Chapter 64: Naming tactics

…

Magical.

If Danielle was asked for one word to describe the next couple of days, this was the one she would've used. Granted she knew she didn't have much to compare it with given her past in and with relationships, but it still felt to her more amazing than anything she'd experienced before. She'd had a couple of casual boyfriends before Adam, but they never got serious or went very far. Adam had made her feel good at the start of course, before his true colours were shown. But it was becoming clearer and clearer to her that in his own unique way, Michael really did care for her. She kept reminding herself that he, too had no experience with love, even less than she did in fact.

Doctor's Stark and Loomis were as good as their word. They were given unlimited time to talk and really get to know each other. They were only taken out into the yard for exercise when they requested it, and were only brought food and drink when requested. To Danielle, she was starting to no longer feel as though she was in a high security ward of a Psychiatric hospital, more like a luxury hotel. The unlocked room door only added to that feeling. Sure, the sounds of clinking keys and radios would tell her otherwise, but she and Michael were treated like hotel guests.

…

A few days later, Danielle was reading a book when there was a soft tap against the door. Dr Loomis had asked Michael to come with him a few minutes before, so she was currently alone. Standing, she approached the door. "Hello?"

"Hi there," said a completely unfamiliar voice. "I'm one of the guards, my name's Adam."

Instantly her senses all went into overdrive but at the same time she was thinking fast. This had to be Dr Stark's or Loomis' doing, there was no way this was a coincidence. For a man named Adam to just suddenly appear after all the time she'd been here, this was not by chance. She also knew why they'd done it. If she met a man named Adam on the street, how would she react? This had to be some kind of test to answer that very question. Part of her was briefly annoyed they hadn't warned her, but then she reasoned they couldn't warn her once she left if an Adam showed up in her life again. She assumed this meant she had indeed made progress, as the old her would've just melted into a corner in fear at the sound of the name. She also realised it wasn't this man she was afraid of, it was the flashbacks hearing the name Adam still caused even now, if her dreams were anything to go by. Even now she was struggling to fight the terror and fear away.

"Ok," she said bluntly, unsure how long she'd been silent for while these thoughts raced through her head. "So now what is your real name?" She knew it would sound like a strange, even rude question to someone who didn't know her, but right then she didn't care. She knew her doctors were being cruel to be kind as the saying went, but she still couldn't deny there was some annoyance. Meeting an Adam in the street would be one thing, but to arrange this just to test her? Talk about tough love! She reminded herself how much they cared about her and she them, so this was only for her good and of course she knew that. Still...

The man at the door chuckled softly. "My name is Adam Hughes. You're Danielle Avery, right?"

She was glaring at him suspiciously and only realised she was backing away as her legs hit the desk. She sank into one of the chairs and Adam didn't approach any closer. She couldn't deny she was grateful for this, but she still didn't trust him. "What do you want?" She asked, again without preamble.

"I wanted to meet you," the man named Adam Hughes said. She was surprised to hear he had a British accent, just as Dr Loomis did.

"Ok you've met me," she didn't face him, but turned to the desk. She knew she was being rude, but right then her guard was up, her defences on full red alert. She was fighting off the flashbacks which was trying to overtake her, knowing this was what the doctors were watching for. Had she made enough progress where hearing the name Adam did not make her go into meltdown mode? Right then she wasn't sure. "Shit," she cursed under her breath, taking a sip of water. She took a deep breath once, then a second time, trying to stay calm. She started when the gentle and warm hand rested on her shoulder.

"It's me," DR Stark murmured. "I could see your thoughts on your face. You have made progress already Danielle, huge progress. You knew why we'd done this and what we were looking for, also that we couldn't warn you if you met an Adam on the street.

"But I'm not a rude person by nature," she blinked back tears. "But my defences are up, I'm trying to block the flashbacks off! I'm not afraid of Mr. Hughes, just his fucking name!"

"I know," Dr Stark soothed, putting her arm around her.

"Does he know everything?" She whispered.

"No," her doctor said. "Just what he needs to, we asked him for help purely because his name is Adam."

Danielle nodded. "Sir?" She called softly through the door.

"Ah now," Hughes said, and even though she'd just met him, she couldn't lie she was touched by how gentle his voice was. "Until you address me without the Sir I won't answer you from now on. This time I will as it's your first. But that's the deal, ok?"

She managed a tiny smile at him. "I'm sorry for my rudeness," she said, but still wasn't able to approach him and he made no move to approach her either. "It's... not who I am."

Hughes laughed. "Oh I've had worse, believe me. You weren't rude at all, it's all good."

"Who are you? Where did you come from? I've never met you before and suddenly you just... what, pop up?"

He laughed again. "I'm one of the guards on the ward beneath this one, I was asked to come up here to help you. I am here to talk to you if and when you want, so you can talk to someone with my name and relax while doing so."

"I don't know if I can," she just managed in a whisper. "I'm sorry."

"Sure you can," Stark and Hughes said together. "You're strong Danielle," Dr Stark whispered. "The very fact you're having this conversation now should tell you something at least. But what are you going to do? Ignore every Adam you might meet in your life from now on? Adam has agreed to do this purely to help you, he hasn't asked for any extra money for being on this ward, he only knows what he needs to, if he is to know the rest it will be from you and your lips only. No one else here will tell him a thing. That is your choice and yours alone."

"So I have to talk to this guy to show progress in my treatment?" She heard a flash of the old bitterness in her voice and winced with shame, but Dr Stark was already hugging her. "No sweetheart, but we do think it will help you. We're not expecting it in five minutes, Adam will work up here for as long as you need him and no shorter. He's a good man, I've worked with him before and he genuinely wants to help you."

"So what's he supposed to do while I'm deciding whether or not to speak to him?" Now she did hear the sarcasm in her voice but couldn't help it. "Sit there and twiddle his thumbs?"

Dr Stark chuckled. "No way. Believe me, we have a lot of admin to be done up here, we can most certainly keep him busy!"

"Does Michael know?"

"Yes, Dr Loomis briefed him yesterday. Even though Michael has taken huge steps just as you have, Dr Loomis asked him for his promise he would not harm or try to harm Adam in any way while he's working with you."

Danielle whistled softly. "Wo. And?"

"Michael agreed to it, but did tell Dr Loomis he will protect you if anything did happen. Dr Loomis assured him again it would not. Adam Hughes is one of the most kind hearted men I've ever met or worked with. He is actually a Domestic Violence Worker, helping men who have been abused as well as women. It's something he feels very passionate about."

"Sorry, but this almost feels... I don't know, too convenient to be true? He's a DV Worker, his name's…Adam, he works here..."

"I know, but I can promise you it's true. He's worked in Smith's Grove for several years on the lower ward, the one beneath this one medium security. The only reason he hasn't worked up here was because he didn't want to. But he is well trained at his level. Unlike our guards, he isn't armed and only carries a baton, gas, handcuffs and a radio. But right now he's carrying none of these. He's up here exclusively to help with your treatment. Will you at least let him try for you, for me?"

Danielle sighed. "Do I have a choice?"

"Of course you do, you don't have to do anything you don't want to. Remember, you are here voluntarily now. But I honestly think you'll regret it if you don't take the chance and try. He's not Adam Dawson, he's Adam Hughes. He hates Misogyny and he's a kind, decent man. Now I know what you're thinking," she added a little sternly and Danielle gaped at her. How did she do that? "No I am not just saying this to get you to work with him, I haven't told you a single lie. Will you at least give it a shot?"

"Funny how Michael isn't here when I first meet this Adam," Danielle said, looking straight at her doctor. "That wasn't an accident was it?"

"No," Dr Stark said and again Danielle was surprised. She hadn't expected an honest answer. Her doctor chuckled and squeezed her hand. "I told you, no lies."

As if on cue, the door opened and Michael entered, Dr Loomis at his side. Michael gently pulled Danielle into his arms and she didn't have to see it to just know his cold gaze was fixed on Hughes. To his credit, Adam didn't step away. She felt herself shiver a little. God help Hughes if his intentions were bad. She sighed again. "Ok," she said to Dr Stark. "I'll give it a shot, but it'll take time."

"Of course it will, doesn't matter if it takes months. But we're all on board with this, even Michael." They heard Michael sigh softly before he kissed Danielle and nodded to the consultant. "Sir," Danielle said again.

"Your times of using that to talk to me are limited," Hughes said from by the door. "But yes, Danielle?" His tone was friendly, as if trying to put her at ease. But then, Adam Dawson had pretended to put her at ease at first and look how that'd turned out. Again, she fought the thoughts off as best she could. Adam fucking her in his car on their very first 'date,' letting her touch his ears as he did so but growling as he came. She was sure he'd said 'bitch,' but she'd attributed that to his just being sexually excited. Michael hugged her close.

"How does this work? Am I just meant to talk to you?" She desperately tried not to, but the flashbacks were too strong right then. "Sir?" She added.

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that," Hughes' voice was mock warning and Danielle felt a small drop of gratitude towards him in her heart. She knew that despite his words, from what Dr Stark had said she could call him 'Sir' as many times as she had to until she could throw off that demon entirely. She couldn't help wondering what Adam would've said if he could've heard this exchange. She couldn't help it; she smiled a little. As if detecting her thoughts, Michael squeezed her hand, then put his finger against the back of her neck and swiped it, as if cutting off her head with a knife. She smiled at him, knowing he understood. Adam couldn't hear, he wasn't there and never would be again. This was a different Adam, just sharing the name. Different intentions, different views, a different, kinder heart. That was if Dr Stark was to be believed and considering she trusted the doctor completely, she couldn't not believe her. She knew the doctors would never ever lead her into danger. It was due to her trust of Dr Stark, and this alone she was agreeing to this. Yes it would help with her treatment, but the doctors obviously wanted her to try, so she would, for them as much as her.

"We'll talk whenever you want to," Adam said. "About what and whenever you want. I am working days nine to five, but if our conversations go later, that's fine too. I'm also more than willing to talk with you over coffee, even food if you want. It's entirely at your pace and your call when and what happens."

"Right now I don't trust you," she said bluntly.

"Just because of my name?" Hughes asked and as she thought about this she began to feel guilty. It wasn't his fault he'd been named Adam.

"I... sorry," she blushed, but Hughes hushed her.

"No, I totally understand. I'm not offended, I'm just sad for you I completely understand after everything you've been through. It sounds like you haven't had it easy."

At this she did chuckle. "I think that's the understatement of the century!"

Hughes laughed with her. "Maybe, I apologise. I know he made your life hell. How's that?"

She turned back to Dr Stark. "But this is stupid and makes no sense," she protested. "If he's up here exclusively to help me, I'll bet he's wearing a fucking suit and tie, right?"

"No," Dr Stark put an arm around her now along with Michael. "He's just wearing trousers and a shirt. Normally he would wear a suit if not guarding, but we specifically asked him not to for that very reason. Same with the equipment, the last thing we wanted you to feel was intimidated."

"Just his name does that," she muttered. "But I guess that's not his fault. In fact, hell I know it isn't! Doesn't make it any easier though."

"What about when you told Dawson to go to hell?" Dr Stark smiled. "That was easy, right?"

At this she couldn't help smiling back a little. "Yeah ok," she admitted. "I was just so fucking angry and I'd had enough of being his toy. I didn't even know rescue was that close at that point either."

"So what does that tell you? That alone should show you've made progress, which is one of the reasons we've done this now. It was Dr Loomis who suggested it and the first thing we did was speak to Michael about it. Apart from anything else he's your partner now and we wanted him on board with us."

"Thanks," she said gratefully, realising she meant it. "That does mean a lot to me. But I don't understand the nine to five part. You want this to work as treatment, but what if I need to talk to him for some reason and he's not around?"

"We've already thought of that too," Dr Stark was smiling, she could hear it in her voice. "If you're willing, you can take his phone number. That way if you need him day or night, even if it's just to say Adam, you can text or call him. He will not have your number until you are ready to give it then either."

"But that's not fair on him!" She blurted out. "What if he's asleep or something?"

They heard Adam chuckling from outside the room. "I sleep rubbish Danielle; chances are I'll be awake. Don't you worry about me."

"But what about your wife, partner?"

"You're a sweetheart, but my wife knows the job I do and is used to me being on call, it's totally ok. So you don't need to worry there either."

"Can I have some time to think?" She asked.

"Of course," Adam said immediately. "No rush at all."

Dr Stark took Danielle's phone and input Adam's number into it for her. Danielle thanked her, but doubted she'd be using it anytime soon. "Press the call button if you want me to come back," Dr Stark squeezed her again and stood up. "We'll serve you dinner very soon. If you want Adam, let me know too."

The heavy corridor door closed behind them. She picked up her water glass, taking a long sip. She leant against the soft wall and let out a long breath. "Whew," she murmured after a few moments. She had to admit Dr Stark and Dr Loomis were clever with their treatment tactics. Had they had this guard Adam Hughes in waiting since she'd arrived? Of course she'd probably never know that, but if so why hadn't they tried earlier? Were they worried she'd try to kill herself again if she came into contact with another Adam? Would she have? Of course she would and could never know. Or maybe they'd bought him up now specifically because Dawson was dead and could no longer harm her, waiting until such time when she was completely out of danger from him. She heard Michael take his seat in the chair opposite her, clearly detecting she needed space to think. She smiled at him gratefully then leant back into the double leather sofa and the soft wall padding and sighed. Maybe, could having a coffee with him really do that much damage? In spite of being named Adam, his surname was Hughes, not Dawson. He'd probably never even heard of Adam Dawson until he was asked to help her. If it was indeed true he was a DV worker, surely he was exactly who could help her along with Stacey? She wondered if she should consult Stacey, ask her what she thought. But she soon dismissed that idea. No, she was stronger now, this was something she could deal with by herself. Not only that, she had the doctors and now Michael working with her.

A few moments later, two guards entered silently with dinner, clearly not wanting to interrupt Was it that obvious she was thinking? Then again, they were trained for this. "Thanks," she said quietly, as they laid a pasta carbonara in front of her, another of her favourites. "Welcome," said William's voice and he briefly squeezed her shoulder before leaving.

"Damn it," she said out loud, her thoughts all over the place. "Sneaky but clever bastards."

She had to give the doctors credit, they knew exactly what they were doing and the timing definitely was no co-incidence. She sighed again. "Could a coffee really hurt?" She asked herself, still speaking out loud. "I mean, it's not like he can hurt me here, there's guards everywhere. Plus, I have to admit they're right on this, he's not him." Glancing at her phone she checked the time. It was 04:30. Hughes would be leaving in half an hour. She sighed again, tapping her fingers absently on the desk. Was she ready for this? But what was she doing really? Nothing except having a chat with another man named Adam. It wasn't like they were going to be in a relationship or something was it? She really wanted to ask Michael what he thought, but wasn't sure how. As if reading her mind, maybe he had? Michael came and sat beside her putting his arms around her. She leant against his shoulder, hearing the beat of his heart. "What do I do?" She whispered. "They sure as shit know what they're doing, got to give them that." Michael held her tighter with one arm and she felt him pull out his phone. A few seconds later he replied.

Are you asking me that question?

"Yes," she murmured. "What do you think, babes? If they'd done this months earlier I'd fucking hate them!" Michael leant in and placed her hands on his ears. She smiled weakly at him. "It's only because I trust Dr Stark so much I'm even considering this! Before I'd have told her to fuck herself." He kissed her softly before replying.

That is entirely up to you of course. I would never try to make a decision for you. I can understand your fears, but I, like you genuinely believe the doctors want to help you. I will work with them on this because I too trust them, but if Hughes does anything he shouldn't or tries to use his name to harm you in any way including mentally, he'll regret it.

"Please don't?" She heard herself saying. "The last thing I want is you to be locked in solitary or something for making an attempt on his life! I need you, Michael. I already think he probably and I mean probably means well. He just has to prove it."

He sighed, but squeezed her, which she took as his silent ok.

So are you? Going to do this?

She nodded. "Yes, I guess one coffee or something won't hurt. But if he's expecting me to call him Adam at the first go, he's got another thing coming. I know that's his and their eventual goal and I can't lie, I do appreciate what they're doing. That took thought on their part, even though for me it was one hell of a shock at first. Automatically my senses all went into high alert as soon as I heard his name."

Understandable.

Quickly before she could hesitate any further or chicken out, she reached over and pressed the call button. Dr Stark was there a few seconds later.

"Ok," Danielle said bluntly to her doctor. "I'll try this. I can't deny, though I wanted to, that this was clever and took thought on yours and Dr Loomis' part. You got someone specifically named Adam to help me. But I want some honesty, please. Is he really a Domestic Violence worker?"

"Yes, he honestly is. He's actually won awards for all the help he's given people, men and women alike."

"Can I speak to him, please? Or has he left by now?"

"No, he's still here. Hang on."

A few seconds later she heard Adam's voice. "Hey Danielle, did you want me?"

"Mr. Hughes," she started and mentally applauded herself. That was better than 'Sir' anyway. "I agree I'll talk to you, go for a coffee with you or something, but if you're expecting me to use your name to your face, you've got another thing coming."

"Hey no worries," Hughes said, his tone as friendly as ever. "It would be nice if it happened someday, but it'll take as long as it takes."

"Is that your eventual goal, to get me to use it?"

"It would certainly help with your recovery, I can't help you if you meet an Adam in the street and you're scared to use his name otherwise, can I?"

At this she couldn't help a small smile. It wasn't his fault he was named Adam, and he did seem to be a genuinely nice guy. To distrust him just because of his name did seem a little unfair and harsh now she'd thought about it. "Fair point."

"So when would you like this coffee? We can do it now if you like?"

"It's almost 5 Mr. Hughes. Don't you have a place to be?"

"As I told you, it's the nature of my work. I stay as long as people need me. Do you want that coffee now? Your other half is more than welcome to join us of course."

She guessed Adam would've cleared this with the doctors before saying it. Slowly she stood up and Michael did the same.

The three of them headed into the patients canteen and Michael got his and Danielle's drinks, while Adam got his. He also brought them both back a huge piece of chocolate cake. "Wow," Danielle said when she felt it. "That's huge and don't those cost from your own pocket?"

"No worries, please enjoy both of you."

Trying to sweeten us up? Danielle thought. He knows Michael's dangerous, and me? Is he going to show his true colours later when Michael isn't here? Mind, Adam Dawson could've bought Michael a whole damn cake and he still would've died!

"It's a gift," Hughes said. Jesus. Could he read her that easily? Nothing more or less. I have no ulterior motive."

She gaped at him. "Sorry, I mean shit! That obvious?"

Hughes laughed, a real, genuine laugh. "You forget what I do for a job. Yes to me it was obvious. I work with people day in day out who are always suspecting ulterior motives in anything I say or do."

"I… I'm sorry," she blushed. Hughes reached across the table and lightly touched her arm. "No apology needed, none at all. So Danielle, tell me about yourself?"

She was always caught off guard when anyone asked her this question, her mind immediately going blank? "Uh, what would you like to know? I never know what to say when someone asks me that," she muttered.

Hughes chuckled. "Whatever you like."

"Well my name's Danielle Hayward… uh I mean Avery…" she blushed. "I was recently adopted."

"That's wonderful!" Hughes exclaimed and he sounded so genuinely happy about it she couldn't stop herself smiling slightly at him again. Might want to stop this or I might start trusting you… But of course that was his whole aim.

"Thanks. So am I. I was adopted by my best friend's parents. She's more of a sister than a friend, or should I say she always has been. Now she really is my sister!" She thought for a moment. "I've been totally blind since birth, my biological parents hated that fact, hence why they abandoned me. I've studded music and English literature at college… um I'm not sure what else. I got badly abused by your namesake in every way imaginable and ended up here after I tried to kill myself." She wasn't sure whether the 'namesake' remark was a jab or not. But Hughes took it in his stride.

"I'm really sorry, no one deserves to be abused in any way, particularly not Domestic abuse. That's why I took it as a job. I feel really passionately about it and it's my mission in life to do my bit to stop it and protect those victims I can."

Bit fucking late now.

Again Hughes seemed to detect what she was thinking and she winced with shame. "I work with Stacey Allard Danielle, the DV worker who's worked with you. In fact, I trained her."

"Really?"

Danielle didn't see it of course when Hughes pulled out a phone and tapped out a message. Within minutes the door of the canteen opened. "Oh my gosh hi Adam!" It was Stacey's voice. "What are you…" She stopped speaking then and Danielle knew it was because she'd just seen her and Michael. She could almost see the light clicking on in Stacey's head as the puzzle all fit. "Ah," she said simply. "Hey Danielle, Michael! Adam here's a great guy, he trained me to know everything I know! You couldn't be in safer hands!" Stacey stepped up to her and whispered so only she and Michael heard, and her words confirmed to Danielle she'd been right. Everything had indeed clicked in the DV worker's head. "His name is just his name, he's the total opposite of him."

Stacey didn't stay long following this exchange, but it told Danielle all she needed to know. Stacey was on board and would also help her, and she was also almost certain she'd also been briefed by Stark and or Loomis.

About half an hour later they started heading back towards Danielle's and Michael's room. Danielle still wasn't sure what she thought of Hughes but did know she still didn't trust him. They'd just entered the corridor when they heard running footsteps and William's urgent voice. "We need to get him first aid, now!"

Danielle only realised Michael had released her arm when Hughes gently took it. Stark was right, he was just wearing a shirt not a full suit thank God. None of them saw Michael move, he moved so quietly but fast. She could hear someone gasping in pain, then William's voice, this time shocked but full of… awe? Gratitude?

"T… Thanks, Michael."

"It's Ryan," Hughes said to Danielle quietly. "He's got a very nasty cut across his face which is bleeding badly. Michael's just lifted him up and is now carrying him."

Danielle's heart sank. Although she didn't know Ryan as well as the rest, she still liked and trusted him. She was also almost sure something had happened between him and Michael, some bond had been formed between them. But she didn't ask, it wasn't her place or business to know, unless one of them chose to tell her. "Is he ok?" She yelled.

"He's just passed out," William said. Unable to stop herself, Danielle did something then that only guards were supposed to do. Reaching forward, she smashed one of the red alarm buttons on the wall, shattering out the glass with one punch. Instantly the siren blared out. Within seconds, guards were running towards them.

"Get a stretcher!" One shouted and within seconds one was in front of them.

"Who pulled the alarm? Why wasn't it pulled sooner?" It was Dr Loomis' voice. It was clear from his tone he wanted answers and wanted them now.

"I only just saw him," William said, his face deathly white. "Before I could pull the alarm," he glanced over at Danielle. "Danielle did it for me." A few seconds later the alarm went silent.

"Thank you Danielle," Dr Loomis said. "That was quick thinking on your part. We appreciate it." If Danielle needed reminding she was no longer there as a locked in patient but rather voluntarily it was that. She was sure that if she'd pulled the alarm in the earlier days even for good reason, she would've got put in solitary or something. Hughes and Danielle ran over to them, as Michael lowered Ryan gently to the stretcher. At that moment Ryan's eyes opened and he put out a hand clearly disorientated. When Hughes whispered in her ear, Danielle could hardly believe what she heard, it made her eyes fill with tears.

"Ryan's disorientated and scared I think, he just put a hand out as one does when in that state and Michael's just taken it."

"What…" Ryan's voice was weak, almost slurred. "I…"

"It's ok Ryan," Dr Loomis murmured. Ryan looked over his shoulder at Michael, who squeezed his hand once. "That…" Ryan swallowed and immediately Danielle produced a bottle of water from her bag. "Here," she held it out and someone took it from her.

"Thanks Danielle," Ryan said weakly after taking a sip. "That fucking Greggory." Just his name sent a shiver up Danielle's spine, perhaps even more than the name Adam did. "I… I got too close as he lashed out, his fucking sharp nails got me right in the fucking face! Someone needs to cut those motherfuckers! He's dangerous enough without them!"

"I'll see to it," Dr Loomis said immediately, as a nurse appeared. "We'll sedate him for it if necessary. In the meantime, go with nurse Stanton here and get yourself looked at you hear? No arguments Ryan! I saw you open your mouth doubtless to say you're ok, but you'll do as I say!"

Before Ryan could even answer, nurse Stanton was pushing the stretcher away. "Stop," Ryan begged, just a minute?"

Stanton did so and Ryan spoke again. "Mr. Myers?"

The silent killer turned. "Thanks man," Ryan sounded close to tears if Danielle's ears weren't deceiving her. "That's the second time you've helped me out. Damn you're so quiet yet so quick, if I was your enemy I'd be fucking terrified!"

Danielle smiled grimly. She understood that alright. "Michael's just stepped up to him," Hughes whispered. "They just shook hands. Michael's just held up a message which I think is telling Ryan to call him Michael, not Mr. Myers."

Even now Danielle could still hardly believe her ears. Was all this really because of her influence? Michael saving Rick's life, helping Ryan twice? That was when the gentle hand touched her shoulder. "Yes it is," said Dr Loomis' voice in her ear. "It is all because of you, Danielle Avery."

"How the hell do you do that?" She asked him, for one of many times. As usual, Dr Loomis just chuckled. Michael came back to her side as Ryan was pushed away and unable to stop herself, she reached up and hugged him as tightly as she could. His arms closed tightly around her in turn, to the soft sound of applause from the onlookers.

"I fucking adore you Michael Myers," she said clearly so everyone heard. "I love you so much it almost hurts!" His soft and lingering kiss and the cheers of the others were all the answer she needed right then.