Lieutenant Nick Lane, Ship's Councilor
This didn't happen that often anymore. Or rather, Olivia didn't let this happen much anymore.
Nick's cabin was small but his alone; it sometimes doubled as his office when a crewmember didn't feel comfortable in an official setting. And of course, having his own room made it easier for him and Sally to find private time.
But another woman needed his attention tonight.
Olivia was outside his door. He didn't wait for the chime and said quietly, "Come in."
The door slid open and his captain stepped inside, the dark circles around her eyes attesting to the weariness she'd admit to no one else. "If you're too busy-" she started, already looking for an excuse to leave.
"For you, never." She knew it, too. "You know, you don't have to wait until you're falling over to see me."
"Maybe I should make an appointment," Olivia said tartly, but her heart wasn't in it. "Nick, I just..."
"Yeah. I know." He held out his hand and she came willingly, stepping into his space and sliding her arms around his back. "Stay and rest."
He could feel her wanting to object but the tension in her body was already lessening, the psychic bond wrapping around and enclosing them in a private bubble of space, the rest of the universe forgotten.
Nick took one step backward and then another, Olivia following reflexively. The back of his knees bumped against the chaise lounge and he eased them both down onto it. The bed would've been better but Olivia would definitely rouse herself to protest at that. Never mind what Sally might say if she found out.
"Sorry, Nicky," she muttered, but he just shushed her and tucked her head under his chin.
"Sleep, Olive."
"Just for a little bit," she murmured, but as her breathing slowed into a deep even pace Nick felt her body and mind finally relaxing.
He'd wake her before the end of gamma shift, so the crew didn't see their captain leaving a lieutenant's quarters during off-hours. She was already under so much scrutiny, it was the least Nick could do to keep from adding to the whispers. As if there wasn't already too much idle gossip about him and Olivia. But none of it even began to approach the truth.
Nick settled his cheek against her hair and listened to the other half of his heart breathe.