Disclaimer: Yes, actually, I do own everyone and everything in The Phantom of the Opera. Especially Erik. He's Mine. ^_~
Nadir:
"Damn," I hissed after the girls had run off. I had stumbled at the mock fear in the dancer's voice as she spoke of the Opera Ghost, so entranced was I in their conversation. It was a wonder the girl wasn't an actor instead of a ballerina. Cursing myself steadily for my clumsiness, I thought over what they were talking about, idly rubbing my palms together. Had I heard correctly?. . .
"Vicomte de Chagny and Daae," I murmured to myself. At least I knew I had heard "Vicomte", and ever since the. . . incident, the man's name was never uttered unless in the same breath as hers. I had learned that, though most of what the ballet chorus talked about was pure rubbish, some of it was as close to the truth as one can get in this Opera House - one would just have to sift through the embellishments to reach it. If I could trust their gossip now, then that means that Christine Daae was returning.
That damnable woman only served to complicate things. What was she hoping to do in returning this time? Erik was a wreck - I'd hate to think what would happen to him if he found out that she was under the same roof. It eneded in disaster last time, so would it be the same wa again? He would most certainly find out about her presence one way or another, and I shamefully admit that I was slightly curious as to how he'd react. I suppose that, in feeling that way, that was how I cam to the conclusion that he would learn of her being in the opera house from me. As the saying goes, curiosity killed the cat. So I suppose I shall be awaiting it when the time comes. . .
I returned to his lair and resolved to walk into his music room before I lost the nerve. I went at it briskly, knocking twice on the door and walking through before waiting for a reply. I felt as if I were a soldier going to war, being pushed along by the rest of the troops - if I turned back now, I'd be seen as a coward and a fool. Confidently I strode into the room and nearly tripped when I found it was dimly lit by a single candle. Though I stood in plain sight, in the circle of illumination cast by the candle, and had his cat hissing at me as if I were a demon, Erik paid me no heed. Instead, he was concentrating his whole mind and body on the keys of his organ, a folder full of blank sheets for music opened on the stand. Though his hands were poised over the keys of the organ, his fingers did not touch them.
Uneasy, I stepped closer and cleared my throat. To both of our surprise, he jumped slightly at the breaking of the silence. In one fluid movement, he capped his red ink, put away his paper, and stood to face me. His eyes were clouded, as if he were daydreaming. He crossed his arms slowly and motioned for me to speak.
"Sorry to bother you," I said unsurely. I was suddenly having second thoughts! Well, it was too late now. . . "But I'm sure you knew of the auditions they're holding for the chorus and to replace Signora Carlotta." He nodded curtly. "Well, the auditions are taking place today. . ." Damn it, I thought hotly, stop dancing around the subject! ". . . and I thought perhaps you'd be interested in watching -"
"What for?" he replied in a sotto voce, sitting back down and idly pressing the organ keys.
"Because - Erik, listen to me and put away those sheets, thank you - because I thought you'd like to know. . . Miss Daae isn't to be replaced."
He stiffened at her name momentarily before moving slightly so as to watch my face. "What are you getting at?" he asked irritably.
"Don't be daft. You know what I'm talking about - Christine Daae is auditioning today."
He went completely rigid at that pointing, turning away. At one moment, he was as still ass death; then he was clenching his fists on top of the organ; and finally he was shaking like a birch leaf. "Why the hell did you tell me this?" he whispered with his head bowed.
"You'd find out eventually, and you know it."
Erik's whole body was suddenly shaking slightly from some subdued emotion. "Damn it," he murmured suddenly. "Damn it, Daroga, why did you have to tell me this? I didn't need to know, I wouldn't have known! I never planned to go back up there ever again!" There was a clash of notes as his fist slammed down on the keys, rising in a haunting crescendo. "I never wanted to leave this place," he whispered, his voice trembling with unchecked misery. "I didn't need to know she was returning, Nadir! I wouldn't have found out otherwise. . . Damn it. . . Turn away. . . don't look at me. . ."
I did as he commanded, and I could hear the soft murmur of the silk ribbons that held his mask on his head being untied. A soft sob escaped him, barely audible, and for a few moments, I stood waiting for him to let him express his now-unrestrained emotions.
"When do auditions begin?" he inquired softly and there was the almost silent sound of the ribbons being deftly tied into place.
"In a couple of hours. What is it you're going to do. . .?"
He let out an unsteady breath as he rose, and his face was wiped of emotion. "I have to see her," he mumbled. "I have to see her - no, I need to see her - even if it kills me. . ."
I followed him as he exited the room, amazed at the transformation. For the moment, he was as close to the Erik I once knew than he had been in a long while. He walked into his bedroom and draped his silk-lined cape around his shoulders. Quickly, in his childish handwriting, he wrote a note in his trademark red ink and left it to dry. He picked up a fedora as well, pulling the wide brim low so as to obscure his face, already hidden by a mask that left only his mouth uncovered. (I suppose he had switched his masks while hidden away with his music, though how he had acquired it from his bedroom without my knowing would remain a mystery.) Ayesha purred joyfully as Erik stroked her back. The shadow of a smile played on his lips as his mind seemed to be elsewhere, playing the better memories of his life. Meticulously he folded the note into an envelope and made his way to the lakeside entrance.
"What is that you're planning to do?" I asked briskly, following after him once again.
"I only wish to watch the auditions," he said solemnly. Suddenly his happiness was evident as he added dryly, "I swear upon my heart and soul that there shall be no croaking toads, nor any falling chandeliers. . ."
"And what do you say to abductions?"
His cheerfullness faded and he was serious again. Looking me in the eye, he said softly, with as much gentleness as he could muster, "I'm not an idiot, my friend. I shan't do anything as foolish as that again, so long as your or I can help it. But to ensure that I do not completely lose my sanity, you may want to notify Miss Daae -" his voice wavered slightly at the name "- of my presence today. She should know where I am."
When I nodded, he opened the door and allowed me to walk through. I got into the boat quickly, but not before he said, "And thank you, Nadir, for telling me. . ."