This isn't you...
Based on some of the series 7 episode 1 spoilers, this is basically a quick oneshot exploring Alice's thoughts on Danny's new job and what she not only wants for him but what she believes would do him good.
Alice sighed as she watched her husband finish up with the tiger; Danny was so changed now. His figure was dejected and hunched, his once proud stature nowhere to be seen. His eyes lacked their usual spark. They still held passion, they always would especially with Alice within the vicinity, but this man was also passionate about animals and helping them. Alice shook her head, it's because of that passion he had to leave The Big Five. Alice could see that this place was grinding him down; forcing him away from the man he was. Even now, Alice could see that he resented it with every ounce of his being and the thing Alice feared even more than the danger of his bitterness? The thought of him losing his passion for animals, becoming like that damn Ed, not interested in saving every animal just those half worth it. Alice knew that she had to stop this. He might have lied to her, and yes, that had infuriated her, but she loved Danny more than this world and she refused to watch this place be the ruin of him. He was after all, only doing this for their family.
"Danny..." Alice said breaking the silence that had descended upon the pair.
"Alice... Listen..." Danny began but Alice cut him off,
"Do you like it here? Are you really happy?" Alice asked him straight out, she kept her eyes on him as he moved around to the the cabinets. Alice followed him slowly.
"Not really... But Alice I have to work here. You all need me too. So what if he does things differently, the correct way... It's a job, it's money and it's time I adapted." He spat in a sour tone.
Alice shook her head, letting out a breath and placed her hand on his back,"Danny, you don't have to work here. It's making you miserable and tearing you apart from the man you are and the beliefs you've drummed into us all." Alice sighed, a concerned expression crossing her face as she moved and put her arm fully around him, "I want you to leave this place, it's not you... It's not the place you should be and you shouldn't be here..."
Danny kept his eyes locked to the floor but leant slightly into his wife drawing strength from her. Alice squeezed his shoulder, pulling him closer, she knew he needed reassurance and as ever Alice was ready to offer him all the reassurance he needed.
"What will we do?" Danny asked quietly.
"Anything we want." Alice replied, "We'll start again, new life, new start."
"What if it goes wrong?"
"We're together." Alice replied surely, "Danny... Please..."
Her husband took deep breath before slowly nodding his head, Alice grinned and squeezed him tighter, resting her head on his broad shoulder.
"Ok..." He beamed, "but before I go... There's something I've gotta do."
"You have to..." Alice told him, Danny turned to face her fully, his face a picture of questions, "Release the elephant..."
"Tomorrow." Danny grinned, "Come on, I'll grab some stuff then we'll head to the B&B eh?"
"What about your staff lodging?" Alice teased grabbing his hand.
"Bed's not reliable!" He winked, laughing as Alice hit his upper arm playfully yet with some force. "Ok... Ok! I surrender!"
Alice said nothing but simply smiled, resting her head on his shoulder as she gave his hand a sure squeeze.
(X)
Alice let out a deep, contented sigh as she felt Danny's breath wash over her neck. He was fast asleep, holding her close, his hands wrapped around her bump as her hands held his. This felt good, this felt familiar. Her husband was back... The man she loved was back. He was safe, all would be ok. They'd have a new life, a new start and each other... Forever.
A/N - I have to have my proud moment and say I typed this fully on my iPad! Wahayy!