hi i saw that you write for poto! could i request CErik with a reader who also wears a mask due to insecurity about their face? ty very much!!
AHHH!!! My first 1990 poto requests!!! I love you anon but not as much as I love CErik...
Masks
♤ Erik Carriere x male!reader
♧ fluff, mentions of people being assholes
Word count: 1k
A/N: My love for POTO 1990 is literally indescribable
When Erik first saw you in the theater, he became infatuated. You sang like an angel of course but what caught his eye was the mask you wore. It was similar to his, where it covered most of your face but left your mouth free so you could sing, talk, and eat. He watched as people teased and made fun of you for wearing a mask. It struck a cord deep within him to watch this happen, it felt like he was staring into a mirror as he watched from afar. He decided that you would be his, as he was the only one who could ever truly understand you.
He came to you one night as you were just about to leave the theater. He didn't feel the need to hide from you. For once, he felt comfortable in his own skin when you were near, even if he'd never had a conversation with you before.
"Hello, please, don't be afraid."
He murmured, knowing he probably scared you by showing up so suddenly when you thought you were alone.
You did jump slightly at the sound of his voice, not expecting it just as Erik had assumed. You turned to face him slowly, ready for him to ask questions about your mask or even start laughing but he didn't. Your eyes widened as you saw him wearing a mask just like yours, smiling at you. He chuckled softly, but it didn't feel mean like the snickers that followed when you passed a group of people, it felt comforting and warm.
"You... you didn't scare me, just surprised."
You stammered, still shocked by this mystery man who also wore a mask and a kind look. He smiled and chuckled again as he stepped closer to you, extending his hand to shake yours.
"I'm Erik. You're new, correct?"
You shook Erik's hand, feeling the material of his gloves as you nodded to his words.
"Oh, uh, yes, I am. I do costumes."
Erik's eyes narrowed as he glanced at the costumes that needed mending behind you. His eyes glanced back to you and softened before nodding.
"Just costumes?"
He questioned. You cocked your head in confusion as you glanced back at the costumes, then back to Erik.
"Um, yes? Is there something wrong?"
He quickly shook his head no, his expression shifting back to a cheery one.
"No, no, it's just, I'm certain I've heard you sing. Perhaps it wasn't you I heard."
Erik said but he knew it was you he had heard. Every night, singing softly while you got ready for bed. He listened as it echoed down to his lair, lulling him to sleep as he hummed along. He had envisioned you two singing together many nights.
Your cheeks blushed as you realized maybe Erik had heard you sing when you thought you were alone. You felt embarrassed that you might be disrupting people trying to sleep, including Erik.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, monsieur, I... I sometimes sing at night, I didn't mean to disrupt you-"
Erik quickly cut you off, taking your hand in his.
"No, please don't be sorry. I was only asking because I assumed you must be in the opera or maybe an understudy with a voice like that."
Now you were bright red, incredibly grateful your mask covered your cheeks at this moment. You glanced at Erik's gloved hands that held yours gently, rubbing your knuckles with a loving tenderness. You snapped out of your thought as you looked back up at Erik who was waiting for your response, even though he knew everything already.
"No, I'm not in the opera. I mean, I would love to but, uh, I would have to take my mask off for it."
Erik nodded, still holding your hand in his.
"Well, I think you could be a star, even with the mask. If you'd perhaps like to come sing with me, meet me here tomorrow night, mon ange."
Before you could say another word, he was gone. You were left speechless and blushing, with a need to see Erik once more.
-
Over time, Erik became a teacher to you and more. He'd give you a voice lesson every day, helping you improve your skills. He even got you a lead in the opera through some threats, but you didn't need to concern yourself with all of that. After the show, Erik came to see you in your dressing room.
"You sounded divine, mon ange."
Erik said, pressing a kiss to the crown of your head. He stared at you through the mirror, pressing small kisses to your hair.
"Would you like to get undressed somewhere more private? Perhaps in my home?"
And that's how you ended up sitting in Erik's bed, wearing one of his large button-ups and loose pants while he brushed your hair. You had untied your mask, holding it to your face so Erik could easily brush through your hair. He hummed softly as he set down the brush, gently rubbing your shoulder.
"Tired, my love?"
You yawned and nodded as you leaned back against Erik. His arms snaked around your waist, holding you against him.
"Would you like me to carry you back to your room?"
You shook your head as you sat up, he frowned slightly as you moved away but smiled once again as you turned to face him.
"May I stay with you for the night?"
You asked softly. Erik blushed under his mask, never expecting you to want to stay with him for the night.
"Are.. are you sure? I mean, of course, you may but are you certain?"
You smiled at Erik's nervousness, pressing a kiss to his cheek.
"Yes, I'm certain."
He stared at you for a moment before nodding, a small smile spreading across his lips.
"Alright, my dear, shall we lay down?"
He patted a spot on the bed, pulling back the covers slight.
