The buzzer rang and Steve could see his ex-partner and a brown takeaway bag on the security screen. He ran his hand through his hair. He hadn't changed clothes since returning from work, but they weren't too crumpled.

"Lamb madras?" she said. "Peace offering?"

Steve smiled and let her in. He was still hurt from her earlier actions but who could say no to a decent takeaway?

She came in and took her coat off, hanging it neatly on the back of a chair. She hadn't changed either after work and was wearing a black suit that he liked. She kicked her shoes off near the door, but placed them neatly next to his. He liked how organised she was, even off duty.

They tucked into the food eagerly; neither had managed to grab any lunch at work, so it was a welcome meal. Kate opened the bottle of red wine, but when she hesitated, he reminded her,

"You can always get a taxi home, mate."

"What if I get plastered d'you mean?" grinned Kate.

Steve enjoyed how direct she was. He missed her. Chloe was great but he found it difficult to trust anyone new after nearly ten years in anti-corruption.

Before long they had started another bottle and moved to the sofa. They were both relaxed and comfortable together.

"I need to tell you something, Kate," he said, deciding suddenly that he needed to confide in someone before he went mad.

"I've been seeing Steph, John Corbett's widow. I stayed over, we didn't have sex, but there was some kissing and touching."

Kate rolled her eyes. "What is it with you and people involved in our cases?" she murmured.

"I didn't mean it to happen, but I was lonely and she was lonely too; it's been 18 months since John was killed. I had been feeling really low Kate, there's no one at work I can talk to. I feel like I hardly see you. And anyway, as AC-12 are investigating your operation, we can't really talk, can we? I was surprised you came over tonight."

"Steve, you can always talk to me mate, you know that, no matter where I work. I'll always make time for you. We're mates. I care about you." While Steve digested what she had said, she added "Are you still feeling low?"

"Yes," he answered sadly. "After the accident with balaclava man three and a half years ago, my back is still hurting. I think it's nerve damage, but I'm too scared to see a doctor. They might sign me off work, and I feel like I've got nothing else in my life. I've been taking lots of painkillers, too many really, and I think I'm addicted. I tried to stop but I couldn't. And I'm worried that they will show up on the drugs test I had last week, and I'll get found out. And what's even worse than all of that, is the accident has meant I can't even get an erection."

"Jesus Steve, that's some heavy stuff," surmised Kate. "And to think I was only going to tell you that Jo had come on to me, and I was trying to figure out how to knock her back gently!"

They laughed together, but then Steve began to cry quietly.

"Come here mate," coaxed Kate. "I hate to see you this upset." She hugged him gently until the sobs died away. "Where does it hurt?" He indicated his lower back on the left side.

"So, you haven't had a shag in over three years?" she commented, trying to lighten the mood.

"No," he admitted. "That's why Sam and me split up again, I couldn't face her. I might stay single forever."

"Well, me and Mark have also split up again for good," said Kate. "He blamed the job, but I know he was seeing someone else."

Steve smiled sadly. "I'm sorry mate." Then he brightened. "Did you say Jo had come on to you?"

"I knew you'd like that!" laughed Kate. "It's the short haircut, isn't it?"

"Could be," replied Steve. "I've always liked your hair. It suits you. It's sexy!"

"Oh really?" said Kate as the mood altered imperceptibly.

"I never did thank you that time you came and got me when I was making a scene outside Mark's house. I was at a real low point then, sleeping in my car, barely holding it together, and you were a really good mate. God knows what would have happened if I hadn't stayed with you for a bit. I'm so grateful."

"I loved having you stay Kate. What are mates for? And I was so grateful when you came and got me from the holding cell, I was a broken man then. I could have kissed you, but I'd just split up with Sam and I was an emotional mess."

"We have seen each other at our lowest haven't we? I do trust you Steve. And you're still an emotional mess," concluded Kate with a smile. "What are we going to do about your back?"

"I'm not sure Kate, but I can't go on like this, I think that's why I told you. I did tell Steph too. Please don't let the gaffer know."

"God, of course I won't. But can I help you? My friend is a private doctor, maybe you could see him, so work won't find out?"

"Ok."

They sat comfortably together there on the sofa for a while, watching an old film. Kate put her arms around Steve and rested her head on his shoulder. She liked the familiar smell of him, he felt safe and secure. She was lonely too; her job stopped her trusting anyone new in her life too.

She stroked his arm gently and marvelled at their friendship. He kissed her hair. Then her cheek. Then her lips. The wine was definitely having an effect on their usually good self-control. "Is this okay for your back?" asked Kate. Steve nodded.

They kissed gently for a while, and then Steve leant towards her ear. "I've got a hard on," he stated simply.

She stared in shock. "But you said you couldn't?" she questioned.

"I can't believe it either," breathed Steve, "it must be you."

"Well, I feel like we shouldn't ignore this opportunity, we're both single and fancy each other," she said with her usual directness. "And I did say I'd try to help."

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The next morning was sunny and they lay together in bed, relaxed and comfortable with one another.

"Well, that was a surprise," said Steve.

Kate smiled. "To you and me both. I know it's a cliche that a man and woman who work closely always end up in bed together, but I have to say I enjoyed last night. It's been a while for me too."

"Has it?" said Steve. "So can I see you tonight?"

"So it's not just a one-time thing, where we can both feel awkward at work, but get over it?" asked Kate.

"Katherine Fleming, I don't know what sort of man you take me for!" objected Steve.

Kate smiled coyly. "I just thought I'd give you an out, if you felt you'd made a mistake."

"Sleeping with you was no mistake," smiled Steve, stroking her hair gently. "And I'd like to do it again, please."

"Well, it's my day off too, which I think I mentioned..." trailed off Kate. "You grab some coffee whilst I freshen up."

"I love it when you're bossy," smiled Steve. "Can I meet you in the shower?"

"Only if you let me give you a back massage afterwards, mate," promised Kate.

"Oh God, that would be heaven," mumbled Steve. "I think I'm falling for you and I hope you're ready." He held her hand. They held a long look. He'd never felt so content. Their job was full of distrust, liars and betrayal, but he felt he had found a ray of hope in them.

He padded into the kitchen to put on the coffee machine. He was puzzling over what to do about the money in Steph's loft when Kate called him from the bathroom.

"Next time we meet in the graffiti tunnel, it's going to be different," she grinned. "I won't be able to keep my hands off you!"

He smiled at her happiness. He smiled at their future.

"When d'you think the gaffer will guess?" he asked.

"Well, he is a detective!" she laughed. "But who knows?"

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