Emma, please open the door. Brennan knocked at her door again, still not getting an answer. Maybe she had gone to bed – no he could hear her moving inside her room. He had to speak to her. He had to help her, he had not decided how he would manage exactly but he knew he would. Emma was his best friend, he would find her way.

Brennan resolutely ignored the small voice in his head, which reminded him Emma's dead eyes when she spoke to him. It also reminded him that he had been negligent, oblivious to her pain. He had been so hung up with his new responsibilities and Shalimar that he had ignored Emma.

He had to make it up to her by helping her now.

Emma I know you are awake, I need to speak to you.

He raised his hand to knock again, but before he could lower it the door was yanked open and a very pissed off Emma faced him.

What do you want?

Brennan almost balked at the sheer anger that radiated from her. Her eyes drilled into him, accusing him. Why was he here? Why could he not leave her alone?

*~ At least it is better than seeing her pain. ~*

With that thought in his head Brennan smiled what he hoped was a conciliatory and soothing smile. I think we need to talk Emma.

You do, do you? Maybe I don't want to talk to you? Ever think of that, Mr Mulwray (A/N: spelling?)? Emma was almost spitting in her rage. She really didn't need this right now, she did not need Brennan's condescension – or his sympathy.

Emma let me help you. Brennan pleaded.

Emma gave up.

*~ I can't do this anymore. ~*

Fine come in. Her lifeless tone bothered Brennan more than he cared to admit. But he entered anyway – he would find a way. Didn't he always?

x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

Emma told Brennan, sitting on the bed herself. What did you want to speak to me about?

About you, Emma. We are all worried about you.



So, it is not healthy what you are doing to yourself.

*~ And talking to you is? ~*

And I repeat, so?

So, you must stop? Brennan winced at his choice of words.

Emma immediately reared up at the word must'.

I must stop! I must! Why must I stop, Brennan? Why should I bother, it is my life to live or ruin as I see fit.

*~ And my life ended when Tyler died. ~*

Now you're being foolish, Emma. You are hurting those around you, your friends, us. We all love you, and worry about you.

No one asked to worry about me. Emma said a little sullenly.

*~ Please leave me alone, Brennan. I can't have this conversation right now. Please. ~*

Brennan was beginning to lose him, We love you Emma, but that does not mean we are going to put up with this selfishness for much longer.

*~ Then don't love me, don't love me. I will only end up losing you too. Don't love me. ~*

Selfish how dare you, Brennan!? How dare you call my grieving selfish?!! Emma screamed at him, needed to hurt him as much as she hurt.

It is selfish, TYLER IS DEAD EMMA. Get over it.

Emma felt like she had been hit in the stomach, pain washed over her.

*~ Tyler is dead. Dead ~*

You are being childish, Emma. Brennan continued, warming up to his theme when Emma did not interrupt.

*~ He is dead and I am alone. ~*

You do not leave your room.

*~ He left me alone. ~*

You hardly eat.

*~Tyler ~*

You avoid all of us.

*~ Tyler, please ~*

You cannot do this, Emma you have responsibilities

*~ Tyler, no ~* Emma's mind screamed again and again as she got lost in her memories, blocking out what Brennan was saying.

*~ Emma, darling ~*

*~ Tyler?! ~*

*~ You left me ~*

*~ I can never leave you. I love you. ~*

x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

*~ I love you too, Tyler. ~*

Brennan was getting worried now, Emma had not said another word. He wouldn't have thought it possible but he wished Emma would scream and him, hit him – anything except this dead silence.

She looked completely lost to the world, silent and unmoving. Her eyes were slightly unfocused as if she stared deep into herself. Brennan stopped talking but there was no change in her demeanor.

He got up from his seat and gently shook her. No response. Brennan shook her harder, fear clenching his heart now.

Emma, snap out of it. Emma!

Brennan's presence and worry overwhelmed Emma. His emotions flooded hers, blocking out all others, blocking out hers.

*~ Tyler no don't leave me again. ~*

Brennan sat down next to her, taking her in his arms as she started to sob. He didn't know what had set her off but he knew it hurt him.

*~ Emma, don't do this to yourself. ~*

x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

*~ Emma, don't do this to yourself. ~*

Brennan's feelings were clear and bright. They cut into Emma's mind, where they had no business being. They dwarfed everything else, blocked everything else – blocked Tyler.

Emma howled in pure rage, pushing Brennan away from her with all of her strength. He was so surprised that he fell off the bed.

How dare you touch me? How dare you!!!

Emma advanced on the Elemental, an insane fury dancing in her eyes.

Get out. Get out of my sights.

Emma what is wrong? Brennan scrambled to his feet and took a step towards Emma.

Don't touch me! Whatever you do don't touch me! Emma flinched from him, causing Brennan to feel guilty.

His guilt joined his confusion and sympathy to form an overpowering wave of emotions. Emma almost lost control of herself and her sanity.

She took a deep breath and shouted as she had never shouted before in her life, GET OUT OF MY ROOM.

As soon as Brennan had run out, Emma collapsed to the floor, tears pouring down her face.

*~ Tyler. ~*



She was shaking, so badly that she couldn't stop. She sat down on her bed and stared straight ahead. Emma could barely remember what had just happened seconds before.

Did Brennan just yell at her? Or did she yell at him? She blinked slowly. Did I hear Tyler in my head? She wondered still shaking, as she covered her eyes with her hands.

*~You did ~*

The voice seemed closer now, as if it was in the room with her. Am I growing crazy, she asked herself.

*~ Not yet ~*

Emma looked up. Where was it coming from? She turned her head. And right in front of her there was a sight she had never thought she would see again.