He noticed the figure standing in the shadows of the dark room, and smiled. She'd come, despite what had happened earlier that night. He turned on a lap and was shocked when he saw who it really was.

"What are you doing here?"

"We need to talk".

"About what?"

"You know what."

"I have nothing to say to you."

"Did you hear what they planning to do to her? I can't let that happen."

"If it does happen I'm holding you personally responsible."

"You don't want to help me on this?"

"I have my reasons."

A pause.

"You love her."

"So do you."

"I'm not in love with her."

"But you care for her."

"Of course I do."

"Forget it. I'm not going to help you impress her. You're on your own. Kid."

"I can't stop them on my own."

"Then you'll be facing me in one of the most brutal matches of your life. Now get out."

"How do you think she'll feel when she finds out that I came to you for help and you refused."

"You wouldn't."

"She deserves to know."

"You wouldn't."

"Even if I don't tell her, she'll find out."

"How?"

A shrug.

"Word gets around. They -" there was no question in either of their minds about who 'they' were. "- expected me to come here. Several others suggested or mentioned it."

"Why me?"

"Because if anyone's gonna defend her honour, it'll be you. That's common knowledge, despite what you both seem to think."

A flash of anger in the dark eyes. "What we do is nobody's business."

"I agree. I'm just saying that it's no secret."

"Whatever. So who were these others who suggested or mentioned me as the goofy side kick to your knight in shining armour?"

A few people were named, no surprises.

"Well why don't they 'defend her honour' as you so eloquently put it?"

"Because it's your face she wants to see running down the ramp to save her. It's your voice she wants to hear yelling at them. It's your arms she wants to feel around her. It's your lips she wants to feel kissing away the tears of relief."

"Oh."

Irritation and frustration. "Damn you. I thought you loved her."

The younger man suddenly found himself with a hand around his throat.

"How dare you! What the hell makes you think you know the first thing about my feelings for her?" The grip tightens. "Huh? You know jack about me, jack about her and jack all about us."

The hand loosened, the younger of the duo gasping for air.

"I know she's hoping that you'll help her out."

"Get out."

"What?"

"Get out of here."

They stare at each other for a minute, before the guest turns and leaves. The other sinks into an armchair, promising himself "If she asks for my help, she'll get it. But I'm not going to help him impress her."

"Are you ready for tonight?"

A brave smile. "As ready as I'll ever be."

"I'll do everything in my power to stop it from happening. I swear as your friend."

"I know." The smile fades and the brave facade crumbles. "I'm scared to death."

"I'm not surprised. It's not one of the enjoyable experiences on the face of the Earth."

Hesitation. "Can they be talked -"

"No." Firm, but gentle. "They won't be talked out of it. They won't be stopped. If it doesn't happen tonight, then they'll try again next time. Maybe you shouldn't go out there tonight."

"I have to. I need to show them that they don't intimidate me."

"But they do." A statement, not a question.

"Of course they do. How could they not?"

"That you spoken to anyone else about this? For possible back up?"

The real, unspoken question hung in the air between them. She grew flustered and nervous.

"I haven't asked him."

"Why not?"

"Because.. it's not the way we work." A struggle to explain. "It's just not what we're about."

"You give and he takes."

"That's not it!"

"It looks like it from where I'm standing."

"No. He needs me to be strong. If I can't be strong for him.."

"It doesn't have to be like that."

He felt a pang of sympathy for the woman in front of him who suddenly appeared so fragile.

"Maybe that's how I like it. Maybe I like feeling needed by someone."

"There are others who need you too. For more than using you to feel better about themselves."

The words slipped out before he could stop them. She looked at him sadly.

"Please don't talk about things you don't understand completely."

"What's not to understand?"

"Everything. Nothing. Can we change the subject please?"

"But -"

"No buts. Unless you continue, then the only but will my butt, walking away."

Resignation. Slight disappointment. "I'm sorry."

A real smile of gratitude.

"It's fine. It's just... I wonder about it enough and having someone else say it is a little too real." An impulsive hug. "You're a good friend to me. Good knows I need a little company besides him and my cousins."

A deep feeling of guilt behind his motives. Then he realised that nothing he could say would change things, and that nothing would change... unless she decided to change them. 'And when she does.. I'll help her every step of the way.'

"Oh god, baby are you ok?"

"No long term or serious injuries, just a few bumps and bruises."

"I'm glad."

"Of course you are."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"What do you think it means?"

"You're mad at me."

"It appears so."

"Why?"

A laugh of disbelief. "I can't believe you even have to ask."

The proverbial light bulb clicks on. "Oh my god."

"I thought you didn't believe in God."

"It's just an expression."

"Oh shit. Baby, I'm so sorry."

"I'm in pain. What do you expect me to do about it?"

"Is there anything I can do -"

"You've done nothing so far. Why change now?"

"I didn't know you wanted my help with this! You never said anything -"

A slow burning fuse finally ignites the dynamite.

"I didn't think I'd have to. Remember that connection you're always waxing lyrical about? It's meant to be a two-way thing. I know exactly what's wrong and when you need me. I thought it was the same for you. Maybe not. Or maybe you did know and just didn't care. Either way, I thought that the threat of me going through a table would bring out some kind of reaction!"

"God! Why are you being such a bitch about this?"

"A bitch? I'm sorry, I didn't realise that it was out of the question to expect a little support from my boyfriend."

"Look, I'm sorry ok?"

"I bet you are."

He suddenly realises what's at stake here. "I mean it. I've so been wrapped up in my own problems, I didn't even think about yours. I've been a complete asshole."

"No shit."

"I'm trying here ok?" Pleading desperation.

"Maybe you should've have tried earlier." A wistful smile.

A bolt of terror. "What are you saying?"

"It's over. We're over."

"What?"

"You had to know this was coming."

"No, I didn't. Honestly."

"You should've." She looks at her watch. "I've gotta go."

"Wait, can't we talk about this?"

"There's nothing to talk about Raven. I have to go."

It occurs to him. How could he have missed it? It's been in front of his face the whole time.

"Of course." Bitterness that can't be hidden. "I should've known."

"Known what?" She knows what he's talking about, but wants to hear him say it first.

"Spike."

"Very good. You're not completely oblivious then."

She turned and walked out. He stared at the door in shock, before throwing a chair against the wall. Leaning against the wall outside his room, Molly felt guilty - but at the same time, a huge sense of relief.