A/N: Hello everyone! So, recently, I've started to watch Heartbeat for the first time! I know, way late on the fandom front haha, but I honestly can't get enough of it. Nick and Kate are my absolute favourites, along with the local villagers; all brilliant actors/actresses. Now, I've only seen up to episode fifteen of season four, so no spoilers please, and I'm not familiar with all the characters just yet. The only thing I'm aware of is that Kate dies, but I only found out by accident My stories will eventually steer off in a different direction in which she doesn't die and lives on to raise the baby with Nick.

I've tried my absolute best to stay in touch with the characters from what knowledge I have on the show so far.

I had great fun writing this first story, and please be kind because I am super nervous for posting this, and as I certainly did my best for the dialogue.

I also threw in a couple of my own characters just for the purpose of the story

Sorry for rambling! Hope you enjoy!

This first story takes place before Alex dies.

Nick cut the engine on his bike when he stopped outside the station and swung his leg over whilst removing his helmet. Nick's eyes fell on an extremely familiar dog tied to a post just before the entrance as he approached it. "What you in for this time, Alfred," he joked quietly before giving the old dog a pet on the head.

Nick shuffled into the station, but no sooner did he wipe his feet to head into the office did the loud voice of his superior reach his ears. As always, Nick prepared himself for whatever had upset Blaketon this time so early in the morning.

"I don't care if it's jolly ole Saint Nick! Get to the bottom of it!" Blaketon soon locked eyes with Nick, and the constable barely had time to utter so much as a good morning before the sergeant directed his aggression at him. "Nice of you to join us, Rowan!"

Nick winced inwardly but straightened instantly not to seem affected by his sergeant's outburst. "Sorry, Sarge. A hold up on the moors."

Blaketon's anger faltered slightly. "An accident?"

Nick shook his head. "No, Sarge. Nothing like that."

Blaketon's anger returned as he slowly stepped forward, getting close to his officer. "Then would you mind explaining your late arrival, Rowan?"

Nick tried his hardest not to grin. "Ewes, Sarge. A heavy flock of them had escaped and caused quite a bit of hassle. Can't say the delivery driver I saw was best too pleased."

Blaketon didn't seem pleased either, so Nick prepared himself for the backlash. "He's not the only one! You've the best advantage among most in this town, and yer roll up `ere to tell me you're late because of bloody sheep?"

Blaketon wouldn't normally chew him out this much for a late arrival if it couldn't be helped, so whatever they had discussed before he arrived must be serious; evidently, Nick couldn't help his retort. "What was I supposed to do, Sarge? Ram the rams?" Instantly, he regretted his snippy reply, but thankfully, the snort of laughter from Phil saved him from further repercussions.

Blaketon turned and stepped in front of the officer in question. "Something funny, Bellamy?"

Phil straightened and swallowed dryly. "No, Sarge."

A satisfied smile appeared on Blaketon's face. "Good to hear."

When Nick was sure the tension had ceased, he relaxed and jolted a thumb toward the exit just before Blaketon could retreat to his office. "By the way, Sarge, what's Greengrass' old dog doing outside?" It was probably an obvious question, but it could be any number of theories.

Blaketon turned to Nick with annoyance. "If you'd arrived on time, you'd have that answer already, wouldn't ya, Rowan?" The sergeant glanced at Alf. "Fill him in." He then left the three officers alone, and they relaxed.

Nick looked to Alf for answers, noting that he seemed to have trouble starting. "Well?" Alf and Phil shared a worried glance, which had Nick thinking the worst. Nick sat down on his desk chair. "What's happened?"

…..

"You're joking!" Kate exclaimed as she placed a tea before Nick when he sat at the table.

Nick shook his head ruefully. "Afraid not. He's in the cells until we can investigate further."

Kate sat down opposite her husband with her tea cradled in both hands. "Any idea who might have said such an accusation?"

Nick sipped his tea before replying. "All we've got is a description from Greengrass and his word."

Kate stared at him. "Nick, you can't possibly believe-"

Nick laid a hand on top of Kate's reassuringly. "Course not, love. Greengrass is a lot of things, but physically he's harmless."

Kate smiled sadly. "Poor Claude. Does the description ring a bell to anyone we know?"

Nick sighed. "I only wish it was that simple. It's more than likely a passerby. I asked around the village, places you might spot a young girl, but nobody seems to have seen her yet."

Kate looked down at her tea. "What about Blaketon? What does he believe?" She lifted her head, afraid of the answer. "Those two are hardly on friendly terms on a good day."

Nick chuckled. "You know Blaketon. He won't believe anything else until there's cold hard facts resting in his hands, which unfortunately means our hands are also tied until we can present those facts."

Kate shook her head in dismay. "What about Alfred?"

Nick took a glance toward the window. "About that…."

Kate's eyes widened slightly. "Oh, Nick, you didn't…"

Nick grinned. "Nah. He's in the outside police hold until George can pick him up later." He chuckled when Kate huffed. "Had you going for a minute."

Kate slapped him playfully and smiled. "What do you fancy for lunch?"

Before Nick could answer, the phone rang, and he gave an apologetic smile. "Eggs with a side of trouble?" He stood up and walked to answer the phone. "Aidensfield police?" Nick was silent for a moment as he listened. "Right. Okay. I'll go check it out now, Sarge." Nick hung up and looked at Kate. "Duty calls. Sorry."

Kate smiled and stood up to kiss him goodbye. "Don't worry."

"A woman phoned the station after spotting someone matching the girl's description up near the old campsite."

Kate's face grew serious for a moment. "Passerby?"

"It's looking that way."

Kate kissed him again. "Be careful." Nick returned the kiss more deeply, and when they pulled away, she asked, "Fancy a drink at the arms tonight?"

Nick nodded with a smile. "Sounds good."

…..

Nick demounted his bike and began searching the campsite – the deserted campsite. There was no sign that anyone had set up to try and stay here. It wouldn't be the first time someone had tried to camp on unauthorised grounds. Regardless, Nick continued to search the area since the woman who phoned was adamant about spotting the girl around.

Nick stepped over a low, broken fence to search the other side and turned when he heard rustling in the bushes. "Hello?" He stepped back over and approached slowly. "My name is PC Rowan. I've not come to hurt you. I just wanna talk." If it was the girl, any hasty attempt to get her wouldn't do any good. Just as he approached, the cause of the rustling sprung forth, blearing past, almost knocking into him. Nick sighed and watched the animal flee. One of the stray ewes from the Moors incident. Whoever mistook that for a girl was a few cards short of a deck.

"You lost summat, officer?"

Nick turned to see a woman coming from the house nearby and smiled. "Mrs Millar," he greeted politely and stepped carefully toward her, lest he tread in anything unpleasant; it was a relatively clean site, but he wasn't taking any chances after spotting the sheep. "Are you the one who phoned in about the girl?"

"Girl?" The woman gazed at him confoundedly.

"We received a phone call from a woman who spotted a girl around here. That wasn't you?"

Mrs Millar looked at him sympathetically. "Certain it weren't me, and nowt else on these parts. Think yer been misguided, dear." Nick held in his sigh of annoyance. Didn't anyone have anything better to do? He smiled and nodded at the woman, who was trying her best to sympathise, which did nothing to help his annoyance, but he wouldn't let on. "Me son used to lie all the time as a boy. Discipline is needed when dealing with disobedient children, PC Rowan. It teaches them a lesson. He soon grew out of that habit."

Nick regarded her quizzically at first. "I see."

Gwyn smiled and shook her head as if shaking a past memory. "Is the girl in trouble?"

Nick looked at his bike. "Not exactly." He walked toward it. "But someone's about to be if I hear who made the call." Before he mounted his bike, he quickly gave the woman the girl's description. "Will you let us know if she does turn up?"

Mrs Millar nodded. "First thing."

"Thank you."

…..

Nick returned to the village and stopped beside the petrol pumps. He reached into his coat and hung his head with a groan. "I don't believe this," he muttered. Nick smiled when the owner came out to him. "I don't suppose I can leave this with you for a bit. Left my wallet at home."

The man chuckled. "Not your day, it seems. Wild goose chases 'n' all that." Before Nick could ask how the hell he knew that so quickly, the man continued, "am a friend of Gwyn Millar. Helpful old soul, that one. Phoned me t'say about a girl off walkabouts."

Nick gave a small smile. "Right. I take it you heard about why we're looking for her."

The man's face fell solemn. "Aye. Nonsense is that. How old is the girl?"

Nick demounted the bike and pushed it toward the small garage behind the pumps. "Old enough to know what assault is," he replied grimly. "Hopefully, not enough to understand it."

The man clicked his tongue. "Greengrass is `armless!"

Nick smiled slightly. "Don't suppose you'd wanna sit by in court if it comes to it? He'll need all the support he can get."

"Aye."

…

"I already told that – that pig sergeant of yours!"

Nick pointed a finger sternly. "Less of that." He sat down opposite Claude in the interview room. "Run by me what happened."

"Your lugs stuffed?"

Nick remained calm; he couldn't exactly blame Claude this time for getting angry. "Because I'm asking."

"I din't do owt wrong!"

Nick clasped his fingers over the table. "I believe you, Claude."

Claude fidgeted slightly. "You – you do?"

Nick smiled. "Course. You might be a pain in our backsides half the time, but that's about it."

Claude chuckled slightly. "Summat wrong wi' yer?"

Nick rolled his eyes with a disbelieving smile. "I'm tryin' to help you, now come on. Tell me what happened."

….

Nick and Kate walked hand in hand down the path leading to Aidensfield Arms under the bright starlit sky. "Since we can't find the girl and no one's seen hair or hide of her, they've released Greengrass on the assumption that it was all just a misunderstanding."

Kate sighed. "I bet that pleased Blaketon."

Nick huffed a laugh. "No choice really, with no evidence or witnesses, not even the accuser herself."

Kate leaned her head slightly on Nick's arm. "Do you think it's a bit strange that you didn't find the girl at all?"

"At first, yeah, but she could have moved on quickly enough when she realised it was a mistake. She was obviously not with anyone, and from what I've learned, no one is lodging here at the moment."

The couple turned the corner up the path to their local. "Can't really imagine someone as young as her just gallivanting about in a village unknown to her."

Nick smiled and pulled Kate slightly closer; her kindness always spread warmth through his heart. "She is eleven. Well, based on what Claude said."

Kate huffed. "Hardly one capable of looking after herself completely, is she."

Nick kissed the top of her head, reached for the door, and pulled it open for her with a smile. "Guess we'll never know."

The couple walked into a half-packed pub of mostly locals chatting amongst themselves and was greeted with nods from a few at the side tables before Gina greeted them cheerfully from behind the bar. "Hello you two. What you avin?"

"A bitter and a baby sham, please Gina," Nick ordered as he and Kate sat on the stools.

"Comin' right up." She pulled the pint glass out, and Nick nodded. "By the way, did ya get ya bike sorted, Nick?"

Nick closed his eyes and sighed with a smile. "Yes, thanks." Nothing got past anyone in Aidensfield; he should be used to it by now. Everybody hears all and sees all. Nick suddenly frowned slightly. Why was it, then, that no one had seen the girl?

"Nick?"

Nick snapped from his thoughts when Kate called him and laughed. "Sorry, love. Was miles away."

Kate looked at him. "Are you okay?"

Nick nodded. "I'm fine, just a bit tired, that's all." Nick smiled when Kate seemed to accept his response; after all, there wasn't much he could do about it now. It was probably one of those times when he should let it go.

Suddenly, the pub fell silent and into a state of hushed whispers. Nick and Kate turned to see Claude walking toward the bar, trying his best to ignore the stares. Nick guessed there'd be a little trouble for a while; not everyone believed Claude's innocence. "No Alfred tonight?" Nick asked casually, trying to ease the tension.

Claude gave a small smile. "Thought it best he stopped at home like."

Kate shared a sad glance with Nick before turning to Claude. "What'll you have Claude? I'll buy."

Claude grinned. "Oh, aye? In that case, I'll av a double whisky."

There was a loud scoff from the table behind them. "in't that rich! A copper aiding a local perv!"

Nick turned and glowered. "Leave it out. Best you behave."

Kate looked sternly at the two men: she'd seen them around once or twice. "For your information, I'm not a police officer, and what I do with my own money, is my business!"

Nick slipped off the stool and stepped forward when the two men stood up. "I said behave." Nick took another step. "Unless, of course, you wanna spend the night in the cells." The two men, who were a bit drunk judging by their unsteady stances, stumbled away and left the pub. Nick turned to Kate and rubbed her arm. "You shouldn't get so worked up, love."

Kate clicked her tongue, annoyed at herself. "Oh, I know I should know better."

Nick smiled when Kate huffed as he kissed her forehead. "Wouldn't have you any other way."

"Pay them no mind, Claude," George commented as he stepped beside Gina and handed him his drink. "Couple of drunks, is all."

Claude grumbled and turned in his chair toward the locals. "`ere that? I ant dun nowt to anyone! It's ruthless is what it is! Gunning for an old pensioner like me…."

Nick looked at Kate with a slight grin. "Almost a pensioner," he corrected.

Claude gave him an annoyed glance. "Ay, yer can laff about it now."

…..

Nick smiled at the butcher and handed him the money for two thick-cut steaks, watching as the man wrapped them tightly. "Celebrating summat tonight, Constable?" Nick had given up insisting the kind butcher drop the formality by the end of his first year in Aidensfield.

"Ah, Kate is still feeling a bit agitated over what happened to Mr Greengrass. Thought I'd surprise her. You know, bottle of wine and such."

The butcher laughed. "Wonder what ya do when yer anniversary comes around."

Nick smiled, remembering how their first anniversary had ended. "And she says I'm not romantic," he joked. The butcher shook his head with a chuckle and placed the wrapped meat on the counter. Before Nick could take them, however, he heard yelling outside and jogged out of the store, forgetting his steaks.

"Ah want a word wi' yer, copper! Like harassin' girls, d'ya!"

Nick frowned, but before he could move to help his colleague, the aggressor threw a fist at Alf, who barely had time to react or defend against it. "Oi!" Nick shouted and took off after the young man. He ran across the green before quickly hopping over the low wall and turning the corner sharply, keeping the attacker in sight. The street began to narrow before it cut off toward a farm with a tall fence, which the runner foolishly tried to climb, giving Nick time to grab him by the scruff and pin him to the floor, twisting his arm back. "You're nicked, sunshine!"

…

"Well, at least now we know the girl is still in Aidensfield somewhere," Nick stated as he leaned against his desk, cradling a mug of tea in one hand while sympathetically glancing at Alf, who seemed to be deep in thought and certainly worried; Nick didn't blame him, but after over fifteen years under Blaketon's command, Alf just needed to have faith. No one would ever believe Alf could do such a thing, no more than they believed Claude Jeremiah Greengrass.

Alf felt eyes on him and looked up slightly, receiving a supporting smile from Nick; all he could do was nod and barely respond with a smile of his own. It was all well and good that his colleagues had his back, but if this turned serious, it would be the end of his career, not to mention all the backlash his colleagues would receive; what the hell would he tell his wife!

"I want that girl found. You hear me, Rowan?"

Nick nodded with hidden frustration because they had closed the case on this one too soon.

"Take our Mr fancies himself a hero, and I'll deal with things here."

Nick glanced again at Alf, knowing that 'things here' definitely meant him. He gave him one last smile of support, finished his tea, and made his way to the interview room.

Blaketon looked at Alf sternly. "My office. Now."

….

The young man groaned in frustration as he lowered his head to the table in the crooks of his arms. "I told yer. I dun even know her, do I."

Nick scoffed lightly. "Right. You just make a habit of bringing about trouble whenever a stranger comes to you for help?"

The man straightened. "Just my way. Can't help m'self."

Nick clasped his fingers tightly and leaned forward. "Even if what the girl said was true, don't you think there's smarter ways to be the hero than the stunt you pulled?"

Suddenly, the young man felt uneasy. "I were just bein' a good citizen like! Ya know – tryin' t'protect and all that."

Nick frowned slightly. "You assaulted a police officer, Mr Carter."

Mr Carter became upset and slapped the table. "I din't mean to! Look, I got two little sisters to care for, yer know! Me mam ain't well."

Nick leaned back. "Maybe you should have thought of that before playing the anti-hero."

Mr Carter gazed at Nick with tear-filled eyes. "Please, I can't do time f'this…."

Nick swallowed guiltily. "I'm sorry."

…..

Blaketon stared hard at Alf, more so at his forming blackeye, as he sat on his desk chair opposite his officer. "You stupid pillock! The hell were yer thinkin, Ventress!"

Alf slunk slightly in his chair but was determined to plead his case. "I'm sorry, Sarge. I weren't to know."

Blaketon glowered. "Weren't to know what?" He pointed to the door. "We just 'ad bloody Greengrass in `ere for the same thing not three days ago!"

Alf straightened. "Come on, Sarge. You know me."

Blaketon brought his hand down on the table. "Well, it's a bloody damn good job I do!"

Alf couldn't help but smile. "Thanks, Sarge."

The sergeant didn't look impressed. "Save it, Ventress. It's still my word against the court. Not to mention everyone else in the village. Unless we can find the girl and get her to admit she were havin us on, I'm afraid I have no choice but to suspend yer indefinitely."

Alf's face fell gravely. "But Sarge…"

Blaketon gave a short huff. "It's for your own good. Might help keep some peace. I already got word from George the reaction a few took to one of our own simply buying Greengrass a drink, although I can't imagine why anyone would buy that bloody pain in the backside anything."

Alf stood up slowly with a nod. "I understand, Sarge."

Blaketon hated this as much as his officers did, but it was his job to protect everyone in the best way he knew how; cruel-to-be-kind was a harsh thing sometimes, but Oscar Blaketon didn't make sergeant for being a loveable teddy bear.

…..

Phil pushed his way through the small crowd of angry villagers that had formed outside the station. "Ain't you lot got better things to do!" As he threw open the door, he turned to them. "Be off, or I'll have yer all in cuffs!" The protests became louder, and mentions of letting guilty people walk free while protectors like Mr Carter were locked up. Phil stepped into the office. "`s'mad out there. We can do summat about that, right?"

Nick gave him a wane smile but was inwardly amused by Phil's attempt to scare them off. "Best not to antagonise 'em, Phil."

Phil stared incredulously. "Do what?"

Before Phil could start accusing him of taking sides, Nick replied with frustration. "It would seem they have a permit. So long as none of 'em cause harm or vandalization, we have to put up with it."

Phil collapsed into his chair. "This is bloody stupid."

"No!" The two officers stood up when Blaketon entered the room. "What's stupid is that my two officers are dilly-dallying when there's work to be done!"

Nick turned, grabbing his helmet from the desk. "I was just on my way out to patrol and see if I might spot the girl, Sarge."

Blaketon glared. "Then get on with it! This certainly won't blow over until yer do!"

Nick nodded. "Yes, Sarge. Mr Carter informed me of her last whereabouts, so I'll start there and get to asking around again."

Nick rode from the station with a huff of annoyance as he stopped for a moment to turn and glance at the protesting villagers, none of whom they knew well, and for that, Nick was grateful because it gave him hope.

…..

Nick shuffled tiredly through his front door and removed his helmet with a yawn; four hours he had searched for the girl, and another four questioning the locals for as much information as he could.

As Nick walked into the kitchen, he was surprised to see Kate sitting at the table with tea. "Hallo, love. I didn't expect you home yet." He stepped closer and smiled before kissing her when she inclined her head toward him. Nick frowned slightly when he noticed the sad expression and sat down. "What's up?"

Kate sighed and chewed her lip. "It's nothing."

Nick reached over and took her hand. "What's happened?"

She gave a wane smile. "I've been home for hours, Nick."

Nick scooted closer. "How come?"

Kate glanced up at him, unsure of her words. "Patients refusing to see me. I had to get Alex to come in."

Nick rubbed her arm. "That's not anything new, is it? Sometimes you still get the odd one or two."

Kate sighed. "Didn't you hear what I said, Nick? I've been home for hours. I could let it go if it were the 'odd one or two,' but this is different."

Nick began to worry. "How'd you mean?"

Kate looked on the verge of tears, but Nick could see the anger in her eyes. "Because I'm the wife of a police officer at the station."

Nick frowned. Since when was that an issue? "What's that got to do with anything?" Suddenly, he felt like he just answered his own question. "Oh, Kate. I'm so sorry. I didn't expect any of this to affect you."

Kate stood up in annoyance and turned away. "All that hard work gaining the villagers respect for me as a doctor. I thought I was finally getting somewhere, becoming the doctor I know I am, and now…."

Nick didn't like the somewhat accusing tone in his wife's voice and stood up slowly. "Hang on, you don't blame us for this mess, do you?" When Kate didn't answer right away, Nick grew more anxious. "Kate?"

Kate sighed. "Oh, I know this isn't your fault, Nick…"

Nick became defensive. "It isn't, and it certainly isn't Alf's either."

Kate turned to him apologetically. "I know that, but Nick, I'm worried. This is getting serious."

Nick's tension remained, and he stepped away. "You don't have to tell me." As he walked away, Kate tried to call him back, and he stopped in the doorway. "I need you by my side on this one, Kate."

Kate frowned. "I am!"

Nick scoffed lightly. "Could have fooled me."

Before Nick could head up the stairs, the sound of glass shattering forced him to retreat back to the kitchen, along with Kate's terrified cry of his name. "Kate!" Nick quickly skidded to the floor to aid his wife, who was crouched with her hands protectively over her head. "Kate? Are you alright?" Nick lifted her head to assess any harm, but with relief, he couldn't see any and sighed heavily before he embraced her tightly. "Thank god."

"I'm alright," she said quietly, returning the embrace with equal anguish. "It was a brick." Nick pulled away to reach for the object responsible but quickly dropped it with a hiss. Kate gently cupped the back of Nick's hand. "Your hand…"

Nick smiled slightly. "Don't worry about it, there's a doctor in the house after all."

Kate huffed at his brush-off attempt. "There could be glass in there, Nick. We should at least be cautious and take you to hospital."

Nick pulled a face. "That seems a bit excessive. Can't you just pull out the shards here?"

Kate shook her head with an amused smile. "And this is why I'm the doctor."

…..

Nick sat on a gurney with legs dangling and a slight pout, flexing his bandaged hand. He looked up when Kate came over to his side of the ward. Kate smiled at him with slight humour. "At least it wasn't your head this time," she joked and leaned down to kiss him.

Nick huffed a laugh. "They got the glass out."

Kate sat beside him. "I told you."

Nick smiled, staring at his hand. "I guess doctors really do know best."

Kate's smile faltered. "Not always." Nick locked eyes with her. "I'm sorry, Nick. For what I said before, or rather, didn't say… I overreacted."

Nick shook his head and wrapped his arm around her. "Nah, I think you reacted exactly how you deserved to. I'm the idiot. I could have been more supportive and not jumped the gun. I let the situation get to me."

Kate leaned her head on his shoulder. "You're allowed to sometimes, Nick. You are human, you know."

Nick shook his head in dismay. "It's like Phil's case all over again, only much worse."

Kate snuggled closer. "You solved that one, and you will again."

Nick smiled. "You think so?"

Kate looked up at him brightly. "Absolutely." She leaned her forehead against his. "Shall we go home? We've got a window to fix." They stared at one another for a moment, silent apologies in their eyes. "I love you, Kate."

Kate's smile brightened slightly. "I love you too." Her lips curled to a playful grin. "You big idiot."

They kissed again but were interrupted by a cough and pulled away with sheepish grins when they realised Blaketon and Phil were standing there. Nick was about to stand up, but Blaketon held his hand up. "As you were, Rowan. Yer big idiot."

Kate hid her smile against Nick's arm, suddenly aware of how long the two had been standing there.

"Sorry, Sarge." Nick hid his amusement a lot better than Kate did, and Phil, apparently.

"Anyway, Rowan." As usual, the sergeant was in no mood; it could have something to do with the house's broken window. "The window has been boarded for now, and someone will be by first thing tomorrow to replace it."

Nick and Kate shared a glance before looking back at Blaketon, perplexed. "Sarge?"

Blaketon stared at them. "That house is police property, lad."

Nick smiled sincerely. "Thank you, Sarge."

Phil then raised an eyebrow and nodded to his bandaged hand. "Don't antagonise 'em, ay Nick?"

Nick huffed in annoyance and rolled his eyes. "Phil, I hardly think a brick through my window counts as antagonising them. I didn't even see who they were. It's not like I bolted after them or anything."

Phil chuckled slightly, but then his face grew serious. "At least you're both alright."

Kate smiled. "We're fine, thank you."

Blaketon gave a slight grin. "There's that, and now we have a reason to get that bloody crowd off our backs at the station. Since we don't know who did it, they're all suspects with a warning."

Nick nodded with satisfaction. "That's one bit of good news at least."

Blaketon stepped forward. "Oh, it gets better. I just received a phone call from the station in Whitby."

Nick immediately became curious. "Oh?"

Blaketon grinned again, but Nick could tell that he wasn't happy. "You're goin' t`love this, Rowan."