The 21st of December had arrived, and the Christmas party at Adam's was in full swing. His flat was spacious and comfortable; however, he had been sure to carefully pack away anything precious. Zaf had a tendency to get aggressive during party games.
"It's my turn to stick the tail on the reindeer!" Zaf yelled, adjusting his Santa hat that seemed to be permanently attached to his head with one hand whilst clasping a beer in the other.
"I haven't had a go yet," whined Jo, pushing him out of the way.
"Kids!" Harry exclaimed. Ruth could only smile at the antics of her colleagues. She had a penchant for a glass of champagne now and again, but it seemed Adam had only provided vodka, beer, whiskey, rum ... well, every form of alcohol that she found rather repulsive. Ruth sipped her orange juice patiently and watched the drama unfold.
Ros had collapsed in a heap on the sofa with a rum and coke that seemed to be lacking coke entirely. She sniffed the glass warily before downing it anyway. Ros hadn't had too many to drink tonight, instead more eager to pass amused judgement on others. She glanced over at Adam, who was laughing properly, and couldn't help but feel content.
Jo was obviously giggly and having a good time, but again she was still fairly level headed. When she wasn't challenging Adam to an arm wrestle or singing karaoke with a very embarrassed Ruth, she was peering at Zaf.
Zaf was completely unaware of this - tonight he regarded himself as a committed social drinker. The party was fun, and he felt that drinking several bottles of beer would simply add to the experience.
Malcolm wasn't used to a party atmosphere but he felt very welcome; partly because Zaf kept trying to hug him, but also because it was friendly and easy. It made him ponder that life didn't have to always be so complex – just friends together celebrating was something he was able to see he was actually rather content with. He drank a single glass of whiskey with Harry and steered clear of the karaoke machine.
Harry, despite his sometimes grumpy nature, was fairly relaxed and amused by the party. He was a little tempted to give the karaoke a try, and was very happy with having a casual celebration. It was more in his comfort zone than a posh dinner with dull conversation and fake smiles with people towards whom he had no liking. Harry had a soft spot for his colleagues, really, even when they were drunk and pestering him to play Twister.
Adam felt a genuine grin upon his face. He'd give his life for his colleagues in a second, and yet tonight he could forget about the serious side and instead treasure the good times with these idiots who he truly appreciated.
...
It was ten minutes until midnight, and Zaf's sneaky, alcohol-addled mind was plotting away. He clambered off the floor and headed towards Ruth.
"Ruth, who are you kissing under the mistletoe?" he whispered, attempting to be discreet.
"What are you talking about Zaf?" she asked, concentrating on studying the carpet.
He leant closer, cupping a hand around his mouth and hissing in her ear. "Kiss Harry!"
"Don't be ridiculous," she snapped, more sad than angry. Zaf stuck out his bottom lip.
"Please," he groaned. "You know you want to really."
"I'll think about it," said Ruth honestly. Zaf gave her a thumbs up and strolled over to Harry.
"Hello boss. Who are you kissing at midnight?" Zaf asked brightly.
Harry raised an eyebrow. "Isn't that a New Year tradition, Mr Younis?"
Zaf shook his head. "No, it's Christmas Year, under the mistletoe when it's midnight."
"Right," said Harry, thoroughly amused. "And, no-one, to my knowledge." Zaf pointed at Ruth as subtly as he could and winked.
"You're out of control even without the alcohol, Zafar," Harry smiled, but he didn't say no. He rejoined Ruth at the breakfast bar, Zaf watching on with glee.
...
"Malcolm." Ros nodded as he plopped down beside her on the sofa. "Enjoying the party?"
"Oh yes, it is rather enjoyable," Malcolm said. "I must say it's a little later than I care to stay up, but I've decided to live a little more wildly." Ros couldn't help but smile.
"Glad you're having a good time," she said. He looked over at her.
"Aren't you?" he asked in a concerned manner.
"Of course," she smiled coolly.
"Rosalind," Malcolm tutted. "I know you well enough to know that that was a lie."
Ros sighed. "I do enjoy this sort of thing, secretly. And if you tell anyone I said that, Malcolm, I'll make sure no-one finds your body."
Malcolm chuckled. "That sounds more like the Ros I know."
"But when I go back to my house, I'll just be by myself again," she continued, but instantly regretted saying too much. "Sounds bloody pathetic, but..." For once, Ros was a little apprehensive.
"It sounds like you're a little lonely," said Malcolm. "One of the downsides to this profession. But I think maybe Adam feels the same way." He patted her knee and rose from the sofa. Ros smiled, thankful for the talk. Malcolm was a great guy who truly cared about people, and it wasn't often she'd admit to something as complimentary as that.
...
"Adam..." said Jo.
"Jooooooooo..." He dragged out her name and met her eyes.
"I... think I want to kiss Zaf under the mistletoe," she said carefully.
Adam slapped a hand on the breakfast bar. "I knew it! Ros owes me a tenner," he grinned.
"You were betting on us?!" Jo slapped Adam on the arm and stuck out her bottom lip. He held up his hands in defence.
"Well, maybe if you two had spent more time working and less time flirting we wouldn't have had to. Paperwork days get deadly dull," Adam informed her.
"Wait, Ros was involved in this? I thought she would run a mile at the sight of fun," Jo pondered.
"She's not the Wicked Witch of the West, Jo," Adam said defensively. Jo wondered if she'd hit a nerve and promptly changed the topic. "I think it's Harry and Ruth you should be betting on. Where are they?"
"Kitchen. Chatting to your new love-"
"Adam," she groaned. "What should I do? What if he doesn't want to..."
"Jo," said Adam simply, laying a hand on her shoulder. "He would, and not just because he seems to flirt with anything that has a pulse. He likes you." Adam playfully ruffled her hair and walked into the lounge.
...
Zaf was hovering near the clump of mistletoe above the doorframe, waiting avidly for Harry and Ruth to approach.
"Hey Zaf." Jo joined him.
"Hey, my favourite girl," he said with a smile. Jo looked at his face carefully and let herself believe that Adam might be right. Sure, he was flirtatious, but he seemed like he cared about her. Jo decided to risk it.
Zaf knew he was into Jo, even with the alcohol washing around his body. But he wasn't ready when she pulled his face to hers and locked their lips. She broke away, looking doubtful, and he couldn't help but laugh.
"You kissed me?" he cried, grinning.
"I know, it's-"Jo started to apologise, but Zaf had his hands behind her head and pulled her back. He had waited for this moment for too long.
"Woohoo!" Adam whistled across the room. Harry chuckled before turning to Ruth, planting a gentle kiss. Adam continued to egg them on. Ros glanced over and smiled, wishing she could pull her feet from the sofa and join him: and that maybe he would realise how she felt.
"Merry Christmas all," boomed Malcolm. "Now, I think it's about time I returned home. The crossword won't complete itself." He found his coat and headed for the door, but not before Zaf found him and insisted on a goodbye hug.
"Actually, I think it's about time I headed off too," said Harry. "Whilst you three will be nursing hangovers-"he gestured to Adam, Zaf and Jo-"some of us have to have a 9am meeting with the Secretary of State."
"If that isn't festive joy I don't know what is," heckled Adam.
Harry smiled. "Drink lots of coffee," he advised, downing the last drop of his whiskey and guiding Ruth out of the door.
...