The Madness Below

My name is Erik. I live in the depths of Le Palais Garnier, the house haunt. Do not dare to venture into Erik's domain. It will not bode well for you.

[keeperofgrasshoppersandscorpions]

Out of the Cellars:

I’m not in the mood to do replies right now, but I can and will write drabbles. If you would like to suggest a subject for one, would like to request one between our characters, etc., go ahead and send me a message :3

[keeperofgrasshoppersandscorpions]

I'm explicitly blaming my Bad Education binge watch here but I really want to know what Erik would be like in a Modern High School Teacher!AU thingo. I mean, of course he would teach music, but how would he treat his students?

Bwhahaha! Oh Erik as a teacher in High School would be fantastic. He’d be the type that grades hard and expects a lot from you. But if you do your work and do it with passion, it would really impress him. He’d get that shine in his eye that students would crave to have gifted to them for their work.

He’d be everyone’s favorite chaperone on trips and at school events, frankly because he doesn’t follow rules himself. He’d assign insane but rewarding projects and when someone didn’t have a date to prom or homecoming, he’d always make sure to favor them with a dance. 

He’d obviously need a very understanding administration to deal with his particularities, but he’d be a rewarding person to have on staff. 

[keeperofgrasshoppersandscorpions]

Sleeping Beauty and her Beast {Christine}{Erik}

@christtine-daae

When you're alone, silence is all you see

When you're alone, silence is all you'll be

Give me your hand and come to me.

When you are here, music is all around.

When you are near, music is all around.

Open your eyes, don't make a sound.

Erik had come to realize that no one else sat in this chair, the one beside her bed. It had become plain one dusky evening, when the ring he’d lost on his last visit was settled right in the crease where back rest meets seat cushion. Someone would have noticed it surely, if they’d bothered to come and sit beside the patient and fill the silence with something other than white noise of life-monitoring machinery.

He was a volunteer, a person who found best company in those who didn’t need to see him. He liked to work with the blind, or those like her who were in comas. No one needed to see him, merely hear his voice and sense the comfort he offered. The world of sight and consciousness would absorb his cleverly blended prosthetic pieces and simply regard him as a man who was unnatural tall and thin. His macabre secret lay underneath and he liked it that way. It made the day to day easier, but he still disliked humanity as a rule. He believed himself quite apart and wouldn’t be swayed otherwise.

Still, he’d always felt deep compassion for the sickly and lame. Human or animal, he was a dutiful nurse and aimed to mend what he could, and soothe with his music when he could not. This girl, the one he sat by now, had been given private performances by cello, violin, clarinet, and piano. None had managed to rouse, but there was a marked spike in brain activity and the nurses insisted that he visit as much as he could. She’d been asleep for 8 months and no one could illicit such a cerebral response as Erik.

“Miss Daae,” he stated with a smile, “today I’d like to sing for you.... We’ve not tried that one yet... A piece I am fond of- not my own, but you’ve heard so much of my music. I think it only fair to give you some variation.” 

He had warmed up in the car and offered himself no accompaniment now. He merely took her hand between both of his, warming her fingers while be began low. As he sang, he wondered what it would take to wake her. She’d been in a car accident, this much he knew. But everything seemed to have heal and now she was simply stuck in her dreams. A wonderful prison, thought he, a place he’d often wanted to stay himself.

“I do hope you rouse soon, Miss Daae. Not for my sake, of course. I’ve told you often enough that if you awake, our visits would cease. I have my reasons....reasons I’ve never told another....but, I do hope, for your sake, that you awake soon. It’s not good to dwell inside our dreams, they aren’t as real as we’d like. Things too perfect, too happy. Or worse, nightmares we cannot face in the day are far worse by night.... Wake up soon, Miss Daae.”

[keeperofgrasshoppersandscorpions]

To the Alter: {Christine}{Erik}

@thephantomsangelofmusic

Erik had been pacing the chapel’s side room so fervently, he would not have been surprised if they charged him for damages to the carpets. He fussed with his tie, the silk of it almost offensive to his nervous fingers.  The marriage was arranged, but he’d no say in the choice of bride. Privileged though he was by birth, he was far from privileged in treatment. His father wanted nothing more than to have his misbegotten son wed off to make an heir for their vast fortune. So eager was the old man, that he chose the most beautiful girl he could find to assure that the heir didn’t inherit Erik’s ‘unusual quirks.’

Erik glared at those quirks now in the full-length mirror, though he had to bend at the knee to look at his face. His height, much like his face, didn’t afford him many graces. The young man turned his corspe-like face from left to right, scrutinizing his every imperfection as a form of self-flagellation. He deserved to burn this horror show into his retinas, making a ghost image for all time. He deserved nothing less than that for agreeing to this union.  He’d been perfectly content to spend the rest of his days alone, using his fortune to fund the family business as well as his own passions. No one would look upon him in love, he knew that much. 

Golden eyes slammed shut as he replaced the bridegroom’s mask over his face. A peculiar theme for a wedding, thought the guests. A masquerade was only sensible. Erik felt hot, burning shame for who he was and what he was about to do to some innocent woman he’d never met.

“It’s time.” called his one and only friend from the door. Nadir Khan was a collegiate like himself who someday would follow the wishes of powers far beyond themselves. He carried not only the past but the future on his broad shoulders, soon to become a cultural emissary for his motherland. Erik thought it a shot better than being a policeman, but Nadir was always more inclined to the simple life; it made the masked man wonder how he could abide being his friend. He would simply say that Erik was about all the excitement he could take.

“I can’t do this.” he replied woefully, a sway in his torso as he stood up tall once more. 

“You’re here, it’s not going to go away simply because you wish it.”

“This is inhumane and unfair to this poor girl, whoever she may be–”

“It is a common practice in many parts of the world,” Nadir informed gently, moving to fix his friends tie. Erik let his hands fall, breath ragged with nerves, “ but unlike those places, you are able to divorce.”

“That’s not as much of a comfort as you would have hoped, Nadir….” he mumble through taut lips. In the distance, he swore he could hear the murmurs of an anxious crowd. What a farce, what a frivolous spectacle.

“Let’s go, before my legs fail me…” he stated, walking past his friend and striding out to the alter. Christine Daae had no idea that in just an hour’s time, she’d be marrying a monster… 

[the-swedish-angel]

Ever since she was little, Christine had always dreamed of her wedding day. Of course it was a naive thing to do, but she could not help it. it was something she had always dreamed of, and in her mind, the day was perfect. She’d wear the most beautiful wedding gown in the world and she’d marry the man she truly loved, the love of her life. A handsome young man whom she’d spend the rest of her days with and happily so. Naive or not, she was determined to have it happen just like this. Why else would you marry, if not like this?

Yet now, so many years later that the day was finally there, the young woman was not happy at all. Things had gotten out of hand and somehow, she wasn’t quite sure how, she had ended up in an arranged marriage to a man she did not even know! Oh, it was horrid, how could her father do this to her?! Time and time again, she had asked, even begged him not to force her to do this, but sadly for her, he’d never seemed to listen. Did he even hear her? Somehow, she doubted it.

And even now that she was already at church, she still refused to stop. Deep in her heart, she hoped that maye now, he would finally listen to her. No, this was not right and no, she would not give up begging him to stop this madness! Though, of course, it was in vain. Of course he did not listen! Instead, he hugged her to him, told her how much he loved her and then took her arm and turned to lead her to the altar.

Knowing that she had  no choice, she followed him without a word and closed her eyes for just a moment, for this was wrng and she did not want for it to happen!

[keeperofgrasshoppersandscorpions]

Erik stood at the altar, so still it was unnerving. Most men bounced about a little, chatting amongst their groomsmen, a flutter in their heart. They looked a quiver with anticipation, most men. Erik simply looked as if he were performing a duty and was about to be sick with himself over it. Nadir and a few distant cousins, filled out the party on his side. The bridesmaid had begun their shuffle in, and Erik didn’t recognize a single one. It was to be expected.

He felt himself pale when the bridal march began. She was going to be beautiful, of course. She had to be as far as his father had been concerned. But he hoped that she was as afraid as he was. Perhaps their masked faces would hide the most of it, thought their eyes would surely tell the other just how sorry they were.

When she reached the alter, the priest began by telling the couple to take hands. Erik’s long, spindly fingers unfurled to her and as he took her warmth into his perpetually cool palms, he looked to her eyes. What could he say now that would make all of this better? 

[the-swedish-angel]

Upon opening her eyes again, Christine found herself still trapped in her personal nightmare…. She was still at church, still going down the aisle and still forced to marry a stranger! Every fiber of her body as well as mind was screaming for her to just try and run from her dark fate, but found that she had no choice! No matter how much she wanted to, there was no way out of this…

Slowly, she reached her slightly trembling hands up to his when all she wanted was to pull away and run. Her eyes searched his in hopes to maybe find any sort of sign that he was just as uncomfortable as she was. Surely he had not agreed to this willingly, had he? Granted, given the mask, she could not see too much of his face or expression, but she could still see that he was not too happy either.

[keeperofgrasshoppersandscorpions]

Erik listened to the dogmatic litany of Bible phrases and anecdotes about marriage and the union of souls. He wondered what sad individual had penned those words ages past, when this type of arrangement was common. Delusions, a balm to soothe tensions between now wedded strangers. “Now to the vows-” the priest began, and Erik held up a hand to silence him. The man looked stricken until the groom looked to him pointedly. 

“I’d like to deliver the vows organically, if you please.”

“Oh-of course, sir.”

Erik turned to his bride, his hands gentle but soothing around hers. He hoped that his temper wouldn’t get the better of him and rash words would not flow from his lips. He had to make this right somehow, concoct a potion of his own; a lineament that would begin to mend what was already stressed. “This is a day neither of us shall forget. I daresay for the rest of our lives, we will take at least five minutes of every day to recall exactly what this has meant to us...in this moment...” he paused, his mouth suddenly so dry, “ I cannot promise that everyday will be a faerie tale. Life so rarely is- but I will do my best to be worthy of you, my dear. I, Erik Charles Dumond, so solemnly swear to honor, love, respect and cherish you. I vow to always listen to you, compromise, and be a dutiful husband. Any wish shall be granted if it is within my power. With this ring, I thee wed.” 

Erik took the wedding bands from the pillow proffered to him and slipped them onto her dainty finger. “Miss, have you anything to say or shall we used the prepared vows?” asked the priest, low enough so that the whole chapel was not witness. Erik was still gazing at her with the trepidation of a man who had just bared his soul and feared the blow of rejection.

[keeperofgrasshoppersandscorpions]

Out of the Cellars

Off to work. See you all later :3

[keeperofgrasshoppersandscorpions]

To the Alter: {Christine}{Erik}

@thephantomsangelofmusic

Erik had been pacing the chapel’s side room so fervently, he would not have been surprised if they charged him for damages to the carpets. He fussed with his tie, the silk of it almost offensive to his nervous fingers.  The marriage was arranged, but he’d no say in the choice of bride. Privileged though he was by birth, he was far from privileged in treatment. His father wanted nothing more than to have his misbegotten son wed off to make an heir for their vast fortune. So eager was the old man, that he chose the most beautiful girl he could find to assure that the heir didn’t inherit Erik’s ‘unusual quirks.’

Erik glared at those quirks now in the full-length mirror, though he had to bend at the knee to look at his face. His height, much like his face, didn’t afford him many graces. The young man turned his corspe-like face from left to right, scrutinizing his every imperfection as a form of self-flagellation. He deserved to burn this horror show into his retinas, making a ghost image for all time. He deserved nothing less than that for agreeing to this union.  He’d been perfectly content to spend the rest of his days alone, using his fortune to fund the family business as well as his own passions. No one would look upon him in love, he knew that much. 

Golden eyes slammed shut as he replaced the bridegroom’s mask over his face. A peculiar theme for a wedding, thought the guests. A masquerade was only sensible. Erik felt hot, burning shame for who he was and what he was about to do to some innocent woman he’d never met.

“It’s time.” called his one and only friend from the door. Nadir Khan was a collegiate like himself who someday would follow the wishes of powers far beyond themselves. He carried not only the past but the future on his broad shoulders, soon to become a cultural emissary for his motherland. Erik thought it a shot better than being a policeman, but Nadir was always more inclined to the simple life; it made the masked man wonder how he could abide being his friend. He would simply say that Erik was about all the excitement he could take.

“I can’t do this.” he replied woefully, a sway in his torso as he stood up tall once more. 

“You’re here, it’s not going to go away simply because you wish it.”

“This is inhumane and unfair to this poor girl, whoever she may be–”

“It is a common practice in many parts of the world,” Nadir informed gently, moving to fix his friends tie. Erik let his hands fall, breath ragged with nerves, “ but unlike those places, you are able to divorce.”

“That’s not as much of a comfort as you would have hoped, Nadir….” he mumble through taut lips. In the distance, he swore he could hear the murmurs of an anxious crowd. What a farce, what a frivolous spectacle.

“Let’s go, before my legs fail me…” he stated, walking past his friend and striding out to the alter. Christine Daae had no idea that in just an hour’s time, she’d be marrying a monster… 

[the-swedish-angel]

Ever since she was little, Christine had always dreamed of her wedding day. Of course it was a naive thing to do, but she could not help it. it was something she had always dreamed of, and in her mind, the day was perfect. She’d wear the most beautiful wedding gown in the world and she’d marry the man she truly loved, the love of her life. A handsome young man whom she’d spend the rest of her days with and happily so. Naive or not, she was determined to have it happen just like this. Why else would you marry, if not like this?

Yet now, so many years later that the day was finally there, the young woman was not happy at all. Things had gotten out of hand and somehow, she wasn’t quite sure how, she had ended up in an arranged marriage to a man she did not even know! Oh, it was horrid, how could her father do this to her?! Time and time again, she had asked, even begged him not to force her to do this, but sadly for her, he’d never seemed to listen. Did he even hear her? Somehow, she doubted it.

And even now that she was already at church, she still refused to stop. Deep in her heart, she hoped that maye now, he would finally listen to her. No, this was not right and no, she would not give up begging him to stop this madness! Though, of course, it was in vain. Of course he did not listen! Instead, he hugged her to him, told her how much he loved her and then took her arm and turned to lead her to the altar.

Knowing that she had  no choice, she followed him without a word and closed her eyes for just a moment, for this was wrng and she did not want for it to happen!

[keeperofgrasshoppersandscorpions]

Erik stood at the altar, so still it was unnerving. Most men bounced about a little, chatting amongst their groomsmen, a flutter in their heart. They looked a quiver with anticipation, most men. Erik simply looked as if he were performing a duty and was about to be sick with himself over it. Nadir and a few distant cousins, filled out the party on his side. The bridesmaid had begun their shuffle in, and Erik didn’t recognize a single one. It was to be expected.

He felt himself pale when the bridal march began. She was going to be beautiful, of course. She had to be as far as his father had been concerned. But he hoped that she was as afraid as he was. Perhaps their masked faces would hide the most of it, thought their eyes would surely tell the other just how sorry they were.

When she reached the alter, the priest began by telling the couple to take hands. Erik’s long, spindly fingers unfurled to her and as he took her warmth into his perpetually cool palms, he looked to her eyes. What could he say now that would make all of this better? 

[keeperofgrasshoppersandscorpions]

To the Alter: {Christine}{Erik}

@thephantomsangelofmusic

Erik had been pacing the chapel’s side room so fervently, he would not have been surprised if they charged him for damages to the carpets. He fussed with his tie, the silk of it almost offensive to his nervous fingers.  The marriage was arranged, but he’d no say in the choice of bride. Privileged though he was by birth, he was far from privileged in treatment. His father wanted nothing more than to have his misbegotten son wed off to make an heir for their vast fortune. So eager was the old man, that he chose the most beautiful girl he could find to assure that the heir didn’t inherit Erik’s ‘unusual quirks.’

Erik glared at those quirks now in the full-length mirror, though he had to bend at the knee to look at his face. His height, much like his face, didn’t afford him many graces. The young man turned his corspe-like face from left to right, scrutinizing his every imperfection as a form of self-flagellation. He deserved to burn this horror show into his retinas, making a ghost image for all time. He deserved nothing less than that for agreeing to this union.  He’d been perfectly content to spend the rest of his days alone, using his fortune to fund the family business as well as his own passions. No one would look upon him in love, he knew that much. 

Golden eyes slammed shut as he replaced the bridegroom’s mask over his face. A peculiar theme for a wedding, thought the guests. A masquerade was only sensible. Erik felt hot, burning shame for who he was and what he was about to do to some innocent woman he’d never met.

“It’s time.” called his one and only friend from the door. Nadir Khan was a collegiate like himself who someday would follow the wishes of powers far beyond themselves. He carried not only the past but the future on his broad shoulders, soon to become a cultural emissary for his motherland. Erik thought it a shot better than being a policeman, but Nadir was always more inclined to the simple life; it made the masked man wonder how he could abide being his friend. He would simply say that Erik was about all the excitement he could take.

“I can’t do this.” he replied woefully, a sway in his torso as he stood up tall once more. 

“You’re here, it’s not going to go away simply because you wish it.”

“This is inhumane and unfair to this poor girl, whoever she may be--”

“It is a common practice in many parts of the world,” Nadir informed gently, moving to fix his friends tie. Erik let his hands fall, breath ragged with nerves, “ but unlike those places, you are able to divorce.”

“That’s not as much of a comfort as you would have hoped, Nadir....” he mumble through taut lips. In the distance, he swore he could hear the murmurs of an anxious crowd. What a farce, what a frivolous spectacle.

“Let’s go, before my legs fail me...” he stated, walking past his friend and striding out to the alter. Christine Daae had no idea that in just an hour’s time, she’d be marrying a monster... 

[keeperofgrasshoppersandscorpions]

Please like for a starter

Really, please do. I’ve missed you all <3

[keeperofgrasshoppersandscorpions]

Out of the Cellars

I’m interested in bringing this blog back to life.... would anyone like to rp with me?

[keeperofgrasshoppersandscorpions]

Sur l'Internet: {Christine}{Erik}

[lifemaybefleeting]

Christine had been in the middle of one of her music theory classes, a class that was mandatory to all performing arts majors, when she got a little notification stating that she’d gotten a message on Epistolarie.com… why, she hadn’t been on there in months! She’d been convinced she’d never be matched with anyone! But was this message serious, or was this another man wasting her time?

The young soprano smiled softly as she opened the site, clicking on the little inbox notification and letting her eyes scan over the message. It was definitely unlike any other she’d ever received… this man certainly didn’t seem like he was trying to waste her time….

Though, he indeed sounded lonely, and a little bit desperate for some kind of human interaction, specifically from a female…

Before responding, Christine clicked over to his page, reading more about him and his interests. From what she could see, he was very interested in music, a lot of the same music she liked, in fact. He was also very involved in the arts, so it seemed… maybe he wouldn’t be so bad. Though, she wished she could know what he looked like and where he was from!

Clicking back into her inbox, Christine reread his message, then began to type her own.

[Message to: MusicofTheNight01

From: ThinkofMe22

Dear Monsieur,

I am very flattered to have received your message. I thank you for taking the time to write me. I can assure you that I myself am not the best with words and language, though I am definitely still learning. 

I see that you are a teacher… you should tell me more about that. I happen to be a student, I attend the school of arts as a performing arts major. I would be interested in knowing what exactly you teach, and where?

Of course, you don’t have to tell me all about that, though I am curious. I think it would be a great way for me to start getting to know you. You seem quite lonely, and I myself can feel like that some days, too. I would be more than happy to help you with your loneliness. 

I look forward to your reply,

ThinkofMe22]

She reread it over and over, trying to make little changes, but not quite knowing the right words. Nevertheless, Christine sent the message with little regret, exiting the tab and returning her attention to her professor, as if she had never gotten distracted in the first place.

[keeperofgrasshoppersandscorpions]

Erik had spent the week ignoring his computer. Indeed, anything he could do to avoid going near it was a task most welcomed. He used any excuse at all, but eventually, he had to enter grades  and the laptop went on. To his dissatisfaction, most had done poorly on the last quiz and he'd found it necessary to employ a curve. This was, however, after a 20 lecture on the importance of attentive behavior and attendance. 

Erik had entered the last grade when he'd noticed it. A notification, blinking at the bottom of the toolbar. He cursed that damned website, for duping him in a moment of weakness and installing a notification widget. He wanted to be angry, and yet...he had a message! 

Erik felt immense trepidation as he clicked upon it. However, after a moment, he was immersed in her letter. She had responded! He felt strange all over, as if an unseen force was pulling at his insides (but in a manner with which one would illicit joy.)

He moved to reply, think hard upon what he could say to this mysterious woman.

[Message to: ThinkofMe22

From: MusicofTheNight01

Dear Mademoiselle,

Thank you for responding to the strange missive I originally sent. I confess, I was trying to delete it initially. It was an awkward attempt at establishing friendship with a stranger. Ham-handedly, I've waltzed into your life. I'd like to correct that now.

Yes, I am a professor. Music specifically, I spend my days educating on the collegiate level. By night I am a composer and musician. It is a simple life, but I am happy.

You're studying to be a performer, then? I'd love to hear about it. The arts are a worthy trail to blaze, and no two journeys are the same. This is not just an opinion rooted in experience; I firmly believe it to this day.

I am glad you replied to me, mademoiselle. I look forward to hearing from you again.

Sincerely,

E ]

He wondered if it was ill-advised to put first initials. There was nothing in the rules that stated otherwise. But, he thought she deserved something akin to identity if she'd deigned to reply. He hit the send button and leaned back in his chair. He closed his eyes and listened to the ringing of his hearts rapid palpitations ringing in his ears. 

[leavethehxrtbehind-deactivated2]

"I've looked up things about your symptoms.. Are you pregnant?"

[keeperofgrasshoppersandscorpions]

Meg, trapped in the confines of her dressing room, did not want to hear a man telling her he thought she was pregnant. What did he know about pregnancy? Nothing, absolutely nothing. He could make a guess, but it didn’t mean Meg wanted to hear it.

She knew what pregnancy was. She had, in fact, been there twice before.

Perhaps that’s why she chose to ignore him now. Did he not think Meg had guessed it already? Had he not thought she didn’t want to acknowledge that was what was the matter? Having flu was a better excuse than making a child a reality.

Not when it was oh so fragile.

And as soon as the thought passed through her mind, Meg couldn’t help but grow pale.

"Don’t be so ridiculous. I think I would know if I was pregnant, Monsieur."

[leavethehxrtbehind-deactivated2]

Oh, he was exasperated? What did he think Meg felt, hmm? To have this happen a third time and know it wouldn’t end well? There was only so much she could take and this was really wearing her down now.

Stiffening in his arms, Meg made no move to push him away and yet no move to accept the comfort either.

This was all his fault.

"There’s nothing you can do… I’ve wanted a child so badly, but not like this. I thought I’d find someone and everything would happen the way it should and I am no better than those women in the brothels which is no doubt where I’ll end up."

[keeperofgrasshoppersandscorpions]

"Damn you, woman," he hummed with dulcet rumination, " you know very well I'd not let you fall into such ill graces. You're a lady, not a whore." 

He let go of her then, knowing full well she didn't want the contact. He tried so hard to connect with her, but she felt nothing but contempt for him. He didn't blame her. Everything they'd done to be where they were today was built upon her back. All the work they'd done to make this island a safe-haven and prosperous attraction was because of Meg.

"I never thanked you... did I?" he whispered, limpid recognition in his eyes, " for all you've done."

[leavethehxrtbehind-deactivated2]

"I've looked up things about your symptoms.. Are you pregnant?"

[keeperofgrasshoppersandscorpions]

Meg, trapped in the confines of her dressing room, did not want to hear a man telling her he thought she was pregnant. What did he know about pregnancy? Nothing, absolutely nothing. He could make a guess, but it didn’t mean Meg wanted to hear it.

She knew what pregnancy was. She had, in fact, been there twice before.

Perhaps that’s why she chose to ignore him now. Did he not think Meg had guessed it already? Had he not thought she didn’t want to acknowledge that was what was the matter? Having flu was a better excuse than making a child a reality.

Not when it was oh so fragile.

And as soon as the thought passed through her mind, Meg couldn’t help but grow pale.

"Don’t be so ridiculous. I think I would know if I was pregnant, Monsieur."

[leavethehxrtbehind-deactivated2]

"My mother wouldn’t believe it!” Meg’s face had lost all colour now and the shaking had got so bad she had to sit down again. “She will think we have been wed, and believe me I can see how much such a prospect would delight her.”

Exhaustedly, Meg wiped her hands over her face. “This isn’t fair. You can’t make me carry a child that won’t have a life it deserves! I not well enough to dote on a child every minute of the day!”

[keeperofgrasshoppersandscorpions]

Erik pinched the bridge of his mask's nose, and sighed. He wanted to rail at her, he wanted to shake her with all of his might and bring her to sense. But that had all been done before. Meg had seen all manner of ugliness the world had to offer. What would one more aggressive male in her personal space do aside from prove that the world was bloody thankless. 

Erik approached her slowly, then coming down onto one knee, he enveloped her in a hug. His hand came up to stroke her hair and hummed softly.

" I want to help you, Meg. Please let me help you."

[keeperofgrasshoppersandscorpions]

Sur l'Internet: {Christine}{Erik}

lifemaybefleeting

Erik had no idea why he was doing this, which was just as well, because it was not originally the folly of his brain but that of one Nadir Khan. This odious spark of potential socialization began with two doppio espressos and 3 hours in a coffee shop. Erik had been sitting with his long time friend (and self-proclaimed conscience/match-maker/mother hen), contentedly grading papers while the other peered at him over steepled hands. Erik's skin prickled, and his shot an acidic glance upwards more than once, but the man would not stop staring.

"What is it, Da-ro-ga?" asked the man, putting equal stress on each syllable to pronounce his ire. The man merely picked up his drink and sipped on it with subdued delight. This jibe did not go unnoticed by Erik, and he was so put-out, he dropped his grading pen and proceeded to mimic the repose that Nadir had been holding for the previous 20 minutes. This mirroring act produced a stalemate, until the professor couldn't take it anymore and dropped his hands to the tabletop in a huff.

"What is it, man!? Why have you been staring at me. Is it-" he dropped his voice suddenly and leaned in closer," Is my prosthetic slipping out of place? I've told you to warn me immediately if my nose begins to slide off. And what do you do, you sit there like the Sphynix and mock me with stares-!"

"Calm yourself," Nadir purred after a time, "Your face is well-composed today. I was merely reflecting upon your love life." 

Erik leaned back in the chair, relief a short lived wave as the next came roaring up with an air of annoyance. 

"I'd rather not discuss it."

"I think you should try and get out there, Erik. Truly, old friend. I can abide your company just fine, why not others?"

"It's an entirely different matter when one would assumingly be...intimate... with such a proposed person. We've never been intimate, Daroga."

"Do you count that party back in our University-"

"It. never. occured. We were both out of our heads on whatever it was and I'd sooner not broach the subject again!" 

Nadir gave a hearty laugh, finished his espresso and stood to leave. Placing a hand on his friend's shoulder, he said, " Just try to get out there, Erik. What could it harm. Hell, the Internet is a marvel. You could become close to someone and never see their face. Try?"

- - - - - - - - - - - 

Erik sat staring at his profile on Epistolarie.com. A website that functioned as a pen pal matching site, it promised lifelong friendships across the globe through digitally logged portfolios of letters you could cherish. It was quaint; one of his younger students had suggested it to him. 

He had filled out the profile, his leg bouning up and down as the top half of his body maintained aquiminity. He sat, watching the loading screen of little flying letters contemplate his match. He wanted to snatch them off the screen and tear their little wings off. 

Yet, voila! Just as the urge grew to the peak of murderous, a match had been found. A one [ThinkofMe22]. Well, he was thinking of her. He had no idea where to begin talking to this woman. Interactions were never his strong suit; he was entirely surprised he still had a job teaching. Erik wiggled his fingers above the keys, then cracked his knuckles all at once. Applying them to the board, he began:

[Message to: ThinkofMe22

From: MusicofTheNight01

Dear Miss,

I begin as I would one of my classes, by challenging those I meet to think critically and creatively. Yet, as I pen these words sans a physical pen, I am lost as to what I should say. I've never been very good with words, particularly those that are cordial in nature if those I am speaking with are anonymous to me. But, I am going to endeavor to try, and I hope you will to.  

Truth be told, my oldest friend told me to try this sort of thing. He likes to stare at me over any meal or coffee we share and share with me my problem of the week. I'm not quite sure when he became my mother, but alas, he's quite adamant to disturb my grading of papers. This week, he decided I was lonely. And despite myself, I think he's right.

I've been lonely most of my life, mademoiselle. And I don't wish to bore you with the details of it all, but I think my old friend is right. I need to take a chance. So I am. I'm taking this chance.

Thank you for listening.

Sincerely,

MusicoftheNight01] 

Erik hated the letter. He sounded like an ass. A desperate, lonely man. And old, he sounded 60, and he'd barely hit the cusp of 40. Erik ran his hands through his hair and sighed. He couldn't do this. This woman would think he was insane. He viewed the screen through his fingers and groaned.

"I'm deleting it." he stated aloud, and moved to do so. And yet, sometimes websites enjoyed the witchery of moving buttons. Send was in the spot that Cancel would usually be. And Erik sent the letter, a cry of anguish escaping his lips as he did so.

"Good god...I'm an idiot...." He desperately hoped she'd forgotten all about her account.

[keeperofgrasshoppersandscorpions]

I am The Victim, and The Murderer: {Maxwell}{Erik}

[comicbook-killer]

Max still seemed vulnerable, like he would dissolve into tears again at any moment. He felt a strange tension of when he was waiting for his father to start abusing him. He wasn’t sure why he was feeling that way. Erik had kept him safe and surely the man wouldn’t hurt him. He did have the boy’s trust.

He listened to what was requested of him and he’d nod slowly. “Okay.” He’d murmur after a few moments. It may have come as a surprise that he seemed so okay with the idea. Max seemed calm though and understanding of the task he would have to undertake.

"…When does she want me to do this?" It wouldn’t be the first time he had killed, so he knew he was capable of the act. Although he wasn’t so sure he wanted people to watch, but that didn’t seem to be his choice in the matter.

[keeperofgrasshoppersandscorpions]

"Why?" Erik parroted in contemplation, his eyes scanning the ceiling for the answers that would not come with any alacrity. The Daroga was not pleased with this silence, and found the loose clasping of his hand's behind his back was growing tighter with frustration.

"Simply?" Erik hummed after awhile, the tone of grim understand laced through his voice, " she thinks it's funny. She wants to watch your revenge." He stood suddenly, beginning to pace once again. 

" If you'd rather not, the Daroga and I will help you escape."

"I did not agree to this, Erik!" cried the man, afraid for his job and the welfare of his ailing and feeble son. 

" A pox on you, then." growled he, throwing up a hand in irritation. He looked to Max, eyes glowing and compassionate behind the mask.

"Tell me what you wish to do, and I will make it so. It is my penance for not arriving sooner than I did."  he sounded truly sad then, notes of regret dancing in his words.

[leavethehxrtbehind-deactivated2]

"I've looked up things about your symptoms.. Are you pregnant?"

[keeperofgrasshoppersandscorpions]

Meg, trapped in the confines of her dressing room, did not want to hear a man telling her he thought she was pregnant. What did he know about pregnancy? Nothing, absolutely nothing. He could make a guess, but it didn’t mean Meg wanted to hear it.

She knew what pregnancy was. She had, in fact, been there twice before.

Perhaps that’s why she chose to ignore him now. Did he not think Meg had guessed it already? Had he not thought she didn’t want to acknowledge that was what was the matter? Having flu was a better excuse than making a child a reality.

Not when it was oh so fragile.

And as soon as the thought passed through her mind, Meg couldn’t help but grow pale.

"Don’t be so ridiculous. I think I would know if I was pregnant, Monsieur."

[leavethehxrtbehind-deactivated2]

Meg couldn’t help but laugh and cry as her chest tightened beyond comfortable and her fingers gripped to the edge of her vanity table. It was with a shaky exhale she pushed herself up with knees trembling and threatening to trip her over.

"And what of mother, hmm? Maman, Madame, our ballet mistress?” Meg’s words cut through the atmosphere with so much venom, Meg even surprised herself. “Have you any idea how she’ll react to this should I manage to carry this child to term?” And now her arms were flailing around her as her panic got to her throat and the tears got thicker, and if he stood there any longer the steady stream would become sobs.

"This world you speak of. How do you expect it to work out when I’m not even married? I’m not married, and there is no chance for this child at all without a father. I could ask for everything you could possible give me, but we would have no life.” Meg shrugged, her arms falling to the side. “So tell me, what do I do? What do I do?”

[keeperofgrasshoppersandscorpions]

" Say it is mine-" he burst out suddenly, the fingers that had previously been stifling his mouth leaping forward like birds frighted to take wing. He let them fall to his side and fade into stillness.

" Meg, if you claim that the child is mine, your mother will leave you be. Then in the world, simply state your husband has died. A widow is always looked upon with an eye of sympathy. No one in their right mind would ask a bereaved woman for proof."

[errant-enfant-blog]

o p e n

[errant-enfant-blog]

Christine sighs. “Why are we playing chess anyways?” she glances over at Erik, smiling slightly. “I never pictured you as a chess player, Erik. Maybe a few other things, but never a chess player.” she turns back to the gameboard, curly hair falling in front of her face. She tugs it over her shoulder, slowly moving the knight and knocking over the queen.

"Did I win? Is that it?" she asks. Christine had never played chess before, simply because she never had the opportunity, and it had taken at least an hour beforehand for the Phantom to calmly teach her which pieces move in which direction.

[keeperofgrasshoppersandscorpions]

" Chess is the game of geniuses. I think it would be a waste if one did not try to expand their mind with the endeavor." Erik watched her make a move, then laughed with the deep timbre of good nature.

" Not quite. You have to check my King. That is- until I have no safe move available. These next few turns should be taken wisely if you wish to win, chere." 

[keeperofgrasshoppersandscorpions]

out of the cellars: I'mma do replies :)