A/N: This is based on a theory about Jackie's reaction to Michael's comment in "Black Orchid," contains some mention of events in "Hellfire" as well but is meant as an epilogue to "Black Orchid." Hope you enjoy! :)

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Like They Should Be

Well, you'd know.

He'd said those words and wished them unsaid at almost the same moment, knowing she'd know he was referring to the Greg Martin fiasco.

She hadn't spoken to him since.

Oh, they had talked about the case, about nonsensical things, but he hadn't spoken to her he'd been speaking to D.S. Reid, not Jackie. And she'd made it abundantly clear in Drummond's office that she wasn't speaking to him either, she was talking to "Inspector Jardine."

She'd never called him that before in any other context than when she was introducing him to a member of the public. He'd always been "Michael" to her and he'd liked that; liked the slight affection in her tone whenever she said his name.

But with those three words he'd hurt her more than he'd thought possible, it hadn't been intentional but his wonder over what someone like Julie Carson could see in Tony Sabina had only brought back his former wonder at what Jackie could possibly have seen in Greg Martin.

The words had then slipped out before he could help himself.

What made it worse was that he didn't know how to make it better without telling her the truth: that he was still upset over the influence Greg Martin had been able to exert over her.

He had started when she joined him in the car where he'd been sitting and brooding, though not over Julia Carson's accusation as she might have supposed. No, his concern had been over her and their strained relationship.

But those thoughts had been forgotten in light of her concern over the situation with Julie Carson. He knew he wasn't completely forgiven yet but he was touched she was still willing to defend him against the false accusation.

That was when he made his decision, if he managed to get out of this mess then he would tell her everything.

She was too important.

So here he was, dropping her off home after their confrontation with Julie Carson and her son, trying desperately to think of an opening for him to explain.

"I never really thanked you for your help with clearing up the mess with Julie Carson," he said finally, parking the car.

She shrugged, "You would have done the same for me," she said.

Her words were friendly but Michael could sense the distance that still hovered between them.

"I'm sorry...for what I said at the club," he said baldly.

She looked at him, a little surprised, "It doesn't matter, Michael."

"Yes it does," he insisted, "I didn't mean to hurt you...I wasn't thinking. I just," he broke off with a sigh, "it just still baffles me how you could fall for someone like Greg Martin. I didn't like it," he added so quietly Jackie almost missed it.

"He was very charming," she said, not meeting his eye, "but it wouldn't have worked," she said finally, "and not just because he was the murderer," she added with a half smile.

"I'm sorry," he said again, making Jackie laugh.

"Michael, you need to stop apologising," she shrugged, "I know you didn't say it to hurt me and if I'm honest, it only hurt because it was you who said it." She met his eyes briefly, "You're my best friend, Michael, I value your opinion."

Hesitantly Michael reached out and squeezed her hand, heartened that she didn't pull away, "Then you should know I have always had the highest opinion of you, Jackie, nothing will ever change that."

They sat in silence for a few more moments, still holding hands, before Jackie broke the silence, "Would you like to come in? We could order in and watch a movie?" she suggested.

Michael smiled as the mood in the car lightened, "That sounds like the best idea I've heard all week."

She smiled and they both got out of the car, in perfect accord, just like they should be.