Sorry this is a) very short and b) late... Main problem was that I actually had to dig out my DVD and capture some dialogue! I have tons more of this already written though, so more substantial chapter coming very soon. I just needed to get this little segment out of the way before I could move onto the more creative bits! Many thanks for all the feedback - really really appreciated :)

As he walked in the autumn sunshine between the clipped lawns, Lewis felt the tension at the back of his neck starting to ease. Not only could he begin to see a way into the tangle of evidence that had been gradually winding itself tighter with each passing day, but he could also see Laura striding towards him. He smiled warmly, and unconsciously quickened his step.

"I've found your ante-mortem bruising on Dr Whitby."

She pressed on, the soft weight of her hands now caressing his shoulders,

"Two areas of pressure, either side of the neck, whilst he was sitting, probably too drunk to get off or fight them off, because the bruising was pretty light."

He was studying her intently, her bright blue eyes sparkling with excitement, and then she looked down, suddenly acutely aware that they were out in public, that her hands were stroking his shoulders, that his lips were tantalizingly close. She quickly withdrew her hands, shrugged her jacket sleeves down, ridiculously embarrassed, both at her forwardness, and her overreaction to it,

"Final toxicology report nothing new, same as before, drunk, stomach awash with whisky and undigested pills…"

His brow creased a little as he observed her withdrawing into herself. Maybe I should have expected this. Sneaking a cheeky snog behind the bike sheds was one thing…but this seemed to be quite another. For a moment he hesitated, wondering if he should say something, do something, but decided not to push it. He gestured for her to turn and walk with him.

Again, a moment's awkwardness, and he saw her shoulders tense. But then she turned and fell into step. He smiled to himself, again wondering if he should touch her, but deciding against it. There would be time later. And so he pressed on with the discussion of the case.

"Never mind, there's a lad who wants to tell me something…maybe he's gonna wrap up all the answers for us nice and neat"

Finally she grinned, the earlier tension in her face beginning to dissipate. He knew how to do that so well. To relax her without her realising it. They were reaching the end of the park, and soon they would need to go their separate ways, but for the moment she was enjoying the fresh air and his cheerful company.

"Hmm…I suppose"

He grinned back, pleased to see that she was laughing at him,

"Are you doubting my powers of interrogation, Dr Hobson?"

She shook her head slightly, but the playful sparkle in her eye dared him to think otherwise,

"Wouldn't dream of it…"

His phone beeped with a text, and extracting it and glancing quickly at the message he groaned.

"Innocent?"

He smirked, and flashed her a wicked glance,

"Not something I'm used to being called…"

She shook her head again, sighing exaggeratedly, waiting for him to answer her properly.

He looked suitably contrite,

"Yes…more instructions, I'm afraid. I need to get a move on."

She smiled again, the shyness creeping back a little,

"It's ok, I've got a tutorial in 10 mins with one of the new students from the Radcliffe."

He nodded, and slipped the phone back in his pocket, his hands dropping a little awkwardly at his sides. She held his gaze for a moment, but then looked quickly down, biting her lip, folding her arms across her chest.

"Laura…"

His voice was soft, and his tone caught her off-guard. She was annoyed, with the situation, with herself, and her eyes were almost defiant as she looked at him.

"I don't mind who sees us, Laura...you know that, don't you?"

Her expression softened slightly, and she took a deep breath, composing herself,

"I just thought...you know...until..."

He smiled, finally taking her hand in his,

"Until what, Laura?"

She gazed at him, her blue eyes wide, a small smile gracing her lips,

"Until you were really sure..."

"I am sure."

He softened his grip on her hand, stroking her fingers, and Laura smiled more confidently. He wouldn't kiss her yet. Small steps…

"Meet me later, once I've finished my interviews?

"Of course, call me once you're done. My tutorial is at St Peter's, and I'll be done by 5.30. Maybe we could get a curry..."

He grinned, pressing a quick but deliberate kiss to her forehead,

"I always knew I liked, you, Dr Hobson"