A Date (Possibly) [for units_brigadier]

[dr_liz_shaw]

It had been a strange week - and it was unusual to use that word when there had been no invasions, crashes or emergencies, and the most catastrophic event had been a test tube boiling over on Friday.  But strange was, nevertheless, absolutely the right description.  After all, it wasn't every week one got locked in a cellar and emerged with a date.

Comments

[units_brigadier]

He didn't rush, much as part of his brain might have wanted to. He was curious about that particular train of thought. He never rushed - you planned ahead. There were times for improvisation, and others for careful, deliberate preparation.

But at the same time he wasn't sure why he was doing so. Strange and new things, really.

But he had carefully selected a suit - a gray one, why not - and carefully adjusted his tie and carefully made sure his shoes were spotless. And then he drove to her address. There was something in the back of his mind that was curious, though he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Was it nervousness? No, if it was, there was eagerness, too. Strange indeed.

He rang the bell, clearing his throat.

[dr_liz_shaw]

Perfectly on time. She wasn't surprised - he was, she suspected, always punctual - but it was gratifying nonetheless.

She stood, smoothing down her dress (longer, ironically, than she ever wore to work), and made it to the door in seconds, opening it without hesitation.

"Good evening," she said with a genuine smile, studying him curiously. "I must say, the out-of-uniform look suits you."

[units_brigadier]

"Ah, thank you. And you look lovely, naturally."

The way he said it, perhaps, might strike her as odd. Not dismissive, but casual. As if her appearance was universally just so.

He quieted for a second, looking about. "A quite nice place you have here as well, it seems." Which was, even as he said it, a rather foolish and awkward remark.

[dr_liz_shaw]

"Nice enough." She picked up her bag and coat from the table next to the door. "Not so useful while I'm not at Cambridge, but there are always the rooms at Headquarters."

He seemed a little off-balance. Not nervous, precisely, but then again not quite the cool, unruffled Brigadier she was used to seeing.

Odd how that made her feel pleased.

Dismissing the thought, she stepped outside, closing and locking the door. "Shall we?"