Time stood still around us. I couldn't move, I couldn't think and if I wasn't for pure instinct and natural brain function, I would have forgotten how to breath all together.

He shifted uncomfortably, trying to look at anything that wasn't me but his eyes kept trailing my way.

I cleared my throat and took a deep breath. "Hi." It came out in a whisper, sounding like a sigh rather than a greeting.

"Hello." The sound of his voice, however strained and terse, still sent a chill down my spine. Oh, how I had missed his voice.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Tom come into the room. He immediately paused, looked at the two of us, turned on his heels and disappeared back down the hallway he came from.

"How long are you staying?"

"It was just for the night." I told him, toying with a piece of lint on my blanket. "I should be getting back home soon anyways, I've got to get to work."

He nodded, his lips pouting ever so slightly. "Right."

"I would have stayed somewhere else last night, just so you know, but Tom wouldn't take no for an answer."

"Yeah, he's a great guy." He said, his voice never raising over a whisper. He strode across the floor towards his room, his eyes trained in front of him.

"It's good to see you again." The words fell from my lips before I had time to stop them. I watched anxiously as he paused in his doorway, his shoulders tensed. My heart pounded against my ribcage. His shoulders relaxed gradually and he stepped into his room, closing the door behind him without another word.

I leaned back against the couch, trying to calm my heart down when Tom poked his head around the corner, glancing my way. "Is the coast clear?"

"Yeah, he's gone."

He sat down beside me on the couch and looked on expectantly. "So, how did it go?" He asked finally. "I didn't hear any screaming so I'm going with good."

"He didn't yell at me if that's what you're thinking."

"Well, that's a good thing." He grinned, nudging my arm.

I shrugged. "He didn't seem to thrilled to see me either."

"That's to be expected."

"I know. I wasn't expecting a miracle."

Tom laughed lightly. "In all honesty, Dougie, I'm amazed that he spoke to you at all. He went five years refusing to even acknowledge your existence and the fact that he was even able to form words around you is a really good sign."

I reached over and pulled Tom into a hug. "Thanks Tom. For everything." I sat back and smiled. "I'm going to be in debt to you for eternity."

"It's not a problem, mate." He patted my knee and stood up, stretching his arms wide, making his back crack. "So, what do you want for breakfast? I actually learned how not to burn eggs, took me two years to figure it out but now I can make a mean omelet, what do you say?"

"I'm impressed and very tempted but I've got to head back home." I stood up and began folding my blanket. "I've got work in a few hours."

"I can take you to work."

"I can't go in these." Pointing out my wrinkled, slept in clothes. "Besides my work keys are at my flat."

"I'll drive you then, just to be safe." He insisted, moving down the hall to get his shoes on.

I followed after him. "Tom!" I said, pulling him aside. "You've done enough for me already. I'll take a cab."

"I know. I know." He sighed. "It's the father in me."

I smiled and kissed his forehead. "And I love you for it." I put my shoes on and grabbed my coat. "I'll talk to you later."

He held the door open and stood in the hallway, watching me leave. "Call me when you get home so I know you got there okay."

"Tom!"

"Alright! Alright!" He laughed, holding his hand up and turning back into his flat. "I'm sorry!"