What friends are for

Title	What Friends are for
Subject	McFLY
Type	Angst/Drama
Status	Finished
Writer	Tonje S. Joakimsen
Warnings	Swearing, blood
Word Count	9 665
Summary	After a terrible accident, the road to recovery for one of the boys becomes harder then earlier persumed. Someone have a plan to hurt the band, will it be deiscovered?
Disclaimer	I do not own the boys, never met them. This has never hapened, its pure fiction.

Chapter 1 The accident	Chapter 2 The Waiting	Chapter 3 The Shock
Chapter 4 Bend and Break	Chapter 5 The Plot?	Chapter 6 Dates and Detectives
Chapter 7 Disbelief	Chapter 8 The Hero	Chapter 9 What Friends are for

The Accident

-That was the best gig ever! Dougie shouted as he walked out of the plane. The band had been on a mini tour, travelling to some small places around England.
- Yeah, and those girl up front, flashing! I wish I could see that every day. Tom replied and unconsciously licked his lips.
- Just get a girlfriend then Tom. That should do the job. Danny gave him a playful punch on the arm and turned around to see where Harry was.
- Harry! Come on! We don’t want to be here all day!
-Coming, coming! Harry got of the plane and waved carefully to a girl he had been talking to.
- Look at Harry, he’s got it all worked out, don’t you mate? Danny put his arm around Harry’s shoulders and nodded at Tom, who just stared back.
­- Huh? What are you talking about? Harry asked and looked confused over to Dougie.
- They’re just nagging about how they can’t seem to get any chicks, like you! Dougie grinned and stuck his tongue out to Tom.
- You’re so low! You know that don’t you? Danny said, trying to look hurt.
- I was born like this, live with it!

The boys picked up their luggage and got to Tom’s car; a blue mini cooper! It wasn’t very spacey, but it did the job! They drove to the block they were living in, and dropped off their luggage. Tom and Dougie, who shared one apartment, decided to head over to Harry and Danny’s place. They had nothing better to attend to.
- Where the hell is all the food? I thought we had like tons of it in the fridge? Harry shouted over to Danny, who was sitting with the other lads watching TV.
- Whoops. Sorry! I kind of… Well... Threw away what we had left. It had this fine shade of blue so I considered just leaving. But, hey! Guess not! Danny grinned cheekily at Harry and ducked as a plastic flower was thrown at his head.
- Then you should go get some food then, ‘cause I’m not planning to sit around here starving to death!
- Fine, but I’m not going to cook then! One of you will. Tom preferably. Don’t want to get poisoned… Danny trailed off and got out of the couch and clutched his arse as something hard hit him.
- Hey! I’m being honest! Don’t think you should kill me for that!

Danny had been driving for five minutes when he approached a shop. He usually went in there to buy food, but it was really stuffed and he was too tired for all the attention he would get if he walked in. He continued driving, stopping twice on red light. It took him another five minutes before he finally stopped outside a grocery store. He picked up all the food he thought they would need and smiled at the cashier lady as he paid for it. He put his wallet inside the bag and walked to the car.
- Fiiinally! He moaned and put the bag in the back seat. He so looked forward to a nice shower and a good night sleep.
He stopped in front of a red light again and yawned. It turned green and he continued forward. Before he knew it, a black car came roaring towards him, hitting him on the driver’s side. Danny felt his body get flung over to the other side of the car as he spun around, not able to control the vehicle. Another car hit him on the back, crushing him to the first car. He felt his head hit something hard as it all turned black...

- What time is it? Dougie yawned and looked over at Tom.
- Late, I guess… He said to himself when Tom gave out a loud grunt, showing that he was asleep.
Dougie wandered out to the kitchen looking for Harry, when he suddenly realised that Danny was still out. He should have been home by now. He thought and frowned at the clock on the wall. 12.02am.
- Harry! Where are you? Dougie shouted and dialled Danny’s number.
- I’m here. Harry answered and walked down the stairs.
- What is it?
- Danny’s not home yet, think he’s all right? Dougie asked worried.
- He’s probably just talking to some girls, just call him and say we’re waiting for that food.

Dougie pressed the “call” button and held the phone close to his ear. A second later, they heard a phone ringing from the hallway.
- Great… Dougie murmured and hung up.
­ “Forget” your phone! That works every time!

- There’s been a car-accident just down the road; they’re bringing four people in.
- Male, mid thirties, injuries to his head and left foot. His condition is stable. Bringing him to trauma 3.
- Woman, late twenties, minor injuries to her stomach and several fractured ribs. I have her son with her; He’s got some small cuts and bruises. They’re both conscious.
- Where’s the fourth person?
-They’re bringing him in now. He was the unlucky one. Male, in his late teens, trauma to his head, broken ribs, severe injuries to abdomen and a possible broken arm. Poor thing Smack in the middle of the whole thing.
The hospital was in full chaos, the doctors swarming around trying to get to the newly arrived patients.
- Any ID on them yet? Phone-numbers?
- Yes, the lady and her child. We haven’t searched the older man for a wallet yet. The boy had nothing on him. He probably had everything in his car.
- Call the girls family then, tell them what going on. What happened out there?
- We’re not sure, but it looks like one of them was drunk, I’ll let you know when I hear something.

Danny opened his eyes slightly, feeling a searing pain going up his back. His head was throbbing and his breath was shallow. He tried to speak, but he wasn’t able to say anything. He saw people standing around him, they were wearing white robes. Before he could make any sense of it, he trailed off and everything went dark.

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The Waiting

Three cars bashed together at 11.50 pm. Two has been seriously hurt and two came out of it with light injuries. One of the drivers was drunk and ran on red light. We will be back as soon as we know more.
Harry turned off the TV and sat back in the sofa. Danny was probably late, stuck in the traffic after the accident. The thought of Danny being involved didn’t even cross his mind!
- What’s that in the news? Dougie asked and thumped down by Harry’s side.
- A car accident. Probably why Danny’s late, stuck in the traffic.
- Hmm… Dougie replied and stared puzzled over to the TV. He turned it on again and changed to a channel where the news was on.
We have received pictures from the crash sight and will advise those who are faint-hearted to switch channel or turn away from the TV.
- OH MY GOD! Dougie bellowed and turned to look at Harry.
- What!? Harry jumped.
- That’s… That’s… Dougie pointed on the cars on the TV. He was stunned, not able to let any word slip from his mouth.
- That’s what? Harry asked confused. He turned to the TV and saw it, the blue mini cooper. It was without a doubt their car; the big sticker on the left window gave it away.
- Tom, wake up! We have to get to the hospital!
- Wh… WHAT? The hospital? Tom got up and looked over the living room, trying to find anyone in need of a doctor.
- It’s Danny. I saw the car… He’s… Its… Dougie tried to explain but was still speechless.
-The cab is waiting outside, we should get going. Harry put his arms around Dougie, trying to comfort him.
- I’m sure he’s all right; he’s probably just got some small cuts and bruises.

- We’re looking for Danny Jones. Harry said to the receptionist at the hospital.
The man behind the desk wrote the name into the computer and looked up from the screen.
- I’m sorry, but we don’t have anyone here with that name. Are you sure you’re at the right hospital?
- Isn’t this where the people from the car-accident was brought?
- Yes. Are you the family of the young lady and the boy?
- No, we’re here for Danny Jones!
- Oh, him! I’ll see what I can do.

The three lads had been waiting anxiously for ten minutes when a doctor approached them. He was in his early forties and had small glasses that rested on the tip of his nose.
- Are you here for…? The doctor glanced at the paper in front of him and looked up again.
- Danny Jones? It’s good that we got an ID on him. We couldn’t find anything with his name on.
-Yes! Danny!? Is he all right? Can we see him? Dougie stood up and looked hopefully at the doctor.
- He’s stable, got out of it with a broken leg. He’s in room 314, 2nd floor. He nodded at them and let them go.

- 316, 315. 314! Tom opened the door and took a quick look before he closed it again.
- That’s not Danny… He’s not here. He croaked.
- Harry, can you go to the reception and ask for Danny? I’ll get some coffee for us.

A few minutes later, Harry walked up to Dougie and Tom, who sat in some chairs outside the room Danny wasn’t in. His face was blank and his eyes burnt with sadness.
- Its… He’s… He’s in surgery.
-He’s going to be all right, yeah? It’s just some minor thing, right? Dougie looked up hopefully. He didn’t want to acknowledge that Danny’s condition was serious.
- They don’t know. The doctor said he’d come back as soon as Danny’s out of surgery. Harry accepted the cup of coffee Tom held up for him, and sat down. The next hour went by very slow. It felt like forever before a nurse stood before them and offered a careful smile.
- Your friend is out of surgery. The doctor would like to talk to you. She pointed in the direction of a rather short, but old doctor.
- How is he? Can we go see him?
- He came out of surgery all right. His condition is stable, but serious. You can go see him one at a time. The doctor showed very little sympathy and wandered off after letting them know where Danny was.

- Dougie, you can go first. Tom said and got an agreeing nod from Harry.
Dougie entered the room quiet and felt a lump form in his throat when he saw his friend. Danny was surrounded by machines and had a tube out of is mouth. His left eye was swollen and had a horrible shade of purple. Small cuts was spread out on his neck, the rest of his body was covered with a thin blue blanket.
Dougie turned around and got out of the room. It was too much, seeing his friend like that.

Danny opened his eyes and felt prickling pain in his abdomen. He stared out in the room to see if anyone was there and he saw Dougies sad face as he closed the door. Danny tried to call for him, but it only resulted in a coughing fit. The tube in his throat made it worse and he struggled to let any air in to his lounges.

Tom watched as Dougie walked into the hallway, his face showing the pain he felt for his friend.
- You ok there bud? Tom offered and hugged him. Dougie just nodded and sat down in a chair again as Harry walked into the hospital room.
- Doctor! Can I get a doctor in here? Harry screamed.
- Calm down Danny, calm down! You’re alright. Come on. He crouched down by the bedside and clutched Danny’s hand, trying to calm him down.
Danny’s breath became less ragged and it evened out. He drifted off into unconsciousness, exhausted.

- What is it? The doctor asked as he entered the room, obviously a bit tired of his work.
He couldn’t breathe. He had some sort of fit. I calmed him down before he just passed off.
- Fine, nurse, make sure he’s got the right meds. And don’t call me unless it’s an utter emergency! I don’t need a bunch of boys playing cry wolf with me! The doctor wandered off again, leaving a flabbergasted Harry behind.
- What happened? Is he alright? Tom entered the room, looking back at the irritated doctor.
I’m not hundred percent sure what happened, he’s alright though. One thing I know for certain is that I DON’T like that doctor. I’m not sure is he’s thinking about the patients that much. Seems more determined to go home.
Harry stormed out of the room, kicking away the trashcan by the door. Tom just stared confused at his friend before he turned his attention back at Danny.

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The Shock

Tom watched Danny’s chest rise and sink, taking in the rhythm. It was even, which was good.
- What on earth happened, Dan? He quietly whispered as he removed the damp curls from Danny’s face. He looked so pale, yet so peaceful. Nothing like the happy cheering Danny that the band was used to see. Tom put lay is head on Danny’s bedside and before he knew it, he was asleep.

- I’m sorry sir, but you will have to leave. He needs some peace right now. A nurse walked in and shook Tom gently.
- What? He answered groggily.
- Oh… Yeah, sure. We’ll be right outside if there are any changes. He walked out and sat down on the hard uncomfortable hospital chairs, which Dougie and Harry already was sitting on.
- How long was I in there?
- A few hours. We saw you were sleeping. Wouldn’t wasn’t to wake you.

Danny woke up early in the morning, the sun hitting his face from a little crack in the curtain. He felt exhausted, though he hadn’t really been doing anything that should have caused him feeling that way. Then it all came back to him; the screeching of the tires, the loud bangs and the darkness… Who had crashed into him? Was it his fault? He wasn’t drunk, was he?
Many thought ran through his head as a nurse peeked inside and noticed he was awake. Normally, he would be all over her, with her being a pretty nurse and all, but the situation he was in didn’t really put him in the moos for it.
- You’re awake then? I’ll get the doctor for you then. She just confirmed and closed the door again.
Where were the others? At home? That was when it hit him. How long had he actually been laying there? It could’ve been just a few hours. Or maybe days, even months! He tried to sit up, but the pain in his left arm made him stop. Putting weight on it was obviously not a good thing.
- Good, good, you’re awake! I was wondering when you’d come around. A fairly young doctor entered the room and walked towards the bed.
- I will take the tube out of your throat, since you can breathe by yourself. This might be a bit uncomfortable , but  take a deep breath and breathe out again when I say so.
- Danny prepared himself, knowing that it would probably be twice as painful then what everyone on TV Shows got when this happened.
- Ok, breathe in… And… Now!
Danny coughed and felt bile rise in his throat. It hurt like FUCK!
- That’s it, wasn’t so bad that, ey? The doctor gave him a clap on the shoulder.
- You might be a bit hoarse, but it will pass. I’ll be back later, ok? The doctor gave him a huge grin, it was rather sick. Why would he do that? He wasn’t some five-year-old who would get all cheery when someone smiled at him. He just gave him a nod, and let his headrest on the soft pillow.
- Danny! Thank god you’re awake, you gave us one hell of a scare! Tom walked over to the bedside and gave his mate a big hug.
- Dougie and Harry are just getting some food, and they’ll be right up. The doctors said you’re gonna’ be fine, isn’t that great!
- Tom, you’re rambling. Danny half laughed and half coughed. He looked up at his mate, happy to see him there.
- I thought you were home? He asked.
- No way, we were just outside, waiting for the doctors to tall us anything.
- Yeah, well they aren’t the best doctors ever. I like those on Grey’s Anatomy better. Harry cheered as he joined them. Dougie followed just behind him.
- Man you scared us. Thought you were gone there for a while. Harry pulled a chair over and sat down.
- Yeah… Dougie replied quietly.
- ‘Ey, you all right there? I should be the one all down and stuff, not you! Danny croaked.
- Yeah, but WE almost lost you. The band wouldn’t be the same without the dumb bamboo Danny. Dougie smiled carefully and sat down on Danny’s left.
- Ahw. You’re gonna’ make me cry now. Danny joked, though he really was touched by that comment.
- I love you guys too.
- Who said we loved you? Tom said and nudged Danny carefully on the leg. His smile was wiped away instantly when he saw Danny’s facial expression. His eyes were wide with shock, and his mouth tried to form words, but he didn’t seem to get them out.
- Hey, I didn’t mean that! I was only…
- Touch my leg again. Danny broke him off.
- What? Tom stared at him puzzled. Touch his leg?
- Just do it. Danny demanded.
Tom nudged Danny’s left foot again and let his confused gaze turn to watch Danny’s face. There were tears glistening in his eyes now. He looked both shocked and sad.
- I can’t feel my legs. Danny sobbed.
- I… I… I can’t… He stared out in the room, shutting everything out. He was paralysed. He was fucking paralysed! A tear dropped from his chin as he realized the situation he was in. There was no way he had thought something like that could happen to him. He was supposed to be on stage, playing the guitar, singing with the band! He started to panic, his breath becoming erratic. He just couldn’t believe it. Paralysed!

The others watched as Danny’s eyes filled with tears, his stare out in the room, focusing on nothing. He was just not there anymore. They knew he was going into shock, so a doctor was by their side immediately. A small shot was inserted in the IV that was attached to Danny’s arm, and he calmed down, the anaesthetics taking immediate effect.

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Bend and Break

It was now a week ago Danny and the others found out about the consequences of the accident. Their doctors had taken a lot of tests, finding out what had happened in Danny’s back. He had a small fracture in his lower spine. It was a common outcome of the type of car-accidents Danny had been in, but that didn’t necessarily mean it would fix as easy.
An operation could do some of the work, though it didn’t always fix the problem. There would be a long road back to full fitness.

Tom had practically been living in Danny’s room after the crash. Dougie and Harry brought some descent food, and stayed there a lot too. They supported their friend to the full, wanting Danny to have a full recovery. There would be no McFLY without the dumb guitarist. No way.

Soon came the day when Danny’s operation was due. He had been walked through the procedure, warned about the risk. He was also told there was a possibility of an unsuccessful operation. There was just no guarantee. Danny just nodded and agreed. He wasn’t going to throw away any chances of walking. Who would do that? Screw the risks of the operation, a life without feeling his legs, not to mention his undercarriage, was not an option.
- You’re gonna’ do great! Make sure you walk out of that OR! Tom said, trying to cheer his friend up. He had to keep a happyface, for Danny. But the truth was, he was scared to death! He could lose his friend, he almost knew the feeling, and it wasn’t a good one! He had seen Danny’s face all week. He looked so sad, out of touch. Almost lost! He knew that if this didn’t go right, Danny would never be Danny again.

Dougie and Harry came to see Danny just before surgery, but they had been stuck in traffic and hadn’t made it. They watched as Tom walked inside the small hospital-room, closing the door quietly behind him. He seemed so sad, like had lost something.
Harry glanced worried over to Dougie, who responded with the same stare. They knew this was hard on Tom, and they were just waiting for him to break. Maybe this was the moment.
- We should talk to him. Harry said and opened the door.

- Hey guys. Tom said and turned away from them, trying to hide the tears he had just shed.
- Tom, talk to us. We know you’re hurting. Just let us know what’s up!
Tom gave up, turning towards his friends. His eyes were red and swollen, his cheeks glistering with tears.
- Tom… Hey mate, what wrong? Harry gave him a deep hug and sat down next to his friend.
- Its just… I keep seeing him, lifeless, dead. I… He’s… I just can’t take it! What if something goes wrong? What if he dies? I don’t know if I can take it! His voice broke, a sob escaping his mouth. Dougie watched his two friends, unable to react in any way. He was just shocked. He didn’t know Tom was hurting like that. He always seemed so strong.
- Heeey! Danny is, strong, he’ll make it. A little back surgery won’t do anything. Look how he survived the accident! Don’t worry. I think Dougie is doing much worse than him actually. Right Doug?
Harry and Tom both turned towards the door when they got no answer from their younger mate.
- Doug? Harry yelled. No answer…
They got up, walking into the hallway. Still no sign of him.

- Dougie Poynter, can you please come to the reception as soon as possible. Dougie Poynter.
The reception lady called for Dougie over the speaker, but it did no good. 30 minutes had gone, and still no sign of the youngster.

Dougie listened as he heard his name over the speaker. He didn’t want to face his friends now, he didn’t know how he would handle it. Seeing Danny in the hospital bed was hard to handle. Seeing Tom break down because that was just too much. He felt silly, sitting there in the booth. He was in the men’s room. He debated for a long time what he should do, leave the hospital and get some fresh air or go back to his friends and stay strong? The first option seemed very tempting, but he couldn’t do that, it would make him weak. No, he had to get back to the others.

- Dougie! Where the HELL have you been? You scared the shit out of us! Harry started screaming at his smaller friend as he walked into the room.
- I’m sorry… Dougie sniveled. He knew he had brought unnecessary worry to the others, he was truly sorry.
- Just don’t do that again, ok? Tom said and hugged him. He knew that it was because of his breakdown Dougie left. Everyone was going through a hard time. Danny meant so much to them. Even Harry, who hadn’t been saying a lot, had a lot of feelings bottled up inside, though he hardly let them out. The closest thing to an outburst had had come, was when he kicked the garbagecan on the night of the accident.
They all fell silent as their thoughts traveled to their friend in the OR.

The surgery took three hours; Danny got trough it well, though no one would know if it had been successful until Danny himself woke up.

Harry was out by a coffee-machine when he heard some nurses talk about the car-accident. He walked a bit closer, curious to what they actually said.
- I heard he was drunk, one of the men who were driving. I don’t really know who, but I think it was the young one, the one who is paralyzed. I would say poor thing, but I don’t really feel that way. Nothing justifies driving when you’re drunk, and crashing, almost killing yourself and several others!
- I was actually on watch when they brought them in. I think it was the old guy who was drunk; the chief surgeon said something about it.

Harry stood there, staring at the ladies in front of him. He hadn’t heard about anyone being drunk! Thinking about Danny’s situation had been far too demanding, but now that his head had started to clear, he needed to know what had really happened. Needed to know if the old bastard who caused this mess was really drunk. He needed someone to pay for hurting Danny.

- Harry, where’s the coffee? I thought you were bringing some? Tom asked when he saw Harry come in empty handed. He looked over at him, puzzled by his friends face. It was frowned, and it seemed like he was angry.
- No coffee. Harry snapped and dumped down in one of the chairs.
- What is it? Has something happened?
- He was drunk.
- Who, Danny? Dougie turned towards Harry, interested in what he had to tell.
- No. The old guy. The one who fucking smashed into Danny and ruined his life! I’m gonna’ kill, ‘s what I’m gonna do. Kill that bloody son of a bitch!
Harry rose up from the chair and drove his fist into the wall. His knuckles screeched out in pain as a mark was left in the white stone.

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The Plot?

Harry’s hand was being tended to when they heard some noises outside the room. The door opened, and in came Danny. He was lying still in the bed; his hands lying limp on the sides. The paleness that had gradually been disappearing over the last week had returned, and the tubes in his nose made it all look like he was on the path of dying.
- Is he alright? Dougie asked concerned.
- He did well in surgery. He will probably wake in a few hours. The doctor replied sharp. It was the same doctor who had treated Danny when he first came to the hospital.
Harry stood up, ready to throw a tantrum at the doctor. How could he be so careless? He had just done a major backsurgery on Danny, and he didn’t care?
Tom walked in front of Harry and placed a hand on his friends’ shoulder, stopping him from doing anything stupid. Harry massaged his damaged knuckles and sat down again. It was hard to just sit there, doing nothing at all.

Like the doctor said, it took a few hours before Danny reached consciousness again. He felt groggy and battered, all energy sucked out of him. The first thing he noticed was Harry sitting in the chair on his left side. His hand was bandaged and his face glowed with anger. Had he been fighting?
- ‘Ey Harry. He whispered.
- You’re awake! Harry replied surprised and hid his hand in a pocket. He didn’t want Danny to know about his little outburst, he had enough to think about.
- What happened to your hand?
Great, just like Danny, thinking about everyone else except himself.
- Its nothing. I just got a bit angry… He replied fast, avoiding the subject.
- I should go get the doctor, tell him you’re awake.
- Harry, wait! Can you touch my leg? I know it’s a bit too soon, but…
Harry nodded and lifted the blanket over Danny’s legs. He touched the big toe and looked at Dannys’s hopeful face. His friends’ eyes had turned glossy and his face was glowing with emotion. He looked ready to burst!
- I… I can feel that! It tickles! I can feel my FUCKING TOES! Danny shot up in bed and scratched his toes. He couldn’t move them, but feeling something, anything was more then he had thought possible! He leaned back, feeling a bit lightheaded, the anaesthetics still lingering in his body.

 

It had been a week and Danny was now able to move his feet. The operation had been a complete success! He had been allowed to go home, even if it meant that the others had to help him do pretty much everything. It made him feel useless, but it was better than lying in a bed 24/7. He had also been set up with an appointment with a physiotherapist once a day.

Tom was the one who helped Danny to get to his first appointment. He had gotten hold of a rental-car, but it wasn’t near as good as the old one.
- I hope she’s hot, Danny grinned as he was wheeled in on the wheelchair.
- Dude. There’s no physiotherapist that would ever get in the pants of their patients. Besides, it’s probably a guy. A gay one too!
- Gee, thanks! You’re very considering, I must say… Danny stopped in the middle of the sentence, just gawping at the woman in front of him. She was young, probably not much older than himself. She had a nice figure, slim with amazing legs and an unbelievable nice looking bum!
- I take back what I said, ‘cause she’s hot! But as I said, too bad she can’t date patients!

- Hi! You must be Danny! The girl came towards them and looked down on Danny in the wheelchair.
- Yeah. And this is my friends Tom… He was nervous. If this was his physiotherapist, how the hell would he be able to concentrate?
- Hi! I’m Kimberly. Just call me Kim! She brushed her blond hair from her face and shook their hands. Her voice was so soft, smooth in the boys’ ears. This would be very interesting, very interesting indeed!

Danny started out with some light training. He couldn’t stand properly yet, so he only did some exercises with his feet. It was a bit embarrassing to lie on a table like that with Kim leaning over him. Her cleavage was just barely visible through her blue top. Wasn’t it illegal? To dress like that if you had a job as a physiotherapist?
He felt like he really hit on with her, she was sweet and it didn’t seem to bother her that he stared a bit at her body, actually it seemed to make her feel more confident and outgoing.
When he was done he was ordered to sit still while Kim went off to talk to her boss about the next appointment. He thought.

Tom sat in the waitingroom, and well… Waited. He couldn’t believe how lucky Danny was, having someone like that as a physiotherapist! He was staring at the door when it suddenly opened, and out came Kim! Walking towards him!
- Hey! I didn’t know if you were gone already, but I thought I’d ask you something. Tom watched as Kim sat down on the chair next to him. The smell of her perfume was so soothing. He took a deep breath, admiring his view.
- Hey, oh, yeah… what is it then? He replied a bit nervous.
- I just wondered if you wanted to go out with me sometime, for dinner or something.
Her blue eyes glowed at him, who could say no to someone like that?
- Yeah, sure! When and where then?
- Its pretty much the same, you decide! She gave him a small piece of paper where her number and address was written.
- And… I saw the way Danny was looking at me in there. I think it would be best if we didn’t tell him about this... She gave him a hopeful look and got a confirming nod back.
- I’ll talk to you later then!

Danny looked up as Kim entered the room again. He just couldn’t stop staring at her! It was just so weird!
- So… I know it’s not normal and all, but… Would you like to go out with me sometime? I just think I get along with you really well… And… Yeah… Kim asked as she started tidying around the room.
Danny’s eyes widened when the word seeped in. She wants to go out with me?
- Well… Yeah! But I cant really drive you somewhere nice… He looked down on his legs, swearing inside himself for the situation he was in. He absolutely had to meet someone when there was something like this going on in his life.
- That doesn’t matter. I can drive! Besides, I know a lot of good places, don’t worry! She gave him a piece of paper, which obviously had her number written on.
- But… Tom… I saw the way he stared at me… And I don’t think its so smart letting him know about us yet. It could get a bit uncomfortable…
- Don’t worry, I won’t tell him anything…

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Dates and Detectives

One month had passed and things were going pretty good with the band. They had been writing some new songs, even done a few appearances on TV! Danny had had a great progress and was able to walk with crutches. He and Tom had been going out with Kim, neither finding out what was going on.

- Can’t you just tell us who she is? There’s like no point in keeping it secret! Dougie pleaded. He had been dying to know who Danny’s secret girlfriend was.
- No, we don’t want to let people know just yet. Just hang in there! Danny replied and shoved Dougie away from the sofa. He wanted to tell his mates who she was, but she didn’t want to go public yet. She probably wants to avoid all the media. He thought.
- Can’t you describe her? Please!
- Fine! She’s blond, has an amazing body and like THOSE mugs!
- She seems like a hottie! Where did you find someone like that? In your dreams maybe? Harry entered the room and thumped down on a chair.
- No… Just because no one here cant get a girl, doesn’t mean that I cant!
- Tom’s got a girl! Harry reminded them.
- He doesn’t want to tell who she is either. You’re such cowards! Dougie pulled his tongue out and turned on the TV.

Tom waved at Kim as he walked out of her car. She was so sweet! And HOT! He was so glad he had found her!
- Was that her? Harry asked in amazement. She was bloody hot!
- Yeah. She’s a keeper, that’s for sure. Tom replied dreamingly, his eyes lingering on the car, which was rapidly disappearing.
- Yeah… Harry couldn’t shake this weird feeling off. He had seen that girl before, but where?

- That’s it, just a bit more. See, I told you, you could do it! Kim said as Danny sat down by her side. He had been doing some exercises for his feet, which he could walk on now. He could get a bit unsteady sometimes, but he was definitely on the right track toward full health.
- So… Do you have any plans for tonight? Danny smiled.
- Yeah, I do… Sorry. I really wish I could go out though, but me mum wants me to help her with some girl stuff.
- Ahw. ‘s alright I guess. We don’t want your mum to get angry would we! He gave Kim a boyish grin and kissed her on the cheek. She giggled and leaned forward, her lips meeting his. He opened his mouth inviting her in.

Later that night, Tom had date with Kim, who apparently didn’t have to help her mum with anything.
- Hey babe! Hows you? Tom pecked Kim of her cheek and sat down on a chair in the restaurant.
- I’m brill, thanks! You?
- I’m great! Happy to see Danny is getting better, you’re doing a great job with him you know. He smiled at her.
- Ahw. Thank you. But he’s the one doing all the work. The help from his friends is what keeps him going. She gave him a smile back, quite genuine, tough party fake.
They ordered their food and talked about what they had been doing the last week.
Harry sat alone in a booth in the dark corner of the restaurant. He knew something was wrong, and this was his way of finding the flaw. He thought that Danny and Tom were dating the same girl, and she was doing it just to play them. A psycho, just what we need now.
When he thought he had gotten a good look of her, he silently left, not making his presence known. He still couldn’t figure out where he had seen her before.

- Danny, your lady’s here!
­- What? On the door?
- No. she’s out in the car!
Don’t do anything I would do! Dougie winked at Danny as the older one walked out the door.
- I would NEVER sleep with a guy! Relax! Danny grinned and closed the door behind him, leaving a irritated Dougie behind.

- Was that Danny? Harry yelled as he ran walked past the door.
- Yeah, his date was here to pick him up. Think Danny’s the girl in the relationship. Dougie laughed and looked at his fellow bandmember. He had a troubled look on his face.
- Whats wrong?
- Nothing. I have to go.
Harry sprinted towards the car, wanting to follow the other car to its destination. He had to know if it was the same girl Tom had been out with yesterday.

- Where do ya wanna go then handsome? Kim flirted, her eyes moving swiftly from the road to look at Danny.
- I dunno, wherever you want to go I guess. He answered, admiring her face.
- Well then, how about back to my place? Some peace and quiet… She trailed off, her hand stroking Danny’s thighs.
- Hmm… Mmm… Yeah, sound good. He was getting slightly aroused, feeling her gentle touch.
- Great. She smirked, not stopping the light stroking.

Harry sat in the car, wondering what the hell he would do if it was the same girl. Would he just barge in and yell it to their face? Wait for when Danny came home and tell them together? Nothing seemed the right choice, the easier thing would be if she was a different girl. She probably is. He thought. She had to be.

The car stopped outside a small house, surrounded by flowers. They looked like they had been placed in the garden quite randomly; the one who had done that must have had some kind of problems. Harry stopped a few meters away, getting a good view as Danny and the girl exited the car. The girl had long blonde hair, her ass was unbelievable! Now turn around, come on…
She turned around, and he stared in shock. He knew her. Well, knew who she was. She was a psycho, a complete nutter! She had been stalking James Bourne (Son of Dork) a few years a go, getting a restraining order from the police.
What do I do? He panicked, finding himself in a fine little dilemma. Call the police? Call Tom, Dougie?
Calling the police would be pointless; she hadn’t broken the law in any way. No, calling Tom would be wiser. He would wait for him to get here, and they would both go in together.

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Disbelief

Danny entered the apartment, his eyes roaming over the kitchen. There wasn’t one spot of dirt, it was sick! Like she was obsessed with cleaning!
- Just get comfortable in the sofa! Kim offered and walked up the stairs.
Danny sat down, trying to shake off the bad feeling in his gut. Something was off, something was WAY off!
He sat there waiting for at least 20 minutes, before Kim walked downstairs again. She had changed into some tight fitting jeans and a white see-through top, making her leopard bra visible. That was hot! He thought to himself, forgetting all about the strange vibes he had been feeling.

- What the hell is going on? Why did you want me out here? I was on my way out! Tom attacked Harry the minute he stepped out of the cab. What could possible be so important?
- That girl you’re dating, she’s no good. Harry started.
- What? You dragged me out here for that? You don’t even know her! Tom was starting to fume.
- She’s in there with Danny, probably having some quality time!
Harry pointed at the blood red house with all the plants.
- AND she was she nutter who stalked James, remember? The one standing outside his house, shouting love-messages at him?!
- Harry, this isn’t funny, just stop! I’m going!
Tom took out his cell and was about to call for a cab. Harry grabbed his wrist and looked angry at him.
- I’m going in there now, with or without you. I’ll throw a punch at her pretty nose, and then drag Danny out of there. I know what I saw!
Tom stared at Harry in disbelief. Kim couldn’t be that person, she was so sweet! And hot! That was when it hit him. His usually good judgement had probably been clouded by her amazing body.
- I’ll go, but I’m gonna kill you if you’re wrong!

The two boys walked up to the front door and quietly checked if it was locked. It wasn’t…
They slipped inside and closed the door behind them. There was no one to be seen.
- Danny? Are you here? Harry yelled.
- I’ll go upstairs, you check here. Tom ordered, as he tramped up the steps towards the second floor.
Harry stared around him, looking at the freakishly clean surroundings. She IS a psycho! He thought load, walking into the kitchen.
- Its not nice to talk like that about the house host when you’re visiting, you should know that Harry.
Harry spun around, seeking the owner of the voice. And there she was, looking just as psychotic as he thought her to be. Before he had time to react he saw her raising her hands, hitting him flat in the head with a frying pan. He fell forward, his head hitting the kitchen-counter before landing with a loud thud on the kitchen tiles, unconsciousness inevitable.

Tom had searched through half of the rooms before Danny appeared on the other side of the hallway.
- Tom? What are you doing here? He asked confused.
- Kim’s a lunatic. She’s been double-crossing us all along. She’s been out with me for over a month now. She was the one ho stalked James. Just get out of here before things get serious, Harry’s pretty mad right now.
Danny stood still, not really understating what Tom was saying. Kim had been dating him too? Stalking? The bad feelings he had… That was probably it. He felt she was fake, but her sexual appearance had manipulated him. He just wanted to scream, anger building up inside him.
- I’m gonna kill her, I’m gonna fucking kill her and bury her sorry ass under all those fucking flowers! He was fuming, exploding! He couldn’t think clearly, all that was in his mind was making her pay.
- Danny… Tom… I can explain, I just… A low voice came from the stairs.
- I don’t want to hear it! You stalked James! What kind of crazy human being are you? You think we wouldn’t have found out sooner or later?
Tom walked in font of her, wanting to hit her so bad! No… He thought. She isn’t worth it…
- I just… I liked you both too much, I couldn’t choose! She looked at Danny, giving him the fake puppy eyes.
- You believe me, don’t you?
- Just stop lying, it doesn’t suit you. Danny answered chilly. He did not want to speak to her.
- I tried to reason with you, but you won’t listen! You’ve brought this on yourself. The tone in her voice completely changed, now sounding like the lunatic she was. She picked up a lamp that stood by the table and smashed it against Tom’s head, making him fall to the ground.
- Tom! Danny screamed and ran to his friend. He was bleeding from a big cut on the left side of his head, and was just barely conscious.
Danny sprang on his feet, lounging out a fist at Kim. She ducked, taking a few steps back, not aware of how close she was the stairs. She tripped and fell, landing with a thud in the hallway on the first floor.
- Tom, hey, can you walk? Danny asked soothingly, helping his mate up on his feet.
- Yeh… Tom answered groggily, trying not to lean on Danny.
They both staggered down the stairs, heading for the door outside. Danny noticed another exit, which was much closed than the one he had come in when he first got here. They walked through the livingroom and out the door. It was only then Danny thought about Harry. Where was he? An upsetting feeling rose in his stomach. He hadn’t heard Harry when they walked out. Something must’ve happened.
- Tom, you gonna be alright there? I have to go look for Harry. Tom nodded in approval and sat down on the ground clutching his head. He could really think clearly now.
- Harry?! Danny yelled. No answer… He wasn’t in the living room… He walked out in the hallway, noticing Kim was gone. He swallowed hard when the thought of her, walking around freely crept into his mind.
He was now in the kitchen, seeing no one in the front side of the centre-room counters. He walked around, gasping when he saw Harry there. There was a lot of blood, oozing out if a large cut on his forehead. He had to get to a hospital!
- Come on Harry… Wake up… I can’t carry you all the way! Danny whispered as he grabbed Harry under the arms, desperately trying to drag him out of there.
A low moan escaped Harrys lips as his eyes fluttered open. His head was pounding and everything around him was unfocused. He felt himself being dragged over the floor, but the exhaustion unabled him to do anything about it. He then heard a voice, it sounded a lot like Danny’s. It was not clear, just like his vision. He couldn’t make anything out of it, other than that it was a steady flow of calm words.
Then, suddenly it all came quiet. A smell came to his nose, a disturbing, spiky smell; the smell of burnt wood. Someone had lit the place! It was burning!
Danny watched in horror as the fire slowly crept down the stairs. This was just not happening! It couldn’t be! Hadn’t they all been through enough? He tried to hurry himself towards the exit door, taking the closest exit yet again, only this one was the front door.
He stopped to open it when he heard the faint sound of sirens. Tom must have called for the police and fire departments!
- Just stop right there. Danny froze, hearing Kim’s voice from the other end of the hallway.
- If I am going down, I might as well take you with me! Danny turned around, the sight making his eyes bulge. She was holding a gun, pointing it at his head. Bile rose in his throat at the thought of burning up in there with a bullet in his head.
- Kim… Don’t… You… You don’t want to do this… He stuttered, his eyes only on the gun.
- I do want to do it, and you can’t stop me!
Danny closed his eyes and readied himself for the bullet to hit and darkness and death take him. He only heard a scream before a loud bang was heard, followed by a loud thump. The whole thing was closed with another shot fired and silence.
He opened his eyes, fear, anger, disbelief, so many feelings churning up inside him. On the floor was the bloody body of Kim. She had shot herself, making a fine hole on her right temple. But the person lying in front of her was causing most of the feelings. It was Dougie, lying motionless on the cold tiles.

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The Hero

Earlier:

Dougie had been out getting some food and milk for Harry when he saw a note on the coffee-table. There was an address and a barely visible signature on it, from Tom.
Guess I’ll have to get there. He thought to himself, wondering what Tom was up to. He took on his jacket again and called for a cab.

It didn’t take long to get to the destination. He looked up on the house, the redness making his eyes itch. The flowers spread all around made it look like some psycho’s house. He got out of the cab, and instantly felt the smell of something burning. He couldn’t see anything from the front of the house, but after walking around it, something disturbing caught his eyes; Tom way lying on the ground, looking very pale. He was clutching his head, like it hurt very much.
- Tom, what wrong? What had happened?
Toms let his eyes meet Dougie’s as he quickly said what had happened.
- I’ve called for the police. And the fire department too…
- I’m going in there. The house is on fire, Danny and Harry might be hurt!
Before Tom could advise him from it, Dougie ran inside, meeting all the smoke that was rapidly filling the air.

Dougie coughed as he tried to find Danny and Harry. The smoke was thick in this room, but no flames were visible. As he got closer to what seemed like the hallway, a woman became visible. She was holding a gun, pointing it at someone who was standing in the other side of the room.
- Kim… Don’t… You… You don’t want to do this… He heard Danny say. His voice was nervous.
- I do want to do it, and you can’t stop me! Dougie knew what was happening, and ran on pure instinct towards the woman, screaming as he jumped on her. A shot was fired, though he didn’t feel anything before he landed on the cold tiles. The pain in the left thigh made him whimper, and darkness took him as another shot roamed the air.

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What Friends are for

The fire had not spread through the bottom floor when the fire department had arrived. The police had also shown up, followed by and ambulance.
Harry had been the first to go. His bleeding was out of control, and the major loss of blood had put him in a more dangerous position than the others.
Dougie had been hit in the left upper thigh by the bullet. He didn’t bleed too much, but the pain was too much to handle.
Tom had become more aware of his surroundings, some of his pain gone. Danny just sat on the ground, his head resting on his knees. He rocked back and forth, many thoughts running through his head. It was his fault. If he had been more aware the night he got hit by that bloody car, he wouldn’t have needed the physiotherapy, and that meant no Kim. Why did it all have to happen to them? What had made them deserve this?

All four McFLYers was now in the hospital. Tom had some stitches to his head and some painkillers for the pain. Dougie had gotten some anaesthetics while removing the bullet from his foot. It didn’t take away all the pain, though it did help a bit.
Harry had to have a lot of stitches. He had lost a lot of blood, but bounced back from it very quickly.
- You’re gonna have one hell of a scar on your forehead! So coooooool! Now we have something to tease you with! Dougie cheered when he first saw Harry. The bandage that had been wrapped around the drummers head went very low on his forehead, making it look more like a turban then anything else. The cheerful mood in the room changed drastically as a police officer walked inside. He was holding a pen and a notebook, obviously ready to take statements from them
- I would like to know what happened in there today. The officer said firmly.
- I’d like to talk to the ones closest to the deceased, first. Danny’s eyes shifted and he looked at the officer. He did not want to talk to the policeman, but he had no choice. He had been dating Kim and been her patient. It meant he was closest to her.
- That’s me officer. Danny spoke, his voice sounding nervous. Images of Kim lying motionless on the floor kept flashing before his eyes. Harry, Tom and Dougie all hurt. Blood…

- You were her patient, is that so? She was a physiotherapist?
- Yeah. Danny shifted on the chair, feeling a bit uneasy. They were sitting in an empty room in the hospital, making everything much worse.
- And you were dating her?
- Yes.
- How long?
Danny looked down on his shoes, feeling almost ashamed. Dirty.
- A bit over one month. The officer kept writing in his notebook and suddenly stopped and looked at Danny.
- I know this is hard, but it is necessary. A sympathetic look shone from the policeman’s eyes as he looked down to write again.
- She had a restraining order on one of your band-mates?
- No! Not on one of us! On James! He’s not in our band, he’s in another one.
- Ok then. I will look it up. Now… Can you tell me in detail what happened tonight?
Danny sighed, sadness taking him. He fought hard to keep the tears from coming as he told what happened.

- Thank you Mr. Jones. I’ll get this to my boss and we’ll talk to the others later.
Danny nodded and walked as quickly as he could out of the room. It was the worst experience he had had in his whole life. He didn’t want to talk about what happened ever again. It was too hard. He wiped a tear as he walked into the room which Harry and Dougie shared.

Tom watched as Danny sat down on a chair inside Harry and Dougie’s room. His eyes were red and puffy; it was obvious he had been crying.
- Danny, mate, are you alright? Tom stood up and walked towards the brown-haired guitarist.
- I’m fine. Danny snivelled. He tried to keep it all inside him, though he couldn’t. He had to let it out! A sob escaped his lips as he fell forward into Tom’s arms.
- I can’t take it. It’s all my fault! If it wasn’t for me, you would be here! Danny looked up, staring at Dougie and Harry in the hospital beds.
- No. Stop Danny. You can’t lay it all on yourself. Its Kim’s fault, she was the one who got us all into this mess. She was the one who made it all happen! Tom looked Danny in the eyes, making sure Danny understood the truth.
- But if I wasn’t so stupid, you guys wouldn’t even have been at the house! I had a bad feeling, and I should have trusted my gut, not her.
- Danny, stop! You can’t blame yourself. You know it’s not true! I was dating her too you know!
- But I could have gotten out of there, you wouldn’t have been hurt!
- DANNY! For god sake stop it! Harry yelled. He hated seeing his friend like that. He had just recovered from the car-accident, and he didn’t need another thing to drag him down.
- I could say this was my entire fault; if I had gotten a closer look of Kim, I would have seen she was the one who stalked James. I could have called the police right away! Did I? No. I don’t place the blame on myself, not one anyone except Kim. I chose to go to the house to help you, help Tom! Get her out of your life’s. It was a risk yeah, but you know. That’s what friends are for, helping each other, no matter the risk.
Danny looked up, amazed by Harry’s speech. He knew it was the truth, and he could do nothing but accept it.

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