[h2][center][color=aba000]KRISS MAUSER[/color][/center][/h2]
[center][i]LOCATION: CITY HALL[/i][/center]
[center][i]TIME: APPROX. 7:30 PM[/i][/center]

The last hour and a half had passed very, very slowly as Kriss sat quietly at a table and waited for Allison to arrive. He had fetched himself a glass of ice water just so he had something to look at. A few people nodded in his direction or commented on his uniform and badge. One or two even thanked him for being on hand. He had responded with a nod and monotone word of thanks each time. Someone had paused to ask him if he was alright, since he had been sitting alone staring at an empty glass, but he assured them he was fine. He couldn't resist a grimace as they left. Like they really cared. The alcohol had been flowing freely and already some were beginning to slur their speech and grip their chair to keep their balance. He ran over SOP for alcohol poisoning and concussions. If any of them made it on stage and attempted to dance, he would probably need to lend a hand. Maybe even apply a bandage or two. 

Speaking of bandages, the nearest trauma bag was out by the edge of the road. He wondered if it was appropriate to carry a first aid kit into a gala and place it on a chair. A quick glance around the room confirmed that many people here would be too drunk to care in the first place, and frankly it didn't bother him if they were offended at all. He was a paramedic. He could carry his kit with him if he wanted to. Mind made up, he stood and walked to the front door, where he nearly bumped into a woman in a dark floral dress.

[color=aba000]"Excuse me,"[/color] he muttered, sliding past and heading for the exit.

[color=9e0039]"Um, excuse [i]me[/i], Kriss,"[/color] he heard a familiar voice say over his shoulder. He turned and found himself facing Allison, though it wasn't the Allison he knew from the squad. Allison the EMT was a clumsy, cheery girl with a goofy sense of humor. The woman in front of him was prim and elegant, with just a hint of pride. She narrowed her shadowed eyes at him and unslung her purse, holding it in front of her in both hands so that the lights glinted off her silver bracelet. She was otherwise free of jewelry, but the air of power about her more than compensated. Her heels elevated her to eye level with him, and she lifted her chin with a frown of disapproval.

[color=9e0039]"It's rude to shove a lady aside,"[/color] she said sternly, moving one of her hands to her waist. For the first time, Kriss felt small near her. She may not have been physically taller or stronger, but she outclassed him ten to one. A long moment passed as he tried to find a proper response. She was silent, but her stare gave the firm impression that he was supposed to apologize.

[color=aba000]"I apologize."[/color]

The girl scowled, her eyes growing even colder. Kriss was suddenly concerned that she might physically attack him. He was on the verge of backing away when, to his total surprise, the scowl vanished and Allison threw her head back in laughter.

[color=9e0039]"You...you looked like you were going to pass out!"[/color] she said, giggling and placing a hand over her mouth. [color=9e0039]"Oh, Kriss, you should see the look on your face."[/color]

She laughed again, carefully wiping tears from the edges of her eyes and placing a hand against her stomach to try and compose herself. Her face burned red, slightly embarrassed at the scene she was creating.

[color=9e0039]"Honestly, Kriss, you take everything so seriously. Lighten up a little!"[/color]

The familiar smile was back, and the hand on her hip now made her look cocky rather than indignant. She tossed the purse back over her shoulder and looked around.

[color=9e0039]"Wow, this place is hopping. Sorry I'm late, I just was busy being an airhead. Did I miss anything important?"[/color]

Kriss blinked a few times, still trying to process what had just occurred. Allison made a face, then stepped closer and snapped a finger in front of his eyes.

[color=9e0039]"Hell-ooo, Earth to Kriss, is anyone in there?"[/color]

He shook his head, bringing himself back into focus. The color returned to his face, as did his look of irritation.

[color=aba000]"That was unkind."[/color]

[color=9e0039]"Yup. Totally worth it, though,"[/color] she chirped, grinning.

[color=aba000]"Snap will not be joining us tonight."[/color]

[color=9e0039]"Yeah, she texted me,"[/color] Allison replied, tapping her purse. [color=9e0039]"Oh hey, do you like my purse? I seriously almost drove off and left it in my bedroom. Pretty bad, huh?"[/color]

[color=aba000]"Yes."[/color]

[color=9e0039]"You're so mean,"[/color] she said flatly. [color=9e0039]"Which table is ours?"[/color]

He winced, then nodded in the direction of his seat, which was still empty.

[color=aba000]"I will be back in a moment,"[/color] he said, turning and vacating the building. Allison watched him leave, then spun around, flipping her hair back behind her shoulder, and strutted over to his place. Fortunately, the empty glass seemed to have scared away others, and she happily claimed an adjacent seat, setting her purse gently on the table and watching the faces go by.