This is for ILikeCheeseBiscuits who requested some more Ronnie/Natalie stories, I'm ever so glad someone other then me loves them as much as I do…..just for you sweetie xx

…

A New Day Has Come

Chapter 1

The sound of an owl outside the bedroom window brought Ronnie out of his light sleep, he turned his head to glance at the clock on the night stand and sighed when he realised it was only 3am. The sudden movement beside him caused him to freeze for a moment, looking down at the woman asleep in his arms; he couldn't help the smile that graced his lips, watching her breathing in and out so quietly. When he'd left the office with her he hadn't imagined he'd end up in her bed but it was where he wanted to be.

…

Flashback

…...

"I know it's not much but I hope it's okay?" She'd asked, setting the sandwich down in front of him.

"It'll do just fine luv."

She'd taken a seat across from him and the pair sat in silence as they ate their sandwiches, every now and again she would catch Ronnie's eyes on her.

"Ron."

"Yeah?"

"I'm sorry about earlier, breaking down like I did….it was unprofessional."

"Hey come on, you're entitled to grieve…we all are."

"I know, it's just…."

Ronnie could see the beginning of tears in her eyes as her throat constricted.

"Natalie..."

She got up and went to stand over by the window, her hands resting on the side of the sink steadying her. Ronnie put down his sandwich and walked up beside her, drawing his arm around her shoulder.

"Natalie luv, it wasn't our fault…Jamall was the one who killed our boy and he's paying for it."

"I just can't believe we'll never see him again Ron, I just….."

She broke down, turning to him as he quickly wrapped his arms around her. They stood in the same spot for a good 10 minutes until Natalie's tears subsided, Ronnie pulled back and took in her appearance. He took a tissue from his pocket and gently wiped the tears from her cheeks, in all the years they'd worked together, they'd never been this affectionate towards each other but seeing her like this, he knew he couldn't just walk away from her. Their earlier kiss came rushing to the front of his mind, a small smile playing on his lips as her remembered.

"Ron, you're smiling."

"I was just thinking back to earlier in your office."

"You mean our kiss, are you regretting it?"

"Of course not, I was wondering if you were."

"No, no I'm not. Ron, we've been friends and colleagues for many years and you've always been there for me when I've needed you. First with David and now Matt's death, I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Like wise luv."

Natalie gave a small smile before she leaned in and kissed Ron for a second time that night.

"Don't go home tonight."

"You need to get some sleep luv, you're exhausted."

"So are you, please stay. Just lie beside me, that's all I need right now."

"Okay." He smiled.

…

Ronnie glanced back down to see Natalie looking up at him, a smile evident on her face.

"Hey….."

"Hey yourself."

"How long have you been awake?"

"Not long, I was just watching you sleep."

"It's still early." She said, looking at the clock."

"Yeah we have hours yet."

"No regrets about last night."

"No regrets Natalie…..you know I've always loved you."

"Even when I was with David."

"More so…..you deserved better than him."

"And now I have someone better."

"Aren't you worried?"

"About what?"

"What people will say, people wondering why in the hell you'd choose to be with an alcoholic copper."

"Ron don't….I don't want to hear you say things like that. You got yourself sober and you've stayed that way for years now, you climbed your way back up the ladder and you are a well respected officer. You gained back everyone's trust, you should be proud."

"I was thinking more about you, you're reputation…I don't want it ruined because of me."

"Do you think I'm really that shallow, after all these years….Ron, I'd hope that by now you'd know be better than that. People are entitled to their opinions but if I so much as hear cruel gossip behind our backs, they'll know about it."

"Now that's the DI we all know and love."

"Seriously Ron, don't worry so much about this. You said it yourself, Matt always thought we'd be good for each other….well maybe we can honour him by seeing where this….us goes."

"Yeah, I'd like that luv."

"Now, as you pointed out earlier….we still have a few hours before we're due in the office, so how about we try and get some sleep."

"Yeah, good idea."

Natalie moved a little closer into Ronnie as he wrapped his arms tighter around her, kissing the top of her head as they drifted back to sleep.

…

To Be Continued….