An Intangible Pattern - Fate Bound.

Never just once

“Come on it’ll be fun, when was the last time you saw Rob anyway?” 

Alex rubbed her eyes wearily, it was getting late and it didn't look like she was going to finish entering all the data today. Cat was leaning against the desk with a determined expression on her face.

“I have to take mum to the airport anyway, why don't you come along? Rob says he misses you. You'll barely have to leave the flat…”

“I know, it's just been a while.” she mumbled. The thought of the noise and the press of people in the city made her stomach tie in knots. 

“We won't let anything happen to you.” Cat promised, taking her hand. 

“You should go, what's a few days?” agreed Ben. She shot him a look that said “Traitor!”

He shrugged and gave her a tired smile and she quietly suspected that he was looking for a good excuse to take a few days off. Gray shadows under his eyes belied several restless nights: he had admitted that he had not been sleeping well, but she knew he'd keep working if she did. 

“Come on Alex! It'll be good, we can watch the fireworks from the rooftop!”

“All right, all right. But… only if I don't have to go out to any clubs.”

“No problem, you can use me as an excuse if you want.” She said, rubbing her abdomen happily.

“Fine!” She conceded. She realized she had typed in the same entry twice and groaned, “I think I'm going to have to call it a night.”

There was a sigh of relief from Ben and he curled up in a ball on the chaise lounge, Saoirse sniffed at him curiously and he ruffled her head. Cat turned inquisitive eyes on him.

“What about you Ben? What are your plans for new year?”

“The usual, take in the bells at Noah's place and then bed.”

“No parties?”

“Not for me.”

“Dear god! You lot are like a bunch of old age pensioners!”

“Have you met Graeme?”

“All right, you're worse than a bunch of old age pensioners. You really need to learn to let your hair down. Why don't I ask Rob if he has room for two more?”

Ben yawned sleepily. “Thanks, but no. I don't think that would be a good idea.” 

Cat shook her head in disbelief. “We're only young once you know.”

“Cup of tea?” Alex asked Ben in an attempt to derail her sister's lecture.

Ben's eyes twinkled at her as he affected a wheezy, aged voice and replied. “Oh yes, I could murder a cup of coffee. Do you have decaf?”

Alex grinned at him, standing up slightly hunched, with her hands supporting her lower back. She shuffled slowly to the door and answered back in an equally creaky voice, “Ooh, I think we might. Might even have fruit cake if you’re lucky.”

“Ooh, can't have that, the raisins get stuck in my dentures.”

“All right you two, very funny.” grumbled cat, but the corner of her lips twitched and she couldn't quite hide the affectionate look she gave them both. 

“What are you having Cat?”

“Same as you, I suppose.”

Ben began to gather up documents and tidy them away. 

“How is all this going anyway? Have you found anything?” asked Cat, indicating the mountain of boxes.

“Well, that pile there,” He indicated a cluster of boxes to the right of the chaise lounge, “...that’s everything we've gone through so far…and that, is everything we still have to get through.” He indicated the other wall of the office.