A/N: Appreciate the reviews as always. I debated on the note… I wasn't sure if I was going to put it in but I decided I should. My reasoning for this is that I wanted to portray Erik's sense of humour… he has always had one. A little twisted, but there.

Modesty: Thanks for reviewing. You're always polite!

As for the comment on my grammar, I do apologise, I often write late and things get a little blurred on my screen.

As for the 'Miss' rather than 'mademoiselle' it was deliberate. As they are in London and not Paris a British police officer would refer to her as 'Miss' and not her French title… which is also commented on later in the chapter about 'Count' (or viscount) de Chagny rather than Vitcome.

Oh and you haven't updated your fic yet!

Thank you :D

Amber: Your reviews always make me smile. Lately University has been tough and this story has given me an outlet. The reviews are a lift in my spirits.

Onward.

Chapter 24- Sunshine.

The clicking of the horses shoes on the cobblestones combined with the rocking of the carriage had not taken long to lull Christine in to a deep and soft sleep. It had been early when they had set out, still dark outside, and she needed her rest. Her breathing was low and a couple of times Erik had moved over her to check that she was still breathing. Relieved that she was he settled himself back into his corner and continued to watch the rise and fall of her chest, so contented with the sleep she was allowed.

Her hair had started to fall loose through the carriage ride the fact that it looked ruffled had brought an uncharacteristic smile to his face. He couldn't peel his eyes away from her, he couldn't stop looking at her. She was beautiful, he thought and shuffled in his seat. Things had not been the same for him since he had left the opera house back in Paris. It had been years ago and he missed his home, albeit cold and damp. He could still see the layout of the corridors and the way his mirrors twisted the view of them. Only he could safely wander in and out without becoming lost and that was how he had liked it.

He had spent the last few years under another theatre but had stayed mostly quiet, contenting himself with the odd scare every now and then just to keep people on their toes. It only satisfied him for mere seconds though, things were simply not the same there. There was no labyrinth and had he not been careful he would have been easily caught. Which is why he remained silent and let them go about their business in peace meaning that he could lead his own quiet life.

He had spent more time outdoors as he had found a lovely little area just north of the theatre where few people went or even knew about. It meant he could at least allow his body some sunlight which his body had seemed to enjoy greatly. Erik himself had not really enjoyed the daylight, it always had him on edge, he felt that he must constantly monitor his surroundings. He was only ever really relaxed at night.

And right now.

Despite the thoughts of the difficulties they may incur or thoughts of his being pursued or even the notion that he would be rescuing his enemy, he was, for that moment, content. His body was snug in the seat of the carriage and in front of him was the most beautiful sight God had created. She sighed in her sleep and as he watched, her lips parted and he found himself waiting for her to say something.

He managed to tear his eyes away from her for long enough to peer out of the window and realise it was time, for now, to walk. He stopped the driver who he paid and tipped well enough for his mask never to be mentioned to anyone again. When he stepped back inside the carriage he took one last glimpse of Christine's peaceful slumber before he called her name softly.

Her eyes opened as he reached out to help her up, she refused his hand politely and pushed herself to her feet, ducking out of the carriage and hopping onto the earth. He stole a glance at her as she brushed her dress down at the front and stroked her hair back into place.

'Where are we?' She asked looking around her at the hills and stream running along side the road. She didn't recognise anything about the place, the road was dust and stones and they were surrounded by emerald grass and fresh air.

'We're on the right track,' Erik said with a slight smile. 'We need to go that way, just keep following this road' he pointed ahead of them and Christine began to walk.

'How long will we walk for?' she asked as he caught up with her and settled himself into the same pace as her.

'A while,' he replied. 'Then we will rest.'

'When?'

'It depends how quickly we walk.' He said. 'We will rest for a short time and then carry on along the path to the next town.' She glanced at him as she walked. 'We should be in the next town shortly after night fall.'

'Well, you certainly have this mapped out.'

'We can go back.' He said, coldly.

'No, Erik…' She paused and stood still, stopping him. She looked up at him and watched his eyes for emotion half afraid that she would see too much. 'I wasn't being… like that…I appreciate this… your… you know… your help'

Erik simply nodded and turned to walk but as he did he felt her hand reach up and grip his shoulder. He glanced back at her.

'I'm sorry.' She said. 'Thank you'

His ears tingled but he shook the sensation and continued to walk forward with her just a step behind him. He was thankful of the sun in the sky beating away any rain for their long walk but mostly he was thankful for the light that she bought to his dark.