[Tina's quarters - face-to-face with Jim]

[rn_chapel]

For someone who had spent most of her last shore leave sleeping - alone - in a hotel room, she sure had a hell of a social life lately, Tina thought, letting herself into her quarters after her latest shift in sickbay. She had just enough time to change out of her uniform and into a comfortable pair of shorts and a t-shirt before Jim was due to

Comments

[original_fine]

Jim was more or less prompt. He'd had a lot on his mind--much of it centered around Tina and her situation--and it had seemed vitally important, somehow, that he see her. Now, standing outside her quarters, he felt awkward in a way he seldom did these days.

But he rang anyway.

[rn_chapel]

"Come in!" Tina yelled, marking her place and setting her book down.

[original_fine]

Jim did, taking in Tina's informal attire, her book, her tired face, and his smile wilted a little.

"Hey," he said. He suddenly felt rather selfish for his spontaneous demand of the day before. "Look, this isn't all that important. If you'd rather I come back another time."

[rn_chapel]

"No, it's fine, Jim." Tina smiled. She was tired, yeah, but that wasn't going to get better. "Come sit down. Or, did you want something to drink or something?"