"Guv?" DS Low asked, the mention of a photograph at a posh event had triggered something. "The photo on your desk-".

"That's the picture from that event," Steve confirmed. It was one of his favourite photographs of himself. "I have it there to remind me about how there are always better times ahead if I'm feeling low or a case isn't going right,".

DS Low nodded in understanding. He'd admired the picture in his Guv'nor's office a few times. You couldn't help but see how happy he and indeed the other person in the photo appeared. "Your partner is the other person in the picture?" he asked and Steve nodded. "She sounds amazing," he said, almost jealous of the support Steve had had in his dark times.

"She was," Steve replied in the past tense as he and Kate were no longer partners. "She is," he corrected. Although they no longer worked together, she was still in his life.

"What is her name?".

"Kate,".

DS Low paused. He'd heard the name 'Kate' around the office a couple of times in the few months he had started working there and it was usually when the Guv'nors wife was being discussed. "Isn't that your missus's name?".

"It is," Steve confirmed. "The exact same,".

"Wow," said DS Low as he finally realised that his boss had married his partner. "Even after all that she went through with you, she still said yes," he said in awe.

"I know. I'm a lucky bastard," Steve admitted proudly. "But it just goes to show, sort yourself out and you can definitely get your life back on track," he added. "Maybe try your luck with a certain DC Carlton,".

"I don't know what you're talking about, Sir," DS Low retorted, although the deep red of his cheeks gave him away.

"Oh come on," replied Steve. "I may have to wear glasses for some things these days but I'm not completely blind," he continued. "I've seen the looks passing between you two behind my back. I think the whole department has,".

"I dunno, Sir,".

"You might feel like you don't deserve her right now," Steve said, remembering how unworthy of love he had felt in his darkest hours, "but clean yourself up and you'll be quite a catch,".

"You reckon?".

"I know so," Steve encouraged. "And I can attest to how healing the love of a good woman can be,".

"So how did your romantic relationship start?" DS Low enquired, curious as to how to go about dating a work colleague.

"I'm not giving out dating advice," Steve retorted, knowing what a minefield it could be, "besides, that is private between me and my wife," he added as he looked at his watch. "Speaking of whom, I should probably head back home to,".

"You know you're punching, right Sir?" DS Low teased his boss.

"I'm well aware, thank you," agreed Steve as he stood and collected the now empty mugs. "Promise me that you will look over all this information," he continued, turning serious again. "I'll be there every step of the way, if you want me to,".

"Thanks, Sir," DS Low replied, touched by his boss's care.

"Just don't do it by yourself," Steve recommended, "and for Chrissake don't go cold turkey like I did. That was a really stupid idea,".

"I won't boss," DS Low agreed.

"Ok. Well on you go," Steve said. "I'll turn off the lights,".

"Thanks, Sir," DS Low said as he stood and collected the pamphlets that Steve had given him.

Steve watched him go, fairly hopeful that the young man was going to sort himself out. Once he was alone he made a quick trip to the small kitchenette to wash the mugs out before he headed back to his office. As he collected his jacket and keys, he caught sight of the photo on his desk that he had just been talking about with his junior officer. Talking about that night brought back memories of what happened after the photo had been taken and Steve couldn't help but reminisce as he headed to his car.

Presentation Evening

"I think I'm gonna seriously regret how much I've drunk tonight in the morning," Kate said as she staggered down the stairs with Steve. They were both quite drunk and using each other for support with one hand whilst clutching their awards in the other. After the award presentation had concluded, the alcohol had started to flow rather quickly on all the gathered tables.

"Can't hold your drink anymore, Fleming?".

"It appears not," Kate replied as they finally made it outside and to the black cab that was taking them home.

Steve gave the driver his address as the pair settled themselves in the back seat. "Jesus," Kate said, "my head is spinning," she announced as the taxi pulled away, before Steve felt her rest her head on his shoulder and close her eyes. He helped her get comfortable by extending his arm out along the back of the back seat so she could get closer to his side.

"Better?" he murmured and he felt Kate nod her head.

The gentle rocking motion of the cab and the alcohol buzzing around Steve's blood system was quite soporific and he was soon dozing with his head resting against the top of Kate's head. He didn't know how long he was asleep for before he was woken by the lurching of the cab violently to the left.