Author's Note: Eeeeep! 2 chapters up in one day! this is what happens on a long weekend with nothing to do. please review! One of my fav chapters so far, what do you think?

Chapter 7

"Just Friends"

The next night:

Tony stood outside Michelle's hospital room to find her sound asleep. He hadn't seen her for a good 18 hours as things had been crazy at CTU. Plus he wasn't sure if she wanted to see him.

Dr. Bradford had just informed Tony they were ready to release her, sooner than they had planned. She was responding remarkably well to treatment, and thought she would do even better when she was more comfortable.

He walked inside the dark room and began to silently gather her things. He wanted her to sleep as long as possible before they would have to make the painful trip home. But Michelle began to stir and woke up. Tony turned on a light and Michelle looked at him, feeling very awkward about what she had said to him earlier.

"Hi" she said groggily. "What's going on?"

Tony sat on the edge of her bed. "Hey, sorry if I woke you, but I've got great news. The doctors are going to release you because you're doing so well. I was just getting your stuff together."

"That's great. I was getting tired of this place." She tried to sit up but winced. Tony immediately helped her get comfortable and put a pillow behind her head.

"But…" he continued. "They want someone to watch you for a few days while you get over this hump, so I've taken the next few days off to stay with you."

Michelle was shocked. "What? You're taking off of work to stay with me?"

Tony nodded. "Yeah. You seemed surprise…"

"Well, just slightly. It's just that you haven't taken a day off of work since I've known you, and God knows how long before that! I just forget sometimes you actually have a life outside of CTU."

Tony laughed. He needed that one…bad. "Well yes, I do. But that's okay with you? I don't know if you'd rather have a friend stay or…"

"No no, actually you're really the only friend I've made since I've moved to LA. Most of my friends are back in Seattle."

Tony was actually kind of surprised Michelle considered him a friend. He was glad, definitely, but surprised that he was the only one she had in the area.

"Are you sure you can take off for that long, though? I mean, CTU needs you here."

"Yes, I'm positive. You're right, I haven't taken a day off in 3 years, but I want to do this. And by the looks of things, CTU has this under control, at least for a few days. Besides, if a real emergency ever does come up, I'm only 10 minutes away.

Michelle smiled slightly. He hadn't seen her do that in a long time. "So…I'm going home with you then?"

"Well I had planned on staying at your place, I thought you might be more comfortable there. Unless you'd rather stay at my apartment, that's fine."

"To be honest…I'd rather be here then my apartment. I hate it there. It's cold, cheap, dingy…and full of bad memories. Any place is better than there."

Tony nodded. "That's fine with me. Although I will warn you, my place is no bachelor pad either."

Michelle laughed, and clutched her stomach. "Ow, I keep forgetting about that."

"I'm sorry, I'll try to not make you laugh."

"You're making it worse, you know that, right?"

Tony winked. "I try." He stood up and continued to collect her belongings. He found the clothes she had been wearing to work the day before and called a nurse in to help her get changed. "You go ahead and get ready and I'll collect my stuff, and then we can head out."

It took Michelle over 20 minutes to get changed. Tony wondered what was taking so long, he hoped everything was okay. Afterwards she was fitted with a cast for her arm and shoulder. By the time he walked back into her room she was sitting in a wheelchair ready to go.

When he walked back into the room Michelle blushed involuntarily. "I'm sorry, this is just really embarrassing for you to see me in a wheelchair."

"No, don't be embarrassed! We'll take the back way out so no one sees you, no worries." When he wheeled her out Michelle was overwhelmed at how sweet he was being. Never in her life had someone treated her with such delicacy, such care. Tony looked at her as if she was the most precious thing in the world, and she loved it. Deep inside, Michelle knew he was a genuinely good person, and an even better man. He was more honorable and courteous than any man she had ever met.

After he helped her into the car, the ride home began with silence. It was after 11 pm, and both of them were exhausted. Finally, Michelle couldn't take it.

"I'm sorry" she blurted out. Tony looked at her confused, but before he could say anything she continued. "I'm sorry about everything. About what I said before, yelling at you. You're honestly one of my best friends Tony, and I didn't mean what I said. I was just upset, and you were too, we were both just tired. I was never mad at you, I knew you were only trying to take care of me. I was just…so overwhelmed with everything that had happened, I needed someone to take out my anger and frustration on, and you were the closest punching bag."

Tony looked at her and smiled. He took her hand in his over the SUV console. "Michelle, don't be sorry. I completely understand, I shouldn't have even said anything to begin with. I know you made the right choice, I was just being an asshole because I was frustrated too. I felt…guilty and responsible that this happened to you. And I shouldn't have made you upset while you were still trying to absorb anything. None of this is your fault."

Michelle reciprocated his smile. "Thank you" she said quietly, and rested her head against the seat cushion. She hoped Tony wouldn't let go of her hand, but did to make the sharp turn onto the highway. She folded her hand back into her lap. It had never felt so empty.

"So did the doctors ever tell you the extent of your injuries?" Tony asked.

She nodded. "Yes, after you left." She stared out the side window and began to cry silently. Tony looked over at her and saw the tears running down her cheeks. Immediately he pulled over onto the shoulder of the highway and leaned over to her.

"Hey, what's the matter, are you okay? Are you in pain? Is everything all right? Michelle, please talk to me, what's wrong?"

Michelle looked at him and it only made the tears fall faster. "I…I…"

Her entire body began to shake. Tony pulled her into him and rocked her back and forth. She convulsed even harder and Tony shushed into her ear. He rubbed her hair and whispered soothing words. Michelle pulled back and looked at him in the eyes. His intense gaze made her feel raw from the inside out. He saw right through to the depths of her soul.

"I…" she sputtered out. She ripped her eyes away from his gaze but Tony only put a hand on her chin and forced her to look him in the eyes. Her insides felt like they were being shredded apart.

"The doctors told me I can't have a baby" she whispered. She buried her face into Tony's chest and he held her close, one hand in her hair, the other on her lower back. "All I've ever wanted in life…the only thing I've ever wanted…was to have a baby one day. I only wanted to fall in love…get married…and, and…"

Tony shushed her. "Oh Michelle." He pulled her back and forced her to look into his eyes.

"Listen to me; nothing is definite. The doctors don't know anything yet, so don't jump to any conclusions. You can still have a child. I promise you, you will have a child in the future if you want to. Anything is possible. There are so many options out there, and you still don't know anything yet, you need to stay positive and not assume the worst, okay? Promise me."

Michelle nodded. "I promise. Thank you."

Tony hugged her one last time. "No problem. Now come on, let's grab a bite to eat and go home. I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted."

Michelle smiled to herself as Tony pulled back onto the highway. Two minutes ago, she was an emotional wreck, and all Tony had to do was tell her to do something or believe something…and she was fine. It almost scared her how much power and control this one guy had over her.

They stopped for a burger and ate it on the ride home. Both of them were ravenous.

When they got back to Tony's place, he ran over to Michelle's side of the car and helped her out. Together, they walked slowly over to the elevator. Michelle was wobbly on her feet from the beating and hadn't walked in two days.

When they finally entered Tony's apartment, he quickly sat Michelle down on the couch and ran around trying to clean the place up. He had forgotten what a mess he had left it. Michelle observed her new surroundings and fell in love. His apartment was surprising large, yet perfectly cozy. It smelt like him and his cologne, full of comfort and warmth. It had one bedroom and one bathroom, with a big kitchen and cozy sitting area when you first walked in. The walls were painted an inviting yellow and decorated with pictures of Tony's friends and family. Michelle looked at each one and smiled. There were pictures of him as a child, at his brother's wedding, with his mother, him hanging out with some friends. She saw him graduate college, the Marines, and was captivated at a candid picture of him holding a baby. He seemed nervous and unsure, yet confident that he would provide for it. He had a huge smile on his face, and Michelle couldn't help but smile too. He seemed so natural, it wasn't anything like he was at work. She could picture Tony being a great father one day.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Tony walking back into the living room. "Okay, so I've got the bed all made, and I guess I'll give you a pair of pajamas for tonight until I get a chance to stop off at your place to pick up some stuff you'll need tomorrow. What you looking at?"

She pointed to the picture. "The picture of you holding that baby."

Tony smiled and looked at it himself. "Yeah, that's the first time I met my nephew, Joshua. He was the first baby I had ever held, I was so nervous."

Michelle smiled. "Really? You seem so natural in the photo. He's absolutely adorable."

"Yeah, he's pretty cute. He just turned 4 last month, too. I sent him one of those little black trucks he can drive around in and a plastic walkie-talkie. He kept talking about how he wanted to be a 'secret agent' like his Uncle Tony."

Michelle laughed out loud. "That's so funny. I have a niece and nephew too, and whenever I visit they make me show them karate moves."

Tony smiled and led Michelle into the bedroom. "Wait, where are you going to sleep? I don't want to take your bedroom…"

Tony interrupted her midsentence. "Don't even. The couch has a pull out bed that I'll sleep on. You missy, need to sleep on an actual bed, not a pull out or one of those stupid hospital cots, so you can get better."

Michelle smiled a little. He really was taking good care of her. The walls of the bedroom were painted a light blue and reflected the scenes of a beach. Just being in the room made Michelle feel relaxed. "Wow…you've got a really nice place here."

Tony smiled back. "Thanks. Out here is the deck…" he pointed to a sliding door. "It's really nice to just sit out there in the morning."

Then Tony began rifling through his drawers and finally pulled out a T-shirt and a pair of sweat pants. "Um, here I guess you can just wear these for now." He seemed to get a little awkward when he handed them to her, unsure of what to do. Michelle laughed a little to herself. He was adorable when he got embarrassed.

"Um, so would you like a cup of coffee or something? I can go put on a pot…"

Michelle nodded. "I'd love some. But before you go, though I...need a little help."

Tony stopped and looked at her. He was truly confused. Then Michelle looked down at her arm and Tony realized what she was talking about. He got a little flustered. "Oh, right, the cast. Um…"

Michelle interrupted him. "I just need a some help getting my top off, then I'm okay. Is…that alright with you?"

Tony shook his head. "No, no it's fine, I'm here to help." He walked toward her and gently tried to pull her arm out of the shirt. It took them several minutes but finally he managed to get both arms out of the shirt. His face at this point was bright red. Michelle tried to stay calm. He slowly pulled her top over her head, revealing her lacy bra and bruised stomach. He noticed that the top of her breasts had bruises on them, too. Tony did his best not to look at either and pretend everything was normal. He grabbed the large tee shirt and pulled it over her head and got both arms through. Michelle looked down at the shirt and laughed, breaking the tension that was building between them.

"Oh my God, another piece of Cubs memorabilia?" she said after she saw the cute little bear holding a baseball bat and dressed in the classic uniform. "Seriously, Tony?"

"Hey!" he said defensively. "That happens to be my favorite shirt. You should feel honored you're even wearing it."

This made Michelle laugh even harder. Tony began to laugh too. Finally, they could be themselves now that the awkwardness had past. When their laughing died down Michelle looked up at him. "Thanks. I've got it from here." Tony nodded and smiled slightly, then hustled out of the door.

A few minutes later Michelle appeared in the kitchen wearing the Cubs tee and a pair of black sweatpants that were extra-large on her. She had to tie the side with a hair tie to keep them from falling down. Tony turned around from pouring their coffee and laughed at the sight of her.

"Wow. You're smaller than I thought. Those pants are tight on me."

She smiled back. "Hey, not everyone is as big as you. Don't hate on the little people of the world."

He smiled as he handed her her coffee. She gratefully took the mug and sat down on his couch.

"Ugh" she grunted as she tried to sit Indian-style.

"You okay?" he asked coming over to her.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just still really sore."

He sat down next to her. "Did you want to take any more pain meds?"

"Nah, I already took some" she giggled.

Tony smirked. He took a sip of his coffee then took Michelle's and set it down on the table in front of them. A few minutes of silence lasted between them before Michelle tiredly said,

"Thank you."

Tony looked over at her. "For what?"

"For…that. For everything. I really appreciate you helping me out, it means the world to me. You really are a great friend."

Tony smiled softly."You're welcome. I'd help you anytime, you know that." He was…a good friend. That's what he was.

"Yes, well, I mean you're really helping me out now. I'm sorry for putting you in that awkward position before, having to help me get changed and all…"

Tony interrupted her before his face turned bright red again. "Don't even mention it. I volunteered to help you out, and that's what I'm going to do. And don't think that this will make our relationship at work awkward or anything. Everyone knows you're situation, and won't think you staying here means anything more than what it is; just two friends helping each other out."

Michelle nodded. "Yes, but our relationship won't change either, right?"

Tony nodded firmly. "Of course not. We'll keep this completely professional."

Michelle took in a deep breath and winced a little at the pain. "Okay…great."

Tony smiled softly. "Yes…great."

"Damn." Michelle thought to herself.

"Damn." Tony thought to himself.

After watching a little TV Tony noticed Michelle had fallen asleep on the couch. He stood up and walked over to her. "Michelle…Michelle…"

She was out cold. "Probably the pain meds" Tony thought. He'd hate to wake her, it just didn't seem right. He looked back at the bedroom door and at her. He couldn't just leave her there…

After deliberating, Tony took a deep breath and scooped Michelle up into his arms. In the warmth of his embrace, she sighed and nuzzled her face into his chest. Tony looked down at her in his arms and his heart started pounding. He walked to the bedroom and laid her down on the bed. He tucked her in, and she moaned softly. Tony looked at her and thought his chest was going to explode. "Good night, Michelle" he whispered softly.

He walked out of the room, shut the door behind him, and took a deep breath. "Get a hold of yourself, Almeida" he thought.

He took off his shirt and pants and laid in the pull out bed in only his boxers, like normal. He laid there in the dark thinking about Michelle. Tony couldn't get her off his mind. He fell asleep thinking about her, dreaming about her…

He woke up with a start and heard screaming coming from the other room. Immediately he flew out of bed, threw on his pants and ran into the bedroom. "Michelle?" he yelled.

Tony saw her on the bed, screaming and writhing beneath the sheets. "No, no stop it! Don't touch me, let go of me! Please, stop, you're hurting me!"

He ran to the edge of the bed and put his hand shook her shoulder. "Michelle, wake up, Michelle!" Her eyes flew open and she sat upright. Her face was dripping with sweat, and she panted heavily. She looked like she had been running. Michelle looked fearfully at Tony, and burst into tears. Her entire body shook violently, and Tony had no idea what to do. His face held as much fear as hers did.

He sat down on the bed and held her to his bare chest. Michelle wasn't even thinking, she was scared out of her mind. She pressed herself into him and cried hysterically. She beat his chest pitifully with closed fists, and sobbed. Tony held her close to him and rocked her back and forth. "Ssh, ssh ssh. It was only a dream, it was just a dream. You're okay, I'm here, it's alright. It was just a dream." He put his face into her hair and closed his eyes. He began to cry a little, too.

Michelle felt secure beneath his muscular arms. The heat of his bare body soothed her aching heart and soul. The chill she had felt from the inside warmed as her skin did.

Soon her crying slowed to a stop, but Tony continued to rock her. Her breathing remained uneven, but Tony still held her until that died as well. Finally she fell back asleep into his chest, and Tony still rocked her. He looked down her face; it was tear stained, red, and full of pain. Her eyes were squeezed shut, and her face looked like it had just seen horror. But he still held her until it relaxed and she was in a deep sleep.

Her breathing steadied but she still clung to him. Tony fell asleep, and remembered "we're good friends, just good friends…"