Chapter Text
Alec and Ellie sat on the sofa in Alec’s living room reviewing files from their current case. There had been a string of break-ins at various shops around town over the last two weeks. The break-ins seemed minor at first until they realized the items being stolen were ingredients used in making illicit drugs. They had a pair of suspects in mind that could connect all of the scenes, but they had yet to come up with any definitive proof or CCTV footage.
Alec sat back on the sofa and stretched out his arms hearing the distinct popping sounds of aging. He took off his reading glasses and looked over at Ellie. She appeared to be staring intently at one of the files, but Alec could tell she was distracted. He had noticed her looking over at him nervously several times tonight. He knew her well enough that she had something she wanted to say to him, but hadn’t found the nerve yet. He debated with himself whether to bring it up or not. He feared she might just leave and bottle up whatever it is she wanted to discuss. He couldn’t let her go on feeling this way though.
“Alright, Miller?” he asked quietly
“Hm?” she shook her head, snapping out of her reverie. “Fine, yeah. Not having much luck here.”
“Aye, you seem…distracted. Are you sure you’re alright?” Alec fought the urge to place a comforting hand over Ellie's.
“Ok.” She said, sounding annoyed. “Can’t hide anything from you can I? I am distracted, yeah. I’ve been thinking about something really stupid and I just cannot get it out of my head.” Alec’s eyes widened at her abrupt admission.
“What is it? I’ll help if I can.” Alec asked, voice full of concern
Ellie laughed. “You’ll probably be wishing you didn’t say that.”
“Well come on then, out with it.” He said exasperated.
“Oh god this is so stupid. Ok. So I have not been thinking very highly of myself recently. You know, feeling like real damaged goods and all.” Ellie noticed Alec’s face drop, but she continued on. “Oh, don’t pull that face, that's how I feel. Anyway, I was thinking about all the things I’ve been missing about being in a relationship. Not necessarily in my relationship with— well, you know who, but in general.” Alec nodded. “One of the things I’ve really been missing, I guess, craving— Oh that’s a stupid word.” Ellie was getting flustered now. A blush spread over her cheeks.
“I really just want to be kissed.” She blurted out. “Not by just some random bloke on the street, not a heated snog or anything. Just someone I trust and a simple kiss. I just want to feel connected in that way to someone again. Obviously I kiss my kids, but that’s not the same thi–- oh I told you it was stupid. Don’t laugh. Actually, don’t say anything. Let’s get back to work.”
Alec sat staring as her words came spilling out. He absolutely understood what she was talking about. He missed the physical affection and intimacy in his life as well. And he certainly didn’t feel comfortable seeking this connection from swipes on an app. He’d been there and done that. Hardy felt his brain malfunctioning. Is she asking me to kiss her? He realized he was just staring, mouth agape like a fish.
“Alec, Alec Hardy!” Ellie waved her hand in front of his face trying to bring him back to the moment.
“What? Oh! No, no Miller. That’s uh, not stupid at all. I do get that, yeah. I miss it too. Not um, not with Tess necessarily, but like you said. Don’t want it to be just anyone.”
“Oh.” Ellie smiled and looked up at Alec, hopeful. “In that case I thought maybe we might— I don’t want to mess up our working relationship. I just thought. Gods it’s really terribly stupid of me. Would you? Can I— ” Ellie took a deep breath. She looked Alec square in the eyes. “Can I kiss you? Just maybe-"
“Yes.”
“What?” Ellie asked, visibly shocked.
“I said yes. You can kiss me. Or rather we can kiss. It’s not stupid how… you’re feeling. Although, Ellie Miller, you are not damaged goods.” He said seriously. “We can try it once I suppose. If it’s awful we can never speak of it again. If it’s not, well…”
“You’re sure it won’t make it weird or ruin what we’ve got going here.” Ellie waved her hand around in the space between them.
“Well now you’re makin’ it weird. Shut up Miller and let’s do it already.” Alec said impatiently.
“Oh well, very forward of you, sir.” Ellie said sarcastically. Alec huffed.
Ellie shifted her body closer to Alec’s. “Ok" she said. “When you’re ready.”
Alec shifted closer as well. He reached out his hand and lightly cupped Ellie’s jaw. He saw her eyes close. A soft sigh escaped her lips. Alec could feel his heart beating wildly in his chest. He silently hoped his pacemaker would hold out. He couldn’t believe he was about to kiss Ellie Miller. Alec stroked his thumb across Ellie’s cheek, leaned in and touched his lips to hers.
Alec’s brain went offline for a few seconds. When his thoughts began registering again he noticed how soft Ellie’s lips felt against his. He noticed the hand she tentatively placed on his chest, the weight of it pleasant and grounding. He could smell her perfume and feel her heart racing as well. He held her there for a moment.
“Oi! Get a room!” Alec’s daughter Daisy yelled as she entered the room. Alec and Ellie both jumped, startled and pushed away from each other. Daisy fished around in her bag for a moment before pulling out her phone charger.
“Daisy! I thought you were asleep. It’s not what it looks like, Dais.” Alec exclaimed, desperately.
“Ok, dad. You’re so obvious.” Daisy rolled her eyes. “ Now I’m going to bed. G’night Ellie.” She called as she left the room.
“Night, Dais.” Ellie called back. She went beet-red and burst out laughing. Alec joined her, flushed as well.
“Well that happened. So sorry, Miller.” Alec said still laughing
“Oh my god. I haven’t been caught on a sofa with a boy like that since I was about 16. It’s a bit embarrassing. Your poor daughter. What’ll she think of me now? That I’m some tart?”
“No, Miller. It’s alright. Daisy thinks very highly of you. I promise.”
“Well, probably not after tonight, ha! I should get going. We can, um, regroup in the morning?”
“Yeah, ok. Sounds like a good plan.” Alec helped Ellie gather her things and walked her to the door.
“Um, Miller. The kiss…it was, um, it was really nice.” Alec said. He realized he had a stupid grin on his face, but didn’t care.
Ellie smiled. “It was, yeah. Thank you, Alec.” She leaned in and kissed him lightly on the cheek. “Night! See you in the morning.” She called as she walked to her car.
Alec closed the door and touched a hand to his cheek where her lips just were. He laughed to himself. There was never a dull moment with Ellie Miller around.