WE ALL NEED A LITTLE TLC FORMERLY KNOWN ASIt's All In The HormonesB'Elanna rubbed her low back. It was aching so bad. She hated beingon her period. It had never been this bad before. She knew hercontrol had slipped several times during her shift. Her engineeringstaff had tried very careful not to irritate her today, sensing shewas unusually tense. She was annoyed with herself for letting thehormonal mood swings affect her so badly. She felt she should havehad better control of herself today. She had finally finishedbriefing the Beta shift on their duty assignments. Now, all shewanted to do was return to the peace and quiet of her quarters andsoak in a tub of hot water. That would certainly ease her backache,not to mention the cramps that had been plaguing her all day. Sheentered the turbolift with a sigh. She just couldn't understand whyshe felt so crappy. It had never been this bad before. She leanedwearily against the wall as the lift surged upward to her deck. Sheconcentrated on attempting to calm herself, she was not going to lether hormones control her reactions. She was not going to let herperiod rule her body. She would overcome it. When she got to her quarters, she didn't bother to engage the privacylock. The only person who ever entered her quarters unannounced wasTom, and he was on duty in sickbay with Doc. Sighing, she dimmed thelights to one-quarter and filled her tub with hot water. She had beensoaking in a steamy hot tub for about 20 minutes when her door chimesounded. Frowning, she decided to ignore it. Tom was on duty insickbay, and she did not want to see anyone anyway. She still feltmiserable, and the thought of visitors was unappealing. The chimecontinued to be sounded a few more times, then the door slid open. Surprised that someone had the audacity to enter her quartersuninvited, she leaped out of the tub in shock and fury, grabbed atowel, and stomped to the bathroom door. "B'Elanna," called Tom as he gazed about her dimly lit quarters. "Iknow you're here. Guess what? Doc let me off early. I scored reallyhigh on my tests, so he gave me a break from my studies. He said wedeserved to have a little time to ourselves." He grinned as hesearched the room for her. He had ideas on how to spend thisunexpected free time. He loved B'Elanna so much. It had been ahectic week, and they'd hardly seen each other. He planned to spendsome "quality time" with her."Tom," shouted B'Elanna angrily. "What are you doing here?" Heturned toward the bathroom door. She stood in the doorway of thebathroom wrapped in a fluffy towel, dripping wet, her skin all rosyfrom the warm bath water. Tom felt a wave of hot desire wash over himas he gazed upon her lovely form. *She is so beautiful.* he thought. *Maybe I'll just join her in the tub. Then, we could.....* "Tom, Iasked you a question." snapped B'Elanna impatiently her dark eyesflaring with anger."You don't usually expect me to get permission to enter your quarters,Bella. What's wrong? Did you have a bad day in engineering?" askedTom gently, seeing the the fire in her eyes. Flames of anger, notpassion flared in her eyes. With a grimace, she touched her stomach. "No, it wasn't a bad day, itwas a terrible day. I feel like crap, and I don't want to be botheredby anyone. I want to be left alone." snapped B'Elanna irritably. She grimaced again this time touching her low back. This intenseconfrontation with Tom was making the pain worse. All she wanted wasto retreat to the soothing warm water in her tub. She felt hercontrol slipping, and struggled to maintain her composure. She wasdetermined not to lose it again. If only Tom would leave her alone. "I know just what you need." Tom said softly. "A long massage willmake you feel much better." He flashed her his most charming,endearing smile.Normally, she loved that smile. Today however due to her tension andmoodiness, she found it highly annoying. "No! That's not what I need.I need to be left alone so I can get back in the tub and soak! That'swhat I was doing before you came barging in and interrupted me." shesnapped, her body tensing like a panther ready to spring."B'Elanna, what's wrong with you? You're cross as a targ with a thornin his rear. I finally get some time off this week. I come here tospend that time with you, and you jump all over me. Earlier thisweek, you were complaining because we weren't getting any time tospend together. Now that we both have some free time, you don't evenwant me here." snapped Tom in an annoyed tone."I already told you hotshot, I feel like crap. Now get your butt outof here and leave me alone." she ordered. She advanced a few stepstoward him with her fists clenched. She was shaking with pent up anger.Tom's patience had finally reached its limits. "All right! Fine! I'll leave you alone! I finally get a chance to spend some time withyou, and you kick me out. You don't want to spend time with metonight, that's fine with me too!" snapped Tom angrily. He whirledaround, missing the tears had begun to well up in her soft brown eyes. Fury and sorrow battle within her. As the door closed behind him,she grabbed a vase and hurled it toward the door. It crashed loudly,shattering into tiny pieces. Afterward, she slowly walked back to the bathroom trembling with pentup emotions as yet another hormonal mood swing hit her. Her moodshifted from fury to shock and sorrow. What had she done? Tom, thelove of her life, had come to spend time with her, time that had beensorely missed due to hectic work schedules, and she had screamed athim and had kicked him out of her quarters. Dropping the damp towel,she sank back into the steaming hot tub of water. How had thingsgotten so out of hand. Her damn hormones were making her so impossibleto get along with. No wonder Tom, who was usually so easy going, hadgotten so mad. They had had some pretty intense fights before, butthis was the worst they had ever had. Tears trickled down her cheeks.Suppose he couldn't or wouldn't forgive her this time? How could shesurvive the next 60 or so years with him hating her. She loved him somuch.In his quarters, Tom put his fiery anger to good use cleaning. He hadbeen so excited to be free of sickbay this evening. Finally, he hadsome time to spend with B'Elanna, the love of his life. There hadn'tbeen many chances to do that over the past week. Just a few days ago,she'd lamented that they had no time for each other because theirrespective workloads had been much heavier than usual. Women were sodamn confusing sometimes. What on earth had gotten into her. She hadacted so irritated and irrational. Then, it struck him. She had alsoappeared to be experiencing pain in her pelvic region. He knew nowexactly what was wrong with B'Elanna. His lessons of the past twoweeks came back full force, along with bitter childhood memories. Hismother and sisters often went through wild mood swings during theirperiods. They were also nearly impossible to live with during thattime. He was now positive that was why B'Elanna was so moody tonight. He remembered how his mother and sisters had suffered during theirperiods. He also remembered how callously his father had treatedtheir distress, yelling at them for something they couldn't help.Tears sprang up in his eyes as he recalled how he always vowed hewould NEVER be like his father. He had always been kind andconsiderate of his mother and sisters during that time, hating hisfather for the way he had treated them. Guilt overwhelmed him asthought of manner he had just treated B'Elanna. It was almost theexact same way his father had treated his sisters and his mother. Hedecided to apologize to B'Elanna immediately, no matter how angry shewas with him. If she knocked him into the wall, he deserved it foracting like such a pig. He loved her too much to let her bear thisalone. He would not treat her as his father had treated his motherand sisters. With his mind firmly made up, he left to go to her.He quietly let himself into her quarters. She was sitting on thecouch. As he walked over to the couch, she looked up at him withtired, red swollen eyes. Before she could say anything, he quicklysat by her and took her hands in his. "B'Elanna, I'm sorry I actedlike a pig. It took a while, but I finally figured out what waswrong." He tightened his grip on her hands in a comforting fashion. "You're on your period aren't you." His tone was soft, compassionate,and very matter of fact. She nodded slowly. "I've tried all day to stay in control. It's justso hard. You must think I'm so weak." It was clear to Tom that shewas embarrassed about all of this. "It's nothing to be ashamed of B'Elanna. It's a normal biologicalfunction. It doesn't embarrass or bother me. Remember, I grew up withtwo sisters and a mother. They all had a hard time with theirmenstrual periods." She saw a bitter expression momentarily flood hiseyes. "My father used to be so callous in the way he treated themduring that time. I hated the bastard when he treated them that way. A few times, I really wanted to beat the hell out of him. The onlything that stopped me was they needed me, and a fight only would havemade matters worse for them. So you see, Bella, you don't have to beembarrassed or ashamed, I understand." She looked into his beautiful blue eyes and saw nothing there now butsincerity and compassion. Suddenly feeling a need to comfort and becomforted, she snuggled into his shoulder nodding her head. Hewrapped his arms around her trembling body, drawing her close. "Ifeel like a real heel. I knew you couldn't help it. I love you toomuch not to help you now. It doesn't mean you're weak. Helping eachother is part of what having a relationship is all about."She smiled weakly at him. " I know, old habits are just so hard tobreak. Thank you for understanding, Tom......" Suddenly she wantedhis comfort. "Stay and hold me tonight, Tom, please." Her voicetrembled ever so slightly. He tightened his hold on her. "I'll stayhere with you, love." he whispered softly. "I'm going to replicateyou an herb tea that will make you feel better. It's one of thethings I've studied with the Doc in the past two weeks." She noddedagainst his chest. After hugging her tightly to reassure her, hewalked over to her replicator unit and ordered up the special blend ofherb tea, charging it to his account.He walked back over to the couch and handed her the cup as he sat downbeside her. "This should help ease your cramps and the tension you'vebeen feeling." he whispered softly, slipping his arm around her. Shetook the cup and sipped cautiously. Herbal cures sometimes tasted worse than the Leola Root Neelix was so fond of preparing. Upontasting it, a surprised smile flickered across her face. "Mmmm, thisis good." she sighed as she snuggled against Tom. "Sip it slowly, butdrink all of it, Bella." encouraged Tom gently. He was so happy tosee her calming down. It had really hurt him to see her so strickenby the hormonal problems. They sat in silence as she sipped the tea. He could tell that she wasgetting sleepy. His medical studies with the Doc were really payingoff tonight. Just a few weeks ago, he had began to study herbalmedicines for women's hormonal problems. Tonight,it was that series oftests that he had passed with flying colors. It had been those studiesthat introduced him to this herbal tea he had replicated for B'Elanna.He was so happy he was able to use this knowledge to help the woman heloved more than life itself.He noticed her cup was empty. He took it from her and sat it on thelow table in front of the couch. Gently stroking her cheek he asked,"Feeling a little better now, Bella?" She nodded against his chest. "Yes, Tom. Thank you." Her voice was drowsy, and her eyelids seemed tobe too heavy for her to hold open. "You're sleepy, love. Why don'tyou go lay down and see if you can fall asleep?" Tom kept his voicesoft, gentle, and soothing. He did not want to upset her, now thatshe was relaxed and calm. She nodded sleepily. "Stay with me, Tom. I....I....""Shhh, I'll stay." he whispered ever so softly. He lifted her in hisstrong, capable arms and carried her to her bed. First, he got hersettled, then, he quickly stripped down to his tee shirt and briefsand climbed in beside her. She cuddled against him as he pulled herinto his arm. "Lights out." he ordered quietly. Only when herbreathing told him she was asleep, did he allow himself to go to sleep.Early the next morning, Tom woke when B'Elanna began to stirrestlessly in his arms. He gently stroked her back trying to sootheher back to sleep, only for her to awaken and push him back. Seeingher face contort, and realizing her painful cramps had returned, heresponded quickly. "Let me get you some more herbal tea." he murmuredsoftly. She nodded, heading for the bathroom on unsteady legs. In thetime they had been together, he had never seen her have this muchtrouble with her period. As he waited for her to return, he contactedthe Doctor and informed him of the situation. The Doctor agreed withthe herbal tea as a treatment, and instructed Tom to add a supplementthat would also help. Doc told him that the recent stresses they'dbeen under were probably causing the increased levels of discomfortB'Elanna was experiencing. He also relieved both she and Tom of dutyfor the day, realizing that B'Elanna would greatly benefit from therest, and that Tom could care for her easily in her quarters, sincevisiting sickbay was likely to stress her even more.B'Elanna crept slowly out of the bathroom and back to her bed whereTom sat holding a cup. Sitting the cup down, he helped her back intoher bed. At first she stiffened at his attempt to help, but seeingthe firm, but gentle expression on his face, she realized it was onlybecause he cared and wanted to help. "Here," he said gently as hehanded her the cup. "Sip it slowly just like you did last night." She took the cup in her trembling hands. It felt warm and comforting. The aroma wafted enticingly into her nose. "Thank you, Tom." shewhispered softly. He nodded. "I talked to Doc, and he's put us bothoff duty for the day. He felt it would be easier on you if I treatedyou here in your quarters since you dislike sickbay so much."Off duty? I've got too much work to do." protested B'Elanna as shesipped her tea. "I wish I knew why I feel so crappy. My periodusually doesn't affect me this badly." "Doc said it was probably from all the stress you've been under thesepast few weeks. Stress can have a very detrimental effect on hormonebalances. That's part of what I've been studying with the Doc for thepast two weeks. Joe can handle the work load for today. I've alreadycontacted him. I know you feel responsible for the safety of theship, but you're also responsible for your own well being too.""I know," she sighed. "I just feel like I'm letting everyone down. It's hard...to admit..to weakness." she confessed looking down.Tom lifted her face to meet his eyes. "It takes a strong person toadmit that they need help too, Bella." She smiled weakly at him. Seeing that she had drained her cup, hetook it and asked her, "Do you feel up to eating some breakfast?" Shenodded wearily. "I'm hungry, but I just don't have the energy to walkto the mess hall." Tom smiled brightly. "No problem, I won a lot ofreplicator rations from Baytart in some rounds of pool, so I haveplenty of extras. Name it and it's yours." B'Elanna smiled. "Some raktajino, and toast would be nice." "Coming right up." He doubled the order and brought the tray of foodover to the bed. "Here's our breakfast, love." he said, brushing asoft kiss on her forehead. He walked over to the replicator and ordered up breakfast for both ofthem. As the replicator did its job, Tom gazed affectionately over atB'Elanna, who was sitting up on her bed. Their breakfast traymaterialized, and Tom took it over to the bed with a loving smile. "Here you are, toast and a steaming mug of raktajino. He carefullyplace the specially replicated bed tray on her lap. "Thank you, Tom." said B'Elanna softly. They began to eat theirbreakfast in silence. B'Elanna was not in a talkative mood, and Tomrespected that. When they finished he returned the tray of dirtydishes to the slot and pressed the recycle button. They shimmeredout of existence. He turned back towards her, unsure how she'd takehis next offer. "B'Elanna, a massage with Essential Oil of Lavender may help sootheyou some. It is a recommended aroma therapy treatment for relaxation. I can replicate it with my medic code." offered Tom.She thought of the previous times he'd given her a massage when herday had been overly stressful. The man had magic hands. They coulddissolve tension better than anyone could dream of. "Yes, Tom, I'dlike that. My back does still hurt. Thank you." replied B'Elanna. It was hard to accept his help, but she also knew it was offered inlove. She also knew he was right when he had told her it was a signto strength to accept help when it was needed.Tom quickly replicated the massage oil. It was a few degrees warmerthan her body temperature. He walked over to the bed with it. "OkayB'Elanna, if you'll take your nightshirt off, and lay on your stomach,I'll give you a back rub." She complied and soon Tom's strong capablehands were rubbing the soothingly scented oil on her back. She closedher eyes and let his hands work their magic. After half an hour, Tom noticed she was dozing off. He slowed themotions of his hands gradually and finally stopped when she had fallenasleep. He gently pulled the covers up over her and walked over toher desk, planning to review his lessons from the Doc while she slept.He thought he was right on something he wanted to do for B'Elanna, buthe wanted to make sure. He smiled, he had remember correctly. Next,he quickly checked to find out just how many replicator rations hehad. He would be able to do it. Quietly, as not to waken B'Elanna,he went to the replicator and made a request.B'Elanna awoke from her nap feeling refreshed. Her cramps and tensionhad faded away under Tom's tender care. Rolling over, she sat up andstretched. Tom watched her, taking her perfectly formed body. Shesmiled at him and slid her night shirt back on. "How do you feel,B'Elanna?" Tom asked as he walked over to the bed."Much better, thanks, Tom." she said with a smile. She looked bettertoo. "In fact, I think I'm even up to going to the mess hall forlunch. How about you, Tom?" "Sounds like a great idea to me, and when we get back, I have aspecial surprise for you." His blue eyes twinkled merrily. Hecouldn't wait to give her his surprise."From your expression, it must be pretty special." said B'Elanna in aspeculative tone. "Let's go see what Neelix made for lunch."In the mess hall they were pleased to find that Neelix's had actuallymade something edibile by Alpha quadrant standards. Joe Carey wasthere, and he quickly briefed B'Elanna assuring her that everythingwas fine in engineering. After lunch, they returned to B'Elanna's quarters. As the door shut,she gazed expectantly at Tom, who was glowing with eagerness. "So,helmboy," she asked with anticipation. "What's my surprise?""Sit on the couch." He instructed her. Then he went over to her deskand picked up a small container. "Close your eyes, B'Elanna." She shook her in amusement, but complied with his request, all thewhile wondering just what Tom was going to do. Listening Carefully,she heard him walk over to stand in front of her. "Open your mouth,"he said in an enticing tone. Curious, she complied, and felt himplace something inside. "Now go ahead and eat it, but keep your eyesclosed." he told.One bite on the morsel, and she was in rapture. "Ohhh, Tom, Delavianchocolate, mmmmmmmmm." Her eyes opened and saw Tom's pleased smilelighting up the entire room. She swallowed the candy, stood up, andembraced Tom. "You must have spent a fortune in rations to replicatethese." she murmured as she looked at the dish in Tom's hand. "I know how much you love chocolate." Tom said matter of factly. "And,Chocolate helps your body produce endorphins to enhance yourmood." She hugged him again. "You are so good to me, Tom. Even when I don'tdeserve it."He gently cupped her face in his hands. "You always deserved to betreated well, B'Elanna. I know you think you should be able tocontrol yourself all the time, but no one can.""Let's sit on the couch, and we can share the chocolates." saidB'Elanna. "I feel so much better than yesterday, but I think cuddlingwith you will make me feel even better."Sometime later, they were still cuddled on the couch. "Tom,"whispered B'Elanna softly. "Hmmm" he inquired."Thank you for helping me to see that even I need a little tenderloving care sometimes, and that it doesn't mean I'm weak when I do."He tightened his arms around her. "You're welcome, love. We all needa little tlc sometimes." feedback to rfsexton@yahoomail.com