Betty sat down her juice, standing up as she heard the front door to Daniel's apartment open. He'd gone to her place to get some basic necessities and she forced herself around the sofa as he shuffled in, hands laden with various items.

They'd slept until early afternoon and following a belated lunch he'd suggested she might like some of her things. She suspected the gesture was largely to encourage her outside but while she appreciated the thought it hadn't lifted her mood any. She was dreading going to the police station and her anxiety had only heightened in his absence.

"I hope this stuff is ok?" He threw a yellow dress over the arm of the sofa, dumping the bag he was carrying on the ground. There wasn't much inside but it was enough to keep her going for a few extra days. They hadn't broached the subject of her returning home but it went unspoken that she could stay as long as she needed. He certainly didn't mind. The idea of her going back to an empty apartment alone left him feeling uneasy and at least in his place he could keep an eye on her.

Betty picked up the brightly coloured dress having to force a smile to her lips, "it's great, thank you." The last thing she felt like doing was making herself over and venturing out but he'd gone to so much trouble she felt the need to try and feign enthusiasm. "I'll just go get changed."

She scooped up the bag from his feet and he nodded mutely as she padded towards the bathroom. While he was wary not to make a fuss he couldn't help the concern riding his emotions. Since they'd woken up her exchanges had been short and polite, not awkward but very much out of character. It was understandable but he still wished there was something he could say or do to get her to open up.

Mustering a sigh he absently started fixing the sofa, straightening the cushions in an effort to distract himself. Unfortunately comforting people wasn't one of his fortes, usually because he was the one on the receiving end... and the fact she'd always been there for him in the past only made his desire to help her stronger.

With the sofa looking presentable he reached for the glass of juice on the table. There wasn't much left, barely a mouthful but before he could finish it a strange whiff sparked his hesitation. Swirling the drink up under his nose he winced as the smell of vodka hit his senses.

When he'd told Betty to make herself at home, he hadn't meant 'in the hidden alcohol stash' and the realization was like a punch to the gut. It didn't matter that this time she'd had the good grace to have it with a mixer, judging by the smell it was still just as potent and he took the glass into the kitchen pouring the rest down the sink.

With a long breath he brought his hand up to scrub the side of his face. He knew she was anxious about leaving the apartment and sure he had done worse over the years... but in a way that's what worried him. He was renowned for making stupid mistakes but not his ex-assistant. She was too smart, too moral to rely on alcohol as a crutch and it just reinforced how badly she was being affected by the situation.

The sound of footsteps made his gaze snap up and he took in her appearance with a tense breath.

She did look better at least, more like her old self... but the bruise edging out from below her hem was a stark reminder that they couldn't just cover up her problems. When her attention flashed to the glass in his hand he deliberately waited to see if she would bring up the indiscretion first. "You look nice."

"Ah, thanks-" she glanced away from the drink regretting that she'd left it out in the open. Judging by the stern look on his face he knew the contents hadn't been solely orange juice... but the last thing she needed right now was a lecture.

Hoping he wouldn't mention it, she pulled her hair up and started moving towards her handbag, "I'm ready, just need to get my stuff together..."

Realizing she had no intention of owning up he pressed against the counter with a heavy sigh. It was one thing to be 'drinking away' anxiety but in his books ignoring the act was an even bigger problem. "Are we going to talk about this?"

She dove into her bag looking for a hair tie as she shrugged her shoulders, "what's there to talk about? I had one, it's no big deal."

He watched her fish around obviously trying to avoid the conversation but he wasn't about to let it go, not when she was being so cavalier about the situation. "Ok... and no-" he laced the words with sarcasm,"it's sort of a problem when you can't go for more than a few hours without a drink."

"You would know-" she snapped sharply, the retort tasting bitter on her tongue. She hated throwing the past back in his face but there were certain circumstances where people were allowed excuses. She'd granted them for him time and time again and it wasn't unfair to ask for a little understanding.

"Exactly, I would know," he argued, trying to douse the anger and frustration surfacing.

The last thing he wanted to do was make it seem like an attack but he'd never been very good at handling stubbornness, particularly hers. "Look-" he tried to force a gentler approach, "I have been there and you saw I went through... I mean come on, you're supposed to smarter than me right?"

"Daniel please, just back off."

She ignored the look of hurt that flashed across his face, too angry at his insinuation that she was doing something stupid to apologize. She wasn't like him, drinking to piss off his family or just to say 'screw you' to the world. She was exhausted and scared and if he couldn't understand that then it was pointless even trying to talk to him.

"You know what... forget taking me to the police station, I think it's probably better if I go home tonight anyway." She caught his gaze and immediately wished she hadn't realizing just how deeply the words cut him. Maybe she was being selfish but after taking a moment to readjust her emotions she stood by the decision. Going around in circles wasn't helping anyone and until she sorted her head out they were going to keep ending up back here.

"I just need some space."

The note of finality twisted painfully in his chest but he didn't argue. Short of physically restraining her there was nothing he could do to make her stay and if what she needed was time apart then he had to respect the decision.

He didn't have to like it... but right now this wasn't about him.

"Ok-" he stated hesitantly, "if that's really what you want?"

She was surprised at his quick submission but equally relieved and nodded her head, "I'll just call a cab." The thought of driving around with some stranger terrified her but when he didn't try to stop her from making the call, she ignored the momentary pull of regret and dialed the number.

Just talking on the phone made her anxious and when the lady answered she took a deep breath plucking courage from the alcohol coursing through her system. Eventually she managed to get out the details followed by a polite 'yes' then 'goodbye' as she hung up. If Daniel noticed her discomfort he didn't say anything and she tucked the phone into her purse as she collected her bags.

"Thank you, for letting me stay here-" she said, somewhat awkwardly as he followed her to the door.

"Sure." He pressed against the frame feeling torn as he watched her. His head was screaming at him not to let her go or in the very least insist he drive her but the words wouldn't lodge from his throat. Instead all he managed was a last ditch attempt, "if you need anything, I mean... you know you can call me right?"

"I know." She gave him a distracted smile, feeling the air tighten in her lungs as she stepped over the threshold. She could feel his concern radiating from the doorway but rather than validate it she forced herself to keep moving forwards. No matter how much she wanted to turn and run back into his arms it wasn't an option.

She had to do this for herself.

One step at a time.