Erik is little more low-key and chill in this one rather than being instantly obsessed w/ Christine srry not srry :/ if u wanna review thats cool. Also I write w/ Gerik in mind but u can fill in who u want i know ppl hate my baby :( ALSO i know nothing about body guards or how companies work tbh so if anything in this is unrealistic...it's unrealistic oh well lolll
"This is the last straw!" The smack of paper colliding with the wall punctuated Gustave Daae's outburst. The bundle of rather important financial proposals exploded in a cloud of white. His assistant flinched. "Bring her in here!"
His assistant nodded once and disappeared through the office door. Gustave took several deep breaths, his fists leaned against his desk, as the last few pieces of paper slowly drifted to the floor. He concentrated on calming himself, not wanting to misdirect his anger towards his daughter. He knew it was not her fault… even if it wouldn't have happened, had she taken his advice. But now would not be the time to discuss that particular fact.
Within a few moments, Christine timidly poked her head around the door. "Papa?"
"Come in, Christine."
His first instinct upon seeing his daughter, cheeks tear stained and hands trembling, was to gather her in his arms and comfort her. The sight of her so frightened thoroughly broke his heart. He refrained however, determined to stay firm this time. He knew that if he didn't, she would again lose her fear in a matter of moments and be back to her headstrong self. And as much as it pained him, his stubborn girl needed a healthy dose of fear.
"Christine, I'm very sorry for what happened to you today,' he began and she slowly sat down I front of him, "And please know I'm not trying to say 'I told you so',"
She sniffled a little louder. Gustave tightened his jaw.
"But you must understand now, surely you must see that it's high time you take my advice seriously."
"Papa-" She began weakly.
"I know you're a grown woman," He cut her off, "And I know that you're very capable of taking care of yourself. But this is the third kidnapping attempt this year. It absolutely baffles me how we've gotten so lucky,"
"Papa,"
"I wish things could be different, truly I do. I tried for so long to keep the success of our business discrete, and especially to keep your name private,"
Her tears began flowing again, fresh sobs racking her delicate frame. Gustave's stone resolve began to crumble. Stepping around his desk, he pulled a chair in front of her and took her hands in his own.
"But the fact is," he began, his voice much more gentle, "You're a target now. The Daae name is famous, and unless this blasted empire we've built suddenly collapses, that's not going to change any time soon." He placed a hand of her face, gently wiping her tears with his thumb.
"I know, Papa. I-"
"You need a body guard. I'm putting my foot down. Perhaps as my grown daughter I cannot make you do anything, but as my business partner, I'm making it mandatory."
"Papa, please-"
"No buts!" His voice was firm again, bordering on angry. "If you wish to keep your position at Daae Enterprises, you will have a bodyguard. Do not argue with me anymore Christine, or so help me-"
"PAPA!" She finally shouted. Gustave blinked in surprise. "Will you let me finish my sentence please?" She quipped. Her father nodded, still surprised at her outburst. "I was trying to say…" she said through a huff of frustration, "that you're right. I need a bodyguard."
Gustave's mouth dropped. This was even more surprising than her yelling. "You…you're agreeing?"
She nodded sadly. "As much as I hate to admit it, yes."
He shook his head on confusion. "Why the sudden change of heart?"
Christine let out a humorless laugh. "I guess three kidnapping attempts have a way of changing a person."
Now it was his turn to chuckle. "One kidnapping attempt is usually enough to change a person. Only you my dear, would need three in order to see reason."
Despite still being shaken, Christine managed a smile.
Gustave called for his assistant, and the man appeared in the doorway within a few seconds. He had clearly been waiting outside for his cue.
"Please round up those candidates we had arranged for Christine's bodyguard and schedule interviews, starting tomorrow. I'm sure some of them have already found employment so please find some new candidates as well."
The man nodded. "Yes sir. Anything else?"
Gustave sighed, gazed at Christine for a few moments, then turned back to his assistant. "No, that will be all. Thank you Nadir."
Caves are not entirely unpleasant. At least, those with nice lighted pathways and friendly tour guides are not. Perhaps even the hidden and untouched caverns could be enjoyable, provided they had a minimal number of residents. Were not caves often noted for their cool air, beautiful formations, and potential for adventure? Yes, a cave could certainly prove to be an amiable place to spend time.
It was these thoughts Nadir entertained as he approached Erik's home, and these thoughts which led him to conclude that describing Erik's home as a 'cave' in the past, was in fact, a disservice to caves.
There was no cool fresh air to be found inside the gargantuan slab of an apartment building. Certainly no beautiful formations within his secluded friend's top story apartment. More like dusty bookshelves, ancient instruments, and blackened curtains to keep it all drenched in shadow. And he had yet to experience anything resembling adventure within these walls, rather an abundance of sarcastic quips and angry jabs.
It was the former which his life long friend now chose to deliver.
"Oh yes Nadir, I was just saying how I'd love to follow some spoiled rich brat around for a living. Thank you ever so much."
The Persian rolled his eyes as he set aside the job description Erik hadn't so much as glanced at. He had known Erik would react this way. He also knew he was the best man for the job, for reasons which he hoped he would be given the time to explain.
"Look, I know it's not exactly a dream job-"
"Which I already have, by the way."
"Had," Nadir said firmly. Erik grumbled and turned around on his piano bench. "Look, it's not your fault the theatre went under,"
"I'm aware."
"But you need to find solid work again. Freelancing will only get you so far for so long."
"It is getting me by just fine."
"That's just it Erik, getting by. You shouldn't have to just get by, you should be able to enjoy your life-"
"Which I can only do if I have music, Nadir."
"Without constantly worrying about money. You can have a job and still have music you know, it won't take up your every waking second."
Erik sighed and absently tapped at the piano keys. A simple tune was all that filled the silence for a few moments, until he spoke. "What exactly is this position anyway?"
His tone conveyed complete disinterest but Nadir still smiled. It was progress.
"You would be a bodyguard for Christine Daae, co-owner of Daae Enterprises."
Erik actually turned slightly, Nadir just barely catching the masked half of his face. "The company you work for?"
Nadir nodded.
Erik turned his back again. "Absolutely not. I have no desire to spend anymore time with you than I am already forced too."
Nadir rolled his eyes. "You wouldn't be working with me, you twit. You would be spending most of your time with Miss. Daae whenever she leaves the office. I am Gustave Daae's…assistant…so I spend most of my time with him."
His hesitation caused Erik to turn again, this time with some interest. "His "assistant" hm? Sounds a like a waste of your talents, Nadir."
The Persian hesitated, knowing he technically shouldn't share anymore with Erik, yet at the same time his pride nagged him to defend himself. "Assistant covers a wide range of duties. Gustave learned rather quickly that it's near impossible to do business in this town without getting your hands a bit dirty," He held his palms out, "I simply offered to be his hands."
Erik hummed and turned back to his piano. "And exactly what do you imagine qualifies me for such a position? I hardly have experience as a bodyguard."
"No, but you have experience as a fighter. And I suppose you are marginally stronger than the average person," He said with a smirk.
It was Erik's turn to roll his eyes. "I'm not so sure 'torturer for a foreign dictator' and 'anger issues' will look good on a resume."
"No it won't, which is why I took the liberty of writing your resume myself, using some slightly more endearing terms." He stood and slapped the paper on top of the keys in front of Erik. The masked man read through it, a smirk growing on his lips with each line.
"Adept in preventative combat measures hm?"
Nadir shrugged. "It's not so much about what you actually did, but how you say it. Besides, the resume is just a formality. Gustave trusts me. If I give you my full recommendation, you'll get the job."
Erik sighed and set the paper aside, going back to toying with the piano. Nadir could tell he was thinking.
"You do know what Daae Enterprises actually does, don't you?" He probed.
Erik shrugged. "Manages theaters or something."
Nadir shook his head. "They manage music, Erik. Gustave is a passionate musician. I daresay he nearly rivals you." Erik shot him a withering glance, which he ignored, "He took his hobby of reimagining and reinvigorating places of music, and he turned it into a business. They manage dozens of teams of musical experts that take places, and people, who would otherwise never be heard, and give them a voice." Erik had gradually stopped his playing. "So think of it this way. You start out as Christine's bodyguard. But who knows where you could go from there. It's a new company, there's always new positions and high turnover. Maybe this is just your in, to get back into doing what you really love."
Erik was still now, though he wouldn't meet his friend's gaze. Nadir sighed and retrieved his resume. "I'm turning this in to Gustave. Your interview is Wednesday at 3. Don't be late."
And with that he turned to leave, leaving Erik to cast his irritated glare at the man's back.