Murrue stood on the observation deck of the Archangel, staring out at the blank walls of Colony Mendel.

Every so often, a technician or another crew member would float past outside the window, but other than that, there was nothing to see. But Murrue didn't really care. Her focus was inward, rather than outward. She just stood, staring at nothing. So lost in thought was she, that she never noticed the man float up from the corridor and stand beside her.

"You know, if you keep staring at the wall long enough, you might bore a hole in it."

Startled, Murrue spun around. Mwu was standing there, a boyish grin appearing on his face at her surprise.

"Commander!"

"What's wrong, Murrue-san?"

She shook her head, auburn hair flying. "Nothing really. Just thinking. Are we really safe here?"

"Safe?" He scratched his chin. "Probably not. But then, we knew they'd come after us eventually."

She looked down at her feet, familiar worried expression coming across her face.

Mwu frowned and took her chin in one hand, lifting her eyes to meet his.

"But don't worry. We've been through worse than this and come out okay. And," he said, pulling her into a hug, "you're not alone in this. You have your friends with you. And you have me."

Murrue smiled softly. "Thank you". Standing on her tiptoes, she placed her hands on his shoulders and kissed him lightly.

"Well", said Mwu, taking her hand. "It's late, and we may as well make the most of the time we have before we're found. So, we should get some rest, you especially. May I escort the Captain?"

Murrue giggled, but accepted his offer, and the pair floated off to the elevator.

Outside his quarters, she wished him goodnight. As she turned to go to her own room, she stretched her arms out above her head, wincing as aching muscles protested.

"Hey, are you okay?" asked Mwu, looking concerned. She smiled and nodded. "Oh yeah, I'm fine. It's just because I've been sitting in one place for too long."

Opening his door, Mwu stopped, thoughtful expression on his face. Then he grabbed Murrue's hand again, and pulled her inside his room.

"What in the - Commander, what do you think you're doing?" hissed Murrue, trying to ignore her thumping heart and hot face. She pulled her hand from his grasp and backed away until she hit the door.

He acted as though he hadn't heard her, or noticed her panic. Sitting down on his bed, he patted the space beside him.

"Here, come sit down". Murrue stayed where she was, almost rooted to the spot. Looking up, he finally saw how nervous she was, and smiled gently.

"It's okay. Please?"

Gingerly, she walked over and perched on the side of the bed, half-turned away from him. Her heart was still racing.

Mwu turned her face to meet his. "Don't be scared. I'm not going to do anything bad. All I ask is that you take your jacket off."

Blushing furiously, she shrank back, folding her arms across her chest. Why is he asking me this?

There was no sign of a joke in his eyes, all she could see was kindness and concern.

"Please, Captain, trust me. I promise it'll be all right."

Still turned away, she slowly removed her uniform jacket. She was still very nervous, and wouldn't look at him. She did trust him though, with her life, and deep down, despite her shyness, knew that he would keep his promise.

When the garment was removed, he took her by the shoulders and sat behind her.

"Now, relax." He gently began to massage her shoulders and back, strong hands working out all the aches and tension she had been feeling, and making her worry and nervousness drain away.

Murrue smiled and breathed out slowly. If he'd just told me what he was going to do, I wouldn't have been so scared...

"There now, do you feel better? How do you expect to get a decent night's sleep if you're all tense like that?" As Mwu spoke, she could feel his breath warm on the back of her neck. It sent shivers down her spine. Without really knowing what she was doing, Murrue leaned back, closer to him, and closed her eyes.

Mwu smiled as she moved closer to him. He really hadn't meant to scare her so much, but if he'd just come right out and asked her, he was sure she would have run away.

Her closeness and warmth made his heart beat faster, and, finishing the massage, he slowly wrapped his arms around her waist, drawing her even nearer.

She'll probably kick my ass for this. But she's so beautiful...He breathed in the scent of her auburn hair, wishing they could stay like this forever.

Murrue froze. The massage had ended, so why was he still holding her? And holding her like that?

Her earlier nervousness returned with a vengeance.

Reality check, Murrue. You are alone, in a darkened room, with a handsome man you like a LOT.

What the hell do I do now?

Every part of her wanted to stay in his embrace, but something was still stopping her.

I'm the captain...I can't be here...

Mwu leaned closer to her, whispering in her ear. "Will you...will you stay here tonight? With me?"

Her heart skipped several beats. Does he mean...

"You - you mean...to..are you asking me..." she stammered, not able to finish the sentence. Pulling away from him, she quickly got to her feet, blushing crimson.

He held up his hands in surrender. "Only if you want to. If you want to leave, I won't stop you."

Murrue looked at her feet, fighting with herself. Her rational mind was screaming no, you can't do this, you're the captain, it's against regulations...

But the rest of her disagreed. Sure it is. But that never stopped you before, did it? And although it meant it caused you more pain when he left you, wasn't it worth it?

Besides, don't tell me you haven't imagined what this might be like...

That thought made her blush harder. She had imagined it...

Throwing caution to the wind, she made her decision. Walking towards him, Murrue held out her hand.

Mwu's face lit up. "Really? You're...okay with this?"

She nodded slowly, then looked away. "But...I haven't...not since..."

His expression was one of tenderness. "Don't worry, I won't hurt you. I promise." Taking her hand, he drew her to himself, and down onto the bed, kissing her softly.

As the hours passed, the silence in the room was punctuated only by gasps, soft cries, and murmured endearments, the stillness of the room only by slow, gentle movements. All was calm, until suddenly, the events of the night reached a crescendo, male and female voices crying out together, blending in a duet of passion. Then, as quickly as the cry had rung out, it ended, silence descending on the room once more.

"Are you okay?" asked Mwu, stroking her hair as she lay beside him, head pillowed on his shoulder.

"Yes" Murrue replied, the expression on her beautiful face one of dreamy happiness. "Thank you."

"I can't make you stop missing the one you were with before" he said quietly. "And I can't make you stop worrying about what might happen in the future. But I'm here for you now, as long as you want me to be."

"Just for tonight?" she asked sleepily, smiling. Mwu smiled back.

If I could write the future, I'd be here for you forever...

Kissing his now sleeping lover on the forehead, he whispered "For always"

------------------------------------------------------------------------

( meep :blushes: That was tough to write. I haven't the bottle to write a fully-fledged lemon, and I'm not sure I'd want to. So I made it implied instead. I always kinda wondered how Mwu and Murrue-san got together together, so I had a go at writing it.

Please read and review (and please don't flame me :cries: ) )