The next morning Kate was woken once again by a bright light, but this time she recognized it as the sunlight streaming through the open curtains.

Rolling over, she found she was restricted by a firm set of hands on her waist. She rolled back again and watched silently as her company slept.

What had she done? Every wall she had built since Mike left her had been brought down in one night. She knew it was foolish, but she did have feelings for Pete and she knew now that they were feelings she couldn't ignore.

She realized that her prior movements had woken Pete and his eyes had opened, assessing her face. She lifted her unbandaged hand to rest it on his tanned cheek, textured by a thin layer of stubble.

"Good Morning Sunshine" Pete said cheerfully, a grin spreading over his face as he watched Kate rub her eyes, obviously hesitant to get up.

"Mmm" Kate murmured, closing her eyes. Pete chuckled softly and then proposed an idea "How about, if you get up, I'll make you brekkie?"

"Pancakes?" Kate asked cheekily.

"Sure, go have a shower though; we're due at the Hammersley at 11. The boss wants to speak to you and then your due over at Navcom."

Kate looked at her alarm clock. "11? It's quarter past 10 already!" She jumped out of the bed and then grabbed her chest "Ouch..,"

"You alright Kate?" Pete asked, with a concerned look on his face. He sat up on the bed and reached out to her.

"Yeah I'm fine" She reassured him. "Just the ribs, still a bit sore" Then looking at the clock again she let out a frustrated growl "Ahh, we're going to be late!"

"Better get moving then" Laughing as Kate gathered her clothes and stalked off to the bathroom.

---

"They better be good pancakes" Kate said grumpily, as she walked into the kitchen towel drying her hair. She was wearing her whites, perfectly ironed of course.

"Well you can be the judge of that" Pete said as he slid her a plate.

'They look good' she said hesitantly 'are you sure they aren't poisoned?' Kate teased as she attempted to pull her hair up in a tight bun with her hands, but her bandaged wrist made it a little difficult, so she just left her out.

She pulled the plate closer to her and took a bite. "Mmm" she said through her chews "Not bad"

"Didn't your mother ever teach you not to chew with your mouth full?" He laughed, but stopped when he saw Kate's smile disappear. He remembered a while ago hearing about Kate's mother not being in her life when she was younger.

"I'm sorry Kate" He said but she just shook her head. "Want to talk about it?

"Nah, I'm fine" She said, as she looked around the room trying to find something to change the subject "Crap, is that the time? We're going to be late!" She yelled as she jumped up.

She grabbed her keys and Pete's hand and headed for the door.

---

"Nikki!" Kate exclaimed as she headed over to the Hammersley. Pete had kissed her on the cheek as she got out of the car. He was staying behind in the car for a while, so as not to raise any suspicion. The navigator turned at the sound of her XOs voice and gave her a huge smile before heading over.

"Hey Kate, how are you?" She smiled widely, trying to hide her concern. She knew that what her friend went through was rough, and it would take some time for it all to sink in before she could get over it.

Nav wanted to be there for Kate, because she knew that the X was one of those people who would keep it all bottled up and that she needed to do all she could to make sure she realized that there was someone there for her.

"I'm fine Nikki; could you do me a favour though?"

"Yeah sure Kate what's up?" Nikki was worried; she wasn't going to let it all out already?

"Um, you wouldn't mind doing my hair would you? It's a bit hard when you only have one hand" She laughed and the Nav joined in.

"Sure Kate" Nav tied her hair into a low tight bun.

"Thanks Nikki." Kate replied.

"No problem Kate, so what's planned for today? You can't be back already?"

"Nah, just popping in to talk to the boss, and then I'm over to Navcom."

"Oh right, didn't think you'd be back already with your wrist and all"

"This?" Kate asked, waving her bandaged arm around. "It's nothing"

"Really?" Nikki snorted before turning serious "How are you holding up Kate, I mean apart from the wrist and ribs and all?"

"Oh Nikki I'm fine, never better, really." Kate let out in a gush of words. "Kate…" Nikki prompted.

"Seriously I am fine, now if you would excuse me I have to talk to the CO" Kate snapped as she headed up to the bridge, leaving Nikki behind to wonder how hard this supportive friend thing was going to be.

---

"X!" Swain exclaimed as Kate made her way through the narrow corridors of the Hammersley "How're you feeling?"

"Not to bad, you haven't seen the boss have you?" Kate asked.

"Yeah, I think he's in his cabin." Swain replied and Kate thanked him and made her way to the CO's cabin.

When she arrived at his door she raised her hand, but was hesitant to knock. She hadn't forgotten their last meeting and she was certain he hadn't either, but were they both going to pretend it hadn't happen?

She dropped her hand and turned to walk away when she heard the door open. "Kate" a recognizable voice asked.

Silently she cursed inside her head before turning slowly. "It's X"

Mike looked surprised "I'm sorry X." He seemed at loss for words. "Would you ah- like to come in?"

"Do I have a choice, sir?" Kate replied as she entered his cabin.

She knew it was wrong to talk to her superior like this and it would not get her anywhere by doing so, but for some strange reason she took some enjoyment out of it. The usually steady and composed captain looked flustered as he followed his XO into the cabin and shut the door behind him.

Next chapter: What happens in Kate and Mike's talk and also Kates talk with the commander.

Hey guys, sorry this has taken so long but I made this one a bit longer to make up for it :)

I was hoping to start a new chapter soon, but im going away for a while so it might take some time. Hope you enjoyed it, tell me what you thought. I really appreciate you reviews. :)