An Intangible Pattern - Fate Bound.

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"What on earth happened here?"

"Shut up!" She muttered, drew him into a one armed hug and kissed his cheek. He squeezed her affectionately, still hooting with laughter.

"You're off to a good start then, Wendy. God it's so good to see you."

"Hey! How come she gets a hug and I don't," complained Jess, placing a hand on her hip and pouting indignantly.

"I just saw you three days ago," he responded, hugging Alex tighter. "How can I miss you when I can't get rid of you."

"Oh you better hope I miss you." She jested, brandishing a fist.

Ronan appeared again and walked up beside Cat with a curious look on his face. She obligingly introduced him.

"Rob, this is your neighbor from across the hall, Ronan, he just got back from traveling."

"Hi!"

Rob raised his eyebrows, intrigued by the newcomer, "Hey, traveling huh? Sounds fun! Where did you go?"

"Here, there and everywhere really, I'm just back from visiting family in Japan."

"Oh nice, I've always wanted to go."

Alex hid her smile as she extracted herself from Rob's embrace. He had a gift for making friends and it always fascinated her to watch him chat to new people. She could see he was already working his magic on their new acquaintance.

They unloaded the car and rode up to the top floor in the elevator, chatting happily about travel recommendations and what it was like living in Japan. They walked to the end of the hall and Rob unlocked his door, letting them all troop past and deposit their bags on the table.

"What do you do for work then?" asked Jess.

"I'm a starving artist," joked Ronan. "I can pretty much take off when I please."

Cat scoffed, " Starving artist? You're being overly modest, he painted that one above the mantle."

"I always loved that painting ..." remarked Rob, admiring the elegant flowing lines that formed a man sleeping serenely in the shade of a tree, the canvas seemed dipped in warm, yellow sunlight. "... It feels like summer."

"Ah shucks, but do go on," Ronan laughed, a little flushed with embarrassment.

Rob grinned, "You will have to show me some more of your work sometime."

"Sure, once I get it out of storage, I'll invite you round." He walked towards the door, "It was great meeting you all, but I'll leave you to catch up.."

"Are you sure you won't stay for a beer?"

He smiled gratefully but politely declined, "That sounds good, but I really need to catch up on some sleep."

"Well, why don't you come round tomorrow and join us for new year. We're going to watch the fireworks from the roof terrace. You're more than welcome." urged Rob.

Ronan stopped at the door and gave him a cheerful grin, "Thanks, I think I'll take you up on that. Night all."

"Night," they chorused as he closed the door behind him.

"He seems nice," commented Alex.

"Ronan's lovely." Confirmed Cat, opening the fridge and emptying her shopping bag into it.

"You seemed to get on like a house on fire," Jess jabbed her brother in the ribs.

"Ouch, I get on with everyone!"

"Oh yeah? 'ooh I've always loved that one, let me come round so you can paint me like one of your french girls,'" she turned her back to him and wrapped her arms around her body, rubbing her hands on her back and making smooching noises to give the appearance of being kissed by someone else.