Change One Thing: Lifetime Worth of Memories

Chapter Four: A Little Too Close

Disclaimer: Nope, not claiming any ownership here. They're different events, but the same people and we all know how Star Trek loves their "Alternate Universe(s)"

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Spending so much time with their bond made it grow stronger. It grew stronger, and the stronger it grew the closer they got. It came to a point that no matter where they were, nor how far apart, they could sense each other's emotions. At points of intense emotion, they both felt it strongly.

The intensity of their bond began to cause problems and Deanna eventually brought it to Will.

He could feel her uncertainty and nervousness. He walked into their quarters and confronted her. "Deanna, I've been feeling you all day; you're restless. What's wrong?"

"Will, we need to talk."

Her tone scared him. A thousand questions stormed his mind. 'What's going on?' 'Is something wrong?' 'Did I do something?' . . . 'Is she ending this?'

Deanna felt his mind, heard his thoughts, saw his fear. She smiled knowingly, and lovingly brushed her fingers against the hairline above his temple. "No, no, no," she whispered and kissed his lips softly. "It's nothing like that, Imzadi." When he smiled and wrapped his arms around her, she kissed him again. "But we do have a problem."

He leaned back slightly to meet her gaze. "What sort of problem?"

She clasped her hands behind his neck. "Today you were thinking about, and I was with a patient. I can't be blushing when I'm patients." She drew the back of her hand down the side of his face. "And you can't be blushing around the Captain."

He nodded. "You're right but . . ." he smiled an almost childish grin. "I don't know if I can simply stop thinking about you."

She laughed. "No, Imzadi, I don't think you could. So, I'm going to teach you some more complex shields."

Will frowned. "Shields?" Will looking into her mind and into her soul. "Don't worry, Imzadi. I won't hide from you. My mind will always be open to you. I love you."

Deanna taught him a few more complex mental shields than she had taught him before. She could tell he used them. He always came back. His mind was never very far from hers. She was amazed by his control. It was almost as if his mind was in the next room, but she could open the door whenever she needed.

Her mother said 'Imzadi bonds did wonders for telepathy.' Will just smiled and complemented his teacher- his 'irresistibly incredible' teacher.

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