Nikki had decided to leave her car at Harry's and walk home, it was only twenty minutes and she was quite enjoying how the fresh air complimented her breezy mood. Nikki laughed to herself, she felt so different to when she usually absconded a man's house in the morning. Usually she'd feel a dead weight in her stomach, reflecting the guilt and shame she felt for giving herself too easily to someone who probably wouldn't call her again. She'd know all the time that sleeping with them didn't do her any favours, but she'd still do it. It's having fun, just what single thirty-somethings should be doing she'd reason, never quite believing herself.

But today was different. Harry didn't have expectations of her. He seemed to accept her as she was, either that or he was too wound up in his own inadequacies to really think about how she should be behaving. He'd forgive himself in time she hoped. He'd have to, because right now he was making her feel the happiest she had in a long time and there was definitely nothing wrong about that.

Nikki let herself into her apartment and looked around, everything was as she'd left it the previous morning although everything had changed for her in the last twenty-four hours. She quickly showered and wrapped herself in a towel before wandering over to her wardrobe and staring inside. None of her outfits seemed to appeal to her this morning. Jeans? Too casual. Black trousers? Too much like work. Skirt? Too dressy. She flopped down on her bed and sighed. She was doubtful that Harry would really care what she wore anyway and if she did dress up it might be a bit too obvious, she didn't want to give the impression she was trying too hard. She looked again and decided on her favourite jeans and a black top although once she'd got dressed she did opt for a little more blusher than usual.

It wasn't long before Nikki heard Harry knock at her door. She hurried to let him in. He stood there in his usual coat and scarf but he had run a little gel through his hair.

"Hi." He mumbled as he took a couple steps in and looked around. Nikki smiled, he was so nervous and awkward. It was incredibly endearing.

"You all set then?" she asked.

"Yep," he nodded, "so, um where are you taking me?"

"Oh you're rubbish with surprises Cunningham!" Nikki giggled, then for explanation, "Just wait and see. Nowhere too exciting I'm afraid," she slipped on her jacket and put her phone and keys in the pocket. "Come on."

Harry waited for Nikki to lock up her apartment before continuing on. Once they had left the complex and were onto the street he hesitantly took her hand and, when she didn't attempt to take it back, he laced his fingers into hers, holding it tight. As they walked in contented quiet, passing hordes people on their way to work, he felt his chest expand with pride. He was walking through London with Nikki, his incredible new girlfriend, by his side. She was finally his and his alone and it had all been so simple. He had never been more proud. He looked at her, so beautiful but so fierce, so clever. His equal and match in every way. But as these thoughts danced inside his mind others tried to push their way to the forefront. There were still things he hadn't told her, about Africa mainly. He knew she would be so hurt once she knew but he would have to tell her. He couldn't lie to her anymore, she deserved better than that.

"This is it!" Nikki announced as they arrived at the gates of a leafy park.

"This is where you wanted to show me?" Harry enquired as they walked through.

"Yeah, I know it's not much but I like to come here. It gets me away from the bustle and problems of city life. It's so quiet here, so peaceful that when I go back I realise that my problems weren't nearly so big after all."

Harry took a step back and listened. Nikki was right, all the sounds of traffic and chatter were eclipsed by the rustle of leaves in the wind. Nikki lead him around a path and they sat on a small bench by a lake. He lifted his arm and she snuggled into him, sighing a happy sigh.

"Nikki, there's something I've got to tell you," Harry began.

"No you haven't." Nikki replied, closing her eyes.

"No, please. It's important that I tell you."

Nikki sat up and looked at him, reluctantly allowing him to continue.

"When we were in Africa, the girl, the one you mentioned the other day, her boyfriend had just died and she came to my room. She…she," he spoke quickly, rushing off each point. "Got undressed, she wanted to kiss me and I, I let her, I welcomed her. She stayed the night and worst of all I lied to Leo about it the next day." For a brief second Harry thought he saw Nikki's face flash with upset but it quickly changed to concern. "I bet you wish I hadn't told you now." He added.

She smiled slightly, "Sort of. Has Leo asked about it since?"

"No," Harry replied. "I just don't want to end up hurting you." He said finally.

"You won't. You've shown me already that you're different." She replied, taking his hand into hers.

"Why are you being so good about this?" He asked

"Because we all make mistakes Harry, all of us. It's okay."

"But even in saying that you're being so infuriatingly perfect!"

She laughed, "Well if that's the worst criticism you have of me then I've done well!"

"Yes, you have." He smiled.

"Why do I get the impression you're always trying to put me off you?" she teased. "Look," she bent down and picked up a stone from the floor by her feet, rubbing its smooth surface under her thumb. "What's past is past. I don't want you to drag up anything more," she threw the stone into the lake with a fair bit of force and paused as they heard it splash against the surface and sink. She turned to look at him:

"I don't care about anything else. All that matters to me is you and me, here, now. You know be better than anyone else, Harry and you've always been good in a crisis. I trust you –" Harry went to speak but she continued on nevertheless "-even if you don't trust yourself."

He looked at her, pensive for a moment and laughed, "God, I love you Nikki."

"And I love you too." She smiled, quietly.

Harry took a finger and titled her chin upwards before closing his eyes and kissing her with a deep kiss that made her head spin. With the culmination of many years of waiting behind them they ran their hands through each others hair, not caring that there could be anyone else around. After a while Nikki pulled away and giggled, "I feel too old for this!"

"Oh come on, you're still younger than me." Harry replied.

Nikki looked at him quizzically, "You didn't make a joke out of that!"

"You're right," he smiled, "I didn't. Now, I don't know about you, but I'm dying for a coffee."

"Sounds perfect." She replied and they got up and hand in hand began to walk out of the park. Harry felt remarkably freer, there was space in his chest where all the weight he'd carried around for years used to be. Now that he had her he was going to fight with everything he had to make it work, he would treat Nikki like an absolute princess. Just like she deserved. There was no way that he would ever willingly let her go again, he was sure of that. He kissed Nikki's forehead and she moved her arm around his waist as they slowly walked out of the park and back into the rest of their lives.

There we go! A little soppy, I know..I hope you liked it though :). There's still one more epilogue chapter to go as there's a little twist to come (it doesn't involve Nikki being pregnant, so keep guessing!) but then that'll be it. I decided not to include any s13 elements in this, I thought about it but then I would have got to the stage where I'd have done everything I wanted to with the characters so I wouldn't have any more stories to write! As, ever thank you for your kind comments. Please review this one!