Always there singing songs in my head (A Phantom of the Opera fanfiction)

You will be found

Not even halfway through the journey to Amerca and Erik is already hating seeing only the sea. Not only that, he smelled of it too. Now he knew why (Y/N) smelled of the sea when they first met. Because of the lack of fresh water to bathe in, the crew, including (Y/N) and Erik, had to use the pump hose in the ship to wash. And the water in that came from the sea. They had soap so that's the only good thing Erik seemed to get out of it. And Thomas cared about his crew's hygiene. (Y/N) and Erik would take their turns alone while the others helped each other out. But they only had to do that once a week.

Clothes were washed this way too to the point he had to wear his clothes still a little bit wet since salt from the water kept them wet. But Erik was happy to have this option instead of not washing at all. Though, something he wasn't too happy with was going to bed at nine o'clock every night. It was a rule on the ship so he had no choice. However, he wasn't asleep right now. Robert was still up steering the ship but he ignored Erik. This had become more regular the past few days. But it has started to bother him so he decided to speak up.

"Erik, you should really be asleep right now," Robert said

"I can't sleep. I've never had much of a sleep schedule before we met," Erik said.

"So what's on your mind?" 

"Nothing."

"Liar."

Erik went up to Robert and stood near him.

"It's my soulmate. She's gone quiet. I can't hear her. There are so many times where I should've heard her but I've not heard a thing," Erik said

"Well, that usually means that you've met them, something has happened to them, or they've just stopped singing," Robert said

"I know. But I don't know where she is. The only thing I have to go on is her name but that doesn't help me at all."

"What's her name?"

"(Y/N) but I doubt it's the one on the ship. There are so many other people with that name."

"That's true. Well, stick with us and maybe you'll find her. In the meantime, try getting along with our (Y/N). You never know. It might be her."

Erik didn't want that to be the case. He had no interest in (Y/N). She was almost too proud of herself for his liking. And he thought Raoul was bad. Erik, like many others, didn't really like the idea of a woman being a sailor. Of course, she's been doing this since she's a child so it's not likely that she'll stop this anytime soon. After weeks at sea, they finally arrive in America, and (Y/N) was quick to leave the ship. Curious of her hurry, Erik followed her.

He followed her to an orphanage called the Orphan Asylum Society. The first Orphanage in New York City which was founded by Eliza Hamilton. (Y/N) was a favorite guest among the orphans who live there. One noticed and called the others to come and see her. They all ran out, surrounding (Y/N), asking what she did on her last journey.

(Y/N) told them to calm down and let her tell them. Erik watched from a distance (Y/N) talk to these kids about her adventures, even reenacting some of the events. And every last one of them was interested in what she had to say. One kid pointed out Erik watching from afar. (Y/N) looked over to see Erik watching.

"If you're going to follow me everywhere, tell me," (Y/N) asked leaning on her sword which she had unsheathed to tell her story of the pirates. 

"The last time I remember, you said there was nothing interesting here in America yet you have so many children listening to you talk about pirates and meeting people," Erik said

"You weren't interested in me talking about the things you haven't seen yet so don't blame me," (Y/N) turned to the kids, "Everyone, this is Erik Destler. He is traveling with me to find somewhere other than Paris to stay while being a pain in the ass."

"How kind of you."

The children started to ask Erik questions about himself and Paris. One even asked if he was an Orphan. That defiantly caught him off-guard for a moment. 

"Well, I guess I was. I didn't have a family or parents. I still don't. But I was never in an orphanage like all of you. I was in a traveling fair because of what I hide under the mask. I had a cruel childhood. Until, one day, someone saved me and hid me away safely in the Paris Opera House," Erik explained to them.

"Did you ever feel alone?" A child asked.

"I was alone. And I thought I would be alone forever. I mean, like you all, I didn't have anyone to look up to or help me. But something I learned while living alone is that, sometimes, there will be someone to save you and make you feel loved and welcomed."

Erik looked at (Y/N). She was smiling. Maybe the first time he's ever seen her smile this whole trip.

"Go on. Give them some words of encouragement for the future," (Y/N) said smiling

Erik looked back at the children, 'Have you ever felt like nobody was there? Have you ever felt forgotten in the middle of nowhere? Have you ever felt like you could disappear? Like you could fall, and no one would hear?' they all nodded, 'Well, let that lonely feeling wash away. Maybe there's a reason to believe you'll be okay. 'Cause when you don't feel strong enough to stand, you can reach, reach out your hand, and oh, someone will come running and I know, they'll take you home. Even when the dark comes crashing through, when you need a friend to carry you, and when you're broken on the ground, you will be found. So let the sun come streaming in 'cause you'll reach up and you'll rise again. Lift your head and look around. You will be found. You will be found. You will be found. You will be found. You will be found.'

That really brightened up their day. A lot of the children hadn't been adopted yet so they were beginning to think maybe they'd never find a family. The two soon had to leave. The children said goodbye and went back inside. The two went back to the ship where everyone was still busy with things. Erik took this time to write about the children he met and what he said to them. But America wasn't the place for him. So, back on the sea again to the next country.