A Brother's Fury Stardate 2258.28+

Kaia accepted the drink and took a sip. She thought about what Kirk said and she looked over at him. "I think if you and I want this badly enough then we can make it work. We'll remain professional when on duty and when not we can find time to spend together. I don't care in what capacity I have you James...just as long as I have you. I've never gotten over you. I've never found anyone else who can make me smile or laugh like you do...who just makes me feel whole. I love you so much that it hurts to think about being separated from you."

"Then lets make a code. When you want to come here or when i want you to come here, lets use...the word Ditto. If you can come, you reply, Ditto. You can leave me a message or say that to me and I'll message you back or say it back," Kirk said. "You won't be separated from me again If I can help it Kaia," he said as he took a long drink from his glass. The coldness of the water felt good on his throat. And then he set the glass down. He turned onto his side and rested his head on a crooked arm. "It was fate that brought you back to me and I will not let you go," he said as he leaned forward and kissed her shoulder.

Kaia agreed to Kirk's plan. She smiled and settled down into his arms. They both became quiet as they began to drift off to sleep. At some point during the night Kaia awoke. She knew she needed to leave, but she didn't want to. She slowly extracted herself from Kirk's arms, making sure not to wake him. She then got dressed. She paused a moment before leaving and walked over and gently kissed his cheek. She then then left his quarters and headed back to hers.

----------------------------------------

Elyse was worried about Leonard. She decided to go check on him after her shift was over. She walked down to his quarters and knocked on the door. The door opened and she walked in. The room was dark and she sighed when she saw him sitting on his couch drinking what appeared to be Bourbon. She walked over to him and sat down next to him.

"What happened wasn't your fault Leonard. I know did everything you could."

Leonard had lost people before but for some reason, this was different. Helen's injuries, on the surface didn't appear to be that serious but then her heart began to stop. Each time, they brought her back it stopped again. He did not understand it at all.

"How do you know? How does anyone know they did everything they could?" He said harshly and took another sip of his drink. He didn't mean or want to take his foul mood out on Elyse. She didn't deserve that. He paused to collect himself and pinched the bridge of his nose as he did. He sighed a long, soothing sigh and smiled up at her. "I'm happy you're here Elyse," he said as he set his drink down on the end table. He wanted to smile but his face just couldn't make the expression. He reached up and touched her face. "God your so beautiful," he said softly.

In many ways Elyse found she was attracted to Leonard even more just knowing that he cared so much about those in his care. Some people might just brush it off and say 'oh well', but he didn't. That endeared him to her even more. She looked over at him as he reached up and touched her face. Their eyes met and slowly they leaned in towards one another and their lips touched. The kiss was soft and gentle at first, but slowly began to get deeper and more passionate.

Leonard quickly forgot about Helen, about sickbay and about just about everything except Elyse's lips and how warm they were. She certainly was great at making him feel better! He was feeling better and better by the moment. He pulled her to kneel on the couch and straddle his legs. Their lips didn't part for a moment as the kissing became deeper and more passionate. His hands moved up and down her back and her bottom and hips. She'd feel how much he wanted her right then. It had been a long while since he had been with a woman. The last one was his ex wife. It had been years. He wasn't certain though that Elyse was ready for that though. And he wasn't going to pressure her here. He was content with just being with her. Being the man that she wanted to be with right then.

Elyse didn't stop Leonard as he gently pulled her over to straddle his legs. Their kiss continued and began to get deeper and more passionate. She just couldn't seem to get enough of kissing him. She wanted more, but she didn't feel ready to take that jump yet and she was relieved when he didn't pressure her. They simply enjoyed each other's company. They talked in between kisses and then finally Elyse decided she needed to go. It was getting very late and they both had to get up in the morning for their shifts. They shared one final kiss at the door before she finally pulled away and walked down the hallway. She was smiling the entire time.