Hello :) Sorry for such long delay, but I was a little busy recently. Thanks for all kind comments and I hope you'd like this chapter ;)

Whenever your heart lies

Only sounds of surgical and Danny's quiet gasps from time to time were rang in the mortuary, asno one dared to speak up, only watched pathologist working on the content of Craig Dean's pack. John Paul nervously played with his fingers and was discreetly glancing at his lover standing few feet away from him, not sure if he should approach him or leave on his own. He didn't want him to feel uneasy or give Danny a good reason to suspect there was something going on between them, but on the other hand he didn't want Craig to feel unloved and that he's stuck with his pack on his own. He wanted him know he's always for him.

'You were right, it's a heart.' Danny suddenly announced and threw bloody scalpel on the metallic table, before he turned around to might look at Craig.

'Oh, God.' John Paul whispered and again felt sick as he recalled in mind the last scene. He wanted to get out from this stuffy, cold room, and his boyfriend seemed to notice it, cause suddenly he approached him and slipped an arm behind his back to steady him.

'A human heart?' Craig asked and nervously licked his lips.

'Fortunately not.' Danny replied and removed his plastic gloves. 'It's an animal heart. Probably cow's.'

'At least one good news.' He sighed and discreetly stroked his boyfriend's hand.

'You really have got it in the pack?' He asked with a smirk. 'I'd advise to think in whose bad books you can be, Craig, cause I'm sure soon you'd get another present.'

'Someone made a joke, that's all.' Craig shrugged. 'I don't take it as a warning.'

'Well, maybe you should. Whenever I had a pleasure to work in very similar circumstances, the presents were still coming up, until they caught the right guy…But I'm not sure of intention of the man who sent you an animal heart. For me it looks very serious and if I was you, I'd be more careful around. We don't know what he or she has against you.' He said seriously.

'You think someone is trying to hurt Craig?' He hardly kept his voice as everything in him was shaking with nervous. He couldn't imagine how he's going to deal with a thought Craig is in danger, if Danny was right.

'I don't know.' He shrugged and scratched his bald head. 'Maybe it's just a warning…Your Russian sergeant said recently you've got into Russian Mafia's skin, so it might be their job.' He suggested. 'They like to scare people who ruins their big plans.'

'Oh, great. Just what we need now.' John Paul sighed heavily. 'We should had more evidences against them before we arrested them. Now they're free men and can do whatever they want.'

'Everything's gonna be alright.' Craig said firmly and glanced lovingly at his partner. 'Do you have any plans for that animal heart, Danny?'

'Why? You wanna keep it in remembrance?' He asked sarcastically.

'No, I just wonder if you're gonna eat it for a dinner.' He snapped back annoyed.

'I think we'll be going, Danny. Do with a heart whatever you want, and in the meantime we do our job.' John Paul gently pulled Craig for his arm toward the entrance. 'I'm sure everyone waits for us.'

'I'm sure everyone wants to know great Craig Dean is untouched.' Danny said ironically. 'Have a nice day, both of you.'

'I swear, one day I'll broke his nose.' Craig said through gritted teeth, but let his boyfriend to take him out of the mortuary.

'Shouldn't you be more concern about your safety right now, Craig?' He snapped irate. 'Someone sent you an animal heart in the pack and you're acting like nothing wrong happened.'

'It's some sick joke, John Paul. I wouldn't be surprised if it was someone from the station.'

'Oh, please.' He growled annoyed and pulled back from him.

'You know I'm right, so don't you…' He tried to grab his arm, but John Paul jumped back and almost shoved him against the opposite wall.

'Do I disturb you?' Craig spin on his heel and looked shocked at Martin Cole watching them both intently from the stairs.

'No, Sir. I was going to answer my phone, when superintendent lost his balance and I needed to help him stand straight.' John Paul lied without blink of an eye and removed his mobile phone to show the flashing screen with his mum's id on it.

'Is it true?' He asked Craig using the tone like he was still in charge at the station and they were just his blithely subordinates.

'Yes, Sir.' The man replied reluctantly, didn't hide his annoyance.

'Good. I'm taking you'd have a little time to talk with me, Craig? We have a few things to discuss, before you talk with anyone what's happened today.'

'I didn't know you already know about that, Sir.' He said drily. 'Nothing is safe here, isn't it?'

'I have my sources.' He smiled slightly. 'I need to have everything under control since my promotion. I hope you wouldn't mind it.'

'I'm not.' He lied and glanced aside at his boyfriend. 'John Paul, are you going with us?'

'No, I need to phone back to my mother. She wouldn't phone me without reason.' John Paul replied without look at him and stayed at his place.

'Yea, right.' Craig shoved hands to the pocket and tried to not show his disappointment. 'See you later, then.' John Paul turned back to him with his back and press the mobile phone to his ear.

'Can we go, Craig?' Martin Cole asked a little irate with his strange behavior, didn't understand why he wanted to drag with himself his subordinate. He could understand if it was Darren, because they're brothers, but McQueen? It looked like he should teach Craig a few things about the correct relations with his subordinates. The last thing they both need it's someone trying to get higher using Craig's goodness.

'Yes, Sir.' He replied and reluctantly leaded him upstairs, didn't look back at his lover even once.

'Rumors saying three nurses get a reprimand from doctor Ferrer for their night practices.' He smirked slightly and wrote another word to the crossword without looking at the person standing behind his back. 'It was you?'

'Why you think I'd try to sell off my colleagues from work?' He asked softly and shivered slightly as warm body pressed on his back and familiar hand removed a pen from his hand to make him look at his companion. 'We are sticking together.' He again smirked.

'So?' He nervously moved behind him, his chin rested on man's shoulder.

'Pull back then maybe I'd talk with you.' He drawled and reluctantly closed the crossword on his laps, before he took a look around the park.

'How you made her believe you?' He moved back, enough to not lay over him, but still enough to let him still feel him. 'You're a magician.' He grinned slightly and stared at man with admiration.

'Well, maybe I forgot to leave my mobile phone in the reception, and maybe I took it with myself for my round around hospital.' He shrugged. 'And maybe I had it when I found you in the bathroom, and maybe, of course accidentally, I turn on the recorder so I could record a few things which, because of the fact I'm feeling very responsible for my work, I could show doctor Ferrer when she came around.' He smiled slightly to himself. 'Of course, like I said, it's only maybe.' He closed his eyes slightly as pair of warm arms wrapped around him and he got a long, sloppy kiss on the cheek.

'Thank you.' He whispered on his ear and he hardly could kept himself from not jump at this pretty boy and give him what he was asking for.

'I didn't do anything.' He pulled his arms back and smoothed his hair nervously as he glanced aside to make sure no one saw them.

'You did, Teddy.' He disagreed. 'I own you.'

'You don't own me anything, gorgeous.' He said softly. 'Just stay clean and get away from this shit you were taking.'

'Who you really are?'

'A nurse, sweetie.' He replied amused. 'But I thought you already notice it.'

'Damn, it looks like I lost my eye.' He snorted and rolled his eyes.

'Ah, don't be sad. You're still pretty boy for me.' He drawled out and grinned at him as he turned his head toward him.

'Well, I thought you're not interested in pretty boys.' Spike said quietly back, catching his eyes.

'I don't remember me saying something like that.' He cocked his eyebrow.

'You pushed me back when I kissed you.' He recalled him and bite down on his low lip. 'And said you can offer me only a hug.'

'It doesn't mean I'm not interested in men.' He chuckled amused. 'I didn't want to kiss you back, because trust me it wouldn't stop at one kiss.' He gave him a long look. 'And since I'm a nurse and your keeper I can't have any physical contacts with you. Besides the only reason you wanted to be with me that night is you're feeling lonely and missing your lover. There's no feelings between us and the love from the first sight.' He smirked.

'Don't you talk too much with doctor Ferrer?' He snapped and blushed slightly.

'Still I am right, don't I?' He smirked and tilted his head, when Spike stood up giving him unfavorable look.

'I don't want you to talk about Darren. There's nothing going on between us, and surely won't be.' He said firmly, although Teddy could notice a hurt and sorrow in younger man's eyes.

'You're not over him yet, gorgeous.' He sighed heavily and smiled softly. 'I can tell it by one look at you. You still love him.'

'I'm not.' He protested, but his voice seemed to lost his power it got minute earlier.

'We both know you have, so there's no reason to lie.' He smirked. 'Anyway, until you and Darren talk, you're not able to be in relationship with someone else. You'd be still thinking about him, and that's the worst thing you can do to your partner. Being with someone, when your mind is occupied by another guy.'

'You're psychologist or nurse?' He snapped irate.

'I know it from my own experience.' He smiled slightly. 'Now, stop sulking and flirting with me, cause it won't bring nothing good for both of us.'

'Sure. If you want I can stay away from you how long you want.'

'I don't mind your company, Spike.' He gently grabbed him for the wrist, before he had a chance to go away. 'I'm only saying I can offer you a friendship and help in withstand here…I like you.' Spike stared back at him with stone face and shoved hands into the pocket of his baggy trousers, before without word swaggered toward the entrance. 'Okay, I can wait. We'll talk when you'd be ready.' He called after him with a soft smile. He picked up his crossword and his smile frozen a bit as he noticed two nurses warily watching him from their seats outside the building. He could tell they already knew who inform doctor Ferrer about their practices, and they were wishing him the worst. Normally he wouldn't pay any attention to threatens as he got used to it long time ago, but this time the problem was how much they were capable to fulfill their wishes.

Craig didn't understand how he let himself found in such bizarre situation, sitting in front of his own desk in his own office, while his superior without his consent took his seat behaving like the owner of this place. He wasn't even irate anymore with ex-superintendent behavior, he was just fucking angry and barely stopping himself from making a hell, right here and right now.

'I already talked with Deputy Chief Constable and we both decide it'd be safer if you take a few days off Craig and disappeared from the station.' Martin Cole announced, watching him intently. 'Maybe it was only some stupid joke and no one is chasing you, but until we set everything up, we can't risk your life. If you exposed yourself to someone it won't end on this one pack, Craig.'

'There was no bomb in the box, Sir.' Craig sighed heavily, tired with everyone speculations. If someone wanted to hurt him, he already would do it, not sent him a box as a warning note. 'I'm sure no one tried to kill me.'

'Someone tried to attack you, lad.' He said through the teeth. 'And it doesn't matter if the bomb was in it, or not. Threat it's a threat, Craig.'

'I can't go away in the middle of the case, Sir.' He argued and pulled his face out. 'I have people who needs me. We need to find a teenage girl and deal with fucking Russian Mafia who think it's owning the whole England!'

'Next time you can end in the coffin!' He snapped, annoyed with his childish stubbornness. 'I really don't want to listen to your poorly excuses, Craig. There's no problem in choose your deputy to assume your responsibilities during your absence.' He suggested and nervously patted the desk.

'And who it could be, eh?' He snorted and raised his eyebrow questioningly.

'It has to be a person whom you trust and have a good contact with.' He replied carefully. 'Which turns the whole task in almost impossible.' He added ironically.

'Ah, thank you, Sir.' He said sarcastically, eyeing him up unfriendly.

'But still it's not impossible. I already even chose the right person.'

'Oh, really? And who is it? Darren, I assume?'

'I thought about detective sergeant John Paul McQueen.' He replied truthfully. 'I know he was very helpful in the last case and you both tolerate each other, so he'd be a right man for this job. I'm sure you wouldn't try to bite his head off every time you ask him for report, and even if you try, he'd know how to deal with you.'

'John Paul? No way!' He protested loudly, feeling hot. 'He's too young and inexperienced.'

'I'm sure he'd deal with the job with your small help.' He said unmoved.

'But if someone really try to kill me, we still don't know his true motives.' He said quickly and licked nervously his lips. 'Maybe it was personal attack at me, or maybe it was the attack for superintendent and it doesn't matter if it's me or it'd be someone else.' He noted.

'You have a right, Craig.' Superintendent nodded his head in agreement.

'Then John Paul can be in the same danger as me.' He quickly stated. 'Someone might try to shoot him down, Sir!'

'That's the risk of our job, Craig. I'm sure John Paul knows it.' He said firmly, but Craig shook his head in disagreement.

'No, Sir, I don't let him risk his own life for me. You have to choose someone else.'

'So, you prefer to put in risk your brother's life, then?' He snapped, staring at him with disbelief. 'Your partner is more important for you than your family?' He wanted to shout yes, but he knew too well it'd bring the other effect he wants and cause more problems, so he stayed quiet.

'Well, he's not my brother…Besides I've never said I want Darren to take my place!' He shouted irate. 'I don't want any of them to replace me. It's too risky.'

'I'm afraid Bridget doesn't has a hand to control all people at the station and I even don't mention Charlie. He's everyone's friend, no one would take him serious.'

'It can be anyone, doesn't need to be from homicide.' Craig said firmly, ready to agree to his all ideas even to the bizarre ones, if it means John Paul would be safe with him. No, that he believes someone was trying to kill him, but like the old Cole said just in case they should be more careful now.

'You barely know anyone from other departments, Craig. I don't think it's a good idea.'

'I don't care. It's not my problem.' He snapped annoyed. 'And if you want me so badly to get away for few days, I can do it the next month. I'd take John Paul and Darren with myself to my mum's house, so we could prepare everything for Darren's wedding.' He suggested reluctantly. 'I'm sure he'd appreciate our help.'

'So Darren is finally going to marry this pretty girl?' He smiled slightly. 'Good for him. He needs establish live, since he's getting older each year. He already finished thirty, doesn't he? That's a good time for getting marry and think about kids.'

'Yea, sure.' He mumbled and rolled his eyes. 'Darren would agree with you in hundred percents…'

'You should think about the same, Craig. I'm sure there's a lot of women ready to spend with you the rest of their life.' He said using this fatherly tone Craig used to hate and almost patted his shoulder if he doesn't pull back.

'I already found one.' He replied evasively and rubbed the back of his neck. 'So I don't need to search for anyone.'

'I didn't know you have a girlfriend. Well, I hope you won't wait with marriage as long as Darren. I'm surprise his fiancé didn't leave him, enough of waiting for him.'

'Don't worry, if my proposal will be accepted I'd drag my other half very quickly to the church.' He smiled falsely, although he wasn't entirely lying.

'Good to hear that.'

'So, it means I'm off in May and you'd find a replacement for my place?'

'I'd be more calm if you do it now, but if you insist no one but you can solve the case, let it be May. I hope the attacker won't try anything now, and you'd close everything in time. I don't want to hear in May you're not going to go anywhere.' He eyed him up. 'And try to not be at the station too often. Take your job to home.'

'I won't, Sir. In the end my brother's wedding is getting closer and it'd be nice of me if I help him a bit in prepare everything for his big day, wouldn't it?'

'If you say so.' He said carefully and slowly got up from the chair. 'Try to not fall into any problems, Craig. And don't receive any packs until we set up why you got a heart.'

'Of course, Sir. Have a nice day.' He smiled shortly and rolled his eyes when the man finally left the office and he could sit on his usual place, in the soul enjoying the whole turn of events. Now he has a really good excuse for coming back to his hometown. He was sure John Paul would agree with him in hundred percents.

'John Paul, is that you?' He barely took his shoes off when his mum called from the upstairs, and he could hear her coming down.

'Who else it could be!' He rolled his eyes when Michaela shouted back from the living room or the kitchen. 'You called him, didn't you?'

'Hi, mum.' John Paul smiled slightly as he caught a glimpse of her fluffy slippers on the stairs. 'Are you okay?'

'Yes, love. I just wanted to chat a bit with my son.' She smiled widely as she approached him and pull into hug. 'Talk about some family business.'

'Mum, I'm here because I thought something bad happened, not for a nice chat with you.' He said annoyed and looked at her seriously. He could guess she would be able to use the situation to call him over to come and spend a little time with her, but on the other hand he could notice how tense and nervous she was, like she was hiding something from him. 'I'm in the middle of work!'

'I know, love, but I though your family is more important for you than some job.' She scowled, seemed to be hurt. 'I wouldn't call you if I didn't has nothing important to say to you.' She said firmly.

'That's why I'm here, mum. So what happened?'

'Nothing bad…well, not at all. I think there's nothing shocking about that since we knew from beginning how is he like and we shouldn't expect nothing good from him.'

'Mum, would you explain me what are you talking about?' He asked confused, already irate with her games. 'Can you just tell me straight what's happened? Is it about Jackie? She has been arrested?' He asked worried.

'No! Why you always has to think your sister has done something bad?' She scowled again.

'Because she was doing it all the time as a teenager?' He raised his eyebrow. 'Mum, Jackie isn't an angel and everyone knows that. If she again has problems with law tell me now, so I could try to see if I can help her.'

'It's not about Jackie.' His mother said firmly making him growl with despair.

'Just tell him this shit of piece is cheating on Carmel and now wants divorce. Is it really hard to say it straight!' Michaela shouted annoyed the same revealing the reason why Myra called John Paul. 'Jesus! I can't watch TV because of you!'

'I wanted to say it in more gently way to prepare him!' Myra yelled back outraged. 'I should smack your over your head!'

'What?' John Paul snapped shocked. 'Calvin cheated on Carmel? But when? And with whom? I hope not with Mercy…'

'This bastard was cheating on her for months. At least this time it wasn't Mercy, but Teresa. Still that's gross.'

'You mean, our Teresa?' And now he was thinking nothing would surprised him. 'Isn't she like what, seventeen?' He screwed his face.

'I don't care how old is she. I don't want to have anything to do with this bad girl!' His mum said firmly. 'I don't believe she was be able to stole her cousin's husband! And hurt my baby so much!'

'Mum, I really don't think, it was Teresa who seduced Calvin.' He said carefully. 'It's not like he's dead gorgeous. I'm sure it came from his side…Still, only brainless would try a thing with him, not that I want to offend Carmel, but honestly mum, I'd never understand why on Earth she chose him.'

'Teresa is already brainless for sleeping with this twat!' Michaela shouted back and appeared in the corridor. 'I don't know what she sees in him. He even doesn't has money!' She rolled her eyes.

'It's not always about money, young lady.' Myra pointed a finger at her.

'In Calvin's case it should be the only thing which drove Carm and Teresa to him. He's disgusting pig, mum! And to be honest I don't feel sorry for Carmel, only for their kids. She knew who she married.' She folded her arms.

'Okay, take it easy, you both.' John Paul chimed in and held his hands up. 'Now, where's Carmel? I need to talk with her.'

'She's upstairs. In her old room.' Myra replied with a sigh. 'She's crying all day, my poor baby.'

'Is she there alone?'

'Of course she is. Firstly I wanted you to talk with Carmel, before Jackie and Mercy make a hell here and says to her too much. You know they've never been too tactful.'

'Okay, I'll go and try to chat with her.' He sighed heavily and ran hand over his face.

'Good, I think she needs to hear a few nice words, before Nana says openly she's brainless and get what she deserves.' Michaela suddenly said, making John Paul stopped in the track.

'What? Nana is here?' He asked sharply and shoot his mother a dead glare. 'I thought she already left.'

'Well, she just came around yesterday, so I don't think she'd like to leave us alone the next day.' She continued with a smirk.

'Mum, you said Nana should be here weeks ago.' He said annoyed, accusingly pointing a finger at her. 'I was sure she's off the town, now!'

'And mum wanted you to talk with Nana, didn't she?' He was furious.

'It's your grandma. You can't turn with your back to her!' She scowled and blushed slightly. 'She wants to talk with you, and meet your boyfriend.'

'Trust me, mum, I can!' He said firmly and with a loud growl climbed upstairs didn't even want to know when exactly Nana makes her way back to home. He just hoped he'd be already back at the station. 'Carmel…' He called softly and gently knocked to the door of her room. 'Can I come in?' He asked as she didn't response and there was only quiet sob coming out from the room.

'John Paul?' She asked with pitching voice and he could hear her steps.

'Who else it could be, sis?' He smiled slightly. 'Can I come in? Mum is worrying about you.'

'No. I don't want to talk with them and hear they had a right.' She sobbed and he felt really bad for her. Maybe Carmel wasn't the brightest spark but she's his sister and he loves her and now it was really hard for him to watch her in such state. She doesn't deserve it. He knew she'd do anything for Calvin and that's all she got from him in return? He'd like to kick his ass, but knew Carmel would never let him do it and he doesn't want to upset her even more.

'Whose them?' He asked confused, before the realization hit him. 'Oh! There's no Mercy and Jackie around and Niall is still in the work. There's only me, Carm. I swear.' He assured her.

'What about Michaela?'

'She's downstairs and like always arguing with mum…Mum doesn't tell anyone yet.' He added softly and sighed with relief as the door opened ajar. Taking it as an invitation he quickly slipped inside before she changed her mind and closed the door behind himself before took a long look at her. Carmel was sitting on her old bed with pink pillows and coverlet, surrounded by pink walls and white furniture, in hands keeping the old photography of her and Calvin. With red, puffy eyes she stared blankly at the picture and from time to time wiping her nose as more tears fall down from her pale cheeks along with her mascara and powder. John Paul approached her and gently ran a hand through her blonde her, his heart ache.

'I don't understand…' She said quietly without looking at him.

'I know, sweetheart.' He said softly and wrapped an arm around her as she hid a face in his blouse and start sobbing. 'Sometimes it just happen…'

'I don't understand.' She repeated and cried louder as John Paul pulled her into tight hug and start rocking her body.

'Everything's gonna be okay, sweetheart. We all love you and help you.' He whispered on her ear and kissed on the top of head. 'I promise everything would be okay…'

'I really would like to believe in that, but I can't.' She squealed.

'Do you want to talk about that?'

'No, just stay here with me.' She replied and John Paul fulfill her wish. They kept sitting on her old bed without exchanging a word between each other, until they heard noises coming up from downstairs and they both understood they wasn't able to hide here forever and needed to confront the other members of family who surely was already waiting for them and ready to add a few cents from themselves.

'12th of May. You're off with me for few days.' Darren raised his eyebrow at Craig's announce as he unceremoniously walked into his office and start rummage in his photographs like he didn't has nothing more to do.

'Should I bring a wine with myself then and count for hot sex on the beach?' He asked cheekily and grinned slightly as Craig almost scowled at him and gave him a warning look.

'I'm not asking you for a date, moron.' He snapped annoyed and for moment picked up one picture to wipe the dust off it. 'I thought you'd be happy to relax a bit before the weeding, and me and John Paul could give you a hand with prepare everything on time.' He explained and frowned his eyebrows. 'Didn't you think about cleaning up here? It looks like your office is untouched from month or more. It ruins my image.'

'If you want, the cloth is in the bottom drawer and detergents you'd find in janitor's room, so feel welcome.' He replied with a sly smile. 'I don't mind you run over the office and set everything in order.'

'I'm superintendent, not a cleaner.' He scowled, outraged and put the photograph back on its old place. 'So, you're up for few days of freedom, far away from Hannah and her whining?'

'Sure, I'm up for it.' He said and looked him in the eye. 'Anyway, you want to bring John Paul with yourself?'

'Yea, I thought it'd be nice to have a vacation together. You know, we're still tasting ground and the more time we spend together, the more we'll know about each other and decide if we want to live together, or it doesn't has any chance.' He sighed, making Darren grinned slightly.

'Don't tell me bullshits, Craig. You're already together and I'm pretty sure you both already decide you want to be together. You're totally in love with each other.'

'We're fine, that's all.' He mumbled and clapped his hands together.

'Yea, right. Maybe you don't know it, Craig, but I know you a bit.' He smirked amused. 'You want to introduce John Paul to parents, aren't you? Of course as your boyfriend.'

'Oh, yea?' He asked casually, trying to keep the poker face, although he could already feel his cheeks burn him slightly and his hand automatically rubbed the back of his neck, betraying him.

'In the end I'm your brother.'

'Well, maybe I think about introducing John Paul to mum and Jack, but that's not my task.' He lied, irate with how good Darren is in reading him. 'We're going there to celebrate your very soon marriage.' He added with nasty smirk. 'I'm sure Jake would fall into some good idea.'

'Yea, thanks for reminder.' Darren said reluctantly, his smile dropped down. 'Do you want something else from me? If not, I wouldn't mind if you go out and leave me on my own. If you don't know yet, I have been chosen to check who sent you a pack.'

'So you're not taking a part in Behari's case?' He asked surprised. 'I'm a superintendent and I don't remember I assigned you to other case.'

'Chief Inspector did it.' He smirked slightly. 'If you forget Cole still has a power over you.'

'He doesn't has rights to command at my station!' He snapped annoyed. 'What else he said to you?'

'Willy is going to help me, and maybe Fred, if he decides he already can go back to the normal duties. You know, he still has problems with head.'

'I heard.' He sighed heavily. 'To be honest I'd prefer you to take a lead in Behari's case.'

'Someone tried to kill the superintendent.' Darren smirked. 'We need to start investigation, Craig, whatever you think. You can take few people from prevention department. I'm sure you can use their abilities and find the girl quicker.' He suggested. 'So you could focus on the Russian Mafia.'

'Only if they're responsible for their death.' He sighed heavily and approached the window behind Darren's back to might take a look outside. 'Anyway, I need time to sit down and think about everything before I make any decisions. Now I have few things to do, so I'm not bother you anymore.' He said as he noticed John Paul walking toward the entrance.

'I don't stop you.' Darren said above the documents and didn't even look at him as the man passed by him and closed the door behind himself. Instead he turned around in his chair and looked through the blinds on the street where he spotted the familiar blonde hair. John Paul appeared on the stairs and was talking with Svetlana who just caught him up. 'So, that's your few things to do.' He smirked and thought there's nothing more beautiful than being with a person you truly love. He wished he could be in Craig's shoes now.

Craig couldn't help the small smile forming on his face when after one long look at Tiger Eye, she obediently stepped back from John Paul and after short goodbye to his lover she made her way down the stairs toward the parking lot. He swaggered toward his boyfriend who with frown turned toward him, before he gave him a long, cold look as he noticed his happy face.

'I could guess it's you. People always running out when you're around.' John Paul said unfriendly and crossed arms against his chest.

'And you like always are angry at me.' He said with a slanting smile. 'I really don't get you sometimes, John Paul.' He sighed heavily. 'Firstly you were scared that someone tried to kill me and didn't let me do a one step without you, and then suddenly you're angry at me.'

'Maybe because you didn't take it seriously?' He asked him sharply. 'And you're snapping at Danny and others like nothing bad happened and they're responsible for everything bad that happened to you.'

'Maybe because in that way I'm trying to shut myself out from it? You want me to think all the time about it and wonder who would like to kill me? You want me to be afraid to get out from house because someone might wait there for me? You really want it?' He asked sharply.

'Of course I don't want.' He replied confused, his face softened as he felt a pang of guilty hitting him.

'So let me deal with it on my own way, okay? Anyway, well…' He rubbed the back of his neck. 'Maybe you were right in some parts.' He continued reluctantly, avoiding his look.

'Ah, that's something new.'

'I know you care about me and want me to be safe, but I'm superintendent and I have my responsibilities, John Paul.'

'Then think how hard it'd be if someone kill you.' He snapped outraged. 'What I and your family would feel if something bad happens to you.'

'Nothing bad would…' He bite himself on the tongue before he could finish his sentence. 'Okay, everything's possible, but I'm trying to think about brighter side.'

'Brighter side?' He scowled and stared at him with disbelief. 'Of what, Craig?'

'Well, I probably need to disappear for few days and I thought we both could take a short vacation.' He said quickly with a nervous grin. 'You know, our first vacation together. In May.'

'You want to take me on vacation?' He raised his eyebrow. 'I don't…'

'Chief Inspector decides it'd be safer if I disappear for a week. I agreed but only if you disappear along with me.'

'For once he talked with sense.' John Paul smirked. 'I think it's a good idea. You need to rest from work and hide for a bit, until we set up who sent you a pack.'

'So you're up for it?' He asked excited with a grin.

'I don't let you hide on your own.' He smiled softly. 'I love you and won't let you go through it alone.' He added quieter, didn't want to be overhear by anyone.

'I know.'

'Anyway, do you have any idea where do you want to go? Maybe we could spend a few days on the desert beach?'

'I already know one place I'd like to go.' He replied reluctantly, didn't want to share with his lover too much information. 'I'm sure you'd like it.'

'Okay…' He said quietly with a growing smile. 'So where is it?'

'In a nice place. I'm not going to tell you anything more. It's a surprise!' He grinned slightly and wonder if his fingers are already cover with blood from his neck.

'I'm not sure if I can trust you. I'm always aware of your surprises.' He smirked.

'There's only one thing I think you should know about…'

'Like what?' He asked alarmed.

'I want to take Darren with us… I know you'd like to spend the whole vacation alone with me, but I want him to rest a bit and have fun before his big day. And it's not like he'd be with us all the time.' He assured him.

'So he didn't change his mind and he's going to marry Hannah?' He asked sharply and almost growl when Craig nodded his head.

'Why would he not? Of course he's going to marry her. The weeding is the 20th of May.'

'I'm not sure if I want to take a part in it.'

'If you want to be with me, you don't have choice.' John Paul didn't like the sound of that, but decided to not start another fight between them. 'We'd buy a present for them during our vacation. Maybe Darren would choose it instead of us…Okay, I'm coming back to home. I think I have enough as for one day.'

'It means you're going to make a dinner for me?' He smiled slyly.

'You like fish sticks, don't you?' He smirked when John Paul spanked him playfully on the arm.

'I'm starving living with you.' He rolled his eyes.

'You always can go back to home with me.'

'I can't. I have a work to do.' He sighed heavily. 'Probably want leave till six.'

'You're gonna work with that Russian witch?' He asked irate, couldn't help but feel a pang of jealous. 'She'd talk you to the death.'

'No, she's working in terrain. Wouldn't come back today.'

'Good.' He nodded his head. 'See you later then, babe.'

'Only if you do something good for dinner.' He replied and winked at him when Craig start sulking. 'Love you, too.' He muttered to himself before disappeared inside the building.

There was a long buzzing coming off from the printer and short squeak before once again it died. He pushed the button again, but this time the machine completely broke down. The pile of paper flew around it as Darren shoved it away from the surface of the desk, swearing loudly at his work and equipments he's force to fight with. He didn't know how Craig and other can demanding from him any results of work, if he even doesn't has the efficient printer and although there were personal changes at the station, nothing has changed yet. Maybe it was the good time to write a complaint or push Craig to the wall with threat he'd leave this bloody department, if he doesn't provide him decent working conditions.

He grabbed his pen drive and decided to check the other printer with hope he'd get a consent to use it. He strolled over the common room with a short nod of his head as he passed by Bridget's desk, and gently knocked to the door.

'Can I use your printer? Mine is already dead.' He asked with a small grin as he cocked his head inside the office.

'Go on.' John Paul replied casually and with his bright eyes stared at him for a short moment, before he focused at his documents. There was something wrong, Darren could feel the tension in the room as he slipped inside and how foreign his colleague's voice sounded for him.

'I'd take you only five minutes.' He tried to chat him up, but he again only glanced briefly at him and went back to his work.

'Fine.' That's all he said and Darren now was sure there was something going on. He never behaved so coldly and casually around him, almost like he doesn't like him anymore. Something has to happened, but the question was what? Did Craig say him something?

'Did I offend you?' He asked confused as turned around from the printer. 'Or did I make something what upset you?'

'How could you upset me, Darren? It's not like we're hanging around.' He retorted without looking at him.

'But you're upset at me. Why?'

'Maybe because I thought you get your brain back and made a good decision?' He replied coldly, finally giving him his full attention. 'But I was wrong.'

'What are you talking about?' He was clearly confused, didn't understand what was going on there.

'Craig told me about your big day.' He said drily. 'About you going to play a good husband to Hannah.'

'Ah, so that's all about.' He sighed and scratched his head.

'Yea, it is…I don't believe you want to ruin yours and her life.' He shook his head, losing his all respect to the man.

'Well, that's strange, because everyone keep saying I should marry her.' He said with a slant smile. 'You know, for baby's sake.'

'You think your baby would be happy when notice its parents hate each other?' He cocked his eyebrow.

'I don't want my baby to hate me later. I want him to know he or she has a father.' He sighed heavily. 'I have to be with Hannah.'

'You're going to help Hannah in raise up the kid, aren't you?' He said confused, didn't understand his issues anymore. 'So you'd be a father, although you won't live with them anymore.'

'That's the problem. I wouldn't live with Hannah anymore and the baby will have a grudge against me for that.'

'From where you get this?' He stared at him in disbelief. 'You're not leaving Hannah on her own. You're going be a father for your kid, and I'm sure one day the baby would be thankful you for decision you made. Trust me, I was happy when dad left us, because finally I have a true family, and didn't need to hear to another quarrels between mum and dad, seeing as dad coming back drunk from work and trying to hit mum. And although firstly I was angry at him, now I'm thankful for what's he did.'

'I guess it's different situation.' He said quietly and scratched his head.

'What you mean by different?'

'You know, Craig's father left them when he was a kid…'

'So? What he has to do with that?' He raised his eyebrow. 'That's different than yours or mine case.'

'Well, it's not. His dad left him as a kid and Craig still hates him. He kept saying he'd never forgive him that.'

'He's angry because he thought they're one happy family, okay? And then one day everything just broke down and suddenly his dad left them alone to be with someone else. I understand his anger, but it's different situation, Darren. You can't compare yourself to him. Craig's father didn't even bother to stay in touch with any of his kids.' He said softly, staring deeply into his eyes. 'It's the reason, why you changed your mind and want to marry Hannah?'

'Craig said…'

'Oh, yea, I could guess that!' He snapped outraged. 'Like I said Craig's situation it's different. Don't listen to the crap he's saying. You're going to be a good father, and the baby would love you.' He said firmly. 'Don't do nothing stupid, you'd regret later.'

'But what if Craig is right, and baby would hate me for not be with his mother?'

'Well, isn't it a little too late for that?' He asked coldly. 'Look, you don't love Hannah, then don't be with her. I'm sure your baby would understand it one day. And don't pay any attention to Craig. He just doesn't has any clue you might be in love with someone else, and that not everyone is like him…Don't worry I'd take a small chat with him.'

'I really don't know what to do anymore. Everyone are saying it's just a phase and well, I should stay with her.' He said quietly.

'If you don't love her anymore, don't do it. And about the phase…You really think it's a phase or do you have a strong feelings toward Spike?' This time Darren had to be honest with him, otherwise the whole conversation wouldn't have any sense.

'I don't think it's a phase. Not toward Spike.' He admitted it in almost a whisper, like he was afraid to say it loud.

'So, you love him?' There was a small smile appearing on his face.

'I don't know, it's something new for me.' He scratched his head. 'I know I love, him but I don't know if it's in the same way I'd love woman. Maybe I just love him as a friend? I just missed having him around myself, our chats, the way how close we're when we were alone.'

'Would you like to check if Spike is the one for you?' He asked with curious. 'I mean, do you want to try with him?'

'I don't know…Maybe I'd like to, but I'm not sure.' He sighed, confused. 'I still love women, I really do and find them attractive. There's no other men I'd feel attracted to, so it's hard to say that suddenly I'm in love with Spike and want to be with him forever.'

'I think you both should talk one day and you'd find what you really want.' He suggested softly. 'Maybe Spike is the only guy who has such a big impact on you, and you'd like to be with him, as his boyfriend. Or maybe you just want to be his friend and involve in relationship with another woman…You just have to be honest with yourself.'

'I know, but for now I don't have any answers.' He smiled sadly. 'It's just a mess…' He reluctantly looked around the room before fixed his eyes at forgotten printer. 'Okay, I'd be going. I don't feel like I'm going to print anything today. I just find someone to check my printer and maybe go back to home. I'm sorry for taking your time, and well, upset you. I can you're very tense.'

'It's not only about the wedding thing.' He sighed heavily and massaged eyelids. 'It's just about my sister, Carmel. Her husband cheated on her and now she's back into my mum's house with kids. I'm worrying about her.'

'Oh, sorry to hear that. She's a nice girl.' He said carefully.

'Yea, she is.' He nodded his head. 'But still Calvin wants divorce...Well, I'd deal with that later. Maybe stay for night at mum's house.'

'I think it's a good idea...Anyway, I'd be going...'

'Just, Darren…' He called him softly, before man could escaped.

'Yea?'

'If you marry Hannah, you can totally forget about Spike. He'd never let you come close to him, if you do that.' He said seriously, watching him intently. 'Just think about that. I know he's important for you, even if you're not ready to admit it to yourself.'

'I know…I need time to think about that.' He muttered and marched out before John Paul could say something more to him.

'Better for you all, if you make the right decision, Darren.' He said quietly to himself and bite down on the pen as he reluctantly glanced at his work spread over his desk.