Epilogue

A little over a month later…

Christine was nervous. No, Christine was beyond nervous. Today was the highly anticipated day. It was the day she would audition for the opera.

To take her mother's place as leading soprano would be amazing… But what if I'm not good enough? her doubtful mind and Erik had been practicing constantly for the past month. Frankly, she knew the music so well that she could sing it in her sleep… 'Sleep'. It's something she had gotten very little of the previous night, and she was now regretting it.

"Calm down, love," a reassuring voice said from beside her. Erik was driving them to the opera house, and her parents were following in a car behind them. "Everything will be fine. You are worrying for no reason. Believe me, you will shine above every other competitor."

Christine played with the promise ring on her finger nervously. His words hadn't been enough to calm her. If anything, she was even more worried. "How many competitors did you say there were going to be again?" she asked for what seemed like the hundredth time.

"41," Erik replied calmly. He'd had 'special' connections with the opera house for many years, so he was able to find out the number of competitors before anyone else.

"And what number am I?" This question had been asked a number of times, as well.

He sighed. "You're number 20. Christine, you must calm down. I promise you, you will stun them."

She gulped. "You'll be closeby, right?"

"Yes, angel," Erik replied softly. "I wouldn't miss hearing you for the world. I will be near. But remember, you will not be able to see me. I will still be able to see you, though."

His car reached the parking lot, and Erik searched for a parking place. Both noticed that it was very crowded, which made Christine fidget uncomfortably. She sat up straight and gathered her music. "I just have to think of this as a voice lesson, like it's just the two of us." After a brief moment, an unexpected warm smile graced her lips. "I'll be singing for you, you know."

Erik reached out to hold her hand. "You have no idea how much that means to me." He finally found a parking place and turned off the ignition before turning towards her. His hands held both of hers. "You're beautiful and you will sing beautifully. I love you," he whispered before embracing her.

Christine wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in his shoulder. "I love you, too. I just hope you're right about everything." She raised her head and looked into his eyes anxiously searching for reassurance. She found it instantly.

"I'm right," he said, his voice firm. Then, he chuckled at the scared look on her face and kissed her. "It's time," he whispered while backing away.

She nodded and took a deep breath before getting out of the car. Erik had already told her that he wouldn't be walking in with her. Initially, that knowledge was terrifying, but he'd reminded her that her parents would be there instead. Christine had become somewhat more relaxed knowing that, but not even her parents could be what she really needed… Erik was the one she needed. She had to keep telling herself that he would be there, even if she couldn't see him.

A wistful sigh escaped her lips as she turned to look at Erik's car one more time. Gary and Beth approached her with smiles on their faces. Christine's brow furrowed and she mumbled, "I wish I could be so happy."

Her parents led her towards the opera house's entrance. "You're going to be just fine, Christine," her father reassured.

Beth nodded. "He's right. We've heard you practice. You know your music." There was silence before she pulled her daughter over to the side. "Look, I know what I'm talking about. Remember, I once had to audition just like you're about to. I can understand that you're nervous, sweet heart. I was nervous, too. Your nerves will fade once you get on the stage, though." She smiled. "I promise."

Gary added, "And you've already sung on this stage before. Sure, it was a long time ago, but you still remember, right?"

Christine became calmer while remembering the competition she had won back when she was twelve. "Yeah, I remember. Being on that stage was amazing." She looked at her mother. "You're right, your nerves do disappear when you're singing on the stage. I remember." She paused before saying, "But that's not helping me right now."

Both Gary and Beth sighed. "You'll be fine, Christine. More than fine, you'll be amazing," her mother said confidently.

"We're very proud of you," her father said softly.

Christine studied the expressions of joy on their faces before finally nodding. "Let's go inside." They walked through the entrance and looked at the splendor around them. The inside of the opera house had always been breathtaking.

Christine looked at her mom and whispered, "How does it feel being back here?" She could see that she was lost in memories and didn't hear her, so they continued walking.

Her parents couldn't go backstage with her, so they wished her luck before leaving to find seats in the audience. Christine was all alone as she made her way to where she would wait. She wondered, though, Is Erik in here somewhere? Is he near me right now? She knew he was well acquainted with both the building and the managers of the opera house. A few days before, he'd explained to her that he had taken part in constructing the building. There were hidden passage ways throughout that only he knew about. It was strange… but at the same time, it was fascinating. Erik had promised that he would show her his hiding places someday, and she was excited about it.

Now wasn't the time to think about such things, though. Christine found the waiting area and signed her name on a 'roll call' sheet. Just as Erik had told her, she was number 20 out of 41 competitors. This is going to take forever, since we're all singing three pieces each. It could be worse, she inwardly told herself. I could be number 41.. That would be nerve wracking. She shuddered at the thought.

After signing her name, Christine was approached by a man who would be the accompanist. Erik and her mother had already warned her of this ahead of time. She handed him her music, and he moved onto the next arriving person without even introducing himself. He's a busy man.. I hope he plays the piano well enough. That was a silly thought. Of course he does! This is a serious competition, and they would only get the best accompanist for it.

With a sigh, she went to find a seat. Since she had arrived early, she easily found one and mentally went through her music, making sure it was all memorized.

After what seemed like no time at all, the auditions began. One female after another left and came back from singing on stage. Most if not all of them were obviously older than her, and that knowledge only had the power to increase her nerves. I'm too young to win..

Christine tried to focus on listening to the auditions. She, as well as all of the other competitors and the people in the audience, could hear each person audition. It was obvious that most of them were professionally trained. Some voices stood out above the rest while other voices were only decent. The good singers caused Christine to question whether she even had a chance. Yes, her mother had been the previous leading soprano, and yes, Erik knew the managers, but it made no difference. The judges were looking for talent, and there would be no special treatment.

Number 18 stood from her seat and left for her turn on stage. Christine sat up straight and began focusing on her breathing while trying to calm herself. It's going to be fine. Who cares if you don't win? It won't be the end of the world. And remember, Erik is out there somewhere. You're singing for him. This is just another voice lesson in his apartment. Number 18 finished and number 19 took her place. When Christine heard the competitor start her third piece of music, she stood and began walking towards where she would enter.

With each step, she went over what would happen. I walk to the middle of the stage and take the time to smile at the judges. I refrain from looking out to the audience until I begin singing. Then, when I sing, I have to look out at the audience as much as possible and be expressive. I pause after the first and second songs to give the accompanist time to arrange the next piece of music on the piano stand. Then, when it's over, I bow. There won't be applause because the judges need time to think before the next competitor. After I bow, I leave. It's as simple as that.

She was brought out of her thoughts when number 19 walked past her with a small, relieved smile on her face. After taking a deep breath, Christine walked on stage.

It was the moment her feet reached the stage floor that her emotions began to change. Her nerves disappeared and were replaced with a feeling of wanting to prove herself. She wanted to please everyone, the judges, her parents, the entire audience, and –most of all- Erik. Determination coursed through her body as she stood in the middle of the stage and smiled at the judges.

Then, when the music began, Christine became one with it. She felt and displayed the meaning of each piece. It really did seem like one of her cherished voice lessons. She was looking out at the audience as she sang, but she really only saw Erik, although he wasn't there. It seemed like he was, though. She could envision his face.. his encouraging eyes, his smile, everything.

So wrapped up in the music was she that it was hard to believe how quickly it ended.

Christine had sung and she had sung well, really well. She almost forgot to bow. The music hadn't yet left her body, but, remembering at the last second, she bowed and left the stage. The other competitors were staring at her with wide, surprised eyes, but she didn't see them. She didn't see anything. Her thoughts took over. I did it! I didn't sound terrible, either! It felt so good.. I really got into each song. Although she knew better than to doubt, there was always the question and the hope- I really hope Erik was there..

She simply couldn't sit down because of her excitement and relief, so in order to waste time, Christine left in search of a water fountain. She already had a water bottle, but she'd just drunk all the water. It was time for a refill. Finding the bathrooms where the water fountain was located proved to be an easy task. As she walked towards it, though, a soft voice suddenly gained her full attention.

"Christine," a voice called from behind her.

She turned and saw Erik standing a short distance away from her. With overwhelming excitement, she raced towards him and threw her arms around his neck in order to hug him. "I'm so glad to see you!"

Erik chuckled and gently ran his fingers through her hair. "Come, let's find a more private area." He held her hand and led her towards a wall.

Christine's brow furrowed, and she was about to question him as to what was going on when, unexpectedly, he reached towards the wall and slid part of to the right. Her mouth gaped open. This was one of his hidden passageways.

They stepped through the opening, and Erik slid the door shut so that they were alone in the dark. She was about to question him again when, abruptly, she felt him embrace her. He then proceeded to kiss her forehead, then her cheeks, and finally her lips. "I am so, so proud of you," he murmured against her lips before kissing her again.

She returned the kiss whole-heartedly and wrapped her arms around his neck. She could sense that whispering was important, so she whispered, "Do you think it was ok?" His opinion was all that mattered.

Erik let out a short laugh and took the water bottle from her hand to place it on the ground before staring into her eyes. "Oh, my angel, it was so much more than 'ok'. You surprised everyone, including myself. You have never sung with such emotion. It was.." He couldn't think of the right word, for all that he was saying seemed like an understatement. "It was magnificent. You shined above everyone else. I have never in all my life heard a more exquisite sound. You took my breath away."

Christine had never received such an amazing compliment. It made tears come to her eyes. "I sang for you. I could almost see you out in the audience. I wanted to make you proud."

He hugged her tightly. " 'Proud' doesn't even begin to describe how I feel. I feel.. overcome with emotion. I-it's astounding. My love for you continues to grow with each passing moment. I love you so much." He kissed her again.

So lost in the kiss was she that she didn't notice when her hand brushed against his mask.

Erik gasped and backed away slightly.

"What is it?" Christine asked in concern while trying to locate him. It was pitch black, so she couldn't see a thing. She truly didn't know what she had done.

"Y-you touched my mask," he whispered. He didn't sound mad, just surprised.

Christine instantly apologized. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to. I just- I can't see in here. It won't happen again. I-"

"Christine," he interrupted. "Don't apologize. There is no need." There was silence as he began to think. "You.. want to see my face." It was a statement, not a question. She didn't say anything, but he knew it was true. "It is dark here," he said while still thinking. He shuddered at his own thoughts.

Finally, he slowly asked, "Would you like for me to kiss you without my mask being in the way?" Before she could answer, he added, "You won't be able to see.. But you will be able to kiss me without it rubbing against your cheek. Would that.. Would that satisfy you?" He stayed calm while trying to suppress the fear and nerves that threatened to consume him.

As he tentatively spoke, Christine was becoming more and more shocked. She could hardly believe what he was offering. She'd made the mistake of thinking only of herself the last time they had discussed his face. That mistake wouldn't be made again. "This isn't about me, Erik. I only want what makes you feel comfortable."

Her words made his lips curl upward as he looked at her with unending devotion. She couldn't see him through the darkness, but he could see her. "I was looking for a 'yes' or 'no' answer, love. Would it satisfy you?"

There was a pause before she replied, "Yes."

"I- I don't want you to touch it," Erik said softly.

"I won't touch it," she promised.

He studied the serious and trustworthy expression on her face for a few moments more before hesitantly reaching up to remove the mask. It was easier to do since she couldn't see, and he found that the cool air actually felt good against his deformity. Erik lowered the mask from his face and held it tightly in his right hand. "All right," he breathed. Then, very slowly, he began to close the distance between them. He noticed that she stayed completely still with her eyes closed, as if showing him that she really wouldn't see.. that she would stay faithful. He was forever grateful.

His face was very close to hers when he hesitated. She was so precious. He would do anything for her… but would he do this? Why am I doing this? Why did I think of this? They were two questions he had to ponder over. Because, his mind whispered. Because you love her and you trust her. He nodded before returning his attention to the girl inches away from him. Then, finally, the distance between them vanished as his lips claimed hers. She instantly responded while keeping her arms at her sides, and Erik placed his hand under her chin to slightly deepen the kiss.

Christine felt lucky. She felt special that he would trust her in such a way, and she was determined to keep that trust. She refrained from wrapping her arms around him and she kept her eyes closed while focusing on their kiss. Not to feel the coldness of the mask against her cheek was different… in a good way. Of course, she always loved kissing him, even with the mask, but this just felt better.

Erik usually lost control of his emotions when he kissed her, but not this time. He made sure to keep his deformity as far away from her flawless cheek as he could and didn't kiss her for long. After a few seconds, he parted from her and replaced the mask to his face. He watched as a pleasant smile came to her lips.

"That was nice. Thank you," she whispered.

"You're welcome," he said softly. There was still hesitation in his tone.

Christine didn't want him to feel uncomfortable about it, so she changed subjects. "Should I get back? I don't know how much longer the auditions will take."

He smiled at the change in subjects. "I'm sure there is still plenty of time. But if you wish to leave me," he joked.

She shook her head. "Never." After a few moments of silence, Christine whispered, "I wonder who's going to win.."

"You are," Erik responded instantly. "Without a doubt, you will be the next leading soprano." He stepped forward and kissed her again.

Fifteen minutes later, Christine left and walked back to the waiting area. There were still about nine more to go, but she found she rather liked listening to them. It was interesting to hear who she was competing against.

One of the females approached her then. She looked to be in her upper twenties or early thirties. "I remember hearing you. You sang well," she whispered once she was close enough.

Christine smiled politely. "Thank you."

The lady bent closer to her. "And I can't help but wonder… You look young, younger than the rest of us. There have been rumors spreading that the daughter of the previous soprano, Beth Daae, is auditioning. You look like her. It's going to be really embarrassing if I'm wrong, but are you her?"

She had such a curious look on her face that Christine found herself suppressing laughter. "Yes, I'm Christine Daae, her daughter. I guess I am pretty young.. I'm eighteen."

Her eyes widened. "Eighteen? But your voice! It's so mature!" She took a breath to calm herself and speak softly again. "I guess that's to be expected, though, since you're Beth Daae's daughter."

Christine could sense that the lady thought she was going to win based on her connections. "I guess I might have some natural talent, but most of the credit goes to my voice teacher. And about my mom.. Trust me, those judges are only basing their decision off talent. I'm not getting any special treatment."

The woman nodded. "Yes, well, good luck. You were good, better than a lot of us."

She didn't know what to say to that and felt a little rude for not complimenting her on her audition. But Christine honestly couldn't remember hearing it. Perhaps she had been with Erik.. "Thank you. I guess we'll know who the winner is soon enough." The woman walked away after nodding again.

Finally, after having to wait for what felt like hours, the auditions came to an end and the judges left to make their decision in another room. Christine went to find her parents, which was easy. Her mother was surrounded by people. After all, she was fairly famous. She approached them slowly, and when they saw her, they raced to her side.

Beth hugged her first. "Christine, you were amazing! Really, I've never heard you sing like that."

Gary then hugged her. "You were great!" He leaned in to whisper, "You were the best of any of them."

"Thanks, guys," Christine said while blushing. "That means a lot to me." Surprisingly, quite a few other adults came to congratulate her. It was odd, yet extremely flattering, that they even remembered her audition.

"You see," her father commented. "You were the best."

"I don't know," Christine mumbled. "There were a lot of good auditions…"

It seemed to take forever for the judges to return. Christine and her parents, along with the other competitors, sat in the audience waiting. I wish Erik were here, she thought longingly. Hmm.. I should have made him show me where he was hiding when he saw my audition. He's probably there right now. I only hope he's not as bored as I am..

Right then, the judges came to the stage. One of them was holding a microphone. The room immediately became silent, and Christine could barely breathe. She was quickly coming to realize just how much this really meant to her.

"We are very proud of how many competitors came to audition," the judge began. "We heard some fine talent today. But, as you all know, only one can be chosen." There was an exaggerated pause. "There were many good auditions, but we came today looking for a superb singer. And we found one. Now, our new leading soprano is…" There was another exaggerated pause. Every competitor was holding their breath.

"Christine Daae," the judge announced. After a very slight but noticeable pause, applause erupted.

Her parents practically attacked her with hugs, and Beth was crying.

"I knew it!" Gary exclaimed.

Christine was utterly speechless. She stared unblinkingly at the stage where the judges were standing with big grins on their faces. I-I won? I actually won? Really, she'd convinced herself that there wasn't a chance. They'd already had one Daae.. Christine didn't think they would want another. But they called my name. Oh my.. She blinked and turned to look at her parents who were both just ecstatic. Her mouth gaped open. "I can't believe this," she murmured.

"Christine, if you would, please come to the stage," the judge requested.

She slowly stood from her seat. Her legs were shaking as every pair of eyes in the room turned in her direction. More applause could be heard. Christine could only walk slowly, still in shock. She approached the stage, ascended the steps, and walked towards the judges who were all smiling encouragingly. She had to swallow back the lump in her throat.. it would be embarrassing to cry in front of everyone.

"Congratulations," they exclaimed simultaneously.

Then, the judge with the microphone laughed and said, "My, how interesting this is. Not only will she be the youngest leading soprano the opera has ever had, but she is also our previous soprano, Beth Daae's, daughter."

Christine could only stand there and laugh awkwardly.

The judge suddenly became serious. "I want it to be made clear that Christine was chosen based on her talent. She is, truly, the most talented competitor. She is what this company is looking for." He could see that Christine was still in a state of disbelief, and he squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. "How do you feel?" he asked into the microphone. And then, to her horror, he held the microphone out towards her.

She realized that she was going to have to get used to this kind of attention and took the microphone from him. "I feel.." How do I feel? What's a good word? "Surprised. And grateful. I feel incredibly grateful to receive this honor."

The judge took the microphone again, obviously satisfied with her answer. "No, we are grateful. We're very grateful to receive such talent." Then, to the rest of the competitors, he said, "We thank all of you very much for coming here today. Each of you are very special. There will be other auditions in the future, and we encourage every one of you to attend. Have a wonderful rest of the day, and thank you again for coming."

Everyone began shuffling out of the building. All Christine wanted was to see Erik, but the judges explained that she had to go to the managers' office to receive instructions and led her away.

Erik watched from his distance, his distance being Box 5, one of the private balcony rooms. She'd won. His angel had won, as he knew she would. A small, proud smile seemed to be plastered on his face as he watched her walk off the stage with the judges.

Now, he was left with his thoughts. His main thoughts were of what had occurred earlier. He had removed his mask in front of Christine. Yes, she couldn't see and yes, she was extremely trustworthy, all of which he was most grateful for.. but it was still hard to believe. He'd never trusted another soul enough to 'see'.

His mind was in deep thought over it all. If there had been enough light, any at all, she would have seen.. What would she have thought? What would she have said? He shook his head. I cannot go there… And yet.. She wishes to see so badly. I can see that. His thoughts turned fierce and he crossed his arms. But, as she already said, this is about what I want. This is my face, after all.

After a moment, Erik's arms uncrossed and he sighed. She is so unselfish, though.. And I? I am more selfish than anyone. It's true, she had already blamed and belittled herself for her own curiosity. She had no reason to condemn herself. The fault is my own. His thoughts were turning repetitive and he gritted his teeth. We have been through this. I cannot show her my face. So why can't these thoughts leave me alone?

One Hour Later

Christine and her proud parents exited the opera house with grins on their faces. She listened to their compliments distantly while really wishing she could see Erik. She wondered if he was still somewhere waiting for her.

Her question was answered rather quickly when she saw that his car was still parked near her parents'. Her eyes lit up when she saw that there was a person in the driver's seat. She instantly said, "Bye, Mom and Dad! I'll see you later," and darted for his car. "Erik!" she exclaimed upon opening the passenger's side door.

He smiled at her. "Hello, angel." Erik leaned over and kissed her forehead once she was situated inside. "I knew you would win. You were magnificent."

"I was so surprised! Seriously, I'd convinced myself that I wasn't going to win. I mean, there were a lot of good singers.."

"Yes, but as the judge said, you were the superb singer. You stunned them all, as I knew you would." He was grinning at her, which made Christine blush.

"It's because of you, you know," she said softly. "All of this is because of you."

Erik frowned not liking what he was hearing. "Christine, my love, none of this is because of me. You always give me far too much credit. You were the one who sang. You are the one who has exceeded any amount of hope and expectations I have had during our years of voice lessons. You are the star. I am merely an admirer," he added with a shrug.

"An admirer," she repeated with a laugh. "No, you're the person I love more than anyone else in the world. You mean everything to me. You're the most important part of my life."

An intense look entered his eyes and he turned towards the steering wheel. "Let's go." Erik was in deep thought again. He'd had a lot of time to think things through. Christine loved him. There was no doubt in his mind. She'd proven it time and time again. Still, it was hard to believe that he could receive love from such an angel, but the proof was there. And he loved her more than life itself. She was his soul mate through and through. Everything he did, he did for her.

There was one obstacle in their way, whether she said so or not. He knew. The mask would always be in the way, and it made him sick to think that their relationship would never be perfect because of it. Why his thoughts on the matter refused to leave him alone was still a question he couldn't answer, but it hardly mattered anymore. The thoughts were there, and they weren't going to go away until the two of them discussed it again.

Christine sat in comfortable silence completely oblivious to Erik's thoughts. Everything was perfect in her eyes. She'd won, they were together, and their future looked like it would be everything she'd ever dreamt of and more.

They arrived at the apartment, and Erik opened his car door and quickly moved around the car to open hers in a gentlemanly way. He held her hand while they walked to the front door, and when they got inside, he closed the door and turned to Christine with proud, loving eyes. "How do you feel, angel?"

She smiled. "I feel wonderful. I feel better than I've ever felt. How do you feel?" she asked curiously. Confusion was beginning to enter her mind. He was acting strange. "Are you ok?"

He nodded after a moment. "Yes, I've just been thinking. First though, are you hungry? You've had quite a long day."

Though she had been rather tired from it all, her energy was quickly returning. Food could wait. "No, I'm fine," she said quickly. "What are you thinking about? I mean, if you want to tell me, that is."

Christine was just so polite, always putting others' needs and wants before her own. A kind of pained look entered his eyes as he studied her patient expression. "Would you like to sit.." He had to think of where a good place would be. "In the music room?" he continued.

She nodded. "Of course." They walked to the intended room and sat in their respective seats. Christine then waited for him to speak.

"I've had a large amount of time to think," he slowly began.

Nerves were beginning to enter her system. Think of what? Their relationship was the first thing to enter her mind. What if he-.. She didn't have time to continue her thought as Erik spoke again.

"You must be wondering why I took my mask off earlier. I, too, have wondered." He sighed. "You see, I have never done anything like that before. I suppose my reasons are that you are the most important person to me and I want your happiness above all else. I know you wish to see my face. I know and understand your curiosity, and I realize that I would feel the same way if our roles were reversed."

Christine wanted to speak, to interject in some way, but she knew her interjections would be a lie. What he was saying was true.

He looked deeply into her eyes. "I don't want our love to be strained because of my face. I don't want either of us to keep things from one another. I-I want you to love me… It's just.. I fear you won't if you see what lies beneath this mask. You-.. You'll leave me." By the end of his sentence, Erik was looking down at his hands and suppressing tears. He'd never been so open with anyone.

She was trying to suppress her own tears. He was just so wrong. "Erik, I would never, never leave you. I wish you would believe that." Christine could see the doubt in his eyes. "Your face is part of you, just like everything else. I already love it. It's like.." She tried to think of how to put it. "I feel like we're already connected even beyond marriage, but when we do marry, the vows we say to each other will be irreversible. They signify our commitment to each other in everything we do. Nothing will change that, I promise you. You're still you, regardless of what you look like on the outside. What's on the inside means more to me than anything else. I might have some bad qualities, but judgmental cruelty isn't one of them. I want you to trust me," she ended softly. Did what I just say even make sense?

Tears spilled over and he wrapped his arms around her without hesitation. He'd never felt so touched. "I love you," he murmured softly. "I love you." He kissed her temple before backing away. "I do trust you. I wouldn't have removed my mask earlier if I didn't trust you. But when it comes to this.." He pointed to his mask. "Trust is not enough. I know you're strong, Christine, but I don't know if you're strong enough for this. I-it's indescribable how grotesque it is." Self hatred threatened to take over, but the look in her eyes stopped it from happening. "What is it?" he asked uncertainly.

Christine smiled reassuringly. "I'm so glad you realize that I'm strong. Sometimes it's hard for me to realize it, but when it comes to this, strength is something I do have. But I don't need strength to see your face. I need strength to show you that it's ok, that I love you, and that I love your face."

Erik let his eyes fall to his hands once more. "You speak too soon, Christine."

She wouldn't back down, not after they'd come so far. "Your face has a bad deformity, I know that. You've prepared me almost too much." Christine leaned over and placed her hand under his chin to turn him towards her. "Erik, I'm ready to see. I'm ready. And let me assure you, I won't leave you. But let me also say, it might take me a little while to really see and get used to seeing your entire face. That's normal," she reassured.

He could see her determination and strength. It was radiating off her perfect frame. "You're serious," he finally stated with shock in his tone. "You really are ready." He stared at her and studied her expression for a long time, trying to find an ounce of hesitation. His entire being was filled with hesitation and fear, but he saw none of that in her. She was waiting patiently for either a 'yes' or 'no' answer.

Erik had resigned himself to answer her the way he finally found he could. "Yes." He put all of his strength into pushing aside the doubt, the worry, the fear, and the 'no' answer that wished to be said. "Ok." He closed his eyes. "I can never be fully prepared for the rejection you most likely will reveal.." He heard the intake of breath, meaning that she wished to contradict his words, but he wouldn't let her. "But if I at least know it is a very possible reaction, then perhaps it will not be as hard." He opened his eyes and looked at her seriously. "Do not hesitate to tell me anything you feel." He sighed before nodding in resignation.

Then, even slower than when he'd removed his mask earlier in the day, Erik moved his hands upward to release the ties that held his mask in place. He was inwardly embarrassed and apologizing for his hesitation.

To Christine, however, time meant nothing. She was more than fine to wait for hours, if that is what it would take. After everything he'd said, she knew she was ready. But, at the same time, she couldn't deny that she was a little nervous, for who wouldn't be? That was something she would never tell him, though.

Erik gasped when, all too soon, the mask fell from his face onto his lap. Really, though, it'd taken him at least five minutes. He could only keep his eyes tightly closed and breathe deeply.

Christine swallowed while staring. He was right. His face was deformed, and the deformity was bad. As he'd also said, the extent of it was indescribable. It was definitely the worst deformity she had ever seen.

Her eyes travelled every inch of the right side of his face. She was so focused on studying it that she didn't even think about gasping or showing any sort of voiced reaction. In fact, she wasn't showing any sort of visible reaction, and she didn't even notice that she was closing the distance between them as she continued to look at it. Before she could even think to resist, her hand reached out towards his cheek.

His eyes were still closed as the silence stretched on. He didn't realize or sense Christine drawing near.

Finally, her hand gently touched his deformed cheek, and she blinked coming out of her serious studying. She suddenly realized what she had done just as his eyes snapped open. She heard him gasp in a frozen state, but she didn't move away. She came to the realization that she wasn't scared and she most definitely wasn't going to run.

It was impossible to come up with a description of what she was thinking. Her hand caressed his cheek lightly as her eyes stayed fixed on the deformity. She didn't see the tears that were beginning to invade his eyes until she felt wetness on her hand. Christine's eyes locked onto his as she came back to reality, and she moved her hand away. "Did I hurt you?" she whispered urgently.

Erik shook his head but didn't say anything. His voice wouldn't let him speak.

She looked at him with questioning eyes while reaching out towards his cheek again.

He slowly nodded, allowing her to touch it.

Her hand came in contact with the deformity again, and she ran her fingers over every part of it. A feeling of intense care and a strange sense of protectiveness was beginning to enter her being. Finally, she was able to see the most private and secret part of him. Her protectiveness towards his face was continuing to grow until a strong urge swelled in her. She had to fulfill it to make him understand.

I'll never let anything happen to you, her mind whispered, yet it was a weird and almost silly thought. Then, without hesitation, she moved forward to kiss his cheek with the amount of love she felt towards it. Tears slid down her cheeks as her lips lingered against his cheek before moving up and down the length of his deformity.

Erik instantly gasped and let out a moan of protest, but her hands wrapped around his neck so that he couldn't back away. It was.. stunning. He was absolutely speechless and shocked beyond all reason as she continued to kiss it. How? "How?" He'd finally spoken.

Christine moved her lips to his and she kissed him twice before slightly backing away. "I told you before," she whispered while looking into his eyes. "I already loved your face before I saw behind your mask. And I don't know how it's even possible, but I love you more now. Maybe it's because you trusted me enough to let me see." She was just so happy. "I love every part of you. I only hope you understand that now."

He stared at her in awe. "How is it possible that someone such as you can love me? How can I be loved by such an angel?"

Her lips curled upward. "I could ask you the same question. But if you must have a reason.. well, there are a lot of reasons, a lot, a lot. You're the most incredible person I know. You're also the nicest, most interesting person I know. You treat me like I'm something special when it's really you who's the special one. I don't feel worthy-" His lips suddenly descended upon hers and she returned his kiss of gratitude with the strength she finally knew she possessed. "You make me feel strong," she said against his lips.

"You make me feel invincible," Erik replied before kissing her again. This was so much to take in. Her love and devotion towards his face seemed unreal. The fact that she had felt it and kissed it seemed impossible. Her words seemed too good to be true. His utter joy seemed unimaginable. But kissing her seemed right. Kissing her, thanking her… It was the least he could do. There weren't enough words in the English language he could say to show her his gratitude, so kissing her would have to be enough.

Christine let out a giggle at how enthusiastic he was being. She could tell that each kiss was a signification of his thanks, although he needn't thank her. But she was enjoying kissing him, so she would let him know her thoughts later.

Erik suddenly knew another way he could thank her. Perhaps the English language wasn't enough, but maybe speaking to her in French could be a small way of showing his thankfulness. "Merci, Christine. Merci, mon amour."

Her heart swelled with giddiness and a big smile came to her face, as it always did when he spoke to her in French. "I love it when you speak French. You have the most beautiful voice."

He chuckled and decided to indulge her. "Merci, mon ange." He kissed her forehead but let out a gasp when he felt her hand caress his right cheek again. Eventually, though, he let his eyes close and he leaned into her hand.

His reaction was most appreciated and she continued to caress his cheek while staring into his eyes. "I love you more than I can say."

Erik was still shocked but the power of his shock was slowly fading. "And I love you. It seems like an understatement." He watched as she nodded in agreement. They were still for a few moments while staring at each other.

Christine was memorizing each detail of the face she loved. "I want you to know that you don't have to wear your mask around me."

His eyes widened. "Are you serious?"

"Yes."

"I'll try to remember that," he promised softly while still in disbelief.

She smiled with pride in her eyes. "Erik, will you.. I mean, could you play something for me? I love hearing you play the piano."

He smiled at her question. He would do anything for her, he would give her the world, and yet all she wanted was to hear him play. He adored her. "Of course, darling. Would you like to sit beside me?" She nodded eagerly, and they both moved to the piano.

Erik played the song they had danced to a little over a month ago, and Christine recognized it immediately. She watched in awe and, as always, was extremely impressed. After he played, they decided it was time to eat dinner.

They left the room hand in hand, Erik's face still maskless.

It was everything they had ever wanted: happiness, love, and commitment. Erik and Christine completed one another. After six years of getting to know each other and growing closer, there was finally no doubt- they were going to be together for many years to come.

Ok, well, that's it. I'm not even sure if this should be considered an epilogue.. It's just so long! But I'm an amateur writer, so to me it's an epilogue haha.

I want to thank each and every reviewer. I know I didn't reply to many reviews like I should have, but I want each of you to know that your words have meant more to me than I can ever get across. Really, just thank you so much. You've all been huge inspirations to me. So again, thank you, thank you. Oh, and thank you :)

Well, I know it has taken forever for this story to be completed. I'll miss it a lot. I hope the ending proved to be ok.

Farewell!

-Lauren :)