As they drove down town to the party Jeff and Tony filled Michelle in on all the things that had been happening with Emily lately. The plan was that Michelle would go in and find Emily and either bring her straight out or try and chat to her, depending on how receptive she was. Jeff thanked Michelle over and over for helping him out. They pulled just up the street from the party.

Michelle took Tony's jacket off. Tony started to stop her, "No, Michelle keep it on, it's freezing outside."

"I have to Tony, if I go in with a CTU jacket on then I'll freak all the kids out. I'll blend in a lot better if I just have my top and skirt on. I'll be ok, no worries. I'd better get in there though. I'll be out soon – you guys are just waiting here right?"

"Yup, we won't move. Thanks Chelle." As Michelle climbed out of the car Tony tried to brush his hand over hers as a simple but caring gesture. They both watched Michelle walk down the street and enter the house. Tony looked at his watch, it was now nearly 3am.

Jeff didn't waste any time, "Sorry to call and interrupt you guys Tony, and if I had known you were together I would never have called. What's happening? Are you together?"

"Jeff I always want you to call me, no matter what. We were actually at work – sleeping. It's been such a huge week and we were both back working late and then Chelle fell asleep. I didn't want to leave her there by herself and so I just slept on the couch. She told me she cared for me before though Jeff. She said that she wanted my arms around her. I've been such a prick to her this week – I have got lots of explaining to do. At this point she has no idea how strong my feelings are for her."

Tony and Jeff had a deep conversation while they waited for Michelle and Emily. Jeff spent most of the time drilling Tony about opening himself up to Michelle and not letting what happened with Nina destroy the best thing that might ever happen to him.

Michelle had no trouble finding Emily. She had simply gone inside and asked a few people where she was and the 3rd person took her straight to her. She was actually in the bathroom and had been for sometime now. There was a small line starting together outside of people needing the toilet. Michelle knocked on the door, "Emily, my name is Michelle Dessler, I work with Tony. Do you think I could come in?"

Emily not wanting to have any kind of scene in front of all of the older people at the party opened the door and let Michelle come straight in. Emily was very confused as to why this strange woman had shown up at the party, "Did Tony send you to find me? Do you work at CTU? Why are you here?"

Michelle spoke in a very gentle tone. "I do work at CTU with Tony, we are good friends. Your Dad called Tony because he was worried about you...."

Emily cut in. "He doesn't need to worry about me, I can look after myself."

"Emily he knows you can look after yourself. Even Tony has told me many times before how independent you are, they both just want to see you happy. Your Dad knows you have trouble talking to him and he just wants you to know how much he cares for you. Will you tell me why you have locked yourself in the bathroom? Does it have something to do with a guy?"

With years of training behind her, Michelle had no trouble what so ever reading Emily's face. She could tell the young kid was desperate for some attention and someone to talk to. Michelle put her hand on Emily's shoulder and spoke again, in a very soothing voice. "I know you don't know me Emily, but sometimes that can make it easier to talk. Whatever it is, I bet I have been through the same stuff with a guy before and maybe we can even trade stories. If you don't want me to mention anything you tell me, you have my word it will stay between us."

Emily studied Michelle. There was something very trusting about Michelle and Emily felt good just thinking that this woman wanted to talk to her. "It's just that I was seeing this guy that is a few years older than me and I couldn't tell Dad because he would just flip, instead of listening to me and believing how much I care for him. But this guy kinda keeps trying to push me into things that I don't want to do and I am sick of having to come out like this with all his friends all the time – I don't even like them, I miss my friends. I want to end things but I'm scared about he will react. I want so badly to be able to talk to Dad about all this but I need him to just help me and listen and not get angry at me which I know I will."

"Emily, thanks for opening up to me. These are all things we can work through and I am happy to help you if you want. We can handle each thing a step at a time. Your Dad and Tony are waiting in the car outside – they love and care for you so much Emily. How about we take you home – I promise you that you are not in trouble. And then tomorrow I will come over and pick you up and take you out for a coffee and we can have a good chat about all of these things and work them out."

"You would really do that for me? Why are you being so nice? Do you mean it?"

"Emily, I didn't have a mother around for most of my teenage years and I know how rough it can be. There were lots of things I wished I had another girl to talk to instead of my Dad all the time, no matter how close we were. I understand where you are coming from and I'd love to be there for you if you let me. You seem like a beautiful person and I want to spend some time getting to know you – maybe we could have some girly days together every once and awhile.....I know I'd love that!!"

"Thanks Michelle, that just sounds so good. Thank you so much. I really want to meet with you tomorrow, and I really want to go home now and go to bed."

"Ok great, how about I'll head back to the car, and you can say your goodbye's to everyone, just keep it cool and normal with this guy until we figure out how we are going to handle it. I'll meet you at the car which is just a couple houses up on the left, ok?"

Emily agreed and so she went off to find her boyfriend and Michelle hurried back to the car – she wanted to be able to talk to Jeff and Tony before Emily got to the car. She opened the back door and slid in next to Tony. They both looked so concerned and asked why Emily wasn't with her. Michelle spoke quickly as she knew Emily would be right behind her.

"Guys, she is fine she is on her way, just saying goodbye to people. Jeff it is really important that when she comes you don't get angry with her, she is scared you will be angry and even though I am sure you are....I understand why she has been acting like this and she just needs a bit of attention and support from another woman. I'll take her out tomorrow for coffee, I promised I would be there for her and she can open up and tell me whatever she wants and she said she would really love that. It's nothing serious Jeff, you don't need to worry – I think after we have a good chat you will start to notice a change in her shortly, but I am begging you that right now it is so important that you show her nothing but love, don't get angry right now."

Jeff was just so relieved and grateful for Michelle. "Thank you so much Michelle, I don't know how I will ever repay you for all of this. Are you sure you don't mind spending time with Emily tomorrow? I am not angry, I am just relieved that it looks like we can get through this – thanks to you."

"Jeff, I am so happy to spend as much time with Emily as she would like or needs – she seems like a great kid and I certainly know what she is going through."

Just then Emily opened up the front door and nervously slid into the seat. She kept her head down, expecting to be in big trouble. Instead Jeff leaned over and gave her a huge hug and told her he loved her. He then said he would take her home so that she could get some sleep, he asked if she was hungry or thirsty or needed anything. Michelle and Tony smiled in the back seat as they watched father and daughter communicate. Things were going to be ok, and Emily already looked so much happier having her father show affection rather than being angry as she expected.

Tony felt so proud of Michelle. What an amazing woman. He couldn't believe how kind and generous she was. To do all of this just to help out his family that she didn't even know out of the goodness of her heart was the most special thing he could imagine. Especially when he knew how much she was hurting herself right now because of Tony. Each second that passed Tony's feelings grew stronger and stronger for Michelle. He already loved her so much as a friend, but now without even a hug or a 2nd kiss he knew he was falling in love with her. He reached his hand over and linked his little finger with Michelle's. A small gesture, but sweet all the same. Michelle looked at Tony's hand and then back out the window, a small smile appeared on her face.

As they drove back to Jeff's house Michelle started with a smile on her face and felt good because Tony had linked his finger with hers but it felt short lived the more she thought about it. She wondered if Tony was just showing her this affection because he felt grateful for what had just happened with Emily. She didn't want to confuse any of his actions because she knew that would just end in heartbreak for her. She looked at her watch, it was close to 4am. She felt almost sickly tired. She rested her head on the back of the chair and closed her eyes. Just a few seconds after she closed her eyes she felt Tony's hand brush over her cheek and then run gently through her hair. He continued to stroke her hair and it felt so unbelievably nice to Michelle. A small groan escaped her mouth – she knew they wouldn't have heard in the front but she wondered if Tony had. She didn't have to wonder for too long.....obviously acting on the sound she had made, Tony slid across the seat and put his arm around her. He then softly pushed her head into his chest and the inside of his shoulder. His body felt so good and she couldn't help but melt into it. She kept her eyes closed the rest of the trip and soaked in the feeling of Tony ever so gently stroking her hair and the side of her face. For whatever his reasons were, for those few minutes back to the house Tony made Michelle feel special. She really wasn't use to that feeling.

When they arrived at Jeff's Michelle slowly opened her eyes and raised her head. Tony was reluctant to take his arm away but knew he had too so as Michelle lifted her head he tucked the hair behind her head and asked her if she was ok. Michelle gave him a sweet smile and nodded her head. The all piled out of the car and gathered at the front of it. Jeff and Emily both thanked Tony and Michelle profusely before heading inside, Michelle and Tony headed to the other side of the driveway to Tony's car. Once he could see his brother and niece had gone inside he stopped walking and held Michelle by her left forearm.

"Michelle.... I can't express enough how much what you did for me and my family tonight means to me. I will never forget it...you are just so kind and generous.........and beautiful." As he said 'beautiful' he took his right hand and placed it on her hip. He moved his body in a little closer to Michelle's and then moved his left hand from her forearm to her other hip. He took another step in closer so that their lower bodies were only an inch apart and then he looked her in the eyes.

Tony was a little surprised to see Michelle's eyes become a little watery and then she took a very small step back. He really had no idea what to do. He dropped his hands, "Oh God, I'm so sorry Michelle...I.... I" He didn't know what to say, he dropped his head. Michelle spoke with a weak voice, "Sorry...I just don't want you to feel like you have to do that just because of all this stuff with Jeff and Emily.....I was happy to help Tony."

Tony put his hands straight back on Michelle's hips and bought his lower body in so that it was now pressed up against hers. He then put his left hand on her chin and raised her head so that they were looking each other in the eyes. "Chelle, this is about nothing but you and I. Forget everything else that has happened for a second...." Tony moved his hand from her chin to her cheek and at the same time moved his hand that was on her hip around a little to her back and pulled her in closer. His eyes shifted down to study her lips, "this is all I have wanted to do since the day we met." Tony could barely breathe he was so nervous, his entire body was in knots. He closed his eyes and gently pressed his lips against hers. As their lips touched, they both went a little weak at the knees. Michelle put her hands around Tony's neck and ran her fingers through his hair and on his neck. He let out a small groan at her touch and pulled her body in closer. Michelle tugged on his bottom lip and as he opened his mouth he ever so lightly pushed his tongue into hers. After a second they both closed their mouths and tilted their heads the other way and then kissed again. They were caught up in the sensation of finally being this close, their tongues occasionally crossed into the others mouth but the focus was on just taking in the feeling of each other.

After a couple minutes they both pulled their heads back slightly and looked into each other's eyes. A smile spread across both of their faces. Tony stroked her cheek with his thumb, "Chelle....." He didn't know how to express himself, he had so much to say but all he could think about was how amazing her lips felt. He wrapped his arms tightly around her body and pulled her in as close as possible to him. He felt like the luckiest guy in the world to be standing there with Michelle Dessler in his arms.

Michelle had imagined many times how good it would feel to be wrapped up by Tony, but when it was actually happening she realized it was even better than she could have ever have imagined. He had such strong toned arms that she felt so safe and protected in them. After such a sweet sensual kiss, to finally be held so tightly by him made her feel so close to him. He was her best friend but now they had crossed a line that would be very hard to come back from but it felt like the most 'right' thing in the world. She had always loved Tony as a best friend but knew she wanted more from him. She pulled back from their embrace and looked at Tony again.

"Chelle, I am so sorry I have put you through so much. I know I have confused and hurt you. If I had just had the courage to do that a week ago I would have saved a lot of heartache on both sides. After Nina I have so much trouble opening up and with trust."

"Do you completely trust me Tony?"

Tony directed his gaze away from Michelle's face to the ground. This was like having his worst fear shoved in his face. Work wise and friendship wise he trusted Michelle with his life – more than anyone else in the world. However when it came to his heart he did not trust that she wouldn't hurt him. He knew once he really kissed Michelle, held her in his arms, his feelings would deepen so quickly. He was falling so deeply and passionately in love with her, but he couldn't imagine how she could ever feel the same way back. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on, she was so intelligent and sweet that she could have any guy in the world she wanted – there was no way she would be completely happy to be with him. He would never blame her if she found herself attracted to another guy, in fact he would expect it would happen but he didn't know how he could possibly handle it. He had never felt about any girl the way he did about Michelle – she was the one he could see his entire future with – but he didn't believe he was good enough for her to love him the same way back. All he could think was how could she love and want him when she could have her pick of any other guy. How could he give her his heart and trust her with it completely when he figured she was destined to break it when she found someone better.

Michelle watched Tony hang his head, he couldn't answer her, which meant he didn't trust her. "I'll take that as a no shall I?" He half raised his head and looked at her with so much pain in his eyes. She couldn't understand what she had ever done to break his trust. She took her hands from his body and bought them back to her side, she took a slight step back. "You should trust someone Tony unless the give you a reason not too. I can't believe I've spent the last year working my ass off to prove to you that you could trust me and now I see that none of that matters. I guess it's never going to matter how much I care for you or want to do the right thing by you.......I'm never going to live up to Nina am I? God Tony she was the one that hurt you....I am the one that's spent every minute since trying to heal you and help you see that you could still trust people. But none of that is worth a damn because you are still caught up with that other woman. I am sorry I don't compare, but to be honest I am sick of trying." Michelle was so hurt and angry. She couldn't believe after all this, after everything that had been through together she still didn't have his trust. She would never be good enough for Tony – she had to get use to that. She clenched her fists in anger and took some steps away from Tony. She started to head towards their car.

Tony called after her desperately, "No Michelle....let me explain."

"Don't bother Tony, please just take me home." She was now standing at the passenger side door.

"No damn it Michelle, I'm not taking you anywhere." He was walking towards her and his voice was extremely angry and raised. "You wonder why I am scared Michelle? Look how easily you are willing to walk away from me."

"What the hell do you expect me to do Tony? No matter how much I try I'll never be good enough for you. Nina gave you the reason to be scared Tony......NOT ME!!"

He stopped in his tracks still quite a few meters from the car. "Forget Nina.....It will be you that breaks my heart Michelle, it's so obvious when I see you wanting to walk away even now."

"Walk away? Why should I stay Tony when I know how you feel? You've damned me before you even gave me a chance. Am I suppose to stay so you can keep making me feel this way?"

"Well I'd sure as hell fight more for you. What's the point if you just run as soon as things get a little tough."

"What the hell are you talking about? It's you that is pushing me away. How am I suppose to fight that? You are going to have a go at me for running when things get tough, how about the fact that you are pushing me away for something someone else has done."

"Holy Shit Michelle, listen to me. This is not about Nina! This is not about me thinking you are really some undercover criminal. God don't you see it's you I am nervous about? That I know you can't give me what I need from you."

Tears streamed down Michelle's face. She felt hysterical and so devastated by him. "If you already know I am not good enough for you then save yourself the time and just leave now. What exactly is so wrong with me that makes you already know I can't give you what you want?"

Tony went to yell back, but stopped to think for a second. He realized that he was wording things in a way that Michelle again had completely the wrong idea. He took a couple deep breathes and tried again. "Chelle, it's that you are too good for me. That you will get bored with me, or meet someone else and I'll end up so hurt. I know that as soon as I got to feel close to you I'll fall too deeply and then you will want to leave me. I can't handle that kind of hurt......why can't you understand that?"

"Why would I ever want to leave you Tony? Have I ever done anything that would make you think I would leave or cheat on you?"

"You could have anyone in the world. I'm not stupid Michelle – what chance do I stand with you when I would be trying to compete against all of the hundreds of other guys who would kill to be with you.?"

"Tony you are the one I care about. I hate that you are so certain that I would hurt you – I want to be the person you feel the most safe with! That's why I am walking away Tony, please take me home now! You are so worried about me breaking your heart.......don't you realize how much you a breaking my heart right now?"

That made Tony stop dead in his tracks. He was the closest he had ever been to losing Michelle, in fact he might have already lost her. Through his own insecurities he continued to hurt her over and over. He felt sick with anger for himself, Michelle was the last person in the world he ever wanted to hurt.

He started to walk closer to her again, "Chelle, don't walk away from me please. Give me a chance to....." Tony stepped on an un-even piece of ground and rolled his ankle. He fell to the side on the ground and instantly felt the sharpest pain in the side of ankle. He lay there stunned for a moment just stunned at the pain in his ankle. He could feel blood dribbling down his leg. Michelle ran to his side saying his name. She bent down over him and had a look at his foot.

"Tony you have a huge cut in your ankle, must be from the stick, there is still a small piece in your foot. I am going to pull it out." Michelle quickly yanked the last piece of wood that had cut into Tony's foot. He yelped in pain as she pulled it out. "I'm sorry Tony, I'm sorry, I had to pull it out. I'm sorry."

"That's ok Michelle, thanks for doing that. I've got to try and get up."

"Hang on Tony, you need stitches badly. I'll help you get up because you can't put any weight on that leg or you will split it open even more. I'll take you to the hospital."

"No Michelle. You need to go home and go to bed. I will be fine by myself, it is just a stupid scratch." He tried to get up but the pain in his foot was overwhelming and he fell back to the ground wincing in pain. He did need Michelle's help. "I guess I do need help. I am so sorry, even if you can just get me to a doctor you don't have to stay, I'll be fine from there." He felt so bad, he knew Michelle was so angry and hurt by him and now she had to help him – it wasn't fair. He felt guilty as anything and so angry that this had happened – all he wanted was to be able to try and sort things out with Michelle. They had been so close with the kiss, which was perfect and then within minutes he had ruined it again. He really didn't deserve her. Michelle bent down and put her arm out for Tony to take hold of. She slowly helped him up so that he was standing on his one good leg.

Michelle couldn't believe it. All she wanted to do was run away and cry. She had the most horrible feeling in her stomach and she really needed to be on her own so that she could just fall apart. She was tired of trying to be somewhat composed – she was a mess but now she had to keep it together to help Tony. No matter how hurt and angry she was with him, it still made her feel sick to see him in pain. It showed her how strongly she felt for him because within seconds of him falling everything she felt went out the window and all she could think about was helping him feel better.

She helped Tony into the car. He had his arm around her shoulder and just hopped on his good foot. Michelle spoke softly, "I'm sorry you are hurting Tony. I promise you will feel better as soon as we can get some help."

"Chelle, don't say your sorry. I'm lucky you are even talking to me, never mind helping me. I am going to make all of this up to you.....I swear."

Michelle started Tony's car up and started to drive toward the hospital. It was now pushing 5am.