Disclaimer: All Characters belong to the BBC and Kudos Production.

Hiya all, little old me again. I actually started writing this one before Hunt: The Fox, all those months ago, but on reading back the bit i had written i didn't like it. On a second read, it grew on me, so i've decided to continue with it! Hope you like it! Emzi.x is a legend.

Gene Hunt was fed up. He sat at his desk staring restlessly towards Alex. He honestly believed they were beginning to get somewhere, despite the fact that smarmy git Evan was still waltzing about. He liked to tell himself he didn't like Evan because he worked for Caroline Price, because he was high and mighty, sickeningly charming. It had nothing to do with the change in his D.I whenever Evan was around. Nothing at all.

Alex got to her feet. Gene leapt up and raced to his office door.

"Where yer goin' Bolls?"

Alex stopped at the door and walked back to him.

She smiled.

She's hiding something, Gene thought to himself. He fancied himself as a bit of a 'psychiatrist' these days.

"Following up on a lead."

"Oh? What lead's that then?"

Alex's gaze dropped to her feet. She opened and closed her mouth before smiling at him once more.

"Chapman was elusive in the interview. He didn't maintain eye contact for long and he kept looking at the door. He felt trapped, I thought maybe he knew more than what he was telling us, so I took the liberty of checking his file."

Alex went back over to her desk and picked up a file. She leafed through it until she found what she was looking for. She turned back to Gene and handed him the sheet of paper.

Gene sighed.

"Why bother 'aving a D.I if I still 'ave to read everything?"

Alex gave him a look and walked out of the door. Gene glanced down at the sheet.

Steve Chapman, 36.

History in armed robbery. Nothing Gene didn't already know.

"Ah, now that's interesting."

Known associates: Mark Barnes.

Gene went over the case his mind. Bank blag a week ago. Steve Chapman attacked a plod an hour before the robbery. Gene would put money on the fact that he got himself nicked as an alibi. Which means he knew about the robbery? Barnes on the other hand was definitely the kind of scum capable of last weeks blag. Some old dear shot in the side of the face. She'd live, but her face would never be the same again.

Gene frowned. If the lead was sound, why was Drake so awkward? And then it dawned on him.

"Shit! Drake!"

Gene sprinted through the station and raced down the steps just in time to see his beloved Quattro speeding off round the corner. The cheeky tart even had the nerve to wave.

Gene walked to Luigi's in a grump. Alex was still AWOL with his car. Right on cue, he heard a beep behind him and turned to see Alex pull up beside him and get out.

"Yer better 'ave somethin' good Drake!"

He could tell from her smug grin that she did.

"Better than good. Mark Barnes was seen in the Watling Road area 3 hours before the robbery."

"So?"

"He wasn't alone. He was talking to another man, 5'11, mid thirties, short dark hair with a blonde stripe-"

"That's Chapman."

Alex smiled in satisfaction.

With his customary pout back in place, Gene held out his hand.

"Keys"

Alex smirked and dropped the keys into the centre of his hand before changing the subject.

"Lunch?"

Gene raised his eyebrows.

"First 'alf sensible thing yer've said all day."

Chris and Shaz grinned stupidly at Alex when they reached Luigi's. It looked like no one had failed to notice that the Quattro had been missing. Gene glared at the pair, who quickly turned away.

"Bonas Aires Signor Hunt."

"Evenin' Luigi, bottle of -" Alex interrupts

"Your lovely house wine please."

Luigi smiled like a man blessed and hurried off to fetch the wine. Gene rounded on Alex.

"'Ow many times do I 'ave to tell yer? Nobody drives my bloody car!"

"Oh come on Gene, you have to learn to share your toys."

Oh how he hated her, and yet…

"I'll share mine if yer share yours?"

Alex rolled her eyes and said nothing. Instead, she sipped on the glass of wine Gene had just poured her, trying to gain composure. After a moment, she continued.

"What are we going to do about this case then?"

Gene didn't even attempt to hide the predatory smile from his eyes. A change of subject? Someone's uncomfortable, he thought

"Well, we drag Chapman in n' put the squeeze on 'im. Case closed by teatime tomorrow."

"Somehow I don't think it's going to be that easy."

"Course it will, anyway we'll 'ave an extra pair of 'ands by then, that new D.C starts tomorrow." Alex nods.

"D.C Kite, well I for one am looking forward to having another woman in the department."

"Oh I knew yer would be Drake, but the rest of us are still learning t' put up with you and Shaz and your 'ormone rampages."

Gene couldn't help his tone becoming soft, and he even tried at a smile to lighten the comment. She rolled her eyes, but to his delight, she smiled too.

By 11 o'clock they had an easy flirtation of sorts; due to alcohol, good company and a little bit of daring. Gene was starting to believe that Alex may feel a little warmer towards him than he dared hope. Alex waggled a finger in his direction.

"Your problem is, you can't relax. You're always looking over your shoulder. You need to loosen up Gene."

Gene noted the slur, but it would be hypocritical to laugh.

"I can relax. If yer want, I can show just 'ow loose I can be."

Alex continued as though he had never said anything.

"Although you could learn to be less loose with your tongue."

This caused Gene to smile.

"I never 'ad you down as the kinky sort Drake."

Alex licked at the corner of her lips while Gene puffed out his chest, satisfied as Luigi bustled over.

"Time'a for bed signor Hunt."

"Alright Luigi, keep your 'air on." Alex drained her glass, as did Gene.

"Well, goodnight Mr Hunt."

Alex tried to get to her feet but stumbled. Luckily, even after alcohol, Gene was quick enough to stand and support her before she damaged herself. Slipping an arm around her waist, he began to walk with Alex beating at his chest.

"I'm okay now."

"Don't be stupid Drake, c'mon."

He guided her upstairs, one gigantic step at a time, unlocked the door for her and set her down on the bed.

"Straight t' sleep then Bolls."

Gene leaned over her to pull the duvet up but stopped dead when he felt her hand on his cheek. His breath caught in his throat as he found himself staring into her eyes.

"You're always there aren't you Gene? I thought it was Evan, but it's not is it? It's you."

She couldn't possibly be saying what he thought she was saying, not Bolls. But there was no mistaking that look in her eyes, pleading with him.

"Stay with me Gene."

He felt his breath come short, bated in his throat. There was certainly no denying that! And when he watched her eyes travel down to his lips and linger there, he was sure he would die of wanting. It took every ounce of concentration not to kiss her. Two things held him back; fear and a strange feeling of chivalry.

He couldn't push her, wouldn't take advantage of a very drunk Bolly. She wouldn't thank him for that. She had to make the first move.

He gulped as he saw her eyes flutter shut, and she started to lean toward him. He let his eyes close and waited. And waited… and waited!

What was taking her so long? He felt his fear grow slightly, had she been leading him on, trying to catch him out? He opened one eye and sighed. She was fast asleep. Flat out, with a slight pout still on her lips. He brushed a stray lock of hair out of her face, covered her with the duvet and closed the bedroom door behind him.

Well there you are, start as you mean to go on i say! Thanks for reading! :D LQx