That talk...

[lieutenantkim]

::drops final platter on table, wondering just how close the NX's chef is to being fed up by in quarters dinner requests::

::moves eyes to three plates set out, one of which will definitely stay empty::

::sighs, checking chronometer one more time::

I don't know why I volunteer myself for her crazy schemes...this can't possibly go well.::bends,

Comments

[ltcmdrtomparis]

::obeys, drawing to a halt just inside the hatch::

::glances around, trying to shake a faint feeling of discomfort...homemaker or not, Linnis has managed to create something of a nest here::

::shakes the reminder of past arguments off, moving forward to lift a platter lid::

What, no soup? Is the shine of that newfound sense of daughterly appreciation she's had for me lately already wearing off?

[lieutenantkim]

I think Chef is finally getting serious about rationing, of the tomatoes, at least...and we've been trying to cut back on replicator usage.

Linnis isn't going to be here, by the way. She took an extra sickbay shift. I think Renara was going to eat something in the mess with Jenay and Kes...

::finally looks up, briefly meeting the pilot's gaze before looking away again::

[ltcmdrtomparis]

Really.

::isn't really surprised didn't hear about that...should probably at least check to see how many Borg zits youngest offspring has sprouted in the last few weeks::

::later::

::offers lifted brow for companion, pulling a chair out and settling down::

I guess that means it's just you and me, then. I think we can manage. It'll be just like old times in Voyager's mess, wondering what fresh culinary hell Neelix plans to expose us to...or did you cook this instead of Linnis?

[lieutenantkim]

::ignores the tone, taking own seat::

Has the soup really been that bad, Paris?

[ltcmdrtomparis]

::glares::

::no, not ready to let go of those Admiral issues just yet...::

::moves around table, grabbing a towel from a hook nearby...goddammit, nesting type or not, there's nothing you can do to this ship to make the crew quarters look like anything other than an Academy locker room::

::bends to scrub at dish-emptied table, punctuating words with towel slaps::

Kes wasn't my dog, either. She was my wife. Am I supposed to be able to just shove her off into the back of my mind alongside all the other people I lost?

[lieutenantkim]

That's not what I said!

::stands back and watches the sudden fit of cleaning with vague bemusement, hands dropping to sides::

But it's been years, Tom, not weeks or even just months. You've been grieving as though she just died for longer than the two of you were even together...

::takes an involuntary step back, not especially trusting the sudden, savage look tossed way::

At some point it has to stop taking over every second of your existence.

[ltcmdrtomparis]

...

Maybe it will, at some point.

But it's not going to be today, or tomorrow, and I doubt it will be next week or next month or even next year.

::straightens, staring at towel in hands::

I can do what you and Linnis want and leave this other Kes alone, keep my distance and separate my memories and my wants.

But you can't ask me to try and fix anything else. I'm not broken, not that way. The other half just isn't here, that's all.

[lieutenantkim]

::blinks, at a loss::

Maybe we weren't getting anywhere after all...

Tom...

::settles on spreading hands in gesture of truce::

We're just worried about you.

[linnis_paris]

::ignores barely audible yell, turning to press back against shut door::

::folds arms, glaring at nothing in particular::

I've never seen anyone else like him. He's absolutely incorrigible!

[lieutenantkim]

Does that mean I'm off the hook?

::cringes a little at thought of risking the mercy, still feeling honor bound to defend ltcmdrtomparis::

I don't think he was really working up to that kind of mood tonight, his twisted humor just got a chance to air.

::steps forward, reaching out to tug her arms loose, grasping clenched hands and rubbing them soothingly::

But I can't say I minded your timing.

::catches naggling doubt, staring suspiciously::

It was really great timing.

[linnis_paris]

::bats eyes, shunting frustration away for the moment::

My timing is always good, Harry.

...

::heaves an impatient sigh at not quite convinced look he offers::

Fine. I rewired my comm badge to tie into yours so I could monitor your little conversation...all in the interest of treatment.

::pushes against his hands pointedly::

Don't look at me like that.

[lieutenantkim]

Linnis!

::isn't about to let her slide past this confrontation::

::tightens grip, raising voice::

I won't even try to count how many ethical standards that must have broken.

And I don't like being spied on, either!