A/N: I'm really sorry for the delay. I did not intend for this update to take seven months, nor did I intend to go this long without posting anything.

The next chapter should not take as long, although I do plan on updating "The Road to Better Days" next.

I've also changed this to a T rating, while there's unlikely anything in this chapter to warrant this, there may be future chapters that would suit this rating better.

Thank you so much for the reviews, it really means a lot.

It was a quiet day, but not uneventful. Michael had no difficulty in finding a moment to phone Jackie. Over the year that they'd been together, he liked to think that he had become a bit of an expert on her schedule. Unless a situation had arisen, she'd probably be at her station.

The voice that answered was unfamiliar, revealing herself to be another WPC.

"Is a WPC Reid there?" he asked.

"I think so. Who should I say is calling?"

"Could you tell her it's Detective Sergeant Michael Jardine from Maryhill?" his mouth curled upwards.

"I'll just get her for you."

There was a brief silence as the WPC located Jackie, and Michael found himself smiling again when she answered a moment later.

"It sounds like congratulations are in order," Jackie said cheerfully.

"You could say that," he said in fake nonchalance. "I've been promoted to sergeant."

"Well done, Michael! I'm pleased for you!" Although he couldn't see her, Michael imagined her face beaming in pride at his news.

"Thanks," he said smiling.

"We'll have something to celebrate tonight," she said. "Unless there's been a change of plan?" she added hastily.

"And break my date with you? No chance," the smile on his face faltered as he noticed Peter Livingstone watching him with a smirk on his face. What was he up to? It all became clear when he also noticed Taggart watching him, looking unamused. "Listen, I've got to go," he said apologetically before they said their goodbyes.

Taggart approached his desk, "Just because you're a DS now doesn't mean you're entitled to personal phone calls when it's quiet here."

"Sorry, sir," Michael said sheepishly.

"Right," Taggart said before going to his office, hiding the small smirk on his face.

The rest of the day had been quiet, Taggart had considered inviting Michael out for a celebratory drink, but Peter had wanted to talk to Taggart privately. So, that was how the two of them ended up at the pub.

To Taggart's chagrin, Peter didn't get straight to the point. Their first drink consisted of mostly small talk and Taggart could tell Peter wanted to get something off his chest.

"What did you want to talk to me about?" Taggart finally asked.

Peter looked pensive before he replied, "I thought you should be the first to know, I've decided to put in for a transfer."

Taggart hid his surprise and took some of his drink. "Why?" he asked after a moment.

Peter exhaled, "I…think it's time to move on."

"Is this about Mike Jardine?"

"No, but he has made me realise that I've gotten all I can from this place. This posting was only supposed to be temporary. I just think it's time I tried somewhere new, maybe make DI one day."

Taggart nodded, accepting his decision and his reasoning for it. "Well, I can't say it's been easy, but I am sorry to see you go."

"I thought you'd be glad to be rid of me," Peter smirked.

Taggart shrugged, "I suppose things change." He shook hands with Peter. "I think this calls for another drink," Taggart said before ordering another round.

Things were going to be different now at Maryhill, Taggart just hoped that wasn't a bad thing.

And maybe Peter's replacement wouldn't drive him up the wall as much.

Michael was at his desk, happily thinking about the night before. His date with Jackie, which had turned into a celebration of his promotion, had been wonderful. He couldn't help the dazed smile that formed his lips.

As he was in such a good mood, he didn't take much notice of Peter, nor the long time he spent in McVitie's office.

When McVitie approached him later, he was surprised. As they walked into his office, he wondered why the Biscuit wanted to see him. The look on the older man's face was unreadable, Michael was struggling to think of something he might have done wrong.

"I wanted to see how you've been getting on," McVitie said once they'd sat down.

"Good, sir," Michael replied with a slight nod. "I like working here."

Which was true enough. The only thing Michael didn't like about Maryhill was having to work alongside Peter Livingstone, but he decided to keep that to himself.

"I'm glad to hear it," McVitie smiled. "You won't have heard this yet, but Peter Livingstone has decided to transfer."

"I'm sorry to hear that, sir," Michael barely hid his surprise.

"Yes, Peter is a good officer and one that will be missed."

Not by me, Michael couldn't help but think.

"However," McVitie continued, "I want you to replace him and be Jim Taggart's new neighbour."

"Me?" This time Michael couldn't hide his surprise.

The Biscuit nodded.

"Are you sure you wouldn't want someone with more experience, sir?"

"Well, you've worked together before, so it should be an easy transition. But you will be working more closely together. Jim's… not an easy man to work for. But you'd be hard-pressed to find an officer as good as him."

"I understand, sir. I'm happy to work under DCI Taggart," Michael said sincerely.

The Biscuit dismissed him shortly after that, content with his decision. Michael shook his head in amazement as he left the office. It had been the last thing he'd expected to hear, but he was glad nonetheless.

Later that day, Jackie was sent to a drunk and disorderly case. As soon as she'd heard that the incident involved teenagers she'd inwardly groaned. No doubt the parents would have to be involved.

Oh, joy.

Jackie felt the slight chill in the air as she left the car. It would be dark in a couple of hours. She surmised that the incident must have happened shortly after school had ended. That's if they'd bothered to turn up.

At least she was used to these cases and she had a good idea of what to expect.

But she was not prepared for the sight that awaited her.

Recognition crossed Jackie's face as she and her colleague approached the boys. Her face fell as her eyes locked with the last person she expected to find.

"Ian?" she asked.

Horror, anger, and embarrassment flashed on Ian's face. But he didn't say a word.

"You know him?" Jackie's colleague asked.

Jackie turned to face the PC, "You could say that. I'm dating his older brother." A sympathetic look crossed his face. "Can I have a word with him?"

The PC nodded, "Sure, I'll see to the others."

"Thanks," Jackie said before she went over to Ian. She regarded the bruise on his right cheek before she silently indicated for him to join her. "What happened, Ian?" she asked as they started walking.

"I got into a fight," he replied.

"And that's not all you got up to," she could smell the alcohol on his breath.

"Will Mum and Mike have to hear about this?"

"You wouldn't be able to hide it from them Ian, not with that bruise," she said softly. Ian smiled slightly, knowing that Jackie wasn't going to try to lecture him.

Ian wasn't in the habit of befriending his brother's girlfriends, but he liked Jackie.

Even if she was a policewoman.

"Why Ian?" He shrugged and Jackie sighed, "Look, you'll probably have to go to the station. It might be best if I phone Michael, he might be able to help."

"Great, another reason for Michael to have a go at me," Ian sulked.

"Does he do that a lot?"

"All the time," he said animatedly.

Jackie nodded in understanding, being a younger sibling wasn't always easy. Perhaps it was something she should bring up with Michael.

But right now, her main priority was to try to get Ian out of this mess, she was not looking forward to breaking the news to Michael.

They left for the station shortly after that. Once Jackie was satisfied that Ian was okay, she phoned the Maryhill station. Hopefully, it wouldn't take long to get hold of him.

"Hello," she said after the phone had been answered, "I'm looking for a DC…sorry DS Michael Jardine."

"Can I ask who's calling?" the WPC asked.

"Tell him it's WPC Jackie Reid. Could you please tell him it's urgent?"

She waited as the WPC tried to find Michael, wishing she was somewhere else.

"Hello?" Michael asked, somewhat cautiously.

"Hi," she said, still trying to think of what exactly to say.

"Is everything okay?"

"Look, I'm at my station. I think you should get over here." She let out a breath, "Ian's been arrested for drunk and disorderly."

"He's what?" Michael quietly exclaimed.

Jackie filled him in on the details before he agreed to come over. When the call ended, she rubbed her forehead.

What a mess.

It didn't take long for Michael to arrive. Despite his seemingly calm manner, Jackie could see the concealed anger.

"Where is he?" he asked after she approached him.

"He's just through there," she pointed to the room Ian was being held. "Fortunately, he'll be let off with a caution. You should be able to take him home."

Michael let out a breath, "Thanks."

A strange look clouded Jackie's face as she thought about saying more but decided against it. Michael wouldn't be in the mood to hear her comments.

"What?" Michael asked.

Jackie shook her head, "Nothing." She turned slightly, registering the busy officers. "I'm sorry," she said after she turned back to face him. "I've got a lot to be getting on with. I'll see you later, okay?"

"Of course. Thanks again," he said before he walked away.

Minutes later, as she went over some paperwork, she noticed Michael and Ian leaving. Out of the two, Ian was the one who looked to be in a sour mood. Well, it was more than likely that he'd be facing some form of punishment at home. The rest of Ian's day would probably be terrible.

Her eyes locked with Michael's and they gave a small nod of acknowledgement before the brothers walked away.

The rest of her day was uneventful, much to Jackie's relief. It wasn't until a couple of days later that she was able to see Michael again.

As they snuggled together on top of his bed, she could feel the material of his t-shirt on her cheek. The stresses of the day had quickly faded, for a while anyway. She knew she'd have to leave soon, and she wanted to talk about Ian, she could sense the strain in the household.

"Michael?"

"Hmmm?"

Jackie shifted a little to look at him, "How are things between you and Ian?"

The relaxed look on his face vanished, "Do you really want to talk about my brother?" He kissed her head, almost as if trying to coax her into changing the subject.

But Jackie wasn't having it. "Nobody wants to hear that their brother's been arrested." She took his hand. "And I know you well enough to know that this bothers you," she added softly.

Michael sighed, "Things have been better."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Michael shrugged, "He thinks we're being too hard on him."

"And are you?"

"No," he answered, slightly annoyed. "My mum grounded him for a couple of weeks, that's all."

Jackie agreed that it wasn't too tough a punishment, but she also knew that Ian might not see it that way. She lightly squeezed his hand, showing him that she wasn't judging him. "Does it remind you of your dad?"

Michael sighed, "A little."

They hadn't spoken about his father a lot, whenever the topic did come up, Jackie always found herself wishing that she had known him then, just to be able to support him through a difficult time.

"This doesn't mean Ian's going to end up the same way," she said softly.

"I know…"

Michael didn't say it, but Jackie could hear the silent "but". It hung in the air between them.

"I recall you telling me once about your teenage drinking escapades." Jackie hid a smirk at Michael's embarrassment, likely regretting that admission. Despite herself, a smile played on her lips before she left Michael's embrace, but only to sit up so that she could face him.

"I'm not judging you for it, I'd be a hypocrite if I did," she said before quickly kissing him. "I'm just suggesting that you don't go too hard on him."

"Maybe you're right," he encircled his arms around her waist before he kissed her.

As they broke apart, Jackie noticed Michael's bedside clock and frowned. "I should go."

"Sure I can't tempt you to stay?" he smiled.

Jackie smiled back. "Oh, I'm sure you could. Unfortunately, I have an early start tomorrow." She left the bed, before putting her shoes on.

"I'll drive you," he offered.

"You don't have to do that."

"Well, it's purely for selfish reasons." Jackie raised an eyebrow before he continued, "I get to spend more time with you."

A smile broke out on Jackie's face, "You're sweet, you know that?"

Michael shrugged, "I try."

"Oh, I forgot to ask, how has work been, now that you're staying at Maryhill?" she asked once Michael had left the bed.

"Now that I'm officially replacing Peter Livingstone, people have been warning me about how difficult Jim Taggart is," the confusion was evident on his face. "He's always seemed okay to me, no worse than any other DCIs I've worked with."

"I'm sure it'll be fine, and if it's not, you've always got me to talk to."

"Thanks," he said before he kissed her cheek.

As he hugged her, Michael mused that things always seemed to be simple whenever she was in his arms.

And in those moments, nothing else mattered.

A/N: The reason for the Ian storyline is because of the episode "Dead Giveaway". That episode has a subplot involving Ian and underage drinking (amongst other things). He also doesn't seem to like that Michael is a policeman. I also get the impression that there's a 9–11-year age gap between the brothers.

No worries if you don't remember this, those scenes are usually removed from repeats and DVDs. I just wanted to introduce this here, as I do plan on revisiting this in future chapters.