Chapter 68, Return to sender.

…

"I can't believe how well Danielle's done and how fast she's progressed," Dr Stark said to Dr Loomis as they walked back towards his office.

"I know," Dr Loomis smiled at his junior consultant. "It's fantastic. I hardly recognise her anymore. She's not the woman who walked through these doors months ago, that's for sure!"

Rick, Jack and Joanne came up behind them. "We're off in a minute boss," Jack said.

"How many times have I told all three of you to quit with the 'boss?' Dr Loomis said with a grin.

"Too many to count," Joanne smirked.

"Exactly, so listen," Dr Loomis laughed. "As Danielle would say, use your ears!" They all chuckled. "No worries, have a good evening all of you. Don't forget, you're not in until 10AM tomorrow morning due to tonight instead of 7."

Joanne shook her head. "I didn't count that as work," she said. "I counted it as a moment I was privileged to be there for. I for one will be in at 7."

"Me too," Rick and Jack said together. Dr Loomis sighed but nodded. "Ok. You are good guards and don't you forget it."

"We won't," the three called back, smiling at him and Dr Stark as they walked away. "You won't let us," Joanne called. "Night!" The three shouted as they left.

Dr Loomis smiled fondly. "They are good people and guards both," he said. "That turned out to be the best decision I made when I assigned Danielle to Joanne. It's clear they really care about each other now."

"I agree," Dr Stark smiled. "That was a great decision, it worked out well for both of them. Joanne was legitimately heartbroken when Dawson snatched Danielle, that was clear for anyone to see."

Dr Loomis nodded. "Yes, that was one hell of an evil stunt he pulled. I never thought I'd say this, but I was glad to see him go. He's like Chancer, he would never have changed."

Dr Stark pulled a disgusted face. "What in God's name motivates men like that? That unstoppable, uncompromising hatred of women, and for no other reason than because we are women. In all my years as a doctor, that's one of few questions I've never been able to answer or find the answer too either."

"Don't try," Dr Loomis advised. "I think that's one question we'll never be able to answer."

"I mean shit," Dr Stark appeared to be talking to herself more than him now. "I know most of the time it's either because their mother abandons them or something like that, but Dawson had both parents. His father was the biggest misogynist I've ever heard of, he treated Lisa Dawson like shit. So of course, Adam followed in Edward's footsteps. Like father, like son. I haven't found any reason in all the research I've ever done as to why Edward hated Lisa and women in general so much."

"I'm just glad Danielle never met Edward," Dr Loomis said softly. Dr Stark shivered. "Me too, God, me too! He probably would've raped her or something horrific! Adam wouldn't have cared, hell he'd have probably encouraged it!"

"Exactly," Dr Loomis nodded. "Now get home to Luke you, I've got the doctors quarters for tonight."

…

Adam Hughes felt a wave of sadness wash over him as he headed for his car. Everything Danielle had told him had genuinely shocked him. Sure, he'd seen men who controlled and abused women and of course the other way around, but this was on a whole new level. He could remember only one time in his career where a woman had come close in her abuse of a man, and he'd thought that was bad enough. But this, this was a whole new ball game. Dawson's level of misogyny was literally enough to make him speechless, as he'd shown in the meeting room. The having to call him 'sir,' the numerous scars, the rapes, the total control. He'd done a bit of research as part of his job when Dr Stark had first told him about Adam and Edward Dawson, and it appeared that Edward was just the same and as bad as his son.

He'd met women who were as badly scarred as Lisa Dawson was, although he'd never actually met her, as she wasn't his job. But he couldn't stop himself feeling sympathy for her. It was as though both Adam and Edward wanted to set a record for how badly they could abuse women.

But the fact that Adam had dared and risked everything to snatch Danielle from Haddonfield Memorial Hospital in the middle of the day and broad daylight, showed how dangerous he actually had been. The knocking Joanne out with chloroform also showed there were no lengths he would not go to to get Danielle back. Property, that was all he considered her as. This was further shown by the fact he chained her to rape and sexually assault her, the fact she almost couldn't even breathe without his permission. That she was raped if she didn't call him 'Sir' every single time. It made him feel sick. He thought he'd seen everything, but this was simply unbelievable, tragic and evil. He tried to help the abusers too sometimes, to help them realise domestic violence was not the answer. He remembered one case where the couple had actually got back together and married after the guy had attended a DV course, and the relationship was perfect, the female involved had called him a 'changed man.'

That said, Hughes knew nothing whatsoever would've changed Dawson, either of them. They were clearly set on a course to make women's lives a living hell. But how Dawson had not backed away after he'd known with photographic proof that Danielle was protected by Michael Myers himself, Adam would never know. He'd have been running for the hills!

"Hey," said a soft voice as he felt the warm hand on his shoulder. He started, lost in his thoughts. It was Joanne, Rick beside her.

"You alright man?" Rick murmured, clearly seeing his face.

Adam sighed. "I just…" he took a deep breath. "How? How could Dawson, father or son, have been so… evil? I normally try to see the good in people, including the abusers, I've helped several of them to completely turn around. One couple married because of it. But shit," he ran his hands through his spikey hair. "Dawson, they are just… a new ball game! I've… I thought I'd seen everything, but that?"

Rick squeezed his other shoulder; Joanne still had her hand on it. "I know," Rick said. "It's sickening, isn't it? I was there when Dawson, that's Adam, got his proof Danielle was being protected by Michael Myers, that would've sure made me give up, but he still didn't. I was there when Michael got his deserved revenge."

"Yeah," Hughes shivered a little. "I'd have been running for the hills if that Adam was me, that's for damn sure! But I'm glad I didn't see that. Seeing someone decapitated can't have been… easy."

Rick chuckled. "Jack nor I have slept properly since, pal. But by the same token, it was Adam Dawson, a purely evil man who deserved it. I've come to realise over time that Michael is kinder than him!"

Hughes smiled. "Not a statement I ever thought I'd hear regarding Michael Myers."

Rick smiled back. "I know, tell me about it! He saved my life one day. We had a patient who tried to choke me with his shackles, came very, very close. Myers knocked him out, gave me some water and then carried me out to the ambulance when it got here."

Hughes whistled softly. "Wow. I did sense some sort of bond between you two, that would explain it." He lowered his voice, considering they weren't in the confidential surroundings of the ward. "That was Derek Chancer, wasn't it?"

Rick raised an eyebrow. "How do you know?"

Adam sighed. "Because he killed one of the women whose husband I was working with. The guy was really working on his abuse issues, so much so they actually got back together to give their marriage another shot. The slimy little rat raped and killed her their first day back together when she walked to the shops. That was the final straw and why he ended up in Smith's Grove. Good riddance, 'old sparky' should've had him years ago."

Rick whistled. "Damn. She and his other forty-one victims."

"Quite," Adam nodded. "So, the fact Michael saved your life when Chancer almost killed you says something, right? The old him would've tried to kill you too."

Rick nodded. "Yes, but he's still terrifying when he's angry." He told Hughes about what'd happened with Gregory that morning.

"Shit," Hughes stared at him. "See? I was right, he clearly does care for you."

Jack arrived at that moment, clearly having just got a shuttle to the staff main parking lot. Adam smiled at him; it was a little more genuine this time. "Hi my friend."

"You're a good man Adam," don't forget it. You have done an absolutely amazing job with helping Danielle, she can call you Adam now and we were sure that would take months," Joanne said, squeezing his shoulder again.

Hughes smiled at her. "Thanks. Yes, after Dr Stark told me everything I, too, thought it would take a while. But that's not my influence."

"Bullshit!" The three guards said together.

"Yes, it is," Jack said. "You've been so kind and patient with her, we've all seen it! Hell, even Michael thanked you today. What does that tell you? Then the way you whistled and let her touch your ears, that was just the finishing touch. You are a great guy Adam, I can say that in only the short time I've known you."

"Well, thanks," Hughes blushed. "I appreciate it."

"Now get home," Jack clapped him on the back. "We'll see you at 9 tomorrow?"

"You sure will," this time Hughes' smile was real. "Thanks guys, you're all so kind too. Danielle's come as far as she has partly thanks to you as well."

"Us and Michael," Joanne smiled. Hughes grinned. "Well, yeah."

Joanne and Rick got into his car, and they saw Adam's knowing smile. They smiled back at him and nodded; he'd obviously twigged they were a couple very quickly. Not that they were necessarily keeping it a secret anymore.

"Bye Adam," Jack smiled at him. "Have a good night pal, take it easy."

"You too," Hughes got into his own car, started the engine and headed towards the main gates, home to his wife and daughter.

…

Danielle switched her phone to 'do not disturb,' so that only the four members of her family, Nigel, Michael, Joanne and Rick's phones would ring if they called her. There was silence so she assumed Michael was still reading and she wasn't surprised to feel her hands shaking. At least she knew he wouldn't be angry this time. Or at least, she hoped not.

Don't be stupid Avery! She told herself sternly. What does he even have to be angry about? You're trying to proposition him sexually for fuck's sake! Why would he be angry about that? Idiot!

She hated herself for having parts of Adam still with her, but then, she reasoned, she couldn't blame herself too fast. She was sure that was what Dr Stark would say if she broached the subject anyway. Not only that, but she'd be right.

Right on cue, her phone buzzed with a text. For a second she thought it was Michael, but when she looked, her heart surged with just as much love as it would've if it had indeed been him. It was Nigel.

Night kiddo, no change yet. Speak to you tomorrow. Love you to pieces, grandad.

One of them always texted the other every night before bed. Smiling, she replied. Good night grandad, thanks for the update. I love you too lots and lots. D.

Her heart picked up speed a few seconds later once again when she felt Michael sit down next to her on the double sofa and pull her into his arms. She smiled up at him as he kissed her. "I'm better at writing than talking," she whispered. "Kind of like you I suppose" she smiled again and heard his quiet chuckle. Then, he replied.

I love you too, Danielle. It's mutual, you have helped me in more ways than you know. Hell, looking at, holding you or even just your photograph silences my need to kill. I didn't think anyone would ever be able to achieve this. In truth, I am also glad I didn't kill you in your sleep that night, and nothing to do with solitary confinement. It's because if I had, I would've lost a woman who now means a lot to me. I still don't fully understand it yet, but we could learn together.

"That sounds amazing," she murmured. He held her tighter and helped her to her feet, leading her over to the bed. Pulling off her clothes, tonight she didn't put her pyjamas on and got in completely naked, for one of only a few times since they'd become a couple. Michael did the same and got in beside her. She reached for him, and they moved into a cuddle.

Thank you for the letter, I will keep it for life.

She blinked back tears. "Thanks, Michael. I meant every word it says. I talked to Dr Stark about wanting to write it and Joanne worked with me to type it. I typed it, she just checked it."

Well, it means a lot to me, and I appreciate it.

Danielle knew they hadn't talked about the biggest part of her letter, but also knew they had to. She took a deep breath, but he silenced her with another soft kiss. Clearly, he knew what she was about to say.

Danielle, I acknowledge what you say, but I do not want you to do something you might regret later. But if you really feel ready for it, I stand by what I said to you when you took that last huge step for that cuddle. I will do whatever you need if you instigate it, anything. That includes this. This time, the ball is entirely in your court, you are not under my or anyone else's control. Yes, I won't deny I have felt… sexual desire when you have nibbled my ears and so on. I suggest that we play it by… ear. Sorry, I mean ears, ears!

Tears of love rushed to her eyes as she hugged him tightly. "That's fine," she whispered when she could speak over the lump in her throat. "I agree."

Hey, don't cry. I hate to see you do so.

"It's out of love you idiot," she hugged him tightly and laughed shakily. "You are the kindest, most patient man I have ever known. Ok I know that's not saying much, but damn it it's true!" He kissed her again, moving his head, so her hands were on his ears. Grinning, she softly pulled them. He chuckled again.

I see what Nigel meant. They might not stay attached if you keep pulling them like that!

She burst out laughing. "Oh, shut up!" There was a comfortable silence between them for a few seconds, before she softly spoke again. "But Michael, I meant what I said too about longing to feel your touch. I'd love to know what your hands feel like upon me, as my lover." Leaning forward, she again nibbled the top of his left ear. Just like last time she heard his sharp intake of breath, but this time he didn't pull back and she felt his erection against her. This would've terrified her before, and she knew he knew that. Now, it thrilled her, with this man and him only. "Whoops," she smirked. "I wasn't trying to get… his attention."

You lie. Yes, you were.

She grinned at him. "Well, it worked," she pressed against him and moved in for a long, deep kiss. For the first time, their tongues moved in a sensual dance, different to any way they'd kissed before. Danielle never wanted it to end. Very slowly as if not wanting to hurt her, she felt Michael's warm hand move to her left breast and start to stroke it, his fingers pinching her nipple. She was the one to draw in a sharp breath this time, but pressed against him to show he could and should carry on. Reaching out her own hand as they still kissed deeply, she started touching his muscular chest. This was something she'd wanted to do for so long. Damn. He was just as sexy as she'd always thought. Pulling her mouth back from his, she again nibbled his ear, the right one this time. She could hardly believe what he did then, but God, she loved it! Michael moved his lips to her breasts and deliberately started to kiss them, taking his time as he kissed each one of her scars. Danielle had never felt so loved and almost worshiped in her life.

Reaching her hand down, she very carefully and almost cautiously took hold of his cock, just as his tongue started licking her left nipple. This time she gasped and again pressed against his mouth, as she slowly moved her hand up and down his length. She felt his breath speed up against her, just as hers had. As she did so, she wondered was she ready for oral? Would he stop her? Only one way to find out Avery, she thought. Don't think about wanting to try, just try!

But she didn't get the chance to think about it further, because now Michael's hand had slipped between her legs and his soft finger was against her clit as another carefully slipped into her. Now she did moan in pleasure. "Oh God," she gasped. "Yes, Michael, yes! Please keep going?" Almost desperately, she sought his mouth again and they resumed their passionate kiss. She continued to stroke him, as he reciprocated. Before too long, she felt her orgasm building and clutched at his hair, then softly pulled his ears. Pulling them if anything turned her on even more. When it hit, it was so intense she almost screamed his name. She'd put the sound proofing screen up just in case and was now very thankful for this. Something that had been designed to protect her, was now being used for her and Michael's very first sexual and private moment. She tensed up against him as she came, it felt like it lasted forever before she slumped back, fulfilled. She could hardly believe what had just happened. Michael gently put his hand on hers, stopping her.

"It's ok," she murmured. "Dr Stark knows and will give us new sheets if we ask." She could hear his breathing and for the first time since she'd known him, it wasn't calm and steady, it was fast. She could feel his heart hammering against hers. Fuck it, she thought. He deserves to know the meaning of real pleasure."

Before she could think about what she was doing, she moved and took him in her mouth. She heard his quiet gasp and smiled to herself. His hand rested on top of her head, and she could tell he was trying not to push her mouth down further. Almost greedily, she took the hint. It wasn't long before he tried to pull her back and she knew why, he was about to ejaculate. For the first time in her life, she resisted a man's wishes and kept going. She knew he was trying to warn her, but she didn't listen. Sure enough seconds later, he released his load into her mouth, and she didn't think, she just swallowed it. She'd had to do this so many times with Adam, it was almost second nature. But this time, she felt as though she'd never tasted anything so sweet in her life.

Moving back up, she took his mouth in a gentle kiss now, not passionate. "How was that?" She breathed. She heard him try to take control of his breathing and grinned. A second later he messaged her.

Damn, Danielle. I have never felt anything like that. I did try to stop you.

"I know you did," she smirked at him. "But there was no way that was happening. I wanted to show you how good it can feel."

You certainly succeeded in doing that. Some day soon I will return the favour.

"You already did," she breathed. "That's a mark of how much I love you and appreciate everything you've done for me. There was a time not so long ago I wouldn't have dreamed or dared to even think about doing that, and that's all thanks to you, darling Michael Myers."

I love you too, Danielle.

"Is that just because of just now?" She smirked and kissed him, feeling his mouth move in a smile beneath hers.

Well, if I'd known, maybe.

"Ha ha," she snuggled against him as they kissed again. "You gave me an amazing orgasm too," she murmured. "God, that was the best I've ever felt."

I'm glad. We can feel them together, we have years ahead to do so. If that was the start, I can't wait for the rest.

"Me neither darling," she stroked his hair then, for the first time. His forehead was damp with sweat as was hers. "Do you want some water?" She asked.

Yes, but I'll get it, you stay there. Do you?

"Thanks Michael, and ok if you say so," she smiled.

That's not an order.

"I know sweetheart, I know." Her heart surged with love for him all over again if that was possible, as he always went out of his way to tell her this. Seconds later, he handed her a cool glass of water. She drank it down almost in one, which didn't surprise her considering what they'd just done. Michael took it from her and refilled it. "Thanks babes," she murmured.

You are so beautiful, Danielle.

"Thanks," she felt the lump swell in her throat again. She once more found herself asking the question she'd asked herself several times over the last few months. Was this really Michael Myers? "You are so hansom, Michael." This time he didn't tease her about that comment coming from a blind woman, not after what'd just happened, and she couldn't deny she was grateful for this. There was a time to be playful, and one to be serious. He simply slid into bed again and pulled her into a kiss. "I love you," she whispered in his ear. This time, he didn't message her, he whispered back, something she was still in awe she'd managed to break, his silence.

"I love you too, Danielle."

Before she closed her eyes, she again found herself thinking of the time Jefferson had ejaculated in her face. Michael had killed him for this, and now just months later, had done so into her mouth as her partner. Consensually, amazingly and to her, romantically. She was asleep tight in his arms less than 5 minutes later, fulfilled, happy and above all, loved.

…

"You're glowing!"

It was the next morning and for one of only a few times since arriving at Smith's Grove, Danielle had slept right through until the breakfast bell sounded. When she woke, Michael had lowered the screen a little so they would hear it. "Good thinking," she said as she kissed him. "Morning darling."

Now as they headed down the corridor towards breakfast, Michael with Rick but for one of the first times he was not chained, Joanne playfully nudged her. "You are so glowing, Danielle Avery!"

She blushed. "I expect I am. I… gave him the letter and things… went well."

Joanne squeezed her arm affectionately but didn't ask anything more, for which Danielle was grateful. She didn't want to discuss what'd happened with anyone, not even Dr Stark. This was private, purely between her and Michael. Damn, she loved him.