A/N: Set between the episodes "Office Politics" and "The Decoy, Part One".
...
"This is DS Michael Webb."
Mickey nodded around at his new colleagues, some of whom murmured greetings. His new DCI gave a quick round of introductions, Mickey knowing full well that he wouldn't remember all these names for a while.
"Today you'll be paired with DS Garrett. She'll show you the ropes, answer any questions you may have." The blonde that Mickey had just been introduced to - Liz? - rolled her eyes and muttered something about babysitting, which the DCI ignored. "I'll be in my office if you need me."
Once the DCI had returned to his office and the other officers had dispersed, Mickey turned to DS Garrett, who gave him an appraising look. "You're from Sun Hill, aren't you?"
Something in her tone needled at him. "Yeah. Well, I worked there for a few years, but I've been with MIT for six months."
"I heard that place is full of bent coppers."
That needled him even more. "Well, you heard wrong. There was only Beech, and Chandler. And he weren't on the take, he was just..." He broke off, not wanting to go into the details of Chandler's crimes. "There's lots of good people there too."
Liz arched an eyebrow. "Okay, Michael. No need to get touchy." She swept past him, adding, "I'll show you how the coffee machine works."
His day didn't get much better. He'd thought that working for the National Crime Squad would be exciting, but his first day consisted mainly of paperwork and being bossed around by Liz, who had obviously been a sergeant for longer than he had.
Apart from Liz, he got on well with his new colleagues. If anyone knew about his past, they didn't show it. Delaney's trial had been tabloid fodder for a few weeks, and it wouldn't take much digging within the police to find out who the 'unnamed male officer' was. He was sure his new DCI had seen his medical records, but he hadn't mentioned it to Mickey, which he was grateful for.
"How's the ice queen?" one of the DCs asked in the afternoon. Liz clearly wasn't popular amongst the team. There was a time when he would have joined in with the banter, joked about how Liz just needed a good seeing to, been rewarded with sniggers and back slaps. That kind of conversation made him uncomfortable now though. He was spared answering by Liz walking past, saying, "Time to stand around chatting, Michael?" He allowed himself to exchange a look with the DC before following Liz. He hoped he wouldn't have to work with her for much longer.
...
Christmas. A time of year that Mickey normally hated. He usually spent it alone, with a bottle of scotch for company in front of the Queen's Speech and Eastenders. Last year, the first year without his mum, the year of the rape, Jack had phoned on Christmas Day to see how he was, but otherwise he hadn't spoken to anyone all day. He wondered absently what Jack was doing today. Was he with Laura and the kids? Their contact had dwindled in the months since Delaney's trial to the occasional text and promises to meet for drinks soon. That didn't matter though, because this Christmas he wasn't alone.
Liz poked her head around the door, her face lit up with the smile that she reserved for him. Her hair, which she always wore pinned up for work, was now in loose curls.
"Star or angel on top of the tree?"
He smiled back. "Make it an angel."
He'd told Liz everything about his past a couple of months ago. He didn't want there to be any secrets between them. She'd cried when he recounted what Delaney had done, and he'd ended up curled up in her arms with his head resting against her shoulder, like he had against Jack that day in the graveyard.
Being in a proper relationship was a new experience for him. Being with Liz was the first time he'd felt strongly about someone since Kate. And OK, his feelings for Liz might not be as intense as his feelings for Kate, but he did love her and thought they could build a future together. Marriage, kids, the lot.
That was what he needed after everything he had been through. Some normality.
He lightly fingered the crucifix necklace around his neck, the one his mum had given him. She would have approved of Liz, he was sure. He didn't feel for the engagement ring in his pocket, but he knew it was there, separate from the other presents.
If this Christmas went to plan, he could have a bright future ahead of him.
