"Well, there we are then," Robbie closed the file and pushed it away from him. "Anything else I need to cover off?" Hathaway enquired and Robbie shook his head. "Nah, we're done," Robbie replied and glanced at the clock. "Time for a pint?" he enquired and James nodded. "Sounds an excellent plan, Sir," he replied and Robbie scooped up the file, and then his coat. Depositing the file in the appropriate place, he strolled out of the office and the two of them walked briskly down to the entrance to the station car park. As they stood debating which pub they should head for, Robbie realised James' attention was not entirely focussed on him. The source of this inattention was quickly revealed as he lifted a hand in greeting and Robbie turned to find Laura heading for her car. "Mind if we…?" Hathaway asked and Robbie shrugged easily. "Not at all," he replied and James stepped briefly towards Laura. Robbie grinned at her warmly, from behind James' back. "Dr. Hobson. Inspector Lewis and I were just heading to the White Lion," he told her as Laura carefully stowed her kit into the boot of her car. "Could I entice you into joining us?" Hathaway continued and Laura considered this for a moment or two, and then closing her boot, leant back against her car. "Won't be a late one," Hathaway said blithely "Inspector Lewis isn't really one for a night on the tiles." Laura chuckled, and then locked the car. "Go on then Sergeant, you've twisted my arm," she replied "if that's alright with you, Inspector?" Laura considered Robbie for a moment and he smiled broadly. "Always a pleasure, Doctor," he replied lightly and the trio began their walk to Hathaway's suggested pub.
"All done with your case then boys?" Laura enquired and James shoved his hands into his pockets before he replied. "More or less wrapped up," he replied, ducking his head slightly and then looking over at Laura. She smiled broadly at him, and then glanced up to Robbie. "All well with you Inspector?" she enquired, and Robbie nodded. "Aye, grand," he replied easily and she smiled at him. "How's life in the mortuary?" James enquired and Laura look amused. "Well, mostly, by it's very nature, life in the mortuary is somewhat limited, but some interesting cases of late, Sergeant, if that's what you were asking," she replied and Robbie bit back a retort. James looked uncomfortable for a moment and Laura shook her head in amusement. "And are we satisfied with the outcome?" she enquired and James glanced at Robbie. "Yes, yes, I think so. Thanks, in no small part, to what you had to tell us. The DNA evidence really sealed the deal," he replied and Robbie nodded. "Aye. Laura's a top notch pathologist," he replied and Laura arched an eyebrow slightly, amusement apparent in her features. Robbie considered her expression and then shook his head, smiling wryly. "Sorry, did I mean *the* top notch pathologist?" he mused and then caught Laura's eye. "Can I, er, buy you a drink in appreciation of your talents, Doctor Hobson?" Robbie enquired and Laura smiled demurely. "Thank you Inspector," she replied warmly "A G&T would be very acceptable."
James and Laura found a table while Robbie bought the first round, and Laura draped her coat over her chair of choice before sitting down. Laura was quite fond of the long faced sergeant and the prospect of an evening with the pair of them was really quite pleasant. "So what are your plans for the weekend then James?" Laura enquired as they waited for Robbie and James stretched out his legs under the table, leaning back against the bench. As James began to detail his plans with his band for the weekend, Laura leant her chin on her palm, focussing her attention on James as he spoke. "What about you Laura?" James enquired and she smiled. It pleased her when James relaxed enough to call her by her first name. Ever since he'd sat with her, in the bottom of a grave, holding her tight until they were both hauled out by the fire brigade, she'd insisted after such a gesture of kindness that he'd easily earnt the rarely bestowed privilege of addressing the formidable Dr Hobson by her first name. Laura inhaled slowly and considered her answer for a moment. "Well, I have tomorrow off," she replied "and then I am on call on Sunday through til Tuesday, so I am looking forward to some downtime. I am planning on a Sunday in the office with a large cafetiere and some paperwork." She looked rather pleased with the prospect and James looked bemused. "The thing about Laura," Robbie said as he set their drinks down on the table "is you have to understand that her pet research projects are how she likes to kick back and relax." Laura scowled at him as she picked up her G&T. "I'm not sure I like your tone, Inspector," she rebuked and James chuckled, casting a glance between the two of them. "Said with the utmost respect, obviously," Robbie said hastily and Laura sipped her drink, fixing Robbie with a reproachful look. "So, James, when is your next gig?" she enquired and James set his pint down and began to tell them all about the forthcoming gigs his band had planned.
A couple of hours later, Laura glanced at the clock and sighed. "I'm afraid, gentlemen, that I need to call it a night," she decided and James considered his empty glass. "Another, sir?" he enquired and Robbie shook his head. "Nah, thanks James," he replied "best call it a night. Thanks though, been a pleasant evening." Laura shrugged on her coat and Robbie considered her for a second. "I'll walk back with you to the station," he suggested and Laura shrugged easily. "Sure," she replied, and then ducked to press a kiss to James' cheek. He flushed slightly and Laura smiled. "Good night James," she said affectionately, before turning to head out of the pub. "Well," Robbie began as they walked up the street back towards the station "that was a pleasant end to the working week." Laura tucked her hands into her pockets and glanced up at him. "Indeed it was," she replied, and they smiled at each other. "Got plans for dinner?" Robbie asked and Laura smiled to herself. "I was going to stop off at the supermarket," Laura mused "pick something up for dinner, and then crash on the sofa." Robbie considered this, allowing his arm to brush up against Laura's and she smiled. "I'm sure dinner could be extended to accommodate you, if you were so inclined," Laura replied lightly and Robbie smiled broadly. "In the interests of discretion, love, perhaps I could meet you back at yours?" he muted and Laura's smile broadened. "Hmmm," Laura considered "yes, I think that would be an acceptable proposal. Any requests?" They'd reached the station car park and Robbie turned to face Laura as they stood in front of her car. "You know me, I'll eat anything," he replied easily and Laura smiled.
An hour or so later, Laura was safely installed in her kitchen, a large glass of wine in hand, and dinner cooking in the oven. Pleasant aromas of cooking were beginning to waft through the kitchen, and a rap at the front door drew her attention. Opening the door, she smiled at the policeman leaning against her doorframe. "Good evening," she murmured, holding open the door and stepping back to allow Robbie to step through into her hallway. Laura closed the door behind him, turning the key and then hanging it up. "Something smells good," Robbie observed and Laura smiled as he hung his coat up in her hallway. "Lasagne," Laura remarked and he drew her into his arms, ducking his head to kiss her. Laura entwined her hands around his neck and drew Robbie into a long and sensuous kiss. "Been thinking about doing that all week," she murmured and Robbie leant his forehead against her, gazing into her eyes. "Sorry pet, it's been a bit full on this week," he said apologetically and Laura smiled. "It's fine," she replied "it's not as if I didn't know what I was getting into." Robbie leant his forehead against Laura's and they smiled at each other. "It is really good to see you," Robbie said quietly and Laura's expression softened. She pressed her lips to his cheek and he held her tightly for a moment. It was by no means the first time Robbie had concluded a case with dinner at Laura's but he had come to realise that it was a very enticing prospect. "Come through to the living room," Laura suggested and Robbie pressed a kiss to the tip of her nose lovingly.
"Can I do anything?" he enquired as Laura pottered around her kitchen, and she glanced up, meeting his gaze levelly. She smiled, and then shook her head. Robbie relaxed back against the sofa, and sipped his beer. He gazed around the living room - Laura had been here for about a month now and he thought she was beginning to look pretty settled. Heck, he was beginning to feel pretty settled here. It was cosy here. Laura had a real knack for turning a house into a home and he enjoyed spending time here. It touched him that Laura always seemed to have his favourite beer in stock, and that she didn't seem to mind his aftershave in her bathroom cabinet. He returned his focus to Laura, and they exchanged a smile. "So what are your plans for the weekend?" she enquired lightly, and Robbie considered her. He held out a hand to her and then drew her into his arms. Laura entwined her wrists loosely around his neck and Robbie kissed her softly. "No real plans for tomorrow," he replied "and then Sunday, dunno. I'll have a lazy day, watch the match." Laura smiled and he brushed his lips over hers again. "What time does your shift start on Sunday?" he enquired and Laura considered. "It depends on what time the previous call out is. But hopefully no earlier than 9am. I'm planning to go straight into the office at 8am or thereabouts, and crack on with my paperwork," Laura replied and Robbie smiled. "Mmm, well, 9am on a Sunday is awfully early,' Robbie mused, pressing a kiss to Laura's forehead "so I think I'll leave that to you if that's alright." Laura chuckled and he pressed another soft kiss against her kiss. "Plans for tomorrow?" he enquired and Laura smiled to herself. "Well," Laura replied "I was hoping for a bit of a lie in, and then I thought I might have a quiet day at home, read the papers, that sort of thing. Then tomorrow evening I was planning to cook something nice for dinner and crash out on the sofa." Laura glanced up at him, and the intensity in his gaze almost took her breath away. "What?" she murmured and Robbie nudged his nose against hers before he kissed her. "You look at me so intensely sometimes," Laura chided gently, and Robbie kissed her again. "Aye, well," he replied and Laura giggled. "You're very easy on the eye, Dr. Hobson," Robbie told her and Laura smiled to herself. "Were you planning to spend the night?" Laura enquired, bringing her hand up to caress his cheek, and Robbie leant into her caress, meeting her gaze. "I've missed you the last few nights," Laura said softly and Robbie smiled at her. "I was rather hoping I could stay tonight," he replied and Laura smiled broadly. "Glad to hear it," she replied and he returned her smile.
Later, after dinner, and cuddled up on the sofa, Robbie and Laura enjoyed an hour, catching up on their respective weeks. Robbie filling Laura in on the particulars of the case, and Laura talking through what was coming up in terms of court appearances and an article she was drafting. When the hall clock chimed eleven, Laura yawned and stretched out slightly. "Think I might call it a night," she mused and Robbie nodded. "Aye," he said "maybe I'll join you." Laura smirked and Robbie pulled her to him and kissed her deeply. When they drew apart, Robbie's eyes were dancing and Laura shook her head. "I'm going to lock up," Laura decided and Robbie reluctantly released her from his grip. "See you upstairs?" he said and Laura smiled. As Laura locked up, Robbie made his way up to her bedroom, retrieving his bag from the hallway and dropping it at the foot of Laura's bed. He sat on the edge of her bed and stretched his arms out, easing the tension from his shoulders. He wondered if Laura would mind if he showered, and decided quite quickly that she was unlikely to be bothered. He undressed quickly, and went into Laura's ensuite. Her shower was particularly powerful and he rather welcomed the prospect of a decent wash, to rinse away the last vestiges of the week.
As he showered, he rinsed the soap from his hair, and opened his eyes to find Laura slipping in to join him. "Hello," he murmured and she looked up at him. "You don't mind…" Laura began and Robbie pulled her against him, ducking his head to kiss her deeply. "God, no," he murmured and Laura grinned. She ducked her head under the water and allowed the warm water to run over her skin. She reached for the shampoo and began to wash her hair. Robbie ran his hands up over her arms, and began to massage her scalp. Laura murmured appreciatively, and allowed him to rinse the suds off. As she turned to pick up her shower oil, Robbie slid his arm around her waist and pulled her back against him, pressing a line of kisses down her neck. Laura arched her neck allowing him more access to her neck. Pouring a little oil into her hands, Laura began to wash her body, starting with her arms, and she smiled as Robbie allowed his hands to roam across her body. "You are so lovely," Robbie murmured appreciatively, gliding his hand over her hip and across her stomach. Laura smiled to herself, gently washing her skin and sighing as Robbie continued to caress her. She could feel how aroused he was, as he pressed up against her. She continued to carefully soap herself, working across her body methodically, as Robbie's hands followed hers. At length, she turned in his arms, and the water cascaded over her body. "We should probably get to bed," Laura said softly, as Robbie drew her closer, resting his hands in the small of her back. "Mmm," he replied and Laura laughed. She tiptoed up in his arms, reaching behind him to turn the shower off. She pressed herself against him and Robbie grinned. "Well, Dr. Hobson, I'm all for bed," he told her and Laura smirked. "I hope you weren't anticipating sleep just yet…" Robbie continued, his arms still around her and Laura smiled broadly. "Not just yet…" she murmured and Robbie grinned.