Chapter Text
They were at a party. They never did things like that, she thought. Normally their Friday night would look way different. But she had to admit that it was a good idea from Ruby and Rose.
Most of UNIT’s staff did attend. They earned it to relax a bit. When you work at UNIT it’s not like you get to do that a lot.
The night is young and the music’s high. But Kate sat at a table by the side; from there she was able to see almost the whole room. She noticed that a few people started to get their second round of drinks. She noticed that they started to relax.
She couldn’t. She wouldn’t. Kate’s posture was stiff as always. She couldn’t help but think that something is going to happen.
Kate gazed through the room again but she couldn’t see him. Where is he? Colonel Ibrahim should be here by now. Maybe he thought this party was a bad idea or something happened to him on his way here. He could have got into an accident. Kate couldn’t follow that thought any further because someone called her Name.
“Kate! Come on we are going to dance.” It was Mel signing to the dance floor.
And before Kate knew it she found herself being dragged by Mel to the middle of the dance area. She just stood there and watched the scene. Everybody around her was dancing and moving their bodies, not caring what others might think. With a bit of rock music, everything is fine for them. Even though she would never admit it, she felt a bit insecure between all of the younger staff of UNIT. Who are clearly having the time of their lives.
“Kate come on. Have some fun. Stop thinking about work or whatever and enjoy yourself for once.” Mel said and it sounded almost commanding.
And she did. Kate started enjoying the moment just a bit more and her posture eased just a bit.
After a while she spotted him. There he was. But dancing with another woman. She’s a scientist if Kate could recall right and she was definitely a tease. Why is he dancing with her? Why are they so close together?
All night Kate hoped to find him and now he’s dancing with someone else and Kate feels miserable. She isn’t even sure why she feels this way. He is just a college nothing more.
“Is something wrong?” Mel asked as she saw Kate zooming out.
“No.” Kate responded mindlessly. “I’m getting us some drinks.” She was of the dance floor before Mel could react.
She made her way to the bar and got them their drinks. Soon after she grabbed a second round than a third. Kate knew better than to drink too much alcohol on a work event but she couldn’t find herself to care about that and she convinced herself that she was tipsy at most.
Of course, Mel noticed that immediately. She knew something was wrong the moment Kate got them drinks. Kate never drinks at work events. So unnoticed by Kate she’d pour out her drinks to keep a clear head.
They danced a bit more. Though Kate’s body was more relaxed her look was sharp as always.
“Kate, you don’t look alright.” Mel commented.
Kate didn’t answer because she hadn’t heard Mel’s comment. She was to occupied to watch the Colonel.
Mel now looked in the direction Kate was still starring.
“I see. How about we just step to the side for bit?” She stated more than asked and guided Kate away from the dance floor and then outside so they can talk without anyone listening on them.
“Do you want to tell me what’s going on?” Again, it was more of a statement.
Because Mel saw it for a while the way Kate looked at Christofer. The way he looked at her in return. But she also knew that Kate would never admit it out loud.
“Nothing. I think I just had a bit too much to drink.”
“Yes, you had but that doesn’t explain how you just looked at Christofer.”
“I didn’t.” Kate answered a bit too fast.
“Yes, you did. You know he was just dancing. There isn’t anything going on between him and the woman.”
“I wasn’t.” Kate said more to herself than to Mel this time. “Also, how would you know that he isn’t interested in her?” Kate questions. How can Mel be so sure of that?
“Because he only ever looks at you.”
“No, he doesn’t. Why would he?” Kate asked honestly. She had too much to drink to try to avoid Mel’s questions.
“Because he likes you. You can’t tell me you haven’t noticed. It’s rather obvious.” Mel said. Kate noticed everything. Every tiny change thinking it could mean danger. But this? How could she possibly not saw this?
Kate’s eyes widened and she looked at Mel in shock. “No, he doesn’t. I am not his type at all. And on top of that I’m too old for him. And his boss.”
At that point somebody came from the inside to smoke a cigarette and disrupted their conversation.
“You’re right, I had too much to drink. I’m going home. I’m just going to take a cab.” Kate excused herself. And before Mel could stop her, Kate waved at a passing cab and got in.”
When Mel saw that Kate was going to be fine, she went inside again. She made her way to Shirley and Rose, still a little bit worried that Kate would be safe and how she would react the next day.
“Hey guys have you seen Kate?” Christofer has made his way over and looked a bit confused.
“Yeah, she just left.” Mel answered
At that Christofer started to look a bit sad.
“Why would she leave so soon?” Shirley asked.
“She had a bit too much to drink.”
“And why are you so sad all of a sudden, Christofer?” Shirley teased.
“I…uhm… it’s nothing I just hoped I could dance with her.” He said huffed.
“To late for that if you’re just dancing with other women the whole evening.” Mel told him.
“Yeah. Is there something going on between you and that scientist?” Rose asked.
“What? No. Of course not. Why would you think that?”
“Well, you two where pretty close the entire time.” Shirley admitted.
“Kate thought so too.” Mel added.
“What?”
“Watch out Colonel you start to sound worried.” Shirely teased again with a knowing look on her face. She too had noticed it some time ago.
“I’m not worried.” He answered way to fast. “Excuse me I have to go.”
He made his way through the little crowd of people.