The Phantom of the Opera

Chapter 8 - Why So Silent?

Music filled the halls of the Opera House. Couples with mixed matched costumes danced throughout the room as their masks glistened by the touch of the lights. Decorations to golden chandeliers hanging from the rooftops to the beautiful piles of mesmerizing flowers glistened with golden rims on their petals. Everything was perfect as the guests danced and laughed without a care in the world; as well as forgetting about the horrors that once corrupted their minds were nothing but loss memory. Tonight was a celebration in order to be happy and welcoming as the two managers greeted every face they saw in appease.

Ezra was still making his way towards the ball with Kanan a few inches in front of him. As much as he enjoyed dancing and having fun, he simply didn't really see any order as to why he still had to go. It would've been fine if Kanan had just agreed to let them ditch the ball and just sneak off to who knows where. But, of course, he had to be dragged into going as always. If the man wasn't the patron of the Opera House maybe things would be different, but really, he wasn't complaining.

The sound of chain rattling caught the teen's ears as he looked down. A smile was soon plastered on his face as he watched the silver ring glide around his neck. Who would've thought his world would be turned upside down in just a moment. Excitement jolted through his veins as he took hold of the silver ring while fiddling with it to keep his emotions in check. If anyone saw him this happy they would think he was probably sick or something. He wasn't really all that welcoming when he first started to live in the Opera House, which really, who would blame him.

They were just about to make it to the ballroom when suddenly a thought hit Ezra's mind. He never understood why he didn't think about it before. 'What if the Inquisitor finds out?' Fear struck the raven's heart as if someone had just punch him in the gut. How stupid could he be? If the Inquisitor found out that he was engaged to Kanan there's no telling what the man would do to make sure he never married the brunette.

Ezra stopped dead in his tracks as he clutched the ring in his hand tighter. He didn't want that. He didn't want to be separated or even afraid of what might happen to him if he married Kanan. He'd rather die than to the live forever with the Inquisitor. The thought of it just left a dreadful taste in his mouth. Even so, how was he supposed to let Kanan agree with him? He knew the man didn't believe in the Phantom but he still had to try. It wasn't like he was –

"Ezra?"

The sudden voice strung Ezra out of his thoughts as he looked up. Kanan was a few feet in front of him as he could see worry shown in the man's green eyes. He must've dosed off right before they were about to go inside the room; judging by the stern hand on the door handle. Blue eyes turned towards the ground as the teen hugged one of his arms nervously.

What was he supposed to say? That he didn't think telling everyone about their engagement was a good idea cause the Inquisitor might find out about it? Which was mainly true, but how was he supposed to make Kanan believe that?

"Ezra? Ezra, are you ok?" Kanan asked as he slowly made his way over to the teen. He was about to put his hand on his shoulder when the other stepped away from him. "Ezra? What's wrong?" he asked, again only this time more sternly.

Ezra gave a start as he heard the man's voice. He was starting to get aggravated with him. A sigh soon left his mouth as he slowly looked up at the man. 'Well, might as well try.' He thought to himself as he started to speak.

"Kanan...can you...promise me something?" Ezra asked as he watched the man fold his arms over his chest.

"What is it?"

"Well...can you...promise not to tell anyone we're engaged?"

Silence filled the room as Ezra waited for the other's answer. Just hearing him say those words made him sound like an idiot, and it wasn't helping him feel any better by the look Kanan was giving him. The expression the man was giving him completely read 'did you really just ask me that' kind of look. He had to admit it wasn't his best choice of words but what else was he supposed to say?