Chapter Text
Marcus: "Meet me at my place in twenty." Robyn reads the message and smiles. In about twenty minutes, she arrives at his doorstep and knocks.
As it has become their greeting, Marcus opens the door and says, "Hey."
Robyn smirks. "Hey yourself."
Marcus steps aside, inviting her in. "Come on in."
She enters, her eyes widening at the sight before her—a candlelit dinner, the aroma of a home-cooked meal filling the space.
Robyn: "What’s the occasion?"
Marcus grins, pulling out a chair for her. "This is to officially say thank you for helping me get my job back. It becomes official in a few days, but tonight, we celebrate."
Robyn lifts her glass. "Ohhh, welcome back, Detective Dante. Gotta say, I will miss Special Agent Dante."
Marcus chuckles. "Or as Captain Watkins calls me 'Secret Agent Dante.'"
They both laugh, clinking their glasses.
Marcus: "Thank you once again, Robyn, for everything. Thank you for getting me back home."
Robyn meets his gaze, warmth evident in her expression. "Well, there’s no place I would rather have you be."
They kiss, a moment of quiet understanding passing between them before they settle in for dinner.
Conversations during dinner…
Robyn: "Don’t even get me started on the time Dee wanted to join military school. It was around the time your dad demanded to be part of the boys' lives. Right about the time we found your former detective partner. Dee had the whole idea set up until the day you left for L.A. She decided against it on that same day. Now she’s crying over rejection letters. She’s grown up so fast."
Marcus reaches out, gently touching her hand. "And you have done such a great job raising her."
Robyn smiles, squeezing his hand in return. "Thank you, Marcus."
After dinner…
Marcus pushes back his chair, standing and extending a hand toward her. "Wanna dance?"
Robyn chuckles. "With you… always."
Marcus pulls her closer, leading her into a slow sway.
Marcus: "You know, I’ve imagined this before… but it never quite looked this perfect."
Robyn tilts her head. "Is this the part where you tell me you dream about me all the time?"
Marcus smirks. "Every single day."
She smirks but doesn’t say anything. just lets herself be guided by him, moving in sync with the rhythm. As they dance, Marcus hesitates briefly.
Robyn: "Detective Dante, is that hesitation I see? Don’t tell me you’re afraid to dance with me."
Marcus chuckles. "Afraid? Never. Just making sure I don’t step on your toes."
Robyn: "Well, if you do, I promise I won’t report you."
Marcus smiles, pulling her a little closer, the warmth between them undeniable.
Marcus: "The first time I thought about us dancing, I almost stepped on your toes."
Robyn: "Oh? And when exactly was that?"
Marcus’ expression softens as he looks at her. "Gatlin County. When you found me, and the moment I passed out, I was there....in my dream place. And you were with me."
Robyn holds his gaze, her voice gentle. "What were we doing?"
Marcus: "Dancing. Just like this. And for the first time in that nightmare, I felt safe."
Robyn tightens her grip on his hand. "It’s funny how you always think about me in those moments."
She pauses briefly, then grins.
Robyn: "Don’t even get started on the time you were hit by that truth serum syringe. That was another moment to behold."
Marcus laughs, shaking his head at the memory.
Marcus: "I was in pretty bad shape, huh?"
Robyn smirks. "You confessed all sorts of things."
Marcus groans playfully. "Well, since I seem to have no control over what I say when I’m in trouble… let me just say now, while I have full control...I enjoy dancing with you, whether in my dreams or right here, right now."
She leans into him, resting her head against his shoulder.
Robyn: "Well then, Detective, let’s make this moment last."
They continue swaying together, lost in the moment.
Later…
Marcus: "By the way, does your ex-husband know about us?"
Robyn: "No! I haven’t told him anything yet. Why?"
Marcus shrugs. "He seems pretty interested in you still."
Robyn arches a brow. "Well, well, Detective. Is that jealousy I sense?"
Marcus smirks. "Can you blame me? I mean, look at you. Have you met you? Anyone would be jealous."
Robyn steps closer, eyes locked on his. "No need. My heart belongs to you."
Marcus: "Awww. Same here."
They share a passionate kiss before Robyn finally sighs. "I should head out."
Robyn: "To be continued."
Marcus smirks. "Hold you to it."
He walks her to her car, stealing one final kiss before she drives off.
Marcus watches her disappear into the night and finally whispers, "Goodnight, Robyn."