Title: Stuck
Author: Lady Starblade -- ladystarblade@hotmail.com
Rating: PG
Pairing: Tucker/Reed (this means *slash*, folks)
Category: Romance/Humor/NDP (No Discernable Plot)
Spoilers: None
Warnings: Pointless Rambling and aforementioned slash
Archive: Entslash; Anyone else, if ya want it, you got it. Just let me know where.
Feedback: Yes, please.
Disclaimer: Oh, how I would love to own them all, but alas, I do not. Paramount owns all, and I make no money whatsoever.

Author's Note: I am so stuck on Part 3 of my T/R series, so I'm working through writers' block. This is pointless, but what the hey, it's late. And everyone read that this is slash, right? g I cover a lot of genres.

Summary: Words and sounds in the dark.

**

"Will you come to bed already?"

"No."

"Give it up, love. You're not going to get that done tonight."

"Wanna bet?"

A sigh. "Why did I have to attach myself to such a stubborn man?"

"I'm not stubborn."

A snort. "That's the funniest thing I've heard all day."

"Good ta know I brightened your day." A beat. "Your night."

"You're still stubborn."

"And this comin' from Mr. "I'd Sleep in the Armory If They'd Let Me"?"

"Now why would I want to sleep in the armory when I've got you in here?"

Silence. "Yeah, okay, you win that part of the argument."

"Then come to bed."

"Nuh uh. Can't give up on it yet."

"It'll still be there tomorrow."

"Doncha see? It's mockin' me, telling me I can't finish it."

"I can guarantee that the schematic is not talking to you. Unless it's telepathic. Then we have more to worry about your stubbornness."

A hand slapping on the console. "I ain't stubborn!"

"Now you're just deluding yourself."

A mumble. "I'm just stuck. And I don't like it."

"Can't say as I'm enjoying it much either."

"Try it on this end."

"Love, please. We both need to get some sleep."

Another sigh. "Sorry darlin', I'm just frustrated."

"I hadn't noticed."

"I've got people waitin' on this."

"I'm sure they'll understand."

"Yeah, but I don't like to leave anyone hangin'."

A soft chuckle. "I've never had that problem with you."

"Of course not." Silence. "I guess I'm just a little burned out."

"Understandable. You've been busy. Give it up for a bit."

"I don't know. Maybe a bit longer."

"Am I going to have to revert to devious means?"

"Whaddya mean by devious?"

Covers rustling. "Maybe something like this." Bare feet padding on the floor.

A startled squeak. "What are you...."

"Shush." Skin whispers against skin.

Sharp intake of breath. "You are devious, Lieutenant."

"I learned from the best, Commander."

Quiet laughter. "Okay, you win."

"Reason should always overrule stubbornness."

"I'm not that stubborn, am I?"

"Sometimes. But at least you're willing to be persuaded."

"Oh, so that's what ya call this?"

The click of a console switch. Two pairs of feet padding across the floor. Covers rustling.

"I'm still gonna finish that schematic."

"I'm sure you will. But not tonight."

"No, not tonight."

"Good. You need your sleep."

"Whatcha mean by that?"

"You aren't...at your best when you don't get enough sleep."

"You sayin' I'm cranky?"

Silence. "On occasion."

"Hmpth. I can think of someone else who isn't Mr. Sunshine in the mornings." A pillow thump. "Hey now, that was uncalled for!"

A laugh, joined by another. "I was provoked."

"Hey, you were the one doin' the provokin', running across the room and...." Sudden quiet.

"Why is it that sometimes the only way I can keep you quiet is kissing you?"

"I don't mind."

"Neither do I, but we do need sleep."

"A'right. But you're gonna deliver later."

"Of course."

Silence. "Love you, Malcolm."

"I love you, Trip. Now go to sleep."

END