Author's Note- Wheee…this is gasp a semi serious chapter! oO…as in…it actually pertains to the plot! gaspeth again

Erik- what plot?

Jen- the plot that has been slowly growing in secret…

Erik- Oh…

Tallacus- yeah, probably my brain got messed up somehow, lol…though, twould be hard to mess it up more than it is now! And as far as the sketching…there is a reason…

ErikandChristine- Thanks for reviewing, and the costumes are gonna be cool.

Ram Jas- He, sorry about not replying, have been rather stressed and forgetful lately…I thought I sent one via email though...tries to remember And I actually do act like Erik sometimes, to entertain my friends…don't know why they like it though…shrug And the Bal Masque is gonna be fun Enjoy your other phic!

Rinny Leonhart Rikku- hehe, Gabby and I like singing to annoy people, tis so great. And yes, poor Faramir…and stupid Denethor…nods

Chapter 14

Another Listener

"No one would listen…no one but her, heard as the outcast hears…" Erik finished, feeling another wave of tears flooding to his eyes. He had felt alone for so long now, even with his friends coming to him. It was nearly Christmas, he knew that. The Opera House was beautifully decorated, complete with a large tree in the foyer. Gabby and Jen had both been talking about it nearly non stop the first day they had seen it. Erik tried to smile, but instead felt the tears escaping his eyes, running down his cheeks. He sighed. "Why did she choose him?" he asked himself, as if he could give an answer. He knew why though- his face. What girl would choose him over a noble, rich, and handsome viscount if given the choice? No one. No one listened to his tears, he hid them well. From all but one. All but Christine.

Erik looked around his study, sighing at all the portraits he had done of her, most unfinished. He was more than in love with the young star, he was obsessed. How could someone else know what it was like to live alone and unwanted by anyone. With a final sigh the Phantom gave into his sorrow, letting his tears free at last.

XxXxXxXxX

Jen sighed and nearly cried herself as she listened to the haunting melody of Erik's song. She knew the words, but it got her all choked up every time she heard them. Jen knew that Erik wasn't expecting visitors today, not with the Opera later that night. Jen decided to use her break time to visit him though. She needed to show him someone cared. After Erik's song had finished, she looked down at the gently rippling water of the lake, staying hidden in the entrance to the tunnel. With a sigh, she decided to sing a reply, and began.

"Child of the wilderness,

lost in this emptiness,

why don't you listen?

I am here for you." Jen finished and looked at him. Erik lifted his head and looked in the direction of her voice.

"I hear you call to me,

Cry out and search for me.

Where are you hiding?

Come to me my dear companion." He sang softly, doubting that she had heard. Jen smiled from her hiding place and began to walk towards him.

"At last I come to help you see,

You are not alone like me.

I share your fears,

Your torment and your tears.

So here in you solitude,

Away from the multitudes,

I come to tell you-

I also hear,

I hear as the outcast hears." The percussionist appeared before him, smiling sadly. Erik stood and she went to him, wrapping her arms around him affectionately. "I also hear, hear as the outcast hears." She whispered to him before laying her head on his shoulder and letting her tears escape. Tears for Erik, tears for herself. Erik didn't know how to react to her kindness, unsure of where it came from. Was it pity? He didn't think so. The Phantom pulled away, leaving a crying but smiling Jen looking up at him. He wasn't much taller than her, he realized, and she looked down. "I'm sorry. You aren't alone Erik."

"Yes I am."

"Then why am I here?" she asked. "I also know what it is like being the outcast. I never really fit in to any group. Though I can speak with the surface world doesn't mean I have anything to say. We are alike in many ways- why don't you accept that?"

Erik looked almost dumbfounded at what she was saying. "What do you mean?"

"I care about you Erik! I care for you, damn it! Why can't you see it? Leave Christine, give her up. It will probably be better for you in the long run." Jen said, tears making her face shine in the candlelight. Erik sighed. "I love her." He said softly.

"Do you? Or do you think you love her, but your love that once was has become something less than love and more dangerous? You are obsessed with her, but do you love her?" Erik had no response for that. He looked down, and Jen sighed. "I'm sorry Erik. I shouldn't have spoken. Forgive me. I will leave." With that the percussionist turned and began to walk away.

"Wait!" Jen turned and looked. "Yes?"

"Don't leave me. Please." Erik said, refusing to make eye contact. Jen smiled sadly. "Alright, but I must be away soon for the opera."

Authors note- sniffle sad chappy…I have wanted to write that one for awhile though. Well, one of the next chappies is gonna be Christmassy I deem, wheee, will be fun. Talk to you later, AH.