They had stopped on their way home the night before to get what food was available. It had been one of the most disheartening and yet ridiculous shopping experiences of her life.

It had taken word of mouth to find it - a Woolies on high ground with power - and nearly as long to park. It was packed and there was security at the entrance.

"We are unable to source all products and have limited stock. Item limits are final and disrespect to staff will not be tolerated." Buffer read the sign on the door as they entered and Kate glanced through the glass at the empty shelves.

"Well," Buffer commented, looking at the picked over fruit and veg section. "Good thing we've had some practice with cooking from basics."

Kate laughed and let him lead her through the aisles, picking up a zucchini, some pumpkin and an onion that had rolled under the display. She watched him offer the last carrots to a harried looking woman and help a young guy lift one of the displays a little to fish out a garlic bulb that had rolled away.

"What?" he asked as he finally found his way back to the trolley.

"You're a good man." She told him and watched the blush spread down his chest.

It was one of the more eclectic meals Kate had eaten but she'd had fill in Chefos before and so long as it was edible she'd survive.

"I wonder what they'll be feeding us for the next week," Buffer said, examining a forkful of the rice and vegetable mess they'd managed to cobble together. "If it's ration packs, they might end up with a mutiny."

Kate swallowed her mouthful and the unexpected lump in her throat. She'd managed to forget that tomorrow the Kingston would be sailing north. She felt like an idiot for forgetting and even more of an idiot for being upset.

They'd run a load of washing as soon as the power had been back on and Kate sorted through the clean pile, separating their uniforms. She bundled Buffer's up in her arms and carried them with her towards the spare room.

"Hey." She said, knocking on the open door. "Thought you might need these."

Buffer looked up from stuffing things into his bag and smiled bashfully.

"Thank you, I could have grabbed them myself." He moved forward to take them from her and she passed them over, leaning a little into him as she did.

It was his leaving that had solidified her thoughts. He would be back in a week and yet it had given her a sense of urgency.

"I'm not sure how I'll get used to having an empty house again." She said, taking a seat on the end of the bed.

"You could always try inviting a couple of the juniors, I'm sure they'll keep the place feeling lively." He laughed at the look on her face. "What? Don't feel like sharing space with 2Dads? Does that make me special?"

He was joking but her voice wasn't.

"Yes."

He startled and looked at her. Kate breathed through the anxiety in her chest and met his eyes.

"I would have offered anyone somewhere to sleep in those first few days, but I wouldn't have asked just anyone to stay."

Buffer looked bashful but she realised he still didn't understand. She stood and walked around the bed towards him. He put down the clothes he was folding and turned towards her, face confused.

"Pete..." She said his name and then choked on her words, not sure how to say it. After a long second, she reached up and touched his face, her hand cupping his cheek. He sucked in a breath and his eyelids fluttered. When he opened them again he reached his own hand out, broad palm around her jaw.

"Kate, you're going to have to stop me if I'm reading this wrong."

She smiled at him, rising on her toes, "You're not."

They met in the middle, a soft press of lips that sent a thrill through her. His arm gathered her towards him, pulling her close as their mouths opened against each other. Kate clutched at him, and he ran his hand down her back, leaving goosebumps in its wake.

Kate's breath was short when they pulled back and Buffer's mouth was red. She smiled, her hand resting on his arm, keeping him close.

Buffer laughed, a little wildly. Kate looked at him, confused.

"If you'd asked me two years ago if this was a possibility I'd have thought 2Dads was spreading rumours again." His eyes were bright, amused. "But if you'd asked me a year ago I'd have finally been able to admit that I'd always wanted it."

He kissed her again, and she followed his lips as he pulled back.

"If you'd have asked me two years ago." She followed his format with a grin. "I would have put whoever was asking on scut duty. If you'd have asked me a year ago I would have said you were a good friend." She paused, her voice becoming more serious. "But if you'd asked me a week ago I would have told you that I never realised what I'd been hiding behind all the walls I put up because I had to."

Buffer's arms came around her and swept her up into a tight kiss.

Kate parked the car and stepped out, Buffer following her to grab his bag from the backseat in what was becoming their routine.

He grinned at her across the roof and she felt a little stupid at how giddy it made her. He slung his bag over his shoulder and walked around the car to her. She watched him approach and leant into him as his hand caught her around the waist.

He bent his head down beside her ear, "I'll be thinking of you." His voice was mischievous and she couldn't hold back a smile.

"Go do your job, sailor."

He grinned at her and dropped a lingering kiss on her mouth before stepping back and saluting.

"Yes, Ma'am."

She watched him go and Dutchy nearly startled her as he appeared next to her.

"That has to be one of the better things people have pulled out of the flood water."

Kate couldn't quite control her grin but Dutchy's was broad and amused. She shook her head at him and grabbed her own bag. She would be going home to an empty house tonight but the sadness was no longer there. Not knowing who would be coming back to it.

She looked back at Dutchy and let her professional face slip back on.

"Come on Petty Officer, I'm sure we can find you something useful to do."