Later in the day, Michelle was driving home from the gym at around 6pm. She had tried and failed to relax or sleep and so she resolved to just try and completely tire herself out. As she parked her dark SUV and got out she flinched at the pain her limbs were now in. She hoped she'd done enough to just collapse as soon as she got in. She closed the door behind her and dropped her keys on the table. As she made her way to the bedroom there was a knock at the door.

She cursed out loud and made her way back to the door. As she looked through the peephole she couldn't quite believe who was standing on the other side. It was Tony, looking gorgeous and there she was in her ripped jogging pants and old t-shirt.; all sweaty and gross. He knocked again and she knew she had to open it.

"Hey!" She exclaimed as she opened the door. He watched her tired eyes come alive when her smile reached them.

"Come in." He could tell she was a little embarrassed by her appearance but he thought she looked adorable. He immediately realised that she'd gone to the gym in an effort to exhaust herself and it had probably worked. He felt awkward but she had somehow relaxed and motioned for him to sit down.

"I took a wild guess of what you'd like to drink." He handed her a bottle of Jack Daniels and he knew he'd made the right choice as her eyes continued to light up.

She took the bottle and went into the kitchen to retrieve some glasses. Coming back out she frowned slightly and Tony's heart nearly stopped.

"Would you mind if I jumped into the shower quickly? I just came back from the gym and I'm a little uncomfortable."

He puffed out a breath he didn't know he'd been holding and smiled at her.

"Do you want me to go?"

"No, no I don't really I don't! I just would like to be comfortable to sit with you."

He was surprised by how urgently she didn't want him to go but also really pleased.

"Ok well, I'll just watch TV till you're done. Hey, take as long as you like ok? I'm in no hurry."

She smiled as she made her way over to the bedroom. She heard the TV go on and he melted into the sofa. Looking back at him he seemed like he belonged there.

About half an hour later she joined him on the sofa and he shut his eyes briefly as her scent drifted over him.

He flicked off the TV set and poured them both a drink from the bottle he'd brought.

"Thanks." She said taking the glass from him. She folded her legs underneath her and turned to face him. As they sipped their drinks there was silence for a few moments and finally Tony spoke.

"So, how are you doing?"

"Ok I think. It probably won't hit me until much later. That's why I went to the gym. If I start to think about everything, you know…"

She trailed off and he could see the pain etched on her face as she looked down at her glass. He hesitantly reached out for her hand and when she didn't object he held it gently. She smiled softly and looked up at him.

"This day has been a little overwhelming huh?" She said, immediately realising that to be the understatement of the century.

"I'm glad we….well that we came out into the open about how we feel." He said carefully giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

"So am I. So when are you taking me out then?"

He laughed at her and smiled.

"What about tomorrow night?"

"Ok. You can pick me up at around seven." At the end of the sentence she had to yawn as she'd been holding it back for a long time.

He smiled affectionately at her as she rubbed her eyes. Setting his glass down he stood up and pulled her up into a hug. She rested her head on his shoulder and he gently stroked her hair. She sighed contentedly and buried her face in his shirt.

"Listen, I'm going to go and let you get some rest. We'll talk tomorrow at work ok?"

She mumbled ok into his chest, not ready to let him go yet and he chuckled softly holding her a little tighter for a few seconds and then gently pulling her back. He stroked her cheek and kissed her on the forehead. She led him over to the door and opened it. He smiled and went to walk out but he seemed to change his mind. Turning back he scooped her up in his arms and planted a kiss on her that made her dizzy.

It was more intense than their first but more relaxed. He let her go and this time he left, blowing her a kiss as he got into the car. As he drove away he laughed because she was still standing in the doorway of her apartment in total shock.

The next day at work was full of long looks and shy smiles. He was amazed nobody said anything. It was like he was walking on air; he felt wonderful. However, a talk with Chappelle soon altered his mood and he gathered everyone together on the floor.

"All right guys, I know you're all busy but I just wanted to let you know that before we go off on our much needed leave the day after tomorrow there will be a service for everyone we lost. It's tomorrow at 3pm and aside from a skeleton staff we can all go."

He took another breath and looked around at Michelle. Her eyes were sad but they encouraged him to go on.

"I know that there has been a lot going on and Mr Chappelle has asked me to remind you all that counselling is available to anyone who wants it. That's all thanks."

He made his way to the break room to get himself together. As he absently poured himself a cup of coffee he felt a warm hand on his shoulder.

"Are you all right?" Michelle asked him, searching his face for confirmation.

He nodded patting her shoulder in return.

"I have to speak at the service. You know, give a brief memorial to George."

"Do you want some help with it?" She asked, leaning against the counter.

"No thanks, I've pretty much figured out what I wanted to say already but…" He took a step towards her and took her hand.

"Could I sit next to you? I know I won't be able to hold your hand or anything but I'll just feel so much better if you're near by."

She smiled at him, trying to hold back the tears at hearing how much he needed her.

"Of course." Squeezing his hand she tried to think of something to say to change the subject.

"Do you still want to go out tonight?"

"Completely; don't you worry about that darlin." He said smiling as she blushed at being called darlin.

He picked up his cup and reluctantly let go of his hand.

"Seven, don't be late!" He said over his shoulder.