Michael felt the soft breeze hit his face as he took in his surroundings on the roof. Today had been his last day. It had been quiet for the most part, he'd spent most of the day tying up loose ends. To make the transition period easier, his replacement DCI Matt Burke had come in to meet the team and to find out everything they were working on. He wasn't quite sure what to make of Burke. The man was old school, beyond that he hadn't had much of a chance to get an impression of him. Still, he was hopeful that he'd be good for the team.

Leaning on the balustrade, Michael reflected on the past few days. Sorting everything out for his move to Aberdeen had been a little hectic. Thankfully, Jackie had been there to help him, just like always. Michael sighed as he felt another gentle breeze hit him. He'd miss this spot, a place he would go to either cool or reflect. Sometimes he'd be followed by Jackie, he smiled at some of the memories. Still, time to go, he had somewhere he had to be.

He went back to his office to collect his things before taking one last look at the bullpen. He thought back to some of the things that had occurred here. Some were good memories, some were bad.

It's only for six months. You'll be back. It's not forever, he thought to himself.

That didn't mean he wouldn't miss the place though. The sound of footsteps interrupted his thoughts and he turned to find Jackie. He smiled. "I just thought I'd take a final look."

She smiled in return. "I figured as much. Are you ready to go? Everybody will be getting ready."

Ah yes, the farewell party. Jackie had organised a party at her house. The last time he'd see his colleagues for a while. Burke had also been invited, but he'd declined as he had things he had to do. "Yeah, let's go."

The party had a good turnout, and everyone seemed to be having a good time. Michael could see Robbie in the corner flirting with another officer, secretly glad it wasn't with Jackie. Speaking of Jackie, Michael saw her laughing with Stuart. He went over to them.

"Any of you need a refill?" he asked.

Stuart shook his head.

"Michael, it's your party," she said with a smile.

Michael shrugged. "What were you laughing about?"

"Oh, Robbie's been going on about this woman he's interested in, but she doesn't feel the same," replied Jackie.

Michael smirked, "Well, he certainly seems to have gotten over that rejection."

"Definitely." Jackie smiled at Michael.

After talking with Jackie and Stuart for a few moments, Robbie joined them.

"So, Mike how about a speech?" grinned Robbie.

Michael turned to Jackie.

"What? Did you really think you were going to go without saying something?" The look on Jackie's face told him he wasn't going to get out of it.

By now most of the occupants of the room were chanting "Speech! Speech!"

"Okay, okay," Michael said almost resignedly, although he didn't mind.

Michael moved to the centre of Jackie's living room. "First of all, thank you all for coming and thank you Jackie for organising a splendid party."

Everyone briefly turned to acknowledge Jackie, raising their glasses.

Michael continued "It won't be easy leaving; I've been at Maryhill for fifteen years and have so many memories. There's been some losses," he thought of Jim Taggart, "and some great additions over the years. And along the way I've made some friendships that I know will last," he looked at Jackie as he said this. "It's been great to work with all of you, and yes, that includes you, Robbie," he grinned.

That got a laugh from everyone in the room, knowing the two didn't have the easiest working relationship.

After the laughter died down, Michael said "Seriously though, it's been great and I'm very much looking forward to working with you again in six months. Cheers."

Everyone started cheering for Michael, with Robbie patting him on the back and Jackie putting her arm around him. Michael spent the rest of the party making sure everyone was included and said his goodbyes. Eventually, the party started to die down until there was only Michael and Jackie left.

Michael turned to Jackie "Thank you."

She smiled at him. "My pleasure."

"I was a bit surprised at the turnout."

"Well, we're all sorry to see you go, even if it is only temporary." She made a start on cleaning the room up.

Michael went to join her. "Do you want a hand?"

A mild look of surprise crossed Jackie's face. "I thought you'd want an early night for tomorrow."

Michael shook his head. "I probably won't get much sleep and I don't have to leave first thing." In truth, he didn't want to leave Jackie just yet.

They spent the time going over old memories and before they knew it, the room was now back to normal.

"I suppose I should go now," said Michael reluctantly.

Jackie nodded.

Michael sighed, unsure of what to say. She was his best friend, she'd always been there for him, had always been the one person he could count on. Looking at her right now, Michael realised that out of everyone and everything he was leaving behind, Jackie was the one he would miss the most. The thought of not seeing her every day hurt him. He wasn't sure how he'd be able to cope without her. How the hell could he articulate any of that to her?

He moved closer to Jackie, just outside of her personal space. "I... want to thank you. For everything. You've always been there, and you have no idea what that's meant to me."

Jackie shrugged, blushing a little at his gaze. "You've done the same for me."

Michael sighed, shaking his head. "Not always as well as I should have, and I'm sorry for that." He took one of her hands in his, "I want you to know that if you ever need anything, I'm here. I mean that. Just because we won't be colleagues doesn't mean we're no longer friends. I'm only a phone call away, okay?"

Jackie nodded, "That goes both ways."

"I know." Michael smiled at her, still holding her hand. They stood like that for a moment.

Jackie's eyes went to their enjoined hands and smirked. "You know, you can let go of my hand now," she gave him a playful look.

They both laughed, thinking of a moment twelve years ago shortly after they first met. Michael let go of her hand, but only to engulf her in a hug. He could feel her tightening the embrace by putting her arms around him, both wondering when they'd next be able to see each other again. Michael released her as Jackie smiled at him.

"I'm… I'll miss you," her voice cracked slightly.

"I'll miss you too." He leaned forward and kissed her cheek, lingering for a brief moment. He then went to get his coat before heading to the door. He turned to look at Jackie one last time. "See you around, eh?"

"See you, Michael."

He gave her one last smile before leaving her, not seeing the tears in her eyes.