🖤

Davis Gaines & Marie Danvers, POTO Los Angeles 1998

This is one of my favorite kisses in Phantom history. Marie Danvers and Davis Gaines had such a beautiful and unique approach to this moment. After "make your choice," Gaines curls into himself, desperately avoiding any touch or further attempts at persuasion. Danvers grabs him from this curled position and their first kiss is born of desperation.

But then Danvers steps back. And instead of throwing her arms around the Phantom and hugging him like the usual blocking demands, she faces him. She makes eye contact with him, takes in his full humanity and vulnerability. And if you pay close attention to the second gif, you see Gaines's Phantom mouth "Christine" with total shock, longing, and reverence.

The second kiss isn't desperate; it's a gift of love and compassion. Danvers smiles before pulling him in again, taking his face in her hands. Gaines lifts a trembling hand but can't bring himself to place it in her hair. And when they finally separate they don't tear themselves away dramatically. They just...behold each other and let the moment linger.

NOT every creature is safe to handle! F. snipsnapi and related subgenera are obligate phalangivores and the leading cause of finger loss worldwide.