Pike sat in the Ready Room going through reports. His heart was not in it this morning and his thoughts kept wandering. He must have read the same line three times already and still he couldn't remember what it said.

He stood up and paced across the room. He knew what the problem was...he'd been so wrapped up in being a Captain that he'd nearly forgotten what it meant to be just him. He'd had a stark reminder last night but true to form, he reverted to the comfortable shield of command and hurt someone in the process.

He'd been putting everyone's needs ahead of his own, making sure they were growing and developing as officers and individuals. He rarely thought about what he wanted, what made him happy. Normally being a Captain made him very happy, as that was the job he'd chosen and dedicated himself to... it was a vocation. So much like his father... Pike smiled at the thought.

Still, at the moment, it wasn't enough and he'd seen the disappointment in Tilly's eyes when he apologised. He was disappointed too... and he had only himself to blame.

'Computer, locate Ensign Tilly.'

'Ensign Tilly is in her quarters.'

He didn't move. Despite all the soul-searching he still didn't know what the best course of action would be in this situation. Maybe a solution would come to him if he walked...

Meanwhile on another deck...

Tilly was keeping herself busy, tidying and straightening everything in her quarters. Burnham had so few possessions on show that it felt more like a room with twin beds than two roommates.

The beep at the door caught her in the middle of folding away laundry. She put the pants into the draw before prompting the door, 'Come in!' She was glad she'd learnt from past mistakes as there stood Captain Pike with the sweetest smile she'd ever seen.

'Tilly,' he hesitated for a second but walked in far enough for the door to close behind him.

'Captain.' Tilly stood to attention, trying desperately not to blush. The mere thought caused the colour in her cheeks to rise. Or maybe the temperature controls had started to malfunction as it suddenly felt really hot.

'Tilly...' Pike started, half expecting her to jump in with her usual exuberant chatter. She just seemed to stand taller, her eyes focusing on a point behind him. She kept silent. 'I'm sorry...' he faltered as her eyes re-focused on him. 'I'm... we need to talk.'

'Sir,' She half-smiled, proud of herself for not blubbering incoherently. She'd been silently repeating 'I'm a Starfleet Officer. I'm a Starfleet Officer,' in her head, since the doors closed.

'You don't have to stand to attention Sylvia.' Pike sighed, moving towards her. He couldn't read her mood.

'Sir,' she repeated, slouching her shoulders slightly, the mantra continuing in her head.

Pike stopped a few feet before her, within arms' reach. He didn't know what to expect but this wasn't what he'd thought he'd find; it was like looking at Number One. He didn't like it.

'Tilly,' he started again, deciding honesty had stood him in good stead over the years, 'I've been in Starfleet for longer than you've been alive.'

'Yes, Sir.' She didn't flinch, she was a Starfleet Officer.

'I don't want to hurt you.'

'Yes, Sir.' Tilly couldn't look at him.

'Sylvia,' he tried again, attempting to get any other response but 'yes, Sir' out of her. 'What do you want?'

'Sir?'

He gently nudged her chin so she'd look up at him, 'What do you want?' He repeated quietly.

'I am a Starfleet Officer.'

'Yes,' Pike smiled sadly, 'but what do you want at the end of the day?'

Tilly stopped her mantra. It was a question she'd been asking herself without a clear answer and now Pike was so close, her body had different ideas.

'What do you want?' She replied, throwing in 'Sir?' As an afterthought, while her gaze focused on his lips.

'I'd like you to stop calling me Sir.' His lips curled into an amazing smile.

Tilly looked up to see his eyes full of warmth and sighed, 'I don't know.'

'Honestly, this is not what I thought it would be like.' She continued, 'I thought I'd fall in love at some point, but not now.' Her hand flew to her mouth but it was too late. The words were out there.

Pike chuckled, he had Tilly back.

She shot him a hurt look, 'I take it back.' The pout was real.

'Too late.' Pike stepped up, closing the gap between them. Her eyes were open so this time she saw him lean in towards her. The kiss was gentle, barely a caress, seeking permission. Tilly put her hand on his chest and felt his heart thudding away, it was the same fast rhythm her heart was beating.

'I know how you feel.' Pike whispered, his hand stroking her gorgeous locks away from her face. He cupped the back of her head and deepened the kiss.

His communicator beeped. Repeatedly. He reluctantly answered, 'Yes?'

'Captain?' It was Burnham.

'Yes?' Pike was distracted by Tilly's lips.

'We found him.' Burnham said, 'We've found Spock.'