"That's how you know you really trust someone, I think; when you don't have to talk all the time to make sure they still like you or prove that you have interesting stuff to say." - Sara Zarr
2 April 1942
"Superintendent Robinson?"
Jack looked up from his book when Mr. Butler got his attention - Phryne had moved to the dining room pouring over correspondence for a case (she'd pull him in eventually to help her, that was a given after years of their partnership).
"A Staff Sergeant Lawson is here to see Miss Harvey - he's at the door."
"She's at the library, but send him anyway."
He stood as Mr. Butler showed Lawson in; the boy - man, he was no longer the slightly gangly, wet-behind-the-ears constable Jack had known him as - was just as tall as Jack remembered him to be, but carried himself differently compared to just a few years ago.
"Ah, Staff Sergeant," he shook Lawson's hand.
"Sir," the man nodded.
"I'm afraid Miss Harvey is at the university library right now - she has an exam on Monday."
A fond smile crossed Lawson's face, "She also needed a change of scenery, didn't she? Could you tell me how to get there? I'd like to see her very much, Sir."
"I'll do you one better, Lawson, I'll take you to her."
"Really?"
"Yes, but I'd like to talk to you first."
"Me too!" Phryne called from the dining room and she entered the parlor as Mr. Butler followed with a tea service.
Lawson prepared a cup for himself and settled into one of the chairs as Phryne joined Jack on the couch.
"Have a good journey back home?" Phryne asked him while Mr. Butler handed her and Jack their cups.
"Yes, Mum put me right to work around the house, and I had to physically pry my niece off me to come here tonight."
"Family is important."
"Yeah, they are, to me at least - both the one I was born into and the one I found."
Phryne hid a smile behind her cup as she sipped her tea. "Now, Staff Sergeant-"
"Please, call me Matthew or Lawson, the rank gets to be a mouthful after a bit," Lawson gently interrupted - his ears turning pink when Phryne's smile widened.
"Alright, Lawson, what are your intentions with our Alice?"
The wide-eyed look they got was worth the stern tone.
"Are you friends?" Phryne continued - her stern tone melting away into something more playful when she saw Lawson start to squirm. "Do you wish to date her? Bed her?"
Jack nearly lost his composure - they didn't really mean anything by this haphazard interrogation of his former constable, they knew Alice could choose her own partners and fend for herself, but it was fun to see Phryne's particularly wicked smile while Lawson choked on his tea as he turned bright red.
"We don't mind any of these things, do we, Jack, darling?"
"No, love."
"Just as long as Alice is alright with them and you don't push her into anything she doesn't consent to."
"No, never," Lawson shook his head. "I'm not- I'd never push Alice for anything, I swear."
"Good," Phryne nodded. "We're very protective of our charges here, as you can see."
At that, Lawson laughed, "Yes, I can and I'm glad you are - glad they have you in their corner, Miss Fisher. And you, Sir."
Jack smiled, "You make Alice happy - have been with your letters and it's wonderful to see. If you mistreat her or hurt her…"
"Full permission for both of you to kick my arse, Sir."
"Excellent, I know just the thing that would do it too."
Jack laughed and pressed a kiss to Phryne's temple when Lawson turned pink again.
"Let's get you to the library, Lawson, give Alice a nice surprise."
"Thank you, Sir, and Miss Fisher."
Jack gave Phryne a brief kiss before he and Lawson left for the university campus. His former constable was quiet - lost in his own thoughts as they drove through the semi-empty streets, and he still didn't say much as Jack led him into the library.
"Ah, Superintendent Robinson," the librarian at the front desk smiled when they walked in. "I was wondering when you'd come to collect her tonight."
"Yes, she in her usual spot?"
"Surrounded by books."
"Excellent," Jack smiled and navigated the shelves and stacks until he came across a table tucked away from the rest. It was Alice's favored study spot and usually where he could find her when coming to pick her up.
"There you are, she's waiting for you," he whispered and pointed to Alice's bowed head - brow furrowed as she wrote notes like she was running out of time.
"Thank you, Sir."
He watched as Lawson snuck up to Alice's table; Alice took no notice of him as he sidled up closer - Jack was just close enough to make out Lawson's voice when he leaned over.
"You look like you could use a break."
The effect was instantaneous; Alice stopped writing, the frown deepening (was it irritation because she'd been interrupted or did she think Matthew was just another pompous arsehole?) as her head snapped up - an acerbic remark no doubt prepared to eviscerate Lawson.
It never came.
Instead, her mouth dropped open as her pencil fell from her grasp while Lawson gave her a soft smile.
"Matthew?" Alice finally breathed - barely heard by Jack.
"Yeah," he nodded - his smile widening when Alice jumped out of her seat to throw her arms around his neck.
Her chair clattered to the floor, but neither she nor Lawson paid it any mind as they swayed in a tight hug. He could hear Alice giggling - it was her relieved giggle, the kind of laughter that bubbled up out of her when she was particularly happy.
Alice drew back and briefly held Lawson's face in her hands before they landed on his shoulders; Lawson tenderly wiped away her tears with his thumbs.
"I… I thought you were coming tomorrow!"
"Eh, I thought I'd surprise you… was it a good surprise?"
"Of course!"
Lawson grinned, "Good. I'm still coming over tomorrow, don't you worry. Maybe a… picnic so you can still study but also see the sun."
Jack chuckled when Alice lightly shoved Lawson's shoulder.
"When do I get to meet the little spitfire?"
"Tomorrow, she's being spoiled by my niece right now - that and I didn't think bringing a kitten to either your house or the library would be a good idea."
"Probably not," Alice smiled and hugged him again. "It's good to see you."
"It's good to see you too."
After a bit they drew back from the hug - Alice's cheeks were a bright pink (she always did feel a little overwhelmed when experiencing physical affection), but Lawson briefly cupped her cheek with his hand before he looked down at her notes and books sprawled across the table.
"So, exam on Monday?"
"Yeah."
"Little one or a big one?"
Alice smiled, "Little one, fortunately. Deeper dive into the cardiovascular system."
"Do really you need all of these books?"
Jack chuckled again when Alice swatted Lawson's elbow.
"Just for that, I'll make you carry them to our picnic tomorrow."
His former constable laughed and simply held his arms out - ready to do Alice's bidding at the drop of a hat, and Jack had to smile when Alice shook her head with a fond smile of her own; as the two of them started to clear the table, Jack mused over how well they fit together already. They were good for each other - even after months apart, and Jack hoped their friendship would remain strong.
With how the war was now, they'd both need each other.
3 April 1942
Matthew grinned as he walked up the front walk to Wardlow; the sun was out, the weather surprisingly warm for autumn, and he thought it the perfect day for a picnic. To prevent teasing from his sister, Matthew had requested a picnic basket from Mrs. Collins last night when he'd gone to see Alice inside from the library. She'd smiled and promised a basket full of Alice's favorites for both of them to enjoy.
He wasn't coming completely empty-handed today; he'd brought Alice's copy of Persuasion back to her, his current book, and his sketchbook, but most importantly he'd brought his little furry companion in a small basket of her own.
Matthew had barely gotten a chance to knock before the door was opened - startling him back on the heels of his feet.
"You must be Matthew!" A young woman with bright blonde curls set in the now popular victory rolls - her brown eyes were warm and welcoming. "I'm Edith Warren, come in, Alice should be down soon."
"Matthew Lawson," he shook her hand and stepped into the richly-decorated foyer. "How's your training going?"
"Alice told you of that?"
He nodded, "She keeps me updated on the goings-on at Wardlow mostly, and I like hearing about what's happening back here."
"Alice, you're telling Matthew our secrets?" Edith directed her question up at the woman making her way downstairs.
Alice stopped short of the landing - wide-eyed and looking back and forth between him and her housemate.
"I did no such thing!"
"I know, Alice," Edith walked up to her and gave her a brief hug around the notebooks and textbooks in Alice's arms. "I'm just teasing."
"So… I shouldn't keep writing about what happens here?"
"No, no, keep doing that," Edith kissed her cheek. "Everyone needs some normalcy in their lives and if it keeps the men entertained, go for it."
Alice didn't say anything else, but her cheeks turned a faint pink as Edith continued upstairs; she avoided Matthew's eyes as she came to a stop in front of him.
"Sorry," she muttered.
"Don't worry about it, Alice, she's just teasing and I'm not embarrassed."
"I'm… I'm still not quite used to…"
"This level of intimacy with someone that's not Mac, Miss Fisher, or Mrs. Collins?"
He smiled when she nodded and pulled her in for a one-armed hug, "It just takes practice and exposure, but it's clear she cares for you."
"Thank you, Matthew."
Pressing a kiss to her styled curls, Matthew smiled when he could faintly make out the scent of old books and antiseptic through the floral smell of her perfume - it was a unique cocktail that perfectly suited his friend.
"Ready for the picnic?"
Alice nodded against his shoulder and drew back sharply when she heard Addy rustle in the basket.
"Oh, that's right, introductions are needed," Matthew smiled and held up the basket as Addy stuck her head out. "Alice, meet Adelaide. Addy, meet Almost Doctor Alice Harvey."
Alice set aside her books and papers to gently lift Addy - who currently was trying to climb out of the basket to investigate her new surroundings - from the basket with a bright smile. Addy - who'd been cautious initially around everyone she'd met so far - eagerly sniffed his friend and decided she liked Alice as she curled up against her shoulder.
"So this is Miss Spitfire, hm?"
Matthew laughed and nodded, "She's not usually like this; you've tamed her, it's a miracle."
"Oh, I'm sure she'll show her fire at some point."
Addy remained in Alice's hold as she packed up her study materials and picked up the bag. Mrs. Collins brought a picnic basket (with blanket attached) out for them to head out for the day; Alice blinked in the sunlight as they stepped outside and she turned to him.
"Where are we picnicking?"
"I seem to remember some botanical gardens around here, let's try there. That way if a storm kicks up, or we run out of food, we're not far from civilization."
She laughed and they chatted lightly on their walk to the gardens; Addy climbed onto Alice's shoulders and draped herself around Alice's neck like a purring, furry scarf. As it was a nice day, the park had a fair amount of people, but they managed to find a half-shady spot for their blanket.
Addy helped them spread the blanket by informing them of any wrinkles or folds in the fabric (and attempting to attack each and every one). Alice laughed as Matthew picked up their courageous warrior and brought her up to his eye level.
"Ad-" he was cut off by an indignant meow. "Adelaide, will you let me finish?"
She meowed again.
"Good, thank you. No putting holes in the blanket because it's not ours, understand?"
Another meow.
"Good girl."
"Now I see why she has her nickname."
He chuckled and put Addy back down on the blanket and joined her and Alice.
"Here, you silly cat," Matthew pulled the smaller basket over for the kitten and got out a soft toy ball he'd purchased for her earlier in the week. His young, furry charge attacked it (and his fingers) while Alice leaned back on her hands as she laughed and watched on in amusement.
"How was Ballarat?" Alice asked as Addy played between them.
"Good, good, it was nice to see Mum again and to be put to work that wasn't army related… She wants to meet you, you know."
"What?"
"She wants to meet you since I hold you in high regard."
"Oh…" Alice's cheeks turned a bright pink and he thought it looked adorable. "Me? Really?"
"Yeah, only if you want to, Alice, I won't make you do anything."
She squeezed his hand, "Thank you, my gallant soldier."
"Rakishly handsome, gallant soldier, thank you very much."
Alice laughed again, "My apologies, Matthew, I won't forget again."
"Ah, it's alright. That reminds me."
He dug into the small holdall he'd brought and handed his friend her (even more) battered copy of Persuasion.
"Told you I'd return it in one piece."
She smiled and idly flipped through the worn pages - no doubt seeing his own notes and annotations.
"Thank you, Matthew. I'm glad you also came back in one piece; books can be replaced, but not you."
His cheeks warmed the same time he noticed her blush, but he smiled when she ducked her head.
"Well," Alice cleared her throat, "any other news from home for you?"
"Yes! Mum talked with my old friend's father."
"The one in Singapore or a different friend?"
"No, no, that's the one."
"What's the news?"
"Lucien was in Singapore and stayed there after December, but now that Singapore fell they're not sure where he is."
"Captured?"
"Likely," Matthew sighed. "We lost a whole division to either death or capture in Singapore - I know a lot of the boys aren't happy with the Brits."
"Why?"
"They abandoned Singapore."
"No."
"Yeah."
"How positively awful - after everything Australian and New Zealand troops have done for them, past and present, and they abandon us when we need them most? Unbelievable!"
"Yeah, I'd say the relationship between us and England is very strained."
"And the other Commonwealth forces! When they pulled out of Singapore, they left us, and Chinese, and everyone else on the mainland to fend for ourselves - how dare they do that!"
Matthew smiled at the furrow between her brows - it seemed that particular one popped up both in concentration and frustration; he thought it adorable, and his heart warmed at her outrage from actions during the war towards Australian troops.
"It's frustrating, I know, and hopefully things will be a little better now that America's in this fight. Britain can focus on Germany, we and America can focus on Japan."
"Yes, we were certainly quick to ally with them, and now I understand it all a little better… I'd wondered why so many of their soldiers were in town lately."
"Some of them catch your eye, Almost Doctor Harvey?" He teased - even if it got him a swat to his elbow.
Alice got more of her revenge when Addy saw the swat and decided to join in on the fun of attacking Matthew.
"I surrender! I surrender!" he laughed when Addy jumped for his chest; falling back on the blanket, he grinned as the kitten stood on his chest and crowed her victory over him.
Alice laughed and joined them on the blanket - lying so close that her arm brushed against his whenever she reached over to scratch Addy behind her ears. Matthew jumped a little when her free hand curled around his - her hesitant touch like an electric shock, but he liked it. He could feel her shaking and held on tight - knowing how much it took her to do this.
Alice smiled, "I'm glad you're back - even if it's for a little bit."
"Me too, glad I get to see you after so long away."
"We'll make the most of it then."
Lifting her hand to press a kiss to her knuckles, Matthew smiled at Alice's blush, but to her credit, she didn't pull away.
"We will."
Alice smiled and squeezed his hand before she pulled a book towards her from her pile - without letting go of his hand; Addy finally settled down a little and curled up on his chest. Matthew couldn't remember a more beautiful day.
(And he might have gotten the chance to sketch Alice lounging on the blanket as she studied with Addy curled up in front of her stomach - both content and more relaxed than he'd seen before.)
4 April 1942
"Awfully close, aren't they?"
Hugh paused as he lifted his flute of champagne, "Hm?"
His beloved wife smiled and motioned to the other side of the room where Lawson and Alice stood.
"Awfully close, wouldn't you say?" Dot asked and Hugh smiled.
Lawson stood close enough to Alice that their arms brushed frequently - Hugh could count on both hands how many people Alice usually let get that close - and based on his subordinate's soft smile and the animated way Alice was talking (also rare outside of their Wardlow family) she was going on about something she felt passionate about, and Lawson was absolutely smitten.
"They remind me of us - well, a mixture of us and Miss Fisher and the Superintendent," he answered his wife.
"I had the same thought," Dot kissed his cheek. "I'm sure they'll find their way - already close with the way Matthew addressed his last letter."
"Oh?"
"He called her sweetheart."
"Really!"
"Really," she smiled when his jaw dropped. "Alice was a little flustered, but the two of them certainly acted more comfortable around each other yesterday after the studying picnic. I still have a feeling it might take them a little longer than us to get together, but they'll get there in the end. Their friendship alone has helped both of them immensely."
Smiling as Matthew offered his hand to Alice when a waltz came on, Hugh watched their two young friends dance slowly in Miss Fisher's parlor.
"I think you're right, Dottie, now I see why people put us together - it's fun to watch."
Dot laughed, "Oh, Hugh… yes it is, now how about a dance?"
"Looks like your dance lessons paid off," Phryne smiled as the two of them watched Alice and her soldier.
"I don't think this was quite the dancing Lawson was thinking of, but yes they look very happy."
"You knew him better than I did, Jack, will he be good for her?"
Jack shifted and sipped his champagne, "He's quiet, does his work, and very observant - it's helped us more than once. If he returns to police work, he'll likely rise steadily through the ranks."
"But will he be good for Alice?"
"Just look at them now, love," he nodded towards Alice and Lawson still dancing - both of them laughing and smiling with their other charges. "I've never seen her this happy, and she's visibly improved in her personal relationships since they started writing each other. Prior to the war, Alice kept to herself, now she knows Clara and Edith better - behaving more like a young lady her age should be. He's absolutely smitten with her and so is she with him."
"And if he hurts her?"
He smiled and kissed Phryne softly, "He already gave us permission to kick his arse, Phryne; Hugh said the same - that Lawson said he'd allow Collins to kick him all the way to the front lines if he did hurt Alice. Lawson knows Alice has us caring about her and for her wellbeing, and the fact that he is getting in our good graces is a good sign that he wants to get to know the people in her life as much as getting to know her."
At that, Phryne smiled and they continued to watch the young people dance and revel in some happiness during wartime; the smile widened as they sent Clara and Eric off for their honeymoon and Clara did the traditional bouquet toss. The small arrangement of Jack's prized roses landed squarely in Alice's arms - much to the surprise of Alice herself.
The studying doctor turned bright red as Clara and Edith's teasing started - followed by the Red Raggers - about how wedding bells were next for her; that familiar furrow appeared between her brows and she looked up at Lawson - who leaned in and whispered something to her.
Alice, if possible, turned even redder, but she didn't shy away from the teasing as she would have done a few years ago; instead, she smiled and waved with the rest of them as Clara and Eric drove away - the roses still clutched in her hands as Lawson and her chatted by the gate before the soldier left.
"Want me to ask Mr. Butler to get a vase for those?" Jack asked Alice quietly as she watched Lawson leave.
"Oh!" she jumped and blushed again. "Oh, um… only if that's alright."
"Of course it is," he kissed the side of her head. "Come, there's plenty of cake left to enjoy and I know you want to get out of those heels."
Alice laughed and linked her arm with his and they entered their home to the rest of the still celebrating family. It had been a wonderful wedding - wonderful to see one of their birds fly the nest - and an equally wonderful reception; Jack looked forward to seeing how Alice and her soldier's relationship developed, but for now, he was happy they were happy.