A/N Fictober prompt #18

"So how long is this… going on for? You getting posted back onto Hammersley, that wasn't supposed to happen."

"That's the navy for you. I'm trying to make this a short posting. I don't know how long I can stand this... professional relationship stuff." He couldn't help but look down at her lips, wanting nothing more than to meet them with his own.

"Yeah, well, my deadline has already passed," Kate said bluntly as she shut the photocopier with a little more force than she meant to.

"Hey," he said softly, "You have to know, I didn't want this. I'd accepted a shore posting, I wanted to make a go of this, of us."

Kate punched some buttons on the photocopier violently. "Yeah? Well I don't see you fighting to say no."

"And say what?" Mike stared intensely at her face, "I just slept with my XO and don't want back on my own boat? Find another fully qualified CO? You saw how well that worked out last time"

Kate avoided eye contact and said nothing, not trusting herself to look at Mike. She was angry, frustrated. He was right and that made her even madder.

"This was not part of the plan."

"You're damn right it wasn't," she snapped and made to leave, but a gentle hand on her arm stopped her.

"Kate" his voice was heavy.

She looked at the hand on her arm, then reluctantly met his eyes.

"I want to be with you. So much" he murmured.

In the cramped quarters she felt his breath on her skin.

"Mike," she began softly, as her eyes misted over, "Just for one moment, I thought we had a chance, We were good together," she smiled a sad smile at him, "But one night, does not a relationship make."

His eyes bore into hers and she felt her heart jump as he moved towards her. He reached for her and suddenly his hand was cupping her cheek and she couldn't help but lean into his touch. She closed her eyes. "Mike. We can't. Not here, not on the ship."

Mike leaned back and without taking his eyes off her, flicked the lock on the door. Kate felt the familiar heat spread through her and her breath caught in her throat.

His mouth was on her in an instant, devouring her lips. He wrapped his strong arms around her waist as her hands ran down his chest.

"Mike…" she managed as his mouth moved down her neck and nuzzled against her skin. "Mike" she repeated aware of not making too much noise. She wanted him to stop, but needed him to continue at the same time. Her hands steadily moved across his broad shoulders and his mouth once again found hers.

A jiggle of the door handle brought them back to earth and they sprang apart breathing heavily.

A voice came through the door.

"Sir? Are you in there?"

Kate brushed her hair from her face and Mike gave her a sheepish smile.

Mike unlocked the door and with a last look at Kate, pulled it open.

Bird looked from Mike to Kate curiously, "Sorry to disturb you sir. Commander White is on the phone, says she needs to speak with you."

"I'll be right up Bird."

"Sir." She nodded and went to relay the message.

As soon as the door clicked shut, Mike looked back at Kate. "Kate I…"

"That can't happen again Mike. What if we were found out?" she whispered, "I've disciplined others for this exact reason."

"It's killing me not being able to have you!" His eyes returned to her lips and for a moment Kate thought he was going to kiss her again. Her eyes flicked to the door.

Mike's hand shot out and he locked the door once more.

Kate blushed and shook her head, "You can't have me like this, Not here." She smiled apologetically and nodded to the door, "You'd better go see what Knocker wants."

Mike reluctantly tore his eyes from her and nodded his head. He turned to leave and as he opened the door, Kate moved to stand behind him.

"Oh and sir?" Hidden behind the door from anyone walking by she pressed up against his back and her lips met the back of his neck.

He froze as her voice whispered into his ear.

"Next shore leave you can have me anyway you want me."