Steve returned to the naval base a few days after Freddie's death. He looked for Catherine as soon as he arrived.
Catherine saw how much Steve was upset and sad.
Steve, I was so worried about you. Catherine said in a low voice so that other people wouldn't hear.
Cath, can you spend the night off base and stay with me?
I think so, Steve. I'll not be on duty tonight.
Thank you. Let me know when you can leave. Steve said.
Okay, Catherine replied, noticing the curious looks of co-workers.
Catherine left the base at the end of the day, and Steve was waiting for her at the hotel where they always stayed.
Catherine knocked on the door and Steve welcomed her with a hug. Steve hugged her tight and cried a lot.
Do you want to talk about what happened? Catherine asked.
No, Cath. I do not want to talk about that. I just need your hug.
It's all right. Catherine said stroking his back as he was hugging her.
Steve had bags under his eyes.
How long have you not sleep ? Catherine asked.
I haven't slept well since the day Freddie died. I've been having nightmares every day, Cath.
Come here. Catherine said pulling him to the bed.
Catherine sat down on the bed and Steve laid his head on her lap. Catherine stroked Steve's head until he slept.
Steve slept, and Catherine stood beside him.
In the middle of the night Steve woke up with nightmares.
Steve, keep calm. You're safe.
Cath?
Yes, I'm here. Catherine said, hugging Steve.
Ok.
The next day, they both woke up early because they needed to get back to the base. Catherine ordered breakfast in room.
Cath, excuse me for yesterday. I didn't give you the attention you deserved.
It's okay, Steve. Now eat, you need to feed.
Okay, said Steve, thinking how affectionate she was to him.
Are you going to have a few days off? Catherine asked.
I don't want any day off Cath, I need to work. But I asked to stay at the base for some time. And about you? Do you have any scheduled assignments?
Yes, I'll go on a mission in fifteen days, but it will be a short humanitarian mission. Catherine said.
So can I rent this room for fifteen days? Will you come stay with me? Steve asked Catherine , as if he were a child asking for candy.
Yes. Catherine said, seeing all the fragility of him. A fragility he would not allow anyone to see. Only she could see that.
Thank you, Cath. Come here. Steve said pulling her to a kiss.
Catherine and Steve spent the next fourteen days working at the base and spending the night together at the hotel. Steve had many nightmares and depended heavily on Catherine's comfort and affection.
Catherine was traveling on a mission the next day and was very worried about Steve.
Will you be all right, Steve? I think you should go to the psychologist. You need to vent to someone.
I do not need a psychologist, Cath. I need you. Steve said hugging her.
Sex is not everything in life, Steve.
And who said you're only sex to me? When I say I need you, I mean everything in you: your essence, your voice, your embrace, your affection, your friendship, your way of being. All of it! I'm sorry if I do not know how to show my feelings to you!
Catherine was thrilled to hear that.
Thank you, sailor. It means the world to me to hear it.
Am I just sex for you? Asked Steve.
Of course not. I also love everything in you. Said Catherine, using for the first time the word "love"in a subtle way.
I'll miss you. Said Steve.
I'll miss you too, but I hope to come back soon. Catherine said.
The next day, Catherine was on the ship, ready to leave. She had said goodbye to Steve in the morning.
Catherine climbed onto the deck and looked at the horizon. She was sad because she needed to leave and leave Steve. Every time she went on a mission, Steve was also on a mission. And this time she left and he stayed. It was a strange sensation to her.
Thinking about me, lieutenant?
Steve?
Yeah, I couldn't stay away from you. I asked to come on this mission. Steve said, smiling at her.
I like that! Said Catherine, smiling.
I thought you'd like it.