*** Daytime: Jonathan

He passes me by on my way to my personal mess.

"Good morning, Malcolm!"

His gray eyes are shining brightly and there is an almost invisible smile on his beautiful lips. His hair is immaculately groomed, his uniform looks freshly starched. His step is swift and purposeful, he walks with his shoulders pulled back, in total control of himself, absolutely aware of his qualities and the role he's playing on my ship. Even at this time of day he is the perfect officer. The perfect man.

"Good morning, Captain!"

But all I want to hear is "I love you, Jon!"

*** Daytime: Malcolm

I pass him by on his way to his personal mess.

"Good morning, Malcolm!"

He smiles at me with those marvelous emerald green eyes of his, his full lips slightly parted. For the thousandth time I notice that he is leaner, fitter and even more handsome than before we entered the Expanse. He is full of determination and full of sadness, a combination that makes me want to take some of the weight of his shoulders, to reach out to him, to be there for him.

"Good morning, Captain!"

But all I want to say is "I love you, Jon!"

*** Nighttime, Jonathan

I pass him by on his way to the bridge.

"I love you, Malcolm!"

His eyes widen, the expression in them changes from utter surprise to understanding to joy. He stops in front of me, cocks his head to one side and smiles. He takes a cautious step towards me while his hand reaches out and gently caresses my cheek, running his thumb over my lower lip. I can feel his breath on my face, I can smell him, I can look into his soul.

I wake up and know that I will not say what I want to say.

*** Nighttime, Malcolm

He passes me by on my way to the bridge.

"I love you, Malcolm!"

One look into his eyes and I know he means it, with his heart and with his soul, all his feelings are visible on his face, leaving him vulnerable, defenseless. As I step closer, as I feel his skin beneath the tip of my fingers I take in his musky scent, I savor the texture of his lips, I drown in those green eyes that hold back nothing at all.

*** Time: Jonathan and Malcolm

"Lieutenant?"

"Yes, Sir?"

"You seem distracted."

"With all due respect, Sir, you aren't exactly focused either."

"You are right. It's just…I had the strangest dream."

"I know the feeling, Sir."

Eyes meet, cheeks blush.

"It's funny how our sub conscience plays with us during the night, isn't it?"

"It sure is, Sir."

Silence, dreams being revisited.

"Have you ever acted on one of these subconscious revelations, Sir?"

"No."

"Oh."

"Not yet."

Eyes meet again, this time holding the gaze longer than before.

"I hope it works out for you, Captain."

"It doesn't only depend on me."

"I know."

*** Knowledge: Jonathan and Malcolm

We knew. We looked at each other that day and we knew. It didn't need many words, just cryptic imagery. It's hard to explain. It was like nature calling for us to see, to open our eyes. Us dreaming the same dream. Us being distracted by these dreams all through the day. Us realizing that the other was light-years away. Us finally admitting that there was something going on, not just to ourselves but to each other. Us falling into each other's arms later in the ready room. Us recognizing the most important thing: we are meant for each other.