Never Get Over you
No real timeline, just an idea I've had running round my head for ages! Hope you like it.
When he had first heard she was coming board, he had wondered what it would be like, seeing her after 15 years. How much would she have changed? How much had he changed? Would she even remember him?
The replacement of a senior officer was an important event, especially as Phlox had played such a large part in their mission so far. But unfortunately, family circumstances had required his presence on Denobula and he had requested permission to return home at once, which Captain Archer had granted. But this had left them without a Chief Medical Officer, and so an urgent call was sent to Starfleet Command, requesting assistance in finding a new Doctor, fast.
She was the one they had chosen, and he was about to see her again, after 15 years apart. The sound of doors opening brought him back to the present. Around him stood the rest of her 'welcoming committee', as Trip had dubbed them.
If it were possible, she had become even more beautiful. Her straight black hair held back in a perfect braid that trailed down her back. Those startling green eyes that had captured him from the first moment her saw them, contrasting sharply with her pale skin, were just as captivating as before. And in her civilian clothes he saw again the young cadet whom he had first met all those years ago. The tight T-shirt accenting her slim figure, the flowing skirt just short enough to show off her bronzed legs.
Yet the years had changed her. She had grown. Though she was little taller than when they had first met, in her eyes he could see years of wisdom and experience. As she stepped forward to meet her new captain, he saw how sombre she had become. Back at the academy, they had laughed and joked together continually, always finding some entertainment in each others company. Now she was as stiff and military as he was, and had always been.
Yet, as he caught her gaze, he saw again the magic deep within her that had so enchanted him before. She did remember him. He knew she would.
"Laura," he breathed. She beamed as he uttered her name, and this smile succeeded in setting her whole face aglow.
"Malcolm," she replied. Her sweet soprano voice caressed his name as she stepped forward to meet his embrace. How much he had missed her. He never realised until now how empty his life had been without her.
Releasing him, she stepped back and turned again to Archer.
"I must apologies for my appearance, Captain," she said. "I had little time to prepare before you arrived."
"Quite alright, Lieutenant. May I introduce Commander Charles Tucker the Third, my Chief Engineer, Commander T'Pol, my Science Officer, Ensign Hoshi Sato, my Communications Officer and Ensign Travis Mayweather, my Helmsman," said Archer, indicating each crewmember in turn. "Everyone, this is our new Chief Medical Officer, Lieutenant Laura Handel. She will remain with us until Phlox is able to return."
"Would you care for a tour, Lieutenant?" asked Trip, steeping forward to take her bag catching her before Malcolm could say anything.
"Actually, Commander, I would feel much more comfortable if I were able to change into my uniform. Perhaps you could show me to my quarters?" replied Laura.
"Of course," responded Trip, inviting her to join him as he turned down the corridor. "By the way, you can call me Trip."
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