[text from Hardy to Laurel] Laurel? Sorry. Said I'd text tomorrow, but..
[text from Laurel to Hardy] Oh, hi! Um, silly question, but I suppose I shouldn't just call you Mr. Hardy anymore... What do you want me to call you?
Hardy gulps, thinking that she's right, and everyone's going to know something's going on if he and Laurel go around calling one another by their first names.
[text from Hardy to Laurel] Very good point. Um.
Laurel stares at her phone, flummoxed. Should she even reply to that? As she thinks, she starts getting ready for bed.
[text from Hardy to Laurel] Yeah, just call me Alec.
This feels really awkward, he thinks. He goes to get ready to sleep, too, trying to ignore his phone and sweating over it instead… So much for ignoring it, it's not working at all. He checks his phone, kicking himself for doing it.
[text from Laurel to Hardy] I'll try to remember that. Please don't be offended if I say Alex instead of Alec.
[text from Laurel to Hardy] I've got a brother and a dad named Alex so it might come out by reflex, fair warning.
Her text makes him laugh a little.
[text from Hardy to Laurel] As long as you don't feel like you're on a date with your brother or your dad... Not sure if I'm up to their standards. We Alecs are a lower breed.
Laurel chuckles.
[text from Laurel to Hardy] Oh, THAT definitely won't be an issue. As the for the Alex vs Alec debate, haven't met many Alecs so far, but the few I've met have been an impressive lot.
[text from Laurel to Hardy] I should say, in the interest of full disclosure, that you're the only one I've met.
She lays down in bed, smiling at her phone, feeling like a lovesick teenager and loving it.
[text from Hardy to Laurel] I had a small feeling that might be the case. Hope you don't meet any less-shabby specimens any time soon.
Leaning against the counter to text, he goes about his evening routine, brushing his teeth and smiling a little.
[text from Laurel to Hardy] Every Alec I've met so far has been grumpy, caring, and attractive in glasses. Not sure if my sample size is big enough to achieve statistical significance or not.
[text from Hardy to Laurel] As long as your margin of error is low, I think you should be fine in this case.
[text from Laurel to Hardy] Good point. I'll let you know my findings upon further research.
[text from Laurel to Hardy] I'll be continuing my studies tomorrow over chips. Looking forward to expanding my knowledge base.
[text from Hardy to Laurel] Happy to assist.
[text from Laurel to Hardy] See you tomorrow, then? :(
[text from Laurel to Hardy] Sorry, not the emoji I meant to use!
[text from Laurel to Hardy] *:)
[text from Hardy to Laurel] I'd send a relieved face if I could tell which one it was.
[text from Hardy to Laurel] There are way too many of these bloody things.
She snorts, sliding under the covers and flipping off the light.
[text from Laurel to Hardy] I wish I could say I was an optometry nurse, but I'm not. Can't help with the eyesight, I'm afraid.
[text from Hardy to Laurel] More glasses for you, then.
[text from Laurel to Hardy] If that is to be my burden, I shall bear it if I must.
[text from Hardy to Laurel] when's your lunch?
[text from Laurel to Hardy] oh, is this meant to be a lunchtime event?
Crap, she thinks. So he'll see her in scrubs again. Not attractive on her at all.
[text from Hardy to Laurel] yes, is lunch okay...?
[text from Hardy to Laurel] not sure if I'll have to stay late or not...
[text from Laurel to Hardy] If at all possible, I'd prefer a little later. Depending on how many patients I have, lunch is sometimes a 4 minute affair.
[text from Laurel to Hardy] I don't mind eating a late dinner, though.
While this is true, it's certainly not her only motivation.
[text from Hardy to Laurel] shit, sorry. Okay, I'll keep you updated then... how late is too late?
[text from Laurel to Hardy] Don't worry about it being too late. Just let me know when you're ready and I will be, too.
[text from Laurel to Hardy] I know how important your job is, Alec. It doesn't bother me.
[text from Hardy to Laurel] it's a date.
[text from Laurel to Hardy] Can't wait.
She's not going to tell him how giddy that text makes her feel.
[text from Hardy to Laurel] I appreciate it your understanding. I can imagine how busy yours must be mid-day too.
[text from Laurel to Hardy] So long as you're flexible, I can be, too.
[text from Laurel to Hardy] Anyway, long day tomorrow. I should get to sleep. Good night, Alec.
[text from Hardy to Laurel] Night.
All of these uses of his first name weird him out a bit, but not necessarily in a bad way… it's just been a long time since he's gone by anything but Hardy. He can't remember the last time he felt butterflies when going to bed- anxious, nervous, excited? Maybe all of the above, everything. It's weird and a little uncomfortable, but it does seem to be doing a lot for his stress already… He's not been thinking so extensively about Tess in the past hour, anyway.
The next day, surprisingly enough, flies by. It's a long shift, 5 AM til 5 PM, and it's a busy one. Laure's glad that Alec said it was alright to switch to a dinner date, because she doesn't actually end up getting lunch today. Before she knows it, though, she's texting Ellie and standing in front of her closet.
[text from Laurel to Ellie] Help?
How casually is she supposed to dress? She has no idea. She stares at her clothing, bemused.
[text from Ellie to Laurel] On my way!
Ellie's been looking forward to this all day… She's there soon enough, knocking on the door.
Laurel races down the stairs to let her friend in. "I'm so glad you're here!" she pants, feeling slightly frantic. "Dress me, please?"
Ellie laughs. "Lead the way!" Thankfully, she isn't required to be at the station for late work tonight.
Laurel drags Ellie to her closet and makes some helpless flapping gestures in the direction of the selection.
Keeping a keen eye out for anything that looks particularly flattering, Ellie flips through Laurel's closet, emitting appropriate gasps at the cuteness of this or that. "Oh, Laurel..." She shakes her head. "I hope he appreciates what you've got here. Not many men do, if I'm honest. You know he's just going to wear what he always does, right? Doubt he's got anything else- oh, I should go out and get something for him too..." She makes a vague noise of disapproval.
Laurel laughs, relaxing a bit now that she's not alone with her thoughts. "If I didn't think he was attractive in what he usually wears, I doubt I'd be going on a date with him, anyway." She leans against the wall as she watches Ellie evaluate. "What are you thinking, love?"
"I like your judgment," Ellie says with a snort. "Okay, what is this!?" She holds up a garmet so Laurel can see.
"It's called a sundress, Ellie," Laurel says with a giggle. It's her favorite, soft yellow with subtle lace, falling to just above her knees and with pretty, dainty straps at the top.
"Well, wear this. Wait-"
Laurel waits.
"No, wait. What's this one?"
The second dress Ellie holds up is teal, sleek, form- fitting but not overly formal. Just enough to make it clear that this isn't an entirely casual outing.
"I like that one, too. Which one's better, d'ya think?"
"Mm… Well, it's nice enough out for either, I reckon. Just depends. Summery, or a little more evening air?"
"Mm... Summery, I suppose? Just in case he's dressed more casually. The yellow one can be dressed up or down."
Ellie nods decisively, gesturing to the sundress. "Yea. Good thinking. I'll step out a minute, you try that on… I honestly think- well, you won't go wrong. He's probably going to have another heart attack no matter what you pick." She shakes her head, but she's smiling.
Laurel smiles, her cheeks turning pink. "You think?"
Heading for the door, Ellie winks. "Yes. No doubt."
Laurel does a little wiggle of excitement and changes as soon as Ellie steps out. Then she follows, the dress swishing around her knees. "Thoughts?" she asks shyly.
Out in the hall, Miller stuffs her phone away again to get a good look. "Oh, Laurel! Good choice. Yes." Her hands fly to her mouth as she steps around Laurel to take in the way it falls. "You look absolutely brilliant, already. I'm not surprised."
"Oh, you're entirely too kind, Ellie MIller. Thank you, love." Laurel's smile is huge, splitting her cheeks. She's so excited for her date, it's ridiculous. She's 30 but feeling like she's 13.
"It's so soft, too, right?" Ellie carefully feels an edge. "Seriously! Soft!" Then her phone dings with a text and she rolls her eyes. "Sorry. One sec."
"I won't keep you, Ellie, but your help has just been invaluable. I'd still be in my scrubs if left to my own devices."
Ellie beams. "Of course! Now- you're going to be just fine."
"Expect either a giddy call or a sad one at the end of the date. Either way, you'll be informed." Laurel grins right back. "No escaping the fruits of your labor, Cupid."
"Oh god, my mother would be so proud..." Ellie replies, snorting. She winks and kisses Laurel's cheek. "Talk to you then, love. Good luck."
Laurel returns the gesture, following Ellie to the front door to see her out. "Bye, Ellie. You're the best."
"Knock 'em dead!" Ellie calls as she goes.
"I'll try!" Laurel sets off to curl her hair, and do her makeup, and paint her nails... Important prep work that Alec will undoubtedly not notice.
[text from Hardy to Laurel] I don't remember how to do this, Miller. Please help!
"No, no, don't send, don't send!" It's combination of growling and pleading with his phone once he realizes that he's misdirected the text. Many buttons are pressed, and he has no way of telling whether or not it went through.
[text from Hardy to Laurel] Hi, Laurel. Getting off now. An hour, maybe?
Laurel does, in fact, receive the first text. She starts laughing and doesn't stop until her sides ache.
[text from Laurel to Hardy] Further information on Alecs: they are mediocre texters at best. At least they're adorable. Anyway, an hour sounds perfect... unless, of course, you're trying to take out Ellie Miller instead... In which case I'd suggest you check the intended recipient.
[text from Hardy to Laurel] That wasn't meant for you! I tried to stop it from sending!
[text from Hardy to Laurel] ...Laurel, it was nice knowing you.
[text from Laurel to Hardy] I'll speak kindly of you in the eulogy.
[text from Hardy to Laurel] You're too kind.
[text from Hardy to Laurel] there's only one chippy so I'll be coming back to life around there. Just ask anyone, they'll show you to it.
Laurel's more or less ready to go at this point. She picks out shoes and a light sweater and waits for the hour to be up.
[text from Laurel to Hardy] I think I can make that work. See you soon.
[text from Hardy to Laurel] sounds good.
Hardy shows up a little early. He slumps in a booth in the corner, fidgeting awkwardly as he waits for Laurel.
Before Laurel knows it, she's standing outside of the chippy staring in... here she goes! She takes a deep breath and walks in.
Her date straightens up when he sees her and stuffs his phone away (talking to Miller, who else?) - gives a small wave and a little smile. Luckily for his nerves, the place is not too busy.
She spots him almost immediately and heads over. "Hello," she says, feeling shy and bashful but very pleased. "You look nice." He always looks nice, in her opinion... damn him.
Hardy's hands clasp on the table- "Hi! Oh-" He glances down at himself; he doesn't hear this often. Apparently, Miller's advice must be good. Looking back up at Laurel, he smiles a little more. "Er- thanks. Likewise, that's- never seen you in anything but scrubs, have I?"
Laurel starts giggling and for a moment, she can't stop. She slides across from him in the booth and shakes her head. "You have. Several times." Most of her visits to his house have been in street clothing.
"Oh." His eyes widen. "That's true, isn't it?" Oops.
"Nothing to worry about. I was still around you in a nursing capacity, so I was sort of wearing mental scrubs."
"Still, um."
She's amused but thinks it's endearing. Not at all offended. He's just so... male.
"Yeah... No, we haven't really ever done anything outside of that capacity..." He snaps his mouth shut, trying a laugh that really comes out as some kind of sniff. He's doing brilliantly, already… Why did he let Miller badger him into doing this, again?
"I can go home and change, if you'd like," Laurel offers with a bit of a smirk. "If you prefer me in scrubs." She gently bumps his foot with her own under the table. "Some detective you are," she teases.
"Please, I already know what you look like in scrubs."
She hopes he actually likes the dress. There's no telling.
He shrugs a little shyly and fights back a bigger smile. "It's lovely."
"Thank you," she says warmly. "So, um, chips?" She feels the slightest bit awkward. Definitely glad to be there, but awkward nonetheless. Eating will give her something to do.
Hardy straightens more. "Right! We have... these little menus." Paper ones. Small town. He plucks them from where they're tucked into the napkin dispenser.
Laurel laughs. "Mm, I'm a simple girl, me. Chips and vinegar is all I need. Nothing fancy."
"Brilliant."
"I suppose this makes me a terrible Brit, but I don't actually like fish. So fish and chips is not my deal," she admits.
"Oh, really? Technically I can't eat either, but... Well I s'pose it's not the end of the world if I'm careful." He shrugs. She'd know better than he would, probably.
"Ah, you've got a nurse with you. If you have another heart attack, I can always do CPR until we can get you to a hospital."
"Oh, thank you." His tone is a bit wry, but he finds himself amused anyway. "Always appreciate it when I'm kept alive."
"You'll find that I'm excellent at that." Laurel's joking, of course, though she is vaguely concerned.
He laughs a little. "Think I already have."
Oh, she's so glad she volunteered to check in on him at home. "Shall we go up and order?"
"Yes, let's." He shoots her a quick smile and stands.
She rises, smiling back and blushing lightly, and straightens her dress.
Following suit, he thinks a bit. He can tell she's put in effort. He has got a daughter, after all... Unfortunately, though, he has zero idea what to do about it any more.
Laurel places her order at the register, the smell of chips hitting her and making her stomach gurgle embarrassingly. She had temporarily forgotten that she didn't have lunch today.
Hardy waits beside her to order, and the sound makes him a little bit smug. "Was that you? Bit of a chip fan, are you?"
"Absolutely not. Wasn't me. It had to be Miller. She's got to be hiding around here somewhere." She grins broadly. "Maybe just a little."
Hardy's eyes dart suspiciously around the room. "I swear to god, Miller..."
This brings a chuckle. "That was a joke, Alec."
He grins and very gently nudges her. "So was that."
"...though if she didn't have Fred, I wouldn't put it past her."
"Hah."
She nudges him back, biting her lip and grinning.
"God, she would, wouldn't she?"
"She's quite possibly insane. In the best way, though." It's very, very fondly said. She and Ellie are fast becoming excellent friends.
"Fred would give her away." Hardy agrees, finding himself unable to abstain from smiling warmly about it. "Oh, she is."
"Ah, Fred. The downfall of spying mothers everywhere… He's such a sweetheart, though. Definitely his mum's child."
"You know, he's actually quite quiet... But he draws all the attention."
"It's those cheeks!" Laurel suggests. "They're irresistible!"
"Oh, no doubt." He shakes his head, still smiling, and realizes quite suddenly that the bored teenager at the register is still waiting on his order… he hastens to order plain chips, just like Laurel did a minute ago.
"What was Daisy like as a child?" Laurel murmurs, changing the subject slightly once he's done and they're waiting. The question is soft, tentative. She doesn't want to bring up memories of his ex-wife since there's something apparently bothering him about that situation this week, but she knows that the girl is also a huge part of Alec's life, and she wants to make it clear to him that she's happy about that.
"Well." He tilts his head, arms loosely crossed. His smile is soft. "Particularly deviant, she was. Oh, and adorable, obviously. Very, very round; and very vocal, must say." He can hear that little bit of hesitation in her voice; she's got nothing to worry about, and he's quick to want to assure her of that with a detailed answer.
Laurel laughs. "That sounds very familiar. I know I caught her at a bad time, but when I talked to her later, she really seemed like a lovely girl. You did a fantastic job with her."
"Ah... Thank you. Yeah. I really am so sorry about that..." He turns to look directly at her for the apology.
"You genuinely have nothing to apologize for. She reacted to something that scared her. I more than understand. And she was very sweet when she apologized."
"All the same..." He shakes his head. "I'm glad you understand."
Laurel smiles, gently changing the subject. "I've got a sister her age, did I tell you?"
"Oh? You've got a handful of siblings, isn't that right?"
"I've got six siblings, yes."
"Six? Age gaps, I imagine? Where d'you fall?" He has a very, very vague idea that they may have talked about this at one point already… perhaps when he was heavily medicated?
"Alex is 40, John is 36, then there's me. As for the younger ones, Abbie and Kathryne are 26, Thom is 24, and Grace is 15."
"Blimey." It hits him then.
"Mm. Full household, growing up."
"...is it too early to ask your age?" He looks at her subtly for a moment, trying to read her. "I'm curious now."
She laughs. "You're not supposed to ask a woman her age!" she chastises teasingly.
He smiles weakly. "Hence the disclaimer..."
"I'm 30, if you must know." She lightly pokes his side, grinning.
He whistles low. "You're just a spring chicken." He comments, smirking.
"Is that... um, a problem?" Laurel's been nervous about this. Very nervous. She'd even briefly considered lying about it, actually, except it would be so easy to check.
"Tch, I dunno... Are you old enough to drive?"
"Oi!"
"Can I see you license, ma'am?" he asks in his best very-serious-PC voice.
She laughs and pokes him again, which makes him half-grin. "Why, am I getting a ticket for speeding?" she retorts. "Moving too fast on a first date?"
"Well, you weren't the one that asked about age... I expect Miller told you mine, since you haven't. What d'you think?"
Laurel chuckles. "You've got it, detective. She told me last night. I saw it on your chart when you first came onto my floor, but I couldn't remember."
"Oh, of course. I know, it goes off the chart." That one's meant as a bit of a pun.
"It doesn't bother me," Laurel says softly, answering is original question, "unless it bothers you." She quirks an eyebrow, gives a half smile, and waits nervously for his response.
He shrugs. "Ah, I don' hardly think about it. It's a bit of a surprise, but..." He chuckles a little, still kind of floored that she'd be interested in him at all, given how young she is. He's old, set in his ways, already divorced, grouchy...
"Oh, so it's not a big deal, good," Laurel says with more palpable relief then she meant to admit to. Well, that's embarrassing. Clearly she's way too into this date. She's been out of the dating game for a while, but she thinks she's supposed to play it cool and pretend she's indifferent… Ah, well, too late.
He's got to snort at her enthusiasm. "Now your age's coming through," he teases, smug.
"Hey! That was rude."
"It only matters less as ya go," he reassures her, laughing.
The chips come out and she grabs one chip from each basket, stuffing them both in her mouth. "Stole one of your chips in revenge," she informs him after she swallows.
"Oi!"
"You were asking for it."
He gives her the sort of look he frequently gives Daisy- a dad look, to be sure.
"I know that you're an officer of the law, Alec, but I live by my own rules. Anarchy is more my style," she teases, grinning.
Hardy sighs deeply at this. "I signed up for this, didn't I? A deviant?"
"Well, erm, honestly, Miller signed you up for it." She hopes he isn't regretting it at all.
"Oh, that's comforting."
"Yes, I'm a great comfort! I'll steal food from you any time you're upset. Anarchists are very sweet people." All of her nerves have clearly turned her a bit silly tonight.
He slides back into the booth and pokes at a chip. "Oh, thank god," he comments dryly.
She follows him to the booth and douses her chips in vinegar til they're swimming in the stuff, then proceeds to stuff another one in her mouth. The taste makes her wiggle in the seat, very pleased. God, she was hungry.
He's totally not judging, but… he quirks his eyebrows. Maybe judging a little, on second thought. That's a lot of vinegar.
"Didn't get lunch today," she informs him. "And no, you're not allowed to comment on my chip habits."
He munches on one, looking doubtfully at the rest.
"This is the only proper way to eat chips," Laurel explains. "If you say otherwise, you're wrong."
"Pfft. I s'pose you're the expert?"
"I am!"
"There it is," Hardy says, smirking.
"You may now bow down to my authority."
"Our deviant." He steals one of hers.
". No, this isn't deviance at all!" Laurel protests. "This is the one area of life where I follow the laws. The chip laws are above all others."
Hardy quirks an eyebrow. "Oh. Clearly."
"And you are stealing, Mr. Police Officer."
"Me? Nah, I've got my own, see." Innocently, he eats another one of his own chips. "What's the legislation?"
"The Statute of Royal Chippies says that you're required to drown your chips in vinegar to put them out of their misery," she informs him seriously, then leans in a bit. "I don't trust that innocent face. I'd steal one of yours except you haven't properly dressed them."
Both eyebrows up now. "No," he disagrees, munching. "I have a very trustworthy face."
"No, you don't. It's the beard that ruins it." The admittedly appealing beard...
"Pfft. My chips run naked through hill and dale."
"I am not amused."
"Then become a reverse-thief and dress them, for god's sake, get some clothes on these children!"
She's been eating her chips steadily throughout the conversation, and she reaches for another to discover that she's eaten all of them in about five minutes flat. Oops.
"Go, go, go!" Grinning, he gestures at the vinegar.
Chuckling and feeling triumphant, she pours a tiny bit of the vinegar onto his chips, aware that most people don't love the stuff the way she does.
Hardy pushes the basket to the middle of the table.
"You'll come around someday. I swear it," Laurel promises.
"Aw, now they've got bonnets but nothing else. Wee bit more. Go on." It's not like he's going to eat them, anyway.
"You're going to stop eating them, aren't you?"
"Mm." He pretends it's not set in stone and munches another. "We'll see."
She pushes the vinegar towards him. "You like your chips naked. I like mine in a full nun's habit. Considering they're your chips, I think you should be the wardrobe master here."
"Thought you were the executive anarchist. I'm just a pawn!"
"I'm making an exception because we're on a first date," she informs him primly.
"Ah. Well, then." Hardy nods because clearly this all makes sense now.
"You're supposed to tone yourself down on first dates, rights?" 100% teasing, Laurel nudges his foot again with her own.
His eyes widen. "Oh, are you s'posed to?" As he speaks, though, his expression melts into a smirk. "I know, I know... I'll tone it down a little."
She chuckles. "Actually, you've toned it up to a confusing level. Haven't said a single grumpy thing in half an hour!"
After a beat, he finally nudges her foot back. "Mm, I can change that."
Laurel grins at the nudge. He's playing along and she loves it.
"Chip thief," he accuses. She's got to live up to the name, so she takes another one and winks. "Wouldn't want to confuse," he adds, shaking his head.
"Ah, thanks. Now I remember who I'm with. I couldn't recall, for a moment."
Hardy has to smile, and he finds to his surprise that he's doing a lot of that tonight. Thank you. For this. It helps. He's not saying it out loud, but he means it all the same. "Didn't you know I've got two moods?" he teases.
Laurel does even hear this, as she's just come to the sudden realization that she's finished his chips, too, and she turns cherry red. "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to do that. My stomach has a mind of its own."
He blinks down, surprised.
"Would you like me to buy you some more?" she asks awkwardly.
"Nah, I'm done." He leans back with a quick smile, shaking his head a bit and thinking that somehow, she's managed to make this cute. "That's enough for me."
"Sorry," she says again, plucking at her dress. He must think she's a pig.
"Got to watch my girlish figure and all that," he tells her. "Don't be."
This surprises her into a laugh despite her mortification, and she relaxes slightly.
"I couldn't have finished them," Hardy elaborates. "Not without... getting sick." Bit of a shrug.
She nods at his reference to his health. "Salads next time, then, maybe?" That feels a bit presumptuous, which she doesn't notice til she's already said it.
Hardy shrugs again. "It's more that some things stay down better than others. How's that for easy on the first night?"
"If you'd learn to keep up with your surgeons' appointments, you might get to the bottom of that," Laurel hints gently. She really can't turn off the urge to worry about his health.
"Ahh, you nurse types!" he teases.
"How pesky of us, trying to keep you alive!" He's making her feel a little better, somehow, and she smiles at him.
"I do my best to make it fun and challenging." He grins a bit as he says it.
"Oh, is that what you call that? Challenging, I'll give you that bit, for sure."
"Hah."
"Anyway, are you ready to leave? I'm afraid that if we don't, I'll find myself stealing chips from complete strangers." Laurel tucks some of her hair behind her ears, avoiding looking at the empty chip boxes.
"Off we go," Hardy agrees with a nod, stretching his legs out under the table briefly.
Laurel's cheeks go pink again, and she stands up to cover that fact, smiling shyly at him. She's still trying to figure out how anyone could hate him.
He gets to his feet after her and throws on his coat, following her as she starts toward the exit. "Did you walk or drive or...?" she murmurs. She walked, herself.
"Walked."
"Shall we walk back together?" she suggests in response, a little shy. They live in the same direction, anyway… That, and she's not ready for the night to end.
"Ah- good, yes." He sticks his hands in his pockets and starts off, meandering in the direction of his little cottage. It's nice to feel like he's not in a rush.
Laurel smiles up at him and starts walking. The hands-in-pockets are a clear sign not to get too close, so she walks comfortably a few feet away... She's not sure how to gauge how he's feeling and finds herself almost wishing that Ellie was spying. Ellie is able to consistently interpret Hardy behaviour.
"Well, thank you for coming," Hardy murmurs after a minute or two of comfortable silence. "I..."
"Thanks for inviting me," Laurel replies. "Even though it was coerced." She winks at him, though she's not sure he'll notice in the dark.
"Hah, well… barely." His voice is warmer than she's used to hearing it. "It wasn't hard to agree to."
This coaxes out a laugh and a blush. "It was hard for me to agree with, honestly."
Stricken, he looks over at her in the dark. "Oh, I imagine... I'm sorry she put you in that corner."
"Mostly because I was so nervous my voice wouldn't work," she clarifies, grinning.
"Oh." He swallows.
"Shouldn't have admitted to her during our wine night that I thought you were a bit fit," she says with a grin. "It was supposed to stay between the two of us but she's a meddler."
He quirks his eyebrows… he can hear her grin, but he wishes he could see it. "Well. I'd say she is. Kept that secret a whole of two days."
There's no denying it. "Never telling her a secret again."
"Probably for the best," Hardy agrees.
She wonders how long it will take for Ellie to share her alcohol thing.
"Listen..." Hardy starts, and she glances in his direction again. "I just want to say… This helped. Took my mind off of things."
That's one of the loveliest things Laurel thinks he could have said. She wants so badly for him to relax some, be happier, him and Ellie both... her only friends in Broadchurch. Good people but people hardened by circumstances.
"Are you sure this isn't part of your checking up? Treatment plan of some sort?"
She throws her head back and laughs. "Glad to help, truly, but... no, this wasn't in my care plan."
He grins.
"If this is medicine, though, then I'm taking it, too. Odd, considering I don't have a heart problem."
"Oh! Good. Well, I'm sure you still get stressed plenty."
"I do. But nothing a good glass of wine can't cure," she assures him happily.
"Mm. Sounds like it…" He clears his throat. "To be honest… I was a little concerned I might not really see you again- unless I ended up in the hospital again."
"Oh, really?" She's absurdly pleased by this admission.
"Small town, but." He shrugs. "I don't go out much."
"You know, I live just a street behind you," Laurel reminds him. "You're always welcome, of course."
He tilts his head in her direction, acknowledging the offer. "Thanks."
"But to be honest, Alec... I'm glad we're seeing each other in a non-medical capacity for once."
"I am, too. It seems like Ellie and you have bonded, though, so I really shouldn't have worried." He laughs a bit at that.
"Oh, she's the loveliest person I've met in a long time," Laurel says genuinely. "So long as she'll tolerate me, I'm sticking around."
Hardy smiles warmly. "I have a feeling she's a bit attached."
"I bought her a wine glass and you know what they say about wine glasses... they're the entryway drug to true friendship. Set her on a life of addiction, I did."
"Some influence you are."
"A life of crime is the only truly fun life. That's why you became a cop, right? Because you don't know how to have fun?" She reaches across the distance between them, grinning, to poke his arm.
He gives a weak shrug in response to the poke, but he's half grinning to himself anyway. "Guilty."
Laurel laughs, and buoyed by his reaction, moves slightly closer as they walk. "Always knew you were."
Hardy shoots her a tiny smile and pauses at the place where they'll split off to go their separate ways.
Laurel has to school her expression so it doesn't fall when they stop. She's had such a lovely time that she doesn't want to part.
"Well. Night, Laurel. Thanks." He nods and briefly picks up the small smile again.
Laurel nods back, her heart stuttering. "Um. Good night... Sleep well." Trying hard not to make everything sound like a question.
"You, too. And Laurel... Yeah. Had a nice time. Thanks for taking the time."
"I did, too." This is more genuine, the corners of her mouth perking up, a bit of a query in her expression. She's not exactly sure how to react to being thanked for going on a date.
One last nod and a little wave as he starts off, and she watches him, frozen, supposing with some disappointment that he didn't actually have a good time. He wouldn't be walking away like this, if he had. "Alec, wait."
Hardy pauses, one eyebrow quirked, and turns back to face her.
She approaches him slowly and stands up on her tiptoes to press a tiny kiss to his cheek before pulling away with a soft, slightly sad smile. He watches her, wide-eyed, and doesn't move. "Sweet dreams, Alec."
He gives her a little smile, and she decides that she needs to talk to Ellie.
"You, too," Hardy says finally. "Night, Laurel."
Laurel nods in return, gently pats his arm, and turns toward her own street.
He heads off toward his house again, finding himself with quite a lot to think about.
As soon as Laurel gets in her house, she's got her phone in hand, ringing Ellie. She needs the Hardy interpreter.
Luckily for her, Ellie's been waiting for the call.
"Laurel!" she answers brightly. "Are you alive?"
"Ellie, what happened?" As if Ellie would be able to answer that without a single detail about the night. "Alive... Erm, yes, I suppose." Laurel starts pacing the small bottom floor of her house.
"Oh, god..." Ellie murmurs to herself. She draws up a chair in her home and sits. "What did he do? Ugh, that wanker, I am going to- to! I'm going to talk to him."
"No, don't!" Slight panic. "He was not obligated to enjoy the date. It was going so well, or at least I thought it was! He even laughed a few times! I should have known that was a sign that something was wrong."
"Pff- whoa! Wait, he actually laughed? What does that sound like?"
"Mhm, like three times. Kind of like a lawn mower starting."
Ellie sighs ruthlessly. "Ugh." She's half-snorting, though. "Oh my god, why can I picture that?"
"It's just... did I do something wrong?" Laurel curls up on her sofa, still in her sundress.
"Why? What else happened? Laughing's usually a good sign… Even for him. I don't think he laughs unless he can't help it."
"At the very end, Ellie, he didn't even want to walk me home. He just said 'thanks for taking the time, good night,' and we went our separate ways."
Her friend groans. "Oh, Hardy... Hardy, Hardy... Alec..." She's saying his name the same way he said it when he told them not to use it upon first visiting the Miller house.
"I thought it was lovely, but maybe not," Laurel concludes in a little voice.
"Laurel..."
"I kissed his cheek 'cause I couldn't just leave it, and he looked like he didn't know what to do with that at all."
"There's a chance... he was just..." Ellie's ruefully laughing. "Oh, Laurel, I am so sorry. Really, he didn't know what to do? How did he ever get married?"
"I think I was just more into it than he was. That's okay, of course, just... I thought I'd read the situation differently."
Ellie sucks in a breath, debating on how to say what she's thinking. "I mean... it's possible. But Laurel, if I know one thing, it's that he's horribly emotionally constipated- or, at least, he's terrible at expressing what he feels." She lets out an annoyed sigh. "You know I didn't hear him laugh once for the first six months I knew him? And then it was only at something I did. Honestly, Laurel. This man is a mess. If there was even a moment where it wasn't awkward or frustrating, that's a good sign in my book."
"Yeah, maybe you're right." Still, Laurel can't help but feel a little disappointed, a little dejected. "It was very nice to see him laugh, I've got to say. It was the slightest bit awkward at the beginning and pretty awkward at the end, but most of the time it was so happy."
"I know he didn't mean to make me feel like it went badly, even if he wasn't thrilled with the date, 'cause he's too good for that. It just won't surprise me if I don't hear from him again." She tries not to sound too sad about that. Hopeless, she is.
"Mm, he's not good with beginnings and endings, but... No, you're right. He wouldn't do that intentionally. Ugh, God, he's such a knob. Oh- listen, I've got a solution, or at least an idea."
"Oh, God. Ellie, did you know that you terrify me? What's your idea?"
Ellie laughs. "Don't they say to terrify yourself at least once a day?"
"Something like that, I suppose." Despite herself, Laurel's laughing, too. It's very cheering to have a friend.
"Okay, I'm going to diligently run things by you from now on before I do anything," Ellie concedes.
"Good idea," Laurel says with a little smirk. "...though if I'm being honest, you probably know what's best better than I do."
"Anyway, it wouldn't be odd of me to call and ask how it went. I'll just call- ask. Nothing else. Won't tell him we talked or anything."
"Mm, okay. Will you report back to me?"
"Yes, but I won't give you details, either. It's only fair." Ellie laughs again, slightly devious.
"Always pegged you for a spy," Laurel agrees, sighing. "Alright."
"I've gotten more nosy, that's true."
"Just know that if you withhold something important, I'm only buying awful pinot noir for our next wine night."
Ellie snorts. "I won't lie, love. That's a promise. Especially with that threat."
"I just want to know if he enjoyed himself or not. That's all I care about... God, Ell, I sound like a teenage mooning over some boy." Laurel pauses, debating whether or not to tell Ellie what she's thinking.
Ellie chuckles to herself a little. "You do, a bit. And I'm the awful friend who can't stop with the dreaming of her two friends hitting it off. I'll know immediately whether he enjoyed it or did it to appease us."
She a smiles a little smile. "Glad someone has hope for us, then. Lost my fiance a few years back and haven't been on a date since then. Guess that's why I'm already too emotionally invested."
"Oh, Laurel… I'm so sorry. I had no idea."
"It's not something I talk about much. You couldn't have known."
"Oh, God, I'm such an arse."
"No, love, not at all! But thank you. This is the first time I've wanted to go on a date."
"Are you sure? I'll stop right now, you say the word." Ellie can't help but feel guilty regardless.
"I needed this. Seriously. Even if it doesn't end well. Despite the awkwardness, it was a surprisingly gentle re-introduction into the world of dating."
Ellie sighs uncertainly. "Alright, dear... but if at any point I'm too much, just give me a shout. I won't take it badly, I swear to god."
Laurel laughs softly. "I will. But I'm pretty sure that won't happen. It was three- mm, almost four- years ago that I lost Ben. It's time to start moving forward and stop looking back. Well-timed kicks in the arse are your specialty, remember?"
Her friend nods to herself, biting biting her lip and letting out a weak laugh. "Maybe, but I don't actually want anyone to get hurt… believe it or not."
"Of course you don't. I know that. You're much too kind for that. And no matter how Hardy felt about it, I had a good time. Even if this is all I get, I'm glad I went. Never would have without you not-so-gently nudging us."
Ellie laughs, her mood improving a bit. "That's right! And no matter what he thinks, he did need it, too. Going to worry right into his grave, I'm afraid."
Laurel hadn't meant to make Ellie feel bad- it hadn't even occurred to her that Ellie could see it that way. She'd just wanted to explain herself since this is all making her feel a tad out of place and immature. "That doesn't exactly surprise me," she agrees with a smile. "Alright, ring him and let me know what he says, yeah?"
"Yes'm. I'll be back."
"Thanks, Ell."
A few minutes later, Ellie rings up Laurel.
"Hi!" The nurse answers, trying not to be anxious.
"Guess who didn't just sigh at me when I called?"
"Oh? What'd he say, Ellie? Please don't leave me in suspense!"
"It was more in the tone... And in what he didn't say."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, he didn't once bring up work, for example. Didn't change the subject. Laurel, that is massive."
"Yeah?" She's starting to feel cautiously hopeful, butterflies in her stomach instead of dread. "Do you think... mm, do you think he wants to do it again?"
"I think he'll think of it, yes. I wouldn't be surprised if he's trying not to think too far down the line, right now, but I think he definitely wants to see you again."
Laurel can't answer for a moment because she's rolling around her bed with a grin on her face, attempting to stop herself from squealing. Good news. "Oh, Ellie, I so hope you're right! Thank you for spying for me!"
"None of that tone- you know the one- it was like he was discussing the weather with interest." Ellie laughs. "Of course! Britain's best spy! Or Broadchurch's, maybe."
"Ah, I know the tone." Laurel's grinning. "Should I text him? Or is that too forward? I don't remember how to do this, Ell."
"Mm, I wish I knew that one. All I know is that right now, he wouldn't be disappointed."
"Maybe just to tell him I'm glad we went out?"
"That's a good idea. He's a bit thick. Repetition is necessary," Ellie informs Laurel with a snort.
Laurel laughs. "That's fair. Maybe I'll do that, then."
"You might get something back in words that way, too." Bit of a sighs. "Screw the brooding schtick."
Laurel's voice is completely happy. For the first time in a while, she's not thinking of Ben at all. "I'm so thrilled about all of this, Ellie. Thank you so much." Soft and earnest. Grateful to her pushy friend.
"Of course, dear... I didn't see this coming, but I'm so glad to see both of you looking happier. God, it makes me so happy. Gives me hope."
"Did he tell you that I ate all of my chips and most of his?"
"Pfft! No, he failed to mention it, ha!"
"It was embarrassing, but I hadn't gotten to eat lunch, and it just happened. Oops." She wants to hug Ellie right about now. Rolling over, she puts the phone on speaker so she can switch apps while they talk. "Okay, I'm texting him now!"
[text from Laurel to Hardy] It was such a lovely evening... Couldn't be more glad that we went out.
Ellie laughs. "Laurel, you're adorable. Wait til that fact hits him, hah! Oh my god. Okay," she adds, listening in.
"Adorable?" Laurel wrinkles her nose. "I think you mean pig-like. I'll tell you what he says if he replies. Maybe he's already gone to bed." There's a slight pause but then she gets a reply.
[text from Hardy to Laurel] Likewise. Thanks for forgiving my uncertainty last night and coming anyway... I had a very nice time.
[text from Hardy to Laurel] We'll have to do it again sometime, if you're up for it. Maybe I'll gain a better taste for vinegar in that time.
Ellie chuckles again, trying to dispel Laurel's fears. "You can't help being hungry! Even Alec Hardy's been known to devour something I've brought him in ten seconds flat after telling me I shouldn't bother! He's got a daughter, too; he knows how much we young women eat!"
Laurel reads Alec's texts and has to take a moment to squeal quietly a bit. Yes, she's a veritable teenager. "Ellie! Ellie, he replied!" Grinning, she reads the texts out to the speakerphone so Ellie can hear them.
[text from Laurel to Hardy] That sounds perfect. I know you've got a hectic schedule, so I'll leave it up to you to decide when, alright? :)
[text from Laurel to Hardy] My list of qualitative Alec features has expanded to include 'surprisingly enjoyable to spend an evening with.' :)
"Alright, my horrifying table manners mustn't have scared him too badly, I guess."
Ellie's laugh is a little horrified. "Oh, god, he feels guilty." It's pretty funny, to be honest. But she's beside herself when she hears the second one. "Oh, what did I tell you, Laurel!?" She's laughing, delighted.
"Ellie!" Laurel's laughing, too. "Alright, I told him I'd let him pick a date. I know my schedule is pretty easy compared or his- or yours! Oh, and then I continued a bit of last night's flirting because I couldn't help myself."
"Mm, don't worry about making him wait a little, if you have to. Could be entertaining."
[text from Hardy to Laurel] Alright. I'll let you know when I've got another evening to attempt to dampen your impression of me. I'm glad it wasn't a travesty for you.
[text from Laurel to Hardy] Mm, suppose you'll have to try harder. :) Hit me with your best shot, Alec Hardy.
"Oh? What happened there?"
She chuckles. "We, um... we started talking about statistics. Qualities common to Alecs everywhere. I keep adding to the list."
[text from Hardy to Laurel] I may bring my glasses for better aim at disappointment.
"Oh, God, he must've been helpless. How is he at flirting, anyway? Sometimes it's hard to tell!"
[text from Laurel to Hardy] Oh, please do. But fair warning, that might make it easier for you to see me drooling a bit when I see you.
She hopes that wasn't weird. If so... well, it's already been sent. "Mm, he's a surprisingly good flirt. Or at least compared to my past experience, he is."
Ellie laughs. "I can't imagine!"
"It feels... I don't know. So weirdly natural, Ell. I haven't been very good with flirting in the past- and I don't know, maybe I'm still not- but it feels like it sort of flows. Of course, that's on my end... can't speak for Alec."
There's a long break in between texts before Hardy finally replies to Laurel, and it's a very short reply.
[text from Hardy to Laurel] Oh, my.
Oops. Laurel cringes.
[text from Laurel to Hardy] Too much?
"Ha! That's good, Laurel. If it's coming naturally to you, at least he's managing to keep up."
"Quick update on the flirting: apparently, he doesn't enjoy it as much as I do. Oh, god."
"What? Christ, what?" Ellie's wide eyed, half wishing she could just read the texts over Laurel's shoulder. "What did he do?"
"All I got in reply to that last bit was- and I quote- 'oh my.' Whelp, this is it. I have to move. I can never show my face in Broadchurch again. It was nice knowing you."
Ellie groans.
[text from Hardy to Laurel] Didn't realize the gravity of the situation here, that sounds like a condition. Maybe you ought to get that checked.
[text from Hardy to Laurel] I may be wrong, but I don't think glasses eat as well as chips do.
The latest text pulls the slightest weak chuckle from Laurel's throat, and she shakes her head at herself.
"He just needs to take a load off! I'm telling you!"
[text from Laurel to Hardy] Oh, no, I'm a nurse. I'd know if something was wrong.
[text from Hardy to Laurel] Thankful for that.
[text from Laurel to Hardy] Who said anything about eating glasses? That is not MY plan for them. I don't know about YOUR agenda!
"You won't hear me arguing there... he came back with a better reply, though."
"Oh, good. Probably caught him off guard, is all. I don't know that he hears stuff like this all that much. Mostly it's 'shitface' behind his back and arguments to his face." Ellie sighs. "Shame, honestly, although he's got plenty of ego in other departments. This is good for him, Laurel."
[text from Hardy to Laurel] I'll make sure it's a good prescription.
Laurel starts to laugh, climbing under the quilt on the bed. "That explains why he doesn't know quite what to do with me, I suppose. I hope it is good for him… I hope you're right."
[text from Laurel to Hardy] You'd better. To be honest here, though, it's less important to me that you can see out of them than that I can see you in them.
"Yeah, but don't let it make you think he deserves mercy from it, either," Ellie teases. "Bet you anything he'll remember how to talk proper again soon, if he ever did know. He's probably stressing right now."
[text from Hardy to Laurel] You looked lovely last night, I wouldn't want to miss that.
[text from Hardy to Laurel] Christ, I'm awful at this, sorry.
[text from Laurel to Hardy] Alec, that's the sweetest thing anyone has said to me in a long time. Thank you, sincerely. :) You have nothing to worry about!
[text from Laurel to Hardy] Actually, we were saying the same sort of thing, I was just being silly about it.
[text from Laurel to Hardy] At the risk of sounding too forward here (apparently a no-go in dating?), I think you're incredibly handsome. Ten times more so when you wear your glasses.
[text from Laurel to Hardy] That's what I was trying to say, in my failure-to-flirt kind of way. :D
She giggles at Ellie. "I'm not sure I'm capable of not being merciful... except to that one doctor, maybe." She's swooning just a little at Hardy's texts, flushing in embarrassed pleasure even though he isn't even here to see. "Ellie, he said I looked lovely." She sounds as bashful as she feels.
"Mmm, see? What did I tell you...?" Clearly smug amusement from Ellie. "Listen, Laurel, he would not be texting you this much or nearly this in-depth if he wasn't interested. I have to badger him just for a response- to urgent things! And even then, it's one word, if anything... knob."
[text from Hardy to Laurel] Oh, you're welcome. I mean it, too; for once, I felt a little underdressed, quite frankly.
[text from Hardy to Laurel] I think we were, too. I just don't know if I have the best words right now, so I'll leave it at a warm thank you.
[text from Hardy to Laurel] A side note: I have never texted this much at once. Is this a habit of yours? I'm afraid not everything I'm saying will make sense. Good thing it's unlimited.
[text from Hardy to Laurel] That's hardly failure, Laurel. I'm certain you got me mixed up with someone else who you didn't meet while on his deathbed. Here's my unsophisticated thank you again.
[text from Laurel to Hardy] Would it scare you away if I told you that I honestly DO text this much on a regular basis? ;) I'm surprised you don't do this more, since you have a 15-year-old. I haven't got a daughter, but my 15-year-old sister was the one who really got me into texting.
[text from Laurel to Hardy] How do you know I'm not just hopelessly attracted to dying men? Why do you think I became a nurse? ;)
[text from Laurel to Hardy] I apparently have no idea how not to combine weird jokes with flirting, apologies. And you thought YOU were bad at this! Anyway, you're very welcome.
"Have you ever thought that he might do that to annoy you? You two seem to exist in a love-hate relationship that's frankly very entertaining," Laurel suggests fondly.
Ellie groans. "Oh, god, yes, of course he does." It's affectionate, though. "And so do I, right back. It's definitely how we communicate, but it took me some time to learn, hah."
"He did just tell me that he never texts this much, though. Wanted to know if it was a habit of mine."
"Hmm, well. He's probably just worried about not being able to respond all the time, you know. Doesn't want to set a precedent or something. God, Hardy, it's the first date, calm yourself." Laurel can practically hear the eye-rolling going on.
There's a dumb grin on Laurel face and she can't help but laugh as she listens to Ellie talk. "Right, just a first date." Reminding herself, even if Ellie is theoretically talking to Hardy here. "We should be grown up about this, shouldn't we? I'm 30 and he's 44 and here we are going through a proxy because we're basically children." Grinning ruefully, not really bothered much by this realization.
Ellie snorts. "Does anyone ever really grow up about these things, though? Honestly, it's unknown, it's scary and exciting. Makes sense! What d'you think about that age gap, by the way...?"
Laurel shrugs- once again, oops, Ellie can't see. "I think I have a type, maybe. Ben- my fiance- he was eight years older than I was. Didn't bother me then, doesn't bother me now. I was sort of worried that it would bother Alec, though." She's somewhat comforted by Ellie's dismissal of her embarrassment over maturity. Thank god for Ellie Miller.
"Mm, well, I don't see there being any major problems, to be honest. I've known couples with wider gaps than that- not by much, but- it's all pretty irrelevant most of the time."
Laurel yawns and then glances at the clock out of habit- "Christ, it's late! Oh, God, Ellie, I didn't mean to keep you up. I just got too giddy to pay attention. Urgh, and I'm working the 5 AM shift again tomorrow."
Ellie laughs. "Oh, go to bed! Don't worry about me! I'm eating this right up. You're my new sitcom."
"Oi, a sitcom? We're at least soap opera material, Ellie Miller, don't patronize me," she teases.
"Alright, alright, soap opera material, then, aha!"
"Yeah, yeah, alright. Good night. Thanks for- well, okay, everything. I'm sure I'll talk to you later."
"Anyway, you're more than welcome! Sleep well!"
"You, too, Ell. Sweet dreams."
[text from Hardy to Laurel] A little, honestly. I may not be able to keep up sometimes, letting you know now, Daisy... hasn't really texted me much.
[text from Hardy to Laurel] Oh, god. Ha.
[text from Hardy to Laurel] Thanks, Laurel. Think I'm going to try to sleep. Was a great evening. Night.
[text from Laurel to Hardy] Good night, Alec. Sweet dreams and thanks for a lovely evening. I'll talk to you soon, I hope.
A/N- That won't be the last DW reference! The next chapter will get into Daisy's reaction to Hardy re-entering the world of dating, and we'll learn a little more about what Tess is up to.