Work Text:
"One Sparkling Peppermint Tea for a Mr. Tom Phan!"
A surprised, then relieved hum of approval answered the call.
Chanson carefully placed the extra-large cup of tea on Phantom's desk, resisting the urge to blow at it. Force of habit. He had to remind himself that he and the Phantom of the Bwahpera had come so far since Spooky Trails. He still considered it an honor for a Peek-a-Boo like him to accompany Phantom as his assistant/agent. And he had his work cut out for him. Whether it was booking small events on different planets or, more recently, recovering a fall-out at a singing competition that made the Phantom almost lose his voice, it was Chanson's job to keep the Phantom in good standing with the audience.
Currently, Phantom wore a business-casual navy jacket as he lounged mid-air with a black guitar on his chest. The cup on the desk glowed an eerie blue before floating right onto Phantom's hand in which he took a slow sip, savoring the flavor.
"Just the way you like it?" Chanson inquired with a tilt of his head. He briefly glanced at the phonograph visible in Phantom's body. A few cracks riddled the horn and the sound box attached. At best, the Phantom could only hum or let out instrumentals without further damage.
Phantom nodded in response. "Mmhmm."
"Good. I made sure to get the right amount of mint. Anything else you'd like?"
Raspy distorted music spurt out from the phonograph sounding like squeaky gears.
"'What happened with repairs?'" Chanson translated, nodding along with Phantom when he got it right. "They're coming along. We're still seeking a better replacement and someone willing to help you supernaturally. We can't have anything under the rug, so no threats or absorbing anything unless we don't find a solution. The Space Opera Network has its eyes on you."
"Hmm-Mmh?"
"Yes, on you. So I want you to be on your best behavior. I'll let you rest up. Ring a bell if you need anything else!" With that, Chanson disappeared in a wisp of blue smoke. Once the Peek-a-Boo was gone, Phantom's body relaxed as he sighed with wheezing relief. He could not deal with his staff and audience in his current position.
Phantom told the universe, paparazzi, and Chanson that he was over his fling and rivalry with Bea. In truth, he knew deep down it would affect him. The mistakes he made. How explosive their last interaction went. His jealousy of her healing and success after the break-up. If he could go back and change anything, he would have ended the relationship differently or had a conversation beforehand. But he could not dwell in the past for too long and the stage mostly waited for no one. He must focus on his healing and growing his repertoire.
With the hiatus underway, Phantom decided to explore new genres that he held off for a while due to a busy schedule. He was already versed in classical music and stringed instruments in the orchestra, so he went with a smooth transition of a guitar. Taking another sip of his tea, Phantom readied himself with the instrument as he made his cell phone, music sheets, and books float around him with notes, instructions, and tutorial videos open.
You had to cover the basics before you could rock and roll.
These were one of those days when Chanson wished he had not moved out from Spooky Trails or become an agent. Just when he was about to take a break, another agent managed to barge himself into Phantom's ship. The agent was not a notable rabbid; brown hair, a loose suit, sunglasses, and a sleazy smile. Chanson usually gave anyone the benefit of the doubt, but within the show business atmosphere, he could guess the type of agent the rabbid was.
"Mr. Song, Baby! You haven't answered my calls yet, you beautiful agent!" The agent laughed at a fast pace. A pin on his left breast read: 'R. Snap.'
Chanson sighed, "I deeply apologize, but the Phantom cannot discuss matters with anyone in his current state.
"Not even with Bwahl McGalaxy?"
Chanson froze. Bwahl McGalaxy, one of the classic rock stars that defined the genre in the universe? Not to be confused with Comet McGalaxy of the Space Pop Boy Band group Gem Stream. A possible collaboration and branching out could help Phantom, but Phantom's health was the priority.
"I do not care if Sylene Burrow comes into this room and kisses me. We are not negotiating until my client feels better!" Chanson growled, pushing the other rabbid aside. "Now, you be on your way, Mr. Snap, and call for the appointment like all the others!"
Before Mr. Snap could protest, a sudden riff blasted from down the hall followed by a different voice crying out, "Oh yeah!" Both agents stopped what they were doing, rushing to the noise source. They poked their heads into Phantom's room to find the Phantom strumming his guitar hard while a dark-haired rabbid with blond streaks, sunglasses, black and blue casual wear, and a guitar strapped behind his back watched in awe.
"McGalaxy?" Snap put a paw to his chest, gaping along with Chanson. "I told you I could handle the deal while you stay in the limo ship!"
"Oh yeah, that's the stuff!" Bwahl McGalaxy cheered, seemingly ignoring his agent as he strummed an air guitar. "Rock on, Phantom!" He then turned to the two rabbids and answered, "Snaps, I told you to call me Bwahl. And I don't think I needed you. Phantom told me he wanted some lessons and that he wanted to collaborate with me on a rock album."
"... You understand him?" Chanson blinked, oddly finding the exchange the least strange scenario he had encountered.
"Of course! I practically discovered and used the language of rock for Rabbid kind. I speak rock and roll. Although he was shaky and off-tune at first, Phantom's got the soul and rage for the music, man. It's so deep, I'm thinking of starting a rock opera!"
At that, Bwahl's agent's jaw dropped while Chanson glanced at the Phantom who leaned back in mid-air, lazily strumming his guitar as he gave a smug smirk and a deep hum in which Chanson returned. No matter what language he spoke or what obstacle came his way, the Phantom was always the charmer.