The drive back to Erik's place was filled with unexplainable pain and sorrow. Although Rosaline was the only one weeping between them, Erik felt considerably at fault for the way things had escalated only moments prior to their escape. His fear of acting out in regret however had overtaken his devotion to Rosaline and instead she managed to suffer on his account. Erik could only picture one other time in his life when he felt so disappointed with himself, and that was when he realised too little too late that a woman by the name of Bianca was carrying his child. Parking his Audi inside the garage, he stepped out of the vehicle and came around to Rosaline's side. Opening her passenger door, he noted the way her eyes were bloodshot and how her angelic face had morphed itself into puffy clouds of pink and red. Despite her tears and sadness, she was still the most beautiful woman in Erik's eyes, one whom he loved dearly.

"Sweetheart, can I carry you inside please?" Erik gently asked her.

Rosaline refused to meet his gaze but reluctantly gave in and offered him a small nod in confirmation. Bending to accomodate the height of the car, Erik scooped Rosaline in his arms and closed the door with the boot of his shoe. He carried her in through the house and cradled her body against his broad frame. She felt even lighter than usual, given how exhausted she must be feeling, both mentally and physically Erik silently thought. Once Erik had made it upstairs and turned to walk inside his room, he carried Rosaline towards his bed and softly placed her against the sheets. She immediately positioned her body away from his and curled her legs up against herself. The sight nearly made Erik's heart break, as for a solid few minutes he found himself looming over Rosaline's figure as he began to wonder if perhaps she had finally given up on him. The thought caused Erik to cower, as the fear within him continued to steadily build. Against his own wishes, Erik chose to leave Rosaline's side for a brief moment, while he ushered his way back downstairs to make her some tea. He also phoned his local Mediterranean restaurant and ordered an early dinner for him and Rosaline, which was scheduled to be delivered sometime soon. In the meantime, Erik raced back upstairs with Rosaline's tea and lied down beside her in bed. She didn't seem to want to acknowledge his presence for the moment, so instead Erik chose to show her how much he loved her in the only way he knew how.

"I am so sorry for the sudden and dramatic turn of events that occurred this afternoon Rose." Erik quietly began, whilst stroking her dark strands of hair.

"It was never my intention to aggravate your family and cause even further friction between you and them." He continued.

"I just want you to know that I am deeply appreciative of the way you defended me, even if your family will continue to think that I am not worthy of you love." Erik solemnly admitted.

"And maybe I'm not worthy of you love, but if there is anything that I am certain of sweetheart it is that my days spent with you have made me so incredibly happy and regardless of what our future may hold, I will forever be grateful for having the opportunity to love and care for you, just as you have always shown me the same, if not more in some instances."

Erik's eyes became slightly misty as he finished speaking, during which time Rosaline had shifted herself in bed and was now facing him. Her eyes were still filled with despair, but given the fact that she had made the decision to face him, Erik felt the smallest amount of hope alight inside of him. He watched her closely as she licked her lips several times, before finally building up enough courage to speak.

"I don't regret it, you know?" She weakly confessed.

"What is it you don't regret sweetheart? Erik questioned.

"I don't regret defending you because what you've made me realise Erik is that life isn't worth living if you can't experience real love. And with you, I feel that I am loved, constantly." She faintly whispered with fresh tears beginning to well up in her eyes.

"I love you so much Erik and I don't care what my family make of us, I just want to be with you." Rosaline heartbrokenly spoke, whilst clutching tightly onto Erik's shirt.

Erik's heart pounded loudly, as he felt the shatters of Rosaline's uncontrollable sobs fill the air around them. Her tears had quickly soaked his shirt and her iron grip on his body did not appear to be loosening anytime soon. Erik's heart continued to constrict with every new teardrop and wave of emotion that regrettably shook Rosaline. Despite her words, that were lovingly used to comfort and reassure him of their relationship, Erik knew that this conversation was long from over. He made a vow to himself in that moment to protect Rosaline at all costs and that included making sure that she remained to have a relationship with her parents and brothers. If Erik's own family had taught him anything, it was that without love from your family a person would never truly feel whole. No matter how much love Erik would continue to shower Rosaline with, he was well aware of the fact that only her family would ever be able to fill some parts of her heart with. It may not have been the reality that Erik wanted to surrender to, but it certainly was painfully genuine enough for him to consider it, if he wanted any chance of spending the rest of eternity with his beloved.