A/N: As usual, this is a sequence of additions to scenes, vignettes and infill. Sections wholly in italics are taken form the original episodes. Everything else is purely of my own imagination. Thanks for the lovely reviews. You are a kind lot and it's lovely to see what you think. With thanks and love to my beta.
"Enjoy the match," Laura tiptoed up to kiss Robbie goodbye as she made her way out of the pub, and he grimaced. Laura frowned. "I'm fine, love," Robbie said wearily and she considered him for a moment. "Forget I said anything about the match," she said warmly and he shook his head. She scooped up her jacket and headed out of the pub, before strolling up to Milton Hall. As she waited, Laura checked her phone one final time, wondering where the hell Nicole had got to. This was typical form for her friend and it drove Laura to distraction. As she glanced at her watch, a familiar voice greeted her. "Good afternoon Laura," Alan Peterson said cheerfully and Laura smiled politely. "DI Peterson, I wasn't expecting to see you here," she said, shifting her jacket into her other hand and turning to walk into the college with him. "Nor I you," Peterson replied. "My friend Nicole works in the criminology department at UCL," Laura explained "but she's just texted to say she's running late and I should go ahead without her." Peterson beamed, to Laura's exasperation. "Well then, he remarked cheerfully "why don't you come and sit with me?" And Laura had nothing to say in return, so she smiled again and nodded. Nicole owed her a drink. A large drink. The lecture had sounded sort of interesting. A lecture on criminal dangerousness? Such an outdated notion. But a modern perspective could have been quite interesting. Could have been. It wasn't. And the disruption to the lecture was irritating. Laura was quite relieved when Peterson decided he'd head into the station quickly to report the events, leaving Laura free to head home, avoiding the protesting hoards outside the college. It was a pleasant evening and she enjoyed the stroll home. Robbie was undoubtedly still in the pub, and if Newcastle lost, he'd be a total grump to be around so Laura had plans for a quiet evening at home, with an article she wanted to edit one last time before it went off for peer review. Laura's quiet evening at home went exactly to plan, but by 6am, she found herself at a crime scene with an unexpectedly familiar face…
"So, what I know is, he's a visiting academic called Professor Paul Yelland. Post mortem will confirm but I suspect the cause of death will be strangulation." Laura said cheerfully as Robbie peered at the body. "He was in Oxford at the invitation of the Dept. of Criminology, to give a public talk. I was there, actually," Laura continued. "How come?" Robbie asked grumpily. "A friend saw an article in the local paper and thought it might be interesting," Laura replied. "And was it?" Robbie asked. "Not really. But the speaker deserves to be strangled, would be, in my opinion, a harsh review" Laura said. Robbie made a snort of amusement. "Any sense at this talk that he was anxious?" Robbie asked. "Ah, this wasn't suicide, the door was forced from the outside" Laura explained, gesturing at the door. "He'd forgotten his key and then forced the door in his desperation to get in?" James suggested and Laura looked at him in a slightly disbelieving way. "The key was in his jacket pocket…" she replied knowingly. "You can do this to yourself," Laura said, raising her hands to her collarbone and then her neck "if you apply enough pressure to the carotid bulbs eventually your heart will stop." She glanced between James and Robbie before stepping towards the corpse. "But the extent of the bruising around his neck suggests he struggled hard to stay alive," Laura continued, reexamining the neck as if to prove her point. "And look at this," Laura perched on the window sill and gently showed them the bruising on the fingers. "Ah, right," Robbie said wearily "he managed to get his fingers behind the ligature but the killer was too strong." James glanced over the scene again. "What was his talk about?" James asked and Laura looked up at him. "A potentially new approach to criminal dangerousness," she replied, an eyebrow slightly arched. "Well, right now, he must be the world's leading expert," he suggested wryly.
With raging toothache, Robbie was not really in the mood for one of Hathaway's philosophical discussions on the bare bones of good and evil in children. As they talked in the college quad, Robbie checked his watch again. Hathaway, typically, called him on it. "That's the second time you've checked your watch. Have you a woman simmering chez Lewis?" he enquired jovially. "No, I have a dodgy tooth about to explode chez my gob," Robbie replied, retrieving painkillers and swallowing them. James looked baffled. "You are aware we have a brilliant new service now called dentistry?" he enquired. "Been there, done that, got the blood stained t-shirt. Never again." Robbie decried firmly, before turning on his heel, James in tow. "When was that?" James asked. "Twenty years ago," Robbie replied. "You haven't had your teeth checked in twenty years?" James said incredulously. "If it ain't broke…" Robbie began, as his phone pinged. "It's probably rotting on the inside," James said "that'll be the tooth fairy, appalled." James gestured at Robbie's phone, as Robbie read the message. "No, it's the Chief Super requesting the pleasure of our company in her office before the sh…" The phone pinged again. "Too late…" Robbie finished and they made their way out of college and back to the station.
Robbie was slightly perplexed to hear Peterson announce that he had been at the lecture with Laura. He didn't much like the way Peterson dropped that into discussion. Laura had been quite annoyed with her friend for abandoning her, and she'd recounted how she'd ended up sitting with Peterson to Robbie with great disdain. She had various friends in different departments around the university and departmental lectures were useful unofficial networking. Hathaway had barely covered his derision at Peterson's proclamation, and Robbie wondered if Laura knew Peterson was implying some kind of a relationship between them. He suspected she'd be livid.
Robbie studied the corpse for a few moments whilst Laura was doing god knows what to a piece of kit. "Strangled by his own tie…" he mused aloud and Laura turned to him. "An advert for dress down Fridays if ever there was one," she quipped lightly, still cleaning the blade. "I can confirm cause of death was asphyxiation due to strangulation," Laura continued, slipping into professional mode. "He was two and a half times over the limit when he died, with the sleeping drug Zolperdem in his system. Toxicology puts the time of ingestion at the time he was giving his talk, or just after," Laura said, continuing finishing up. "Enough to make him more compliant to kill," Robbie said. "Any amount would have that effect," Laura said, coming over to the corpse "but this particular brand dissipates fairly slowly but would have synergised with the alcohol to speed up the conking out process." Robbie eyed Laura, quelling his amusement at her turn of phrase. "The conking out process being?" he enquired wryly. "An internationally recognised medical term," Laura replied smoothly, and their gaze met for a moment. "Anne Marie?" Laura gestured for the post mortem report, before handing it to Robbie. "That it?" he asked and Laura looked up at him, unimpressed. "I've pushed your boat out into open water, Robbie, get rowing," she returned. Robbie grimaced, as a jolt of neuralgia shot through his mouth. "You wouldn't have anything in here for a bad tooth would you?" he asked, and Laura looked at him. "I can take it out if you like," Laura replied and Robbie raised an eyebrow. "Of course, you'd have to be dead first," she replied dryly, and they exchanged another knowing glance.
As Robbie walked away from the mortuary, he smiled wryly. Never piss off a doctor. Especially, never piss off a doctor who was well schooled in a dozen ways to kill you in an undetectable way. And furthermore, never do it when she knew you as well as you knew yourself, and was perfectly capable of acting upon such knowledge. His phone buzzed in his pocket and he retrieved it, smiling when he saw it was Laura. Dentist, Robbie. Go on. Want me to sort it for you? He pocketed his phone, meaning to go back to it later.
When Laura had finished up in the mortuary, she headed to the showers, in the hopes of some hot water and a wash. It was necessary and routine to shower after a PM, but it was a soothing ritual and she was glad to have the water running over her skin. Maybe she would fit in a swim on the way home. She was pretty sure her spare kit was in the boot of the car, and the gym had towels so she'd be able to change after. Perhaps then she'd see what Robbie was up to. She reached for her shampoo, and began to wash her hair, rinsing the suds. The water suddenly lost all its warmth and Laura shrieked before she could stop herself as she was doused in ice cold water. "Fucking hell," she muttered, scrabbling to to turn the water off and escape the shower cubicle. She towelled herself dry and then wrapped her hair in the smaller towel. Rubbing her skin briskly with the towel, she dressed quickly before returning to her office. The dousing with ice cold water had been a refreshing end to her shower, but one she could perhaps have done without. Laura reached for the tea she'd made before her shower and sipped it, grateful for the warmth. She'd had much nicer showers after all and with the memories of a recent shower with Robbie fresh in her mind, a smile crept across her lips.
"So, you follow up on this O'Brien lead," Robbie told James "and I suppose I should liaise with Peterson's unit." "What would Hobson see in Peterson?" James asked disdainfully. "Who knows," Robbie replied wearily, as his phone began to ring.
"Laura, you've managed to pinpoint the exact time of death and the person responsible?" Robbie quipped over the phone. "In an ideal world, my answer would be yes to both," Laura replied smoothly, before her voice changed slightly into the more affectionate tone she usually reserved for him. "I'm calling you to let you know that I've managed to get you an appointment with my very very good, very very popular dentist,: Laura continued. She slid her hand into the pocket of her jeans, and perched on the corner of her desk. "Ah, much as I'd love to, I am in the middle of a murder investigation," Robbie began "Well, the dead can wait. My dentist can't," Laura replied promptly "8.30, Robbie. He likes his patients to be punctual. Arrive late and he gets very stabby with the hypodermic, Bye." Robbie ended the call, and grimaced at his phone.
Robbie dutifully attended the dentist, waiting anxiously in the surgery, as the clock ticked ever nearer 8.30am. He knew he'd have to deal with Laura's wrath, or worse, her disappointment, later, but he was mid-case and James, obviously, needed him. It was a very convenient excuse.
Robbie grimaced as he answered the phone. "Laura, before you tell me about how very very busy your dentist is, let me explain. Hathaway called me as I was about to go in…" he began wearily before Laura cut him off. "I'd like to hear it, Robbie, just not right now," Laura said, sitting back on her heels in the midst of the crime scene. "Robbie, I'm at a scene, and I recognise the victim. She was at the Yelland lecture , so you better get over here, rapidly." Robbie winced as pain shot through his tooth and then he nodded. "Right, thanks Laura," he replied wearily before finishing the call, picking up his car keys and heading out to the car park.
"We really appreciate you coming in to do this," Robbie said formally as the two students looked at the draped body of their friend, with Laura stood to one side in her scrubs. "We are trying to contact her family, but they're in the West Indies visiting relatives, and proving difficult to locate." Emily glanced at him tearfully. "Ready?" Robbie asked and Will nodded stiffly. "Yeah," he replied and Laura nodded to Anne Marie who carefully lifted the modesty cloth on the corpse. Will choked down a sob before he was able to answer. "Yeah, that's Nina," he said, and Emily glanced up at him. "How?" he asked, looking at Laura desperately. "Severe blow to the back of the head," Laura said as kindly as she could and Emily reached to wrap an arm around Will in an attempt to comfort him.
"Professor Lipton was Nina's tutor. Contact him?" Robbie was saying to Hathaway over the phone "and the university counselling service. See if there's anything we ought to know about there." Robbie glanced down the corridor where the young man appeared to be weeping onto Emily's shoulder. "Young, black, working class girl, trying to make her way in the most rarified elitist environment in the country. Did she feel alienated, marginalised, ostracised enough to fall in with bad company?" "Sir," James said. "Also, any link at all to the Yelland case?" Robbie mused "she was at that talk and she walked Professor Yelland home to the college with Robert Fraser." "We shouldn't rule out tit for tat by the far right," Hathaway supposed. "We don't rule anything out," Robbie replied "let me know how you get on." "Okay," Hathaway replied, then hanging up. Robbie glanced at the two students, and then Laura appeared in front of him. "There's something I didn't want to mention in front of them," Laura began "the blow to Nina's head would have resulted in a massive external haemorrhage, and yet…" Robbie finished "and very little blood found with the body." "A very small amount of coagulant," Laura concluded and Robbie gazed down at her. "She wasn't killed there," he said and Laura shook her head. "No," Laura confirmed, before movement in the corridor caught their attention, as Will ejected himself away from Emily, storming back in the to identification room.
Robbie considered Laura for a moment. "Can I ask a favour?" he wondered and Laura folded her arms, arching an eyebrow slightly, expectantly. "You can ask…" she replied wryly. "What's your price for the loan of your office?" Robbie enquired and Laura smirked. "Mmm, now, there's a question…" she replied, eyes dancing. Robbie considered her and she grinned broadly. "Dinner tonight," she replied "and I'll detail the rest of my terms later."
As Hathaway, Innocent and Lewis contemplated the interview room in front of them, Robbie's phone began to ring. "Ah, Dr Hobson," he explained before answering the call as the other two exited the room. "Laura," he greeted her. "Robbie, I need you to come and see me. Now," she said firmly.
Robbie had just walked into Laura's lab, and closed the door behind him. Laura was about to speak when the door burst open, and Peterson strode in. He look surprised to see Robbie and the two men eyed each other. Peterson looked at Laura hopefully and held out a report of some kind. "Thanks Laura," he said cheerfully. "No problem," she replied politely, smiling at him in a way that Robbie recognised was her professional smile. "Speak later?" Peterson proposed and Laura's expression became rather neutral. "Mmm," she replied noncommittally and Peterson seemed to take the hint. Laura glanced at Robbie, as Peterson shut the door behind him.
Robbie looked at Laura, evidently unimpressed. She tossed the report down, and met his gaze. "He came to discuss some forensic result," she explained wearily "and to invite me to dinner." Robbie raised an eyebrow and set his shoulders down slightly. Laura could tell he wasn't amused. "Oh right," he replied in what he hoped was a neutral tone. "When?" he asked, causing Laura to tilt her head and look at him incredulously. "Never, not my type," she replied and they looked at each other for a few moments before Robbie gestured at the kit next to Laura. "Talk me through?" he suggested and Laura beamed. "These red and blue fibres are wool, and they were found all over Nina Clements' body," Laura began enthusiastically. Robbie knew she would be in her element, getting to talk through the detailed particulars of the case. "Head to toe, front and back," Laura continued "there were fibres in her nostrils and nasal passage, suggesting that she fell face first onto a rug and was alive long enough to inhale a few." Robbie considered this for a second. "So Nina was hit on the back of the head, and then put on the rug still alive?" Laura nodded solemnly. "Then rolled her up in it and transported to where she was dumped," Laura replied. "No rug by the body," Robbie replied. "No," Laura replied. "What about the thick mustard coloured fibres?" Robbie asked. "From the head wound, cotton from bookcloth, apparently," Laura replied enthusiastically. "Bookcloth?" Robbie asked and Laura shrugged. "Not used so much these days, due to cost, but in the past, text books, volumes of reference, compendia, etc., were all covered with book cloth," Laura was clearly enjoying this. "Right," Robbie said, stepping towards the lab door. Laura smiled to herself, and then Robbie turned to her. "Sorry," he said suddenly and she frowned. "I've messed your dentist around," Robbie owned and Laura looked bemused. "Forgiven," she said easily and he flashed her a smile as he headed back out into the corridor. Robbie's phone buzzed as he walked back through the station and he smiled when he saw it was from Laura. Come over tonight? And dinner tomorrow instead? You owe me Lx He smirked. Well, as long as I'm your type… he tapped out before hitting send, imagining Laura's grin. Inspector, you have no idea… came back the response, and he chuckled to himself, closing the message and slipping his phone back into his pocket.
"Do you fancy a pint later? Big match on a stupid sized telly in a sweaty pub," Robbie asked, still holding the appointment card for James' dentist. "I've got a book to finish," James replied. "Have you learnt nothing from this case?" Robbie asked, exasperated "books are bad for your health." A quiver of amusement ran through James' features. "Not if you just read them," he replied. "Why don't you invite Dr. Hobson? Get in there quickly before someone whisks her away.." James suggested and Robbie regarded him coolly. "You said it yourself, stuck in the past me," Robbie replied, slightly sadly. James raised an eyebrow, before getting into his car, turning it round and driving off.
The next evening, Robbie clocked off and made his way over to Laura's. His spare suit was hanging in her wardrobe and these days he kept a couple of shirts at hers so he knew he could change if he did need to go into the office the following day. It had been a trying day, and James' dropping the call while he was at Lipton's the day before had unnerved Robbie. Somehow it had rehashed memories of Laura being in danger and tonight he needed to be with her, to hold her close and seek solace in the physicality of her presence in his arms. When he came into her hall, he held out his arms and Laura walked into them, wrapping her arms around his waist and settling her cheek against his chest. They held each other quietly for a few minutes, taking comfort from the simplicity of being together, until at length, Laura slipped her hand into Robbie's and drew him into the living room. "Have you eaten?" Laura enquired softly and Robbie shook his head. "Let me make you something?" she suggested and Robbie sighed. "I don't deserve you," he murmured and Laura tiptoed up for a kiss. "And yet, I love you still," she murmured affectionately and Robbie smiled. "Aye, I love you too pet," he replied and she flashed him a smile. "Pasta?" she asked and he nodded. "Don't put yourself to any trouble," he said and Laura gestured to the oven. "I kept you some from earlier," she explained before asking "How's the tooth?" Robbie breathed out a long breath and Laura cocked her head, concern etched in her features. "Beer?" she asked kindly and he nodded before reaching out to take her hand. Pulling her back into his arms, he cradled her close and she let him. Sometimes, Laura knew, sometimes Robbie just needed her to be there. To hold him, love him, comfort him. Sometimes, to be fair, Laura needed him too. After one rough case recently, she'd come home and cried in the shower, desperate to scrub the horror of what she'd seen that day away and he'd come in with her, helped her soap her skin and wash the suds away before towelling her dry, kissing her tears away and then taking her to bed and making love to her, carefully and deliberately until they were both sated. And then he'd cradled her against him, held her close all night while they slept. Laura glanced up at him and Robbie ducked his head to kiss her softly. She entwined her wrists around his neck, returning his kisses lovingly. At length, Laura cupped his cheek, and caressed his skin with her thumb. "Have some dinner, sweetheart," she counselled and he smiled broadly. "Tooth's fine. They did some kind of filling and it feels a million times better." he replied.
Robbie was hungrier than he anticipated, and he eagerly devoured the dinner Laura provided, gratefully accepting the beer she proffered. He cleared his plate and sat back, satisfied before linking his fingers with Laura's. She smiled at him happily, squeezing his hand. God, Robbie mused, this was so nice. To be able to come home to Laura, to be taken care of, to feel loved. He was so lucky to have had this twice in his life. And Laura was a wonderful partner. Witty, supportive, fun, kind. He loved her dearly. Robbie gazed at her and Laura smiled shyly. "Do you need pudding?" she asked and he grinned. "Does one ever need pudding?" he mused and she laughed. "You've been spending too much time with Hathaway," she chided "I made brownies, and there's ice cream in the freezer." Robbie's interest was clearly piqued. "I'm willing to share," she proposed and Robbie grinned. "Go on then love," he replied. Laura took his plate and placed it in the sink, before retrieving the ice cream from the freezer, and serving two pieces of cake onto another plate. She scooped some ice cream onto the plate, put the ice cream back in the freezer, and then sucked a tiny bit off her finger before returning to him. Laura set the plate down in front of him and Robbie wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her down into his lap. "Have I ever mentioned what an impossibly attractive woman you are?" he murmured against her ear, holding her close and Laura giggled. "Is your opinion swayed by the provision of homemade baked goods?" she enquired and he pressed a kiss to the sensitive spot behind her ear. "Oh, I've thought you beautiful for years," he murmured and Laura blushed. "Robbie," she protested and he kissed her cheek.
She took a forkful of brownie and ate it, pronouncing her satisfaction with her baking. "Good?" he enquired, retrieving his fork and helping himself to some pudding. "If I say so myself, and shouldn't, it's pretty good," Laura replied happily. "Mmm," Robbie replied "it is very tasty." They ate their pudding contentedly, and at length, Laura set down her fork happily. "That was delicious," Robbie said and Laura smiled. He pressed a soft kiss to her cheek. "Thank you, my love," he murmured, squeezing her waist and cuddling her against him. "Shall we crash out on the sofa?" he enquired and Laura nodded. She stood up and Robbie tutted as she made to clear up. "I'll do it later, love," he said wearily. "Come on then," Laura said, leading the way to the sofa and curling her legs up under her as she sat down. Robbie plonked himself down next to her, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. "James was at great pains to tell me I should ask you out yesterday," Robbie mused and Laura looked bemused. "Was he now?" she replied "and how did you handle that suggestion?" Robbie shrugged. "Muttered something non-committal, and resisted the temptation to tell him to piss off?" he replied and Laura laughed. "Peterson's persistent," Laura observed wryly and Robbie looked at her directly. "Oh, don't, Robbie," she said teasingly "I am more than capable of looking after myself." Laura cuddled into him and he pressed a kiss to the side of her head. "I mean, who thinks bumping into someone at a criminology lecture counts as a date. Jesus wept" she continued and Robbie chuckled wryly. "Aye, noted," he replied and Laura smiled. "You still owe me dinner, by the way, since I seem to have cooked for you tonight…" Laura continued and he cuddled her closer. "Do I?' he replied and Laura smiled. "The price of borrowing my office," she reminded him and he smiled. "Oh yes, you were going to set out your terms.." Robbie replied and Laura's smile became slightly mischievous.
She settled further back in his arms before she answered. "Well, I was thinking that we should drive back over to that pub near Cirencester. It's far away enough to have some privacy, and you can treat me to a nice dinner we don't have drive home from. We can stay the night," Laura replied, sliding her hand firmly over his thigh "make the most of their spa, and the hot tub. Have a nice walk in the countryside. We are overdue some time to ourselves, away from impertinent sergeants and inspectors who can't take a hint, and perhaps I can demonstrate the extent to which you are my type…?" She turned herself in his grip slightly, sliding her hand further over his lap and Robbie swallowed hard. "How soon can we make this happen?" he murmured, his voice slightly gravelly as Laura's hand slid over his lap again and his body began to respond to her touch. "Mmm, I'll need to check my diary," she replied and he pressed a kiss to the side of her head. "I better not keep you waiting too long," Robbie murmured and Laura smiled. "That's the attitude, Inspector," she replied softly as he slid his hand around her waist, allowing his fingers to creep under the fabric. Laura smiled as she felt his touch, his fingers tracing a pattern up across her ribs. She felt his breath hitch when he realised she wasn't wearing a bra under her t-shirt and his fingertips grazed the underneath of her breast. Robbie caressed her skin gently, nuzzling against her neck and Laura closed her eyes, arching her neck to allow him more access to her skin. She sighed at the sensations, turning her head so that they could kiss. Laura knew there was no hurry to this, that they had the rest of the evening to love each other, to come together leisurely and savour making love.
Many, many kisses, filled with longing, later, Laura cupped Robbie's cheek. Her eyes dark, she gazed at him and he grinned at her boyishly. "My love," he murmured and Laura gazed at him. "I want you," Robbie told her and she smiled broadly. "Bed?" Laura suggested and Robbie nodded. Laura disentangled herself from his lap and he stood up, ducking his head down for another kiss. They made their way upstairs, and they stumbled into Laura's bedroom, discarding clothing as they went. Robbie sat back against the headboard, shoving pillows out of the way before drawing Laura into his arms. "Turn around for me," he coaxed and Laura smiled. She did as he bid, and he feathered kisses over her shoulder, holding her waist. Laura fondled his length and he threw his head back in pleasure as she slid down onto him. They paused for a moment or two, adjusting to being together. Robbie ran his hands over Laura's ribs, stroking her skin and enjoying the feeling of her around him. He shifted himself up more so that he could wrap his arms tighter around her, draw her back against his chest. "I cannot get enough of your beautiful body," he murmured and Laura leant her cheek against his, closing her eyes and letting him love her. Robbie liked to do this sometimes, to take total control of loving her, murmuring sweet nothings as he touched her. It was an unexpected side to Robbie, one that she'd not anticipated and it made her feel thoroughly cherished. He pressed a kiss to the sensitive spot below her ear and Laura shivered in anticipation as his hands began to move leisurely across her skin.
"Oh, Laura, my love," he murmured and she smiled, eyes fluttering shut. He began to caress her skin, running his fingers over her collarbone and down to her breasts, cupping them and teasing her nipples, stroking them as they hardened under his touch. Laura sighed contentedly, and he pressed a kiss to the back of her shoulder, murmuring his appreciation. She rocked her hips gently, responding to his touch and she felt him smile against her skin. He slid his hand between her legs to where they were joined, and Laura inhaled sharply as his fingers began to caress her intimately. She clenched around him and was met with a groan of appreciation. Soon Laura was unable to control the movement of her hips, and Robbie smiled to himself, enjoying how she felt around him. "I love you so much, Laur," he told her and she clutched his hand with hers. "Robbie," she said urgently and he kissed her cheek lovingly. "I'm so close," she murmured and Robbie slowed his fingers. "Let go, my love," he told her and Laura whimpered slightly. "You're so beautiful," Robbie murmured against her cheek as Laura arched her neck, helpless to the sensations beginning to course through her. "Laura, oh, Laura," Robbie cried and Laura sank down on him hard, the sensation evoking an unexpectedly intense orgasm and Robbie thrust into her, spilling into her while keening her name, before wrapping his arms around her and cradling her closely. Laura kept her eyes closed, breathing hard and enjoying the pleasant feelings still coursing through her. "Wow," she murmured and she felt Robbie grin against her shoulder before he pressed a kiss to her skin. "That was…." she trailed off "Life affirming?" Robbie pondered and Laura smiled. "I was going to say intense," she replied and he chuckled. "Have I mentioned how exquisite you are?" he wondered aloud and Laura smiled. "We may be beyond the jurisdiction of compliments," she rebuked and he kissed her shoulder softly. "I love you, Robbie, ever so," Laura said and she felt him smile. "I'm a very lucky man," he replied and she grinned.
Later, as Robbie dozed, wrapped in her arms, Laura smiled to herself. This was a very pleasurable end to the day, to have Robbie here and to be able to hold him close. Even if she had been single, she wouldn't have given Peterson a second glance. He was pleasant enough, as DIs went, but he didn't have a hope next to Robbie. And Peterson's attempts to impress Laura made her roll her eyes dramatically. On one occasion recently, Laura had actually been reduced to sinking her head into her hands in the mortuary in desperation, reducing Anne Marie and Hugh, her trusty lab technicians to hysterics. It would be funny, almost, if it weren't for the fact that Peterson was completely oblivious to Laura's exasperation and indifference, much less that she clearly only had eyes for one DI, and it wasn't him. Little did she know that Jean Innocent had heard the rumours circulating, and was watching Peterson with a beady eye. Jean was biding her time, but she suspected that there might be more between Lewis and Hobson than met the eye, and she badly wanted to see the two of them happy. As a sleepy Laura cradled her slumbering partner in her arms, she pressed a soft kiss to the top of his head, content to be thus entwined with him. Perhaps Jean Innocent might have her slightly unorthodox hopes fulfilled.
The following morning, Robbie woke before Laura and he gazed at her as she dozed, her hair fanned out over the pillow, expression peaceful. God, he loved her. The very thought of her made him smile and the reality of her here, in bed with him was a considerable source of happiness to him. And he knew as he lay with her that they needed to speak more about their plans for their future together. Laura had broached the subject of a child and the thought both exhilarated and terrified him. A whole new family life. What a prospect. What a wonderful, unexpected prospect. But they needed to talk more generally. He was absolutely serious about settling down with Laura, but he wanted to talk it through with her, understand what her hopes and aspirations were for the two of them. And whilst the thought of having a family of their own was something that appealed more and more to him, he wanted to do things properly. And he liked the idea of marrying Laura. They were a good fit. They complemented each other, had a loving relationship firmly rooted in friendship, and goodness knows, they looked out for each other. Laura stirred slightly and Robbie drew her into his arms, settling her against his chest. She smiled sleepily and he pressed a kiss to her forehead. He wondered what she'd think about marriage. It wasn't something they'd ever discussed in any great detail and although he knew she'd dated, he didn't think even her most serious relationships had got as close to marriage as they seemed to be. But marriage was definitely something he wanted. The prospect of marrying Laura felt right and he hoped she felt the same way. They loved each other, of that he was confident. Still, he mused, the only way he knew he'd get an answer would be to discuss it with her, and that was a conversation he wanted to have with her properly. It was the very least she deserved.