Flash back

As the storm raged on outside they found themselves with an empty bottle of red wine by the crackling fire. Talking and laughing it was all so easy and came all too naturally, an outsider to the scene could easily see they were so much more than work colleagues, friends even. They had the kind of chemistry that few are fortunate to find in love, though no matter how much they loved one another it was tainted by regulations which forbid such. As long as they served on the same ship they would continue to deny their feelings for one another, neither willing to take the risk of admitting their love for the other for the fear of rejection. Thus with the exception of a few rash moments this is how their relationship would continue…

Kate could feel the effects of the alcohol beginning to take effect she was relaxed, though as her mind began to blur so did the words on her page. She had agreed to finish the rest of the paperwork as she had done on many occasions before over a friendly dinner with Mike. She found herself rereading the same page three times over before giving up. She took her glass exhaling loudly at the realisation the bottle and it too was empty.

"oh" She laughed at her own disappointed seizing Mike's attention as he too retired his paper work. He looked up to see his favourite smile graced on her face.

She looked up to Mike staring at her with a smile on his face "what?" Mike suddenly realised he was still staring at her.

"Yea?" he bowed his head

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"…Uh like what?" Mike decided that to play dumb was his only out, but he couldn't help looking back deep into her eyes.

"Like you are now" she didn't mean for it to only escape as a whisper but the way he looked at her was different to normal, she could see the usual happiness and regret but there was something else…the distance between them began to close…desire? The moment she had the thought she froze, she closed her eyes desperately trying to clear the haze caused by the alcohol. Had she just imagined it? The warm breath on her cheek should have been proof enough that she hadn't but she willed herself to open her eyes. More confused than ever at the sight of pitch black darkness she waited for her brain to process the sight. In the sudden pitch black darkness mike failed to navigate around the empty wine bottle knocking it onto an empty plate, the clinking sound of the glass snapped him out of his daze quickly realising the power had cut out.

"Eh powers gone" Mike sensed Kate's movement and followed her sounds out to the electrical box.

Large white sheets of rain saturated the pair in an instant. Kate began to flick the switches frustrated as the small lights showed no change despite the fact she couldn't see a thing she remained determined.

"Want me to take a look?" even in the very dim light of the night sky Mike knew he was on the receiving end of one of her deadly XO stares.

"Fine I need to go get a torch anyway!" Kate stormed off leaving Mike to inspect the different gages.

He re-entered the house 5 minutes later to find Kate rifling through her kitchen draws -having lit the few candles that were scattered around her house- she hadn't given up the search for a torch.

"It's no use your circuits fine I think a power line must have gone down"

"Ah. What. No?" Kate defeated gave up on her search turning her attention to Mike.

"Don't worry they're pretty good with these things you should be right by tomorrow" from the dim light of the grey sky that streamed through her windows she could make out a clear picture of Mike. The rain had left beads of water in his hair and droplets that trickled down his flushed cheeks. The blue sweater he'd been wearing was now soaked to a dark blue and clung to his masculine form. Kate too felt a desire…her own. She watched on absorbed in his beauty as he separated the wet fabric from his skin, stripping down to a singlet, suddenly his eyes met hers and a smug smile crossed his features.

"What?"

"Ha…I didn't say anything" was all she could manage

"Mmm…then why are you looking at me like that?" He taunted with one eyebrow raised

She finally realised the reason for the smug smile; they were right back to that moment that she'd regrettably tried so hard to escape. Mike was quick to close the distance this time capturing her lips in a passionate kiss first and then again softly brushing his lips against hers in a plea. But she didn't need much encouragement she kissed him back harder her hands finding his chest and tracing back over his arms pulling herself in closer. She was backed up to the kitchen counter and could feel his hands on her waist and then her hips, his right hand came to rest on the back of her left thigh suddenly lifting her into a sitting position on the counter. She pulled back briefly seeing the desire in his eyes looking for some kind of reassurance but the gentle caress of her cheek as he began to track kisses down her neck was all she needed. Impatient to feel the bare skin of his chest she tugged at his singlet indicating that it had to go. She pulled it up over his head finding his lips once more in a sensual kiss. As she ran her hands over the bare skin she could feel Mikes' hands beginning to explore her too. He slowly relieved her of her shirt gently undoing each button before slipping it back over her shoulders to reveal her black lace bra. He gently placed soft tantalising kisses over her shoulder and collarbone brushing the restricting straps over her shoulders as he did so…she moaned in delight but it wasn't enough. "Mike please" she could feel his smile on her skin "I mean it stop teasing". Kate was growing more impatient by the second she tugged at the buttons of his jeans, she needed him he groaned at her touch "Kate" came his husky whisper. Sensing she had succeeded she pulled herself in closer as his hands grabbed at her hips. She smiled to herself as she felt his arousal press into her. Giving in Mike lifted her up and navigated his way to her bedroom. Once there he shed the rest of his clothing and stripped Kate of her Jeans. He climbed on top of her reaching underneath for the clasp of her bra. He caressed her cheek once more gently brushing his lips against hers before more passionately kissing her. Kate responded again with a deeper kiss playfully biting down and nipping his bottom lip. Both became overwhelmed with desire, Kate raised her hips to his arousal as he sunk himself into her. Mike began with slow rhythmic thrusts gradually increasing his speed and intensity as they both reached climax. Kate's breathing became heavy as she got closer "Mike" she moaned and let out the breath she was holding, she bucked her hips up and Mike let a low groan soon after collapsing beside her. He pulled her into his chest giving her a kiss goodnight before drifting into sleep.