A/N: I love a good bromance. That's really all I have to say about this chapter. It took a while and I am still not completely happy with it.
Everything froze then. I vaguely hear music starting to play. My eyes follow her every movement. The show is a burlesque style. When she starts to sing I feel my heart will also stop. It takes me back to her debut at the Opera, though she looks quite different from that evening. Her hair has been left loose, curls wild. Her outfit was revealing, not the prim and proper dresses I am used to seeing her in. Red and black corset with a black skirt so short she may as well have not been wearing one. Matching stocking and garters. Red feather boa from which the occasional piece of red fluff floated off of.
Unconsciously my hand goes to my throat. All of the sudden it is stifling in here and I pull slightly at the collar of this scratchy sweater. When she gives the crowd her back the spell is momentarily broken. My eyes flit over and see the fop sitting there slack-jawed. I curl my lip into a snarl even though I imagine I looked quite similar only seconds ago. I glance quickly at the crowd behind me. Nearly every man was leering at her. My fists clench then her vocal break is at an end and her voice draws me back in.
Breathless I lean forward in my seat. I can tell her voice lacks the training it once had but the quality of the sound is still probably the best this group has heard. She steps off the stage, playfully twirling her boa at the front row. My heart begins to pound and I fervently hope my eyes are clear of any tears. Suddenly she is next to me trailing the boa across Raoul's chest. I watch red feathers come toward my face as the song winds down. My breath catches in my throat as I stare up at her. I feel myself almost audibly gulp as the boa goes round my back and I soon have the pleasure of Christine sitting on my knee. As her last note trails off she gazes at me.
She scans my face briefly, blinking slowly. Of it's own accord my hand tangles in her hair. Her lips curl into a smile and she taps her finger to the slight cleft in my chin. In the next moment her weight is removed from my leg. My fingers slide through her curls as she stands. The boa tickles the side of my neck as she pulls it from me.
I take the breath I didn't realize I'd been holding.
"Damn she's hot!" Raoul exclaims over the crowd's cheering.
I turn a glacial stare on him, my hands itching to wrap themselves around his neck.
"She. Is. Mine." I growl at him. His eyes widen but he is still grinning, laughing. My hand grabs his collar pulling roughly. "I am dead serious."
I stand suddenly making my way back toward the steps that led to Giry's office. After a terse knock I push into the room.
"Erik! Surely the show isn't over already." She rises from her seat.
"I can't watch them ogle her." I sit down in a huff. "She doesn't know me one bit."
"Somewhere inside she does, surely Erik. I am certain in time she will remember."
"Why do you think we're all here, Margaurite?" I sit forward head in hands.
"I don't know. Perhaps we did not get what we deserve in our last lives. Time will tell I'm sure." She leans against the desk in front of me. "So you've seen her. What did you think of the show?"
"She is good, but her voice needs training if she is to do anything with it."
"You were once her teacher, surely you can be again. I hear you have a new show beginning soon. Offer her an audition or a role, whichever you are most comfortable with." I sit up with a look of uncertainty playing on my features. "I've already arranged for her to meet us here after her show. She may be foolish at times but she would not allow an oppourtunity of that sort to pass her by."
Knowing I will shortly be in the same room as her has made me a bundle of nerves. My fingers drum against my knees impatiently. I stand and pace again. Prowl the room.
"Good Lord, Erik. Let me have a drink brought up." She sticks her head out the door and speaks loudly to someone I assume down the hall. Several minutes later the bartender from earlier brings in a familiar dark, square bottle and two shot glasses.
Giry sits back down. "You know I came here for you. I heard of your success and recognized your photo believe it or not. That newspaper article doesn't quite do your face justice though." She pours us both a shot. "Now sit and drink and calm yourself." I immediately throw back the drink. It burns but I slide the glass back over for a refill. "Sit." I purse my lips, glaring, but do as she asks.
"Why? Why would you come to America for me?" I pick up the refilled shot glass and drain it.
"I felt..." she shrugs, "...compelled. I knew she hadn't run away with you Erik. You wouldn't have left without telling me, I hope. Meg and I were the only family you had."
"Little Giry was terrified of me. I doubt she would appreciate being associated with me in a familal way. She hasn't...uh...joined us?"
"Oh no. She had quite a happy life, husband, children." She said wistfully, eyes bright. I reach over and pat her hand.
"So how much longer will she be?" I ask, nudging my empty glass back over. The whiskey has warmed me and made me relax a bit. She pours once more.
"Shouldn't be too much longer. Why do you have somewhere else to be?" A smile hovers over her lips. She slides my refill back over.
"I do not, but...I am anxious to meet her, officially. Maybe I should have stayed out there. I don't want that boy putting his grubby little hands anywhere near her." My fists clench, white knuckles tight.
"And here I had thought perhaps you had changed a bit." I glance away.
"I have changed." I look her in the eye. "I no longer act without thinking. I know now actions have repercussions." She nods slowly, half smile returning.
"Now this is it." She holds the shot glass up. "I don't want you to have to be carried out of here." I tap my glass to hers.
Just then there is a knock on the door. I drink as I stand, turning. I set the empty glass on the desk and inhale deeply while Margaurite answers the door
"Ah Christine. Here we are. Come in. There is someone I'd like you to meet." I come forward. She grins. "This is Erik Destler. He wanted to meet you."
"Meet me? Oh boy... Why? Wait...Erik Destler? Why does that sound...familiar..." Realization hit her. "Oh! Hello, Erik Destler!" She fumbles her words, laughing slightly.
"His new show is casting soon and he thought you may be a good fit."
"You do?" She gazes at me, blinking slowly.
"I do, Ms. Daae." I clear my throat. "Your show was lovely."
She laughs in my face. "You left after one number."
"I couldn't bear to watch you give your attentions to any other gentleman. I'd have been mad with envy." Margaurite slips out the door. I gesture toward the empty chair in front of us. She sits crossing her legs demurly. "I'll be frank. You are exactly what I have in mind for my lead soprano. Your look, your voice." Mostly because I wrote it just for you, I think. "Would you be interested in an audition?"
"Well this is not what I expected to hear tonight...or...well...ever." She laughs softly. I raise my eyebrow at her. "Yes, of course."
"Great! Do you have some free time in the next week or two? Our soprano auditions are this coming week but I could make arrangements for the next week if need be."
"Wednesday? I have that day off."
"Wednesday it is. Let's say four thirty? Will that work for you?" I ask earnestly.
I give her the details and location of the theatre.
"Sounds perfect. Thank you, Mr. Destler."
"Erik, please."
"Erik, then. I feel like I know you from somewhere. I mean of course I recognize your name...but..." She stands and gives me a once over.
"Perhaps you do." I give her a subtle wink. She grins at me and offers her hand. I take it, turn it and bring it to my lips. "I very much look forward to seeing you again, Christine." I feel her tremble when I say her name.
"Same here, Erik." I regretfully let go of her fingers. "Well I have to get ready for my next show. Will I see you out there? Maybe for more than one song?"
"Yes. I will be right down." I walk her to the door, then turn back to pour myself another shot. All those shots hit me at once as I make my way down the stairs, which is decidedly much harder than my trip up them. I only stumble a bit on the last step. This is why I avoid hard liquor. Never mind the roughly bottle and a half of wine I consumed before the shots.
Raoul, Stella and Bridgette meet me at the bar.
"Hey buddy, where did you disappear to?"
"Hey buddy, where did you disappear to?" I repeat, mockingly. "I was working, dear Raoul."
"Erik, what do you mean?" I nudge him out of the way and step up to the bar.
"Your finest bottle of water, barkeep!" I slap down a hundred dollar bill.
Laughing, Raoul. "Erik, you're too much." The bartender delivers the bottled water and change for my hunderd. I open it and drink half the bottle in a few gulps. "We must find a seat. I don't want to miss my lady singing."
"What are you talking about? Where did you go?" He follows closely behind me.
"I met with the singer." I smile dreamily. "Almost offered her the lead but didn't. Oooh let's sit here." I hop up on the bar stool and swing around. The ladies take the two stools either side of us. Stella is seated next to me. "Thank you for bringing me here." I gaze at her and yawn loudly.
"Are you sure you're going to make it through the next show?" Stella barks out her signature hilarious laugh supressing her own yawn.
"Look who's talking," I say, draining the rest of my bottle. She snorts and laughs again. Clearly she had been enjoying some spirits while I was away. She sucks the last of her beverage through her stirrer straw, a sound that would normally grate my nerves. I am too...well...giddy, to care. I scoff at myself and get the bartender's attention. I order myself another bottle of water and refills for the group. I glance down at my watch and ask how much longer until the next show. I set down some cash and seek out the restroom.
"I'll come with you!" Raoul hurries to catch up to me. I groan loudly. He laughs, thinking I'm joking. I roll my eyes he picks the urinal next to me. "So what was she like?"
"I just want to relieve myself, not have a gossip with my girlfriends." I zip up and turn to the sinks. I pull a paper towel from the dispenser. "She is exsquisite." I whisper. "She sings for us on Wednesday."
"I thought all the auditions were filled?" He asked pulling his own towel out.
"I don't care. We'll stay late." I toss my crumpled down in the bin and turn toward the door.
"OK, whatever you think." I pull the door open waiting for him to exit. We push back through the crowd to our seats between the ladies. The lights dim as we perch back on our stools. I admire her from the bar with a ghost of a smile on my face. I had found her! At last. My heart and mind are racing. How do I convince her to let me train her voice? To spend some time with her? The fop whistles as the number comes to an end. I glare at him and turn to Stella.
"Do you know if there is a show tomorrow?" I ask leaning down
"I do believe I will be haunting this place pretty frequently." I chuff at my inside joke.
"It's a fun place. I especially think you'll enjoy tomorrow's show." I start to ask more questions but the music starts again. My attention is drawn back to my angel. The show is quite good but it could be better. Still...I cannot take my eyes from her. The show comes to an end but I have no desire to leave. I like knowing she is here in this building. A few blocks from me. Tomorrow is too far away already.
Raoul puts his arm around my shoulders. "Time to go, buddy." I sigh and know he is right. I slide off the stool and leave some bills on the bar as we go. I thought Raoul was trying to hurry me along but I think he needs to be steadied. We travel back to my penthouse, the girls a few paces ahead of us, Raoul leaning heavily on me.
"You better not get sick on my suit." I grumble as we ascend in the elevator. I prop him against the wall and punch my code in. He gags in his throat then starts laughing. I get him to the couch and I am exhausted. "There is a second bedroom you ladies want to share. He'll have to make do here though." He was sprawled out, half off the couch and almost immediately started to snore. I drag myself to my bathroom and strip. My bed never felt more comfortable and I was hoping for some better dreams tonight.
I woke a few hours later to the sound of someone cursing in my ensuite bathroom. Then the inevitable sound of vomiting. I wrap the pillow around my head, which is pounding. I moan as the second round starts. Then I hear the sound of the rush of water. After a moment I hear rustling at the end of my bed. I pull my head from the pillow and glare, but it is pitch black. I reach over and turn the bedside lamp on.
Raoul is pulling my suit jacket off to hang up. He squints when the bright light hits him.
"Sorry!" He whispers. He keeps unbuttoning the borrowed shirt. "I'm too hot with all of this on. Uh..." Dress shirt in hand he glances over at me. I point to the hamper near the closet door. He drops it in and starts working on the pants. The button is giving him some trouble in his state. "Damn it."
"Hurry the hell up, idiot. I'd like to get back to sleep and you are very noisy. And annoying." I add grouchily. Finally he manages it and drops the pants in the hamper. "Now get out." I punch the control on the lamp and it goes black again. I lay back down, righting my pillow and then hear the other side of the bed creak. "Absolutely not. No."
"Your couch is leather. I'll stick to it! Plus this is like a California king. You won't even know I'm here."
"What in the world would possess you to think we should share a god damn bed? Get out!"
I hear his whine. "But my head hurts and I can't get comfortable on your couch. Please, Erik."
"You do realize I am naked under here right? You want to share a bed with a naked man, Raoul?"
"I could grab you some boxers?"
"Get out!" I listen and hear more creaking but feel nothing to indicate he left. Instead I feel the comforter rustle and hear him sigh. "Are you kidding me?" Almost instantly snoring again. I throw the blanket from me and stalk over to grab a pair of shorts. There is a bottle of aspirin in the bathroom, I down a couple and get a drink from the sink. My eyes are slightly bloodshot, my eyes baggy. I am still exhausted. He is too heavy to carry. Maybe I can drag him or push him off at least. He is curled up at the very edge of the bed. I glare at him. He will not cause me to look a mess tomorrow. With a shrug I climb back in my bed. At least his snoring quieted down. Even with annoying nylon sliding against me I fall back to sleep fast.
The sun beating down on my face wakes me. My eyes flutter open slowly. I didn't have the dream. For very first time in years and years. I sigh happily and stretch out. The movement next to me startles me for a moment and then the fops stupid face leans over mine. He grins down at me.
"Good morning, lover." I push him off of me.
"What are you still doing here?" I stand up, cracking my back.
He reclines back on my pillows. "Just waiting for my complimentary breakfast." I glare at him and walk into the bathroom. I splash some cold water on my face and scrub at it with my hands. As I walk into the kitchen to start my morning tea I see the bowl of fruit. I grab an apple and walk back towards my bedroom. Raoul is rousing from the bed when the apple hits him on the side of the head. Laughing I head back toward the kitchen. A quarter hour later he comes out eating the apple fully dressed in his outfit from the day before. My cup is steaming but I still sip at it.
"See ya later! Thanks again!" He winks and blows me a kiss.
"Get out before I find something bigger to throw at you." He laughs rubbing his head. The elevator dings and he disappears. I start to wonder if my other guests are still in residence. I set my cup down on the island and head toward the spare bedroom. The door is shut but I don't hear any noise. I knock and push the door open. Both of the ladies are still asleep. Shrugging I grab my tea and head into the bathroom. I run the hot water and set my tea down near the tub.
I sink into the tub and smile. Found Christine, no dream and a good night's sleep in spite of the circumstances. I would see her again later without that awful outfit Raoul chose. Smiling I lean back and enjoy my soak.
A sharp knock brings me awake again.
"Bye Erik! Thank you!" I shake my head to clear it.
"You're welcome," I call back, my voice gravelly. I clear my throat and push myself up from the cooling water. My tea is cold as well. Oh well, it must be well into the afternoon by now. A growl from my stomach reminds me I haven't eaten since dinner last night. I dial up my favorite delivery joint and grab a t-shirt and my shorts from the bathroom.
Time to choose an outfit while I wait for my food to come. I think back on what Raoul said last night, about how I always look like I'm going to a funeral. Sticking with the black suit, I choose a dark red dress shirt but leave the tie. I lay it out on my bed and go play around on the piano.
By the time my food arrives I am ravenous. It feels especially lonely here today after the past day. For one who once hated the sight of other humans I was coming to enjoy their company. Becoming dependent on it even.
After I finish my meal I go back to work on the piano. I play some songs from my former life. Letting all the memories replay in my mind. I always seem to come back to Don Juan. Watching her demeanor change as I took Piangi's place. She knew it was me before she even turned around. My voice made her tremble. I can't say in that instance if it was from fear or something else altogether. The latter I think. Fear came later, once I had the boy trapped. Well perhaps after I had stolen her away. By that point I was blind with rage. They all wanted me dead, even her I thought. A fair desire for sure, but in return I wanted them all dead. No one cared about the monsters feelings. I had them too.
Again I acted without thinking, Who knows how many perished in the opera fire. Additionally I destroyed something I had loved, worked hard on for years. I had lost everything that night, even my life apparently.