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It was 2225 when Molly approached the empty hangar. She was getting increasingly tired, but she daren't disobey Captain James by not turning up. In her mind she was telling herself that she would go for as long as she was needed, and then sneak out once the others arrived. Just half an hour, she kept telling herself. It wasn't long and then she could go to bed.

She took a deep breath, preparing for whatever awkwardness was about to ensue. She just wasn't expecting the sight that confronted her as she walked through the door. Decorations had been hung from every possible surface; banners brandishing various New Year greetings were stuck to the walls. The whole space was practically glittering. A stage had even been erected at one end, so perhaps Baz had been right about it being a singer, but there were no clues as to who it could be.

"Right on time," Captain James called, approaching her from the other end of the building. It was such a long stretch that it took a moment for him to reach her. Once he did he made it clear that he wasn't in the mood for formalities. He placed a hand on her shoulder; a misguided attempt at affection. "How's it looking?"

"Did you do all of this?"

"Not just me. Major Beck organised it all. For some absurd reason he's left me in charge of the last minute preparations."

"So what do you want me doing, boss?"

Captain James stared at her with an almost desperate expression. It was fairly obvious that he didn't need help with anything; certainly not with the decorations anyway. Molly waited for a moment, but the situation felt far too tense. She'd promised mere hours ago that she was going to stop thinking of him that way and that was precisely what was going to happen. She turned away, looking around the vast space once more.

"I can't believe it's nearly 2014. We'll be in Rome before we know it."

"Rome?" Captain James threw her an uncertain look, but couldn't hide his expanding smile.

"Home, sir."

"I'm already home," he whispered, his whole frame stooping lower, wanting to get closer to her. His eyes flickered between her eyes and lips, before he edged even closer still. He was so close his breath was practically teasing her lips apart. She wanted, needed the gap to close. He slowly raised his hands, cupping her face. Molly could feel her pulse quickening, anticipating the moment when their lips would collide. Her whole body was shaking with eagerness.

"Boss?" Kinders shouted, opening the door. Captain James jumped back, running his hand through his curls of hair. "Molly? What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be getting ready?"

"That's my fault," Captain James said. "I couldn't get this lot up on my own so when I saw Dawes walking past I grabbed her to help." He turned to Molly, his face full of so many expressions. He was obviously fighting his head and heart, leaving him lost for words.

"Are we all done here?" She asked, breaking the silence.

"Yeah…yes…thank you, Dawes. I'll see you later?"

"Of course," she smiled, raising a hand to wave at Kinders as she walked out. She couldn't find any polite words to say, cursing him in her mind for interrupting their potentially perfect moment. If he hadn't walked in, anything could have happened.

She shook her head, trying to lose the thoughts that were taking over her mind. It was a good thing; she desperately tried to convince herself. If they had have kissed, the boundaries would have been crossed. Army regulations existed for a reason. It was an offence for any commissioned officer to have a sexual relationship with any other rank. Besides which, they weren't there to fall in love, they were there to work.

But it was only going to be a kiss…

"Alright, Molls," Brains said as she silently flopped onto her bed. The lads were all busy getting ready for the evening's antics. None of them knew anything still and nor was going to ruin the surprise for them. Especially if their reaction was going to be anything like hers when she'd first walked into the hanger. She just wished she knew what that stage was for.

"Are you coming, Molly?" Nude-Nut asked, rousing her from her daydream several minutes later.

Molly sat up, noticing that they'd all donned wigs and ridiculous hats. She couldn't help but laugh at the weird and wonderful creations.

"I'm not ready yet, fellas."

"Yes you are." Smurf came over and released her hair from its tucked French plait. Molly quickly shook the free locks into position so that they hung loosely around her face. The boys all took a moment to admire how different she suddenly looked.

"Come on you lot. Let's see in the New Year!"

"Wahey!"

2 Section all made their way out of the tent and headed towards the hangar where their party was being held. They knew the rest of the Under 5s would be joining them there, but judging by the amount of people heading the opposite direction, she suspected there were several parties going on that night.

"Where's everyone else going?"

"Bastion 1 Coffee Shop," Fingers said, walking backwards as he spoke to Molly.

"BFBS radio," Smurf interjected.

"I heard one of them empty wards at the hospital's being used," Baz exclaimed, jumping up with excitement at knowing something the others didn't. "How shit must that be? You're stuck in a hospital bed, probably proper fucked up, and all the doctors and that are having a party."

"I dunno, mate, I reckon it's for patients and all," Molly replied. "They ain't gonna be utter bell-ends and rub it in, are they?"

"I think our parties still gonna be better."

Molly raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. They made it to the hanger and one by one they walked through the door and stopped.

"Fuck me," Mansfield said, speaking for all of them. They lads all stood, staring in amazement. Since Molly had been there only half an hour ago, a glitter ball had been suspended over the door, and streamers hung from tables that had been placed around the outside. There were even bags of party poppers sat, waiting for the clock to strike twelve.

"Pizza!" A lad called from the entrance. He stood holding half a dozen takeaway pizza boxes, which 2 Section immediately grabbed. As soon as they were taken off of him, he swiftly grabbed another half a dozen from his bike.

"Who ordered all of this?" Molly asked him.

"Captain James. Happy New Year."

Molly stood in the doorway for a moment, lost in her thoughts once again. That was a really kind gesture, buying pizza for everyone. He'd already gone to enough effort decorating the hangar. So why was he trying to sweeten them all up? What did he have planned?