Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters/places (apart from Tom). All property of Warner Bros.

Just after the end of Season 10. Rachel didn't get off the plane

*

"Please return to your seats, and fasten your seatbelts for landing."

Rachel Green looked around her, a lot of people were asleep. Thin rays of sunshine were creeping through some of the open window blinds. The man who she was sitting beside her suddenly sat up, alert at the sound of the air hostess' voice over the tannoy.

"Nearly there, eh?" he asked cheerily, wiping away sleep from his eyes. He stretched his arms above his head and yawned. "So, what are you doing in France?"

Rachel studied the man for a minute before answering. "A job. I work in fashion - I've got a new job with Louis Vuitton" she told him, forcing a smile.

"I'm sure that'll be exciting, but.. I hope you don't mind me saying so... you don't seem very excited" the man commented.

"I am. It's just.. I'm going to miss my life in New York. I left a lot behind" Rachel replied quietly. She thought of Ross' face as she'd turned and left him and got back onto the plane. She loved him, of course she did, why hadn't she told him when she'd had the chance?

*

Ross Geller rolled over in his bed. He looked at the clock on the bedside table, it read 3.03am. He sighed. His bed still smelt of Rachel from the night before when he had believed that they could have got back together. Now he had been rejected and she was gone. He took the pillow from the other side of the bed and hugged it tight to him, inhaling the sweet smell of Rachel. Realising he wasn't going to get any sleep anytime soon he got out of bed and headed into his living room. He approached the window and drew back the curtains, looking up to Monica and Chandler's old apartment. They were spending their first night in their new house. He was happy for them: they'd got everything they ever wanted. But deep down, he was jealous. He and Rachel had Emma, yet here she was on another continent, and soon his daughter would be there too. What was he going to do?

*

Rachel stood at the carousel, waiting for her luggage to come round. As she waited, a man pushed past her and grabbed a bag from the carousel. As he picked it up, he swung it round and caught Rachel's leg.

"Heyyy, watch it!" she exclaimed, glaring at the man.

He turned and looked apologetically at her. "I'm sorry," he held out his hand to her. "I'm Tom. Can I buy you a coffee to apologise?"

Rachel smiled and took his hand. "No, it's alright.. you don't have to buy me a coffee. It was an accident"

Rachel couldn't help studying the man. He was attractive, and looked to be in his mid-30s. He had blondish hair which was a little unruly, but at the same time seemed to sit perfectly. He had sparkling blue eyes, and she couldn't help but feel a little weak around the knees when he smiled at her.

"I'm sorry.. I can't help but notice you're staring at me. Are you sure you're alright, um.. I'm sorry.. I don't know your name.."

"Oh, sorry" Rachel blushed slightly. "I'm Rachel. Maybe I will take you up on that coffee. It's my first time in Paris, I'm a little tired from the flight and it'd be nice to be in company"

"It'd be my pleasure. So, why are you in Paris anyway?" Tom asked, smiling at her.

"Oh, I have a new job. With Louis Vuitton" Rachel said, grabbing her bag from the carousel.

"Very nice. Anyway, let's go get that coffee" he smiled and led Rachel in the direction of a coffee shop.

*

The sun shone through Ross' slightly opened curtains and hit him directly in the face. He had fallen asleep on the sofa. He opened his eyes and tried to sit up. He rubbed his neck and groaned. He had not fallen asleep in a comfortable position. He headed for the bathroom and climbed into the shower. As the hot water pounded against his skin, he started to waken up. As he showered he thought again about Rachel. He pictured her in his mind: her apologising to him, and her turning away and walking towards the plane. Ross brought his hand to his forehead, hoping he could somehow rub away the image. He got out of the shower and dried himself, throwing on some clothes. He had to get out of the apartment and do something, anything that would stop him sitting around moping over Rachel all day.

*

Meanwhile, Rachel was in her hotel room. She had enjoyed a coffee with Tom and had then gone to visit her new job and boss. He had seemed like a nice man, and Rachel could see herself enjoying working there. The offices seemed very friendly and they all spoke English, meaning her lack of French did not hinder her too much. After that she had gone for a bite of lunch in a small cafe she had found and then headed to her hotel, where she would be staying until LV had arranged a flat for her. When she was in the hotel she had called Monica and Chandler and asked them to pass the message around that she had arrived safely. She then called her mother to check on Emma. She really missed her daughter. She had decided against phoning Ross, deciding that it would be too painful so soon. She sighed and sat down on her bed. She picked up one of Emma's stuffed animals she had brought with her - it smelt of Emma. Rachel hugged it close to her and a small tear slid down her face. Had she done the right thing upping up and moving to Paris?