She was relaxing in her flat that morning, drinking dark French coffee from a cafetiere she had made, when the doorbell rang. Answering, she saw Gilou on the intercom and buzzed him up. He seemed unsettled, a little agitated and full of unspent energy for so early on a day they were both off work, but the smile he gave her when he saw her, was warm and genuine.
"I'm still in my pyjamas and my hair is a mess," she said self disparagingly.
"I used to love your morning hair," he smiled, somewhat sadly, one finger reaching hesitantly to stroke a stray strand. "I thought we should talk after all," he elaborated.
"Okay," she replied.
She poured him a cup and they sat together on the rug, leaning back on the sofa, coffee in hand. She looked at him, seeing the conflict, as he seemed to wrestle with himself.
He put his cup down and his hand went to her face, stroking it gently. His strong hands. His caring hands. Laure leaned into his touch, full of desire but equally prepared to be rejected. Their eyes locked and they looked at each other for a long time, each able to read the others mood after such a long time together, as colleagues, then lovers.
"I love you, Laure. I'm still in love with you, I think that's obvious. I've been so horrible to you. But when you left me, it really hurt. When you left us. I need to know that you will talk to me. We can do anything together, but if you shut me out…we fall apart. Will you talk to me?"
"Of course. Running away, I hurt myself too. I was overwhelmed by everything; you and the baby. But I know what I lost. Who I lost."
"Good. Can we start again and heal some of the pain?" He asked, hands still on her face, still holding her.
She nodded. He leant in and they kissed, slowly at first and then urgently. They made love there on the rug and spent the day together in the apartment, finding each other again. Laure found that she was able to smile again and Gilou began to tease her, as he always had.
"It was hard, being near you at work. I just wanted to touch you all the time. I couldn't concentrate. When we were watching Fouad in the car, I could barely stop myself from kissing you."
"Me too."
"You too? Maybe we are too good at hiding our feelings. When we stayed at the hotel in Le Harve, I had to stay out on the balcony until I was freezing, just to stop myself from walking into your bedroom and jumping in your bed. I've never felt such love and lust for any other woman, Laure."
Laure felt panic begin to rise again in her chest. When Gilou spoke of his love for her, she could barely believe it. When she looked at him, she knew that he understood her worry.
"Talk to me," he chastised.
"I've never been in a long-term relationship like this with anyone else. Did you never wonder why? I can't cope when I hear a partner talking of love. I always push them away. Always. Everyone except you. Well, maybe including you."
"You were with Vincent for a long time."
"But was I, though? I didn't love him. He was safe. And then I slept with Sami. I've always been self-destructive."
"Why Laure? Why do you push people who love you, away?"
She shook her head, tears beginning to form in her eyes. "That must be a question for my therapist. Who I haven't seen for some time."
"Well, can you see them again? I'll come with you if you want. Please."
She smiled through her tears. "You're too good for me."
He kissed her softly. "I love you, Laure. That's what love is. I want to help you, if you'll let me."
"Help me Gilou; help me to love you better."
"I will Laure. I will."
They made love again, both faces wet with spilled tears. The act was therapeutic, and they lay together afterwards, bodies entwined and satisfied.
"Do you ever think about how easy it has always been for us jump into bed with each other?" She asked. "We just fit together perfectly."
"Well, I did have to wait nearly 10 years for the pleasure! That was tough. But I know what you mean. That's something we've never had to work hard at. I know how your mind works, and it follows that I can read the needs of your body, I suppose."
They relaxed as one for a long while, as the darkness grew outside. He announced he was hungry, and they dressed and went to find an evening meal, having mostly missed breakfast and lunch.
They sat at a quiet table for two, sipping wine, holding hands and chatting contentedly. Laure could barely believe the difference only a few short hours had brought. Her beloved Gilou still loved her. She could hardly believe her luck. With him, she could face the world, face anything. The smile remained on her face, unable to leave. Their happiness was infectious, and the waiter laughed with them.
Returning to her flat, they went to bed, holding each other closely.
"Will we be able to see Romy?" he asked.
"Yes, Vincent won't stop us."
"That's good Laure. Do you want to see her?"
"Until now, I haven't felt strong enough. But with you, who knows? You're so good for me. I want to see her when I'm with you."
The next day, they were both back at work, and the atmosphere was distinctly different. They both got in early, and Gilou was making coffee as Ali came in.
"D'you want one?" he asked, smiling and indicating the coffee cup.
"Okay," said Ali, looking from one to the other. "What's that on your face?"
"Where?" said Gilou, his hand rubbing across his face.
"There! That smile!" commented Ali.
Gilou offered him the cup of coffee, and kissed him on the top of his head. "I'm smiling because I love you, man," he laughed.
Then he took a cup to Laure and still smiling, kissed the top of her head too, absentmindedly.
"That's it. You two are back on!" realised Ali.
"Well, you did tell me he was smart," said Laure quietly, also smiling.
"You two have never smiled this much in all the time I've known you," said Ali astutely.
"Yes, it's true, we are back together. What can I say? I love her Ali." He kissed her again, this time on her lips, the kiss warm and moist with the coffee she had sipped, with no remorse.
"Everyone will notice," warned Ali.
"Let them," challenged Gilou, as his hand rested lightly on her shoulders. They sat together working at the computer for most of the morning, smiling and joking quietly together.
Later, Laure and Gilou went into a meeting with Beckriche, without even a grimace, as if nothing could dampen their spirits.
If he noticed, Beckriche made no comment.
However, JP, Tom and Nico cornered Ali about Gilou's new cheerfulness.
"What is up with our boss? He's so happy. I've never seen him like this."
"Never?"
"No, well, not for a long time. Has he got his leg over?"
"Yes, that's it."
"Who with?"
"A woman he has known for a long while. Now, leave it will you?" asked Ali, shrugging off their questions to go back to work. The team accepted his brief explanation and took him at his word. They trusted Ali, he was a good man, and they enjoyed the new atmosphere of happiness that pervaded the atmosphere of the office, the usually gruff Gilou regularly making coffee for all of them, and clapping them on the shoulder.
Later in the car, Ali sat in the back and Gilou was driving. They parked quickly as the man they were tailing unexpectedly arrived and began walking towards them, and Gilou pulled Laure in for a hold like a kiss to hide their faces. Despite Ali in the car, he couldn't resist turning the kiss into a real one, as Ali groaned, "Guys, you do realise I'm still here?"
"Ali, your mum did tell you about the birds and the bees?" laughed Gilou, good naturedly, as he broke off the kiss with Laure, a look of longing clear on his face. His hand, which had become entwined with hers, also unwillingly moved itself back to the steering wheel. "She's just so beautiful, I can't help myself," he muttered.
Laure smiled to herself and offered to grab some coffee for them all. As she left the car, Gilou called quietly, "I love you Laure," and she leant back into the car for another kiss.
"You are so sweet together, it's actually sickening," complained Ali, but Gilou's only response was another smile. "Don't you worry about her every day, doing this job? My wife is a nurse and I worry about her sometimes. But working in the police, that's another level of danger."
"I do Ali, but Laure is a good cop and she has saved my life before now. In every sense of the word. I figure with her, I'm safer than without, and the same goes for her. Besides sat in an office she would be unbearable."
Ali nodded slowly in agreement.
"Tom was right when he said you two were indestructible."
"He said that?"
"Yes. And now I'm beginning to see why."
"Ali, there's no need to be jealous of Laure. You're my deputy and I love you too. You're smart and talented and honest and you always call me out when I'm being a dickhead. I appreciate that about you. I want us all to work together."
Ali nodded, realising his boss was right. The three of them made a good team, better balanced.
"But Tom also said there were three of you before? Are you sure three is a good number for you?"
"Tom was right, we did work as a three. We both loved Tintin, but when Laure and I got together before, he couldn't cope and transferred. I do regret that. But he was going through a messy divorce and trouble with his son. Like you he was honest, and didn't always feel comfortable with our methods. But I trusted him, like I trust you, Ali."
Laure came back with the drinks and they sat waiting until the sky turned dark, but there was no other movement from the target of their surveillance.
"Take you home?" Gilou asked Ali, who nodded.
"Actually, can you drop me home first?" asked Laure.
"No Laure, Ali doesn't need to watch as I kiss you goodnight, does he? I'll drop him first," he laughed and Laure and Ali joined in. Gilou in a good mood was something to behold.
Later, Gilou, wet from the shower, made pasta in Laure's apartment. The goodnight kiss had turned into something not entirely unexpected. They ate, grinning at each other across the table like teenagers, and sipped the red wine that he had opened.
Gilou's cooking had been another thing that surprised her, and his homemade dish tonight was simple but delicious. He had begun cooking for them when they were together before, and it was another thing about him that she had really missed when she walked out.
"Gilou, I love how kind you are, cooking for us. You're a very generous man. I don't deserve you."
"Stop, stop," said Gilou, amused but determined to correct this statement. "You do deserve me. You're brave and intelligent and so loyal. And beautiful too. If there is anyone who doesn't deserve someone, I don't deserve you."
"You?" said Laure, truly puzzled. "Why not you?"
"Well, look at me. I'm hardly the catch of the decade."
"Gilou? said Laure, now genuinely confused. "You are fearless, smart and I trust you. I think you're handsome, and I'm very attracted to you. All of you."
"Even these clumsy fingers?"
"I'm particularly attracted to those clumsy fingers, for good reason. The feel of them on my body makes me want to tear my clothes off."
"Jesus, Laure, how can you be so sexy? How is a man to eat a meal?" He laughed, taking her hand, and soon the pasta was long forgotten.
Later the buzzer rang again. It was late, but when Laure saw it was Vincent, she let him in.
"Vincent?" She greeted him. "Is the baby okay?"
"Yes, she's fine. Are you here alone?" he asked, before noticing Gilou's coat hanging on the chair.
"No," she admitted.
"I wanted to talk to you. But I can talk to you both. Are you together now?"
"We are," said Gilou, coming into the room.
Vincent sat heavily; it was clear he had been drinking to get his nerve up to come over. Gilou tensed then relaxed, curious to see what the man wanted. They had always got on fine, but that was before Vincent knew that Laure and him were an item. He moved to make coffee, and let Laure have some space. Again, Laure sat on the floor, sofa forgotten, and Vincent joined her there.
Gilou made the drinks whilst they exchanged small talk about Romy, and then he joined them.
"So, how long have you two been together?" asked Vincent, curious as always.
"Long enough," answered Laure warily.
"I did always wonder about you two, even when we were together. He always had a thing for you."
"Vincent, why did you come here?" asked Laure, losing patience.
"Laure, I just want you to see her, that's all. She misses you. I know she does."
"I want to, but…" Laure trailed off, unsure of how to explain herself. Gilou held her hands, which shook with unspoken pain and emotion. She wept, leaning on his shoulder and his arm went around her.
"We will see her Vincent," Gilou reassured him. "We'll come together if that's okay with you?"
"Okay," replied Vincent, the relief showing clearly on his face. "Shall we say Sunday afternoon?"
Gilou nodded, looking at Laure. "Is that okay Laure?"
She nodded slightly, still too emotional to speak. Gilou's arm tightened around her waist, pulling her closer.
"Are you sure?"
Laure nodded again, a tiny but discernible movement.
"Great," said Vincent. "I know you never really loved me Laure, but I'm so pleased you kept the baby. She really is such a beautiful thing. You'll find out when you see her. I don't want to ask anything from you, but I just want you to see her regularly. She needs you."
"Okay," said Laure, rubbing her eyes. Gilou kissed her eyes lovingly, accepting her tears, accepting her feelings. Vincent felt embarrassed, witnessing their private intimate moment, but he was pleased too, that among all the horrific backdrop of policework, they had found each other.
"It'll be okay," reassured Gilou, still stroking her hair.
"I'll see myself out," said Vincent.
"Vincent?" Laure called after him.
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry I never loved you enough. You deserved better."
"It's okay Laure. I found Nathalie and you have Gilou now. It's all worked out for the best. I'm just pleased that we can all still get on. At work and for Romy. It has to have all been for a reason."
Laure broke away from Gilou with difficulty and stood, she wanted to stay in his loving embrace. Vincent was still standing there, hand on the door. She moved to hold him, and they embraced briefly, and a little awkwardly.
"You've always been kind Vincent, thank you."
"It wasn't kindness Laure, I loved you." He looked at Gilou. "Look after her," he pleaded, before leaving.
Laure returned to the reassuring embrace of Gilou, her strength through this. They held each other for a long time. What was it about the men in her life? mused Gilou. They all loved her unreservedly. He felt awe that she loved him back. What an amazing woman. Scooping her up, they went to bed, Gilou loving her through her sadness and self-doubt.
In the morning, the sun rose across the Paris rooftops as they made their way into the office. Despite an undercurrent of sadness permeating the start of their day, Gilou's continued good mood soon rubbed off on everyone, Laure included, and by lunchtime, they were all sitting at the main tables, eating French stick, and throwing napkins at each other. Tom waded in to break up a particularly lively play fight between Ali and Gilou.
Beckriche arrived back with a slightly confused expression on his face. Even he had noticed the positive change in atmosphere in the office. "Everyone okay?" he asked.
"We're all okay boss," answered Gilou, now separated from Tom.
After work, the group visited a local wine bar, and Laure ordered an apple juice, and then sat at a table. Ali, looking at her closely, had a sparkling mineral water, and sat with her. Gilou was still at the bar with the others.
"So? You guys had a good night?"
"Ali!" said Laure, a blush spreading across her face at the thought of her night with Gilou.
"Ah-ha!" smiled Ali, looking at Laure in her embarrassment. Despite being married and much younger, he could see what his boss liked about Laure. She had proven herself an able detective, determined, hardworking and yet professional and discreet. She was slim and pretty, and her eyes sparkled with mischief. She was looking at him now with amusement, having got over her blush.
"What's the deal with you Ali? Are you married?"
"I am married. To Mala. She is about six months pregnant with our first child, and works as a nurse. She beautiful and funny too." He got his phone out to show her a recent picture.
"Ah, lovely, what a lucky woman," she commented, looking at the photo closely.
Ali gave her a slow smile.
"And you? How long were you and Gilou together before now?"
"Quite a while Ali. Quite a while. I do love him, you know."
"I know he loves you, Laure. It's pretty obvious now, I know, but when he spoke of you when I first met you, it was clear you meant a lot to him, even though he pretended to dismiss it. You hurt him. You know? But mental health is a serious thing. My sister is a therapist. She would say I shouldn't blame you."
"But do you?"
"I love Gilou and I feel like my job is to protect him. I'm sorry if I came across a bit hard before. I think you're brilliant, but I don't want to see him hurt again."
"Straight talker, eh?"
"So, they say."
"Well, I didn't mean to hurt him the first time Ali. He deserves more. He's a good man. But you keep your honesty. It's a credit to you."
"Gilou said the same."
"See? We're both good judges of character!" They laughed and sipped their drinks.
Gilou came over. "Nico was asking who the lucky woman was, and I told him it was us! You should have seen his face, Laure! Talk about surprised!"
"Are you sure that's wise?"
"Ah, Laure, they would have guessed at the next stake out, when I couldn't keep my hands off you!"
"You managed it before Gilou. No one knew then."
"But it's different now though. Maybe if we'd told Tintin before, he wouldn't have left the team. He knew I was crazy about you for years."
"Did he?"
"Yes. That's why I was surprised he didn't guess until he saw us kissing. Some detective, eh? Not like my lovely Ali, eh?" His hand went to Ali's shoulder, and he smiled at him.
"So, no-one in the team knew before?" asked Ali.
"They did not," said Gilou.
"Not even Herville? Or Beckriche?"
"No, although I was never sure if maybe Herville thought it. We were working closely with him then. He nearly walked in on us several times."
"He was a good man."
"He was."
"I wish I knew him," added Ali.
"You'd have liked him, Ali. In the start he was a plonker, but we soon helped him with that."
"Like you have with Beckriche?"
"Just like that, Ali!" laughed Gilou.
Ali finished his water and stood to go.
"You're a good man too Ali," said Laure. Ali smiled, the warm smile of a man who had begun to appreciate a new colleague.
"Run tomorrow Gilou? Meet you at 7am? I know where Laure lives if you're staying there again?"
Gilou and Laure exchanged a brief look, before Gilou nodded. "Okay. See you at 7."
Laure smiled.
Ali's hand went to Gilou's shoulder. "You two really are indestructible."