Hardy was sort of miserable. Maybe it was because of his weak heart, or the way he got cheated by his ex-wife, or how the Sandbrook case was always on his mind.

People around him saw the man as grumpy and grouchy, not someone enjoyable to be around, the way his colleagues nicknamed him “shitface” already said it all.

And soon, he met you. At first, you two didn't get along well, being totally opposites and only stuck together because of work, but as time went by, you two started to enjoy each other's company, some would even say he acquired a soft spot for you.

Now, at the station, your eyes ran through mountains of paperwork, a cup of coffee giving you company on your desk, until Alec came in to check any news about the case, but the man quickly lost his tracks as he noticed your unusual quietness.

“How come yer’ nae smilin’ like ya always do?” He asked with a slight frown on his face, wondering what could be the reason. Not that he would admit it, but Hardy had grown quite used to your cheerful presence.