That night. Six months ago. It still brought him out in a cold sweat, so he wasn't surprised to see her flinch every so often, when any unpleasant reminders popped up. She didn't do it intentionally. He knew that. She is a strong, independent woman; but sometimes, just sometimes, and only in front of him, she would let her guard down slightly. A flinch, if she heard his footsteps coming up behind her. An almost silent scream, if he grabbed her arm just a little too tightly when she wasn't expecting it. The fear drained from her face when she discovered it was him, but he still hated to see her still battling with those feelings, so long after that night.
••••••••
He could see her, sat in her car, trying to compose herself, and build up the courage to get out. The call out was to an estate in Abingdon. Not even half a mile from Holmwood Park. It would be hard for her, he knew that. But if she needed him to, she would help her through it.
He walked over to her car and, before she had a chance to look up and put on her professional front, slid into the passenger seat. She turned her head, shocked. "Robbie." "Laura." They sat there in silence for a good five minutes before she spoke. "I'm alright you know." "I know. Well, at least I know that's what you want everyone to think." She let out a laugh. "No hiding anything from you is there?" He smiled softly. "No. Not you anyway. I know you better than they do." She was silent, until he heard her sobs, and saw her shaking in the seat beside him. "Hey, hey," He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her into him, and shielding her from the view of their colleagues. She hated to show any sign of weakness, especially to her subordinates. "come on lass. It's alright. I'm here." She buried her face in his chest and cried a little longer. Sitting up, she sniffed back the remainder of her tears. "Sorry." "No apology required pet." Laura adjusted her make up in the rear-view mirror, and turned to Robbie. He beamed at her, and gently stroked her cheek. "Gorgeous. As ever." She smiled self consciously, and closed her eyes, took a deep breath and opened them again. "We should probably get to work." "Yeah. Come on then." He got out, went to the boot to retrieve her case, and they walked side by side to the body.
••••••••
He hung around until she was done, and walked with her, back to her car. Just as she was about to get into the driver's seat, he touched her elbow. She looked up at him, eyes gleaming, and smiled. "You free tonight lass?" "No pressing plans, as far as I'm aware. Why?" "D'you fancy coming over? Takeaway and a bit of telly? And fantastic company of course." They grinned at each other and shared a laugh. "We can talk about it as well. If you want. You don't have to, but the offer's there." Laura looked deep into his eyes, and leant up to hug him. "Thank you Robbie. I'd love to. I'll pick up dinner and be with you at six?" "Sound lovely. You're welcome to stay over, in the spare room, if you want as well. I've got some wine that I could do with some help drinking. From your first observations, we shouldn't be needed over the weekend, should we?" She beamed. "I shouldn't think so. It would be my pleasure to help with the wine." She kissed him on the cheek and got in the car. Just before driving off, she rolled down her window. "I'll have my report in two hours."
Robbie grinned, and walked off towards his own car, looking very pleased with himself; earning him a very confused look from his sergeant.
