For knowshowtosurf

[cdr_bauer]

He's beginning to learn that a First Officer is never off duty. There are always people watching, waiting for him to make the next move, give the next set of orders, or just generally set the example. It's only in the privacy of his own quarters where he can forget the standards. Forget the expectations. And have a moment to himself. For

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[knowshowtosurf]

After dealing with Ensign Bates all day, Katie is more than happy when her shift is over. Going back to her quarters, she takes a quick shower to wash away the dirt from that day's away mission. She's just gotten dressed, and has her hair up in a loose ponytail when her communicator goes off.

Bounding over, she answers it, grinning when she sees who it is. "Mike! They actually let you off the bridge, I see," she says with a grin.

[cdr_bauer]

He smiles and leans forward over the desk to get closer to the monitor. So he can get closer to her. "I'm on a short leash," is the quick comeback. "You look great. You just get off duty?"

[knowshowtosurf]

She too leans closer, her elbows propped on the table. "How come I don't have a leash for you?" she asks with a playful look. "And you're looking pretty good yourself, Commander." She nods then. "Been off-duty for about forty minutes. Had to take a shower since I spent most of the day on away mission. How about you? How was your day?"

[cdr_bauer]

He smirks at the leash comment. Katie always gives as good as she gets. "Routine. After the last couple of days on New Vulcan, it's a nice change. I'm still downing water like it's going out of style."

[knowshowtosurf]

"I'm still a little peeved we were at New Vulcan the week before you lot were. I think Starfleet is trying to keep us apart," she says with a small pout. "Have you found out when your next shore leave is?"

[cdr_bauer]

If they'd been on New Vulcan together, he wouldn't have gotten nearly as much done but he sure as hell would have had a better time. "In about two weeks. We've got one more stop then we're heading to Betazed."

[knowshowtosurf]

"Oh, brilliant," Katie says with a grin. "And, I just happen to know that's the same place we're taking shore leave, which means you can ask any of your Yeomen to be your date." She knows he would never do that but it's still fun to tease him.

[cdr_bauer]

"Sounds like I've already got a date," he returns. "Besides, none of the Yeomen around here are as good looking as you."

[knowshowtosurf]

"I don't recall being asked to be anyone's date," Katie says with a playful smile. She then blushes and softly laughs. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Mike. And in all fairness, you're prettier then the Yeomen we have, too."

[cdr_bauer]

"You do realize you're the only person who can get away with calling me a pretty boy, right?"

He pauses for second. "Miss Katherine Watley, will you be my date?" he asks just to tease her.

[knowshowtosurf]

"A lot of people call you pretty, love. I'm the only one brave enough to do it to your face," she says with a grin.

Pressing her lips together, she pretends to think his question over. "Well, Spock did ask me first, but I'm sure he won't mind if I break the date, and go with you."

[cdr_bauer]

"Well, you know if you really want to go with Spock, I suppose I could make a sacrifice. I'd hate to walk the beaches without you but I'd do it if I have to," he says.

[knowshowtosurf]

"But, I bought the cutest little bikini just for you, Mike. So, I'm going to break things off with Spock, and go with you," Katie says, the corners of her mouth twitching as she tries hard not to smile. "Besides, I don't think Spock can be in the sun. Won't he turn green if he burns?"

[cdr_bauer]

"You have a new bikini and I don't have pictures? Isn't that a crime?"

For effect he switches to a more serious tone, one usually reserved for the bridge crew. "This is a situation that needs to be rectified immediately, Lieutenant."

[knowshowtosurf]

Katie smirks and nods her head. "I got it a couple weeks ago. It's blue, and a little skimpy. I was afraid it wouldn't fit but it covers all the important parts," she says.

"Immediately, huh?" she laughs. "So you're saying you want me to get up, go put it on and come back?"

[cdr_bauer]

Could his smile get any wider? "I could get behind this idea."