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"Are you ok?" Nikki asked as she pulled away from Danessa. Nessa stood there staring back-not quite sure how to answer-She had lost her boxing match and she just found out her mother was dead-everything had come crashing down around her.

"You're covered in blood…." Nikki finished. Danessa suddenly remembered her incident with the chair.

"Oh, no, I'm fine." She rubbed her nose trying to wipe away the now dry blood.

"Come on. Lets get you cleaned up." Nikki pulled her to the kitchen and searched a few drawers until she found the dishtowels. She wetted one under the faucet and began wiping her cousins face with it.

"How did you get here?" Danessa asked finally.

"My dad dropped me off."

"Wouldn't come in?" Nessa asked -referring to their fathers long standing feud.

"Well, you know Dad-" Nikki began. "He doesn't want to give in his grudge too easily. But, I think things might be looking up. He was surprised when Uncle B called us with the news. We're going to the funeral and everything so, maybe they will make up."

"Kneecap' and 'Brick Top' together again… wouldn't that be something to behold. The city would implode in on itself." Danessa deadpanned as she took the rag from her cousin.

"Sorry about your mum." Nikki said ignoring Danessa's comment.

"Ya-s'fine." Nessa shook her head, but didn't elaborate. To be honest it hadn't exactly sunk in, and its not as though they were close.

"I know how hard this is…You shouldn't bottle it up. It is ok to cry. When my mom died, I…"

"I'm not bottling anything." Danessa said a little too forcefully. "I just have a lot on my mind. I don't mean to snap at you." She added at Nikki's expression.

"It's alright. Anger is a stage of grief." She added helpfully.

Danessa checked her appearance in the nearby mirror. She had looked better, but at least the blood was now gone.

"I hate to run out on you, Nikki-but I need to go find someone." She threw the towel back in the sink, and made her way back to the door.

"You should stay. Your dad was pretty adamant about me watching you tonight." Nikki said, tossing her brown curls back but not making a move to stop Danessa from grabbing her coat.

"Well, you're welcome to come with me, but I'm not staying here." Danessa opened the door. "I have to find…" She turned and there he was. "…Tony."

"Thought I might find you here." Tony said as he peered past Danessa into the living room-making sure the place was somewhat safe. His face looked as though he hadn't managed to escape the fight unscathed.

"Tony!" Danessa grabbed him into a hug. He didn't push her away but didn't exactly hug back either. His eyes scanned the street. "I was worried about you." She said into his chest. She wanted him to make everything ok again-or at least make her forget this day from hell.

"That's nice, love. Can we go inside now?" He was surprised at the bear hug he was getting, but still more concerned about the street. "After the fight tonight, there's no telling what crazies may be out looking for us."

Danessa let go and took a step back, letting Tony into the house. As she closed the door behind him, she caught the look on Nikki's face.

She was staring at Tony as if he were from another planet. Danessa followed her gaze, Tony's face had become normal-almost comforting- to her, but she supposed between the bullet teeth, bullet scars and now the bruises-he was a bit of a sight.

"Tony, this is my cousin, Nikki." Danessa introduced them to each other but she still had a hold of Tony's arm.

"Alright." Tony said, but seemed more concerned with the death grip Danessa had on his arm.

"Are you alright?" Nikki asked him. "Did someone mistake your face for a shooting range?"

"I get that a lot." Tony smiled wide showing off his teeth. "What's the matter with you, then?" He asked, looking down at Danessa. "I am flattered, but I know you weren't that worried about me."

"Her mum died. She just found out." Nikki answered for her. Tony looked from Nikki back to Danessa.

"Oh, hey." Tony bent down a bit to get eye level with Danessa. "You ok?"

"I'm fine." She said. She really just wanted to throw herself back in Tony's arms and forget everything, but she couldn't do that. She had to be tough, as her dad had taught her. Tony's gaze seemed to falter a bit, wondering whether or not he should call her on her bullshit.

"I need to take control of this situation, and show my Dad I can handle this kind of thing." Danessa said. Nikki looked confused, Tony knew she was talking about the boxing match again. "I need to find Turkish."

"If he's still in town. I wouldn't be if I were in his shoes." Tony shrugged.

"Maybe I can salvage some of this if I find him before Dad does."

"You need to just relax and take a hot bath, Nessa." Nikki said speaking up. "I'm sure…Tony can take care of whatever needs done on your behalf."

"No I made this mess, I need to sort it all out." Danessa took a deep breath and let go of Tony. She had to believe what she was saying or her plans would crumble in on her like a house of cards. "You look like you need to get yourself looked at though, Tony-your eye is swelling a bit." She said.

"I've taken six bullets in one sitting, love. I think I can handle a black eye." He scoffed. "Now, lets go find this Turkish fella-If it will make you feel better."

Tony and Danessa began to take off, but Nikki grabbed her jacket. "I'm coming with you. I'm not going to be here alone when Uncle B gets back-besides there's strength in numbers."

"Suit yourself." Tony shrugged and they headed out the door.

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r/r!

(again thanks Nicola-This wouldn't be up so quickly without you riding my coat-tails!)