Hi all, this parts a bit longer but I wanted to finish it off in one go. Thanks very much to all who have read and reviewed. I guess I should say that I have really enjoyed writing this story, to me it is about so much more than Tony and Maxxie, and for that I say great work to the Skins writers and producers for giving us such a fantastic ensemble cast and storyline. I won't say anymore until you read the final paragraph.

Spark of Memory

By AshtakRa

Fandom: Skins

Pairing: Tony/Michelle, Tony/Maxxie

Setting: Post season 1

Summary: You know the score, he's been in a coma and has to recover. But just how much of the old Tony remains, and what pieces of his old life will help Tony move on to a new life?

Links to previous chapters and other stories: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 AshtakRa Masterfile

Part 4

Sid speaks…

I love Tony. Well it's not what you think, I mean I love him but I'm not in love with him; I think that's a line from a movie, wait… yep it's definitely a movie. Fits though, Tony and me have been friends for what seem like my whole life, that or maybe without him I wasn't really living. Yeah, pathetic huh? But I don't care; I know he uses me, and we fight and I always end up giving in and then the cycle starts over. You see, he knows that too, and if I didn't give in, if I didn't let him own me then what would Tony do then?

Some people need things, or they can't survive. I know biology, a little anyhow. Humans need food, shelter and um, something else to survive. But some people, like Tony, need a lot more or they would probably just wither and die. Maybe I'm not explaining myself properly.

If there was a war, like one where we were invaded and shit like that, and say we then entered like a dark age and had to resort to fighting with just axes and swords, well if that happened then I would want exactly two people with me. Aragorn, because the guy can seriously kick arse, and Tony. Tony, because I know that I could trust my life with him, I would put my life, literally, in his hands. Yeah, he might lend me out to perverted sex-crazed half-men, and probably make me carry everything but I know that he would never really hurt me, not when it counted.

He feels the same, I know. How? You have to realize that I know everything about him, what his secrets are, where they're hidden and what really makes him afraid. Face it, he's superman and I'm the owner of the kryptonite – 'cept I'd never sell.

So if you're going to categorize what we are then I will say it again, I love Tony. Just not in a gay way, well maybe a little – I mean sometimes when we've been in bed I have thought about it. But I don't think I'm high enough on the Gay Scale to actually do anything (I remember Angie saying somethin' 'bout a gay scale in psychology – Maxxie found it hilarious for some reason).

So not really gay, I'll leave that to Maxxie, and Tony now it seems. Fuck! I mean have you seen them lately? And they think no-one notices; well they seem to want to keep it quiet anyway. Of course not in front of me, like furniture I am – or maybe they just trust me. But even when they're not groping and sucking each other's mouths off the lovey dovey eyes and the wanton glances should be enough for blind Freddie to see what's going on.

Yet when I mention it to the guys they just tell me I'm imagin' things – or 'projecting' as Jal so eloquently put it. Yeah, that's right. I'm the one who wants to be lying next to Tony, thrashing about and doing things that recently woken comatose patients should not be able to handle.

Michelle's the strangest of all. She knows what's goin' on – they may not shove it in her face like they do to me but I can see it in her eyes. Yet she just says nothing, accepts it like all the times he cheated on her. Strange girl, kind of makes me wonder why I still love her? Yeah, I know… what about Cassie; well I am still a teenager you know.

So Tony gets out of hospital tomorrow and naturally we have decided to throw a kick arse party. Apparently he can't drink, or do drugs, or dance too much, or have sex (yeah right!) but we all still can, so any excuse huh? Chris has some freshly imported pharmasuticals pharamasuitic, some good shit and Jal has nicked a whole heap of top shelf liqueurs. Its going to be wild, like old times 'cept Tony will be sober, and straight (the non-drug kind) and still trying to remember names and crap like that.

So, not really like old times but at least better than the last six months.

SKINSSKINSSKINS

"Why're grinning at me like that Sid? You look like you want to kiss me or something""

Sid shook his head. "Nah Tone, just good to have you back that's all."

The two friends shared a stare before Tony leaned over and stole Sid's lager. "Thank's mate – wouldn't begrudge a cripple would you?"

Sid wouldn't, but then he would also give his drink to Tony before a cripple, so there was very little chance of him arguing. Of course he should say that Tony wasn't crippled, that unsteady hands and the odd slurred word were hardly putting him in that category. In fact in a few hours Tony may be the only one who could still stand without help; that kind of put things in perspective.

Maxxie came bounding up, swinging his head to some beat that Sid wasn't even sure anyone could hear, and went to hand Tony a drink. Seeing he had one, and Sid's hand empty he tossed it to Sid without a word. Tony and Maxxie gave each other a smile and furtively touched fingertips behind their bodies. Sid wanted to scream to just fucking come out with it and stop hiding but it worked for them, so he remained quiet. To show that the old Tony was still lingering in this new and improved version the taller boy gave Sid a knowing smile and nod of thanks. He still saw everything thought Sid, he just didn't act on it anymore.

The three friends stood silently, drinking and watching the party while leaning against the wall. Quite a lot of people were here, not surprising really since the word had got out that there would be top quality shit to be had. Chris was probably making a fortune since most of their inner circle had declined the drugs, somehow banding together without even discussing it – if Tony couldn't have any none of them would. Even Chris was not indulging; well not yet, the guy was no saint.

That didn't prevent alcohol but once again everyone seemed to be keeping pace with Tony, again without any group discussion. It was these things that made Sid aware of how lucky they all were to have a group like theirs. Many wouldn't see it, the little things that showed how much they cared, but he did. Case in point was just now, Tony only had to fall into the wall a little more and suddenly Maxxie was deciding they should move to the couch, the incumbents making way as Maxxie swooped down.

Tony sat at the end, Maxxie perching on the armrest and trying not to make it look like he deliberately chose that spot. Sid sat in the middle of course; Jal, Michelle and Cassie joined them rounding off the seat, the latter snuggling on Sid's lap. Sid gave Michelle a supportive smile, knowing she was trying hard to keep quiet about Tony and Maxxie while 'apparently' still going out with Tony. It should have been messy and she should by rights be screaming her fucking head off.

She didn't; he had to guess her and Maxxie had worked something out and Jal probably knew, he could try and get it out of her later. Cassie would know but her mind was a steel trap sometimes; that or she'd tell him in a riddle he would never understand. A hand placed itself on his shoulder but Sid pretended it wasn't there, apart from leaning into it a bit. Tony might never voice it but it was his way of saying thanks; for understanding him and Maxxie, for looking out for Michelle – and just about everything else.

SKINSSKINSKINSSKINS

Anwar was fairly certain that Sid was right. Tony and Maxxie were fucking…or at least getting around to it since Tony was still a little unsteady. That wouldn't have stopped the old Tony but this new version was a little more…restrained. Anwar wasn't one to ponder things too much; there was just too little time. But these were his mates and he was a worried about them, especially Maxxie.

The guy could handle himself, no thought Anwar, he thought he could handle himself. He may be the fittest of them all but his muscles were for dancing and 'cosmetic', he couldn't fight for shit and only ever got himself into more trouble. Anwar was totally impressed with what he did in Russia, but what if the mad fucking Russian had decided to shoot; or the cops hadn't turned up? He wouldn't admit it to anyone but Anwar had nightmares about Maxxie lying in a pool of blood, his dead eyes looking at Anwar in accusation.

It was a dangerous world and Maxxie was just too, well he was too open. This is why Anwar stayed alert, not because he was an alarmist or even worse, turning into his mother – but he heard things and saw things. He wasn't worried about anyone they knew, everyone was cool with him, and with Maxxie, they had to be or not hang out with them. It was some of the lads that were friends of friends, or more likely friends of friends of friends.

Anwar knew to look for such trouble makers. He was a brown Muslim boy; if you didn't keep one eye on the street sooner or later you got smashed. Maxxie didn't look out for it and Tony wouldn't know to look for it. So it was only Anwar who noticed the five guys arrive, with hoodies pulled up and angry eyes. Fuck! For all the practice his roundhouse kick didn't have even a tenth the impact Chuck Norris' had.

The five made a beeline for the group of friends sitting on the couch, Anwar tried to run and interfere but one of the hoodies managed to block him out of the room, his grim sneer leaving no room for Anwar to doubt that they were trouble.

He could still see over the guy's shoulder however and saw two of the intruders remove their hoods. They obviously expected some kind of reaction but Tony just looked blankly at them and shrugged. He couldn't remember who they were but Anwar recognized one of them – it was Josh, the sick fuck who had orchestrated Effie's kidnap and resulting humiliation of Tony.

The music was too loud for Anwar to see anything but there was a lot of finger pointing and mouthing off. At one point Michelle stood and faced down Josh, but the fucker laughed and pushed her down. Tony tried to jump up to her defense but his legs seemed to collapse under him and Josh laughed again, making some side comment to the one beside him. Anwar tensed as he saw Maxxie leap off the couch and put himself right in Josh's face, his lips moving fast but the words were obvious.

The one on the left of Josh suddenly swung without warning and his fist slammed into Maxxie's stomach, the blonde going down fast and all four thugs inside laughed loudly. The one watching Anwar turned to see what was happening and Anwar took the chance. He backed up and swung with all his strength and when the guy turned back around he copped a face full of doc martin. It may have not been a Chuck Norris blow but the fucker went down. Then of course as Anwar jumped in all hell broke loose as Chris came in swinging from the other door.

Truth be told, thought Anwar as he wrestled with one hoodie, these guys were bigger and stronger and outnumbered them. Then again, as he saw nothing but a bit of blonde hair beneath all the feet, he had more to fight for. He grabbed the guy's hood and swung it about, building momentum until he released at exactly the right moment, sending the guy slamming into, and through, the wall.

Chris, Sid and the girls seemed to be doing some good as well, only Josh still remained. The other two had run after Jal socked one in the balls and Michelle kicked his head as he went down. Sid had thrown the other out the door by use of a headlock Anwar had taught him, a bit of pride swept through Anwar at that. The one Anwar had kicked had left as well, the one in the wall moaned and staggered out.

Tony was still on the couch, staring balefully at Josh who remained facing them all down. The guy sneered and spat at Tony before his lips curled into a vicious smile. Wondering what could make him smile when he was outnumbered Anwar saw a figure move at Josh's feet – Maxxie! Josh didn't hesitate and grabbed the blonde by his hair, lifting him before king hitting Maxxie right in the face, followed by three quick jabs. He did it lightning fast, like a boxer and Anwar cursed private education and their love of blood sports.

Chris and Sid tackled the thug but not before he got in another few hits and Maxxie's head just wobbled about like a rag doll. Tony screamed Maxxie's name and lunged forward, belatedly wrapping a protective arm around the blonde. Chris and Sid dragged Josh out, putting in some kicks and pummeling of their own.

Anwar crouched down; the rush that was pumping through his veins now going ice-cold at the sight of his best mate's bloodied features.

SKINSSKINSSKINSSKINSSKINS

Jal couldn't help it as tears filled her eyes. They had all been knocked about before and there was Tony's accident – but she had never seen him until he was patched up, and she had never seen any of them attacked so ferociously. Tony cradled Maxxie in his arms and she could see tears leaking from his eyes as well. The blonde's face was covered in blood and he seemed only half conscious, his eyes rolling about unaware of his surroundings.

Tony was muttering his name softly and caressing Maxxie's left cheek, the only part unmarked by blood. Jal sat down beside them and stroked Maxxie's hair, it was matted with blood but she didn't care; all that mattered was human touch – letting Maxxie know they were here and he was safe.

A few party goers stuck their heads and one quickly pulled a phone, Jal could half hear it as they called for an ambulance. Somehow the rest knew to stay out and keep a respectful space around their huddled group. Anwar sniffed and murmured Maxxie's name as well, he looked pleadingly into Jal's eyes like she could do something. Maybe she could.

"He'll be fine," she said, to him and Tony. "It's just a little blood that's all; cuts on the head always bleed more."

"It's all my fault," muttered Tony, his hand not leaving Maxxie's face. "I should have stopped this, I could have…before."

"Don't be stupid Tony," replied Jal crossly. "Josh was looking for trouble tonight and he wasn't going to stop until he got it."

Tony seemingly ignored her. "Maxxie, I'm so sorry – please be okay, please." His words collapsed into a sob and although Jal knew about the two of them it was only now that she actually believed Tony was sincere. Michelle, who was holding one of Maxxie's limp hands, gave a quick smile to Jal, as if to say – see, I told you so. It wasn't a malicious smile, but one of regretful acceptance.

Sid and Chris returned and immediately joined the group; the others made room so they could all grip a limb or put a reassuring hand on Maxxie. The blonde never said anything, he whimpered now and then and his eyes continued to roll before they closed ever so slowly.

Once that happened Tony leant down, kissing him on the lips. "Stay, stay with me," he pleaded over and over.

His breathing became more labored and as Jal checked his pulse it was weak but racing. She looked worriedly at Anwar, he had noticed too and his eyes had that frantic look to them. Everyone else seemed shell-shocked; too stunned to say anything but they didn't need to. Jal could feel every one of them willing their strength into Maxxie, the one person in their group who everyone loved without reserve.

"Come on Maxxie," Jal heard herself whisper. "You don't quit this easily you little shit, you can't let a stupid fucker like Josh defeat you."

"Yeah," said Chris, continuing on from Jal. "I thought you had more strength Maxxie, pull it together."

"You're not allowed to leave Maxxie," said Anwar forcefully. "You and me against the world right, mates forever, you promised."

"Jeez Maxxie, without you how am I gonna learn how to dance?" said Sid, his glasses hid his eyes in the low light but Jal would bet there was tears in them. "You just can't fucking do that to me."

"I will have to dump Sid if he doesn't dance soon so you really must be alright," said Cassie, for once her attention fixated on one person and position. "And I do need you to be there for me, just because, you know, you're you."

Michelle leaned down and placed a light kiss on his forehead. "I know how strong you are Maxxie, no matter what people have done to you…said to you," she sniffed at that and a tear dripped form her nose. "You always pick yourself up and stand tall, do that now you little fuck…and besides, we had a deal and you don't get out of it this easily." She looked up at Tony when she said the last, letting him know that she knew everything and that it was okay.

Jal knew about the deal, wasn't much Michelle didn't tell her. Michelle and Maxxie both loved Tony but they also both knew Tony – he would try to have them both if he could, and that would destroy everything. So they had agreed to support the other, no matter what Tony chose, or who; and also to step aside for the other as well – keeping their group intact at all costs. It was obvious from almost the start that Tony wanted Maxxie more, he still paid attention to Michelle but that all evaporated when Maxxie entered the room. Tony may have professed his love for Michelle before the accident, but that Tony and this one were different, same but different. Michelle had already let go, she just hadn't told Tony.

Sirens could be heard in the distance and Tony placed his spare hand over Michelle's, so that they both had fingers intertwined in Maxxie's hair. He eased himself down, until his mouth was by Maxxie's ear.

"Don't leave me Max," he whispered just loud enough for everyone to hear. The sirens grew louder and stopped but he continued. "I want you in my life, not just behind closed doors but everywhere and all the time, I love you Maxxie – come back to me Maxxie, come back."

Just as the paramedics entered the room Maxxie coughed and his eyes slowly opened, focusing immediately on Tony. Jal felt herself pushed out of the way as did the others but could see Tony refusing to relinquish his place. As the medics worked on Maxxie the blonde moved a little more; his arms shifting of their own accord and his fingers flexing to grip Tony's hand. Just before an oxygen mask was placed over his mouth his lips moved and Tony's face brightened.

Jal smiled too, she was good at lip reading from growing up around music. Quite simply Maxxie had said "Love you too".

As Maxxie was loaded into the ambulance with Tony by his side Jal felt an arm across her shoulder; Chris'. He had that satisfied yet half-away expression, as if he knew some secret happiness that no-one else understood. Anwar had draped an arm over Chris' shoulder in turn and Michelle put an arm around Jal's waist from the other side. Sid had one arm around Michelle and the other Cassie.

Jal smiled at Chris, she knew that secret too. One simple word…mates.

The end.

Notes: Growing up I have been surrounded by the most amazing and loyal friends. I often hear people talk of the unbreakable bonds of family but it is those people I choose to be with that make me who I am. Family are always there for you, but best friends want to be always there for you. When I am down, when I need help and sometimes just when I need companionable silence...you keep me honest and safe, make me laugh and teach me so much about life. I love each and every one of you.

extra note: yes I know, I gave no Cassie voice - but really, is that even possible?

My mates, this one was for you guys