Kristina arrived at Dante's loft exactly two hours later, an outline detailing her plan for the evening neatly written on several 3x5 cards in her purse, each bulleted point studied as if she were getting ready for an important debate. She hugged Michael as soon as he opened the door, making it a point to linger a bit longer than usual.

If he noticed, she couldn't tell; he just held her until she pulled away, grabbed his hand and led them both to the sofa. She didn't realize how much she needed to talk to him until they sat down. There was no awkwardness with Michael, no worries about saying too much and no pressure to be someone she wasn't. He was easy to talk to and for the next couple of hours they talked about anything and everything.

They talked about Brenda Barrett and Kristina admitted that she used to dream about being someone like Brenda, a famous model who traveled the world and raised millions of dollars for charity. Sheepishly she explained how excited she was when Robin put her in contact with Brenda for a school project. Michael told her about Carly freaking out over Brenda's return. Of course she was, Brenda was the love of Dad's life. Even so, Michael explained that it didn't look like their dad and Brenda would get back together. But, if his mom had any say about it, he would be seeing Claire again.

Michael's eyes darkened as he recounted Claire's threat to send him back to Pentonville. Kristina tried her best to assure him that it would never happen; no one would let it happen. But she found herself trying to convince herself as much as comfort him. The fear of losing him again settled in her stomach, making her feel sick. She inched closer, wanting to be near him, and began running her hand up and down his back comfortingly. She hated seeing him like this and she couldn't stop herself from placing the blame where she knew it belonged. They argued about their father until it got too tense and they agreed to drop it.

Changing the subject, Kristina told him that, with Thanksgiving around the corner, she and Molly were starting to think about setting up her mom and Mac Scorpio again. "Maybe second time's a charm."

"Why do you do that?" he asked. "Push people together like that?"

She knew exactly why he was asking. "Because …" She looked at Michael and shrugged. "I don't like the idea of people I care about being lonely." She paused, thinking. "I guess … in a way, it's also selfish. I mean, of course I want my Mom to be happy, just like I want you to be happy. But sometimes I think if I can find someone for everyone else, maybe I'll be able to find someone for myself. Then I won't always be alone."

"Kristina …"

"I know, I know. But I can't stop thinking it. And I just get so angry at myself for letting Kiefer do this to me, change everything about me and -"

"Hey …" Michael said as grabbed her hand, "It wasn't your fault."

"I know it wasn't. I do. I just hate being scared and I'm scared I'm going to end up alone."

"You won't. You'll never be alone as long as I'm here. Remember when we were on our way to Mexico? You said you wouldn't be lonely as long as you had me. Nothing's changed, ok? Whatever you need, I'm here."

"I know."

Kristina put her hand on his thigh and leaned forward, placing a soft kiss on his cheek, dangerously close to his mouth. As she pulled back she could clearly see the confusion in eye but also something else, something she didn't recognize.

Michael cleared his throat and stood. "Um, you want something to drink?"

"No, thanks." Kristina stood and watched him retreat to the kitchen. "I really appreciate you spending time with me tonight. I don't know what I would have done in that house all by myself tonight."

Michael returned with a bottle of water, placing it on the coffee table. "Anytime."

She paused as she stood in front of him and smiled, hoping he couldn't tell how nervous she was.

"I love you, Michael," Kristina whispered.

"I love you, too."

Kristina's smile widened as she closed the remaining distance between them, wrapping her arms around his waist and waiting for him to do the same. He tensed, hesitating for a moment, seemingly surprised by her actions, before ducking his head down and hugging her back. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, readying herself for her next move. She waited until she could feel him shifting, about to pull away from her.

"Michael," she said softly, lifting her head to look at him as her hands came to rest on his hips, stopping him.

He looked at her curiously but stayed, waiting for her to continue.

She briefly thought about taking the opportunity to explain, just like she planned, but instead, she brought one hand up to his face and caressed his cheek. He watched her silently, his brow slightly furrowed but his expression unreadable. She felt his jaw clench against her palm and she could tell when his breathing changed, became more shallow. But he wasn't moving away. She held his gaze as she let her thumb brush his bottom lip gently, his lips parting instinctively. Her eyes fell to his lips and raised herself up, leaning into him for balance, their bodies flush against one another. She angled her head and used her hand to gently guide his face down to meet hers. His eyes closed as he moved toward her and she smiled to herself, letting her own eyes begin to close.

They were close enough for Kristina to feel his breath on her lips when Michael's eyes suddenly flew open and he jerked his head back, the force causing him to stumble out of her arms.

"No, Michael," she said, reaching for him. But he quickly took a step back, out of her reach, almost tripping in his attempt to get away from her. "What? What's wrong?"

He swallowed hard, his eyes desperately searching hers. "Kristina, what are you doing?"

"I …" She was suddenly at a loss. She closed her mouth, cleared her throat, and tried again. "I had an idea," she started to explain, shifting nervously under the intensity of his gaze, the edge to his voice leaving her scrambling, trying to remember what was supposed to be an eloquent, well thought out proposition. "I can help you, maybe both of us. I was talking to Dr. Winters and … I just want things to go back to normal, you know. Taylor is a really great guy and I know if you gave her a chance you'd really like Ali."

Michael tilted his head, clearly struggling to understand what she was saying.

"It's just … you're different. You have been since you came home." An annoyed look crossed his face so Kristina quickly added, "But that's okay because I'm different, too. Since Kiefer. We just need to … get used to being around people again and then things will go back to normal."

Michael looked down, rubbing his temple, "What are you saying?"

She groaned, frustrated with her inability to explain. "Jason was right. You need to be with someone you care about, and so do I, that's why it didn't work with that ... prostitute."

Michael's head shot up. "How do you know about that? Did Sam tell you?"

"No. I …" Kristina hesitated. "I overheard Jason and Sam talking about it," she admitted. "But that's not the point. The point is that Jason was right. You need someone you know and can trust. You love me. And I trust you completely. And if all it takes is finding someone you trust, well, we could be that for each other."

"But you're -"

"Not biologically," Kristina interrupted, anticipating what he was going to say.

Michael shook his head, incredulous. "Are you listening to yourself?"

"What? It's a good idea," Kristina said defensively.

"No, it's a stupid idea," he argued. "And what makes you think I'd even want to? With you?"

Kristina blinked, momentarily stunned but the flash of hurt she felt was quickly replaced by anger. "I don't know why you're acting like this. It's perfect. And I know you think I'm pretty. A babe, right?"

His eyes widened as she threw his words back at him and he took another step back, away from her. His face flushed red and he dropped his head quickly, turning from her. "I think you should leave," he said, his eyes glued to the floor.

"Michael -"

"Now."

Kristina could feel the familiar sensation of tears prickling the corners of her eyes so she pursed her lips together, trying to hold them back. "Okay."

He must have heard something in her voice because he quickly over at her, his shoulders slumping as he looked at her. "Krissy -"

"No! No, I'm leaving," she said, cutting him off as she walked past. "I'll be sure not to bother you with any more of my stupid ideas," she said, slamming the door behind her.