Author's note: To make up for the tiny chapter eight…here's chapter nine lol…and note the rating change with chapter nine…yep this chapter is definitely M folks! So, enjoy as Mike and Andrea get a little closer. Hope you enjoy, and as always…happy reading. Dark rolling sea.

CHAPTER NINE

Mike was about to walk out after finishing his report. His hand was on the handle of the hatch for the at sea cabin when he heard Tom call him back.

"Mike," Tom said. Mike turned to face him.

"What?" he asked.

"How would you feel about going home. I think we've done about all we can do along this coastline. After tomorrow's stop, I think we sail back to Norfolk and give the crew some leave time. The last communique from home said there was civil unrest."

"I think the crew will be happy with that. I think a lot of them are worried for family and friends back home."

"Then let's make it a plan. We don't have any standing orders after this last cure drop tomorrow. I think we accomplish that and then head home. Can you start spreading the word?"

"Sure can, Captain," Mike replied, a bag of mixed emotions erupting in his chest. "Want me to tell anyone in particular?" Tom glanced at Mike giving him a soft glare. "Her lab's on my way out."

"Just start spreading the word," Tom said with a head shake. Mike gave him a grin and was already planning on visiting Rachel's lab to needle her about Tom being late to watch. Mike headed for the hatch again. "And, Mike?" Mike turned around again, raising his eyebrows.

"Yes?"

"Being late was my fault. I overslept."

"Mmmhmm," Mike said with a chuckle and then left the cabin quickly, so Tom couldn't do anything to him. He headed straight for the lab to find Rachel. When he got there, he stood and watched her. She was standing in her lab just taking in the scene. He felt the fatigue washing over him again. She finally turned and saw him standing there. A look of confusion crossed her face.

"Commander Slattery, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit," she asked with a smile. Mike took a couple steps into the lab and leaned his hip against the table there.

"You get the captain's head on straight, yet?" he asked nonchalantly. He watched as she comprehended his words, and he watched the shock briefly flow through her features. It was no secret that Mike had not trusted her in the beginning. Being lied too was a hard pill for him to swallow. Maybe there had even been dislike in the beginning, wanting to not like her because he was mad at her. But then Tom was spending time with her, and it was obvious from watching them that they loved each other. She was going to be a part of Tom's life unless he screwed it up, so he decided he needed to make an attempt.

"I'm not sure," she replied softly. Mike nodded. She seemed to relax a little and Mike could feel an ease in the air between them. It wasn't something he was expecting but he was glad it was there.

"He was late to his command this morning," he said with a smile. He watched a blush creep up Rachel's face.

"You'll have to ask him," she replied.

"He said he overslept."

"Then he must have," she replied with a shrug. Mike smiled. He was enjoying this moment, watching her squirm.

"The captain asked me to pass a message along to you," he said. "We'll make port tomorrow then we will be heading back to Norfolk."

"We're going home?" She asked surprised. "We still have more to do."

"The captain feels we've covered what we can here. We'll head home for a brief stay then regroup and move from there."

"Okay. I have to go through things here to see if we are ready to make port tomorrow. I've been banned from my lab for a few days."

"I heard. I promise you the crew has taken up the slack, and we are ready for distribution," Mike replied feeling a need to defend his crew's efforts.

"Tell the crew thank you," Rachel replied. Mike nodded slowly and pushed off the table. He turned to leave but hesitated. He still hadn't told her what he really came here for. He really wanted her to understand Tom. Even with their rocky start he knew that deep down, she was good for him. He turned back around and looked at the doctor, working to formulate the words in his head. Rachel stared at him expectantly, silently waiting for him to say something.

"He's trying really hard. I know something happened this morning just from how he was acting. But you don't seem to be carrying the same weight," Mike said. He watched her chew over his words, her head nodding slightly.

"You're right. But it's something the two of us will have to work through," Rachel replied softly. Mike understood her message and was happy she was willing to work through it with him. It made him feel better about the whole situation. He turned and walked towards the door for the lab. He looked back at her over his shoulder.

"He's a good man," Mike said as he left the lab and turned down the p-way. He headed to get some food in the wardroom. He was just finishing cleaning up his tray when Andrea walked in. His mood brightened almost immediately as he pushed the fatigue down. He glanced around double checking they were alone.

"Hey," he said softly. She looked up and smiled.

"Hey, Tower," she said with a wink. Mike furrowed his brow.

"What the…Tower?"

"Yeah, because you're as tall as a damn tower. If you're calling me Shortie, I'm calling you Tower, deal with it," she said with a smirk. Mike felt his insides flare, as a smile crossed his features.

"I guess it's only fair," he whispered. She studied his face.

"Were you on watch over night?"

"Yeah, just got done. I'm beat."

"You look exhausted. I'm off today," she added quietly. Mike felt his hand twitch as he wanted to touch her.

"I'll be in my stateroom," Mike mumbled quietly then turned and walked out of the wardroom. He made his way to his stateroom and felt his body ache for sleep. He stripped his uniform off and climbed into his bed and promptly passed out.

Mike was dreaming of a future. He was dreaming the drama was gone. He was dreaming the world was calm. He was dreaming of his life with Andrea. It was a warm dream, a welcome change to the dark and horrid dreams that had been plaguing him of late. His dream faded fast, and his eyes snapped open as he felt his bed dip.

His heart calmed a little when he saw Andrea sitting on the edge of his bed, watching him. She gave him an apologetic smile. His room was dark, and he could just barely make her out. Her hand came out and stroked his jaw.

"Sorry, I was trying not to wake you," she whispered. Her voice sounded off but in his groggy half-awake state he couldn't place what was wrong. He nodded slowly, his eyes blinking, his brain drifting back towards sleep. He pulled the blanket up and motioned for her to join him under the covers. The bed was too small for two, hell it was almost too small for just him and his extra-large frame, but they managed. She turned on her side, her back pressed against his front, her head just below his chin. He dropped the blanket over her and wrapped his arm over the top of her, pulling her even tighter. It felt good. It felt right. He was almost asleep again when he finally registered the tremble of her voice. Then he felt it. Her body was trembling slightly too. She was muffling it, but he knew in that moment, Andrea was crying.

"Hey," he whispered softly into her ear. "What's wrong, Shortie?"

His hand flattened against her stomach, as he snaked his other arm under her, completely cocooning her between his shoulders. He felt her melt into him, but she still didn't answer him. He debated if he should speak again or not. If he should push the issue to get her to talk to him, or if he should just hold her until she was ready. He decided on the later. He was fighting the sleep he desperately needed, because he didn't want to abandon her in a time of need. Eventually her body stopped trembling and he felt her shift. He loosened his arms as she rolled to face him. She ducked her head, avoiding making eye contact with him. Her forehead resting against his neck. He placed his hands on her back, stroking gently.

"I'm sorry," she mumbled against his skin, her voice soft, scared.

"Hey, hey," Mike whispered, squeezing her gently. "Nothing to be sorry for. Just got to talk to me." She was quiet for a while and Mike waited her out, rubbing her back and holding her close. He felt his eyes drifting close, unable to fight of the exhaustion anymore. They snapped open when he felt her lips kissing at his neck. "Andrea," he breathed out. It was somewhere between a statement and a question. Her lips pulled back.

"I couldn't stop thinking about Lilly," she whispered, and Mike felt his heart ache. He closed his eyes against the sudden tears that sprung to his eyes. "I tried, but it just consumed me, and all I wanted was to be here, like this. So…I came here."

"As you should. Always welcome…here." Mike replied gently. He had almost said in my bed but decided it might be a little taboo. But he found the thought of that statement made him happy. "And never apologize for grief. Of all people, I certainly understand."

"Thanks," she breathed. Mike was fighting hard; his eyes were heavy. He felt her shift again in his arms, but he was burning down. Her hand sprang loose and cupped his jaw. "Sleep, Mike."

Mike woke sometime later, feeling refreshed as he opened his eyes. He was the only one in the bed and he wasn't expecting the disappointment that flooded him. He sighed and stretched, untangling himself from the blankets. He looked at the clock and saw he had several hours before his watch. He pushed up from his bed and grabbed his sweats pulling them on. He noticed his sweatshirt was missing so he grabbed another one from his stash, yanking it over his shoulders.

He stopped when he walked into the outer room that held his office and saw Andrea stretched out on his couch reading a book. He paused to take in the sight, a smile crossing over his face. It faltered a moment as he remembered her distress earlier, though from the looks of her now it had passed. He walked over and lifted her legs so he could slide in under them, resting them gently over his lap. She stretched and put her book down, then smiled at him.

"Hey, sleepy head," she quipped. The corner of Mike's mouth tipped up in a half smirk.

"Hey," he replied. He searched her face. "You, okay?" He saw her blush slightly and a flicker of something passed across her face before she slapped a smile on.

"Yeah, I'm good," she said but Mike wasn't convinced. His hand stroked along her leg.

"It's okay if you're not," he said gently. "I'll never think less of you."

The second part seemed to hit her hard. He saw the tears spring to her eyes, and she ducked her face to the side to hide from him. He swallowed and felt the blow of her pain inside him. He just wanted to sooth it, make it better. He felt grief for his own kids. He gripped her behind the knees and dragged her down the couch so that she was sitting in his lap. His hand found the back of her neck and he held her in position so he could lean down and kiss her.

It started slow and heady. It was an exploration of territory, a melding of two beings. Mike was lost in the sensations and the feelings she was stirring in his body. As time ticked on, the kiss started to heat up. Both of them were feeling the need for more. Tongues met, clashed, battled for dominance. Teeth nipped, and lips smacked. Their hands were roaming now. Mike slipped one under her shirt. Somewhere in the back of his mind he realized it was his missing sweatshirt. He worked his hand under the tee shirt below it. His fingers found bare skin, and a fire ignited inside. He felt her react to his touch and he broke his mouth from hers, kissing down her jaw to her neck. His fingers sliding up her ribs, feeling each bump memorizing the feel of it.

He heard her gasp as her one of her hands tangled into the short hairs on the back of his head, holding him in place as he kissed and nipped at the soft skin on her neck. His fingers continued their slow exploration, finding the bottom of her breast, stroking lightly. She shifted so she was straddling his hips now, and pressed down into his lap, grinding. He felt the pressure over his groin, and it was his turn to gasp, then a groan escaped. He flicked a thumb up over her bra clad nipple and felt her shudder slightly, her head tipped back.

Mike filled his hand with her breast, slowly squeezing, manipulating, teasing the nipple. She moaned and her head came forward, her hand gripping his hair, pulling his head back towards her. She crushed his lips with hers, grinding harder in his lap, as she sucked and bit at his lower lip. Mike's insides were on fire, he could feel the heat of his desire in his belly, and his erection was painful trapped in his pants under her. He pulled his hand out from under her shirts, as his hips pumped up towards her involuntarily.

They were at the point of decision now. Finish what they started or pull back. Mike wanted desperately to just strip her naked and have his way with her, and he was fairly certain she would not object. But he wanted her to have a say. His hands found her hips, holding her down as he bucked up again, letting her feel what she had done to him. He felt her squirm, rotate her hips, grinding down hard as he pushed up. Her head dropped back exposing her neck to him and he kissed the front of her throat with tender care. God, she was beautiful, and he was a goner. This was home he thought, this was the future.

"Andrea," he croaked out, his brain struggling. Her hips were finding a rhythm and he was enjoying the friction she was creating. She slowed, tipped her head forward, her blue eyes blazing as she looked at him. Her face flushed, her breathing hard, desire floating in her eyes.

"Yes," she answered his unspoken question as she reached down and stripped off both her shirts at once, leaving her bra clad chest exposed to him. Mike felt his heart rate spike, didn't even know it was possible. His hands came up, each one cupping a breast, his eyes locked on hers. She bit at her lower lip, and arched her back, as his thumbs slowly caressed her nipples. He reached around and unhooked it, letting the garment fall between them, then leaned forward, taking a nipple into his mouth, sucking gently. She moaned and Mike sucked a little harder, teasing her with his teeth. Her hand gripped the back of his head and pushed him in closer.

He moved to her other breast and repeated his ministrations. Her hips were grinding over his groin again and he was slowly losing his ability to think. She yanked on his jaw and pulled him from her breast, pulling him into her mouth so she could kiss him again.

Her hands tugged at his shirt, and he helped her pull it over his head, tossing it aside, her head ducked down and kissed a line down his chest. Mike's head slumped back against the couch, his eyes closing as she licked over his nipple and then sucked lightly. Mike's hands went to her butt and squeezed. She ground her hips again, while nipping at his nipple and Mike couldn't stop the groan that escaped as he felt like he was about to explode.

With his hands still on her ass he stood up abruptly, taking her with him, her surprised squeak making him smile. She wrapped her legs tightly around his hips as her arms locked around his neck. He felt her kissing the soft skin where his shoulder and neck met as he walked them towards his bedroom. When she bit him, he nearly stumbled from the pleasure rocking through his body. He swallowed hard and dropped her to his bed on her back. He undid his pants and dropped them on the floor, sliding his boxers off as well. Andrea was working on removing her own pants. Mike took a moment to stare at her now naked body, perfection he thought. She was staring up at him, waiting, almost desperate. Mike lowered himself over her carefully distributing his weight. He leaned in and kissed her slow, teasingly. She heated the kiss up, driving him to act.

He reached down and stroked between her legs, causing her body to spasm. He grinned against her mouth. His fingers came away wet. He lined himself up and pushed, pulling his head up so he could watch her face as he entered her for the first time. She gasped and her eyes rolled back in her sockets and Mike smirked. He started to thrust, and she matched him, finding his rhythm easily. Her moans were quiet and drove him insane as he pumped his hips, feeling the build inside him. He was lost in the sensations and was a bit surprised when she bucked and flipped them over, putting her on top. She changed the pace and Mike held her hips as she rode him in a frenzy, his balls tightening.

He reached down between them and stroked her clit as her pumps became more erratic losing the easy rhythm they had been sharing. He knew she was close between her erratic motions and the moaning coming from her. He placed a hand on the small of her back and flipped them over again, not realizing they had run out of bed. They hit the floor hard but neither one really noticed. He pumped hard into her, wanting to bring her over the edge. She brought her knees up, changing the angle and he felt her start to flutter around him.

Mike leaned down, his hands finding the floor just over her shoulders and pushed into her with hard deep thrusts. Her moans were growing until she buried her face into the crook of his neck. Her inner muscles spasmed around his dick and he felt her bite heavily into his shoulder, as he thought he heard his name hissed on her lips. The bite, the moans, the squeezing were enough, and Mike felt himself explode inside her, his dick spasming violently as the pleasure ripped through him, causing his eyes to roll back as he breathed her name out.

He collapsed half on top of her, spent, mind a fog of bliss. He came back to reality when he felt her bit him again, then suck the spot on his neck. His dick twitched but then he was pushing himself to her side, bending down to kiss her gently on the lips. She reciprocated the sweet gentle kiss and Mike smiled as he pulled back.

"Holy hell, Tower, that was some ride," she smirked.

"Glad you enjoyed it," he quipped and stroked his knuckles down the side of her face.

"Enough to want to do it again sometime," she whispered, as her hand brushed against his groin. Mike laughed then looked around.

"What?"

"When did we end up on the floor?"

"You ran out of real estate when you flipped us the last time."

"Oh," Mike said and laughed again. "Well in my defense that bed is fricking tiny," Mike said as he pushed up from the floor and pulled her to her feet. He climbed back into the tiny bed and scooted as far over as he could. He held the blanket up and smiled. Andrea crawled in and tucked her back against his chest as Mike dropped the blankets and wrapped his arms around her. He kissed the top of her head. He glanced at the clock; he had forty-five minutes to enjoy this before he had to get ready for watch. He sighed, and he felt her push back into his, seeking more contact with him.

"Did you ever think about this before…our friendship…we…just before?" Andrea asked quietly. Mike kissed the top of her head again thought about her words. He had to chuckle a little at her inability to define what they had. But then he focused on her actual question.

"I noticed you were a beautiful woman, who was tough as nails."

"And?" she asked shifting slightly to get more comfortable. Mike licked his lips. He thought about it. There had been brief moments of fantasy, but he had also told himself that was all there was.

"Maybe," he whispered, his hand stroking along her naked side.

"Maybe?" she laughed. He smiled.

"What about you?"

"Oh yeah," she admitted. Mike was stunned. He paused his hand and felt a bolt of desire run through him.

"Seriously?" he asked. He had never imagined she would see him like this, want this…before they had gotten to know each other better.

"Mike, you're a very good-looking man…especially in uniform. Tall, muscular, confidence in yourself. All very sexy. Half the women on this ship probably fantasize about you."

"I'm far from the sexiest man on this ship," he scoffed. He knew he was a distant second to Tom Chandler.

"You're a very sexy man," she purred as she rotated in his arms, coming face to face with him. Her hand dropped between them and rubbed along his shaft. He felt it twitch with anticipation and he couldn't stop the strangled groan. She smiled seductively and did it again. "Got another round in you?"

"We shouldn't be doing this," he breathed out in a hiss as her hand continued to manipulate his dick.

"That makes it even more sexy," she whispered against his lips as she kissed him, her hand stroking rhythmically on his shaft. Her thumb soothed over the tip of his penis, and he gasped, feeling himself harden with her touches. "You were much better than I ever dreamed," she said in a husky voice and Mike felt his belly flutter. His dick was hard again, and her hand felt amazing. She pushed Him onto his back and rolled so she could bend down and take him with her mouth.

His eyes rolled back in his head, and he flattened himself on the bed as the sensations running through his groin and stomach overrode his ability to think. His hips pulsed with her as she sucked the tip then took him into her mouth again.

Her ministrations had his balls tightening again and he was lost in the ecstasy of her sucking. She pulled her mouth from his erection and sucked aggressively at his balls, her fingers massaging them as well. He was rock hard for the second time in an hour. His hand sought out her center and his fingers flicked across her wet core, as she kneeled over his knees. She dropped down again, forcing his hand out of the way as she took his dick deep into her mouth.

"Fuck," he half shouted as she came back up his shaft and sucked hard at the tip. She smirked at him and did it again, his eyes blurring as the pleasure was overriding his systems. His balls were tight, and he knew he was going to explode again. He frantically gripped at her shoulders and pulled her, sitting up as he did so. His mouth crashed into hers and he attacked with his tongue and teeth. She moaned into him, and he reached down gripping her hips, lifting her up and impaling her on his member. She moaned into his mouth as he pushed up into her. It didn't take long before he felt her convulsing inside and he let himself release.

The two collapsed onto his bed panting, covered in sweat. Mike wrapped his arms around her as she laid on his chest. He stroked his fingers through her hair.

"You're gunna be the death of me," he breathed out.

"At least you'll die happy," she mumbled against his chest. He laughed. She had a point. She picked her head up and looked at him, her fingers touching is jaw. There was something there in her eyes, and Mike thought she might say something but then she didn't, she just let her fingers drift down his skin, caressing his neck. Mike glanced at the clock and groaned.

"I have to get cleaned up. I can't be late after I gave Tom shit for being late."

"The captain was late?" Andrea asked with a smile as she slid off his chest allowing him to get up. He sat up and cringed.

"Don't start any rumors," Mike almost begged. Andrea laughed and ran her hand along his chest muscles.

"Why was the captain late?"

"I can't tell you that," Mike gritted, biting at his lip. She smirked at him and got up on her knees bringing herself face to face with him.

"Sure, you can. I can keep a secret. Remember I'm gunning for his job."

"You want to be captain of the James?"

"What? No," she said laughing. Mike looked at her curiously not understanding what she was saying.

"Best friend job," she whispered as she kissed him. He smiled as she pulled away. "So, why was the captain late?"

"He claims he overslept."

"Overslept?" she asked a bit of disbelief in her voice. Mike contemplated how much to share with her. He checked the clock again.

"Dr. Scott stayed the night," he whispered, and he watched Andrea's eyes grow wide.

"I knew it," she hissed. "They're sleeping together, aren't they?"

"He says not. I believe him. But it's only a matter of time."

"The way those two look at each other? Whew, fire. I feel bad for Tex."

"Tex, why Tex?"

"You don't see the way he looks at the doc?" Andrea asked. "Like a lovesick puppy. But the doc only has eyes for Chandler."

"Yeah, well Chandler has his head on crooked. Once he figures that out and straightens up, I see a future for them.

"Do you see a future for us?" she asked suddenly, and Mike froze up. He had not expected that. She back pedaled. "Sorry, I shouldn't have…you need to get ready," she sputtered and then tried to get up from his bed. He wrapped his hand around her wrist and tugged gently.

"Stop," he said gently. She paused and looked at him, and he could see the fear and uncertainty in her eyes. He made a decision right then and there; this was his future. "Yes," he said confidently. He watched as her eyes lit up and her face split into a smile.

"Really?"

"You don't?" he asked, now it was his turn to be uncertain.

"I do," she said quietly, shyly. Mike smiled, leaned over, and kissed her soundly.

To Be Continued…

Author's note #2: Whew…hope you enjoyed lol…dark rolling sea.