Chapt. 32

Black eyes watched him in silence, crystal drops of liquid slipping of long lashes. He knew she was waiting and he knew she wouldn't wait forever, but he didn't know how to verbalize to her why he had avoided her.

"Will? Please" With each second that passed he could feel her withdraw, resigning herself that he wouldn't talk to her. In her eyes he could see the countdown beginning; his time had become very limited.

Words leapt from his throat when she started to take a step back. "I didn't mean it like that Deanna, I just…"

Deanna remained frozen, waiting for him to make it right, waiting for the words she so longed to hear. Will's incredibly blue eyes pleaded her for a chance, but when he started to talk she didn't allow herself to hope yet.

"…I just can't loose you Deanna, not again." Unable to think of what else he needed to say Will did something he never should have to do in the first place; he lowered the shields around his mind and sought out the Imzadi-bond. Everything he felt trickled in Deanna's mind and he could see her face lighten with disbelief and then joy.

He held one arm out to her and when she stepped within range he reached out with his other as well and pulled her against his chest, careful not to push her out of balance. Troi buried her face against his chest making him smile when he became aware of the joy in her mind.

She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tighter. They stood like that for several minutes before she whispered quietly "we've been foolish, haven't we?"

"Beverly would certainly say so."

Deanna pulled slightly away at that and studied his handsome features for a while. "I do love you, you know."

So beautiful, so sincere that he couldn't help but respond "More than Worf?" WHAT was wrong with him?! A hurt deeper than he'd ever seen clouded her eyes as she turned away from him. "Deanna, I didn't mean…I don't want to hurt you."

"What do you mean William? Because just when I think things will be all right between us you say something to hurt me.

Barely touching her he laid a hand against her waist. "I wasn't thinking. Things will be all right Imzadi, they will." When she didn't object he encircled her waist with his arms and rested her back to his chest.

"Will they? Will we ever escape from this limbo of fear and distrust?"

He truly didn't know how to respond, but damn it, he wanted to make it work or die trying. "With time and with love. I want to make it work Deanna."

"As do I."

"I do love you, you know." Will said, repeating her words intentionally and rested his chin on her head. Content just to be standing there with his Imzadi in his arms and her sweet presence in his mind, stronger than ever before.