The only time Thomas had left the hospital since arriving, was for a few hours last night to be with his husband before Spectre left for his European tour. He had returned to the hospital afterwards, not even spending the night with Spectre, because he couldn't bear to leave Stephie and Scarlett alone during the night. It was the most frightening time, in his mind, even though all the hours had run together down there in the bowels of St Sebastian's.

As Scarlett raised her head, Thomas raised his. He smiled at her over Stephie's curled form. He wanted so badly for her to understand he didn't blame her for what had happened. All he could do was prove it with his presence. With his time. "Do you need anything," he whispered, in case Stephie was asleep.