Danny emerged, walking aimlessly out of the subway tunnel. He hadn't looked up since he climbed off the train. Home didn't sound like a good place to go. And a good drink wasn't what he needed. So, walking around seemed like a decent option. Danny shoved his hands into his pockets for warmth. The brisk fall air was quickly dropping its temperature, shifting into winter. The season itself never really bother Danny much, unless it affected his job. Working outside in the dead of a frigged winter wasn't worth his pay.

Danny finally decided to look up. He stopped dead in his tracks. Passing people walked around him without a care. Danny stared at the building ahead of him, wondering what force would bring him there. He stood in front of Lindsay -for the moment- apartment. Stella had told the team that Lindsay was looking into a new apartment, but until then Lindsay was staying in her old one. Danny lifted his head, looking for Lindsay's window. Her lights were on, but the drapes were closed, like they had been since she went home.

"It's now or never, Messer." Danny told himself. He took a deep breath and walked to the complex entrance. Danny jogged up the steps two at a time. His mind played through all the things he wanted to tell her, but none of them felt right.

The hallway was barren-like it was new-when Danny reached Lindsay's floor. He walked slowly to her door and brought his hand to her door. Danny hesitated, wondering if he should knock. His thoughts drifted back to the conversation he'd had with Mac just an hour before. Lindsay had to ask for help, they couldn't force it on her, all they could do is be there for her.

Danny let his hand fall against the door a few times. He waited a few long minutes before he knocked again, louder. "Lindsay? Are you home?"

There was no response.

Danny knocked again, "Linds, it's Danny Messer." Still nothing. "I came to talk to you, Lindsay."

His phone suddenly vibrated. Danny pulled it out and checked it: New Message. Danny opened the message.

Mac sent you, didn't he?

"No Lindsay, no one sent me here. I came because I'm worried about you. Everyone is." Danny explained.

His phone vibrated again. Go home Danny, it's late.

"I'm not goin' anywhere Lindsay. Not until I talk to you. I'll wait all night, but I need to talk to you Linds." Danny replied. "I'm not tryin' to be the bad guy Lindsay, I'm tryin' to be your friend. Please Lindsay."

His phone gave no reply. Danny sighed and lowered his head in defeat. He turned and leaned against the wall. Then something licked on the other side of the door. Then another, and then two more. The door opened slowly, barely four inches wide. Lindsay stood close behind the door, hiding her body behind it. She looked over at Danny and opened the door for him. Danny walked into her apartment, watching Lindsay the entire time. She closed the door and locked it up before she made her way back to her couch. Her legs were brought up to her chest and arms wrapped around one of the pillows.

Danny walked to the couch and sat on the far end, giving Lindsay plenty of space. He took a deep breath, "I uh…saw your parents before they flew back to Montana. They seemed pretty worried about you."

Lindsay didn't reply.

"Lindsay I'm sorry I never came to see you while you were in the hospital. We got swamped at work and…kay that's not entirely true…I didn't want to get the silent treatment you've been givin' everyone else. They're tryin' to help you Lindsay. They want to help, everyone hates seein' you like this, but you ain't lettin' them help." Danny said. Lindsay was staring off into space.

"Mac said that you won't speak to a specialist. Linds you gotta talk to someone. this kinda thing doesn't go away and you know that. Now none of us can force you to do that Lindsay, but every day you keep quiet, you're only hurtin' yourself more. The longer you wait, the harder it's gonna be to heal. We're all here for you Lindsay, but you gotta be willin' to try." Danny said. Lindsay acted like Danny hadn't even spoken. Her unresponsive face broke Danny's heart. Tears threatened to break him. "Please Lindsay."

"Don't blame yourself for this, Lindsay." Danny said. Tears spilled down his cheeks. "It was my fault. I should've stayed with you that night. I shouldn't have left you alone. I should've been there for you. I should've found you sooner. I should've been able to keep you safe. And I'm…I'm sorry I couldn't protect you."

Danny wiped away his tears, but they kept falling, "I'm so sorry I let you down Lindsay."

Lindsay's head slowly turned, watching Danny. His tears fell despite his attempts to wipe them away. "I'm sorry I lied to you, I swore we wouldn't let you get hurt and look what happened? God, I'm so sorry Lindsay. We almost lost you because I wasn't working hard enough."

Danny felt a gently hand touch his shoulder. Danny looked up as Lindsay threw herself into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held him close. She trembled against him, crying.

"I never blamed you, Danny. You saved me." she whispered.

Danny closed his eyes and held Lindsay closer. Lindsay figure quivered against him as she cried her heart out. Danny stroked the back of her head. "You're ok now, Lindsay. You're ok."

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Danny walked into Lindsay's bedroom, carrying a sleeping Lindsay in his arms. Lindsay had cried for an hour before falling asleep in Danny's arms. Thinking Lindsay would rather wake up in her bed rather than on her couch, Danny decided to move her. He pulled black the blankets with one hand before gently laying Lindsay into her bed. Danny drew the blankets up to Lindsay's chin and kissed her forehead. He turned and walked back out into the living room.

Danny made his way to the door. He reached for the first lock and paused. His eyes roamed the locks running down her front door. Danny turned and looked back at the bedroom. He moved from the door, back into the living room. Danny found a piece of paper and a pen. He started writing a small note on the paper and quietly slipped it into Lindsay's room, next to her bed. Danny walked back out and settled himself on the couch. Using his jacket as a blanket, Danny drifted to sleep.

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not done just yet.

i own nothing