AngeMusique- glad to see you figured it out, ain't too hard if you think about it

Little Lotte- hey, I just want to dedicate this to you, because I can't stop missing you! Your my 'scout'

Love Ya! Can't wait for your return!

S/N- bonnie fane means beautiful faerie in Scottish slang.

Chapter 12

"Hey you." I placed my hands on Murtagh's shoulders, kissing his cheek. He swiveled around on his bare stood, grinning at my sudden appearance.

"Hey Ace!" I took a seat beside him, waving off the bartender, letting him know I didn't want a drink.

"That Messenger boy gave you the ticket, right?" He nodded his head, and pulled the envelope out of his pocket just a little, then returned it into his dark black coat. He took a sip from his shot glass, then returned his attention to me.

"I didn't expect you to come and find me."

"Have you paid for your drink yet?" He shook his head, as I took it out of his hand, and downed what was last of it.

I still can't believe he likes that wretched poison. Not with how his father acted with it, how hurtful he was to Murtagh because of his need for it. That man, if you can call him that, although I have only meet him once, an unpleasant meeting at that, despite his horrendous behaviors, did one thing right, he unwillingly, and unknowingly, brought the mother I grew up to love, with my father.

I put down enough Francs to pay for his drink, and give the bartender a tip.

"Come with me." I commanded. I turned and left suddenly, unsure about my intentions, he hesitated, then grabbed his cane and followed me out into the streets of Paris.

"Were in god's name are you rushing off to?" He called from behind me, trying to catch up, but unable to with his leg. I stopped, allowing him to reach were I was standing.

"How far can you walk?" I asked, nodding to his leg. He scowled, obviously not happy with my bringing attention to his handicap.

"It doesn't effect my endurance, just speed." He said stubbornly, walking in front of me.

Oh, Scout! Hew has always carried to much pride, point out one little flaw and he snapped to deny it exists, typical man.

I rolled my eyes, and walked up to him, slowing my pace to keep us together.

"Were are we going again?" He asked impatiently.

"Don't you want to meet Erik?" I said, stepping ahead of him. I turned my body to face him, walking backwards.

"You couldn't have done this the easy way, and told me were we're going prior to?" He said in a mocking tone.

"Since when have you known me to do things the simple way?" I retaliated, "And besides, not many people know about Erik. He's... Different." I began to explain the stories to him, of the opera ghost, leaving out certain unflattering details, and most of all, tell the true about Erik, the kind, gentle, loving man he truly is. I paused when some one passed be us, making sure no one was listening in.

We traveled to the opera house, down to the fifth cellar. It was when we we're in the gondola did he finally ask about Erik.

"How old is Erik?" He asked, trying to calculated his age by all he had done.

"Older, but his aged doesn't matter." He raised his brow, but didn't inquire farther. When we pulled up on the shores of Erik's old home, I grabbed Murtagh's arm, forcing him to look at me, keeping his attention.

"There is just one thing, I haven't told him I was bringing you, or even that I met you. Could you stay here, till I call for you? Give me a minute to explain to him, he doesn't get guests often, and isn't the most welcoming to strangers."

"Digging yourself into trouble, Ace?" He teased, leaning up against the wall.

"I'll wait for however long you need."

"Thank you." I nodded, and disappeared off down the hall to our home.

Erik was sitting as his drawing desk, sketching something down, when I walked in. He had Ayesha next to him, curled up on a red silk pillow, with gold fringe. She looked like she was sleeping, but the moment I took a step toward them, she picked her head up, looking at me, then jumped off the desk, and greeted me.

"Hello Little One." She rubbed up against me leg, purring. I picked her up in my arms, and carried her over to were Erik was sitting. Placing her back down on the pillow, I bent down to kiss Erik's neck.

"You treat her to well." I whispered into his ear. With a smile upon his face, he turned to me, wrapping his arms around my waist, pulling me down onto his lap.

"Are you complaining?" He asked, a seductive grin upon his face.

"Of course not." I wrapped my arms around his neck, and sighed.

I didn't want to ruin what might follow this, but Murtagh was waiting for us.

"Erik, We need to talk." His eyes widened with concern.

"Mon Ange, what is wrong?"

"Nothing to worry about, I swear, it's just..." I paused, looking to those mesmerizing eyes.

"I met someone, that I haven't seen in the longest time. Meg and I where in Sophia's Tavern, and he sent us drinks." Erik's body stiffened, uncomfortable with where this might be leading. Placing a quick kiss one his lips, I tried to reassure him nothing was wrong.

"You don't have to worry Erik, It was just scout."

"Scout?" He raised his brow.

"Murtagh, My brother."

"And?" He lead on, knowing how I think. He reads me as if I'm a book, knowing everything I am thinking, what I'm going to do, even before I myself know what I want.

"Were is he?" He asked, knowing Murtagh was just outside.

"Can I never surprise you, My Love?" I asked playfully.

"Never." He retaliated with a grin.

"Fine... Scout!" I called out to him. Getting off of Erik, I met Murtagh just as he entered. He smiled, and continued on to Erik. Erik's eyes fell upon his cane, shock filling those beautiful green blue gems.

"Erik, this is Murtagh, Murtagh this is Erik." Murtagh extended his his hand to Erik, who hesitatingly shook it.

"Nice to meet you."

"It's a pleasure." Despite Erik's gentleman manors, he couldn't help but stare at the oak cane.

"Ha," Murtagh ran his hand through his hair, "She didn't tell you 'bout my leg, Am I right?" He asked, in his usual joking tone. The tips of Erik's ears turned red with embarrassment, as he turned away. Seeing this awkward meeting between the two, I took this as the right time to step in.

"This obviously isn't the best meeting, but I really wanted the two of you to meet today." I turned to Erik, mouthing the word sorry.

"I hate to ruin this awkward moment," Murtagh snickered in his usual smart ass way.

"But There are somethings I must get done today. It would probably be best if I left." He turned to Erik,

"It was nice to meet you Erik." He bowed his head slightly, turning back to me.

"And I'll see you later Ace." He embraced me good bye, and turned for the door.

"Here, I'll see you out." He nodded, and waited for me. I linked my arm with his, and escorted him out of my home. When we made it out to the gondola, he turned to me.

"I think I can make it back on my own." He hesitated, unsure if he should speak, but continued anyway.

"I know I caught him off guard, but isn't he a little... cold?"

"He just isn't a social person." I said defensively.

"Perfect match." He commented. I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I questioned.

"Please, Ace, don't play dumb, that doesn't fit you. You never would come out and play with the other kids growing up, you always sat inside, by the fire place reading, or climbing the trees."

"I played with you!" I protested, but I knew there was no way I could win an argument with Scout, he is too stubborn.

"But I was special. Who couldn't help but like me?" He cracked that grin out once again.

"Well, I'm his scout. The only friend he needs." He nodded, and dropped the subject.

"You really love him? Don't you?" He asked.

"Yes, I really love him. I have never felt the way I do for him with any one else. I Love Him." My faced beamed, when I think of Erik, My Angel. I couldn't control my happiness, and spun around, letting my skirt dance around me.

"I'm glad you found it." He put his hands on my shoulders, "You found you heaven, and at such a young age, only eighteen." He spoke the last words almost mystically. His eyes lit up when he saw the expression of shock on my face.

He remembered? How could he have remembered all these years?

"How... You remembered!" He embraced me one more time, his face glowing when he pulled away.

"How could I forget the most important person in my life's birthday?" He kissed me on the cheek, and got into the gondola, placing his cane down on the floor, picking up the pole.

"Happy birthday, my little bonnie fane."