The Devil You Know (part 7)

Posted on Wed Oct 31st, 2012 @ 1:41pm by Admiral Kathryn Burke & Admiral Maximilian 'Max' Hunter
Edited on on Wed Oct 31st, 2012 @ 1:44pm

947 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: The Enemy Within: Lying in Wait
Location: Athena Shipyards, Typhon

[CONTINUED]

[OLD]

Max was quiet in return. He just looked at her with a smile on his face. He wanted nothing more then to stay in this moment, but he knew he had other things to do that came before what he wanted. "I know, sometimes, its hard for you to trust me. After all, my job isn't always once that invites trust, but I want you to know something. Whenever it comes to you, I always mean well. I never plan to hurt you, insult you, or even push you further away. Whenever I do something for you, its always done with the best intentions and not because of some hidden agenda." He ran his hand down the side of her face and then gave her a playful and gentle tap on the tip of her nose. "Your best interest will always come first, even before my own."

[NEW]


"That's not always a wise move," she teased. "You work for Starfleet Intelligence. I'm just a Fleet Commander."

"And that doesn't change how I feel." Max leaned in slowly, closing his eyes as he was making an attempt to kiss her on the lips, but he knew better then to go the complete length. He wanted to know if she was going to complete it or turn him down. It was the moment of truth. Do or die. Of course he was a little scared. It was a major move for him. The full year that they had known each other, he never once thought about doing something this bold. But in the end, for Max, all that was left in his life was to be bold or walk away and Max had never walked away from anything.

For several moments she stood, frozen in place. His intention was clear. She hadn't kissed a man since her husband died over five years ago. Part of her wanted to turn and run. Not because she wasn't interested, but because she, too, was scared. What if she made a monumental mistake? The problem was, which choice was the mistake? She was the Commander of a fleet, had a lot of responsibilities. She didn't have time for a personal life.

She felt his lips touch hers in a brief kiss. She put a hand on his chest and let out a soft breath. As much as she was used to command in her professional life, here she was not so bold. She stayed where she was, a whisper away from him, and waited.

Max brought his hand up and placed it on the side of her face. He cleared his throat and reluctantly pulled away slowly. He had no idea where this would take them, but he felt like he had lifted a big thing off his shoulders. He didn't know if she knew how he felt, but at least she knew that there was something there. Max smiled a bit. He just stood there quietly, his hand still on the side of her face and his lips only inches away from hers. "I know, I shouldn't have done that. But part of me felt like I had to."

Her eyes met his for several long moments. She knew the kiss, although brief, had been sincere. That made her rethink his recent words and their meaning. "So, what do we do now?"

"Sun's coming up." Max said softly with a smirk. "Breakfast?"

"Can I get some sleep first?" she asked.

Max stood there for a moment, thinking of all the ways he could answer that question. He smiled a bit before laughing softly and then stopping. "Of course you can. I need to check in, how about lunch then?"

She glanced at the stack of PADDs waiting for her signature. Those would wait until later. "Sounds great." She headed towards the door to her office. Fortunately, she had a room down the hall so she didn't have to go far. It had been a very long day and she was tired. At the door she turned to Max. "You should get some sleep, too."

Max followed her toward the door. He was tempted to tell her that he would only sleep if it was with her, but he stopped himself as he reached over and opened the door for her. "Plenty of time to sleep when I retire, Kathryn."

She walked through the door and raised an eyebrow at his comment. She started to say something, but changed her mind. She walked with Max to the main reception area. "I have a room in the back," she said. "So I'll say good night here."

Max walked out with her and walked her to her quarters. "Alright. Then I will be sure to see you in the morning or afternoon. Sleep peacefully, Admiral Burke." He smirked as he went to the quarters across the hall and hit the button to open it.

Kathryn watched him for a moment, chuckling. She shouldn't have been surprised. She herself was currently using the VIP area as a temporary Fleet Headquarters until Typhon returned. She herself was staying in VIP quarters. It only made sense that Max would be assigned there, too.

But across the hall? Were the fates conspiring against her, too? Max was a big enough problem all by himself. She didn't need the cards stacked against her.

She glanced back as she walked into her room. Then again, she hadn't thought of seeing anyone socially. She didn't have the time. Knowing Max, though, he'd make it.

Still smiling she turned out the lights and went to bed.

OFF

Admiral Kathryn Burke
Commander, Theta Fleet

Admiral Maximilian Hunter
SFI Special Ops

 

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