And yet another long delayed chapter... But at least it was only about a week. God, school is swarming me like dust swarms a Swiffer. Sorry, I've been obsessed with Swiffers lately for some unexplainable reason. Anyway, this chapter will have the most action in it, and although little red flags may go up here and there, just stick with it.

Disclaimer: Okay, if I did own PotO, what the hell would I be doing on fanfiction? I'd be publishing million dollar novels or making movies or taking baths in money. So get it through your head. I don't own it.


"Hey, Erik? Erik..." Noiselessly Erik's eyes opened at Alyssa's prodding, and she jumped slightly at the suddenness of his movement.

"Oh, god, you scared me," she whispered, her hand on her chest.

"I apologize, Alyssa. But why did you wake me?" Erik asked, sitting up and blinking to get his eyes into focus. He stifled a yawn and ran a hand once over his unmasked cheek.

Alyssa paused for a moment, appearing rather nervous before him. "Well, I..." She took a deep breath before continuing. "You know how when you're, um... when you haven't had anything to drink in a long time, and your throat feels really dry and stuff? It's kinda- no, it's really- hard to go to sleep. And, well, I have no idea how to get water around here, so I had to wake you up and.. yeah..." Erik noticed that she was wringing her hands slowly, and stood up.

"No need to get tongue-tied, Alyssa," he muttered dismissively, noting how her mouth dropped open in indignation. He cut her off before she could protest. "I'll show you how to get water." He led her to a small hidden doorway in the corner of the room, behind which was a comfortable yet elegant-looking kitchen. Erik took a copper goblet out of a cupboard, then showed Alyssa a very clever fountain for water. "There you are, my dear," he murmured, handing the full goblet to her.

With a slight smile, Alyssa took a sip of water. "Thank you," she breathed, her throat very relieved. The end of her nightgown gently rested against her thighs, and she suddenly remembered what she was wearing. "Hey, Erik..." she began, "you know, I've... kinda been wearing the same thing for a few days now, and it's, uh, a little weird. I... don't suppose that, well..."

"Would you like me to take you above ground, Alyssa?" Erik spoke up. "We can look for some new clothes for you." Somehow it seemed to Alyssa that Erik could always sense how she felt and what she was thinking.

"I mean, I don't want to impose or anything, but.. maybe, yeah. I, uh, also don't have any money, but I could find some way to pay you back... or something. We don't even have to go today. In fact, I was thinking that tomorrow might be better..." Erik, who had been walking toward her the whole time, tentatively put a finger to her lips to quiet her.

He stared softly into her eyes, lowering his hand. "It's okay, Alyssa. Don't be afraid to ask for things you need. Tomorrow will actually be better, and I will be glad to take you. Thank you for being so considerate as to think of which day might be best."

Erik gave Alyssa a half-grin, and she let herself smile back. She whispered a quiet, "Thank you," and Erik nodded in response.

"Can you teach me how to play the organ?" she asked suddenly. That was the last thing Erik had expected her to say, and he, for once, was unable to hide his surprise.

His voice uncertain, Erik inquired, "You... you're interested in the organ?" Alyssa eagerly nodded twice, and he grinned. "Well, if you're sure, then how could I refuse a pupil?"

Alyssa smiled, and Erik led her to the instrument. She knew that all she really wanted was to give Erik a chance to feel important (and, perhaps, happy), but nevertheless she sat down beside Erik on the bench when he motioned for her to do so.

"So do you know anything about the piano or organ?" Erik questioned, thinking that it would be a good idea to find out what she already knew.

"I can play one song, but that's only because I memorized which keys to press by watching my friend. I can't read notes or identify them on the keyboard or anything," Alyssa answered. Erik nodded once, thinking to himself, then he suddenly pointed to a key on the organ.

"Perhaps we should start with the basics, then. This key, Alyssa, is an 'A' note." He pressed the key gently, letting the sound echo throughout his home. "The notes are labeled A through G. Each A on this organ is eight keys apart. From one A to another is called an octave. ...Are you understanding this?"

Though she really only understood bits and pieces of it, Alyssa nodded. So, A through G, and every eight keys is an octave... alrighty then.

At Alyssa's nod, Erik continued.

"Good. Now... if we go on to reading the notes on paper..." He then proceeded to give her instructions for reading them, which took more than an hour and which he had to repeat twice before Alyssa started to show signs that she could remember what he said. It took a remarkably long time, but Erik didn't mind. If Alyssa wanted to learn, he knew that he would teach her until his death.

Is it normal for me to get this attached to my first friend? he wondered. ...It probably is. After all, she's the only human I've seen in more than a month. I'm just happy to have someone to talk to...

"Will you play something for me?" Alyssa asked then, interrupting his thoughts. "I mean, I appreciate my lesson and all, but it's a little much for the first day. For me, at least. Would you please play a song, so I can hear one."

"Weren't you listening when I played all those songs a few days ago?"

Alyssa turned her gaze to the ground. "To be honest, not really. I still thought you'd kidnapped me, remember? I heard you, but I wasn't listening, you know?"

Erik nodded, then placed his hands softly on the organ. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, then began to play. It was one of his own compositions, but one of his lighter ones, rather than a dark, morbid melody.

With a look of wonder upon her face, Alyssa watched him play. She observed the passionate way his fingers touched every key in the beautiful song. Slowly her eyes skimmed up his arm and came to rest on his face.

He really loves music, she thought as she gazed at the expression his features created. It was one of intense love and peace, as though music was his only care in the world.

Now that she was taking the time to look, Alyssa noticed how attractive the visible side of Erik's face was. For someone who lived underground in a cave, she considered his looks to be fairly pleasing to the eye. He wasn't exactly, to her, drop-dead gorgeous, but he wasn't exceptionally unfortunate-looking either.

All too soon the song came to an end. Alyssa shook herself and looked away before Erik realized that she was staring at him.

"That was... lovely," she spoke, at last meeting Erik's gaze. She grinned and tried to run her fingers through her hair, but it had too many knots in it. Alyssa gave up after struggling with it for a moment, and Erik noticed.

"I hope it won't make you uncomfortable if I mention this, but... I imagine that you may need to bathe yourself," he murmured, and Alyssa drew back upon instinct. Erik hastily explained himself. "I didn't mean anything by it, Alyssa, I swear. I was simply going to offer use of the bath in the bathroom to you. You know that there's a lock on the door," he added quickly, catching the fleeting suspicious look that Alyssa gave him.

At last Alyssa sighed. "Of course, you're right. I have been needing to... yeah. ...So, what? I guess I just go now?"

"Whenever you like. It makes no difference to me," Erik answered without looking at her. Alyssa nodded, then slowly rose and withdrew into Erik's room. She walked into the small bathroom, then shut and locked the door behind herself.

This really is a very pretty bathroom, she thought to herself, sliding her hand over the smooth marble of the countertop. She paused for a moment, then knelt down and turned the old-fashioned tap for the bath.

As the water poured into the tub, which was set in the ground, Alyssa took off her nightgown and undergarments, cautiously darting her eyes about the room. She trusted Erik a little by now, but sometimes you couldn't be sure. It always helped to be careful.

Once the bath was full, Alyssa slowly eased her body into the water. She gasped at it's cold temperature, but told herself firmly that she might as well get used to it, because that might be the only type of water she'd ever take again. Deciding that it would be better if she got her bath over with quickly, Alyssa grabbed the available bar of soap and rubbed it between her hands to get them covered in suds.

What I wouldn't give for some Pantene, she thought grimly as she furiously scrubbed her scalp. It hurt a lot, but she gritted her teeth and didn't stop. She had to pause occasionally to put more soap on her hands, but at last her entire head was white with suds.

Alyssa sighed as she leaned back and let the cold water rinse her hair. She sat there in bliss for a few seconds, then let her fingers help to get all of the soap washed out. Then she set to work on her body.


Erik drummed his fingers on the table in a steady rhythm. Even though Alyssa had tried to be quick about bathing, she was still taking quite a bit of time. He found himself wondering if something could have possibly happened to he. He didn't know exactly what, but something.

With a small groan Erik stood up. His mind wouldn't let him rest until he knew for certain that she was okay. He wandered into his room and over to the bathroom door.

"Alyssa?" he called, reaching out and knocking twice. "Alyssa, are you all rig-" He was cut off as the door suddenly opened and smacked into him- hard.

Surprised, Erik's hand flew to the bridge of his nose, which hurt the most. His mask had taken most of the impact, but not all. Erik took a step back as Alyssa came out, nothing but a towel around her body.

"Oh god, are you okay?" she asked, touching his fingers with hers lightly and holding the towel with the other hand. He eyes were wide with concern, and she repeatedly apologized to him. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"

Carefully massaging the bridge of his nose, Erik managed a smile. "I'm okay, Alyssa. Really. You just caught me off guard was all. I was just going to tell you that dinner was ready when you opened the door and... well, you know."

Alyssa laughed. "I hope I didn't hit you too hard. I really am sorry..." Both of them were silent for a few seconds, as they realized at the same time what Alyssa was wearing. Alyssa blushed and took a step back. "I'm going to get dressed, and then I'll come eat, okay?" Erik nodded and quickly left the room to give her privacy, not looking back.

Oh god. I can't believe I came out like that. Nothing but a god damn towel... What was I thinking? Alyssa slipped her nightgown over her head and sighed. Things could've gotten out of hand. Once she was dressed in all she had, she walked back into the main room, where Erik was waiting.

In a very gentleman-like fashion, Erik pulled her chair out for her so she could sit down, then pushed it in when she was seated. "Alyssa, you're going to be having water, I presume?" he asked.

"Actually, Erik, I think I'll try some of that wine you like to drink," she replied. "I mean, if that's okay with you. ...I need to be able to taste something tonight."

Erik looked at her apprehensively. "Do you think you could handle it? I'm afraid everything I have is quite strong, and you're still young..."

"Oh, to hell with it. And I'm not that young. Seventeen, for your information," Alyssa snapped playfully. "Maybe a little under the drinking age in my time, but is there even a drinking age now? Not that it would really matter. Please, Erik?"

At last, after a long minute of consideration, Erik gave in to her. He filled her glass with the deep maroon liquid, then filled his own and sat across from her. His eyes surveyed her with just a hint of nervousness as she raised the glass to her lips and sipped the wine.

Alyssa's head nodded from side to side. "It's okay, I guess," she remarked. "Better than water, but not as good as a latte. Then again, what is?" She took another long drink, then began to eat.

I hope she can take the alcohol, Erik thought to himself. Depending on how long it's been since I've had wine, sometimes it can be strong for even me. And especially if this is her first time drinking...

"Alyssa, my dear, do you think that maybe you should go back to water?" he asked as she drained her third glass. "At least for tonight?"

With a girlish giggle that was most unlike herself, Alyssa questioned, "Now why do you say that?" Her eyes were a bit glazed over as she elegantly filled her glass again.

Oh, she'll be fine. ...The wine won't kill her, at any rate, and she seems... happy. I shouldn't worry about her so much. Erik shrugged and grinned at Alyssa, who smiled back as she took another drink.

A while later, Alyssa surprised him with a question. "Do you dance?" she asked, eyes wide now and pupils unfocused. Erik frowned and his brow furrowed in concern.

"...A bit, I suppose," he answered warily, staring at Alyssa.

She laughed and tossed a stray hair over her shoulder. "What kind of dance?" she inquired. "I mean, I'm sure you don't, like, freak dance or anything. But do you salsa?" Her face suddenly lit up. "Oh, tell me you know how to tango!"

Still surprised and wondering where this was going, Erik nodded. Alyssa smiled, then stood up and took his hand. She signaled for him to get up, which he did, then she tugged on his arm until he followed her into his room.

"What are you doing, Alyssa?" Erik asked her. She turned to face him.

"The tango, duh!" she laughed, and Erik gave her a quizzical look. Deciding to go along with her since it at least kept her from drinking, he tentatively took her hand, and his fingers found their way to her back. He counted the seconds and started to dance.

The tango, being such a serious dance, didn't require for them to get too close. Erik wasn't sure if he liked that or not, though. Half of him was fine keeping Alyssa where she was, but once or twice he got a crazy urge to pull her closer.

He shook himself as he thought about it, and suddenly he lost his balance and tripped over the side of his bed. He fell onto its soft surface, and immediately Alyssa burst into peals of laughter.

Feeling emboldened, Erik grabbed her arm and pulled her down beside him. He stared at the ceiling and listened as Alyssa slowly stopped laughing.

All of the sudden, she rolled over so that half of her body was atop his. Erik's brow furrowed in confusion as he watched her hand slide down his shirt, pausing every few seconds. Finally it hit him that she was... unbuttoning his shirt! Alyssa parted the front of it, and Erik felt a strange sensation spread throughout him as her fingers touched his chest. Her hand traveled to his neck, then to his face, and hesitantly it stroked his mask until her fingers found the edge.

"No, Alyssa. I can't let you do that." Erik was surprised with how calm he was able to act. A million different emotions and thoughts were scurrying around his mind, but he managed to not show it.

With a slightly disappointed sigh, Alyssa contented herself with caressing the skin of his torso. A buzzing feeling spread from her fingertips, making Erik's whole chest feel as though it was on fire.

"Alyssa, what are you doin-"

"Ssh," she shushed, and Erik fell silent, his eyes wide. Alyssa sighed and lay her cheek on the beautifully sculpted muscles of his chest. Her eyes closed lazily as she whispered, "Erik... love me."

The words alone, if you took no notice to the way she said them or the position she and Erik happened to be in, were relatively harmless. But Erik knew the position they were in, and detected the tone she used. She didn't want him to love her emotionally. She wanted him to love her physically.

And all of the sudden Erik could see it. He could see himself finding a great pleasure he'd always been denied. In his mind's eye, he could see himself making love to her gorgeous body. He could feel it.

Then his vision was gone, replaced by a memory.

"No..." Tears slowly trailed down her face as he prepared to take her as his. He rose to his feet in horror, but still she kept her eyes shut. She didn't even look at him as he left the room, feeling sorrier than he ever had before. She couldn't look at him. Erik knew then what he had to say.

"No, Alyssa. I can't. I'm afraid you're intoxicated, and you don't know what you're saying."

Alyssa groaned, moving slightly as she did so. "Why not? Are you afraid, Erik?"

Figuring there was little to be gained by lying (not that Alyssa would remember it anyway), Erik nodded and murmured, "Yes."

"Of what?"

"I'm afraid of losing the only friend I have. I'm afraid of what you would think of after I took advantage of your intoxication. And I'm afraid... of hurting you." Erik met her eyes at the last sentence.

"Oh, Erik..." Alyssa groaned again, and Erik found himself wishing that her nightgown wasn't so amazingly short and thin. He wished that her breath hitting his skin didn't feel so wonderful. It wouldn't be so hard for him to refuse her if it wasn't for those things. Erik bit his lip to try and keep from thinking of them.

When all of his attempts failed, Erik gave up. "Maybe I should just go now," he mumbled. He was about to slide Alyssa off him when she stopped him.

She still didn't open her eyes as she breathed, "No. Don't go. You're so warm."

Erik bit his lip again but decided to listen to her. He shifted his position so that she was where he could comfortably wrap one arm around her waist. Her breathing became slow and even against him, and after a few seconds Erik did not hesitate to join her in a peaceful slumber.


Ooohhh... Alyssa's not gonna be happy when she wakes up... And the more reviews I get, the faster she will wake up. Hope you guys liked it!