gave him. “I’m not the best company, I’m sure. But I do hope we can speak more often, without the pretense of the Angel of Music you once held so dear. If you can except me just as Erik.”
Christine gave Erik a sympathetic smile and nodded. “I will not deny that you did horrible things... but I can sympathize with you and understand why you did. You lived a horrible life, Erik. Your family gave you up and people ridiculed you for your deformity-- I, I can’t imagine what that would feel like for someone who never felt love a day in their life.” Years ago his actions towards her and others frightened her and while she could never ignore his actions, Christine knew at the core that he cared a great deal for her.
She smiled at his words for she didn’t believe him. “That’s nonsense, you know. I don’t believe you’re not the best company. In fact, you’re more than that to me.” Was that a confession of love? A mistake that she should not have said? Christine wasn’t sure... but she knew her admiration for him grew. “I wouldn’t want you to be anymore than yourself, Erik. I don’t want the Angel of Music in my company. I-- I want you.”