━━ Hello Darling
System Loading... Reagan Kelley... 54%

Reagan has confined herself to her quarters as she tries her best to establish a link between her temp pad and Bethany and Jim's escape pod. However, each attempt was refuted by the planet's heavy atmosphere and strong weather patterns. She almost threw the piece of technology across the room, but her anger was interrupted by the soft hiss of her door opening. She turned to see Leonard walking in with a bottle of whiskey in hand and two glasses in the other.

"Have they decided what to do?" She asked, setting her pad to the side.

Leonard scoffed, "Spock may be a hell of a commander, but he's no captain. A captain is supposed to push the boundaries of what they can and cannot do. The only thing this man is capable of is pushing everyone's buttons."

Reagan laughed as Leonard set the glasses on her desk and began to pour. She watched him and sighed in content. The last time they had done something like this was when Bethany and Jim had a major falling out at the beginning of term last year. The friends, which fought more like a couple, had tried to get Reagan and Leonard on their side, but both refused.

"Any luck in contacting them?" Leonard asked as he handed her a glass.

She sipped it and relished the burning feeling as it cascaded down her throat, "None. According to the limited data found in the archives the atmosphere is too dense."

"Damn it." She looked up as she watched Leonard take an angry swig of his drink as he continued, "There has got to be a way to get them back. Not only is Jim down there, but Bethany's body won't be able to stand the cold for long."

Reagan reached her hand out and pulled Leonard down beside her. The two of them laid there for what felt like an eternity, but was mere minutes. Reagan finished her drink savoring in the light buzz it gave her. She tucked herself under the covers, while Leonard stayed on top. He glanced at her every so often, but made no move to join her even though she clearly wanted him too.

"Come join me, Bones."

The man glanced over his shoulder before continuing to roll the glass in between his hands, finding it very interesting at the moment. Reagan watched him with a sense of curiosity as well as lust. She wanted to forget the day's events, at least for a little while. She had thought of inviting Sulu to her bed, but wasn't sure how he would feel about that. Instead Leonard had lingered in her mind, but she was terrified of losing their friendship.

Leonard finally set the glass down before returning to Reagan's bed. She watched as he stripped his Starfleet uniform until he was only in his boxer and a tank top. He slipped under the cover and pulled Reagan close. She rested her head against his chest as he silently played with her hair.

"Why am I here, Reagan?" He murmured.

Reagan looked up at him. It wasn't often that she got to view Leonard in such an intimate setting. They had done this before when Reagan had suffered one of her mental breakdowns. Jim and Bethany had teased them relentlessly for months after, but there was an unspoken care between the two.

"I think you know why."

"You're avoiding the question."

"I am."

Leonard leaned his arm so he was hovering slightly over her as he whispered, "Rin."

Reagan waited for him to make a move, but when he didn't she yanked him down. Their lips met in a tangle of limbs and sheets as Leonard wrapped his arms around her. It was as blissful as it was lustful as Reagan climbed on top, never once breaking the kiss. She reached further down, but Leonard stopped her.

"What?" She asked as the two gasped for air from the kiss.

"I can't do this." He answered.

Reagan climbed off him and pulled one of the blankets to wrap around herself, "Why? Leonard I may act like I have it altogether. I put on a tough exterior, but in truth you're it for me."

He sat up in the bed and stared at her, "I didn't know-"

"No you didn't." She replied. "You have been focused so much on Jim and Bethany that you didn't realize who was beside you. I was trying to be subtle with you, but I guess with a man you have to spell it out. I want to be with you Leonard. I want to see where this could go if we move past friendship."

Leonard's mouth was hanging open now, "I'm too old for you."

"That's an excuse."

"What about Uhura? Didn't you have a crush on her?" Leonard questions.

Reagan scoffed, "That was back at the academy. You know I have since moved on."

"Right."

She walked towards him and grabbed a pillow, smacking him in the face with it, "Anymore stupid reasons on why we couldn't give us a shot?"

Leonard glared and grabbed a pillow and smacked her back with it and yelled, "Because with anyone else it would be easy to keep my distance, but with you it would be real! I can't risk losing you!"

It was Reagan's turn to stare at him in silence. Leonard yanked the pillow out of her hand and stood up so they were chest to chest. In Reagan's eyes she could be struggling to be vulnerable. They both had a tough time showing weakness around others, but with each other it came naturally. Reagan raised her hand slowly and cupped his cheek. He leaned into her touch.

"Well I guess we're both stubborn fools."

Leonard chuckled, his voice husky as he leaned down, "Perhaps we could restart this entire conversation?"

Reagan backed away and held her hand out, "Hello, Bones."

He took it and brought it to his lips with a gleam in his eye, "Hello darling."

Leonard was the one to close the distance between them as he wrapped his arms around her torso. Reagan smiled as he caught her lips in a gentle, but passionate kiss. She ran her hands up his shoulders and weaved her fingers into his hair, tugging lightly. Leonard led them back to the bed where he proceeded to kiss every inch of her. Reagan smiled as she forgot the world around her and just focused on the man before, and as they explored whatever this was between them.