here you all go! thank you for all your comments and kindness, it really means so much to me - and is so comforting after that finale! it was definitely... interesting. I hope you all enjoy!

The next day, Liz is sitting in Ted's office after being called in to join them by Kate. Steve is explaining some new findings relating to the body of Leonie Collersdale after receiving some new findings from the forensics. She had smiled at him on the way in, but he had turned away to look at the file in front of him. Liz brushed it off, assuming he was just eager to explain whatever it is he has found.

"Our independent forensic scientists confirm the second set of body parts relating to Leonie Collersdale shows cellular freeze-thaw damage similar to what we believe was done to Jackie Laverty's body, and also newspaper found wrapping the body parts has been dated to after Michael Farmer was remanded and Tim Ifield was killed," Steve explains to them.

"Great. That's in the bag. Confirmation," Ted nods, approvingly.

"But what's even more significant, sir, is he was also able to examine the deposit of Timothy Ifield's blood supposedly detected on the first set of Leonie Collersdale's remains," Steve says, "An item of evidence we've not had direct access to before now."

"And?"

"That blood deposit is contaminated with the same high-density polythene fibres from a forensic oversuit as the blood found at Ifield's flat, despite the samples being obtained weeks apart by different investigators."

Liz olds back a gasp as Ted looks between them, also shocked, "Mother of God. They've both been falsified."

"In my view, sir, there's a very real possibility Roz Huntley's been misleading the inquiry to protect her husband," Steve suggests, Kate nodding beside him.

Ted looks over the file once more, the other waiting for him to instruct them with their next move, "Right. Well, to hell with ACC Hilton. This is our vindication. This puts us back in business. Steve, you run things from here. Kate, take a couple of uniforms. Get out and pick up Roz and Nick Huntley."

"Sir," they both acknowledge, beginning to collect their files and head out the room. Liz follows behind them, unsure what to do with herself, not being an investigator.

"Everyone, we need to find Nick and Roz Huntley, now! Get on the phones," Steve instructs to the office, everyone beginning to bustle about. Kate nods to Liz as she runs past with her jacket, heading out of the building.

Liz moves over to Steve's desk where he has picked up the phone, urgently speaking down into the receiver, "Get me Polk Avenue Station."

"Anything I can do?" Liz asks, folding her arms eagerly.

Steve quickly glances up at her but then drops his gaze again, mumbling, "We have it handled."

She frowns, unsure of his sudden coldness. Liz wants to help, she needs to. But she understands, she is not an AC-12 officer. It would have been taken personally, a few years ago. Him not wanting her assistance, immediately assumed to be an underestimation of her ability. But things have changed between them. Steve has assured her he trusts her, believes in her. And she believes him.

Steve has been under a lot of stress the past few weeks, she can forgive him for allowing the stress to take over every now and then. For him to snap a little under the pressure. She has no doubt he is feeling the pressure to prove himself more than usual after his injuries and being in the wheelchair. So Liz drops it and heads back to her office.

Steve immediately regrets his dismissal, knowing he has been too harsh- and for the most selfish of reasons. Lizzie just wants to help, what business is it of his her reasoning behind it? So, a little while later, once he has an update on the situation, he wheels himself over to her office, knocking on the door. The least he owes Lizzie is to keep her in the loop.

Liz looks up as he knocks, Steve feeling winded by her greeting smile.

He clears his throat, hiding his embarrassment at being harsh to her a few moments before... and dismissing any other thought of just how beautiful she looks, "Huntley was admitted to the hospital two nights ago. We aren't sure why but Kate said her arm was in a sling when she arrived at the house. Roz had already called the police on her husband before Kate got there and had the chance to arrest him herself. There's not much we can do, but Hilton has called for a meeting with us."

"Oh God, is he angry?" Liz asks, concerned.

"Not sure, but we will try to appeal our case to him. We are heading there now."

Liz nods, twirling the pen in her hand, "Well, best of luck. I could pop over to yours later if you want? You can fill me in."

Steve's stomach drops, shaking his head while trying to act indifferent, "Oh uh, we will be fine. You should catch up with all those clients that missed you while you were at the hospital with me. See you tomorrow."

And with that, he wheels himself away, not risking a look back to see whatever look Lizzie might have on her face. He feels guilty enough as it is.

Kate pulls the car over and to a stop as they reach his block of flats. The meeting with Hilton had been testing, the man less than sceptical at their findings and connections. Ted had stayed behind at the ACC's request, wanting to discuss something confidential while the two detectives were dismissed. A silence falls over them as they sit in the car for a moment, processing it all.

She hears a vibration beside her, seeing Steve groan as he reaches to pull his phone out of his pocket. Liz is calling. He declines it, avoiding her inquisitive eye as he puts it back into his pocket.

Her friend is hiding something, Kate knows. She can read him like a book. On several occasions over the past few weeks, she has fallen under the impression there is more to these injuries than he is letting on. Lizzie seems to think he is making progress, is actually rather optimistic after the man has assured her he is doing well. But he has acted strangely around her the last few days, always declining her offers to visit him at his place and, as just now, ignoring her calls.

She's concerned for him. And if Kate has reason to be concerned for Steve, she is by default worried for the woman too.

"I'm coming up," Kate announces, undoing her seatbelt.

Steve snaps his head to her, "No! No, there's no need. I'm fine."

Kate resists a disbelieving snort. Steve Arnott was a terrible liar.

"No, no," Kate insists, opening her car door and stepping out, "I just want to make sure you're doing alright."

She doesn't give the man a chance to refuse as she rounds her car, pulling his wheelchair from the boot. She opens his door for him, giving him a moment to slide into the seat. He looks at her uneasily, but can tell she will not budge on her decision. So, reluctantly, he leads the way into the block and up to his flat.

Kate's heart stops as she steps into his apartment.

Half-eaten food, unwashed plates, litter strewn across the floor. A chair is overturned in the middle of the living space. It's a mess.

Her eyes fall to Steve after surveying the space, seeing him also looking around, crestfallen and embarrassed. He sits amongst the mess. Kate thinks she has hardly ever seen anything more pitiful.

"I didn't want occupation health to know," Steve then says, voice cracking with humiliation, "If I can't even look after myself, how can I do my job?"

Kate stays quiet, unsure what to say. She moves over to him, avoiding the empty packets and cans thrown about the floor.

"Steve, why don't you just-" she hesitates, knowing he will not take this well, "Just take a few weeks off? Until you're stronger."

He shakes his head, furiously, "Michael Farmer doesn't have a few weeks. It's his whole future on the line."

Kate wants to sigh. Righteous to a fault. Instead, she bends down and reaches for the chair, pulling it upright and moving it back into position. She then moves a discarded plate to the kitchen sink, "I'll put the kettle on."

Steve wheels himself beside the chair, groaning with the strain as he removes his blazer. Kate can't help but watch, bothered by his evident struggle as he shifts himself into the chair.

He had tried to reassure them. To convince them otherwise. Brushed it off like it is nothing.

But here it is, plain to see.

He's in pain. A lot of it.

"You are going to get better, aren't you, Steve?"

Kate watches as tears spring to his bloodshot eyes, redness tinting his cheeks as he bites his lip. The slight shake of his head tells her all she needs to know before he even speaks, "I don't know, Kate."

If her heart was not already breaking, it shatters at the agony in his tone as he starts to weep. Kate moves over to him, quickly taking a gentle hold of his arm and resting her head against his shoulder. She is there for him, they all are. Surely he knows that.

"Does she know?" Kate asks, knowing he will understand who she is referring to and already assuming his answer.

She feels him shake his head above her, his shoulder tensing under her cheek. He sobs. She sighs.

"She needs to know," Kate says, softly but urging him to agree. She is sure he has considered it, but Kate needs him to understand that this is what is best. For both of them.

He shakes his head again, sniffing, "No. No I can't."

"Why?"

"I don't want to worry her."

"She's worried enough as it is, lying to her will only make things worse."

Steve moves his head between cries, as if somewhere between a nod in agreement and a shake of the head in stubbornness.

"She's done so much for me already," Steve sniffs, "I can't keep holding her back. She's not my caretaker, she has her own work to do-"

"You really think she cares about her work over you?" Kate wants to scoff but holds her sympathetic tone, "She just wants you to be ok, Steve. We all do."

Steve stays silent, except for his quiet cries.

"There is nothing to be embarrassed about. This is not your fault," Kate urges him to understand.

"I can't- I can't. She can't know," he shakes his head again, looking away, "You don't understand…"

"Then help me to."

"I love her."

Kate sits back on her heels, raising her head to catch the look on his face. Steve still does not meet her eye, fiddling with the untucked hem of his shirt as tears fall freely down his blazing cheeks.

She has never heard him say that before. Never actually admitted his feelings for the woman.

Kate cannot say she is surprised, not in the slightest. All the looks and touches and smiles and everything that has happened between her two friends. They have been driving her mad for years! Feeling like she was intruding whenever she was in a room with them both. Feeling as though she were being left out of private conversations they would have with each other just by a glance. All that unresolved tension, hanging around the air, starting to become suffocating after so many years of it being obvious to anyone but them. Kate was starting to assume, despite knowing the pair better than anyone else, she had got it wrong. That maybe there were just friends after all.

But to hear him actually admit it. To acknowledge that there is something there. That he loves her!

And just like that, Kate understands.

He's afraid.

"She would want to know," Kate says, not wanting it to linger too long between them for Steve to regret telling her, referring to both his condition and feelings.

Steve scoffs, tears suddenly drying from the heat rising in his face. His eyes harden as he looks back at her, "And what then?"

Kate frowns, unsure what he could mean. She isn't sure he does either as he deflates, clearly regretting having said anything at all.

"She wouldn't- she won't-" he struggles to explain, huffing.

Kate sighs, "Steve-"

"She still has feelings for him," Steve cuts her off, his fists clenching.

"Who?"

She can see a fury burning in his eyes as his fists clench. He then spits out through clenched teeth, "Cottan."

Kate does not know what to say, knowing what had happened between her and that man the year before.

"She isn't over him, or what happened," Steve regrets his words, sputtering, "Not that she has to be- She doesn't need to be- She's doing so well recovering, I just mean…"

Kate nods, understanding what he is trying to say.

"And even if she was over him, who would want this?" he gestures down to himself and his trashed apartment.

Kate almost wants to scream at him, slap that pitiful look off his face.

I'll tell you who...

A woman who has been your best friend for years. Who calls you out for your wrongdoings but has never turned her back on you, only helped you to grow alongside them. Who will defend you at any given opportunity and believes in you. Who stopped at nothing to prove your innocence despite everyone and everything else having turned against you. Who finds comfort in you and relies on you to make them feel appreciated. Who considers you there first point of call for reassurance and safety. Who stayed by your side while you were unconscious and throughout your rehabilitation. Who is proud of you. Who cares for you. Who-

Well, the rest is not Kate's to say. But she can see it. How much they mean to each other. That she cares as much about him as he does her. How can he not see it?

"I can't risk what we have," he whispers, more to himself, but Kate catches it. So, he does know.

"She has been doing so well, recovering after everything. She's healing," Steve continues, now unable to hold it back since it is out there, "I don't want to unload this all on her, push her back. She's done so much to help me, I can't- I can't ask for more."

Kate shakes her head when he turns away again, so he cannot see her disappointment. She understands, of course she does. It must be terrifying. Realising you are in love with your best friend. That you likely always have been. Not knowing what to do about it, or if they feel the same.

She does not know why Steve still believes Lizzie would continue to hold any feelings for Cottan, after everything he did. There could be some truth in it, having seen how she had reacted to his death and knowing what had transpired between them, their kiss most alarming of all. Even before he took the bullets for her and it was revealed he had been playing them all along, Kate had actually been rather fond of the idea of them as a couple. If only because she assumed Liz was perhaps trying to get back at Steve for his womanising antics. Kate respected that. But Liz was never that kind of person, she knew. So she was just happy for her as a friend, that someone was finally realising just how wonderful she actually is - with Steve too stubborn and self-absorbed to notice.

But amongst that, Liz never turned her back on Steve, even when Dot tried to turn her otherwise. The two of them have always been lifting the other up, more so since what happened last year. Kate doubts either of them would have recuperated so soon if not for the support of the other. She was glad to see they had each other. It was the ultimate test, and they came out of it stronger. Together.

Steve has changed so much since then. Dramatic? Yes. Arrogant? Definitely. But he has a good heart, and Liz had finally drawn that out of him for others to see. And the other way around too - Liz now confident in herself after his reassurances and support. They compliment each other as souls, helping the other to grow.

So whatever may have been between Liz and the other man, nothing will ever compare to what her and Steve have. It is so much stronger. Always has been and likely always will be.

Steve has recognised it from his own side now, putting a word to it: love. Kate is unsure what revelations Liz has had over their relationship, if any. But this is progress. And the sooner they acknowledge it, the better. For everyone.

Kate wants to ask when he realised, how long he has known. But she can see how distressed he is and knows this is not the time. This should be a relief, to both of them. This should be the start - or more like continuation - of something exciting and meaningful. It breaks her heart that things always have to be so difficult, so damn complicated. This job, it threatens everything. She knows, firsthand, the effects it can have on your personal life and relationships. Kate just hopes, as she is more than certain they can, that they do not allow it to tear them apart. What they have, it is too good to lose. They deserve it. They deserve each other.

Knowing Steve and now understanding his fear, not wanting to damage what goodness there is between them, Kate is sure Cottan is just an excuse for him to deny her the truth. That he, as usually, is making more drama out of something than needs be. Using it as something he can convince himself is what is keeping them apart, rather than his own insecurity. She wishes she could help, but this is between him and Liz. It is not her place to interfere.

"Please, Kate," Steve turns to her, eyes glossy and desperate, "Don't tell her. About any of it."

"I won't, mate," Kate shakes her head with a slight reassuring smile, knowing he doesn't need to plead. But she then goes on to stress what she knows he already knows himself, "It should come from you."

Steve looks at her, fear flashing across his glazed gaze, then nods.

"I love her, Kate," he sighs, broken but clearly relieved it is finally out in the open, even if not to who it should be, "I love Lizzie."

Kate wraps her arm around him again, pulling him to her comfortingly.

"Everything will be alright, Steve," she assures, believing it, "Everything will be alright."

They sit there for a moment, Steve's tears subsiding in the silence.

It is broken by Kate's phone vibrating in her pocket. She lets go of Steve, and pulls it out.

"It's her," she informs him, sending him a questioning look of whether she should answer it. He takes in a breath but nods.

"Liz, hey. Everything alright?" Kate says, watching Steve shift uncomfortably out of the corner of her eye, "Just dropped Steve back. Yeah, yeah all good here."

Steve sends her a thankful glance.

"Sure, well should be heading to pay murder squad a visit tomorrow. They had the chance to interview Huntley observed by AC-9- yeah, Polk Avenue got to him first. Mhm, yeah. Jamie? That's his new unit, AC-9?" Kate shares a look with Steve at this new information, "Want to meet me there then? Around 11? Great, ok. See you then."

"Is she alright?" Steve asks before Kate even has the chance to put the phone down.

"Said she will meet me at Polk tomorrow when we receive the tapes. You coming?" Kate prompts, insinuating that he needs to face her sometime soon.

Steve nods, gulping, "Yeah, I'll be there."

"Kate! Steve!"

The pair turn to see Liz walking hurriedly toward them, smiling in greeting. Kate's eyes can't help but flicker to Steve, watching as the man sits a little straighter despite his aching back.

"Hey," Kate greets back, Steve clearly thinking of his conversation with her last night and unable to speak up.

Liz's eyes flick between them, noticing the man's silence as he only sends a small smile her way and Kate's own slightly forced smile, telling her she has noticed it too.

"So we are here to get the interview tapes?" Liz asks, breaking the slightly awkward silence that has fallen amongst them.

"Yeah, gaffer isn't best please Huntley has managed to worm her way out of the fire by getting her husband arrested but hopefully we can find something useful to get us back on track," Kate explains, leading the way through the doors.

Liz waits for Steve to turn his wheelchair and follow after the woman so she can walk in beside him. He sends a small glance her way to which she smiles back, but they are forced to look away once through the door when Kate comes to a stop in front of them. Following her line of sight, Liz deflates realising they have come face-to-face with Desford and (Liz holds back a groan) Sam Railston.

Kate immediately folds her arms defensively as the two groups stare at each-other. Steve stops beside her, Liz coming to stand just behind them, shrinking slightly as the woman opposite sends a familiar glare her way. Jamie also looks fiercely between the two AC-12 officers, clearly still bitter about his treatment when at the office.

"Hi," Steve speaks up first.

"Hi," Sam says back, moving her glare from Liz to take in the sight of the man in the wheelchair.

"How's it going?" Steve offers, suffocating under the awkwardness and animosity surrounding him.

"Alright," Sam responds, looking to her feet briefly, "I heard about your accident. How are you doing?"

"I'm fine," Steve responds, a brief glance to the woman just behind him who is looking rather pointedly at the ground and swaying awkwardly on her feet a little.

"So, what's Nick Huntley been saying?" Kate then asks, bored of the small-talk.

"She's not at liberty to disclose," Jamie speaks up, scathingly.

"And this was our case," Steve argues back.

"Not according to ACC Hilton," Jamie throws their way, his chin lifting indignantly.

Liz looks up then, frowning, "He assigned you to AC-9?"

Jamie sends her a glance, "Hastings didn't appreciate my ability. Hilton does."

Liz bites back a scoff, still bothered by what Maneet had disclosed. The young man then walks past them without another word, leaving the station.

Sam stays behind, shifting her weight. The three of them look at her, expectantly.

Kate raises her eyebrows, challenging the woman to speak. She is sick of this woman. The way she treated Steve, abandoned him. The way she has treated Liz too, sending glares the woman's way when she has been nothing but civil and kind. She had noticed how her friend had taken a step further away from the man upon seeing the woman, as if scared away. It was unfair. Kate was defensive of her two friends before, but knowing the situation between them now and what Steve is going through, the threat of the woman opposite her boils her blood. Liz does not deserve, and she is sure this is the last thing Steve needs to deal with now. In between the woman he loves and the woman who never loved him enough.

"I'm sorry," she goes to say but Kate cuts her off, fiercely.

"You know what, you dumped Steve at the first sign of trouble. I think it's a bit late for apologies," she bites, pleased when the young woman falters and takes a small step back herself.

With that, pleased, Kate turns away and out of the foyer. Liz lingers behind Steve but takes a few more steps back. She looks to the ground as she waits for Steve to follow, feeling the heated gaze of the other woman still burning the side of her face, evidently still infuriatingly hostile towards her, for whatever reason, and so undeterred by Kate's outburst.

"Night," Steve mutters before turning in his chair. Liz catches eye with the woman as she follows beside him, for once holding her gaze before disappearing out of sight. What can that woman possibly still hold against her? What did she ever?

She walks beside Steve as they approach Kate's car, the woman already sitting in the driver's seat with a hand raked through her hair while looking at her phone.

Steve begins to slow, turning his chair slightly to face her as she pauses too. He sends her an apologetic look, "I'm sorry about that."

"About what?" Liz says, hoping he moves on as she does not want to make it into a problem. Not that she is the one doing that in the first place.

"Sam," Steve says, simply.

Liz shakes her head, folding her arms, "Oh, it's fine. Not your fault."

But Steve cannot help but feel as though it is. He had not even noticed the other woman's animosity until Lizzie had pointed it out to her after their break up. He feels guilty, now seeing exactly the glaring Lizzie had been referring to first-hand. The first time the women had met, Steve had dragged Sam on that date just so he could keep an eye out for Lizzie on her undercover. Looking back, perhaps Sam did have something to be bothered by. Steve had assured her - and convinced himself - it was just a coincidence at least, and that he wanted to keep an eye out for his friend at most. But now, after his revelation, he realises. Even then, he should have known. He loved her.

He was worried for her. Jealous, even to an extent, that she was going out for a drink with another man. He may have been proven right, after everything that later transpired with Hurrell. But that is not the point. He cared for Lizzie, more so than hurting Sam's feelings. And he feels guilty, Sam didn't deserve that. Perhaps her dumping him as soon as he was arrested was a rightful punishment for that. That he deserved it.

He doe snot know how to act around her now. It was one thing to admit to himself that he is in love with his friend, but now he has admitted it to Kate too - it is out there. It feels real. And he is not sure how to handle it. He doesn't want things to change, for there to be this awkwardness between them. So what will happen if he ever confesses it to her?

God, why does everything have to be so complicated?

Honesty. That's what this all comes down to. Honesty with Sam, with Kate, with Lizzie. And with himself.

"Fancy a drink back at mine this evening?" he offers before he can convince himself out of it.

"Sure, that would be great," Lizzie grins.

Steve's heart skips a beat, either because of her smile or the fact he cannot turn back from her finding out his truth now - he cannot tell. He gives her a small smile, "We should get back to the office for now. Let Hastings know what's happening."

"I have an appointment at the Hill, so might just head straight there from here," Liz says, "I'll see you later though. Meet you at yours around 7?"

"Sounds good," Steve says, though he feels nauseous as she smiles and walks away, placing her hand on his shoulder as she passes, "See you then."