A/N And so we've reached The Mind Has Mountains. Here's my interpretation of what was really going on behind the scenes...
"Laura? It's Franco, how are you?" Laura smiled at the familiar voice at the end of the phone line. It has been sometime since she'd seen Franco - they'd broken up six or seven years previously in an amicable way but periodically Franco would appear back in Oxford and take Laura out for dinner to catch up. "Long time no see. How are you?" she enquired warmly. "I'm very well," Franco replied. "Look, I'm in Oxford overnight tonight and I wondered if you might be free? Fancy a curry?" Laura glanced around her kitchen and then at her work phone. "Well, I'm on call for another three hours," she began and she heard Franco sigh. "But if you're willing to risk my being called out in that time, then I'm free for a curry after 7? Where shall we meet?" Laura asked. "How about that Indian place near to yours? Is it still there?" Franco enquired. "Yes, yes, it is. Look, if I get called out I'll phone, but otherwise shall I see you there at 7.30pm?" Laura suggested. "Perfect. I shall look forward to seeing you later," Franco replied before hanging up.
By some miracle, Laura's on call shift finished without incident and she strolled down to the curry house to meet Franco. He was waiting for her when she walked into the restaurant and he kissed her cheek politely in greeting. "You're looking very well, darling," Franco observed and Laura smiled. "Thank you. And you. This is an unexpected pleasure," she remarked as they were shown to a table. "I didn't realise you were going to be in Oxford?" Laura observed, perusing the menu and Franco smiled at her indulgently. "It was a last minute arrangement," he replied "Sophia was less than amused, but she sends you her love." Laura smiled at the mention of Franco's wife. "How is she?" Laura asked and Franco smiled. "She is very well," he replied and Laura's eyes twinkled. "Glad to hear it," she said. "Now, what shall we order?" Franco enquired and Laura set down her menu. The waitress appeared at their table, and they ordered their food and some wine before settling down to catch up on their respective lives. It was a thoroughly pleasant way to pass an evening. Until halfway through the meal when Laura glanced up to find James Hathaway staring at her. Their gaze met for a moment, and she registered the confusion flicker through his features. James waved a hand in greeting, and Laura started slightly. "Who's that?" Franco asked and Laura glanced at James again. "A colleague," she replied "now, tell me about this new technique your lab is pioneering…"
As Robbie strolled from his car, he spotted Laura as she made her way towards the scene and when he waved to her, she just looked at him, as if exasperated and walked on into college. "Morning Sir," James said, lifting the scene tape to assist Robbie's entry onto the grounds. "What have we got?" he asked, distracted and James began to fill him in. "Right, you talk to Dr Ganza, I'll talk to Dr. Hobson," Robbie said decisively, before heading out into the college gardens. James faltered and Robbie turned to him. "What?" he asked and James hesitated. "Nothing, no," he replied before stalking past his boss, who was left slightly confused in his wake.
As Robbie made his way round into the gardens, Laura came into view, clearly studying the scene. "Laura," he called in greeting, and she glanced at him silently before returning her attention to the body. "Theology student," Robbie mused, crouching down to the same level as Laura, who was perched in the rockery. "Rather…" he trailed off as Laura interjected "Quaint. Yes. Studying God in this city of atheists," she remarked. "And that was her room?" Robbie enquired, glancing up at the balcony where the SOCOS could clearly be seen processing the scene. "Yep. But there are no signs of a struggle there. No defence wounds to the body. Nothing under the fingernails. Just the blunt force trauma to the left parietal," Laura glanced at him briefly before returning her attention to the body. "Still, the fall enough would have been enough to…" Laura cut Robbie off. "But don't ask me if it's murder or suicide because I don't know," she said bluntly. Robbie stared at her for a moment. "Right," he said, increasingly confused by her behaviour this morning. "Time of death?" he enquired, hoping this was an acceptable question. "About four hours ago," Laura replied "give or take an hour." Robbie considered her for a moment. "You okay Laura?" he asked and Laura looked at him. "Me? Here with a lovely young body, cut off in its prime?" she smiled at him, but he was thoroughly unconvinced. "Happy as Larry," Laura finished. "What do you know about this Dr. Ganza?" Robbie asked, changing tack and Laura paused, resting her hands on her shin. "Nothing much. Supposed to be brilliant," she replied. She stood up, and Robbie held out a hand to assist her and she studiously ignored him, walking straight past him, leaving a baffled Robbie wondering whether he was the only one who'd got out of bed the right side this morning.
As she walked away from the body, Laura cursed herself inwardly. Honestly, she thought, wrapping her arms around herself in an attempt to soothe herself. She was decidedly on edge and even the formalities of routine procedure were not helping this morning. Bloody James. He was definitely avoiding her. Laura knew she was behaving strangely, and yet she was so on edge, not knowing if or what James might or might not have said to Robbie.
Robbie considered the view from the balcony as the funeral directors removed the body from the scene. Laura was just packing up her kit, and Robbie observed the exchange. "Laura Hobson was very odd," Robbie muted to James "She didn't know the dead girl, did she?" "Gerard Manley Hopkins, The Unhappy Priest, "one poem underlined. "Oh the mind, the mind has mountains, the cliffs have fall, hold them cheap if thou art near," James recited. "So she was suicidal?" Robbie considered. "My speculation won't help you," James quipped and Robbie all but rolled his eyes. "Very funny," he replied "tell us about the ketamine?"
As he glanced over the balcony again, Laura had just picked up her second kit box and she glanced up at him. Their gaze met and Robbie couldn't decipher her expression. She dropped her gaze, following the undertakers out, and Robbie was left wondering what the bloody hell was going on. Laura was decidedly out of sorts this morning and Robbie was genuinely perplexed as to what had gone so vastly awry with his usually cheerful… partner, girlfriend? His Laura… how to determine what role Laura played in his life. She was so uncharacteristically odd this morning. She'd never been like this with him before, though he'd seen her dress down enough of his colleagues when they'd irked her sufficiently. It would have to wait though. There were interviews to be done.
"Laura? You sure about this?" he asked as he came to the bottom of the stairs and she fixed him with a look. "Here's your murder weapon," she replied. "But it's clean?" Robbie protested, and Laura clicked on the blue light, revealing the telltale luminescent markers for blood. "Microscopic traces of blood and hair," she retorted and then looked up at him. "I suppose it's too much to hope for fingerprints?" he mused. "Sorry. It was wiped clean and then hidden beneath other rocks," Laura replied sharply. "Your killer battered Amy to death and then did everything possible to conceal the act," Laura continued, and Robbie could detect a hint of emotion in her voice. She looked up at him and he frowned at her, bewildered. "I'll see you back at the station," Laura said, turning on her heel and heading out of the door. He watched her go, still none the wiser as to what on earth was going on.
Laura was infuriated with herself, and with Robbie by the time she was done with the scene at Beaumont College. Back at the morgue, she stripped off her scene suit and headed for the showers. The showers weren't great, but it was a warm day and she was strangely relieved that the water wasn't that hot. Something about the frigidity of the water was cleansing and she closed her eyes, allowing the water to run over her for longer than she might otherwise have done. She knew she'd been sharp with Robbie, though he'd been nothing other than polite to her and she'd fixed James with such a glare that he'd not even dared to come and speak to her beyond the cursory "Good morning Dr. Hobson," which few of her junior colleagues would have dared negate. When Robbie arrived to attend the identification of Amy's body, Laura's mood was marginally improved but she'd been in such a grump all morning, most of the mortuary staff had made themselves scarce and she ended up having to oversee the identification herself.
Afterwards, they made their way out to the back of the station, Laura still grumpy, her arms folded defensively as they watched Amy's father head to his car. "Why on earth didn't Dr. Ganza tell us that he was Amy's therapist?" Robbie asked. "I'm sure he had a good reason," Laura replied reasonably. "Yeah, I can think of one. He shouldn't have entered his own patient in an experimental drug trial." Robbie said, beginning to sound a bit exasperated. "Maybe she entered herself? Maybe he thought it would help her?" Laura retorted, warily watching James unfurl himself from his car, and make his way over to them. "Yeah. Right. Stuff her with psychotropic drugs. That's a great help," Robbie replied dismissively and Laura looked annoyed. "Alright, Robbie, calm down," she said irritably. "Aw, I'm sorry," Robbie replied, shoulders slightly slumped. "I'm just a bit upset," he continued and Laura looked confused and then annoyed. "About what?" she asked, arms still folded firmly. "Isn't it obvious?" Robbie asked, slightly sharply as James stood in front of them.
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything," James observed and Laura looked straight at him, realisation beginning to dawn. She held James' gaze until he flinched slightly, and then she glanced up at Robbie. Fury began to spiral through her and Laura knew she was on the cusp of really losing her temper. "I see," she said in a light tone that any of her staff would have told you was dangerous. "Well, I'll leave you boys to it," she said testily, scowling at James again before turning and marching back into the station and slamming the door back behind her. Robbie watched her go, utterly bewildered. He gestured in her direction as she stalked back to the lab, and James watched her go. "I just had a call from Amy's college, her tutor Caroline Eagleton, wants to talk to whoever's in charge of the investigation," James began but Robbie was still trying to work out what the hell was wrong with Laura "Which would be you, sir," James continued. Robbie stared down the corridor, after Laura who was long gone. "Right," he replied, still perplexed. "This way," James indicated and Robbie shook his head. "Right," he replied, heading off with James. Whatever was going on with Laura was just going to have to wait.
Laura spent the remainder of her shift slamming around the lab in a state of fury. Annoyed with herself, furious with James and irritated by Robbie. Her staff carried on with their duties, but kept well out of her way. In the end, Laura shut herself in her office and tried to crack on with some paperwork in order to distract her from her grumpiness.
"I'm off home," Robbie declared, to Jean Innocent's astonishment, as he turned on his heel and headed out of the office, leaving her and Hathaway to their own devices."What's the matter with him? Not our lovely Laura, I hope? Honestly, sometimes I just want to bang their heads together. Two grown up single people, who obviously like each other. Don't you think, Hathaway?" Jean Innocent cast a glance at the sergeant who controlled a grimace. "I try not to, Ma'am," he replied distantly. "Oh, you're hopeless," Jean grumbled dismissively and stalked back to her office.
Robbie clocked off for the evening, but not before he went via the mortuary. Laura was nowhere to be seen, and one of the junior pathologists opened up the fridges for him, so he could see Amy's body one more time. And then footsteps echoed in the corridor, and he glanced up, knowing it was Laura. He knew the sound of her feet clipping along the corridor. She stopped, and they exchanged a glance, before she continued along and Robbie watched her go, completely bewildered.
Laura was still exceptionally grumpy when she got home, and in the end she decided the only thing for it was to go for a long run while she wasn't on call and clear her head. With a live murder case, Laura knew there was a strong chance she'd be in demand this week, and she needed to make the most of her downtime while she had it. She pulled out her running kit, trainers and her iPod. She changed quickly, set her running watch going and locked up, zipping her key into pocket and shoving her headphones in. Laura set off down her street, her feet easing her into a familiar, soothing rhythm. Two hours later, Laura was sat on her front door step, shattered and sweaty but feeling much better. She glanced over her running stats and shook her head in disbelief. She'd been so grumpy she'd run a half marathon without noticing. Well, Laura mused, she'd definitely earnt her evening on the sofa and a large glass of wine. Letting herself back into the house, she made her way into the kitchen and put some water onto boil. She weighed out some pasta, and rifled through the fridge until she found some pesto, and a bag of rocket. Then she took a bottle of wine from the fridge door, and poured herself a large glass. She took a sip and exhaled in satisfaction. God, she'd needed a drink. As the kettle boiled, she turned and poured water into the pan, before turning on the gas and putting the pan on the hob. She added a pinch of salt, and then the pasta. And then her phone buzzed. You alright love? You seemed very much not like yourself today. Robbie had mused over the message before hitting send, in the hopes of nudging some kind of response from Laura.
The flashing of her phone caught Laura's attention again and she toyed with it for a moment, suspecting she knew who it was from. This was ridiculous. She was thoroughly pissed off with James, with Robbie and with herself. And she knew she was being ridiculous. Robbie hadn't even done anything wrong. And yet, she couldn't mitigate for it. She knew she was perfectly entitled to have dinner with an old friend, but somehow James coming across them had made her feel horribly guilty. Perhaps it was because Franco had sprung his presence in the city, on her, and she'd not had time to even mention it to Robbie. Perhaps it was the pressure of holding down a relationship under wraps. Perhaps it was the novelty of having to justify to anyone who she spent her time with. And the really stupid thing was that she didn't think for one second that Robbie would have minded her having dinner with an old boyfriend. but still. It was really bothering her, and she just couldn't get past it.
I'm fine, Robbie. Just busy.
Robbie read the response, and frowned. It was most un-Laura-like and he was resolved, once he'd got to the bottom of this case, to work it out with her.
Alright, love. Just haven't seen you much lately. Wondered if you fancied supper one night soon?
Laura sighed, and then as another message came in, she read it and sighed.
"If I didn't know better, I'd say you were avoiding me…"
Laura tapped out a response.
It's turning out to be a very busy week, that's all. You know how it goes.
It was true, Robbie supposed though he remained unconvinced that everything was as it should be. Laura just wasn't herself. Of that he was convinced. And he had no idea why.
Alright. Soon though? Haven't seen you properly for days, love.
Her response made him feel slightly better.
Soon sweetheart, I promise. x
"Do you know how he did it?" Robbie asked and Laura gestured at the pills. "That was the easy bit," she replied "the trial drug, Ketorex. The blood tox shows he's taken enough to knock out an elephant." Robbie considered the pills in the evidence bag, James watching. "Where's he getting the pills from? Gaza's hardly chucking them around," James remarked. "Wasn't he?" Robbie replied. "He must have been saving them up," James mused "Or he got extra," Robbie proposed "Search his college rooms, search the video archive. I'm going to talk to Ganza and see what his defence is this time." James wandered away from the lab, and as Robbie turned to follow him, Laura stepped forward. "Robbie?" she began calmly "can I have a minute?" and Robbie turned back to her, a hint of surprise etched in his features. The door shut behind Hathaway and Robbie turned back to Laura. "I don't want there to be any misunderstanding between us," Laura began and Robbie frowned. "Me neither. Is there one?" he asked and Laura closed her eyes momentarily. "Don't make this any more difficult than it already is," Laura said "I know Hathaway has said something." Robbie considered the closed door for a second before he replied "well, he hasn't actually, but he has been really weird…" "He's an old boyfriend," Laura continued. Robbie looked confused "Hathaway?" Laura looked exasperated "No! Franco." Robbie looked distinctly unimpressed. "He lives abroad. He was in Oxford because there's a chance his firm might send him back here. We had dinner together, and it was, well, we were.." Laura explained but Robbie interrupted her. "Franco? Like the dictator?" he asked. "Yes," Laura said, smiling "except this Franco is German. Don't ask." Robbie looked down at the tablets in his hand, realising he was still clutching them. "I won't," he said, and then turned to follow James out. "Thanks for telling me," he said and Laura couldn't quite work out his tone. Laura watched him go, half relieved to have finally spoken to him and half worried about his non-reaction to what she'd had to say.
What Laura actually wanted, she'd realised, was a quiet evening in with Robbie. No distractions, just the two of them. It had been a while since they'd managed it and she wanted his undivided attention for a few hours. Laura really treasured those evenings, just the two of them curled up on the sofa, putting the world to rights over a takeaway and a bottle of wine. And it was frustrating her that they were both so busy at the moment that their time together had somehow fallen by the wayside. She'd never intended to keep her dinner with Franco a secret, but she'd not had any opportunity to tell him. Robbie hadn't been quite himself either during this case. And Laura had tried to be patient but this funny limbo was making her doubt herself. Dorset had seemed like such a monumental turning point and now she was second guessing herself. And worse, she was second guessing him.
"On another matter, is there something you could have or should have told me, involving Laura Hobson?" Robbie enquired as he and James considered the suspect in the interview suite in front of them. Hathaway looked decidedly awkward. "Just to make it easier," Robbie continued "she already thinks you have told me, so. Spill." James stared into the interview room for a moment before he turned to Robbie. "I saw her having dinner with someone," James began "A man, a bit older than her but not much. Good looking. Maybe foreign." James paced around Robbie, his discomfort very apparent, and then he perched on the desk leaning back against the glass. "They were friendly," James trailed off. "And you decided not to tell me?' Robbie asked. "I didn't know how to tell you. I didn't even know if it was my business," James replied and Robbie looked frustrated. "Right," he replied. "Which it isn't, actually," James continued, watching him. "Right," Robbie said again. "Look, I hope that you and Dr. Hobson work it out, whatever 'it' is, which you have to admit is a bit of a mystery," James said, glancing up at his boss. "And none of your business," Robbie rebuked and James glanced into the distance. "Oh, the whole thing's ridiculous." Robbie said "got me acting like some silly, jealous…" He trailed off, the suspect back at the forefront of his mind, and then he turned and walked out of the room and back into the interview suite, leaving a slightly bemused James behind.
Robbie was pacing around his living room, toying with his phone and hovering over Laura's contact details. Claire Ganza's call threw him off slightly, but he knew he needed to call Laura. He wanted to call Laura. Hell, he wanted more than to speak to her. He wanted to take her into his arms and feel her body against his, hold her close and take solace in having her near. As he considered the copy of the notes again, his mind wandered to Laura. He needed to keep his mind on the case, but he worried something was badly awry between them and he wasn't enjoying it. In the end he tapped out a message before he headed out of the door.
Sorry love. Still at work. But dinner, or something soon? I miss you.x
Laura, still deep in paperwork at the office, considered the message but didn't respond instantly. She was still trying to fathom it all out in her own mind, and she wanted to be clear in her own mind before she saw Robbie next. It was ridiculous really. She was so confident that they genuinely cared about each other, and yet they were doing horribly right now. Really, really horribly.
The following evening, with the case stalling, and with no new murders to investigate, Robbie clocked off and strolled down to the mortuary. He'd decided to take matters into his own hands. He rapped on Laura's office door and she murmured that he should enter. "Laura," Robbie said and she looked up at him with a smile. "Hi," she said and he smiled at her, before closing the door behind him. "Come on," he said and she frowned. "You've worked late every night for the last week, at least, including last weekend" he rebuked and Laura sighed. "Come on, come home," he coaxed and Laura looked up at him. "I miss you," Robbie said quietly and Laura's expression visibly softened. "It's nearly seven," Robbie continued and Laura tossed her pen down on her desk. "Takeaway, bottle of wine?" he offered and Laura nodded. "My place or yours?" she asked, standing up and stretching out her shoulders elegantly, before walking over to him. She reached behind him, turning the lock silently and then stopped in front of him. He glanced down at her, and she sighed before slipping her hands into his. Robbie sighed and Laura tiptoed up to kiss him softly. "My place?" she murmured and he nodded, before bringing his hand to her shoulder and then to the back of her head so that he could return her kiss. "I see you at yours then?" Robbie said and Laura nodded. "That'd be nice," she said wearily and he pressed a kiss to her cheek. "I'll pick us up some food, pet," he told her and Laura smiled. "Thank you," she murmured and he flashed her a boyish smile. "My pleasure, love," he replied.
Three quarters of an hour later, Laura's doorbell rang and she went to answer it, pleased to see Robbie's silhouette. He gestured to the bag of food and she grinned. "My hero," she said and he leant in for a kiss. "My pleasure, love," Robbie replied easily as they made their way into the kitchen. "I'm starving," Laura owned and Robbie glanced at her. "You have been eating properly?" he said suspiciously and Laura glanced away for a moment. "Mmm," she replied and he sighed. He set the food down on the counter, and drew Laura into his arms. He took the glass of wine from her hand and she entwined her wrists around his neck. "I worry about you," he told her seriously and she kissed him gently. "There's no need," she chastened and Robbie sighed. "I'm fine, Robbie," Laura said and he cradled her within his arms. "Come on, you," Robbie told her "let's have some dinner. I've barely seen you this week, so you can tell me all the hanes." Over dinner, and with a glass of wine in hand, Robbie and Laura caught up, though by 10pm, Laura was protesting that she wasn't that tired whilst yawning and generally giving the impression that she was absolutely exhausted. In the end, Robbie fixed Laura with a knowing look. "Can I stay?" he enquired hopefully and Laura squeezed his fingers affectionately. "I'd like that," she replied and he smiled at her. "You go up to bed," Robbie said firmly "and I'll lock up." Laura looked as though she might argue, and then she leant over, cupping his cheek and kissed him. "Thank you," she murmured, smiling at him and he returned her kiss longingly. When Robbie came up to bed, Laura was dozing on the pillow and she stirred when he slid in next to her. She smiled and cuddled up to him and he wrapped his arms around her, content to be holding her. "Goodnight," she murmured and Robbie smiled, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Sleep tight, pet," he said and he felt her smile. This was better. Much better.
The following morning, James strolled into the mortuary purposefully, having spied Laura cleaning down the sink. "How many ketorex did it take to kill Adam Douglas?" he asked, and Laura glanced up at him, slightly affronted. "Morning," she said pointedly, and James nodded deferentially. "The pills were only 100mgs. Adam's bloodwork was off the chart," Laura replied "so, a lot. At least twenty. But that doesn't include the four that were left over." James frowned, and Laura regarded him for a moment. "That doesn't add up. The trail ended on day five. The maximum number that Jack and Karen could have sold him is eight, plus his own four is twelve. Where did he get the rest from?" James asked and Laura gave him a knowing look, as though she was used to errant policeman pitching up in her mortuary and asking hypothetical questions. James sighed and then turned as though to walk out, before turning back to Laura. "Just so you know, I didn't tell Lewis about your date," he told her and Laura glanced at her feet for a second. "I thought it was something for the two of you to work out. It's what I still think. Why don't you?" James remarked before he turned on his heel and walked out of her lab, leaving Laura contemplative and slightly bemused.
When Laura's phone had begun to ring in the lab, she'd answered it irritably. Unknown numbers annoyed her. It was so often telesales, or insurance or whatever. But the reality had completely thrown her off and Laura's reaction to the phone call had shocked her profoundly. She was so thrown by the details of the call. "You're listed as Inspector Lewis' next of kin," the nurse had said and Laura remembered leaning back against the lab bench, trying to process this piece of information, along with the inevitable bad news that a call like this usually meant. "Could you come down to the John Radcliffe please? He's not badly injured, but he'd probably value a friendly face." It was explaining it to her colleagues which was worse. Mary Ann had a particular twinkle in her eye as Laura picked up her jacket, lying it over her arm and then retrieving her briefcase. "I've had a call from the John Radcliffe," Laura began to explain and Mary Ann looked confused. Laura shook her head in despair. "Oh never mind. I'm going now. Would you mind swiping me out? I'm only an hour early. My desk is clear. I'll be in early tomorrow. Have a nice weekend!" Laura bid her colleagues goodbye and walked out into the sunshine, strolling down to the hospital, wondering quite what was waiting for her.
Laura was waiting for Robbie outside the John Radcliffe, and she looked visibly relieved when she saw him walk out. He raised his hand in greeting and Laura shook her head. "What the actual… bloody hell Robbie?!" Laura exclaimed when she saw Robbie's arm in a sling and he had the decency to look embarrassed. "Got attacked by a suspect," he replied and Laura fixed him with a look he recognised and did not relish. "They've stitched me up. It's fine." he replied wearily and Laura folded her arms, her look no more impressed. "And they phoned me because?" she enquired, and Robbie busied himself pulling his jacket back on. "You're my emergency contact…' he replied and Laura looked at him very seriously. "Look, that expression of yours is only made more terrifying by that jacket you're wearing, so if you could lay off with the intimidation, ever so slightly?" Robbie suggested wearily and Laura sighed. "I'm your emergency contact?" she said softly and Robbie looked at her. Laura sighed, and started to walk. She folded her arms around herself, trying to process this new piece of information as they walked down the street together. Honestly, between Robbie and James, she'd almost had enough today.
"Went to sea in a sieve," Robbie mused and Laura frowned, shoving her hands in her pockets. "What's that?" she said. "I went to visit Dr Ganza. He was reading to his wife." Robbie explained. "What's he going to do?" Laura asked. "Go on reading. He's staying with her." Robbie replied."I spoke to her surgeon" Laura mused "There's no chance of recovery. Absolutely none.""Ah, no. He knows. But he's staying," Robbie replied."Out of guilt?" Laura asked, looking up at him and Robbie shrugged slightly. "Maybe. More out of love, I think," he replied. Laura stopped as they came to the end of Brasenose Lane and Robbie looked at her. "Sorry, Robbie," Laura said softly and Robbie turned to her. "You don't have to be," he replied "it's not as if we…". He trailed off and Laura half smiled. "No," she murmured and for a second he caught a hint of regret in her expression. "But Ganza really proves it, doesn't he?" Robbie continued and Laura looked quizzically at him. "Proves what?" she enquired. "You don't get many chances. You don't want to waste them." Robbie replied, meeting her gaze. "Can I buy you a coffee, Laura?" he asked and Laura frowned just slightly. "Coffee?" she asked, disbelieving. "Maybe something stronger?" Robbie suggested, still looking terribly earnest and Laura smiled. "Sounds a bit more like it," she replied, and they turned out onto the street. As they walked along, their arms bumped and Laura sighed wearily. "You okay?" Robbie asked and Laura nodded. "I just want to hold your hand," he murmured and Laura sighed before slipping her hand into his and interlacing their fingers. She didn't care who saw them, and the sensation of her fingers curled in his was soothing at the end of a fraught few days.
Robbie handed Laura a £20 note as they reached the pub and she looked at him, confused. "I can't carry two drinks, can I?" he pointed out and she laughed. "But I did promise to buy you a drink," Robbie continued and Laura smiled at him. "Your usual?" she enquired, tilting her head and Robbie nodded. "Aye love, please," he replied. "Shall I grab a spot in the garden?" Laura nodded, and headed off to the bar. She ordered Robbie's pint and a G&T for herself, and leant her chin on her hand, musing over the last couple of hours as she waited. She wasn't quite sure what to make of what Robbie had said to her on Brasenose Lane. It was, she thought, a tacit sort of recognition between them that they'd moved on in this perpetual state of romantic limbo. She knew he'd been pissed off about her seeing Franco, and she didn't quite know what to make of his jealousy. It was such a visceral reaction from him and it had thrown her somewhat. It had been lovely to catch up with Franco, though she wasn't in love with him by any means. That had been long established, after all, she'd not followed him when he had moved abroad, though he'd made it clear he would have been happy had she done so. But Laura liked Oxford, liked her work, liked where it was taking her. And she wasn't prepared to give it up. The barman set the drinks down in front of her, stirring Laura from her contemplation and she handed over the cash, pocketed the change and then took the drinks out into the garden.
Robbie smiled when he saw her approaching the bench, and she returned his smile slightly shyly. Laura passed him his pint, and then sat down opposite him. She took a glug from hers and then looked over at him. "God, what a week," Robbie said, at length. "You haven't told me how bad your arm is," she mused and Robbie shrugged. "A few stitches," he replied nonchalantly, and she shot him a glance. "What happened?" she asked and Robbie grimaced. "Suspect lunged at me with a kitchen knife," he said, and took a sip of his pint before he glanced across at Laura. "You're giving me that look you give DIs on their third strike," he observed and Laura's expression didn't change. "Just say it, Dr Hobson," he said plaintively, knowing he was probably about to be on the receiving end of Laura's legendary sarcasm. Laura considered him and sighed, before taking a sip of her drink. "I just wish you'd stop putting yourself in stupid situations, Robbie. An experienced policeman like you? I bet Innocent gave you what for!" she replied and Robbie snorted. "Mmmm," he replied and Laura laughed. "I get the impression you're angry with me Laura," he said and Laura considered her drink. "Not angry, Robbie, but you could have warned me I was your emergency contact. It scared me half to death when that came through." she replied and instinctively Robbie covered her hand with his. Laura considered this affectionate gesture and smiled to herself. "Sorry," he said quietly, squeezing her fingers. "S'alright," she replied. They sat in companionable silence for a few minutes, fingers interlaced. "It's a beautiful evening," Laura observed, at length. "Aye," Robbie replied. Laura met his gaze steadily and Robbie sighed. He gestured at her drink. "Want another?" he enquired, and amusement danced over Laura's features. "Is this "I'll buy you another drink, Laura, but you'll need to fetch it yourself'?" she enquired smoothly and Robbie laughed. "That's exactly it, Dr Hobson, exactly it," he told her, and Laura stood up. "Good job I kept the change," she retorted cheerfully.
Robbie watched Laura walk back towards the pub and he blew out a long sigh. He was torn between confessing everything to Laura, or holding back. He'd been astonished at how he'd reacted to the very idea of Laura dating someone else. They'd never said they were exclusive. Never defined their relationship. Just fallen into this funny state of being together, and yet not. It made him feel like a jealous schoolboy, he'd said so to Hathaway, and it was true. The idea of someone else with Laura infuriated him beyond belief and he'd realised how much he'd come to feel for her. They'd been friends for years now, colleagues for longer, but Laura had become so significant in his life. She had, and she was. Undoubtedly. Somehow, he and this witty, petite blonde had entwined themselves together, against the odds and he knew he'd fallen hard for Laura. And he hoped that she felt the same. He had no right to be jealous though, no formal claim over her, but he knew this feeling. It had only happened once before, but it was unmistakeable. He was head over heels, and there was nothing he could do about it. Dorset had obviously been a turning point and they'd been slowly intertwining their lives ever since but despite their tacit understanding, at no point had either sought to define it. Robbie suddenly felt that definition, or lack thereof was problematic. Laura was his closest friend, but she was also his partner. There was no better word for it. Lover sounded cheesy, girlfriend sounded juvenile, significant other sounded accurate but flippant, but partner had a sense of gravitas. Accorded her the respect he felt she deserved, and the meaningful role she played in her life.
"You're deep in thought," Laura remarked, setting a fresh pint in front of him and he smiled at her. "Mmmm," he replied. Laura sat down next to him, nursing another G&T. "Salad in your G&T, Laur?" he enquired and Laura laughed. "They'd run out of Gordons, so I opted for Hendricks. It's not so nice with lemon, so I persuaded them to find me some cucumber instead." she explained, and then she produced a handful of change and deposited it on the table. "Your change," she informed him, and Robbie nodded. "Ta," he replied. "And I ordered some chips," she confessed and Robbie laughed. "You know the way to me' heart," he said easily and Laura met his gaze steadily. Robbie swallowed hard. "I owe you an apology," he said at length, and Laura looked at him curiously. "I've not been fair to you. I have no formal claim over you, Laura" he began hesitantly "and I reacted badly about Franco." Laura studied her drink, unsure how to respond and a silence sat between them for a few moments. "I meant what I said, Robbie. I don't want there to be a misunderstanding between us, but I'm not entirely clear on what "us" is." Laura replied, at length. Robbie sighed and she leant her arm against him slightly. Robbie wrapped his good arm around her shoulder and Laura leant her head against him, and they sat there in silence for a few minutes.
Laura closed her eyes for a moment. She'd been genuinely surprised when the phone call came through, and the cold sense of dread which ran through her until she'd seen him again had genuinely upset her. Once that had settled, she'd tried to process the significance. It felt to Laura as though the lines between them were solidifying. Their relationship was long standing, in its various guises, but Laura struggled to place this development. Even since that fateful Halloween, she and Robbie had been carefully constructing this relationship, neither quite spelling out their emotional commitment, at least not in terms of words. After Ligeia's funeral, she'd looped her arm through his as they'd walked and eventually he'd turned to her. Taken her in his arms and held her close. She wasn't ever going to forget the way he'd wrapped his arms around her. "God, Laura, I was so scared," he'd murmured and her eyes had smarted with tears. "I thought…" he began and she hushed him, leaning into his embrace, and they'd clung to each other. "I couldn't keep you safe, Laura," he'd told her. The memory made her well up. "You alright?" Robbie asked, concerned and Laura nodded. "Just thinking," she replied wistfully. "About?" he asked and Laura took a long drink from her G&T. "Ligeia," she explained and she felt him shiver. "You still have nightmares?" he asked, and she shrugged. "Rarely," Laura replied and Robbie drank from his pint. "You?" she asked softly and Robbie looked at her. "Now and again," he replied and Laura sighed. "It's a funny feeling," Laura mused. "What is?" Robbie asked, perplexed. Laura smiled to herself. "You put me down as your emergency contact," she replied and Robbie laughed. "Well, you seemed the obvious candidate" he said knowingly and she nodded. Robbie's gaze fell on the waitress making her way over to their table. "Grub's up," he observed and Laura nodded again, sitting up.
"How long has it been since we were in Dorset?" Robbie asking, shaking some salt over the chips and Laura considered this as she ate her chips. "A year in December?" she replied slowly, "so what, nine months. Why?" Robbie leant his leg against Laura's, seeking to maintain some physical contact with her and well aware that he couldn't really loop his arm around her, it being bound up in a sling. "You seemed surprised I had you as my emergency contact," he began and Laura started to protest, but he laid his hand on hers. "Let me finish," he said softly and she smiled at him in a way he recognised as resigned. "I promised you time when we were in Dorset," Robbie continued and Laura nodded "and we've quietly intertwined ourselves in each other's lives ever since then." Laura met his gaze, wondering what was coming next and trying to appear nonchalant. "But today really brought it home to me. It's you I want them to call, Laura. You mean everything to me." Robbie finished and Laura smiled at him, feeling quite emotional. "I was trying to find the word for it," Robbie said and Laura looked at him quizzically. "How do you mean?" she asked, sipping her drink and then squeezing his fingers. "How to define us," Robbie replied and Laura took another sip. "Did you come to a conclusion?" she enquired lightly. "Well, girlfriend sounds rather juvenile, and significant other sounds naff. I told the hospital you were my partner. It sounded about right," he owned and Laura smiled. "I think I can agree to that," she said softly and he grinned boyishly. Laura leant in and kissed his cheek affectionately. "I think I'd prefer to keep it between ourselves still," she observed and Robbie nodded. "Aye," he said "I quite like it too." Laura smiled. "I mean, I say ourselves, Lynne and Patrick know, Sam and the family know. Ellen suspects. I think being discrete at work remains the best thing to do," she mused and Robbie squeezed her hand. "It works for me, love," he replied.
Later that evening Robbie and Laura walked back to Robbie's flat, peacefully putting the day to rights between them as they went. As they reached Robbie's front door, he rooted for his keys and muttered something under his breath in exasperation when he couldn't free them from his pocket. Laura stepped in front of him, resting her hand on his waist as she retrieved them for him, and then opened the front door for him, holding it as he walked through. He ducked his head down and kissed her lovingly and she smiled at him in a way that made his heart leap. Laura shut the front door and they made their way into his flat. Robbie shrugged his jacket off and Laura raised an eyebrow at the slash in the arm. She folded it over her arm and sighed, fixing him with a stern look. "This jacket is done for, and so is that shirt," she remarked sagely and Robbie exhaled. She stepped into his spare room and dropped the jacket on the bed before coming back to the hall and hanging her own jacket up, then kicking off her shoes. Robbie watched her and she stepped in front of him to meet his quizzical look. "What?" she asked and he kissed her. "Nothing," he replied and she grumbled. "What did they say about the sling?" she enquired and Robbie considered. "I'm seeing the consultant tomorrow, so ensure minimal movement until then, but largely they thought the damage was superficial," he replied and Laura eyed his arm. "You want to change out of that shirt?" she enquired and he nodded. "Aye, but I might need a hand," Robbie replied and Laura grinned. He walked into his bedroom and Laura followed him. "Would you mind unclipping my sling?" he asked, sitting down on the edge of the bed. Laura tiptoed up, pressing herself against him as she unclipped it behind his neck, and Robbie grumbled as she eased it off. Then she slid her hands down to his shoulders, allowing them to rest on his collarbone before she retrieved the collar stiffners from his shirt and set them down on the bedside table, returning to unbutton his shirt. She turned her attention to his sleeves, retrieving the cufflinks, and setting those down too, and then eased the shirt away from his chest.
Robbie sighed at her touch and she smiled to herself. "Are you trying to seduce me, Dr. Hobson?" he enquired slightly gruffly as she laid the shirt down, returning to stand between his legs, so that their torsos were level. Laura smiled broadly and leant in to kiss him. His good hand slid around her waist, pulling her against him and Laura gently entwined her arms around his neck. Robbie sighed against her kiss, as Laura's fingertips gently slid into the hair at the nape of his neck. "I don't know," Laura murmured "was that what you had in mind?" Robbie grinned, tightening his grip around her. "It's usually what I have in mind when I'm around you," he replied and Laura smiled broadly. "Well then" she replied, pressing herself against him again as he kissed her again until they were both breathless. "You're wearing too many clothes, Dr. Hobson," Robbie observed and Laura smirked. She looked up at him and began to unbutton her shirt slowly and Robbie groaned. "You delight in tormenting me," he grumbled and Laura kissed him gently then shrugged her shirt off. Robbie rested his hands on her hip, his thumb caressing her skin softly, pressing her against him and sighing in satisfaction as he felt her skin against his. "You aren't supposed to be using your arm," Laura chided and Robbie chuckled, kissing along her jawline and behind her ear, clutching her closer as the sensation made her squirm. Laura brought her hands to his waist and made short work on undoing his belt and trousers. She undid her own trousers, and wriggled out of them, so that she was stood before him in just her underwear.
"God, you're gorgeous Laur," Robbie said, his gaze falling to her and Laura smiled. "I try," she replied modestly and he chuckled. "Stand up," she told him, and he obliged her so that she could ease his boxer shorts and his trousers down. "You can take your own socks off," she told him and Robbie shook his head in amusement. "And what about you?" he enquired, sitting back on the bed and admiring her. Laura shrugged modestly and he fixed her with a look she could only describe as lustful. He sat back against the headboard, and held out his good hand to Laura, pulling her into his lap so that she was straddling him. Laura allowed the straps of her bra to slide down her arms, and Robbie slid his hand behind her to unclip it, loosening it and discarding it. Laura closed her eyes as he turned his attention to her breasts, cupping one gently as he took the other into his mouth and tugging at her nipple with his tongue. As he continued his attentions to her breast, Laura felt his hand slip over her waist and down to her bottom, sliding underneath the fabric of her knickers, caressing the skin there. The sensations he was evoking in her had her sighing in pleasure and she could feel his arousal. Kneeling up she quickly slipped her knickers off, and Robbie grinned. She knelt back over him, and Robbie threw his head back as he felt her rub herself against him. He pressed his lips to her neck, groaning as she took him into her hands. She eased the tip of him close to her entrance, and he clutched her close as she sank down onto him. "God, Laura," he hissed as they adjusted to the sensation of being together and Laura pressed a kiss to his cheek. "You're supposed to be injured," Laura reminded him "so let me do the work, eh?"
Robbie slid his good hand to her waist, enjoying the feeling of her enveloping him and returning her kisses. Laura began to set a rhythm and Robbie pulled her against him, kissing her deeply as she moved and he closed his eyes, enjoying the closeness of their embrace. "Oh my love," he murmured as she sank down onto him again, rocking her hips slowly in a way he found agonisingly pleasurable. It suddenly dawned on Robbie that they both needed this, this physical connection reinforcing their need for each other. Laura intertwined their fingers, and brought them to her mouth, sucking on them gently before bringing them to where they were joined in order to gain the release she sought. The additional sensation had Laura grinding down hard on him and he moaned against her kiss. This deeply intimate embrace had an already emotional Laura close to the edge, and she leant her cheek against Robbie's. "Robbie, I'm so close," she murmured and he sighed, moaning her name as she sank down onto him again. Laura ground her hips and she felt the beginnings of an orgasm beginning to fizz through her veins as he touched her. Robbie trailed kisses over her shoulder and Laura arched her neck, closing her eyes. She rolled her hips, and sank down onto him again. "Oh, Robbie," she murmured and he thrust up into her, causing her to whimper his name again. "I can't last, oh, Laur," Robbie muttered, painfully aware of how close to climax he was and Laura kissed him deeply until he thrust hard into her again and she cried out as her orgasm began to spiral through her. As his own climax overcame him, he tightened his grip on her waist, shunting into her until they were both breathless and sated, foreheads resting together. Robbie pressed his lips to her cheek and Laura smiled. "I love you," he said simply and Laura closed her eyes. How long had she wanted to hear those three words. She inhaled deeply, deliberately keeping her forehead against his, and then returning his kiss, pressing her lips to his cheek, murmured "I love you too," and Robbie sighed contentedly.
The following evening Laura revelled in the luxury of an evening to herself. Not that she didn't enjoy spending time with Robbie, but Laura just needed a little time to herself. It had been a fraught week. No on call. No dispatch. A few hours to go for a run, relax in the bath and then curl up on the sofa with a glass of wine, or a mug of tea and just enjoy the stillness. It was critical to her own mental health. Her career in pathology had taught her this early on, and she knew she would suffer in the long term if she didn't take time for herself. Robbie had veritably pouted when she'd told him but in the end he'd kissed her lovingly, squeezed her shoulder and left her to it in her office, with a promise to phone later. And today had been grim. No one could possibly enjoy dealing with two suicides, and Laura took her duties seriously. She wanted to be able to reassure each individual's family as best she could that it had been quick, if she could. And she needed to be able to report properly and promptly to the coroner. And, if she were honest, she needed some time to process what was going on between her and Robbie. She bit her lip at the memory of his words. How long had she hoped to hear those words. She suspected that both of them had been holding back on the extent of their feelings, ever since Dorset. Certainly she'd been in love with Robbie for longer than she would care to admit, even to herself. And Laura was sure that there had been several moments where the words had been on the tip of Robbie's tongue. Robbie had been sweet though at the pub. The memory made her smile. Partner. He was right. It did feel like the right word, the right description. They made a good team, quietly and on their own terms. And they both wanted this. It felt right. Being together felt right. They just worked. Laura smiled to herself, sipping her tea. He loved her. Goodness. She thought back to Ligea's funeral, to Dorset. The first time he'd taken her into his arms and held her. Held her just for the sake of holding her, wanting to be close to her. She could almost laugh at herself, wistfully mulling over past embraces but it was a soothing pastime for a few moments. After a week of second-guessing herself and him, getting irritated with him, and more with herself, it was a relief to Laura to feel so ridiculously happy. He loved her, and she loved him. And it was just so. As it should be.