|
Post by Erik on Nov 14, 2007 19:08:11 GMT -5
"Can you forget this is here?"
*Erik gestured to his face.*
"That is the material point; and we know all to well what your opinion is there."
|
|
|
Post by Christian Daaé on Nov 14, 2007 19:20:19 GMT -5
*Christian silently regarded the mask that covered Erik's face*
"Are you so certain?" *He finally said.
His voice was calm, and yet, there was a hint of something...a strong emotion, though hard to tell what it was, exactly.*
|
|
|
Post by Erik on Nov 14, 2007 19:22:26 GMT -5
"Your reaction left little room for doubt," *Erik said bitterly.* "And Erik would have done exactly the same, in your place. Your revulsion is natural."
*But how bitter that Julian had been there anyway; how much Erik wanted to tell him. But he could not.*
|
|
|
Post by Christian Daaé on Nov 14, 2007 19:24:24 GMT -5
*Still hesitant, as though he feared Erik would rail at him for it, Christian reached out--this time, the tips of his fingers trailed across the mask*
"Let me prove you wrong?"
|
|
|
Post by Erik on Nov 14, 2007 20:41:17 GMT -5
*Erik flinched away from his touch.*
"Haven't you done enough?" *he whispered hollowly.* "Your face..."
*Images at war within him, both his own memories and Julian's, mingled and twined their way around him so that he stood as if paralyzed.*
|
|
|
Post by Christian Daaé on Nov 14, 2007 21:11:00 GMT -5
*There was no ripping off of the mask this time around--rather, this Daae instead simply removed it. No flinching, no cringing, no averting of the eyes. Only a steady, sad gaze*
"Being startled is not the same as being disgusted, or afraid."
*For the first time ever, Christian touched Erik's original face*
|
|
|
Post by Erik on Nov 14, 2007 21:14:27 GMT -5
*Erik's eyes closed, as if he could fend off Christian's reaction if he couldn't see it. His head fell back but met the wall--he couldn't get away from Christian's fingers. They were cool and strong, though the skin was soft; they seemed to wish to pry into his soul.*
"You should be disgusted," *he said.* "No one should have to look at Erik."
|
|
|
Post by Christian Daaé on Nov 15, 2007 19:00:13 GMT -5
*He gently caressed Erik's cheek for a moment, and then kissed the spot*
"No? I am sorry for my reaction, but it was shock, not disgust. I didn't expect it, not after before."
*He spoke softly, the words only for Erik's ears*
|
|
|
Post by Erik on Nov 15, 2007 20:09:05 GMT -5
*He wanted to believe the boy. So much. Christian was trying now, clearly. And he wanted to give in...
How could he tell him that hadn't been Erik?*
"Yes..." *he sighed.* "You would be surprised after that. Erik is sorry. These things... are difficult to control."
*He took a deep breath.*
"Erik is not the man he wishes he could be for you."
|
|
|
Post by Christian Daaé on Nov 15, 2007 20:19:46 GMT -5
*Christian hugged him, a fierce hug, as though he'd been away for too long.*
"I'm so sorry that I've hurt you. I didn't mean to. I'm sorry that I make you say these things about yourself. I would help, if I knew how."
|
|
|
Post by Erik on Nov 15, 2007 21:57:56 GMT -5
*Erik stiffened in Christian's embrace, then forced himself to relax. This was what Julian wanted for him. Julian. The Julian-shaped hole inside was still there; could Christian fill it?
Did Erik want him to?*
"No," *he murmured in Christian's ear,* "it is the world who makes such demands of Erik. Not you."
|
|
|
Post by Christian Daaé on Nov 15, 2007 22:05:42 GMT -5
*He simply held onto the other man for a moment, wanting the familiar closeness.
He sighed*
"Erik...why did you act as though nothing happened at the hotel?"
*The question was hesitant, as though he was afraid to broach the subject*
|
|
|
Post by Erik on Nov 16, 2007 2:57:43 GMT -5
*Erik's blood froze.*
"Because... Perhaps because Erik could not bear to let you see him this way. I am ashamed. My lack of control... I wished to protect you. To let you... choose."
*The answer sounded false even to his ears. He knew very well he did not let go, once he had something.*
|
|
|
Post by Christian Daaé on Nov 16, 2007 13:55:41 GMT -5
*Christian pulled back, searching Erik's face intently*
"Erik, don't lie to me."
|
|
|
Post by Erik on Nov 16, 2007 14:18:51 GMT -5
*Why was he looking at him that way? Erik wanted to cringe away from the searching gaze, both because it had caught him out and because he had been looked at enough in his day.*
"Erik cannot tell you," *he said abruptly.*
|
|