So, I think this is my best one yet! More Erik and Evelyn time. :D

Hope you enjoy!

Chapter Five

Evelyn stayed confined in her room, awaiting the return of her grandfather. She knew he would come to her in time, whether it was to bicker some more or speak of something else. And he did.

"Evelyn?" His muffled voice called behind the door.

"Yes…" She went off, shoving her head into her pillow as the door opened.

"How are you? Have you eaten today?" He nurtured, his weight pushing down on the mattress.

"Yes, of course." She muttered, her lips pressed against the pillow covers.

"You know what today is, don't you?" He raised an eyebrow, trying to sound cheerful after his trip to the cemetery.

"No, what?" Evelyn rose her head up in confusion, questioning.

"Your birthday." He replied with a smile. Evelyn sat up quickly in shock. How had she forgotten her own birthday? Possibly, because a birthday meant one more year closer to her death. A morbid thought indeed, but was it not the truth?

"My birthday…" She echoed.

"I've already got everything set out for it! Everyone in Paris is invited!"

She sighed at his attempts to cheer her. "Poppy…I'm sorry about last night."

"Don't fret. You are forgiven." He embraced her in a hug. "Your grandmother wouldn't want us to fight like this." He soothed.

"Yes, true." Evelyn nodded, glad that her grandfather so easily forgave her.

"The party starts at six." He explained.

"What time is it now?"

"Three, my dear."

"Oh, but what am I to wear?" She complained.

"I have everything laid out for you." He eased. "That ballet girl, Alice, is suppose to come later to assist you, if it's needed."

"Delightful." She smiled. Maybe today would not turn out as she had thought. "I am so glad you are not sore with me."

"I could never stay sore with you." He beamed, giving her one last hug. "I must supervise and do some business. Goodbye." Giving her a light kiss on the forehead, he exited her chambers.

Erik made sure he stayed away from the room that he had visited only a night ago, not even rushing behind the walls that were close. How he despised his cowardly behavior, the Phantom of the Opera avoiding a young girl. He should bring fear to her, not the other way around. He had become pitiful after he, so long, was sheltered in the shadows. No more though, tonight, he heard murmurs of a party. Tonight his horrific début would occur.

The door to Evelyn's room opened to reveal an ecstatic Alice with clothes pouring from her arms. "I brought some dresses for you to try on. You look the same size as myself." After much complaining, Alice picked out a white dress that glistened with clear jewels. In the mirror, with her bright crimson locks and the dress, she looked the like an angel.

"You look beautiful." She exclaimed and Evelyn took her word. If she couldn't see herself, what did it matter anyways. "And we finished right on time." She beamed, shoving her playfully out into the hallway. Her grandfather was there.

"Alice, I'll take her from here." Her grandfather spoke, taking Evelyn's arm, wrapped around him. "Everyone is already here. They're just awaiting the birthday girl." He patted her hand. She heard the loud chatters of gossip as they grew closer and soon she was overwhelmed with happy birthdays! She forced a smile upon her lips as she was greeted by countless people she had never met, but Poppy only wanted to please her. After an exhausting few hours of small talk, she wandered away from her grandfather's range of sight, searching for an escape from all these alien people.

Evelyn pushed her way through the crowd, trying to break from her claustrophobia. Her hands slightly tracing her hands over cluster of beings, avoiding an incident where she would bump into someone. But though she worked hard to evade such a problem, she drive straight into a sturdy form. Fumbling for words she mumbled out an apology, blushing at her clumsiness. The figure flinched in terror, recognizing the girl. She felt the withdraw and went into state of awkwardness.

"It's quiet alright." The soothing voice murmured, his hot breath upon her forehead, illustrating his tall stature. The familiar melody to the man's voice triggered Evelyn to a state of calmness, yearning to be closer to him so the feeling would no evaporate. What was this? Erik recoiled once again as the woman seemed to start leaning into him. Gazing down, at her visage, her vibrant rouge lips slightly parted, welcoming and her eyes squinted, in a haze.

"What's your name, monsieur?" Her speech, rasping through her breath. Pushing herself away from him, she tried to make small talk. It was the voice who sang to me…I mustn't care him away. This may be my only chance to speak with him. Erik rushed with energy as she spoke and couldn't control the passion with twinkled in his eyes. How long had it been since he had even touched a women? He longed to reach up, just to caress her blushing cheek in his ungloved hand. What should he say to her? Should he really tell her his name? Few knew of the normal name he called himself. What harm could come from it even though he knew he should have nothing to do with her.

"Erik." He responded, biting back any hints of his true thoughts. Her eyes danced as she gazed up at him, her eyes, two vivacious jades. They played with his mind, exploring into his heart and soul. The Opera Ghost glimpsed away from her. She may see too much in me…Too much horror. She gave off no suggestion of remembrance of his voice that sang to her the other night which gave him serenity. He could speak to her with a calmness now.

"I am Evelyn." She smiled, beaming, in her pearl dress that glistened like diamonds. Her cherry hair, relaxed, on her shoulders. "It's my birthday." Right as she stated the obvious her face spread with a tint of red in embarrassment. Of course, he would know it was her birthday, stupid. Erik twitched, a grin almost appearing on his face. Curse you, Evelyn. You make me flee in my own skin! Damn this! I am the Phantom of the Opera, not some child. I shall bring fear to you. "Would you care to dance with me?" She asked, nibbling on her lower lip, her hands fidgeting. Nervous. Evelyn didn't know why she was getting so edgy around this man, but she liked this unknown feeling surging inside her.

"Of course, Mademoiselle." He took her hand in his, the other hand around her waist. Her nerves tingled with sensation as they danced around, his warmth bringing heat into her own body. Did he know the effect he was giving her when he just slightly moved his fingers that were placed on her lower back. Her body jolted with enjoyment. She imagined the two of them, spread apart from the rest of the guest in their own beauty. His voice gave her the presumption that he was quiet, but their was something dark about this man as well. Erik cursed to himself as each breath Evelyn took skimmed his neck, surging blood through his pulsing veins. He wanted to tell her to quit whatever spell she had put upon him, but how could she know with those wide, naive eyes. As another song dissolved, Erik stopped his movements, declining another dance. It was time he leave before it got anymore dangerous for him or her. He needed to bring a horror to the people's hearts before they left, as he had intended. They shall once again know fear. Awaiting the words from her mystery man, she left her arms dangling on her sides as he had let them go. Though his touch was gone, she could still feel the impressions where he had held her. He had held her so delicately as if he was frightened that he may break her fragile frame. If only he knew how solid she really was. "I must bid my leave, Mademoiselle."

Erik glanced around for his quick escape and before Evelyn could respond, he had left. Again, the voice left her, blind. Why did he always leave in such a hurry? Did he figure out I knew that he was 'the voice'? I thought I concealed my knowledge well. It couldn't be that…Then what? Why was her thoughts filled with this Erik? Erik…Now, awkward as she stood on the dance floor. She jumped as a finger lightly tapped her on her shoulder, blushing at her childlike actions as the person gave her an apology.

"My fault, Poppy. I was just…thinking." Her crimson cheeks deepened.

"Who was that man you were speaking to?" He questioned, intrigued.

"Erik." She bit her lip once again, feeling like a school girl with her first crush.

A sentence forming at the tip of his tongue, Poppy was interrupted by a few high pitched squeals of horror. He turned to the yelps and spotted a group of beings surrounding something. "Evelyn, maybe you should go to your room. Alice can take you. Where is she?" Frantically, searching, he could find no sign of the ballet girl.

"I can find it myself. I know how to get there." She sighed. What was going on…? What had happened to her birthday party?

Against his better judgment, in the sudden moment, he allowed her to go alone. "Fine, but be careful." Scoffing, Evelyn rose up the stairs, groping around, feeling for familiar objects and peeling wallpaper.

Chastening herself, she fumbled in her darkness. She was lost. She had acknowledged this a few minutes early, but hoped that maybe she would end up bumping into someone she knew and they could take her to her room. No such luck happened as Evelyn continued to search, opening doors and going up more and more stairs. How many stairs were their in this place? Enough. She had agreed with herself, smirking. Finally, discovering an unlocked door she was nipped with cold and fresh air entered her nostrils. The air, cold yet comforting, forced her to step further unto the balcony. Her grip tightened around herself as she tried to bring herself warmth. She slunk into the night's presence, her foot jamming into something hard. Her hands grazed over it softly, identifying it as a cement gargoyle. She recalled, in her teachings, that gargoyles, though scary and evil-looking, were actually suppose to ward of wicked spirits, instead of being ones themselves. Looks are deceiving… How something horrid looking could be gentle. How something beautiful could be purely malicious. Evelyn continued her stroll until she was blocked by the rail, keeping her from falling of the edge. Gazing at the stars, her mind bringing the glistening dots together for her enjoyment, she sighed.

Another year passed, another year closer to death. Sliding her hands over the rough, cement rail, she thought of when she was a child, calm, cool nights as these. As a child, she only had one friend who was near her age since she was not allowed to go out often. His name had been Aaron. How she missed him. He had been the shoulder she could cry on, the playmate she needed when she was lonely. His crooked smile always made her giggle when she was afraid as night's wings soared over head. It was ironic how frightened she used to be of the darkness and now, it was all she had. Her mood saddened as she recalled why she never spoke to Aaron. A little after they had attempted to escape from their families, Aaron had slipped into the lake inside the park that said across from her house and drowned. His body was found, spread out on the grass. She hadn't even been allowed to go to his funeral, as his father was wasn't fond of him anyways. Cringing at the thought of her father, she blankly listened to her surrounding. A light, continuous tap echoed. Her acute ears could hear the almost silent footsteps as if they boomed with every stride. Though she wanted to speak up, she kept quiet, waiting for them to leave or approach.

Erik smiled mischievously to himself as he dissolved away from the crowd, calls of horror, happily, playing in his ears. Heading up unto the balcony for some fresh air, the only time he could get some was in the darkness of the night, and he figured no one would be there as everyone's attention was to the terrors downstairs. He passed one of the wicked gargoyles, staring at it as if having a connection with the rock. As he bypassed another one, a dark, feminine outline caught his gaze. Quickly hiding himself, he was shocked to find her up here. Catching his breath, he hoped she hadn't seen him. He glimpsed in her direction, still in her same position. She must not have seen him, but deep inside, he wished she had, forcing him into a conversation. Taking silent steps, he drew closer, still hiding behind statues, watching her as if she was prey. And waits for its prey . . . He thought to himself. Her eyes glistened from the moon's illumination over her, making her almost appear dreamlike. She shivered from the chill of the sudden wind. Not even thinking, he came out of concealment and stood beside her, putting his jacket over the freezing girl.

Evelyn was surprised when the cloth brushed her bare shoulders. She smelled the memorable scent of Erik surrounding her. "Thank you…Erik." She dared, speaking his name for the first time, rolling of her lips. Hearing his name spoken in such a kind tone took him back, staring down at her. She didn't look up, unknowing of his stares, perhaps. She continued to gazed into space with her piercing eyes.

"You're welcome." He nodded, watching as she clutched the jacket, protectively, from the cold.

"Erik, do you like it up here? It's very calming." She blushed a little at her silly question, only wanting to hear his voice. Why else would he be up here, dummy? He nodded in reply, but Evelyn could not have seen this motion so she assumed that he didn't want to speak so she kept silent. Why so silent…? Moving her hand a little bit, they brushed against his, sending shocks of energy through her. Not knowing whether to shift her hand away from him, she kept it there, liking the slight touch. The feeling of her fingers rubbing his teased Erik. He wanted to cup his hand in hers, making the electricity between the two heighten, but what was he thinking? A growl vibrated his throat as he forced away lustful passions. Evelyn recoiled at the inhuman noise that escaped his lips, making the jacket slips from her slim, freckled shoulders. He turned to apologize, but instead noticed the pink scars on her upper back.

Lightly touching her raised scars, she jerked at the feeling and he wrenched his hand away. He shouldn't have touched her. Not at all. "I'm sorry. I just didn't expect-" She started to explain for her behavior as Erik had become silent. "They sting a little when it gets chilly. It wasn't you." Of course, it wasn't you. You bring another feeling…the complete opposite of pain, something I've never felt before. "I didn't know they were showing." She felt ashamed of the lines that marked her back. She brought the jacket over her shoulders, concealing them once again. A twinge of pain panged at her heart, remembering how they had gotten there. Somehow she felt almost meant to tell Erik why they were there. She could almost sense his curious gaze before her. "My father…" She choked, fighting back every emotion she could. "When my mother died at my birth, he, um…" She searched in her head of something happy so she wouldn't burst into sobs, her eyes darting about. "Blamed me and…beat me for it."

Erik felt painful blow hit his heart. Clenching his fist, he tried not to stagger. Why should he feel bad for her? Stop this! He argued with himself. It's bad enough you came over here. Now resist. Women betray. Don't let her get to close. She is deceiving! Evelyn fell victim to the silence and squirmed, uncomfortably. She shouldn't have told him. Dumb, blind girl! "Erik?" She whispered, grasping the jacket tightly around her. He raised and eyebrow at her in response. Again, she couldn't see that, but she continued anyways as if she did. "Wh-What do you look like?" She stumbled out. This had been a mystery to her, the only clue was that he sounded handsome, but beyond that she couldn't guess any of his features. Erik was taken back by her question. How could he ask her what he looked like behind this mask? "I mean, can I-" She blushed at the next question, the corners of her mouth raised. "Can I, touch you? I just like to know what the people I talk to look like." She hurried out, attempting not to get embarrassed.

"What do you mean?" Furrowing his eyebrows in question Erik truly was confused. Evelyn was shocked how this man hadn't noticed. She didn't know whether to take that as a compliment or not.

"I'm blind, Erik." She breathed, intertwining her fingers together. Erik blinked, in shock. She was blind? But how well she seemed to be without sight. Tricky, she was.

"Oh." Was all Erik could say. Impatiently, she waited for an answer and after a few minutes, she dangerously made up her mind, she was going to do it. Her hand slowly reached up to his face, brushing her hand against his cool, soft cheek, and making its way, following his jaw, to his lips. Erik stood still, her gently caresses, hypnotizing him into a rush of desire and longing to touch her as well. He moved his head to face the sky as she continued to travel her hand across his face, his eyes closed in pleasure. Too long had it been since he was truly touched by a women. His trance was abruptly shattered as he could no longer feel her touch, but he knew it was still there, no longer on skin. Evelyn's eyebrows grew closer together as the feeling of skin faded and now felt of leather. What was this she felt on his face? Why was it there…Before she could go further, Erik backed away in a snarl of rage.

"Do not touch me, Mademoiselle!" He barked.

"I'm sor-" She started only to be interjected by a enraged Erik.

"Leave me!" He screeched in a rough tone, throwing himself into a gargoyle. Evelyn began to weep and scrambled for the door in a rush. When Erik was sure she had found her way back inside, his breathing became rapid and suffocating as he moaned, sticky tears clinging to his mask. He stared at the moon and stars, gazing down upon, almost as if in a mocking way. Bawling, he groaned to himself, Dans l'obscurité, nous crions ensemble ce soir.

Dans l'obscurité, nous crions ensemble ce soir: In the dark, we cry together tonight