Authoress: I was attempting to post only once every two days, but Softly Rain kinda ruined the whole point of Tapdance, which was written before hand. And I want more reviews, because my writer's block is coming up again and I'm not happy about it. On the other hand though I did get accepted for an audition in Melbourne for the 2006 Commonwealth games Opening and Closing Ceremonies! Go me! This chapter was written a month or so ago when I had just heard this song and absolutely loved it, and I was trying to write the absolute incredible pain you get when you hear a song so wonderful you cant believe it even exists. That's what I tried to capture here.
Jen Lennon: Forgive me my dear but you only joined a few weeks ago, think of those who have been here from the start and still have no plot to speak of! Wow 40 chapters and no plot…my god I'm good!
Sugar-high pixie: Ok, Jen told me this has no plot, and I'm inclined to agree thus far, and you tell me I have a great plot? I'm confused (lack of sleep) But welcome! Hope you join the DBCA and thankyou for your awesome review!
Mrs. Malfoy: I don't do a lot of fluff, or at least I prefer angst, much more fun, I get the heebie jeebies writing fluff, I agree…stupid swing. Grr…
Phantomofleopera: I LOVE tap! Its my fav, I'm only a level 2 or 3, but I cant get enough of it!
The Mega-Doomer: Heh, you'd probably fit in well with my family, my brother's and I act out the Black Knight fight on our big trampoline, shouting out the lines and generally wreaking havoc everywhere, its our favourite game
BiP: Hee hee, I cant resist Monty Python, I shall try to see kung fu hustle for you soon
Emma Noble: Erik's…bare…chest…? Can I read it!
AngelicFlutist: Thankyou! It's wonderful reviews like yours that make me feel happy as a writer!
Reltistic: No! Erik is not on heroin! I'm having enough trouble keeping him off the morphine! And don't even start me on pancakes…sheesh…the guys addicted I swear (I made them last night, I am so good!) Erik…no shirt…loving that mental image…yeah, the blood, like I said, I have a vampire fixation, a dangerous one. He's liky I was keeping myself in check…(Erik: You made up for it later though. Authoress: Ooh yeah…)
Naomiepoe: I'm naughty? Me? Really Naomi I don't know where you get these strange ideas from?
Masked Grace: Seduce Spike…he sounds like he needs to get laid. Don't forget to add coffee liquer, good stuff (evil laugh)
Erik returned late and made his way down to the lair to have his ears assaulted by a loud, screaming, unholy racket. He leapt out of the boat with an insulted mutter. Really, if the girl had, absolutely had to listen to that obscene modern ruination of brain cells, she could at least use the earphones!
He breathed a sigh of relief as the music, of it could be called that, ended and he strode with a whirl of black cloak into the main room.
"Please tell me that song was only on because of a momentary fit of insanity and shall not happen again," he said, swirling his heavy black cloak off. (I love how he does that in the movie) Adriana, her back turned and one foot pointed out, ignored him. She was dressed in a pair of black trousers and a tight sleeveless black tunic that just skimmed her hips. She appeared to be waiting, poised for something. Erik groaned as he heard the next song scan onto the discman.
"Please no," he begged, but as soon as the guitar started, Adriana began to move.
"I've got another confession to make" she fell forward slowly, one arm dropping to skim the floor, then raised it back up.
"I'm your fool" the other arm twisted inwards as the out-turned foot followed. She turned slowly, keeping her foot perfectly balanced. Her eyes were closed and a look of exaltation was on her face.
"Everyone has their chance to break, loving you."
The raised foot dropped forward as she stepped forward then back, undulating her body as if an invisible ball was rolling down her front. The left foot went out and she slid into sharp splits, skimming her "ponytail" as she called it, over the stone floor. Then she curled her legs under her and gripped her ankles to pull herself up, hips first.
The chorus started and Erik winced at the shouting over barely tuneful music.
"Is someone getting the best,
The best,
The best,
The best, of you?"
But the music seemed to be what Adriana needed, and she danced as if her body was a live wire.
Part of Erik still wanted to shut off the terrible music, but only the tiniest whisper, a snowflake in a world of raging fire. He stood transfixed as Adriana threw her body and soul into the dance. This wasn't perfectly practised choreography, this was passion, pure and simple.
The Phantom frowned slightly as he remembered something she had said to him the first night they met. How did it go? Ah yes…
(Cue the Lost flashback music) "Music is the spark that ignites my soul," she gasped, "And dance is the celebration of that flame." (End flashback)
Erik realised then that his Theatre Wraith was not dancing just for fun, she was worshipping music with her entire being. (Giving form to the passion that lives within) Erik thought, still watching from the edge of the cleared area Adriana had organised.
She was pushing her body to the limits, stretching muscles and practising moves that brought tears of pain, and joy, as she overloaded her system.
All in three and a half minutes of song, Adriana stood, exhausted and exhilarated with her dancing. For the first time she opened her eyes and switched off the CD player. She smiled and tilted her head back in peace, slowly relaxing the muscles in her body, dropping her shoulders and rolling her head around. Erik smiled fondly, recognising the symptoms of utter drainage and delight.
"Brava, Brava Bravissimo," he sang softly, Adriana turned, too tired to do anything but stare.
"Hello Erik," she sighed, leaning against the back of a chair. Erik crossed the room and lifted her hand.
"Beautiful, my Theatre Wraith," he murmured, brushing his lips against her fingers. She leaned against him, beginning to tremble as exhaustion took hold.
"Pure passion is always beauty" she whispered against his shirt, "As is the inspiration that comes with it." She pressed her face to his chest. "Carry me Erik?" she asked, "Please?"
"Of course," Erik swept her into his arms easily, "Where too?"
"Bed" she replied, resting her head on his shoulder, "I don't think I've ever felt so alive and dead at the same time. Four hours is a long time to dance."
Erik complied, carrying her carefully, dance-clothes, sweat, exhaustion and all to the Louis-Philippe room.
He placed her gently on the bed and at her insistence, kicked off his shoes and sat down beside her. Adriana snuggled into him and laid her head on his chest as he pulled her close and slipped the ties from her hair. There they lay, two passionate, musical spirits forever entwined until slowly they drifted off to sleep.
Authoress: All together now…"Awww"