Alice's POV

It was hard for Danny, being struck off, not being able to practise. He tried to pretend to everyone he was fine, and I think some of them believed him, but I knew completely otherwise. Danny wasn't coping, he wasn't fine. Nearly every night, we've sat in our room, Danny breaking down and worrying, me trying to comfort him, and the pair of us ending up in each others arms, tears spilling from our eyes. It's horrible seeing him like that. I hate crying, but I hate seeing Danny cry more. It's petrifying, seeing Danny cry, he's always so strong, Danny breaking down… it's just… not him.

Right now, I had just pulled my arm out of a horses rear end… oh the joys of this job! I saw Danny approaching.

"I bet there's some jobs your pleased your not doing!" I laughed, hoping it would cheer him up, he looked down still, but he seemed a bit happier than he had been when I left him this morning.

"Not really." He mumbled. I patted the horse gently before following him. It truly was hard for him. He began to compliment me on my stitching, and was about to say other things when I stopped him.

"Have you just come here to wind me up?" I asked cheekily, hoping some of our banter would cheer him up, I knew if he started off a tangent, he would end up upset and confine himself to the bedroom all day.

He said something about elephants at Mara. I sighed, why now? Oh well, it's a good time actually, I wonder if Rowan will help us with the young offenders. I had found the scheme, in the hope that they would keep Danny's mind off the whole vet business. He needs to be busy, not moping around, if he's busy, he can't think about it. Besides, Danny's a natural at that sort of thing, and he can still show them the animals and stuff.

As I packed my bag to go, Danny began to fill me in on the happenings at Leopards Den. He was doing so much, he was making it perfect! Although, there was one problem with hard work, as much as I admired him for it, he was annoying everyone else, apparently, I had no idea how annoying it is. I had tried to protest in Danny's favour, saying that it was just they were getting the work they should do, and it was more equal. But I'd been shot down by all of them, even Charlotte had spoke against Danny and that never happens!

"Not just a pretty face then." I teased, as I took in the features of his handsome face. He looked down.

"That's all I am at the minute." He replied sadly. I shook my head and sighed - how could he think he's not more than a pretty face? He's everything to me!

"Nonsense." I argued. "you're doing a great job!" I tried desperately to cheer him up. But Danny could only see the negatives.

"Just not the one I want too." He argued back, god he could be so stubborn, but I understood. This job's not a job, it's a passion, a lifestyle. And I've never met anyone as passionate about the job as Danny.

"Look you'll be fine whatever you do." I told him sternly. It was true he would be. Danny was a fighter, Danny was strong, Danny's amazing. He's the best. He smiled at me, I grinned back, happy I'd finally suppressed a smile from him, hopefully he'd been cheered up a little bit.

As I went to leave, I took Danny's hands, and kissed him lightly and quickly, as I squeezed his hands, he looked down and smiled at me.

"I love you Miss Collins, stay safe."

"I love you too - behave!" I teased, before walking off, and climbing in the Jeep to go to Mara.

Dupe's POV

At least Danny and Alice are back together, where they belong! Seems their making up for lost time as well, judging by how long they are spending in their room. Danny's pretty down though, I've never seen him like this, except for when Alice left. When Alice left, Danny was at his lowest point. Those two need each other, they complete each other. At least they realise that now.

Danny was born to be a vet, not being able to practise well it's hard for him. Alice is trying her hardest to keep him going, but to be honest, if it wasn't for Alice, I think he'd have just given up. Thank God, they got back together. If he'd lost Alice and his job, well.. I don't think he'd of been able to survive - its scary to think of the scenarios that arise from that. But with Alice, Danny was stronger, and when he fell down, she picked him up, nursed his wounds and helped him walk again.

Ach, man, I sound soppy, but it's not my fault it's the truth! Danny and Alice, by no means perfect, but the most perfect couple ever, the best couple ever. They belong together, soul mates! Danny's changed since Alice came along.

He used to be aggressive, rude, touchy, violent at times, he had a quick temper, and he was a real grump. He still is grumpy at times, but he's so different. Alice had changed him for the better, and we all like it, whatever she does to him we like it. Even Caroline comments on it, although I know it must hurt, seeing him love someone else more than he loved your deceased daughter. Seeing a whole new man.

Danny's now, so loving, so family minded, he's polite most of the time, he's not violent at all, in fact he's more a peace maker, he's happy, more laid back, laughs more, less grumpy, he's gained patience. Danny's just improved in every area… and its all down to Alice Collins.

Rowan's POV

I felt terrible, nervous almost. I don't want to cause harm, it's just what'll happen to me?

I saw Alice arrive, she seemed sort of down, like she was lost. Not in the way I'd seen her when she'd split with Danny, hell no. That was petrifying seeing her like that. But, well, I guess she missed having Danny by her side.

As we walked down, I briefed Alice on the ellies. She didn't ramble on like she usually does about what it could be, but asked if we had any idea. She seemed to be working silently. I said no, before teasing her about going back to Danny.

"We'd have a clearer idea if our vet hadn't legged it back to her boyfriend!" I teased, keeping up the whole brother act. She just tilted her head at me in her typical Alice manner. God, she reminded me off mum so much. Good God, Alice was the age mum was when she died - 37.

"How's he doing anyway?" I asked diverting my mind away, it seemed only right to ask about Danny. She tried to fob me off with he's fine, but if there was one thing about Alice, she's a terrible liar.

"That bad?" I asked, feeling a wave of guilt rush over me, as Alice just said something about seeing to the ellies.

God, what the hell had I done?

Alice had soon seen to the ellies, we were talking on the other side of the pens. I asked about Danny again, Alice seemed to sense something, but thankfully she accepted I was worried as he was my sisters man. She didn't seem to sure he'd be okay. I tried desperately to act normal as guilt flung itself into my body. Alice shook her head. "it'll take a miracle" her exact words. I didn't realise Danny would find it so hard.

Alice began to nag me about helping Danny. God, how the hell could I do that? But, when Baruti and Vanessa came by in a screaming match, Alice's comment of no rest for the wicked really did hit hard. I watched her leave, before rushing off to sort Baruti, but one thing was clear, I had to keep up the act, I had to help Danny.

Danny's POV

I was getting under everyone's feet, I just found out. Getting in Dupe's hair. The young offenders were to distract me, keep me busy! Apparently Alice's idea. My heart softened as I thought of Alice. Anyone else, I'd have been angry, but I just can't be angry with her, not for something like that, I struggle being angry with her for good reasons! I realised, she was only doing it to take my mind off it, try and help me through it, cheer me up, keep me going, stop me moping. Unless she was sick of me too?

I walked into our room. I held a picture of me and Alice in my hands, and stroked her side of the picture gently. She'd told me to look at the picture every time I wasn't there and I needed her, and she'd be with me. I smiled, it was true, whenever I needed Alice's comfort and she wasn't here, I could look at this picture, and she'd just… she'd make it better. She'd make me smile.

Eventually I realised I had to go out. I walked out and sat on the veranda with Dupe and Caroline. Fatani was blagging on about something or other, I wasn't really listening, my mind was on Alice as usual. I decided it was time I got going with the youth group, it seemed Liv was flirting with Thaboo, one of the lads. Over protective Danny mode, activated.

Much to my shock, Rowan turned up. Apparently Alice had sent him, I smiled, she was great! I accepted his offer of assistance as we set off into the bush.

In the bush, I loved giving the tour, seeing the lions, but it wasn't me. Liv and Thaboo were constantly flirting much to my annoyance, that boy better back off! But when Thaboo ran off after a Jackall pup and the lion nearly had Thaboo Special, I realised how this was not me. One look at the Jackall pup told me it was serious… but I was powerless.

I radioed Alice who said she was on her way back, back at the animal hospital I administered first aid to the pup, but it felt awful, not being able to save him. I couldn't do this!

Thaboo and Rowan were going on and on, whilst Liv argued back, everyone was shouting, eventually though Alice arrived, she chucked everyone out but me and Rowan, as she began to get to work.

(Time jump to after the op)

Alice's POV

Oh Rowan was in for it off Vanessa, but enough of my gossip and on with the actual important stuff. Danny was way more important than those two.

As I was tidying up I looked across at Danny, he was staring aimlessly into space, he seemed even more down. He was upset about something. I wanted to talk to him about it, but I didn't know how to approach it.

"We did it." I said cheerily in a desperate attempt to raise his spirits, and give him a sense of inclusion. "Team effort."

Danny continued to ignore me, and stare into space.

"Danny…" I began but he cut me off.

"Please, Alice, don't." He muttered, rubbing his temple. I looked down, silently hurt he was pushing me away, I couldn't let him ,I couldn't let him wallow in his problems.

"Well come on then." I started as I began to fold my sheets up. "Talk to me." I urged, he had to talk, he couldn't keep this bottled up!

"It's just…" Danny paused for a moment, he always did struggle to admit his feelings… but I knew he wouldn't just leave it there. "You know, This sort of thing could happen everyday, now the ban's in place." My heart plummeted for him, it must be terrible for him, not being able to operate, having to watch animals suffer.

I threw my gloves into the bin with almost anger, why did this happen to Danny! He Didn't deserve this! It's me who deserves it if anyone!

I tried to convince him that he was fine, but he was right when he said he was struck off not stupid. He knew it wasn't working. I didn't know what to do.

"It's hell!" He spat bitterly. "I can't diagnose, I can't operate, and I can't stand by and watch animals suffer."

I looked down, this was horrid! Danny like this, it isn't him.

"It'll be okay." I said softly and quietly, I was trying to help him, trying to make him feel better. I saw Rowan walk in, but I couldn't care less about him right now.

"NO, it won't!" He shouted before turning to face Rowan. Danny was breaking down, he couldn't he had to stay strong. Danny never raised his voice, at anyone really, it was rare. He'd never raised his voice at me, not in that way. I felt… scared, vulnerable. It hurt, it hurt me to see Danny hurting the most though. But it also terrified me, seeing him this way, Danny shouting.

He apologized to Rowan, who just remained quiet, he was probably shocked, Danny never raised his voice. To Rowan, Danny problem seems like superman, Rowan's never seen this Danny.

I looked away, anywhere but at Danny, I felt like bursting out into tears. I looked down whilst fumbling with the tissue I had in my hand.

"Hey." I heard Danny's northern burr pierce the air, his voice was soft now, apologetic, gentle. "I'm sorry." His eyes held genuine care, regret, guilt. I guess he picked up on my fear… on my hurt.

I walked over to the table,

"You know, we just have to get through it." I struggled to get my words together, my voice was scratchy, my throat tight, my emotions high. "We don't have any choice, Danny, tell him." I prompted Rowan to back me up, who humbly did so. God, he was acting weird, Vanessa was right!

"I don't think I can." Danny sadly said, I kept my eyes on him, his eyes met mine, they were soft, they held sadness. Suddenly he began to walk off, a bitterness coming about him. "In fact, I think it would be better for everyone, if I just wasn't here for a bit."

"What?" I asked, but I got no reply as the door slammed.

Danny was giving up… he couldn't! Where would he go? I rested on the operating table. I didn't have a clue what to do. Well, I had to sort Danny out, that was my priority, I began to mumble something to Rowan as I got out my greens and began to walk up to leopards den.

Danny's POV

I locked myself away in the bedroom. I sat and stroked Alice's pillow. I can't believe I just shouted at her, what was I thinking. I feel really bad, terrible, stupid, guilty. Alice is trying to get me through this, and look what's happening. She probably wonders why she came back.

I decided to quickly wash my face, old tear stains weren't the best thing ever. As I finished with the red towel, I decided to venture to the kitchen, Alice would probably be back and I needed to apologize to her properly. As I walked into the kitchen, Dupe stormed up to me.

"you're not going anywhere trevanion, you're staying whether you like it or not simple" Dupe shouted, I saw Alice look away, she obviously knew my feelings. I threw him the towel.

"Thanks for your understanding Dupe." I muttered before walking away back to our room, but Alice followed me, as I was about to lock the door she stopped me.

"Danny, let's talk." She said quietly, as we walked into our room, she locked the door before joining me on the bed. She took my hand and squeezed it gently.

"I'm sorry, Alice." I cried, as I felt tears trickle down my cheek. "I'm sorry I shouted, I shouldn't have, I know you're trying to help, but I'm so… scared and it hurts."

Alice's POV

Danny began to apologize to me and open up. I can't explain how bad I felt, how much I hurt for him.

"Danny, it's fine, I understand. But let's not talk about me, let's talk about you." I said, placing my hand on his knee. "Because, you're hurting Danny, and that hurts me. I want to help you Danny…" I trailed off, realising I need to wipe my eyes.

"You do help me Alice, all the time… you're always here for me, and that's… that's priceless." Danny's turn to wipe eyes.

"Danny, where will you go?" I asked quietly.

"England, I suppose." He mumbled. "I'll miss you so much." He said taking my hands. "I… I." He couldn't finish his sentence.

"No you won't." I started, Danny looked up at me, his eyes concerned. "Because I'm not leaving you Danny, wherever you go I'm going. Even if you drag me to a bloody spider zoo, I'm coming. I… I can't live without you. I can't stay here without you."

"You'd really come?" he asked, he sounded shocked.

"Of course I would. Danny, you can't go this alone." I looked down and squeezed his hands. "We need each other. Danny, it'll be hard sometimes, but loneliness won't help. When you need me, I'll be right here. No matter where we are." I muttered, God, I sounded so soppy.

"But what about a job? Charlotte?" he mumbled.

"A job, I'll get any job. Charlotte will come too, she loves it here, but I know she'll support you Danny." I knew that for a fact.

"But…" He began but I cut him off.

"Danny if you're going, so am I." I sated sternly. Danny smiled.

"Thank you Alice, I don't want to go, but I… I can't bear it, its scary, it hurts, it's hard. I…" Danny broke down into tears. I wrapped my arms around him as he leant into me. I could feel my vest top dampening with Danny's tears. His arms clung to me. My own tears we escaping now, Danny sensed this and sat up slightly, as we held each other closely.

"I love you." Danny whispered quietly, after we'd finally stopped crying and we're just sitting in each others arms.

"I love you too." I replied quietly, before kissing him deeply, his arms pulled me towards him as we comforted each other without the need for words.

The only thing was- how the hell did we tell the family?

Uber longness! Wooo!

Next chapt will be them leaving :'(

xx