AN: I have started reading Gaston Leroux's Phantom of the Opera for the first time, so that's why I haven't updated in a while. Sorry!

Lucas:

When I woke up, I had the worst headache ever. I was in bed, but I had no idea how I had gotten there. I was also covered in about 100 blankets for some reason, and there was a fire crackling nearby. It was all really confusing.

Okay, I fought my way through the storm, I thought. Oh… that's why I feel so sick… And then, I got home, and someone shoved me against the wall…

My heart started pounding as I remembered the demon-like voice roaring at me. It was Erik. I shuddered. It was like he turned into a monster last night. He didn't seem that bad before, but I guess he tricked me... I knew that I couldn't trust anyone! I was stupid for letting him stay!

I heard Erik tending to the fire, and I realized that he was still here. I was terrified. I didn't know what to do, so I pretended to be asleep. As I lied in bed, I could smell soup and suddenly became aware of how hungry and thirsty I was. I wanted some, but I was too afraid to get out of bed and face Erik again.

I didn't understand why he was still here. I was surprised he didn't leave as soon as the storm passed. After all, he had made it very clear last night that he didn't like me. But, for some reason, he had stayed. Also, he must've been the one that covered me in all these blankets. He clearly tried his best to warm me up. I was so confused. What was Erik planning?

Unable to fight my hunger any longer, I slowly sat up. I heard Erik stand up and start walking toward me.

"How are you feeling?" His voice sounded nothing like the angry growls I heard last night. It was softer and concerned.

I shrugged silently, hoping that he did not come any nearer. I wanted to run away, but my legs weren't working. Man, I was tired.

"Are you hungry?" he asked. He was right in front of me now.

I didn't say anything. I was afraid that he would lose his temper because I was ignoring him, but my voice wasn't working either.

I felt my whole body tense up as Erik sat next to me. Please don't hurt me, I thought, scooting away from him slightly.

"I made you some soup," he said gently, placing a bowl into my hands. What? I didn't know what to think. How could this be the same person who had attacked me last night? What was going on?

I hesitated. I didn't trust him, but I was starving. I hadn't eaten anything in so long. Eventually, I brought the spoon to my lips. The soup was delicious and helped warm me up. I couldn't stop myself from devouring the rest of the bowl.

I stood up with a shiver and walked over to the fire. I suddenly realized that I was wearing a cloak that did not belong to me. It was way too big. As I took the cloak off, I could hear Erik lurking behind me. He was acting really weird, kind of like he was pretending that he wasn't there. I had a feeling he was trying to give me some space after last night, but he was not doing a very good job.

As he slowly approached me, I stuck out my arm, handing his cloak back to him. To my surprise, he placed his hand on my forehead. I immediately flinched and jumped away from him. I wasn't used to being touched, especially by people who just attacked me.

"I apologize, but I wanted to check your temperature. You still have a fever but it seems to have gone down a bit." Erik took the cloak from my arm.

I silently nodded. He then handed me my cloak. It must have been hanging by the fire, because it was nice and warm when I put it on. I mumbled a quiet "thanks."

Erik:

I spent the whole night nervously watching the boy, hoping he would recover soon. I tried my best to warm him up, but I did not know what else I could do. After a few hours passed, I decided to make some soup. He would probably be hungry when he awoke, and the soup would be good for him.

I grabbed some meat and vegetables from the basket he brought back and began cooking. It had been a while since I last cooked a proper meal. I was a bit apprehensive that my cooking would be inedible but, once I began, it all came back to me. As the delicious smell filled the air, I could not help but feel little proud of myself.

When the boy awoke, I felt incredibly awkward. I had no idea how to make up for my actions the previous night. Why had I lost control like that? I decided it was best to pretend that nothing happened. I secretly hoped that he was too sick to remember.

When I brought the boy soup, I noticed that he was still peaky.

He flinched at my touch and stiffened near me. He had previously been friendly and chatty, but now he would not say a word to me. I felt a pang of regret as I realized that he definitely remembered the way I had acted. I tried to read his face, but this was something I was never any good at. After a lifetime a solitude, I struggled with any sort of social cues. At least he trusted me enough to eat the soup.

When he handed me my cloak, I noticed bruises on his arm where I had grabbed him. He was just a boy. I attacked a child. I really was the monster that Christine said I was.

I suddenly felt my stomach drop as I noticed red marks on his arms. Surely that had not been from me. As I quietly looked closer, I noticed that there were red and white scars covering his arms. What had this boy been through?

AN: I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Please leave a review letting me know what you think so far!

Also, thank you to those of you who have left reviews on previous chapters. Knowing that people are enjoying it helps motivate me to update the story!

In response to Suindara: Physically, I imagine ALW's Erik and Christine. Although, at this point, I guess physical appearance doesn't matter, since Lucas is the only character who has been with him and he is blind. As for personality/history, it's a mix of ALW and Leroux. ALW's Phantom is the one I grew up with, but I had also watched different versions and read about Leroux's Phantom before starting this story. Also, I'm currently reading Leroux's Phantom and, as I read more, I'll probably incorporate more of his Phantom. I haven't read Kay's book though (but I do want to).