Hey everyone, so this is going to be my first attempt at a major multi chapter story. Please bare with me. Reviews will be appreciated and will encourage the writing process. I didn't want to introduce it on the first chapter, I wanted to publish it as it was. I hope you enjoy it. As always Silent Witness belongs the BBC.

The familiar feminine voice echoed from the answer machine in the lounge, "Harry?"

'Of course it was going to be her' he thought.

Moments later, his mobile phone began ringing next to his head. He picked it up, the glow from the screen burning his retinas temporarily.

"Hi there." he croaked.

"Harry, its Nikki. Will you let me in please?" she asked, entertained by her colleague's lethargy.

"You have a key…use it?" replied Harry.

"I've… left it at home" She giggled. Harry didn't even have to see her face to know she was lying to get him up. Well, if she was going to force him out of bed, he was going to do it at his pace. Harry glanced in the mirror on his way to the door; he had to look somewhat presentable for Miss Alexander. He was wearing a slim fit tee and a pair of striped cotton bottoms, which Nikki once said he had 'stolen off an old man' but he liked them, so that was that and his hair had arranged itself so with a quick approving grin headed down the stairs.

Harry opened the door, squinting at the daylight streaming in. "Come in".

"Thanks". Nikki slid past him and bounced up the stairs. She was in a good mood, and he knew it. She leant against the kitchen worktop "Coffee?"

"Yes please" replied a slightly groggy Harry, walking up the stairs taking a seat on the dark leather couch. "May I ask what has you in such a delightful mood?" In all honesty, he knew what it was.

She stayed silent for a moment, toying with the false mystery in the room surrounding her mood and once it was ready, she poured him a cup of coffee.

"Nikki…come on, out with it" he smiled knowing exactly what she was holding back.

"What?" chirped Nikki. He could see the grin building up in the corners of her sweet, rose coloured lips as she placed the coffee on the wooden table in front of him. He knew she couldn't resist.

"Happy Birthday Harry!" she exclaimed. She pulled out a small neatly wrapped gift from her bag with a card and sat next to him on the sofa. He looked at Nikki for the first time properly that day, her hair was perfect, not a blonde curl out of place, her floral print dress skimming her hips. She was beautiful. If it was anyone else, he'd have thought they were making an effort for his birthday, but Nikki always looked this good, even on an off day. His birthday was something he was trying to force to the back of his mind as he didn't enjoy it, why would anyone enjoy celebrating getting older? But Nikki did not think likewise, so there was no one else he'd rather have here.

"Thank you", he kissed her on the cheek and held her in his arms for a moment. She smelt sweet and her hair glistened in the light, her features were perfectly highlighted by the suns glorious rays and Harry noticed every detail as he often did.

"Open it!" hurried Nikki, she was aware that Leo would begin wondering where they were, but as it was his birthday, their boss would be slightly more lenient with the pair's lateness. Harry opened the card first, and read the inside.

Dear Harry,

Happy Birthday

Lots of love,

Nikki xxx

'Nice and simple' thought Harry, before over analysing every word his friend had written. Her emotions hadn't ruled her mind, she hadn't reminded him of his age or that he was still single, so he was pleased, unlike his mother's failed attempts. He smiled at her and stood the card up on the table, one of only two he had received so far. All things aside, he was glad his best friend was here to share and make jokes on his birthday, it made it bearable, she made any chore bearable and his birthday had most definitely become a chore over recent years; a brief reminder of the world's disappointment in his inability to hold onto a stable relationship, or rather his own disappointment. What would he have to show for his life if it ended right now? Harry threw the thought aside, knowing it was silly but it still resided at the back of his mind.

He moved on to the gift, which he peeled open to find a small envelope and another box and looked up at Nikki for her advice.

"The box first." She smiled.