The Wanted - I Found You

She wants me to come over I can tell, her eyes don't lie
She's calling me in the dark
She moves, I swear the room around her lights up like the sky
Confidence like a rock star

I wanna put my hands on her hands,
feel the heat from her skin.
Get reckless in the star light
I'm movin to the beat of her heart,
I was so lost until tonight

Tonight

Nadir stared into his glass and took a sip, glancing around. The guests were beginning to fill the room, and Nadir glanced down at his phone in his other hand. Erik had been gone for nearly fifteen minutes and he was beginning to get worried. He sorely hoped that Erik hadn't gotten into any trouble with any of the paparazzi. It was likely after all, Erik was a dangerous man. Thankfully though, Erik also possessed the capability to blackmail people into doing whatever he wanted through debts, which meant that he could keep himself out of the media, and away from people, which was what he claimed to want. It was obvious that it hurt him too however, because deep down, he did want to be around people. A long time ago, he had mentioned the desire to have a wife and child when he was, well, there was no polite way to say it, but under the influence of drugs seemed too light when considering Erik. Nadir had been shocked then, but now he could understand. Erik, deep down, despite the fear of hating the cameras and his bizarre interaction with the rest of humanity, just wanted to be loved. And that was what Nadir truly feared. Erik at his best and at his worst could go to such great extremes.

But then again, many people couldn't stand to be around him. He was a disturbing thing to behold. Even now, many of the tables had been pushed further away than theirs, and it was at the suggestion of the organization running the awards ceremony tonight, even though Nadir had only gone to them to ask for a table near the back. They had also suggested that they bring the award to their table, but he had turned it down, as in the limousine, Erik had surprisingly produced two blank cards. When pressed, Erik announced that if he won then he would receive it on the stage, and just thank Nadir for supporting him. This had produced a series of questions which led to the declaration that what Erik really wanted, was a good photo of himself on the stage. Nadir hadn't known how to respond. Erik hated his own image, who he very was, to the point of not owning mirrors. The desire to photograph himself before was a new one. And Erik told him why.

"It is to join the crypt I have, as a portrait."

Nadir remembered where this conversation was going. This was suicide talk they were entering here, something that didn't need to be discussed on the way to an awards event. Erik often contemplated death, and had already bought a coffin, something Nadir had refused to let Erik keep in his apartment. It was depressing for his friend to think of death. Nadir wanted him to see there was more to the world than his upbringing had shown.

"Is that was this is about? Erik, believe me, you are not dying soon because I'm not letting you. You remember the last time I put you on suicide watch."

It had been terrible, but Erik responded quickly, distracting Nadir.

"This isn't that. I didn't have time to write down my speech, I'm writing it in my head now, these are just props."

And the moment had passed.

Nadir smoothed down his suit now, glancing around and nodding to a few other guests that entered the large ballroom. The whole event was taking place at the Evangeline Hotel, and it was a beautiful hotel that suited the award ceremony's needs perfectly. They had given them both a table close to the bar, which was on a raised stand which separated them from the ballroom floor. There were few large, leafy plants to hide them partially from view, but there was nothing he could do about the cameras in the balconies. He was not looking forward to seeing how Erik would react. Looking around now, Nadir could see that no one seemed distressed, so there was a reasonable chance that Erik hadn't gotten into trouble just yet.

But where was he? What was taking him so long?

Nadir supposed that he should have gone out to check on Erik, just to see if he hadn't turned and fled, but there was suddenly no need, as Erik was striding towards him with speed and determination. He stopped at the table, and looked around, into the crowd of celebrities and producers all sitting at their tables, observing the room. He seemed to be looking for something. Or someone. As if that was possible.

"You got us the table at the back." He observed calmly.

"Yes, I thought you might appreciate that. The management was very considerate when I brought my request to them." Nadir said, leaning back in his seat. It soothed his back a little.

"Good. I shall have to thank them again, then." Erik said, still processing the room. His mask was aimed away from Nadir, towards the other side of the room. He was watching something. Nadir didn't understand why though, Erik could have easily looked at the room for one second and know exactly what he was looking for. It was an uncanny gift, along with many others he possessed.

Nadir raised an eyebrow. "Again?"

Erik nodded, walking around the table to sit beside him, evidently done with his task. He proceeded to stare at Nadir, and sighed. Nadir was shocked to find it was a happy sigh. Just what was on Erik's mind?

"Let me guess, you've blackmailed them into doing something for you? Is it something to do with your masterpiece?"

Erik laughed, joyfully, and shook his head. "No, not at all."

Erik's ecstasy was slowly spreading to Nadir, and in mutual delight, he laughed, "Then tell me. Oh, you're being so secretive again. You'd better tell me because I'll find out anyway; you know that I have that power."

Erik turned his head to look away. "I met someone." Erik commented softly.

Nadir had been about to pick up his drink and take a sip, but he would have choked on those words. He watched Erik's mask for any indication of motion, but found that Erik seemed extremely nervous, and groaned to himself in realization. "And now what, do I have to speak to someone's lawyer?"

"Nadir, what little faith you have in me!" Erik teased, his voice taking on a light, slightly sinister tone. "I was perfectly civil. I ended up listening to your advice. We had a pleasant conversation, I believe."

"Well, that must be a first, am I right?" Nadir laughed, and glanced over to his friend. But Erik clearly wasn't amused, as Erik was now giving him the silent treatment. "Ah, come now, Erik. You can't take a joke. And you can't pretend that I'm surprised. But do tell me about them. Was it a journalist? I'd laugh if that was true!"

"She is not a reporter. Her name is Christine and she-"

"She?"

Erik sighed and hissed out from between gritted teeth, "Yes, she is a woman. Her name is Christine. She's British. She was invited here tonight and she'll be joining us in a few minutes."

"Joining us? Are you serious?" Nadir asked, amazed.

Nadir took a closer look at Erik. He seemed agitated, but he appeared to be trying to hide his discomfort. He looked around, inspecting everything, and every few moments Erik would attempt to straighten the tablecloth, or adjust his outfit. He kept trying to clean his mask as well, running his gloved fingers across the cheeks or the forehead, but the leather gloves only made smudges.

"Yes, I am. And you will be courteous and let me do the talking." Erik muttered darkly, trying to use his sleeve to clean his mask.

"But you hate women." Nadir told him, though it was mostly to himself. "You hate all humans. What makes this person so different?"

"I keep you around, don't I?"

"Stop evading the point. Who is she?"

Erik paused as he stopped to adjust his tie. "We hadn't discussed that. We just talked about the awards, and that she was born in Sweden, but raised in England by her father. And her shoes."

"Her shoes?"

"Yes, she told me they were new, which tells me that she bought them for this occasion, which means she is not a socialite by my reckoning. Which would explain why she fell on me because I also suspect that she hasn't worn high heels in a long time." Erik explained, going back to cleaning his mask.

"She fell on you?" This was getting more unbelievable by the minute. Erik was inviting a woman, to their table, after she fell on him. "Was she alone?"

Erik seemed to think. "No-one stopped us. She didn't say anything about accompanying anyone. She did say she was given her ticket, and that she didn't know where she would be sitting."

Nadir sighed, and leaned forward, pulling out a handkerchief. Erik froze as his hand came closer, and Nadir slowly handed him the cloth, smiling. He had never seen Erik so restless and disturbed. This woman must have been something for Erik to act in such a way. Nadir gave little thought to Erik as he began to wipe his mask, and pondered more on the girl that was to be arriving soon. Women had previously been such a curse to Erik. Most were indifferent to him, or just wary, but Erik saw every woman as a force to be reckoned with, as something that tortured him instead of comforted him. Perhaps this woman was just what Erik needed. A bit of female company, with hopefully some sense in her to show him how women really were. The kind, warm, gentle souls that they were, and the strong, independent, vibrant warriors they are. But the real question was whether or not she was coming willingly, or was the management so scared of Erik that they'd rearrange the seating pattern once more just to appease Erik? His last few words had inspired hope in Nadir, but knowing Erik, the situation had probably been taken too far out of hand.

"Are you sure about her?" Nadir asked.

"Yes. She wouldn't stop smiling at me."

"Smiling at you? That is a good sign." Nadir admitted, nodding. "Are you sure she wasn't just trying to get in front of the cameras? What was she doing?"

Erik sharply turned to head to meet Nadir's face and laughed darkly. "No, I'm fairly certain it was because of her own clumsiness."

Nadir nodded, grinning cheekily. "Okay, so we know that she's not a regular catwalker. Could she be a reporter?"

"No, she was dressed too nicely to ever even resemble those vermin." Erik grumbled, handing back the handkerchief.

"Ah, I see. So this happened on mere coincidence?" Nadir continued.

"Yes, I think she was more stunned than I was that it happened. It definitely wasn't something she was expecting."

"And did you ask her to join us?"

Erik stayed silent, and sat up straighter, fiddling with the tablecloth. "No, I did not."

"Does she even know you're planning all of this?"

"No. I needed some time to sort some things out and-"

"And that had something to do with the management?"

"Would you stop with your infernal questioning!" Erik argued, keeping his tone down. He was leaning forward, staring at Nadir, and the mask's face glowed eerily in the spotlights. "I planned to use the management's debt to me to ensure her seating arrangement, but they wouldn't relent until I offered them a bribe."

"A bribe, Erik? To get a girl to sit with you? You must be awfully desperate to see this girl. Can't you wait until later?"

Erik sighed, and leaning back into his seat. "Wait until you see her, you'll see why she has to sit with me."

Nadir shook his head. "Erik, have you considered the fact that she might not be as interested as you believe. Are you prepared if she does not join us?"

Erik looked up, and glanced around the room, his eyes settling on something. "She will, I know she will."

Nadir followed his line of sight, but couldn't find whoever he was looking at. "Point her out to me, I'm deadly curious now."

"There's no point, they're bringing her now." Erik replied, gesturing to the waiter on the other side of the room.

Nadir watched as a member of staff addressed someone sitting down. He had to crane his neck in order to see a short, blond, young woman stand up. She appeared to be addressing the other people at her table, her beautiful white glittery gown wrapped around her figure as she picked up her purse and dutifully followed the waiter. He had to admit, Erik was right. And she was beautiful, certainly a striking woman. He could see now why Erik was so affected by her. Nadir turned to speak to Erik, but found him shaking nervously.

"My god Erik, control yourself." Nadir whispered harshly, leaning in.

"I can't." growled Erik. "I'm too…"

But he never managed to finish his sentence, as the young lady appeared before their table, smiling broadly at Erik, with no regard for Nadir. Nadir couldn't believe his eyes on the creature that stood opposite them. Her light blue eyes were fixed on Erik's mask, and she had a large mass of small blonde ringlets that fell past her shoulders. She had a slender body, and the dress she wore showed off her curves wonderfully, though Nadir was ashamed to admit it. She was grinning quite happily, clutching her purse. The waiter left to get her a glass of water, but she had thanked him while staring at Erik. Christine smiled sweetly, and said two words.

"Hello again." She said, addressing Erik in a soft British accent. It appeared as though she hadn't fully registered Nadir's presence, and she stood, waiting for Erik's response. It pleased Nadir to see someone so smitten with Erik, though Nadir was wary. This had all happened before, with none too pleasant results. He glanced over to look at Erik, to find him already standing up.

"Hello again, Christine." Erik whispered, remaining perfectly still. He had stopped trembling now.

Nadir blew a long breath as he stood up also, dazed by the whole affair.

"It is a pleasure to meet you. Erik has been telling me all about you." Nadir teased, an amused smile on his face as he stole a look at Erik.

She looked at him in surprise, her mouth slightly open. "Oh, I'm sorry. We haven't been formally introduced, I'm Christine Daae." She said, offering her hand as she leaned over the table.

Erik was staring at them both, clenching his fists and Nadir would have laughed had it not been for the fear of Erik getting an aneurysm, so he allowed Erik to introduce him by giving him a single nod.

"This is Nadir Kahn." Erik offered, holding his hand out in Nadir's direction, as if she wouldn't know that Erik meant him.

"Are you two friends, or colleagues?" Christine asked as they shook hands. The waiter promptly returned with a tall glass of water. She took it from him directly and thanked him.

"Please, won't you sit?" Erik offered. Nadir managed to hide his amused alarm.

"Oh, thank you." And she did so, placing the drink down on a napkin on the table with her purse and pulled out the chair sitting opposite the both of them to seat herself.

"Both, I mean, we are friends and colleagues. I am his manager. Has Erik told you what he does?" Nadir asked as they all sat down, getting comfortable.

Christine began to smooth out her dress. "Not really. All he's said is that he's here to receive an award, but isn't it all a bit of a surprise until they announce it?"

Nadir could see that Erik was closely watching her dress as it fell against his leg; particular the lace ruffles underneath as she sat facing him. She had crossed her legs, and her hanging foot had drawn Erik's attention, as he could see her toes poking out amongst the ruffles. Nadir would have rolled his eyes, but the whole scenario was both highly entertaining and out of sorts. It would appear that until Erik regained his senses, he would end up doing the talking anyway.

"Well yes, that is true, but Erik very rarely loses an award. Only if he does it on purpose."

"And why would you do that?" She asked Erik, stopping to look at him.

Erik looked up, clearly not expecting her to ask him anything about himself. "Because I object to giving awards away to simpletons who use computers to sing. They're not worthy musicians and I see no point in wasting my time hanging around idiots who don't know music."

Nadir quickly checked Christine's response, to see if she would be offended, but she showed no sign of emotion. Nadir had been relieved, he hadn't been sure how Christine would receive his insult.

"So how you do you decide which is worthy and which is not?" She asked.

"It is a matter of which makes him more money." Nadir supplied.

"Oh." She answered flatly, a little put off.

There was a strange pause, until Erik came out with, "Are you here to support a friend, or receive an award yourself?"

"Oh neither," Christine responded eagerly. "I'm only here because I was given it as a gift from a TV show presenter. They flew me over for the week, I landed today."

"And where do you come from, Erik tells me Sweden originally, but then England?" Nadir asked. This was only getting more interesting.

"Yes, I was living in Sweden until I was four, and then my father moved me to London to find work. He died just before I turned 18. I've been living on my own ever since. "

"So why were you on the TV? Was it a game show?"

"No, a talk show. I was a guest on the Chris Wright show to talk about my video as it just hit a million views, and he sort of gave it to me as a 'congratulations' present."

Erik leaned forward. "Video?"

"Yes, I sang a song and filmed it and put it on my channel. I'm a vlogger."

Erik sat back in his seat, watching her. Christine seemed puzzled by his reaction, but continued.

"It wasn't even good, it was awful, I haven't sung in so long. I mean, it was a bit funny, but mostly sad."

There came another lull in conversation, and Nadir wondered if Erik was up to the challenge of entertaining someone other than themselves. Especially when she had announced she was a vlogger. Erik was aware of the concept. It meant that she videoed herself on a frequent basis to be put on the internet for people to watch how she lived her life. That was unfortunate news for Erik. But Erik leaned forward again.

"You sing?" He asked, clasping his hands together as he rested his scrawny elbows on his kneecaps. Clearly he had decided to ignore that fact to skip straight onto her singing.

Christine looked down into her lap. "I used to. I'm afraid I don't sound as good as I used to be in the video. I stopped after my father died. He used to teach me, and I just couldn't go on after his passing."

Christine looked at Erik directly; her eyes fixated on his, and asked, "What about you, do you sing?"

Nadir was beginning to see exactly why Erik was infatuated already with her. Her attention was solely on Erik, and he must have been loving it. She really did appear to just want to talk to him. Erik however still seemed wary, as though he was interviewing her instead of having an actual conversation with her.

"I do, though that is not why I am here tonight. Tonight I'm here to receive the award for 'Classical Album of the Year'."

"That's wonderful."

Erik watched her, and nodded. Nadir imagined he was smiling. "Yes, it is."

"So then, why are we sitting over here?"

Ah, the key question. And how was Erik going to respond, Nadir wondered.

"It is to give us some privacy." He answered, leaning back further into his chair, not liking where this conversation was going.

Christine seemed confused. "But there are cameras everywhere and we're sitting by the bar, how do you see that as private?"

Oh ho! She has a point! Nadir laughed in his head, but both Erik and he knew that there had been an arrangement.

"The waiters know not to come down this end of the bar, and to come only when we wave them over. The cameras can show us but they cannot approach us."

Christine froze. "Did you tell them to do that?"

"Yes, I require privacy at all times. Nadir had it arranged it for tonight. It is only by Nadir's persistent nattering, insisting that I come that I'm even here at all."

Christine looked stunned. "You mean to say you win awards and you don't even bother coming?"

"No."

"But why? It's recognition of all of your hard work!" She protested fervently.

Nadir laughed. "I wouldn't call it hard." Which was true.

"What do you mean? She asked, turning her attention to Nadir.

"Erik spews out music like some spew out gossip." Nadir said solemnly. "People can be unfortunately mean and stupid when it comes to recognizing someone with more talent than themselves. Especially when they have a camera."

Christine gave a shy smile to Erik as she bowed her head to look at Erik's stooped mask. "I used to get bullied too. People said horrible things about my videos. So I talked with them and we cleared the air, and there were no more hurt feelings. There are those who are just plain idiots, but the point I'm trying to make is that there's nothing you can do to stop people talking about you. It will only change when they start talking to you."

Erik looked up at her. She smiled again, brighter now.

"But you know what? I think this is a great place to sit. I think we have a great view of the events as well. I was sitting all the way over there, behind me, up against the wall over there. I couldn't see anything really, nothing that I couldn't catch later on tv, but now I get to sit with you."

Even Erik managed to grasp the tone in her voice. He sat up. "Me?"

"Yeah. Isn't it great?"

"Erik asked them to move you on his behalf." Nadir confessed, grinning with delight as he knew how that would affect Erik. And was right, as Erik suddenly stared at Christine, who was too busy grinning at Nadir to notice. But Erik sharply turned his head to look at him. Christine interrupted him as he was about to say something.

"I guess you like your privacy, huh?"

Erik looked up, and Nadir could see it was done quite sheepishly. "I do."

"Well that explains why the waiter was so scared; he probably thought he'd get into trouble if he didn't bring me over!"

Erik had tensed up at the word 'scared'. "I'm sorry, if you would prefer to be back over there…"

Christine shook her head again and grinned. "No way, those guys were boring. They weren't as interesting as I had hoped. I was hoping that we would meet again so we could talk, you seem like an interesting person."

Nadir sat in silence, stunned by the girl's admission as she reached forward to take a sip of her water. He looked over at Erik, who was staring at her with what Nadir could only imagine to be shock. Christine stopped drinking, and sensed Erik's shock, frowning as she pursed her lips.

Oh yes, this was going to get very interesting. Nadir was beginning to like this girl. His only concern now was how much Erik liked her. By the actions of Erik, Nadir judged him to be highly besotted with her.

Thank you for all of your comments, they've been wonderful, and thanks for the tip, I sorely needed it it seems! :D

I'd love to see some reviews, or any comments or questions! I have a whole story planned out for this so please do ask. Thank you so much! :)