This chapter should please you guys because this is when the fun stuff begins.

4. Confessions

It had seemed as though this peaceful existence between witch and phantom could go on forever, yet something was nagging at Elphaba. As much as Erik had opened up to her in the many months she had spent with him by sharing his music, she could not remember a single moment when he did not have his mask on. It hurt her. She had given him her trust and she though that she had his, but the stupid piece of porcelain seemed to get in the way. Though it was something she tried to hide, she was growing increasingly fond of Erik. His genteel and mysterious manner had charmed her and his appearance alone was quite enticing. She liked it when his hair hung lazily over his face, sometimes falling over his intriguing eyes. She liked how he gracefully filled his tall frame, and, as much as she was embarrassed to admit, how his shirt sometimes revealed his smooth, muscular torso. Every now and then her heart would play a trick on her mind and tease it at night with sensual and intimate dreams. Dreams of Fiyero were fading fast.

But at one point, all resistance broke, and she could no longer take the white barrier any longer. After all, if he was so handsome, why did he have to hide part of it anyway?

One night, after dinner, Erik and Elphie sat at the organ, listening to Erik play some songs from Don Juan. Elphaba enjoyed the powerful music that overpowered her senses. But as she looked at him, she frowned, once again feeling left out as she looked at the stupid white mask.

"Hey Erik?" she asked.

He turned to face her. "Yes?"

"Why do you wear that mask?"

Instantly slight panic flooded Erik. He knew he could not go on forever without her asking about the mask, but why did it have to be when she had really begun to trust him, to treat him like another person? Though he never expected her to return the blossoming affection he felt for her, he had hoped that he could at least have a friend. But it would be all over if she saw the monster behind the mask.

"No reason," he replied hastily.

"Well than take it off. I hate to be frank, but it's getting on my nerves."

"No, I can't."

"Sure you can."

"No I can't."

Elphaba was beginning to get agitated. "Erik, take the mask off."

"I can't Elphaba!"

"It can't be that bad! Take the damn mask off!"

"Yes it can! Leave me alone!"

"TAKE IT OFF, DAMN IT!"

"DON'T YOU GET IT! I CAN'T!" With that, Erik stormed off into a passage. Elphaba was too proud to surrender to his stubbornness. She followed him, occasionally tripping over loose stones. Up they climbed until they reached the roof of the ruined opera house. The witch looked up, awed by the stunning spectacle of a thousand stars dotting the sky. She turned her gaze to the shadowy figure at the edge of the roof, looking out in silent meditation.

"Erik, look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you."

There was a brief silence before she heard him murmur "It's okay. Being upset isn't anything new to me."

She felt extremely guilty. Why did it seem like he was used to being hurt? Then again, it was something she was fairly used to as well. Elphaba made a move to put her hand on his shoulder, but she had barely touched him when he swiftly turner around. His icy eyes, eyes that seemed to hold all the sadness of the world (A/N sorry I love that line. Couldn't help it.) bore into her soul. There was something within him that was tearing him apart, some dark secret that tortured his spirit.

"Please talk to me Erik. Please explain what's wrong."

In a brief moment, the burden of his heart was momentarily lifted. There was someone who wanted to share that pain, someone who was willing to listen.

"Do you know what it is like to be so different from everyone else that you are considered inferior to society? Do you know what it is like for everyone to fear you just because of how you look? Have you ever loved someone so much that you would give anything for them but never received their love in return?"

He took a deep sigh before continuing. "I've… I've never known compassion. My mother hated me and sold me to a freak show. When I was older, a chorus girl from the opera house helped me escape and brought me to where I currently live. For so long I lived in solitude, collecting money from the managers and occasionally scaring the actors, until the day that everything changed." He paused for a moment. All of the wounds of his soul were torn open again, yet it was strangely relieving to share his past with Elphaba. "A young girl, by the name of Christine Daae, came here after her father died. I heard her pray to her father for an Angel of Music. I was absolutely captivated by her and I fell deeply in love with her. I became her angel, awakening her talent as a singer and helping her voice soar. She became my world, my one light in my dark solitude. She put all of her heart and trust into me, but things did not remain that way. She quickly rose to the top, astonishing the audience with her voice. I revealed myself to her, bringing her to my lair, but all of my hopes and dreams vanished after she saw what lies beneath this mask. In addition, a young, handsome Viscount, her childhood sweetheart, came along, sweeping her off her feet and it no time, they were engaged. I tried everything to stop it, but it was all in vain. I had killed for her, taken her down with me, almost making her my bride. But with one kiss I realized that I could not keep her here and I let her go with her lover, leaving me to return to an even more painful life alone." He paused, remembering all of the cruel but distant memories before he continued. But why did he feel like the enchantress was gradually releasing the pain he associated with them?" Elphaba, you are the first person ever to actually treat me with kindness, to treat me like I'm human."

Elphaba was absolutely awed with his words. She couldn't believe it. He knew what it was like to be hated, to feel unwanted, just like her! Though her father had never been harsh enough to put her in a freak show, he had made his distaste for her quite clear. She made a move to comfort him, to let him know that he was not alone. But again he pulled away.

"Please, I don't want your pity. I only told you that because you wanted me to."

"Erik you don't understand. I don't pity you. I know what all of that feels like."

"What do you mean? How could you possibly know?"

"I never knew my mother. All I have from her is a little green bottle. But my father hated me. The only reason he sent me to school was so I could take care of my sister, Nessa. Everyone at school hated me, except for Glinda, but we don't really talk anymore." She paused, a bit saddened that her and her only friend had drifted apart. "I just wish I could have been given the chance to prove myself, but everything fell apart. I was foolish back then, thinking that perhaps I could actually amount to something. At school, the headmistress told me that one day I might be able to meet the wizard. I was so excited. I thought that if I could prove myself to the wizard, then maybe I could be his partner and perhaps people would respect me and see past the green, but none of it worked. The wizard is a fraud, cruelly capturing the animals and putting them in cages and no one else seems to realize that it's wrong, nor do they believe me. And because I'm the only one who is smart enough to stand up against him, they hate me and try to get rid of me. I know how cruel love can be too. There was this boy at school named Fiyero. I thought that perhaps he would have been different, but it doesn't matter anymore. He would have never accepted me and the last thing I heard was that him and Glinda were engaged. So yea Erik, I do know what it is like."

Erik found himself speechless. Never in his wildest dreams would he have imagined that there was someone so incredibly beautiful who knew what it was like to be misunderstood, to be different. He felt his affections for her growing, knowing that such a magnificent person had experienced the world's cruelties as well.

"You know, we really aren't that different," Elphaba commented, a smile playing about her lips. "But why did they treat you like that Erik? Please, can I see your face?"

She had asked so innocently it that almost killed him. How was he going to deny that dark eyed beauty? But he was scared that she would run, or even worse, die of fright.

"Fine, but please promise me that you won't run away." She nodded and hesitantly, Erik lowered the mask. He closed his eyes, not wanting to see her reaction and braced himself for a scream.

Elphaba gasped, not so much from the deformity, but because she realized something. 'So this is why people treated him so badly, just like they did to me.' Yet she only wished she could have been as lucky as Erik. At least his abnormality only covered a small portion of him and it could be hidden, unlike hers. Gently she reached out, curiously tracing the twisted skin of his face with her fingertips.

Erik heard her gasp and felt his heart sink. He knew it was coming, but it still hurt. But then he felt something feather soft gently stroking his face. He opened his eyes, finding that Elphaba was the one melting the ice of his heart with her sweet touch.

"You know, I only wish I could be as lucky as you," she said.

"How can you call this-" Erik started. She instantly silenced him by placing a finger on his lips.

"At least it isn't all over your body. You can hide it with your mask. I'm not fortunate enough to do so."

Erik was shocked. She said he was lucky to have this monstrosity. "Elphaba if either of us are lucky, its you. At least your skin doesn't effect your beauty!"

The witch froze. Had she heard correctly? 'Did he just say what I think he said?' It couldn't be. How on earth could she possibly be beautiful?

The Phantom had not realized exactly what he had said until he saw her eyes grow wide. He cursed to himself. That wasn't supposed to come out! He had been so careful to hide his affections; why did they have to reveal themselves now?

"Did you just say that I was beautiful?" Elphaba asked with disbelief.

For once Erik was caught off his guard. He had no idea what to do. His eyes searched hers for answers in vain. He had to do something, say something quick, but Elphaba was the one who provided the answer.

With her heart pounding furiously, she leaned forward, capturing Erik's mouth in a kiss. The Phantom froze, completely stunned by this sudden display of affection. He felt a strange sensation taking over his senses, as if this very kiss was bringing him to life. It was so different from any previous experience. There was actually love, pure sweet love in this kiss; he could feel it coursing through his body. Very carefully, his trembling arms enclosed her. Elphaba wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing herself to him and tangling her fingers in his hair. She parted her lips, allowing him access to her mouth. Erik took the invitation, being ever so gentle, scarred that he would be too abrupt and she would pull away, shattering this sweet moment of redemption. The witch moaned, enjoying this close contact, submerged in this pleasant sensation.

After what seemed like a blissful eternity, they pulled away and instantly their eyes locked in a deep, penetrating stare. A thousand thoughts raced through Erik's mind as he still tried to comprehend what had just happened. For no reason, panic began to consume him. He needed to get away, to think, to decide if he should risk another blow to his heart. Forgetting about Elphaba, he turned around abruptly, withdrawing to the haven of his room, leaving a dazed witch behind.

Elphaba remained fixed to where she stood, the sensation of his lips still on her own. She had shocked herself that she actually had enough courage to kiss someone. Then again, it wasn't just anyone, it was Erik. There were scars in his soul that she feared would never go away, scars worse than hers. She needed to prove to him that she knew what it was like to be different and help him heal. But was she that girl, the one to free him? The kiss had made her realize something. She really loved him. Fiyero was completely gone. The Phantom of the Opera was all she wanted, all she needed. She wanted him to open up to her, to give her the compassion she sought after, to give her love. But did he love her? He had said that she was beautiful and succumbed to her kiss, but did that really mean that he felt the same? They needed to talk. Elphaba left the roof, finding her way back to the labyrinth. She reached Erik's room and knocked on the door.

"Erik?" she asked. "Erik please come out. I need to talk to you."

The Opera Ghost heard her faint knocks. He couldn't talk, not now when there was an unavoidable danger that he would have to reveal his feelings to the very person he loved. As much as he wanted to answer her, to confess, silence would have to be his reply until the war between mind and heart was won.

Elphaba put her ear to the door, listening for any sound, but she heard nothing. It was quite clear that he was in one of those moods where he was going to seclude himself for now. She knocked again in vain, but gave up on the useless attempts to get him to answer. A defeated witch returned to her room, letting horrid thoughts of his rejection assault her mind. She changed into a rather showy black nightgown before lying down, knowing that with her troubled mind, sleep would not find her tonight.


Erik sighed after the knocking ceased and Elphaba's footsteps faded away. He had just been very cruel to her and he knew it. It troubled him to know that he had probably just given her the impression that he did not love her, which was certainly not the case. How could he have done something so foolish. She had just kissed him, kissed HIM for Christ sakes, him, the distorted, loathing beast that he was, and furthermore, she did it without the mask! And what did he do? Let his foolish cowardice get the best of him and make him run off. The stupidity he had shown in that decision was making him sick. He had to resolve this, to fix this terrible mess before he lost his last chance to win love's sweet redemption.

OOOoooooo. Will Erik get his girl? Don't worry because chapter 5 is almost completed and should be up very soon. Please review and tell me what you thought OR I SHALL SEND ERIK AND/OR ELPHABA AFTER YOU! Punjab lasso or curses, your choice lol.