Who Watches the Watcher?
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.