Disclaimer: I still don't own Star Trek Voyager or any of the characters established on the show. Only the story and original characters are mine.

Author's Note: Apologies for the long wait and also for the shortness of the chapter. We lost our Newfoundland dog suddenly and unexpectedly, it made me rather disinclined to do any writing. This chapter is my way of getting back into the swing of things.

Mary Melody stumbled into the living area of the quarters she shared with Naomi Wildman, not yet awake. The sight with which she was greeted helped to shake loose some of the typical morning grogginess. On the couch, fast asleep were her roommate and Lindbergh's XO, Icheb. The couple looked as if they had fallen asleep with Naomi sitting on Icheb's lap. As she stood staring at them, she was trying to decide if she should wake them or not. After a few seconds, she decided she should, "Hey, wake up you two! I mean really, what is going on here?"

As the couple stirred, Mary walked over to the replicator and ordered a raktajino, extra sweet. She took the beverage out of the machine, pulled it to her mouth, and began blowing on it, to cool it. While doing this, she turned back toward the couple and stood watching while they slowly roused from their sleep. Naomi and Icheb were both bleary eyed, it took them several moments before they realized they had an audience. Naomi was standing up, and as she did so, she was stretching her back. "Sorry Mary, we sort of fell asleep."

Mary took a sip of her raktajino, "Obviously, but, umm, when I fell asleep last night, you were already asleep, in bed. How did you get out here, and when did he get here?" Mary knew she shouldn't really be questioning the movements of the ship's second in command, but felt she could get away with it, since he was in her quarters. Mary was surprised to see the first officer blush.

Naomi came to his rescue, "I had a nightmare, and couldn't get back to sleep. I called Icheb and he came over to console me. Isn't that sweet?" As she said this she smiled at Icheb who was now standing and stretching his back. He was also shaking his right arm, trying to get the blood circulating again. Since they were otherwise occupied, they didn't see Mary roll her eyes.

"Very sweet, Icheb…I mean, Commander…sir."

Icheb gave Mary a little smile, "Mary, you don't have to stand on formality since I am in your quarters. I apologize for disturbing your regular morning routine. I was more tired than I realized last night. All the commotion on CS12, and basically being in command, since the Captain isn't, well, focused these days, left me a bit exhausted. Also, I'd been on duty for 18 hours straight before I came over."

Mary had finished sipping her raktajino, and told Icheb, "That's alright Com…Icheb, it's just that seeing the two of you on the couch was a bit of a surprise. If you'll both excuse me, I need to go get dressed for my duty shift." She left the living area without looking back, she didn't think she could stomach any more cuteness from the couple this early in the day.

Naomi watched Mary disappear into the sleeping area of their quarters. When the door closed and they were alone again, Naomi took Icheb's hand, "Thanks again, for coming and taking care of me last night."

Icheb leaned down and kissed her lightly on the cheek, "My pleasure. I really should go to my quarters, take a quick sonic shower and put on a fresh uniform before my duty shift." After kissing her again, Icheb left.

Naomi yelled in the direction of the bedroom, "He's gone, it's safe to come out."

Mary emerged fully dressed a moment later. "Well, that was certainly embarrassing."

"It certainly was, Icheb was very embarrassed, did you see how much he was blushing?"

"Not for you and Commander Kissyface, for me! In case you didn't notice, I was in my pajamas!"

Naomi smiled, "Commander Kissyface? That's a good one." Naomi was always amused by Mary's seemingly inexhaustible supply of nicknames for Icheb. "I'm sorry you felt embarrassed, but really, your pajamas are fine, it's not as if you flounced out here in a revealing negligee."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

Naomi moved toward the replicator, "It means I'm still asleep and therefore, making no sense whatsoever." Facing the replicator she said, "French roast coffee, double cream, no sugar." She once again faced her roommate, "Mary, I apologize, it was an inconsiderate thing to say, and even more important, I should not have allowed the situation to develop in the first place. From now on, if I have a bad dream or something, I'll get dressed and go to Icheb's quarters."

Mary smiled, "That would certainly make more sense, seeing as he doesn't have a roommate."