A/N: So, due to my own stupidity in not consulting the source material for this chapter, I must now take the liberty of making Nadir's home much closer to the palace than the book suggests. I berate myself for this oversight, but implore you to forgive me.
Nadir had stood there for nearly half an hour while watching Erik and Christine fawn over some baby swan. He had come to retrieve Erik and potentially Christine as he would be making a trip back to his home to visit his son, Reza, but so far had just stood there unnoticed or actively ignored by the two. He suspected Erik had noticed, as he noticed just about everything, but had refrained for saying anything in favour of having Christine to himself. He had told Nadir of her reactions a few days previous to seeing his uncovered face, causing the Daroga to wonder about Christine's intentions. Why had she not told Erik? Certainly she knew the longer she waited, the worse it would be, did she not?
Shaking his head tiredly, Nadir decided to join them.
'Hello Nadir,' Christine smiled cheerily up at him. 'We were just admiring how quickly Petit is growing.' She pointed to the cygnet as evidence.
'Soon he won't be fitting of his name.' Nadir complimented, still tired by her childish fascination and enthusiasm.
'Oh Nadir, don't be such a stick in the mud.' She chided, pulling the bird out of the water.
Erik did little to hold in the laugh her words inspired or the degrading look he received from the Daroga for it. 'She's right, old man. You would do well to lighten up.' He teased with that same wicked look in his eye. Nadir wondered how Christine never saw it when he realised that Erik always somehow managed to hide it before she could. Well, he thought, at least they will both have something to confess.
'Christine, I wanted to let you know I'll be going home for a week or so. I know how you enjoy coming along.'
'Oh, may I? It's been far too long since I last saw Reza.' She suddenly turned, thinking of that adorable little child she had met four years ago, and smiling with her big green eyes and her sweet grin.
'You are always welcome in my home, Christine, you know that.' Nadir sighed as she squeaked happily and bounded off to prepare.
Erik watched her go. 'Does she know about…?' He trailed off.
'Yes. In fact, I think she suspected there was no cure when she first met him. He really does adore her.' Nadir looked after her, just barely seeing the flicker of her movements through her partially obscured glass doors. 'Will you be joining us?' He asked.
'I wouldn't miss seeing him for the world, so long as you do not mind the extra company.' Erik looked to his companion with that same pitying look.
'You are more than welcome, though I'm not sure how much you'll see of Reza with Christine there. She keeps him very well entertained.'
'Oh, I can imagine.' Erik laughed only half dryly as he too watched her in her apartment.
Suddenly, she poked her head out of one of her doors. 'I'll meet you two at the stables.' She called.
'It's only a week, Christine, provided you're not called back sooner.' Nadir reminded.
'I know.' She brushed off, disappearing once again.
Nadir sighed heavily, shaking his head at the ground.
'Never have a child, Erik.' He said suddenly, catching his companion off guard. 'Because you'll end up with two.'
Erik and Nadir entered the stables to find Christine rocking back and forth on her heels as she whistled some little tune. Upon seeing them, she broke into a great smile, pulling the reins of her horse to draw the great animal out.
'This is Ren.' She introduced to Erik, leading a sleek Arabian out. It had the purest white coat he had ever seen.
'I take it the name means something?' He asked, noting the trend in her animal naming tactics.
'In my native language it means white as in pure or clean.' She explained, rubbing the velvety nose of her steed.
'That's very fitting.' Erik complimented, reaching out to touch the animal. She seemed a little uncertain at first, looking to Christine for confirmation as to his character, but a brief nod later and she was happily nuzzling him.
'Aw, she likes you.' Christine cooed, patting the shoulder of her beloved friend of four legs. They had been through a good bit over the years, and the unbreakable trust between the two was more than evident. Erik could tell that Ren hung on Christine's every word and watched her gestures carefully, understanding them all.
Turning to his own horse, Erik felt a surge of relief at seeing his faithful friend again. He had not realised how much he had missed the great creature until he saw it poke its silken black nose out of its stall at the sound of his voice. Coming over to it, he felt that bond between them as strongly as ever. This was one thing time could never touch, and that was why he adored it so.
'And who is this dashing fellow?' Christine asked, coming up slowly, bowing slightly to the great creature. Just like his rider, the horse was tall and imposing, but with the same softness hiding in the eyes.
'Cesar.' Erik told her, somewhat dazed by her respectful display. She reached out to the shining black stallion with tentative fingers. He watched the smile on her lips grow at the feeling of the animal beneath her touch. The horse seemed only to grow happier with her there and Erik felt it as well. It was important to him to know his loyal friend approved of his other companions.
'It's an honour to meet you, Cesar. I am Christine Daaé.' She bowed once more to the equine. 'You truly are a handsome horse.' She praised, patting its strong and sleek neck.
Erik realised then with a bit of a shock that this was the first time he had heard her last name. He played it over a few times in his head, only enjoying the pairing more each time.
'Yes, yes, now that we are all introduced, shall we go?' Nadir asked, already mounted and pacing impatiently.
Christine gave him a mock glare while Erik looked at him with true fire. Skipping over to Ren, Christine effortlessly mounted and watched the graceful motions of Erik as he did the same. He made everything look so fluid and elegant.
Heading off, Erik noticed the pent up excitement of Christine as they left the palace limits. Almost as soon as they were out of sight of the great walls, she urged her similarly anxious steed into a full gallop. He watched as she leaned over the neck of her horse, both enjoying the wind in their manes and the freedom it brought.
Nadir sighed at her childlike eagerness. 'She does this every time.' He shook his head, but kept that fatherly smile.
Erik could not stand it any longer, racing off after her and trying to fully appreciate what she had so enjoyed. The length and strength of his mount's legs allowed him to catch up with her as she slowed a bit. He caught her devilish grin as they still sped along together across the expansive grassy landscape.
Without warning, Christine let go of the reins, throwing her arms out to her sides as if preparing for a great embrace. She closed her eyes and tipped her head back slightly as she let out a victorious laugh. Erik marvelled at her as she simply enjoyed the freedom. She was like a bird being released from her cage. And as brief as that reprieve may be, she intended to love every second of it.
Eventually she calmed down, both bringing back their speed to a calm trot, giving Nadir more of a chance to catch up. They kept on their journey as the sun started to set in the sky, talking of useless things as they continued. Before long, Nadir's home came into view and Christine's wide-grinned happiness returned.
'Christine!' She heard called across to her from the grassy span between them.
'Reza!' She called back, waving broadly at the small figure standing on the overlooking balcony.
Erik watched curiously as she leaned forward, nearly halting her horse to whisper something to it before patting its neck quickly. Once more his breath caught as she raced past only now she was standing in the stirrups of her saddle. Before he could ask the now tensely inhaling Nadir what she was doing, he saw her carefully place one foot in the middle of the saddle, quickly to be joined by the other. He urged his horse forward, eyes wide in growing fear as she slowly began to stand up, horse still thumping in its gallop.
'Don't worry yourself, Erik.' Nadir told him tiredly as they both watched Christine wave to the cheering Reza on his balcony. 'Though this particular one is new, she does something like this every time she comes. I've never seen her fall, not even in practice.'
'You could have warned me.' Erik shot back, still having trouble calming his feverishly beating heart.
'And what, pray tell, would you have done? There's no stopping her when she sets her mind to something. Trust me, I've tried.' He told the younger man with an amused grin. It was an odd sort of satisfaction to see Erik just as worried as he had been when he had first met Christine. Indeed, Erik did not relax until she had remounted and actually jumped from her horse.
The men followed the excited girl into the house. The second the front door was opened and she saw her young prize, Erik knew that Nadir had not been joking when he warned of her attachment to the child.
'Reza!' She instantly swept in, taking the anxious boy into her arms and spinning him around, sharing in his laughter. Setting him down with continued fits of giggles, she embraced him fully. 'I've missed you.' She told him, nuzzling her head next to his.
'I've missed you too, Christine! I loved your trick on Ren, could you teach me to do that?' The child beamed at her hopefully.
'Perhaps when you're older, Ren is rather large and fairly stubborn, I'd hate for her to throw you.' She warned him with all seriousness.
'Just like you?' He teased playfully.
'Yes, well, I think a horse should reflect their rider in temperament. That's what makes them work well together.' She explained, ruffling his dark brown hair. 'Now, go say hello to your father.' She smiled back at Nadir as he leaned in the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest but smiling at the adorable reunion.
The child happily but dutifully greeted his father before his eyes strayed to the shadow that was Erik in his long black cloak.
'Erik!' The child cried with all of the happiness he had displayed when seeing Christine. 'You came back! I'm so happy! I missed you a lot! Christine,' he turned to her, taking Erik' hand and leading him the few steps to where she stood. 'This is Erik! He's amazing and makes magic toys!' He praised, looking up at her eagerly. He began to grow too excited, however, as he started hyperventilating a bit. Christine was before him in an instant, placing her hand on his heaving chest and her eyes glued to his.
'Breathe, Reza, just breathe. You need to calm down now.' She told him, placing a steadying hand at his shoulder as he started to sway a bit.
'I'm sorry, I just get so excited.' He apologised, slowing his breath as she had asked.
'I know. Here, it's getting late, why don't you go pick out a book for me to read to you and we can play with your magic toys tomorrow.' She told the now sleepy child softly.
He nodded and made his way into his bedroom. He looked back once.
'Will Erik come say goodnight to me?' He asked, not wishing to forget his friend.
'Of course.' Erik promised.
'Just go get ready for bed and I'll be in in a minute.' Christine told him, shooing the child with her hand.
As soon as he was gone, her smile faded. Erik wondered at the sudden change.
'His eyesight's going and his legs are starting to fail him.' She diagnosed grimly.
'Yes, his legs have been going for some time. I'm actually surprised he did this well.' Nadir told her, plopping into one of his plush chairs tiredly.
Christine looked like she was on the verge of tears. 'He promised he wouldn't do that.' She muttered, her eyes turning stern. 'I told him not to hide like that.'
'He just didn't want to hurt you with the truth.' The Daroga said somewhat sadly.
'It's lies that make the truth hurt, Nadir.' She told him coolly, walking off to Reza's bedroom.
'Christine,' Erik called to her. When she turned to face him, however, any words he may have had died on his lips. He simply followed her, keeping his promise to the child.
Erik sat at the foot of the bed while Christine laid with her back on the headboard, letting Reza lean in to see the book as she read a story about a brave knight who saved a princess from a terrible dragon. When the tale was finished, the child looked to Christine with eyes full of admiration.
'Tomorrow, can we play more? I want to battle a dragon for you.' He told her with all the seriousness of a child.
'Of course, Reza. We can play all day tomorrow.' She leaned over and placed a kiss on his forehead. 'But right now you need to sleep.'
'All right.' He said, looking down as if it were a disappointment to be covered in the protective wings of sleep. 'Christine, I have something very important I need to ask you.' He looked at her.
'Tomorrow, Reza. I will be here, and so will your father, and so will Erik. We're not going anywhere for a whole week.' She promised, tucking the blanket up to his chin comfortingly.
'I'm glad you came back, Erik. I really missed you.' Reza told him. Erik smiled down at the child as he stood, joined by Christine.
'I missed you too, Reza. Now, get some rest and we'll have fun tomorrow. You need your energy to play.' He leaned forward to give the child's hand a reassuring squeeze before leaving the room.
Nadir went in to say his goodnight, Christine taking his place in one of the heavily cushioned couches. Before Erik could take his own seat, she had stretched out to lay on the couch, rubbing her hand over her eyes tiredly.
'How long have you known about him?' Erik asked suddenly.
'I've known him since I came. He was an adorable four year old, by the way. This started about a year ago.' She told him, looking at the ceiling.
'There's no cure.' Erik told her flatly.
'I never assumed there was. I hoped, certainly, but things like that don't just go away.' She looked at him now. He felt more like she was gauging him as if his reaction would give her some answer.
'You handle him very well.' He praised her after a fairly uncomfortable pause.
She shrugged. 'Wait until tomorrow, that's when the fun begins.' She smiled at him through her tiredness.
Nadir came into the room, shutting the door behind him. As soon as the latch clicked, he looked like he had aged ten years in half a second. A glance to Christine's tired face brought him back five.
'He's still in love with you.' He told her. 'He assured me quite solemnly.'
Christine smiled and could not stop the little laugh that escaped her lips or the yawn that followed. 'Did you really think he'd stop?' She sighed, running her fingers through her hair as she leaned her head back. 'He says he's got an important question for me, and I can only assume what it'll be.'
'Just don't disappoint him.' Nadir told her sternly.
Christine's head snapped up to look at him in hurt confusion. 'Nadir, you know I'd never-'
'I know, I just…Christine, may I speak to you for a moment?' He looked at her pointedly. At her nod he turned to Erik. 'Your room's the same as last time, do you remember the way?'
Erik rose, sensing the growing tension in the room. He nodded good evening to the two, wondering why Nadir had suddenly changed. He almost worried for Christine, but took his hint and left.
As soon as the door to the hall that led to the other bedrooms closed, Nadir turned his attentions to Christine.
'What are you playing at?' He demanded.
'I don't know what you mean.' She looked away with feigned nonchalance.
'You know damn well what I mean. You need to tell Erik. He's growing…attached to you. The longer you wait, the harder it's going to be.' He told her more as a warning than anything.
'I know, but I don't want to.' She pleaded. 'You don't understand what it's like. He doesn't look at me like everyone else does. He sees me for me and doesn't look for anything else. You can't know how good that feels.' She felt tears stinging at her eyes.
'He deserves to know, Christine! You can't just lead him on like this. He's going to find out and believe me, it won't be pretty when he does.' He demanded and pleaded at the same time.
'I can't lose him, Nadir. He's the first real friend I've had since I met you and Reza. He's different.' She looked almost longingly to the door Erik had left from.
'Just promise me you won't let it go too much further. He already feels he can trust you after what happened the other day.'
'He told you?' She was amazed that he had been made privy to the events of Erik's big reveal.
'He blathered on about it for close to an hour. He's almost obsessed with you, Christine.' Nadir felt a worry overtake him as he realised the truth of his own words.
She groaned, putting her palms to her eyes.
'You know at least part of the truth about him, it's time he learned about you, Christine.' He came forward, putting his hand on her shoulder comfortingly.
'Don't you dare tell him!' She shot up out of his reach and stood before him determinedly, fists clenched at her sides.
'It's not my secret to tell.' Nadir promised, holding his hands up defensively.
Christine started to cry at the thought. 'I can't!' She announced before flying from the room, down the hall to the door she knew led to her bedroom.
Erik heard her tears as she rushed past his room and the slam of her own door. Coming out into the hall, he followed the sound to what he assumed to be her room.
'Christine, are you all right?' He called in.
'I'm fine, Erik. Just go to sleep. I'll see you in the morning.' She told him, though the tears in her voice spoke contrarily to her wellbeing.
'Goodnight, then, Christine.' He told her softly. He idled outside her door for a bit longer before turning to his own. He hoped the morning would bring some answers as to what was going on with her.