I hate being sick. I always have, even as a
little girl. Luckily, I was extraordinarily healthy. Perhaps that's why this
virus hit me so hard--I was overdue.
I don't remember much of my time in medbay. The doctors said I was running
a high fever, in and out of consciousness. God bless modern medicine.
At least I'm home now, in my own bed. My pager's on the nightstand; next to
it, a comm unit programmed to link me directly to medbay if needed. So far, I
haven't needed it.
Mornings are the worst. At least I'm starting to awaken closer to my usual
time. This is the earliest I've awoken in weeks.
Something's not right. I feel...something, almost a restraint. Poking at
it reveals it to be firm, but yielding. Pushing against it, trying to break
free, is useless. It's almost as if a band of steel circled my waist.
A band of...
I poke the unseen restraint a few more times before ramming my elbow
backwards. I'm rewarded with a gusty "oomph" behind me. "Good morning, Mr.
Steel."
I hear his voice behind my right ear, his breath tickling my neck. "Hi.
McGrath, actually."
I shrug. It's the same thing, really, Steel, McGrath. "Why are you in my
bed?" Not that I mind, much.
A pause. "You were cold."
"And how did you know that?" It's odd, arguing with empty air. "And would
you please turn your stealth mode off? I know you're here; no use hiding
anymore."
His arm appeared around my waist. "I'd watch you in medbay. You would
shake so hard you nearly dislodged your IV. You were cold, I was warm...."
His arm tightened minutely. "You're still my partner, Rache."
"I...see." It's touching, really. And I do trust him; I know he wouldn't
do anything more.
"Should I leave now?"
Brief arguments fluttered through my brain. "Is there anyplace you need to
be?"
"Not for a few hours."
I turn to face him, to see the expression in his eyes. "Stay." A moment.
"I'm still cold."
His arms tighten around me, holding me close to him. I rest my head on his
shoulder. He was right; he is warm.
If only we could stay this way forever.