A little while later, Danielle took Colin's phone back to him. She hadn't disconnected the call, just in case Colin had more to say to Michael.

"Thanks sis," he hugged her tightly again, and she reached up and pulled his ears. "Get off!" He laughed, pulling hers back. "Me and my… oh shit what was it? Oh yeah, nice? Ears!" They both heard Michael chuckling.

Tell me, can you wiggle your ears, Colin?

Colin read the text and grinned. "No, I can't?"

"He can whistle though," Danielle laughed. As if to prove it, Colin whistled a little tune, which made Danielle's whole face light up and Colin blink back tears.

"Michael can whistle and wiggle his ears," Danielle explained. "His ears are… well, sexy as all hell!"

"Poor, poor man," Colin said. "Your ears will never know a second's piece, what are you marrying into?"

Danielle couldn't help it and pulled Colin's again. "You don't get off free either," she laughed. "You really do have nice ears, Cole!"

"Ow, my ears!" The three laughed together. The sound of Michael Myers of all men chuckling made Colin smile, he couldn't help it. Danielle turned back to the door. "I'll delete your text thread, that's private. Michael and I can always start a new one."

"" Night Cole, I love you so much!"

"I love you too D, I'd die for you!" He hugged her again, kissing her cheek. "I'm so, so glad you're home!"

"Me too," she kissed him back, pulled his ears again then headed for the door. "Night, love you."

"Get off my ears, you," Colin laughed. "Love you more than the world, D."

She giggled back. "Nope, sorry!"

Colin smiled, as the door clicked shut. "Damn," he exhaled. "I've missed that girl! After… you know, what happened, we were convinced we'd lost her. When I found out, I was in the hospital the same day. I was absolutely fucking furious with Charlotte. She believed Dawson was Mr. Nice Guy and that Danielle had played a fucking victim card! You have no idea how long it took me to forgive Charlotte for that. Now…" He blinked back tears. "Now she's fucking unconscious, and what a horrible lesson to learn about someone!"

Don't blame yourself.

Colin laughed shakily. "I try not to, but it's not easy. Tim said the same. We should have done more."

So, tell me, what exactly could you have done to prevent it?

"We knew she was a target; we should've driven her to college ourselves, or kept a closer eye, or…"

Stop! You can't think about what if, Colin.

You should have that written on your forehead," Colin laughed a little. "Dad said you said the exact same words to him about it.

Indeed, I did, this is because it's true.

Colin sighed. "Fucking hard to believe," he muttered. When he looked back into Michael's face, this time he was certain. He could see nothing but kindness, compassion and sympathy. "Who are you and what have you done with Michael Myers?" He said before he could stop himself, and could hardly believe his ears this time when Michael laughed out loud.

You might want to ask your sister that question.

Colin smiled at him. "Good old Danielle," he said completely seriously. "Listen Michael, I do have to say this. We can't thank you enough for protecting her while she was in Smith's Grove. We know about that fucker, Derek Chancer, and what Adam almost succeeded in getting him to do, in fact I'd argue he did. Adam grabbed her and almost killed Charlotte! Dad like, completely lost his shit when he found out you were next door to Danielle, Michael. Whew, he was almost scary! If Mom hadn't hidden his car keys and Nigel hadn't come round for a drink with him, Dad would've been at Smith's Grove that fucking night! I think he wanted to kill Dr Loomis! I was like, Michael fucking Myers. Does he want her to get killed and this time succeed in dying?"

I can not say your fears were not justified.

Colin chuckled a little. "No shit, Sherlock! Did…" he hesitated. "Did you want to kill her at first?"

Do you really need me to answer that?

"Fair point," Colin smiled shakily. "Of course, you would! She'd be the easiest kill you'd ever have! She wouldn't see you coming, and no one can ever hear you when you sneak up for the kill. I heard you described once as, "He creeps, he kills." Accurate to the letter!" "What… what stopped you from trying to kill Danielle?"

I have been asked that question so many times.

"I bet you have!"

Each time is the same, I can not answer it. She just… just did something to me. To this day, I'm still not completely sure what.

"Yes, you are," Now it was Colin's voice which was gentle. "You fell in love with her, she wormed her way into your heart. You damn well know that Mr. Myers! Even you had a heart, you just didn't know it until then, when it was too late to do a damn thing about it."

Damn your sister!

Colin laughed. "Love's dangerous," he said. "Almost as dangerous as you, in its own way."

So, it seems.

"You don't regret it, do you?"

No, of course I don't. I just… still don't completely understand it.

"Danielle's loyal to those she loves," Colin murmured, not breaking eye contact with Michael. "You grabbed her damn throat; she brushed it off like you'd bumped into her. She told me what happened, so it's not like you didn't have a reason." Michael scoffed.

Why do you all keep saying that?

"What? That it wasn't like you didn't have a reason. Because it's true. You snapped on hearing Adam Dawson's voice through Josh. Christ, I think I'd have reacted too! Danielle was just closest at the time. Listen man, none of us blame you for it. Don't get us wrong, if you'd done it with cold, calculated and murderous intent, damn right we'd blame you. We'd have come up there and tried to kill you ourselves! But you didn't, that's a fucking big difference!" Michael sighed. "Plus, you feel guilty about it! That speaks volumes on its own! Michael Myers feels guilty about almost killing someone. Unheard of before you met Danielle, so, what does that tell you?" Colin was silent for a moment, letting that sink in, before he spoke again, still softly. "Listen Michael, Nigel, Dad, Tim and I have all said the same. If you need a man's advice, we're always at the end of phones, we want you to know that. You have all our numbers, right?"

No, I do not have yours.

"Do you have your own phone then?"

I do, yes.

"Do you know it off by heart?"

No, but it's right here. Give me yours and I will text you.

"Good thinking." Colin did so and a few seconds later, his phone vibrated with a message from another number.

Hi, it's me. M.

"Got it," Colin said. "I'll save it in my contacts right now. Wow, a contact named Michael Myers. Better hide my phone from the majority of Haddonfield!" Michael chuckled again.

I thank you, Colin. In turn, if there is anything I can do for you, likewise.

"Kill Adam again?" Colin muttered. "Please?" Michael smiled at him, a warm, gentle smile Colin never thought Michael Myers would ever show on his face.

If only I could. I would take great pleasure in it.

"How…" Colin's voice was just above a whisper. "How did you… do it?"

Sadly, I could not make it as slow as I wanted, due to time constraints. Let's just say I shoved him down the staircase, stabbed him several times in various places then cut his head off.

"You, cut, his, head off?" Colin whooped. "Oh, my fucking God! So, fucking, awesome! Why did I miss that? Damn, no one videoed it. Piece of shit!"

I did indeed cut his head off.

"Damn! Don't serial killers keep trophies? Why didn't you keep it? Best fucking kill under your name!"

It would've been somewhat difficult, plus Mr. Leach took it, imbedded it on a tree branch.

"Good fucking riddance," Colin muttered. "Fuck I hate him! Even now, I hate him!"

I know Colin, I know.

There was a soft knock on the door. Colin took several deep breaths, trying to calm his racing heart. Adam was dead, anger wouldn't make any difference now, and would only affect him, not Adam. He opened his door. "Hey D," he greeted.

"Hey Cole," she came in, shutting the door quietly. "Um, I don't know if you meant to, but you sent that text thread to me. The one where Michael asked if you weren't my only brother."

"Fuck," Colin said. "I'm so sorry, sis!"

"No, don't be. I should've said something months ago. Is Michael still here?"

"Yes, he is. Do you want me to…

"No!" She hugged him tightly. "Please, be here for this?"

"I love you Danielle," he hugged her as tightly as he could, as they sat down on his bed.

"Can you read Michael's texts out please?"

"You got it, sis!"

Danielle sighed. "Darling," she said to Michael. "It's not that I didn't want to tell you, I just… didn't know how. Colin… was not my only brother.

"I note the word, "Was," there, Danielle."

"Yeah, up until I was 15, I… I had a biological brother. Jonathan Hayward was his name. He was 5 years older than me; he protected me when he could, from my parents' cruelty. Made sure food was cooked properly, that there were no hazards in the house, all that stuff."

"Motherfuckers," Colin growled. "I love John!"

"The Avery's met John a lot, of course. I think he and Charlotte were almost a thing at one time," she smiled a little, but sadly. "Anyway, John was a huge fan of boats, Michael. I mean huge. Whenever he was home from university, he'd go out on the water fishing. He took Colin, Charlotte and I with him a lot too."

"Fun times," Colin nodded.

"He got his own boat at 18, it was his damn pride and joy. He'd saved up most of his life for it. It was called the Killing Kit," she smiled a little more genuinely at this.

Colin looked at Michael and was almost bought to tears by the kindness and sympathy in his eyes as he looked at Danielle. "I wish you could see the way Michael's looking at you right now," he murmured. "It's so kind, gentle."

"One day," she paused, taking deep breaths. Colin hugged her, stroking her back. "Fuck, I…"

"Michael says, "Danielle, there is no rush. It's in your own time.""

"I've started now," she shook her head. "I'll finish, I must. One day, he asked me if I wanted to go out on the water with him, but I… I didn't feel very well so I couldn't." She took a deep breath but was now crying. Without a word, Colin handed her some tissues, hugging her close. "The KK got hit by a storm," Danielle finished over the lump in her throat. "It capsized, and… and John didn't stand a chance. He… he drowned before help could reach him. They managed to grab his body by pure luck and tried CPR for ages, but… but it was too late."

"Michael says, "I am so, so sorry, Danielle." Me too, D!"

"Thanks," she sniffled. "That's why you're so fucking important to me, Colin Avery! I need my brother, my only brother! John protected me, he'd be proud and would thank you for doing the same."

Colin too was close to crying now, as he hugged her close. "I'll do the very best I can J," he promised. "You have my fucking word! John would've killed your so-called parents for abandoning you, I know it!"

Danielle smiled sadly at them again. "Yeah, maybe. I… I've always wondered if part of it was because they blame me for John's death."

"If they do, that's fucking stupid!" Colin exploded. "What, do you have control of the sea now? Michael says, "Well said, Colin." Jesus Christ! Have you told Mom and Dad this, sis?"

"Are you kidding? No, because they'd say exactly what you have! I… I do have survivor's guilt though, I can't lie. If I'd only gone out with him that day…"

"Ha, your Fiancé beat me too it. "What, you think that would have stopped the storm? All that would've happened is you would've gone over and drowned with him, Danielle." Fucking 100% right, Michael!"

"I know, but I still feel guilty. John was my world. Even small things like reading things for me, nothing was too much for him. Unlike our parents, he loved me. I'm certain he argued with them about their treatment of me too. He even said once he would take me with him when he got his own place…" she started crying again, and so did Colin.

"I never knew that" he whispered, hugging her tightly. "Oh, Danielle. Do you know where his gravestone is?" Colin asked after a short, respectful silence.

"Yes," Danielle wiped her streaming eyes. "His university friends paid for one in the local cemetery. Wouldn't let me pay a damn thing towards it!"

"That's because he was dearly loved by everyone," Colin said. "His funeral was absolutely packed."

"Yeah, there were people standing in the isles and outside, they had to borrow more seats from people and even then, there weren't enough."

"He was one of the kindest guys I ever knew," Colin said. "Charlotte and him together would've been amazing."

Danielle finally managed a watery grin. "Yeah, they kept dancing around it, but never actually did anything about it. Drove me crazy!"

"The reason I asked where his gravestone was, is Mom and Dad have said countless times they'll take you up there whenever you ask, as you know. Well, so will I! Just ask."

"Thanks," her smile was a little more sincere now.

"Michael says, "When I am with you, I too will drive you up there anytime you ask." I'm telling you Michael, you would've had help killing Adam if John had been there," Colin said fervently, and Danielle nodded. "He would've absolutely flayed him alive while you stabbed him!"

"Can you send Michael a picture of him?" Danielle whispered to Colin.

"Already on it, stand by." A few seconds later, he spoke again. "Michael says, "That is a nice picture, he's in his fishing gear, with the KK behind him and the sun in the background." Well described, Michael! Nice one!"

Colin and Danielle both laughed. "He was never out of his fishing gear," Danielle explained. "I swear he would've slept in it if he could've gotten away with it, and aboard the KK!"

"He probably did anyway," Colin laughed.

"Could you send that to Michael's phone as well please?" Danielle asked.

"Oh, sorry sis, forgot to tell you. Michael's texting on his own phone now, I have his number. So, he has the picture on his phone."

"Thanks."

A short while later, Danielle retired back to her room. "I'm going to go now too Michael," Colin yawned. "I'm shattered."

Sleep well to you all.

"Thanks, you too, Michael. I'm glad we talked, I appreciate it. I'll be honest, when Dr Loomis asked me if I was ready to talk to you, I almost chickened out! This was because I knew I was entirely in the wrong, and like everyone else I know, feared Michael Myers!"

Well, don't.

"Uh, you're asking a lot their pal," Colin smiled. "You're still Michael Myers!" Michael sighed but was smiling too.

Whatever. Get out of here!

Colin laughed. "Night pal, take care." Michael hung up.

…

The Shape stood in what had been his and Danielle's cell later that night, observing silently as Thomas Cox was brought in, in heavy restraints. Cox, just like him, was a serial killer who, unlike Chancer and Chadwick, didn't discriminate in their victims, killing both men and women. Rick struggled to control the huge inmate. "Fucking move Cox," he snapped.

"What you going to do about it, short ass?" Cox taunted. The Shape felt his rage begin to build, and opened his locket, gazing at Danielle's picture.

"Whatever we need to," Jack's voice said. "Now move!"

"Ha," Cox laughed. "You two all they've got? You don't stand a chance!" This was true, Cox was almost as big as he himself was. Joanne ran in then, and Cox leered at her. The Shape squeezed the soft wall, longing to get his mask, and…

"Oh, this just gets better and better," the killer taunted. "What do you think you're going to do, pretty?" Joanne hit him straight in the face with a taser blast, thus far it hadn't been effective.

"Get one of the armed guys," Rick panted. "We need help." Without a word, Jack ran through the secure doors.

After Danielle had left, the doctors had kept their trust in Michael and hadn't locked the cell door. As a result, no one saw him as he silently stepped out, towards Cox and his struggling friends.

"Fucking, move," Rick gasped, as Joanne drew her gun, a last resort.

"You're not going to fucking shoot that, darling," Cox drawled. "You're too pretty to fire a gun."

Danielle would tell you otherwise, Rick thought, with a rush of affection for both women. Cox lashed out then, striking Joanne clean in the face with a closed fist to her left cheek and jaw. The blow was almost hard enough to knock her out. She staggered, and would have fallen to her knees, if not for Michael Myers.

The Shape caught her in his arms before she hit the concrete floor, holding her up gently, but effortlessly. Her eyes were open, but only just, she was fighting with consciousness.

"JOANNE!" Rick shouted, grabbing some water. Before he could do anything though, Michael took it from him and gently dabbed it on Joanne's forehead.

"I'm here, Joanne, it's alright," Rick heard Michael whisper, and just managed to stop himself from simultaneously crying and running to hug Myers at the same time.

Jack burst back through the doors, Peter Atkins at his side. Cox had frozen at the sight of his fellow killer, the most infamous in America. "Michael fucking Myers," he breathed.

"Michael?" Joanne murmured, dazed.

"Shh," Rick heard Michael soothe her and resolved there and then he would do whatever Michael Myers asked of him. First him, now Joanne? Gently, Michael pulled the gun from Joanne's unresisting hand and slipped it back into her holster.

"Jesus Christ," Atkins murmured in awe. "Not so long ago he would've killed her with that, no questions asked!" He, Jack and Rick all grabbed Cox, who was now outnumbered three to one, using his shock against him. They slammed him to the ground inside his cell, before slamming and locking the door. "Motherfucker," Jack gasped for air.

"Joanne, babe," Rick murmured, joining her and Michael. "Do you need an ambulance, hon?" Joanne shook her head, wincing only slightly. Rick marvelled. The woman he loved was hard as nails. "Are you sure?"

"Yes," she said quietly. "I'm ok. It was only a punch."

"Only a… Peter stared at her. "Jesus' girl! How hard are you? You're going to have one hell of a bruise tomorrow. He might even have broken your jaw!"

Joanne smiled faintly at him. "Been there before, it's not the first time, it's all good."

"You can't mess with Joanne Turner," Jack said with the same pride as in Peter's voice. Rick smiled, feeling the same. The three men could only watch with teary eyes, as Michael slowly and carefully took Joanne into his cel. She staggered a little, clearly dizzy, but Michael's arms tightened around her, and it was clear he'd never let her fall. Rick blinked back tears. Looking up, he saw Jack and even Peter doing the same. "Jesus," Jack breathed. "Who the fuck is this guy?" Michael eased Joanne onto the bed, before sitting beside her and holding a bottle of water up to her lips, one arm around her shoulders.

"Michaels got this," Peter said, his voice shaking with emotion at the beautiful sight in front of them. "I'll go get Dr Loomis, stand by."

A few moments later, Dr Loomis ran in, Peter having told him what'd happened. By now, Joanne was sitting up, her head against Michael's shoulder, drinking the water without help.

"Are you ok, Joanne? Are you sure you don't want to be at least checked out?"

"Fine," Joanne sighed. "Call an EMT in here, but I don't need hospital, honestly."

"Ok, but you're going home after they're done," Dr Loomis said sternly, and all saw Michael nod in agreement.

Joanne smiled a little. "I'm not going to argue with Dr Loomis or Michael Myers!"

"Michael," Rick stepped through the open door. Due both to the soundproofing modifications and As Cox was opposite them, he could not hear. "I don't know how to… first me, now Joanne? I… what can I do?"

There is no need to do anything, Rick. I am glad I was here.

The guard stared at the notepad, then the man who held it. "Fucking hell man, do you expect me to just be like, cool, thanks? You've got to be fucking joking!"

"Right," Joanne nodded a little.

Isn't that what friends do, however?

Dr Loomis stepped in, unable to stop himself shaking Michael's hand. "Thank you, Michael. I am as grateful as these guys. However, he was only half smiling now. "If we leave your door unlocked, can we trust you not to… go after Cox?" Slowly, Michael nodded.

"Are you sure?" Rick asked the killer, smiling a little. "Because I know I fucking want to and I'm not… wasn't even a serial killer!" Michael smiled slightly back at him.

Yes, you can trust me. Although, I can't pretend that didn't anger me.

"Me too," Rick and Jack said together. "But when you say that it's the real shit," Jack finished, shivering.

You can trust me, Dr Loomis, Joanne, Rick, Jack. I will not betray that trust.

Dr Loomis slowly nodded. "Ok, thank you, Michael."

The EMT arrived a few seconds later and declared Joanne was doing well but might have a concussion. Dr Loomis assured her he had ordered Joanne to go home.

"Good," the medic smiled. "You don't want to go to hospital, sweetheart?" She asked Joanne.

"No thanks hon," Joanne smiled at her, more convincingly now. "I'm ok, I'll just go home and rest."

"Keep an eye on your symptoms please," the medic instructed. "Call us back if you feel dizzy, nauseous, tired. Come on, I'll give you a ride home in the ambulance, you're not driving."

"That's you told," Jack said. Before Joanne could stand, Michael picked her up into his arms and just as he'd done with Rick, carried her towards the doors and out to the waiting ambulance as effortlessly as if she were a doll.

"I can walk, Michael," she protested weakly, but stopped under Michael's glare and firm headshake. "Fine," she sighed, but smiled at him and kissed his cheek. "I won't argue with Michael Myers!" They saw a flash of shock on the medic's face at the name, before she professionally hid it once more. "I know," Joanne said to her.

After the ambulance drove off and Michael returned, Rick approached him and hugged him as tightly as he could, his tears finally coming without restraint. "Michael, I love you, man! How… how can I thank you? Please I'm serious, tell me, I'll do anything!"

"Shh, Rick," Michael whispered to him, and they heard Jack and Peter audibly sob, and even Dr Loomis draw in a breath of emotion.

"Please, I mean it!" Rick persisted adamantly. "Tell me! What can I do?" Michael held him close, stroking his back.

"Michael, say, turn a blind eye while I kill that motherfucker," Jack growled. "I would!" Even Dr Loomis smiled slightly at this. "What sick fuck hits women?" Well, accept Dawson!"

"Dr Loomis," Rick's voice shook. "Please can I borrow my dear, dear friend here for a while?"

Dr Loomis smiled. "Of course, it's all under control. Take your time. He, Jack and Peter shook Michael's hand. "If I can do anything, tell me too," Jack said.

Rick new Michael was once again pretending to be unable to stop him, as Rick almost dragged him out of the block, still holding him tightly in an embrace, tears running freely down his face. Jack, Peter and Dr Loomis smiled at each other. "He might let him out," Peter said, only half joking.

"If he did, I wouldn't blame him," Jack said adamantly. "Danielle's changed him so much, it's unreal!"

"Indeed, it is," Dr Loomis nodded.

…

If someone had told Rick Evans when he first started his career at Smith's Grove, that one day he'd be buying none other than Michael Myers a three-course meal in the private executive dining room, he would've laughed and probably had them committed too! But now, that was exactly what he was doing. Dr Loomis, of course, had realised what he wanted to do, and contacted Oliver, who'd authorised it immediately, after checking on Joanne's welfare. The executive dining room contained luxurious leather seating and table service. The on-call waitress was already on her way, as was the chef. They would cook whatever Rick and Michael requested. Rick had to pay out of his own pocket, but he didn't care. It was also very expensive, but to him, no price was high enough. It was normally only used by people such as Oliver or paying patients if they had the money to eat with their families in private.

"Take a seat my dear friend," Rick said to Michael, as they stepped onto the plush, thick carpet. Michael glanced around, and Rick smiled at him. "My treat," he said. "Sit down." Michael smiled back and did so.

The chef and waitress arrived, smiling at them. "Good evening, to drink, gentlemen?" the waitress asked them.

"Anything," Rick repeated. Michael hesitated, then held up his notepad, asking for a beer.

"Nice one man," Rick clapped him on the back. "Go for it, it's the least you deserve." As he was driving, Rick requested a ginger beer.

"Here you go gents," the waitress arrived two minutes later. "Have you decided food?" Michael requested a chicken curry, Rick steak pie.

What's this for, Rick?

Rick read the message then glanced up at its writer, who had a slight smile on his lips.

"Uh, what the hell do you think? You didn't have to do that," Rick felt another wave of tears and blinked hard. "Joanne would've fallen and could've been way more seriously hurt if not for you."

You are my friends. I just simply did what any friend would do, surely?

"That's as maybe, but then any friend also has a right to thank a friend for something like that. Enjoy it, my man."

Then I thank you, Rick.

For the next two hours, Rick Evans and Michael Myers talked in a way they never had before. Rick told the killer about his family, childhood and personal life. Rick's phone rang once, it was Joanne, telling him she was in fact going into the hospital, the medic had put her foot down after she'd started to feel sick and dizzy in the ambulance.

"Good!" Rick said firmly. "I'll let Michael know. Take care babes and I'll be there soon. Mr. Myers and I are currently at dinner to thank him. Yes, I'll tell him. I love you." He hung up.

"Joanne started feeling unwell in the ambulance, so she's gone to the hospital overnight." Michael nodded. "She said to thank you, and like me, to tell her if there was anything she could do for you." Michael smiled again.

Finally, after their deserts and another drink, the two men stood to leave. "Thank you," Rick said to the chef and waitress, who both smiled at the two men again. Michael nodded to them in thanks.

When they re-entered the block, the night guards had arrived, and Jack was waiting for them. "Hey boys," he smiled. "Nice dinner?"

"I think Michael here enjoyed his two beers," Rick said.

"Well, I never." Dr Loomis grinned. "Good for you, Michael." Michael smiled back, then laid his hand on his doctor's arm, raising his notepad in the other.

Dr Loomis, I don't think we should inform Danielle of this, at least until Joanne is better. We all know she'd come back up here this very night if we did.

"Very good point," Jack said. "I agree."

"Me too," Dr Loomis shook Michael's hand again. "We'd already thought of that too."

"Michael I'm still in your debt," Rick said as the other man walked back into his cell. "I can never do enough for you." Michael chuckled, and hugged Rick close.

It's fine, Rick. Thank you for dinner, you didn't have to. It's all good. Go and be with Joanne, I'll see you tomorrow? Please keep me updated.

"You will indeed my friend," Rick hugged him back, then shook his hand. "Of course I will. Good night."

Good night to you, Jack, Dr Loomis.

…

Just as she'd predicted, Danielle didn't sleep well that night. She knew why, of course, but it didn't make it any easier. The absence of Michael beside her was difficult to get used to. She kept reminding herself of his words, "This isn't goodbye forever," knowing he was right, but wishing it wasn't goodbye at all. She'd returned to Colin's room shortly after Michael had hung up, and they talked for a while.

"What would John say?" Colin smiled, genuinely now. "His sister's only marrying Michael Myers!"

"I think he'd be like you initially, what the fuck? Then I think he'd be happy for me too," Danielle smiled, a little sadly. "He only wanted my happiness, just as you do."

Shortly after this, she slipped into bed but could not close her eyes. She tried reading a book, but that didn't work either. She'd texted Michael to say good night a short while ago but wasn't sure she'd be sleeping anytime soon. As yet, he hadn't replied. Eventually she gave up, heading downstairs. She'd just reached the door to the living room, when she heard someone crying. Her heart broke. It was Tim. Without speaking, she pushed open the door, entered and put her arms around him on the couch, as she sat beside him. She pulled him into a tight hug, and he rested his head on her shoulder. She got the feeling he didn't even know who it was yet. "Tim, it's me," she murmured, stroking his back. "I'm here for you."

He raised his head to look up at her, tears on his cheeks. "Sorry Danielle…"

"Stop!" She cut him off. "You have as much right to cry as anyone does!" Her tone was so stern, he didn't argue.

"I just…" he held her close. "Fuck! I sometimes feel like I can't cry in front of you or the others, I must be strong. Yes, she's the woman I love and want to marry, but you're her family."

"Shut up," she said firmly, squeezing him tightly. "Shut the fuck up with that crap, Jennings! You're as much part of this family as I am, we all love you to pieces! Charlotte is so happy with you; you've treated her like nothing but your Princess! Don't think we've not all noticed that hell, even I have! You have every write to grieve, if you need to. But I'm telling you, our sister and girlfriend is a fighter. She'll pull through, she's Charlotte Avery, it's in her very damn jeans!"

"Damn I know that I just feel so powerless."

"Oh, me too, we all do! Like Dad even said, if the doctors can't do anything what can we do? But believe me Tim, I hear you! It's a horrible feeling I know, but all we can do is wait. When she wakes up, yes, I said when, it'll all be worth it! You will marry her, trust me. Come on, let me get you a drink."

"Thanks babes," He took her hand and guided her into the kitchen, even though she already knew where it was. She squeezed his hand in hers. She put on the kettle, and he poured them a tea and a coffee, carrying them back into the living room. When they entered, Colin had joined them, holding his own coffee.

"You ok, Tim?" He asked softly.

The other man sighed, sitting down beside Danielle again and pulling her back into a hug. But before he could speak, she did.

"He gave me some crap about how he didn't feel he could cry, because he had to be strong for us and didn't want us to see it! She's his girlfriend, but we're his family! I cut that BS in its tracks, pointing out that he's as much family as we are, that he treats Charlotte like his Princess and we've all noticed, even me!"

"That's you told," Colin smiled at Tim. "I'd listen to Danielle Avery, if I were you. After all, she's right."

Finally, Tim smiled slightly. "That's me told indeed, thank you Colin, Danielle. I just wish we could do… fuck I don't know, something!"

"Oh, I know," Colin and Danielle said in unison.

"It… it's just so hard, sitting by that bed every day listening to those damn machines and holding her hand, when all I want her to do is wake up and look at us! I've read so many stories about people in comas, how sometimes they come back and don't even recognise their families!"

"Well, that won't help you," Colin said gently. "What are you reading that shit for? We must stay positive, man."

"Exactly," Danielle agreed.

There was a soft knock on the door, and Nigel came in quietly. "You ok, Tim?" He asked gently.

"Jesus," Tim said, but was smiling despite himself. "Someone catches me crying, almost the whole household come to comfort me. Does this place have crying radar or something?" Danielle hugged him again.

"Welcome to the manning, Jennings and Avery family," Colin said. "It's what we're famous for. This house has love as its middle name." Nigel plucked Tim's cup from his unresisting hand and made him a fresh coffee, Colin bringing in a fresh one for him and tea for Danielle. Nigel joined them with his own coffee, and Danielle repeated what Tim had told her.

"Well, that's rubbish," Nigel said, just as sternly as Danielle had. "You have every right to cry, Tim! You love her as much as we do. You mean the world to her, Do you think we've not noticed? Even Danielle has!"

"See?" Danielle grinned at him now.

"Ok, ok," Tim said, raising his hands in mock surrender, but looking at them all with a rush of love. "Damn I love you all."

"We love you too," the other three said together.

"I overheard what you said about people in comas," Nigel said. "While that might be true, we can't assume the worst until we're faced with it, and in all honesty, I don't think we will be. Charlotte's strong, we all know that. However, if, and I said if, we are indeed faced with a worse case scenario, we'll find a way to deal with it. But Tim, my dear friend, there's no point thinking about what if, until we know what that if, is."

"Have you spoken to Michael?" Colin grinned at Nigel. "He's said, "You can't think about what if," to all of us now in that case."

Nigel chuckled. "Indeed, he has."

"Michael Myers," Tim breathed, sounding almost reverent. "Bloody hell! Michael Myers. The, Michael Myers! Damn Danielle, how did you do it?"

"I was just me," she blushed.

"Which is all you need," Colin and Nigel said in unison. "Even Michael Myers couldn't resist you."

"Shut up," Danielle muttered. "In all seriousness, I don't know. I didn't even mean to fall in love with him, not after Adam, obviously! I came very, very close to dying at his hands, he told me as much, but I don't want to say anymore about that, if that's ok, it's between us. But the point is, I honestly had no intention, nor did I mean to fall in love with him, never mind get into his heart in turn. So, tease me all you like, I honestly don't know, and I don't think I ever will."

Nigel spoke up, his tone completely serious. "Actually Danielle, I wasn't joking."