Author's warning: you might need a fire extinguisher handy while reading this! It will come in handy ;)

"Kitty" Year-Round

Part VII: Faint Heart Never Won Fair Lady

by Mia LeighArc

The following day, the couple were cuddling, fast asleep on the couch after a rather intense bout of lovemaking. The two of them hadn't done much else except for occasional meals and sleeping have since Delbert met Amelia at the pub Friday night. Sarah tried to call a few times, but Delbert didn't answer, it wasn't like she was really expecting him too, but her curiosity was getting the better of her. She stopped by and when no one answered the door when she knocked, she let herself in with her key.

"Seems they made up and all is well!" Sarah thought with a laugh as she noticed the bra hanging over the back of the couch and the scattered clothing on the floor. She could hear Delbert snoring softly and the sound of purring. She smiled widely knowing all too well what that first time felt like when she had fell in love with her husband Leland Hawkins. She made breakfast for them as quietly as possible, leaving the food in the oven for them to keep it warm and left a note for him in the kitchen as she ventured back out to the Benbow. She figured making them some breakfast was a good idea since them making up was sort of her idea. She didn't want to disturb their alone time, so she went back to work with the contractors who were working on the inn.

"I'll have to try calling him later" Sarah mused as she enjoyed the scenic walk from Delbert's mansion to her inn. The sky was clear, it was a sunny day, and the birds were singing.

Delbert was the first one to awaken, with the far better sense of smell out of the two, he smelled the scent of breakfast coming from the kitchen. Realizing just the how hungry he was, his stomach growled loudly, rousing Amelia from her slumber in a slight jolt at the sound.

"Good morning, beautiful" he whispered against her tangled auburn tresses. She looked up at him, smiled sweetly and kissed the tip of his nose.

"Good morning, love" she responded as she ran her fingers through his soft chest hair. He let out a contented sigh and kissed the top of her head lovingly. She too now smelt the breakfast waiting for them in the kitchen.

"Is that breakfast I smell?" She asked him quizzically. He nodded at her pulling her closer to him.

"Seems like that to me, dear. Are you hungry?" He asked her rubbing a hand along the curve of her spine slowly. She purred at his touch. He was lucky in the knowledge that he was the one who got to hear that wonderful sound she made when she was relaxed and comfortable.

"A bit darling, I'd be one to admit that all this rigorous 'activity' takes it out of me." She said with a flirtatious smile.

"You're not the only one." He said with a laugh, lifting her chin to meet his eyes before kissing her sweetly.

"Then shall we partake in a meal together, dear?" She nodded in excitement, hesitation to move from her current position in her face. Finally she got up and grabbed his dress shirt from their makeshift date Friday night and draped it around herself, taking her time to button it up as he gazed longingly at her. He never thought she could look even more beautiful than she did now, in his shirt and nothing else, with a wide smile and a raised eyebrow.

"Are you going to wear that all weekend?" He asked her suavely as he put on his dressing gown while she eyed him with a piercing seductive gaze.

"Yes, Delbert. It smells like you and… us & I find it intoxicating." She said bringing the collar to her nose and swooning. He blushed as he put his arm around her as they entered the kitchen. What met them was a breakfast he knew fully well only Sarah would make and he inwardly slapped his forehead, sure she had seen the disarray in the living room. He blushed in embarrassment at the thought.

"Sarah was here, my goodness she must've seen everything!" He exclaimed worriedly. Amelia stroked his arm to try to calm him.

"I hope not everything." She said suggestively. Delbert swallowed hard, embarrassment taking over his features. Amelia grabbed a hold of the lapels of his dressing gown and pulled him into a kiss.

"It's quite alright, love. I'm sure she made breakfast for us as a friendly gesture is all. Nothing to worry about my darling." Amelia said as she wrapped her arms around him. He relaxed under her touch and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close. They gazed at each other for what seemed like days. A goofy smile was on both their faces at the wonderful facets of their growing relationship. Delbert saw the note on the counter and opened up the oven to collect their breakfast. With a gracious reminder to thank Sarah later for her kindness, they are their meal in companionable silence minus the glances out of the corner of their eye at the other or the way their hands would touch unexpectedly when they reached for something. Later that day, she finally read the letter from the academy while he regaled her of his experience at the convention. They chatted pleasantly as they collected all the loose clothing in the living room and the extra blankets to be washed. Amelia was still insistent on wearing his shirt and nothing else for the time being. Every once in a while, letting the shirt fall loosely off her shoulder without a care in the world. Delbert felt like he was in a daydream.

Thinking back on when he first realized he was falling in love with her, Delbert found himself staring at her, the material of his shirt fallen carelessly off her shoulder affording a lovely view of her collar bone and the curve of her neck and shoulder. She noticed his gaze with a blush, running a hand absentmindedly through her fiery tresses, almost as fiery as her emerald eyes he loved to get lost in. He remembered that night fondly as a night when their relationship grew into more than a simple financier/captain relationship. It was the first night she let her guard down around him and allowed him to see the vulnerable woman beneath it.

"Mr. Arrow was a... fine spacer. Finer than most of us could...ever hope to be. But he knew the risks, as do us all. Resume to your posts, we carry on." Amelia said, fighting with her emotions. She had no other option but to remain strong in front of her crew. Showing emotion would leave her vulnerable to a mutiny, especially as a woman. Even more so that she just lost the one person on board who could without a doubt ensure her safety. That's what Arrow would've wanted. He would've insisted she continue the mission despite the obstacles she was faced with. Amelia took a deep breath as she slowly started walking back to her stateroom, she noticed the sad look on Delbert's face when she passed him. He looked as if he wanted to reach out to her, but he stopped himself nervously. She couldn't even smile at him, her emotions a turmoil inside of her. She opened the door to her stateroom and closed it tightly behind her. Leaning her head against the back of the door, she stifled the waves of tears coming to her before falling to the floor in a heap, letting the tears fall now that she was alone. She looked down to Arrow's hat in her hands and wept for the first time since her mother died so many years ago. What was she to do now that her only friend was gone? How could she run this ship of miscreants by herself? She felt so lost and alone. It seemed like hours had passed when she heard muttering from behind the door. It sounded like Dr Doppler. She made no attempt to check, letting her emotions run rampant when a cautious knock came to the door.

"C-captain? It me, Doctor Doppler." He said quietly. She sighed, she really didn't feel like talking at that moment, so she ignored it. It felt like hours had passed but it was only a matter of minutes.

"C-captain?" He said again a little louder, concern plain in his voice. She knew it would be difficult to see her like this, but maybe it would be a good idea to at least see what he wanted.

"Captain?" He said a third time louder and a bit more confident before she stood up, tried to straighten herself and opened the door. He wore a concerned look on his face as she faced him. She could tell he cared about what she was going through and came to check on her.

"He is very was sweet like that." She thought to herself, hoping her facial expression didn't betray her. She motioned him inside, shutting the door behind him. He faced her with a thoughtful care she hadn't known from anyone else except her father. Not even Arrow wore that expression even in their tenderest moments.

"What brings you here, Doctor?" She said, trying to swallow down the emotion threatening to come back to the surface. Delbert took a hesitant step towards her.

"Captain, I-I'm so sorry for your loss. I heard you crying, and I came to check on you." He said softly reaching out towards her but pulling his hand back when he saw she had erupted in emotion. He stepped closer, ready to wrap her in a hug, but she moved away from him.

"It's not bloody fair! I can't run this ship without him! It should've been me." She stated plainly as she stood fighting back tears.

"Don't say that. It should NOT have been you. While it's not fair that it happened, but I'm sure Arrow wouldn't have wanted you to blame yourself." Delbert said cautiously wrapped her in his arms, unprepared for her to remain there. She dropped her head to his shoulder, punching her fists against his chest.

"If it weren't for this bloody crew YOU hired, Arrow would still be alive! I wouldn't be so- alone. I wouldn't have to fight so bloody hard to keep myself together to prevent a mutiny! blast you, you bloody bumbling fool!" she said as she was washed over with another wave of emotion, and she collapsed into his arms letting her tears fall freely.

"Shh, It's okay Captain, I'm here. it's okay to let yourself grieve. It's okay to cry if you need to." He stated softly against her ear.

"No, it isn't. Crying is a sign of weakness, Doctor. You wouldn't understand what it's like...you're just a bloody imbecile with no common sense." She stated harshly. She was washed over with a wave of emotion as he reached up to run a hand through her hair softly and she again collapsed into his arms letting her tears fall freely. She didn't want to show her vulnerable side in front of him when she didn't know if she could trust him completely, but right now he was her only option of comfort. He was the only one who came to check on her. For that, she was eternally grateful. What surprised her was that her harsh words didn't turn him away as she thought they would. Regret instantly fell upon her.

"Doctor, I'm sorry-I- didn't mean to say those things. I just – I don't know what to do from here. He was my best friend. He's been serving as a friend of my family for generations, he even saved my life once—" She said softly with guilt in her damp eyes. He just smiled at her with understanding and compassion; not something she was used to from most members of the opposite sex. This was a delightful change she noted.

"It's understandable. I came here because I thought maybe you could use a friend right now." He said as continued to run a hand through her hair. His hands were so warm, she was quite surprised at this. Something about being in his embrace just felt so comfortable, so right.

"Why would you care so much? After the terrible things I've said and how I've treated you, why—why would you be so sweet to me?" She asked in a small voice. Delbert smiled warmly at her.

"Because everyone deserves to have someone to rely on when they need it most. Yes, even you, Captain. A few insults aren't nearly enough to sway me from providing you with what you deserve." He said sweetly (without stumbling over his words once, she noted). His touch was so caring and gentle. She could tell he was a gentleman by the way he kept his hand firmly on the small of her back and not wandering her person like she would expect from other men she had known in similar situations. His honesty was also quite refreshing. She had to smile at his kindness. She was starting to realize that Delbert truly was a good man.

"Since when do you think that? Since when do you think of him as Delbert and not Doctor?" Her inner voice mused to her annoyance. She went to say something in response, but he stopped her with a finger to her lips, his touch lingering long past necessary before his hand went back to her hair. The anticipation in the room was rising to an uncomfortable level. Another awkward silence broke between them. She stared up at him, unsure what to say. Her mind was telling her to pull away from his touch before she did something she'd surely regret, but her heart kept telling her to get closer to him, to let her guard down in the same way she imagined him removing her clothing to rest at her feet. She could imagine him stroking the thin straps of her nightgown off her shoulders with a shutter…

"Don't be daft, woman! He just wants to be your friend, stop thinking this is anything more than that!" her mind argued with her, to which she replied

"Then what is it about him that makes me want to do things I shouldn't? I know I shouldn't be wanting to..." She questioned herself, fighting the urge to pull him into a passionate kiss. She shook her head to clear her thoughts before she knew what she was doing, the urge won out and she found herself doing something she never expected. She closed the gap between them and touched her lips tentatively to his. His eyes went wide, and he jumped at the motion, but soon found himself relaxing slightly. His mind was still processing what was happening, but he found himself nervously pulling her closer. They broke apart and they just stared at each other.

"I-ah," was all he could formulate in his brain to say before she spoke up.

"Doctor, I'm so sorry. I don't know what came over me. I-" she began darting her eyes away nervously as a single tear rolled down her cheek. Before she knew it, he put a finger to her lips with a look of amusement on his lips. He pulled his hand away and found himself wiping away an errant tear from her cheek.

"Captain, it's-it's okay. I-ah, rather found it to be quite pleasant, actually." He said quietly, his right hand reaching up to grip her chin to look at him. This time, he slowly closed the gap between them, his lips exploring hers in turn as he ran his hand through her hair to rest at the nape of her neck as the other firmly anchored himself around her waist. Several minutes passed before they finally broke apart. Neither of them knew what to say as an awkward silence followed before Amelia had the nerve to speak.

"Thank you, Doctor. I appreciate your kindness, truly. In the future, I permit you to call me Amelia when we are alone." She said kindly. He looked at her a bit taken back at first, then a goofy smile lighting his face.

"Well in that case, you can call me Delbert." He retorted softly. They stood there in a heated embrace for what felt like hours, feeling like the only two people in the whole etherium. It was Delbert who brought them back to reality.

"I should probably go back to my quarters; I wouldn't want the crew to start wondering about -us or to question your reputation..." He said with concern. Amelia lifted her head to meet his eyes, beautiful chocolate brown eyes she seemed to truly be seeing for the first time. Her heart skipped a beat getting caught in that gaze. She wanted so much for him to stay with her, to ease the pain and allow her to feel something again. This left her realizing just how much she had been neglecting her needs over the years.

"Please don't go...Doc-Delbert… D-do you think you can stay with me…just for tonight?" She asked tentatively. She was nervous he might get the wrong idea and think she was propositioning him. Especially after the heated kiss they had just shared. She blushed in embarrassment at the thought. His eyes went wide, and his jaw dropped in surprise. He went to open his mouth to speak but had a problem finding the right words.

"Umm, I-I Cap-Amelia I ahh.." He was able to blurt out before she took a step towards him, placing a single gloved finger to his lips.

"No-it's nothing like that, Delbert. It's just…I don't think I would be able to sleep by myself tonight. If you wouldn't mind sleeping next to me, it would be a great comfort to me, Doc-Delbert." She said sweetly, only faltering when she was fighting back tears. His jaw dropped again, but not as severely as the first time. He knew she had the habit of being direct in her requests (more like orders most of the time), but this was something entirely new to him. Truth be told, it was an entirely new feeling for her as well. No man had ever had her so unsure, fighting her thoughts at every turn such as Delbert had over the past few months. It started small, his sweet, charming smile when he would stumble into her stateroom in the morning (often running late) to go over his star charts to ensure the navigation of the voyage was on course. Then it was chatting in passing on the deck during her watch when she would notice him stargazing. Then there were times more recently when she caught him staring at her when they were on deck together. Oddly in the past couple of months, she was finding she didn't mind as much. She realized in that moment just how flattered she was that he would spend so much time staring at her rather than his beloved stars. It made her shiver to think he valued her more than the etherium. Could it be true?

"When did that start?" she asked herself curiously.

"N-no, I don't mind, I just wasn't expecting anything like this. I mean, when you first asked, I was afraid you meant something-else and based on you how we just-k-kissed...I thought maybe you did, but I'm actually quite relieved. I could never prevail upon a lady in-in-such a way" He said truthfully, wiping sweat from his brow as she smiled, relieved herself at his admission. She let out a slight laugh at his stuttering. He looked at her puzzled

"What's so funny?" He asked with furrowed brows.

"The way you stumble over your words is quite charming, doctor. Do keep this up." she said with a wink. He swallowed hard at this, avoiding her gaze. As much as she was tempted to, she knew she wasn't ready to rush into anything quite so committed, so intimate as intercourse just yet. It was such a struggle for her, she felt so torn by her emotions. She felt guilty for the thought even crossing her mind when she was grieving Arrow's death, but something about the good Doctor stirred her emotions like no other man she had ever known. She thought perhaps it was because he made her feel like a woman, someone to be cared for and cherished rather than just the Captain of the Legacy (a position which demanded his respect). Shaking these thoughts from her head, she then led him through a hidden door to her private cabin. Inside was a full-sized bed held up with heavy chains from the wall. There were two small bedside tables, a large elaborate armoire, and a spacious bathroom. It looked quite comfortable for one person.

"Hmm, this looks fairly cozy." He said looking around, marveling at the sights before him. She had some rather impressive artwork and nautical memorabilia on display that he found fit her personality perfectly.

"It can be for one person, but I've never t-tested my bed for two before. It might be a snug fit." She said a blush rushing up her neck. She motioned him to get comfortable and started taking off her jacket and boots, placing them on a nearby chair (which looked quite comfortable, he noted). Delbert took off his shoes and jacket, placing them under the bed as he watched her approach the bathroom.

"Make yourself comfortable, I'll be right out." She said as she closed the door behind her, leaving Delbert to his nervous thoughts. He removed his cravat, waist coat and breeches, then pulling his shirt over his head when he heard the door open. Through the opening of his shirt still around his head, a beautiful siren stood at the door in a simple white nightgown coming just to her knees with elaborate lace around the hem. He instantly pulled his shirt into his lap, looking nervous that she would notice his reaction to seeing her in nothing more than a thin nightie. She eyed his shirtless form with the same amount of surprise and wonder. She noted that while he was thin and gangly, he had an adorable patch of chest hair across his upper chest going all the way down his stomach. To her, it looked like the 'purrfect' pillow; a thought she tried to stifle, finding herself biting her lower lip. She brought herself back to reality as he broke the silence.

"Stop it, woman? He came here to comfort you, not get in your bed for a nice shag!" Her mind screamed, that voice was getting so irritating to her.

"I want to warn you about a few things first Cap-Amelia, I think it's important that you know, just in case." He said nervously.

"I'm sure whatever it is will be fine, Delbert. However, I am curious, do go ahead." She said bluntly, stifling a giggle at him covering his lap so intently.

"I should warn you I snore." He said with a frown.

"it's quite alright, Delbert. I tend to spread out." She said with a smile tugging at her lips.

"Me too, it's often hard for me to get comfortable. Not to worry, Amelia" he admitted. She felt her face heat up at the thought of their limbs entangled before another thought struck her.

"I wouldn't be surprised it's 'hard' to get comfortable with his long limbs. It makes me wonder if he's also well endowed..." She thought as she waited for him to finish. Fighting her lustful curiosity, she scolded herself.

"Pay attention, woman! he's not finished talking!" She screamed at herself to clear her mind. She shook her head and stroked her forehead in hopes to stop her mind from its lustful adventure. He looked up at her to see the odd look on her face.

"Something wrong?" He asked out of concern. She waved off his comment with a sweep of her hand.

"Oh tish tosh I'm just finding myself with a lot on my mind right now. You were saying?" She said, focusing her attention back to him. He looked at her, concern in his eyes, those eyes that were driving her crazy.

"Please, do continue" She said softly, gazing back at him intently as he spoke.

"Well, if you're sure...Um, I should tell you tend to sweat profusely if I wear much more than this." He said pointing to his boxers.

"I'm quite alright now thanks to you, Delbert, I also tend to get warm when I sleep as well. Is there anything else I need to know?" She said pulling the strap of her nightgown up further on her shoulder coyly. He blushed at her comment and found himself trying to not stare as she mindlessly adjusted the strap of her nightgown.

"W-w-well…" He swallowed hard avoiding her gaze. He felt his heartbeat skyrocket at the very thought.

"it's been some time since- - since I've slept with—err- next to a woman, not that I often do so, not to say that I wouldn't with a beautiful woman like you, b- but…" He slapped his forehead in frustration before he finished his sentence, Amelia waiting patiently for him to finish speaking.

"it's just that unbeknownst to me, my b-body may have a slight reaction from being within close-proximity to a woman I find as- a-a-attractive as you." He said blushing profusely at his admission. He hung his head, embarrassed by himself and his blatant admission.

"Did he just say what I thought he said? Did he just say he thought I was beautiful? That he finds me attractive as well?" She asked herself, flushing before she smiled kindly and let out a small laugh, this was the first time he saw her laugh during the entire voyage. It was intoxicating to say the least.

"Oh is that all? I'm not worried about that, Delbert. I won't be offended if it does happen either, in fact…" She paused for effect, taking in a deep breath before she admitted the truth for both of their benefit "I'd be rather flattered." She said softly, touching her hand to his face. His eyes went wide, shocked to say the least.

"Y-you w-would?" he said completely caught by surprise. She nodded with a slight laugh as she placed her arms around his shoulders. She then leaned forward, took hold of his shirt, and put it with his other things. Then she took his spectacles off his nose and put them on the nearby table.

"Now that we cleared that up, shall we go to bed?" She said sweetly. He nodded in approval, still amazed at her forwardness. She allowed him to get comfortable, turned the light off and curled into bed beside him. He pulled the comforter over the two of them with a care she only knew from childhood. She was facing him, smiling as he wrapped one of his arms around her low back and the other cradling her head. He ran a hand through her hair sweetly as she gazed at him. She felt so comfortable, so safe and protected. She had to admit it felt bloody wonderful to not be alone anymore. Trust and affection blended into the intimacy of the moment, softening both of their nerves. Soon Delbert discovered that she had drifted off to sleep, a deep rumbling sound coming from in the room that he didn't recognize. It took him several moments to realize that she was purring as she lightly ran her fingers through his chest hair. He sighed in contentment as he watched her sleep peacefully for a while before he too gave in to the caress of sleep. He felt so protective of her in that moment, it filled his chest with pride that she could trust him to be there for her, to see the woman behind the façade. He placed a chaste kiss on the top of her head as he closed his eyes and allowed sleep to take him.

Sometime in the night, Amelia began to shake and jerk her limbs, seeming to be having a nightmare. She let out small, pained sounds in her sleep. Delbert, slowly opened his eyes, laying down flat on his back. He pulled her to lay against his chest as and spoke softly to her, running a hand softly through her fiery tresses.

"Amelia? Amelia? It's me, Delbert. I'm right here." He said as he made soft hushing noises, holding her closer. She finally sprang awake, looking down at him staring up at her in concern.

"I'm sorry, Delbert. Did I wake you?" she asked, feeling guilty. He smiled at her and simply wrapped his arms closer around her protectively.

"Its quite alright, it was just a nightmare, I'm here. Nothing will ever happen to you as long as I'm around, I promise." He whispered sweetly to her as she settled her head back into his chest and sighed happily. Delbert felt himself falling back asleep as he heard her familiar purr begin again before he kissed her forehead.

Later that night, Amelia lay dreaming again, but this time, about Delbert. She imagined him letting his hands slowly wander her person, leaving her feeling flushed. She imagined him slowly lifting up her nightgown to paw at her curves. Just when he pulled his boxers down and put his hard member across her backside, she let out a moan. Little did she know that Delbert woke up at the sound of her voice and sleepily looked around the dark room for her. He was afraid of her having another nightmare. When he heard her sigh and begin breathing heavily, he got worried. She let out another moan and called his name.

"Oh Delbert! Delbert don't stop—please…" She called out in her sleep just as Delbert was mounting her in her dream. Delbert woke her, bringing her back to reality.

"Amelia? Amelia! Are you okay? Was it another nightmare?" He asked softly, trying to keep his emotions in check. Amelia blinked open her eyes and shook her head groggily.

"Delbert? What's the matter?" She asked clearly half asleep still. Delbert gave a small smile and looked her directly in the eyes, surveying her for any clear sign of danger…just to be sure.

"You were…sighing in your sleep and—and-you were calling my name. I thought it might be another nightmare." He said with concern in his voice but a blush burning his cheeks. Amelia had the grace to blush a deep scarlet also and tried hide her face from him before replying. He softly lifted her chin to face him again.

"I-I- was?" was all she could say, not realizing that she was saying these things aloud in her sleep. An awkward silence followed.

"Was it another nightmare?" He asked sweetly. Amelia shook her head and took a deep breathe before she spoke.

"Actually, it wasn't a nightmare at all. It was truly rather…pleasant." Amelia said with a soft smile and an uncomfortable heat rising in her cheeks. Delbert was taken back by her confession and looked at her puzzled.

"Well if it wasn't a nightmare, why were you making those sounds in your sleep?" He asked curiously. Amelia immediately changed the subject.

"Honestly, it doesn't really matter, I'd rather not like to get back to sleep right now." She said matter of factly. He hesitantly nodded in agreement, and they once again returned to a comfortable position. He let out a long yawn and curled up against her. Not too long after, she continued purring and they fell back asleep.

In the morning he awoke to find they both had shifted. He found himself sleeping on his right side, Amelia now having her back to him. He wrapped his arm around her more closely as she sighed contently. He closed his eyes again, noticing that she wiggled her behind against him. He wondered if it was instinctual or on purpose. He hoped it wasn't the latter. How he hoped it wasn't the latter. Would she do something like that to tease him on purpose? He wasn't sure but he didn't want to find out. To his horror, his body responded by pushing back into her. When she groaned slightly, he was worried she would wake up. He tried to put it out of his mind when minutes later she made the same motion, which was responded the same way without him even realizing it. He felt like he needed to take a cold shower, or at least splash his face with cold water to cover up the fact that he was blushing so hard. He tried to shake it from him mind by focusing on cuddling with the beautiful woman in his arms. He leaned in close, his face against the back of her neck. Without thinking, he leaned in and placed a few soft kisses on the back of her neck.

"Mmmm…don't stop…" She mumbled in her sleep, reaching to softly stroke the side of his face. He nuzzled into her touch, then nuzzled his face into her neck. They stayed like that for what felt like hours before they came to full consciousness again.

"Good morning, Amelia." He whispered softly. She nuzzled her face into his as she responded.

"Good morning, Delbert." She said sleepily, wondering what time it was. She slowly opened her eyes to look at the clock. It was 6am, she needed to be up and prepared to start the morning watch in an hour. She took the opportunity to pat Delbert lightly on the cheek and slowly sit up, stretching her limbs. Delbert lazily opened his eyes, watching her admiringly as she stood languorously and walked towards the bathroom.

"I suppose that means I should return to my cabin then." He stated, reluctant to part from her company. She stopped before she reached the door, turning to face him as he started getting dressed. With horror, his fears were realized as he went to put his trousers on. He stopped with he heard her chuckle at the sight. He pulled on his pants as best he could under the circumstances under the smoldering heat of her amused gaze. He began putting on his shirt and waistcoat on before putting on his cravat.

"You don't need to leave on my account. If you'd like… We can chat over tea before I start my morning watch." She said hopefully, unsure how to handle the new wave of emotions she was being flooded with. His face lit up, and with a smile, he regarded her with a soft gaze.

"However our morning meeting to go over the navigation still stands." She added with a wink. Delbert swallowed hard and took a deep breath before speaking.

"Alright, I can make us some tea while you get dressed. Take your time." He said warmly. She slipped into the bathroom, and he finished getting dressed. Amelia immediately went to the sink and splashed cold water on her face and down the back of her neck.

"Are you daft woman? You don't have time for male adoration! You hate men!" her inner voice screamed aloud. To which Amelia responded, "not ALL men, obviously. This one is so much different than any other man I've ever known." Amelia looked at herself in the mirror, questioning if it was worth exploring the possibilities in her mind. "It could be nice to fully open up to him, let him see the real me. Arrow-Arrow would've approved of it with all his hopeless notions of romance." Amelia thought to herself with a stifled tear and a sigh. Amelia then got dressed. She slowly put on her trousers and white blouse before she brushed her wild tresses. She then fixed her makeup before stepping back into the room to put on her jacket and boots again.

Meanwhile, Delbert went back out into her stateroom, seeing the devastation the supernova did to the windows. He tidied up the best he could and got some tea ready for the two of them. The tea kettle whistled just as Amelia stepped back into the stateroom, surprised that he had cleaned up most of the mess. She stepped closer to him, pleasantly surprised yet again by his kind nature and thoughtfulness.

"Thank you, Delbert. I do believe that was probably the best sleep I've had in years. And thank you for-everything, truly. You are far too good to me." She said softly, reaching out for his hand. He gave her hand a bit of a squeeze and smiled.

"It was no problem, that's what friends are for." He said with a smile. She noticed his cravat was crooked and stepped close enough to him to feel her breath on his face.

"Then allow me to help you adjust this." She said, focusing on straightening his cravat and deciding to retie the entire thing by hand, her tongue slipping out the side of her mouth in effort. When she was satisfied, she smiled.

"There we go, much better." She said placing a hand flat against the cravat thinking how handsome he looked. They gazed at each other for a moment and Amelia was the first to speak.

"Shall we?" She said, motioning to the tea. Delbert sprang into action, pulling out her chair for her and pouring them both a cup of tea. They chatted for what felt like hours before Jim suddenly rushed into her stateroom and slammed the door behind him.

"Mr Hawkins, what on earth are you doing here?" She asked, concerned by his abrupt entry.

"The crew are pirates! They are starting a mutiny. We gotta get outta here!" He screamed. The furr on the back of Amelia's neck stood on end. She knew what that meant.

Delbert sighed as he still gazed at her, now closing the gap between them, his shirt still haphazardly hanging from her shoulder. He instinctively pulled her closer to him, following the curve of her spine till his hand rested on her shoulders, rubbing gently. She purred at his touch, nuzzling against his hands. She laid her head on his chest, burying her face in his chest hair.

"What are you thinking about, love?" She said softly, leaving a kiss on his chest and smiling when she felt his heartbeat climbing.

"Oh just the first time I realized I was falling for you." He said, knowing she probably figured out all too well which time he was referring to.

"And when was that exactly?" She teased. She figured it had to be the night he comforted her after Arrow's death, but she wanted to hear him admit it out loud.

"That night in your stateroom when you asked me to stay with you. I'm not sure why but that night always sticks out in my mind when I think of you- - us." He said as she placed his hands around her waist and pulled her closer to him.

"You're not the only one…" She said as she again closed the gap between them to kiss him again. A thought came to him suddenly.

"You know, I wanted to ask you something that night and never got around to it." He mused to himself, staring lovingly at her. She gave him a puzzled look.

"What would that be, love?" She said sweetly, running her hand gently along his chest.

"What is that enchanting scent you wear? I noticed it when we first spoke in your stateroom and more noticeably that night when I stayed with you... I know for sure you wore it last night as well." He said, gently running a hand along the bare skin of her neck and shoulder.

"I should've known you would take notice, darling. Do you like it?" She said with a devilish grin. He nodded and smiled.

"Very much so! Its subtle yet musky with a seductive air as well. It drives me crazy!" He exclaimed, leaning in close to take in a long whiff of her scent causing her to giggle and blush.

"Well I'm glad. It's called 'Love Spell' It's my favorite perfume for that very reason, love. And I suppose under the circumstances, it worked…" She said with a wink, the knowledge of the effect it had on him causing her to bite her bottom lip. He leaned in, lips mere inches from hers and gazed at her. The same passion from the previous night was rising between them again, his desire becoming apparent every passing moment. The familiar heat between them returning, he smiled at her knowingly before he took her in his arms and carried her upstairs to his bedroom.

"One more time today won't kill me…" He said as she giggled into his shoulder as he shut the door behind them.