Things took a dark turn at the end of this chapter so if you're easily triggered or uncomfortable, please skip it. I'll put a little *** at the bit that you don't need to read to get the story. And I'm always here for anyone who may need. I love you all to absolute pieces.
~M x

We were back home again after going out to Australia with the boys, and it was Ellen's ideas to call a band meeting.

I was nervous to say the least, but I tried to push that aside as I walked into the Irwin household, grinning down at Della as she sat in her swing chair.

I sat down beside Tamara on the couch, watching as Ellen brought in three mugs, handing me one that smelled of hot chocolate and I thanked her with a smile, sipping it gently as she began to speak.

"So I know you're both probably wondering what's going on and why I brought you both here and I thing we just need to clear some things up."

Tamara and I eagerly nodded, an almost unsettling atmosphere falling upon us as every possibility of what El had to say ran through my head.

"I think we need to take a break from touring. With us all starting to settle down, it seems like living on the road isn't going to be healthy for any of us and I sat back in my seat a little in resignation.

"We'll still make music and everything, just not doing the touring thing. It isn't fair on Della." She explained and I couldn't help but agree and respect her reasoning. No matter how much I loved performing, if I was in her position I would do the same.

I felt like this was the moment to tell the girls about my recent engagement when Ellen continued on, and I stopped what I was saying.

"Plus, Ash and I have a wedding to plan!" She held out her hand, revealing a big diamond ring on it and Tamara clapped happily while I was speechless, painting a smile on my face.

"That's great, El!" I said, giving her a quick tight hug before Tamara joined in and it was an Ellen sandwich.

We stayed like that for a few moments, before Della began to cry, and Ellen had to tend to her.

"I better get back to Michael before he bleaches all of our towels again," I chuckled half heartedly and waved to them before leaving the house and getting into my car, determined to get back home before letting any tears fall.

It only took me 20 minutes to get through the London traffic, and I made no haste in getting through the front door, closing it behind me and sliding down it, the sobs racking my body.

"Love?" Michael's voice rang clear through the flat and I quietened down, looking up at him as he made his way through to me.

"What's wrong princess?" he asked with widened eyes as he crouched beside me and I wrapped my arms around his neck, burying my head into his shoulder as he picked me up.

"Tam and El don't want to tour anymore. I know they said we'd still make music b-but I don't know Mike," I sniffled quietly as he sat us down on the couch, running a hand through my hair.

"I don't want to stop touring Mikey, it's my life," I said quietly, and I felt him nod in agreement.

***

"We'll get through this, now tell me what else has been going on," His green eyes were sad as he pushed the hair from my face, placing a soft kiss to my nose.

"What do you mean?" I asked him, resting my head on his shoulder as I intertwined our hands, thumb grazing over his tattoos.

"You've been wearing your bracelets more recently, and I saw you staring at your scars the other day. Please let me in Meg," He sighed and I felt so distraught at the pain in his voice.

"I've not done anything. I've just been thinking. Things have been getting darker and I don't know if I can fight it this time," I said quietly, unable to look into his eyes in fear of breaking.

"Hey," he whispered, lifting my chin so I had no option but to look into his eyes. "We are going to get through this. You are not alone and I don't plan on leaving you any time soon. You're the love of my life and I will always be here," He said and I gave him a small smile, placing a gentle peck to his lips.

"Thank you, I love you," I sighed, snuggling in deeper to his side.

"I love you too, so fucking much."