They decided to keep it secret for a few days. You only had to take on look at the team to notice they were struggling to come to terms with the loss of Viv. The news of their speedy elopement could have proven even more detrimental to the atmosphere in CID.

So, instead, they settled for making eyes at one another across the office, exchanging secret smiles, each finding comfort in their surreptitious marriage, whilst everything else fell down around their ears.

Though, after a couple of days, the dishonesty of their situation began to annoy Gene. He hated watching Alex taking off her wedding ring each morning, and the fact the world didn't know she was Mrs Hunt.

He was bloody well going to put a stop to it.

"Today."

Alex looked up from her cup of tea in surprise "Today?" Today was the day of Viv's funeral. Why on earth would he want to drop a bombshell on the team now?

"Viv wouldn't want us to be sad today," he said.

Seeing him so fragile broke her heart. She placed her mug down on the counter, and wrapped her arms around his waist, smiling into his chest as he returned the gesture.

"He'd be thrilled for us, you know," she murmured.

"I know."

She managed a weak smile for him, wondering if he'd ever forgive himself.

"No more hiding?"

"No more hiding," he concurred.

888888

Everyone took it surprisingly well. Even Ray, once he'd come to terms with the fact he wouldn't be getting off with any bridesmaids.

The funeral passed painfully slowly, both of them feeling relived that it was over, before making a hasty retreat from the wake, finding comfort in each other's arms, nestled in their bed. Alex was curled up against Gene's chest, dozing, exhausted and feeling guilty for being so blissfully happy. She was married to Gene. Even with the tragic loss of her friend still very much present, the prospect of their future together filled her with joy.

"Gene?"

"Hmmm?" He was half asleep himself.

She looked up at him almost shyly. "Are we going to talk about last night?"

"About what?"

"I think you know what.'"

He opened on eye "Stop talking in bloody riddles, Bolly. What are you on about?"

"Yesterday morning, when I got up to take my pill, and you said 'Don't'."

He sat up, looking a little embarrassed. "Did you…"

"Yes, I did."

He sighed and sat on the edge of the bed. "Sorry, Bolls. Got carried away. Can't help it sometimes."

Her body followed his and she lay her head on his shoulder. "It's okay."

"It's not, Alex. I'm sorry, after everything that's happened I was stupid and insensitive."

"No you weren't." She cupped his face with her hands, making him look at her and kissed him.

"I don't want to rush you," he told her. "I want us to do this right, now we're married. Get a proper place of our own and that. Well, actually, I want to take you to dinner first."

"Dinner?" She grinned in amusement. "We're married. I think we've gone beyond dinner."

"A date. You and me. Tomorrow night. Somewhere nice."

"Okay, you're on."

888888

Gene made a big deal about getting dressed up for dinner, bemoaning the fact they'd had too few dates before they were married and were going to make up for it now. This disguised his real motive, which was to discuss houses. The thought of a proper home with his Bolly, was something he was very keen to put into action.

It made him nervous to say the least. He hoped a proper home with her would lead to other things. A pet, maybe, and then... kids. He wanted kids with her, a lot, but he wasn't sure if she felt the same. After all, she still had Molly, lost in Canada somewhere, probably missing her mother desperately. He wasn't sure where he fitted in when it came to Alex and Molly. Would he fit in at all?

He was roused from his thoughts by Alex kissing his cheek. She was wearing an emerald green dress and looked absolutely stunning.

"You were miles away," she said, sitting on the sofa beside him. "Want to talk about it?"

"Nah..." He kissed her instead, trying to sound nonchalant, feeling anything but. "You look bloody gorgeous, Bolls. Sure you don't want to stay here?"

"Gene! This was your idea!" She tugged his hand, pulling him towards the front door "Come on, you lummox, you're not getting me into bed that easily."

He took her to a tiny French restaurant, a couple of miles away, which Luigi had recommended to him, which would give them plenty of space to talk. He only hoped she wanted the same as him.

It was between the starter and main course he decided to bring up the subject of houses again.

"Been thinking," he said, trying to hide his nerves. "The flat... it's a bit small, isn't it? Long term."

"Depends," she answered, sipping her drink, "It's fine for you and me."

He didn't want to scare her. "Well, it's just you and me for now..." His mind whirred, trying to come up with a plausible scenario. "But what if Ray wanted to come and stay?"

She burst out laughing. "Why would Ray want to stay over?"

He suddenly felt hot under the collar. This wasn't going well at all. "I don't know!" he hissed awkwardly, "It wouldn't hurt to look."

She nodded, agreeable for once. "Okay, we can look. Why don't we look on Saturday?"

He nodded, feeling guilty. It wasn't supposed to go this way at all. "What about Putney? Or Fulham?"

"Whatever you want is fine." She forced a smile, before directing her attention to her meal, their date descending into uncomfortable silence...

888888

Even once they'd returned from their meal, and found themselves in their customary position on the sofa, things were a little awkward. Gene was holding her tightly, his body tense, as he stared at the floor, wondering how he'd managed to make such a royal cock up of things.

Feeling the need to relieve his stress, Alex released herself from his grip, wandering over to the cassette player. Pressing play, the familiar opening bars of Spandau Ballet's 'True' filled the flat.

"Dance with me?" She asked, her eyes insistent.

He pouted. "Gene Hunt does not dance."

"You danced with me once last year." She offered her hand to him, expectantly.

"Once and only to stop Ray getting his greasy mitts all over you!"

"Charming!"

He scowled. "Fine." Then softer, feeling remorseful again, "Fine."

He liked it. Alex had changed her clothes after they'd arrived home, and she felt wonderful in his arms. He pulled her closer into his chest, her familiar scent calming and intoxicating him at the same time.

He knew that he'd been moving her too fast. The thought of a life with her… was just something he wanted so much. He'd waited so long to be with her like this, to be allowed to love her like this, he was just impatient to make her his more and more.

Feeling her tremble in his arms, he dropped a gentle kiss to her forehead. His heart was racing.

She brought her head up to meet his gaze. "Gene, I..."

"Sshhh..." He pressed a finger to her lips gently. "Not tonight, Bolls."

"Okay." She found herself drawn to him, almost magnetically; his pull was just too strong. He melted every anxiety she felt away with his soothing presence.

Their heads inched closer and closer together, eyes locked on each other's. As their lips were about to touch, the doorbell rang.

They both let out disappointed sighs, Gene relaxing his hold on her.

Reluctantly, he stepped out of his arms.

"Wait in the bedroom. I'll get rid of them."

He did as he was asked, shutting the door tentatively behind him, as she approached the front door.

He heard her voice, a low, questioning, whisper.

Another voice, that was annoyingly familiar, joined Alex's.

Then, a strangled, pained gasp that was unmistakably hers filled the room, as the door slammed shut.

Then there was silence.

"Alex?" He emerged from their bedroom, concerned.

It was too late. She had gone.