Finally catching you guys up.

Chapter 9 - The First Performance

I settled myself in Pillar 5, ready to watch the performance. There was quite a turn-out for The Love of Aphrodite tonight...all seats filled- except, of course, Box 5. I looked out across the crowd, pride stirring in me. If it wasn't for me Opera Populaire wouldn't have lived up to its name.

The chatter of the people died down as the orchestra stopped its warm-ups and began the real music.

I smiled as Aria sauntered onstage, begining her song of seduction to Hans. Aria, I noticed, glanced up at box 5 for a moment before continuing. Hans, as Heracles, was lazing on a woddland hammock. Hearing the Goddess's call, her leapt from his rest and called to Aphrodite.

Aphrodite circled him slowly, cooing sweet words to her victim. Heracles fell willingly into her arms; after all, who can resist the Goddess of love?

I am ashamed to admit black jealousy crept into my blood as I watched Hans twine his arms around Aria. With a nervous swallow, I remembered that just today, my arms had been around her, my lips brushing her neck. I trembled violently as all those agonizing memories seeped into my mind.

Then I gave myself a mental berating. You must stop this, Erik. My mind repremanded.

It will come to a bad end. Soon, you will not even be able to touch her without these feelings rising to the surface.

I sighed and rested my head against the cold marble. My mind was rational but...my heart was not.

She can never be yours, Erik! Stop this! Aria will go with Hans; Look, even now, you can read his eyes. He loves her.

I shouted silently at my head to shut up. I know, I know! ENOUGH.

I turned back to the play; Marianne- Athena- had entered the stage and was being furious.

The fight continued until Aphrodite laughed and sang:

Sister, why do we fight over one silly mortal?

Go find another; the earth is rich with men.

And, with wisdom or charm, who can resist a Goddess's call?

Aria exited the stage, carrying herself just like Aphrodite did.

Athena- Marianne- cooed at Heracled to return to her.

Heracles, remember you wisdom.

Come with me, let me show you the ways of Athena.

With my guidance you could rule a kingdom.

Listen to my words, not hers.

Come with me; Come!

Come; Even now, wisdom within you stirrs.

Come!

Heracles put on a bewildered look and stared from Athena to the place Aphrodite disappeared.

Who am I, to have the attentions of a Goddess?

I am just a man.

Athena's words are charmless

But against her I cannot stand!

Why they have chosen me, I cannot guess.

I am just a man!

¨¨

The play went on- indeed, a full 2 hours- but everyone held it in high regard. I noticed sourly that quite a few men stopped Aria, attempting to woo her with pink roses and seductive words. To my immense relief and bitterness, Hans politely saved her several times from the agressive suitors. Aria attended the cast party only for a bit before detaching herself. Hans sprinted after her. "Where you going?" he asked.

Aria turned and stared tiredly at him. "To bed! Aren't you exhausted?"

Hans shook his head and leaned closer to her. I only just caught what he whispered.

"Congradulations. You were perfect."

Aria smiled patiently and gave him a one armed hug before walking into the leading-actress dressing room. The very dressing room Christine had attained. It was filled with roses and flowers and cards for her and Marianne; mostly for Aria.

She quickly spotted the red rose I had left for her. A beautiful smile crossed her face as she smelled it and stroked the black ribbon.

"Are you still here, Erik?" Aria called in a quiet voice.

"Maybe.." I replied, pushing the mirror aside and grinning. Aria's eyes lit up considerably from their weary state and she threw her self at me. Caught off guard, I wrapped my arms cautiously around her. "How did I do? How did everything else seem?" she asked in an eager tone.

Before I could stop myself, I stroked her cheek and told her softly. "You were Aphrodite incarnate."

Aria laughed. "I'm not sure if that's a compliment to my acting or an insult to my non-exsistant charm."

I grinned. "You had quite a few suitors, I see."

Aria groaned and shook her head. "I hated them all! May the lustful idiots die some painful death. Thank God for Hans."

And they will, if they hurt you. I assured her silent.

Instead, I answered, "For Hans? He was one of them!"

Aria frowned at me. "What are you talking about?"

"I saw him; always close, always whispering soft words to you!" I almost believed it myself.

"Tell me we're not having this arguement again! I really don't care if he loves me or not! I don't love him, Erik!" she snapped.

"Then why did you-"

"He SAVED me from all those fools! Would you rather me get poked and touched or let Hans protect me!" Aria demanded.

I felt like she hit me. Of course I didn't want that. "I saw him whisper in your ear...and what did you do? You hugged him!" I said maliciously.

"I hugged you too! And answer my question!" Aria growled.

For that I was at a loss. I remained silent. Aria's eyes suddenly turned hurt and angry. I realized she thought I didn't care if she was touched. "Aria, I-"

"Forget it, Erik, I'm going to bed."

I followed the endless tunnel to go back home, nearly going all the way. I halted abruptly in my path and whipped around, towards the girls' dormitories. I knew no one else would be in bed yet, not even the youngest of the ballet rats. I crept in, taking a huge risk. Not thru the wall but thru the door, I walked without a sound to Aria's bed; she had changed and was already hard asleep, her glorius hair spread across her pillow. I swallowed with difficulty as my heart began to tremble. Aria was so, so beautiful. It wasn't the first time I had thought this, but now, in sleep, she truely looked like an angel. I hesitantly took the last step to her, tremors still running from head to foot thru me. My fingers reached out, begging to feel the soft skin of her shoulder beneath their touch.

No, a gentle side of my mind reminded, do not touch her. Your fingers are cold. This strange angel would feel.

I definitely did not want Aria to wake up. How I could explain myself? Instead, I knelt before the bed and sang softly to her. In sleep, Aria smiled and murmured a name.

"Erik."