The doctor returned, slowly and quietly opening the door. Alice was still wrapped up in Danny's arms as he sat down. After a moment she quickly wiped her eyes, thankful she'd not thought about make up this morning, and composed herself. Danny kept hold of her as she turned her head to the doctor.

"Do you want to see him?" The doctor asked softly.

Alice didn't answer him at first. She looked up at Danny biting her lip. She didn't know what she wanted to do, see him or not see him. Part of her told her she had to, but the other part of her said no. She wasn't sure she could face seeing him dead, she wasn't sure she could face seeing any human dead never mind her brother. She cringed when she saw a dead body or a zombie on a horror movie.

Danny looked down at her, wondering why she hadn't replied. One look at her face and he knew exactly what was wrong. She was unsure, and he wasn't surprised, she hated dead bodies on films but deep down, Alice being Alice would feel like she had too.

"You don't have to Alice." Danny murmured. "But we should probably offer the chance to Vanessa."

"Oh god, Vanessa!" Alice cried.

"Vanessa?" The doctor frowned.

"His wife." Alice replied.

"Would you like us to inform her?"

"No, I'll do it." Danny replied. Alice looked up at him. He sighed, "She's better hearing it from someone she knows."

Alice nodded. She stood up.

"Where can we find you when... well if she arrives?" Alice asked her voice still hoarse from her emotion.

"Ask at reception for Doctor Gill." The doctor replied. Danny and Alice nodded before walking off. Danny stopped at Zoe's door.

"You go in and see Zoe. I'll go ring Leopards Den, get Vanessa told." Danny smiled, he kissed her softly, tenderly, lovingly. Alice closed her eyes, savouring his touch, drawing strength from him. "I'll be back soon."

"I love you Danny." Alice told him suddenly as he began to walk away.

He turned round and smiled at her.

"I love you too."

(x)

Olivia rubbed her forehead as she walked into the kitchen. She groaned as the phone rang intolerably, why so loud? She thought as she walked over to answer it. The lines had only just been fixed and it was already at it!

"Hello Leopards Den?" Olivia answered.

"Hey Liv, it's Danny."

"Oh hi Danny, how's Zoe, Rowan?" She asked.

"Zoe's fine." Danny replied.

"Rowan?" Olivia pestered.

Danny remained uncharacteristically silent. Olivia frowned, was the line breaking up or something?

"Danny?" Olivia pestered. She could hear he was there... she could hear... heavy breathing.

"Olivia is someone else there?" Danny said finally.

"No, only Vanessa but she's in bed resting." Olivia replied, "Oh and Thabo is here. Everyone else is out clearing up."

"Put Thabo on please." Danny said in monotone.

"Just tell me." Olivia begged.

"No, Thabo." Danny replied.

Olivia shouted for Thabo and handed him the phone. He answered it nervously, wondering why Danny wanted him. Olivia stood watching, hand over her mouth.

"Thabo... I couldn't tell Liv... just couldn't. Rowan... Rowan died on the way to hospital." Danny's voice was breaking at the end of his sentence, he took a deep breath. "Vanessa... well, if she wants can come see him but..."

"Don't worry Danny, I'll sort it. Tell Alice..." Thabo walked away from Olivia. "That I'm sorry for her loss."

"Thanks Thabo... me and Alice will be home later to tell everyone, oh and ask for Dr Gill." Danny promised, "Seeya."

Thabo said his farewell before putting the phone down. Liv immediately ran up to him.

"What did he say?" Liv pestered.

"They don't know about Rowan yet." Thabo lied, hoping it worked, he'd never been able to lie but today he had to! "He said he and Alice would be back later to fill us in."

Liv looked at him for a moment before nodding and giving him a hug. Thabo returned it, holding her softly. He hated lying to her, but sometimes, the truth just had to be delayed.

(x)

Alice was sat with Matt talking to a sleeping Zoe. She was showing signs of waking up which had pleased them both considerably. Matt looked at his watch. Alice had just told Matt about Rowan.

"Alice are you ok if I go grab a drink?" Matt asked.

"Sure thing." Alice smiled as he walked off. As he opened the door, he greeted Danny with a smile and a sympathetic look as he walked off. Danny walked forward saying hello to Zoe.

"You get hold of her?" Alice asked.

"I spoke to Thabo, he's going to sort it for us." He replied. "How's Zoe?"

"She's showing signs of waking up." Alice said.

"That's good." Danny replied. He stood behind Alice, gently massaging her shoulders. She closed her eyes savouring his touch. She needed him more than ever right now. The one thing she really wanted was to get home, in their room and to just tell him everything. She was so glad he'd told her to use him. Because, if he hadn't she would have internalised. It felt strange, relying on Danny, leaning on him, but at the same time it felt good.

Matt returned some time later with a drink. Danny stood up offering to leave so they kept to the maximum limit.

"I'll go too. We should go back to Leopards Den, let people know about Rowan." Alice said. She gave Matt a hug and kissed his cheek. "Keep strong Matt."

"I will, you two Alice and hey... I'm sorry." Matt replied.

Alice nodded, she knew if she spoke she'd cry. Danny took her hand and both walked out. Alice let out a deep breath, one she'd been holding.

"Alice do you want to go up to the copy?" Danny asked.

"Copy?" Alice asked.

"Yes." Danny countered.

"But we have..."

"You're my priority Alice. I can tell... I know you need me. I can see it in your eyes." Danny replied looking down at her.

She nodded, "I do... I just need to tell you everything." Her voice broke. "Why not at home though."

"I don't want anyone to disturb." Danny sighed,

Alice nodded. "Thanks Danny, how did I get so lucky to fall in love with you?"

"I'm the lucky one, trust me." Danny replied, kissing her gently.

As they walking out Danny spotted Thabo. He pushed Alice into the gift shop quickly.

"What the...?" Alice asked.

"Thabo is here with Vanessa." Danny told her.

"I can't Danny..." Alice looked at him, tears already welling in her eyes.

"I know, why do you think I've pushed you in here!" Danny replied. "Now pretend to be buying a drink just in case!"

(x)

Vanessa nodded and said she was off to the shop to get a bottle of water.

"Danny! Alice!" She said as she saw them.

"Busted." Danny murmured in Alice's ear, "Sorry..."

"It's ok." She whispered back. "Vanessa, we're so sorry!" Alice told her, quickly handing her drink to Danny and hugging her sister in law.

"I love him." Vanessa wailed as she began to cry. Alice squeezed her eyes shut, only opening them when she was sure she'd pushed the tears away.