Erik x Reader (One shots/ Scenarios)

Erik X Manager! Reader Part Two

I got a couple requests for this!
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   I sit down at my desk while reading yesterday's reviews on our last performance. The issues from last time seem to be resolved which makes me glad.

   "What does it say?"

   Erik, who has somehow sneaked into the room without my knowledge stands before me. His eyes are gentle, but curious as well. I grin and slide the newspaper his way. Once he takes it I watch his eyes skim the paper to where the reviews are. He lets out an airy chuckle as he sees the review is circled. "Ah, making fun of me now?"

   "You used to do the same to me!"

   "Yeah, because you're-"

   I slap his arm to stop him from finishing his insult. We playfully glare at each other, then he turns his focus back to the paper. He has a small smile as he reads it. That smile relieves me greatly. Erik can be very...particular about everything. Something I mind find manageable or okay will be completely different, I've seen him lose his mind over the smallest of details. Like the time when the tablecloths for some scenes were blue instead of red...he went on a whole rant of how it changed the mood of the play. I shiver slightly remembering that day. You're not allowed to go against the genius. 

   "Lovely! The critics finally aren't stupid and agree with how well it went."

   I stand up and grab the paper from him and set it down on my desk. "I'm glad to finally see you happy about something. A smile looks good on you, y'know." His eyes widen with a slight blush dusting his cheeks. Erik grins shyly as he looks off to the side. My heart flutters seeing his expression. This man used to infuriate me beyond belief, but now here he is making me feel elated. 

   He nervously plays with the ring on his pinky finger, a nervous habit I've noticed he does a lot. He takes in a deep breath and looks back into my eyes. "You know what would make me smile even more? If you went out to dinner with me."

   I gasp as I stare at him. Did he truly ask me that? We've been getting closer recently, maybe to the point where I might even consider him a co-manager. We have never spent time outside of the opera house though. I can't even imagine this spooky man taking a nice stroll outside, nevertheless a dinner date. With me?! 

   I squint as I tilt my head away a little, "Are you going to pay?"

   "Of course."

   "I'm in."

~~~

I sigh as I look at myself in the mirror in the hallway while adjusting my outfit. I'm wearing some of my nicest clothes. What made me do this for a man I thought to be my enemy, I'll never know. A knock at the door throws me out of my thoughts. 

   When I open the door I see Erik standing there in very nice clothes, somehow even nicer than the things he usually wears. He has a hat and a black mask covering the top half of his face, his cloak blows slightly in the wind. With one hand he holds his cane and with the other he brings it towards me. I take his hand, his cold hands meeting my warm ones to find a nice middle. As he leads me out my front door he chuckles deeply and mumbles, "Your face is so red. Why is that?"

   I roll my eyes and try to deflect his question, "Oh, be quiet. It was warm inside my house. And I must say, I had no idea you had manners." 

   His head turns to me quickly with an insulted expression. My statement makes him stop walking for a moment out of shock. His mouth holds a grimace and his eyes look disturbed at the thought of what I said. "I'll have you know I have more manners than you."

  Now is my turn to look insulted. My mouth opens to say something but Erik quickly interrupts me, "You better stop before I make you pay for your dinner."

   I groan and close my mouth. He's lucky I like free food. 

...

   We arrived at the restaurant he decided to take me to. It is a lot fancier than I thought, it makes me feel slightly bad that he plans to pay for both of our meals. He notices my hesitation and just gives me a smile and mouths, "it's okay." We get a table only after a moment of standing there, and we get lead to the back of the restaurant. We get a few stares as we do, but he just keeps his attention to what's in front of him. Deep down it seems like he does care though. 

   We sit down and get our water to start off with. I take a sip and give him an awkward grin, "Are you sure you want to pay for my meal? Everything looks so expensive." All the prices on the menu worry me, it is more than I would like to pay for food. 

   "I am. Now stop worrying." Erik keeps his gaze on his menu. 

   After a while we order and get our dinners...and gosh it is the best food I have ever eaten. Even the drinks somehow taste better than the ones at home. I glance up at Erik as he eats. He takes small bites with long breaks in-between. It seems like he doesn't eat out often, if at all. That alone makes me appreciate this outing even more. He notices my stare and decides to try and start a conversation.

   "So...how did you get into the theater business?"

   I blush embarrassingly since he wants me to talk about myself. I laugh nervously and run a hand through my hair, "Well my family has always been in the theater business. Being rich helped me land the job of manager of the opera house, but trust me this life means a lot to me. It's been a lot of work but it's enjoyable...even if I complain. Seeing operas come to life under my opera house is so magical."

   "Technically...the opera house is mine...and Charles Garnier, of course."

   "Well yes he is the architect after all...wait what?"

   What does he mean that it is his? I look incredibly confused which makes Erik look very amused. 

   "I helped him build the opera house. Especially the underground portion. It's how I live there, I made a home there."

   I know he lives under the opera house, that much is obvious, but he helped build the damn place? Wow...

   Once I am able to get over my initial shock I smile, "That's why you're so protective over the place. I see...so you're a composer and an architect?"

   "I am, dear. Among other things." 

   He looks a little distant as he says that. That vague statement intrigues me even more. 

   "Like what?"

   "I am a singer, musician, and magician. I am also pretty good at making clothes." Erik says those things proudly, but then that distant look returns. He is hiding something else, but I won't pry. It looks painful to say. 

   The rest of the night we spend talking about plans for the future, dreams, memories, and any facts we think will please the other. I don't think I have ever smiled or laughed this hard before. Seeing Erik laugh and smile is a joy as well, he has more emotions than he lets on. Our conversation lasts long even after we finish our dinner. The opera ghost feels even more human to me now, he's just like anyone else. He's just like me. And this opera ghost has made my heart beat so fast all night. Erik makes me feel like I'm floating in the clouds, it's a wonderful feeling. 

   I chuckle to myself already knowing that I am going to ask him out next time so I can feel these feelings again. I never want it to stop.