[ Pike gives the other man a meaningful look and solid nod before turning and leaving the room. When the door swooshes closed behind him, La'an relaxes her stance, moving close to James again as if caught in his personal gravitational pull. ]
I should let you sleep. [ Said as she very clearly struggles with the idea of leaving. She should be backing away, making her own exit to allow him time to recover in peace, but instead, her hand finds his arm again, some part of her breathing a sigh of relief at the tangible proof that he's still here with her. ]
[ Her hand is warm on his arm, and he hates the idea of being left alone here, in this sickbay that isn't his sickbay, on the Enterprise that isn't his Enterprise, almost as much as he hates the fact that even with advanced medicine, it's still going to take him a while to heal from being shot in the chest. ]
Pretty sure that captain of yours ordered us both to sleep. Though I'm not actually sure he can give me orders... but you should definitely sleep.
[ He shifts his arm beneath her hand so he can curl his fingers around hers, offering her a smile that quirks at the corner. ]
And I'm sure your quarters are a lot more comfortable than hanging around sickbay.
[ She has to smile at that, though it's short-lived and gives way to an openly nervous expression. Her grip on his hand tightens and she does her best to calm her suddenly racing heartbeat. This is ridiculous, he's going to be fine, and yet. ]
I would sneak you out of here if I could, but I'm pretty sure Chapel would hunt us down and haul you back.
[ It's an attempt at humor that falls flat as fear spikes within her. She hadn't been as worried about leaving him before when he'd been with someone at all times, but now... He deserves some peace and quiet to rest, but the idea of leaving him alone terrifies her. The irrational part of her mind is certain that he'll stay with her so long as he isn't left on his own. Her gaze moves around the room, catching on the other piece of furniture, and her throat tightens. ]
But I don't know, that chair in the corner doesn't look too terribly uncomfortable. [ A suggestion. An offer. ]
[ He's being practical. She'll obviously sleep better in an actual bed, there's no arguing that, but she does want to argue simply because she doesn't want to leave him. Yes, he'll be fine, but will he really? ]
Okay. [ It takes her a moment to concede, but then she straightens up and gives his hand a little shake. ] But first, I have something I need to do. I'll be back in a few minutes, alright? No arguing.
[ She takes a few steps back before turning, hurrying out of the room so she can come back. It's only a quick pop to another level to grab what she's looking for, then back to his temporary room, working as she walks. By the time the door wooshes open again, she's ready to go straight to bedside to hand him his very own PADD. ]
So you don't get too bored, and so we can stay in touch. You can read up on two hundred years of history, or watch a film, or... call me. [ She looks nervous, her grip on her PADD tightening. Maybe she shouldn't say anything, especially not when it makes her feel so vulnerable, but maybe this is a step she needs to take. ] I keep thinking you're going to disappear the second I look away.
[ He accepts the PADD, studying it for a second before setting it aside. Two hundred years of history can wait a little while longer, especially when she's so tense. When she's saying that and all he can do is agree. ]
You think I'm not feeling that same way?
[ God, he wants to reach for her. Pull her into his arms, let her rest right here with him on this biobed that is absolutely not built for two. ]
I can't tell if I think I'm going to disappear or you're going to disappear, but I definitely don't want to let you out of my sight.
[ La'an's heart is in her throat just listening to him confirm she's not the only one feeling these things. It helps so much to hear that, even if it doesn't present a solution to their predicament. Taking a deep breath, she sits on the edge of his bed, her hip touching his, the connection soothing her aching soul. ]
We should probably figure out how to deal with this then, because I don't want to be out of your sight. Not yet. Not until— [ Her voice catches and she can't help herself; she has to reach over and rest her hand very lightly over that spot on his chest. ] Just not yet.
[ He sets his hand over hers, then gives into his desires just long enough to reach his other arm around her waist as she sits next to him. It's pretty far from the way he'd like to hold her, but it's something. ]
I'm open to ideas. There must be some way to manage it, because I don't believe in no win scenarios.
[ It scares her how much she wants to just wrap herself around him and never let go. Even though it's been months since she last met with Dr. Sanchez, she can hear the counselor's voice in her head reasoning this is just a response to trauma that will pass with time. But until it does, she feels like she's about to have some sort of panic attack every time she thinks of spending hours away from him. ]
That's an admirable quality. [ She manages a small smile and a ghost of a laugh, her free hand resting on his arm around her. ] Well, you're stable now, but I know Chapel and M'Benga want to continue monitoring your vitals... I could speak with them about moving you to my quarters. There's more than enough space, and it would be more secure than you staying here. We still need to keep you a secret until we get everything figured out.
I'm glad you approve. Almost everyone else I know thinks it's an insane quality.
Everyone else I knew.
[ Before it can sink its fangs into him, he latches onto her idea, frowning slightly. ]
That sounds good to me, but you'll probably have to field a few questions from them.
[ Chapel, especially. She knows something's up.
On the other hand, does he especially care? Not aside from whether it might make her uncomfortable or not. They're from different timelines, there can't possibly be any rules about no fraternization they need to follow. ]
[ Especially now that she's determined after that little slip he just had. There are bound to be more of those in his future, and the way he handles them will affect every other part of his life here, whether he likes it or not. She knows what that's like, and she can't let him face it alone. ]
I'll go speak with them. But first...
[ La'an hesitates for only a moment before leaning over to press her lips to his in a soft, simple kiss. It's awkward, she can't balance any of her weight on her hands, but she manages, years of physical training preparing her for just this occasion. ]
[ His lips part, right before he reaches up to curve a hand at the back of her head. He can't quite keep his kiss soft and gentle, not when he'd almost died, not when she'd risked everything to save him. And he's always been a man happy to let his passions sweep him – and everyone around him – away without warning.
His hand at the back of her head is gentle but firm as he pushes up into her kiss – only to fall back with a pained, exasperated groan as his chest sharply reminds him why that wasn't a good idea. ]
[ For those too brief moments after his hand holds the back of her head, she's tempted to throw caution out the proverbial window and give in to the kiss she really wants from him, passionate and desperate and full of emotions she doesn't yet have words for. But then she hears that groan and feels the way he falls back that little bit in obvious pain and she sighs heavily. ]
If you make your injury worse, they won't let me steal you away from here. [ She tries to make it come out in a gentle teasing tone, but there's something in the words that's almost pleading with him to listen. To stay put and not do anything reckless until he's back in one whole piece again. ]
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no subject
I should let you sleep. [ Said as she very clearly struggles with the idea of leaving. She should be backing away, making her own exit to allow him time to recover in peace, but instead, her hand finds his arm again, some part of her breathing a sigh of relief at the tangible proof that he's still here with her. ]
no subject
Pretty sure that captain of yours ordered us both to sleep. Though I'm not actually sure he can give me orders... but you should definitely sleep.
[ He shifts his arm beneath her hand so he can curl his fingers around hers, offering her a smile that quirks at the corner. ]
And I'm sure your quarters are a lot more comfortable than hanging around sickbay.
[ Give him a second. ]
Uh, for you, I mean.
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I would sneak you out of here if I could, but I'm pretty sure Chapel would hunt us down and haul you back.
[ It's an attempt at humor that falls flat as fear spikes within her. She hadn't been as worried about leaving him before when he'd been with someone at all times, but now... He deserves some peace and quiet to rest, but the idea of leaving him alone terrifies her. The irrational part of her mind is certain that he'll stay with her so long as he isn't left on his own. Her gaze moves around the room, catching on the other piece of furniture, and her throat tightens. ]
But I don't know, that chair in the corner doesn't look too terribly uncomfortable. [ A suggestion. An offer. ]
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[ He follows her glance toward the chair, but tugs lightly at her hand. When he has her attention again, he shakes his head. ]
You need sleep, La'an. Real sleep, in a real bed. Go to your quarters, okay? I'll be fine here.
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Okay. [ It takes her a moment to concede, but then she straightens up and gives his hand a little shake. ] But first, I have something I need to do. I'll be back in a few minutes, alright? No arguing.
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[ Said lightly, as he squeezes her hand and lets go, against every instinct yelling at him to hold on. ]
I'll be here.
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So you don't get too bored, and so we can stay in touch. You can read up on two hundred years of history, or watch a film, or... call me. [ She looks nervous, her grip on her PADD tightening. Maybe she shouldn't say anything, especially not when it makes her feel so vulnerable, but maybe this is a step she needs to take. ] I keep thinking you're going to disappear the second I look away.
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You think I'm not feeling that same way?
[ God, he wants to reach for her. Pull her into his arms, let her rest right here with him on this biobed that is absolutely not built for two. ]
I can't tell if I think I'm going to disappear or you're going to disappear, but I definitely don't want to let you out of my sight.
no subject
We should probably figure out how to deal with this then, because I don't want to be out of your sight. Not yet. Not until— [ Her voice catches and she can't help herself; she has to reach over and rest her hand very lightly over that spot on his chest. ] Just not yet.
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I'm open to ideas. There must be some way to manage it, because I don't believe in no win scenarios.
no subject
That's an admirable quality. [ She manages a small smile and a ghost of a laugh, her free hand resting on his arm around her. ] Well, you're stable now, but I know Chapel and M'Benga want to continue monitoring your vitals... I could speak with them about moving you to my quarters. There's more than enough space, and it would be more secure than you staying here. We still need to keep you a secret until we get everything figured out.
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Everyone else I knew.
[ Before it can sink its fangs into him, he latches onto her idea, frowning slightly. ]
That sounds good to me, but you'll probably have to field a few questions from them.
[ Chapel, especially. She knows something's up.
On the other hand, does he especially care? Not aside from whether it might make her uncomfortable or not. They're from different timelines, there can't possibly be any rules about no fraternization they need to follow. ]
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[ Especially now that she's determined after that little slip he just had. There are bound to be more of those in his future, and the way he handles them will affect every other part of his life here, whether he likes it or not. She knows what that's like, and she can't let him face it alone. ]
I'll go speak with them. But first...
[ La'an hesitates for only a moment before leaning over to press her lips to his in a soft, simple kiss. It's awkward, she can't balance any of her weight on her hands, but she manages, years of physical training preparing her for just this occasion. ]
no subject
His hand at the back of her head is gentle but firm as he pushes up into her kiss – only to fall back with a pained, exasperated groan as his chest sharply reminds him why that wasn't a good idea. ]
Damn.
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If you make your injury worse, they won't let me steal you away from here. [ She tries to make it come out in a gentle teasing tone, but there's something in the words that's almost pleading with him to listen. To stay put and not do anything reckless until he's back in one whole piece again. ]