The release clause

by Whistle-78

Dr Samuel Loomis is ordered by his boss to visit and treat a recently recaptured Michael Myers in 1978, with no idea of the shock in store for him or the consequences which will result from it. Meanwhile, Laurie Strode is trying to move on with life and forget the night she survived a masked killer who broke into the house, unaware she will meet him once more.

"You're not serious are you?" Dr Samuel Loomis stared at the man across the desk from him, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of its bowl. Howard Dixon was one of the big bosses of Smith's Grove and Loomis had to do whatever he asked. But he hated him. He never came down to see the patients or the staff he employed and spent all his time sitting up in his ivy tower, happy to give orders with no idea of their consequences. Dixon looked at him over the top of his 'silver framed' glasses. "Yes, I'm serious. You have been Michael Myers' Psychiatrist for 15 years, not to mention the 10 before he came to us. You're an experienced professional Dr Loomis so this should not be a problem for you."

Loomis stared at Dixon in utter disbelief. All this did was confirm his previous thoughts about him. The guy was a total prick. If he met Michael Myers even once he'd be running for the door as fast as he could. Loomis may have worked with the killer for fifteen years, but Myers even gave him the creeps sometimes.

"Sir," Loomis said forcing his voice into as much politeness and respect as he could. "This is Michael Myers. He's only just been recaptured following an escape where at least one person died. I stand by my recommendation. Give him a few days to… Well calm down is the best phrase I can use."

"Sorry doctor, but I want this man given the best care possible, as soon as possible. I want you to go in there and talk to him, see if his escape has changed anything in him. It's costing people a lot of money to keep him here and if we can release him at any point I want this done."

Loomis had to stuff his hands in his pockets to avoid punching Dixon. Money. Of course that was all he cared about. Money. Not the people Myers had killed, not even Michael's own sister, cash. He wanted to line his pockets and those of the other Smith's Grove executives. These weren't patients to him, they were business. Loomis tried but he couldn't stop a glare.

"Michael Myers is a remorseless killer who never speaks, kills anyone he comes across and just looks at the wall in front of him and you want me to see if this escape has changed anything in him? Well I know one thing which has, there's at least one less person in the world. Is that what you want to hear? You're right. I have been in this job for over 20 years, which means I probably know a tad more than you Sir about a dangerous man when I see one and Michael Myers undoubtedly falls under that category. He will never be released as far as I'm concerned. Listen Sir, I met this 6 year old child with the blackest eyes. The devil's eyes. I've seen him sitting in a room staring at the wall, through the wall, waiting for the night he could escape. I spent 8 years trying to reach him and another 7 keeping him locked up because I'd realised what lived behind that boys eyes was pure evil. Don't you think it strange Sir that it happened on Halloween? The day his sister died in 1963? I certainly don't."

…

Laurie Strode jolted up in bed, her heart thumping wildly. Damn nightmares yet again. They were always the same. Him. The masked man with the huge knife. She remembered her terrified whisper to the doctor looking for him. "Was it the Boogeyman?" Followed by his quiet answer of "as a matter of fact, it was." His eyes were the blackest and coldest she'd ever seen absolutely no expression on his face. She always woke up at exactly the same time. The time he turned and saw her, those black cold eyes fixed on her face. Yet when he had, he hadn't touched her, just walked away. That was the part she didn't understand at all. It made no sense what so ever.

…

"You have your orders," Dixon said. "I want you to go in there and talk to him. If it's your safety you fear for, you know how thick that glass is. He can't as much as touch you. There's a panic button right there. Go in there, talk to him and see if his response is different this time. Take guards with you if it'll make you feel better doctor. This meeting is concluded."

Loomis stormed down the stairs, furious. In the eight years since he'd made the final decision Michael should remain locked up, he'd visited him as infrequently as possible. There didn't seem any point from then on. The killer didn't even look at him most of the time. "How kind of you to tell me I can use my own guards," Loomis muttered in disgust as he headed towards the staff room. Before he did anything, he needed a very strong coffee.

…

"You ok?" Annie asked. Laurie just shrugged. Annie hadn't been there that horrific night; she hadn't seen the guy in the deathly pale mask. She only did because she was babysitting Tommy Doyle and the guy had targeted his house. "Yeah, just… Tired."

"Still having bad dreams?" Annie asked sympathetically. She nodded. "Just a few."

"Well do you want to come round to mine? Have a couple of drinks, watch a film? Stay over if you like, my parents are out."

"Thanks," she said gratefully. In truth it sounded just the distraction she needed.

…

Loomis sat on the doctor's side of the glass and waited, feeling really annoyed. What was the point of this? It was a box ticking exercise for Dixon that was all. Why the hell would Myers' recent escape have changed a damn thing? If anything it would've made it worse, he'd killed at least one person. He heard the door slam as the guard led Myers in to the patients Bothe. Loomis looked up at the killer, trying not to show any expression on his face. Dixon he reminded himself was one thing which wasn't Michael's problem or fault. Not that there were many of those but still…

"Thank you," Loomis said to the guard who left immediately. Loomis looked up at Myers through the glass and immediately their eyes met. Another first, it normally took a while before Myers looked at him if he even did at all. His inhumanly patient manner, looking at the wall. It'd made Loomis inwardly shiver. But he was careful never to show his fear to Myers outright. The Psychopath would thrive off it, of that he was certain. They all did.

Myers didn't look away, just held his doctor's gaze. This was also unusual, but Loomis didn't think anything of it. "Hello Michael," he kept his voice as neutral and even as he could. Not an easy task. Even with all his experience, this man scared him in a way Dixon would never understand. "How are you?" Of course, the killer made no response, but neither did he look away. Their eye contact was intense. Loomis had to struggle not to blink first. That would show weakness and he was the doctor here, not Myers. He had to keep control.

…

"We must've seen this film thirty times, but I love it every time." Laurie grinned as she slumped back on her squashy sleeping bag. Annie looked over and smiled at her. "See? I told you it would help. Think you might sleep better now you're not alone?"

"Perhaps," she said slowly, lost in thought.

"Hey?" Annie asked softly. She started. "Um sorry. I just can't stop wondering, why didn't he touch me? Why did he walk away as soon as he saw me? Why didn't he kill me? Not that I'm complaining you understand," she smiled weakly. "It's just strange. He looked like he'd kill anyone he came across."

Annie shrugged. "Well he didn't, isn't that what matters in the end?"

She nodded. She knew her friend was right, but that didn't stop the questions whizzing repeatedly around her head.

…

Five minutes had passed, doctor and patients gaze not once breaking. Now Loomis was raising a mental set of eyebrows. What the hell? This was unusual to say the least. That was when Myers stood up and approached the glass, stopping mere inches from it. Loomis resisted the urge to move his chair back. He can't touch you, he reminded himself, casting a quick look over his shoulder at the panic button behind him, then to wear three guards stood if needed. You're safe Sam, relax. That was when Loomis looked back in to Myers' eyes and nearly did fall off his chair. For the first time ever, there was an expression in the other man's face. But what was it? Loomis stood too now, focusing intently on his patient. What was that look? Then it clicked and Loomis could hardly believe his eyes. It was longing. There was no doubt of it. At first Loomis didn't think anything of it, apart from the surprise Michael's face was showing something for the first time in 15 years. It was probably just longing to escape. But as Loomis continued to look at him, he could've sworn Myer shook his head just once.

"You're not longing to get out?" Loomis asked the killer. Myers shook his head a second time. "Then what?" Loomis asked softly. Maybe Dixon had been right. It had been worth it after all. Not that he'd ever tell the guy that. This was none of his business. As he'd said, Loomis was the doctor not him. There was silence, then Myers slid a sheet of paper through the small slit, another first. He'd never done this before. Loomis had to will his hands not to shake as he picked it up and read the one word scrawled on it.

Her.

"Her?" Loomis asked quietly, his eyes never leaving Michael's. "Who?" Again, another message came through.

The girl I didn't kill.

Loomis's eyes widened in shock. Did Michael mean the one who'd whispered "was it the Boogeyman?" His reply of, "as a matter of fact, it was." Loomis didn't know her name but was sure he could find it out. "Why?" He asked Michael softly. "You regretting not killing her?"

The opposite.

Now Loomis did look away, trying not to show the disbelief in his face. Why would Michael long for someone, a woman no less who he hadn't killed? "What is it about her?" He asked softly as he looked back at Myers, whose gaze hadn't once left his face. "You want to see her again? Why?"

I don't know. But I couldn't kill her and I want to know why.

"When you say you couldn't kill her, do you mean you didn't get the chance? Or…"

I mean as I said. I couldn't kill her.

"You'll have to help me out a bit here Michael," Loomis said softly. "You couldn't kill her because?"

That's my point. I don't know. Something stopped me. I felt… Felt something when I looked at her and I don't understand it.

Loomis couldn't hold back a soft whistle. Holy hell, he thought. Damn. Whoever this girl was, she may very well have changed the heart of the supposedly mindless Michael Myers. Now Loomis wanted to find out who this girl was for his own interests, not just Michael's.

…

"Thanks Annie. That was the best breakfast I've had in ages and I slept a lot better, thanks."

Annie smiled at Laurie as she started to clear the breakfast things away. "Did you think about that guy last night?"

She appeared to consider. "Only the fact that he didn't touch me when he saw me just walked away and I can't place that with what I saw. I fully expected to die any second. But I didn't and I can't stop wondering why."

Annie nodded. "Well come on you," she smiled. "Shopping today? How does that sound? Shop until we drop?"

"I don't have the…" She began, but Annie was already dragging her out of the door.

…

Loomis slowly parked his car and got out, staring at the house in front of him. This was the house Michael had targeted. He'd found Michael in there alone with the terrified girl Michael had spoken of. Slowly he approached the door and rang the bell. A few seconds later it was opened by a pretty young woman dressed casually in jeans and a sweater.

"Good morning," Loomis gave her a polite smile and flashed his badge. "Dr Loomis, Smith's Grove. I won't keep you long mam, but can I ask you something? Do you by any chance have a young girl living with you? Or one who works for you?"

The young woman smiled, extending a hand which Loomis shook. I'm Erica Doyle. Nice to meet you doctor. Are you by any chance thinking of our babysitter Laurie Strode? She looked after Tommy last night. Was there when that… That guy broke in. She shuddered. "Mum told me about it this morning. No damage though and he didn't take anything. Strange?"

"Do you have a picture of Laurie Strode?" Loomis asked not wishing to answer her questions regarding Michael's break in. 1 because he didn't have the answers and 2 it was confidential detail at present. The girl considered. "I think mum does, she has photos of all our babysitters. Tommy's my 6 year old brother. 10 year age gap," she rolled her eyes and Loomis smiled. The girl entered and a few minutes later came back with a photograph. "Is this who you're thinking of?"

Loomis glanced at the picture and his eyes widened. It was. He remembered her terror when he'd apprehended Myers, then Myers' words to him the day before. I couldn't kill her and I want to know why.

"Thank you," Loomis said to the girl, Erica. "Does your mum have a copy of this?" Erica nodded. "You can take that one doctor."

Loomis gave her a grateful smile and left. As luck would have it, there was also a phone number on the back of the picture. Bingo. He was on to something. Unless he was very much mistaken, he'd found the girl Michael Myers wanted to know why he couldn't kill.

…

"Jesus." Laurie groaned, looking at the huge assignment in front of her. Geography. She had to finish it by the end of next week and she was starting to think she'd seriously chosen the wrong subject. She glanced at the pile of maps and charts, trying to work out where her best starting point was. Annie had only left two hours ago after she'd had insisted she had to crack on with it. True to her word, she hadn't bought much. Money was tight. Annie had though. She honestly didn't know where her friend would put it all. With a sigh, she started her work on earthquakes and the movement of tectonic plates. This used to fascinate her, now she was wondering what the hell she'd seen in it.

…

"Michael," Loomis asked quietly, once again back behind the glass. "Is this her?" He passed the picture through the small gap, keeping his eyes on Myers' face. He'd removed the phone number which was now in his pocket. The killer looked at the picture for a moment, then back up at Loomis. There it was again, that look of longing Loomis had seen yesterday. There was no mistaking it this time. Slowly, Myers nodded.

"What is it about her?" Loomis asked quietly. "What drew you to and stopped you killing her?"

If I knew that I wouldn't be asking.

"Ok, fair point. But do you know what it is Michael? Is it that she was fearless when facing you? Is it that she is indeed a very pretty young woman?"

Both.

Loomis smiled at his patient for the first time then. "I did try to tell you women could do this to any man Michael, yes even you it would appear. No man is immune to a woman's beauty and so on." The killer didn't respond, but nor did he drop his gaze from Loomis's face. A little later, Loomis headed back up and in to his office, to make a phone call he'd never thought he'd make.

…

When her phone rang, Laurie was privately relieved if she was honest. She was starting to develop a headache from working three hours straight. Walking to it she picked up the receiver. "Hello?"

"Is this Laurie Strode?" Asked a soft voice she was sure she recognised as the doctor who'd saved her just months before. But she had to be sure. "Yes," she said a little cautiously. "Who is this?"

"Hi, this is Dr Samuel Loomis from Smith's Grove. I met you Halloween night." So she'd been right. She took a deep breath before speaking. "How can I help you Dr Loomis?"

"Well," the doctor began quietly. "It's… Well complicated. May I come to your address to see you?" she hesitated for just a second, but she had her own questions about that night and maybe Loomis could answer them. "Sure," she said finally, giving him the address. After Loomis had said he'd be there in just over an hour, he hung up. She went back to her assignment, but this time she couldn't concentrate. What did Loomis want with her? Could he answer the questions she had which no one else could?

Exactly an hour later, Loomis knocked lightly on her door. She opened it and they shook hands. "Hi," she said with a nervous smile, showing him in to her living room. "Please excuse the mess? Trying to finish my assignment for university. Can I offer you a drink?" Loomis smiled. "I'm fine thank you. It's no problem Miss. Strode. I remember university all too well myself."

She smiled again, appreciating his putting her at ease. "Please, call me Laurie?"

"Done. Thank you for seeing me. Ok so this is the situation. As you know, Michael Myers, that is the name of the man who broke in to the house you were babysitting at and…" She gasped. "The man who killed his sister on Halloween night in nineteen-sixty-three?" Loomis nodded. "What the hell would he have wanted with me?"

"Well that's just it. It used to be a case of Michael Myers would kill anyone he came across, no exceptions, or questions asked. But it would appear not this time." Her eyes widened as she looked at the doctor. "He didn't touch me," she said in just above a whisper. "Turned and saw me, but then walked away. Why? Why, how am I not dead now?"

Loomis smiled at her. "Well believe it or not that's why I'm here. Michael has been asking me the very same questions." She raised her eyebrows. "Huh?"

"Michael has been asking me why he couldn't kill you. I couldn't kill her he said and I want to know why."

"Because he didn't get the chance?" Loomis shook his head. "That's exactly what I thought at first and I asked him as much. He said no. Or should I say wrote no. He hasn't spoken in 15 years. Anyway, he said something stopped him killing you and he wants to know what it was. If I may say so Miss. Strode, I think he noticed your beauty."

"If you weren't a well-known doctor," she grinned at Loomis. "I'd think you were trying to be creepy." Loomis smiled back at her. "I promise you I'm not, but I do believe I'm right."

"So what are you asking me to do?" she asked, although she was pretty sure she already knew.

"Will you come with me to Smith's Grove? Meet Michael again? You'll be behind very thick safety glass and I and guards will be with you, alarm buttons everywhere. Will you help me and Michael find out? It could do a lot towards his release and maybe even stop his need to kill."

She snorted with laughter. "Jesus you've got to be joking right? He's Michael Myers! He's already killed his own damn sister, why would I be able to stop him? I hardly know the man!"

"Because he noticed something about you," Loomis said. "I couldn't kill her and I want to know why," he said. Will you let him discover why?" she looked at Loomis for at least a minute. Then very slowly, she nodded.

…

"Christ this place is creepy," she said as they entered Smith's Grove. Loomis smiled and squeezed her arm. "You get used to it after a while," he said. "This way." They walked down corridors, Laurie stopping to be searched, then entered a room covered floor to ceiling in thick glass. Loomis gestured to the panic buttons then where the guards were standing. She gave him another small nervous nod. Loomis pulled out a radio and briefly spoke in to it. Seconds later, they heard a door slam and there he was. She looked up at the man on the other side of the glass. At first he didn't seem to see her, then his eyes found her. Loomis watched intently as Michael's and Laurie's gaze held. She picked up the small microphone Loomis used so Michael could hear through the thick glass. "Hello Mr. Myers, my name is Laurie Strode. I'm the girl who was in the house that day, the one you didn't touch. Why, Sir? What stopped you from, you know, killing me?"

Loomis looked and sure enough there it was. That look of longing in Myers' eyes. The want to understand thoughts or feelings he currently did not. This was confirmed when first, there was the piece of paper which came through to her.

I don't know, but will you help me find out?

Then as she took an apprehensive step further towards the glass, Myers raised his hand to and smiled straight at her.

…

Three months later.

At first when the phone rang, Laurie was seriously tempted to ignore it. She was half way through an excellent book, enjoying her day off and the last thing she wanted was to be interrupted. Unknown number. She sighed. If this was a scammer, by God she'd give them an ear bashing. She picked up her phone. "Hello?"

"Is this Laurie Strode?" Asked a soft male voice. She resisted the urge to say well duh, this is my number!

"Yes," she said instead. "Who is it?"

"This is Dr Samuel Loomis. Michael Myers' doctor. Would I possibly be able to talk to you? Face to face? Tomorrow? I would of course come over to your house, you wouldn't need to come to me."

For a second, she couldn't speak. What the hell was Michael Myers' doctor calling her for? Ok she'd met Myers once, but that'd been 3 months ago and she hadn't seen him since. She still wasn't sure what that visit to Smith's Grove had meant or accomplished. Myers had smiled at her from behind the glass that was it. He hadn't tried to kill her during their encounter 6 months before then either. Big deal. It hardly warranted Loomis calling her again.

"Why?" She asked now.

"It's…" Loomis hesitated. "Complicated. Please can we talk in person?"

"But why do you want me again? How can I help you? I only met the man twice."

Loomis chuckled. "That's what I'm more than happy to explain if you're willing for us to talk. I'm not asking you to agree to anything right now, I'd just like to talk to you. You're not under any pressure what so ever. I'd just like to propose something to you."

"Why me though?" She was frustrated. Why couldn't the damn Psychiatrist just say what it was now? Why did it have to be face to face? She was busy.

"Because you've met Michael and it would appear you stuck with him," Loomis said. "That's why. I wouldn't have asked you to visit Smith's Grove previously otherwise. I'm not asking you for anything right now, just to talk to you. If you refuse that's fine, but I really do think you are the best person to discuss this with, for reasons I can explain to you then."

She thought back almost against her will. Michael Myers had stuck with her too. After she'd left Smith's Grove she'd tried not to think about it, but if she was honest with herself she did kind of want to see him again. Although she was damned if she knew why. This made whatever the "proposal" was even more complicated for her. "Fine. But I don't have long Dr Loomis, I have university the next day."

"Of course," the doctor said. "I totally understand that. I'll make it as brief as I can. Is tomorrow at three in the afternoon ok?"

"Aren't you at Smith's Grove? That's a six hour round trip."

"Indeed it is," she could tell Loomis was smiling. "But it's important and could change more than one life." she again felt her frustration mount. Why did Psychiatrists have to be so damn cryptic? Why couldn't they just say it in sentences your average human could understand? "Fine," she said again. "I'll see you tomorrow then."

After she'd hung up, she reflected it must be big for the doctor to drive 6 hours to speak to her. Little did she know how right she was and that she hadn't even come close to guessing the reason for his call.

…

Six months later.

Laurie Myers took her seat on the morning bus to work and sighed. She studied her reflection in the grimy window and saw what she'd expected to see. She was pale, tired looking and with dark rings under her eyes. She'd desperately tried to hide it with makeup before leaving, but it didn't look to her eyes at least that it'd worked. She thought back to everything that'd happened over the last 6 months. Her mother had sunk into depression and drunk herself to death, that and an overdose of anti-depressants. Myers on the other hand had been taken back to Smith's Grove following his recapture. 6 months prior, 3 months after these events, she had been contacted by Dr Loomis to be told something she could hardly believe. Michael was close to being released, it appeared he really had changed, but it was on one condition. That he took a wife for at least 6 months.

She had no idea why she'd agreed to it. Was it because she'd seen for herself that Myers had changed? She still couldn't answer. But she'd gone to the hospital and met with Michael and 2 weeks later she'd signed the papers required. A further month later, he'd been released and was now living in her house. She desperately wanted to know him better, but he wasn't allowing her to do so. She'd never actually seen his face. Even behind the glass at Smith's Grove she hadn't. She had no idea where he went during the day while she was working. Back out on the kill? God she sincerely hope not. Or maybe he was casually sleeping with other women? Again, she hoped not. Actually more than the former. She'd rather he killed than she have the knowledge of knowing she couldn't get his attention. She knew how that sounded, but it was only the truth. She'd given up university a few weeks after Dr Loomis's call, the assignment proving to her she was studying the wrong subject and instead of going back, found the job she was at now.

When she finally reached her stop, she got off and headed the last few miles to work on foot. She worked in a clothes store and was getting totally fed up of helping people, (mostly women) from putting on dresses etc., saying "you look fantastic madam" hoping to secure a sale, when in private she thought some of them looked terrible. She entered the shop at quarter to, having to be there 15 minutes before opening time.

"You ok Laurie?" Her colleague and friend Kath asked. She'd taken her under her wing when she'd started the job only a few months back.

"Yeah," she said softly. "Just didn't get much sleep last night." This was true. She'd desperately been trying to pluck up the courage to speak to Michael. But yet again it'd failed her. He'd held her close as usual he was always gentle, but never kissed her with his proper lips, always from behind the latex of his mask. She desperately wished she could talk to someone, but how could she? How could she explain something like this? She could see it now. 'My husband's a masked killer and he never takes the damn thing off. He only kisses me from behind it as if he's afraid of catching love or something if he kisses me properly. He's never once made love to me, being held in his arms is as far as it goes. He hasn't even held my hand.' Yeah that'd go down well. She couldn't even tell him this. So how could she tell anyone else?

"You sure you're ok?" Kath prompted and yet again she forced herself to nod. She couldn't do it. Just couldn't.

"Myers!" Their boss Amanda barked from across the shop floor. She groaned inwardly. Kath touched her arm in support and sympathy. "My office. Now." She left without a word and headed across and in to the small meticulously tidy office. Amanda hated anything out of place. God help you if you so much as left a pin on her office floor. She sat down in the hard chair, while Amanda sat in her luxury leather one across the desk. Though none of them had said it, it was clear the whole team thought Amanda was a downright bitch. "Ok Myers," Amanda said without any preamble what so ever. "Listen and listen carefully. You look terrible this morning. You look pale, tired and not exactly professional. There's wrinkles in your dress blouse and your eyes look bloodshot. If we want our clothes to sell, our employees have to look as sharp as our outfits do. Bathroom, sort yourself out. If I see anything even close to this again this afternoon you're out the door. Hear me?"

She couldn't believe her ears. Her boss wasn't asking why she looked as she did or even if she was ok. Oh no, for Amanda Harris that didn't matter. She was all business; her staff's welfare wasn't important to her at all. Another reason her team privately hated her. She gave her boss a barely perceptible nod, before leaving the room at almost a run, so she didn't cry. Heading in to the staff bathroom she desperately tried to straighten her shirt and brush her hair with the small one she carried in her bag. But it didn't do much good. Sighing, she headed back out in to the shop, where Kath grabbed her arm and pulled her aside in to the canteen. "Had a go about your appearance didn't her? That fucking bitch," she hissed. "Well I for one do care. What's going on? What's wrong?"

"I can't…" she began weakly. It'd take too long to explain and I'd probably get myself sacked. I need this job."

"There's plenty more out there," Kath insisted. "I ask again, what's wrong?"

"Lunchbreak," she murmured. "Please? I promise you I'll try and tell you then."

"You better not be trying to squirm out of this," Kath warned. She stepped forward and hugged her colleague. "Promise," she breathed.

"Good," Kath said sternly before kissing her cheek. Kath Marks was a bit older than her, happily married with 2 children. Cath was in her thirties, while Laurie was still only 25.

She could hardly concentrate as the shift began. She tried, forcing a smile on to her face as instructed, but mentally she was a million miles away from clothes and the women who wanted to buy them. It didn't help when one of their husband's tried to flirt with her and she could've quite happily punched him to the face.

Standing on the shop floor during a brief moment of peace, she found her mind going back to 6 months before, when she'd got that first call from Dr Loomis. The one which, all be it she didn't know at the time, would change her life forever.

When lunchbreak arrived, Kath was true to her word, dragging her in to a private staff office and putting the "meeting in progress" sign on the door. "Right you," she said firmly, pushing her in to a chair and handing Laurie her lunchbox. "Start talking." She opened her lunchbox, her mouth, then stopped. She could see her favourite chocolate bar and packet of chips inside it and she certainly hadn't put them there, along with the sandwich she'd made. Also a can of her favourite drink. There was only one person who could've done this. Michael. But why? Maybe in his own way he did care?

She felt herself blinking back tears at this small but loving gesture from a man she thought didn't care about her. He would've had to go and buy them and put them there when she was still sleeping or in the shower this morning. Instantly Kath had her arms around her, holding her close. The hug pushed her over the edge and next thing she was crying on her colleague's shoulder.

"I'm so sorry Kath," she sobbed. "It's really complicated. As you know I'm married to Michael Myers, the infamous ex-masked killer." (At least I hope its ex) "He put these in here, my favourite chocolate, and crisps and drink before I could. I didn't do it. So he must've taken notice, when I thought he didn't care. It's a really long story, but basically Michael's doctor Dr Loomis called me 5 months ago and explained it all. Michael was to be released from Smith's Grove Stat Hospital, but they wanted him to have a wife to ensure he wouldn't kill again. We can divorce after 6 months at no cost to either of us. If he even tries to harm me he could face the death penalty," she chuckled sadly. "If they can catch him that is. When Dr Loomis told me I thought he'd gone as crazy as his patients and wanted to refuse, but…" she sighed. "Even now I don't know why I said yes, but I did! Maybe I was trying to help Michael in some twisted way? God I don't know! After 78… when everything… happened, I can't understand even now why I did! But I did, and now…" She took a breath. Kath was still looking at her compassionately. Of course she knew some of this, she had confided in her friend and colleague before, but not the whole story. She'd signed marriage papers, Dr Loomis had taken them down to the court house and that'd been it, the extent of their wedding.

"Has he actively made you think that?"

"Not as such, he's never actually said it, but…" she ran her hands through her hair. "Ah shit Kath! It's stupid stuff like he's never taken his mask off in front of me. He's only ever kissed me from behind the latex. I've never seen his face and he hasn't once made love to me. He only ever holds me close at night. I never see him during the day."

"Hmm. How long have you been married?" Kath asked.

"Nearly five months." "But if you're going to suggest I speak to him, just think about it for a second. He's Michael Myers the masked killer, the Boogeyman." She sketched quotation marks with her fingers when she said Boogeyman. "He can be one hell of a scary man. Yet, yet…"

"You love him don't you?" Kath asked, no judgement in her voice. Affection shot up in her heart for her colleague. "Love's not a crime Laurie Myers. Did you marry him to aid in his release or something?"

"Yeah. His doctor called me back then before coming round to talk to me about it. Michael had to take a wife to be released, look for work and the rest. I apparently stuck with him, which was why Loomis chose me. It's not like I have anything to offer him either, even if… when we do divorce. I'm not rich or anything like that. I told Loomis as much. But it's coming up to 6 months soon and my feelings are all over the place. But Kath, how did you…"

"I guessed," Kath said simply. "I know it's something they do for some men who are showing signs of recovery, change, pick your word. Good for you! If you've realised you love him, where's the crime in that? Also, I heard you just then. If… when we divorce. You don't want the divorce, do you?" she knew it wasn't really a question. "I might've realised it," she smiled sadly. "But it's kind of difficult to show him when he won't even let me tell him."

"Have you considered telling him at night when he's holding you if that's the only time he gives you? Ask him to stay."

"I can't," she admitted. "My courage always fails me."

"A letter, perhaps?"

"I did consider that," she admitted. "I do have one written just in case, but again I don't know how effective it would be. Plus I'd rather tell him face to face. Sure I'll write him a letter if I absolutely have to, but I really don't want to use that option."

"Fair enough," Kath said. "So maybe soon you should try one night? You never know, he might surprise you."

"Yeah," she gave her colleague another sad smile. "I suppose miracles do happen."…

The afternoon didn't improve. Just like she had that morning, she tried as hard as she could, but she was just not in the right headspace. I should've gone off sick, she thought. Just as she'd feared, Amanda called her in to her office again just before she was leaving. "I warned you," she said again without preamble. "You don't look any better to me. Take a week off and come back. If nothing has changed, then you really will be out the door. It's Friday today, so come back Monday after next. I'll put it down as stress leave. Got it?"

She could hardly believe the all be it small act of kindness Amanda was doing for her. She was putting it down as stress leave, which meant it wouldn't come out of her leave and she'd obviously noticed something was wrong, or maybe someone had spoken to her. Kath, perhaps. She gave a small nod and left, this time not even trying to hold back the tears pouring without shame down her face.

…

When she got home an hour later, she was once more alone. She took a shower and changed in to casual clothes, hanging up her suit. She felt exhausted. Mentally more than physically. She poured herself a good glass of wine and sat in the living room reading a book. Before long, she heard a key in the lock and the front door open then close. She stood up. Kath was right. She had to say something. She had to. Totally silently of course, Michael entered the room, still masked. She managed a small smile at him, then had to turn away as again the tears came. Nope, she couldn't do it now. It wasn't a good time. She tried to move towards the door but was stopped as her husband took her arm. She could hardly believe it when his gentle and warm hand rested under her chin, raising her face towards his. It was the most loving gesture he'd ever done during their whole marriage. Again she tried to smile at her husband, but even she knew it wasn't very convincing. It was then she felt him softly wiping her tears away with his thumbs and that only made her cry harder. Michael led her to the sofa and pushed her down, before taking his seat beside her and pulling her back close to him, one hand still holding her head up as he wiped away her tears. His other arm was around her, safe, strong but gentle. She looked in to her husband's masked face and was sure she could see worry, concern in the little of it she could see, mainly his eyes. But perhaps she was just hoping that and imagining seeing it.

She eventually made to stand, but Michael's arm tightened, pulling her effortlessly back in to her seat and to him. His other arm then came around her, holding her tightly. She felt her head rest on his shoulder as finally, she cried in front of her husband for the first time. Michael held her tightly, softly stroking her back and wiping her tears away. Once she was eventually through, she again made to stand up, but Myers didn't let her move. She took a deep breath and again felt another wave of tears hit, but this time through them she sobbed out the truth.

"Michael, I don't think you get it! I saw what you put in my lunch bag today, thank you! I know it was you because I didn't do it! You may be my husband and I know that was to show you care, but Michael you're breaking my heart! I didn't marry you just to sign the papers you know! I married you because I genuinely care about you! I can't thank you enough for showing mom she wasn't in danger; it wasn't your fault she couldn't get the fucking message! So when I was asked if I'd help, I was more than willing to do it! But Michael I know you don't care about me! You couldn't make that any more obvious! I get it ok? Maybe you didn't want a wife! Or maybe you just wanted me to secure your release from SG! Whatever it is, you couldn't make it any clearer you don't give a damn! But I love you Michael Myers! I didn't marry you with the intention of turning away as soon as the chance presented itself! I'm not planning to walk away from you! Or at least I wasn't, unless you want me to! The way you're being towards me, it seems like you do. I just wish you'd tell me somehow, not show it in the way you treat me!"

She looked up at him, expecting he'd picked up a knife. But he hadn't. He was still holding her tightly against him and she could see that his eyebrows had risen. She again tried to stand, but her husband again pulled her back. "What?" She asked thickly, still trying to stop crying. "I can't say anything else to you Michael." She could hardly believe her eyes when for the first time her husband raised a piece of paper, which said only 4 words. Explain this to me.

"What? Why I'm saying this?" Myers nodded. "Can't you work it out?" She'd said before she could stop herself. It's blatantly obvious." Her husband's arms tightened still further and now she did start to cry again, as Myers pulled her in to his lap and against his chest. He'd never, ever done this before. Again, her head rested on his shoulder. Perhaps it was this action from her husband which gave her the courage to speak she'd been seeking for weeks.

"You only ever hold me at night," she whispered. "You've not once made love to me and you never take off your mask. I've wanted to spend time with you when not working for weeks, but you've never allowed me to. I want to feel your real kiss, not your latex one. Hell I want to see your real face not your latex one! But you've never allowed me to. It's killing me Michael and it's worse than any physical kill you committed! On that you can trust me!"

She suddenly felt her courage failing, and tears once again threatening to overwhelm her. She stood up quickly, so quickly she felt dizzy, and passed her husband a piece of paper, before she ran out of the room, then the house. She had to get out of there. There was no way she could face Michael right now, she just couldn't. Why had she even got into this position in the first place? It'd been utter madness! Dr Loomis was crazy if he'd seriously thought this was a good idea!

That's not what you thought at the time, argued her conscience, but she stamped it down. That may be true, but neither had she intended to fall in love with Michael Myers the way she had. She'd intended to do what Dr Loomis had asked her, then be done with it! Not… not this…

…

Laurie sat in her friend Annie and husband Paul's living room, the tears falling silently down her face.

Annie came back in and sat down beside her, handing her a hot chocolate, complete with cream and marsh mallows. "I shouldn't have done it," She sobbed. "I just… I was struggling to tell him how I'm feeling and… and I panicked! I didn't know what else to do! Plus the papers arrived today as I knew they would and it was all just… Too much! So I ran, leaving him a damn letter! Talk about coward's way out! Not to mention I've been distant from him for the last 2 days because I knew this was coming…"

"But Laurie," Annie murmured. "You knew the papers were going to arrive around about today 6 months ago. So why is it such a shock?" These words did nothing to make Laurie feel any better. Perhaps Annie had realised and/or sensed this, because she held her tighter. "I'm sorry," she said softly.

"No," She wiped her eyes on her sleeve and took a sip of the thick creamy chocolate. "Thanks for this by the way. No, you're right. You're only quoting facts. Shit. I…" She ran a hand through her hair. "It's just… I didn't expect this at all… I mean when they first told me I thought Loomis was joking. I've told you that before. I thought it was some kind of cruel prank! But once I realised it wasn't, I never imagined…" Her voice trailed off. Annie softly stroked her back. "I didn't expect to fall in love with him," she said very quietly after a while. "That's why it's such a shock, because it's so damn painful! Michael Myers would never love me! I just did it to secure his release as far as he knows!"

Annie nodded. "I know.".

"I thought…" She was staring straight at the wall ahead now, seemingly not even talking to Annie. But the other woman held her tight, waiting for her to continue. "I thought I'd do what they'd asked and that would be the end of it. As you know when they first asked me I said no! Of course I did, he's Michael Myers! But then I thought about it and…" She fell silent again, seeming to be lost in thought. "I think I wanted to help him," she said slowly eventually. "Like… He'd obviously satisfied Loomis he was able to be released, wasn't a threat further and I'd almost been one of his early victims, so…"

Annie nodded again, still softly stroking her friend's back. "I admired you when you agreed to it," she said softly against Laurie's hair. "I told you that at the time. That took guts. Real guts. You're a good woman. I'm not sure I could've done it, married to Paul or not."

"I don't regret it either," she said. "I just didn't expect… You know, what's happened. It all started about two months ago the night I asked him to hold me. We were in the lounge and I just asked him. Next thing I knew he was holding me in his arms! Him! Michael Myers! But it felt so… So good! I felt so safe, so loved. I obviously didn't dare say anything about how I felt, I just rested my head on his shoulder! That alone was heaven and he didn't stop me! Before I quite knew what was happening he was carrying me upstairs, taking off his and my clothes and that was the first night he shared my bed with me. Neither of us planned it."

Annie smiled slightly. Laurie hadn't told her this previously, but she wasn't surprised to hear it. She'd noted the change in her friend's mood over the last few months and guessed her husband had something to do with it, though she'd never asked. "Then I kissed him," She finished very quietly.

Now Annie's eyes did widen. "Wait, what?"

Her friend nodded. "I guess I was touched he was there. I couldn't stop myself and I didn't want to! Before I'd thought it through I lent close and kissed him on the lips."

"So what happened?" Annie asked, unable to contain her curiosity now.

"He kissed me back," she said and Annie saw the slight blush on her cheeks. "Ok it was from behind his mask which he never takes off, but even so it was… Was amazing. We've shared the same bed every night since and that was 2 months ago. He kisses me all the time, but only from behind his damn mask! I'm desperate to ask Michael to take it off and tonight I told him this, but then my stupid courage failed on me and I fucking bolted! We haven't made love before you ask. I want to ask him so badly, also to hold my damn hand, but I don't dare. At the beginning that was the last thing I wanted to happen and it seemed it was to him too. But now…"

Annie looked at her knowingly. "You've fallen in love with him haven't you? Like, for real."

"Yes," she said quietly, without hesitation. "I tried to deny it even to myself, but I can't. Not anymore. I didn't mean to, I really didn't I intended to do what they'd asked and that would be the end of it. I never…"

"Oh come on!" Annie said in disbelief. "I don't buy that, not for a second. If you didn't, you wouldn't have done it surely! You must have felt something even if you didn't know it just to agree to it in the first place! You knew the possible danger and yet you still said yes!"

She considered her friends words. There was no denying Annie was quite possibly right. She sighed softly. "Perhaps," she said.

"What did you say to him in the letter?" Annie asked. Slowly, she reached in to her bag and withdrew a piece of paper. Annie raised her eyebrows.

"I had to type it," She explained. "Or he wouldn't have been able to read it through my tears all over the paper." Annie hugged her friend tightly again before taking the letter and starting to read.

…

Dear Michael,

I really don't know how to write this, never mind say it, so I'll just have to be honest. I saw your mask on the hall table today and well, I panicked. Just the sight of that thing scares me! Also, as you'll have seen the papers arrived today and I just couldn't take it! I feel like such a coward leaving you this letter, but I don't know what else to do! I don't know how I can possibly face you right now! Because the simple truth is, I love you Michael Myers. It all started coming out for me the night I asked you to hold me in our living room. Then when you kissed me back… I'm really sorry, I knew I shouldn't do it, I knew it was making my heart vulnerable to you, but I couldn't stop once I'd started. What was I planning and/or hoping for? That we'd talk and I'd get the chance to tell you? Hell I don't know!

I've wanted you to just hold my hand so badly, never mind make love to me! I'm sorry Michael but I couldn't lie on the paper, I had to sign no. But I totally respect and understand you have the final call. I'll be staying at Paul and Annie's tonight, I can't come home, I'm sorry! I can't face it when my life will be shattered in less than 42 hours. I swear I didn't mean too Michael; I didn't mean to fall in love with you. It was over the last three months. I told myself again and again I was doing this to help you as Dr Loomis had asked me and you must believe me when I say I was willing to do it. I was. But I promised myself after the time was up we'd go our separate ways and I'd feel nothing… Shows how much I understand how the heart works… Please believe me I wish you nothing but well and I am so proud of you for what you've achieved, securing your release from Smith's Grove with my help or not and that you haven't killed anyone. I mean that. I congratulate you with all my heart.

Of course I won't ask you to leave our house, you can stay there if you wish, it just might be a while before I return, for which I apologise but I just can't face you right now. I really, really don't want this to happen, but I totally understand why you would. I'm sorry Michael, I didn't mean to give you my heart and I wish you all the best for the future. In case you're wondering, I had to type this or else you wouldn't have been able to read it through my tears.

With love, Laurie.

…

Annie looked up from the letter and pulled her friend tightly back in to her arms, just as Paul entered with food and drinks. She couldn't eat, she had no apatite at all. "Try," Annie said quietly. "You need to eat something."

"You've got to be joking," she said looking away, biting her lip against another wave of tears. Paul now sat down on her other side and both held her. She pressed her head in to Paul's shoulder, fighting the scream of anguish and misery fighting to get out of her. "Hush," he said, softly stroking her back. "We're here for you. Love's not a sin you know. How do you know he doesn't feel the same? You haven't talked to him about it have you."

"Exactly," Annie said quietly. "You're assuming that's all."

She couldn't answer. Paul held her close for another few minutes, then quietly left to set up the spare room. Annie almost force fed her friend some hot food, she only managed a few mouthfuls. She was prolonging going to bed for as long as she could, she didn't want to be alone. Annie must've realised this because she kept holding her close. "Do you want me to share with you?" She asked. Laurie was seriously tempted to say yes. Annie took one look at her face then spoke before she could. "Ok, done. Don't argue with me Mrs. Myers!"…

At midnight, Annie helped Laurie to her feet. Her friend was clearly heartbroken and it tugged at Annie's own heart. They were just leaving the living room when there was a knock on the front door. Soft, but loud enough to be heard. "Who the hell?" Annie muttered, as Paul came out of the kitchen. She turned away and headed for the stairs. Paul opened the front door then spoke and his words stopped her dead in her tracks. "Hi Michael."

Laurie turned around and felt her heart stop and break all over again. Because it was indeed Michael who was standing in the doorway. She wanted to run to him so badly, but knew she couldn't. She tried to smile at him, but tears were once more running down her face. She didn't see Paul and Annie look at each other and smile, as Paul stood back to allow Michael to enter. She again headed for the stairs. She had to get out of there. But that was when the gentle hand fell on her shoulder. Michael. She turned to face him and again tried to smile. But without much success. Paul and Annie quietly slipped past them and up the stairs.

…

Michael took her arm and led her out of the front door and towards their car. She feebly tried to struggle, but she knew it was pointless. Pushing her carefully in to the passenger seat, he sat in the driver's seat before locking the doors

"Michael, please…" She pleaded. "Please I can't…" Myers ignored her, starting the engine to activate the heating. She only now realised how cold it was. Then, he pulled her tightly in to his arms, pushing her head to his shoulder. She knew what he was saying. You're not going anywhere this time. Talk to me. It was as clear as if he'd shouted it. Then he reached into his pocket, pulling out a piece of paper and she knew immediately what it was, her letter. This thought made her look away, now unable to stop the tears which were falling down her face. "I'm so sorry," she sobbed. "I didn't want to tell you that way, but my damn courage failed this afternoon and that was the only way I could do it! I was terrified of your reaction and I also wasn't sure how to say it! That damn thing took me hours to write last week and I still don't think I said it right! Damn it Michael, what have you done to me? I didn't mean this to happen, I swear I didn't! I wanted to help you and then let you go; I didn't plan any of this! I didn't know how badly I'd want to feel your kiss without your mask, or when you held me, or for you to hold my hand… I…" she had to stop as tears once again took over. She hadn't meant to tell him that way, but it was too late. To her utter shock, Michael released her with one arm and for the first time, took her hand tightly in his. She desperately tried to get her tears under control. Michael held her tightly with his other arm, before releasing her hand. She felt her heart plummet. Of course he wouldn't hold her hand! Why the hell had she even expected him to? But that was when her thoughts stopped dead in their tracks. Because Michael had only released her hand to do one thing, take off his mask.

He laid it on the back seat, then pulled her back into his arms. She looked at his now unmasked face for the first time and confirmed what she'd already known. Her husband was one damn gorgeous guy! Once more she tried to speak, but no words came out. Eventually her husband released her and stupidly, she felt her heart break all over again. She reached for the door handle, but it was locked. Next second, Michael was pulling away from Paul and Annie's house. She opened her mouth, then closed it again and simply fastened her seatbelt. She was almost glad Michael had locked the doors, he'd done it to stop her leaving and of this she was certain, even if her heart was breaking. They were getting divorced, they had the papers, she couldn't stop it from happening, it was Michael's choice and why the hell would he want to stay with her anyway? He didn't love her that was crazy…

When they reached their house, Michael opened her door and took her hand again, helping her out and leading her inside. She found herself clinging to his hand as if it were her lifeline, squeezing it as hard as she could. Michael led her into the living room and softly pushed her to the sofa before sitting beside her.

From the coffee table, he picked up some papers. She didn't have to look at them to know what they were. A photocopy of the papers they'd received that morning. Michael had obviously already posted the originals back to Smith's Grove so the divorce could be processed. She couldn't think about that, it made her feel physically sick, as did looking at these papers now. Quickly she looked away, but Myers placed a hand on her head, turning it firmly back to look at him.

"Michael…" She protested. "Please I can't…" Again, Myers ignored this, raising the papers up so she could see them. Dr Loomis had told her how the papers would work. It would be a simple question, did both parties want the divorce? Along with a "yes and a "no" box, and both would sign in the relevant box depending on their wishes. They would then need to post them back to Smith's Grove and the divorce would be finalised in under twenty-four hours. She saw her own signature in the "no" box and looked for his in the "yes" one. It wasn't there. She looked up at him through very red eyes. "Michael, I…" Her husband placed a finger on the papers and she followed it. She couldn't stop the lurch of hope in her heart. Michael's signature was just underneath hers in the "no" box. She looked once, twice, then back up at him.

"I…" She started, but couldn't speak. "I…" Now Michael set the papers on the coffee table and handed her a heavy black envelope. She raised an eyebrow but her husband didn't respond in any way. She slowly opened it and gasped. Inside were 2 marriage certificates. This meant Smith's Grove had already received the papers with both "no" signatures and these documents made their marriage official. How the hell had they got them so fast? She tried to speak but couldn't.

Setting them on top of the papers she looked back at her husband, who now pulled her almost violently back in to his arms and she understood his desperation to hold her, because she felt it too. Once her head was back on his shoulder where she needed it most, Michael lent towards her and their lips finally crashed into contact. No mask, no latex, this was real.

She felt tears once more sliding down her face, but this time of happiness, hope. They kissed and kissed, her opening her mouth and allowing her husband's tongue access. Their tongues began a sensual dance, as if they'd been doing it all their lives. She clung to him as tightly as she could, never wanting this moment, hell this night to end. As they continued to kiss, Michael softly stroked her back, before releasing her with one arm purely to take her hand in his again.

"How," she whispered eventually, as her husband lovingly wiped away her tears. "How did Smith's Grove get these so fast? We only got them this morning." Michael raised his notepad. She looked at the message and had to read it twice before she took it in.

That's why I was so late returning. I'm sorry my love. After I saw you'd signed, I drove up there to drop them off and get our marriage certificates instantly myself rather than causing you to have to wait if posting them.

"You," she stared at him half in shock, half in adoration. "You drove the six hour round trip up to Smith's Grove and back today to take these in person?" Her husband nodded. She held him as tightly as she could. "Michael," she started again this time without a clue what she had been about to say. He kissed her again. "I thought…" she began after a moment. "After I'd ran out on you like that you were angry and I wouldn't see you. I hated leaving you that letter, such a cowardly thing to do, but I didn't…"

He stopped her by once more taking her lips with his. He kissed and kissed her, now holding her hand as he did so and pushing her head back onto his shoulder. She pressed her lips against his, loving the feel of his real skin against hers, without the latex of his mask.

She couldn't stop the soft whimper which left her mouth. She was sure Michael's twitched in a smile beneath hers. She couldn't get enough of his kiss, having never experienced it before accept from behind his mask. Michael seemed to realise this because he kissed her over and over again. "Michael Myers," She murmured as she pulled back just enough to speak. "If I'd known how gorgeous you are when not hidden behind that mask, I'd have been with you years ago. No," she added. "I'm not joking. I love you!"

She almost gasped out loud then. She had to look twice to check she was really seeing what she thought she was. There were tears in Michael's eyes. As softly as she could, she wiped them away. "Please," she murmured. "Please darling, don't?" Once again, their lips crashed in to contact. She hugged him just as tightly, her arms around his neck as they kissed and kissed. She raised her hand and softly, lovingly stroked his cheek, then his short black hair. Michael made no move to stop her from doing so. She lovingly squeezed him close, still stroking his hair, before she lent in to him and they were kissing all over again as Michael carried his wife up the stairs.

As they entered the bathroom, her heart swelled with love for her husband. The bath was decorated with candles all around the edges and a huge bunch of flowers was on the ledge by the window. Michael turned on the taps and within minutes, the tub was full of hot, scented steam as he added her favourite bath oil. He then slowly and romantically removed her clothes and lifted her in to the hot water. She couldn't stop the soft sigh of relaxation, feeling all the stress leave her. Michael removed his own clothes and was beside her in the water within seconds, pulling her against him. They lent close and started kissing in the hot scented water as Michael started washing her body, not missing an inch of her flesh as they continued to kiss, before he washed her long hair, rubbing in the shampoo and making her sigh in contentment. Next thing she was returning his loving attention to his hair and body, the first time they'd ever been so close. Mentally or physically. Before She quite knew how, her husband's hands were against her breasts pinching and tweaking her nipples, before one slipped between her legs as they still kissed intensely. One finger stroked her clit, another slowly slipped inside her. "Michael…" She almost moaned. "Please…"

Within the hot water of their bath, Laurie and Michael Myers finally started to make love for the first time, almost 6 months after their marriage. He climbed atop of and slid in to her, breaking her virgin skin. She hardly noticed the pain. It was nothing to her happiness. She clung to her husband as he started to move inside her, still unable to hold back tears.

After the first time in their bath, he took her to bed and they made love again and again as the night passed, exploring each other's bodies. Just before dawn broke, she snuggled up in his arms stroking his face, from his slight stubble to his ears. Michael kissed her in return. To Laurie, this night felt like her real wedding night.

The next morning, she was woken as he slipped in to bed beside her, bringing a tray of breakfast. She smiled at him and kissed him. Who would've believed Michael Myers could be so romantic? They didn't get out of bed that day. They cuddled, kissed, communicated and made love.

She told Michael everything, it felt so good to be finally able to talk to her husband. How her boss had given her a week's stress leave and all she wanted was to spend it with him. Michael simply kissed her in reply, which she took as his silent agreement. In his turn, Michael told her the reason he wasn't there during the day was because Dr Loomis had found him a job, moving heavy boxes for people when required. She wasn't surprised, his inhuman strength would prove invaluable in that position. She kissed him and murmured "congratulations darling." Then it was her turn to say what she really needed to.

"I'm sorry I was so distant the last two days," she said at one point. "I was just… I knew how I felt about you and was trying to mentally prepare myself for… You know, the…"

Michael put a finger to her lips. She understood. They both knew the word she'd been about to say, the word which was no longer relevant to Laurie and Michael Myers. Divorce.

…

Six months later.

Laurie entered hers and Michael's house having just come back from what she'd been asked to do by Annie, looking forward to spending time with him. They'd married to secure his release from Smith's Grove, but at first, love between them had been non-existent. It'd taken months before Michael let her in and they'd mutually agreed to stay married, but lately his affection had greatly cooled. She wanted to be close to her husband, but he never let her. One moment he'd be making love to her, next he was distant and cold. She wondered if he was still killing secretly, although she'd never been able to prove it. As she entered, she saw her husband standing in the middle of the living room wearing his white mask. She stepped towards him. Michael stepped back from her. Her eyebrows rows. Was he giving her a silent warning to stay away from him tonight as he'd done so often lately?

"Hi Michael," she kept her voice soft. "Are you ok?" Michael held up a piece of paper, which said only five words.

I saw you with him.

"Eh?" She looked at him, genuinely confused. "Who?"

Do not take me for a fool. I saw you enter that hotel with him.

She felt relief shoot through her. Michael thought she was being unfaithful? She was so relieved she actually laughed out loud. "Don't be ridiculous," she stepped towards her husband again. "That was Annie's brother. I told you, remember? She asked me to help him find the way to our local hotel. He's down to see her but can't stay at hers because she hasn't got room. That's all."

You're lying. Why go in with him then?

"Because he's a really shy guy and needed help." This was true. Michael scoffed quietly from behind his mask. Stupidly perhaps, she felt her own anger rising at that.

"What?" She snapped. "You can ask Annie if you don't believe me! What? Hide behind your mask again, just like you did when we first married! You always do that when the heat comes down Michael! Any time you're angry, sad, you hide behind that fucking mask! I'm supposed to be your wife and you won't even let me see your true emotions! Would it really be a surprise if I was cheating after all? I mean Jesus! You love me one minute then you're as cold as ice the next! When you feel any emotion, you hide behind that damn rubber! I married you firstly to help you, but stayed because I love you Michael! Why didn't I sign 'yes' on those damn papers then? Lately I hardly know you. That's how it feels, because you're not giving me a chance to!"

It was then Michael removed his mask and her heart was now what turned to ice with fear. Michael's face was blank as usual, but she could almost feel his rage. She didn't think she'd ever seen him so angry. That was when it happened. He stepped forward, slammed her against the wall and she felt the cold, lethal metal of a knife against her neck.

"This is your default way out isn't it Michael? When you don't like or understand something, pick up a knife! Of course! Why didn't I think of that? You think I'm cheating; I try to explain to you and you treat me like shit on your knife handle! You know Michael it's getting old! I don't think I want this anymore. I want to be loved, cherished, and not just loved when my husband feels like it. I want a man who lets me see his emotions, all his emotions, not just those he wants me to see! But oh no! Not from Michael Myers! I want my love reciprocated, not from Michael Myers! I want to talk about my worries, life and the rest and hear you do the same, be there for you, not from Michael Myers!"

She was stopped, as the front door slammed shut. She hadn't even heard him leave the room. She slumped to the ground partly with adrenaline, partly with heartache. What the hell was she thinking shouting at Michael like that? It was then she felt the trickle of blood down her neck. She sat up against the wall to look and saw that his knife had nicked her skin. She doubted he'd meant to do that; it'd probably happened when he'd turned to leave.

Getting to her feet, she headed for the first aid box and pulled out gorse and tape, beginning to bandage the cut. It was only small, but it wouldn't stop bleeding and she could only hope it wasn't serious.

After she was done, she grabbed her purse and headed out to the nearby payphone, pulled out several dimes and dialled a number she knew by heart. Dr Loomis. She remembered him giving it to her the very first time they'd spoken, when he'd told her about her changing future.

…

1 year earlier.

"How can I help you Dr Loomis?" She asked as they sat in her living room.

"I'm… not exactly sure how to explain this, Dr Loomis sounded hesitant. "So I guess I should just say it straight. You've made some kind of impression on Michael, as I told you 3 months ago when I took you to Smith's Grove to visit him. Well here's the thing. Michael is due to be released in a couple of weeks, because last Halloween he didn't kill anyone and we think you were entirely responsible for this fact."

"What?" She stared at him as if he was crazy. "You're joking, right?"

Dr Loomis smiled at her. "No, I'm not. The thing is, Michael will only be able to be released on 1 condition." He paused for a second, as if trying to find the correct words for what he had to say. But Laurie wasn't at all prepared for the 6 words he actually said.

"He needs to take a wife."

She stared at him, speechless. He wasn't saying what it sounded like he was, was he?

"Wo, hang on a second," she began, her voice disbelieving. "This is a joke, right? A prank or something. Michael Myers is being released, but he has to take a wife to do so. You're… you're not talking about me!" She was chuckling now, legitimately sure he was joking, but the psychiatrist wasn't smiling back.

"Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying." #

"You're crazy," she said before she could stop herself. Now the doctor did chuckle.

"I know it sounds as much, but I promise you it's the truth."

She was still laughing, more in disbelief than anything else. "So just because I made some kind of impression on Michael, you're telling me… what? That I have to marry him to enable his release?"

"You don't have to do anything; it is entirely your decision. But you certainly made an impression on Michael, and I strongly believe it's because of this, no one was killed 6 months ago. How many women do you think would be willing to marry Michael Myers?"

Here, she had to admit he was right. "Um, not many," she reluctantly agreed. "So, this… if I were to consider doing it, is for the rest of my life?"

"No. It would be for 6 months. After which, you would be able to divorce. You would live together and Michael wouldn't be able to touch you with violence in any way. If he did, he would very probably face the death penalty."

She rolled her eyes. "Yeah, you wanted him to face that right from the start. Also, that's if they can catch him!"

"That's as maybe," it was Dr Loomis' turn to agree. "But something happened to him when he escaped last Halloween, and no one died. Before he could kill anyone, he encountered a certain young lady named Laurie Strode."

"I'm still not saying I'm going to do this," she said quickly. "But let's say for a minute I did, what would happen then?"

After 6 months, Smith's Grove would send you divorce papers, with a 'yes' and 'no' box. You and Michael would both sign in the relevant one, depending on how you felt about the divorce."

"But that wouldn't work," she argued. "What if 1 says yes, the other no?"

Dr Loomis smiled. "I was coming to that. If 1 said 'yes' the other 'no,' then you could contact me and I would come and talk to you both. Marriage counselling, if you like. I would try to find out who said no and why, to see if you could work something out. Given the circumstances however, the one who signed 'yes' would probably get their wish ultimately. You because you might not want to stay married to Michael, he for the same reason. As long as you were unhurt at the end of the 6 months."

"This is insane," She muttered, her head spinning. "Insane."

"I know it sounds such," Dr Loomis said. "But it may help Michael more than anything else or any treatment in the world ever could. He obviously feels something for you and if nothing else, this may help him find out what. At the very least, it may extinguish his…" the doctor hesitated. "Want, desire to kill, even if the marriage itself doesn't last."

"I… I need time to think," she said faintly. It was true. This was a huge commitment she was being asked to make and she couldn't just agree to it then and there.

"Of course you do," the psychiatrist said softly. "I totally, totally understand. I can give you… a week?"

"Thanks," she said gratefully. "Can I call you earlier if I make a definite decision?"

"Of course you can, here's my number," he wrote it on a piece of paper. "I'm only a phone call away."

"This may sound like a stupid question…" Dr Loomis interrupted her.

"No question is a stupid one in a situation like this. Ask me whatever you need to."

"Thanks," she smiled at him. "What if both of us say 'yes?'"

"Then when we get the papers the divorce will be official, you'll get a letter confirming this. Michael may not see it if he chooses to leave then of course."

She nodded. "Not that it'll happen, but what if we both sign 'no?'"

"Then you will be sent two marriage certificates, certified marriage licences. Your marriage will then be official in just the same way."

"I… I don't know what to say," she said eventually. It was true. When Dr Loomis had told her he needed to talk, she'd never expected anything like this…

"Of course," Dr Loomis said. "It's… heavy stuff to say the least."

…

Less than a week later, having lost a lot of sleep, she had called him, saying she would do it. She too had noticed Michael hadn't killed her or any of her friends, indeed upon seeing her, he'd just walked away. But she'd felt his gaze on her beforehand and there'd been… something in it, though to this day she didn't know what. Michael had been released, the first papers were signed, and the 6 months had begun.

…

Thinking back on all this now as she stood in the phone booth, she blinked back tears. There was no way around it. She loved Michael. If she didn't, she would've signed 'yes' in the box a year ago. As it was, she and Michael had both signed 'no' and Michael had taken them back to Smith's Grove and returned with the marriage licences that very night. They'd then made love in their bath and…

NO! She shouted at herself. I CAN'T THINK ABOUT THAT, IT… IT HURTS TOO MUCH!

She sighed, as she picked up the receiver. She'd meant what she'd said to Michael. She wanted a man who loved her always, and that man was Michael Myers. She couldn't see herself with anyone else now, not after how far they'd come. But could they get past this, or was it too late?

All she knew at this exact moment, was she had to talk to Dr Loomis. If anyone could advise her, he could. He'd been there after all when hers and Michael's marriage had started. With a heavy heart, she waited for her call to be answered.

"This is Dr Loomis speaking?"

"Hello Dr Loomis, its Laurie. Please may I speak with you?"

"Hello there, is everything ok?"

She took a deep breath. "Not… not really. Michael and I argued tonight and I really need to talk to you, is that ok?"

"Of course it is. I'm actually in Haddonfield as it happens for a business meeting. I can meet you in the Haddonfield Haven in 10 minutes?"

The Haddonfield Haven to use its full name, was the town's local café, loved by locals and tourists alike. Among Haddonfield residence though, it was simply known as 'the Haven.'

"Would you? That would be great, thank you so much."

"No problem, give me 10." He was gone.

"I'm so sorry," Loomis said quietly when she was done and she could see the sympathy in his eyes.

"I'd never cheat on him," She was crying now in earnest. "Never! I fucking love him so much! But how can I show him if he won't let me? He should know I'll never leave him; we both signed the damn papers 'no' for fuck sake! How much more proof does he need? Is that what he's afraid of?" One minute he's loving me, then he's gone! I just want my husband. Why is that too much to ask?"

Loomis sighed, taking her hand. "Because he's Michael Myers, we both know he's… Unique to say the least. But I'm sure he loves you in his own way. He as good as told me as much before I'd even talked to you about marrying him. But I think deep down he is worried about it. Why else did he sign 'no' on those papers? He doesn't want to lose you, someone who truly loves him, sees past his… differences."

"Well assaulting me is hardly going to make me stay is it?" She reached for a napkin as further tears spilled down her cheeks.

Loomis squeezed her hand. "I know," he said softly. "But Michael's never been good at containing his rage. That's why he used to want to kill so much. I say used because he doesn't anymore and that's all because of you. You and I both know this."

"So why won't he let me love him all the time? That's all I want to do, but he doesn't allow me. Why? Sometimes we're so close it's unreal and amazing, then sometimes he just… disappears, literally hides behind his mask as well as metaphorically, then the man I know and love is gone, replaced by a stranger. What do I have to do to keep my husband constantly?"

"I think that's actually what he really wants," Loomis said softly. "But he doesn't know how to tell you, or show you either. I think he seriously was terrified you were with Annie's brother for more tonight, you told me yourself you always used to like Taylor Bracket and Michael probably knows it too."

"That was years ago! But then he assaults me, treats me hot and cold. The fact I love him aside, I wouldn't do that to him or anyone I was with. I don't understand it. The night we both signed 'no' on the papers, he made love to me in our bath we'd never felt so close, so what changed? What happened to make tonight take place?"

"As I say, I think it's because he's terrified even now it's not real, and he's scared to give you his heart completely because he thinks someday you'll leave. Either that, or he doesn't know how to show you he loves you. He would've signed 'yes' for the divorce if he didn't. Faking it is not how Michael Myers works."

"So how do I literally get through the mask?" She asked very quietly. "How do I show him I only want the real man?"

"To be honest with you, I think Michael will come home soon. Just give him time to cool down and he'll be right back to you. As I've said several times, he loves you."

"I… wasn't exactly nice about the whole thing," she admitted. "The fact he thought I was cheating on him with Taylor angered me and I said him using a knife was his form of defence. That was unfair, cruel and a lie. He's never drawn a knife on me before, not once."

"Is that why you have a bandaged neck?"

She sighed. "Yes. I don't think Michael meant to do it at all though, I think his knife clipped my skin as he turned to leave. That scared me too. Was he walking out fast so he didn't hurt me?"

"I don't think so," Dr Loomis said. "I think it was because he didn't know how to react and because he was upset. Yes, even Michael Myers can be upset," he smiled a little.

"I'm almost scared to go home," she said. "In case he's still angry. Now, I'm the one who's scared of him."

"Again, he's Michael Myers," Dr Loomis touched her arm. "Being scared of him is no sin."

At this, she did finally chuckle a little. "Good point," she agreed. "But shit! How's he going to react if he sees this?" She gestured at her bandages.

"Guilty I expect," Dr Loomis said. "Let him, there's no shame in that, it's normal. He'll be devastated he's hurt you; I guarantee you that."

"Now I feel bad I made him," she said in just above a whisper. "Shit! I didn't feel guilty when he stormed out on me, now I feel terrible! Yes I did used to like Taylor, a hell of a lot actually, but I knew nothing would ever come of it even before I married Michael. He's got a long term girlfriend."

"I think deep down Michael knows that too, but he also knows he's not…" again, Dr Loomis hesitated. "Normal husband material, so he's afraid to lose you. Time has passed since you both signed those papers, remember. Perhaps he's worried you're regretting your decision, or your feelings have changed or something."

"Then why hasn't he…" she began, then trailed off. He's a man, she thought. They don't talk about their feelings!

Dr Loomis seemed to know what she was thinking because he softly chuckled again, placing down his coffee cup. "I suggest you get home," he murmured to her. "Sort this out with Michael as soon as you can. I need to be off anyway, I'm staying in a hotel just outside Haddonfield for tonight, but back for more meetings tomorrow." He sighed. "It's hard work this psychiatrist job."

She finally managed a smile at him, as she stood to shake his hand. "Thank you so much for talking to me at such short notice Dr Loomis," she said sincerely. "I really, really appreciate it."

"I told you I was always here to talk when all this started," he squeezed her hand. "I meant it. Good night to you, Mrs. Myers."

Hearing her married name caused a twinge of something in her heart. Guilt, but also love and longing. She had to fix this with her husband, she wanted to be with him so badly. Of course, that also depended on whether he came home or not.

"He'll be back tonight," Dr Loomis said, clearly reading her thoughts. How did he do that? "I promise you. Just go home and wait, and he'll be back if he isn't already."

Sure enough upon getting home, she faced what she'd feared. There was no sign of Michael. Her neck throbbed, so she took some painkillers to deaden the pain. Gingerly removing the bandages, she saw it was no longer bleeding and in fact the cut wasn't that big. Never the less, she put another piece of gorse on it, just in case it was to start bleeding again. Sure enough, she felt a warm trickle of blood under the bandages. Her pulling the first ones off must've done it. "Shit," she breathed.

Now though, her worry about the bleeding was not for her, but for Michael. She didn't want him to see her with a bleeding neck, as he would immediately know he'd caused it. Sitting on the sofa however, she couldn't stop it when once again her tears began to fall. This time though, they were for Michael. She wanted, needed, and loved him. She longed for him to walk through that front door. Where was he? She prayed he wasn't out killing people, because if he was it was her fault. She'd angered him and stupidly fuelled his anger instead of trying to calm it, so their blood, if there was any would be on her hands.

She wasn't sure how long she lay there tears pouring silently down her face, before she heard the front door slam. It was all she could do not to stand up and run to Michael, but now she was the one who was afraid. What if he was still angry with her? She desperately tried to get her tears under control. What if he walked straight past her, not caring? Would that be worse than his anger? She didn't see him enter the living room as her eyes were still blurry with tears and only knew he was there when she felt him kneel beside the sofa, his warm hand resting on her shoulder. She looked up at him, her eyes red.

"Shh," she heard his soft whisper, as he leant close and softly kissed her lips. "Shh." His arms closed tightly and lovingly around her; he then raised his notepad.

Don't cry, please don't cry. It hurts me so.

"Michael I'm so sorry," she said immediately. "I was bang out of line. Whatever you might've thought, I should never, ever have said that about you using a knife! It's just I was terrified when you held me against the wall at knife point I…" Her head rested on his shoulder, just as it'd done a million times before. It was then he saw the bandaging on her neck and now she was certain she could see guilt and fear in his usually expressionless gaze. "Darling its ok," she breathed. "I think you just accidentally caught it with your knife when you turned to leave." She'd considered lying saying she'd caught it on something herself, but knew Michael would never believe her. When she looked up at him again, she almost gasped. For only the second time since she'd known him, there were tears in the eyes of Michael Myers. When he raised his notepad, her heart almost broke. His hand holding the pen was shaking.

Laurie, I am so, so sorry.

"Darling it's o…" she began, but was stopped by his glare. But she knew it wasn't at her, it was at himself. Michael lifted her to her feet, took his seat on the sofa and for only one of a few times in their marriage lifted her into his lap and against his chest. She didn't resist, on the contrary she wrapped her arms around his neck. Michael took her hand, raising it to his cheek and holding it there. He wasn't hiding his emotions behind rubber this time. They were right there in front of her eyes. With his free arm, her husband held her to him as tightly as he could. This time his emotions were written clearly across his face. Pain, regret. "I know you sometimes don't know how to show your feelings," she murmured. "But darling, hiding behind your mask when angry won't help us. I'll be honest, it scares me. I know you've worked really hard on controlling your… needs, but we both know what that mask could mean. When you add holding a knife into the mix, you're… it's terrifying…" But she couldn't finish because Michael's lips were against hers. They kissed passionately, as he held her tightly in his lap. "Would I have married you," She murmured eventually against his lips. "If I didn't at least care about you? I would've signed 'yes' on those damn papers, Michael. If it was the case I wanted to leave, why am I still here?"

I've wondered the very same thing. I love you but I don't always know how to show you this. You could've married any man you wanted.

"I did," She breathed. "I'm in his arms right now."

Laurie…

"Michael please, believe me. I love; need and want you for the rest of my life. But I can only do so if you let me. So will you? Only you can make that decision. I can't make it for you."

You mean everything to me.

"Then don't fight it," she said softly. For answer, Michael pulled her tightly to him and kissed her again, before lifting her up in his arms. She had never told him, but she loved it when he did this. She felt so safe, he was so strong and so damn sexy…

I bought you these.

He then proceeded to hand her the most beautiful bunch of flowers she had ever seen. Her eyes filled with tears again, but this time for a totally different reason. "Michael, oh, darling, they're gorgeous! Just like you! You shouldn't have, thank you so much!" He laid her tenderly on her feet, so she could enter the kitchen and put the flowers in water. When she turned back, he was holding out his hand. Smiling, she took it.

Michael led her out to their car and drove her to her favourite restaurant, where he treated her to a delicious dinner. When the bill came, he wouldn't even let her think about paying a dime of it. "You really didn't have to," she started, but was cut off as Michael reached across the candle lit table and once more took her hand in his. When they were done, he drove them back home. "Thank you darling," she said. "I can't lie, I've wanted to go on a date with you for a few weeks now, but we were never able due to our work and stuff. While I didn't… mean it to happen in these circumstances, I'm glad it did." Her husband kissed her again and this time she didn't stop him, when he slowly pulled back her bandages as he again held her on their sofa.

Please let me have a look?

She didn't speak just rolled her eyes, but kissed him as she did so to show she was teasing. Really though, she wouldn't stop him. Of course he was concerned. When the bandages were off, she saw him examining the tiny cut. "You see?" She said softly. "It's nothing, it was purely an accident."

I am going to disagree with you there my love. I shouldn't have been even holding a knife in my hand.

"I know I won't change your opinion," she answered. "So I won't try. But honestly, it's fine. I wasn't exactly nice to you either."

You still never deserve that. Please don't argue with me further on this.

"I won't," she breathed, leaning in for another kiss.

You will never see me holding a knife again unless for… Normal reasons. I promise you.

"I believe you," she whispered. They kissed again.

I love you; I truly love you.

"I know darling," she smiled at him. "That was wrong of me to say. By the same token, I know love is still new to you, so I should be more patient. I am sorry for this too."

"Shh," he said again, taking her lips in a long, deep kiss. She'd never told him, but he knew how to kiss. When he kissed her like this, her legs would turn weak and wobbly in an instant. "Michael," she almost moaned. "Oh God, Michael." She felt his mouth move in a smile beneath hers, as he lifted her up into his arms again and this time carried her up the stairs.

In their bedroom, he slowly and deliberately removed her clothing, methodically taking his time. With every piece he removed, his warm, soft hands touched her exposed skin. She could hardly believe that those hands could hold a knife with violent intentions.

You are so beautiful.

"Thanks," She just managed to say, her eyes blurring again with tears upon reading that message, tears of love and longing.

Not to mention kind, loving and all mine.

She smiled at him. Check, check and check to all 3 of those," she agreed. "You're one kind man, I love you too, and you're all mine."

I am sorry I misconstrued things. Bracket is lucky he had your help. It's the type of thing you are kind enough to do without hesitation.

"Oh shush," she took control of their kiss this time, their tongues making contact and hungrily exploring each other's mouths. "Please," she almost pleaded after a while. "Please Michael, make love to me? Don't make me wait any longer?"

She heard him softly chuckle as he finally finished undressing her and laid her in their bed, before climbing in beside her and pulling her into his arms. They once again began to kiss and as they resumed touching each other, her heart picked up speed with lust and desire.

"I love you Michael," she whimpered against his mouth. "I love you so fucking much…"

Likewise.

"How the hell can you write while you're…" her words were cut off into another soft moan, as Michael's hand moved between her legs, one finger sliding into her, another stroking her clit. 'Making love to me', was what she'd been about to say. He now lay down on top of her and as they still kissed intensely, pushed into her. Laurie Myers knew right there and then she could never leave her husband, not really. When he was making love to her, she felt like the most special person in the world.

… Michael did so to her again and again as the night passed, not pulling her into his arms for sleep until hours later. She snuggled her head against his shoulder and softly kissed his skin. "Hmm you smell nice," she murmured. He smiled lovingly at her. As they finally cuddled up to sleep tight in each other's arms, she spoke quietly one more time. "Taylor's got nothing on you, Michael. You're fucking gorgeous, kind, sexy, a good man, a…" He silenced her with another long kiss. She smirked at him. "Not to mention you know how to use your knife."