Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Author's Note: Just a short filler chapter before we can move on!
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In the three short weeks that had passed flown by far too fast since her ultrasound, Kate felt like she had doubled in size. Her small frame did nothing to hide the fact that she was now very apparently pregnant – even at four months. Where before she could fit into the majority of her 'normal' clothes, she now found herself unable to pull on her most comfortable pair of jeans the day before she flew out to Sydney. And so it was with a heavy heart that Kate caught a taxi to the closest shopping centre.
The need to go shopping three days before Christmas was not a pleasant experience: the noise, the smells, the mush pit of people and the inability to find what she needed grated on her nerves. She just needed some clothes that fit!
And adding to the stress levels of the impending visit to Mike's family was the news that the Hammersley had been delayed returning to port and so her plan for packing, flying and otherwise organising herself was thrown into array now that she'd have to meet Mike at the dock and depart from there for the airport.
She really should be thankful that they'd managed time off over Christmas, but as she stood in front of Mike's wardrobe and considered what to pack for him, she cursed - not for the first time, and nor would it be the last time - the Navy life for being unpredictable.
Being on the Disciplinary Committee meant that she had just over a week long holiday over Christmas and New Year, but usually the patrol boats and frigates didn't recognise the holiday in a 'week off' sense. However this year, in an attempt to make the Navy more 'family friendly', the Navy had declared that a skeleton crew would man the seas over Christmas and so all other personnel would be permitted shore leave. Hammersley was one of the lucky ships ordered to shore.
Stepping out of the taxi a few hours later, paying the driver with a smile and thanking him when he unloaded her begs nearby she raised her hand to block the rays that accompanied the 34 degree heat as she spots the Hammersley cruising in port. Dropping her hand, she smoothed her hand over her top and rested them both on her hips as she began the waiting game. After much internal debate and discussion, she had decided on wearing off-white/cream knee-length shorts and a loose flowing sleeveless top in autumn colours. Something comfortable that fit, looked okay, and would hopefully make a good first impression on the Flynn family. There was no covering up her pregnancy anymore, so comfort was now at the forefront of her mind.
Seeing the Hammersley docking, her stress levels dropped slightly, and she felt better as her old crewmates step off the ship and approach her. There was something so familiar about seeing their faces, and if their reactions were anything to go by, they were pleased to see her too. She had only seen them on and off briefly since she had left the boat just under a month ago, but if Nikki's reaction of running forward and giving her an enthusiastic hug and plastering her hands on her abdomen was anything to go by, it had been far too long.
There is a sense of joviality in the air as the majority of the Hammersley crew stand on the dock and wait for their respective taxis, and as all cheerily talk over each other, it became apparent that each person's Christmas plans were considerably different.
Spider was headed off to the family home for Christmas, as was Bomber – who was also obliged to get her country butt back home as soon as possible in order to be a bridesmaid for her cousin's wedding on Christmas Eve.
Santa was moving house and Buffer had won a trip off the radio that he was finally free to take, and he'd wheedled Nikki into attending with him.
2 Dads was tight lipped, but presumably he was spending Christmas with his partner (?) and his child.
RO had refused the shore leave and elected to stay behind and work over the break.
Charge was broadcasting his master plans for a barbeque with beer and mates, though she knew that he was also attempting to make contact with his estranged children over the holiday.
A car had picked up Bomber, but the rest of the team was present when Mike finally stepped off the Hammersley. She was not prepared when he made his way over and wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her in for a kiss. She pushed aside her momentary surprise to respond, breaking apart when a wolf whistle was heard in the near vicinity.
She had her suspicions it was Buffer.
As she sent him a fake glare, she smiled at seeing the blushing cheeks of young Spider in reaction to their show of affection. It was kind of cute.
Mike didn't let go of her as he turned to his crew. 'Merry Christmas one and all and I don't want to see you back until after New Years. If you must come back, I most certainly won't be here, but if you feel so inclined to do some work, Bomber has advised me that the galley could do with a good scrub.'
The taxis came swiftly then as hugs, waves and other farewells (and insults in some cases) were thrown about and the Hammersley crew left for Christmas.
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Coming up: Kate has no idea what she is getting herself into when she meets the Flynn clan!