It was Christmas, but Beatrice Rosenfield wasn't really feeling the mood. This was surprising as she was in the middle of UNIT's annual Christmas party. Across the room, she could see a slightly drunken Brigadier laughing with Sargent Yates. The Doctor had yet to make an appearance.
It had been about three weeks since her trip with the Master to the alien marketplace and their encounter with the Morok. As he had promised the Master had politely dropped her off at her London apartment a few hours after they had left. Since then she had not seen or heard from him.
As she slightly adjusted her hair, which was in an elegant braided updo, her hazel eyes landed on the figure of a man with black hair and a goatee both of which were tinged with grey.
Speak of the devil, she thought to herself. Of course, as soon as she saw him he was gone.
Beatrice walked over to where she had seen him and checked for any bombing devices, you never knew with the Master. Once she was sure the area was danger-free she moved to get out of the heated room and was intercepted by Jo and Sargent Benton.
"Come join us for a drink Bea!" said a tipsy Jo.
"Maybe later Jo," replied Beatrice who had never been a huge fan of alcohol, she then moved past the two and out onto a balcony. She breathed in the fresh air and was just starting to relax when a voice spoke up behind her.
"Not having a good time at the party Beatrice?" Beatrice turned around to come face to face with the Master. He wore a black suit along with an olive-green tie. A small part of her thought he looked rather handsome.
"Hello, Master. As to the answer to your question well, let's just say I'm not exactly in the Christmas mood. Besides, watching the Brigadier and company indulge in large amounts of alcohol isn't my thing." As she said this he said moving to lean on the balcony with her.
"What are you doing here? And why was I the only one who noticed you? Surely everyone isn't that blind yet? It's only ten-thirty."
"Humans, with few exceptions, are often quite unobservant," he said in explanation. "But your boredom, coupled with your unusually high perceptiveness, most likely led you to be actually looking for something to capture your attention."
Beatrice was unsurprised by his usual criticism of humans and did not take any personal offence. It was just a part of who he was. If she was honest, a part of her found it slightly amusing. She also appreciated the compliment.
"I see. But you still haven't answered my question. Why are you here?" Beatrice asked again. Now that she thought about it her relationship with the Master was an odd one. She found that she trusted him on some matters, but certainly not on everything. It was more as if they were drawn to one another.
"I popped in to visit the Doctor but I noticed you leaving and was interested as to why. You are looking lovely tonight by the way." He told her.
Beatrice blushed slightly she was wearing an off-the-shoulder dark green, lacey dress that flared out and went down to her knees.
"Thank you, but surely you can't be lonely you can go anywhere in the universe. You do have a working TARDIS."
"True, I could go anywhere but I don't really have anyone to go with. In my case friends are in short supply."
"Oh, cry me a river. Maybe if you quit killing half the people you meet you might have more friends," Beatrice said with no real bite as she rolled her eyes.
"You wound me, Beatrice," said the Master with a chuckle. "But you never really said why you are out here alone. I thought Christmas was a time for family." He looked at her, awaiting an answer.
"Well, my sister off on a trip with some friends, my brother is busy with a business trip, my flight to see my parents got cancelled, and all the train lines are down due to the snow."
"It seems I am not the only one having a lonely Christmas," said the Master with a nod.
"To tell the truth I mostly came to this party for appearance's sake. Honestly, I wish I were off travelling somewhere. It might take my mind off things." There was a comfortable silence for a while. After a few minutes, the Master spoke up.
"I understand the feeling. Travelling can be an excellent distraction. However, if you're bored how would you feel about accompanying me on a brief trip?"
"Does it involve world domination? Because I am not running in these shoes," Beatrice said motioning to her heels.
"No, I've decided to set aside the scheming for the day. Contrary to popular belief I do sometimes go to a place simply for the sake of exploration or enjoyment." He said raising an eyebrow. After thinking it over for a moment Beatrice replied,
"Oh, why not?" and followed him back inside to a grandfather clock. "I don't suppose you'll tell me where we are going?" she asked.
"Where is the fun in that?" he replied with a smirk. Beatrice held onto the railing as they flew through the time vortex.
"We better be back before midnight or else someone may notice." She pointed out. "Have no fear my dear. Unlike the Doctor, I can actually fly my TARDIS and in case you've forgotten I am a time traveller." The Master assured her. At last, they landed and Beatrice hurried over to the door followed by a slightly amused Master.
Once Beatrice opened the door she gasped they had landed on a planet covered in snow. It looked a bit like a winter wonderland and she could see houses a little way off. She stepped out, the snow was still slowly coming down. With a bright smile, she turned away and spun around in a circle, arms out, and laughing. "This is wonderful!" she said.
Author's Note: Happy Holiday's everyone! Here is a little bit of fluff for the holiday season. PLEASE like and comment. I'm dying for feedback. Thanks for reading.
