He woke up to the now familiar feeling of Dylan wrapped around him. It was like sleeping with an octopus, the way she managed to entwine her limbs with his during the night he smiled to himself.

Gently trying to untangle himself without waking her, he slipped from the bed. He picked up his clothes and quickly dressed before returning to the bed to kiss her gently on the forehead, then slipping out of the door.

It was a routine he’d become used to in the past few weeks, always leaving before she woke, before the rest of the ship was up and about. That way, he felt, they could avoid any ship’s gossip. He smiled, knowing that there was indeed gossip. But no one had yet caught him leaving her quarters, and he intended to make sure it stayed that way.

As he headed back to his own quarters, he let his mind wander over the events of the past few weeks. The way in which she had wholeheartedly embraced the idea of a relationship with him… well, you couldn’t really call it that he thought. After all, she’ll be heading home soon, and I’ll still be here. No, you really couldn’t call it a relationship.

But he knew he wanted it to be. He wanted to see her again… to know that he had someone at home, thinking about him, looking forward to seeing him again. Someone he knew he was fighting this war for. He’d never envied his colleagues before, but now he did. The thought shook him, as he realised he’d come to care for her far more than he had imagined. He was going to miss his little elf terribly.

A passing crewman took one look at his face as they passed each other and knew his pals had been right. Colonel McQueen had never looked so distracted before. Only a woman could have that effect on him.

He reached his quarters, showered, shaved, and headed out again. His bridge duty was in 45 mikes. If he wanted some breakfast, now was the time to get it.

She woke up reaching out for him, sighing as she found, as usual, an empty space where she wanted him to be. She smiled to herself. How could she make him realise she was a morning girl, and he was missing out on a good thing by leaving early? She knew why he did it. Even if she wasn’t bothered about her reputation, she knew he was.

She stretched and forced herself to leave the bed. A hot shower and some breakfast wouldn’t make up for the lack of him, but they’d have to do.

She stood in the shower, lathering her hair, and thinking about him. Wondering whether once she was sent home - her job done - if she’d ever see him again.

She had the same thought everyday while washing her hair; it depressed her, and spoiled her morning. Her depression only lifted when he arrived for their afternoon sessions. He always seemed so in control of himself. He’d probably never give her a second thought once she’d gone, she thought to herself.

She sighed and leaned against the shower wall. I don’t want to go home. I want to stay here, and be with him, forever, for always! I want him to want me, like I want him! I want him to miss me. I want him to tell me he’ll miss me!

She thought about the nights they’d spent together, about the scars she’d traced with her tongue, the burn marks she’d gently kissed. His navel, so unexpectedly turning out to be his weak spot - the way to instantly get him aroused. She had to smile, knowing she’d taken advantage of that information far too often… knowing she would again, as often as he let her.

She didn’t know how she was going to cope when she had to say goodbye. She knew he’d hate her to make a scene, and she didn’t know if she’d be able to hold back her tears. Just the thought of it made her want to cry.

She got out of the shower once the water had turned cold. She got dressed and checked her watch before she went to get some breakfast. She didn’t want to risk running into him in the officers’ mess. She’d blush, and then everyone would know… or at least those who’d already been listening to ship’s gossip!

Next : Chapter Eight
Previous : Chapter Six

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