Chapter 6: Sullivan's

Don was pacing and kept looking at the door every few minutes. Where on earth was she? It was now more towards 9 than 8 and although she had said she was coming, he still hadn't seen her. Maybe she got freaked about their relationship, the bombing or maybe meeting his friends he thought to himself. The rest of the group, who were now all assembled, Lindsay, Danny, Stella, Hawkes, and Mac and, even Sid who had ventured out, were watching Flack.

"Man she will show, maybe you should ring her again or something" that was Danny

"Does she know where Sullivan's is?" that was Stella who was becoming worried that Flack would be left heartbroken if she stood him up.

While they were all wondering where she was, Kate was frantically running down 10 flights of stairs at the FBI building. The lift had broken and she had only just finished interrogating suspects. Plus she had effected a quick change in the locker room so that she was now wearing black tailored pants and a long-sleeve top covering up the large cut on her arm. Flack and his friends didn't need to see that, she rationalised.

20 minutes later, she opened the door to Sullivan's. As she walked in she immediately saw Flack sitting at the table surrounded by people. He was staring at the door obviously waiting for her. Her stomach did a little somersault, this wasn't a good start to the evening or a great way to be introduced to his friends whom all seemed to be at the exact same place tonight. As she made her way to the table - Flack stood up and walked to her.

Before he could speak she started apologising

"Don, I am really sorry but work got really crazy and I only just finished"

"I tried ringing you a lot" he emphasised. A hint of annoyance in his voice.

As she looked at her phone she noticed she had turned it off when she was in the interrogation room.

"Sorry I had it turned off while I was interviewing people". She said with sadness in her voice. Flack dropped his eyes to meet hers.

"It's ok sweety, i was starting to get a little worried that something had happened to you or you had changed your mind about everything"

She looked at him confused "I'm fine and what would I have changed my mind about?" She wants to ignore it, he thought to himself so he let her

"Well anyway it's about time I introduced you to everyone. They have been waiting".

Great Kate thought to herself, not a good start to meeting them.

As Flack made the rounds and introduced her to everyone. Danny and Lindsay looked at her quite gruffly. They obviously thought she was a flake who was going to hurt their friend. Being more than an hour late didn't help that situation. Although Sid and Mac were really friendly. Sid, she suspected, was a little bit on the weird side.

As Flack continued around the table she immediately recognised the tall dark man whom she thought she remembered as Sheldon and the older lady with curls who she thought was Stella or something similar. She had met them at the warehouse. They were the CSI's attached to the case.

'And Kate" Flack continued "This is Sheldon Hawkes and Stella Bonasera"

"Yeah we know" they all replied at once

Hawkes spoke next 'How's the arm? It looked a little nasty"

"Huh, how do you know each other?" Flack asked cutting over Sheldon and Kate's conversation quite urgently. And what was Sheldon talking about her arm for?

Stella clarified for Flack "Kate was the FBI agent we liaised with today at the drug bust on the docks although she looks quite different with more clothes on..."

"What" he looked at Kate "I didn't realise you were at the bust, you didn't tell me and where were you hurt? and why were you not wearing clothes?" he urgently said. He was now really confused and had way more questions than answers.

Kate calmly replied, "I didn't want you to worry plus I couldn't really say anything to anyone and I got slashed in the arm with a knife but other than that I am fine Flack, really. Five stitches later and I'm all good. And I was wearing skimpy clothes because I was the bait".

By this stage the rest of the table had looked up at her with the same expression of what the? She's an FBI agent.

"What, Flack you didn't tell us she was an FBI agent." Danny directed at Flack before turning back to Kate "You don't look like an FBI agent".

Flack hadn't paid much attention to Danny and instead turned to Kate and lifted up the sleeve of her shirt to check that she was in fact ok. Kate turned to look at him while the rest of the table talked amongst themselves a little.

"Are you sure you're ok? You could have cancelled if you weren't feeling feel". Kate smiled at Flack as he continued to rub the area under where the bandage was. Truth be told he was a little annoyed that she hadn't told him what was happening.

"I am absolutely fine Don. Seriously it's not the worse injury I have ever had ok? I just can't drink any alcohol tonight because of the painkiller's other than that I am the same Kate as this morning". As she finished her reply she leaned up and kissed him quickly on the lips and gave him a little hug. She wasn't into really big displays of public affection. She just wanted to assure him that she was fine.

"Ok sweety, just next time please tell me. I don't want to find out from someone else ok?" "Ok, deal".

Danny piped up "I don't know about you but I'm here to drink so let's drink. Flack it's your turn to shout. Plus don't hog Kate. I want to grill her". Danny and Lindsay had considerably thawed towards her when they realised she wasn't late because of some trivial little thing.

"Yes sir" Flack sarcastically replied "everyone having the same thing as before?" There was a general murmur from the crowd before he leaned back towards Kate and asked what she wanted "a lemonade please". Flack was still a little distant from her. He was obviously still annoyed that she hadn't told him about her being apart of the drug bust. "I'll help you' she said but Sheldon cut her off 'Nah, you sit and get to know everyone I will help Flack". "Thanks Sheldon" she replied with a smile. She really liked him. As they walked to the bar, Danny interjected "So Kate, besides being a Fed, tell us about yourself. Flack was a little vague on the details"

Kate laughed at the way Danny had crossed his arms in front of himself and was looking at her.

"Ok well I'm originally from Australia, am 24, no pets, no children, worked for the FBI for about 4 years now, and have only been in New York for about 2 months". That was pretty much her life in a nutshell.

"How are you liking New York?" Mac asked her.

"Um it took a little to get used to coming from Quantico which is so much quieter. I'm always amazed that there's something happening where ever you turn. I'm really enjoying it though. I haven't had a chance to look at all the landmarks yet and do some of the touristy stuff I want to but I don't think I will be moving in a while so I will get there eventually"

"Arhh yes, I met the loveliest girl at the Statue of Liberty. She was so rounded and..." Stella interrupted before Sid could finish what no doubt would be a very bizarre story. Kate shook her head. She was right - Sid was weird.

"So Kate, how did you and our lovely Flack meet? I don't remember anything about the FBI working with the NYPD on a case"

Kate smiled "actually we live in the same building. Don's apartment is right above mine and well first we collided in the lobby and then the same day our mail got mixed up. It's quite funny really, when I went up to Flack's apartment to drop his letter off I thought I had the wrong apartment. I was expecting a donut eating slob." Just then Flack returned from getting the drinks.

As Flack finished relaying the drinks order to the barman Sheldon spoke. "She seems really nice Flack, no wonder you've fallen for her"

"Yeah she is Sheldon. I haven't really felt like this in a long time" Something was bothering him though "Sheldon, why do you think she didn't tell me about the raid and being injured?"

Sheldon smiled and shook his head. For a detective, Flack could be daft sometimes "Flack man, I think she just didn't want you to worry. It has nothing to do with trust or anything like that. We always try to protect those we care about, its second nature. Anyway she really seems fine - when I saw her today she didn't seem in a lot pain or anything like that".

Flack looked back at the table. She seemed to be fitting in with everyone. It always struck him how she seemed to have this presence around her. She seemed to be able to command the attention of anyone around her without trying at all.

"Ouch. I much prefer cream cakes thank you sweety" Flack replied returning to the table

The table laughed. "Well in my defense you thought my boyfriend" Kate emphasised in air quotes "was the FBI agent until you saw my badge and gun and realised it was me"

Flack put his arm around her "Well honey, if I knew pretty chicks like you were working for the FBI I would have signed up years ago." he finished kissing her on the temple.

Danny groaned "You are such a suck-up Flack. Once you have the girl you don't need to grovel anymore"

Lindsay laughed "Hence why you can't keep a girl Danny. I think its sweet Flack".

The table laughed again at the hurt puppy dog look on Danny's face. Kate was having a great time meeting Flack's friends. They were truly a great bunch.

"I am just glad I have someone else to pick on for where they come from other than Montana here" Danny continued draping an arm around Lindsay "although Kate you don't really seem to have any accent at all". The table nodded. It was true. If she hadn't said she was from Australia they wouldn't have picked it.

"I did a lot of undercover type work where you really don't want to make yourself conspicuous. I have a fairly convincing English accent as well" Kate finished in a perfect pommy accent. Mac was impressed. It sounded exactly like Peyton.

"Undercover, you're definitely not a 'my little pony' type girl are you?" Mac interjected. "Little pony my arse" Flack said "you should see the bruise on my arse from where I came up behind her and scared her. She judo threw me". Kate blushed again. The rest of the table were both gobsmacked and in awe. They all laughed about Flack being beaten up by a girl. Danny thought it was particularly hilarious.

"Donald, you are going to have to watch this one" Sid said winking at Flack, only just coming out of his daydream about the girl from the Statue of Liberty

"Nah Doc, I think I have her covered - my charm can stop the best of them" he said flashing Kate a cheeky grin. She grinned back. "Keep telling yourself that Casanova". They shared a sweet little kiss. The team all smiled at the two love birds in there own little world.

"Ahh that's adorable... now Kate come sit here. We have some very embarrassing stories about Flack that we must tell you about" Stella said. Kate laughed and went and sat between Lindsay and Stella, while Flack groaned and sat down next to Danny.

Flack looked across the table; the three women seemed to be laughing uncontrollably and getting on like a house on fire. Kate looked like she was having a really good time. Danny bumped Flack on the shoulder to get his attention 'Flack, Kate seems really nice. She's pretty as well man". This was Danny's way of showing his approval.

"Yeah she is man. Anyway what's going on with you and Linds?" Danny shrugged and half-groaned

"Honest to god, I have no idea. I'm giving her space and waiting for her to come to me but don't think that's going to happen anytime soon".

Flack felt sorry for Danny. He really cared about her and it was hard for him not to make a move.

"Danny, it's amazing what can happen when you least expect it. Just give it time. Linds cares about you. Everyone can see that."

"Hey Flack" a very tipsy and giggling Stella yelled across the table "remember that time the call girl with the spray on stockings came onto you. Shouldn't seen your face"

Flack blushed "If I remember rightly dear Stell, she tried feeling your leg up".

Kate laughed "At least she must have been high class - spray on stockings are really expensive. Make your legs look great though".

Everyone turned and looked at Kate. She blushed. It had just kinda come out.

"Kate sweety, how on earth do you know that?" Flack asked intrigued.

"What no, not like that - I've been undercover at a few clubs" Kate finished quite succinctly. Not really wanting to elaborate about her job.

Lindsay spoke next, she too a little giggly "Is pole dancing hard? I've always wanted to try it"

"Well Hello Miss Monroe" Danny said a bit too keenly to Lindsay.

Lindsay stuttered a little embarrassed "Get your mind out of the gutter Danny, and anyway strippers have the best bodies"

Kate answered Lindsay's question "It's bloody hard especially in heels. I bruised by arse falling off the thing so many times. It's true though. Great for toning muscles you never knew existed. You should come with me; I take a class every Monday night at my local gym. It's actually really fun".

"What you can take stripper lessons? I need the name of this gym" Danny said,

"Interested in learning our we Danny?" Lindsay retorted.

Everyone laughed as Danny bumbled trying to explain what he meant.

Just then Avril Lavigne's new song Girlfriend came on. The three girls looked at each other and squealed a little before linking hands and skipping to the dance floor. All the men at the table watched them dancing like psycho's, laughing at nearly everything. It was weird to see Kate being so carefree when even though she was usually happy she always seemed to have something on her mind. Flack guessed it was because of her job and always being surrounded by men didn't lend itself to doing really girly things. He loved seeing her smiling and so innocent and carefree. After the song finished the three of them returned back to the table completely out of breath. When she sat back down Kate found herself sitting next to Sheldon. Sheldon leaned over to her "Feeling ok? Arm not hurting?" Kate smiled back at Sheldon,

"It's ok. Hurts a little but nothing I can't handle". Kate remembered Flack telling her that Sheldon was a doctor, then ME before becoming a CSI.

"Don told me you were/are a doctor. Do you miss it?"

"Nah not really. I mean I got sick of watching people die knowing there was nothing I could do. Then well being an ME I had to figure out how people died and I felt completely useless. I'm happy being a CSI - at least I can now do something for them - help find out who did it"

Kate smiled at Sheldon again. He was really caring. She felt instantly comfortable with him.

"Yeah I understand. I mean I did a stint back at the BAU and even though it was good finding the killer before they struck again at the same time when you couldn't and they continued killing it was the worse feeling. Like you had let the victims and their families down. At least with organised crime I am trying to prevent stuff happening in the first place. Doesn't always happen that way but still feels more proactive."

Sheldon nodded. "A profiler. Better watch what I say and do"

Kate laughed "Nah - Sheldon your really easy to read - your so open and honest. Danny and Lindsay on the other hand" Kate lowered her voice "What's going on between them?"

Sheldon laughed, Kate who had known them for 2 hours had noticed there was something between them. "Don't really know. Both like each other but just don't seem to be able to get it together".

"Oh - I actually thought they might be together already and had had a fight or something". It was true. Kate thought they were trying to hard too act like they weren't together but then again she had only met them a couple of hours ago.

Sheldon shook his head "I wish they would finally get together. Someone needs to bang there heads together." They nodded in understanding.

"Thanks Danny" Kate said as Danny handed her a drink. Again lemonade.

"Your welcome Kate" Danny replied sitting down next to her. They hadn't got to talk much during the night. Kate looked across the table Stella had draped herself over Mac who was laughing at something she was saying while Flack was in conversation with Lindsay. Sid was talking animatedly to Sheldon.

"Are you having a good time meeting everyone?" Danny asked her.

"Yeah I am Danny. Everyone is really nice. I can tell why Don loves you guys so much"

"We love him too. He's a good guy. He always has your back no matter what". Kate nodded

"Yeah I know" she said glancing over at him "I have to admit I was a bit worried about meeting you all purely for that reason. Flack's friends mean so much to him"

"You mean a lot to him as well Kate. I mean I have known Flack since we were at the academy and I have never seen him look at someone the way he does you"

Kate smiled. "I care a lot about him too Danny". Danny satisfied that his best friend wasn't about to have his heart ripped out, kissed Kate on the temple in a purely friendly gesture.

Feeling really comfortable with Danny now, Kate nudged him "How long have you and Lindsay been together?"

"2 months" Danny replied without thinking realising what he said his eyes widened and he started bumbling trying to cover what he said. Kate touched his arm

"It's ok Danny. No-one else know's. It was just a hunch that's all."

Danny laughed.

"Is it that obvious?"

"Everyone knows you like each other but Danny I do have a degree in psychology, am trained as a profiler and know a thing for two about keeping office romances a secret. You kinda didn't stand a chance"

They both laughed a bit more. "Why don't you tell everyone?" Kate asked curiously.

"We really don't want to ruin anything. This way we can take it slow and get to know each other without the pressure of everyone watching us"

"I understand. I won't say anything. It's your business and it's up to you two to tell everyone when you are ready and comfortable".

"Bit like you are letting Flack, hey?" Danny asked

"Letting Flack do what?" Kate was a little confused.

Danny clarified "I mean, I accidentally said about Flack being hurt and having scars and stuff but you haven't said to him that you know"

"Yeah kinda. I want him to tell me when he feels comfortable enough. I don't want him to feel pressured into anything. Plus I mean there's things he doesn't know about me and I would rather have the opportunity to tell him when I feel ready rather than being pressured into to it? Yah know what I mean?"

"Yeah I do".

"Hey you two are you talking about me?" Flack asked coming up behind the two. He had noticed they were talking quite closely and seriously to each other. He hoped Danny didn't make good on his offer to grill her.

'Honey if that head of yours gets any bigger, its doing to need its own postcode" Kate joked.

"Ouch that hurts Katie girl' he said leaning over her shoulder kissing her all over her face tickling her in the process. Just then a slower song came on," Want to dance?" Flack whispered into her ear. She nodded and moved toward the dance floor with Flack resting his hand on her lower back. Even though it made little sparks up her spine, she was instantly comfortable under his touch.

At midnight Flack noticed Kate slowly getting quieter and walked behind her and whispered into her ear making her shiver "'Hey you look tired. Do you want to go home?"

She nodded her head. "I can drive home myself if you want. You can stay and take a taxi later". The rest of the group seemed to be going strong although Stella looked like she would pass out any second. Lindsay was giggling at absolutely everything now and Kate noticed that Danny was keeping a very close eye on her.

"Nah I'm ok, I'm happy to go home now" truth be told he was beat also and he wanted to spend some time alone with Kate. He hadn't really got the chance during the night.

"Ok well we better say goodbye to everyone" Kate replied. After they made their goodbyes to everyone (she promised to ring Stella about going shopping and Hawkes whispered that if she needed anything for her arm to come and see him, Danny and Lindsay both told her that they thought her and Flack were good for each other, Sid again said how much she reminded him of his mother and Mac kissed her cheek and told her to drop in and see him some time) the happy couple finally made their way to the car.