Disclaimer: This story is for fan purposes only. All characters and plot are property of their respective owners (not me!) and are used here without permission. Enjoy!
Author Note: One of the most frustrating things about series 8 was that we never got to see Robbie and Laura actually discuss his return to work. "The conversation" could take many different directions, but here is how it might start...
"You wish to complain about my level of service?" Robbie Lewis shook his head at Laura Hobson. Fair enough; let's have it out then, Laura."
"I had to find out from bloody Hathaway! He asked how you were, you know. I foolishly told him how much you were enjoying your life of leisure. God, what an imbecile I am."
"No, Laura. Sit down with me."
"No, Robbie. I need more wine." She stomped off to the kitchen. He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her.
"Listen, Laura. I was always a terrible student in my history classes in school, but I believe that a very long time ago- ancient history really- hardly worth bringing up- anyway, a long time ago there was a bloke like a certain Spanish dictator. Except he was German. And I had to go ask Hathaway what it was that you were going on about. He told me, and then I threw a tantrum in the interview room with a suspect. So trust me, Laura, you couldn't have looked any more foolish than me. I think that we both just need to accept…"
"…that we both need to work on our communication skills?"
"… that Hathaway always knows far too much about everything. We mere mortals can't compete with that."
Laura conceded a little laugh.
"So, can we sit down and talk about this now?"
Laura pouted, but sat down at the table nonetheless. She was still gripping the wine bottle.
Robbie sat down across from her. "Vino rosso, per favore?"
She took a second glass and poured. "Parla, Roberto."