One step too far.

Summary: Laurie loves Michael, but their relationship is put to the test after he reacts in rage following seeing Laurie with another man, all be it innocent. Will they make it through? Can they?

The automatic doors hissed silently open as Laurie entered. She looked around the vast reception area and took a deep breath. She didn't want to be here, but she knew she had to. She was doing the right thing. She walked up to the desk and spoke to the receptionist, who nodded. "Of course," she said with a smile. "Please take a seat Mrs. Myers."

A few minutes later a lift door opened and the man she'd been wanting to see stepped over to her. "Laurie?" She stood up, extending her hand. "Hi Dr Loomis. Thanks for seeing me at such short notice."

"Now you know it's Sam to you Laurie Myers," Loomis smiled as they entered the lift. "I was at yours and Michael's wedding for goodness sake! I've known your husband for years." Laurie sighed. This was true. But would he still feel the same when she told him what'd just happened? "I know. Thanks Sam."

They entered Loomis's office and sat down in comfortable chairs either side of his desk. "So, Laurie." The Psychiatrist folded his hands on the shiny surface and looked straight at her with his piercing, probing but gentle gaze. "How can I help?"

Laurie sighed again. "Michael and I kind of argued tonight," she said softly, feeling the sting of tears. She blinked fast, trying to hold them in and looked down at the tile floor. Loomis said nothing, just slid a box of tissues and glass of water across the desk.

"Thanks," Laurie said, trying to smile at him. She took a tissue and began shredding it in her hands. Nerves? Loomis wondered. Or something else? "What's wrong Laurie?" He asked softly. Laurie took a moment before finally taking a tissue to actually wipe her eyes, a sip of water, then spoke.

Laurie entered hers and Michael's house having just come back from what she'd been asked to do by Annie, looking forward to spending time with him. She adored him. They'd married shortly after he'd been released from Smith's Grove, but love between them had been almost non-existent. She guessed Michael Myers would not be one for affection, but actually knowing it for certain was the most difficult part to deal with. She wanted to be close to her husband, but he never let her. One moment he'd be making love to her, next he was distant and cold. She wondered if he was still killing secretly, although she'd never been able to prove it. As she entered, she saw her husband standing in the middle of the living room wearing his white mask. She stepped towards him. Michael stepped back from her. Laurie's eyebrows rows. Was he giving her a silent warning to stay away from him tonight as he'd done so often lately?

"Hi Michael," she kept her voice soft. "Are you ok?" Michael held up a piece of paper, which said only five words. I saw you with him.

"Eh?" Laurie looked at him, genuinely confused. "Who?"

Do not take me for a fool, Laurie. I saw you enter that hotel with him just now.

Laurie felt relief shoot through her. Michael thought she was being unfaithful? She was so relieved she actually laughed out loud. "Don't be ridiculous," she stepped towards her husband again. "That was Annie's brother. She asked me to help him get to a hotel. He's down to see her but can't stay at hers because she hasn't got room. That's all."

You're lying. Why go in with him then?

"Because he's a really shy guy and needed help." This was true. Michael scoffed quietly behind his mask. Stupidly perhaps, Laurie felt her own anger rising at that. "What?" She snapped. "You can ask Annie if you don't believe me! What? Hiding your mask so I can't see your face? Yeah go on then! You always do that when the heat comes down Michael! Any time you're angry, sad, whatever, you hide behind that fucking mask! I'm supposed to be your wife and you won't even let me see your true emotions! Would it really be a surprise if I was cheating after all? I mean Jesus! You love me one minute then you're as cold as ice the next! You hardly ever kiss me and when you feel any emotion, you hide behind that damn rubber! I married you because I love you Michael, not because I want a husband who just acts like a tailor's dummy when he's feeling something! I want a man who lets me in, not one who hides at every possible opportunity! I hardly know you, Michael! That's how it feels, because you're not giving me a chance too!"

It was then Laurie noticed he had indeed removed his mask and her heart was now what turned to ice. With fear. Michael's face was blank as usual, but she could almost feel his rage. She didn't think she'd ever seen him so angry. That was when it happened. He stepped forward, slammed her against the wall and she felt the cold, lethal metal of a knife against her neck. "So here we go again," Laurie said. Although inside she was shouting "are you mad? Want to die at your husband's hand? Shut up! But she carried on regardless. "This is your default way out isn't it Michael? When you don't like or understand something, pick up a knife! Of course! Why didn't I think of that? You think I'm cheating; I try to explain to you and you treat me like shit on your knife handle! You know Michael it's getting old! I don't think I want this anymore. I want to be loved, cherished, not just loved when my husband feels like it. I want a man who lets me see his emotions, all his emotions, not just those he wants me to see! But oh no! Not from Michael Myers! I want love, not from Michael Myers! I want to talk about my worries, life etc and here his, be there for him, not from Michael Myers! I…"

But she was stopped as her husband slammed her against the wall again and she felt pain shoot up her back. She cried out in agony as they both heard the crack! Now Laurie staggered and hit the ground. She wouldn't cry. Not here, now, in front of him. Myers didn't move for a second then made to help her up. Laurie waved him off. "Just fuck off," she said, unable to keep the tears out of her voice at least, even if her eyes were dry for now. "Just leave me the fuck alone Michael!" She managed to struggle to her feet. The pain was unbelievable. Had she tweaked something? Or worse? Although, she reminded herself. It wasn't her who'd caused it. It was her so-called husband. Michael Myers. The Boogeyman. She had to get to her car and drive to the one place she knew she'd find one man who could definitely help her without question. After all, he'd known her since this whole thing began. As she reached the door she turned back and glared at her husband, speaking six words as tears now did flow down her face. "I've had enough, I want a divorce."

"I'm so sorry," Loomis said quietly now and she could see the sympathy in his eyes.

"I'd never cheat on him," Laurie was crying now in earnest. "Never! I fucking love him Sam! So much! But how can I show him if he won't let me? I know he's worried he'll lose me; I'll leave him etc despite the fact I've told him countless times I'm not going anywhere. I love him for fuck's sake! Why is he so sure I'm not for real? One minute he's loving me, then he's gone! I just want my husband. Why is that too much to ask? To believe?"

Loomis sighed, gently taking her hand. "Because he's Michael Myers Laurie," he said gently. "We both know he's… Unique to say the least. But I'm sure he loves you in his own way. He's as good as told me as much. But he doesn't want to lose you Laurie. No way."

"Well assaulting me is hardly going to make me stay is it?" Laurie again reached for a tissue as further tears spilled down her cheeks. Loomis squeezed her hand. "I know," he said softly. "But Michael's never been good at containing his rage. That's why he used to kill so much. I say used because he doesn't anymore and that's all because of you Laurie. You and I both know this."

"So why won't he let me love him?" Laurie almost whined, unable to help it. "That's all I want to do Sam but he won't let me! Why?"

"I think that's actually what he really wants," Loomis said softly. "But he doesn't know how to tell you that, or show you either. I think he seriously was terrified you were with Annie's brother for more tonight, because he's always thought he's not good enough for you and you don't really love him."

"But then he assaults me, treats me hot and cold, what does he expect? I don't get it! He wants me to love him, but won't let me."

"As I say, I think it's because he's terrified it's not real and he's scared to give you his heart because he thinks you'll leave. Either that, or he doesn't know how to show you he loves you. He wouldn't have married you if he didn't. No," he added, obviously seeing Laurie's face. "Not even to secure his release. That's not how Michael Myers works. He obviously feels something at least for you."

"But how can I ask him if he's treating me like this?" Laurie asked. "I can't."

At that moment, Loomis's intercom buzzed and his PA's voice crackled through the speaker stating someone was in reception looking for him. "I'm in an appointment," Loomis said.

"I know," her voice came back. "So does the gentleman down here."

Laurie couldn't stop even now, the slight bit of hope in her heart. Was it? Loomis again must've seen it, because he sighed and stood up." "Stand by," he said both in to the intercom and to Laurie, before he left. A few minutes later the door opened and Loomis re-entered and despite everything Laurie felt her heart skip, seeing it was indeed Michael who was with him. Laurie could hardly believe it when her husband came straight to her and gently took her hand in his, sitting in the chair beside hers. Without a word, Loomis left. Laurie looked up then and couldn't stop the gasp which issued from her mouth.

Now, there weren't just tears on her cheeks, but on Michael's as well. She had never, ever seen Michael Myers cry. Not even close. For a few seconds she could only stare at him in total shock. Michael held her hand tighter, gently raising it to his cheek and holding it there. Laurie still couldn't speak. He wasn't hiding his emotions behind rubber this time. They were right there in front of her eyes.

Michael raised a piece of paper. Laurie, I… Please, no. Don't leave me, I can't let you go.

"But you don't love me Michael," Laurie said quietly, holding her husband's eye contact. "You couldn't make that any more obvious if you tried. You make love to me one night and ignore me the next. You automatically assume I'm cheating on you even though I never would. You can sometimes be as cold as ice and never even hold me at night, never mind kiss me. You always wear your mask when you don't want me to see something. So many times I've wanted to talk to you about anything and everything, but you haven't let me. It's all about what mood you're in and I don't matter. I…"

Myers grabbed her almost violently then, pulling her against him with both arms wrapped around her, before he pulled her in to his lap. Next second his head was against her shoulder for the first time ever and she felt his tears hitting her neck. Michael Myers was actually crying on her shoulder. Laurie couldn't help it then as her heart began to break for him. She adored, didn't want to leave him. But seeing him like this, she started to wonder for the first time if Loomis wasn't right after all. He wasn't pushing her away on purpose. She gently raised his head to hers so she could look in to his unmasked face.

"Michael," she breathed. "Darling if this hurts you as much as it seems it does, why do you push me away all the time? I've told you so many times I'm not going anywhere. You need to believe me if we're going to stand a chance! You have to! I know you're scared to love, don't know much about it, but don't run from me when you are! Don't love me some nights and ignore me others. That won't help our relationship at all. Also don't push me against walls holding me at knife point just because you're angry or you don't understand how you're feeling. Instead, talk to me about it. I'll help you any way I possibly can. You should know that. I meant half of what I said. I've had enough, Michael. I've had enough of your hot and cold love. I've had enough of how you treat me sometimes. I want to show you love for life, not just when you feel like it. Most of all though, I've had enough of you not letting me in to your heart. You can't have all the control in this relationship, Michael. It's not all down to you when I love you. It's not all down to you when I'm close to you. I want to love you all the time Michael, not just when you'll let me do so."

Myers wrote nothing, just continued to hold her. This time his emotions were written clearly across his face. Pain, regret. "As for cheating on you," Laurie continued. "I'd never do that Michael. I will apologise for what I said re that. Yes you hurt me sometimes, but I would never, ever use cheating on you as an option. That's just not me. Before I did anything with another man, I'd leave first. I'd never, ever cheat." Michael raised another piece of paper. Are you telling me you are indeed leaving me?

"Michael," Laurie sighed, now finally putting her arms tightly around him in turn. "No you stupid man. Oh Michael," she lent close to him now and at last did kiss him. "Michael, Michael. I love you! But I can't take your anger, etc like I just told you. I didn't mean I want a divorce. I'm sorry. So sorry. But you hurt me. I think I've tweaked something in my back. Plus having a knife held to my neck didn't do much for me either! Just…" She took a breath. "Just let me love you all the time Michael. Please? There's no trick, trap or catch. I'm not going to love you and then leave you when I'm done! You have to believe me and let me prove it! Hold me close all night every night. Let me love you, kiss you and don't wear your mask around me to hide yourself from me! Let me talk to you about what matters and you talk to me! If that's too much to ask then…"

But she couldn't finish because now her tears came once again and Michael's lips were against hers. They kissed passionately, as he held her tightly in his lap. He held up another message. Laurie cried harder, as they kissed over and over again. She gently wrapped her arms around his neck as they did so. I do love you, Laurie. I love you so much, but I'm not good enough for you. I don't deserve someone as loving, sweet as you. I…

Laurie gently grabbed the piece of paper and tore it in to pieces, tossing them to the floor. "Shut up Michael," she said softly. "Just shut up! You're everything to me! Get it? Why would I have married you otherwise? Is that why you haven't let me close? Because you think I deserve better than you? You don't think you're good enough for me?" Slowly, her husband nodded. Laurie couldn't stop herself and hugged him tightly, kissing him again. "You idiot," she said through her tears. "Why would I have married you if I thought that?"

I've wondered the very same thing. I've never understood it. I… I love you, Laurie, but I don't always know how to show you this. I don't ever want to lose you. I… I can't! You could've married any man you wanted.

"I did," Laurie breathed. "I'm in his arms right now."

Laurie…

"Michael please. Just believe me. I love; need and want you! I want to be yours. But I can only do so for the rest of my life if you let me. So will you? Only you can make that decision. I can't make it for you."

You're my world, Laurie Myers. All I want and need is you.

"Then don't fight it," Laurie said softly. "Not because you think I deserve better, not because you think you're not good enough, not because you think I'll leave in the end. Just love me and let me love you in return. Don't hide from me. Please?" For answer, Myers just pulled her gently to him and kissed her again, before gently lifting her up in his arms. Laurie had never told him, but she loved it when he did this. She felt so safe, he was so strong and so damn sexy…

"The course of true love never runs smooth," Loomis's soft voice said from the doorway. "I'm so glad you worked things out, you two deserve each other and happiness. I'm so glad you've found it with each other. She's right though Michael, don't be too proud or afraid to love."

"Thanks for seeing me so quickly," Laurie grasped Loomis's hand still in her husband's arms.

"No problem Laurie," Loomis smiled. "Always happy to help either of you and you know it. Good night Mr. and Mrs. Myers."

Michael carried her to their car and gently laid her in the front seat, before driving them home. When they got there, he gently lifted her up in his arms once more and in to their house. Laurie reached up and softly stroked his face.

I love you, Laurie. She read her husband's latest message and smiled, again feeling tears fall. Michael gently wiped them away with his thumbs as he still held her tightly and close.

"Are you prepared to let me in?" Laurie asked softly. Michael nodded. "Will you love me constantly?" He nodded again. "Don't hide your emotions?" Again, a nod. "I want to talk to you Michael," Laurie murmured. "About anything, everything. I just want to spend time with you. You're not just my husband, you're also my best friend. May I?"

This time he didn't nod he just kissed her, as finally their tongues came in to gentle contact. "Let's go to bed," Laurie whispered and immediately her husband carried her upstairs and in to their room, tenderly removing her clothes before lifting her in to bed. Getting in beside her, he gently pulled her to him, as if afraid he'd hurt her with the slightest movement. He raised another message. I'm sorry, Laurie. Sorry I even thought you were cheating. I remember now you telling me you were helping Annie's brother. I… I'm sorry.

"Then in future," Laurie said softly. "Please just take a moment to think before you act? Sometimes you let your rage just run away with you before you think rationally about it."

You are correct, again I am sorry. I'll… I'll try, I promise you that. Anything for you, Laurie. Anything.

"Just one question, you know what you said about loving me constantly from now on," Michael nodded. Laurie lent forward and softly kissed him, before looking him straight in the eyes. "I can't remember exactly what part of that means. Will you remind me? Tonight?"

Her husband looked at her for a second, then gently kissed her. He softly stroked her back and made as if to write another message. "Shh," Laurie said, gently stilling his hand. "It's fine, it doesn't hurt anymore. Don't. Please? You don't need to write anything. Just love me, Michael Myers? I need you."

Before long, Michael was making love to her gently, tenderly, before pulling her gently close as they fell asleep in each other's arms. As he kissed her once more before their eyes closed, Michael vowed that from now on, Laurie would always know how much she meant to him. As Laurie snuggled up to her husband, she promised she would help him in any way she could. She felt so bad about her own angry words, she hadn't meant them in the slightest. She'd die before she cheated on Michael. That really would be one step too far.