Victoria station was the largest teminus that Meg had ever seen. She stood on the pavement opposite, just outside the pedestrian enterence and looked up at the imposing sight.

The building itself was of a simular size of the Garnier, with three arches that led to different areas of the station to ease travellers search for the correct platform: one towards the south of England and France, one towards the north and one to the west. Its visage reflected the symetrical appearence that the English seemed to favour, and above the green awnings that covered the enterences there were five additional stories, with an even number of windows and a large white faced clock taking pride of place in the centre at the highest point.

"You've seen far superior architecture. Why do you gaze at this with such awe?", Erik asked offering her his elbow.

Sliding her arm through his Meg responded thoughtfully, "not so much awe as respect. It isn't a beautiful building, but nor is it ugly. But it's impressive nonetheless"

"Have you seen inside?", he asked and she shook her head in response. Checking his pocket watch hentold her of how the British had by-laws specifically for the railways, and how they had their own powers of enforcement - something Meg found unbelievable, but accepted as another example of British idiosyncracies.

Being careful to navigate through the carriages and bustling people Erik guided Meg through one of the archways to the concourse. Upon seeing the interior tonthe station Meg stopped dead in her tracks and gazed up at the cieling; it was entirely made of glass secured with wrought iron frames. She felt Erik tug her to the side to allow over passengers to pass, but she was still struck by the amount of glass that made up the roof.

Slightly perplexed by his companion's facination Erik asked, "You seem quite taken by this train station. What are you thinking?"

"It must get terribly hot in here"

Erik let out a small chuckle before guiding her to the correct platform to meet her mother and Nadir.

--xxx--

During the cab journey to Erik's home Meg and Antionette compared their journies across the Atlantic and from Liverpool with Nadir elaborating when he felt necessary. Erik didn't engage in the conversation, which went unnoticed by Antionette and Nadir; they were accustomed to his aloof behaviour and hadn't become accustomed to the man who Meg had grown to know over the months they had spent alone together in England. Occasionally Meg would side-eye her companion assuming that Christine was the cause of his pensive state, but resigned herself not to enquire as she didn't want to become further embriolled in his Christine obsession; it would just hurt her heart further.

Having Antionette and Nadir stay in his home was an inconvenience Erik reluctantly accepted. He had lived with Nadir in New York, and although he had become accustomed to his own company once again, he could tolerate the Persian's presence in his abode. He also assumed Antionette wouldn't be staying long, prefering the company of her daughter, and given Meg's wages and the money Antionette had from the sale of his jewels, she would be eager to move Meg iut of her flat.

At dinner they spoke of nothing of consequence, with both Meg and Erik avioding conversation relating to his newest production and the the rest of the cast.

Meg knew if she told her mother what her colleagues thought of her she would be deeply dissapointed, and probably push her towards Gilles for secure life and to dampen any scandelous talk. Erik on the otherhand was avoiding the conversation because the moment it was divulged they had no lead singer both Nadir and Antionette would assumed Erik was pursuing Christine once again, and although they wouldn't be incorrect he didn't want to have to counteract Nadir's inevitable obstruction of his plans.

Following dinner they all retired to the drawingroom, with Erik chosing to play a piece on the piano while Meg, Antionette and Nadir discussed the differences between the United State and England.

When Antionette excused herself Erik noticed Nadir guide Meg to the side and speak in hushed tones, causing him to recall the ketter he had seen in her dresser. Mentally cursing himself for not investigating further, he decided that he was juggling far to much to have Nadir interfere is either his or Meg's lives.

Erik didn't like secrets, unless they were his own, and he felt a sudden eagerness to speak to Meg alone and to question Nadir.

Once Meg left the room Erik immediately pounced on the unsuspecting Nadir, demanding he tell him why he was speaking with Meg in hush.

"If she hasn't told you, then I shan't", Nadir responded dismissively , pouring hinself a glass of port from the decanter on the table.

"You are a guest in my home you damnable man", Erik responded steppining closer to try and make himself look more intimidating, "you will not have secrets under my roof". But Nadir, who was used to Erik's behaviour merely took another sip of port before walking away.

"Don't walk away from me daroga", he said in a low tone, the one he used to threaten the managers and scare the chorus members at the Populaire.

"I'm sorry to interrupt", a female voice came from the door, "but mother is exhausted. Please may I have a chaperone to walk me home?"

Nadir was about to volunteer, but stopped when Erik gave him a scathing look that sent shivers down his spine.

--xxx--

The night was silent and still as the blonde dancer and masked composer walked through the streets of London, their way illuminated by gas lamps. Even in spring the smog would settle over London at night, often preventing the light from the stars and moon lighting the coty below. It was.one of the many reasons why the illusive Jack the Ripper had managed to escape Abberline and continue his spree.

As they walked to the main road the cool spring air picked up a breeze and Erik noticed Meg pull her shawl more tightly around her shoulders. With a reluctant sigh, he removed his cape he placed it over her shoulders, being rewarded by a broad smile in thanks.

They walked for a short time more before Erik finally spoke. He knew Meg was notnthe easiest people to manipulate, so he opted for a more direct approach.

"Why is Nadir so keen on speaking to you alone?"

"Why are you?", Meg replied in frustration. She was tired of Erik's interest and interference in her life.

"You are my friend"

She rolled her eyes, "then you have your answer".

"Hardly", he scoffed in response. She had barely spoken with Nadir prior to their departure from New York, so he was certain that she couldn't have established a friendship with him under those circumstances.

Meg, annoyed by his dismissive response and continued poor attitude stopped and turned to face him. She waved her hands in exasperation,

"Erik, you confuse me. Why do you care what I do and who I see? And don't say it is because I am distracted or you care about the production, because neither warrant level of intereference you try to have in my life"

"You are my friend", his response was not enough to calm her.

"We've been through this. I don't think we are friends. I am not sure you even know what a friend is", he words were meant to be biting, but she had finally had enough.

"Don't speak to me like that Margueritte Giry. I may have had few fiends in my life, but there are a few people who I hold in high enough regard to consider them as such. I have done nothing to deserve your impertinence"

"Really? You think you have done nothing!", shaking her head in disbelief, "You truly are an arrogant man Erik Destler"

"I have never denied that. But I fail to see what I have specifically done to deserve your wrath".

Exhausted and emotionally drained, Meg allowed the flood gates to open.

"You use me Erik. You play with my emotions. You give me hope you have feelings for me, and then dash it them with one foul swoop. Then you build them up again", she shook her head and turned away, "I told you my heart can't take it - and I mean that - you have hurt me in many ways Erik".

Erik watched Meg walk away from him. She was a conundrum and an inconvenience, but he never wanted to hurt her, nor could he bare the thought of her absence from his life. It took very little effort to catch up with her before he grabbled her elbow forcing her to face him.

"There are few people in this world I would swear never to harm.You are one of them Meg Giry. Any pain I have caused you I regret", he paused before adding, "even if it was intintentional at the time"

As soon as he had spoken his last words, his face met the palm of Meg's hand. She had suspected, but had not wanted to believe, that Erik had intentionally caused her pain.

Adjusting his mask masonce again followed her, "if you were anyone else l, you would be dead for slapping me Margeriette" he said gesturing to his mask.

"Then why aren't I?" she span on her heels to face him once again, "why aren't I dead Erik? Why do you care if Gilles wants to court me? Why do you care what Nadir wants to say to me? Why did you insist on walking me home? Why?"

It was dark, and her face was barely visible.under the poorly illuminated gas lamps. His eyesight was far better than most, having spent years lurking in the dark passageways of the Opera House and honing his skills as an assassin. His eyes surveyed her face, paying particular attention to her eyes and mouth. The thought of Gilles André touching her in an intimate way made him both angry and nauseous. He knew Nadir wouldn't desire her, and even if he did he wouldn't act upon it, but the thought of.the pair having private conversations made him feel uncomfortable. As for walking her home, he wanted to keep her safe. She was invading his thoughts more and more often, and although he loved Christine beyond words, Meg had somehow wormed her way into his heart.

When he didnt reply she asked again, "Why Erik?". He could see the exhaustion on her face and the pleading in her eyes. She wanted this to be over,

"because I care for you" he finally admitted, "I care for you more than I would like to admit".

"And I care for you" she recreciprocated offering her hand with a small smile. Reluctantly Erik took her hand and allowed Meg to intertwine their fingers. It was a sensation he had never felt before, and although it was odd and not altogether comfortable, he found the gesture comforting.

They walked the rest of the way to her flat in an uncomfortable silence, neither sure what the other had admitted. As they approached her home Erik began to feel guilt seep into his bone: his actions and feelings were tantamount to a betrayal of Christine, and Christine was everything he could ever desire. His angel was perfect; beautiful, graceful, unspoilt, kind and compassionate, and a voice of an angel. She was also close to being his.

Meg felt a sense of closure. She found it slightly comforting to know Erik's feelings for her went beyond carnal desire, but she knew that 'caring' wasn't love, and that he loved Christine.

--xxx--

Once Erik returned home he immediately began to mix the ingredients for his potion. He knew his feelings for Meg and Christine were becoming cinfused, and that was because there were far too many factors at play and he needed to reduce them forth-with.

He was so engrossed in his task, he absent-mindedly replied to Nadir when he enquired after the purpose of the potion.

"To deal with Richard Firmin. He has been meeting my angel's mother-in-law, and I want to know why".