A/N: Just a disclaimer - I don't own Leroux's "Phantom of the Opera", Celtic Woman's "The Voice", nor Camille Saint-Saens's "Danse Macabre". Thank you to you all, my awesome readers and reviewers - please let me know what you thought of this chapter and I'll see you next time! PS - I made a temporary change in the cover for you all to get an idea of what Melody's dress might look like ;)
Chapter Thirteen – Of Song and Dance
"You're sure you don't want to go with Rose and Riles?" Ben asked as he parked the car in front of the Opera Garnier. "You should pick out a costume-"
"I'll just wear one of my party dresses and a mask from the store they said they'd buy for me," Melody waved it off. "Besides, it's not like I'm going with anyone."
"You're going with us," he winked, shutting the door of the car before walking out and joining his little sister.
"You know what I mean," she pouted, jabbing his elbow. "I don't have a date, so there's no reason to try and impress anyone-"
"Who needs a date to have fun?" Ben grinned. "I have fun every day of my life!"
"Because you're a grown-up version of Peter Pan, dork," she smirked. "And I don't mean I need a date, I'm just saying-!"
"Yeah, yeah, ok," he chuckled, opening the door for her. "I won't be here too long – I just promised Monique I'd help her and Anna with some of the preparations- whoa!"
"Pardon, monsieur, mademoiselle!" a man in a server's uniform gasped, rushing out the door with a set of keys in his hand, his eyes glued to a catering truck parked to the left of the Opera House.
"Poor guy," Ben noted, entering the building with Melody only to have his jaw drop. "Whoa."
A collection of workers and cleaners were present, all of them talking, walking, cleaning, pointing, carrying, and measuring an assortment of items. The entire Opera House seemed to be teeming with life as these people worked together to prepare the place for a grand night of celebration and glee.
"Ben! Melody!"
The two siblings turned to see Monique squeezing her way between an electrician and a janitor, hurrying over to greet them. "Glad to see you," she beamed, kissing them both on their cheeks. "I hope you had a good morning, because from here on in, it's going to be crazy."
"Crazy's good," Ben blushed, causing his sister to smirk.
"Monique, is Erik here?" Melody asked, peering through the crowd in hopes of pinpointing him.
"I'm afraid he's out for the moment," she shook her head. "One of our employees suffered an accident and he's gone to check on him."
"The Rat-Catcher," Melody thought.
"Is he ok?" Ben asked, his brows furrowed in concern.
"He's well taken care of, I promise," she assured them, her eyes straying off to a man making his way up the grand staircase. "Wait!" she called out, waving her hand at him. "Wait just a moment! Melody," she said, her eyes quickly moving to the girl. "Could you do me a huge favor? Would you take that man's vase to Box Five? All the private boxes have been decorated with roses in case some stray decides to poke their heads in and check the place out. Box Five is the last one that needs the flowers."
Melody stared back at the woman, stunned by her urgency. Could it be that Monique knew that she was aware of Erik's dual identity? Or was it just coincidence…? "Of course I'll go," she answered without hesitation, a confident smile growing on her lips. "It's not a problem at all."
"Oh, thanks!" she breathed in relief, grinning brightly before taking Ben's hand. She was oblivious to Ben's immediate blush as he let her drag him away, instantly spouting off suggestions and concerns to him about arrangements and appetizers.
Melody smirked at her brother's reaction before squeezing her way through the crowd to the worker who held the vase.
"Careful, mademoiselle," he cautioned her as he handed the item over. "Are you certain you will be all right?"
"Very," she nodded, thanking him before slowly taking off, wary of the delicate vase. The lush flowers blocked her view at times, but their rich, fragrant scent made up for the long journey up the staircases and down the halls. Mindful of her steps, Melody painstakingly made her way down the magnificent corridor, scanning the doors for their numbers. "Box Two…Box Three…Box-" She stopped, sensing another presence staring her down. Lowering the vase, she stared over the flowers and found herself gawking into the golden eyes of a masked man in a wide-brimmed fedora and white face mask, his cape hanging limp upon his shoulders. A gasp slipped past her lips as she saw him, her heart speeding up as she realized she could make out his lips in the light of the passageway – a gruesome color, like one of a rotting corpse, half of his mouth marred and twisted into a permanent snarl.
"Wait!" she cried out as he turned on his heel and turned the corner, diving into Box Five. Clutching the flowers to her chest, she slammed her side against the door, sending it swinging open once more. "Hello?!" she called out, her heart sinking as she saw that the room was empty. "OG? Where'd you go?!" The air was still, and there was no sign of anything having been disturbed. Huffing a frustrated sigh, she stomped her foot agitatedly.
Stalking off towards the cleared pedestal set beside a massive pillar within Box Five, she put the item into place and shook her head, crossing her arms over her chest. "So much for trying to say 'thanks'."
"'Thanks' for what, may I ask?"
His voice seemed to float from the ceiling, making her jump out of her skin, a squeak escaping her. "Geez!" she wheezed, her head whipping around to pinpoint the source. "How do you do that?!"
"Years of practice," his voice chuckled in response. "I apologize, mademoiselle, but I hadn't expected anyone else would be passing through. You wished to tell me something, though?"
"Uh…yes," she hesitated, blushing as she tucked her hair away from her face. "Um…thank you…for saving me, and bringing me home."
"It is a pleasure and a privilege to be close to you, Miss Melody-"
"Melody. Just Melody. Enough with the formal crap," she frowned, the corners of her lips turning up as she heard him laugh.
"As you wish, Melody. Now I must thank you for decorating my box."
She glanced at the roses, a soft smile growing on her lips. "Anytime." Clasping her hands together, she bit her lip a moment, contemplating whether or not she ought to ask.
"Something troubles you?"
"No, not really, it's just…um, I was wondering…will you be making an appearance at the masked ball tonight?" she asked, hating how timid she sounded.
"I always make a point of attending these events," he answered the affirmative. "I assure you, I can't be missed."
"Let me guess, something that will stand out of the crowd?" she offered, her smile returning for the moment as she heard him chuckle once more.
"Indeed. And you?"
"What about me?" she shrugged, casting her eyes to the floor.
"You'll attend, won't you?"
She couldn't help but pick out a hint of hopefulness in his tone, making her pulse speed up. "That's the thing…I want to come, but it's just to see you."
"See…me?" he asked, his breath hitching.
"I want to know the whole truth," she explained, sensing the air change around her.
"I see," he answered coolly, making her realize that he had not hoped for that to be her reasoning.
"Well…that and…it'd just…it'd be nice to see you again," she blushed, meaning every syllable. "I mean…if you're ok with that-"
"What about Chevalier?" he prodded on, his tone filled with suspicion.
"Dear God, you did not just pull that little trick on me just now, did you?!" "Erik? What about him? Is something wrong?" she asked innocently, curling a strand of her hair between her fingers.
"I thought that you and he were…interested in one another," he suggested.
"He told me to stay away from him," she answered sourly, hoping that he felt the same stinging blow she had felt when he told her those very words. Heaving a sigh, she shook her head. "I can't stay mad at him, though…I really like him…but I can't help but feel the same about you for some reason…now I seem like a terrible, indecisive person, don't I?"
"…no. Not at all," he answered gently, taking an invisible weight from her shoulders. "…you wish to receive answers, then…the whole truth?"
"Yes," she nodded, turning about so that she might lean against the wall. "Ever since I got here, it's all been flashbacks and dreams and nightmares and mysteries that pile on top of each other. That's why I keep doing stupid stuff – no one will tell me, so I try to find out for myself."
It was still for a minute, the only sound audible to her being her own breathing, until at last she heard him sigh in defeat. "I shall do as you wish…but on one condition."
She scowled, crossing her arms over her chest once more. "Fine. What is it?"
"Sing for me."
She blinked, stunned by his request. "Wait…what?! Sing?! You've heard me sing before-!"
"Have I?"
"The auditions!" she insisted, careful as so not to give herself away. "You must have heard me that day-!"
"Alas, I missed most of your stellar performance, unfortunately," he said, not sounding the least bit upset.
"Liar!" she was tempted to scream. Biting back a growl, she took a deep breath and held it, struggling to calm herself. "…a song for the truth?"
"That's all I request…really, I don't understand why you are so hesitant."
"Look, it hasn't been easy for me. I just got used to singing in front of others again, so you'll have to excuse me if I'm touchy about the subject, ok?" she pouted. "What would you have me sing?"
"Whatever you wish…your favorite song, perhaps."
"My favorite song…" She cocked her head in contemplation, considering whether or not she ought to attempt it. Her absolute favorite was one of high range that she sang by herself, yet never attempted to sing before anyone except perhaps Rose. Still, if this was the only way to get him to agree…
"Dear God, please don't let me croak now!" she prayed, inhaling deeply before closing her eyes, imagining the beautiful music that would have accompanied the lyrics that spilled from her mouth.
"I hear your voice on the wind…
And I hear you call out my name…"
She felt goose bumps rise over her skin as she imagined the drums pounding in the background as she dared to raise her voice.
"'Listen my child', you say to me,
'I am the voice of your history.
Be not afraid, come follow me!
Answer my call and I'll set you free!'"
Melody's voice came out out like a bell, ringing majestically in the air. She could sense her soul break loose through her mouth, like a caged bird finally set free, her heart pounding madly as she nearly forgot why she began to sing.
"I am the voice of the past that will always be
Filled with my sorrow and blood in my fields.
I am the voice of the future! Bring me your peace…
Bring me your peace and my wounds, they will heal…"
The violins in her head were practically audible as she pretended she was on stage with a full orchestra to back her up, light and joy swirling around her as she raised her arms, and with it, her spirit.
"I am the voice in the wind and the pouring rain,
I am the voice of your hunger and pain,
I am the voice that always is calling you,
I am the voice…!
I am the voice…
I am the voice!"
And then, just like that, it all came to a sudden halt. Her voice died in her throat, her eyes opening as she regained reason and sensibility, her cheeks blushing crimson as she realized she had let herself become enraptured in the sensation of singing, pouring her whole soul into the performance. Placing both hands over her throat, she bowed her head, her hair curtaining her face from any prying eyes. "Oh my gosh…"
"Brava…"
She froze upon hearing his voice, stunned by how mesmerized he sounded. Swallowing, she took another breath and timidly asked, "Will…will that do?"
"Melody…"
She wanted to melt from hearing him utter her name in that manner, as though it were a fervent prayer, a sacred secret.
"No Emperor ever received such a fair gift as I have!" he professed, making her giggle and blush all at once, only to cover her face in horror at her reaction.
"Good God, what's the matter with me?!" "I…I don't think I've ever received such a…glowing complement," she said softly, straightening her posture though she kept her head bowed. "Thank you."
"No, Melody…thank you," he insisted, still sounding awe-struck. "Look under the seat to your left."
"Huh?" she asked, her eyebrow raised in surprise at his sudden command. "The chair? What for?"
"You'll need the item I've placed there," he informed her calmly.
Biting her lip, she following his instructions, sitting atop her knees and reaching under the fine chair, her hands grabbing hold of a thin rectangular box. "What-?" she started, pulling the box out towards her, her eyes catching sight of the fine scarlet ribbon wrapped tightly around the golden box to create an intricate bow on the surface. "What's this?"
"Open it," he said simply.
She looked about on the ceiling, pursing her lips in suspicion before gently tugging the bow undone, setting the ribbon aside, and finally taking the lid off of the box. Her brown eyes grew large, her lips forming an "oh!" as she saw a gorgeous red rose in full bloom tied with a black ribbon around its stem. It rested on top of a thick, silky, rich fabric that made her heartbeat speed up. "You didn't!"
"Is it to your liking?"
Setting the rose aside, she took the scarlet dress in her hands and held it up before pressing it to her body. "It's beautiful…but why-?" she asked, stroking the skirt affectionately.
"Wear this gown tonight, and I shall find you," he vowed. "You have my word, Melody…you shall find out what you wish to know tonight at the Ball…until then, mon Ange."
"Wait!" she called out, reaching for the air. She hated not knowing where he was, especially since his voice appeared to come out of any place he wished to throw it. "How will I know it's you when you come to me?"
A dark chuckle filled the air, making her shiver. "Believe me, you'll know."
~OG~
"How does my shoulder look?" Melody asked, pointing to the place where her mark would have been visible.
"It's all covered up. That stage make-up really works wonders. Oh my gosh, Mel, we're going to an actual Masquerade Ball – this is so exciting!" Rose gushed, using the last bits of mousse to curl her honey-blonde locks. "I can't wait to go! Oh! I didn't tell you, Mel! Tom found me and Riley in one of the shoppes today and asked if he could escort me!"
"Escort or date you?" Melody smirked, slipping her feet into her modest two-inch blood red heels.
"Shut up!" Rose blushed, grabbing her eyeliner and mascara before sitting down at the vanity in her room. She was grateful that Melody had brought her things over so that they could prepare for the Masquerade together, enabling the girls to giggle and gossip while also helping each other get into their respective dresses and fix one another's hair. "He hasn't asked me out on a date-"
"What a shocker!" Melody grinned. "Well, he will be once he sees you in that little number."
Rose looked down at her flowing white gown, her shoulders exposed as she wore loose feather-covered sleeves, the beautiful gown pooling around her dainty, slipper-covered feet. The waistline and sweetheart-neckline sparkled with faux gems as a simple pearl necklace rested just above her bust. With her hair curled, she began to pull it back into a bun. "Oh, stop being such a tease," she shook her head, slipping several bobby pins into place. "What about Erik? Did you get a chance to speak with him today?"
"Not exactly," she shook her head, taking out her lipstick and applying it lightly to her waiting lips.
"Then how did you ever find that gorgeous gown?" Rose asked, glancing once more at Melody's blood red ensemble. She could scarcely believe it was Melody standing before her in the off-shoulder gown made of fine silk and satin material that swished around her feet each time she walked. The hem of the dress had been embroidered with golden roses and delicate vines that stopped mere inches from her waist. Leaving her chocolate curls to cover her exposed shoulders, Melody placed a simple feather hair-piece into her dark locks, keeping a beautiful rose with a black ribbon tucked into the belt of her dress.
"It was a gift from the Opera Ghost," she shrugged, earning a dirty look from her sister. "What?"
"That's not funny. All this business with those two crazy men running around in insane – I can't help but think that Tom might be involved in all this, too!"
"Wouldn't you like to know." "Never mind that. Here, let me see how you look."
Her little sister did so, and without a warning, Melody's eyes glazed over.
"The death's head of Perros-Guirec!"
Angelique felt her heart sink as Erik stopped dancing, his head whipping around to glare at the couple dressed in their domino attire. "Erik-?"
"I shall return," he growled as the couple ran away through the crowd. "Wait here."
Angelique reached for his arm but he moved too quickly, and she felt as though a bucket of cold water had been splashed over her. Even in this beautiful snowy gown, she was still a miserable Cinderella…a worthless scullery maid who could never win his affection, not so long as perfect, golden-haired, silver-tongued Christine Daae existed…
"Melody!"
Melody felt her body sway a bit, her sister's hands upon her shoulders in an instant to steady her. "Oh my…" she breathed, blinking her eyes as she fought to clear both her mind and vision.
"Melody, say something!" Rose pleaded, her brown eyes shining with fear, only to widen in worry. "Why are you crying?!"
"What?" Reaching for her cheek, Melody was aghast to find her cheeks were stained with her very own tears. "Oh!...I had no idea." Her thoughts wandered to poor Angelique in her flashback…she could scarcely understand why she felt the same heartache as Angelique in that moment, but she had, and in feeling the emotional turmoil, she had unwittingly started to cry. "I'm ok…really, I'm ok…I don't know what came over me."
"Sit down a while," Rose insisted, when a knock at the door made the two of them jump in surprise.
"You little divas ready yet?!" Ben's anxious voice came from the other side of the door.
"Ben, we're-" Rose began.
"Be out in a bit!" Melody shouted, motioning for her sister to relax with a wave of her hand. "Just need to grab our purses."
"Hurry up, we'll be late!" he barked back, muttering about how girls fussed too much over their make-up before walking away.
Rose returned her attention to her sister immediately, seeing Melody check her reflection in the mirror. "Mel-"
"My make-up's ok, thank goodness," she breathed. Facing her little sister, she clasped her hands and smiled reassuringly. "I'm fine, really. Let's go before Ben has a heart attack."
"Are you sure?" Rose persisted.
"Positive. Here." Reaching for the vanity, Melody selected the two masks they were to wear – Rose's being a simple white mask with a lacy overlay, while Melody's was a sparkling red with tiny gold roses set upon the corners of the mask, which would rest over her temples. Checking their clutch purses for their phones, IDs, and lipsticks, the girls nodded in satisfaction before rushing out of the room and hurrying daintily down the stairs.
"Wow!" Riley exclaimed, his blue eyes lighting up. "You look awesome!"
"Thanks, Riles," Melody winked, grinning as she saw the bow in a black tux with a skull mask set in place over his face. "You look creepy."
"Good!" he nodded, his tone smug. "I just wish Dad would have dressed as the Wolfman instead of Prince Charming."
"For your information, I'm going as a Count," Ben sniffed pompously, earning giggles from his sisters as he exited the kitchen to join them in the hall. He was a dashing figure in his navy blue suit with silver trim, chains, and buckles. The look was completed with knee-high black boots, a short cape that draped over one shoulder, and a simple black mask that covered the upper half of his face. "Ah, the ladies finally grace us with their presence!" He gave them a mocking bow, to which they curtsied with teasing smiles. "Shall we, mademoiselles? Monsieur?"
"Ok by me!" Riley chirped, running to the door.
"Let's go," Melody nodded, her heart racing as she followed her brother to the door.
Once they had all piled into the car, Ben pulled out onto the street, grimacing at the traffic. "I hadn't expected there to be so much trouble from the Opera House…we might just have to walk."
"No way!" Riley declared, making a face of disgust. "Besides, it's really cold out tonight."
"Don't worry, I'm sure it'll work out," Rose reassured them.
Melody cast her gaze out the window, her eyes taking in the darkened Parisian sky whilst her mind wandered. "Erik…will you admit the truth to me? About yourself? Your past? The Phantom? Am I really supposed to be the 'next' Angelique? Am I meant to be with you?...just what is it about you that I keep going back to? Is it that air of mystery you seem to have? Your mannerisms? Your confidence? You make me feel like I'm a frightened child and a beautiful woman all at once…do you care about me the way I care about you? Erik…I can't bear to think if anything were to happen to you. You're so thoughtful and cautious around me, and when you let those little romantic moments bloom…I'm blushing now as I think about it, it's sad, really. And then there's the matter of my family being related to the de Chagnys…please, please, please, Erik…don't keep hiding from me…let me in, and take me out of the dark…"
"Ok, it's now or never! Hang on!"
Melody screamed, yanked suddenly from her thoughts, as her brother made a vicious swerve, squeezing into the valet line whether the waiting cars around him liked it or not. "Are you crazy?!" she snapped, steadying herself before checking on the others. "Rose, are you-?"
"Oh, I'm fine," she grinned. "Riles?"
"Do it again!" the boy demanded with a laugh. "Whoo-hoo!"
"Of course," Melody rolled her eyes, though she couldn't stop herself from smiling.
"All right! We're set," Ben announced, pulling up at last to the valet who awaited them anxiously. Parking the car, he tossed the young man his keys as he stepped out, opening the door for Melody and helping her out. "Ready?"
"Ready," she answered at once, linking arms with her brother as he led her around.
Taking Rose on his free arm, he checked to see that Riley was holding Rose's hand before the group stepped onto the pavement and entered the Palais Garnier, once more blown away by the spectacle of the place. The doors were opened to them by attendants dressed in late 19th Century uniforms, who ushered them into the foyer, where a massive sea of colorful figures filled the area. There were animals, monsters, aristocrats, royalty, ragamuffins, fragments of the rainbow, and many more. Melody felt something stir within her, her whole being filled with excitement suddenly. She had never attended such a grand event, and this was much different from any party in New York she had ever seen.
"Ben!"
The Boltons turned together upon hearing a familiar voice over the constant babble and soft orchestra music playing around them. Ben felt his jaw drop as he saw Monique walk towards them, decked in a black mermaid-styled gown with one shoulder exposed. She wore long gloves that reached to her elbows and shimmering high heels, while her usually spiky black hair had been tamed and combed down, allowing her chandelier-like diamond earning to dance freely by her cheeks. In her hands she held her own simple domino mask.
"M-Mo-nique?" choked Ben.
"Don't you look handsome?" Monique winked, kissing his cheek chastely before hugging the other members of the family. "It's so good to see you all! I can't wait to announce the results of the auditions tonight, too – I think you'll all be pleased."
"When will you announce them?" Rose asked, her face aglow.
"In about fifteen minutes, we're just waiting for a few more guests to come in," Monique reassured her with a huge smile.
"Where's Erik?" Riley asked, looking from side to side in hopes of finding the man.
"He's here, somewhere," she reassured them. Linking arms with Ben, Monique sent him a radiant smile. "Walk with me?"
"Uh…huh," he nodded stupidly, going off with her at once.
"I better keep an eye on them," Riley rolled his eyes before trailing after the couple, sending his aunts into a frenzy of laughter.
"Gotta love him," Melody shook her head, still holding her stomach as she laughed in mirth.
"Yeah, he's something else."
"Tom!" Rose cried, her eyes glistening as he approached them with a wide smile. He was dressed smartly in his black tuxedo, a splash of color added through the rose he wore on his lapel that matched his crimson, dragon-styled mask. "You look great!"
"So do you," he replied, his eyes shining with adoration and enchantment. Glancing at Melody, he grinned sheepishly as she crossed her arms over her chest and raised a knowing eyebrow at him. "Uh, hey, Mel. You look fantastic."
"Hm-mh. Just cut to the chase, Romeo, and ask her to dance already," she smirked, waggling her fingers at them before turning on her heel and walking away.
"Mel-!" Rose cried out, blushing as she saw Tom offer his hand to her.
"I guess I better take her advice…may I have this dance?" he asked, shyly bowing his head to her.
Her heart was sent fluttering as she slipped her hand into his. "You may."
~OG~
Melody weaved her way between the masses, her sights set on the grand staircase. There was something about it in this different setting that drew her closer…but what was it…?
"Look at what the cat dragged in."
It took everything in Melody not to retch as she recognized the sound of Dolores's irritating voice just behind her. "Ignore her, just ignore her-"
"What's the matter? Did your tongue fall out from singing too much yesterday?" she sneered, coming up to her side. "I can't believe they let you in, Melody. I think we all know who's going to get a spot in the Show-"
A blast of flame and smoke exploded near the railing of the staircase, a tall figure's silhouette showing through the barrier of smoking fire. Screams and gasps of awe filled the room as the newcomer stepped through the gray air, his countenance stunning and frightening to behold.
"Oh my God," Dolores gaped, her jaw hitting the floor. "What an entrance!"
"It's him," Melody whispered, captivated by the sight of the man.
He appeared to tower over all, especially in his massive, trailing cloak and large, plumed, wide-brimmed hat. He was dressed in the finest fabrics, all of which were red of a shining, dark hue, his boots polished to reflect his own ghastly face. His face was not visible as it was covered by a skeletal mask, a grim sight as he seemed to smile horridly at the crowd. As he drew closer, he paused a moment, sensing others close by. He spun around, glaring at the curious guests, just to make sure they would not come any nearer. In doing so, Melody caught a glimpse of the fanciful, embroidered letters on his cape, reading "Do Not Touch Me! I am the Red Death, Stalking Abroad!"
A drunken, slurred laugh snapped her attention away from the Red Death, causing her eyes to widen as she saw a man stumble towards the staircase, pointing mockingly at the red figure. "Death?! He says he's – hic! – death!" He laughed once more, his hand stretched wide open to grab a fistful of the fabric. Faster than a cobra, the Red Death turned and gripped the offender's hand, glaring down mercilessly as he watched the drunk squirm and writhe, his eyes bulging in pain.
"I am," he assured him in a hiss, casting him aside without a second glance as he continued down the steps.
"Holy…" Dolores whispered, frozen in fear at the figure.
His head suddenly snapped up, his ember eyes glowing as they rested upon the two young women. Melody panicked, spinning away and covering her face with the mask as best as she could. She could sense his footsteps as he came closer, closer…
She tensed at the touch of a gloved hand upon her bare shoulder but did not flinch, holding her breath as she let him turn her around so that they might face one another.
"Oh my God!" Dolores muttered, her face pale as she watched the two figures look into each other's eyes.
"You shall be meeting him shortly if you do not vanish in the blink of an eye," the Red Death growled, casting her a wicked look. Nodding in satisfaction as she scurried away at once, he swept his massive hat from his head and bowed so deeply to Melody that his head nearly grazed the floor. "Mademoiselle, may I have this dance?"
Star struck, she stood there a moment, processing what he had said, before regaining her senses and answering with a modest curtsy. "You may," she said softly, watching him erect himself and place his hat upon his head. His golden eyes seemed to glisten now – not the same malicious glow he had moments earlier with the drunk and Dolores…they were gentle and beckoning as he offered her his hand and waited for her to slip hers into his. She said nothing as he led her away to the floor, feeling all eyes upon them. It seemed that all was still until they arrived at the center of the room, the first notes of "Danse Macabre" flitting over their heads. Taking her in his arms, the Red Death led her on, his trailing cape swirling around the two of them as they moved in time. Little by little, others joined in and danced along, though they made certain to keep their distance.
"You look…breathtaking," he told her, seemingly hesitant.
She blushed as she muttered her thanks. "You look…impressive. Where did you find this dress for me?"
"I had it saved and thought of you when I found it," he admitted. It wasn't until now that Melody bothered to notice that the mask he wore had a hinge on either side of his face, enabling the jaw portion of the skull mask to move with his own jaw as he spoke. She was about to comment on it when she remembered what he had said about her gown.
"How did you get my measurements?" she asked, casting him a doubtful look.
He laughed, amused by her reaction. "I assure you I did nothing inappropriate. I had a peek in your closet last night when I left you home. I had this gown saved thought it would suit you."
"You just have dresses lying around your place?" she asked, a smirk growing on her lips.
"It was saved from another time," he answered quietly, his eyes glazing over for a moment before his attention snapped back to her. "Never mind that. You have questions."
"I do…but I thought you didn't want me in on this whole…thing."
"No, I didn't," he admitted, his eyes moving away from her face in shame until she squeezed his hand. Raising his gaze to meet hers once more, he said, "I thought this would be best, but now…I'm not so certain anymore."
She tilted her head, her brows furrowing at his words. "What do you mean…?"
The Opera Ghost heaved a sigh, shaking his head as he slowly came to a halt, his hands removed from her grasp. "Melody…you wanted the truth…and in order for things to make sense, I must tell you…I must tell you who I am."
"I know who you are," she reassured him softly, her eyes glistening with tears as she realized what he trying to say.
He shook his head once more. "No, you don't…you've known me since you first arrived in Paris. I'm-"
"Erik," she whispered, reaching up to touch his masked cheek.
His eyes widened as she said his name. "How did you-?!"
"The other night when we were invited to your house for dinner…and then late at night, you burst through my window and took back the files?" she admitted sheepishly, removing her hand from his face in order to wring her hands nervously. "…I'd had inklings before, suspicions, really, but once I read the files…it made sense." She bit her lip, watching his face as she waited for a reaction. Any moment now, he would shout at her, berate her, take a menacing step towards her while his eyes would burn like coals…
…or he would release another sigh and shake his head at her yet again, a wry smile forming on his lips as he continued to gaze at her. "Somehow, I knew…and yet, I kept myself in denial." Taking her hands into his, he pleaded, "Can you forgive me? For not telling you sooner?"
"Of course I can forgive you," she answered firmly. "But why would you want to be in denial about me knowing the truth about your family?"
"I don't care that you know about my family, Melody," he explained, bowing his head. "…I just didn't want you to see my face…my real face."
She gave a short laugh, a grin growing onto her beautiful lips. "Why would your real face ever bother me, Erik-?"
"You don't understand," he said fiercely, his eyes meeting hers once more, stunning her to silence. "My face doesn't look like anything you could ever imagine. My background is most certainly nothing like the Lloyd Webber musical that people are so familiar with…when Leroux wrote that my great-great-grandfather had a corpse's face, he meant it…and I've inherited it. My face is what nightmares are made of – it's no exaggeration. I've been trying to distance myself from you for that very reason, but every time I try to convince myself that I can live without seeing you…I…" His words died as his voice evaporated, his own golden orbs glistening with forming tears.
"Erik," she whispered once more, placing both hands on his face, standing on the tips of her toes so that their noses would touch. "Face or no face, I want to be there with you…for you…I want to be at your side for anything…please believe me-" She gasped as his arms wrapped around her without warning, drawing her so close that their lips were a breath away from each other's. Her pulse was pounding madly within her body, her heart crying out for her to claim his mouth. Closing her eyes, she stretched her neck…
"Ladies and gentlemen! May we have your attention for just a few minutes?!"
Both Erik and Melody froze, their eyes opening simultaneously as their heads turned to see both Ben and Monique upon the left balcony beside the grand staircase. "We'd like to thank you for attending our little party," Monique went on into her microphone once the people in the great room had settled down. "I have wonderful news – we have in our hands the official listing of those selected by our panel of judges to be in our Showcase!" She waved the envelope in the air, earning applause and cheers from the crowd below before handing the slip over to Ben to rip it open. Holding the mike for Ben, she let him read the names aloud.
"For our Japanese troop, please congratulate…" Ben began.
Melody felt a twinge of guilt as she anxiously tapped her foot, uninterested in what her brother had to say. Aside from that, she was now a bundle of nerves now that she remembered why they were even there that evening. "Erik," she started, waiting for the crowd to settle before trying to speak again. "Couldn't we go somewhere else?"
"Don't you want to hear the results?" Erik asked, cocking his head in curiosity. When she shook her head vehemently, his brows began to knit together, only to have something click in the back of his mind. "Ah…I see," he murmured, a smile growing on his lips as he tucked his fingers under her chin and gently forced her to look him in the eye. "I may have said this before, Melody, but you have a very unusual sense of self-worth."
"It's low self-esteem, actually, and it's only when it comes to singing," she corrected him, her cheeks still very pink. "Please, Erik-" She stopped, waiting as he untied her mask and cautiously pulled it off to reveal her face. "Erik?"
Leaning in once more, he opened his mouth to speak, hesitant for a moment. "Before we go, Melody, I…I want to tell you-"
"-Last but not least, our troop representing the U.S.A!" Ben grinned, earning cheers from the American performers that had attended the party. "Please congratulate…"
"What is it?" Melody asked, fighting to ignore her brother's announcement and focus on the man in front of her.
"I-"
"Nolan Christianson!"
"Never mind," Erik shook his head. "Perhaps later."
"Harvey Walker!"
"Erik," she pleaded, taking hold of his hands once more.
"Tom Sawyer-Garcia!"
"Come, let's go," he insisted, wrapping his arm around her, making a motion with his arm to move.
"Rose Bolton!"
"Rose?!" Melody gasped, stopping in her tracks. Her eyes sparkled with pride at the news, her face lighting up. "Oh, Erik! I have to find-!"
"And Melody Bolton! Congratulations, everyone!"