Kate shook her head, trying to focus as she stared at the report she had been examining for the last hour. She flipped through the manual beside her, eyes darting between the folders as her finger ran down the page, jotting down the required information. She wrapped her other hand distractedly around her coffee cup, lifting it to her lips before grimacing as the foul tasted liquid splashed across her tongue. She forced herself to swallow before narrowing her eyes at the cup. She peered at the liquid and felt a frown crease her features. Yep she had definitely left the cup sitting there too long. Funny though, she had not thought that much time had passed.
"X"
She jumped, startled at the sudden utterance of her name, instantly whipping her head around in the direction of the voice. She gave a nod in acknowledgment as the CO approached her, steps echoing in the deserted corridor.
"Sir" she greeted, surprised when he gracefully slid into the booth across from her. She noticed the small twinkle of amusement in his eye and she cursed inwardly, hating that she had been caught unaware. She bit her tongue in irritation as she met his gaze, waiting for him to speak.
"Is this a late finish or an early start?" he questioned as he leant casually against the seat, his demeanor open, friendly. The slight tilt of his head, however, indicated it was more than simple curiosity.
Kate felt herself frown in response, recognizing a hint of concern in his eyes and she shook her head in puzzlement "Sir?" she enquired, not quite understanding what he was asking.
"It's only 300 hours" he stated, as he leaned forward, glimpsing at what she had been working "Logistic reports" he stated with a frown "Kate those aren't due for another five days" he stated knowingly, his own frown creasing his features.
"Just trying to get a head start sir," she replied passively, her tone distant and professional as she turned her eyes back to the report, picking up her pen. She bit her lip to keep from sighing as she diverted her attention back towards him "Is there anything else I can do for you?" she asked when he made no motion to leave.
"Yes there is," he stated an air of authority in his voice as he leaned over, flicking her manual closed as he met here eye "Go to bed" he stated, grabbing the book from her as he began to rise. He saw her open her mouth to protest and he shook his head cutting her off, "I need my XO wide eyed and efficient tomorrow morning. These reports are not your priority tonight," he stated, knowing his only chance was to make it sound that it was in the crew's welfare.
He strained against the triumphant smile that threatened his lips as he watched her sigh, slowing rising from the table, grabbing her coffee cup as she did so.
"Could I at least have the folder bac-" she started, reaching out but he shook his head turning from her, making his way back to his own cabin "Goodnight X" he called over his shoulder and he heard her grumble something in return, her footsteps fading as she headed down the corridor.
Kate flicked open her eyes, turning to glance at her watch propped up near her rack. She stared menacingly at the hands, hoping her glare would force a noticeable movement. She sighed in defeat when the watch continued to ignore her, throwing it against the covers in frustration. Usually she was a methodic sleeper; lay down, close eyes, open eyes, grab watch, watch reads six hundred hours, get up, start day. Lately, however, her watch seemed to have boycotted the number six, stopping at the less wanted numbers of one, two or three. She rubbed her hands against her face tiredly, as she tossed off her covers, planting her feet on the cold floor as she rose. It was just past five hundred hours and she had officially dubbed it "close enough" to warrant getting dressed. She readied herself quietly, knowing Nav was still asleep above her, before heading out into the corridor and towards the galley.
Bomber gave her a sudden look of surprise when she entered the galley, eyes darting to the clock questioningly before turning back to her. "Good morning Mam" she greeted as she continued her daily preparations, washing out the sinks, readying them for use "Where you after something?" she asked expectantly, not used to having her company in her kitchen at the early hour.
"Just the coffee" she answered, sidestepping Bomber as she made her way towards the cupboard, expecting to have to brew the first pot. Her hand was on the cupboard handle before Bomber's voice stopped her.
"Just brewed it should almost be finished," she supplied over her shoulder as she excused herself, the tin of slops from the previous day in her hands.
Kate gave a small nod in return, as she moved over to the corner, listening to the machine bubble as she waited for the coffee to finish. She drummed her fingers against the table impatiently as her mind mulled over the location of her confiscated manual. Probably the CO's cabin she thought as she contemplated her odds of receiving it back. Then, for the second time in less than twenty-four hours, she felt herself jump at the sound of his voice behind her.
"Morning X" he greeted, making his way over to her, leaning against the bench, casting a small smile. She gave a nod and a murmur in reply, her forehead creasing as he continued to stand by her side, offering no conversation.
"Can I help you with something sir?" she asked slightly puzzeled as he continued to lean against the counter silently.
He gave her a genuine smile as he raised his hand, showing her the white coffee mug he was holding before indicating to the machine "Coffee" he supplied and she gave a nod, an embarrassed smile tugging at her lips. "Right" she muttered self consciously, diverting her eyes back to the appliance, her need of coffee becoming dire.
"You know normally I'm the only one in here pestering Bomber for coffee at this hour," he commented, leaning against the bench as he turned to her, subtly taking note of her tired eyes as he attempted to keep the conversation light, remembering from experience that she became more volatile when tired. He felt a small smile grace his features at the old memories before shaking his head, expelling the thoughts from his brain. She was not his Kate, he reminded himself forcefully. Not anymore. Now she was his XO.
He watched in interest as her face clouded over before her eyes widened. She turned to face him an amused smile on her face as she indicated to the coffee "You're why Bomber has already brewed coffee at this hour" she alleged knowingly, a slight teasing in her voice.
"Bomber's a bright girl," he confirmed his lips turning upward in a grin as the coffee finally brewed. She reached out, but he was closer, snatching the hot pot just before her fingers could wrap around the handle. She threw him an irritated look and he could hear the string of profanities that had probably just sprung to her mind. He knew that rank, and only rank, was his saving grace from her onslaught. She remained silent, arms crossed, waiting impatiently for him to pour. The tapping of her foot the only indication of her annoyance.
He shook his head fondly as he reached over pouring her cup before placing his cup on the bench and pouring his own. She gave him a slight nod in thanks, untangling her arms and he knew she had just apologized for most of the profanities. He probably deserved the others, he mused to himself, he had taken her manual after all.
She reached over with the sugar, placing a tablespoon in his cup, before pouring a small amount of milk as she turned to fix her own. He felt a nostalgic smile grace his features as he swirled his spoon in thought. She remembered how he took his coffee. He felt a small tug at his heart, as he took a deep breath trying to ease the aching feeling in his chest.
She gave him a nod as she turned to leave and his arm abruptly shot out, barricading her exit, the wall and bench completing her entrapment. He felt her eyes travel up to his, surprise etched on her features, her mouth open to protest before she snapped it shut. The intensity of his eyes instantly silencing her.
The air seemed to be lost in the room, and he saw a hand reached out towards her. He could have sworn it was not his. His body seemed to have a mind of its own, his brain failing as he found himself moving closer towards her.
The moment he stepped into her space, she felt herself hesitantly pull back. He was close. Too close. The familiar smell of his aftershave suddenly filling her senses and she felt her stomach tighten as memories flashed through her mind, the warmth radiating from him, drawing her in. She may have trained her mind to forget, but her body sure as hell remembered .
She felt herself move towards him, his rough hands gently brushing her hip as she raised her hand placing it on his shoulder, feeling his muscles tense underneath her touch. He tilted his head forward and she felt herself lean towards him.
They were inches apart when he suddenly jerked and she instinctively retracted, the spell suddenly broken as they wrenched apart from each other. He recovered first, clearing his throat as he rubbed his hand across the back of his neck trying to hide the tinge of red. He opened his mouth to speak but it seemed his brain was still AWOL as he struggled to find the words.
The tension was cut short by the sudden intrusion of Bomber into the galley as she placed the slops bucket back under the bench, oblivious to the tension in the room.
The presence of Bomber finally clicked Kate's mind back into gear and Mike almost thumped the bench in frustration as he watched her face resort to her passive blank stare. Her mask. She did not meet his eye, but strode past him, deliberately pouring her coffee down the drain as she exited the galley.
Kate stiffly made her way down the corridor before turning a quick right, reaching for the lavatory door. She berated herself for hiding in the toilet like a thirteen-year-old girl, but she needed to be alone, just for a second and on a patrol boat, privacy was rare. She leaned her head against the closed door, as she took a deep breath closing her eyes momentarily as she tried to calm her racing heart. What the hell, was all she could think as the events of the morning replayed. Her thoughts were interrupted by another memory, his words suddenly ringing in her ears "If I left the Navy, it could open other possibilities"
She cursed as she shook her head trying to clear her thoughts, but his voice continued to echo through her racing brain. Her eyes fluttered closed and she could see his intense eyes boring into her, "Would you miss me?" he asked, looking at her expectantly. Then his intense eyes fell to disappointment when all she had offered was that it would a great loss to the Navy. She bit her lip. Him skippering a boat in the Mediterranean would be a loss. But not just to the Navy.
She braced her hands against the door as she clench her jaw in determination, time's up, she thought to herself as she sucked in one more deep breath. She straightened her posture and dropped her shoulders, reforming herself into the competent and professional XO she needed to be. She opened the door, stepping back out into the corridor, leaving the distraught Kate behind her.