Come into the Light

Persian's POV

"Are you eager about today?" I asked breaking the peaceful silence. Today is the opening of the Recital Erik, Meg and Benedict have been working tirelessly on for the past two months. I saw Erik's face turn quickly into one of nervousness. It seemed he was not so eager.

"I confess that I am not entirely." He answered me. He was putting the finishing touches on his mask. He was dressed like a French Gentleman; he could almost be a Count, as he looked at himself in the mirror of his bedroom. It seemed his Façade of Monsieur Leroux was one he would be using for quite some time. At least, I hope. Erik deserved to finally have an identity of his own after so many years hiding in darkness and solitude. I have a feeling a certain blonde ballet dancer has to do with that.

"Why not? I would think you would be. I know you've been longing for sometime to compose again and perform. It is a part of who you are." I answered, glancing at him from behind as he stared at me through the reflection of the mirror in front of him.

"Yes, but I did that all those years ago hiding behind a mask. Not this time, Persian. This time I will have no Phantom to hide behind... I will be myself." Erik stated finally, looking away from my stare in the mirror to continue his makeup. Tonight will be the first time Monsieur Leroux will be coming out of the shadows and into the spotlight. Benedict decided he wanted to present their very generous benefactor at the end of the Recital as a symbol of gratitude. This request Erik surprisingly did not refuse.

"And that scares you." I declared what he did not say. He did not look at me and simply stared at the mirror. I know he was scared.

"Erik, you must not fear-"

"The last time I tried to connect with the world the Palais Garnier burnt down." He interrupted me fiercely. "I became a fugitive and I lost a chance to raise my son." He turned to look at me now, his eyes stern, but I knew it was not against me. It was his frustration against himself, his past mistakes, his lost opportunities.

"Am I truly ready to face it all again, Daroga?" He asked me, his eyes now filled with doubt.

"I think you are." I answered and he looked at me curiously. I put a hand on his shoulder, looking at his anxious eyes, trying to calm him down.

"You are not the same man you were eight years ago, Erik. You are not that Phantom anymore. I knew that the moment you visited me in Persia. I could see it in your eyes. Take it from someone who has known you for many years. All I would ever see was brokenness, rage, sadness and darkness. I did not see that when you returned. Something changed within you and I think it happened the moment Christine Daae kissed you." I saw his eyes widen in surprise but I knew it was the truth.

"Christine showed you love, even if only out of pity, but I know that ever since that moment you were not the same person. Now, the time has come for you to find out who that person is, without a mask. I think you have lived enough time in the darkness, my friend. Maybe it's finally time to come into the light." I finished my statement and squeezed his shoulder lightly. He grinned and I could feel him relaxed now under my hand.

"Thank you, Persian. You always know exactly what to say, don't you?"

"To you... sometimes."

We both laughed.

"And you are right, of course. I have to stop living in shadows. But I do not want to step out of them alone."

"You know that I will always be here for you, Erik."

"I know. As you always have. That is why I..."

I saw Erik's eyes turn fearful again.

"Yes, Erik?"