Monstret Under Sängen (Phantom of the Opera)

Monstret Under Sängen: Part 6 - Part 2

Author's Note:

Dear Readers,

Sorry for the long wait! But, here you are! It's a little longer than the rest but I hope no one will object! :)

sarahlet2999

-------------------------

PART 6 – Part 2

Red, the color of blood and passion and, in this case, the color of death himself.

After adjusting the red bicorne hat adorned with the gaudiest of fake red fathers, he closed his eyes and slipped off the porcelain mask, refusing to run any risk of seeing his own face in anything reflective.

By mere touch alone, he found the skull mask and slipped it on, only then daring to open gold cat eyes.

The puffy sleeves hid the boney forearms while the long cloak, billowing feet behind him to the ground gave the illusion of his having more weight than he did. Multiple layers of silk and gold brocade thickened his torso, the red bulking him nicely.

"Quite the Don Juan, aren't you?" He said to the wall where a mirror should have stood.

Gathering the yards of cloth to himself, he swept from his home and ascended the five cellars worth of passages to the mirror where Christine waited.

Taking deep breaths, he raised his hand to knock to alert her to his presence when she swept into view, an angelic vision in white.

White wings spread from her back, a simple white dress hung to the floor and a white mask covered her pretty face, hair pulled off her neck.

She looks so...grown up.

"Christine." He called softly, hoping to alert her to his presence so as not to surprise her.

"M-monsieur Phantom?" She called quietly, turning in a circle to try to find him. "Monstret told me you'd take me to the party." Her fingers clutched at her dress and fear shown in blue eyes. I'm so sorry for scaring you, my child.

I would rather die then terrify you.

This was a terrible idea.

"Yes, I am the Phantom. Are you ready to go?"

"Yes, yes, I am ready." She fidgeted in her dainty white slippers.

Taking a deep breath, he straightened his suit and pressed a lever, watching as the mirror slid open, revealing her to him. Please don't hate me. I love you, my dearest and only friend.

She turned to face him and her eyes widened and a hand covered her mouth, gasping in surprise.

"Please! Don't be afraid." He exclaimed, holding up his hands defensively and crouching, showing her subdued posture as one would a frightened deer. "It's just Erik's mask."

He resisted the temptation to straighten a faux problem to assure himself it remained where it should.

"Erik?" Her voice quivered but she didn't scream. Not yet. "Who is Erik?"

"Ah, forgive me." What a fool I am! "A mere slip of the tongue. It is a name I gave myself. You may use it in private, if you wish. But, please not around others. Er- I shouldn't like it generally known. Monstret is the only other who knows it." His hands trembled and he hid them behind his cloak, hoping she won't notice his knocking knees.

I hate lying to you. But, you'd never forgive me for my first deception. I can't lose my friend.

"Um...that'd be nice...Erik. I'm sorry for reacting badly to your mask. It's very nice! You did very well. I'm impressed."

"It's a complement really." He replied, bushing away the pain her reaction brought on. "Come, shall we go?" He stepped towards her slowly so as not to frighten her more.

He intended to step beyond her, to lead her to the masquerade without touching her but she reached up and grasped his hand, pausing him in mid-stride.

"Isn't it proper to offer the lady your arm?" I'm failing already. He unlocked his hands from behind his cloak, attempting to still the shaking before she noticed.

"Yes, forgive me." He resisted any emotion on his face, knowing she could see the play in muscles beneath the skin. Her childish belief wouldn't last long under such tests.

She gave him a smile, slight and a bit watery before accepting his arm and curling her fingers tightly against the wiry forearm.

"Monstret said I'd be safe with you. Did he tell the truth?"

"Yes, I would never hurt you."

~~

"It's beautiful." She whispered, staring about her as they wandered through the less-populated areas of the party. "I've never been before, but, I suppose Monstret told you that."

"Yes, he did."

"Have you seen him?" She inquired, looking up at him, crystalline blue eyes sweet. How can I lie to such innocence naivety? But, how can I tell the truth?

"Yes, I have."

"He says I must never see him because he would scare me." She pouted, bottom lip sticking out quiet adorably.

"He has a very good reason. He is very frightening. Very hideous to behold and such horrors would terrify even the boldest of hearts." He assured her, cursing himself for building her fear of her friend. But, was there any other way to keep their relationship safe? I would do anything to keep what we have, Christine.

"Does he have warts?" Such an innocent child! "I wouldn't mind so very much! He's my friend. A few unappealing things won't bother me."

"It is far beyond warts, my child. I would tell you...but, you must only think of nice things this evening. Now, let us have no more thoughts of gloomy things that should remain hidden." He knelt on one knee before her to lightly bop her nose, hoping to earn a hint of smile from her pretty face.

She beamed at him.

Far more than I deserve.

"As you wish, Monsieur Erik." She wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning upward a bit because, even kneeling before her, he was still taller than her.

Froze, he allowed her to hug him tightly, an angel swathed in scarlet as she held her arms around his waist. He desired nothing more than to press the lips of his skull mask against her golden head as he had seen other do with children before but held back, aware she would no care for that.

No, he settled for patting her back, awkwardly around the white-feather wings.

"I'm sorry, I was too bold." She whispered, pulling back and blushing beneath the mask. No! Don't apologize! I've never been hugged before...it was beautiful.

"Don't apologize. Not many people...hug Erik." He lightly patted her curls and stood up as she declared adamantly,

"Then I shall have to do it often. Everyone needs hugs." He closed his eyes for a moment, basking in the thought of regular human touch. You are an angel, child.

"Thank you." He replied, unsure what else to say to someone so completely and unerringly perfect. She grinned brightly at him and grabbed his hand, clutching the red gloved bones tightly between her tiny hands, and dragged him towards the party.