Movement in the external world disturbed the warm black cocoon I was wrapped up in, and just like I had early that morning, I woke up as soon as Daniel got out of bed. This time, though, I burrowed back into the blankets, moving into the warmth where he had been, and I attempted to go back to sleep.

If we were going to have nights like that with any frequency, I would need all the sleep I could get.

Finally, with the bright mid-morning sunlight prying under my eyelids, I gave up and joined the waking world. I sat up in bed and swung my legs over the side. Maybe I would go join Daniel in the shower. That would be a lovely surprise.

I was just about head for the bathroom when the phone rang shrilly. My hand hovered briefly over the reciever, but I decided against answering. The machine would get it.

::beep beep beep::

"Daniel you bastard - where the hell are you? I've got studio execs and marketing dickheads breathing down my neck and you're off in Australia fucking finding yourself! I know it's part of the Savage image to be non-existant, but I need you to exist right now. We need an album. We're eating up studio time here and it's not like we can make it up on the Savage tour, you know!"

Time froze in a horrible instant.

//Daniel. Is. Savage.//

The woman's voice over the phone line continued. "I know you don't like to hear this Daniel, but you *are* Savage. No one else can do this for you. Look, give me a call already - you're starting to worry me. I'll be in the office today and on my mobile tonight."

My mind shut down, then, my instincts taking over. I didn't know what to do, so I scrambled into my clothes and ran for the lift across the hall.

Daniel darted out into the corridor just before the doors closed between us. I caught the barest glimpse of the terror in his eyes, and it ripped my heart out. By the time I could move somewhat voluntarily again, I was in the lobby.

I clutched my jacket and walked out as quickly as I dared, trying not to draw attention to myself or break down.

By some miracle, I made it back to my flat without getting run over.

When I lifted my jacket to search for my keys, I realized dimly that it was heavier than it should have been. I shook it out and watched as Daniel's shirt from yesterday dropped to the floor.

//My God, what have I done?//

I picked it up, slid my key into the lock, and opened the door. I didn't bother turning any lights on, didn't bother with anything on the way to my room, but I entered only to be greeted with Savage's image - *Daniel's* image - all around me.

My traumatized mind couldn't handle it. The world went black, and I crumpled to the floor.