I am NOT a Phan! (Deleted scenes):

Okay, since I was late updating two Fridays in a row I thought I would put a little comedy/fluff into the story so you know what you missed. This is what happened with Erik/Erica while Hailey and Anthony were outside. Hope you guys like it, and I have to say this is not necessary but...it was my birthday Monday and I wrote some fluff.

As I left Hailey and Anthony to talk I ran as fast as my legs could carry me to Box 5. I'm not dumb, I know that Erik loves Christine, but that doesn't mean that I didn't want to pick his brain a bit and maybe...be his friend. I brought an éclair as a peace offering, and I quietly sat down in his seat to wait for him. After about two minutes of silence I felt like an idiot.

What are the chances he would even be in his box unless it was an opening night performance? Sighing at my complete lack of thought I stood, prepared to leave when I heard His voice say, "Were you waiting for me?"

I concentrated on where his voice was coming from and turned, successfully spotting him in the shadows. He looked surprised; I shrugged, "Hoping you would show up, actually. I'm uh, I'm sorry about Christine and Buquet." I held out the éclair to him saying, "Here..."

He tilted his head to the side, "What's this?"

I pushed the bagged éclair into his hand, "It's something to drown your sorrows in. Well, I don't know about you but that's what people do in the future when they're upset. I think it's a slightly better way to feel better about yourself without killing people. At least the extra weight wouldn't hurt you...sorry, I talk too much and I say things without thinking."

Erik shrugged, "I do not get to talk to people often, if you wish to go on for hours that would be fine by me."

Erik took a seat as I sat down in the floor and said, "Well aren't you sweet."

Erik opened the bag, staring at the pastry. I giggled, "You don't look at, you just eat it. When's the last time you ate something sweet and smothered in frosting anyway?"

Erik smiled sadly, "It has been a very long time; actually, I think never is a closer terminology."

I looked down, "Oh yeah, sorry. Well, uh, I hope you like it." I stood, preparing to leave because I felt as though I crossed a line; not to mention he had to take his mask off to eat.

"Where are you going?" Erik asked as I took two steps towards the door.

I stopped, "I was going to go, since you can't eat without taking off your mask...and I'm positive that you do not want to take your mask off in front of a complete stranger."

Erik looked down sadly, but realizing the same thing I had he only muttered a quiet, "Oh."

Seeing his sadness I added, "But if you wish me to stay I can turn my back. I promise not to look, not to mention I know what every version of you looks like anyway, so my curiosity is sated."

Erik simply nodded; I smiled and returned to my place on the floor facing the stage. I looked over the low railing as I heard the paper being unwrapped from the éclair. Once I heard a soft, smush I knew he had taken a bite and sighed, "So how is your first pastry? You don't have to answer right away though, take your time."

After a moment or two Erik had swallowed, "It is..." he trailed off and I was worried he didn't like it; but then he continued, "Better than finishing a song I have been working on for months." I laughed at that that was such an Erik answer.

"I'm glad you like it," I said as I heard him take another bite. "So, this is going to seem like a weird question but, what is it like to...well, be able to sing like you do? So beautifully you can put people in a trance, you don't even have to try. I've never heard you sing of course, but all the other Erik's have beautiful voices; the ones who sing of course."

Erik regarded me strangely; I could feel his eyes boring into the back of my skull. I didn't think he was going to answer me when finally he said, "You wish to sing. I hear the longing in your voice."

I shook my head, "You're trying to change the subject, we're talking about Erik; and I'm serious. I mean, you must feel proud, that's the one thing you posses that is more beautiful than any common person that walks the street of Paris."

Erik chuckled, "Now Mademoiselle, I believe you are the one trying to diverge from the path of the conversation. While I did not answer your question you also did not answer my question."

Jeez, he is a genius. "Two steps ahead of someone as always Erik. Although I did ask you first I will humor you with my ridiculous response first. I already sing in my Show Choir at school, Hailey does also. Hailey sings as an alto one, I'm a Soprano one, and well...that's about it. We compete against other schools in dancing and singing."

"Ah," Erik said. "Another soprano, eh? What solos, or duets, have you sung before? Surely there's something I've heard of."

My head fell to rest on top of my knees that were pulled close to my body. I shook my head slightly, "Oh, I've never done anything on my own; I sing in the chorus, sure I've auditioned but...let's just say I'm no Christine Daae.

Anyway, we're not talking about me. I've answered two of your questions while you have yet to answer one of mine."

Erik chuckled, "I believe you are right. Let's see, to describe how I feel about my voice is complicated. I do feel proud, but no one besides myself and Christine will ever hear it."

I sighed at this, "Well, so much for my chances. I guess I'll just have to be content with coming to your lair or your box and talking to you."

I heard Erik choke on a bite of his éclair; he cleared his throat then shakily asked, "You wish to talk to me once more?"

Even though he couldn't see my face I hoped he could feel my smile as I shook my head, "Absolutely! It's not every day you get taken back in time to 1871 Paris and get to meet the Phantom of the Opera. Besides, I like you. You and I are a lot alike."

Erik was silent for awhile as I heard him replace his mask, then he inquired, "How so?"

I turned back around, standing to lean against the rail as I shrugged, "I don't know. Different reasons I'd rather not go into, just kindred spirits I guess."

Erik regarded me curiously, just staring at me; before he could say anything I heard a bang on the wall outside and Hailey's voice. I looked at Erik and as I was about to open the door he grabbed my arm and ushered me behind the curtain in the box which had a hidden door that travelled inside of the wall.

When we looked out through a small hole we saw Anthony guide Hailey behind him and throw himself into a fighting position. I quickly glanced around the wall trying to find a certain lever; I found the one I was looking for. Surprising Erik I pulled on the lever and successfully pushed the wall open. I grabbed Anthony as Erik followed my lead, grabbing Hailey and slapping a hand across her mouth.

We waited until we heard my 'brother' Philippi start to curse and bang his hand on the wall. Hailey, what on Earth did you do? I relaxed as I heard Philippi leave. To my surprise Erik leaned over towards me and whispered, "You are full of surprises, aren't you? I find that I like you as well."

End Scene! 8D