I'm Here For You

Chapter 3

A/N: Sorry for the delay in updating , I was really struggling with the wording for the inquest verdict, but I've just used what Connie said in the episode now. Enjoy x

They grabbed some sandwiches from the café and headed back to the ambulance station for lunch. They sat in the staffroom and began eating.

"How's Mickey?" Iain asked Jez.

Jez shook his head. "He's all broken up, man. I mean, Scott was the worst but he was still his brother. So soon after his dad as well. And his mum won't speak to him. He's lost his whole family and keeps blaming himself."

Iain didn't know what to say. He knew how it felt to lose everyone around you and it being your own fault too. He shook away the feelings which were creeping their way forward and concentrated on what Jez was saying next.

"What's going on here then?" Iain sighed and filled him in on everything Noel, Mrs Beauchamp and Lily had told him.

"They can't even mention anything Scott did to them, it only makes them look worse in front of the police. Ethan, Lily, it's not looking good for any of 'em right now, mate."

Jez sighed and scratched his head. "I've made an appointment with Mrs B and Hanssen for 4 today. The rep is meeting me here at 3."

"Just hope it works out for you all." Iain shook his head and rested it on the sofa behind him.

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The sun was setting, casting the hospital in a glowing, orange hue. There was a chill in the air and Iain pulled his scarf around his neck tighter as he made his way over to the ED. He hadn't had a chance to see Lily after her meeting and wanted to know how they got on. As if on cue, Lily walked out of the doors, fastening her black coat up. Iain jogged over and called out her name.

"Lily!" She turned and smiled slightly at seeing him. "Are you alright? How did you get on?"

She nodded at him, and he noted how she looked more relaxed than earlier. "Good, thank you. The coroner decided that the cause was accidental death. I didn't miss anything and neither did Ethan." She gave him a small smile. "So, I'm ok."

He smiled at her, relieved. "See, I told you everything was going to be ok." She looked away from him, uncomfortable and he quickly moved on. "How's Ethan?"

"Ethan's been badly affected by all this. He's been put back on compassionate leave by Mrs Beauchamp, at the recommendation of Mr Hanssen."

Iain just nodded and they stood in silence for a while, each waiting for the other to say something.

Eventually, Iain spoke up. "So, do you wanna go for a drink? Bet you could do with one after today."

Lily immediately looked uncomfortable and Iain could tell that her icy façade was coming back up.

"Just as mates, though."

Iain had been really helpful today. He was there for her, when she really needed someone to hold her up. It would be rude to not thank him properly, as he really could've ignored her earlier on, just like they'd bee doing for weeks. But he hadn't.

"Yes, I really could. It's been a tough day." She smiled at him, which he returned and they began making their way over to the pub. They walked in and hovered near the door as they scanned the room. Iain spotted their friends and began walking over but stopped when he realised Lily wasn't following him. She was still near the door  and awkwardly pointed to an empty table in the corner.

"Could we sit over there, please?"

She'd had a tough day and she wanted some time away from everyone else. Plus, she had something she needed to say to Iain.

He looked at her, confused but just decided to go along with it. "Yeah, course." He followed her over to the table. He brought their drinks over, a pint for him and a glass of red for Lily. Thy awkwardly sipped their drinks, Iain wondering why Lily had segregated them.

"Iain, I wanted to say thank you. You've been really helpful today and... you were here for me." He nodded at her and smiled.

"You always have been here for me. And I wanted to say sorry for my behaviour the other week. My actions were unforgiveable and the things I said about you were untrue. You're not insecure. I'm sorry."

Iain stayed quiet during her speech. She looked down at her lap, ashamed. Ashamed of her actions against that couple and against Iain that week. He reached across and gently placed a hand over hers, where it rested on the table. She looked up. He could tell it took her a lot to apologise and he appreciated it.

"Thank you, Lily. But I'm at fault just as much as you. I'm sorry for accusing you and I'm sorry for the things I said. I regretted them as soon as they left my mouth."

He looked at her earnestly, hoping she accepted his apology. He meant it, though. From the bottom of his heart. The last few weeks had been hell as he tortured himself over his actions.

"Thank you, Iain." She said and smiled at him and he returned the smile, grateful that he could speak to her normally again, without that cloud hanging over them.

"Well,  it's nice to have you back, Chuckles. Back to normal, eh?" He asked, leaning back in his seat.

Now was her chance. She cleared her throat and sat up a little straighter. She decided not to come out with it straight away; she'd gauge how he felt and if his she thought his feelings had changed,  she could just lie and change the subject.

"Actually, Iain. There's something else."