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1. Learning to stay - Part 3 of The time it take by Alexbluebell

   Fandoms: Broadchurch  

   • Mature
   • No Archive Warnings Apply
   • F/M
   • Complete Work

   20 Jan 2026

   Tags

   • No Archive Warnings Apply
   • Alec Hardy/Ellie Miller
   • Alec Hardy
   • Ellie Miller (Broadchurch)
   • Fred Miller (Broadchurch)
   • Tom Miller (Broadchurch)
   • Alec Hardy/Ellie Miller - Freeform
   • Post-Season 2
   • Slow Burn
   • Emotional Intimacy
   • emotional resolution
   • choosing each other
   • Emotional Growth
   • Alec Hardy Has Feelings
   • Mutual Support
   • domestic intimacy
   • Hopeful Ending
   • Previously Part of Another Work
   • Implied/Referenced Sexual Content
   • Non-Graphic Sexual Content

   Summary

   Part III of The Time It Takes, direct continuation of Hold Still. Posted separately for readability.

   Alec finally begins to imagine a life with Ellie… until a newspaper article revives an old rumor and casts doubt on their investigation. Convinced that his presence threatens Ellie’s career and the fragile balance of her family, he chooses to step away and disappear, once again turning sacrifice into instinct.

   But Ellie refuses that choice. She comes to him, demands honesty, and reminds him that she has the right to decide for herself — her life, her risks, and who she loves. Together, they choose something harder than leaving: they choose to stay, and to build a future that no longer depends on fear.

   Series

   • Part 3 of The times it takes

   Language:

   English

   Words:

   16,245

   Chapters:

   3/3

   Comments:

   2

   Kudos:

   5

   Hits:

   143