Within his sight

by Whistle-78

After a totally blind teenager is committed to Smith's Grove having attempted suicide following horrific domestic abuse, the only cell available is the one right next door to the masked and silent killer Michael Myers. But as time passes, something slowly begins to form between the two. Meanwhile, her abuser has absolutely no intention of letting her go.

67. For his eyes only

Chapter 67, for his eyes only

…

"Sorry, I honestly don't know what came over me," Danielle said as she, Michael, Rick, Joanne and Adam sat in the exercise yard on the two benches beside the waterfall, which was again set to Danielle's favourite setting. "I was just so angry with that bitch Wordsworth, and maybe a little too confident because you," she hugged Michael tightly. "Told me you love me with your voice so others could hear."

"Yes," Hughes growled. "Stacey told me about that this morning. She won't give up. Wordsworth is completely incorrect, and Stacey is working as we speak to legally prove that. Don't you worry, you will get every dime you are owed and more because Stacey Allard is involved.

"Are you saying that purely because you trained her?" Danielle chuckled. Hughes laughed. "As if! No seriously, she's damn good at her job and she will fight this to the end, otherwise it would be a total miscarriage of justice. But now tell me, you're apologising for… what? I'm thrilled, Danielle. Absolutely thrilled. If you have to be angry to say my name, I know who I will keep arguing with!" The others chuckled.

"Do you think you can say it again?" Hughes asked, his voice gentle. "Now?"

"I…" she hesitated, and Michael hugged her close. Adam reached forward as he was sitting on Danielle's other side, took her hand in his and squeezed it. Still in Michael's arms, she turned to face him. "Hi," she said softly, still holding his hand. "Hi, Adam."

"Yay!" Adam cheered, as did Rick and Joanne. Michael kissed her again. She still didn't release his hand. "Adam," she said again, very softly. "It's nice to meet you too, Adam."

Now Hughes did hug her with Michael, giving her a genuine happy laugh. "Oh Danielle, it's lovely to meet you too! It really is! Now, I have a little present for you."

"Huh?" She asked. Adam lowered his head, so she was touching his ears. She blushed bright red and heard the others including Adam chuckling. "Ah!" Hughes exclaimed. "That tickles!"

"So how are Adam's ears?" Joanne asked. Danielle's heart filled with affection for Hughes, now she couldn't help it. "Miss ear judge told me I have 'small and cute' ears, Adam."

"Yeah," Rick said. "I had 'medium sized and normal,'" he reached forward and poked Danielle's knee. "Ears." Michael raised a piece of paper and Joanne read it aloud.

Apparently, mine are 'sexy as all hell.'

Hughes burst out laughing. "Um they're very small," she said, still blushing.

"You could fry an egg on your face right now," said Dr Stark's voice and Danielle could hardly believe what she was hearing. For the first time since she'd known her, Dr Stark sounded as though she was in tears. Michael released her as did Adam, allowing Dr Stark to hug her. "Oh Danielle, I'm so, so proud of you! Very, very well done! Do you think you could say it again?"

Reaching forward, Danielle again took Adam's hand. It was as though it was a lifeline, and she didn't dare say it without this physical sign from him, at least, not yet. He squeezed it tightly, then to her total shock, gently pulled her into a hug. She took a deep breath and could not believe it when he moved so she felt his face. He had short stubble across his cheeks and short spikey hair. She couldn't stop herself touching his ears again. "Hi," he murmured to her.

"Hi," she said back. "Hi… Adam."

This time Rick, Adam, Joanne, Dr Stark and Michael all applauded, but Danielle also heard others.

"Oh my God you go girl!" said Jack's voice. "Yay, Danielle! You are so strong and so damn awesome!"

"Very well done," said Rick and again Danielle's heart swelled with love, hearing both guards sounded emotional as they spoke. "So, so proud of you!"

"As am I," said Dr Loomis voice. "Amazing, Danielle."

Now she was crying herself but only realised this when Adam gently wiped her eyes with soft tissues. "I'm sorry," she sniffled. "I just… fuck I don't know how I feel right now! I just feel… so… happy? Good? Accomplished?"

"So you should!" Joanne said. Adam released her and Rick and Jack moved into hug her as well. That was when all seven of them heard the soft male voice which spoke then. "I am so proud of you too, Danielle. I love you."

Dr Loomis' eyes widened, and he stared at Michael in total shock. The others all smiled. "Wo," Dr Loomis managed eventually. "I… I always wondered what your voice sounded like, Michael."

"I've heard it several times," Danielle said affectionately as Jack released her, and Michael pulled her tightly into his arms and kissed her twice. "But I didn't want to tell anyone."

"That makes sense," Dr Stark said. Michael released her with one arm and Joanne told her he'd just shaken both doctors' hands.

"Would you?" Dr Loomis asked Michael quietly. Michael raised another message and when Joanne read it aloud, they all started laughing, including Dr Loomis.

I'm not your performing monkey.

"Fair enough," Dr Loomis chuckled, but he was then stopped as Michael turned towards him. "Hello, Dr Loomis."

"Hello Michael," Dr Loomis said, again shaking his patient's hand. "It's nice to finally hear from you."

"He has a sexy voice, doesn't he?" Danielle smirked at Joanne and Dr Stark who both laughed, Dr Stark whistled at her, making her smile even wider.

"I can't say I'd know either way," Jack, Dr Loomis, Adam and Rick all said together, making Danielle laugh all over again. Adam stepped forward and held out his hand to Michael. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Myers." Michael hesitated for a moment, then slowly extended his own and took Hughes' offered hand in a firm shake, before holding up his piece of paper again.

Thank you for all your help, Adam. Also, please call me Michael.

"Wow," Adam said weakly. "I never thought I'd get a personal message from Michael Myers himself! Throat slashed maybe, but…"

Rick grinned at the other man. "I said exactly the same thing the first time our good friend here wrote to me too!"

"I think this warrants a celebration," Dr Loomis said. "Adam, Michael, Joanne, Rick, Jack, Dr Stark, Danielle, I will see you in meeting room two at 6PM, as I know you've all just had lunch. I will speak to the kitchens and called the backup guards. I think there are going to be more buttons pressed, food and drink and microphones to speak into for you."

Tears rushed to her eyes. "I… Dr Loomis, thank you so much!"

"You deserve it," Dr Loomis said simply before walking away.

"Indeed, you do," Dr Stark agreed.

…

They walked back to their cell and as soon as they were alone, Michael kissed her repeatedly and put her hands on his ears, whistling softly. She could not believe what she'd just been able to do, maybe she should be angry more often! Meanwhile, a plan was forming in her mind. It was something she'd wanted to do for a while, but she wanted to talk to Dr Stark before she did anything. Not because she feared her doctor would stop her, but purely because she wanted her help. She would ask Joanne to be there too. An hour later, she pressed the call button and asked Dr Stark if she could talk to her. Michael gave her a long, tender kiss as she left. Dr Stark smiled at him.

"Of course," the doctor said immediately, taking Danielle's arm and leading her into an office.

"Do you mind if Joanne is here too?"

"Of course not!" Dr Stark headed out of the door and within a minute she was back, Joanne at her side.

"Hey, you," Joanne squeezed Danielle's shoulder. "Did you want me?"

"Yes please," Danielle said. "Both of you if that's ok."

"Of course," her doctor and guard said together, and Dr Stark closed the door.

"I'm… not sure how to say this," Danielle began as she sat back in the comfortable leather chair.

"Do you want a cup of tea?" Dr Stark asked.

"Yes please," she said gratefully. "That always helps me think and of course you know it. Thanks."

"Joanne?" Dr Stark asked.

"Coffee would be great, thanks."

A few minutes later, Dr Stark returned with the drinks. "Here you are," she said, as she passed them to the two women. "Ok Danielle, talk away when you're ready. We're all ears, ears!"

Danielle giggled. Once again, she took a long sip of tea, thinking through how to phrase what she wanted to say. "Well," she began after a moment. "It's about Michael and I. The thing is, I almost want to do a return to sender. You remember that letter he wrote me about mixed signals?"

"Yes," the two women acknowledged.

"I want to write him one, just telling him exactly how I feel about and for him. Don't ask me why, I've just always been better at writing than talking. After what happened today, I finally feel I'm brave enough to do it. If I'm honest, like I said out there, I don't know what came over me. I was just so angry with Wordsworth, or maybe it was talking to Chris Leach," Dr Stark raised an eyebrow. "Or perhaps it was purely because Michael had just told me he loves me with his voice in front of you all, but I just suddenly thought 'you can do this Avery!'

"Which is a good thing, right?" Dr Stark asked.

"Oh yeah, believe me I'm not complaining, I'm just saying I don't know what came over me. Sorry Dr Stark I didn't tell you yet. I asked Dr Loomis if I could use the iPod thing the late Mr. Chancer was using, and I contacted Chris Leach. I wanted to know if he and his goons had messed with the monitoring app to stop the police knowing my location."

"That was quick thinking on your part," Dr Stark praised. "What happened?"

"He said they hadn't, and based on the fact he rescued me from both that house and Rick and I at the airport, I believe him, as does Joanne."

"Yes, I think I do," Joanne said. "For the same reasons, plus I know how dangerous that would be for even a top criminal gang like his were."

"That's what he said," Danielle nodded. "He said 'we wouldn't have touched that, no matter how much Dawson paid or begged.' That it would've been too dangerous."

"Which it would," Dr Stark said.

"He thinks Wordsworth is lying to me," Danielle said.

"Hmm," Dr Stark said slowly. "I don't know if she's lying, she is just way too certain, incorrectly I might add, that she has her facts correct. Which she doesn't."

"But she's the CEO apparently!" Danielle exclaimed. "If she does think that that's bad!"

"It's not good," Dr Stark agreed. "But I agree, she did come across as very arrogant, self-important and rude. That doesn't help the situation. Stacey is working on it with her colleagues as we speak. She's wrong, Danielle. The police didn't get your location, and that could've been fatal."

"Don't have to tell me that," Danielle muttered. "I'll be honest I truly thought I was going to die that night."

"Oh Danielle," Joanne said, pulling her into a hug.

"No," Danielle said firmly, hugging Joanne fiercely. "Don't you dare apologise again, Joanne Turner! You did absolutely nothing wrong! You hear me? You were unconscious for fuck's sake! So unless you can walk and talk while unconscious…"

Joanne took a deep breath, before Danielle felt her slowly nod. "Well said!" Dr Stark squeezed Danielle's arm. "So, this letter," she continued after a moment. "Do you want help writing it? I don't mean what to say, but actually doing so?"

"Yes please," Danielle said. "The thing is…" she lowered her voice, even though they were alone in a private office behind a closed door. "I'm starting to wonder if… you know, I want things to… progress."

"You mean you want to possibly go further physically?" Dr Stark murmured.

"Yes," Danielle breathed. "I… I think so. I never thought I'd get to that point again in my life, but we're getting so much closer and… and I can't lie I've been thinking about what it would be like for a few weeks now. Joanne, remember that dream I told you about ages ago, just before Adam got my first DV protected number?"

"Oh yeah," Joanne said. "The one on the secure bus where Michael got you out and then made love to you in a car?"

"Yes," Danielle nodded. "At the time it obviously seemed absurd. I remember thinking 'wo Hayward. You're wondering what it would be like if Michael Myers made love to you? After what Adam did?' But now, it… it doesn't seem quite so crazy. Believe me I've had a lot of time to think about it, and I really think I… I might be ready. I obviously don't know if Michael is, which is one of the things I want to say in the letter. Recently, every time I've been close to him, I feel something… different. I mean along with the absolute adoration I have for him. I know what it is, I've known for months, desire. But only recently has it kept coming, and not disappeared seconds later. Michael doesn't know. Sure, I did…" she blushed. "I did nibble his ear once and he text me 'I thought you were tired?' Playful yes, but we all know what that could mean. I told him that someday soon, I wouldn't want him to stop. That I wanted to be his in every single way. I… I think that day's a lot nearer now. Then, the time he kissed me against the wall I told him that if he didn't want me to pounce on him right there, he should stop kissing me that way." Dr Stark and Joanne chuckled. "But now… now I think I'm serious. Do you think that's wrong of me, I mean, so soon after Adam?"

"Honestly? No," Dr Stark said. "If it's how you feel, then don't let Adam win, Danielle. He's dead he can't hurt you anymore. If you feel ready to move on, then don't let even the thought or idea of him stop you."

"Well said," Joanne agreed.

"So, you don't think it's too fast?" Danielle asked.

"Danielle," Joanne said gently. "What does it matter what we think sweetheart? It's your life and if you're ready, that's great! What we think should make no difference. But if you really want to know, I for one say no, it isn't. If it's what you want, then take it."

"Well said," Dr Stark said this time. "Danielle, we have such supplies like condoms, lubricants and the rest believe it or not, for conjugal visits for example. I will put some in your bedside drawer discretely in a moment when we're done. If the bed linin perhaps needs changing early one of these days, that will be done too."

"Thanks," Danielle smiled at her, not in the least embarrassed with either of these two women.

"How am I going to write it though?"

"There's a computer and connected printer in this very office," Dr Stark said. "Joanne, I or both can help you right now if you like."

"Yes please," she said gratefully. "Would you both mind?"

"Not at all," the other two said together. Danielle smiled affectionately at them. "Thanks."

"How do you want us to give it to him?" Joanne asked.

"Well, I still remember that time he got that letter from Adam in our room. I was there but had no idea what it was. I'd like you to give it to him the same way, if possible. When I'm there, but I'll put a book on or something and pretend I'm none the wiser."

"Ok," Dr Stark said. "That can be arranged. Do you know what you want to say?"

"Yes," Danielle said. "Truthfully, I've been thinking about writing it for a couple of days now. I can touch type if you guys can put the computer in a blank word document or something?"

"Already done," Dr Stark smiled. "I tell you what, I'll leave you in Joanne's capable hands while you write it, and I'll see you in meeting room two at 6 for your party. How's that? It's almost 3 now, so you have almost three hours to get typing away!"

"Thanks Dr Stark," Danielle smiled at her doctor again.

"You're welcome, I'll see you at 6." Dr Stark left and as she walked away, for the first time ever she started to whistle. Danielle beamed. Joanne guided her to the computer, where she sat down with her tea and slowly at first with her hands shaking, she started typing. Soon however, the words came pouring out.

…

"Come on then," Joanne smiled. "Let's get this party started!" Danielle was shocked when Michael guided her to Adam's side, and it was the DV worker who took her arm to guide her to the meeting room. It was 5 minutes to 6 and Danielle and Joanne had gone back to the cell to find Michael, Rick, Jack and Adam waiting for them. Now, they were heading for the conference room together.

"Thank you," Danielle said, pausing just for a second. "Thank you, Adam." Everyone applauded again.

"You're welcome, Danielle."

As they walked, she briefly told him what buttons Dr Loomis was referring to and the meetings they'd had there previously. Adam squeezed her arm. "That sounds like fun!"

"Rick and I attended Derek Chancer's execution together," she said. "We had a briefing in there about it afterwards." She heard Rick's happy little whistle and smiled.

"Indeed, we did," her friend confirmed, taking her other arm so she was being guided by both men. "Michael's right behind us," Rick said.

"Mr. Hughes," Danielle said automatically, and Hughes squeezed her arm but said nothing. Obviously, he knew it would take time for her to use his name both all the time and automatically. "Um…" she was blushing again she realised.

"I know what she's going to ask you," Rick and Joanne said together.

"Oh, so do I," Jack chuckled a second later, clearly having twigged too.

"Oh God," she felt her face grow even warmer. She felt Michael squeeze her shoulder, and she knew he understood too. "Mr. Hughes, um can you whistle?"

"Can I whistle, eh?" Hughes smiled, squeezing her arm again. "Hmm, let's see." Next second, the DV worker started whistling. Rick joined in with him. "Yup," Adam said, now squeezing her hand. "It appears I can indeed whistle, Danielle."

She was still blushing. "Did someone mention that to you?"

"Ah, now how could I possibly give away who my sources are?" He chuckled. "Yes Danielle I'll be honest with you, Dr Stark did. But I wanted to keep it as a surprise for when you were able to use my name. So…" he whistled for about another thirty seconds, and she couldn't stop grinning. Joanne and Rick looked at each other than at Jack before they all turned to Michael. All three were close to tears, and they saw softness in Michael's eyes. "That's for saying my name so many times," Adam said eventually. "You go Danielle! Have another fiddle with these too!" He stopped and lowered his head, so Danielle felt his ears again. She turned even redder if that was possible.

"We won't need the kitchens to make our food at this rate," Dr Loomis' voice said as they reached meeting room two. "We'll be able to cook it on your face if it gets any warmer or redder, Danielle!" Everyone laughed, as Adam guided Danielle to the now familiar doors and she pressed on the door open button. Even though it was a different room, it appeared the layouts were exactly the same.

They entered and Adam immediately guided Danielle to a double leather seat, just like the one she'd previously sat in. She felt a rush of affection for Dr Loomis, knowing he'd arranged this too. Michael sat at her side once more and slid his arm around her. She snuggled her head into his shoulder. Everyone took their seats around the huge table, as Danielle closed the doors and turned on the 'meeting in progress' sign. "Getting good at this now, aren't you?" Dr Loomis chuckled. She grinned back at him.

"I hope you guys don't mind," she began. "But I need to tell you all something?"

"WHAT?" Joanne shouted from the very back of the room. "I CAN'T HEAR YOU! MY EARS ARE TOO SMALL AFTER ALL! TURN THE DAMN MICROPHONES ON CAN'T YOU? THAT'S WHAT THEY'RE THERE FOR!"

This time affection briefly choked her throat, because she knew her guard and friend had done this on purpose. Reaching forward, she took Michael's finger, so he hit the microphone button. The chime sounded.

"Why would we mind?" Dr Stark asked. "This is your party, Danielle."

"Here, here," everyone said together, as Michael squeezed her close. She blushed sheepishly, knowing she'd been put in her place. She started speaking her voice echoing through the speakers for Joanne's… fake she was sure, benefit. "Dr Loomis, have you been told about my visitor this morning?"

"Yes," Dr Loomis confirmed. Dr Stark told me at the same time she told Adam."

"Well as you doctors know; I asked you Dr Loomis if I could borrow the iPod device the late Mr. Chancer had used." Laughing, Joanne returned to her seat and Michael deactivated the microphones. Danielle smiled at them.

"Did you?" Rick asked in surprise. "Shit! Please tell me you knew the password and didn't wrongly input it Three times?"

Dr Loomis nodded. "That was fine, no worries, I had it written down." He smiled at his guard. "Think about it, if I hadn't I wouldn't be talking to you now!" Rick blushed. "Fair point."

"What on earth did you do that for?" Jack asked, also sounding incredulous.

"Because I needed to contact Chris Leach," Danielle explained. "I didn't have any other way to do it. To be fair he didn't want me using the iPod either for the same reasons as you two," she smiled affectionately at the two guards. "So, he texted me his cell number and I called him back."

"Ok," Rick said. "What was the result and content of that conversation?"

"Well Miss Wordsworth if you please," Joanne snickered. Danielle pulled a disgusted face. "Said that it wasn't the DASC's fault if the monitoring app wasn't working. That because they are remote to the DASC, they are not responsible for it."

"That's bullshit!" Rick and Jack exclaimed together.

"I know for a fact the DASC are meant to work with that company country wide and test the equipment every 24 hours! That's a total lie! How is she a CEO?" Jack sounded furious. Danielle smiled at her friend.

"That was one of the reasons I called Chris. I wanted to know if his gang had done something to mess with the monitoring app, so it was legitimately not working. He stated they would never have touched that, no matter how much Dawson paid or begged them. Said it was too dangerous. To be fair, he was furious about this whole Wordsworth thing too."

"Do you believe him?" Rick asked.

"After what he did for me in both the house and for us Rick at the airport," Danielle said, turning and reaching for Rick's hand. "Yes, I do. I truly think he's sorry for his actions and I don't think he would've lied to me."

Rick squeezed her hand. "Ok."

"You don't believe him?" Danielle asked.

Rick squeezed her hand again and did not release it as he thought. "Well," he said slowly after a moment. "Normally I'd say no way straight off the bat, but… shit! I can see why you do; he did indeed help you, then us at the airport."

"He said he was speaking from a 'criminals' perspective' when he said it would be too dangerous to fiddle with that. I can understand why that might be the case."

"Hmm," Jack said thoughtfully this time. "Ok, guess I'll give him that, the benefit of the doubt. He does seem to be genuinely sorry about the part he played. I suppose he never actually did anything, he just…"

"Signed on the dotted line," Danielle smiled grimly. "Gave the orders. He told me himself today that he'd been a 'sexist bastard who only cared about his wallet and his dick.'"

"Well fair enough then," Jack said. "If he admitted that I'll back off."

"He sounded close to tears actually when he told me he was so sorry for the part he played in this. That Michael had given him a second chance and he didn't want to waste it. He didn't use Michael's name, but I read between the lines."

"That was quick and good thinking on your part," Dr Stark said. "If anyone would know if it was sabotaged it would be Chris Leach."

"That was my thinking too," Danielle nodded to her doctor. "He wants to meet me for a coffee when I get back to Haddonfield and told me if I needed anything to call him."

Dr Loomis touched his earpiece then spoke. "Danielle, I agree that was quick and good thinking. Literally, a good call. When you're ready, press the call bell for our food."

She smiled. "Ok, thanks." Everyone smiled affectionately as she took Michael's finger and placed it on the call bell, so it was actually Michael who pressed it.

"Thanks Michael," Jack said. "I'm starving!" Everyone chuckled.

"So am I," Danielle agreed.

"Will you meet up with him do you think?" Adam asked. "Leach?"

"Maybe," Danielle said. "I think he really means everything he's said. He also wants to meet you properly too, Michael."

About a minute later the doorbell rang. Danielle opened the doors. "Hi, it's Tony and Anne here with your party snacks. Sandwiches, sausage rolls, pringles, mini pies, chicken strips and quiche. Then you have twinkies, chocolate cake and apple pie and custard as a hot dessert. Tea, coffee and apple juice to drink."

"Wow!" Danielle was astonished. "Thanks!"

"Talk about a feast," Adam said. "Wow!"

Anne and Tony parked the buffet cart against the wall where the breakfast one had been in the other meeting room, before placing a stack of paper plates, napkins and paper cups on the table.

"That to save you washing up afterwards?" Danielle smiled at them. "Good thinking!"

The kitchen staff laughed. "Enjoy," Anne said cheerfully as they left. Danielle put the sign back on outside.

"We won't be hungry after all that," Rick said. "Danielle, what would you like?"

She asked him for some of all savouries and he filled her a plate. "To drink?" He asked.

"I'll take some apple juice, thanks. Also, please may I have some water from the machine? I meant to ask last time and forgot."

"Yeah, you just love your gadgets! I'll do you one better than that," Rick said. Setting her drink in front of her, he took her hand and guided her over to the water machine. "How do I get a cup?" She asked. Rick chuckled. "Press this button here." He showed her a button next to the water paddles. She pressed it and a cup zoomed out of the machine and into the filling slot. "That is so cool," Danielle beamed. "Is that so cups aren't wasted?"

"I assume so," Rick smiled at her genuine delight. So now, you push the paddles. This left one is ice, middle is normal temperature and right is cold. This other button here is the safety lock."

Carefully, Danielle pushed the left paddle until ice fell into the cup with a gentle pattering sound. Then she pushed the right one. "Stop," Rick said a few seconds later. She did and gently retrieved her cup of iced water. Rick took it from her and carried it back to her seat for her as he guided her. "Thanks," she smiled at him. "Now I know there's ice, please could I have some in my apple juice?"

"Certainly." Rick took her juice and added ice to it. Meanwhile, the others had all moved to get their own food and drink.

…

Danielle never wanted this party to end. She couldn't believe how happy she felt. She was in a room full of most of her closest friends and the man she loved, not to mention a genuinely nice DV worker who'd done more for her than she could ever tell him, and who'd earned her trust and respect. Of course, she wished Charlotte and Nigel could be there plus the rest of her family, but for now she knew why they couldn't. She'd spoken to Nigel just that morning as she'd done every day since he'd left. He'd reported no change in Charlotte's condition, which she'd told the doctors. "By the way," she said, following her own train of thought. "I spoke to Nigel this morning guys and there's still no change in Charlotte's condition yet."

The two doctors, Rick, Michael, Jack and Joanne nodded sadly. "How is Nigel and the rest of your family?" Jack asked.

"Nigel's fine thanks, moms exhausted he said, but there's no way she's leaving Charlotte's bedside. They managed to persuade her that once, but good luck doing it again."

"Nigel actually messaged me on days off," Rick said. "He wanted to say hi and see how we were doing."

"That's Nigel for you," Danielle said affectionately. "I told you he cares about everyone he knows."

"He gave me his number before we attended that day," Rick said. She nodded and smiled.

"Sorry," she turned to Adam, knowing the DV worker would not have a clue what they were talking about. "It's a long story."

"Then if you want to tell me I'm all ears," Hughes chuckled. "Ears, ears, ears!" Danielle found herself actually giggling. "Thanks," she smiled at him. She gave him a brief version of the events which had brought her to Smith's Grove, then about being adopted and what Dawson had done to Charlotte. Adam whistled softly. "Jesus. I'm so sorry."

"Thanks," she smiled at him again. "But my sister, Charlotte Avery, is a fighter. You watch." Adam squeezed her arm. She then to her surprise found herself telling him all about Adam's horrific abuse resulting in her attempted suicide, then his kidnap of her from Haddonfield Memorial hospital after Charlotte's hit and run. Hughes whistled and she just knew he was angry. "Christ if you hadn't ordered me not to change my name, I think I would," he said furiously. "What a son of a bitch!"

"Understatement of the year," she chuckled. "But then I don't think there is a word strong enough to describe him. As for changing your name, don't you dare even think about it!" She stood up and raised her shirt, showing Hughes the scars across her back and chest. This gesture surprised even her. She hadn't expected she'd ever show him these.

"Holy fuck," Hughes sounded horrified. "I'm so sorry, Danielle."

"Well, at least one is unable to abuse another without the use or even ownership of one's head," Danielle said as she sat down again. She could tell that just for a second Hughes didn't understand, then he took a sharp intake of breath and looked at Michael. Danielle didn't of course see all 6 of the others nod to him.

"Nice one Michael," Hughes said approvingly. "He sounds like he deserved that and more. Too bad you could only cut it off once."

Danielle smiled bitterly. "I told him just before it happened that the only thing, I'd miss about him were his ears." Hughes laughed at this. "Nice!"

"Mr. Hughes," she hesitated, then turned to Joanne who was sitting next to her. "Is it ok if you and Mr. Hughes swap seats?" Immediately Joanne stood up as did Hughes, who came to sit on her right.

"Yes Danielle?" Hughes said once he was seated. Still hesitantly, she once again reached out for his hand, which Hughes took and squeezed.

"Um, this is almost like… a physical lifeline if you like, for now I feel like I can't say… this, without doing this. It's almost like I have your… permission. Now I know that's what you're trying to change, but…"

"Hey," Hughes squeezed her hand, cutting her off. "You took a huge step today actually being able to say my name, not once but several times, so if you need to hold my hand for a while as comfort and me saying you can, then so be it! I can work with that for as long as it takes. But you will always be able to say my name, you don't need anyone's permission."

"Well said!" Dr Stark and Dr Loomis said together.

"Yeah," Jack agreed. "Nice one, Adam."

"You see?" Hughes said. "Everyone is with me on this, Michael just nodded by the way. So how can I help you, Danielle?"

She knew why he kept using her name, to put her at ease and make her feel like an equal so she could use his. Something Adam Dawson had and would never have done or even dreamed of doing.

"Mr. Hughes," she began. "I can't lie, when I first met you and Dr Stark told me you are a DV worker, I… I didn't believe her."

Hughes chuckled, still squeezing her hand in his. "Why?"

"I don't know," she admitted. "I guess it almost felt too convenient. Too good to be true? Like, all of a sudden, this guy with his name pops up out of nowhere, and he just happens to be a DV worker with his name?"

"Yes, I can understand how that might look, but believe me I am indeed a DV worker. I'm also a trained guard on the medium security ward."

"I know," she smiled at him. "Good for you!"

"I actually knew a little while ago that I might be needed to help with someone's treatment up here," Hughes said, and she was surprised by his honest admission. "Although at the time I had no idea who it was or why. Dr Stark contacted me one day and talked to me about it. She said they needed someone with my name. I just said OK. I didn't ask any questions at the time, as Dr Stark told me it would be sometime in the future."

"Really? When was this?"

Hughes thought for a moment. "Hmm, about three months ago?"

"Sneaky, Dr Stark," Danielle smiled at her doctor. "But good thinking."

"It does happen occasionally," Dr Stark chuckled. "Of course, I knew you'd be suspicious at first and it's quite understandable I might add like Adam just said. But I and Dr Loomis also knew how invaluable he might be to your treatment for obvious reasons."

"I'm still not sure I want to be named Adam anymore," Hughes muttered. "Jesus Christ. What an absolute…"

She couldn't stop herself this time as she leant in and hugged him. Hughes hugged her back, moving his head, so she was touching his ears. She blushed. Everyone chuckled. Hughes then started to whistle, making her beam.

"But it wasn't you Mr. Hughes," she said softly. "You just share his name. That was wrong of me to be so rude to you that first day, just because of your name. I'm sorry."

"Hey, I can't even remember what you said. It's all forgotten," he squeezed and released her.

Danielle smiled gratefully at him. Still gripping his hand once more, she turned to face him. "Thanks," she took a breath. "Thanks, Adam."

"Yay!" Everyone cheered. Michael kissed the top of her head and squeezed her close.

"I think that merits dessert time!" Dr Loomis exclaimed, and she was brought close to tears by the genuine delight in his voice. "Terrific fighting ladies first, what would you like, Danielle?"

…

It was a full three hours later she and Michael headed back to their room. Danielle couldn't believe how amazing she felt. When he'd said good night to her, Hughes had hugged her, let her touch his ears and whistled for a good minute. Now he released her arm and gently handed her over to Michael. "I'll see you in the morning," he said cheerfully. "I with the small ears!"

"They're apparently not as small as mine," Jack quipped from behind them.

"No one's are as small as yours," Danielle said. Everyone roared with laughter. "Rick here told me that with my ears we could pick up Haddonfield radio from Australia! So, I like to pull his every so often," she reached up and did so. "Just trying to extend his aerials for him should I not happen to be in the car!"

Hughes hooted with laughter, which made her crack up too. "Awesome," he just managed. "Absolutely awesome! I'm guessing my ears are too small, right?"

"That's what she said to me too," Joanne said in mock hurt. Everyone continued laughing.

"Then I've got no chance," Jack said, sounding like he was close to tears. "Oh, my pour ears!" Danielle was clutching Michael's arm and her stomach, gasping for breath. She could also hear him chuckling with everyone else. "Oh god…" she gasped. "Thanks Mr. Hughes, I haven't laughed so much in what feels like ages."

"Then my job is done," he squeezed her arm again, before taking her hand. "You're welcome."

"Good night," Danielle said, this time only taking a second as she squeezed his hand. "Good night, Adam."

"Woot!" Jack, Rick and Joanne exclaimed together. Hughes moved so she was touching his ears and whistled again. "Good night, Danielle, I'll see you in the morning. Sleep well."

"You too," she called after him as he walked away, still whistling.

As they entered their cell, Rick spoke. "Michael, I was asked to give you this," as he handed the killer an envelope. Danielle's heart picked up speed, for only she and Joanne knew what that was, plus Dr Stark. But she did as she'd planned and pretended she was none the wiser as she crossed to the desk, picking up her earphones. Sure enough as the guards left she heard Michael tearing open an envelope. She smiled to herself. How would he react? To disguise her nerves, she started her book.

Joanne had merely checked it when she'd finished typing it, and had told her there wasn't one mistake. Danielle was proud of herself for this, considering she'd typed it without the aid of a screen reader. Now she waited, anticipation, nerves but also excitement building up within her. Because only she and Joanne knew exactly what Michael Myers was currently reading.

…

Dear Michael,

I wanted to take a leaf out of your book, as it were, and write you a letter, just as you did once to me. Although mine will be considerably longer than yours was! Sorry about this, but I have a lot I want to say.

Firstly, I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me. From protecting me that day when Jefferson tripped me up, (even though you were seriously considering killing me that night,) to doing the small things I love, which you know cheer me up like letting me touch your ears. Not just once, but hundreds of times. Not to mention whistling! Wow, who'd have thought Michael Myers could whistle? Let alone that anyone would find out this fact without dying!

That's even before we move onto the big stuff, like when you killed Jefferson after he ejaculated in my face. I asked you just this morning why you did that, and I understand you don't know. As for the other two, as for Baker, I don't need to ask why you did that, the reason is staring us in the face. He gave Dawson my first protected number, thereby compromising my safety.

Then, ah. Third time lucky. You killed Adam Dawson himself. I can't tell you how much I wished I could see that, I even said that to Rick and Jack while the kill was in progress, 'damn I wish I could see this.' Jack was amazing and pretty much commentated all the way through. I don't know whether you could hear him, or whether when you're lusting blood everything else gets blocked out?

You have been such a fantastic friend ever since I got here, which is something I never thought I'd say of and to Michael Myers himself. Even though we both know you could and would have killed me without a second thought if you'd had a chance at first. I thank you for your honesty when you told me about how that night Jefferson tripped me, you were seriously considering doing so in my sleep. Now, I can't thank you enough for sparing my life.

You may wonder where I'm going with this, considering we've discussed all of this before. Well, that's my point. I wanted to take this chance to really thank you, having time to consider just how I wanted to word it.

My actual point is, I love you, Michael Myers. I love you with all my heart and soul and if you'll let me, I'm yours for life. I can't believe I was able to call Mr. Hughes by name today, even though it appears I need to be holding his hand to repeat it. It's almost like his hand is a physical lifeline if you like, and I need to be holding it before I can say it, almost as proof I have his permission. I know that will wear off in time as I work with him, but I also know it's a huge start!

A huge part of my progress is thanks to you, Michael. Even if we hadn't ended up as a couple, I meant what I said that day I told you how I felt, and we got together. 'Either way you've got a friend for life, Michael Myers.' I meant it. Even if for some reason we didn't work out in the end, that one fact will never, ever change. But don't get me wrong, I really, really hope we do and I'm sure we will. I want to be yours, for life.

You know I've joked with you a couple of times, 'Unless you want me to pounce on you right here and now, stop kissing me that way,' and other things. We both know they were playful, with the promise of someday. The thing is Michael, I think that someday might have already come. I think I want to take things further between us physically. How much further, I'll only know if you're willing to find out with me. I totally appreciate you might not be ready for this yet yourself, and if that's the case please tell me, and I will more than understand.

The thing is, even when I'm touching your ears, which I told you are 'sexy as all hell' now, I feel desire throughout my body. Your ears, voice, hell you are so damn sexy, something else I have said to you before word for word.

I'm not saying we go all the way the first time, not at all. But I really want to be close to you, and to know what it feels like if you touched me, kissed me, loved me, if you know what I mean. I would also like to reciprocate it, but again only if you're willing. I did say it wouldn't happen, not here, but now I might have to reconsider that statement.

I'm not expecting you to finish reading this and do it tonight, that is unless you want to. Like I say, I don't even know how much further I'm ready for, I'll only know when it's happening. Are you willing to find out with me sometime soon, darling? I said I want to be yours in every way, and I meant it.

The very fact I'm ready for this is also hugely down to you. You have been so gentle and patient with me, not to mention kind. But when I gave my heart to you, I knew sometime this would follow, of course it would as it's part of a relationship. But while you haven't said as much, I know you don't see it as an important part and would have waited as long as I needed you to. That works both ways. If you say you're not ready, that is absolutely fine too.

I love you so much, Michael Myers. I can't thank you enough for everything you have done for me, and I will be eternally grateful to you for the rest of my life. Yours always,

Danielle.