Notes: Diamond was nice enough to let me post this on her page. This is a fairly safe story - no violence or bad language. No sex, a bit of kissing etc, but nothing bad. Um... I hope you enjoy it.

Disclaimer: Everything Babylon5 belongs to JMS, Warner Bros. etc. except for Erica, Ethan, Luke, Menili and Parand: they're mine, like this story is.

A MATTER OF TIME
by Kris G.

It had been a beautiful wedding, the Human and Minbari cultures combining to produce a unique and touching ceremony. Delenn had looked positively stunning in her iridescent white gown. If I look half that good on my wedding day... Susan Ivanova let the thought go unfinished as she realised she had absolutely no prospects, or hopes for that matter, for ever getting married. Especially the way things have been going lately. Her mind shut down at this point, refusing to think about how long it had been since she'd had a date. Thinking like that could drive a girl to distraction. There were dry spells, and then there were dry spells and then there was the pitiful excuse for a social life that she seemed to have dug herself into.

She sighed, then glanced again at the time. Another fifteen minutes until she could leave C&C, race back to her quarters to change, then race over to Earhart's for the remainder of John and Delenn's reception. Try as she might, she hadn't been able to avoid working today, even if it was only for two hours. With any luck, she'd only miss out on the Minbari chanting and rituals, and would arrive just in time for the dining, dancing and drinking - in that order. Forcing herself to remain attentive to her duties until the very last second, when Lt Cmdr Austin arrived in C&C to relieve her, it was all she could do not to sprint out the door. She was really looking forward to having some fun tonight.

Marcus Cole sat, distracted, surrounded by Rangers - friends of his from both his days of training and his time spent in the field. They watched, amused, as he turned for the fifth time in as many minutes, towards the entrance to look for whoever it was he was so obviously waiting for.

"Come on Marcus, spill it! Who is she?" a young woman with blonde hair and a big grin demanded.

Marcus spun back around and forced an innocent expression onto his face. "I don't know what you're talking about, Erica," he said, with an overly-casual tone.

Parand, the large Minbari male sitting opposite him let out a throaty chuckle. "Marcus, we none of us are blind. You have been looking over at the doorway every two seconds since we sat down. Who is it you seek?"

Before Marcus could formulate a reply, Ethan, sitting to the left of Parand, let out a low whistle.

"I don't know if that's her, Marcus, but if it is, I commend you on your excellent taste."

Marcus turned around in his chair so quickly, he almost overbalanced it. The expression on his face was all his friends needed to tell them that this indeed was the one he had been waiting for.

He watched her as she crossed the room to sit at the Captain's table, in the place at his left reserved for the "best man". He remembered chuckling over the fact that Susan was to be the best man at the wedding, until he realised that, technically, Lennier was Delenn's maid of honour, which took all the fun out of it. Still, he reflected, it did make sense - Ivanova was Captain Sheridan's oldest and closest friend on board B5. After thinking all of this, and some other even less important musings, Marcus's brain caught up to the fact that Susan was looking rather interesting tonight. No, he shook his head. Interesting wasn't the right word. Rather, she was the most breathtaking sight he'd ever seen.

Her hair was loose, and fell in soft waves over her bare shoulders. Her black dress was of a simple, straight cut, with thin straps and a low back. She was talking to the Captain at the moment, but trailed off, as if sensing his eyes on her. She looked puzzled for a second, then turned her head in his direction, and caught his eye. She smiled slightly and raised an eyebrow, silently asking him what was wrong. He shook his head almost imperceptibly, dismissing her question, then reluctantly turned his attention back to his companions. Try as they might, they failed to get any information out of him - at this point, Marcus was so caught up in his own thoughts that he barely noticed their questions.

Susan turned back to John and the others.

"Do any of you know what's up with Marcus tonight?"

A chorus of "no's" and shrugs met her question.

"Why do you ask?" Steven said.

"The weirdest thing just happened. I looked up, and he was staring at me - with the strangest expression on his face. Then he just shook his head and slowly turned back around."

"Well, I'm not surprised," Steven informed her, "You are looking very nice tonight."

She looked confused. "Well, thanks, I guess, but what does that have to do with it?"

"You mean to tell me that you haven't noticed?" he seemed incredulous. When her bewildered expression remained unchanged, he told her, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, "Marcus has a thing for you."

"Marcus has a "thing" for me," she repeated.

Nodding, he replied, "Yep."

"That's ridiculous," she dismissed the idea.

Steven shrugged, and picked up his knife and fork - the main meal had arrived while they were talking. "Well, believe what you want to believe, but why else would he be staring at you like that? In fact, why else is he always staring at you like that? I still can't believe you didn't realise it - he's always watching you, whenever you're in the same room for that matter."

Susan took all of this in with a scornful look of disbelief on her face. Some of her resolve faded, however, when she looked at the faces surrounding her, and saw them all nodding in agreement.

"You know, Commander, you once told me that if something happened around here that you didn't know about, I should worry. Well, you obviously didn't have a clue about this. Kinda makes you wonder if the feeling isn't somehow reciprocated!"

Susan rolled her eyes, and ignored him. The idea of her having a "thing" for Marcus was even more ridiculous than him having one for her. She continued her meal in orchestrated silence, until most in the room were finishing up. This was the moment she had been dreading. She hated giving speeches. Better get this over with, she thought with a sigh, then stood up and tapped on her glass with her knife to get everyone's attention. When the room was mostly silent, she began.

"Friends, both old and knew, we witnessed today the joining of two people that we all know and love. They are known to us as many things - Captain, Ambassador, commanding officer, Entil'zha, mentor, leader, guiding light, would-be psycho-analyst" here she smiled and raised her eyebrows at the man next to her, who smiled back. "But for today, they are simply our friends, and we wish them all the happiness in the universe, now and in the future. It's been a long haul getting here - what with all the time Delenn spent explaining all the rituals to the Captain, added to that all the time spent convincing him to actually go through with the rituals, I'm surprised they found time to plan the wedding at all! Seriously, though, I think we all realise what a blessing it is that two such wonderful people could find love amid such chaos and adversity, and how lucky we all are to be able to share their happiness with them today." She paused, giving silent respect to all those who could not be there. "A relationship like theirs is a constant testimony to the fact that perhaps the universe isn't such a bad place after all. Would you all stand and raise your glasses for a toast." Pausing while everyone complied, she picked up her own drink, and held it aloft. "To John and Delenn - a match made in fire."

"To John and Delenn," the room echoed as one, then everyone drained their glasses, and cheered loudly. The newlyweds smiled lovingly at each other then exchanged a kiss, at which point the cheering became even more exuberant.

When everyone had taken their seats again, the band began to play a gentle tune, and John stood and led his wife out onto the dance floor for the traditional first dance. They made an enchanting couple, even at worst of times, and this was never more accentuated than on the dance floor, their bodies moving as one, their eyes locked. They didn't stay long after the song had finished, just said goodbye to all their friends, making them promise to enjoy the party for at least another couple of hours. Everything having been said already, they said a final, general "goodbye", then left hand in hand for the docking bay, where they would take a shuttle over to the waiting White Star that would take them to Minbar.

After the couple had left, the party became a bit more mellow - guests leaving their tables to wander over to the bar, and to other tables to chat with friends, while other's made use of the dance floor, and the rest relaxed in their places and talked.

Marcus' friends were having a great time. The only problem is, Marcus thought with a certain amount of consternation, that they're having it at my expense.

"Come on, Marcus," Ethan spoke up, "Fill us in on all the details."

"Yeah, Marcus, whatever it is, it must be pretty interesting - the mysterious Ranger and the fiery Russian Commander!" Erica said. So far all they'd gotten out of him was that she was Commander of Babylon 5, but Erica had dealt with her a few times during the war, and had even met her once in person. Her reputation as having the worst temper in the sector was well deserved from her point of view.

Luke, the sandy-haired Ranger sitting to Marcus' left put one hand on his shoulder and spoke solemnly, though there was a distinct twinkle in his eye. "Marcus, I feel for you. I've heard about her - and from what I can tell, she's a real handful." His comments were met by a round of similarly sympathetic faces, and nods of agreement. "And by the looks of things, you've got it bad." Here Erica had to muffle a giggle by clapping a hand over her mouth. "All I can say to you is: Good Luck, and I hope you enjoy being whipped, because she's going to have you bent over backwards, and jumping through hoops before you can say "Commander, will you marry me?"" This last part was said in a perfect imitation of Marcus' accent. This was too much. The entire table let out the laughter they'd been holding in check, and was further encouraged by the murderous looks Marcus was systematically giving them all.

When they finally settled down again, tears of mirth adorning more than one face, Marcus spoke for the first time in quite a while. "You know, I don't know why you're all making such a big deal out of this. We work together, yes, and you might even call us friends, but that's it."

His companions thought about this.

Erica spoke first. "But, you'd obviously like to know her better - wouldn't you?"

"Of course I would - who wouldn't? But that's not going to happen," he said with a mournful expression, "To tell the truth, I'm not even sure if she likes men. Add to that the fact that the only times we ever work closely is during times of crisis and danger, and that she isn't exactly receptive to my attempts to get to know her better," he shrugged, "I just don't see how it could ever work."

"Oh come on, Marcus, it can't be that bad. For starters, being in bad situations always brings people closer together. And if she's not being very encouraging, well, maybe that's just the way she is. You just have to keep at it - try to get under her skin. I've never known you to give up before, it's not in your vocabulary. And, as for the other problem, well, you never know what's going to happen, or what's happened in the past. Maybe she just hasn't found the right guy yet, and maybe that guy is you. She just hasn't realised it yet." Erica paused for breath, and Parand took the opportunity to speak.

"Erica speaks the truth. You must not give up hope. Perhaps she has never considered you in such a light as you hold her."

The others nodded and Menili, a quiet Minbari who had barely spoken all night, now voiced her opinion.

"Marcus," she began in her soft, dulcet tone, "Parand is right, maybe your Commander has never thought of you in that way before. You need to show her your interest. Why don't you go over and ask her to dance?"

"Oh, I could never do that. She'd flat out refuse me, and probably deck me for having the audacity to ask."

The others at the table caught on to this idea, and were much more enthused by it.

"Yes! Marcus, you have to - if you don't, I will!" Ethan crowed, looking over at the Commander suggestively.

A dark look crossed his features. "Don't you dare," he said, threateningly.

Erica laughed, "Does that mean you will?"

"I didn't say that," he amended hurriedly, and drained his glass.

Across the room, a similar scene was being played out. Garibaldi had left not long after Sheridan and Delenn, wanting to see some of his friends from Security over at the bar. Susan, Steven and Lennier, meanwhile, had now been joined by Zack, Lyta and Lt. Cmdr. Corwin, and the six of them were now carrying on an animated conversation as to whether or not Marcus did, in fact, have a "thing" for Susan.

"I'm telling you, he doesn't!"

"Well, I think he does! In fact, I know he does. He told me." Steven announced with aplomb.

"I don't believe it," Susan said, narrowing her eyes.

"Believe it! The first time we discussed it, was when the Vendrizi were taking over the personalities of people Down Below. We got put in a cell together, and we got to talking." He shrugged, then continued. "Then, when we went to Mars, we were stuck together for goodness-knows-how-long - what else were we supposed to talk about?"

She heard this, but was not convinced. "He was probably just making conversation. You all know how much he likes to talk. Come on guys," she addressed the others at the table, "Back me up, here."

When they all just looked at her, amusement present on more than one face, she became desperate.

"Lennier! You know Marcus, this is all just a big joke, isn't it?"

"My apologies, Commander, but I myself have noticed Marcus's interest in you. He holds you in great esteem."

"Well, that's just great," she said sarcastically.

"What's wrong, Commander, don't you like Marcus? He seems like an okay guy to me," Zack commented with a grin.

She squirmed uncomfortably. "Oh... I don't know. I guess I just never thought of him like that."

"Are you sure about that, Susan?" Lyta spoke up, "You two worked together alot before, during, and after the war, didn't you? Spending all that time with someone..." She left the sentence hanging.

Slightly irritated now, Susan replied, "We worked together. That's all. And none of it was my idea, either. I guess the Captain just thought we made a good team or something."

"There you go, I'm glad you've finally admitted it." Stephen said triumphantly. "Obviously Marcus picked up on that fact a lot earlier than you did, but, better late than never, right?"

Susan's eyes shot daggers at the doctor. If looks could kill, he thought with a smile, I'd be in real trouble!

Corwin spoke up for the first time in a while. "Hey, you know, I wonder what they're talking about over at Marcus' table. They're looking this way an awful lot."

"Marcus doesn't look too happy," Zack observed, as they all looked over at the other table, "Maybe they're having the same conversation we are."

"Or maybe they're trying to get Marcus to act on his feelings!" Lyta said with a chuckle.

"Hey Susan," Stephen suddenly had an idea, "If Marcus asked you to dance, what would you do?"

Susan was getting a little tired of this line of conversation, for reasons she didn't want to admit, even to herself. Sighing, she replied, "Well, after the fuss you've all made, I think I'd say "yes", just to see if there's any truth to what you're saying. Why?" she became suddenly suspicious.

"Well, correct me if I'm wrong, but that looks like someone trying to work up the courage to ask a certain other person to dance," He told her, nodding in Marcus' direction.

The whole table turned as one to follow Stephen's eyes, and saw Marcus looking anxiously back in their direction. On seeing them all staring at him, he swiftly turned around to face his companions.

"Well, I think I have to agree with you there, Doc," Zack said with a mischievous glint in his eye, "He does look like he wants to ask the Commander something."

"Hmmm, maybe he doesn't want to with all of us around," Lyta said with mock concern, the same glint in her eye.

Lennier looked amused. "Perhaps it would be appropriate to give him and the Commander some space," he said, then added, as if the idea had just occurred to him, "If you will excuse me, an old acquaintance of mine is present this evening, and I promised I would visit her table." With that he stood, bowed, and left.

The other's at the table quickly found similar reasons to leave.

"Lyta, do you want to dance?" Zack asked, holding out his hand.

"Love to!" came the immediate reply, and they both left the table.

"You know, Julia's looking a bit lonely over there, I wonder if she'd like to..." Steven looked thoughtful, then, with a "I guess it can't hurt," he stood and went over to where Dr Hobbs was standing at the bar.

Within seconds, all but Susan and Corwin were left at the table. He looked at her apologetically.

Standing, he said, "Sorry Commander, I hate to leave you alone like this, but Marcus is a great guy - you should give him a chance."

He had a peculiar expression on his face as he said this, almost one of sadness. But then he was gone, and Susan found herself sitting by herself, wondering what the hell had just happened. A look of chagrin came over her features. Sighing, she stood, smoothed her hair, and with a mumbled "This is so stupid", she made her way resolutely over to Marcus' table.

Marcus turned back to the others, a look of almost-panic on his face. "Did you see that? They were all looking at me - what can they be talking about?"

"My guess is, they were talking about you," Luke said with a grin.

"Well, that's a good sign then, isn't it?" Erica reasoned, "I mean, if she's talking about you, then at least she knows you're alive."

"Oh, you don't know how comforting that is," Marcus told her sarcastically.

She shrugged. "Just trying to help. Oh, come on Marcus, just go and ask her already!"

"What if she says "no"?"

"Then at least you will have made the attempt. You will also know how she really thinks of you, not how you hope she thinks of you," Menili told him patiently.

"That's all very well for you to say, but I'm the one who's setting myself up for humiliation if she says "no". If she did refuse me, I don't think I could ever talk to her again," he said mournfully.

"Oh come on Marcus, don't you think you're being just a bit over-dramatic about the whole thing? I mean, what reason would she have to refuse? She doesn't dislike you, does she? Why would she think anything else but that you're asking for a friendly dance?" Erica asked him.

He was slightly reassured by this, and was about to reply, when Ethan suddenly spoke up.

"Hold that thought, Marcus, it looks like the universe is smiling on you. Just look who's making her way over here!"

He stole a glance over his shoulder., and saw the object of their entire conversation walking towards him. His eyes widened, and he felt his stomach sink down to his ankles. Oh no! What am I going to say to her? he thought frantically. But when she reached the table, she didn't give him a chance to speak first. Nodding to the others, some of whom she recognised, she looked down at him.

"Marcus, hi. Uh... Have you had a good time so far?" she choked out as her resolve faltered. Swearing inwardly, she gathered her courage and ploughed ahead, not bothering to wait for an answer. "Do you want to dance?" She said the words as if she were afraid of the answer.

Marcus was stunned, then smiled for the first time since the whole stupid conversation got started.

"Thank you, I'd like that," he said, standing and taking her by the arm.

The five remaining at the table stared after them, speechless, as Marcus and the Commander reached the dance floor. Finally, Erica found her voice.

"They look good together, don't they?" she commented.

The others nodded, still lost for words, and continued to watch as the couple moved slowly in time with the music.

Neither of them spoke much as they danced, moving in a slow circle to the mellow tones of the song. It was an old love song that was being played while the band took a break. Susan recognised it - "It Had to be You", by Nat King Cole, a 20th century singer.

"They just don't make songs like this anymore, do they?" Marcus commented quietly.

Susan pulled away slightly so that she could see Marcus's face. Mildly surprised, she asked, "You know it too? I thought I was the only one who listened to 20th century music any more."

"Actually, my parents listened to it. When you grow up with something, you either learn to love it or to hate it. I guess I went with the former," he replied with a bittersweet smile, as memories of his childhood filled his mind.

They went back to their former positions, Susan once more encircling his neck with her arms and resting her cheek against his. They were the same height. Marcus was usually the taller by an inch or so, but tonight she was wearing high heels that evened them out. He moved one hand, that had previously rested against the small of her back, up until it reached her hair, where it fell between her shoulder blades. He closed his eyes, inhaling her perfume, and tried to embed this moment in his memory. He didn't know what would happen after tonight, but right now he was where he'd only been in his dreams, and he wanted to remember it. I can't believe what I was so worried about. All that time agonising over the chance that she'd say "no" if I asked her, and she comes right over and asks me instead! He smiled to himself, and thanked whatever supreme being it was that orchestrated this event for allowing him this "moment of beauty", as the Vorlons called it.

Not really wanting to speak, but feeling that he should, he said, "That was a great speech, by the way."

She made a face that he felt, rather than saw, and said, "Thanks. I didn't look weird? Or uncomfortable? I really hate giving speeches."

"No, of course not, but I can't believe you don't like speaking in public. You were the "Voice of the Resistance" after all. You spoke to millions of people every day."

She shook her head. "No, that was different. I couldn't see those people, couldn't see them all staring at me, like I could tonight."

He nodded, accepting her explanation. "Well, I couldn't tell that you were nervous, and I'm sure no one else did, either. You looked like a complete natural at it - like you were born to it. Have you ever considered acting? Because I'm sure -"

"Shut up, Marcus," she interrupted him, laughing at his exaggeration.

They fell back into silence. The band had struck up again, and was playing something that sounded like a cross between Narn soul music, and Earth jazz. Strange as it was, it was slow and pleasant enough for them to continue dancing in the same fashion. Suddenly, Susan stumbled, and he grasped her arms to steady her.

"Ow! Damn it," she exclaimed, and winced as she regained her balance.

"What's wrong?" he asked, concern showing on his face.

"Nothing serious. Its these stupid shoes - they give me blisters," she replied with a wry smile.

"Do you want to sit down?" he asked. She was about to refuse, and tell him she was fine, but hesitated just a second too long. "Come on, we're sitting down," he insisted, pulling her towards the bar.

Amused, she let herself be lead over to a pair of free stools.

"Why in space do you wear them if they're so uncomfortable?" he asked when they were settled.

She shrugged. "They look good, and they're the only ones I've been able to find to go with this dress."

They ordered a couple of drinks. It was "open bar", and there were a number of groups around them that had obviously made good use of the free drinks. Marcus wondered for a second who was picking up the tab for the party, and came to the conclusion that it was probably the Minbari Government. He'd heard the Captain and Entil'Zha joking about the reception being classed as a diplomatic function by Minbari standards. He hadn't been surprised to find out that there was truth behind the statement.

Susan sipped at her straight vodka. Usually she would have downed it and asked for another, but her previous intention for finishing the night with some serious drinking had suddenly lost its appeal. She hadn't really been as surprised as she thought she would be to find that what Steven and the others had been saying was true. Maybe she'd always suspected that there might be something between the two of them - some sort of connection. They did work well together, she admitted that, so what would be wrong with taking the relationship one step further? He was obviously interested in her. She could tell by the way he kept looking at her, and she realised that it was how he had always looked at her, she'd just never noticed it before. It made her slightly uncomfortable, but when she thought of how long it had been since she was close to someone, she realised that she would probably be able to deal with the discomfort.

She looked up from her drink, and saw that the room had begun to empty. It was getting rather late, she realised, as she glanced at the time. Looking around the room, she noticed a number of couples still on the dance floor, and that among these were Steven and Julia Hobbs, looking rather friendly. She caught Marcus's eye, and nodded in their direction.

"I didn't know there was anything between those two," she commented.

"Neither did I, though I always suspected they'd get together eventually. They have one of those antagonistic relationships, and I've noticed that sometimes they turn out the best."

He looked directly at her while he said this, and she felt that he was saying more than what appeared on the surface. She realised he was trying to convince her that the two of them would work, would be okay. Having already decided to give it a chance, she resolved to put his mind at ease - he looked so pitiful sitting there, the hope fading rapidly from his eyes.

She smiled. "I know what you mean," she said, and some of the hope came flooding back. "Hey, it's getting late... Do you want to walk me back to my quarters?"

"Of course. Shall we say goodnight to anyone? Or should we just go?" he asked, hoping she would want to go straight away. He could still see his friends, all sitting where he'd left them, eyeing the two of them speculatively.

Susan was thinking similar thoughts, but her eyes were turned towards Steven and Dr Hobbs, who were at that very second turned towards them with amused grins on their faces. A glance back to her table told her that Zack, Lyta and Corwin had returned to their places, and were likewise interested in her current situation.

"Maybe it would be....easier.... if we simply left," she said, hoping her voice sounded casual.

He looked at her with a grin, understanding completely the motives behind that statement. "I know what you mean. Might even start a scandal or two...." he said, as his eye took on a mischievous gleam.

"Sounds like a plan. Let's go," she announced, grabbing his hand and heading for the door.

Laughing to themselves, they left Earhart's, leaving a trail of shocked faces behind them. But when they got outside, they paused and looked at each other, falling into silence and an ensuing awkwardness. Neither of them knew what to say, so instead they merely turned in the general direction of Susan's quarters and fell into step with each other. To break the uneasy silence, Susan said the first thing that entered her mind, hoping it wasn't something dumb.

"So, those Rangers you were sitting with, were they friends of yours from training?"

Jumping at the chance to talk, he replied, "Yes, some of them. Erica, the blonde girl, and Parand, the fierce-looking one with the bone crest were two of my first friends on Minbar. Let's see, now Luke and Ethan I met on an assignment on one of the colony worlds a while back, and Menili, well, she was one of my spiritual leaders, I guess you could call it, during my training.

Susan raised an eyebrow at that. "But she looks so young! Like you should be teaching her!"

"You're forgetting that Minbari age differently to humans. Also that they show that age differently as well."

"Kinda makes you wonder why Delenn would want to become Human. Being a Minbari has all the perks," she commented with a wry smile.

The easy chatting continued, and the awkwardness had all but disappeared between them. However, there was still an underlying current of something, that both of them could feel. Susan thought about it and came to the slightly scary conclusion that it was anticipation. After all, she did ask Marcus to walk her home. There was definitely the possible implication of something more. This is it, Susan, she said to herself, He's going to kiss you. If what the others had been saying about Marcus was really true, then there was no way he'd pass up an opportunity like this. Is that what she wanted? She realised in a flash that she did.

Marcus stole a sidelong glance at Susan as they walked along. He wondered what she was thinking. Was he imagining things, or was this going quite well? She actually seemed to be encouraging him - something he'd never experienced with her before. Perhaps the others were right, maybe she'd never been against the idea of them "together", maybe she'd just never thought about it before - or was never even aware of his interest. What would she do if I kissed her? he wondered, thinking the idea of kissing her had never seemed more realistic, or appealing.

A few corridors and a transport tube later, the couple arrived at their destination.

Turning to face Marcus, Susan began awkwardly, "Well, here we are...... Thanks for walking me."

"My pleasure, Commander," he replied, almost automatically.

She made a face. "Marcus, I think its safe to say that we've reached a stage in our relationship where you can call me by my first name."

He smiled sheepishly. "Of course. My pleasure, Susan," he corrected.

She nodded, satisfied. "Better," she told him, and tried to ignore the shiver that ran through her body when he said her name like that. "Well, goodnight..."

"Yes, goodnight..."

It could have ended like that, but as they looked into each other's eyes, searching, they both realised what was really going to happen next. Marcus took a step closer to Susan, and, reaching out, placed his hand alongside her throat. She placed her hand over his, and they leaned closer together. They kissed, and when their lips met it was soft and undemanding. After a moment they pulled away from each other slightly.

"You were really nervous about that, weren't you?" Susan asked with a grin.

"What makes you say that?" he replied, drawing a bit further away, but still close enough to touch her.

"Marcus, you're shaking like a leaf."

The sheepish smile returned. "Well, so much for my cool, calm, Ranger-like demeanour. But what about you?"

"What do you mean, "what about me"? I wasn't nervous."

"Your pulse was racing. Still is actually." He looked pointedly to where his hand rested against her throat.

She moved away completely, her hands on her hips. "Did you ever think that could be for a completely different reason?" she demanded.

"Such as?" he asked innocently, an amused expression beginning to cross her features.

Damn. She couldn't think of a thing. She said the first thing that entered her mind. "It's a medical condition," she lied.

"Really?" he asked, not believing a word of it.

"Yes, its the most peculiar thing. Pops up whenever I'm around annoying people," she told him sweetly.

"Is that so? Well, I still say you were nervous. Medical condition or not."

"Well, let's just see who's nervous, shall we?" she asked, and with that she threw her arms around his neck and attacked his mouth with hers.

Marcus wasn't complaining. He was enjoying himself too much. So was Susan, for that matter. The two of them stood kissing outside her quarters for some time, until they both forgot what it was they'd been arguing about. The kiss was very passionate, their lips becoming more demanding by the second. Finally, Susan pulled her head away abruptly.

"Hold that thought," she said, as she fumbled to get the door open.

When it slid open, she grabbed him by the lapels and pulled him after her into the room. He came willingly, and smiled as he took her in his arms again. They stood in the center of the room, his hands in her hair, their tongues exploring each others mouths hungrily. Marcus moved from her lips down to her throat, leaving a fiery trail along her skin. But when he moved his mouth to the neckline of her dress, and began to slip the thin strap off her shoulder, she placed her hand over his to stop him.

"Marcus, wait a minute," she began.

"What's the matter, don't you want this?" he asked, looking up confused.

"No," she said, with a hint of laughter, "Let me just say, for the record, that I have absolutely no problem with this happening. But Marcus, are you sure? Because we can wait if you want. I just don't want you to rush into anything that you'll regret later."

"Susan," he said, bringing her hand up to his lips and kissing the palm, "When I'm old and grey, and I look back on my life, there will probably be many things that I'll regret. But making love to you could never be one of those things." He paused, as if deciding whether or not to continue. "I may be a virgin, but I'm no saint. I've had my share of opportunities, I've just never taken them all the way. I wanted to wait for the right person. And that's you. There is nothing in the galaxy I want more than you. Right here, right now."

She couldn't meet his gaze. "Do you love me?" she asked tentatively.

"Oh yes. I adore you."

She found the strength to look up at him. "Marcus, I don't know what to say. I - I don't... I can't... It's too soon." She hated having to say that, but she couldn't lie to him. Her eyes pleaded with him to understand.

He did, and he hid the disappointment from his voice when he spoke. "It's alright, Susan, you can have all the time you need. I've waited this long for you, haven't I?"

"Do you still want me?"

"Now, and always."

"Even if I don't feel as strongly as you do?"

He nodded. They were meant to be together. It would only be a matter of time before she felt the same way he did.

"Then you can have me."

They fell into each other's embrace like it was the whole universe.

THE END

Well, that's it. Hope you liked it.

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