Michelle was the first to wake. She shifted her body so that she was
facing Tony. He was still out to the world. She started stroking his hair
gently. He made a small noise but kept sleeping. Michelle just watched
him sleep. She remembered last night and how she had completely lost it in
front of Tony. He had been so good to her, he had held her so tight and
she could see in his eyes that he was sharing her pain. She thought she
would be completely humiliated for him to have seen her like that, but for
some reason she wasn't – he had made her feel like it was ok to be like
that because he understood. She had a small chuckle to herself, in the
last 40 hours her boss had pretty much seen her display every emotion
possible, yet here he was still so close to her. I guess being in this
line of work was like that. There was a small group of them at CTU that
had like an unmentioned bond between them. They faced some of the most
emotionally terrifying experiences possible and because they couldn't take
things outside CTU they only had each other to lean on. Michelle was
pretty much the newest to this little group, although after yesterday she
certainly considered Jack part of the group and he hadn't been around at
all. She had gained Jacks trust in such a short amount of time and she
knew he was going to be a close friend to her. Tony and Jack were close,
they had a funny relationship, so up and down all the time – often at each
other's throats yet ultimately there was no one the other one trusted more.
Michelle kept stroking Tony's hair, he was starting to stir a little.
Michelle glanced at her watch, it 11:45am. She had never in her life slept
in that long, she couldn't believe it.
The doorbell rang and Tony's eyes sprung open. He looked completely confused for a second as he tried to gather his thoughts. He was instantly comforted with the feeling of Michelle's hands through his hair and the little smile on her face as she said, "Good morning sleepy head. Do you want me to get the door?"
Tony kissed Michelle tenderly on the lips, "I'll get it babe, you just wait right here for me."
Tony headed for the door and was almost there when there was another knock. "Yeah, Yeah I am coming." Tony flung the door open to find Jack and Tony's best mate Mike (who didn't work at CTU) standing there holding beers and pizza. "Guys, beers!! I just woke up, what time is it?" Mike walked through the door and patted Tony on the shoulder, "It's lunchtime dude, and I hear you have been through hell, Jack called me and so I took the day from work so we could come and check on ya. Screw what time it is, you have earned a beer or two!"
By this time Jack and Mike had made it to the living room and they both stopped in their tracks when they saw Michelle sitting cross-legged on the couch in Tony's clothes. Tony was right behind them, "Umm Mike this is Michelle, Michelle this is my best friend Mikey." Jack walked up to Tony and scruffled his hair, "Sorry Tony, didn't mean to interrupt anything." With that he turned to face Michelle and a huge smile crossed his face.
Tony just let out a small chuckle. He was almost unsure of what to do. He looked at Michelle to try and figure out what she was thinking. She was pretty good at never giving much away. She stood up, "Nice to meet you Mike, Jack – long time no see! Can you guys just excuse me for a minute so I can freshen up a little. I haven't actually been home so you are just going to have to forgive my clothes right now." Michelle smiled and headed out of the room.
Tony watched her walk, "Hey....I like those clothes and I like you in them!!"
Tony, Mike and Jack all stood just staring at each other. All three of them had a smile on their face and a gleam in their eyes. Mike was the first to break the silence, "You are so busted buddy, but I've gotta say...well done, she is beautiful! So, are you telling me after all the hours I've had to listen to you talk about Michelle you finally got the guts to do something about it?"
"I sure did Mikey. The days events kinda helped push things along, but we figured things out. She is amazing...."
"Did you guys...you know..."
Tony didn't let him finish, "No, fair game it's only been one night and we were exhausted. Besides it's not like that Mikey, I really care about her and want it to be right. Don't get me wrong, I want her so much, but it has to be perfect. I'm not like you...."
Mike laughed, "Hey, hey I can be a gentleman when I want. Seriously though Tony, I am happy for you. Do you want us to go?"
Michelle walked back into the room just as Mike asked his question, "No guys, don't go...you just got here.....besides I could go a beer, if you have an extra one?"
Jack tossed Michelle a beer, "an extra one!?!? We have many extra's, don't worry about that!! Plus we have pizza."
The four of them took a seat in the lounge room. Tony sat in the corner of the sofa with his legs apart and motioned for Michelle to come and sit in between them. Michelle sat on the couch between his legs with her back leaning into his stomach and chest. Tony wrapped one hand around her waist and sipped from the beer in the other. He couldn't remember the last time he had had time to drink in the middle of the day, but this beer tasted good and with Michelle in his lap he was perfectly content. He looked at Jack, "How are you doing Jack? How are you feeling? What time did you get to go home last night?"
"I left pretty much straight after you. Kim stayed at my place last night and we sat up for a few hours talking. It was really good, I think I have a chance to really sort things out with her."
Tony smiled, he knew the heartache Jack and Kim had been through and it made him very happy to hear they had talked. "That's great Jack."
The four of them sat chatting about anything and everything. An hour passed before they had realised and when Michelle checked her watch again it was just after 1pm. "Tony, do you think I could borrow your car to go home and change? John is coming over for the debrief at 2 and I don't think he'll appreciate me like this."
"I'll take you, it's ok."
"No you stay here with the guys, I'll be back in no time. I am fine, I promise...just keep having a good time. I'll seriously change and come straight back"
"Are you sure?"
"So sure babe, just have another drink waiting for me when I get back."
"I can do that!....be careful please."
Michelle asked the guys if they would still be here when she got back. They would so she said she would see them soon. Tony got up and walked her to the door. He pulled her into him and kissed her firmly on the lips, then he brushed some hair out of her eyes, "Michelle, bring some extra clothes so you can stay here again with me tonight?" Tony felt nervous while he waited for her response. He hopped he hadn't been too full-on. "Is that a direct order from my boss?" Michelle asked with a hint of laughter in her voice. Tony relaxed and laughed. He tried to pull himself together and put on a firm tone in his voice, "Yes, that is a direct order and I advise that you obey it, you want to keep the boss happy right?"
"Well, yes sir, I sure do. Even though my boss does look extra cute when he pouts." With that Michelle kissed Tony on the cheek and slid out the door. Tony stood staring at the closed door for a minute just thinking. How was it possible that for every second with this girl he just seemed to fall for her more and more. He turned and headed back to the guys.
They carried on drinking and laughing. Jack and Mike tried to get more info out of Tony about Michelle but he wasn't giving much away. He did tell them though about her phone call that he overheard and they thought it was hilarious. He didn't tell them about what had happened during the night though, that was a private moment between him and Michelle even though he knew Jack would totally understand it. The boys kept drinking until they heard the door again, it was John and he had bought Nick and Sam with him from CTU. Tony was surprised to see so many of them, "Hey Guys, I thought it was just John coming?" John shook Tony's hand, "Tony, I bought Sam and Nick because we have a lot to get through. Sam needs to check any injuries you and Michelle have and Nick is going to help me with some of the tech equiptment." Tony was a little confused, "Tech equiptment? I thought this was just a debrief?"
"Yeah we are doing the debrief Tony, but....we actually need you to make some decisions about James. Chappelle has still got him in holding but he can't keep him forever. As director of CTU it's your choice on how you want to handle the situation. We have bought the security tape for you to watch."
Tony's stomach did a backflip. He hadn't thought about the fact that is was going to be him personally that dealt with James over what he had done to Michelle. He wanted to watch the video so he could see exactly what had happened to Michelle, that way he could understand totally. Tony was a little tipsy and he was glad, the next couple hours were going to be tough and he'd take any help he could get.
Tony led the three men into his living room and introduced everyone to Mike. John surveyed the room, "Where is Michelle? Have you guys been drinking? You shouldn't be drinking before we have to do this Tony"
"Back off John, we have only had a couple. We are not at work right now, we are all just trying to relax a little. Michelle will be back in a minute."
As if on que, Michelle came flying through the door apolagising for being late. She had changed into jeans and a shirt and Tony thought she looked gorgeous. "Don't worry Michelle, everyone just got here." Tony turned to the three men and asked them if they could give them a couple minutes. John said that was fine and that they would go start setting up in the next room.
Jack and Mike got up to leave but Tony turned to them, "Umm guys, please don't take off. I think we could really use you around here." Jack looked at Tony with concern, "Sure Tony, of course. Is everything ok?"
Tony took Michelle by the hands. "Michelle, John has bought the security camera tape from yesterday with him. He wants me to watch it so I can make a decision as to what I am going to do with James. Chappelle still has him in holding but with-out me taking the next step we can't just keep him there."
Michelle dropped Tony's hands. She had not expected this. There was no way in hell she wanted Tony watching that tape. "Tony, don't watch that tape. I'm asking you to please not watch that tape." She used her eyes to plead with him.
"Michelle, I have too. I can't make any decisions unless I do. Besides I want to see what happened."
"Don't make any decisions then....just let him go. I don't care. You don't want to see what happened Tony, trust me."
"Just let him go...are you serious? After what he did to you? Not a chance, that guy is going to get everything that is coming to him.
"No, listen to me. I'll just tell you everything that happened.....I'm not letting you watch it."
"Michelle..." Tony took her hands again and traced her cheek with his thumb. Tony spoke with his most gentle tone, "Honey, you have to trust me. I know this is hard for you, but don't you think it's going to be hard for me to watch as well?"
"If you know it's going to be hard, then just don't watch it. I don't want you to see what happened."
"Well, I want to see, I need to know Michelle – don't you understand that?"
Michelle pushed Tony away. Tears started to form in her eyes. "No I don't understand Tony. Why would you want to see that? Do you really want to see his hands all over me? Do you want to see how weak I was....how, how he ripped at my shirt and threw me to the ground? Do you really want to know what he said to me? I don't want you to see me like that. I don't want you to be disappointed in me. Surely I have a say in this situation? Doesn't what I want count for anything?"
"Michelle..." Tony tried to take her hands again but she moved backwards. He knew she was angry with him and he could see how much this situation was hurting her and he hated that. He didn't have a choice though, this was his job and he had to take care of it. Relationships in the office were frowned upon and even though everyone seemed happy for them he knew if Chappelle thought he wasn't doing his job properly because of his feelings for Michelle then he would make trouble for them. The bottom line was though....he did want to see that tape. He wanted to know how to help Michelle through this whole thing and he knew he could do that better if he knew everything that had happened. "I know you are angry Michelle, but I have to do this. No I don't want to see any of that stuff, it's going to kill me to see it, but I have to. I would never be disappointed with you, how could you think that? James is the asshole here, I know you don't want him to get away with this."
Michelle just didn't know what to say, she knew she was never going to win. She leant against the wall and folded her arms. She couldn't look at Tony, she just mumbled, "Whatever."
Nick and John walked back into the room to find the four of them standing in silence. John felt bad knowing that it was their presence that was making everyone so uncomfortable. He knew they had to just get this over with as soon as possible, "Tony, Michelle, the video is set up ready to go. Michelle it would be best if you watched the tape with us, that way you can just sign a form at the end acknowledging that was you on the video. If you don't then you will have to give me a detailed statement on all of the details. I know it will be hard, but I think you will save yourself a lot of heartache if you can just get through watching it this once. Tony will be there right next to you....and you know we are all here to support you." Michelle was shocked. Was this guy serious, he wanted her to sit in the same room as everyone as they watched everything that happened. She thought about it though and weighed up the fact that the video must only go for a few minutes opposed to giving a statement which would take at the very least an hour. She kept her head down and focused her eyes on the floor and started walking into the next room. Might as well get it over with she thought, Tony would never look at her the same after he had seen this. She remembered back to when Tony had found out and he used the words "let him". He had taken it back straight away but it had stung so much when he said it. Now he was going to watch and see how easily this guy took advantage of her. She was so scared she was going to disappoint Tony, if she had one wish it would be that she would never be a disappointment in his eyes.
Everyone piled into Tony's study. Jack remained in the lounge with Mike. Tony tried to stand behind Michelle and put his arms around her waist but she just stepped to the side. Tony couldn't believe that he had already managed to ruin the most perfect thing that had ever happened to him. It hadn't even been 24 hours since they got together and he had already hurt her. He would have given his job away in a second so it couldn't have this effect on them but there were two sides to this. James had touched his girl and he was going to pay.
The video came on. Michelle kept her head on the ground. John noticed and felt so bad for what he was about to say, "Michelle, I am sorry but you need to lift your head and watch." Michelle lifted her head and stared blankly at the screen. She figured if she stared at it hard enough the picture would just go fuzzy. She stole a glance at Tony, he was rubbing the side of his face and his bottom lip quivered a little.
Tony felt sick watching James lean in over Michelle. He could hear Michelle tell James that she cared for him and wanted to wait till he had woken up. She was so sweet, even in this position with James she was still being strong and honest about her feelings. Again he felt himself fall a little more in love. Then he heard James speak the words, "Tony doesn't want you Michelle, he just used you to get results today." Tony thought he was going to throw up. He couldn't believe those words had been said in front of Michelle and twice now. He hadn't realised he had been such a part of what had happened in that room. He clenched his fists as he watched Michelle beg James not to touch her and then he saw him grab at her chest and throw her to the ground. James kicked her and then slapped her across the face. James voice echoed through-out the room, "Do you really think Tony is going to want my sloppy seconds once I am done with you?" This was more than Tony could handle. He was going to be sick, he covered his mouth with his hand and ran to the bathroom where he vomited. He washed his face and rinsed his mouth out and stared at himself in the mirror. 'You have to go back in there' he thought to himself, 'this is not about you, you have to be strong for Michelle.'
John had paused the video when Tony had left the room. Everyone stood in silence as they waited for him. Tony entered the room again and apolagised. He walked behind Michelle and rubbed his hand across her back. John looked at Tony, "That's ok Tony, are you ready to go again, there is only a minute left?" "That's fine, thanks John."
They watched the end of the tape. Tony was so impressed with Michelle when he watched her kick James – she got him twice and both times very nicely. That's his girl, she kicked his ass!! When it was over Tony looked at Michelle, she had put her head back to the ground.
'Well he has seen it now' she thought to herself. 'Nothing I can do about it now.' She raised her head and looked at John, "John, yes that was me in the tape, where do I need to sign?" John pushed across a form on the table and handed Michelle a pen, "Just here, you did great Michelle."
Michelle signed her name and then went to leave the room. As she passed Tony she pulled him to one side, stood on her toes and whispered into his ear, "I'm sorry Tony, I understand if you want to just walk away right now."
Tony was mortified. Walk away - was she kidding? He was never going to ever going to walk away. His feelings ran far too deep to even contemplate that. He didn't understand how all of this made Michelle think it would make him feel any less for her, it was completely the opposite to how he felt. He kissed Michelle on the forehead, turned her around and put his hands on both of her shoulders and had her walk out of the room, he was holding her tight. "John, I'll be back in a minute, ok? Help yourselves to anything in the kitchen."
Tony walked Michelle out to where Jack and Mike were still sitting, they both jumped up when they entered the room. "Are you guys ok? What can we do?" Jack asked with concern in his voice. "Thanks guys, I have to go back in there and sort a couple things out, I won't be long. I want you to stay with Michelle please."
Tony turned Michelle around so that she was facing him, he put his hands on each side of her face. "Now Michelle, you listen to me – I want you to hear what I am saying. I am so sorry for everything that happened to you. I'll never forgive myself for knowing I was sleeping in the same building while all of that was going on. Michelle, how could you ever think I would want to walk away from you after that? I am never ever going anywhere. None of that was your fault, you did so well to get away from him, not many people could have done what you did. None of what James said was true, I want you so much, in fact I have never wanted you more. Michelle I admire you so much. My heart melt when I heard you tell him you cared for me and wanted to wait till I woke up.......you are so, so good to me. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me Michelle. Please don't be angry with me....let me show you just how much you mean to me."
Tears flowed down Michelle's face, she threw her arms around Tony's neck and kissed him. She tugged at his bottom lip to open his mouth and then pushed her tongue into his mouth. They kissed passionately for a few moments and then she buried her face into his chest. Tony stood holding Michelle and motioned over her shoulder for Jack to come over. When Jack approached them he turned Michelle around and put her into Jacks arms. Jack held Michelle tight and lead her back over to the couches. Tony headed back in to John to start tying things up.
The doorbell rang and Tony's eyes sprung open. He looked completely confused for a second as he tried to gather his thoughts. He was instantly comforted with the feeling of Michelle's hands through his hair and the little smile on her face as she said, "Good morning sleepy head. Do you want me to get the door?"
Tony kissed Michelle tenderly on the lips, "I'll get it babe, you just wait right here for me."
Tony headed for the door and was almost there when there was another knock. "Yeah, Yeah I am coming." Tony flung the door open to find Jack and Tony's best mate Mike (who didn't work at CTU) standing there holding beers and pizza. "Guys, beers!! I just woke up, what time is it?" Mike walked through the door and patted Tony on the shoulder, "It's lunchtime dude, and I hear you have been through hell, Jack called me and so I took the day from work so we could come and check on ya. Screw what time it is, you have earned a beer or two!"
By this time Jack and Mike had made it to the living room and they both stopped in their tracks when they saw Michelle sitting cross-legged on the couch in Tony's clothes. Tony was right behind them, "Umm Mike this is Michelle, Michelle this is my best friend Mikey." Jack walked up to Tony and scruffled his hair, "Sorry Tony, didn't mean to interrupt anything." With that he turned to face Michelle and a huge smile crossed his face.
Tony just let out a small chuckle. He was almost unsure of what to do. He looked at Michelle to try and figure out what she was thinking. She was pretty good at never giving much away. She stood up, "Nice to meet you Mike, Jack – long time no see! Can you guys just excuse me for a minute so I can freshen up a little. I haven't actually been home so you are just going to have to forgive my clothes right now." Michelle smiled and headed out of the room.
Tony watched her walk, "Hey....I like those clothes and I like you in them!!"
Tony, Mike and Jack all stood just staring at each other. All three of them had a smile on their face and a gleam in their eyes. Mike was the first to break the silence, "You are so busted buddy, but I've gotta say...well done, she is beautiful! So, are you telling me after all the hours I've had to listen to you talk about Michelle you finally got the guts to do something about it?"
"I sure did Mikey. The days events kinda helped push things along, but we figured things out. She is amazing...."
"Did you guys...you know..."
Tony didn't let him finish, "No, fair game it's only been one night and we were exhausted. Besides it's not like that Mikey, I really care about her and want it to be right. Don't get me wrong, I want her so much, but it has to be perfect. I'm not like you...."
Mike laughed, "Hey, hey I can be a gentleman when I want. Seriously though Tony, I am happy for you. Do you want us to go?"
Michelle walked back into the room just as Mike asked his question, "No guys, don't go...you just got here.....besides I could go a beer, if you have an extra one?"
Jack tossed Michelle a beer, "an extra one!?!? We have many extra's, don't worry about that!! Plus we have pizza."
The four of them took a seat in the lounge room. Tony sat in the corner of the sofa with his legs apart and motioned for Michelle to come and sit in between them. Michelle sat on the couch between his legs with her back leaning into his stomach and chest. Tony wrapped one hand around her waist and sipped from the beer in the other. He couldn't remember the last time he had had time to drink in the middle of the day, but this beer tasted good and with Michelle in his lap he was perfectly content. He looked at Jack, "How are you doing Jack? How are you feeling? What time did you get to go home last night?"
"I left pretty much straight after you. Kim stayed at my place last night and we sat up for a few hours talking. It was really good, I think I have a chance to really sort things out with her."
Tony smiled, he knew the heartache Jack and Kim had been through and it made him very happy to hear they had talked. "That's great Jack."
The four of them sat chatting about anything and everything. An hour passed before they had realised and when Michelle checked her watch again it was just after 1pm. "Tony, do you think I could borrow your car to go home and change? John is coming over for the debrief at 2 and I don't think he'll appreciate me like this."
"I'll take you, it's ok."
"No you stay here with the guys, I'll be back in no time. I am fine, I promise...just keep having a good time. I'll seriously change and come straight back"
"Are you sure?"
"So sure babe, just have another drink waiting for me when I get back."
"I can do that!....be careful please."
Michelle asked the guys if they would still be here when she got back. They would so she said she would see them soon. Tony got up and walked her to the door. He pulled her into him and kissed her firmly on the lips, then he brushed some hair out of her eyes, "Michelle, bring some extra clothes so you can stay here again with me tonight?" Tony felt nervous while he waited for her response. He hopped he hadn't been too full-on. "Is that a direct order from my boss?" Michelle asked with a hint of laughter in her voice. Tony relaxed and laughed. He tried to pull himself together and put on a firm tone in his voice, "Yes, that is a direct order and I advise that you obey it, you want to keep the boss happy right?"
"Well, yes sir, I sure do. Even though my boss does look extra cute when he pouts." With that Michelle kissed Tony on the cheek and slid out the door. Tony stood staring at the closed door for a minute just thinking. How was it possible that for every second with this girl he just seemed to fall for her more and more. He turned and headed back to the guys.
They carried on drinking and laughing. Jack and Mike tried to get more info out of Tony about Michelle but he wasn't giving much away. He did tell them though about her phone call that he overheard and they thought it was hilarious. He didn't tell them about what had happened during the night though, that was a private moment between him and Michelle even though he knew Jack would totally understand it. The boys kept drinking until they heard the door again, it was John and he had bought Nick and Sam with him from CTU. Tony was surprised to see so many of them, "Hey Guys, I thought it was just John coming?" John shook Tony's hand, "Tony, I bought Sam and Nick because we have a lot to get through. Sam needs to check any injuries you and Michelle have and Nick is going to help me with some of the tech equiptment." Tony was a little confused, "Tech equiptment? I thought this was just a debrief?"
"Yeah we are doing the debrief Tony, but....we actually need you to make some decisions about James. Chappelle has still got him in holding but he can't keep him forever. As director of CTU it's your choice on how you want to handle the situation. We have bought the security tape for you to watch."
Tony's stomach did a backflip. He hadn't thought about the fact that is was going to be him personally that dealt with James over what he had done to Michelle. He wanted to watch the video so he could see exactly what had happened to Michelle, that way he could understand totally. Tony was a little tipsy and he was glad, the next couple hours were going to be tough and he'd take any help he could get.
Tony led the three men into his living room and introduced everyone to Mike. John surveyed the room, "Where is Michelle? Have you guys been drinking? You shouldn't be drinking before we have to do this Tony"
"Back off John, we have only had a couple. We are not at work right now, we are all just trying to relax a little. Michelle will be back in a minute."
As if on que, Michelle came flying through the door apolagising for being late. She had changed into jeans and a shirt and Tony thought she looked gorgeous. "Don't worry Michelle, everyone just got here." Tony turned to the three men and asked them if they could give them a couple minutes. John said that was fine and that they would go start setting up in the next room.
Jack and Mike got up to leave but Tony turned to them, "Umm guys, please don't take off. I think we could really use you around here." Jack looked at Tony with concern, "Sure Tony, of course. Is everything ok?"
Tony took Michelle by the hands. "Michelle, John has bought the security camera tape from yesterday with him. He wants me to watch it so I can make a decision as to what I am going to do with James. Chappelle still has him in holding but with-out me taking the next step we can't just keep him there."
Michelle dropped Tony's hands. She had not expected this. There was no way in hell she wanted Tony watching that tape. "Tony, don't watch that tape. I'm asking you to please not watch that tape." She used her eyes to plead with him.
"Michelle, I have too. I can't make any decisions unless I do. Besides I want to see what happened."
"Don't make any decisions then....just let him go. I don't care. You don't want to see what happened Tony, trust me."
"Just let him go...are you serious? After what he did to you? Not a chance, that guy is going to get everything that is coming to him.
"No, listen to me. I'll just tell you everything that happened.....I'm not letting you watch it."
"Michelle..." Tony took her hands again and traced her cheek with his thumb. Tony spoke with his most gentle tone, "Honey, you have to trust me. I know this is hard for you, but don't you think it's going to be hard for me to watch as well?"
"If you know it's going to be hard, then just don't watch it. I don't want you to see what happened."
"Well, I want to see, I need to know Michelle – don't you understand that?"
Michelle pushed Tony away. Tears started to form in her eyes. "No I don't understand Tony. Why would you want to see that? Do you really want to see his hands all over me? Do you want to see how weak I was....how, how he ripped at my shirt and threw me to the ground? Do you really want to know what he said to me? I don't want you to see me like that. I don't want you to be disappointed in me. Surely I have a say in this situation? Doesn't what I want count for anything?"
"Michelle..." Tony tried to take her hands again but she moved backwards. He knew she was angry with him and he could see how much this situation was hurting her and he hated that. He didn't have a choice though, this was his job and he had to take care of it. Relationships in the office were frowned upon and even though everyone seemed happy for them he knew if Chappelle thought he wasn't doing his job properly because of his feelings for Michelle then he would make trouble for them. The bottom line was though....he did want to see that tape. He wanted to know how to help Michelle through this whole thing and he knew he could do that better if he knew everything that had happened. "I know you are angry Michelle, but I have to do this. No I don't want to see any of that stuff, it's going to kill me to see it, but I have to. I would never be disappointed with you, how could you think that? James is the asshole here, I know you don't want him to get away with this."
Michelle just didn't know what to say, she knew she was never going to win. She leant against the wall and folded her arms. She couldn't look at Tony, she just mumbled, "Whatever."
Nick and John walked back into the room to find the four of them standing in silence. John felt bad knowing that it was their presence that was making everyone so uncomfortable. He knew they had to just get this over with as soon as possible, "Tony, Michelle, the video is set up ready to go. Michelle it would be best if you watched the tape with us, that way you can just sign a form at the end acknowledging that was you on the video. If you don't then you will have to give me a detailed statement on all of the details. I know it will be hard, but I think you will save yourself a lot of heartache if you can just get through watching it this once. Tony will be there right next to you....and you know we are all here to support you." Michelle was shocked. Was this guy serious, he wanted her to sit in the same room as everyone as they watched everything that happened. She thought about it though and weighed up the fact that the video must only go for a few minutes opposed to giving a statement which would take at the very least an hour. She kept her head down and focused her eyes on the floor and started walking into the next room. Might as well get it over with she thought, Tony would never look at her the same after he had seen this. She remembered back to when Tony had found out and he used the words "let him". He had taken it back straight away but it had stung so much when he said it. Now he was going to watch and see how easily this guy took advantage of her. She was so scared she was going to disappoint Tony, if she had one wish it would be that she would never be a disappointment in his eyes.
Everyone piled into Tony's study. Jack remained in the lounge with Mike. Tony tried to stand behind Michelle and put his arms around her waist but she just stepped to the side. Tony couldn't believe that he had already managed to ruin the most perfect thing that had ever happened to him. It hadn't even been 24 hours since they got together and he had already hurt her. He would have given his job away in a second so it couldn't have this effect on them but there were two sides to this. James had touched his girl and he was going to pay.
The video came on. Michelle kept her head on the ground. John noticed and felt so bad for what he was about to say, "Michelle, I am sorry but you need to lift your head and watch." Michelle lifted her head and stared blankly at the screen. She figured if she stared at it hard enough the picture would just go fuzzy. She stole a glance at Tony, he was rubbing the side of his face and his bottom lip quivered a little.
Tony felt sick watching James lean in over Michelle. He could hear Michelle tell James that she cared for him and wanted to wait till he had woken up. She was so sweet, even in this position with James she was still being strong and honest about her feelings. Again he felt himself fall a little more in love. Then he heard James speak the words, "Tony doesn't want you Michelle, he just used you to get results today." Tony thought he was going to throw up. He couldn't believe those words had been said in front of Michelle and twice now. He hadn't realised he had been such a part of what had happened in that room. He clenched his fists as he watched Michelle beg James not to touch her and then he saw him grab at her chest and throw her to the ground. James kicked her and then slapped her across the face. James voice echoed through-out the room, "Do you really think Tony is going to want my sloppy seconds once I am done with you?" This was more than Tony could handle. He was going to be sick, he covered his mouth with his hand and ran to the bathroom where he vomited. He washed his face and rinsed his mouth out and stared at himself in the mirror. 'You have to go back in there' he thought to himself, 'this is not about you, you have to be strong for Michelle.'
John had paused the video when Tony had left the room. Everyone stood in silence as they waited for him. Tony entered the room again and apolagised. He walked behind Michelle and rubbed his hand across her back. John looked at Tony, "That's ok Tony, are you ready to go again, there is only a minute left?" "That's fine, thanks John."
They watched the end of the tape. Tony was so impressed with Michelle when he watched her kick James – she got him twice and both times very nicely. That's his girl, she kicked his ass!! When it was over Tony looked at Michelle, she had put her head back to the ground.
'Well he has seen it now' she thought to herself. 'Nothing I can do about it now.' She raised her head and looked at John, "John, yes that was me in the tape, where do I need to sign?" John pushed across a form on the table and handed Michelle a pen, "Just here, you did great Michelle."
Michelle signed her name and then went to leave the room. As she passed Tony she pulled him to one side, stood on her toes and whispered into his ear, "I'm sorry Tony, I understand if you want to just walk away right now."
Tony was mortified. Walk away - was she kidding? He was never going to ever going to walk away. His feelings ran far too deep to even contemplate that. He didn't understand how all of this made Michelle think it would make him feel any less for her, it was completely the opposite to how he felt. He kissed Michelle on the forehead, turned her around and put his hands on both of her shoulders and had her walk out of the room, he was holding her tight. "John, I'll be back in a minute, ok? Help yourselves to anything in the kitchen."
Tony walked Michelle out to where Jack and Mike were still sitting, they both jumped up when they entered the room. "Are you guys ok? What can we do?" Jack asked with concern in his voice. "Thanks guys, I have to go back in there and sort a couple things out, I won't be long. I want you to stay with Michelle please."
Tony turned Michelle around so that she was facing him, he put his hands on each side of her face. "Now Michelle, you listen to me – I want you to hear what I am saying. I am so sorry for everything that happened to you. I'll never forgive myself for knowing I was sleeping in the same building while all of that was going on. Michelle, how could you ever think I would want to walk away from you after that? I am never ever going anywhere. None of that was your fault, you did so well to get away from him, not many people could have done what you did. None of what James said was true, I want you so much, in fact I have never wanted you more. Michelle I admire you so much. My heart melt when I heard you tell him you cared for me and wanted to wait till I woke up.......you are so, so good to me. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me Michelle. Please don't be angry with me....let me show you just how much you mean to me."
Tears flowed down Michelle's face, she threw her arms around Tony's neck and kissed him. She tugged at his bottom lip to open his mouth and then pushed her tongue into his mouth. They kissed passionately for a few moments and then she buried her face into his chest. Tony stood holding Michelle and motioned over her shoulder for Jack to come over. When Jack approached them he turned Michelle around and put her into Jacks arms. Jack held Michelle tight and lead her back over to the couches. Tony headed back in to John to start tying things up.