Something's Brewing

Chapter 8: It's a Date

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So, just remember that we're going AU with this story, so it's not going to fit in with everything exactly as it happens in Season 3, obviously. For one, many of their attitudes would have been different had this relationship been going on in the background. Things will be a bit different here with Beth and Mark as well. I'm still working it out, but I am going to keep plugging in some of the scenes form Season 3 as we go along. Once the case is complete, I'm not sure how much further I'll go with this one!

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"So you really are taking me on a date then? For a moment I thought that perhaps I had dreamed it all up," Ellie said with a grin as she greeted Alec at the door.

He smiled back at her, something she was still growing used to. "So, you got dressed up while still dreaming, then?" Alec commented as he eyed her up and down a moment, appreciating the black knee length dress she wore. Her curly hair was down, something he was fairly certain he had never witnessed, and had grown almost past her shoulders —the effect left him stunned. "Ellie—you look—amazing."

He was glad he had gone a bit more dressed up this evening, wearing black dress trousers and a blue dress shirt with the top few buttons undone. He had gotten the hint earlier in the day that Ellie seemed to appreciate him not wearing a tie, and so the bit of discomfort was worth it.

She smiled and glanced at him. "You look nice, too. Come on in. If you don't say hello to Fred, we'll never hear the end of it."

He grinned and stepped in past her as she held the door open, leaning over to plant a quick kiss on her cheek as he walked by. She was thrown off guard and shook her head and smiled as he walked towards the living room where her youngest and the three teens were gathered. Would she ever grow used to the affection this man was growing more and more comfortable with showing her?

"I understand there is a train driver here who would like to speak with me?" Alec said as he walked into the room.

The teens all chuckled as Fred jumped up and squealed, "Awec!" He ran over and jumped into the man's arms, who picked him up and held him in front of him. The boys legs wrapped around Alec's waist as far as they could go. "Have you come to play with my trains some more?"

"Oh, not tonight, wee Fred. Tonight I have come to take your Mum to dinner, if that's alright?" Alec tilted his chin so that he could look the boy in the eyes.

"Aww, but I really needed another driver tonight for Percy." Fred pouted a bit as he placed his hands on the man's bearded cheeks.

"Well, I happen to know a little secret." He leaned over and turned, eyeing Daisy with a smile. "Now Fred, you see that one over there," he whispered as he nodded towards his daughter. "Now I know she's a girl and everything, but she happens to be a fantastic train driver. I bet you she would handle Percy just right for you."

Fred eyed Daisy skeptically. "Are you sure, Awec? Can a girl be a train driver?"

Alec bounced the boy up. "Well, of course, my boy. If a girl can be as fine a Detective Inspector for the Wessex Police Department as your mother is, then I've no doubt a girl can be a train driver." He winked at Daisy and set Fred down. "And I promise, I'll be over again soon and we'll play with the trains, alright?"

Fred sighed and decided he was satisfied, bouncing over to Daisy. "Alright, Awec. Mum likes fish n' chips, you should take her for fish n' chips for dinner."

Alec smiled and heard Ellie giggle behind him. "I'll keep that in mind Fred, thank you."

"Alright, boys, remember the rules. The girls are in charge, don't misbehave. Fred, in bed by 8. Tom, in bed by 10. Love you both. Thanks girls, for keeping an eye on them." Ellie kissed both her boys on the cheek, much to Tom's dismay and Fred's delight, and waved to the girls before Alec escorted her out with a hand at the small of her back.