A/N: I never really said where Taylor's house was so let's all pretend I did and it's on the east side of the Colony close to the Command Centre but far away that he doesn't get disturbed by a lot of foot traffic or the noise of Boylan's bar… Also huge thanks to metube, Terra Nova-Falling Skies Fan and Smurf5 for your reviews and help! As always Enjoy!
"I need a drink" Kate said as she searched the cupboards of Taylor's kitchen for alcohol. Only to find the kitchen was completely devoid of alcohol. She knew it was probably gone as Taylor felt no point in drinking when he had an arm in a sling and a baby on the way. It wasn't like they were big drinkers to begin with.
"You can't you're on pain killers remember? Sit down on the lounge and relax, I'll make you some tea" Alicia said as she pushed Kate out of the kitchen. They had just returned from the most awkward lunch in the mess hall since Kate's first arrival. It was a feat even Kate thought couldn't be topped.
After Taylor gave a list of ridiculously restrictive rules and informing Mira that all her people were on a good behaviour bond for the next 6 months at least. If a said 'ex-sixer' set one foot out of line then they would be kicked out to the Jungle. No more second chances or take backs when the sixers walked through the gates they knew they had shape up or they would be tossed out of the Colony. All the sixers who wanted to return to their previous occupations had to talk to him first for approval but the amazing part was Mira and Sixers agreed and disarmed themselves of their weapons and walked through the gates into the Colony.
Taylor gave a speech to his soldiers and then the Colonists who had shown up to watch what was going on and some who decided to voice their grievances at the idea. It was safe to say the sixers were more unwelcome than Kate and they came bearing gifts of vehicles, weapons, energy cells and everything the Phoenix Soldiers had stolen from the Colony.
"That lunch was weird" Kate said as she slouched down on the lounge.
"The sixers respect you" Alicia commented, it was true that during the couple hours of mingling after lunch many of the sixers had walked up and shaken hands with her and murmuring thanks and other words of gratitude.
"I'm thinking of rebuilding" Kate said changing the topic. She had been thinking about her living arrangements through lunch while trying not to slap Carter up the side of the head. She needed to move out of Taylor's house as soon as possible as she was feeling thoroughly depressed and didn't want her situation to taint the happiness of Taylor and Alicia's world. She had hoped that Malcolm would be by her bedside that morning and welcoming her to stay at his house with promise of breakfast in bed and kinky sponge baths.
But no, she had an infant primate attached to her arm and was now going to be living with Taylor and Alicia who would be ensconced in baby bliss for however long it took for her to get a new house built. She was certain she didn't want that house to be opposite Malcolm's place in case they didn't work out. She knew if they didn't work out she would definitely need the space. She still held a flicker of hope that after she gave him some space he'd take her back as he didn't say the relationship was over just that he needed some time to himself.
"Why don't you build a new house on the East side of the colony?" Alicia suggested as she brought over the teapot and two cups.
"Are you sure? I thought it was reserved for military personnel and their families" Kate said.
"You're my family and anyway you can stay here with me, Taylor and the twins" Alicia told her.
"Twins?" Kate asked her eyes went wide surprise as it was news to her.
"Yeah" Alicia said hesitantly as she forgot she hadn't told Kate. She watched as the redhead's face lit up with a genuine smile.
"CONGRATULATIONS!" Kate said ecstatically as she hugged Alicia tightly. Alicia couldn't help but feel the excitement radiating from Kate and smiled.
"Thanks" Alicia said. Kate released her from the hug and sank back into the couch. She liked being able to share good news.
"So I assume there was a lot of celebrating yesterday and last night" Kate said wriggling her eyebrows suggestively. Alicia ignored the comment and poured out two cups of tea.
"Nathaniel and I are very happy" Alicia said.
"Nathaniel and I" Kate imitated with a smile "Spoken like a true couple. This is excellent news! I assume everything is perfect physically as well? Do you have any scans or ultrasounds?" Kate asked.
"Yes, Elisabeth said everything was looking good and there are scans. It's not much to look at yet" Alicia said downplaying it though she liked sharing the excitement.
"So what? It's the first Washington-Taylor Production. I want visuals" Kate said in a demanding tone. Alicia laughed and picked up a plex on the coffee table and opened up a file before passing it to Kate.
"They are fraternal about 5 weeks" Alicia told her as Kate looked at the scans of her future children.
"You're right they don't look like much" Kate said, Alicia smacked her arm for the comment while Kate chuckled. "But this is still cool! better picture quality than an ultrasound" Kate said as the resolution of the image was crystal clear. She put down the plex and looked at Alicia. "So what are the plans?" Kate asked.
"What plans?"
"Come on, you organize everything. I was amazed you don't have the days of the week stitched to your knickers! How can you not have a billion and one plans for these babies?" Kate asked.
"I don't have a billion and one plans just a few plans" Alicia corrected.
"And I assume getting windows, fixing up a nursery and getting extensions on this place is among those plans?" Kate asked innocently.
"Yes" Alicia said.
"Well, leave them to me. I will get you your windows and extensions completed before you're in your second trimester. You and Taylor can fix up the nursery yourselves" Kate said.
"How generous of you" Alicia said dryly though she appreciated Kate taking some of that work off her shoulders. "Though could you keep it on the down low" Alicia added, Kate nodded.
"Sure, when are you two going to announce your happy news?" Kate asked.
"We're thinking the staff meeting on Friday to senior staff and 3 weeks from now when I step down from my position as Second of Command for the colony. We'll announce the happy news to the Colony along with Shannon taking over for my position. So I have the joy of his lovely presence for the next three weeks to get him up to snuff" Alicia said.
"That shouldn't be too hard. I should call Baz and make the arrangements for squaring supplies away for myself" Kate said making moves to get up off the couch. Alicia shook her head as Kate always chose to run around when she should be resting.
"No, you are going to stay where you are and rest" Alicia told her.
"Shouldn't I be saying that to you?" Kate asked innocently.
Later that night, Alicia was warm, relaxed and beautifully comfortable dreaming about sunny days in her and Taylor's bed when the feel of a set of long fingers gently massaged across her stomach awaking her from her sleepy state. She opened her eyes when she felt a pair of familiar lips taste the sensitive hollow by her ear followed by a very familiar hard warm body pressed behind her.
"Mmm, what's the time?" Alicia asked as she turned in his arms to face him in the darkness.
"9 o'clock. I never thought I'd see the day you and Kate in bed so early" he said before he continued his assault on her neck with his lips while they manoeuvred themselves closer to one another.
"Well it is a school night" She said before kissing him in greeting. She relished the heat and the feel of his length body pressed intimately against hers, naked and aroused. Taylor chuckled before he groaned in pleasure as Alicia had reached between them and closed her fingers around him.
"Shh you'll wake up the kid" Alicia teased referring to Kate who was currently medicated into a sleep so deep not even an exploding bomb would wake her up. Alicia continued to tease and drive him crazy with need as she slowly and deliciously moved her body against him. He loved the dizzying mix of soft flesh and firm muscles on her body as he slowly ran his hand over her. He really wished he didn't have a broken arm as he would love to run both of his hands on her and a few other things that required two arms. But they would definitely make do.
"Alicia" he groaned he pulled her into a deep and possessive kiss just as she pushed him onto his back and straddled him.
"Kate!" Zoe exclaimed as she and Jim came out of their house. Kate had been walking back from the construction site on the west side of the colony. She had spoken with Baz and arranged her new home to be built and the necessary supplies and materials for an extension which she said she wanted to do herself. But she squared away everything she needed. Kate turned to Zoe and smiled, she had been in a bit of drug daze walking back. She was pretty sure if it hadn't been for Alicia and Taylor slipping into 'parent' mode she would have walked out of the house in a tank top and her underwear with bedraggled hair.
Instead she left the house wearing the same yoga pants from yesterday and one of Taylor's button down shirts that was navy blue. She was amazed the man actually owned a button down shirt that wasn't stamped with military insignia or black. But then Navy was still a dark colour. Her primate friend was currently asleep on her shoulder under her shirt.
"Hey Zoe, Sheriff" Kate said in greeting to them.
"You wanna walk with me to school?" Zoe asked.
"Hey, what about me?" Jim asked Zoe pretending to be offended that he was being ousted for Kate.
"You can come too" Zoe told Jim in an exhausted tone, Kate couldn't help but smile.
"Oh thank you. You're too generous" Jim said picking the little girl up and holding her under his arm like a sack of potatoes. Zoe started laughing and protesting but Jim pretended he couldn't hear a thing as he looked to Kate who was trying her best not to laugh.
"So I was thinking about checking out Escher's place today. You want to join me?" Jim asked as they walked in the direction of the school.
"Not really" Kate said.
"Come on, I need someone to play detective with me" Jim said to Kate.
"Daddy! Put me down!" Zoe shouted she had gone from having a good time to annoyed which made Kate and Jim exchanged looks of amusement.
"Alright, alright" Jim said as he carefully placed Zoe on her feet. She grabbed his hand and Kate's walking between them.
"Can I play detective with you Daddy?" Zoe asked.
"Sorry Kiddo, you have to be at least this tall" Jim gestured to Kate's height "To play detective" he told her. Zoe pouted at him.
"Hey Zoe, I'm thinking our next blanket fort needs to be bigger" Kate said changing the topic. She had babysat Zoe in the past so Jim and Elisabeth could have a night out for themselves. It helped lower the amount of groans from Maddy and Josh when they didn't have to sacrifice their date nights to look after Zoe. The two of course had spent a good afternoon turning Alicia and Kate's living and dining room into a blanket fort. It was becoming a bit of a fortnightly thing and a challenge for Zoe and Kate to improve their blanket fort design.
"Bigger?" Zoe asked.
"Yeah we'll use cushions and build tunnels to other rooms" Kate said thoughtfully.
"Really? We can do that?" Zoe asked.
"Yeah I'll find enough blankets we can definitely do it!" Kate said with a smile.
"Cool!" Zoe said excited at the prospect. They continued talking about Zoe friendly topics until the little girl was dropped off at school. Once she was safely in school Jim turned to Kate.
"So, Escher's place?" Jim asked.
"Shouldn't you and Alicia be looking into it?" Kate asked.
"She's busy with Taylor and the Sixers" Jim said, Kate chuckled. Jim looked at her confused.
"Sixers, still sounds like a bad 80's cover band" Kate said she really should be going home but just as she looked in the direction of home she caught a glimpse of Malcolm cutting through the main square. She grimaced and turned to Jim.
"Sure, let's go" she said.
"I take it you and Malcolm not so great" Jim asked not missing a beat.
"He needs time" Kate stated as calmly as she could while she started walking back the way they came.
"Have you even spoken to one another?" Jim asked.
"It's only been a day. Can we not talk about Malcolm?" Kate asked looking at him with tears in her eyes not bothering to hide her pain, she knew it was the only way to make Jim stop his line of questioning and let it rest.
"Sure" Jim said, a moment of awkward silence fell between them. "Can I ask for a favour" Jim said.
"A favour?" Kate stated unsure that she wanted to do anything for anyone.
"Yeah nothing huge it's just that this Saturday is Elisabeth and my 20th Anniversary" Jim said
"Congratulations" Kate said smiling genuinely at the news.
"Thanks. See the thing is we need a babysitter for Zoe and chaperone for Maddy and Reynolds" Jim said.
"Where's Josh in this equation?" Kate asked with an amused smile.
"Working at Boylan's. We- I was hoping you could take the girls for the night. So Elisabeth and I have the place for ourselves. Please?" he asked with hope. Kate made a face, it wasn't like she didn't want to babysit or chaperone she had stepped in for the Shannon's before to perform such duties.
Though when Jim said 'chaperone' he really meant make sure Maddy came home before curfew and to scare Reynolds with idle threats so he didn't consider trying to go past the first base. The reason she was reluctant was that she didn't have her own place she was living under Taylor's roof. Thus he had to approve of anything she wanted to do within those walls.
"You know I'm crashing at Taylor's and have no place of my own. I will ask Taylor and if he says it is fine I will play babysitter/chaperone for the night" Kate told Jim.
"Thank you" he said with a grateful smile.
"Don't thank me yet" Kate said.
"Ok I'll just take Zoe over to the Command centre and use her sweet innocent face to sway Taylor and Wash to say 'yes'" Jim said with an evil smile. Kate chuckled as she knew when Zoe turned on her charm no one could say to 'no' to her.
"How about we use that as the backup plan when Taylor says 'No'" Kate suggested.
"Ok, Escher's house is this one coming up on our left" Jim said as he gestured to a house with red exterior walls.
"Do we have the key code?"
"Does a dinosaur go potty in the jungle?" Jim asked her.
"Seriously? Potty?" Kate asked trying hard not to laugh for the pain it would cause her but it was proving difficult as Jim had delivered the line so perfectly.
"I have a five year old who I'd like to not to speak any foul language until she is in her twenties" Jim said as he held up his handheld plex noting the code before punching it into the door's keypad. The lock disengaged.
"Fair enough" Kate said as Jim pushed the door open.
"Mira gave me a list of people who wish to talk about returning to their previous occupations" Alicia said as she handed over the plex to Taylor who was seated behind his desk in the Command Centre. She had spent half her morning with morning sickness and the other half when her anti-nausea meds kicked in talking with Mira who approached her.
Mira returned Alicia's leather jacket a sixer 'acquired' from her a few months ago. Alicia begrudgingly accepted it as a personal olive branch of friendship and heard the woman out. Only because she felt she had to in return of having her jacket back. She really missed that jacket.
"I don't see any problems with this" Taylor said as he looked over the list. Most of the people on the list were trade workers and worked in agriculture two departments that were always shorthanded and never without work.
"The rest have volunteered for construction work."
"I'll talk with Barry O'Connell after lunch. Wash you ok?" Taylor asked he had offered to give her the day off but she refused to take a sick day.
"Yeah, just tired" Alicia said with a sigh as she sat down. She really couldn't wait for the morning sickness and fatigue stage to be replaced with the glowing and horny stage as she really disliked throwing up.
"You know maybe you should get checked up by Doc Shannon"
"It's ok, I'm supposed to be like this the first few months" Alicia said in a low voice.
"I'm going to have to start reading some literature" Taylor said not that he hadn't already started reading about pregnancy and babies but there was a lot of information. It was going to take time.
"Might be an idea" Alicia drawled in a cheeky fashion.
"You're dismissed for your cheek, Lieutenant" Taylor told her with a wry smile.
"Yes sir" Alicia said getting up from her chair.
"I'll credit Escher this much. He was a very organised and clean person" Kate said as she moved to the Kitchen. She and Jim had been searching the rooms of the home for the past hour and so fair they had recovered a weird looking purple box that didn't open and a stack of papers with mathematical equations that made no sense to Kate or Jim.
Not surprising as they both weren't Mathematicians or physics majors. Other than that there was nothing unique or personal in the house.
"At least there aren't any trip wires or bombs" Jim said.
"For which I am eternally grateful. He knew he wasn't coming back. The fridge is empty" Kate commented.
"Well if it all checks out we can move some people in here"
"Oh yeah what civilian is game enough to take the house of a psychopath?" Kate asked.
"An ex-sixer maybe?" Jim offered, Kate chuckled as she opened the freezer. "Hey you'll be at the senior staff meeting tomorrow right?" Jim asked.
"Yeah, Baz ask-" Kate stopped mid sentence for a moment. "Ah Sheriff? You might want to come over here" she said.
"You find something?" Jim asked he walked over and stopped as he saw what Kate was looking at. There on the bottom shelf of the freezer was a human hand in a Tupperware container.
"DNA will take a few minutes" Elisabeth told them. As Taylor, Alicia, Kate, Jim, Malcolm and Kate all stood around a table in the research labs. Jim had called the group together after he and Kate made their discovery. Elisabeth had done a preliminary examination before placing the hand back into a freezer.
"You should be lying down" Elisabeth told Kate who was currently sitting on a stool while everyone around her were standing and waiting for the results of the DNA. They all had a sneaking suspicion who the hand belonged to and were just waiting for the name to pop up in the results.
"I will after Nancy Drew and I here solve the mystery of the frozen hand" Kate said as she smacked Jim on the back emphasising he was 'Nancy Drew'. She had to break the tension she felt in the lab as Malcolm was holding the weird looking violet box in his hands.
"Nancy Drew? I can think of several male detectives you could have referenced then" Jim told her. Humouring her as the tension in the room was unbearable.
"It was a compliment. Nancy Drew solved every one of her cases… as far as I know" Kate said trying not to look at Malcolm. He wasn't having trouble being around only the looking and talking to her part.
But as long as he didn't have to acknowledge her presence he appeared fine. She on the other hand felt like she was on the verge of a breakdown as she tried to maintain her professionalism. Her iPhone beeped and Kate excused herself from the room.
They all lapsed into a very awkward silence it wasn't as if they weren't game to speak their thoughts. They decided it was best to hold their tongue for at least a few days. It was only edging on two days since their return.
"So" Jim drawled as he broke the silence first.
"Shannon?" Taylor prompted when Jim didn't add anything further.
"Oh I just felt the need to fill this incredibly awkward silence" Jim said as he rocked on his feet.
"Malcolm?" Taylor prompted as he didn't want talk about the awkward silence.
"I believe these are the rough starts of Lucas's calculations if we knew how to open this device then we might have something here to work with" Malcolm said the plex screen next to Elisabeth beeped and she tapped it the screen.
"It's Lucas's hand" Taylor stated.
"Yes" Elisabeth said confirming Taylor's statement. Taylor took a deep breath it was the only moment he needed to keep control on his emotions before nodding his acceptance at the news.
"What do you want us to do?" Elisabeth asked Taylor delicately.
"Examine it, tell me everything you can. There were no other body parts?" Taylor asked.
"Not that we could find. You know when Lucas crossed through the portal the first time back to 2149. He used his hand to use that device" Jim said gesturing to the box in Malcolm's hand.
"It's probably some kind of biometric lock that opens with his fingerprint or possibly DNA sample" Malcolm said as he ran his fingers over the grooved top.
"Then to be indelicate why not pick up the hand and open it" Kate said as she returned to the room to hear Malcolm's hypothesis. Malcolm grimaced at her pragmatic tone and placed the box down on the table.
"Because it can't be that simple it probably can detect if the user is dead or not, or it may need a heartbeat and certain body temperature" Malcolm said.
"Then-" Kate started.
"I need more than half an hour to run analysis of the device before we attempt activating it. Anyway it's not like there is some great rush to open it and the hand is being preserved in dry ice. Could I possibly have a few days before we brainstorm ideas?" Malcolm asked in an aggravated tone as he cut Kate off. Kate threw up her hands in surrender.
"Sure take all the time you need Dr Wallace." Kate told him in a defeated tone she looked to the others "If the rest of you will excuse me I'm needed elsewhere" Kate said to them. Taylor nodded his 'ok' which was enough for Kate who took her leave again.
"She should be resting" Elisabeth told them, nothing aggravated her more than a patient walking around when they are supposed to be in bed recovering.
"She's an adult Elisabeth, she knows her limitations and how to take care of herself. She doesn't need mothering" Malcolm said calmly as he was distracted looking at the papers. Those at the table uncharacteristically tight lipped as they held their tongues.
"Well, I'm going to continue my investigation and go back to Escher's see if we missed anything the first time" Jim said.
"Take Wash with you and keep me posted" Taylor told him. Alicia and Jim left the labs and then Taylor looked to Malcolm and Elisabeth "Doc Shannon I'd like to know how long ago that hand was severed and anything else like I said before if you can and Dr Wallace if you could be so kind to give me an update of your progress later it'd be greatly appreciated" Taylor said to Malcolm before he left the labs.
Kate had an early lunch with Baz who wanted to talk about her and Alicia's new home and the extensions in more detail. Kate came clean about the extensions and the windows saying it was a gift to Taylor for looking after her. Otherwise it was an enjoyable half hour as Baz complained about the workload being never ending and saying he couldn't wait for her to be back on duty. It was nice to feel wanted after being cut down by Malcolm. After lunch she decided she had to talk to Malcolm which was why she had to drag him to his office and locked the door so they wouldn't be disturbed by anyone.
"Kate" Malcolm said in an exhausted tone as he turned around to face her.
"No, I saved your life you owe me at least one conversation" Kate said.
"Ok" he said thought he was reluctant to talk. If anything he kept looking at the door behind her, probably hoping it would miraculously open.
"Now I know you want time but we live in a small colony. We are going to cross paths and the way you treated me before was out of line. What gives you the right to lash out at me? Or treat me with such disregard?" Kate asked.
"I asked for time and for you not to see me and yet you are here. I'm doing my best but I'm not like you. I'm not a soldier" Malcolm told her. The reason he wanted time and space was so he wouldn't say something he would regret later among other things.
"I know" Kate said.
"I need time to process what-" Malcolm started only for Kate to cut him off as he was repeating what she had already read.
"I read the letter and just for the record your life and Alicia's life were in danger and the Sixers would only deal with me. What was I supposed to do? Say 'Sorry Carter but I can't help you because I'm retired'? Was I supposed to sit at home and let Taylor and Shannon sort it out?" Kate asked.
"Yes! I don't like you putting yourself in danger or being a soldier when it's not your job anymore. It's not who you are" he said. Kate rubbed her face with one hand and took a moment.
"Who I am? Being a soldier is/was my life for the last 6 years. It's all I ate, lived and breathed, it's ingrained in me. I can't switch it off and it will always be a part of me. I can't sit back when the people I care about are in danger especially when I can be useful. You know this about me from the start. I just don't understand why I'm being punished for it now" Kate said.
"I'm not punishing you. I just need time to think" Malcolm told her.
"Think about what?" Kate asked. How could he say he loved her and wanted to marry her when she scared the hell out of him with how far she would go for him? That when he looked at her, he saw the woman he loved but he also saw that cold, proficient killer.
That it scared him to see her like that. He was not a violent man, he lived in a peaceful bubble where violence was dramatised and for entertainment not the dose of scary realism Kate had provided. He needed time to digest, to analyse how he felt and what it meant for the future and here she was purposefully placing herself in his presence.
"Us! I feel like I have been living in a dream! Like I don't even know the woman standing in front of me! I need to get my bearings again!" he shouted in frustration at her. She didn't even flinch when he shouted at her, the only reaction she showed were silent tears running down her face. She didn't bother to wipe away.
"You don't have to shout. I have perfect hearing" Kate told him in a calm voice. How he wished she would shout back at him but she wasn't like that. So he wouldn't feel like such an arsehole but Kate never raised her voice in an argument.
"Kate" he said softly as he closed the gap between them and cupped her face with both of his hands and gently brushed the tears away for her.
"I'll wait Malcolm but I can't ignore my own duties but I will do my best to keep our run ins to a minimum until you call me" she told him.
"Kate" he groaned as he felt like a jumbled mess of wants and needs. Malcolm pulled her into a desperate and hungry kiss. Her fingers buried themselves into his hair while he pulled her closer to him, deepening the kiss with an urgent hunger of his own. It had been four long days without her in his arms. His hands splayed over her arched back moulding her to him until he reminded himself that it wasn't right. He broke the kiss as he knew where it would lead and it would just complicate everything.
"I love you" Kate breathed against his lips. It was the first time she had actually said the words to him. Kate was not good at verbalising her emotions, he knew she loved him, he felt it with how she looked at him, touched him, when they made love but hearing her say the words made what he had to do next even harder than he anticipated.
"I know but it doesn't change anything. I still need time" he told her and with that he unlocked the door and walked away.
"I am ready to kick his ass. As soon as I get the go ahead" Alicia said as they left Escher's house. They came up empty but it gave them an opportunity for Alicia to talk with Jim alone about his promotion in more detail and how she wanted to spend the next three weeks transitioning him into the role.
"Hey in his defence he's not like us" Jim said. Alicia knew when he said 'us' he was referring to himself, Alicia and Taylor as they all had history of being in violent situations.
"I never thought I'd see the day. Jim Shannon defending Malcolm Wallace" Alicia said in amusement. She had received a message from Kate about an hour after they left the Labs saying she was at home and that she had bought food for dinner. Sure jim had a point but Alicia still wanted to smack some sense into the scientist.
"I thought I'd try the whole 'treat everyone equally' thing out. Anyway Elisabeth was the same when I became a cop. That was a few rocky weeks I never want to repeat but you have to agree he's not a soldier and it's ok for him to be out of sorts." Jim said.
"I know but you saw the way he treated her. I think I'm entitled to feel the need to bitch slap him" Alicia said frustrated. She of course had to agree with Taylor to stay out of Kate's affairs but now she wished she hadn't.
"Wash, your Mama Bear colours are showing" Jim said with amusement. Alicia gave him a mocking smile. "How are you going?" Jim asked.
"I'm good" Alicia said.
"Stomach bug still giving you grief?" He asked he already congratulated her behind closed doors for her and Taylor's happy news of her being pregnant yesterday.
"Actually bugs" Alicia corrected as they walked towards the main square.
"Bugs?" Jim asked for clarification as he stopped her. Alicia held up two fingers so his rampant imagination didn't paint her having 4 kids or more.
"What Elisabeth didn't tell you?" Alicia asked surprised.
"No, she honours that Doctor-Patient confidentiality. Bugs... You and Taylor don't mess around" Jim said impressed, Alicia punched him in the arm for the comment. He winced as he rubbed his arm "Ow, Congratulations" Jim added.
"Thank you" Alicia said with a smile.
"Speaking of Bugs" Jim said.
"Oh?" Alicia asked as she knew he was going to crack a bad joke.
"I need a babysitter for Saturday" Jim started, Alicia squared him with an unimpressed look as she knew he was going say 'practice' in the next part of the sentence. "Kate says she'll do it but as she is staying at Taylor's place she had to ask him first. Do you think he'll say yes or will I have to cancel my 20th Wedding Anniversary extravaganza?" Jim asked.
"I'm sure he won't mind, though I'm not sure how he'll react to his house being turned into Blanket fort" Alicia said with a laugh.
"Oh Zoe and Kate have plans for tunnels" Jim told her which only made Alicia laugh more.
"Oh I have to make this happen but you owe me" Alicia told him.
"I will return the favour when you and –" he stopped and pursed his lips and waited for some people to pass by "Your beau have your date night" Jim said after it was just them again.
"My 'beau'?" Alicia said.
"De-facto life partner? Are you two going to get hitched?" Jim asked as they continued walking.
"It's on the cards… Let's just say these next three weeks are going to be full on" Alicia told him.
"Are you going to wear a dress?" Jim asked her.
"Why?" Alicia asked not sure why he was asking her this question.
"Just curious. Do you even own a dress?" Jim asked Alicia rolled her eyes as she knew what he was implying.
"Yes I did but they were destroyed in the explosion but thank you for questioning my femineity" Alicia said dryly.
"I guess this means I won't be your maid of honour? I think I'd look good in a blue strapless number bring out the colour of my eyes what do you think?" Jim asked her, Alicia burst out laughing as she imagined him in a dress and heels. It was a scary but hilarious image.
Kate had left the research labs after she took a few minutes to compose herself. She went to the markets to grab food for dinner as it was her turn and then went home. She messaged Alicia telling her she was at home and fine which was a lie. Just in case Alicia went looking for her.
She placed the primate on the small tree Taylor had in the lounge room before she took two pain killers and paced the floor while she cried as she had too much pent up energy. Once the pain killers took control she laid down on the lounge and turned her head to stare into space as she was emotionally and physically exhausted. The drugs lulled her into a foggy state that she welcomed as she really didn't want to think or feel. She heard the front door open and close and didn't bother moving.
"Cupcake?" Alicia said as she placed the cupcake in Kate's line of vision. The vanilla cupcake with frosting that looked delicious.
"Yes" Kate said as she sat up and drew her knees up to her chest and picked up the cupcake and licked the icing that she had on her finger.
"You want to talk about it?" Alicia asked. She knew Kate well enough to know the woman had gone back to see Malcolm and since she couldn't drink herself into a stupor, cupcakes were the next best thing.
"I think I'd prefer to just push my feelings down. You know keep it compressed so that way they can come up at random inappropriate times" Kate told her sarcastically. Alicia smiled as she sat down next to Kate on the couch. Tears filled the redhead's eyes. "I told him I loved him and he said 'I know but it doesn't change anything' he just walked away." Kate said as she focussed on her cupcake like she were performing delicate brain surgery instead of scraping the icing off the top and licking it off her fingers.
"He wants to think. Nothing worse than Malcolm Wallace thinking but I'll wait for him until he reaches the final conclusion that he wants me out of his life, I should consider myself lucky I'm a construction worker. We shouldn't cross paths too much" Kate said nodding her head while she spoke with matter of fact but tone but she wasn't fooling Alicia who could see the pain in her features.
"Oh Kate" Alicia said as she wrapped her arms around Kate's shoulders and pulled her into a hug as best she could. Kate choked out a small sob as she leaned into the embrace while still holding her cupcake.
TBC~ See you all next week! Promise there will be more Alicia & Taylor time :-)