000 Disclaimer, I own nothing 000 A huge, massive thanks to everyone who reviewed, I'm sorry I haven't updated this in a while but I got distracted by GCSE results :), that and a huge bout of writers block, so anyway, enjoy 000

Malcolm stared at the ceiling. It felt disconcerting to have so many people fussing over him. In hindsight, he probably shouldn't have run off in the first place but he just needed to escape.

Now, as he lay there, once more counting the ceiling tiles, he contemplated his brother. Had he ever recovered from his ordeal with Matthew? Probably not with denial being the wonderful thing it was. Would he ever recover? Maybe.

Would he ever be able to look his colleagues in the eye without feeling guilty? No.

For a second, he thought about asking for a transfer, a transfer away to stop this from ever happening again. But then he realised that he wouldn't want the transfer for that reason, he wanted it so he wouldn't have to face his friends and feel the guilt.

Malcolm decided to stay. The guilt would be a fitting punishment and a helpful reminder of why he could never fail.

"Hey Mal."

The cheery voice pulled him from his thoughts; Malcolm looked up and focused on the person beside him. It was Trip. Malcolm nodded to him in greeting without looking him in the eyes.

Trip pulled across a chair and sat down. "We're light-years away from whatever that thing was, so he ain't gonna be bothering you again."

Malcolm nodded again. He didn't believe Trip's words for one second. He could almost see his brother stood watching him in as he lay there. Sure, the entity might not physically be there, but it was still there.

"Anyway," Trip began before faltering and lapsing into silence.

Malcolm inwardly steeled himself. Trip wasn't going to keep up a one-sided conversation forever; it was time for a little normality. He opened his mouth to say something but Trip beat him to it.

"How are you holding up?"

"I'm fine," the automatic response simply rolled off the tongue.

Trip sighed and leaned forward. "Mal, you don't have to pretend. We're all here for you."

Malcolm thought about telling Trip everything, he thought about baring his soul. He sighed, he couldn't, not yet. Instead he said simply "I know you are."

"Forget about the damned 'no fraternising' rule that's been ingrained into your soul, I'm your friend, I'm here to help," said Trip running his hand through his hair. "God, Malcolm. That thing messed with your head, I can't even begin to imagine what that's like, but I know it isn't something you can handle on your own."

"I'm tired," said Malcolm quietly. "I'd really like to sleep now."

"Don't push me away!"

Malcolm looked into Trip's eyes and felt a rush of guilt. "Not everything can be solved with a good conversation and a pat on the back. I need time."

"When you're ready, I'll be here for you."

Trip fell silent. Malcolm turned away and closed his eyes.

"Hello little brother."

Malcolm turned around. His gaze fell on his older brother. Matthew smiled moved closer. Malcolm flinched and tried to move but found himself frozen to the spot.

"There's no peace in sleep," he whispered. "There's no peace in death."

Matthew laughed delightedly. "How right you are!"

Malcolm abruptly closed his mouth.

"They told you your nice ship had left me right where I was," Matthew smirked. He gave Malcolm a look of mock sympathy. "Well, I'm sorry, Mally, but us Reed's have to stick together right? I couldn't just leave you alone, not when you're like this."

Malcolm opened his mouth, but no sound came out. Matthew laughed coldly and hugged Malcolm tightly. "Don't worry, Mally," Matthew whispered in his ear. "It's gonna be alright. I'm here for you."

Malcolm started to tremble and Matthew patted Malcolm's back. "I'll always be here, Mally. Always." Matthew's face suddenly hardened. "That's a promise."

000 Please review, any thoughts, comments, suggestions are always welcomed 000