Chapter Text
Christofer Ibrahim stands near the back of the UNIT office space, sipping from a tea cup. It’s the way she walks around the space. Commanding, yet elegant. Ethereal even. Red nails, big brown eyes, perfectly combed blond hair. The soft taps of her kitten heels click against the concrete floor, salmon colored today. He’s noticed plenty of colors during his time standing in the back of this office, but she always ensures they match her pension for navy suits.
“Keep staring at her like that and she might think you have a crush.”
The woman’s words are jarring, but snap him from his daze, seeing the short statured redhead next to him, nudging him with her elbow to garner his attention. Christofer blushes slightly, not believing himself to be so obvious, “Ms. Bush, was there something I could assist you with?”
“Me? No.” Melanie Bush shakes her head, smirking, “but I would implore you to help yourself. Tell her how you feel about her.”
“I don’t know what you’re-”
“Don’t insult me by denying the obvious.” Mel shakes her head, turning from her desk and walking over to their ‘break’ area, making herself a cup of coffee. She’s amused, noticing that he’s walking with her to continue their conversation, “well?” When he appears confused, Mel continues, “why haven’t you said anything to her?”
“She’s...she’s my superior, ma’am.” Christofer shakes his head, “I could get in a great deal of trouble even for-” He pauses, visually nervous, “even for admiring.”
“Listen, when I was recruited by UNIT, you had better believe that I read the code of conduct cover to cover.” Mel begins, pouring the black coffee into a recyclable paper cup, “aside from a small section about not showing any public displays of affection while on the clock, there was nothing stating you couldn’t date a coworker, given that you would not allow that affection to disrupt your decision making skills or working capabilities.” Her words are given nonchalantly, as if not only has she read the code of conduct, but memorized it. “Honestly, you’re just lucky that it was me who noticed you and not Donna Noble, who would have not only called you out, but would have also asked Kate what she thought of you...probably to your face.”
Christofer nods a little, “her brass terrifies me at times, but I see how proud she is of Rose and it just...it’s sweet, really.”
“Don’t let her hear you say that.” Mel hums a chuckle to herself, adding the cream and sugar to her coffee, using a recyclable plastic stick to stir her concoction, “you know, I keep telling myself that I’ll bring in a mug and, every single day, I forget to grab it as I leave my flat.”
“Maybe try setting it near where you put your shoes or keys at night or maybe in your handbag before you go to bed.” Christofer shrugs, “just an idea.”
“Which I appreciate, but you’re changing the subject.” Mel raises her brow, finally bringing her coffee to her mouth, taking a moment to blow the top of the liquid before taking a sip. She sighs pleasantly after coating her vocal cords with the warm liquid, “wait until you’re both finished tonight. Kate might act as if she’s always on the clock, but...she has to go home at some point...and she might want to grab a drink or a bite to eat before she gets there. Catch my drift?”
Christofer starts to smile to himself before giving a slight nod, “thank you, Ms. Bush.”
“Please, for the love of god, it’s Mel. Just Mel. Don’t know how many times I’ve said it, especially to you.” Mel takes another sip of her coffee before placing it on the small table that held the coffee pot. She takes notice of the bowl of fruit, picking up a plum, “don’t watch me, practice what you’re going to say to her later.”
Pausing, Christofer swallows, looking back toward the office area. Kate stands near the Vlinx, leaning an arm against the base of his platform. He smiles to himself again, but only slightly, continuing to speak to Mel, “what if she...what if she wants to go straight home?”
“What if she doesn’t?” Mel shrugs, taking a bite into the fruit, giving herself a moment to chew before speaking again, “what if she agrees and has been waiting on you to say something?” She moves to stand next to him, “I’ve done my research on her, just to...know who I’m working for, and...she’s been alone for a long time. Her first child’s father was scum, took advantage of her naivete and abused her mentally and emotionally until she forced him to leave her be, living on a houseboat with their child. She made the right choice in never marrying that one. Second child’s father was a philandering drunk, left her high and dry, but she was just getting her footing here at U.N.I.T. with that one. Divorced him. On paper, in records, she hasn’t been with anyone since.”
“Why are you keeping tabs on her?” Christofer raises his brow, “seemingly very detailed tabs.”
“I have them on you as well, my dear, don’t worry.” Mel smirks, returning to her coffee and taking a seat at the small table in the space, “besides, I have clearance to read them. I find it all quite interesting, but I don’t let what I read cloud my opinion on others. Though with Kate...it made me respect her even more.”
Christofer nods a little, “I can see how it would do that.” He exhales, still in awe of the woman, “I’m too stupid for her. She deserves better, an intellectual equal, which sure isn’t me.”
“You think any of that matters to her?” Mel raises an eyebrow, taking another bite of her plum and a moment to chew, “think that matters to any woman?” When he doesn’t answer, she continues, “the only thing we truly care about is that our partner is respectful and cares deeply for us. Think you’re capable of that?”
“Seems like the bare minimum.” Christofer mumbles, but loud enough for her to hear.
“Because it is. Anything else you might add is just icing on the cake.” Mel continues, “also, she might be intrigued by your motorcycle. I reckon she has a pension for ‘bad boys’, though I doubt she’d ever admit that.” Another bite of the plum, she watches him, “get ahold of yourself, man, throw some water on your face. Just...don’t act as if she’s untouchable. Everyone deserves love.”
