It was happening again! No, this can't happen! She thought to herself. Karissa was again in the decontamination room, behind the clear wall, staring into the Iconian Gateway chamber. Ryan was there fighting the Naussican that was the leader of the pirates that were holding the gate. It was imperative that Starfleet got the gate. It meant life or death of everyone in the galaxy. But as she watched and waited for the decon cycle to complete, she saw Ryan take blow after blow, unable to give as much back as he wanted. And she couldn't get in there to help him. Then, just as the chamber began to open, she laid down on the floor so she could roll under the wall. But suddenly, as she watched, the Naussican pulled a knife, stabbed Ryan and pushed him through the gate.
"Noooooo!" she screamed, knowing Captain Ryan Evans was mostly likely a deadman. Her love...
Suddenly, her eyes flew open and she found herself in bed. She tried to slow down her breathing and the rapid beat of her heart. It had just been a nightmare, she told herself.
Arms tenderly went around her. "Are you all right?" Will asked, having woken up from her nightmare as well, hearing her yell in her sleep.
"Just had a nightmare. That's all..." she said softly as she rested against him, her head on his chest.
"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked.
She was quiet for a moment before she answered. "It was a flashback..." she said softly.
"Of...?" he asked gently.
Tears misted her eyes. "The fight in the gate room," she replied, knowing he'd understand.
"You were dreaming about Ryan," he said.
She swallowed and nodded. She was so afraid of hurting him.
"It's all right," he said comforting her. "No one expects you to get over that for awhile yet." He replied. "You watched Ryan die, and this isn't the first time you've had that nightmare. But it's been awhile."
She nodded. "Yeah, awhile," she said.
"I wonder what could have triggered it?" he asked as he continued to hold her.
"Maybe too much pizza tonight," she said, trying to lighten the mood.
Will smiled and kissed her. "Perhaps," he replied. "Do you need something to help you sleep?" he asked.
She thought about it for a moment and shook her head. "Just you next me," she said softly as she snuggled into his embrace.
Will smiled. Perhaps things hadn't turned out in his life the way he'd expected, but he certainly couldn't complain. As he gazed at Karissa, lying in his arms trying to go back to sleep, he wondered if perhaps they could cement their relationship further. But he didn't want to push her. It had taken her a long time to even begin the process of letting Ryan go. So long, she had cut herself off from life and now... they were together. She was trying to live again and he'd see it in her from the moment they'd realized there was more between them than just the deep friendship they'd shared because of their daughter. He had connected with her that night, on the holodeck with Ryan and the others. Though her connection to Ryan had been stronger at the time, their connection had lasted and that connection had allowed her to see a future.
He sighed contently as he kissed the top of her head. "Sleep. I'm right here beside you."
"I love you," she said softly as she drifted to sleep once more.
The words stuck in his head. "It was the first time she honestly said it. The feels had been there without the words. But hearing those little words from her made him smile.
"I love you too," he replied kissed her once more and holding her tightly.
back to TOC