"Buff" she said softly as she spotted him sitting against the wharf as he dangled his feet over the edge
"X" he said smiling at her
"What are you doing?" she asked confused as he turned to look at her
"Come sit" he said patting the spot next to him
"Everything okay?" she asked concerned
"Couldn't be better" he replied as she sat next to him dangling her feet over the side as she lifted her dress a little so it didn't rip
"So I hear you've got a hot date tonight" she said nudging his arm
"Where did you hear that?" he asked smirking
"2Dads was never one for secrets" she answered looking at him
"A boat this size there never is any secrets X you know that" he replied softly
"So what's she like?" she asked as he sighed
"Out of my league" he said pulling out his phone as he showed her a photo of beautiful brunette
"I don't see it" she said shrugging as he smirked at her
"Doesn't matter anyway can't exactly meet her when we're stuck in a foreign port" he said placing his phone back in his pocket
"Yeah… How about this, you and I go out and get something to eat?" Kate replied as she smiled at him
"What like a date?" he said nudging her elbow
"Not like a date, like two friends hanging out" she said nodding
"Sounds like a date to me" he said teasing her
"I can leave you here to wallow in your own thoughts that's fine" she said grinning as she moved to stand her long dress flowing down to her feet
"Dinner sounds good" he said smirking as he arose and stood next to her
"XO…"
"Yep?" she asked grabbing her handbag
"Do you really believe Men and Woman can be just friends?" he asked as they started walking
"Yeah I do…" she replied as she nudged him slightly as he wrapped and arm over her shoulder
"So it's definitely not a date" he said smirking
"Don't push it" she answered wrapping an arm around his waist as they walked along the wharf towards the small town they had been stuck in for the past 2 days.
"What's going on there?" Charge asked as 2Dads turned to see where he was looking
"Didn't you know Buff and the X have a thing" he said smirking as they watched Kate and Buffer walking along the wharf with their arms wrapped around each other
"What?" Spider answered confused as they looked on surprised
"Come on, it's obvious the way he looks out for her" he replied turning to face Charge
"2Dads he's her Buffer it's kind of his job to look out for her" Bomber said from her spot next to Spider
"Right I get that, but what I don't get is that" he said turning to look back at Kate and Buffer who were now laughing as hugging each other as they disappeared down the road towards town
"It's all in your head 2Dads" Charge answered patting his back
"Now who's coming for drinks?" he continued as he moved over the gangway
"Your shout?" 2Dads asked hopeful following him
"Yes young sky walker my shout, only if you push this X and Buffer theory to the back of your mind" he said hopeful
"For now…" 2Dads said smirking widely
"I don't like the look of that smirk" Spider whispered to Bomber from their place behind Charge and 2Dads
"If I know 2Dads then it's most likely he's up to something" Bomber replied shaking her head.
"So how are things with Jim?" Buffer asked as they sat across each other waiting for their food
"Oh well that didn't go anywhere he ended things too much drama with him always being on mission and us on Patrol" she answered reaching for her glass of wine
"That's pathetic, did you at least get some before he ended it?" he asked wagging his eyebrows at her
"Buffer!" she said surprised
"What? It's a logical question" he said grinning as he reached for his beer
"Not for your XO it's not" she said turning red with embarrassment
"Come on X we're all friends here" he said winking at her
"Okay let's change the subject" she replied quickly as the waiter brought over their food
"You did get it didn't you?" he answered as she turned more red
"I don't want to discuss it" she said smirking
"I can sense these things X" he said laughing as they dug into their food
"So you going to call that Brunette when we get back to port?" Kate asked a few minutes later
"I don't know…" he replied
"What's her name?" Kate asked reaching for her wine
"Amethyst" he answered as Kate choked on her drink
"And she doesn't work where money exchanges hands" she asked placing her glass back down as she reached for the water
"Not you too" he said softly shaking his head as Kate smiled
"I'm sorry, I just don't understand where you find these women?" she replied placing the glass down
"This one was through a mutual friend" he said smirking at her
"Let me guess 2Dads?" she answered
"No actually this one is friends with an old Navy friend I knew from ADFA" he said shaking his head
"Right…" she said looking down at her food as she moved it around with her fork
"Eat you dinner" Buffer said grinning as Kate looked up at him smiling he could have sworn he saw a glimmer of something in her eyes but he just played it off as her having a good time.
It had just turned 1900 when Kate and Buffer made their way through the small streets towards the ship as a voice called out to them
"Hey Buff X!" 2Dads yelled as he spotted them
"Come have a drink" Charge yelled from next to 2Dads
"Should we?" Kate asked as they stopped to face them
"It couldn't hurt to have just one" he said grabbing her hand
"When 2Dads is involved it's never just one" she answered as he pulled her towards the bar as 2Dads smirked at them.
"So what are we drinking?" Kate asked as Buffer still held onto her hand
"Shots!" Spider called out from next to Bomber
"Great…" Kate said rolling her eyes
"Alright how far are we behind?" Buffer asked as he reluctantly let go of Kate's hand
"About 6" 2Dads said laughing
"I'm not doing 6 shots" Kate said grinning
"Oh come on X live a little" 2Dads answered as she gave him her best XO stare
"Someone has to keep an eye on all of all" she replied as the bartender lined up a row of shots
"At least do one" 2Dads said hopeful
"One…" Kate said holding her finger up
"Yes!" 2Dads said grinning as he turned to face the bar
"Alright we ready?" Charge asked as they all nodded
"Lick, Sip, Suck go!" 2Dads yelled as everyone picked up their glasses Kate hissing as the liquid burned down her throat
"That is horrible" Kate said coughing a little
"Another?" she said grinning as everyone looked at her confused
"What? I'm doing what 2Dads said having a little fun"
"Are you sure about this?" Buffer asked whispering to her
"Lighten up Buff, I'll be fine" she said smiling at him
"Alright…" he said a little unsure as the crew had never seen Kate have more than a few glasses of wine.
Several hours later the crew made their way back to the ship
"We… we have to salute Buff" 2Dads said as they all stumbled over the gangway
"We should have stayed at the bar" Spider said laughing
"2Dads got us kicked out" Charge answered patting his back
"Yeah all because he decided to try and strip on the bar" Bomber answered looking at Kate who burst out laughing
"I shouldn't have had that 8th shot" she said smirking
"You had more than 8 X, we all did" Bomber answer nudging her shoulder
"I have a great idea!" 2Dads called
"What!" Buffer answered as he stumbled to stand
"We should sleep under the stars tonight" he said grinning
"Omg that's a great idea!" Charge said as he moved to lay down on the deck
"It's a nice enough night for it" Spider answered grinning as he moved to lay next to Charge as the rest of them all laid down Buffer next to Kate.
"We should sing a song!" 2Dads yelled out as they all looked up at the stars
"Oh I've got one!" Spider answered snickering
"You are my fire, the one desire" he said laughing as he sounded off key
"Believe when I say, I want it that way" 2Dads sang
"But we are two worlds apart, can't reach to your heart!" Charge called out off key
"When you say I want it that way" Buffer said giggling
"Tell me why!" Bomber said nudging Kate from her place next to her
"Shh you'll wake the CO" Kate said giggling
"You know you want to X!" 2Dads and Spider answered as Kate shook her head
"Ain't nothin' but a heartache!" she said trying to keep a straight face
"Tell me why" Bomber continued
"Ain't nothin' but a mistake" Kate continued
"Tell me why" Spider said smirking
"I never want to hear you say I want it that way" Kate sang beautifully as everyone turned to look at her
"Wow!" Charge said smiling
"Okay now we have to hear you sing more X you're amazing!" 2Dads said hopeful
"I can't…" she said softly
"But you just did come one X!" Spider called
"It's stage fright" she answered as they all laid back down as she felt a hand grip hers tightly as she turned her head to the right to look at Buffer who was smiling at her
"You got this…" he whispered softly as she tuned to look back at the stars
"We'll sing the chorus with you" Bomber said laughing from her spot on Kate's left
"Ok... ok…" she said sighing as she felt Buffer rubbing her hand softly as she cleared her throat
"Am I, your fire? Your one, desire Yes I know, it's too late but I want it that way" she said as everyone cheered
"Tell me why" Spider called
"Ain't nothin' but a heartache" they all sang as they heard footsteps approaching
"Tell me why" 2Dads answered
"Ain't nothin but a mistake" they all said again as the footsteps stopped near their heads they all looked up to see who was standing there
"What's going on here?" he asked confused as they all broke out in laugher from embarrassment
"We're singing Boss" 2Dads said snickering
"I can see that, the whole ship can hear you" he said crossing his arms
"What do you think?" Spider asked grinning
"Your all off key except someone here as an amazing voice, nice work Bomb" he said as they all moved to sit up
"Not me Sir" she said confused
"Kate that was you?" he asked surprised originally thinking it was Bomber
"Ah yes Sir…" she answered as Buffer let her hand go before he noticed
"I think we've found our new wake up singer" he said smirking
"What!" 2Dads answered sadly
"Sorry 2Dads but I don't think our ears can bear another early morning wake up with your voice" he said laughing
"Ouch…" 2Dads said grinning
"Come you lot head to your racks we'll be lucky if your all sober enough to leave port tomorrow" he answered sighing as the crew moved themselves to stand
"Buff, X" he said as they stopped
"A word" he asked hopeful as the rest of the crew made their way inside
"Sir…" Buffer said as he placed his hands behind his back
"I thought you two knew better, your senior officers and should know that getting drunk while on a visit isn't a good idea we could have been crash sailed or anything" he answered as Kate snickered
"Is something funny X?" he asked confused
"No Sir…" she answered straightening herself up
"Go to your racks sleep it off we'll talk about this tomorrow" he said shaking his head as they moved past him Buffer and Kate ran to the side of the ship as they threw up over the side
"This is just great…" he said to himself as he made his way back inside towards his cabin.
The next morning Kate was sitting in the Mess as she groaned resting her head on the table
"How much did we drink last night?" she asked softly as she looked over at Spider and 2Dads
"We had more than you X" Charge answered as he covered his face to block out the light
"Toast?" Bomber asked as she entered the Mess and placed the plate down on the table
"I don't think I can stomach anything" Buff answered from his spot next to Kate
"It's so bright!" 2Dads said as he moved to flick the switch off as Bomber sat down
"I'm never drinking again" Spider answered as he flowed Kates lead and rested his head against the table the rest of the crew following suite as Swaine stopped in the doorway
"What's going on here?" he asked confused
"Shh!" Charge answered
"Why is the light off?" he asked flicking the switch on
"No…" Kate tried to say before it was too late as everyone is the mess groaned and shielded their eyes
"How much did you guys have to drink last night?" Swaine answered as he moved into the room
"We lost count…" 2Dads said reluctantly lifting his head as he looked at him
"I get why you lot are hungover but I don't understand is why you two are" he replied as he looked at Kate and Buffer who had shifted to look at him
"We joined in on the celebrating a little too much" Buffer answered grinning
"Well the CO informed me we might have a few cases of headaches and nausea so I came prepared" Swaine answered moving into the hallway as he came back with a packet of Panadol and some nausea tablets before placing a jug of water on the table
"Swaino you are a saint!" Charge said smiling
"Yeah I know, 2 tablets each of the Panadol and 1 of the other" he answered as they passed the tablets around the room as they all took some with some water from the jug
"Thanks Swaine" Kate said softly as he nodded at her
"Eat up, you're not really supposed to have those tablets on an empty stomach" he answered as they started reluctantly reaching for some toast
"I don't think I can even stomach a Coffee…" Kate said taking a bite out of the toast
"We sail in 2 hours so let's pray your all better by then" Swaine answered as he moved towards the door
"Ah Swaine?" 2Dads said as he stopped
"Yes 2Dads?" he asked nervously
"The light" Spider and 2Dads answered at the same time
"Right…" he said smirking as he flicked the light off and moved into the hallway as he turned back to look in the Mess he noticed everyone had put their heads back down as they groaned in reply.
"How are they feeling?" Mike asked as Swaine entered the bridge
"I gave them some tablets but I think their all regretting their decision to drink so much" Swaine answered grinning widely
"They were pretty drunk when they showed up last night" Mike said laughing as he moved towards EOD
"Really? I wouldn't have guessed" Swaine said smiling
"Check this out" Mike said as he played the recording from last night where they were all laying on the deck as they sang 'I want it that way' by Backstreet boys
"I didn't know the X could sing like that" Nav said as she moved to watch with them
"Did you make copies of this?" Swaine asked as Mike grinned
"I may have posted it on Facebook" he answered laughing
"Sir!" Nav said hitting his arm
"What! You can't see them clearly but everyone deserved to hear the X's voice and that there is still fun to be has in the Navy" he said laughing
"The X is going to kill you" Nav said shaking her head
"Aren't you friends with the X on Facebook?" Swaine asked turning to look at him
"Oh… I didn't think of that" he said turning the recording off as they heard the bridge door open and someone make their way up the steps
"What's going on up here?" RO asked as he moved towards the radio
"RO! We thought you were the X" Nav said from her spot next to Mike
"Do I look like the X?" he said sarcastically
"The X and the rest of the crew are resting in the mess they haven't moved since 0600 it's now" he said looking at his watch
"0800" he replied annoyed
"We get it RO you don't approve" Swaine said shaking his head
"All I'm saying is they shouldn't be getting drunk while we're supposed to be on a good will visit" he said sitting down
"Aren't you the one who got drunk with a tourist?"
"Yes but…"
"And you got drugged" Mike said moving back to the Captain's chair
"Almost got the X killed too" Nav said moving towards the stairs
"Okay! I get it" he said annoyed as they continued on with the things they were doing as Mike reached for the intercom
"Wakey Wakey, Hammersley will set sail in 1 hour to move with the tide so get set to sail back to home port" Mike answered as he placed the intercom back down he heard a bunch of groans and moans at he heard footsteps
"Seems like the crew is up" Swaine answered grinning as Charge and X made their way onto the bridge
"X how you feeling this fine morning?" Mike asked as she stopped next to his chair as she gave him her best XO stare
"Really Sir, you're going to ask me that?" she said slightly grinning
"Your right…" he said smirking
"Permission to take 5 Sir?" she asked hopeful
"Um I guess… Why?" he asked as she ran to the stairs
"I'm going to be sick!" she called out behind her as she ran towards her cabin
"I think that answers the question of how she's feeling" Swaine said laughing as he turned to look at Mike.
Making her way out of her cabin 5 minutes later Kate bumped into Buffer as he was walking through the hallway
"Sorry…" she said softly placing her hands against his chest
"No harm done" he said looking into her eyes as she cleared her throat before moving back
"You too?" he asked stopping in front of her
"Sorry?" she asked covering her mouth
"Sick?" he answered softly
"Oh yeah I guess it's my body telling me I'm not as young as I used to be, I brushed my teeth but the smell you know still lingers…" she said smirking
"Here" he said reaching up as he moved her hand away from her mouth
"What are you doing?" she said softly as his touch send shivers down her spine
"Open" he said holding a mint out as she opened her mouth he placed on her tongue
"Thanks…" she said softly looking deep into his eyes
"I always carry some on me, can't be too careful" he replied smiling at her as his hand fell down against hers as a memory of him holding her hand flashed through her mind
"Um do you remember much from last night?" she asked hopeful as she crossed her arms
"Vaguely… We went on a date"
"Not a date" she said smirking
"And then the last thing I remember is meeting the crew and throwing up over the side of the ship" he said shrugging his shoulders
"I have a weird memory of looking up at the stars" Kate said confused
"Buffer, X get in here!" 2Dads called from the mess as they walked down the hall
"What is it?" she asked as they stopped in the doorway
"Have you seen this?" he asked as Kate moved forward to stand behind him
"What is that?" Buffer asked moving to stand next to her as they looked at the computer screen
"I think it's us, last night" 2Dads replied
"Turn the volume up?" Kate asked as they stared at the black screen with slightly visible people lying on the deck looking up at the sky 'I want it that way, tell me why' blasted out of the computer speakers
"Oh my god… Turn it off!" Kate said embarrassed
"You've got a beautiful voice X" Buffer said as he placed a hand on her back as she turned to look at him not realising how close they were
"Um it's been shared over 600 times…" 2Dads said breaking them out of their trance as they turned to look at the screen once more
"What!?" Kate asked nervously
"Yeah and it's been watched over 3000 times…" he said hovering the mouse over it
"Who posted it?" Buffer asked
"Well…" he began saying
"2Dads? Who posted it?" Kate asked nervously as he clicked out the video the name 'Mike Flynn' lit up the screen
"I'm going to kill him" she said softly
"The boss wouldn't do that, would he?" Buffer asked turning to face Kate
"I'm going to kill him!" she said again as she started hyperventilating
"2Dads can you go get a cold face washer" Buffer asked as he maneuvered Kate over to the chair
"Yes Buff" he said quickly running out of the room and he ran to the wardroom
"Just breath" he said as she sat down he knelt in front of her
"I'm going to kill him" she said once more through the uneasy breaths
"Here Buff" 2Dads said passing him a damp face washer
"Thanks" he said as he starting softly touching Kate's face with it
"Shouldn't we get Swaine?" he asked nervously
"I know what I'm doing my Mum used to do this when I'd have panic attacks the coldness will bring her concentration back to the room and slow down her breathing"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes 2Dads now let us be, just let the Boss know we're not well or something just make up some excuse" he said as 2Dads moved towards the door
"But…"
"Just do it 2Dads, I know what I'm doing" he said annoyed
"Okay…" he replied moving out of the mess as Buffer pushed the door shut with his foot as he turned his concentration back to Kate.
"Slow your breathing down for me in through your nose out through your mouth" he said as she tried to follow his instructions he moved to sit in the chair opposite her as he continued to pat her face with the wet face cloth
"I… can't…" she said as she struggled to breathe
"Yes you can just follow me" he said as he breathed in through his nose and out his mouth as Kate mimicked his movements after a few minutes her breathing started to slow down a little
"I'm… okay…" she said softly
"You don't need to be nervous Kate… your voice is beautiful everyone deserves to hear it" he said knowing the video was the reason for her panic attack
"Thanks… Buff" she said as she grabbed his hand to stop him patting her face with the wash cloth he shivered at her touch
"Anytime…" he said moving his hand to place to wash cloth on the desk
"I'm sorry about that…" she said as her breathing started to go back to normal
"Hey I've seen worse" he replied smiling at her
"I just didn't really expect anyone to know about that you know, the last time I sang was my 6th grade talent show I threw up over the front row…" she said a smile creeping onto her face as she looked down at her feet
"You're not the same as you were in 6th grade" he said grinning
"You don't think so? I mean that panic attack kind of just…" he said as she felt a strong hand on her cheek as she looked into his eyes
"I can't imagine you were this fierce is 6th grade" he replied brushing his thumb against her cheek as he continued to hold it he instinctively moved closer
"Pete…" she said softly as she instinctively moved her head to the side as he looked deep into her eyes the way she his name sent shivers down his spine as he slowly moved closer their lips were so close to touching when the door burst open and Kate and Buffer quickly moved back as they stood up clearing their throats
"Um… I just wanted to check me emails I didn't realise anyone was in here" he said confused feeling the tension in the air
"We're done anyway um I best get back to the bridge…" Kate said quickly moving past him as she made her way onto the bridge
"X you okay?" Mike asked as she sat in the Navigators chair
"Yeah…" she said confused
"You look a bit flushed?" he said grinning
"Oh the hangover you know…" she replied quickly as he nodded she started fanning down her face with the paperwork she had picked up along the way back in the mess Charge was looking at Buffer confused
"Everything alright Buff?" he asked
"Yeah everything's great Charge, I best head off got to get ready to sail…" he said moving past him
"Try and steer clear from the X's lips yeah" Charge said smirking to himself
"I trust you won't say anything?" Buffer asked standing in the doorway
"Secrets safe with me" he said as he sat down at the desk he couldn't help but that what would have happened if he hadn't of burst into the room...
WELCOME!! Here's the first chapter I hope you enjoy it, I haven't explored this relationship before and in this story Mike and Kate don't have a history their just friends. Don't forget to review and let me know what you think... Much Love Xx