A/N: And so, the time has come to segue into Season 5. FYI, entire blocks of text in italics are borrowed from bits of Lewis. Italics within otherwise plain text are either reminiscence or transcripts.

James Hathaway dropping into pace with her, as Laura left a crime scene was usually an ominous beginning. And she was a touch bemused that he relied on her to be able to interpret Robbie's reactions to events. "You two are old friends," he'd once protested when she'd queried why he was asking her. "Less of the old," she'd rebuked sharply and he'd looked instantly reticent. "I wasn't meaning to imply…" he trailed off and Laura chuckled. "Quit while you're ahead, Sergeant," she'd suggested wryly and he'd sighed heavily. "Anything I should know?" Hathaway asked, and Laura controlled her instinctive flinch. It was late and she was tired. She'd known the second the details of the call came through that this case might be the first test of her burgeoning relationship with Robbie. The first time that a case might trigger Robbie's deep seated grief. Laura was under no illusions as to the impact that that grief had on her relationship with Robbie. Grief was a bitter master, and one never quite knew what might trigger it. Laura didn't doubt the sincerity of Robbie's affection for her, but she was quite conscious that his late wife was likely to still be very much on his mind. With Hathaway's curiosity satisfied, Laura walked back to the car, in want of her bed. It was almost midnight and she needed to sleep before the postmortem in the morning.

"Early bird…" Jean Innocent observed as she appeared in Robbie's office, and he glanced up at her quickly. "Morning Ma'am, yeah, no, I've got a post mortem with Dr. Hobson at eight," he explained, stacking the papers in front of him quickly "thought I might get some reading in first."Jean leant on the chair "The suspicious at Lady Matilda's? Gaudy wasn't it?" She enquired. "Aye, last night. Some former student of Diana Ellerby." Robbie confirmed and a flicker of amusement flashed across Innocent's face. "Have you seen her yet?" she enquired. "Seen, yes. Spoken to, no," Robbie replied, slightly wearily, leaning back and resting his head in his hands for a moment. "Not this time round, anyway." He stood up. "I did meet her on a previous case, briefly," he explained "hence the homework." Robbie fiddled with his sleeve and then caught sight of the time. "Crikey, better get a wriggle on. Laura doesn't mind her patients being late, but woe betide…" Robbie scooped up his jacket, and headed out of his office. "What was she like?" Innocent asked, falling into step with him. "Ellerby? It was years ago, but prickly as I remember." Innocent chuckled to herself. "What?" Robbie asked and she smiled broadly. "She would be," she remarked wryly "something of a termagant in her day. A leading light in the struggle for female empowerment." She caught Robbie's eye. "How is that going, by the way?" he enquired lightly. "You can mock," Innocent replied warmly "The Glass Ceiling was required reading when I was at college." And she turned, walking back to her office. "She's got form, you know," Robbie remarked and Innocent tuned back to him with a quizzical expression. "Trespass, breach of the peace, protesting against American missiles back in the 80s." he explained. "Greenham?" Innocent asked. "Heyford," Robbie replied "handier for tutorials I suppose. A quick bit of saving the world and then back into college in time for hot buttered muffins." He exchanged a wry look with Innocent, and as she turned back to her office, he strode off in the direction of the mortuary.

"What? I know that look," Laura observed as he picked up the preliminary report from the side. "Just thinking," Robbie replied, non plussed. "You alright?" Laura continued. "Of course, why wouldn't I be?" he replied, slightly bewildered. "Lady Matilda's College. Hardly the happiest of associations," Laura suggested quietly and he looked at the report in his hand. "It's just a place, Laura," he said wearily. "Just so long as you're…" Laura began and he looked at her for a second before cutting her off. "I'm fine, thank you," he answered, dropping the file back on the work surface. "Anytime," Laura replied warmly, before Robbie made to head out of the mortuary. As she walked back towards her office, he turned. "Do you remember what happened to the girl?" He asked and Laura shrugged easily, mindful of one of the junior pathologists. "Sorry, no idea," she said, and they smiled at each other before Robbie headed back off down to his office.

Attending post mortems, or arriving just too late for them, was a grim bit of the job, but it was a necessary evil and it was worth the brownie points attendance inevitably acquired with Laura. He cast his mind back to the first case of Laura's he'd attended, back in the day with Morse. 1995 it must have been or thereabouts. He vividly remembered Laura pitching up in that massive Landrover, fixing Morse with a fierce look and dealing with his assertions with great exasperation. He'd gone home, greatly amused and recounted the story to Val. "Introduce us, Robbie," Val had said cheerfully "she sounds brilliant." And he duly had. There'd been a barbecue, some kind of force social a few weeks later, and Val had sized up Laura very quickly. There weren't many diminutive blondes complete with withering sarcasm and petite figures rocking around Oxfordshire Police in those days and Val had shaken Laura's hand cheerfully. "I'm Valerie Lewis, Robbie's wife, and you must be Laura Hobson" she'd said to Laura, who'd smiled warmly in return. "Chief Inspector Mouse, eh? God, Laura, I'd loved to have seen that. Robbie recounted the whole thing when he came home, tickled me for days." Val had said conspiratorially, glass of wine in hand. Laura had looked slightly mortified and Val had hastened to reassure her. "I hope you don't mind. I hear so many grim things from Robbie, or, you know, nothing at all. It's such a rarity to be giggling over his work," and Laura had smiled, slightly relieved.

A few minutes later, Laura's phone buzzed on her desk, and she turned her attention to it momentarily. She smiled when she saw it was Robbie. Fancy supper later? She stretched her arms out in front of her, trying to ease the tension in her shoulders. She toyed with her phone for a few moments before replying. Supper sounds nice. What did you have in mind? Laura returned her attentions to her report, until her phone buzzed again. Pasta, wine, collapse on the sofa? Laura bit her lip. Simple pleasures. Wasn't that the joy of a proper relationship? She supposed that was one of the nicest things about transitioning into a romance with your closest friend. You didn't have to build up to this easy familiarity. Actually, pasta and a glass of wine, and a quiet evening in sounded absolutely blissful. It would, after all, give her a real chance to assess how Robbie was doing. My place? Come over when you're done here? I'll cook… Even if he did keep distracting her, all being well, Laura planned to have this report complete by the end of the day. Then she could clock off, swing via Waitrose, and fit in a run before Robbie came over. I'll drop you a text when I'm done here. Rx

A couple of hours later, Laura was signed out of the lab, and on her way to the shops. Parking up, she quickly made her way around the store, collecting the contents of her short shopping list, before negotiating the self-scan checkout, and heading back out to her car. She dropped the groceries on the front seat, and slid into the driver's seat, before buckling up and driving the rest of the way home. Back at her house, Laura dropped her briefcase in her office, and then took the rest of the shopping through into the kitchen. She considered the clock and tried to decided how much time she had before Robbie was likely to make an appearance. At least an hour and a half, by her reckoning. Just about time to go for a decent run and have a shower once she was back. Laura ran upstairs and changed quickly into her running kit, knowing that if she delayed much longer she wouldn't go at all. She pulled on her trainers, tapped in the alarm code, and tucked her key into the zipper pocket on her leggings. Setting off down the street, Laura soon found her feet hitting the pavement in a long established rhythm, soothing her at the end of a long and tiring day. She ran her favoured route, five miles in all, taking solace in the familiarity of the scenery.

When she turned back onto her street, Laura was surprised to find Robbie leaning on his car, as he waited on her driveway. "You're early," she observed, retrieving her key from her pocket and stepping past him to open the front door and turn off the alarm. "Robbie, you're staring," she teased as he followed her into the house and shut the door, barely taking his eyes off her. "I'm hot and sweaty," she rebuked as he slid his arms around her waist. "I know," Robbie replied, ducking his head to kiss her and Laura laughed against his kiss. "You are hot as hell," Robbie told her, holding her pressed against him and Laura interlinked her arms around his neck. "Is that so?" she enquired happily and Robbie kissed her again, sliding his hands under her t-shirt and caressing her waist with his thumbs. Laura sighed against his kiss, pulling him down as he deepened the kiss. Before she quite realised what was going on, Robbie had her pressed up against her hallway wall."What happened to supper and collapsing on the sofa?" Laura asked between kisses and Robbie laughed, trailing kisses down her neck. "Aye, well, I had a better offer," he explained and Laura squirmed, giggling, as his lips traced over a ticklish spot before ghosting across her collarbone. "God, Laura, I want you," Robbie told her and Laura closed her eyes as he edged her t-shirt up, tugging it over her head and discarding it on the floor. "At least let me take my trainers off," Laura rebuked, clearly amused "and we are not having sex in my hallway," she continued, unlacing her trainers and kicking them off, as Robbie hung his jacket on the bannister. Laura stood on the bottom step, and considered Robbie for a moment. "Are we not?" he enquired and Laura laughed, folding her arms behind her and leaning back against the wall. Robbie eyed her up and down, and swallowed hard. Laura chuckled at his blatant admiration of her then held out her hands. "Who knew you'd be such a sucker for my running kit?" she observed and Robbie kissed her longingly. "Bed, Laur, now," he replied steadily and Laura grinned, leaning in for another kiss before taking his hand into hers and heading up the stairs.

Robbie sat on the edge of Laura's bed, sliding his arms around her hips and drawing her between his legs so he could kiss her. Laura pressed her hands against him, beginning to undo the buttons and sliding her hands across his chest as his shirt gaped. She eased the shirt away from him and he discarded it to the floor. In turn, Robbie brought his hands to Laura's crop top, sliding his hands under it, and easing it up. Laura wriggled out of it, yanking it over her head and Robbie brought his hands to her ribs before cupping her breasts in his hands. Laura closed her eyes as she felt his mouth, warm against her skin and she murmured as he moved his lips across her chest. Laura wriggled out of her leggings, dropping them to floor, and Robbie slid his hands to her hips again, running his fingers under the lace of her knickers and pulling her flush against him. "You better ditch the trousers, Inspector," Laura suggested huskily and Robbie grinned, undoing his belt, and following her instructions. He sat slightly back further on the bed, sighing as Laura knelt over him. "Well, Dr. Hobson," Robbie said against her ear and Laura grinned, taking his length into her hands and fondling him in a way which had him moaning against her neck. "Turn around," Robbie said and Laura considered him for a moment. "Trust me," he said, and she smiled at him. 'Alright," she replied, allowing him to turn her in his arms. Robbie groaned against her back as she sank down onto his length and Laura shifted her hips slightly, interlacing her fingers with his, flat over her stomach. She rolled her hips, enjoying the sensations he was creating within her.

Robbie caressed her hips, keeping his movements slow and Laura leant her head back against him. He pressed his lips to the side of her head and Laura smiled to herself. "Laur," Robbie murmured as Laura ground her hips down. His breath caught in his throat, and he closed his eyes, leaning his forehead against the nape of her neck. Robbie brought one of his hands to where he and Laura were joined, sliding his fingers between her legs and caressing her intimately. He brought his other hand to her breast, rolling her nipple between his finger and thumb, and Laura whimpered in pleasure at the sensation. She sank down onto him, and again, and she felt his exhale against the back of her neck. The sensation sent shivers down her spine and she ground her hips slowly, smiling at Robbie's hiss of satisfaction. Laura could feel her orgasm building, a sort of fizzing coursing through her hips and through her veins. She closed her eyes tightly, trying to focus on the feeling and the effect his hands were having on her body. "Ooh, Robbie," she murmured and she tensed as he removed his fingers from her nub. He moistened them, before caressing her again and Laura cried out at the change in sensation. She sank down onto him hard, needing to feel him more deeply as her orgasm raced through her and she cried out his name, gripping his hand in hers, unable to control the movement of her hips. "Fuck, Robbie," she murmured as he thrust harder into her. "Oh, god, yes," Laura leant her head back against him, and he nuzzled her neck. The combined assault on her senses was enough to tip Laura over the edge and as she climaxed around him, Robbie gave in and thrust hard against her, pulling her down onto the bed with him, as he collapsed, spent. "You'll be the death of me, Dr. Hobson," he murmured against her skin, kissing her shoulder and she laughed loudly. "That was uncharacteristically fast and furious," Laura observed and Robbie rolled her towards him, kissing her lovingly. "What can I say?" he replied "you bring it out in me." Laura smiled, still slightly wary. She'd not expected this. In fact, she'd been worried Robbie would be so bound up by grief that she'd rather anticipated a different kind of evening. Yet for Robbie, his response to horrors of the past was to come home to Laura, seek out a kind of solace that made him feel alive.

As the evening continued, Laura became keenly aware that Robbie was actually quite distracted. Oh he was companionable enough, but he was very quiet. Thoughtful, distracted, just sat absentmindedly, staring into space in the pretence of watching the telly. She glanced at him, and he squeezed her hand. She didn't want to press him. It was obvious really. The case was clearly on his mind, and when it came to things like this Robbie was either silently mulling something over or he was talking it through. And that stage would come. He shifted himself, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and pressing a kiss to the side of her head absentmindedly. The credits rolled on the news and Laura turned to him. "Turn in?" she enquired and he squeezed her against him. "Aye," he replied simply and Laura furrowed her brow. "Everything alright?" she asked gently, and Robbie sighed. "Just this case," he said "on me mind." Laura leant into him, and leant her forehead against his cheek. "You staying tonight?' she enquired gently and Robbie shook his head. "I'd best be headed home, pet," he said and Laura smiled sympathetically. "Alright," she said kindly.

As Robbie stalked across the lawn, the early morning dew soaking his shoes, he could see that not only had Laura been here for some time but that Hathaway had beaten him here too. 'What time do you call this?" Laura called irritably. "No gallows humour this morning please Laura," Robbie said grumpily "just the whys and wherefores." He stopped adjacent to the body, clearly infuriated. "Killed midnight, one o'clock. Multiple blows," Laura replied levelly. 'And I suppose nobody saw or heard anything?" Robbie said angrily "Damnit. Damnit to hell. I should been quicker off the mark, not let the grass grow," he continued, gesturing at the body and Laura stood, considering him. Robbie gestured at James. "You tried to tell me and I didn't bloody listen." "Sir…" Hathaway began but Robbie cut him off, stalking back across the lawn a few paces. "Too busy looking backwards instead of concentrating on the here and now," Robbie said, aggravated. A disturbance at the side of the steps caught the attention of the trio. Robbie glanced over and sighed, closing his eyes for a moment. "See to him, will ye?" he said to Hathaway. "You had no way of knowing that the killer was going to strike again, Sir," he remarked and then dutifully turned and walked over to deal with the scene enveloping in front of them. As Hathaway turned his back, Laura turned to Robbie. She tried to catch his eye but he wouldn't look at her. "He's right, Robbie. There's no way you could have known," she remarked, trying to keep her voice low but she could tell that Robbie was not in the mood to be placated.

"Did you know Ali McLennan?" Hathaway asked abruptly, after he'd appeared in the mortuary under the pretence of picking up some kind of report. Laura considered him for a moment. James did this periodically. Came to find her because he needed to say something out loud, and for whatever reason he was happy to confide in Laura. Laura frowned. "Well, I came across her, obviously, but she left the force sometime ago, as far as I know," she replied. "Why?" Hathaway shrugged. "What did you make of her?" Laura looked up from her report and considered James. "If I'm perfectly honest, Sergeant, I don't really remember enough of her to have formed an opinion," she replied and then she tilted her head slightly. "Why, what did you think?" she enquired and James shrugged. "She calls Inspector Lewis 'Rob'," he replied and Laura laughed aloud. "Oh dear," she replied wryly. "They've gone for a drink, or three," Hathaway continued and they exchanged a glance. "Inspector Lewis is entitled to drink with whomsoever he chooses," Laura remarked, turning her attention to the reports in front of her. Something about Alison McLennan had clearly rankled James, though Laura was non-plussed. Robbie had had various bagmen over the years. Truth be told, Laura had seen more sergeants come and go in her considerable service with the Oxfordshire Police than she really cared to think about. Very few made much of an impression, and fewer still a favourable one. Many a sergeant in their time would have been astonished to see the genuine rapport between the feisty Dr. Hobson and Sergeant Hathaway.

The wind was bitingly cold as Robbie rounded the corner behind Ali's yard, and the expression on Hathaway's face told him almost everything he needed to know. This was grim. 'Where?" Robbie asked, not bothering to stop and stalking past Hathaway, who turned and followed him into the shed. Ignoring the constable's "Sir," as he walked past, Robbie made his way towards the slip, past one of Laura's SOCOs. He walked further forwards, Laura coming into view, and she glanced towards him. She stood up and came towards him, positioning herself so that he couldn't see past her. She looked very serious. "Robbie, I wouldn't. It's not pretty," she told him, her tone firmly professional. He looked upset already and she couldn't blame him. "Show me," he said tightly, and Laura paused for a moment before stepping aside. She grimaced, looking back towards the body as her colleague continued to process the scene, and Robbie contemplated the situation, rubbing the back of his head in a manner which conveyed his distress at the scene in front of him. "When?" he asked. "Early hours, between two and four," Laura replied kindly "she wouldn't have known much about it, after the first, if that's any comfort." She looked up at him, and Robbie shook his head ever so slightly and turned to walk back up the slip.

Laura came to find him, as he waited at the top of the shed, and she reached to rub his arm affectionately. "I only saw her last night," Robbie owned "We went for a drink." Laura hid her confusion well, but she frowned and titled her head slightly, clasping her hands together. "You were…" she trailed off, not entirely sure what she was trying to ask. "Could have been, maybe. Who knows?" he replied, none of which made any sense to Laura. They both glanced towards the bottom of the slip. Robbie sighed. "I'm sorry if I was…" he began and Laura's eyes sparkled for a moment. "Brusque?" she muted affectionately. "I was thinking more rude," Robbie replied honestly and Laura shrugged a little. "You're entitled," she replied softly, and Robbie caught her gaze. "Not with you," he replied rawly, and they just looked at each other. Somehow she managed to mask her sense of betrayal, but she knew Robbie felt awful. They just looked at each other, until Hathaway's insistence forced Robbie to walk away.

"Laura?"

"Robbie"

"You at home?"

"Yes,"

"Can I come over?

"It's been a long day, Robbie. I'm not going to be very good company. I was just going to bed."

There was a pause.

"I'm not expecting anything, pet. I just need to see you."

"You have seen me. You saw me at work, on at least two occasions today,"

"That isn't what I meant Laur,"

"Robbie, I'm shattered. I was about to turn in for the night. I was called out last night, and two nights before that and I'm about done in."

"I just need to hold you, Laura. It's been a hell of a day. I'm not askin' anything, expecting anything, I just…"

Laura sighed. She was so torn. Part of her longed for to have him come and hold her. But she'd meant it, she was exhausted. And she'd slept badly for several nights on the trot. But then again, she did sleep better in his arms.

"Get a shift on Robbie, it's late."

"I'll see you soon. And Laura?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you."

A firm rap at the door, fifteen minutes or so later, and Laura swung her feet off the edge of her bed and padded downstairs. She unlocked the front door, and held it open, allowing Robbie to step into her hallway. She locked the door behind him and then turned to him. Robbie gazed at her wearily, and she sighed as he held out his arms to her. "Thank you," he murmured, bringing his hands to her shoulders and rubbing them over her arms. "I need to go to bed, Robbie," Laura said wearily, and he pressed his lips to her forehead. Laura closed her eyes and he enveloped her in his arms. "I'm sorry about earlier," he mumbled against her hair and Laura exhaled slowly. "I just needed to be with you," he murmured and Laura sighed. "Come on," she said quietly, and stepped out of his arms in order to head upstairs. She got into bed, as he discarded his clothing, quickly stripping down to his boxer shorts and a plain t-shirt, before slipping into bed next to Laura. She clicked off the bedside light, stifling a yawn and settled down on her pillow. Robbie interlaced his fingers with Laura's, gently tugging her into his arms and she settled her cheek against his collarbone. Robbie let out a shaky breath, pressing his nose against her hair and cradling her against him tenderly. He'd wanted to do this all day. From the moment he'd walked into that godawful boat yard, he'd had this burgeoning need to escape all the grimness. As the full scale of the horrors of the case had begun to unravel, Robbie had become increasingly fed up. Too many horrible memories. The sheer monstrosity of investigating the murder of a former colleague. And all he'd wanted was to come back to Laura, lose himself in the humanity of holding her, seeking solace in the very physicality of her. God, he needed her. There was no way around it.

In the middle of the night, Laura awoke, wondering what had woken her. She yawned gently and turned to find Robbie clearly wide awake. "Hey," she murmured "I thought I was supposed to be the insomniac." And Robbie sighed, drawing her into his arms and Laura settled against his chest. Laura slid her arm around his stomach and Robbie pressed a kiss into her hair. "This case is really bothering you," Laura observed and Robbie sighed again. "Aye," he said, at length and Laura closed her eyes, sleepily trying to work out whether it was better to try and encourage him to talk it through, or whether she should just hold him and leave him be. She kissed his collarbone and Robbie closed his eyes. This case was really bothering him, Laura was right. Something wasn't right with it all, and it was annoying. He was trying to see his way through it all, and it just wasn't coming together. Was it worth such a horrible night's sleep? Probably not. Feeling Laura's soft kiss drew him out of his musing and he drew her closer. "I dunno, Laur" he said quietly "there's something and I can't put my finger on it." Laura considered this for a moment. "That's as may be," she replied, fingertips caressing his side "but realistically, you do your best thinking when you've slept properly. So rumination at 3am, probably, isn't going to help, sweetheart." Robbie sighed again. He knew Laura was right. "Go to sleep, sweetheart," Laura murmured and Robbie wrapped his arms around her. "You talk a lot of sense, pet," he replied and Laura smiled to herself. "S'why you love me," she murmured sleepily and Robbie smiled. Sleepy Laura was particularly adorable, and to be cuddled up with her in the wee small hours was a blissful pleasure after a horrible day. "Aye, pet," he replied, kissing her forehead and allowing the comfort of her touch to lull him to sleep.

The following morning, when Laura's alarm went off, she swore at it and hit the snooze button. Robbie nuzzled into her neck and Laura smiled to herself. "You know perfectly well that we both need to be in early this morning," she reminded him gently and he pressed a soft kiss against her cheek. "Mmm," Robbie replied and Laura shifted herself so that she was facing him. She smoothed the hair from his forehead affectionately and they smiled at each other. "Thank you for letting me stay," Robbie said and Laura smiled. "S'alright," she said softly and Robbie kissed her cheek. "What would I do without you?" he asked and Laura smiled to herself, but said nothing. "Want first dibs on the shower?" she asked and Robbie nodded his head. "Aye, go on," he replied and Laura smiled, eyes twinkling. "I'll get the coffee going," she replied and Robbie brought his hand to her chin, tipping it gently so that he could kiss her lovingly. "Sounds grand," he replied.

Later in the kitchen, Robbie appeared as Laura was finishing a bowl of porridge and her second cup of coffee. "Morning," she said cheerfully and he stooped in to kiss him. He retrieved a mug and poured himself some coffee before leaning up against the counter next to her. He took a sip and sighed in satisfaction. "Better?" Laura enquired jovially and he leant across and kissed her cheek. "Much, ta," he replied and she smiled. "Thank you," he said seriously and they looked at each other for a moment. Robbie rubbed his face and Laura smiled sympathetically. "Sorry, it's just this case," he said and Laura squeezed his arm. "We all have rough days, rough cases," she reminded him and he sighed. "Aye." Laura considered him for a minute, and then stood up, leaving her bowl and mug in the sink and then came to stand in front of him. "I need to head into the office," Robbie mused, and Laura began to knot his tie for him, carefully running the fabric through her fingers. "I know," she murmured, adjusting it to her satisfaction and then resting a palm on his chest and looking up at him. "Take it steady today, yeah?" Laura said, meeting his gaze and Robbie kissed her lovingly. "I'll see you later?" he asked, and Laura smiled. "Oh, undoubtably, Inspector," she replied warmly.

"Hot work, eh?" Laura remarked dryly and then glanced up at Robbie. He watched her for a moment. "Fancy a drink?" Laura asked lightly. "Make it dinner, and I'm paying. I owe you one." Robbie replied and Laura shook her head. "No, you don't" she said hastily and Robbie paused by his car. "Eight o'clock, The Turl?" He suggested and Laura stopped and turned towards him, case in hand. She smiled and nodded, before walking over to her car, and stowing her kit away safely. She glanced at him quickly, and then smiled to herself.

Laura managed to get home at an early enough hour to go for a run, and then shower and change before walking back into town to meet Robbie for dinner. He was crossing the road outside the Turl when Laura turned the corner and he grinned at her when he spied her. "Hello," he said cheerfully, leaning in to kiss her cheek affectionately and Laura smiled at him. "Hi," she replied quietly as he stretched out his hand to her waist. "Shall we?" he suggested and Laura nodded, smiling at the sensation of his hand resting in the small of her back. "I'll grab a table," Laura said as they reached the bar. "Aye, your usual?" Robbie replied and Laura considered for a moment. "Yes please," she replied, collecting a menu before heading off to bag them a table. Laura set her coat and scarf on the back of her chair and sat down perusing the available options of food. As Robbie set her G&T down in front of her, she flashed him a quick smile. "Thanks," she said as he sat down opposite her, his knee nudging against hers. Affectionate enough in the privacy of their own homes, Robbie general kept his attentions to her in public to those dismissed simply as contact between old friends. "How hungry are you?" Laura enquired, and Robbie considered her for a moment. "Ravenous," he replied. "Starters and mains then?" Laura queried, her expression warm and Robbie nodded. "Aye, go on." he replied easily, still scanning the menu. Laura picked up her drink and sipped it, while she waited for Robbie to decide what he wanted. At length, he looked over at her. "Alright?" he enquired and Laura nodded. "Some olives, and then the lasagne please," she replied. Robbie picked up the menu, and let his hand rest on her knee for just a fraction longer than might be termed proper before he got up to go the bar.

"This snow storm wasn't quite how I'd envisaged Spring would begin this year," Laura remarked as he returned and he grinned at her. "At least it was short lived!" Robbie replied and Laura nodded, taking a sip of her drink. "Thank you," Robbie said and Laura frowned. "For what?" she enquired and Robbie sighed. "Ali," he replied simply and Laura grimaced. She studied her drink for a moment and Robbie hated himself for it. He knew he'd hurt her feelings. "No one deserved what happened to her, Robbie," Laura said, and she glanced over at him. "That isn't what I meant, Laura," Robbie replied and she exhaled slowly. He allowed his free hand to rest on her leg under the table and he rubbed her knee with his thumb. "Robbie, you can go for a drink with whoever you like. I don't own you," Laura rebuked and he looked at her. "I know that Laura, I just don't want you to think that I saw this as anything other than a drink with an old colleague, I wasn't expecting her to kiss me," he replied and Laura sighed. She squeezed his fingers under the table and then brought her hand back onto the table surface. "Can we not do this here?" she murmured and he smiled at her. "Alright," he murmured and they smiled at each other. "I was looking at a weekend away," Laura mused and he met her gaze. "Oh?" Robbie replied, sipping his pint. Laura fiddled with the stem of her glass. "I was wondering about heading over to Suffolk," Laura replied in the same soft tone "we've got a family cottage on the coast and I haven't been for ages. I quite fancy a weekend by the sea." Laura looked up at him, and tilted her head just slightly to the side. "Want to come with?" she enquired and Robbie's smiled broadened. He took another slow sip of his pint and then met her gaze. "Mmm, yes, I think that'd be nice, if I can get the time," he replied and Laura smiled to herself. "See what you can do, Inspector…" she replied.

Later he'd take her to bed, make love to her slowly and deliberately, trying to show her how he felt about her, drawing out her climax until she was crying out his name. Afterwards, as they lay in each other's arms, Laura sighed heavily, drawing him closer and resting her chin atop his head and he nestled against her "It was just a drink," Robbie told her "I didn't realise she was going to try anything on, and I wasn't remotely interested. You know I only have eyes for you." Laura traced her fingertips over his back and he relaxed further into her embrace. "I'm sorry I've been such an arse this week," he murmured and Laura smiled to herself. She resisted a witty comeback and Robbie laughed. "I can actually feel you resisting the temptation to say something withering," he remarked, kissing her collarbone "and we both know that I deserve nothing less than your full famous disdain." He still felt guilty for denying Laura aloud. Even though she hadn't heard. It still felt like a betrayal. Though, he mused, it had to be done if they were to keep all of this under wraps. Laura pressed her lips against his forehead and Robbie heaved a sigh. He loved Laura so much it was verging on painful and he just wanted to find some way to convey the strength of his affection to her without scaring her off. She was so quiet though, and it unnerved him.