Angel of Doom and an English Rose (Phantom of the Opera)

Chapter 25 - Prisoner

Rosetta's POV:

I settle back against Erik's chest and snuggled into his arms. It had been one week since we had confessed our love for each other and he never let me go if he couldn't help it. He often said I was becoming his reason to live. He was also softening a little.

He wrapped his arms completely around me and kissed my cheek. He also couldn't keep his hands off me. He was always holding me or kissing me or something. Not that I minded though. I think it was a way for him to reassure himself I was a living breathing human, not just a figment of his own love-deprived mind.

We never talked about the mask and I never asked. I would ask one day but right now he needed to know I was there, not worry about rejection for his face. I had heard rumors of what he looked like but they were all jumbled and I never trusted such rumors. One day I would see. That was enough for now.

“Erik,” I whispered as I looked into the fire. “sing to me, please?” He chuckled and I smiled at the sound. I loved his laugh. He only laughed in my presence though. He always said he had to keep up the hard exterior.
“Very well, Rose, if you wish. What do you want me to sing?”

“Oh, anything, Angel, anything at all.” He smiled and held me closer as he began to sing.

I suppose that I look different without the robes and crown
I come this day before you with no riches, no renown
For here I am no leader, I am just a humble man
And I only ask you take me, you take me as I am

I'm not looking for perfection, I'm not offering a saint
I'm not looking for a pretty bird to put in some restraint
The only thing I want is that you love me if you can
And I only ask you take me, you take me as I am

I offer you a look inside, I offer you that trust
I need your strength to help me fight the battles that I must
I need you to remind me of the light we bear within
That there's more to life than struggle and the things we seek to win

Don't take me out of duty, don't take me out of pride
Just take me if the man you see is one you'd stand beside
I'm offering an open heart, I'm asking for your hand
And I only ask you take me, you take me as I am

You take me as I am

When he was done, I quickly wiped away the tears that were trickling down his neck. He looked down at me with love-filled eyes and kissed me before saying,

“Thank you for taking as I am. Monster though I be.” I kissed him back and whispered,

“Oh, but you are not a monster. Oh, I wish you could see the man I know. The man I see and love.” He smiled sadly and rubbed my arm gently.

“I fear I will never see. But I always enjoy your attempts to make me see.” I grinned and kissed his masked cheek before laying my head back on his chest.
Suddenly the door opened and Daroga stepped through. He knew of our relationship and everything so I didn't bother to move from my place. He smiled at me but before he could say a word, Erik snapped,

“*It is customary to knock first before entering. What the devil are you doing here at this hour? I didn't not invite you.*” He had softened with me but was just as curt with anyone else.

Daroga let his voice boom as he said,

“*This is not a social visit. I come here in my official capacity, as chief of police in this region, to arrest you for treason. You must prepare to leave at once.*” Erik laughed but Daroga gestured for him to stop. He tilted his head and looked at him curiously. I was simply very confused.