Days passed. Mick's family left one by one, and eventually Emily's apartment was quiet again. The only inhabitants were Emily and Mick, who had moved some of his stuff to Emily's apartment. It was like he was a permanent lodger.

Emily didn't want him to leave. Even if he was miserable all the time, which was to be expected, he was a breath of fresh air around the place. He made it seem more like home. Before she met Mick, the apartment was like a temporary lodging. It was like a huge hotel room that already happened to have her stuff in it.

Mick's mood had improved slightly. He actually smiled once, and it was so sad that it was heartbreaking for Emily. Maybe if he went back to work it would help.

Three days after Mick's parents left, Mick looked up from his programme on T.V. to watch Emily who was making dinner. He had been toying with an idea in his head for a while and he thought it was about time he shared it with her.

''Emily?'' he whispered, wrapping his arms around her waist. It was the most intimate they had been in days.

''Ya?'' she replied smiling weakly.

''I think we should move in together. Properly. I know were ready for it. Throughout the... funeral, you were the only one who made me feel better. Losing Kerry has made me realise life is short. And I want to spend the rest of mine with you. I love you Emily and I want to take this step with you. I want to come home to you, sleep in your bed every night, wake up next to you every morning. It's ok if you don't want that too but-''

Emily put a finger to his lips. He had a habit of rambling when he got flustered. Emily looked into his dark eyes that hadn't shown an inch of happiness in days and said ''I would love to move in with you. I want all that too Mick. Are you ready though? Is this just because of ... what happened?'' she asked. She didn't want to hurt him and for all she knew he could just be caught up in the events of the last week. The grief could be affecting his judgement.

''I am. I really want this. Maybe this has given me a wake up call but that's it. I thought about this long before...well you know. Please Em, believe me,'' he pleaded, his eyes showing all his emotion.

''I do. When can you move in?'' she inquired, lightening the mood a little.

''You mean move in here?''

''Ya, I've never seen your place. For all I know you could live in a boat,'' she teased, but not making it too obvious. Just subtle enough to cheer him up a little.

''I don't live in a boat Emily. You can come see it now if you want, while you help me pack my stuff,'' he grinned, showing the first real smile in what seemed like eternity. Emily missed his smile. That lopsided, arrogant smirk of his was one of his major selling points. All the defenced he put up fell when he smiled as his eyes grew soft and lost the cockiness that was usually present in them. On this occasion though, sadness was replaced by joy as Emily and Mick took the first big step towards spending their life together.

She helped him pack for the rest of the day. His apartment was cozy, a considerable amount smaller than Emilys. Then again not everyone had an ambassador for a mother.

Emily was glad he was coming to hers. She couldn't imagine living in this place. It was just too small. It wasn't that she was shallow, she was just used to living in the lap of luxury. And anyway, it was a typical bachelor pad. Slightly messy, and who knows how many women slept in that bed. She didn't even want to think about it.

At eight, they gave up and collapsed on the couch together. They still had a few days work ahead of them but they had gotten the majority of the kitchen packed. Mick ordered a pizza and they sat in front of the T.V. watching a horror movie and drinking beer. Emily agreed to spend the night at his place, because she wouldn't get another chance.

The bed was comfortable, not her bed comfortable, but still cosy. The best bit was having Mick wrapped around her. It was like she was engaging with him for the first time since the funeral. He kept her warm and nuzzled her neck throughout the night. He held her tightly, as if he was afraid that if he let go, he would lose her too. It was that moment when Emily vowed to catch this guy quickly, not for her, but for Mick's sake. Because you would do anything to help the ones you love, and Emily loved Mick more than anything in the world.