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Author: Nautika
Series: ENT
Pairing: Tu/R
SPOILERS: None
Rating: G
Parts: 1/1,
Date: December 2007
Feedback: Yes, please.
Archive: ASC*, my site, Warp 5, and anyone else, just let me know.
Disclaimer: Star Trek is owned by Paramount. Fan fiction is for fun.
Notes: Written for ASCEM's December Color Challenges.
Summary: A chemical accident in engineering leaves Trip with the side effects.
by Nautika
“Doc - Are you serious? Isn’t there anything you can do to get rid of this?” Trip Tucker gestured, encompassing his upper body.
“I’m afraid not, commander. The pigmentation seems to be semi-permanent. Now, it should fade in a few days time. Perhaps a week,” Phlox paused and tried to hide a smile. “Or two.”
Tucker’s jaw dropped. “Two weeks?”
“At the most commander, but don’t worry. At least you’re not in pain…and it will go away.”
Tucker sighed as he hopped off the bed. “Great. Thanks a lot.” He headed for his quarters, hoping the corridors would be empty.
***
The chime went off for the third time, but Tucker kept ignoring it. He was in no mood to see his lover tonight. Still, he wasn’t surprised when an override code was entered and the door opened.
“Trip? Are you all right? I heard about the accident in engineering.” The door slide closed behind Malcolm Reed as he entered.
Tucker lay still, hoping Reed would think he was asleep and not turn on the lights. He listened to the rustle of clothing as Reed undressed and folded his uniform. Tucker smiled to himself, picturing his partner making sure the crease was perfect, even in the dark.
The bed dipped a little and a gentle hand caressed his cheek, “Trip?”
Tucker sighed, resigned to facing his partner sooner or later. “I’m awake.”
“Are you all right? Hess said there was a small explosion. I spoke to Phlox and he said you were,” there was a brief pause, “Uninjured.”
Tucker closed his eyes in the dark, listening to Reed’s accent. “I’m fine, Malcolm. Just a little tired. Can we talk about it in the morning?”
“Sure.”
Tucker felt the bed shift as Reed climbed in beside him and spooned up against his back. Tucker drifted off to sleep to the feel of long fingers giving loving strokes.
***
There was a hushed chuckle. Then another and then the sheets were pulled down and cool air assaulted his skin. Tucker groaned and rubbed his palm over his eyes before opening them. He groaned louder when he saw his red palm and was reminded of the previous day’s accident.
“Not a word, Malcolm. Not one word!” Tucker rolled over and saw Reed dressed for the day and biting his lip to keep from laughing. “Phlox said it’d go away in a couple of weeks.”
Reed snorted, unable to contain himself, his shoulders shaking.
Tucker looked down at his red torso. His uniform had been soaked in the chemical explosion and from his waist to the top of his head was dyed a deep red. He looked at his lover, who was also turning a bright shade of red. “Out with it.”
“Well,” Reed cleared his throat, “I’ll just say this.” He laughed a little and gave Tucker the most sincere compassionate smile he could muster. “You look good in red.”
The End.