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Portrait of the Soul	By : sirenofsaturn Category: M through R > The Phantom of the Opera > Het Views: 2723 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own The Phantom of the Opera, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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- 6
Yea! Okay I moved up to N.C. state…out of Florida for the summer. So move was successful and most of my stuff was in tact. Thank you for all the reviews. I think only other writers can understand just how much they encourage and help! So thank you again. Once again phans I own nothing except Mia and a few other original characters I don’t plan to have many…unless Mia’s family comes into play. However, that would be a long while away if I even choose to do that, which you know nothing about moving on. Thanks for the reviews and support! On with chapter five!
Erik this is chapter five, isn’t it?
Erik: It’s your own damn story keep track
Err…five!
Various sketches littered the floor of Erik’s drawing room. Many of the papers had been sketched in different lands. Some of the papers were brand new, freshly smeared charcoal staining Erik’s hands in evidence. Inspiration was pouring through him, much like it had ten years ago, and before that, during his years in Persia.
Mia’s words and presence during their midnight conversation had stirred inside him, building memories and creativity Erik nearly forgot he could harvest. Cradling his now red left hand Erik backed away from his easel to the sofa to calm himself. Sense dawn broke he had left the artist’s room and had gone into a blind zone of inspiration.
Erik felt the same way when he composed. For days he would go without food or sleep just to sit up and finish one more overture. Now he felt the same passion, but in an old familiar form. One he had neglected for far too long.
“Did you not like the portrait?”
Those words had frozen the architect in his plan of escape.
“Of course if an opera ghost such as yourself taste runs in other artistic fields, maybe you didn’t. Perhaps your taste does not consist of the two-dimensional arts? I just assumed it did. After all you wanted our crew team to be funded. It was just a guess that you had a liking toward the field.”
“Insolent woman!” Erik hissed standing up. “Do not assume anything about me! You who do not even know me. I can assure you that my artistic taste runs quite wide.” Erik smoothed his last words to a cool tone.
“Really?” Mia inquired sitting up more. “What tastes might that be, monsieur? If you don’t mind, I would love it if you would indulge me.” She pressed pushing the hair past her shoulders and pulling the blankets up around her chest in a modest gesture.
Erik did not indulge he laughed. “You, my dear mademoiselle, are really something. Are you mad or dumb? Why do you not cower in fear? Why do you inquire for my skills rather than my mask?” Erik interrogated stepping closer to her bed. He slightly began to lean over her. “You have a beautiful cat, does it have your tough?”
“I did not ask about the mask because it is not what interests me.” Mia replied, feeling slightly crowded she stood out of her bed on the opposite side. Trying her best to stand tall in her shorter frame she continued. “As for being afraid I am not! Why should I fear the man who saved my life?”
“Because he is not who you think.”
“Then who is he-you?” She stuttered slightly, trying not to let him intimidate her.
Erik remained silent. His green-gold eyes continued to observe her. “You are perhaps the third woman I have met who does not completely back down from me.”
“Being a minority in a work force full of, the so called ‘stronger sex’, will do that to you.” Mia huffed. “Now if you don’t mind, I believe I have answered your questions, but you have not answered mine.”
“If you truly care to know who I am.” Erik paused seeing her nod for him to continue. “I am.” Erik began before halting. What was he doing? Was he just going to tell her everything, this person, this woman he had know for a few minutes. “The phantom of the opera.”
“I figured that out myself.” Mia sighed. “You forgot to mention a mortal phantom at that. I meant what is it you do? Your tastes?”
“I am an architect, a designer, a magician, a composer, a ventriloquist, an artist-“
“An actor?” Mia inquired. “Because this is a damn good act. Have you really perfected all these fields?”
“Is their nothing wrong with wanting perfection?” Erik replied.
Mia turned away. “You heard me?” She mumbled.
Erik’s mask hid a small smile. He could not help it seeing the small blush rise on her slightly tan skin. “I did, and I agree with it. Very much in fact.”
Mia looked back at him, making eye contact. “Indeed. I figured that is why you ordered the funding.”
“Partly. I believed you needed all the materials you required to bring the sets to life.” Erik shrugged breaking their gaze, and looking at the floor.
“So.” Mia started pulling on her robe. “Did you like it?”
“The sets were lovely.”
“Thank you, but I meant the portrait.” Mia smiled.
Erik looked up. He had nearly forgotten the reason for his rampage into her chamber. Where to begin? He thought. “If you don’t mind. I answered several of your inquiries, and I was wondering if you would answer one of mine. Just a short one, before I answer yours.” Erik reassured seeing a small frown appear on her face.
Mia nodded. “Sounds fair. Ask away.” The artist challenged crossing her arms over her chest.
“Why did you sketch the portrait?”
Mia took a visible step back in surprise. Her eyes widened slightly, and her eyebrow raised. “Why?” She repeated.
“Are you hard of hearing?” Erik snapped. “Must I repeat myself? Why would you sketch me? My cursed face? Or if I dare go into detail, my cursed mask? My misshapen lips? Why would you draw something that secretly wants to make you wretch?”
“It does not! I have a younger brother! At home he would put things in my bed while I slept. I have no reason to fear what I cannot see! Even if I did have a clear view of what lies beneath your mask that has nothing to do with the reason behind my drawing!” Mia yelled.
Erik leaped at her, grabbing her by her tensed shoulders, as her pushed her to the wall. Digging her form closer to it, he leaned over her. “Then what, if I may ask?” Erik hissed, his words low and lethally edged. “Was that reason?”
Mia tried to remain tall, but Erik could still see the slight tremor of her pupils. Eyes could give away all covers and acting. The brown eyes met his in a timid answer. “To thank you.”
Now Erik’s eyes widened. The gold slowly vanishing leaving green irises, as his grip loosened on the girl’s shoulders. Slowly he backed off, giving her room to step away. “Why?” He whispered looking down.
“For saving me.” Mia whispered, rubbing her shoulder where his grip had been. “I-I know I have only been in France a short time. However, is it so wrong to say thank you here?” Mia asked. “Is that wrong here? Does it not agree with you?”
Erik looked again into her eyes. Her voice held no insincerity, and neither did her brown orbs. “No. It does agree with me.”
Mia smiled. “I’m happy to hear that.”
Erik watched her smile, the simple movement of the muscles complementing her face. Had Christine ever smiled like this in his presence? Had any woman? Was any woman ever happy, simply because they agreed with him? Feeling overwhelmed with feeling Erik stumbled back slightly.
“Are you alright?” Mia asked, stepping closer.
“Do not waste concern on me.” Erik breathed. “I am sorry for intruding on you, and waking you from your sleep. I will leave you now.” Giving a slight bow he moved towards the door. The second his gloved hand rested upon the handle was when she stopped him.
“Wait!”
Erik turned to his head slightly, just enough to acknowledge he had heard her.
“Two short questions, please?”
“Yes?” Erik sighed, desperately wanting to run to the comfort of his own home. Back to his own home, with his own cat, and his own solitude.
“You never answered, about the portrait, did you like it?”
“I thought I was clear about that.” Erik mumbled to himself. “I did, and I swear to cherish it. I shall cherish it with the respect of its quality and it’s symbolic meaning. Question two?” Erik pressed.
“Will I see you again?”
“What?” Erik let go of the doorknob, now turning completely to face her.
“I-Will you come back? Here? To talk?” Mia gestured as she spoke, if she was not trying to appear anxious she did not hide it well.
“Why?” Did she want more? More of his temper? His rudeness? What person in their right mind would freely indulge themselves in the company of his mad person? No one! He had misread her. She was asking if he would return out of fear. She did not want him here at all.
“I never did hear of all your perfections. You never did indulge of them as I asked.” She confessed.
He had not. She did want him to come back. By her own free will, no strings attached. She did not have any favors in return. She just wanted the presence of his company, to indulge her of his so-called accomplishments and fields. What was next, would she ask him to tell a tale or two?
“Perhaps. I will come back.” Erik answered slowly. “Perhaps I wont. It all depends, I try not to make promises.” His hand once again on the door’s knob he slowly turned it until it opened. Peeking his head out slowly the coast was clear. He bid her good night and was taking his first step when she interfered with his departure once more.
“I lied!”
“About what?” He snapped whipping his head around.
“About the questions. Just one more.”
“Oh, of course!”
“What is your name?” She asked ignoring his cold sarcasm.
Turning around and stepping half way out the door he replied. “Erik, my name is Erik. Be warned that few know my name, and if more find out by your tough you will cease to have one.”
“Is that so?” Mia asked slowly, looking down at the floor.
“Mademoiselle, you ask far too many questions. I am afraid I can not answer that.”
“I understand.” Mia sighed. “It was terribly rued of me. I am sorry.”
“Don’t be. I suppose this just means that I will have to at one point answer these numerous questions, on my next visit.”
/Cracks fingers/ Well, that’s it for chapter five. Everyone like? Hate? I love the challenge of writing Erik’s character. I just hope it was up to the high expectations of you phans. So I ask you all to indulge me, with a review. Once again I am always grateful, you have no idea how much they both encourage and help. Have a good day, and see you in chapter six! I remain your obedient servant,
Neko
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Portrait of the Soul