AU } Maybe in another life, we wouldn't be alone tonight

[songofsong]

Saturdays were always big days, but today, well, it was even bigger.

The World Museum was open to the trawls of parents and children that flooded in every weekend, a spell of bad weather driving in an even bigger amount than normal. What also helped, was the fact that a new space exhibition had arrived on the science level, one that Melody Pond had been angling for some time, and today was the big opening.

It had taken a lot of hard work and a lot of money, but it was finally here, and Melody was practically bursting with excitement as she zoomed around the museum, making sure everything was going smoothly. She'd heard there might be some special guests making a visit later, the kind of special guest that could possibly see her head hunted. Therefore, everything had to be running perfectly.

Passing one of her colleagues, Melody stopped him with a hand on the arm, requesting in hopefully pleading voice that usually got her her own way.

"Malcolm, would you mind standing by for the 3D showing? Just make sure everything goes to plan? Thank you, sweetie."

He was all too happy to oblige, which was why Melody had asked him in particular, and she watched him go with knowing look, unable to feel much happier than she did in this moment. With her hands by her sides, she did a little spin on the spot before she bounced off to continue with her duties, nothing able to wipe the smile from her face.

Everything was going to plan.

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[songofsong]

And there it is.

She stands there, still holding the DVDs, and the empty space in front of her when she realises that two parts of her world are surely colliding. Parts that she had been trying to keep apart - as much as she wouldn't admit that to James.

Taking a deep breath, she turns around, fixing a smile on her face as she follows Laura through, setting the box set on the counter.

"No, actually," she says, but doesn't yet go any further. "This is James," she introduces, then indicating her friend. "James, this is Laura. A nightmare neighbour I can't get rid of."

[bowtimeandspace]

James seems utterly unfazed by the whole experience, and he certainly doesn't recall an ounce of the conversation that he was snapped from before Laura entered the house.

Laura, on the other hand, looks a tad confused. She glances between James and Melody, as if looking for some sort of explanation, brow lifted as she looks at her friend.

"It's my pleasure," he says to Laura with a slight wink, reaching his hand out to shake hers, which she duly does, no need to ask her twice.

[songofsong]

Melody hovers just besides Laura, watching as the two shake hands. She can already hear the questions forming on Laura's lips, but they're ones she'd rather not have to answer in front of James.

"Right, then," she says, clasping her hands together, as though something's about to happen. "Still on for Sunday, aren't we, Laura? I'll do a shop tomorrow, get some wine in."

It's her way of trying to get Laura to leave before those questions get spoken.

[bowtimeandspace]

"Sunday, right, yeah, of course," Laura is barely paying attention to her own words now, far more interested instead in the young man in her friend's kitchen.

Obviously a lot more interesting than anything else that might be going on.

Still, she can tell she's not wanted there, and so she grabs her friends arm, all but dragging her back towards the doorway.

"Who on earth is he then?"

[songofsong]

Melody gives James a small look, as if to warn him to keep quiet before she finds herself being pulled back towards the doorway, her friend interrogating in her ear.

"He's a friend, ok," mutters Melody, well aware that won't be believed, but coupled with the meaningful look, it means she'd rather talk about it later. They still trying to work out themselves who they really are to each other. "Now, come on, you," she says, when she can about see the questions ready to burst forth. "I'll see you on Sunday," she more or less orders, going to open the front door.

[bowtimeandspace]

Laura knows when she's not wanted. Not that that usually makes much difference, especially when there's something juicy. But still, she'll pressure her for all that later. For now, she'll leave as asked. So she ushers back out of the door, an eyebrow raised the whole time.

"You sly old thing, you," she leaves in passing before heading out.

Back in the lounge, James stands to one side, a little amused.

"Friend of yours?"