*Disclaimer - I do not own any of the member of 'N Sync (nor would I ever really want to), they belong to their respective owners (probably the people who signed their insurance policies). I don't even know them. I do, however, own all fiction characters and the plot twists I put them into. Plagiarism is against the law. Don't do it. Thank you.

Mike sighed, glancing up as the door opened, the small bell above the door jingling gaily with the entrance of a new customer. Her eyes widened, her cheeks paling slightly as her fingers tightened convulsively around the book she held. She hadn't expected to see him again, had hoped she'd never have to go through the humiliation of seeing him again, but it was too much to hope for. With all the courage she could muster, she placed the book down on the counter, placing a bookmark between the pages to mark her place. David wandered over to the counter, hands shoved into the pockets of his jeans.

"What do you want, David?" Mike inquired, mentally berating herself for the small tremor her voice still held when in his presence.

"Nothing, Michaela. I don't want anything." David shook his head, his voice unusually soft.

"Then why are you here?" she lifted an eyebrow, folding her hands on the counter, the muscles in her back stiffening.

"I just wanted to talk to you. That's all." he held up his hands, as if to ward off a blow.

"Talk." she demanded, glancing over to the front door, hoping someone would come into the shop before long.

"I just wanted to say…. I'm sorry. For everything I did to you. After the last time I saw you, I took a lot of what you said to heart and thought about it. I went to the right people and asked for help. Been in therapy for seven months now. Moved here to Orlando to start new, and found myself a therapist here and got myself a really good job." David mumbled, raking a hand through his hair as he took a step closer to the counter. "I don't know why I'm here. I guess I just wanted to apologize."

"I don't believe you. People don't change in seven months, David. Especially not people like you." Mike shook her head, stepping away from the counter to distance herself from the man who had created so much pain in her life. "What makes you so sure I'd accept an apology after all you've done to me? God, David. You used to beat me, used to tell me things I'm still trying to recover from. You destroyed me life. And you expect me to forgive you with just an apology? Not in this lifetime. Now, please leave."

"I didn't think you'd believe me, and I didn't expect you to accept my apology. I'm sorry to bother you. I just wanted to see you again, hoping maybe we could be friends." David shrugged, eyes blank and unreadable.

"No, David. We can't be friends. Please leave." Mike folded her arms protectively across her chest, taking another step away from the counter, her heart seizing in her chest.

"I'm sorry, Michaela." David mumbled, turning abruptly and heading to the front door. Seconds later, he was gone, vanishing into thin air. Mike took a deep breath, her heart racing painfully in her chest as she slowly sank down onto the stool set up behind the counter, holding a hand to her thundering heart. Why Orlando? Why did he chose to settle in Orlando? Her mind couldn't answer the internal questions that fluttered through her mind. She glanced around the book shop, making sure the place was empty. More than anything, she wanted to be able to lock up the shop and leave for the night. She didn't feel safe in the small store alone, especially with David in town. She reached for the phone, her hand hesitating over the receiver, then sighed, rolling her eyes at herself. She would have to learn how to cope with these things on her own. She couldn't keep running to Chris or JC for help every time something happened that scared her. Her hand dropped back into her lap. Chris would want to know about this new development. She shook her head, glancing down at her watch. Two more hours and she could leave. Two more hours and she would be in the safety of the apartment she now shared with Chris.

She didn't know why David felt the need to see her, let alone apologize to her as if simple words would vanquish all the demons he had set free within her soul. If words equaled the power of fists, she would have healed long before now. She would be a whole person once again. She wouldn't be terrified to start a new relationship and she wouldn't still jump at shadows.

Mike groaned, covering her face with a hand. If she wanted to keep her sanity, she couldn't let herself think about David's appearance at that moment. On sheer willpower, she climbed to her feet and began to wander the stacks, making sure all the books were in order and in their proper places. Once that was finished, she made her way to the back room to go through the boxes of old book the owner of the store had bought earlier in the week. Many of them were almost twenty years old, ranging from old romance novels to old thrillers. Mike shook her head with a smile, reading the backs of various books in which the titles caught her eye. In no time at all, it was time for her to lock the shop up and go home.

"Chris, I don't think it's supposed to look like that." JC shook his head, making a face as he gazed down at the saucepan sitting on the stove.

"Shut up, you." Chris muttered, shaking his head in dismay. "I followed the directions. Why didn't it work?"

"Because you can't cook, old man. You better order out for something, cause I don't think anyone is crazy enough to eat that." JC chuckled, folding his arms across his chest.

"What is that smell?" Justin demanded, wandering into the kitchen, his face a mask of distaste.

"Chris tried his hand at cooking. It didn't work out as well as he'd hoped." JC answered, grinning over at the newcomer. Justin groaned a laugh, rolling his eyes.

"Like the two of you could do any better." Chris grunted, pulling the saucepan from the stove and setting the smoking remains of the spaghetti sauce in the sink to cool down enough to throw away.

"That don't look right to me, Ma. Is there a picture of it in the cookbook? I'll bet it don't look like that." Justin snickered, quoting the comedian George Carlin. JC covered his laughter with a quick cough.

"Ha, ha. Very funny." Chris muttered, lips twitching with suppressed amusement as he yanked open the refrigerator door, gazing into the machine, looking for something new to cook.

"Chris, please order out. I don't think we can take your cooking." JC pleaded, holding a protective hand over his stomach, thrusting his lower lip out into a pout.

"Shush, you. Can't you see I'm trying to create something here?" Chris demanded, tossing a withering look over his shoulder at his two friends.

"We could always call out for ourselves and leave him to eat his masterpiece." Justin whispered, elbowing JC lightly in the arm, eyes dancing with laughter.

"That's an idea, but wouldn't that hurt the chef's feelings?" JC nodded, worrying his lower lip between his teeth.

"Think of our stomachs, man. Whatever he cooks will eat the lining right off our stomachs." Justin reminded, trying desperately to still the twitch of his lips.

"Can't argue with a man who has a point." JC nodded, shrugging his shoulders as the pair wandered from the kitchen, leaving Chris to his experimenting with food. Justin reached for the phone, dialing the number to the local pizza place, placing a delivery order. Justin held a hand over the mouthpiece of the phone, turning to JC.

"When is Mike getting home?" Justin lifted an eyebrow.

"Don't rightly know. Any time now, I guess." JC shrugged, a small thrill going through him upon the mention of her name. He groaned softly, flopping down onto the couch.

"Well, what kind of pizza does she like?" Justin rolled his eyes, snickering softly.

"Um, pepperoni, sausage and extra cheese. But, don't hold me to that, I'm not quite sure." JC shook his head, raking a hand through his hair. Justin smiled knowingly as he finished the order and hung up the phone. Justin glanced toward the kitchen when a loud clatter filled the apartment, quickly followed by a sharp curse from Chris.

"I hope he doesn't burn the complex down." Justin muttered as he took a seat on an empty chair, reaching for the television remote control.

"I don't think he'd go to that extreme." JC snorted, rolling his eyes.

"This is Chris we're talking about." Justin laughed, turning on the television. The younger man began to flip through the channels, looking for something worth while to watch to kill time before the pizza showed up.

"Too true, too true." JC mumbled, giving Justin a small smile. The pair glanced up when the front door opened, emitting a very tired looking Mike. JC gave her a tentative smile, lifting an eyebrow at her. Mike forced a smile, dropping her book bag onto the floor next to the couch.

"That you, Mike?" Chris called from the kitchen, loud banging accompanying his words.

"What's going on?" Mike glanced over at Justin and JC.

"Chris is trying his hand at being Julia Child." Justin answered with a muffled snicker, eyes glued to the television set.

"Oh, Lord." Mike mumbled, shaking her head as she wandered into the kitchen. Chris looked up with a smile walked over to the kitchen counter and hoisted herself up onto the counter.

"How was your day today?" Chris lifted an eyebrow as he plopped a stake onto the skillet.

"A day. When did you decide to become all domestic like?" Mike answered with a shrug.

"Got tired of fast food. Decided I should start eating healthier." Chris sighed, moving down the counter where he was peeling and cutting potatoes.

"You want to eat healthier, yet you're frying almost everything." Mike snorted, grinning at her older friend. Chris glanced over at her, gazing at her for a moment.

"All right, tell me what happened." Chris set down the knife, turning to face her, giving her his undivided attention.

"What makes you think something's wrong?" she lifted an eyebrow as she reached for a grape from the bowl sitting beside her on the kitchen counter.

"Your eyes give you away every single time. Have you forgotten you can't hide anything from me? I'll always get it out of you in the long run." he folded his arms across his chest.

"I found something out today that didn't sit well with me, that's all." she shrugged, voice becoming distant. Chris lifted an eyebrow, waiting patiently for her to continue.

"David's here." the two words rang in the room like gun shots. "He came into the book shop telling me all these things. How he's changed and is going through therapy. He moved here a while back and wants to be a part of my life again."

"And what did you say?" Chris could barely keep the contempt from his voice.

"What could I say?" Mike gestured helplessly, reaching for another grape and popping it into her mouth.

"You agreed?" JC inquired from the doorway, startling Mike and causing Chris to sigh.

"He apologized for hurting me." Mike murmured, unable to meet his inquiring gaze.

"As if an apology would make everything right." JC muttered, shaking his head as the doorbell rang.

"That's pretty much what I said." she nodded, grimacing at the distaste in JC's voice. She glanced up, sighing when she saw an angry muscle in JC's jaw ticking. He shoved his hands into his pockets and left the doorway, returning to the living room. Mike sighed once again, glancing over at Chris.

"I've suddenly lost my appetite. I think I'll go to my room and get some studying done." she mumbled, hopping down from the counter.

"He's only upset because he cares about you." Chris reached for her, giving her a hug before she could disappearing into her room and shut everyone off from her.

"Whatever you say, Moo." Mike forced a smile as she left the room, her heart sinking into the pit of her stomach. She hadn't wanted to upset anyone, had only wanted to pass along information. You knew they wouldn't be happy about this. Why try to kid yourself? She shook her head, closing her bedroom door with a sigh. She had been ready to move out on her own, possibly get her own small apartment so she could try her hand at really standing on her own two feet; but now with David living in Orlando, she no longer wanted the solitude of living alone. She wouldn't feel safe without having someone with her. Stupid. Weak. Infantile. Her mind spat the words, berating herself on how foolish she was being.

Mike sat down on her bed, leaning back against the headboard as she closed her eyes. She rubbed her forehead with the tips of her fingers, trying to ease the wayward thoughts tripping through her mind as she fought for control. Everything with David was a control issue. He had the most control over her than anyone she had ever met, including her parents. The thought of her parents brought a bittersweet smile to her lips. She had been close to them when she was a child, had remained close to her father when her mother tried to make a 'real lady' out of her when she hit her teenage years. And after she met David, nothing. Her parents had done all but disown her, telling her she was dead in their eyes. At times there had been nothing more she wanted than to call her father, ask him to come and get her, to take her home; but she could never make it past the sixth digit in the telephone number, fearing he wouldn't listen to her and only hang up.

Her father had called once, months ago, when Chris had told him everything including what David had done to her in the months of their relationship. He had wanted to know if she was all right, and she never heard from him after that initial conversation. Mike shook her head, rolling her eyes. Time to get on with your life, Michaela. You can't spend the rest of your time feeling sorry for yourself. Time to take a stand. She shivered slightly, giving herself an authoritative tone.

"I've been thinking." JC mumbled, sitting at the kitchen table with Chris while Justin sat in the living room watching a movie he had become enthralled in.

"Is that what that smell was?" Chris inquired, snickering softly.

"We have to leave town again next week, and I'm not sure if I like the thought of Mike staying here alone. Especially with David in town." JC continued, choosing to ignore the playful barb.

"I know what you mean." Chris nodded, sighing softly. "I was thinking about having someone stay here with her."

"She wouldn't go for that, Chris. You know that. She's too stubborn and that would just be one more person for her to be wary about." JC shook his head, reaching for another slice of pizza.

"What else is there?" Chris lifted an eyebrow, folding his hand on the table in front of him.

"You could always get her a dog." Justin suggested, wandering into the room and over to the refrigerator in search of something to drink.

"A dog?" Chris made a face.

"Yeah, some breeds are fiercely loyal and would kill to keep their owners safe." Justin nodded with a shrug.

"You know, that's not a half bad idea." JC nodded, worrying his lower lip between his teeth as he thought for a moment.

"You sure about getting Mike a dog? I mean, this apartment isn't very big." Chris pointed out, settling back in his chair as he folded his arms across his chest.

"You're gone most of the time, and this place is big enough. For now, anyway." JC propped his chin on a fist, glancing around the room.

"What kind of dog are you thinking about?" Justin inquired, dropping down onto an empty chair.

"Something warm and fuzzy. I don't know. You have any suggestions, Curly?" JC rolled his eyes.

"Huskies are good. So are Labradors and Golden Retrievers." Justin shrugged a shoulder, covering a yawn with his hand.

The apartment was silent when Mike finally awoke from one of the better dreams she had experienced in a long time. She stretched luxuriously, glancing over at her alarm clock. It was nearly ten in the morning. Her heart lurched and she sat up, thinking she was late for class, then groaned, slapping a hand to her forehead. She wasn't late for anything. It was Saturday and her day off from everything. She flopped back against the mattress, closing her eyes again. She opened an eye when a soft knock sounded on her bedroom door.

"Yeah?" she inquired loudly, struggling to a sitting position as she folded her arms across her chest, leaning back against the headboard. The door opened and she smiled genuinely when JC poked his head into her room.

"You mind if I come in?" he inquired, returning her smile with one of his own.

"No, come on in." Mike gestured with a hand. JC pushed the door the rest of the way open, strolling into the room. Her eyebrows lifted when she noticed he wore a big, bulky coat.

"There a snow storm coming that I don't know about?" she inquired teasingly.

"No." JC chuckled softly, taking a seat on her bed. "We all have to leave next week to take care of some business."

"Yeah. I know." Mike nodded, the smile drifting from her face.

"So, Chris and I were thinking. We didn't want you to stay here alone, so this morning we picked something up that could help out a little bit." JC continued, his smile growing slightly.

"Somehow, I'm not sure if I'm comforted by this new information." she mumbled, gazing warily at him.

"Just close your eyes." JC admonished playfully, lifting an eyebrow at her. Mike sighed dramatically, gazing at him for a moment before she did as she was told, and closed her eyes. JC smiled, gazing at her for a moment, transfixed by the inquisitive look about her face. He reached inside his jacket, pulling out a small Alaskan Husky puppy from the inside lining and set him down on the bed in front of her. The puppy yawned hugely, blinking hard with the sudden shift of warmth and bright light. He whined softly, crawling forward, resting his head on a soft lap. Mike's eyes flew open, unsure of what was going on, and met the amused gaze of JC, who still sat on the end of the bed. Her eyes drifted down to her lap and her mouth dropped open.

"Oh my God. A puppy? Y'all are giving me a puppy?" she laughed, reaching out for the small dog, bringing the puppy up to her face so she could get a better look. Wide blue eyes stared back at her, causing her to giggle helplessly. She set the puppy down on the bed once again, leaning over to place a soft kiss to JC's cheek.

"Thank you. This will definitely ease the pangs of loneliness." she murmured as he lifted his hand, fingertips tracing the soft line of her jaw.

"Anything to see you smile, Kayla." JC countered softly, eyes shining gently at her. "Have you thought of a name for him yet?"

"A name? Well, I'm not going to name him after a celebrity. Busta is enough in that department." Mike sat back, thinking as she stroked the puppy's soft fur.

"Lord, I don't think we could take another Busta." JC held up his hands in mock surrender, chuckling softly. Mike giggled helplessly as the puppy licked her hand energetically, sharp little teeth nipping her fingers playfully.

"How about Shadow?" JC lifted an eyebrow at her.

"Um, I don't think so." she shook her head, making a face of distaste.

"Twilight?" he mumbled, shrugging a shoulder.

"No way. This puppy needs a real name like Peloquin or Gabriel." she waved a hand in the air, eyes dancing with laughter.

"All right. Yoda? Chewbacca? Morphius?" he ticked off the names on each of his fingers.

"You have this thing with movie names, don't you?" she glanced over at him, shaking her head slowly. JC shrugged, smothering a yawn with his hand.

"Nah, I think his name is Gabriel." Mike nodded, cuddling the puppy close.

"Gabriel it is, then." JC nodded, accepting the name with a smile.

Chris whistled to himself as he hung up the phone from his weekly conversation with his mother, flopping down on the couch in the rear living area on the tour bus. He closed his eyes, resting his head back against the cushions, folding his hands over his stomach. Justin sat on the floor, playing with Busta, who yipped happily at the attention. Lance, JC and Joe were all in the kitchen area, playing a game of cards, using pieces of candy in place of money.

"How's the family?" Justin inquired, yanking gently on the rope Busta held with his teeth, growling playfully.

"Good. I miss them." Chris mumbled through a yawn, rubbing a hand over his face tiredly. Justin chuckled softly, giving the dog a playful shove away from him, which only made Busta rebound even faster, nipping Justin's fingers.

"Busta, go bother the others." Justin pointed to the hallway, flopping back on the floor. Busta barked loudly, running down the hallway as fast as his little legs could carry him.

Chris shifted slowly, sprawling out on the small couch and tossed his arm across his eyes to block out the light from the windows as his mind became sluggish with fatigue. The group had only been on tour for a few weeks, but it seemed like a lifetime. Not old, just older, his mind warned gently. He snickered softly at the line he had heard in a song. He turned slightly, mentally blocking the sounds of the television and his friends' laughter from his mind, falling into a doze. The group would arrive at the next hotel later that evening, something they were all gratefully looking forward to. Traveling could be fun, but it was more tiring than anything else he could think of, especially when a person travels ten months or more out of the year. He shook his head, stretching slowly, his muscles finally relaxing as his mind shut down completely. He jerked awake with a groaning laugh when his cellular phone started ringing shrilly. He pulled out the phone and clicked it on, holding it to his eyes as his eyes slid closed again.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Moo. Were you sleeping?"

"Something like that. What's going on?"

"We have a break coming up, and I thought I'd come out and see you guys."

"Yeah? When's this break?"

"Middle of next month, for about a week. The book shop is being closed for renovations, and the owner is giving me that week as paid vacation."

"Lucky devil. When you figure out the dates of this vacation, I'll figure out where we're going to be during that time. Other than that, what's going on?"

"Not a whole lot. Same old, same old. Been keeping busy with class work and regular work."

"Has David kept his distance from you?"

"Sort of."

"What aren't you telling me?"

"Moo, don't worry about it."

"Chichi, I'll worry about it if I want to. Now, tell me."

"He's been following me. Trying his damnedest to talk to me. He'll corner me between classes, show up at the book shop. It's unnerving."

"Have you talked to the police? Maybe you should get a restraining order."

"I've thought about it, but I know all about police and their reluctance to interfere with domestic disputes, even if the couple isn't married."

"Chichi, you have to do something. Either that or we're returning to you staying with us and taking classes through the Internet."

"Moo, I'm fine. Really."

"I don't know. I'm feeling like instead of a puppy, we should have gotten you a bodyguard."

"Don't be ridiculous. You can't keep babying me forever."

"Watch me. You're like a sister to me, Michaela, and I don't want anything to happen to you. I know the statistics when it comes to this sort of thing. I've done my research, and I have to say, none of it's reassuring."

"I'm not going to become a statistic, Chris. I promise."

"Don't make promises you can't keep."

"I realize that most women who try to leave their abusive spouses end up being murdered. But, Chris, it's not going to happen to me. I know you've had your friends stop by every once in a while to check up on me, if anything was remotely strange, don't you think they'd have called you about it by now?"

"You know I've had my friends check up on you?"

"I've known for a long time, Moo."

"And you don't mind?"

"If it were anyone other than you, Chris, and I'd be pissed."

"I'm sorry, Chichi. I just worry about you."

"I know you do. My brother would be happy you're taking such an interest in my well-being."

"How could I not? Have you talked to JC lately?"

"Not since yesterday. But, I better get going. Don't want to run up both our phone bills, but tell him I said hello and Gabriel is doing just fine."

"All right, take care, Chichi. And be careful."

"I will Moo. Talk to you soon."

"Bye." Chris sighed as he hung up the phone, stuffing the object back into his pocket. He hadn't expected David to be such a pest, and the knowledge of his deeds was more worrisome than anything else. He struggled to a sitting position, resting his pounding head in his hands. A headache had begun to form behind his eyes. He climbed to his feet and wandered down the hall in search of some headache medication.

"Hey, Chris, what's going on?" Joe inquired, glancing down at the cards he held in his hand.

"Joe, would you discard already?" Justin demanded impatiently, shaking his head.

"Just got off the phone with Mike. She says hi." Chris mumbled the reply, opening cabinets, trying to locate the bottle of Excedrin.

"Yeah? How's she doing?" Lance inquired through a yawn from his seat in front of the small television behind the driver's seat.

"She's all right. Still having trouble with David." Chris nodded, giving a sigh of relief when he finally cam across the pills.

"What?" JC glanced up from the book he was reading, lifting an eyebrow at his older friend.

"David's been making a nuisance of himself. He's gone as far as following her, pulling her aside between classes and going into the book shop, trying to talk to her." Chris mumbled, leaning back against the counter, arms folded across his chest, mind whirling with not so pleasant thoughts.

"What are we going to do about it?" JC inquired, setting the book aside, the conversation catching more of his interest than the book.

"There's really nothing we can do, other than worry. Not much anyone can do with distance separating us." Chris shrugged his shoulders, sighing heavily.

"She should be here with us." JC mumbled, shaking his head.

"I know, Jace. I know." Chris nodded, closing his eyes.

"What time did you say Michaela's flight was getting in?" JC inquired, glancing down at his watch as the band took a five minute break from rehearsals and sound check for the concert scheduled for later that night.

"About twenty minutes, give or take." Chris answered, taking a seat on the stage while the others laughed with the band, talking about the upcoming show.

"So she should be here in about an hour." JC nodded, excitement slowly building in him at seeing her again. He hadn't realized he'd miss her as much as he did. Chris nodded, giving his younger friend a knowing smirk.

"Don't even say it." JC held up a hand, chuckling as his cheeks flushed slightly with embarrassment.

"I wasn't going to say anything." Chris lifted an eyebrow, an innocent look crossing his features.

"All right, guys, I think we're ready." Justin called over to the pair as the band started up on one of the songs from their first album. The rehearsal lasted for another hour and a half before the group headed back to the hotel for something to eat and to relax for an hour or so before they had to return to the venue for the concert. They rode to the hotel in tired silence, using the rear entrance so they wouldn't attract the attention of the fans gathered in the streets and headed up to their rooms.

"It's about time you got here." Mike sighed, yawning hugely when Chris entered the suite he, JC and Justin were sharing.

"Talk to Joe. He's the one who held us up in the long run." Chris muttered, giving Joe a playful shove into the room.

"I did not. It was all your fault, Chris. Can't move as fast as you used to." Joe snorted, rolling his eyes.

"No kidding. He's no spring chicken anymore." Justin grinned, tossing his backpack onto the floor beside the small couch.

"I'm not old, just older. And I'd shut up if I were you. Just wait 'til your voice changes. Everything will be different once you hit puberty." Chris waved a hand in the air, flopping down on the couch beside Mike.

"Yes. All my fans will hate me, the world will screech to a halt and life will cease to exist." Justin held the back of his hand to his forehead, whimpering softly as he fell back onto an empty chair.

"And 'N Sync would perish with the rest of the boy bands, to be put upon the shelf like New Kids On The Block and Milli Vanilli." Lance snickered softly, glancing through a newspaper he had picked up on the way to the hotel.

"Shut your gob." Chris gazed down his nose at Lance, taking on a deep British accent. Mike rolled her eyes, laughing softly, shaking her head.

"Um, is that like a pie hole?" Joe scratched his temple, face a mask of mock confusion.

"Can't get anything past him, huh?" Chris jerked a thumb toward Joe.

"Ain't that the truth." JC mumbled through a yawn, giving Michaela an exhausted smile.

"So, what are everyone's plans for the next two hours?" Justin inquired, reaching into his backpack for his diskman.

"I was thinking about hitting a movie." Joe shrugged.

"I need to call my mommy." Chris sniffled quietly, wiping a fake tear from his eye.

"I need to check up on my singers." Lance reached for his cellular phone.

"I'm going to grab some alone time." Justin answered his own question.

"I thought about going for a walk." JC shrugged, tossing a glance over to Mike, lifting his eyebrow in silent inquiry. They all turned pointed gazes toward Mike.

"Well, since half of the little piggies are going to be on the phone, one of the little piggies is running off to be alone, one of the little piggies is going to the movies, and the last little piggy is going on a walk; I'd have to say the most interesting one out of the bunch is the little piggy going for a walk. I've been sitting for much too long." Mike chuckled softly, stretching luxuriously as she climbed to her feet.

"Sure, sure. We all know why you really want to go on a walk with the last little piggy." Chris elbowed her in the ribs gently, giving her a knowing smile.

"Moo, better watch what you say. I know things about you that you want no one else to know." she reminded in a singsong voice, wagging a finger at him.

"All right. So sorry." Chris yelped, holding up his hands.

"Thought so." Mike grinned, following JC to the front door of the suite as he pulled on a baseball hat low over his eyes. He offered his arm to her as soon as the door closed behind them. She smiled, placing her hand in the crook of his elbow. Soon the two of them were out on the sidewalk, strolling down the street, stopping every so often to gaze into the windows of the more spectacular window displays.

"So, about David…," JC prompted, breaking the easy silence suddenly, glancing down at her as they strolled to the next window.

"What about David?" Mike inquired, heart lurching painfully in her chest.

"He's bothering you still?" he continued, slipping her hand from the crook of his elbow to his own hand, twining their fingers together.

"Every once in a while he turns up." she shrugged, becoming uncomfortable with the subject.

"Will you tell me?" the question startled her.

"Tell you what?" she lifted an eyebrow, glancing up at him before turning her gaze to the next window with some beautiful dresses on display, boasting of elegance and style.

"About what he did to you." he continued, prompting her further.

"He did lots of things to me, Josh. None of them worth mentioning." she shook her head, wishing desperately he would change the subject.

"I'd like to know, Michaela. I want to know more about you." his voice took on a slightly pleading note.

"It was so long ago, Josh. Something I don't like talking about because I'm trying to forget about it all. David was a horrible control freak. If he wasn't with me, I couldn't see anyone, including female friends. He always had to listen in on my phone calls to make sure I wasn't saying anything inappropriate. He decided what clothes I could and could not wear, told me when to eat and when to sleep. He basically made my life a living hell. When he couldn't hurt me with his words anymore, he used his fists. He turned me into a bitter, scared woman who became cynical when it comes to love." Mike shrugged a shoulder, wondering why in the world he wanted to know these things.

"I'm sorry. I wish there was something I could do that would make all those things disappear from your mind." JC murmured softly, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

"Thank you." she gave him a smile, squeezing his hand in return.

"Are you coming to the concert tonight?" he changed the subject, causing her to sigh in relief.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world." she nodded, laughing softly.

"Good. Good." JC nodded, returning her smile.

Mike sat in the living room, a growing Gabriel laying on the couch beside her with his head in her lap as they both watched a marathon of horror movies one of the movie channels had boasted of in dozens of commercials. At the moment, Nightmare On The 13th Floor was making the television flicker madly. She stroked Gabriel's fur, shaking her head slowly.

"What do you think Gabriel? Does this movie have some serious cheese?" Mike inquired, glancing down at her companion with a rueful smile. The puppy yipped softly, licking her hand affectionately. The guys had been gone almost six months now and five since she'd seen them last, and she had to admit she missed them all. The apartment seemed deathly quiet without Chris's playful banter with her and the others coming in and out of the apartment as they planned things for everyone to do over their short breaks; without the occasional meetings they held for various parts of their careers. She glanced up with a sigh when a knock sounded at the door. Gabriel whined softly, ear perking up at the sound. He lifted his head from her lap and bounded down to the floor. Mike shook her head with a smile, knowing the puppy hoped it was one of the guys. She struggled to her feet and wandered over to the front door, pulling it open. She stopped short upon seeing David.

"How did you get this address?" she demanded immediately, closing the door halfway to protect herself should he try to come into the apartment.

"I did some asking around." David shrugged, raking a hand through his hair as he shifted nervously from one foot to the other.

"I thought I told you I didn't want to see you again." Mike muttered, her muscles tensing in the familiar way they always did when she was confronted with David. Gabriel, sensing her wariness, whined softly, nuzzling her hand with his nose.

"All I want to do is talk, Michaela. Just talk." he held up his hands, eyes silently pleading with her to agree.

"I don't think so. I remember quite well how you used to talk to me, and since I'm not in a personal relationship with you anymore, I don't have to put up with your conversational skills any longer." Mike shook her head, beginning to close the door so she could return to her afternoon of horror movies. David threw a hand out, stopping the door from being shut in her face. Her heart jumped into her throat, fear trickling through her veins.

"Why do you always have to be so difficult? I said all I wanted to do was talk." his voice held a note of an emotion she couldn't quite place.

"I was never difficult. I did everything in my power to do everything you wanted me to do, the way you wanted me to do it, but it was never enough for you. And instead of just understanding I couldn't be perfect, you took your anger out on me with your fists." she stiffened her spine, putting a little more of her weight onto the door, hoping he would get the hint and leave her alone.

"I know, it was wrong of me to behave that way. I've already apologized for the way I treated you. But, God, Michaela, I miss you." David's voice broke slightly, his eyes closing tightly for a moment.

"No, David. You don't miss me. You miss being able to place the blame for your behavior on someone else." she shook her head, giving Gabriel a reassuring pat on the head when he whined again, stepping forward.

"Yes, I do miss you. I miss the late night conversations we used to have before everything started going wrong. I miss the way you held me, the way we used to laugh together. And I want it all back." he sighed, turning his turbulent gaze to her. She stared at him incredulously.

"After all that's happened between us, after all you've done to me, you still expect there to be a chance for reconciliation? You have a lot of nerve." Mike shook her head, shoving on the front door, trying to push him out of her life.

"You still care, so there's always a chance for reconciliation." David mumbled, taking a step forward, pushing the door further open.

"No, there's no chance. Don't even think about it, David. There's no chance." she shook her head firmly, doing her best to stand up against him without showing him the fear she felt.

"Please, Michaela. Just let me in so we can talk about this." he pleaded, pushing his way through the door.

"No. We have nothing to talk about." she exclaimed, taking a stumbling step backward, fear getting the better of her. David took the opportunity to step inside the apartment and shut the door quietly behind him.

"Just talk, Michaela. I promise." he held up his hand, then shoved them into the pockets of his jeans.

"I told you no, David. Don't force me to call the police." she shook her head, stepping further into the room so the couch stood as a barrier between them, giving her some measure of safety.

"You wouldn't." he shook his head, eyes glimmering.

"If she doesn't, I will." a familiar voice filled the room, flooded with barely suppressed anger. Michaela's eyes widened slightly, gazing over at the doorway where an exhausted looking Chris stood holding his duffel, JC right behind him.

"This isn't any concern of yours." David sighed, becoming slight frustrated with how the situation was going.

"The hell it's not. This is my apartment, and Michaela's under my care." Chris's voice was deadly calm as he stepped into the room, tossing his duffel onto the floor beside the couch. Mike glanced from Chris to JC to David, praying nothing would happen.

"I realize you care about her, but so do I." David's voice became hard as he tossed a glance at the newcomers.

"You sure as hell have a funny way of showing it." JC snorted incredulously, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Michaela, can we please just go somewhere and talk?" David returned his gaze to her, holding out his hand palm up.

"I believe she already said no." Chris muttered, glancing over at Mike to reassure himself that she was all right.

"Stay out of this. This is between me and her!" David exclaimed, spinning around to face Chris.

"Oh, I don't think so, pal." Chris shook his head, folding his arms across his chest.

"Stop it! All of you. You're acting like children." Mike finally spoke up, glaring at David. Everyone gazed at her, startled.

"Michaela." David pleaded, sighing. "Why won't you just let me talk to you?"

"Because we have nothing to say to one another. You are no longer a part of my life." she shook her head, eyes glinting angrily. David reared back slightly at the barely veiled hatred in her voice.

"Like the lady stated, I think you should leave." JC stated, his voice deceptively soft.

"I'm not leaving until she listens to what I have to say." David shook his head, the streak of stubbornness finally showing. He took a step closer to the couch, grabbing Mike's arm. Chris took a protective step forward, hands clenching into fists at his side.

"I know you're gonna take your hands off her." Chris laughed humorlessly, eyes flashing with an anger so hot, the sun paled in comparison.

"Come on, Mike. We're going somewhere we can talk." David pulled her from around the couch, causing her to wince slightly.

"Take your hands off her." the wrath in JC's voice causing everyone to stop dead in their tracks.

"Who the hell do you think you are?" David inquired, his own voice filled with icy intent.

"Someone who actually cares about Michaela. Can you say the same?" JC lifted an eyebrow. David gave a muttered curse, giving her a shove, causing her to stumble slightly. Chris took another step forward.

"Moo, don't. It's not worth it." Mike shook her head, grabbing his arm to keep him from moving.

"I wish I could believe that." JC shrugged, pulling his arm back slightly. Mike shook her head, reaching for his fisted hand and holding it between her own.

"If he wants a fight, I'll give him a fight, Michaela. Get the hell out of the way." David laughed softly, cracking each of his knuckles as his stance changed slightly so he was standing on the balls of his feet.

"Josh, please don't do this." she whispered, standing in between the two men, hoping to defuse the situation before things escalated to worse. JC's hard gaze transferred to the young woman standing in front of him, his gray eyes immediately turning softer. He sighed, closing his eyes for a moment, then gave her a single nod of assent.

"Thank you." Mike murmured softly, a whisper of a smile touching the corners of her lips. She gasped loudly when she was suddenly shoved out of the way. She quickly lost her balance, toppling over onto the couch.

"David, stop! Damn it!" she exclaimed loudly. David didn't even blink, he just threw his fist out into the air, much like a snake striking it's prey, his fist colliding with JC's jaw. JC's hands clenched at his sides, and he turned to gaze at Mike, silently questioning her of his next move. She met his gaze, silently pleading with him not to resort to violence.

"Oh, come on. You just going to stand there?" David demanded loudly. JC's gaze never wavered from Michaela's as Chris glanced back and forth between the two men, ready to help his friend if it came down to it.

"Michaela?" JC lifted an eyebrow, his voice so soft she almost missed it. The one word from his lips had a thousand meanings. She gestured helplessly, closing her eyes. Finally, she nodded once. She heard the sound of JC's fist hitting David's face, then the sound of both JC and Chris ushering David to the front door, then out into the hallway. Only when the apartment fell silent did she opened her eyes. Chris sat in a chair pressed against the opposite wall, brooding silently to himself, his eyes flashing with anger; JC stood in the with his back to the front door, hands shoved into the pockets of his jeans, unsure of what he should do. Her eyes quickly traveled his face, making sure he was all right, then landed on the corner of his lip where there was a small bleeding cut.

"You're hurt." she quickly climbed to her feet, reaching for his hand. JC gave her a quizzical look, letting her lead him into the bathroom. He sat down on the ledge of the bathtub, watching as she grabbed a damp washcloth.

"Are you all right?" he inquired softly, eyes tracing her features. She nodded wordlessly, lifting the washcloth to the cut on his lip. She winced in sympathy when he winced with the contact of the washcloth.

"I'm sorry." she murmured softly. He lifted a hand, fingertips caressing her cheek softly, his eyes taking on a soft glow. He trailed his fingertips across her jaw, down her neck eliciting shivers in their wake. The very air seemed to be charged with electricity, almost humming with the frequency. She opened her mouth to say something, but his finger was there, aborting the words before they were spoken. His free hand lifted to gently cup the other side of her neck.

"I'm sorry it had to happen like this." JC whispered, his thumbs caressing the sensitive skin of her neck. Thought seemed to bleed from her mind as she nodded once again, still unable to speak. His head lowered, his lips brushing across her cheekbone, her brow, her closed eyelids. She lifted a hand, fingertips resting on his unshaven cheek, caressing softly. His lips whispered softly against hers in a barely there kiss. Her heart stalled in her chest then started triple time. A sudden knock brought the moment to an end, the noise shattering the haze surrounding them.

"You two all right in there?" Chris called out, voice threaded with worry.

"Yeah, Moo. Fine." Mike called back, voice slightly hoarse and completely distracted. JC nuzzled her fingers with his cheek, placing kisses on each of her fingertips, his gray-blue eyes never wavering from her bright green eyes.

"We better go…," her voice trailed off, warmth spreading through her limbs, a strange feeling settling into the pit of her stomach.

"Yeah." he murmured with a slight nod. She slowly climbed to her feet, reluctantly pulling her fingers from his as she backed to the door. She gave him a tentative smile before she disappeared out into the hallway. JC sighed softly, shaking his head slowly. He hadn't been sure how she would react when she knew his intention to retaliate when David had punched him; but she had taken it surprisingly well. Michaela hadn't wavered in the least, and she hadn't become wary of him either. The knowledge both thrilled and frightened him. He brought his fingers up to the cut on his lips, wincing when the pressure exploded into a small sharp pain. He shook his head, climbing to his feet to take a look in the mirror. No one would be overly pleased with the current condition of his face, and the tabloids would be all over it, creating a story that would inevitably be unbelievable. But, somehow, he knew the people it mattered to most would understand and be more than thrilled that he had tried to protect Michaela from getting hurt. After a moment, he wandered out into the living room where Chris and Michaela were sitting and talking softly. He rested a shoulder against the doorjamb, watching as Chris played the overprotective older brother, making sure she was all right; and Michaela sitting beside him, reassuring him with a gentle smile that she was just fine, only slightly shaken up. She had never looked more beautiful to him. He felt as if he could stare at her for hours and feel the very same way he felt that very second.

"When do you have to leave again?" Mike inquired softly, phone pressed against her ear as she pulled the covers over herself, shivering slightly in the cool evening air floating through the open window. It was almost three o'clock in the morning and she was on the phone with JC, and had been for the past three hours even though he was only a few minutes away from her.

"In two hours. We have to go to New York and start laying down some tracks for the new album."

"Which songs?"

"Probably 'Bye Bye Bye' and one of the others. It's all we have time for, really. During that time, we have a TRL date with Carson and a stop over at the Regis and Kathy Lee show."

"Sounds like tons of fun. How do you put up with Kathy Lee?"

"I think about something else. Or, just space out. It's not like they're going to be asking any new questions."

"This is true. So, tell me JC, do you wear boxers or briefs?" Michaela giggled, yawning hugely.

"Why do you want to know this?"

"Because I'm curious. Just humor me."

"Off stage, boxers; on stage, sports shorts."

"Sports shorts? What the hell are those?"

"Kinda like Speedos."

"Ah, I see. Makes sense, I guess. You should get some sleep. You have a long day of traveling ahead of you."

"Yeah, probably. Though I can't muster up the willpower to hang up quite yet."

"Why not?"

"The sound of your voice soothes me."

"What?"

"The sound of your voice soothes me. Gives me wonderful dreams."

"You've got to be kidding."

"I'm not. I love the sound of your voice."

"I'm not sure what to say to that." she laughed nervously, sudden pleasure washing through her at the words he spoke.

"Just say thank you, and goodnight."

"Thank you, and goodnight, Josh." Michaela murmured softly and hung up the phone, smiling inanely at herself as she reached over to the lamp, clicking it off. She grabbed her teddy bear, hugging it tightly to her chest as her eyes fluttered shut, sleep claiming her instantly.

"Jace, come on! We have to get this show on the road." Lance called out loudly from the steps of the tour bus, glancing down at his watch.

"I'm coming, I'm coming." JC grumbled, his eyes gritty from lack of sleep as he tossed the larger of his two bags into the baggage area below the bus and headed to the steps so he could climb aboard.

"Why'd you sleep so late, anyway?" Justin inquired through a yawn, raising an eyebrow.

"Ten bucks says he was on the phone with a certain someone of the female persuasion." Chris snickered, wiggling his eyebrows at the others.

"Will y'all shut up?" JC grimaced, unable to keep himself from chuckling softly with a shake of his head.

"How late did you stay on the phone with her?" Chris turned his attention back to JC.

"Not sure. I didn't look at the clock when I hung up the phone." JC shrugged a shoulder, flopping down on one of the free chairs. They all laughed knowingly at him, glad to see their friend as happy as he was. JC just sighed, shaking his head with a good-natured smile as he watched his friends roam around the bus, trying to regain the feeling of being 'home' from their short vacation from the road. He hadn't wanted to leave Orlando, not this soon. Especially when he and Mike were becoming closer with each passing day. It almost felt as if he kept her on the constant hold button routine. When he'd get back, things would start to get back to the somewhat comfortable silences between them and the charged air. As soon as those things started making themselves comfortable in their lives once again, he would have to pick up and leave, sometimes for months at a time. Talking on the phone with her was a very small consolation prize indeed when all he wanted to do was spend time with her. As much time as he possibly could.

"You know what Justin? Your village called. They want their idiot back." Chris snapped, giving Justin a playful shove into the sitting room.

"What'd you do now, Justin?" JC inquired, lifting an eyebrow.

"Told Chris he should take a nap cause we all know how cranky he gets without it." Justin shrugged a shoulder, grinning over at the insulted man. JC groaned, slapping a hand to his forehead. This was going to be a long trip.

Mike reached for Gabriel's leash, hooking it onto the dog's bright purple collar before she reached for her book bag, which was packed with all the things she'd need for a twelve hour Sunday at the book shop. Once Matthew, the owner of the shop, met Gabriel for the first time, he told her the dog could come to work with her and keep her company, especially after she explained everything about David. She pulled open the front door and wandered out into the hall, closing and locking the door behind her.

"Michaela, child, it's so good to see you." Mrs. Davenport, an elderly woman who lived down the hallway, smiled as Mike shouldered her book bag.

"Mrs. Davenport, how's your arthritis doing?" Mike smiled, giving the old woman's cheek an affectionate kiss.

"It comes and goes, sweetie. Could I ask you to perform a small favor for me?" Mrs. Davenport inquired, patting her hand gently.

"Anything. What can I help you with?" Mike nodded.

"Would you be a dear and bring one of those books I like reading so much?" Mrs. Davenport questioned hopefully.

"Sure. I'll bring one by your apartment later on tonight." Mike nodded, wincing as Gabriel pulled her down the hall and out into the parking lot. The drive to work was a short one, traffic being non-existent. Ten minutes later, the book shop was open and Mike was sitting behind the counter on her favorite stool, Gabriel at her feet. Sundays were generally the slowest day of the week. Everyone either opted to stay home, or were just getting back from a weekend getaway. Mike reached for a book on one of the shelves behind her and flipped it open to the first page. For the next four hours, the shop remained empty and the phone only rang twice to ask if the shop carried a certain book. Gabriel whined softly, nudging Mike's leg playfully. She glanced up when the bell above the front door jangled cheerfully, signaling someone's entrance. She smiled at a harried looking woman with four children, who instantly scattered into the store, exclaiming loudly as they searched for something interesting. The woman returned the smile, walking briskly to the counter, another child propped on her hip.

"How can I help you this afternoon?" Mike inquired, resting her elbows on the counter in front of her.

"Children's books. Any kind, it doesn't matter. Just, something to keep those monsters busy for a while." the woman answered, pushing the hair from her eyes. Mike nodded, skirting her way around the counter, telling Gabriel to stay put before she lost herself in the stacks, looking for what the woman had requested. The woman followed behind at a slower pace.

"Are you looking for a series of books, something the kids can read one right after the other?" Mike tossed a glance over her shoulder at the young mother, who only shrugged.

"I'm not sure. I'm not much of a reader. Just anything that will keep them entertained while my mother is around." she shrugged indifferently. Mike nodded, a thoughtful frown turning the corners of her lips downward for a moment before she smiled. She knelt down on the plush carpet reaching for the Narnia chronicles and the series Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy. She pulled out a copy of each, resting them on the carpet before she glanced up at the mother.

"Those look like boy books. Anything for my girls?" she inquired, resting a shoulder against the bookshelf beside her. Mike nodded silently, wincing inwardly over the term 'boy books'. There was really no such thing. She had enjoyed the very same books she had just pulled out when she was a child. She shook her head in amusement, wandering down the same shelf until she came across a long list of Baby-sitter's Club series. She reached for the books, then paused, shaking her head slowly.

"How old are your girls?" Mike called over her shoulder, scanning the titles in front of her.

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