The worst thing was not being able to do anything to help Tasha's comfort. Sure he could hold her hand and stroke her hair but there were some tests, like the x-rays and MRIs that he had to take his leave and watch her through the viewing window as if she were in a goldfish bowl. He despised watching the medical staff poking and prodding at her like the thanksgiving turkey too but he knew it was needed. As soon as Tasha was better Lincoln was going to take her somewhere away from all things medical and modern. Up a mountain sounded good right about now. He'd carry her all the way up if he had to, so long as she got even a single day's worth of peace from doctors and tests.

	Every time he felt her hand grasping onto his he had to stop himself from crushing her fingers. He didn't want to cause her more pain but he wanted to hold her so tightly it wasn't even funny. He loved that she still kept and wore the key but he saw how much it hurt her when she had to take it off for the scans. He almost smiled as he saw how fast she tried to move to put the damn thing back over her head at the first given opportunity.

	As Doctor Kumar spoke to Lincoln and told him to "make" her rest, he had to bite his tongue from saying something aggressive. He knew the doctor was just trying to help but honest to god... he could be so obtuse with things that he said. As his eyes caught sight of Tasha's, Lincoln moved closer and rested a hand on the top of her head gently. Her words cut, as they always did when she said them, but he kept it buried deep beneath the surface. [color=117722]"Shoulda, coulda, woulda. Ain't no point worrying on that now. I'm here and that's that."[/color] He carefully placed his fingers under her chin and moved her face to face him again. He lightly kissed the tip of her nose and then leaned back, letting her move her head whichever way she wanted to now.

	[color=117722]"Who does he think he is anyway? "Make" you rest? Like you've not been trying already? For a smart guy he's a bloody idiot."[/color] His thumb gently ran over the crown of her head as he spoke, his voice at a normal level but the tinge of irritation was clear.