Alex Drake told Shaz it had been amazing but in her heart she knew that wasn't true. Her memories of the night were confusing, conflicted and in truth she wasn't certain what had happened. She could remember gentle hands soothing her too sleep but these seemed at odds with the bruises on her hips and thighs. And she definitely felt sore. Although it had been a while since she had last had sex, Alex knew that it shouldn't hurt this much.

The confusion made her angrier than she might have been, especially with Gene. Whilst the rest of her colleagues were regarding her with a mixture of amusement and disgust, he was dealing out advice that at any other time she might have agreed with. Deep down, Alex knew that this wasn't his fault but she was tired, hung over and more than a little embarrassed by her behaviour. Shouting at him seemed to be the only way that she could cope. She tried telling herself that none of this mattered, that he was just an imaginary construct and didn't have any feelings to hurt. He was also a misogynistic pig and had no right to judge her. Still wearing the same clothes and smelling of wine and fags so she doubted that he had been home last night.

For Alex the day passed in a bit of a blur. Even when they made the arrest the sense of triumph was short lived. She didn't know how she felt about Evan's role in Ryan Burns' release. As a child she had always seen her guardian as a champion of justice… defender of the weak…Batman in a wig and gown. She'd never once considered that some of the people he represented didn't deserve to walk free. Alex was somewhat disillusioned as she walked into Luigi's that night. So much so that she turned down the offer of another night of strings free sex. Of course she was sober this time but there was something else… or should that be someone else, who made her hesitate and he was sitting across the bar from her. Gene Hunt had surprised her that day. He had shown some degree of sensitivity when dealing with Nina but had remained unflinchingly honest. As much as Alex hated to admit it, he'd been right to make her aware of the reality of the situation and in her heart she couldn't blame the girl for not wanting to press charges.

Draining her glass of champagne, Alex stood. The rest of CID were settling in for what was likely to be a long and drunken night but this time she wanted no part of it.

"Leaving us so soon, Inspector?"

"Early night."

Gene looked slightly disappointed but Alex thought it was because he had been deprived of the opportunity to subject her to further ridicule. Or perhaps he was expecting a repeat of the previous night's proposition? Alex still couldn't believe that she had been drunk and desperate enough to come onto Gene Hunt. She counted herself lucky that he had turned her down. Then she frowned to herself, glancing across the restaurant to where the 'Thatcherite wanker' was still drinking with a group of his friends. He winked at her, suddenly making her feel uncomfortable. She was missing something, she was sure of it. Alex looked away and her gaze fell on Gene hands, the way his long fingers curled around the glass he was holding. Somehow she couldn't imagine him being anything but gentle with her.

"On your own?" he asked

"On my own."

He finished his drink and indicated that she should precede him.

"I don't need walking home, Guv."

"Just want to make sure you get there by yourself."

"I'm not going to shag anyone on the way if that's what you're worried about."

But it seemed that was his concern because he looked pointedly at the man in the red braces. Alex sighed but she let Gene follow her out. She had the feeling that it was going to take a long time to live this one down… if she ever did. But what did it matter anyway? It wasn't as if any of this was real. Gene seemed to have something on his mind as they climbed the stairs. He didn't even take the opportunity to stare at her arse.

"What?" she demanded as the paused on the landing.

He shuffled his feet, looking nervous and uncomfortable.

"That bloke, the other night… He was okay with you, wasn't he?"

Alex suddenly felt cold. It was almost as if he knew about the bruises.

"I don't really think that is any of your business."

"Right… but if he did hurt you, you'd tell me?"

"Why? Because I'd have a better chance of securing you a conviction than someone like Nina?"

"Forget about bloody Nina! I'm talking about you and whether you're okay."

His obvious concern softened her a little and she replied as confidently as she could.

"I don't think so."

"You don't remember?"

Alex shook her head, embarrassed by the admission. She closed her eyes, leaning back against the wall as a single tear tracked down her cheek. She was surprised when Gene reached out and brushed it away.

"So you see… you see I would have about as much chance as any prostitute."

"Alex…"

"Goodnight, Guv."

He seemed to give up, stepping away from her and letting her pass him by.

"'night."

Alex let herself into her flat, wondering at the familiar warmth Gene's touch had provoked. And he had been genuinely worried about her. It was all very curious. The more she thought about it the more she realised that Gene's behaviour wasn't the only thing that was bothering her. How, for example, had the soiled sheets got into the washing machine? Why had the bath been full of water? These were things that Alex couldn't recall doing herself, yet she had woken up clean and comfortable on the sofa with the duvet tucked neatly round her. Unbidden, her fingers went to her hair, but her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of voices raised in anger.

The shouts came from the stairwell and Alex stepped quietly down the first flight, uncertain as to what she might find.

"Maybe she just wanted a real man?"

She recognised the posh, well-educated voice. The city boy. He'd obviously had trouble taking no for an answer and had been on his way up to her flat.

"A real man wouldn't have taken advantage of a bird that was too drunk to know what she was doing!"

She watched Gene grab the man by those ridiculous red braces and push him into the nearest wall.

"And a real man wouldn't have left her shagged out with her knickers round her ankles!"

"She loved it!"

Alex felt physically ill at his words. Suddenly everything was becoming clear. Gene knew… somehow he knew. He must have been there. He must have seen her. He must have… Gene. Had he been the one who helped her? She must have made some kind of exclamation because he looked up, letting his hands drop and the other man wriggle free.

"Going to let a woman fight your battles for you?" the city boy taunted.

"No… he's going to point and laugh while you get beaten up with a girl," Alex replied as she swung for him.

"What the…"

That was when she punched him in the face, taking a certain amount of pleasure in the fact that she bloodied his nose and spoiled his pretty boy looks.

"Bitch!" he swore, clutching at his bloody nose.

"A word of advice my friend. She just broke your nose… I would have broken your neck. Now piss off."

The man staggered off down the stairs, whimpering with pain. Alex sank down onto the nearest step. The adrenaline rush was fading quickly. Gene sat down beside her and lit a cigarillo.

"Why?" Alex asked quietly, "Why did you come back that night?"

"You needed me," was the only reply he gave.

"You're not going to tell me what happened, are you?"

"No."

She opened her mouth to protest but quickly realised that this was probably one secret that she was better off not knowing. Somehow it wasn't enough. As slowly as she dared Alex let her hand caress his cheek before tenderly brushing his lips with hers.

"Thank you," she said.

He nodded, offering her a brief smile before bending to kiss her again. It was soft, gentle… everything she wanted a first kiss to be.

"You should go to bed Bolly," he said eventually.

Looking at him now, Alex could see how tired he was.

"So should you," she replied and held out her hand.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Gene Hunt always knew when one of his team needed him … but tonight he slept with a clear conscience. The woman he strongly suspected he might be in love with slept in his arms.

All was well.