Note: I'm not one to solicit reviews, but I feel I've started to border if not cross into soapy territory. I just wonder if I should continue this at all. If you have a moment, please let me know. I'm not opposed to criticism.

Kathryn didn't see Danny for three days after they slept together. He called her and told her he was busy with a case. He didn't say anything about leaving in the middle of the night. The more Kathryn thought about the more she realized how different he was that night. She could almost taste the alcohol on him even though he obviously brushed his teeth right before he came over. And the way he touched her was different as well. Usually, Danny was so gentle and incredibly attentive to how she felt, but that night she felt like he was using her. She felt like it didn't matter who she was -- he just wanted a warm body.

Danny eventually stopped by her apartment one evening after work. They made plans to go to dinner. When Kathryn opened the door to let him in, she was surprised by how relaxed and happy he seemed.

"Hey. God, you look like you are feeling better," Kathryn started.

"I am. I think I just needed some time. I'm feeling good," Danny said as he gave her one of his charming smiles.

"Well, I'm glad…It's good to see you," she said as she reached out to embrace him. Danny gave her a quick kiss before walking into the apartment. That was very unusual for him as he usually kissed her passionately after not seeing her, but she didn't say anything.

"Where do you want to go tonight?" he asked.

"I haven't even thought about it. We haven't been on a date in forever."

"Let's do something fun…let's go to a club or something," Danny suggested.

"A club?" Kathryn laughed. "Are you serious?"

"Yeah…we could…you know…go dancing…just get away from things for a while."

"OK. Sounds like fun, but I was hoping we could talk. We haven't talked since the other night, and I'm just not sure where we stand."

"We'll talk later. I promise. Let's just forget about everything…and just have a good time."

Kathryn hesitated, but finally relented, "Let me change, and then we'll go."

They ended up at a very loud, crowded club. At first, Kathryn enjoyed it. She and Danny were dancing, and having a good time. He seemed relaxed and happy. Then, he led her off the dance floor to a small table. The waitress came over to the table. Kathryn ordered a club soda. She expected Danny to order his usual mineral water, but instead he told the waitress he wanted a shot and a beer. He was so casual about it -- like he ordered it everyday.

Kathryn asked, "Danny, what's going on? You never drink."

"It's just taking the edge off for a while. It's nothing. Don't worry."

Kathryn's conversation with Jack ran through her head. Maybe Jack was mistaken. Maybe he just assumed Danny was an alcoholic because he didn't drink. She was trying everything to rationalize the situation.

The waitress returned with the drinks. Danny drained the shot and drank half the beer before the waitress even left the table. And then asked, "Are you ready to go back out again?"

Kathryn was concerned, but this was the first time she'd seen Danny happy in a long time. She didn't want to ruin it. So they continued to dance and Danny continued to drink. An hour later, he was drunk and having trouble standing. "I think it's time to go, Danny," Kathryn said.

"Oh come on…Aren't you having a good time? You know this would be more fun if you were drinking, too."

"One of us has to be able to get us home. Let's go."

Danny looked down at her and smiled. "OK…Let's go," he said as he touched her face.

Kathryn led Danny outside and hailed a cab. She got in the cab, and gave the cabbie Danny's address because he lived closer. As soon as Danny got in the cab, he was all over her – trying to kiss her and touch her. He reeked of alcohol.

"Danny…Danny…stop…not here," Kathryn demanded as she tried to maneuver out of his grasp.

"Come on…we've never done it in the back of a cab. I know you are shy about stuff like this, but trust me, it will be fun," Danny said as he tried to pin her to the seat.

"Danny…no…if you don't stop, I'll jump out the cab right now."

An obviously frustrated Danny let her go and sat back. "This was a lot more fun in the old days when I would go alone and hook up with a very willing club girl," Danny laughed. "I wouldn't even have to go back to my place to get laid."

Kathryn looked at him with disgust and said, "Well you can go back anytime you want, and hook up with whomever you want because I won't go with you again."

"Sounds like a plan," Danny said vehemently.

The cab stopped in front of his apartment. Danny jumped out of the cab, and started up the stairs. Kathryn planned on letting him go in alone, and head back to her place. But then Danny fell down the stairs and hit his head as the cab started to pull away. "Stop the cab," Kathryn said and she pulled out some money to pay the driver.

She got out of cab and helped Danny to his feet. When he saw that it was her, he shrugged her off of him. "Don't…I don't need your help."

"Danny, you're bleeding. Your head…" Kathryn said as she tried to touch his forehead.

He grabbed her wrist before she could touch him and growled, "I'm fine."

He held onto her wrist in a hard grip. Kathryn finally said, "Danny, let me go. You're hurting me."

He let her go and said, "Just get out of here. Just leave me alone."

"Let me help you inside, and then I'll be happy to leave."

"Fine…whatever…" Danny said as he started to stagger up the stairs.

Kathryn helped him up the stairs and into his apartment. After he entered the apartment, he collapsed on the couch. She took a moment to look around. The apartment was a mess. There were several empty bottles of alcohol littered around the apartment. He'd obviously been on a binge. Kathryn wanted to cry, but instead she went to the kitchen and wet a washcloth. She went over to Danny on the couch and started to clean his bloody forehead.

Danny had passed out slightly, but when he felt the cool cloth on his head he opened his eyes, and slapped her hand away. "I thought I told you to leave."

"I just wanted to help you get cleaned up," Kathryn replied quietly.

"I don't need you to help me," Danny said in an angry tone. Then Danny stood up and walked toward the bed, "You know what, baby – the only way you could ever help me is to let me screw you. So if you want to help me…then come over here and take off your clothes."

Kathryn was stunned. She wanted to run away, but she couldn't move. So Danny continued his drunken rant as he walked toward her, "You've always been so easy. From the first night, I knew I could have you anytime I wanted. And I knew I could make you do things you never dreamed of doing before. So what's different now?" He asked as he stood inches from her face.

"You're a drunk. I didn't know that before. I know that now," Kathryn replied trying not to cry.

Danny laughed an almost maniacal laugh. He looked scary with the blood still seeping from his head wound. "You have no idea who I am. I'm not a drunk."

"Yes, you are. Jack told me you were in AA. He told me you were sober for eight years. What happened? I don't understand…"

Danny blew up, "SHUT UP! I'm not a drunk. I can handle it. I don't need you or Jack or anyone else. I never have. I've always done better on my own."

Kathryn had never seen him this angry. He was scaring her as he hovered over her. She backed away from him, and then quickly ran out the door.

After that night, Kathryn knew in her heart that it was over. She wasn't strong enough to be with Danny anymore. It would be easy for her to stay with him, and not confront him. She didn't want to abandon him, but he was giving her no choice. She couldn't watch him destroy himself.