Title: Memories
Disclaimer: Ashes to Ashes does not belong to me.
Rating: K+
Summary: Gene and Alex look back on conversations they never like to remember.
Author's Notes: This is my first attempt at fanfic (I usually write original fiction) so I have no idea what this will be like from the point of view of an experienced audience. I also wrote this in half an hour, so make of that what you will.

Gene in his office, Alex in her flat – not home, this would never be home – both alone in their own private turmoil, both recalling memories; almost unbearable thoughts. Neither could reach the other, no matter how much they wanted to. Memories danced round them: Molly. Sam. Molly. Sam. Both as far away as the other.

'Mum,' Molly had said, a few years ago now, as they had watched TV together on the sofa.

'Mum, you'll always be here, won't you?'

Alex turned to her daughter. Molly had tried to sound as casual as she could, but Alex could see the worry in her eyes.

'Of course, Molls,' she replied. 'Of course.' She frowned. 'What made you ask?'

'It's just… I never really hear from Dad much anymore. I miss him, sometimes. And I don't want you to do the same thing.'

'Come here.' Alex put her arm round Molly, who shuffled closer. 'I promise you, I'm not going anywhere.'

'You're sure?'

'Positive.' Alex smiled. 'You and me, Molls. We stick together, remember? So wherever I go, you go.'

Molly hugged her mother.

'Love you, mum.'

'Love you too, Molly.'

Sam had been acting strangely, or rather, stranger than normal. He was agitated; unsettled. He hadn't behaved like this for years.

'In my office, Tyler,' Gene had said. Sam had stormed in.

'What?'

'Sam, what's going on?'

'Nothing, Guv.'

Sam couldn't look him in the eye.

'I don't believe you,' Gene said after a moment. 'Are you involved in something? Is there something I need to know about?'

Sam shook his head. 'You wouldn't understand.'

'No, you're right, I don't. Y'know, I thought you were happy 'ere. I mean, you've got yourself a decent bird, nice house, a boss others would kill to have…what more d'you want, Sam?'

'It isn't enough.' Sam's voice reflected his frustration, the disturbing feeling he kept getting. Every night he would dream, and his dreams told him only one thing: your time is running out.

Gene stared at him.

'Sam. You have to talk to me.'

'I can't stay 'ere, Guv. I have to go.'

Gene paled slightly. He had known, somehow, that this day was going to come. He knew, deep down, that Sam had to go. And now Sam knew too; he had realised what Gene had been trying to ignore for a while.

'Not yet though, eh? You've still got things to do 'ere, Sam.'

Sam regarded his Guv. 'You and I both know it, Gene. No one can stay here forever.' He paused. 'Annie will be going with me. I need you to get us out of here.'

Gene looked at Sam for a moment. Against his better judgement, he nodded. 'OK,' he agreed.

'Thanks, Guv.'

'Don't, Sam. Don't thank me. Look, we keep this between us, right? That lot can't know the truth. We have to make it look convincing.'

Sam nodded. 'Course.'

Gene lit a cigarette and took a drag. He blew out the smoke.

'Dunno whose gonna tell me off for smoking when you've gone.'

Sam laughed.

'Still, I might get some bloody peace for once,' Gene said. Sam avoided his gaze.

'Well, I'd best go,' Sam said awkwardly after a moment. 'Annie's making tea tonight. Fish finger surprise, I think.' He laughed nervously. He began to leave the office. 'Night, Guv,' he called back over his shoulder.

'Night, Sam.' Gene watched him go.

Memories. Moments from the past; they can't hurt you. At least, that's what they told themselves, over and over. Gene in his office, Alex in her flat. The left and the leaver. And both knew it was a lie.