A/N: Thanks again Amber!

This chapter is for plot, relationship and character development. I hope you like it!

Excuse any mistakes, I am at Uni and trying to get this up before I go to my lecture!

R&R :D

Chapter 25- Destination unknown

As they walked the mild breeze touched their bodies and did well to cool their emotions, Christine was amazed at how the weather had changed over the last few days. Since she had been in England she had witnessed some interesting things, not least the way the weather could alter so quickly.

Erik was still one pace ahead of her and they had so far not attempted awkward conversation, choosing to wander along the path with the silence building a wall between them. He had taken his cloak off and draped it across his arm, she was surprised at this act of security and when he had removed his hat but the mask still remained.

She had no idea how long they had been walking but she knew that it had been hours. He had only turned to face her twice, both times simply to make sure that she was keeping up with him. She was of course, they were on their way to find Raoul and Erik already knew more than he was letting on.

'You realise, Erik...' she said, finally shattering the glass silence. 'That you are out, in broad daylight where people can see you.'

Erik continued to walk but analysing the statement he realised that her curiosity was finally getting the better of her. So some things don't change, he thought with the hint of a smile forming on his lips.

'Have we past anyone so far?' he asked, without turning around. She looked at his back and nodded, although she knew that not even he could see what was behind him.

'No one.' She conceded. 'What if we do see someone? What will we do?'

'We'll wander into the field and pretend we're enjoying each others company.'

She sighed.

'Erik…' she said, softly. 'Why are we walking to the next town?'

'Because towns are busy, Christine.' He kicked a stone into the field. 'We need the dark.'

With that they both fell silent again, Christine following and Erik leading they continued along the meandering pathway. Christine wondered what they would find when they reached their destination, she had no idea what to expect and Erik was giving nothing away.

Erik's mind flitted between what their next move would be and how he would cope with rescuing the Vitcome. He didn't know how he would react to seeing him again, to seeing his face so smug with the satisfaction that once again Erik would have to release them from his grasp.

The boy's eyes would shine onto him like he was dirt, like the monster that he was, like he never deserved to be in such beauty as was Christine. As if he didn't already know it. He would be forced to look at Raoul's handsome face and stare at the man he had longed to look like but knew he never would.

It was the realisation that Christine had dropped several paces behind him that brought him out of his own mind. He stopped and turned to look at her, she was tired.

'Are you okay?' He asked and as she nodded she stopped walking. Erik watched her and could see the pain flicker in her eyes. 'Christine...?'

'My feet are hurting,' she admitted quietly and Erik looked at her with sympathy. 'I'm sorry.' She said.

Erik shook his head and, as he stepped towards her, handed her his cloak and slid one hand under her, lifting her body into his arms. Her surprise was soon replaced by comfort, her feet weren't hurting anymore and as she relaxed into him she slipped an arm around his neck and allowed him to walk on for both of them.

The house was warm and light with the blaze of the fire glowing in the sitting room, reflecting an orange radiance around the home. Thomas Fellows stood at the door of his friend's house and waited patiently for him to say his goodbyes. Paul had charged him with the task of attempting to discourage Meg Giry from accompanying them on their journey but so far he hadn't found the courage to talk to her.

He glanced over at her and took in her beauty before stepping down from thedoorwaytowards her. She looked up at him with and smile and he gathered that she already knew what he was intending to do.

'You can't come Meg.' He said simply and her smile grew in return.

'I knew you were going to say that.' She said and his face remained expressionless. She stepped towards him and he debated turning and making a run for the front door. 'I won't come if you do two things for me.'

'What's that?' he asked with thick curiosity oozing from his lips.

'The first is, when you find Christine, tell her that I love her.' She said. Thomas watched her. 'The second is… whatever you're thinking… I'm thinking too. Just ponder that on your travels.'

His confusion was obvious but Meg knew he was an intelligent man and although his shyness around her was evident he didn't seem to notice her own shyness around him. It needed one of them to make a move and this was Meg's way of telling him that she was prepared for, and looking forward to, it.

'How do you know that we'll find her,' he asked as Meg turned to walk away.

'Because Monsieur Fellows,' she said with playfulness attacking her tone. 'If the Ghost didn't want you to follow him, he would leave no clues.'

Paul kissed Jennifer's face and lips softly, showering her with the caresses and love that he so missed when he was working. Her giggles under his touch hid her fear for him but she played along and forced herself to enjoy his company for the few minutes they had left. She was aware that Thomas was waiting for her husband and she knew that she would not see him for a while.

Paul's lips had always been hard but not often unpleasant and she loved his touch more than anything else on earth. His smile was always genuine and his love uncompromising and he warmed her when she was cold. His love was effortless. He was a wonderful father and a unique man with so much knowledge, so much intelligence and so much experience in life.

His hands slipped around her back and he pulled her close, hugging her body tightly to his. She knew that this was the last cuddle she would get before he left and she was thankful that he had had time to see her before he went.

'Tell the boys I will miss them!' he said with enthusiasm. 'Tell them I'll be home soon! I won't stay away long.' He kissed her again and she smiled against him.

'I will,' she said softly.

'I love you.' He shouted back as he walked out of the front door. She pulled the netting aside and watching Paul leave her smiled broadened. After all, she had already hatched a plan.