The Man Clad in Black: Book Two

A Letter from Christine - Chapter 1

You were cut off by a kiss, and a flood of nostalgia washed over you.

The circumstances had taken you back to the first (and most recent) time he had kissed you, which had been after you were livid with him for picking a fight with your friend and fellow employee, Matthew. A kiss never failed to be the only way to express the both of your passion for one another. While it would probably start a fire near impossible to douse out, it was much better than being wrapped up in what could happen to your beloved.

The kiss was quick to be followed by another, and then another, and then another... It was hard to tell how many times your lips touched until you both breathlessly pulled away, tangled in the other's arms.

Erik stared you right in the eye.

"Have you forgotten who I am?" Erik asked. You couldn't help but notice that his lips had parted into a gentle (and quite comforting) smile. "I have done quite a few unspeakable things, and yet, I've managed to escape capture thus far... I'm certain that I will be alright."

"That won't stop me from being worried about you, Erik," you said. You had gone through so much just to be with him... Your heart had practically been torn out, you had to watch him fall in love with someone else, and after such a long time of waiting, you weren't about to give all of that up. Erik's hand moved to stroke your hair, and as he pulled you to his chest and rocked you ever-so-gently, you felt at least a little bit better.

"I suppose that nothing will," he muttered, though you could practically hear him smile. After a moment or two, he pulled away from, and still looked you right in the eye. "You look like you need rest, [Y/N]..."

That was probably true. Even though it wasn't too late - probably not even an hour before sunset - you were utterly exhausted from last night's events.

You nodded softly as you laid down on your bed.

"You're right," you muttered, resting your head on your pillow as you let your eyes flutter shut. "Thank you..."

However, when you got no response, you realized that Erik had turned to leave, and due to the fact that you didn't wish to be all alone for the night, you were quick to stop him again.

"Erik?" you called out, and you noticed him pause immediately. He glanced over his shoulder to meet your gaze, and he cocked an eyebrow with both confusion and concern of what else you had to say. You drew in a deep breath as you thought about the words. "Can you sleep with me tonight? Not as in - well, you know, sleeping sleeping - but just... Hold onto me, perhaps?"

He seemed to think for a moment. He would normally reject such an offer, but he knew that you were a respectable person, and that you weren't after going after anything more than just someone to hold onto you.

He let out a sigh as he made his way back to you.

"Alright then." Your eyes fluttered open as he knelt beside you, and you couldn't help but smile as he tucked you in like the many times he had done so before. Once you were under the blanket, he made his way to the opposite side of the bed. Hesitantly, and quite carefully, he slipped under the covers. You felt him move to press against you. He wrapped an arm around you and slid hand on top of yours, gently lacing the both of your fingers, and he used his other hand to gently move your hair from off of your neck so that he could rest his head there.

His embrace immediately made you feel that much better.

Perhaps he hadn't realized how wonderful this would be. After a moment of holding you, he let out a long sigh and seemed to bury his face further into your neck, clearly content with the circumstances.

"Is this alright?" he muttered under his breath.

You nodded.

"It's just perfect," you muttered with a smile. "Thank you."

Too lazy to move to your cheek, Erik gently pressed a kiss against your neck, yet again seeming to pull you impossibly closer to him.

"It's my pleasure," he said with a soft nod. "Now shush... and goodnight."

A/N: Ahh! First chapter up! Thanks for reading, and sorry for any errors... I wrote this late last night (because I was waiting in an airport to pick up my brother and had nothing to do), so please forgive me if it's just... eh XD