I couldn't stop staring at Michael in his suit as he drove us away from Mum and ~Dad's house. I tried, but with no success. Every so often as he drove, Michael looked back and smiled at me. I felt tears in my eyes at the way he looked at me, as though I was the most precious thing in the world. Eventually, we reached his house. The first memory hit me then. The last time we'd come here like this, I had been locked in the back of a police cruiser. Michael certainly hadn't been suited and he'd also pulled me out by the hair. This time when we stopped, he opened my door and lifted me up in his arms so my head was on his shoulder. Pulling out his key from his suit jacket pocket, he let us in. I remembered how he'd thrown me to the ground, one knee against my chest, his hand on my throat. Not this time. Instead of throwing me to the sofa, he carried me in and sat me down so gently I hardly felt it before sitting at my side.
"Michael," my voice came out just above a whisper as he gently pulled me in to his arms and began to kiss me again and again. I rested my head against his shoulder, his suit jacket soft against it. His embrace was so loving, gentle and protective, nothing like when he'd first held me when craving a kill. This time all I could feel in it was love. He pressed my head completely to his shoulder with a gentle hand as we simply looked at each other in silence. There was so much I wanted to say, but I sensed he had something to tell me also. He'd brought me here after all, in a suit. Why? He obviously had a reason for it, so I would stay quiet and let him do the writing.
Eventually, he gently lifted me to my feet and almost carried me in to the dining room. My mouth dropped open. The table was covered in flowers and candles were all around its edges. In the centre, was my favourite meal. Steak. How had Michael known? I couldn't remember ever telling him. I gave a soft "ah," of comprehension. Mum had left yesterday and hadn't said why. This must be it. I felt a lump rise in my throat. Michael pulled out my chair and I took it, unable to take my eyes off him. Damn he was even more gorgeous now than he had been when we'd first met. A suit well, suited him. Michael lit the candles, then took his seat opposite me. From under his seat, he pulled out a bottle of Champaign. Now I was speechless. My first thought we were here for a reason had been correct. I'd asked for time alone with him, had he found out? But my surprises were far from over as next second, my favourite love song started softly playing. I would've had it as our wedding dance, had I been able to and dared to ask him. Again, how the hell did he know? I can honestly tell you I didn't as much as shiver when Michael picked up a huge carving knife and cut our steak. I remembered yet again all too clearly the day I'd thought of having a meal with him, a date. How he'd probably kill the staff before cutting his food. Never in a million years had I thought this would happen. Michael served my steak and salad on to my plate, then his. It was cooked just the way I loved it. Mum must've been involved. Damn she was good at keeping secrets.
"Thanks darling," I said when I could speak, blinking back tears of happiness. He sat back down opposite me and as we ate, we didn't take our eyes off each other. He popped open the Champaign and I automatically caught the cork, something I'd done on the day of my adoption when it'd been toasted. Did Michael know that too? I grinned when I managed it this time too. He raised his glass, then his notepad.
To us, Jade?
"Hell yes!" I looked at him, my eyes swimming with tears, as we clinked glasses. "Thanks Michael," I said when we'd finished. "That was amazing."
He simply nodded and came to my side, holding out his hand. I took it and stood up and he led me in to the living room. I looked at the leather sofa, remembering again all the nights I'd slept on it, the first time he'd thrown me to it and made love to me, nothing but lust. Now Michael again turned me to face him and took my lips with his once, twice. His arms came around me, pulling me close as we stood in the middle of his living room, kissing as if we hadn't for years.
"I love you Michael Myers," I breathed through our kiss. "I love you so damn much…"
He again raised his notepad.
This time Jade, I won't say prove to me what you say is true, I'd ask you to allow me to do so to you. Before I could answer, he was on one knee in front of me. "Oh Michael," now my tears did come as he pulled out a leather box from his jacket pocket and opened it, revealing the platinum diamond ring within it. I couldn't move or speak.
Marry me the way you've always wanted, Jade? I want you to have your dream wedding. However you want it, it's yours. Please?
All I could do was let my tears go, as I sobbed out "yes! Yes! Yes!" For the first time in my life, it was me who knelt at his side, me who grabbed him in a tight hug and me who kissed him again and again as gently, he slid the engagement ring next to my wedding one. I'd always wanted to be proposed to by a man in a suit, but how the hell did he know? Damn my family, but God I loved them for it. Finally, it was me who helped him to his feet, me who took his hand as we walked up the stairs, me who removed his suit as we slipped in to bed after he'd removed my clothes in turn. Again, he lifted me in just the way I loved.
Jade, look at me.
Our eyes met and held at his request, as we held each other tightly. He again raised his pad.
I love you, Jade. I love you.
Even his gaze seemed to echo his words this time. It was intense, soft and gentle. I smiled at him through my tears, which he gently began to wipe away.
You know Jade, I planned for you to die. I think I've told you this before, but it's true. Remember I said prove to me what you say is true? I didn't really care; you were going to die anyway. Plus, I was sceptical of your intensions, my love.
My eyes widened at the last two words. He'd never, ever said them to me before. I saw his nod, as he kissed me and I read on.
I was sure I'd never fall in love. Hell I didn't think it existed. Not for me at least. All I wanted was blood. To this day I still don't know what you've done to me, but I can't be without you. I need you. To protect you, know you're ok, you close to me. You're my world, Jade.
I couldn't speak. My tears fell without restraint, making it harder to read his messages. Clearly knowing this, Michael hit the speech button, as he continued kissing me and wiping my tears away.
"Now, I want the whole world to know you're mine. With my love for you, I do not believe it's possible for me to kill any further. That is, unless someone hurts any of you, especially you, my love. I… I couldn't just stand by if that happened. I won't do it! I can't. I meant to feel nothing for you. Damn it Jade, you were supposed to die, not become my universe!"
"Well I'm not sorry," I just managed to say before we were kissing again and once again for only the second time, I was sure I saw tears in his eyes. "Shh," I murmured, wiping his away in turn. "Oh Michael, darling, as you know I started to love you the day you saved my life. You're my universe, Michael Myers. My everything, my world, my…"
He silenced me with his lips against mine as for the first time, we smiled at each other. He was smiling right back at me.
"You all care about me," Michael was still using the speech button. I was glad, my eyes were still streaming silent tears. "You want my opinions. All of you. You want to know what I think. You communicate with me. I understand your fears, but none of you have let it stop you trying to reach me. Your family have been nothing but kind to me ever since I first met them. The ones I'd planned to kill. But I couldn't. Damn you Jade, what have you done to me? When I accidentally stabbed you, oh Jade it hurt me so much! I don't think you had or ever will have any idea of how much that hurt! The first time I really started to feel something was when Steve told me, which he's told me you know of. But that day when you approached me after my warning and I, I did that, I knew that was too far. I'm your husband, Jade. You shouldn't face danger or violence from me. Haven't you faced that enough?"
At this, I broke down completely unable to believe my ears. I clung to him as tightly as I could, not able to let go. I knew he was thinking of Andy and the love nearly stopped my heart. Now, I knew what people meant when they said they thought their hearts would burst with it.
"Shh," he breathed through our kiss, holding me just as tightly. He again pressed the speech button. "Oh Jade, shh."
"I fucking adore you Michael," I sobbed. "God help me I think I'd kill if anyone hurt you too!" I knew this was it. Finally, the time had come. I could cross in to new territory I'd never have dared to before. Without speaking further, I leant close to him and softly nibbled his left ear. I heard him take a sharp breath and smirked to myself as I continued. He pulled me tightly against him, clearly feeling something he'd never felt before. This was confirmed when he raised his notepad.
Damn you Jade.
"Like it babe?" I grinned, gently scraping the edge of his ear with my teeth, before I gently pushed him to his back and gently touched his muscular chest. Jesus he was sexy. Eventually, my hand closed around his penis. I heard his breath quicken as I started to move my hand along it. Slowly at first, then gathering speed. Finally, I took him in my mouth. I saw his eyes widen in, was it shock or bliss? I didn't know. I'd never been able to do this before and it felt amazing. God I adored this man with all my heart and now he was in every way, mine. His hand gently closed around my right breast, starting to squeeze my nipple just the way I loved. Eventually, his hand rested gently on the back of my head, pulling me slightly back. Now it was me who was on my back as for the first time, Michael gently put his mouth around my nipple and started to suck it.
"Fuck yes," I moaned, unable to stop myself. "Michael I've wanted you to do this for so long…" His mouth gently tightened, as I pressed myself against him. Next moment, his mouth had moved to where I desperately needed it. His tongue gently moved over my clitoris, as if he wasn't sure what he was doing at first. Of course he wouldn't be, I reminded myself. Gently, I pressed my hand against his head, encouraging him to continue. Oh God. As he did, I felt my orgasm building incredibly quickly and couldn't stop myself letting go. My husband slid up my body so he was atop me and pushed in to me.
"Michael, I fucking adore you," I clung to him as tightly as I could, as he made love to me for what felt like the first time. It was paradise. Afterwards, I snuggled in to his arms, regaining my breath. I looked at him and smiled.
"Like that huh?" I breathed. "I've wanted to do that to you for so long darling, but I didn't dare. I always knew you had the control. Not because of anything you consciously did or said, but shit you're Michael Myers. You…" He silenced me with his lips as he began to type, finally showing me his message.
I have absolutely no control over you Jade Myers. None. My name is not Andrew, my love.
"I know," I smiled at him, feeling that same jolt of disbelief but happiness as I saw those last two words once more. "Oh darling I know, but you are…" I hesitated. "Were, a dangerous killer. I was afraid to do anything to anger you etc, or…"
No more, Jade.
I wasn't sure if he meant he'd heard enough, or that wouldn't happen again. But when he kissed me, I was sure I had my answer. It was the latter.
I want one thing to be clear, right now. I never had control over you Jade, not even when I planned to kill you. Never. But I do understand why you'd think that.
"Thank you," I smiled, appreciating his words. We leant close and kissed again.
You're working tomorrow, are you not?
I nodded. "Yes babe. They asked me if I wanted leave but I refused. Do you want me to…"? He silenced me with a gentle touch to the arm as he typed.
That is of course entirely your decision. It's just I need the car in the morning, I give Stuart a lift to court as he can't drive, so I might not be back in time to take you to work.
"Guessed that sweetheart," I murmured, snuggling in to his shoulder. "I figured because you're gone the same time every day. It's not a problem, I'll take the bus with Jenna. We work pretty close to each other. But I can't lie to you babe, now I wish I did have leave. I don't want to leave you tomorrow." He smiled gently at me.
I'll be right there to pick you up when you finish tomorrow night, my love. Always.
"I know," I kissed him. "It's just… I find it so hard when I'm not near you. I love you so much and sometimes, like before, I worry about well, losing you."
Never, my love. Never. Not again. I promise you this.
I eventually tried to sleep, but I couldn't take my eyes off my husband. I could hardly believe everything he'd said and done for me tonight. Not least, "my love." He'd never, ever used those words before, not even close. I kept pressing close to him, for some stupid irrational reason afraid he'd be gone when I opened my eyes, or to find I'd dreamed the hole thing and he still would kill me if angry. Finally, I heard the soft beep of his notepad.
Jade, my love. I'm not going anywhere; you have my word. Sleep. You have work in the morning if you don't wish to take leave. Shh now. I'll be right here when you wake up, I promise. And as he gave me a gentle kiss, I finally managed to close my eyes, my head on my favourite pillow, his shoulder.
If I'd thought the three months after Michael had let me in to his bed had passed as if in a dream, it was nothing to how I felt now. Sitting at my desk the next morning, I couldn't stop smiling. I felt as if I was walking on air. My colleagues gushed over my engagement ring, telling me I was so lucky. Don't have to tell me that, I thought with a smile. I didn't think I'd ever been happier.
…
The buzz of Dom's intercom made him look up in frustration. He was in the middle of doing something he hated, writing up a staff member's disciplinary hearing. Never a nice job, it was made worse for him when he was interrupted part way through. He glanced at the clock. It was 10AM. Scowling with irritation, he pressed the "talk" button.
"Laura, what is it?" He tried not to snap at his PA. "I'm right in the middle of something. Is this urgent?"
"I'm sorry Dom," Laura's voice came back. He liked her, so didn't want to snap at her. She'd been his PA for 3 years and was damn good at her job, not to mention she didn't gossip in the staff room like most of the other women did. "There's someone in reception requesting to see you. He didn't give a name. I'm not sure if he just didn't wish to speak or can't. He communicated with some sort of iPad. Just asked to see Mr. Lawson."
Dom immediately left his chair. He knew exactly what this meant. "Stand by," he said, all his frustration vanishing instantly. The man currently waiting for him in his reception was the last he'd want to keep waiting or piss off. Plus, was his brother in law. "I'm on my way." Dom stepped out of the lift on the ground floor and immediately saw Myers standing by the desk. Without knowing it, he was struck by the same realisation Stuart had had. This guy was not someone to mess with. He and Stuart were tiny compared to Michael.
"Michael," Dom extended his hand, which the killer took and shook. "Follow me." They entered the lift and Dom saw the other reception staff looking at Michael over their shoulders. Laura did, but only to give him a smile. He knew why. Jade had told him in her own words how attractive she knew he was to women and this was being played out right in front of him. Michael didn't even glance back at them except to nod to Laura, as if he was oblivious. But Dom saw straight through it. He had eyes for Jade only. He smiled at his brother in law. He could almost hear the gossip at the desks right now. Who was that? Damn he's gorgeous, wonder if I could get his number… Idiots. Had they not noticed Michael's wedding ring?
"Are you ok?" He asked when they were in the privacy of a lift. "Is Jade…" Michael withdrew his notepad.
We're fine, thank you. But I need to speak with you Dominic. Sorry to do so at work, but this can't wait.
"Michael," Dom looked straight back at the killer. "We're family. Work be damned when it comes to you."
He was sure Michael smiled at him, with a slight nod. They entered Dom's office. He closed and locked the door, then pressed the "talk" button again. "Laura, be a sweetheart please and divert all my calls either to voicemail or someone else if possible until I say otherwise?"
"Sure thing Dom, I'm on it."
"Thank you so much." He released the button as Michael took the seat on the leather sofa across from him. Just minutes ago, a member of staff had sat there in tears as he told her she was very close to being fired for chatting while she should be working. He sighed, rubbing his growing beard.
You ok?
"Sorry Michael, this job. Sometimes, whew. I'd rather be doing almost anything else," he smiled tiredly. "How can I help?" He waited while Michael started typing.
Again, I apologise for coming to you here. But Lance is involved in a major design today I believe, so isn't available. Dom nodded. You and he are the only ones who are able to help me with this particular request. I don't know if you're aware, but I have started giving Stuart a lift to and from court so he doesn't have to take a bus, can get some food beforehand and is home quickly at the conclusion of his day. I do this because I want to, no other reason.
Dom opened his mouth, fighting back tears. This meant more to him than he could ever tell Michael. As if sensing this, Michael raised his pad again.
Don't thank me Dominic, I want to do it. I am always awake when he needs to leave, so it makes sense. He has tried to give me payment, but I will not accept it. As you just said, we are family, are we not?
Dom smiled, tears in his eyes. "I… I can't thank you enough for this. I even tried to change my job hours to help Stu, but he told me if I did he'd make my life hell," Dom smiled at the killer. "He would've, too. He insisted I wasn't to change my schedule for him."
Well now you're not required too. But here's the thing, Dominic. Stuart's illness, I'm sorry to say is how you and I met. Dom nodded. He remembered that night as clearly as Michael did.
So this is my point. I want to know how to help him, what it involves. If I'm dropping him off and picking him up at court, never mind just spending time with him, I feel this knowledge is important to me just in case I need it.
Dom stared at Michael for a full 30 seconds, unable to speak. He was more touched than he could ever admit. They both knew Jade knew it too, but he'd come straight to one of Stuart's brothers, the ones who knew him most.
"I… I…" He stammered, unable to speak. Michael leant forward and gently touched his arm. Dom knew he understood. His legs shaking a little, Dom stood and withdrew the life-sized dummy from the cupboard in the back of his office. He had to have one, as did Lance. Both their works new why. Stuart had insisted it looked nothing like him, which had cracked them up for hours. Clearing his chair back, Dom lay the dummy in front of them.
"We're not to call him Stuart," Dom grinned, even as tears fell down his cheeks. "Looks like him doesn't it?" He hated the fact his twin suffered this and would take it from him in a heartbeat if he could. "Very few of these are made as S.U.S. is not a common condition at all. Estimated only 500 people in the whole world have it. Lance and I both own one of these, as do the court Stu works for. They're 50 grand a piece. The government gave us 2 when Stuart was diagnosed." Dom plugged the dummy in to a wall, then flicked a switch.
"S.U.S. Simulator activated," said an English male voice, which Stuart had also taken the mick out of. Dom blinked fast. He started when Michael's hand gently rested on his shoulder.
"Sorry," Dom looked away. "I… It's just if we could take this from him Michael, hardly anyone has it and it's so fucking unfair Stu does! I can't tell you how much this means to us you're prepared to do this! This God damn machine is our brother's and husband's fucking life simulated! We hate it! It's so hard when Tara, Lance and I have to do this, we can't help him and we would in a heartbeat if…"
He was stopped as Michael's arm gently came around his shoulders, turning him to face him and in to a gentle hug. Dom looked up, meeting his eyes.
Shh Dominic. I'm more than willing to do this. As for your pain, while I can't understand it fully, if any of you ever need to talk, I'm here for you. I say again, we're family, are we not? It saddens me also.
"I know, thanks," Dom wiped his eyes and took a deep breath. Whether he liked it or not, he knew it had to be done. "Ok. So, this dummy is Stuart when he's unconscious. The simulator will set a random time Stuart may be out for, so we don't know how much first aid it'll take. That's the whole point. Sometimes it may be the first injection, sometimes as we sadly saw that night, it may take anti-shock 2 or 3. You've seen what his disk says, yeah?" Michael nodded.
Dom pulled a small booklet from his wallet. "Once you've been shown, you need to sign this if you don't mind. It proves you're able to administer his medication. That's why his disk says if you don't know how, call for help and sound his panic alarm." Michael nodded again, raising his notepad.
No problem.
"Thanks. So, Stuart's unconscious." Dom pulled out a red bag, the same as Stuart's and opened it. "This bag contains what looks like the same stuff Stu carries, see? Accept it's machinery to work with this simulator. Dom pressed a small button on the dummy's arm. "Start administering medication," said the male voice. Dom and Michael knelt by its head. "Ok," Dom pulled out the first needle. "It's vital things are done in order or it could be fatal, so this is the first thing you have to do."
…
After a discussion with Craig, he and Jenna had agreed that on second thoughts, they wouldn't bring their surprise to that evening's get together. Lance after all had asked for it claiming he had news, so it wouldn't be fair on either of them to deflect from it. So the next morning, they drove him back to his foster home, assuring him it was only for a day or so at most.
…
"Do you have any questions Michael?"
Myers was still bent over the dummy. He'd tried it twice alone now and it looked as if he had it straight. Dom couldn't stop thanking him, until Michael had finally showed him a message which read Dominic, it's fine. Stop thanking me. We're family, remember. Now, Myers looked up and at the little booklet he had to sign.
D.S.L?
Dom laughed a little. "Our parents weren't the most imaginative of people. I'm Dominic Stuart, Stuart is Stuart Dominic. But it's Lance I feel sorry for. He's older than us, and they named him Lance Stuart Dominic. Should've changed the order, because it means we often ask him if he's taken LSD lately."
Myers let out a breath of amusement, which touched Dom's heart. He was sure that making Michael Myers laugh was not an easy task and this was probably the closest he came to it and he'd managed to do it. A few seconds later, he handed Dom back the booklet, M.M. written next to his signature. Turning back, he resumed rubbing the anti-shock 3 gel against the simulator's forehead, as the red light was still flashing, simulating unconsciousness. Then the light turn green, and the machine's eyes flickered open. "Revived," said the male voice. Michael raised his notepad once more.
"What's with the anti-shock to his forehead? He gestured at the pads where the fake gel was to be rubbed on the machine's forehead.
"It's supposed to get through in to his brain and help revive him. Like rubbing a cream in to a burn to stop the pain." Michael nodded.
You sound sceptical, Dominic.
Dom smirked. "As to whether it works? Well it obviously must, but I just think they could've found a better way to revive him. I know they're working on a cure round the clock, plus other revival methods, I just find that one a bit… I don't know, clunky?" Michael nodded in understanding.
Although judging by the way you two constantly tease each other, I was expecting some remark on whether his brain was big enough for it to work.
Dom couldn't help it. He burst out laughing. "Are you in a rush?" He asked when he'd regained his composure.
No, why?
Dom went over to the intercom and pressed the "talk" button again. "Hi Laura, can you please bring up two black coffees? But I'd prefer you bought them up if you can?"
He heard Laura's snort of laughter. "Sure thing. Give me five." True to her word she was there within five minutes with the two hot drinks. She smiled at the two men as she handed them over. "Trying to avoid the gossip?" She grinned at Dom. She actually knew who Michael was to him, but didn't want to say so when she was in reception. Dom grinned. "Got me in one."
Laura extended her hand to Michael, who shook it. Laura pretended to swoon, grinning at Dom. "Oh! The gossip! He shook my hand!" Dom and Laura both laughed. Laura was sure Michael smiled at her. "Get out of here," Dom grinned.
"Dom, mind if I take my lunch now? I have to call Julian. I…"
"Now you know you don't need to ask, go on. Take as long as you need. Anything for you Laura."
"Thanks," she smiled and left.
She seemed nice. Do I detect…
"Um no." Dom blushed. "She's married. Julian's her husband."
Still. You seem very fond of her.
"She's a sweetheart," Dom smiled, but seriously now. "She's been my PA for 3 years and she's very good at her job, very nice and doesn't gossip like all the others do. If that'd been any of the other women, we wouldn't have heard the end of it. Gossip drives me crazy."
Hmm. Thank you for the coffee.
"You're welcome Michael. Thank you again for this."
Dominic.
"I know I know," Dom held his hands up as if in surrender. "Stop thanking you. But I mean it."
Ok. But that's enough.
"Yes boss," Dom grinned.
