This is not actually from any of the books. My own concoction, in fact; it just came to me, and proved to be good enough to write. A snippet from the lives of Matt and Kate after Starclimber.

Kenneth Oppel owns all characters etc...

"We're going to have to run for it," Kate said, peering out the large double doors. Rain was had started pouring down only minutes ago. The sky had blackened, and was now boiling like water on a stove.

"Looks like it," I agreed. I opened the door wider, bowed elegantly, and said, "After you, Miss de Vries."

Kate glared at me, then strode out into the downpour. I followed, and the rain immediately began it's job of soaking me through. Kate looked to be in a great hurry to reach the cab. On the contrary, I was enjoying it. My hair was already sloppy wet and the shoulders of my tux heavy with water. It felt surprisingly refreshing.

My feet slapped against the wet ground as I rushed to catch Kate's hand just before she was about to step into the cab.

A noise sounding close to "Gah!" escaped from her mouth as I yanked backwards, away from the comparative dryness that awaited her in the cab. She fell backwards into my arms, flailing. I tipped her back onto her feet, smiling widely.

She turned on me, glaring. "What do you think your doing? It's raining; go get the driver!"

"I like the rain, bossy. We should enjoy it."

"You're going to ruin a perfectly good dress, Matt Cruse," she warned, eyebrows narrowed.

"Do you mind?" I asked earnestly.

"No, I guess not."

The smile returned to my face, and I stepped forwards and hugged her close. Kate's arms snaked around my waist. I started twirling and spinning, and laughed out loud. Kate started laughing too, as we stumbled around and spun, enjoying the rain.

"What's the excuse if someone decides to take a break from the party?"

"You mean if we're caught?"

"Yes, it could cause quite the scandal, you know."

I stopped our spins, and looked at her thoughtfully. "You tripped on the hem of your dress, and I, heroically, am saving you from the clutches of wet grass."

"Wet grass, huh," she said, smiling. "I'm wet already, aren't I?"

"Good point. A twisted ankle, maybe? I could save you from a twisted ankle. With a twisted ankle, you could be imprisoned in bed for a week. We might even be able to get away with two."

Kate nodded, agreeing, "That's a fine excuse."

Her dark auburn hair hung in wet ringlets, framing her smiling face. I reached out and cupped her rain streaked face in one hand.

Kate stepped forwards, and I felt her lips on mine and her arms around my neck, pulling me close. My other arm was left to wrap around her waist, and I kissed back.

"There's probably no good excuse for this," she said around my mouth. I chose not to reply at all. Instead I leaned my forehead against hers, and stared at her closed eyes, willing them to open. They did, and we just stared in silence at each other.

"You decided to give your daring hero a passionate embrace," I suggested, referring to her previous question. My heart galloped wildly.

"Sorry, that would still cause a scandal. How about you go fetch our driver, the cab is much more discrete, I think."

I half rolled my eyes, but obliged. "Alright, just give me a second. I'll be back."

"Just don't twist your ankle," she said cheerily.

"I'll try not to."

There was a small house-like thing, which was slightly smaller than a regular house, that sat next the mansion in which the party was taking place. The smaller-than-a-house house was completely dwarfed by the towering stone mansion.

Unsure of what I was suppose to do, for I was not used to be carted around by a driver, I gave the door a little knock. Then, cracking it open, I peeked inside.

On the other side of the door, a small circle of men were sitting, chatting, and playing cards. They all looked up at the loud groan the door hinges made. My face burned, for I felt as if I was interrupting.

A man, whom I recognized as the one who had taken us to the party, stood and said, "Mr. Cruse?"

"Er, Miss de Vries and I are ready to leave, if you please." It felt terribly awkward, me talking down on this man. All my life it had been my place to look up, not down. I felt dirty and cruel.

"Of course, Mr. Cruse," he said to me, then faced his colleagues. "So long, gents."

"Until tomorrow, Barkly!" said one man, nodding in our drivers direction.

"Good game, Barkly. I'll beat you next time, eh?" barked another burly man.

"We'll see about that, Crudger," Barkly replied, grinning.

I slipped back out into the rain, and held the door open for Barkly. He walked pass, tipping his hat at me. I nodded in return.

"Did you have a good time at the party, Mr. Cruse?"

"Oh, yes. Thank you. It was enjoyable. Thank you for taking us."

He looked a little surprised. "Your welcome, Mr. Cruse."

Back at the cab, Barkly stepped around to the other side of the car, while I opened the door, and ducked in next to Kate. Apparently I splattered her with rain water, because she glared at me haughtily.

"I was just warming up," she grumbled.

"Sorry."

"That's alright," Kate said, smiling. She takes my hand and squeezes. I could feel the hard ring, my ring, under her glove, and happiness bubbled inside me. "Turns out I like the rain, too."

"That's good," I remarked. The engine revved to life, growling. Barkly is intent on the road.

Kate exhales tiredly, eyes drooping, and I find myself worn too. Sometimes, I have recently found, parties can be very wearisome.

Kate's head lolls against my shoulder, but she immediately straitens. "I'm sorry," she murmurs. I squeeze her hand in response. Once again, sleep threatens to overwhelm her, and Kate's temple falls to my shoulder. She does not bother to sit up this time.

I lean down and kiss her head, her hair. "I'll wake you up when we're there."

"Mhm hm…"

I stretch out, lean back, and quietly listen to the patter-patter of rain drumming on the car hood. Sleep is a nice prospect, but I resist. I mustn't miss a moment of this peaceful perfection.

If I had it my way, Kate and I would stay like this. Forever, if such a thing were possible. Forever in perfection seemed a very fine idea, indeed.

It was cute, but very satisfying. Hope you enjoyed!

I am thinking about doing Matt and Kate's first encounter with Miss Karr from Miss Karr's point of view. Probably.