I've decided to give Alex and Gene a little rest in this chapter so this is by way of a time-out for them. So, not much plot but an awful lot of fluff and a side-order of smut. Thanks for all the great reviews and kind comments about this story - they mean everything.

'Well, now that we HAVE seen each other,' said the Unicorn, 'if you'll believe in me, I'll believe in you. Is that a bargain?'
(Through the Looking Glass)

Chapter 14

It was with a huge sense of relief that Gene and Alex finally arrived back at the hotel later that same morning. So much had happened since they had left the hotel somewhat hurriedly the previous evening and Alex was still struggling to take everything in. She watched as Gene paid the taxi driver; he looked tired, which was only to be expected of course, but she was relieved to see that the colour had returned to his cheeks and that he strode towards the hotel with his usual confidence. She quickened her pace to catch up with him and looped her arm through his. He raised his eyebrow in surprise but didn't shrug off her help, recognising the gesture for what it was.

"Think I need 'elp do yer Bols?"

"Of course not. However, I do need help – I'm still wearing my high heels from last night and they're not really conducive to running around Manchester. My feet are killing me!"

Gene cast an appreciative eye over her footwear, sky-high black patent leather stiletto heels decorated with various straps and buckles. "Right pair of tart's trotters you've got on there."

Alex laughed, more with relief than anything else. "Thank you – I think. I'm still looking forward to kicking them off. In fact," she looked down at the outfit she was still wearing from last night, "I'm feeling slightly overdressed in all senses."

"Well we can soon remedy that love," he said with a smirk.

"Honestly, can't take you anywhere can I?"

He moved closer as they stood in the hotel lobby, blissfully unaware and uncaring of the hotel's other patrons. "You can take me anywhere you want sweetheart."

"For a man who's just been discharged from hospital, you're very perky this morning."

"In more ways than one Bols," he said with a wink.

Alex shook her head resignedly. "I suppose I asked for that one."

"And I always like to give a lady what she asks for. Now," he looked around the lobby for a moment and then started walking determinedly towards the signs leading to the restaurant, "do you suppose we can get some breakfast in this place? I'm bloody starving."

"I think we might be a bit late for breakfast." She tottered unsteadily alongside him as Gene headed off in search of sustenance. However, Alex was proved right in that they had indeed stopped serving breakfast in the main restaurant. Instead they were directed to the Octagon lounge where morning coffee was being served.

"Listen," Alex said, "you order for us both and I'll just pop upstairs and quickly get changed. I really do feel a bit conspicuous dressed like this for breakfast."

"What for? You look fine to me."

"Thank you," she kissed him on the cheek, "but I really will feel much more comfortable if I get changed. I'll only be ten minutes I promise."

"Women!" Gene watched in amazement as she walked away from him, tottering slightly in those heels but with hips swaying magnificently. On the other hand, the delay would give him time to pop outside for a quick ciggy – God knows he deserved one after recent revelations.

By the time Alex reappeared in the lounge, Gene has smoked his crafty fag and ordered up whatever provisions he could find on the menu – in this case a mouth-watering selection of Danish pastries, hot buttered crumpets and his own personal favourite – toasted teacakes. Not quite the cooked breakfast he had been looking forward to but it would do for now.

"Ooh, this looks good," Alex exclaimed as she made herself comfortable in the seat opposite.

"So do you." Gene's eyes quickly flicked over her body, appraising and then quickly approving. Even dressed in casual grey trousers and a loose slouchy jumper she looked beautiful.

They were silent for a few minutes as they wolfed down crumpets and teacakes, Alex laughing and licking her fingers as the hot butter dripped down her chin. Gene reached across and wiped away a trace of butter she had missed, immediately feeling a sudden surge of desire as he touched her skin. Alex smiled playfully as she grabbed his hand and quickly licked the butter from his fingers.

"You'll get us locked up!" Gene said but without real disapproval.

"If they lock us up together then I don't mind."

He couldn't help smiling as he watched her devour another crumpet quickly washed down by a huge milky coffee. He really was a lucky man – even knowing what he now knew about his past…especially knowing perhaps.

"You've gone quiet," she said, "anything wrong?"

"Just thinking about things…everything really."

"Well that's only to be expected given the events of last night."

"Suppose so." He closed his eyes for a moment and shook his head, before gazing into Alex's eyes again. "Is that why I went back to that place and time d'yer think – in me coma?"

"Possibly." She discreetly placed her hand over his. "I certainly came to think of it as a place where you found out how things really were, perhaps to uncover something being repressed and to get an insight into yourself."

He nodded thoughtfully. "That would be spot on with me then."

"Undoubtedly finding out that Lilly was your real mother would have been quite traumatic and not something that you wanted to face up to. Maybe your journey into the past was your mind's way of making you do that?"

"Yeah but it didn't really work did it? I mean I still never really faced up to it. If anything I repressed it even further."

"Yes, but you remembered in the end – that's the main thing. And who knows, perhaps your coma experience will still help you deal with it – in the present this time."

"Maybe." He nodded to the waiter who had quietly appeared at the table to refill their cups. When he had gone Gene resumed talking. "Anyway, I don't wanna talk about it ."

Alex recognised the determined set of his jaw and let the matter drop. They had probably talked about it enough for the moment and maybe he was right – they both needed a day off from worrying about the past – and the present. Although there was one subject uppermost on her mind.

"And SuperMac?"

Gene heaved a sigh. "Well, I can't do anything about him today that's for sure – but I'll 'ave to do something when we get back."

"Why?"

"Because Charlie 'SuperMac' Mackintosh is as bent as the proverbial nine bob note – same as he was back then."

"But how do you know that?"

Gene leaned forward and lowered his voice. "Because the day before I was hit over the 'ead, I'd had a bit of a tasty tip-off."

"About Mac?"

"The same. Didn't believe it at first. I mean, I 'adn't worked with Mac but I knew his reputation – good copper, straight down the line. Turns out he's got a finger in some very sticky pies."

"Can you prove it?"

Gene shook his head. "Not yet. He may be corrupt but he's not stupid as we both know. That's why I need to get back to work Alex – there's a rat in the kitchen and I need step up and grab the bull by the 'orn."

Alex's lips twitched in amusement. "You always did have a way with metaphors."

"I know. But that's why you love me."

"I knew there was a good reason. So what happens next – with Mac?"

"Soon as I get back to the station I need to start doing a bit of diggin' around – see what else I can find out."

"Maybe you should go straight to the borough commander with what you know?"

Gene shook his head. "It's not enough Bols. I need something concrete that he can't wriggle out of. Can't show me hand yet."

"You'll need to be very careful Gene – this isn't the 1980's you know – it'll be harder."

"Or easier?"

Alex looked puzzled. "How so?"

"Well, as far as Super-Dooper Mackintosh is concerned I'm not a threat to him. At the moment he thinks I can't remember a thing about recent events and I'm living in the past. Maybe we ought to keep the fact that I've got me memory back a secret for now – leastways where he's concerned."

Alex thought for a moment. It was a risky strategy but if Gene was right about Mac it would probably be for the best. "It would buy you some time to investigate and find some more evidence."

"Exactly. Now, can we just forget about SuperMac, work and Lilly – just for today?"

"Okay. It's a deal."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

After eating their fill, they wandered slowly back to their hotel room, all the while Gene's arm resting casually and yet still possessively around her shoulders. Alex wasn't about to complain too much. Although Gene wasn't usually physically demonstrative in public, she found that in 2008 he wasn't averse to a little physical contact in front of strangers.

"So, what d'yer fancy doing?" Gene said, as he slumped down onto the bed.

"Well I'm going to have a nice hot shower and you should really get some rest. You heard what the consultant said."

"He didn't say anything about fussing around me like a bloody mother hen. He said I was fine."

Alex sat next to him on the bed. "He said you'd overdone it and you should take it easy. Now I'm off for that shower and you lie down." She playfully pushed him backwards until he lay flat on his back.

"I've got a better idea." He grabbed her hand and pulled her down next to him. "Sod the shower and you come and lie down with me. I bet you didn't get much sleep last night either."

"Gene," she said warningly, "you're supposed to rest."

He pouted slightly. "Well I will if you rest with me." He fluttered his long eyelashes. "Go on – you know you want to."

"Now who's doing the 'fluttering eyelash thing'?" she said as she gave up the fight and cuddled up to him, tucking herself under his welcoming arm.

"Yeah. Worked though didn't it?" he grinned.

"Yeah. It did."

Seconds later they were both fast asleep in each others arms.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Gene gradually woke to a darkened bedroom, warm and cocooned in the duvet that Alex had obviously wrapped around him at some point. Alex herself seemed to be missing as a quick exploratory sweep of the bed confirmed but he wasn't too alarmed – he could he just make out the insistent rumble of water in the bathroom and surmised that she was taking that hot shower she had promised herself. Eyes still closed he rolled onto his back, still in that blissful half-aware state between sleep and full awareness as his mind wandered, images of Alex, her body wet and glistening, uppermost in his imagination. He was half inclined to join her in the shower but the thought of leaving the soft, warm and oh so comfortable bed was too much and instead he allowed himself to drift further into his imagination.

It wasn't too much later when he became aware that the sound of the shower had stopped and then a sweet smell tickled at his nostrils, a rich mix of honey and spices which only grew stronger as Alex entered the bedroom. He slowly opened his eyes and saw her, carefully pottering around the dimly lit room obviously trying not to wake him. A slow smile played around his lips as he continued to observe her unnoticed. It was almost like he was seeing her for the first time – really seeing her. Even in the half-light he couldn't help but notice how beautiful she was, long legged and slim-waisted with generous breasts – she was perfect. At least to him. He watched with darkened eyes as she suddenly stopped what she was doing and turned to face him, hands on hips and dressed only in simple white underwear.

"You're awake."

"Only just," he replied. He held out his hand towards her. "Come 'ere."

Alex complied, switching on a small table lamp before sitting down on the bed next to him. "Good sleep?"

He nodded. "Not bad. What time is it?"

"Not late – mid-afternoon I think. I just closed the curtains so you could sleep a little longer. How are you feeling?"

He thought for a moment. "Think I've got a temperature actually."

"What!"

"Yeah," he said taking her hand and pressing it to his brow, "I'm feeling all…overheated."

"Funny, you don't fe….oh," she said, smiling as she finally comprehended, "I see. Any other symptoms?"

"Well now that you come to mention it, my heart's racing…see?" He moved her hand and placed it over his heart.

"Hmm, that is rather fast. Perhaps I'd better do a full examination?"

He nodded quickly and then pushed back the duvet. "Come into my parlour."

Alex giggled as she pulled her legs onto the bed and lay beside him, pressing the full length of her body against him. "Oooh, I think there's a strange swelling here too."

Gene groaned as she pressed closer.

"Is it painful?" she teased, "Perhaps there's a way to make it go down."

"I'd rather you made it go up first."

"Naughty boy," she scolded. She lightly ran her fingers over his naked chest and stomach.

"You know, I was sure I was wearing clothes when I went to sleep."

"You were," Alex said, as she scattered soft kisses over his chest and neck, "I took advantage of you while you were asleep."

"Did you nowwww," Gene said, the last word gasped out as Alex licked at one of his nipples. "Well in that case, I think I should return the favour and…" he deftly flipped Alex onto her back, "…take advantage of you."

She held her breath as his fingers began to dance over her skin – softly, barely touching in fact, but it felt so erotic, so sensual that she couldn't help the moan of pleasure that escaped her lips.

"So beautiful Alex." His fingers continued to move lazily across her body, slipping the bra straps from her shoulders and unhooking the clasp with practiced ease and then casting aside the unwanted garment. Holding her gaze his fingers slipped underneath the soft material of her knickers, easing them down over her legs and then throwing them to one side.

For a while there was an easy silence between them as Gene hand's continued to lightly drift over her body. His silver-blue eyes watched her reactions intently as his fingers skimmed every inch of skin, traced every dip and curve in an effort to imprint the image in his brain forever. She was warm and soft under his touch, her skin like the softest satin against his fingers. He gazed with wonder as he continued his exploration, his hands settling on the curve of her hips. It was almost as if he were seeing her for the first time, as the layers of confusion and doubt dropped from his eyes. Maybe he was. With his memory almost fully restored he certainly felt more aware of everything – including the woman sharing his bed.

"Gene?"

He heard the question in her voice and answered it the only way he could. As their lips met he closed his eyes and finally let the emotion he was always struggling to hold back break through. "Love you so much Alex," he mumbled in between fevered kisses, "never leave."

"I won't… I promise. Love you too much." She almost wept with the intensity of his kisses, feeling the utter need and devotion that lay beneath the surface.

He began to kiss his way down her body, light tormenting butterfly kisses that did nothing to quell the burning desire inside her. She writhed under his touch, her fingers threaded through his hair as she demanded more.

"My beautiful Bolly." He kissed her stomach and then trailed the very tip of his tongue down until he reached the patch of musky scented curls. He smiled as he felt her shiver under his kiss, anticipating the glorious pleasures to come. "Gorgeous…wet…mine." He pleasured her relentlessly with his tongue, driving her onwards as she whimpered and cursed.

"Fuck…jesus….now…please."

"Tut tut – so impatient," he teased before resuming his task. He inhaled her unique scent, letting it fill his head and stir his senses, making him punch drunk with desire. His tongue swirled around her core, flicking and then lapping at her very essence. As his fingers joined in the torment he finally pushed her over the edge into ecstasy, feeling the throbs of pleasure against his mouth as she spiralled away into blissed out oblivion.

"Yes…oh god yesssssssss."

With a smile of smug satisfaction, Gene kissed his way back up her still shuddering body, not stopping until he reached her lips. "Good?"

"Very," she said dreamily.

"Good. Mind you, I've still got that swelling."

"Really? We really ought to do something about that." Her hand wandered down his body until she found his erection and took him firmly in hand. "I know somewhere nice and warm where it could go."

"Shit…oh yes." He took a deep breath as she began to work him, his hips straining and flexing into her hand. "Please Alex…now…"

"Now who's impatient?"

"Me that's who. Now, if you just put your leg over there." He swung one of her legs over his shoulder and before she had time to catch her breath, he flexed his hips entering her fully in one long smooth stroke.

"Ohhhhhh." Alex moaned with the sheer irresistible pleasure of it all, the overwhelming sensation of being filled completely, of being surrounded and losing herself and yet somehow finding herself, past and present colliding in one blissful moment.

Gene stilled as he felt Alex's body adjust and close around him. He almost laughed with the sheer joy of it. All of his life he had been restless, never content, always searching for something, looking for a place called home but never really finding it – until now. This was home – Alex was home.

She clasped him closer and they slowly began to move together, losing themselves in each other's bodies and each other's eyes as they climbed towards ecstasy. He slowed his pace, desperately wanting to give more, to experience more, but Alex was relentless, pushing back against his hips and wrapping her legs around him.

"So good Gene…always so good."

He clutched her hand tightly, their fingers entwining together as he looked down at her, beautiful, naked and glistening with passion. She caught his eye and they both grinned, a silent moment of communication passing telepathically between them, the infectious joy in their lovemaking now impossible to hold back.

"Now?"

"Oh yes….absolutely now."

Alex held onto Gene for dear life as his thrusts deepened and quickened and she felt herself teetering on the edge of a precipice. "Please…oh please."

He kissed her face, her neck, her breasts, endearments and whispered promises gasped out as punctuation. "Always you Alex...no one but you....And then he slowly caressed her body, his hand slipping down between them to her moist core and sending her instantly into spasms of pure pleasure. She jerked and cried his name as she lost control gave herself up to the moment.

Gene fought vainly as he tried to hold back but he could feel her body clamping and tightening around his and knew it was too late. As his thrusts became more erratic his hips slammed against hers and with a guttural shout of triumph his body jerked and spilled into hers, finally coming to rest as Alex wrapped her arms around him.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

As they lay together in the golden afterglow, Gene's fingers continued to wander dreamily over Alex's skin as they whispered together, tracing circles on her arm, wandering over her stomach and then ultimately coming to rest on the curve of her hip.

"You always did 'ave a nice arse," he said with an appreciative squeeze.

"Ha! That's not what you used to say. I think 'bony' was the word used."

"Did I? Well, 'ad to keep you in your place somehow."

"My place? And where would 'my place' be, pray tell?"

Shit. Sensing immediate danger he immediately changed tack and rolled Alex onto her back, covering her with his own body. "Under me of course." And without giving her a chance to draw breath he kissed the argument out of her – thoroughly.

"Hmmm." She licked her lips and regarded him through love-glazed eyes. "Nice recovery."

"I thought so."

"You're impossible – but I love you." She rested her head on his chest as he idly stroked her hair. They lay there together for some time and Alex thought that this was possibly even more blissful than actually making love – just lying there, content in each other's company and feeling so utterly connected. There were no words to describe it. However, she could also feel that Gene was mulling something over, wresting mentally with some imponderable that couldn't be put into words. All she could do was wait – and be there when he decided he wanted to speak. Luckily she didn't have long to wait.

"It wasn't all bad – when I was growing up," he said finally.

"No?" She waited patiently for him to continue.

"Dad worked at the docks a lot of the time – kept him out of the way. Mam used to take us to the park when she could – she always 'ad time for us." He fell silent for a moment before continuing. "I never would 'ave guessed."

Alex propped herself up on her elbow but left one hand resting on his chest. "Guessed what?"

"Guessed she wasn't me real mam. She always treated me and me brother the same, equals you know? Actually if anything she used to 'ave more time for me than Stu. Said I was her little saviour. I would 'ave done anything for her Bols."

"Of course you would. She sounds lovely."

He quickly swallowed a lump in his throat. "She was. But now I don't know what to think."

"What do you mean?"

He turned to look at her, his face full of conflicted emotion. "She lied to me – I thought I was her son but turns out I wasn't." He took a deep breath before continuing. "When Lilly first told me about it I told her she was a liar – I just couldn't 'andle it. But she wasn't the only liar was she? They were all at it weren't they? Nan and granddad, me dad, Lilly – even me mam. None of them told me the truth. Mind you, I suppose me dad came the closest – he always said I was a little bastard. Turns out he was right."

"Oh Gene." She wrapped her arms tightly around him.

"Don't want sympathy Alex."

"It's not sympathy – its understanding…compassion."

"Yeah well. I still don't know what to think. I don't understand it."

"I know it must be difficult to comprehend but I really do think they were all trying to do the best for you."

"Do you?"

"I do. After all, if they hadn't done this thing what were the alternatives? She could have given you up for adoption to a stranger or even worse, she could have had an illegal abortion and I for one just couldn't contemplate the fact that you might never have existed. She did the only thing she could in the circumstances – she gave you to a woman who she knew would love you as much as she did."

"But me dad?"

"You can't blame her for your father's inadequacies. She told me that she had no idea about his hidden cruelty. No mother would deliberately put her child at risk like that Gene."

He nodded but said nothing more and Alex thought that was the end of it – he had said his piece and that was that.

"I should talk to Lilly," he said finally. Not a question – a statement.

"I think that would be a good idea – for both of you." She kissed him softly on the lips and smiled reassurance.

"Thanks Alex."

"What for?"

"The talking. It helps."

"Glad to be of service." And this time she could tell by the set of his jaw that the subject really was closed, although she knew from experience that he would probably still be turning things over in his mind. Maybe she could distract him for a while though – there was a whole town outside this room that she hadn't really seen yet. Some fresh air would do them both good.

"So what shall we do now?"

"Tie you to the bedposts and shag you stupid?" he said with a smirk.

"Tempting," she said with a giggle as she leapt from the bed to escape his clutches, "but I thought we might go and find something to eat – I've starving."

"Me too." His eyes flickered hungrily over her naked body as she retrieved various items of clothing from the floor.

She looked over her shoulde at him. "So I see – but I meant food."

"Spoilsport." He turned over and burrowed himself underneath the duvet.

Alex laughed but persevered. "Come on lazybones – feed me! Who knows what might happen when I've got the energy." She crept closer to the bed and with one tug pulled the duvet clean away to reveal Gene in all of his glory.

"What the… right missus woman – you asked for it." He leapt out of bed and began to give chase as Alex squealed and headed for the sanctuary of the bathroom.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

When they finally emerged from the hotel it was early evening and the sun was already beginning to set, the sky typically cloudy and overcast – but Alex didn't mind. She simply linked arms with Gene as they started to walk towards the still-bustling centre of the city. A sideways glance gave her added reassurance - he looked relaxed and happy, which after yesterday's events was nothing short of a miracle.

"So. What yer fancy eating then?"

"Well, we're not exactly dressed for fine dining – let's see what we can find. Pub grub maybe?"

"Sound good to me Bolly. I need sustenance if I'm gonna keep up with you. Hold up."

"What?" They came to a halt and watch with puzzlement as Gene sniffed the air.

"This way," he said confidently.

"Where are we going?"

"Albert Square."

"Albert Square? Well I know our life is like a soap opera sometimes but…"

"Not Eastenders you div – the real Albert Square. Here."

They turned into a hugely impressive public square filled to the brim with people and stalls and the delicious smell of food being cooked and served to the hungry hordes.

Gene grinned at Alex. "You wanted food – well here it is. Manchester Food Festival." He pointed at huge poster detailing the attractions. "You wanna see what they've got?"

Alex nodded enthusiastically, her stomach already beginning to growl as the tempting aromas assaulted her nostrils. "Yes please."

Her eyes were on stalks as they wandered around the square – there was so much to see, so many different stalls each offering their own speciality – German sausages, home-made pies, a stall selling nothing but chocolate, Malaysian, Indian and modern British food – truly something for every palate. And as well as the tempting food on offer there were stalls selling drinks of every description. Speciality whiskies and real ale, weird and wonderful flavours of coffee and hot chocolate piled high with cream. Alex's mouth was watering at the very prospect. They finally made their choices and found a covered seating directly opposite a very impressive gothic style building.

"What that?" Alex said pointing at the building.

"That? That is a wonder of the Victorian age Bolly – Manchester Town Hall. Quite impressive inside an' all – we used to go on school history trips in there."

Alex smiled as she took her seat opposite Gene who was beaming quite proudly. "You love this city don't you?"

Gene thought for a moment, looking around at the bustling square filled with people of all ages, sizes and character, looked at the town hall which dominated not only the square but seemingly the city itself. "Suppose I do. I know this place Alex – I know the place and I know the people who live 'ere – and that includes the whores, nonces, dealers and crackheads and the rest of the scum that made my life hell. I've missed it."

"You could always come back."

He sighed heavily. "Nah. You can never go back Bolly. What's done is done. Now, stop yammering and let's eat before it gets cold. What yer got there?"

"Bratwurst."

He raised his eyebrows. "Typical. I bring you to sample Manchester's finest and you end up with a German sausage."

"I happen to like sausage." Alex winked before putting the sausage in her mouth and taking a huge bite.

Gene gulped. "Steady on Bols – brings tears to a man's eyes that."

Alex flashed her eyes and indicated Gene's parcel of food. "See you stuck to the tried and traditional?"

"Course I did. Fish and chips – can't beat it." He tucked in with relish, licking the tomato sauce from his fingers and smiling with content. "Lovely."

They attacked the food with gusto, each enjoying not only the food but each other's evident enthusiasm and pleasure in eating it. After washing it down with some cool German beer they continued to explore, eventually settling into a cosy pub, content for the moment just to enjoy each other's company – and play a game of darts. Eventually they emerged onto the streets again, slightly merry and weaving a little as they held onto each other for support.

"It's been a lovely lovely evening- thank you," Alex said.

"Not over yet love. Come on, I fancy a little walk – wanna show you something."

Intrigued, Alex followed as Gene led them through the streets towards she knew not what – but at least Gene seemed to know where he was going. And then she saw it.

"Ohh look! It's a big wheel –it's like a mini London Eye." She looked at him with imploring eyes. "Please? Please can we go up…please?"

He looked on in amusement as she practically jumped up and down in excitement. "Course we can – 'ave to hurry though. It's late."

Sure enough by the time they got to the entrance of the attraction, they were just about packing up. There were no other customers and for a moment Alex thought they were going to be disappointed. She watched as Gene took the man to one side where words and notes were exchanged. Then Gene turned and gave the thumbs up.

"Come on then. Nice man 'ere says we can go on."

"Really?"

"Yes really – but only if we're quick so 'op to it."

They quickly settled into one of the glass capsules and just as they were about to set off the man passed Gene a bottle of champagne and two glasses and then firmly secured the door.

"You didn't bribe that man did you?" she said with a frown. "I saw you passing him some notes."

"No Miss Smarty Pants I didn't. I'll 'ave you know I'm a fine upstanding member of Her Majesties constabulary. If you must know he charged me an arm and a leg for this champers. Mind you," he said as he wrestled with the champagne bottle, "me badge might just 'ave slipped out of me pocket when I paid him."

The cork popped and the effervescent liquid bubbled everywhere, Gene filling their glasses as best he could. "Here's to you Bols."

"No, no, no – here's to you."

"Alright – here's to us then. Cheers."

"Cheers."

They clinked glasses and cosied up next to each other on the comfortable seats. They kissed long and lingeringly, the champagne bubbles fizzing between them until Alex broke away giggling.

"I feel like a naughty schoolgirl."

"So do I – you offering?"

Alex continued to be fascinated by the view from the window. "Oh look outside Gene! All the lights and the stars - it's so beautiful."

"What I'm looking at is beautiful," he said softly. "Alex."

"Hmmm. Oh – we've stopped." She turned to face him with a slightly worried expression.

"That's 'cos we're at the top." As Gene continued to gaze at her, he realized again how much he loved her and how impossible it would be to live without her now.

"Alex?"

"Yes Gene?"

"You know what I asked you the other night – about getting wed?"

"Yes," she said cautiously, "you haven't changed your mind?"

"Course not, you daft tart." He rummaged in his pocket and produced a very small silver box. "We'll I didn't 'ave the ring with me then – but I do now." He opened the box and showed it to Alex. "So Lady Bols, my once and future wife – how about it? Shall we get hitched?"

Alex stared dumbstruck at the exquisite ring nestled in the box. "It's the same ring." She looked up into his face with tears in her eyes. "The same as before." In the box was a beautiful art deco style platinum ring, its central diamond set in a geometric shape, with several smaller diamonds on the stepped shoulders of the ring.

He nodded. "It's me mam's ring – Lilly gave it to me with some stuff the other day. You still like it? I mean, we can choose another one if…"

"No! Of course I like it. I loved it then and I love it now." She watched as he once again extracted the delicate ring from its box and placed it on her finger.

"Good. Now, stop crying and give us a kiss."

Still caught between laughing and crying she returned his kiss, tangling her fingers in his hair and holding him as though she'd never let go. "I love you Gene Hunt – my own Gene Genie."

"Love you too Bols." He looked nervously around the still unmoving glass capsule. "Ere Bols?"

"Hmm?"

"You don't suppose he's left us up here has he?"

. . . . . .To be continued.