A/N: Thought we could use a break from the angst (; love Roxannaaaax
If there was one thing that Gene Hunt was, it was a man of his word. Alex's recovery was a slow process, but he was with her every step of the way. As the weeks continued, Alex's panic attacks were less and less frequent. She had finally stopped the flashbacks and was no longer afraid of being around men other than the CID lads. Alex still had the occasional nightmare, but when she woke up in fear, Gene was there, in her bed, ready to soothe her. That was another thing that Alex had finally overcome – for the last few days she had allowed Gene back in her bed and they had made love for the first time since her attack.
The therapist, Anne Hawkins, was thoroughly impressed with Alex's progress. Her sessions had come to an end as a month after Alex had helped Casey it seemed as if she had made almost a full recovery. It had been a slow and challenging process, but Alex had pulled through it. Gene, Ray, Shaz and Chris had all been supporting her, and now, nearly two months after her encounter with Oliver and the skinheads; it appeared as if CID had their bolshy DI back.
Over the last month, CID had caught the three men that burgled Casey Stewart's flat and tried to rape her and had them locked up. The crime had gone to court and had won, increasing Casey's self-esteem and confidence. There had been a few minor cases since in which Alex had proved she was back with her psychological insight and no fear of interviewing the men in question, but things seemed to be quietening down on the London crime boards.
It was just as well, as once again, that time of year had come round. Opening the letter in the midst of his office on Monday morning, Gene groaned in frustration has he realised what was around the corner yet again.
Stupid bloody thing, Gene thought in annoyance, for poofs and birds…not for police officers…ruddy charity shit…
Gene got to his feet, figuring he better let them all know. There hadn't been a great turnout from CID last year, and the Super was adamant that they were all to attend this time round.
"Right everyone," Gene called out, slamming his office door and getting everyone's attention, "got somethin' ter tell yer, so listen up."
Everyone stopped what they were doing and focused on their DCI. Alex frowned, noticing that Gene looked severely pissed off about something. Maybe something had happened? A drugs bust, a murder…
"As you will all be aware, it's that ridiculous time o' year again," Gene muttered, "this Saturday is the annual Police Ball."
Some of the lads groaned, looking around at each other in disgust. Shaz beamed, excited, and Ray darted a look at Alex, one that did not go unnoticed by her and left her feeling a bit confused and uneasy.
"Last year, as you all know, we were in the middle of a very important murder investigation and only DC Poirot and DI Carling managed to show their faces at it. This year, the Super wants all of us there. Every last one, right from WPC Granger to me," Gene explained, pouting, "all the money from the tickets, the beverages bought and the donations goes to our Police Widows' Charity. Now I know it's a nancy, poofter event but I expect you all there kitted out ter the nines, especially as the current scum of London isn't exactly at large at the moment."
There was a murmur of excited and disgusted whispers flittering through CID as Gene slammed his door in annoyance. Alex's heart soared – what a perfect opportunity to enjoy an evening with Gene. She had just the dress as well – one that would make his eyes pop out of his sockets. And hey, she might even get a dance in from the Gene Genie!
"I think it sounds fab, don't you Ma'am?" Shaz grinned at her DI. "Think I might treat myself to a new dress. Been ages since I got something new!"
"Couldn't agree more, Shaz," Alex grinned back, "I've never been to the Police Ball before. I arrived too late in the year in 1981 and we were busy with that case last May. What's it like?"
"Oh it's lovely, Ma'am," Shaz said dreamily, "all the girls dress up proper nice like, you know, classy dresses and rich colours – some leaving little to the imagination! Then the blokes…they're all in these crisp suits, even men like Ray and Chris. Some detectives take dates; others just go with their mates in the force. Then there's a bar, places to sit, a dance floor…a band…and all the money made goes to our charity. It's a night out for the police force, so we can all let our hair down. Romance always kicks off as well. Ray gets all the pissed blondes, the DCI from Fenchurch West tries it on with our WPCs…in fact, that's when Chris and I got together."
"Really?" Alex asked in interest. "At the Police Ball?"
"Yep," Shaz blushed, "two years ago. The 1981 Police Ball in May, a couple of months before you arrived. DCI Waltham was hitting on me, and Chris interrupted and whisked me away. My knight in shining armour," she giggled.
"That's so romantic," Alex sighed, a small smile creeping onto her face.
Shaz leant forward. "I expect the Guv's going to be your date, ain't he Ma'am –"
"GRANGER! DRAKE!" Gene roared, opening his door forcefully. "Am I paying yer to cackle like hens? No! So get on with some bloody work!"
Gene slammed his door, causing Alex and Shaz to catch each other's eye and snigger slightly. Looking tentatively through the glass into Gene's office, Alex turned back to Shaz.
"If he asks me, yes," she replied, "but he's so against this ball that I doubt he will even if we are in a relationship. Might have to drop some subtle hints."
Shaz laughed. "That's what I'm going to have to do with Chris. He's such a div he won't even think about it!"
Alex and Shaz giggled lightly, returning to their work. Alex didn't want to show it, but she was really looking forward to this Police Ball. Saturday night just could not come quick enough.
-xx-
"No."
"Oh come on, Gene! Why not? I really like this dress."
"Yeah, so do I. But the reason I like it is goin' ter be the reason every other bloke likes it too."
Alex rolled her eyes as she did a twirl in a short black dress. It was Friday night and Gene was lying on Alex's bed at the flat, watching her come out of the bathroom and parade in a number of prospective dresses for tomorrow night's Police Ball. Alex had managed to get him to ask her to be his date, but now he was taking full control over her choice in wardrobe.
"But this is my favourite," Alex pouted, "I know it's a bit low at the front…and yeah, its quite short, but you always say 'wear something slutty, Bolls' so what's the problem?"
"I don't want a load o' pervy detectives from Fenchurch West gawping at your tits, that's what," Gene growled protectively, "or thinking smutty things about how many drinks it'll take ter get you pissed and round the back for a quickie!"
Alex sighed. "Gene, you know I've only got eyes for you. Just let me wear the dress. Please. This is the fourth one you've slated for being too short, too revealing or too slutty."
"Yeah, and that one's all three."
Alex huffed in annoyance as she stomped into the bathroom, tearing the dress off and picking up her next one. Gene was really being too overprotective. It was just a dress, for Christ's sake. Sighing, Alex picked up another black dress. This one had little sequined diamonds on it, and despite being still extremely short, it had long sleeves and showed a tantalising glimpse of cleavage. Simple, sophisticated and sexy. How could Gene resist?
Alex grinned as Gene raised his eyebrows and ran his eyes up and down her legs. Swallowing with difficulty, Gene coughed to try and clear his throat.
"Beautiful," he murmured, "God you look gorgeous, Bolls. But…"
"If you let me wear this, I promise you can rip it off me the minute we get back here," Alex grinned with a wink.
Gene's mouth practically watered. "Deal."
Accompanied with high red heels, red lipstick, long black eyelashes, loosely quiffed hair and Alex's natural beauty, no-one could deny that she looked stunning when Gene accompanied her to the ball on Saturday night. Men were gawping at her left, right and centre, something that made Gene extremely smug to be her date and extremely protective at the same time.
The location looked amazing with its high ceiling along with the lights dimmed and a huge crystal ball illuminating the dance floor. The music was so incredibly 80s and the place was packed with police officers from many divisions, some propped up at the bar getting pissed, others flirting with officers from different stations, some dancing to the band playing and others just chatting at tables. Gene led Alex to a table with Ray, Chris and Shaz, taking the initiative to leave her with them as he went to get the first round of drinks.
"Oh Ma'am, you look gorgeous!" Shaz gasped as Alex blushed. She laughed as Shaz elbowed Ray and Chris, both whom had been gawping at Alex's legs ever since she had arrived.
"Oh – yeah – you look, er…nice, Ma'am," Chris burbled, "so do you, Shaz, don't get me wrong, I…"
"Oh shut up, you div," Shaz laughed affectionately. He was right though; Shaz did look good. She had crimped her hair and was wearing more makeup then usual, and was dressed in a red dress that stopped just before the knee and plunged at the back.
"Guv scrubs up well," Shaz winked at Alex, whom was feeling a little uncomfortable with the fact that Ray was still staring at her, licking his lips, "convinced him to wear a nice suit then?"
"In the end," Alex replied, "got my way by telling him I was dressing as a nun if he didn't show willing."
"Bloody cheeky tart, she is," Gene cut in, returning with the drinks.
"Cheers, Guv!" Ray nodded as Gene sat down next to Alex, swinging his arm around her.
"How long we got ter be at this bloody thing for?" Gene muttered. "Feel like a twat."
"A few hours, Gene," Alex sighed, "anyway, you're not leaving until we've had a dance."
"A dance?" Gene scoffed. "Sorry Bolls, yer out o' luck there. The Gene Genie does not dance."
Alex rolled her eyes, catching Shaz's eye and shaking her head. Alex couldn't understand why Gene couldn't just enjoy himself. It was supposed to be a fun evening. When Chris and Shaz left the table to go on the dance floor, Alex sighed in frustration. Ray and Gene were leaning across the table smoking a cigarette and talking, both partly drunk and seemingly unaware that Alex was even there.
It was only when he patted her leg that Alex realised he actually knew she was still sitting next to him. "Just going for a piss, Bolls," Gene shouted over the music before stubbing out his cigarette and getting up. Alex nodded in response, sighing as she sunk into her chair, watching jealously at the couples on the dance floor.
She didn't see Ray staring at her.
"Hey Drake," Ray called to her, causing Alex's head to whip round, "if the Guv won't dance wi' yer, I will."
Alex chuckled, unsure whether Ray was being serious or not as he had had a lot to drink. "Thanks Ray, but I think Gene might get a bit jealous if he comes back to find me dancing with you."
"His loss," Ray shrugged, getting to his feet and walking over to Alex, "you're easily the hottest bird in 'ere, so yer shouldn't be sitting down. Come on, 'ave a laugh."
Ray grabbed her hand, pulling her to her feet. Flying into Ray's chest, Alex tried to compose herself as he led her onto the dance floor, taking her into his arms immediately. Alex didn't want to admit it, because he had been a great support to her these past weeks, but she felt extremely uncomfortable in Ray's embrace. Especially since his hand was creeping towards her arse.
"Um…" Alex croaked, unsure what to say. Ray winked at her.
"So you and the Guv…how did it start?" he asked her, drawing her closer as a slow ballad began to play.
"Um…after the car crash," Alex recalled, trying to pull away as Ray's hands claimed her arse, "we…we went on a date. And things…spiralled…now we're in a relationship, I guess…"
"Hmmm," Ray muttered, nuzzling her neck.
Oh bloody hell, Alex panicked, he's pissed…if Gene sees…
"Ray, no," Alex said firmly as Ray began to kiss her neck, "that's enough. It's inappropriate now."
"Oh have some fun," Ray complained drunkenly, biting down on Alex's neck hard and causing her to squirm.
"Ray, I'm with someone…I'm with your DCI, for God's sake…"
Alex squealed as Ray's hand found her breast and squeezed roughly, but that was when an earth-shattering roar was heard.
"OI! BACK OFF, CARLING! SHE'S MINE!"
Ray was thrown away from Alex then as Gene punched him in the face, anger seeping through his blood.
"Gene!" Alex gasped. "Gene, he was a little out of line, but there was no need for that! He was pissed anyway!" she protested as Ray stumbled into DC Terry drunkenly, holding his swollen nose.
"Don't give a flying rat's arse," Gene growled, "no-one touches you. No-one but me. You okay?"
Alex nodded. "Of course. It's only Ray. He doesn't mean any harm. He just sees a bit of flesh and his manly instincts kick in."
Gene shot a scowl over at Ray. "Mmm," he muttered to Alex, "and that's why I didn't want yer with yer tits out, Bolls. God knows what would've happened whilst I was in the bog."
Alex smiled slightly, touched by his protection. "Well DCI Hunt," she purred at him, looking up underneath her alluring eyelashes, "whilst we're here, we might as well have a dance, mightn't we?"
Gene stared at her, smirking slightly. "Bolls yer scheming cow, was that a set-up? Get Raymondo's hands all over yer to trick me into dancing?"
Alex spluttered. "Believe me, Gene; if I wanted to outwit you it would not include Ray feeling me up. I had enough of that trying to catch out that religious nutter back in 1981 on the boat."
Gene laughed at the memory, remembering Alex in that sexy black cat suit. Maybe if he danced with her he could convince her to wear it again…privately, of course, where he could rip it off her…
Whispering his proposition into Alex's ear, she broke out into sunny laughter and agreed, winking at him as he took her into his arms. Alex rested her head on Gene's shoulder as they danced, one hand intertwined with his as the other wrapped around his neck. Gene rested his hands on Alex's hips, swaying in time with the music as she relaxed into him, her eyes closing dreamily in bliss.
Gene kissed the top of her head. "Love you, Bolls," he whispered to her. Gene felt Alex squeeze his hand in response. The rest of the world didn't matter at the moment. It was just them, the two of them, enjoying this dance.