The weather and love

by Rosyposypie

Alice Hoffman once said "When all is said and done, the weather and love are the two elements about which one can never be sure." This story continues on from Denn die Toten reiten schnell. These characters don't belong to me. Thanks heavens for Colin Dexter. I just like to take them out and play with them now and again. Let's see where Robbie and Laura take us.

27. Chapter 27

A/N: There's a bit of M action towards the end, just to warn you...

Spring had settled in nicely after a chilly start to the year. Easter had been and gone, and Robbie was anticipating the early May bank holiday weekend would provide some much needed downtime. Laura had been working hard lately; her team were short-staffed and she'd pulled a fair number of on call shifts recently. She was starting to look a little grey around the edges, though he'd hardly dare suggest such a thing and he was concerned about her. Robbie hoped she'd be off roster for the forthcoming bank holiday. God knows she deserved it. He sighed and Hathaway looked up. Lewis was clearly miles away, the administrative paperwork spread across his desk long forgotten. James glanced at the clock and then at his desktop and heaved a sighed. "Cuppa?" James enquired, gaining Robbie's attention and Lewis nodded. "Aye, yeah, that'd be grand. Ta." Hathaway stood up at his desk, stretched and then picked up his mug, before retrieving Lewis' and heading down towards the CID James installed out of earshot, and in close proximity to the kettle, Robbie picked up his office phone and tapped in Laura's extension. "Hobson," she answered sharply after a couple of rings and Robbie smiled. "Hi love," he said and Laura sighed. "Hello you," she replied softly and Robbie cradled the phone against his ear. "How goes?" he enquired and Laura considered her desk. "In the midst of paperwork hell. You?" she replied. "Yeah, a pile of admin," Robbie replied "but bearable. How's the on call stint looking?" Laura considered the roster and leant her chin in her hand. "Fancy a spontaneous pint after work?" Robbie enquired and Laura sighed. "I probably can't clock off until six," she replied and Robbie grinned. "I'm sure that would suit very nicely," he said warmly and Laura smiled. "How about you endeavour to bump into me on your way out?" she suggested and Robbie glanced up, noting Hathaway making his way back across CID. "Perfect," he replied. "Speak later," Laura murmured softly and Robbie smiled. "Bye," he said, hanging up the phone as Hathaway appeared in the doorway.

Down in her office, Laura set the phone back on the set and considered her screen. She was nearly done with the paperwork ahead of submission to the CPS and she knew that she'd feel much better once she'd submitted it. She was so weary though, and she would be glad once this week was over. She hit control-alt-delete and tapped in her password, before firing up the clinical submission system and working her way through the various screens. After an hour of cross referencing and finalising her report, she hit submit and sank back against her chair, watching as the screen worked its way through to churn out the reference number, and confirm receipt into the system. She toyed idly with the pendant around her neck, caressing it fondly. She'd worn it almost everyday since Robbie had given it to her and she loved it. It was a nice little reminder of him, of them and all that they meant to each other. Robbie had been dropping less than subtle hints about an engagement ring recently, and she smiled at the thought. Not that actually she thought she'd have much use for an engagement ring. She spent so much time with her hands in gloves, or removing any jewellery for post mortems. She'd probably be alright with a plain wedding band, she thought and she'd never been one for flashy jewellery. She'd have to persuade Robbie thought, and he was proving unusually persistent on the subject. And all of this was academic anyway because they still hadn't set a date, much less told anyone beyond their immediate family, and while Laura had observed a knowing smirk gracing the features of a couple of her closest colleagues whenever Robbie appeared in the vicinity of the lab, they'd kept their relationship very much to themselves at work. A rap at her door disrupted her train of thought and she sat up properly. "Come in," she called and the door swung open to reveal Sergeant Hathaway. "Hello James," Laura said warmly and he flashed her a smile. "I've brought back the files DI Lewis was reviewing," James explained, holding out the files "and I am instructed to inform you that we shall be departing for the White Horse at 18.00 hours, and you'd be most welcome to join us." Laura snorted in amusement and James raised an eyebrow, entertained. "God, yes, sounds like an excellent plan," Laura said fervently and James nodded. "Excellent," he replied "I'll, er, see you there then." Laura flashed him a smile, and he turned to walk out of Laura's office. "Thanks for the files," Laura called and he nodded, before strolling out of her office and along the corridor. Laura added the files to the returns tray, and stretched her arms out, stifling a yawn. She checked the clock on her laptop. 5.45pm. She checked her email once last time, satisfied nothing urgent had come in, before logging out, shutting her laptop down and closing the lid with a satisfying click. She picked up the returns tray and took it down to her team's office, collecting the residual files from their tray and took the set of files down to the repository. "Thank you very much," she said to the clerk as she handed over the papers and he grunted in response. Laura strolled back to her office, tidied her things away into her briefcase and picked up her jacket. She glanced around, turned off the light and shut the door before strolling down the corridor. Laura made her way out to her car, and dropped her briefcase in the boot. She tucked her purse into the back pocket of her jeans, and then retrieved her keys and phone, depositing them into her jacket pocket, then shutting the boot and locking it.

Laura ran her fingers through her hair, tousling it slightly and then began to stroll towards the entrance to the station. Right on cue, Robbie strolled out of the station, James a pace behind him. "Laura," he said cheerfully and she glanced up at him, smiling broadly. "Pub?" he enquired jovially and Laura nodded. "Definitely," she said ruefully. "Bad week?" Hathaway enquired sympathetically and Laura sighed. "A long one, at any rate," she replied wearily. Robbie considered his partner and debated slinging his arm around her shoulder but he resisted. He wasn't sure she'd much appreciate the entirely public and otherwise unforeseen demonstration of affection. "You working the weekend?" Robbie enquired lightly and Laura shook her head. "First day off roster in ten," she replied as they strolled along and James grimaced. "Pleasant plans?" James asked and Laura considered. "Oh, tomorrow, I'm planning a very lazy day. Lie in, maybe a late breakfast with the papers, potter in the garden. The joys of middle age," Laura replied and James chuckled. "You're hardly middle aged" he protested and Laura smiled broadly. "That was supposed to be your line," she chided Robbie, nudging him and he rolled his eyes at her affectionately. Laura grinned at him and James chuckled. "Still, sounds like a nice way to pass the time," James observed as they turned onto Broad Street, weaving their way through the tourists in pursuit of their evening drinks. "What about you, James?" Laura asked and he shrugged easily. "I've got a gig tomorrow night. Might go to the gym tomorrow, that sort of thing," he replied and Robbie considered this response. "Nice forecast. You not tempted to go for a row?" Robbie enquired and James scoffed. Laura laughed. "Sculling along the river in the morning sunshine does sound a little tempting, wouldn't you agree?" she asked and Robbie grumbled to himself. "Never had you down as a rower, Laura," James muted and Laura laughed. "I'm not exactly built for rowing," she replied and James demurred a response. "But I did cox a bit, in my college days," Laura continued and James stopped still in the street. Laura opened the door to the bar, and turned back to glance at James curiously. "Oh, give over Hathaway. I went to Oxford, and when I was 18, I was far slimmer than I am now. So, funnily enough, they persuaded me into coxing for them. There are some merits to being petite, and able to hold your hold amongst a group of men significantly taller than you," Laura remarked, before stepping into the pub. Robbie and James exchanged an amused glance. "So now we know where her reputation began," James mused as he followed Robbie into the pub. "I heard that," Laura remarked, with a glower as she draped her jacket over the back of her chair. "I'll, er, get the drinks in," James said and he caught Laura's eye. "Make mine a G&T," Laura muttered and Robbie considered her affectionately. "Poor love," he murmured mockingly, and she scowled at him. "Wait til I get you home," Laura said under her breath, and Robbie captured her hand in his and squeezed it. "Promises, promises," he replied, smiling broadly and Laura sighed. "Mine tonight?" she asked quickly, watching Hathaway at the bar and Robbie nodded. "Aye, my love," he said softly, squeezing her fingers again, and then shifting his hand under the table so that it rested on Laura's knee. He squeezed her leg and she flashed him a smile, rubbing her thumb over his fingers, before disentangling their fingers as James pocketed his change and picked up the drinks. Under the table, Laura nudged her foot against Robbie's and they smiled at each other affectionately as James set their drinks down on the table.

After an hour, James announced his departure. "Band practice," he explained, clasping his hand behind his back and bobbing at them in that classic Hathaway way that he did. Laura smiled as he waved a hand from the doorway and disappeared into the evening sunshine, and her smile broadened as Robbie took her hand into his and entwined their fingers. "So, my love," he began, and Laura arched an eyebrow at him expectantly. "What shall we do for our dinner?" Robbie enquired and Laura considered for a moment or two. "Why don't I drive us home?" Laura muted "and we can rustle up some pasta or something?" Robbie nodded. "Alright," he said, smiling at her and Laura squeezed his fingers. "I am looking forward to crashing out on the sofa," she owned and Robbie considered her. "If you don't mind me saying, love, you do look a bit grey around the edges," he said softly and Laura scowled. Robbie rolled his eyes and leant forward to kiss her affectionately. When he sat back, Laura frowned, surprised at the uncharacteristically public demonstration of affection. "You're beautiful," he told her "you just look exhausted. I care, is all. Stop your pouting." Robbie picked up his pint, and downed the dregs, before standing up and holding an arm out to Laura. "Come on love," he said and Laura slipped her arm into his as they walked out of the pub and back towards the station. Once they'd driven back to Laura's and made their way into the house, Laura kicked her shoes off and rolled the sleeves of her shirt back. She considered Robbie as he hung up his jacket and hung his tie around the bannister, before turning and smiling at her. He held out his arms and Laura walked into his embrace willingly. Robbie kissed her forehead and cuddled her against his chest, smiling as Laura slid her hands around his waist, deftly untucking his shirt so she could run her fingers over the skin in the small of his back. Laura laid her cheek against his chest and closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation of holding him close and Robbie cradled her closely, resting his chin on the top of her head. Laura inhaled, the hint of his aftershave at the end of a long day proving soothing. "You alright, pet?" he murmured and she nodded. "Never better," she replied softly and he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. Laura looked up at him and he smiled at her before ducking his head to kiss her. As their kiss deepened, Laura brought one hand up to the nape of Robbie's neck, running her fingers into the hair there, caressing it affectionately and he sighed happily against her mouth.

They stood, arms around each other, kissing for sometime, bodies pressed against each other until Laura broke the embrace and tiptoed up to nuzzle against his cheek. "Bed, my love," she murmured and Robbie grinned boyishly. He took her by the hand and headed up the stairs to her bedroom, pushing open the door eagerly. Robbie drew her back into her arms and Laura giggled as he mouthed kisses down the side of her neck. "God, you're lovely," he murmured against her skin and Laura sighed as he nuzzled against the sensitive spot behind her ear. They undressed each other, clothing discarded in their haste, and hands roaming now familiar territory. Robbie pulled Laura down with him onto the bed and she laughed as he coaxed her into his lap. She knelt up over him and he looked at her, eyes dark with lust. Laura cupped his face in her hands, kissing him deeply and Robbie slid his hands around her waist and then down to her hips, caressing her bottom lightly. God, he wanted her. Laura trailed one hand down his chest, down to his stomach and Robbie moaned against her mouth as she grasped his length in her hand, stroking him in a way he found intensely pleasurable. Breaking their kiss, he threw his head back, murmuring hoarsely as she worked him. Laura moistened her hand, caressing the head of his cock and Robbie keened her name. She smiled broadly, holding him steady before kneeling up again and sliding down onto him. "Oh, Laura, yes," he groaned and she grinned, raising herself up again and taking him within her more deeply. They established a slow rhythm, Robbie encouraging Laura's movements, holding her hips steady, while they kissed. Robbie brought his hands up to cup Laura's breasts, caressing them tenderly and Laura murmured against his mouth. He kissed her once again before shifting his attention, taking as much of her breast into her mouth as he could and suckling at it, kissing and lapping at her nipple, enjoying the sensation of her skin.

Laura shuddered in pleasure, bringing her hands to the place they were joined and Robbie relinquished his attentions to her cleavage to watch. He shifted his weight slightly, leaning back against the bedhead so that he could watch her. Watching Laura was so sexy. She was so beautiful and there were days Robbie could hardly believe his luck that she wanted him. Though he could hardly doubt that she did, holding her in his arms like this. He felt her clench him tight and he moaned under his breath. He rested his hands on her hips and she smiled at his caress. "Laura, you're so beautiful," he murmured and Laura smiled again, clenching him tightly and he sighed. She rocked her hips and they both moaned. "Come on, love," he urged and Laura nodded. "I'm close," she murmured and Robbie thrust up into her. "Darling," Laura murmured and Robbie caressed her skin. She circled her hips and he sighed in pleasure. He felt her clench him again and he groaned. "Oh, Laura, yes," he muttered and she slid down onto him once more, rocking her hips and Robbie groaned again. He thrust up into her, again and again until she was crying out his name in pleasure and as she clenched him once more, Robbie climaxed inside her, clutching her close. "Laura, oh, Laura, my love," he said hoarsely and she smiled, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and cradling him against her collarbone. "I love you so much," he murmured and Laura smiled, kissing his forehead. "I love you too sweetheart," she said softly. They held each other closely for a few minutes until Laura's stomach grumbled and they drew apart, laughing. "Need to get you your dinner," Robbie rebuked and Laura smiled. "Why don't you go and have a hot bath, and I'll order us some food?" he suggested, pressing a kiss to the side of her face and Laura nodded. "That would be lovely," she replied, caressing his cheekbone with her thumb and they smiled at each other. "You are magnificent," Robbie told her and Laura smiled broadly. She shifted her position and he slipped out of her. Laura kissed his cheek lovingly, and swung her legs around so that she could slip off the bed. Laura tossed him his dressing gown and he smiled at her before she walked into the ensuite and began to run herself a bath. She wrapped her gown around her, and then reached for the bath oil, dropping a few drops into the steaming water. Robbie appeared behind her, and slid his arm around her waist. Laura giggled and he pressed a kiss to the back of her head. "Thai?" he asked and Laura nodded. "That'd be great," she said and he kissed her head again. "I'll go order," he told her and she smiled. "Thanks sweetheart," Laura said and he squeezed her waist.

When the water had reached a suitable depth, Laura turned the taps off and discarded her gown, slipping into the hot water and sitting back, relaxing into the warmth. She allowed the water to cascade over her shoulders, exhaling a sigh of relief she sat back. After a few minutes, in which Laura had all but nodded off, there was a noise at the door. She opened her eyes to find Robbie stood in the doorway with a mug of tea in one hand, and a glass of cold white wine in the other. "You might actually be the perfect man," Laura observed as he set them down on the chair next to the bath and he grinned boyishly. "I wasn't sure which you'd want, so I brought both," he replied. "My hero," Laura said, sitting up in the bath, and reaching for the wine, and then for Robbie's hand. She tugged at it and he stooped down so that she could kiss him, before perching on the side of the bath. "We should set a date," she told him and he looked confused. "To get married," Laura continued and Robbie smiled broadly. "All it took was a cup of tea to convince you that I was marriage material?" he queried, amused and Laura laughed loudly. "I've known you were marriage material for years," she rebuked "and I've wanted to marry you for, well, for as long as we've been together. You could have asked me on our first date, heck, before our first date, and I would have said yes. And you know that." She arched an eyebrow at him expectantly, and he grinned at her. "So?" Robbie said expectantly and Laura took a long sip of her wine. "So, let's set a date for our wedding," Laura said steadily and Robbie nodded. "Yes, please," he replied and they smiled at each other. "Shall we see when the Registry Office has appointments?" Laura suggested knowingly and Robbie nodded. "Aye, yeah," he replied softly. "You do still want to get married?" Laura asked and Robbie laughed. "Yes, tomorrow, if that suits?" he said fervently "but I'm just not sure that I want to marry you at the Registry Office. You deserve better than that." Laura's expression softened. "I don't need a big fancy wedding, Robbie. I just want to be your wife," she replied and he reached out to touch her cheek affectionately. "I want it to be a day to remember. Not necessarily big or fancy," he said and Laura nodded. "This might sound a bit daft," she began "but you know that pub out at Faringdon that we've been to a few times. Beautiful garden, right by the river?" Robbie nodded, and considered Laura. "I went to a wedding there a few years ago - they're properly licensed. We could get married there - have a short ceremony, whatever the legal requirements are, and then have a meal with our nearest and dearest. Keep it short and sweet and just really lovely. Nice food. A few bottles of champagne. Just your kids, and my brother and the girls, a few friends. It could be really lovely," Laura proposed and Robbie smiled, scrubbing at the back of his neck in a way that Laura recognised meant he was a bit emotional. "I'd not thought of anything like that," Robbie owned "but yeah, that sounds perfect." Laura smiled broadly. "I'll give them a call in the morning," she said and Robbie leant in for another kiss. "See when they can fit us in for lunch, and if you like it, well, we'll see if they can squeeze us in," Laura continued and Robbie grinned broadly. "I can't wait," he said softly and Laura smiled.

Later that evening, they sat at opposite ends of the sofa, eating their way through Robbie's takeaway of choice. At length, Robbie set his empty bowl down and sat back, very pleased with his lot in life. He patted his stomach in satisfaction and Laura chuckled. "All well in the world?" Laura enquired and Robbie smiled broadly. "Oh, very much so," he replied happily, squeezing her foot, as it was tucked under his leg. "I have been thinking about your engagement ring," Robbie began and Laura frowned. "I don't need an engagement ring," she reminded him and Robbie watched as she set her plate down and shuffled up the sofa. Robbie looped his arm around her shoulders and she snuggled into him. "I mean it, Robbie. I take all my jewellery off on a daily basis, and very soon I'll be wearing my wedding ring. There are better things to spend our money on," Laura said. Robbie scoffed. "Laura, love, it isn't a matter of money," he retorted. "I know," said Laura soothingly "but think of it practically. I barely wear jewellery because I constantly have to take it off for PMs. I wear my pendant almost everyday and I love it. I'd much rather we put the effort into choosing our wedding bands. That's the ring I want to wear for the rest of my life." She looked up at him and he huffed out a breath. "Alright," he said and Laura placed a placatory kiss to his cheek. "Trust me," she murmured "I don't need diamonds to know that you love me."