There was no doubting it, the crew were tired and homesick after three back to back patrols. There was an increase of people smuggling activity and the Hammersley had been tasked to patrol whilst HMAS Kingston was down for repairs. Dutchy leaned on the EOD, his eyes heavy from the long watch. It was the still of the morning and the sun was just peaking through the clouds. Kate stopped at the stop of the steps on the bridge and watched Dutchy slump and lean on the EOD, she had to agree, it had been a long 5 weeks for them at sea. There had been no time to talk about their personal issue and Kate hoped with some shore leave they could at least catch up as friends over drinks.

Dutchy felt a set of green eyes on him, he knew she would be here to take command of the ship and relieve him of his duties. Before he knew it, she was leaning over his shoulder 'looks like you could use a brew' she seductively whispered in his ear, causing the hair on the back of his neck to stand up.

Her suggestion forced him to sit upright with shock. How dare she play these games with him, on the bridge of all places? He cocked a smirk and replied "ma'am, nothing to report, a quiet night". He could feel his face reddening; he needed to get off the bridge before Two Dads picked up on the sudden tension between the XO & CO.

'I have the ship' confirmed Kate as she took her place on the bridge. Her mind instantly wondered back to Dutchy and the fact they really needed to talk. She closed her eyes and sighed, why did she always have a thing for Navy men?

As Dutchy made his way out on deck, he was met with a rather confused looking Spider. 'XO, is there a problem?' Spider questioned as he looked at the red face and ridgid posture of his superior. Dutchy sighed, Spider didn't need to know, in fact there was nothing going on so nothing to talk to Spider about.

'Just not feeling the best mate, but im ok' Dutchy replied as he turned to follow Spider back inside the ship. Making his way to his cabin, he thought about Kate and their next shore leave in Cairns. They would have to be given a decent amount of time at home, maybe a week he thought. His mind then drifted to what he should say to her. Should he mention Jessica? Thoughts swirled through his mind only to be interrupted by a knock at his door.

'Sorry Dutchy, Spider sent me here to check on you. Are you ok?' came the unmistakable voice of Rebecca 'Bomber' Brown. Now a fully qualified medic, she re-joined the Navy after Swain passed away to honour her mentor and friend.

'Bomber, honestly im fine. It was a long boring watch and I guess I'm just tired, it's been a long few patrols' he replied, not making any effort to stand up from his bunk. Bomber looked at him questionably but accepted his response. 'Ok but let me know if you start to feel sick or fatigued' were her last words as she shut the door to his cabin.

Marching straight to the bridge, Bomber scanned the room looking for the CO. She had a right to know that her XO was not his normal self and that perhaps some R&R would be needed to cure the low moral onboard. She spotted Kate staring out to sea, a ghostly expression on her face. For a second Bomber hesitated, was this really Kate? Kate's eyes were narrow and from what Bomber could see her eyes were dark.

"Ma'am, may I have a word please? Bomber asked careful not to scare Kate. She paused before she added 'Its about the XO'.

Kate was fully aware of the situation by the time she had made her way from the bridge to the wardroom, following Bomber and listening intently. As Bomber resumed her duties, Kate couldn't help but calling into Dutchy's cabin to check up on him. She knocked hastily at his door and was disappointed when there was no answer. She thought that he may be sleeping but her mind quickly thought to worse scenarios. Her frantic thoughts stopped by Dutchy opening the door in a towel. The water glistening over his chiselled chest making their way down his toned abdomen and then disappearing into the depths of the towel.

At that moment, Kate knew she has lost the battle. He looked damn fine and she wished she got to see him in this attire, and less, daily. She knew she would do anything to make this second chance work, even if that meant she would take a shore posting. Hell she would even consider leaving the navy to have a life with him.

'Ah Dutchy' Kate managed to stumble, feeling her cheeks flush red she rambled on 'Just making sure you are ok?' She managed to slowly look him up and down again, getting a good glimpse, before dropping her head to look at her boots.

A huge grin broke out on Dutchy's face. He pulled her into his cabin and pinned her up against the door. 'Like what you see do you Commander?' he whispered seductively in her ear. Two can play this game Kate he thought to himself. He then turned and walked away, leaving her hot and breathless at his door whilst he got dressed. Her gut Instinct told her to put her hand on the door handle; she didn't need to be caught by anyone in this predicament.

He brushed passed her on his way out the door, pushing her further into the cabin. 'Just checking the coast is clear Kate' as he stuck his head out the door and scanned the corridor. Once he was certain it was safe for Kate to leave, he took her hand, entwining their fingers and he pulled her with him through the door and back to the professionalism they had to maintain whilst on the ship.