A/N: This is actually an AU of a scene from my story, "A Familiar Face". You don't really need to have read that to understand this chapter. All you need to know is that Michael and Jackie unexpectedly reunite with Jean, and that Michael brought Jean as his guest to a policeman's ball (think of "Long Time Dead" but without Elaine and the murders).

This scene takes place on the night of the policeman's ball.

Kiss 4: An accidental brush of lips followed by a pause and going back for another, on purpose.

It was the step that did it.

Jackie's intention had only been to kiss him on the cheek, a friendly way of saying goodnight. But the step had gotten in the way.

She tripped just as Michael turned his face and their lips met. They broke apart almost immediately, both shocked at the contact.

They stared at each other without any consideration of their surroundings. Michael's hands went to her shoulders to keep her steady. He could feel her tremble, but he was sure it was because of the stairs, maybe even the cold weather.

"Sorry," she said quietly.

Michael shook his head; there was nothing to apologise for. At least, he didn't want her to feel that way.

His gaze took her breath away. It wasn't an unwelcome sight, but Jackie wanted more than just looks signalling reciprocated feelings.

The distance between them was small – so small that she barely needed to move for their lips to touch again. Her kiss was firm, showing him how much she wanted this – wanted him.

The relief was immense as she felt him kiss back, any worries over potential rejections drifted away after that.

His hands slid from her shoulders to her waist as her hands gripped his lapels. The kiss deepened – she had no idea by who. All coherent thoughts were gone, the only thing that mattered was this moment.

Suddenly Michael broke away.

Jackie watched him as he took a couple of deep breaths, an uneasy feeling growing in her stomach. "Look Michael, before you say anything, I'm not so drunk that I don't know what I'm doing."

"Actually, I was just going to say that I need to take Jean home."

"Oh," her face showed a hint of surprise.

"I could give you a lift too," he suggested.

"Well, that depends."

"On what?" he asked cautiously.

"Would you be in a hurry to go home?"

"No," he said quietly.

The intense look in his eyes returned and the breath that Jackie had only managed to get back left her again.

But that, Jackie thought, wasn't a bad thing at all.

It might even be a very good thing.

They slowly smiled at each other, a new understanding between them. The moment however was broken by the sound of Robbie's voice.

"There you are," he said to Jackie. "Can I get a lift?"

"Actually, Michael's taking me home."

"Yes," Michael confirmed with a polite smile.

"Oh," Robbie was slightly surprised. "Can I get a lift too?"

"I'm also giving Jean a lift," Michael said warily.

"So?" Robbie tried to look incredulous but didn't succeed. "You'd still have plenty of room for me."

"And I'm not a taxi service," Michael shot back. "How much have you had to drink anyway? You reek of alcohol."

"It's a party," he said defensively. "I'm supposed to be enjoying myself," he slurred.

Michael found he wasn't in the mood to argue and decided to give into his better judgement. "Alright…but behave."

"When don't I behave?" he was still slurring.

The incredulous look on Michael and Jackie's faces (though he noticed the laughter in her eyes) made him chuckle. "Fair enough. Thanks," he added before walking in front of them.

In doing so, he missed Michael briefly touch Jackie's back and the small smile on her face.

However, although he was inebriated, he did notice one key thing on the ride home.

Mike could easily have reached Jackie's flat before his. A suspicion formed in his mind as he left them for the night.

He smirked as Mike drove away. Maybe, just maybe, he could have some fun with this tomorrow.

At least it would be a good distraction from the inevitable hangover.