Chapter 33

There had been so much music.

So many songs, so much dancing and also quite a lot of booze. The booze probably went some way to explaining why Gene had insisted on attempting the full dance routine to Stop by the Spice Girls at one point. But finally something slower came on again and a slightly amorous Gene slurred an intention for a somewhat more x-rated repeat of their earlier dance in her ear.

"I need to find Kim," Alex told him and Gene scowled.

"Don't try slow-dancing with Metal Mickey, the rivets get caught in yer dress when you're too close together."

"I've been trying to talk to her all night," Alex told him.

"You've got yer scheduling, wait 'til tuesday!"

"No, Gene," she sighed, "I think there's..." she looked a little awkward, "something wrong."

"Yes, there is," Gene nodded, "she's one of those lifelike cyborgs that's broken her programming and thinks she's human."

"It's her creating other humans I'm more concerned about," Alex told him. She tapped his arm. "I'll be back soon."

Her eyes scanned the room and she found to her surprise Kim was dancing with Robin. She didn't think she'd ever seen Kim dancing to anything slower than Firestarter before. She gave a little smile as she crossed the dance floor and tapped Robin on the shoulder.

"Excuse me," she said with a smile, "may I cut in?"

Kim looked up with her eyes wide in surprise at the appearance of Alex. She could feel herself blushing right away, thankful that the disco lighting masked it somewhat, and glanced at Robin who stepped back with a smile.

"Be my guest," he said.

Kim felt nervous twitches throughout her body as Alex took her hand and slipped an arm around her waist.

"I'll warn you, Ma'am, I've never slow-danced before," she said.

"You seemed to be doing a fine job with Robin," Alex pointed out with a smile.

"Yeah, but Robin's used to me making a prat of myself, I don't want to embarrass myself in front of you!" Kim protested.

Alex laughed softly as she felt Kim relax a little more, the music and the rhythm slowly taking over any worries that she had.

"Don't worry about that, Kim, you're a natural," Alex told her.

They heard a couple of voices nearby as some of their friends rushed to take pictures.

"Oh, that's so cute!"

"They look so happy!"

"What an adorable couple!"

A sudden Gene voice interrupted.

"Mind revising that?" he barked and the guest gave a nervous laugh.

"You... you and ma'am... I meant you and ma'am..."

"Np, that word, 'adorable'..."

"...I actually meant 'dangerous'."

"That's better."

Alex had to laugh as she glanced at Gene who was half-watching them and clearly picturing a spice girl in Kim's place. There were a few other people dancing now. Robin had persuaded Jake to dance even though he'd claimed his one-armed, injured dancing made him look like an idiot, and to her great surprise the sight of Fletcher slow-dancing with Phyllis was the strangest moment of the day, topped off when he whispered to her romantically,

"What's another term for a duvet? Begins with a B."

Alex felt Kim's head pressed gently against her which made her smile and hold her a little closer. She took a deep breath before she asked her quietly,

"How are you feeling, Kim?"

"Never better," Kim's voice sounded calm and contented.

"You seemed off-colour this morning," Alex told her.

"Sorry," Kim said quietly, "I'm sorry about that. Bloody ice cream. I need to stop rising to the bait."

"You've seemed off colour for a few days," Alex continued.

"Oh, it's like I said, going down to Surrey," Kim sighed, "Sorry, ma'am, I didn't mean to be down or anything."

"No, you haven't been," Alex promised her, "it's just.. that I was wondering..." she hesitated. Shit, was this even her place to say? What if she was wrong and upset Kim after all she'd been through? "Have... have you noticed anything strange about Robin's behaviour this week?" she tried another tactic, "he's seemed quite... over emotional."

"That bloody cake," Kim sighed, "we've had a lot of tears over those... tiers,"

"That wasn't what I meant," Alex sighed. God, for someone with more brains than most of the station put together Kim could be really stupid sometimes.

"Ma'am?" Kim's voice sounded quiet and reluctant suddenly.

"Hmm?"

"Can I tell you something?"

Alex paused. She looked down at Kim whose face was still buried against her neck and said,

"Of course, Kim."

"It's just," Kim began quietly, "I feel awkward about this."

"Don't feel awkward, Kim, tell me."

"I think," Kim began. She took a deep breath, "I think... I think I might have eaten too many sausage rolls."

Alex stopped dancing. She drew away and looked down at Kim who seemed shame-faced and already regretting speaking up.

"Sausage rolls?" Alex repeated.

"Yeah," Kim said reluctantly.

"Kim," Alex sighed as they began to dance again, "are you absolutely sure that eating too many sausage rolls is your main problem right now?"

"If I burp while we're dancing it will be, I'll never live it down," Kim mumbled, embarrassed.

"Do you not think perhaps there's a reason why you've been stuffing yourself silly with sausage rolls?" Alex tried to prompt her.

"I have a problem with free food," Kim admitted with a sigh, "I can't help it."

"Are you not thinking that there might be more than just sausage rolls inside of you?"

"I only had that second slice of cake because it was going to go to waste otherwise!"

"Kim!"

"What?"

"Oi," Gene's voice interrupted the moment, "Stringer, you're looking far too comfortable taking the lead in a slow dance with Missus Hunt."

"Gene, we were talking," Alex hissed.

"Stop talking and get walking, Bolly," Gene told her, "it's time."

"Time for what?"

"Taxi's here."

Alex blinked.

"What, already?"

"Honeymoon suite awaits us, Lady B," Gene told her, "it knows we're newlyweds and needs to witness the consummation of our marriage."

"We've already done that," Alex blushed, "twice."

"Twice?!" cried Kim, "what, did you -"

"Well, one and a half," Alex coughed.

Kim blanched.

"So that explains the noises coming from the other cubicle," she commented.

Gene and Alex's flight wasn't until eleven the following morning so they were spending the night in the hotel beside Gatwick Airport, with the honeymoon suite booked and ready for one night of passion and pleasure on home soil before they flew to Spain the following day. Gene reached into his pocket and fished out his keys. He eyed Kim again and with extreme reluctance he said,

"Going to need someone to drive me Aston Martin home and put her to bed tonight." he narrowed his eyes at her. "Since you seem to like handling the women in my life," he held the keys out and a shocked Kim took them.

"Am I hallucinating?" she breathed.

"You kept her in one piece earlier," he remarked, "and you've not been on the sauce so you're her best chance of getting home intact."

Kim tried not to smile too obviously.

"Thanks, Guv," she said, "she's in safe hands."

"That's what you said about me missus and she ended up with rings through her nipples," Gene frowned but held out his hand regardless. "Station's in good hands and all."

This time Kim's smile was less smug than it was genuine and proud. She shook his hand and nodded slowly.

"I'll do my best," she said.

Robin made his way over and asked,

"Are you leaving?"

"Yes, taxi's here, apparently," Alex told him.

"And it'll be gone if we don't get our backsides in gear," Gene told him, "come on, Bols."

Robin threw his arms around Alex and hugged her warmly.

"I am so happy for you both," he told her, "congratulations, Alex."

"Thank you," Alex closed her eyes as she smiled and hugged him back, "thank you for everything. You made a wonderful bridesmaid."

Robin laughed.

"Highlight of my life," he told her.

Alex hesitated before she whispered,

"Look after Kim."

Robin wasn't sure what she meant.

"If she'll let me," he said.

"Where's my son and heir?" Gene frowned, "Thought he'd have been the first one on the dance floor, mocking me for my moves, but I've not seen him all night."

"He's, uh," Kim coughed, "indisposed."

"Then re-dispose him and get his arse over here to say goodbye," Gene told her.

"Not that easy, Guv, I think he's pulled," Kim whispered and Gene found a scowl heading over his brow.

"The one time Shoebury's love life is more vibrant than his bloody jumper and it's my wedding day?" he barked.

"Leave him alone, Gene, he deserves it," Alex told him, "we'll call him from the hotel in the morning."

"Some bloody best man he turned out to be," Gene accused, but he didn't mean it. Simon had really done him proud that day They all had.

"You'd better get moving, I can hear the taxi beeping," Kim commented.

"Alright, Alex sighed, "but I hadn't finished talking to you -"

"Tuesdays!" Gene barked and Alex rolled her eyes.

"Thank you, Kim," she said, "for everything you've done today." Her arms swept around Kim for a hug that brought a strong pink glow to Kim's cheeks.

"It was the least we could do," she whispered.

There was a fond smile on Alex's face as she drew back..

"Take care of yourself, Kim," she said seriously.

Kim shrugged a little.

"You too," she said.

"And look after the," Alex hesitated as she just about stopped herself from saying something she shouldn't, "the sausage rolls," she said quietly with a vaguely nervous smile, her fingers lightly brushing Kim's belly much to her horror as her earlier gluttony told against the waistband of her trousers.

"I'll... try," she frowned as Gene and Alex stepped back, surveying the scene around them. All their friends, their colleagues, the purpose of the world.

"Alright, lady B," Gene held out his arm for her to take, "let's get this thing consummated," he coughed, "again."

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the bride and groom are off!" the DJ announced to a cheer from the gathering who descended upon the happy couple and followed them out of the room and through the pub.

"We don't need a bloody police escort to the taxi," Gene told them crossly.

From the table on which he was still sitting with Michael, Simon looked up to see what the commotion was and felt a horrible stab of guilt.

"Shit, I forgot about the wedding ," he admitted. Had he really been enjoying their conversation that much?

"Go and say goodbye," Michael told him.

Simon drank the end of his pint.

"Alright," he said, surprised when Michael stood up too.

"I might come and get some air," he said.

Simon didn't question it, he just wanted to get outside before Gene and Alex left so he rushed towards the disappearing gathering with Michael a few steps behind.

"Gene!" he called, "Gene, wait!"

"Christ almighty, Casanova 's sparing me a few minutes of his time," Gene turned around but Simon was still a little too pie-eyed to take any notice of his insults.

"Happy wedding night," he cried, flinging his arms around Gene for a hug that Gene had a) never expected, b) never wanted and c) would never manage to stop suffering nightmares and flashbacks to as long as he lived.

"Get your arms from around my neck before I stick your corsage somewhere you won't want thorns," he threatened but as Simon stopped strangling him and stepped back even Gene couldn't be angry when he saw the size of the smile on Simon's face.

"Congratulations," he told them, "have a great, great, great honeymoon!"

"Have a bad, bad, bad hangover tomorrow," Gene countered but Simon was too busy hugging Alex to hear.

"And look after Gene," he told her, "because he needs you."

"I need me head bloody looking at for employing you as best man!" Gene told him crossly but Alex simply smiled at Simon.

"I know," she whispered, "and I need him. We'll be fine."

"Bouquet!" someone cried.

"Yeah, throw the bouquet!" another voice chimed in as someone pressed the flowers back into her hands.

"Do brides still do that?" Alex frowned but by the sudden gathering of faces behind her she supposed they did.

"Alright, ready?" she called out, turning her back to them and holding her bouquet tightly, "one... two... three... catch!" she cried, tossing them over her head and spinning around just in time to see them landing squarely in Robin's arms.

"Hey, no fair!" someone cried, "its supposed to be girls that catch the bouquet!"

"I'm the bloody bridesmaid!" Robin protested, "And I'm wearing more make up than any of you." He poked out his tongue and Alex nodded. She couldn't help thinking the bouquet couldn't have gone to a better person.

"And it's true," she said, "the tradition," she looked from Robin to Kim. "This will be you next time," she said, that thought warming her as she watched them looking at one other with a smile that sent quivers through their bodies. Maybe the world was starting to look a little more favourably on the act of marriage.

"Bollingerknickers, your carriage awaits."

Alex turned to see Gene holding open the taxi door. She beamed and, feeling like her heart was on the verge of exploding, she ran to it and ducked inside. Gene followed suit and soon the car began to pull away; two happy newly-weds waving from inside, a gathering of overly-emotional, over fed and intoxicated guests outside.

Robin turned to Kim, the bouquet still in his hands. He felt himself starting to blush a little. What was the matter with them all that day?

"So," Kim began, a tiny smile across her face, "you're next, are you?"

Robin looked down at the flowers.

"It seems that way."

Kim nodded slowly.

"And would you have any candidates in mind to take your name?" she asked and Robin shook his head.

"I wouldn't wish my name on anyone," he said quietly, thinking of the family lineage he'd rather forget. He took Kim's hand and held it tightly. "But," he whispered, "I could get used to being Mister Stringer."

It only took a moment for Kim's lips to appear right against Robin's as she kissed him softy, a wild tingle spreading between her legs that had her desperate for more. She groaned longingly as she felt him pressed against her and suddenly the end of the party didn't seem so appealing any more. There were more important matters to deal with.

"I've got the keys to the Aston Martin," she told him as he kissed her again.

"Oh yeah?" Robin mumbled against her lips.

"The Guv's always lamented that he's never persuaded Alex to..." she coughed, "enjoy the delights of the back seat."

"Hmm?" Robin mumbled as he kissed her neck.

"Maybe someone else should christen it for him," she whispered.

"That's a despicable, immoral thought," Robin told her, "and I literally can't wait five more minutes to get you out of that tux, where the hell's he parked that car?"

Kim giggled and grasped Robin's hand before she led him away. They'd been waiting all day for a few moments alone and Gene had unwittingly given them the perfect opportunity. This time, she thought to herself, she'd be careful not to leave any untoward stains on the back seat.

~x~

Simon's arm slowly fell to his side. He';d waved until the car was out of sight, a sad smile across his lips. He was truly happy to see Gene and Alex finally tying the knot but that didn't mean his thoughts hadn't wandered to the day he'd slipped a ring onto Robin's finger from time to time.

"Looks like they're in for a good night," Michael commented and Simon nodded.

"Yeah," he said.

Michael nodded towards the pub.

"Fancy one more before the bar closes?" he asked.

Simon hesitated. Did he? He didn't really. His gut was full of beer and he couldn't face the thought of any more. But he didn't want to say goodbye either. He found himself drawing courage from the alcohol in his veins as he turned to Michael and asked,

"Or we could go somewhere else for a proper drink?" he shrugged, "there's a nightclub down the road," he hesitated, "if you fancied it?" He froze, suddenly scared by his own bravado. What had he done? Time to end the night on a low note as he was laughed out of the pub. But Michael looked at him and gave a slightly stiff nod.

"Do you know what?" he said, "I do."

Simon hesitated

"Yeah?" he felt his lip twitch upward. That wasn't something he was used to. What was that called again? Oh yeah; smiling.

"Yeah."

Simon nodded.

"Alright then," he said, "let's go. Got your jacket?"

Michael held up the garment.

"Got it."

"Let's go then."

As Simon found himself walking away from the grounds of the pub he felt strange inside. There was pride... he wasn't used to being so bold and he was definitely proud of himself for taking a risk for once. There was hope and confidence that the attention of a stranger had given him that day. And there was a little burst of excitement for the unpredictable night that lay ahead. From a very dark beginning the evening had brought surprises and excitement that Simon had never expected. So why was there a twang of guilt buried deep down inside?

Catching a glimpse of the fallen flowers out of the corner of his eye, he had a pretty good idea.

~xXx~

Keats swallowed as he watched the car driving by; the decorated taxi with the bride and groom inside. His heart thumped inside his chest as he tried to cool his nerves.

"What am I doing here again?" he whispered.

He didn't know. He'd been walking for hours until he damn near collapsed. He couldn't get the afternoon out of his mind, nor the look on Simon's face as he started to run yet again. The man and the monster had been tearing Keats to shreds all night long and now he wasn't sure which part of him was in control. There was only one thing he did know. Only one thing he wanted.

Simon.

His legs trembled as he walked towards the pub. Was he even still there? People were leaving the car park, talking, chatting, laughing together and Keats stopped dead in his tracks as something he saw from the corner of his eye reached inside his chest and stopped his beating heart.

Simon didn't even notice him there. He didn't see Keats standing, staring in heartbreaking silence. He didn't see the pair of eyes that followed him all the way past until he and Michael were finally out of sight. He didn't see the remains of a heart breaking in two.

He couldn't say that Simon hadn't wanted him too. He couldn't say he'd not been given chances. But he'd wasted them. Wasted every last one and now all he had to show for it were the few flowers that had blown in his direction on the breeze.

Keats's body crumpled into a heap on the ground as his heart shattered inside of him. There was no part of him, man nor monster, that had been prepared for what he'd seen, nor for how badly it hurt.