Phantom's Fate 《Phantom of the Opera Fanfiction》

16

《Erik》

Yesterday had been bliss for someone like me. Alia had sung for me, kissed my cheek, blossomed into ballet again, then held me in an embrace all over again. As if simply touching her face stirred enough feelings inside me to squeal like a pig. Having her lips on my skin, her arms wrapped around me like I would disappear... I am becoming quite fond of her affectionate touches. It urges me to return them all the more.

As I sit in the conservatory room, without windows obviously, where my organ resides, Ayesha wanders along the back of the sofa and settles on my shoulder, her front paws kneading my button down. I smile a little, taking a finger and stroking her head, feeling the rumble of her purring against my bone. She has opened up a great deal for only being here a few days. She enjoys both Alia's and my company, especially at night when we sleep. Well, when Alia sleeps. I barely sleep the way it is, only when necessary for survival. Ayesha is almost always curled on Alia's other pillow near her head. A smile always comes to my lips when I see them together. She is very tender with animals, no matter what kind of day she is having.

Speaking of which, after such a long day like yesterday, I have prepared a soothing bath for her to relax in while I take my own rest out here. The bathroom is adjacent to this room, and she said she'd be right out to spend time with Ayesha and me afterward. My smile widens. Seeing her with the kitten melts my heart for some reason. Maybe while she holds the cat, I can plait her hair away from her face and we could sing, or play another violin duet...

I sigh softly, my eyes closing in content. I have never truly been this happy before in my entire life. A part of me had seen elation when bringing Christine to my home, but she ruined it bitterly. She could never have been a source of happiness for me, not through her innocence and strained love for that fop. Alia had come with a mission, to befriend me all on her own, and look where we are now; content in my home, her soaking in a fragranced bath, and me awaiting her presence. I would be satisfied if my life stays the way it is now. Just having someone to trust and keep me company is the biggest blessing of them all. Asking for more would make me...greedy.

Ayesha's small voice chirps by my ear, earning a smile from me. She slides down my shirt into my lap and stretches on my leg. She settles again, curled in the bend of my thigh, her head resting on the edge of my wrist. How have I not thought to adopt an animal before? It would have required coming into contact with people, but the sincere joy this kitten gives me is mind blowing. Alia really has done so much to improve my life...

Speaking of the devil, the door rattles and creaks open to reveal Alia's freshly washed head. Her eyes dart around curiously. "Erik?" She spots me across the room and smiles awkwardly. What's gotten into her? "I, um, forgot to grab clothes, so I'll be running by in my towel quick. Just a warning."

Heat quickly engulfs my faces I avert my eyes, looking anywhere but her emerging form. I obviously wish to respect her privacy, letting her change in the other room instead without my prying eyes. However, her startled yelp earns my attention in concern, but my eyes widen and nearly pop out of my skull.

Mon Dieu!

I try to tear my eyes away as she quickly picks up the towel that stuck on the doorframe. Her fresh, ivory skin glistens in the lamplight, covering her accentuated curves kindly. My heart could tear free from my chest as I find my eyes betraying me and taking in her breathtaking details. Appalled by my own set of eyes, I whip my head away, grimacing under my hands as my cheeks flare hotter. Why couldn't I be a respectable man and look away! What kind of a monster am I?

A slew of curses slip from her lips as she fumbles with the towel and calls over her shoulder. "I'm so sorry, Erik! I-I'll be right back..." The room fills with silence soon after, leaving me to wallow in my thoughts with Ayesha still perched on my lap.