A/N: And here's chapter 2. Been in the drafts for quite a while now and other chapters lined up but I'm not entirely sure if this is going how I wanted it to be. But just in case it doesn't, do forgive me.

It was 10.17 am.

But Ellie had yet to see the shadow of her boss around. His office, with its door ajar, was still dark and unoccupied. She rushed in late that morning. It was just thirteen minutes late but knowing Alec Hardy, she knew he could not care less for latecomers so long as they got their work done. However, the man himself always came in way too early even on slow days which made Ellie assume that she might have missed him.

Don't think it's a Gold meeting, she thought to herself as she sipped on the last of her tea at her desk. There was tons of paperwork to be done with regards to the Winterman case and she needed to go through it with Alec. She could drop him a text right now but she knew better to wait it out just in case he did come in for work. With that in mind, she went over to the kitchenette, brewing herself another cup of tea.

"Jesus, Ma'am," Nish looked over her shoulder as he made his way to the sink and washed her mug, "That's your third cup and it's only 10. You all right?"

Ellie pursed her lips, not willing to explain herself, "Yeah, I'm fine. Just… you know. Paperwork."

"Bit of a mess, is it? The boy being a minor and all?"

Ellie's heart dropped. She had been trying to shake the anxiety of having that knowledge ever since they arrested Michael Lucas. The fact that it was Tom's friend and also because she felt so much for his naive and yet kind mother - a soul almost too pure in her opinion. She could only shrug her shoulders in response.

As Nish walked away, Ellie asked with a masked nonchalance, "Have you seen DI Hardy by any chance?"

The man stopped in his tracks and spun around, a hand on his hip, "He just called in to take the day off, actually. I forgot to mention it to you. The Chief Super told me to tell you to take over things for today."

"What?" Ellie stopped stirring her tea, "Why? And why couldn't she tell me herself?"

"DI Hardy called in to say that he would be late, initially. But only a few moments ago the Chief Super came by to update you but you were in the loo."

"That's not like Hardy, is it? To take the day off?"

"I asked but she said he had to take care of his daughter. Apparently, she's got quite the fever."

Ellie recalled last night's dinner. Both of them seemed fine and well the day before. Or did she miss something? Daisy was a big girl, it must have been bad if Alec had to take the day off for her when he could not even give himself a break back when he was ill.

"It's quite nice, innit?" Nish chuckled.

"What is?" Ellie cocked her head.

"DI Hardy," The man shifted his weight, "Never thought he'd be such a dad, eh?"

Ellie let out a small smile, "You'd be surprised. Thanks, anyway. For the update."

Nish walked away after acknowledging her with a nod.

Making her way back, she half-jogged, realising her desk phone was ringing, "DS Miller."

"Miller," She could recognise the voice anywhere, "I need you to organise the paperwork for me. I'll drop by the station at lunch to take home.

Ellie could not help it but to roll her eyes, "Christ's sake! This could have been in a text."

There was silence at the other end before Alec replied flatly(although Ellie thought she noticed the exhaustion in his tone), "I sent you a text but you didn't reply."

With one hand holding onto the receiver to her ear, Ellie put down her mug that was in the other and settled in her seat, picking up her mobile phone.

10:21

MESSAGES: DI Alec Hardy 2 Messages

10:22

CALLS: Missed voice calls DI Alec Hardy (3)

Ellie glanced over at the time on her desktop: 10:25

"Jesus. It's only been 3 minutes!" She scolded him through gritted teeth.

The whole office turned in her direction, heads popping from their desks, every single one of them knowing instantly who was on the other end of the line.

"I needed to reach you but you weren't answering."

"You're such- Urgh! I was making tea! Can't leave my phone on the desk for a while now, can I?"

The line went quiet again.

"Bloody hell. What else do you need?"

"Nothing. That's all. See ya later, Miller."

Sandwiching the receiver between an ear and her shoulder, Ellie went on to sort out the folders on her desk as she continued, "Don't bother. I'll drop it at your place during lunch."

"Miller, I can-"

"Just shut up and say thanks, will you?"

She heard a sigh from the receiver, "Thanks, Miller."

Ellie slammed the phone and perched both her elbows on her desk as she massaged her temples.

Nish, who had just passed by her, gave her a pat on the back, "2 years, eh?"

Ellie looked up at him, "What?"

"It's like he never left." He pursed his lips before settling back at his desk.

The day was painstakingly slow. Other than the paperwork that needed to be done for Winterman's case, the station almost had nothing to do other than take calls for a minor hit-and-run and vandalized property.

Ellie excused herself for lunch two hours later and rushed over to Alec's place to deliver his request but despite having texted him before making his way to his place, she found herself stuck by the door of his home with no response to her knocks. She called them out loud, only to be responded with nothing. Transferring the folders and lunch take-out to one hand, Ellie practically punched his number in frustration and waited for the ringing to be answered.

As expected, though concerning, there was no response. Sighing, Ellie tried her luck at opening the door, which to her surprise, was unlocked. She contemplated for a while, remembering that she was not at his little blue chalet. This home was his and his daughter's now. She could not simply walk in like she did two years ago - although she did make a mental note to remind him to lock his doors. It was way too often that back in his tiny miserable abode he left the door open. But this house on a hill, was a good change - a major upgrade, if you will. This was a whole new territory even if it seemed like her partnership with Alec Hardy simply picked up from where it left off.

It was further concerning, however, that with the door unlocked, Alec Hardy was not responding. Ellie eventually let herself in, popping it head first before carefully taking light steps into the house, wary of a break-in or an abduction of sorts. It was an extreme thought, but she could not help it for she knew full well that her boss was not exactly one to have a good relationship with another human being.

Placing the files and take-out gingerly on the dining table, Ellie continued to be on the lookout. The house was tidy, with no signs of struggle. Then, she noticed the two mugs on the table and gave it a touch.

Cold.

"Sir?" Ellie announced softly, "The door was unlocked. Let myself in, if you don't mind?"

She looked like a meerkat, stretching her head in search of her boss and his daughter as she clutched her leather crossbody bag with both her hands, "I'm approaching the bedrooms."

Sure enough, Ellie came to the first door only to find it wide ajar. Without having to scan the room, she found Alec asleep leaning against the wall beside his daughter's bed, his long limbs stretched out in front of him, his hands laid limply on both his thighs.

Next to him was a bowl of water, a face towel hanging off its rim. Her eyes then returned to him before slowly averting to the bed where Daisy was asleep with covers up to her neck. Ellie touched her forehead with the back of her hand before retracting almost instantly, "Bloody hell."

Crouching next to Alec, Ellie gave him a nudge on the shoulder, "Sir?"

He remained unmoved. Ellie then put the back of her hand to his forehead.

At least he's all right, Ellie exhaled in relief. She gave him another gentle shake, "Hardy?"

Alec stirred.

"You better get up," Ellie spoke softly, close to a whisper.

"Miller," He managed with the thickest Scottish brogue she ever called her name in, his eyes still closed.

"Got you the things you asked for."

"'Mmkay."

"You need to at least sleep in your bed."

Ellie waited for a response, still crouched beside him. Eventually, he fluttered his eyes halfway open, "'M awake now."

"I don't think you are."

Alec inhaled deeply as he straightened himself, dragging a hand across his face to wipe the sleep away, muttering her name to greet her, "Miller."

"You all right?"

He blinked at her for a while, "Out."

Ellie cocked her head in disbelief, a frown creasing her face, "That's a bit rude."

Alec sighed, as he slowly rose. Ellie stood up and took a step back, crossing her arms.

"I meant outside," His voice a whisper-like gruff, "Let's go outside."

Alec dragged himself out of the room as Ellie tailed behind him. She noticed he was still in the suit she saw him in at dinner, realizing he probably had spent the night awake. She took the liberty to softly close the door behind her.

"Tea?" Alec asked as he made his way slowly to the kitchen.

"I'll just have water. I've had 4 cups since the morning."

There was no response. In turn, he turned to her and scowled.

"Was shaking away the anger from the case. Bit heavy, this one."

"Hmm." He managed and continued his journey to the kitchen.

"Got you lunch."

Alec grunted in acknowledgment.

"What happened? She was fine last night."

Her boss approached the sink and ran the tap, as he bent over slightly to wash his face. Fetching a glass from the cupboard, he grabbed the decanter of water on the counter and poured its contents into it before handing it to Ellie, "Something happened."

"Well, obviously." Ellie replied, rolling her eyes.

Alec let out an exasperated groan, "We were talking about some issues. Things that she's been keeping to herself for too long."

"Sounds like someone I know. But that doesn't explain why she's burning. Why didn't you bring her to the doctor?"

He went silent again, deep in thought as he leaned against the kitchen counter, hands jammed into his trousers pockets, "She wouldn't let me. I've been trying to bring down the temperature with a wet towel the whole night."

Alec motioned a hand, leading her back to the front room. She trailed him, her water still in hand. He slumped himself into the sofa, rubbing his temples, "Called in the doctor. He said she'll be fine. Just a fever."

"Just? She's on fire!"

"Sit down, will you?"

She did so on a dining chair, restraining herself from slamming the glass of water as she placed it down on the dining table, evidently frustrated, "What happened, then?"

"I don't know, Miller," He whined, "Just… it's fine, all right?"

"No, this is definitely not fine. Look at yourself! For Christ's sake, was this suit from work yesterday?"

"Knock it off."

"Talk to me."

"I don't have to."

"Bullshit. Talk to me or I'll tell Clark you're taking the next few days off because you're ill."

"But I'm not."

"Exactly. But given your history, Clark will never believe you if you say otherwise."

He huffed, boring his eyes into hers. But Ellie would not let down. She matched it and glared back.

"Fine," Alec dragged a hand across his face, "We talked about whatever happened between us. All those years ago."

"You had two years to talk about it."

"Do you want me to tell you or not?"

"Sorry. Go on."

"Those two years," Alec took a deep breath, "it wasn't easy. Daisy wouldn't spend time with me without her mother. Tried convincing Tess to get back together for Daisy's sake but she wouldn't have me either."

Ellie never thought of it that way. It was evident that back in the days at the little blue chalet, Tess had treated him coldly too, her gentleness mainly out of guilt. Even when at that point of time she thought he was rude to her, Ellie could not help but realise now that it was him asking for help, practically screaming and begging. But it did not occur to her that Alec did not have anyone to fall back to. Her heart ached, "What changed?"

"I spent my time apart from her. I thought if Daisy wasn't ready to take me back, at least I should be near. Rented a place near the house, continued teaching at the academy for a while because I wanted to make time available for her. Had dinner with Daisy once or twice a month. But we never talked about what happened. Whatever was on the table for discussion, that will be the topic of the night."

"Why did you come back, then?"

"I told you. Daisy had a row with her mum. I needed to find a place for us to stay. "

"Yeah, I get that. But why here? You could have gone anywhere else."

Alec let the question hang in the air heavily. His head was too heavy to be discussing such a topic without even taking a shower or even a cup of coffee. Why did he not make one in the first place?

"Fine, don't tell me. But how was it that she's burning? Shouldn't you take her to the doctor?"

"I've already given her medicine. Plus, she's in the clear. All she needed was rest." Alec reached over to the files on the table and placed them on his lap. In a soft voice, almost too gentle, he continued, "It was… it was a lot for her. She was shaking so much trying to hold back her tears."

"She's your daughter for sure. Thinking she could hold everything in on her own."

"All those years. There's nothing that she had to apologize for, Miller. Those decisions were mine."

Ellie could not help but tear up a little. Two years.

And Alec Hardy still carried the guilt of his own making. But from her perspective, those decisions were not his alone, "No, it wasn't."

"What?"

"Those decisions you thought you have to apologize for, those weren't yours alone."

"What do you mean?"

"It was Tess' too. But she let you carry it on your own."

"Miller-"

"I'm sorry to say this but there is no point trying for someone who saw you struggle on your own. She left you to fend for yourself. You carried the blame and saved her name. If she even had half the decency, she would have at least helped you fix things with Daisy. Bloody hell. I'm glad that you didn't get back together because you deserved better than that. Daisy deserves better than that."

Alec crossed his arms, "I'm shit at this, Miller. And the pictures. Goodness knows how many times she must have tried to find the courage to tell me until she did."

"All the tension. All those thoughts and emotions. Released all at once?"

"Aye."

"Psychogenic fever, then."

Alec simply nodded.

"Christ." Ellie's eyes scanned the table, "Just… make sure she eats her lunch. I've bought caesar salad for you and porridge for her. That girl is burning a hole through her bed. For what it's worth, I think you should bring her to a doctor."

"I'll take care of it, Miller. Don't worry-"

"Don't you dare say don't worry. You look like shit."

"Shitface."

"Don't be clever with me. Get some sleep. You look worse than your daughter."

Alec blinked blankly at her. Ellie knew this was a sign that his mind was drifting off and the days of lack of sleep were quickly catching up with him.

"I'll be back and get you dinner." Ellie stood up to excuse herself, her lunchtime was nearly ending.

"Don't bother, Miller."

"Fine. Have it your way and starve. I'll get dinner only for Daisy. Knob."

"You don't have to-"

"The last time I checked you couldn't even take care of yourself when you were sick. I don't really trust you to know what to do for her."

As Ellie made her way to the door, Alec got from his seat and walked with her. He leaned against the doorframe, "Am I doing this right, Miller?"

As she stood outside his door, Ellie looked up at him and searched his eyes - dark, wrinkled with age and worry, exhaustion set around it. "You're here, aren't you? That's all she needs. Don't beat yourself up too much. You're doing a lot more for her than most fathers would have."

Ellie put a hand to his arm, "She's going to be aching all over when she wakes up. Make sure she drinks a lot of water."

"Aye."

"And sleep," She let her hand fall to her side, "I'll see you in a bit."

As Ellie walked away, Alec walked back inside the house and locked the door behind him. He returned to his daughter's room and noticed she had moved in her sleep, her back facing him as she slept on her side. He sat at the edge of her bed, pulling up the sheets to cover her shoulder before putting a palm to her forehead. The temperature had gone down a bit but she was still warm.

Alec sighed, stroking his daughter's hair. Then, he picked up the bowl of water and face towel and brought it to the kitchen, throwing the water away. After washing the bowl and disposing of the towel in the laundry hamper, he returned to Daisy's room with the files Ellie brought with her. He sat at the study table and fished out his reading glasses from his trousers pocket and before he dove into his paperwork for the day, Alec turned and took one last look at his daughter.

She's breathing, he thought to himself.

Alec sighed and started going through the paperwork.

On the bed, Daisy Hardy, in all her state of illness, smiled half asleep.