Hey everyone!
I've just returned from 2 weeks in relaxing Bali and have had plenty of time to write :) I've got quite a few stories on the go and as usual nothing serious and always overly dramatic haha. I wasn't going ti post this story next as it has a similar issue to the last story but I'm not quite happy with the others so here goes nothing...
Disclaimer: don't own them, didn't create them... if i did it would have ended a lot differently lol.
Ok well on with the show and as usual feedback is appreciated.
Letting Go
The Hammersley was preparing to dock for the day, Kate was standing on the deck taking some time out for herself. She was in a trance looking out over the bay, she loved the Navy and Hammersley but being in such close quarters for days on end could get a bit trying, especially with him. She took off her hat and let down her hair.
"X?"
She was deep in thought and didn't hear Dutchy call her name.
"Eeeeex? Earth to the XO?"
Kate snapped back to reality.
"Sorry Dutchy, what's up?"
Dutchy walked over and stood next to her looking out into the ocean.
"You ok X?"
Kate smiled to herself, if only he knew!
"Yeah, just glad to be home."
Dutchy patted her on the shoulder.
"Yeah I know what you mean! So we still on for the pub tonight?"
Kate didn't really want to go, she was tired and someone normally did 1 shot to many and it turned messy. On the other hand she wanted to try and be more approachable to the crew and who was she kidding it's not like she had a better offer.
Dutchy flashed his charming smile.
"C'mon I'll get first round."
Kate sighed and gave in.
"Ok! Strictly top shelf though right?"
Dutchy winked at her.
"Only the best for you X!"
Later that night at the Pub.
Kate walked in and scanned the pub for her crew, she spotted them standing around a few tables. Everyone was there except Mike. She walked over just as 2 Dads approached with a tray of shots.
"Let's do this!"
Kate waved her hands objecting to the shots.
"No, none for me thanks!"
2 Dads handed them out.
"C'mon X, how often do we have 2 weeks guaranteed leave cos the ship is in for maintenance? NEVER! Anyway scared you can't kick it with the cool kids?"
Kate didn't normally give into 2 Dads juvenile antics but she promised herself that she would try and be more sociable. She didn't want to be stuck in the same rut; work, thinking about Mike, home alone, angry at Mike. At least her crew mates liked her and invited her out. Her train of thought was interrupted by Bomber.
"Do the shot X, live a little!"
Bomber shoved the drink in her hand. Kate held it up and swallowed it like was her 18th birthday. She slammed down the glass and let out a "whoo!"
They crew were a bit shocked. 2Dads handed her another.
"Way to go X!"
Swain and Dutchy looked at each other. Kate hit them both on the arm.
"C'mon boys! Lighten up!"
A couple of hours later.
The crew were on their way to terrible hangovers. Kate stumbled over to Dutchy who was at the bar.
"You right X? How much have you had?"
2 Dads ran over.
"Ready for another round X?"
Dutchy turned to 2Dads.
"How many has she had?"
2Dads laughed.
"Only like 3 or 4! She's a lightweight!"
2Dads picked up the tray, Kate picked up a shot before he walked off with the tray, she was about to shot it when Dutch took it off her. She scrunched up her face.
"Hey! You're not the boss of me!"
"No, but you're the boss of me and I'm sure in the morning you will be mad that I didn't take this from you!"
Kate rolled her eyes.
'Fun police!"
Dutchy put the shot down on the bar and turned around. Kate quickly took the shot and smiled at Dutchy, she put her arm around him.
"You know, I used to be this fun all the time!"
Dutchy smiled at her.
"Aww come on you're still fun."
Kate wagged her finger in Dutchy's face
"Nup... It's all his fault!"
Dutchy was surprised that Kate was being so open, although he's never seen her this drunk before. She was normally very private and the last person he assumed that would let a guy stuff her around.
"Yeah, we can be a bit crap sometimes!"
Kate swallowed another shot and leant on the bar.
"Before I fell in love I was easy going but since my heart was broken into teeny tiny pieces I just concentrated on becoming the best at my job. I could control that."
Dutchy looked confused. He didn't want to take advantage of her drunken rant but he was now intrigued.
"Why didn't it work?"
Kate looked around to see if anyone was nearby. She leaned in and whispered.
"Cos he's in the Navy! Shhhh! And I can't break the rules. Nope, not perfect little me!
She giggled and went to sit down, missing the chair. Dutchy caught her before she hit the floor. He felt guilty that he had asked, she could get into real trouble and her reputation would be ruined.
"C'mon X, I think we should get you home!"
Kate held onto the bar
"But I don't wanna!"
Dutchy sobered up quickly, his protectiveness kicked in. He picked her up and escorted her out the bar before she told anyone else her story.
Kate's house
Dutchy carried her up the stairs.
"Put me down Dutchy I'm no princess!"
She started beating on his back
"I'm just tucking you in X"
He placed her on the bed; she snuggled into the pillow and closed her eyes. She put out her hand looking for Dutchy; he sat down on the edge of the bed.
"What's wrong with me Dylan? Why doesn't he love me?"
Dutchy looked at Kate, she looked so vulnerable. He brushed the hair away from her face. She grabbed his arm and pulled him in.
"Stay with me Dylan"
Dutchy tried to pull away.
"Kate, that's not a good idea for so many reasons!"
Kate looked up at Dutchy. He couldn't resist the sad look in her eyes.
"Please? Just lay with me. I don't wanna be alone"
Dutchy sighed. He knew it was a bad idea but she was so sad. He wanted to be there for her.
"You better remember in the morning that you invited me to stay!"
Dutchy climbed into bed. Kate pulled his arms over her and held them tight; he was in a full embrace with her. He put his head on the pillow and tried to ignore the consequences he would face in the morning.
The next morning
Kate began to stir, her head pounding. Something was poking her in her back. She opened her eyes and saw the arms wrapped around her. She jolted up and screamed. Dutchy leapt out of the bed.
"Dutchy! What the hell?!"
She looked at Dutchy, he was in his boxers. Her eyes quickly diverted away, she threw a pillow at him.
"Cover it!"
Dutchy turned bright red and grabbed the pillow and put it in front of him.
"Kate, I can't control it!"
Dutchy had a huge smirk on his face. Kate rubbed her face and shook her head trying to remember the previous night's events
"Umm we didn't..?"
Dutchy ran over to Kate's side of the bed
"No, nothing like that! You.. "
He stopped mid sentence, he was mildly offended. Kate sat back on the bed.
"Ugh, what happened last night!? My head!"
"You tried to keep up with 2 Dads and I brought you home before you got yourself into trouble"
Kate winced.
"What happened?"
Dutch looked at his feet trying to stall.
"Dutchy!"
She playfully hit him on the arm, the movement made her head throb.
"You we're talking about an ex, how he hurt you badly and how he was in...the navy."
Kate put a pillow over her face and slumped back on the head board of the bed.
"Oh god! Dutchy you need to understand, wait who heard this?
Dutchy put his arm around her
"Just me, I took you home in time"
There was a knock on the front door, they looked at each other and ran downstairs. A voice called out.
"X?"
Mike tired the door handle, it was open. He walked in to the house and watched as Kate and Dutchy stopped half way down the stairs. They were obviously just out of bed. He stood there shocked; Kate and Dutchy looked at each other, they started trying explain the situation at the same time. Mike raised his hand to stop them.
"Wait! One at a time, X, this better be good!"
Kate ran down the rest of the stairs trying to straighten herself out.
"Boss, Dutchy brought me home last night as I umm had a bit too much to drink. I asked him to stay"
Mike glared at Dutchy.
"A word outside Petty Officer"
They walked outside and closed the door. Kate leant up against the door like a child in trouble, attempting to hear the conversation. Mike was angry.
"What the hell do you think you were doing Dutchy?"
Dutchy knew he hadn't done anything wrong, he didn't want to be disrespectful towards the Boss but Mike was the one out of line. He should know that he would never do anything to hurt Kate and was insulted that he was implying that he took advantage of her.
"She was upset! She was talking about her ex."
Mike's expression changed from mad to concerned.
"Ahh, what do you mean?"
Dutchy wondered if he should continue, but he needed to explain what had happened.
"She was hurt, saying he broke her heart."
Kate couldn't let Mike hear anymore of this, she flung open the door.
"Nothing happened! Don't treat Dutchy like he took advantage of me, he would never do that!"
They stood there in silence for a minute. Kate stepped in between Dutchy and Mike, she wanted, needed to change the subject.
"What are you doing here anyway?"
Mike took out his phone
"You messaged me last night, seeing if I wanted to get a coffee today."
Mike showed her his phone. Dutchy sensed the awkwardness.
"I'm ah gonna go now! I'll leave you 2 to sort this out. I'l come back later and get my stuff..."
Kate walked back inside, Mike attempted to follow.
"Kate, what is going on?!"
Kate sat on the couch, Mike remained standing.
"Kate, I can't believe you would be so irresponsible"
Kate stood up.
"Don't give me a lecture, we haven't done anything wrong!"
Kate was frustrated, he had no right to lecture her about the difference between right and wrong, especially when it's to do with her private life.
"What's this about Mike? Do you think I would really sleep with Dutchy?!"
Mike put his defences up. He didn't know if he was angrier about Dutchy staying over or that he may still have feelings for her.
"I dunno! I feel like I don't even know you! I can't believe you discuss us with him!"
Kate couldn't believe her ears, he was acting superior, like he was a shining example.
"Hold one minute, you ended it! This was your choice and you're telling me I can't be sad!"
Their voices were getting louder.
"No Kate, you ended it remember! I went to Feet Command and stated my case!"
Kate stomped her foot.
"Yeah you threatened to quit! That was stupid! I wasn't gonna let you do that! You didn't need to go that extreme!"
The tension was unbearable; Mike didn't know if he wanted to slap her or kiss her, he went for option B. He reached out and pulled Kate in for a passionate kiss, she immediately pulled back.
"Mike! What are you doing! You can't do this! You can't suck me back in! Why can't you just let me move on?"
Mike didn't assume she still had feelings for him.
"Kate... I want you to be happy"
Kate started pacing.
"Mike you were clearly jealous of Jim, yet you didn't want to be with me. You can't have it both ways!"
Mike didn't know what to say. She was half right, he did want to be with her but he was also protecting her.
"Kate, look me in the eyes and tell me there's nothing between us"
Kate stopped, she knew for her own good she needed to let him go, let them go.
"Mike, there will never be anything between us..."
Mike walked out without saying anything. Kate collapsed in a heap on the floor.
Mike was standing outside. He wanted to go back in. Hold her, comfort her but he couldn't. They had hurt each other too much, there was no going back.
A few hours later Dutchy returned for the rest of his stuff, he knocked on the door.
"Kate, it's Dutchy..."
He opened the door, I was dark, he turned on the light and walked into the lounge room. He found her on the couch huddled in a blanket, her eyes red from crying. He rushed to her side.
"Kate, are you ok?"
Kate looked up at him.
"Can you just sit with me?"
He sat down next to her. She positioned her head in his lap and he stroked her hair. They sat there for what felt like hours. Kate eventually moved and turned around facing up toward Dutchy.
"Do you wanna talk about it?"
Kate shook her head
"It's over. Truly over"
Dutchy sat there with a million questions in his head. Was the mystery man the boss? How long? When? What happened?
Kate fell asleep and Duchy tried to get himself comfy but his mind wouldn't shut off.
The next morning
Dutchy awoke on the couch, he was covered with a blanket. He could smell bacon, he got up and made his way to the kitchen. Kate was at the stove making breakfast; she turned and smiled at him.
"Morning!"
Dutchy was bit confused, last night she was a mess and this morning she was totally together.
"Ahh morning X... how you are you feel..."
Kate interrupted; she didn't want to talk about last night or any of it for that matter.
"How do you like your eggs?"
Dutchy didn't push any further, she seemed happier so he dropped it.
"Ahh whatever is easier..."
Dutchy sat down at the table and watched Kate cook, he had never really imagined her domesticated, he was seeing a totally different side to her. Kate brought over a plate and placed it in front of Dutchy, he smiled and looked up at her.
"What?"
He shook his head and stopped his train of thought.
"Nothing! You really didn't have to go to all this trouble Kate."
Kate sat down next to him.
"It's fine! A thank you for dealing with me last night... I can't believe you had to see me like that!"
Dutchy scoffed down the food.
"You know Kate it's actually made me like you more if that's possible!"
Kate blushed she looked at Dutchy, he was a good guy, well to her anyway. She didn't really approve of his lady friends and the persona that he presented to some people but she felt he was different with her.
"Dutchy, can I ask you something?"
Dutchy put his fork down and nudged her.
"Oh don't be so serious X!"
Kate picked up a piece of bacon and avoided eye contact.
"What's with all the girls and the convertibles? "
Dutchy laughed, it wasn't the question he was expecting.
"I dunno, why not?"
Kate put her hand on his arm.
"Don't you want a family, settle down?"
Dutchy looked at her hand on his arm and smiled.
"A good woman is hard to find X, I want someone who is independent yet still needs me. Who understands my job, who understands me!"
Kate looked into Dutchy's eyes and frowned.
"What is there to understand about you? You don't seem that complicated? I mean you can come off a bit... hmmm"
Dutchy shot her a look.
"A bit what?"
Kate tried to think of a word that wasn't insulting.
"Full on? No... errr I dunno you're a tough guy Dutchy, but I can see you have a sensitive side."
Dutchy looked hurt, did she really think he was a dick? His defences went up.
"Oh Thanks X, I'm a mystery wrapped in riddle surrounded by enigma!
Kate shook her head and laughed, she didn't know why he was getting so defensive.
"No, I mean you're a good looking guy who has a manly job. Maybe you shouldn't pick these girls who just like what you look like and what you do..."
Dutchy raised an eyebrow.
"Are you calling me shallow X?"
Kate looked embarrassed.
"Hmm not exactly but c'mon how many times have you rocked up at the ship in a convertible and more than one leggy model?"
Dutchy laughed.
"Didn't realize you were counting X"
Kate blushed.
"I'm not!"
Dutchy was deep in thought.
"Ok then! You're my new wing woman! Next time we go out you can choose someone for me!"
Kate shook her head.
"Oh no Dutchy, I can't do that!"
Dutchy continued to stuff his face.
"Why not? You're the best person for the job and you won't think with what's down there."
Kate sighed and gave in.
"Ok, your funeral..."
Dutchy went to hi 5 her. Kate shook her head
"I'm not hi five-ing that!
Dutchy flashed a cheesy smile.
"C'mon, don't leave me hanging X!"
Kate reluctantly hi 5-ed him.
"Yes! Ok so tonight! We're going out tonight!"
Kate nearly choked on her bacon.
"No! I can't drink anymore!"
Dutchy skulled his juice.
"Good! Designated driver too!"
Dutchy got up to leave, she stood in objection.
"You can't get wasted either! You need bring your a-game!"
Dutchy turned around lifted up his shirt and flexed his muscles
"X, I've always got game! YOU asked ME to bed remember!"
Kate's jaw dropped, she threw a piece of toast at him. He caught it and took a bite out of it.
"Thanks, I'll see you at 9."