After spending his Friday night reading Potter's debrief, Lucas was mentally and emotionally spent. He ended up sleeping later than he would like on the morning of the 'party.' He made lists of items to purchase, including the booze he thought each lady might prefer, though he decided to get in a whole stock. He already had two bottles of excellent vodka in the freezer for himself. As to food, he had no illusions as to his cooking skills. He placed several takeaway orders to be delivered just before his guest arrived, as well as making a trip to a local bakery for sweets.

The flat itself was fairly clutter-free. His 'minimalist' surroundings for eight years had definitely had an impact on that aspect of his personality. There was furniture, a tv, and picture on the walls, but knick-knacks were nonexistent.

Lucas heard his phone vibrate with an incoming text message and hoped it wasn't anything to do with work. "We all need this downtime," he said aloud to himself.

JP: Need anything from me? Just checking in, making sure we are still a go.

Lucas smiled to himself as he read Jo's text. He was truly beginning to enjoy her company, which surprised him. None of his previous colleagues or any of the women he had dated prior to Russia had been like Jo. He could admit to himself that it puzzled him.

LN: Everything is good here, unless there is something specific you want. Want everyone to have fun.

JP: I'm happy with anything! Looking forward to it, see you soon.

Just before 7, Lucas actually found himself being excitingly nervous, an interesting state for him. He wanted this to succeed. He also acknowledged that he wanted his colleagues to see beyond the broken part of him and realize that there was more than that. Really, he was just crossing his fingers that they would all show up.

He wasn't surprised when Ruth arrived first, even beating all the food deliveries. He was surprised, however, when she greeted him with a kiss on his cheek and a bottle of wine. He had only ever seen her in slacks and jackets, but she was very simply dressed in dark jeans and a camel-colored v-neck sweater.

"Hello Ruth."

"Lucas! Thank you for hosting this little get together. I've been quite excited thinking about it." She paused as she stood in the entry, taking in the sight of Lucas's flat. "Plus," she said, "I'm looking forward to learning more about you. I already know Ros and Jo, of course."

"Thank you for bringing the wine, Ruth, but you didn't need to. I got in a huge stock today and the food should be delivered soon."

"Ah, well. The wine is for you, Lucas. A thank you. We don't often get away from our office personas around each other, and it's usually for a good reason."

"Well, I just thought we could all use the break," said Lucas, as there was another kick at the door. 'Saved from having to answer uncomfortable questions before drinking!' he thought.

Answering the door he found one of the food deliveries and brought it inside after tipping the young delivery man. "Ruth, I'm going to set out all the food on the kitchen counter. I got a variety for us so be can have a little bit of everything." He started setting out the Chinese food he had ordered, but didn't open the containers.

"Lucas."

Hearing Ruth's voice say his name but nothing else had him turning from the counter. "Everything alright?"

She looked at him with a little hesitation. "Lucas, this is a lovely flat." The words came out a bit cool.

Ah, now he understood. "Ruth, I used some of my back pay from Russia to find a nice place. Are you always so suspicious?"

Her face fell. "My apologies, Lucas. I just…." Here she paused. "I need to turn off my analyst-mind."

"We're all here to have fun and enjoy each other's company," Lucas said as he heard another knock. "Relax."

This time it was Jo and the second food delivery. He invited her in as he said, "Ruth is already here. I'll be right in," and reached again for his wallet.

Jo looked casual, as she usually did. "I brought a bag, just in case I ended up falling asleep on your couch."

Coming back into the kitchen with the food he saw Jo and Ruth share a quick hug. "Obviously, we're still waiting on Ros and the last food delivery, but I can I get or make either one of you a drink?" With them both facing him, he pointed to a table he had set up with all the alcohol he had bought. "Pick your poison. I also have vodka cooling in the freezer."

He turned back to the counters to get up the food and was startled when he felt a light hand come around his back and settle on his waist. "Thank you for this, Lucas," said Jo. "Like I said in my text, I'm excited."

'When was the last time I was hugged by a woman?' Lucas asked himself. He couldn't remember. The sensation felt odd, and he was also somewhat surprised, as he hadn't noticed her getting close to him. "I am, too, Jo." He swung his body out of her embrace without really returning it.

"Your flat is lovely, so open."

"Thanks. I'm hoping Harry doesn't make me move. For awhile I was just hopping flats, trying to find something that appealed."

"Well, you made a good choice."

"Can I make you a drink?" Lucas asked again. "Oh, there's beer in the fridge as well. I hope there's something you like."

"I'm just going to poke about a bit, see what jumps out at me," said Jo.

"Alright." Lucas drawled out the word. "Well, just let me know." At this knock at the door he winked at Jo and said, "Food or Ros?"

"Food." Jo smiled at him. "Ros will want to make an entrance."

He smiled when, upon answering the door, he saw Jo was wrong. "Hello, Ros. Thank you for breaking your mantra this evening." He stood aside to let her in. She, like Ruth, had dressed down a bit, and was carrying a bag as well.

She rolled her eyes at him. "Don't make me smack you, Lucas. This is an extension of being colleagues. I reserve the right to call a taxi at any point."

"Ros, you wound me," he replied. "Just waiting for another food delivery. Jo and Ruth are already here."

"So I see, Lucas."

He watched as Ros greeted the other women with handshakes rather than the hugs and kisses shared by the other two. He knew Ros's cold outward demeanor frustrated people, but he understood it quite well. "Can I get you a drink, Ros?" he asked.

"Gin and tonic, please." As he turned to go back into the kitchen, he heard Ros say, "And make it heavy on the gin, Lucas."

Before he could start her drink the last food delivery arrived. He put everything out on the counters and made Ros's drink. Taking the drink to her, he said to them, "So, I got Chinese, Indian, and some fish and chips. I keep having a craving for them, so I don't promise I won't eat them all. But there's plenty. Did you two find a drink?" he asked Jo and Ruth. Both nodded. "Alright then. Help yourselves. Ros, you did bring a film or two, right?"

She rolled her eyes at him again. "Yes, Lucas. I follow directions. Food first, I'm famished." She led the way to the kitchen and began to fill her plate.

Lucas went to the fridge and poured himself a tumbler of vodka. It was perfectly cold and work well with the food. "Also, sit wherever you like. The couch isn't the most comfortable, but it's serviceable."

Jo let out a sound between a humph and a laugh. "I barely know what to do with myself if I get to eat at an actual table rather than at my desk, on the run, or in my car, Lucas. No couch for me."

Lucas just shrugged. "Whatever makes you happy, Jo."

Ros very obviously maneuvered one of Lucas's armchairs from the sitting room to face his dining table while not sitting at it. He merely shook his head before setting his drink down at the table with Jo and going to fill his own plate. "I also got some sweet pastries from a local bakery."

"Lucas, whatever made you decide to host this little soirée?" asked Ros.

His back was to her as he began to speak. "Well," he paused, "partly because we could all use the break from our jobs for a bit. It has been rough going for some time. Partly because I needed it. Partly to get to know you all better and hopefully likewise." He hoped that was honest enough without revealing too much. He really needed to get at least one drink in him before more probing questions were asked.

"So Lucas," he heard Jo's voice next. "How is working with the wizards? Are they so very different than us?"

Taking his plate to the table, he sat with Jo and Ruth across from him and Ros not far away. "I like the liaison. His name is Harry, so sometimes that gets a bit confusing. I have only really met one witch, and she did not seem that different to me, but Harry hasn't taken me into the Wizarding World proper yet. Too busy. The pub where we meet straddles both worlds."

"Interesting," said Ruth. "What's he like."

"He's a Spook, too, so remarkably like us. Keeps his friends close and enemies closer." He paused. "He's young, like Tariq young. But there's a lot that goes on in that world we don't know anything about."

"Lucas, I don't think I've asked you before, but do you have any siblings?" asked Jo.

"Yes, an older sister and two younger brothers. You?" He was not going to let this turn into a 'question-Lucas' session.

"An older brother."

Lucas sensed Ruth's disbelief that they haven't dug into each other's lives before this. "Ruth, I've been trying to get back my life after eight years. I haven't had time to go digging into anyone else's." He could hear Ros's snort of laughter.

Ruth shrugged. "Fair enough, Lucas."

He sighed. This was not at all going like he had wanted. Maybe he should have invited Malcolm and Tariq, too. "Ros, what films did you bring?"

"As requested, comedy." She pulled her bag closer and dug inside. "First, a comedy requirement: Monty Python."

Ruth actually squealed. "I love Life of Brian!"

"We also have," said Ros, ignoring Ruth, "Austin Powers. And, if we want to poke fun at our American friends, I also brought Independence Day." She shrugged. "It has aliens."

Lucas couldn't help his laughter. "Well, that is certainly an eclectic mix. I think with Ruth's enthusiasm we might have to pick Life of Brian first."

"Sounds good," said Jo.

With his gaze swinging back to her, Lucas made up his mind to ask a question he had had for awhile. "Jo, how or where did you meet Tariq? I know he came in with you on his first day."

"Oh." Jo paused as she looked back and forth between the three Spooks, and before answering got up to add more food to her still half-full plate. "I met him through Ben. He kept some friends through the university and after, well, everything, I called him and asked if he wanted to join."

"With no concerns about his safety or anything?" asked Ruth.

Even as they could hear Ros's scoff, Jo said, "Well, he's an analyst, not a field agent."

"Well, it will be good to have another computer analyst. Hopefully that means Malcolm won't stay on the Grid all night," said Lucas.

"He'd do better if you stopped eating all the chocolate doughnuts, Lucas. Did you leave any for us this evening?" Jo teased.

"No, let Lucas eat them all! It keeps me from eating them!" exclaimed Ruth.

Ros leaned closer to Lucas. "What did you give her to drink?" she asked under her breath.

"Oh shut it, Ros. I'm here to have fun," said Ruth. "Just because you don't know how…."

"Whoa, whoa. We're all going to have fun," said Lucas. "I do not want to play peacemaker, it's not in my nature."

Ros made an amused harrumph noise. "I can have fun, Ruth."

"Let's put in the film," said Jo.

"Great idea," said Lucas. "I didn't see this film until I was at university, and it's been a long time since then."

"Why not until university?" asked Ruth.

"Oh, my minister father would never let me watch such a thing. Even when I was a teenager. Perhaps especially when I was a teenager," he said.

"I had forgotten that your father was a minister," said Jo.

"Yes, a Methodist minister, at least, but still, there was only so much blasphemy he could take at once," said Lucas. "Let's put the film in. Anyone want more?" he asked. "I'm still hungry."

Lucas went back to the kitchen for more food, set out the sweets, and watched as the three women maneuvered furniture so they could all see the television. "Also, anyone need anything else to drink?"

"I'd like a vodka tonic, please, Lucas," said Ros."

"Seconded," said Jo.

"Coming right up," he replied. After making the drinks, he turned around and saw Jo with her legs to her chest on the floor, leaning against the couch. Ruth was at one end of the couch while Ros had turned the armchair around again after putting the film into the DVD player. "You know you don't need to sit on the floor, Jo. I have plenty of furniture," he said, handing her the glass.

"I'm good actually."

He shook his head. "Alright then." Turning to Ruth he asked, "You settled?"

"Yes, quite content, thanks. Can I have one of those beers from the fridge? Anything will do."

"Sure." He made his way back to the kitchen and grabbed his plate and a new beer for her. After handing it to her, he shuffled himself into place at the other end of the couch, with Jo on the floor between them. "Everyone ready?" At their nods, Lucas pulled out the remote and hit the play button.

They all thoroughly enjoyed the movie, laughing uproariously at certain parts. They occasionally paused the film to refill drinks and grab sweets, until they had each consumed quite a bit of alcohol and then started on Independence Day.

Ruth began to giggle when she heard the noises the spaceships made, and then it showed the computer 'virus' she almost fell off the couch in laughter. "I'd love to know what Malcolm and Tariq think of this."

"I'm sure we'd have to get them drunk and trick them to get them to even watch it. Probably the same with Jurassic Park," said Ros.

"Oh, Jurassic Park! I loved that movie as a kid," said Jo. "I was a big dino nut."

"Most kids go through that phase," said Ruth.

Jo shrugged. "True. I thought I was going to be a paleontologist. And now I work for MI5. Crazy."

Ruth began yawning in between her giggles. "Ugh, I'm a lightweight. Lucas, can you call me a cab? I have to go home and feed the beasts." At his blank look she said, "I have two cats. Not the smartest but I love 'em." She paused. "Harry kept them for me, but since I decided to stay he gave them back to me."

"Sure Ruth, no problem. You could stay here if you like."

"Nope. Can't hardly sleep anywhere but my own bed, unfortunately."

He went into the entryway to make the call, giving his address and mobile number to the dispatcher. "He'll be here shortly." Looking between Ros and Jo, he said, "What about the two of you? You're welcome to stay as long as you like, though my own film library lacks comedies."

"I'd like another drink, I think," said Jo.

"Okay, then you're staying a while longer. Ros?"

"Sure, I'll stay too." Her tone was as dry as it usually one. "I've no one waiting at home for me."

Lucas could see Ruth bristle just slightly before his mobile rang. Literally saved by the bell. "Let me walk you out, Ruth," he said after making sure it was the cab company and not Harry with a red alert. Walking her to the outside of his building and to the street, he said, "I hope you had a little bit of a good time?"

"Yes, I did, Lucas. Don't pay attention to me and Ros, we like to push each other's buttons."

"Alright, well. Be safe," he said.

Before getting into the cab she quickly grabbed him and hugged him. Hugged twice in one day? His emotions wouldn't know what to do with themselves. "Thank you, Lucas. For sharing yourself with us." And with that statement she got into the cab and shut the door.

Had that particular goal been that obvious? He hoped not as he made his way back up to the flat. Upon entering, he saw that Jo and Ros had each gotten another drink and Jo was now on the couch where Ruth had been sitting.

"At the risk of sounding maudlin," said Ros, "I want to drink to colleagues."

"And friends," said Jo.

Lucas poured himself another drink before joining Jo on the couch. "To colleagues and friends."

They all drank and then sat in silence for some long moments. It was broken by Jo as she asked, "Did you see Adam yesterday?"

Lucas could see Ros stiffen just slightly. "Yes I did. He couldn't really help me with my wizarding problem so we ended up just small talking most of the time. He asked about you both." If it was possible Ros's body became even more taut. "Just wanted to make sure you were both doing well."

At that, Ros's shoulders released some tension. She avoided looking at Lucas as she said, "Oh, Lucas, you should probably know that before she left Section D the first time, Ruth and Harry had a thing for each other."

"Ros!" Jo admonished.

"He needs to know, Jo," said Ros.

"Okay," he said, drawling out the word. "Why do I need to know that?"

"Because sometimes he had a blind spot where she is concerned. It's part of the reason we clash so much."

"Okay," he said again. "Good to know."

Jo looked back and forth between them both before seeming to come to a decision. "I slept with Ben. Before he joined MI5. I miss him." She paused. "And I know everyone thinks I slept with Zaf and I didn't, but I wanted to."

"Well, alright, then," said Lucas. A night of revelations really hadn't been on his agenda. He noticed Jo looking pointedly at Ros before her gaze swung back to Lucas. "Jo, I can make up the guest room for you. I think you might have drunk too much."

"Probably," she mumbled. "Sorry."

"It's okay. Come on." He led her to the guest bedroom, small though it was, and tucked away, almost closet-like, in a corner of the most open flat. "Call if you need anything," he said.

"Can you forget what I just said?" she asked, looking everywhere but at him.

"Sure," Lucas replied. "Don't have a clue. What were we talking about?" he smiled as he spoke to her.

She giggled at him. "Thanks, Lucas." She put her arms around him for another hug.

"Sleep well," he said, not quite wriggling out of her grasp. He closed the door and went back to the couch.

"I certainly hope you aren't waiting for a great revelation from me," said Ros.

"Wouldn't dream of it, Ros," he said. "Another drink?"

"Yes, please," she said, holding out her glass.

He returned to the kitchen and got them both tumblers of vodka. When he handed it back to her, he said, "Thanks for coming, Ros. I hope it wasn't too onerous on you." He smirked at her.

"Oh shut it, Lucas." She sipped the vodka. She paused and Lucas could read some hesitation in her body language.

"He wants to see you, you know. Adam." Ros just stared at him. "He specifically asked about you."

"That doesn't mean anything. We're colleagues," she said, folding her legs beneath her in the chair and maneuvering her body to face away from Lucas.

He held up his hands. "You have to do what's best for you, of course. But he would love if you visited. I know you two have history, it's obvious. But I'll leave it alone."

When she remained silent, he could easily tell that she was essentially ignoring him. "Anyways," he said, "I'll make up the couch for you, unless you want my bed and I'll sleep on the couch."

"Have you lost the plot, Lucas? You are much too tall to sleep on the sofa. Don't be ridiculous."

"Pardon me," he said, smiling at her. "Let me know if you need anything. I didn't even think about the flat being so open. It won't bother you to be sleeping in the same room, will it?" Her look could have frozen a volcano. He started to pull pillows and blankets out of a storage ottoman.

"If I was so concerned I would head home. It's fine. Thank you."

"I apologize in advance if I have a nightmare. I'm not expecting one, but they are unpredictable."

"Don't worry, Lucas. At least tomorrow is Sunday."

He nodded. "Sleep well, Ros."

He watched as she padded across the room to the bathroom. He quickly stripped into a pair of sleep pants and a loose shirt. Not quite what he usually wore to bed, but it would keep everything modest.

When Ros emerged from the bathroom she was wearing a tank top and a pair of boxers. "Don't say a word," she said to Lucas.

He mimed sealing his mouth shut and went into the bathroom himself. When he finished and came back out into the main flat, Ros was already curled up on the sofa in the blankets. He moved around the flat quietly, making sure the door was locked and turning off all the lights before he crawled into his own bed.