Fallen Rose

Scar Tissue

Strolling down the sidewalk, Michael looked to the skies of dawn. He kept to himself most of the day, silently taking in his surroundings. The first town Aladdin had shown him.

When he moved to Italy, he was a bit timid, not a clue to who anyone was in this country. He had studied abroad in the country prior, but was only able to comfortably stay in one city. Otherwise, he was lost in this new country. However, as he got into the acting community, he met a few people who showed kindness to him. Aladdin was the first to reach out to him, as they had both gotten a role in the same play. He took to showing Michael everywhere, and this was his favorite place; a place that grew on Michael, too. They spent much time together here, the air bringing him a longing nostalgia, a mix of sorrow lingering along.

This was also the last place he saw him. Their last show. That night...

Michael felt a tear as he stepped into the abandoned theatre, dilapidated, littered with trash, needles, and whatever else may wonder here. That night continues to haunt him, to this day, but why wouldn't it? It's the sole reason he went into isolation, and why he is here.

October 3rd, 1999

Lights glared down on the half-filled audience, awaiting yet another performance. Some there as devoted fans, others waiting to see a trainwreck.

There Aladdin sat, right by the curtains, light illuminating against his dejected face. He peeked out occasionally, fearing what awaited him. He and Michael both knew the toll this was taking on him, but Aladdin didn't know what to do. It's like his mind was deteriorating by the minute, much to Michael's dismay. Stressors he wanted to keep quiet, ways of coping in itself hurting him... Yet, he kept on, trying to trick himself into thinking he was the actor he once was...

"Dear..."

He looked over, finding a masked Michael. The Phantom of The Opera... Himself, the Vicomte de Chagny, Michael, the Phantom, a role they would reprise many times. He looked quite charming to him in such a dapper outfit. He put on a smile for him, nodding.

"What is it, baby?"

"Are you alright?" His eyes shown worry, a hand placed on Aladdin's shoulder.

"O-Of course! Why wouldn't I be? Reprising one of my greatest roles!"

"Well..."

"Trust me, this... This will be the play of a lifetime!" He grinned, darting his eyes around as he placed a kiss on his forehead. "I promise!"

He gave off a gentle smile, nodding as the curtains roll back, actors in their places.He wanted to believe, really. He held so much hope for him, he knew what he was capable of, yet... he had to hold back his own tears. A stumbling mess he was, eliciting laughs from the audience, sneers from his fellow actors... His facade slowly cracking, as well as... the skin around his eyes?

He jumped to him as his eyes grew odd... his irises spiraling as the skin around his eyes cracked more and more, a grin growing on his face as tears fell down his face.

"APPLAUD! APPLAUD! YOU MUST A-PPLAUD! DISRESPECTING SUCH A TALENT?!"

The audiences jeering quieted down, soon exploding into applause, sheer adoration, as well as the actors around him. He collapsed, the cheers growing louder, a hypnotic crowd falling with him, willing to do whatever he pleased.

Michael watched on in a fearful confusion as Aladdin seemed to be soaking up fictitious laud while the audience hollered with laughter. He ran to Aladdin, who was beginning to pick himself up again. He ran off the stage as the curtains closed off, Michael following, clutching roses hidden under his cape.