A/N: This is my first posting ever...I just felt I had to exercise some demons after the Enterprise finale...I hope it at least entertains. 8-) (Oh, I hope MissAnnThropic does not mind, but in tribute I've used the name she gave to Trip's mother)
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters or any part of the Star Trek franchise...I wish some of the writers I've seen on this site did...The finale would have been a vast improvement.
Better Late Than Never
As Trip and Malcolm made their way towards the Florida beach house, Trip became increasingly tense.
"Are you certain they sent someone to prepare Mom and Dad for this? Not everyday someone ya think is dead shows up on yer doorstep saying; Hey how 'bout some pecan pie?"
Malcolm sighed and looked over at his friend with a half smile.
"They said they would send someone. We have no reason to believe they did not do so…Trip, it will be fine. Your parents will come to understand the decisions you made, and besides they will be so happy to have their son alive they will forgive you anything. Relax."
Trip grunted, "I sure hope so". He looked out over the countryside; "Boy, I forgot how beautiful Florida is".
Malcolm nodded in agreement; "I must admit I'm looking forward to some R and R after the last eight months. And an Earth beach fits the bill perfectly. A warm Earth beach"!
He laughed and continued with a leering grin; "All those girls in bathing suits."
Trip grinned back at Malcolm his tension lessening for the moment in shared anticipation of some fun and rest.
So much for no tension, Trip pushed open the back door into the kitchen and walked into the room. Before he could call for his family, his mother turned from the sink, in the process of drying a dish. A dish which promptly fell to the ground and shattered as his mother reached out to grab the counter for support.
Trip groaned… They had not sent someone after all, just judging by his mother's chalk white face and shocked visage. He moved forward grabbing her by her arm and helping her to a chair before she fell.
She grabbed his face in her hands and looked into his eyes before bursting into tears. Trip pulled her close and just held onto her; torn that he was the cause of this display of grief but convinced that he had done the right thing.
After a long moment she pulled back and touched his face again. "Trip ?" Voice cracking; "But how ? Oh how ? Why?"
"Shhhh… I'll fill you in on what I can. Someone was supposed to come and ease you into this. So it wouldn't be such a shock." Trip glared over his mother's head at Malcolm, who shook his head in reply.
Trip's mother pulled away and walked to the counter. "Would either of you like coffee?"
"Uh yes Mrs. Tucker that would be very nice, and here let me help clean up that broken dish." Malcolm said looking askance at Trip.
Kathleen Tucker stared at the broken dish on the floor as if she had just realized that the dish was even there.
Trip winced and got up when he saw how bad she was suddenly shaking. "Here let me...you sit."
Nodding, her eyes filling with tears again, she sat down at the table.
"Mom...I'm just...Well I never thought it would take this long."
Some of his mother's steel showed itself. "And what was it Trip, what was it that was so important that you had to leave your family and friends and make them grieve so terribly? Make your father and I grieve so terribly after losing Elizabeth?" Her eyes glared accusingly at Trip, then shifted to include Malcolm.
Malcolm swallowed uncomfortably and Trip looked at his feet in shame.
"Well?" Kathleen demanded.
"I'd rather wait until Dad's here. I want to explain it all at the same time."
She crossed her arms, "Your father and I aren't the only ones you will have to explain yourself to."
"Yeah I know", he sighed and continued with the small chore of making coffee.
Thrilled beyond belief that her son was in her kitchen making coffee, she suddenly felt safe enough to become a bit angry for the pain caused by these two men standing here. "This had better be the explanation of a lifetime."
"It is. Where's Dad?" Trip frowned as his mother suddenly shifted nervously.
"Dad's ok right?" he asked in alarm.
"Yes...he is fine. No small thanks to you though."
He could not help the sigh of relief. "Well, where is he?"
Before his mother could respond, the kitchen door swung open and the topic of conversation stepped through the door.
Charles Tucker II froze. "Son?" he whispered. "Trip?"
Trip nodded feeling a familiar tightness in his throat. "Yeah Dad it's me."
Charles stepped further into the room... revealing the small form behind him, still clad in a bright blue bathing suit and still wet from the Gulf waters.
It was Trip's turn to freeze in astonishment.
Malcolm sat up in his chair, just as surprised as his friend.
"What the hell is she doing here?" Trip exclaimed.
No sooner were the words out of his mouth than his head snapped sideways as his mother slapped her hand across his cheek.
T'Pol turned and disappeared back outside.
Trip brought his hand to his cheek and stared at his now angry mother. "WHAT?"
She jabbed a finger at his chest. "Don't ...Don't even start. You can not just suddenly waltz in here after being dead for eight months and demand explanations." His mother's voice cracked with emotion. "I am so very happy to see my son here and alive, but do not treat that girl like she does not belong here."
During the exchange, Malcolm slipped outside to go after T'Pol. He found her at the Gulf's edge her feet just in the water, staring outward and seeing very little.
T'Pol's mind was reeling, spinning out of her control. The knowledge that he was alive explained so many things... the confused terrifying dreams, the sense that he was not really gone... It did not explain, however, why. It did not explain how a bond so dormant could have lasted. The ever present ache in her heart seemed stronger. She tried to breathe, tried to focus, tried to maintain a fragile control.
"T"Pol?" Malcolm's voice cut into whatever attempt she was making.
"T'Pol, I had... We had no idea that you were here. Someone was supposed to prepare the family before we got here to lessen the shock. I don't know what happened.
T'Pol turned and met his gaze. "Who else knows?"
"That Trip is alive? No one... not even Archer."
"Why?" her eyes bore into his and Malcolm was surprised to be able to see some pain in them.
"For your daughter" he replied quietly.
T'Pol reared back as though struck. "Elizabeth has been dead nearly seven years. Trip only died eight months ago."
Malcolm kicked at a pebble on the sand. "Trip overheard a conversation he should not have heard... involving Section 31 and a resurgence in Terra Prime activity. Sec 31 was initiating an operation against them. With Enterprise being decommissioned and the founding of the Federation, Trip felt that this was the most important assignment he could be given. He confronted me about being involved... came pretty close to blackmail as a matter of fact. He did not want anything to keep Archer from the signing of the founding and giving his speech, and he did not under any circumstances, want Terra Prime to gain any headway ever ever again." He paused to take a breath. T'Pol continued to meet his gaze evenly, remaining silent. "Anyway, Trip said he didn't want any child to ever suffer like Elizabeth did and he never wanted any parents to go through what the two of you did."
T'Pol nodded and returned her attention to the Gulf waters.
"Trip was still remembered in much of Terra Prime by reputation, so only by having Trip die could he have any successful involvement in the operation.."
"Did it ever occur to you to say no and allow professional agents to handle the situation."
"Yes, of course it did, but Trip can be persuasive. I felt like it was the least I could do to help him finally resolve Elizabeth's death." Malcolm started to continue and noticed a young woman walking down the beach towards them, looking as though she was searching for a particular house. He sighed "I believe that may be the someone Sec 31 sent to prepare the family. If you will excuse me T'Pol."
Malcolm started to walk off and stopped "It's good to see you T'Pol."
T'Pol nodded gracefully at him "You as well Commander Reed."
Malcolm trudged up the beach towards the woman. When he was close enough to speak without yelling he asked "What are you looking for?"
Blond, green eyed and petite, she smiled at him. "If you could... I am looking for the Tucker residence, but no one appears to know which it is. It is vital that I find that residence.
Malcolm pointed to the white home two houses down. "That would be the one... but you are too late."
"Excuse me?"
He pulled out his ID "Myself and Commander Tucker have already arrived. He is with his parents right now."
"Oh God!" Green eyes went wide with distress. "When I first got here they told me the House of Tucker was two towns over. When I got there I discovered that the "House of Tucker" was not where Cmdr Tucker's family resided. It took me awhile to make it back here. "
"They haven't lived there for long, but as an agent you should have been more thorough. What is your name?"
"Lt. Helen Perkins, sir. I can only say how very sorry I am and I take full responsibility."
"Mmmm..." Malcolm grunted. "It is the Tucker's that will have to do the forgiving LT." He held out his hand in the direction of the house "Shall we?"
Malcolm spared a final glance at T'Pol, still standing at the water's edge staring at the horizon.
Inside the Tucker home, Trip had just completed much the same story that Malcolm had related to T'Pol.
His father regarded him with somber eyes. "Will Terra Prime come back again?"
Trip shook his head "No, we were rather thorough. I just couldn't take the chance of anyone goin through what... well what we did seven years ago. Last thing the Federation needed was those bastards raising their ugly heads."
His parents shared a glance then turned back to him."I can't really say I agree with your methods son...You brought us no end of grief. To lose your sister, then you. It nearly broke us."
"If T'Pol hadn't come" his mother broke in softly.
Trip leaned back "Yeah about that. How did that happen?"
"We met at Admiral Archer's speech. She returned your things to us. Since everyone had shore-leave we implored her to come home with us for awhile since she would soon return to Vulcan. Much to our delight she agreed." Kathleen paused and smiled "She alleviated some of our grief and shared her own. I think on her as a second daughter especially since she has no family left on Vulcan."
Stunned Trip whispered "A second daughter?"
"Oh yes Trip. This will be the third visit she has made to us." Kathleen reached out and touched him "I'm glad that she was here to see you come home."
Trip nodded since his mother seemed to expect a response. He was still reeling from seeing T'Pol dripping in that blue suit.
Malcolm saved him from having to formulate a further response when he and a willowy blond came inside. In hushed tones Malcolm introduced Lt. Helen Perkins and explained who she was. The family listened quietly to the woman's apology.
Charles patted her on the arm "We appreciate the apology hon, I thank ya for the time you did take in trying to do the right thing."
Kathleen nodded mutely.
Malcolm said that he would see the LT out, and gently guided her outside the Tucker home.
Trip watched them and said "I was gonna ask if he could stay as our guest, but well... is there room?"
Kathleen pulled herself out of her own musings "No, no there is room. There is a nice fold out in your father's study that can be used."
"Great. I'll go get our things."
"Malcolm and your father can get your things. There is one other person who needs an explanation... and she is somewhere out there on the beach."
Trip sighed. He wasn't sure if he was ready to deal with T'Pol and all the emotional implications of her being here held. However, his mother had not moved, but had gotten that Didn't I tell you to do something and why are you still standing there look.
So he headed out to search for the erstwhile Vulcan. Trip found her sitting at the water's edge. He stood back and watched her for a moment until she broke the silence. "I will gather my belongings and go. I understand your need to have your family to yourself just now."
He frowned at the flat tone in her voice, like something was broken inside of her. He had been expecting to be snapped at for his rude behavior or at least taken to task for the death ruse. "Hey I know I came off as quite the jerk" he started nudging the very same rock Malcolm had been kicking earlier. "Mom told me how much you were there for em after...well after...well I can't thank ya enough."
T'Pol inclined her head and let his soft southern drawl pour through her. She had never expected to hear that voice again. It made her afraid to really look at him; afraid that if she did she would lose all the control she had just pieced back together after speaking with Cmdr Reed.
"Come on back to the house T'Pol. They are concerned. Frankly, I don't much like the idea of you moping around out here either."
That got her attention. Moping? "I am not moping." She finally turned and glared at him.
Her response made Trip smile. The first real smile he had had all day. As soon as she saw him smile, she realized that it was just Trip and his usual way of dispensing tension. That alone lifted her mood. It was one other thing that she had never expected to hear...although his father definitely had the same trait. T'Pol stood and started walking back toward the house. Trip fell into step next to her.
"It is good that you are alive."
Trip cocked his head at her "Yeah, I missed you too T'Pol."
She cut her eyes to look at him and arched a brow. Inside she finally relaxed. She had missed him.
"Malcolm explained your mission. Did you accomplish what you set out to do?"
"Ah yes. Yes we did. No one should ever have to go through what we did."
"No, they should not. It is a good thing that no one should ever have to deal with Terra Prime again."
"Thanks"
Her brows rose "For what?"
"For not judging my decision."
"Just because I have not taken you to task for your decision does not mean that I necessarily have not judged you."
Trip pursed his lips "So what would you have me do then?"
"You did not see fit to let me know what you planned then, why then should I expect that you would discuss anything with me now?"
"You are impossible!" he yelled at her and stalked off. As soon as he slammed through the door, his mother looked at him reproachfully. "Well she is just impossible! I don't know how you deal with her."
"Are you surprised that she is angry with you?" Kathleen asked evenly.
"Well yeah. It's not like I owe her all these explanations. I didn't even expect her here. I figured she was off with the Capn or on Vulcan or something. Not here."
"Just because you feel guilty about finally confronting what your decision did to your family and friends, doesn't mean that you have the right to act like a moron."
Trip faced his father and started to say something, then just stopped. "Man, I can make a mess of things can't I?"
His father just nodded.
Great just great. Now he had gone and yelled at T'Pol because he felt bad about what he had done...again. Times never changed it seemed. The door swung open and T'Pol slipped inside. His first thought was how good she looked in that color. His second sent his face flaming.
"Well, it seems that I'm just destined to make an ass of myself today. I'm sorry T'Pol. You have every right as a friend to be really ticked off at me for what I did. "
"Thank you for the apology. I have no doubt that you did not realize just what impact your decision would actually make. I am, as I said, pleased that Terra Prime will not plague the Federation at a future date. I also understand your need to act on such information. Perhaps if you choose, you can tell me what transpired on your assignment."
Trip swallowed. It would be so nice to unburden himself of some of the horrors. He didn't know if he wanted to burden his family or T'Pol with that information, however.
"You do not need to speak about anything at this time. It is not even necessary to decide if you wish to speak to me"
"Thanks...it may take some time before I even want to deal with this."
His mother stepped to him and touched his arm "You'll talk when you are ready. Let me show you to your room and where Malcolm will stay."
"Cmdr Reed is staying as well?"
"Uh yeah. He needed the break too. We figured we would both decompress here. Sand and sun, ya know is a hard mix to beat."
"Especially when you add in water and the inevitable drink"
All eyes turned to Malcolm standing in the doorway. Trip smiled "Well did you get the LT off alright?"
"I believe I did yes"
Both Trip and T'Pol rolled their eyes at the smug tone in Reed's voice. When they caught each other at the same act, they both straightened and looked elsewhere. Neither were comfortable enough around one another to be so open in expressing themselves. Kathleen rolled her own eyes at her son and the Vulcan.
T'Pol knocked on the door to Trip's room, receiving no answer she pushed open the door calling his name softly. When she saw that he was not there, rather than leave as would be proper, T'Pol walked into the room and looked around. Trip had not brought much back from his mission. Her eyes fell on the discarded shirt he had worn earlier that day. Compelled; T'Pol walked toward it and scooped it from the bed, bringing it to her face. She closed her eyes and breathed in unable to repress the internal emotion which shook her... alive, Trip was alive. It was impossible for her to block the memory of holding his folded uniform to her face after she had learned of his death. It was impossible to forget the momentary grief and regret which had engulfed her at his scent: Knowing that it was to be the last time she smelled him, knowing all that she had abandoned due to fear, knowing all that she had lost because of that fear.
Trip walked into his room and found T'Pol holding his worn shirt against her nose. Bemused, Trip leaned against the doorframe and watched her breathe in his scent. "Can I help you?"
T'Pol jerked back and dropped the shirt to the bed. "Your mother sent me to find you and tell you that dinner will be served in ten minutes." By her tone, one would never have suspected she had just been caught and surprised.
He nodded, a slight smile catching the corners of his mouth. "Well, I certainly don't want to be the one to keep my mother waiting, so if you will excuse me I'll get dressed and head downstairs."
In a flash, T'Pol realized that he was not clothed, but had just come from the shower and had naught but a towel wrapped about his hips. For a moment she felt like she was suffocating. The sudden illogical impulse to reach out and touch that still damp skin, to feel its smoothness, to... T'Pol's breath caught and she stepped back snapping waspishly, "If you would remove yourself from the doorway I would be able to leave your room."
Trip's grin got even larger and he stepped to the side waving with his hand, "Of course Commander, Please don't feel that I am keeping you hostage here..."
"I do not feel anything Commander Tucker, please recall that I am a Vulcan." T'Pol snapped imperiously as she swept from the room.
He watched her stamp down the stairs still grinning. "Uh huh, Who exactly are you trying to convince with that T'Pol?", he murmered to himself.
Closing the door he shot a glance at his shirt and wondered what exactly she had been doing. She still confounded him after all of these years. Then shrugging, he tossed his towel aside and dressed for dinner.
Leaving his room he met up with Malcolm. "Did Mom send T'Pol after you for dinner as well?"
"Yes, and she did not seem like she was in a mood to be trifled with either. Your doing I suppose?"
Trip snorted, "Hey I am not in control over anything that woman...oh excuse me...that Vulcan does."
Malcolm shot Trip an amused glance, "SO, romance is still in the air for the two of you after all these years. I had given up hope. Someone should enjoy that nice bum of hers."
"Now what makes you jump to romance as a conclusion because she is in a snit?" Trip shot back irritated.
"Oh, nothing really, it just seems to me that the only time I ever see her in a mood is when the two of you are going at it, and that usually precedes some relationship event in your lives." Malcolm watched his friend work his jaw in increasing irritation over that comment and became even more amused.
"We are not in a relationship. That was over a long time ago. I told you that many many years ago. Do you know how long that has been Malcolm?"
Ignoring Trip's clipped tone, Malcolm shrugged "Yes I know what you told me...I also know that T'Pol is here at your parents home even after everyone assumes you are dead. Not exactly a ringing endorsement for a dead relationship."
Trip had his mouth open to respond to Malcolm... and found that he had no response. Closing his mouth, he shot Malcolm a pointed look and continued into the dining room... only to find his mother and T'Pol conversing quietly at counter. "Where is Dad?"
Kathleen looked up at her son and smiled, still undone at the fact that he was alive and not lost to her. "He will be along. He was out for a walk since T'Pol did not go Scuba Diving with him today."
Trip shot T'Pol a startled look. "Scuba Dive? Since when do you Scuba?"
Meeting his gaze calmly...and perhaps a trifle smugly, she responded, "Your father taught me how the last time I was here. I have found that it is a tranquil calming experience on a planet that holds much emotional chaos."
He grunted in response and completely ignored Malcolm's chuckle and his mother's fond smile directed at the Vulcan. "So what's for dinner?" He just had to find some solid ground. Trip found that he felt further adrift since he had returned from the Section 31 assignment, at his own home, than he had in the harrowing past eight months.
He barely heard his mother rattling off the reply; still trying to fathom T'Pol learning an Earth sport ...and liking it.
Malcolm saw this as a good opportunity to interrupt Trip's train of thought and said as he sat down, "I think that Helen may join us if we go out tonight."
Kathleen's mouth tightened for a moment, still emotional over the fact that the woman had not made it to their home to break the news of Trip's arrival prior to Trip arriving himself. Trip noticed his mother's response, but before he could soothe her, he was even more astounded when T'Pol reached out and barely touched her arm. The small gesture brought Kathleen up short and she signed and nodded at T'Pol.
What the hell was going on with his family?
Reed watched the byplay with interest and continued, "I realize Mrs. Tucker that her performance was sadly lacking on this incident, however, I can assure you that I contacted my superiors and was informed that this was the first time that Lt. Perkins has made an error such as this. They spoke of her in glowing terms and I believe that her intentions were not to cause further grief."
Kathleen took a deep breath and let it out. "I am sure you are quite correct Cmdr Reed, it's just the stress after a long eight months. I'm sure you understand. I have no hard feelings toward the girl, but my emotions are still a little raw."
Malcolm nodded and smiled his understanding. "You and your family have been through quite a bit this past year. " He swept his gaze to include T'Pol and was rewarded when her eyes widened at him slightly in response.
So...a dead relationship huh Trip? I do believe you should ask the lady about that first.
All fanciful thoughts were pushed aside as Charles Tucker II walked through the door and dinner commenced.
Halfway through the uneventful meal, T'Pol pinned Malcolm with her eyes. "Cmdr Reed, You mentioned that you were going out for the evening?"
Trip choked a little and grabbed for his tea.
Malcolm leaned back, "Well, Trip and I had discussed going out and enjoying ourselves after such a long and stressful mission." He cut a glance at Trip, "But I think it would be lovely if you went with us as well. Just like old times on Enterprise."
"I'm sure she doesn't want to go"
"I would find the experience interesting."
Both Trip and T'Pol locked eyes scowling. Both Tuckers shot each other knowing looks, and Malcolm...well he just watched it all and grinned.
Trip went back to his plate of food, toying with his fork. "We don't even know where we were planning on going or what we were planning to do."
"Does it matter?", Kathleen cut in.
Surprised he glanced up and said "Uh no ma'am, I suppose it doesn't."
"Good, I think it would be wonderful for all of you to go out and enjoy a Florida evening. Malcolm, you make certain that you call that Helen girl and... and let her know that we have survived worse storms." Kathleen nodded and scraped her chair back from the table. "Now who would be interested in desert?"
T'Pol again caught Trip's eyes. "Pecan Pie, of course."
For a moment, Trip was lost in time and he smiled with genuine pleasure. "Not something you ever got over was it?"
T'Pol's dark eyes flared for a moment..."No Trip, not something I ever got over."
His body tightened, surely she didn't mean...He watched her get up and go to aid his mother in dispensing the pie. His mind swept back to the first time he had introduced pecan pie to a rather irritating acerbic first officer, and how pleased he had been when she responded in genuine pleasure at its taste. He had always equated that acceptance with acceptance of him. Silly he knew, but it had made him happy at the time. He was brought to the present when she set a plate before him.
"So, are we going out tonight, or is this some future event?"
Trip looked at Malcolm, who shrugged and replied "We can go out tonight. Trip spent last night with his family, so I suppose they would release him."
"What like I need a hall pass or something?" but as he said it he looked to his mother for confirmation. She laughed and patted his head as she walked by his chair.
"Yes my long lost son, you have permission to go out tonight. Should I lay out a curfew for you as well?"
"I don't think that'll be necessary Mom."
"I will make certain that he does not get into trouble of any sort." TPol commented smoothly, causing Trip to shoot her a glance of pure irritation. His mother's laughter followed her out of the room.
"Just what sort of trouble do you think I'll get into?"
Blinking innocently at him she replied "I am sure that I do not know, but trouble always seems to find you."
Malcolm chuckled and stood up with his pie plate "Well in that case, I suppose I'll get in touch with Helen and change."
TPol frowned "Changed?"
Trip wiped the last of his pie from his mouth and leaned back with a smug smile "Yeah changed, ya know his clothes. Can't go out all scrubby like this."
She bit her lip and without a response left the room, leaving Trip to grin after her; wondering what rabbit she'd pull out of her hat this time.
TPol caught Kathleen heading for her room and asked about what clothing was appropriate to wear for an outing such as the one they were to go on tonight. Kathleen smiled and crooked her finger at her "I've just the thing for you. Trip won't know what hit him."
Before TPol could argue that she wasn't about to hit Trip...yet, his mother was off down the hall causing TPol to lengthen her strides to catch up.
Just a few hours later, the three met in the main room. Both Malcolm and Trip dressed in casual attire in black and khaki. Both men nearly dropped the beers they were holding when TPol strode into the room.
It wasn't so much a revealing outfit as it was completely unexpected. Soft gauze cotton in pure white, spaghetti strapped and fitted at the bodice, then flaring out in a tiered peasant skirt. TPol had transformed to some elf right down to the soft gold sandals wrapped around her feet and up to the white gardenia in her hair. She was the epitome of soft feminine grace...not the hardened logical Vulcan.
Trip swallowed and Malcolm smiled. Hidden at the edge of the hallway, Kathleen smiled too.
TPol lifted her face to look at Trip "I am ready."
Ready to what was all Trip could think. He cleared his throat "Uh yeah, so are we...I believe we are meeting the LT?" He looked to Malcolm for confirmation. Malcolm nodded. "Well uh ok, let's go then."
They made their goodbyes to the Tuckers and headed out.
Trip opened the door to the transport unit for TPol. She looked at him in some confusion but got into the vehicle. His body tightened for the second time that day when he touched that obscenely soft fabric...and it only became worse when one strap slipped casually off her shoulder and down her arm. His hand was already in motion to correct the strap, when her own hand reached up and slipped it back into place. Trip swallowed again and worked his jaw as he walked around to get into the vehicle. Malcolm smirked at him from the passenger side, having seen the entire sequence of events. Trip did not respond, but headed out attempting to focus on the path ahead.
"Where are we going, if you don't mind my asking?"
Malcolm twisted to look at her "We are headed to this nice little jazz bar that Trip's dad mentioned."
TPol's heartbeat picked up...jazz ... "I was not aware that either of you were fond of jazz."
"It's about as American as music can get... hard not to like it." Trip said.
Malcolm rolled his own eyes "Yes, it's good enough that even us poor British like it."
Trip glanced back at TPol "You may or may not like it. Jazz is rather emotional music."
Irritated TPol snapped "Actually, I am quite fond of jazz music. When I was originally stationed on Earth with the Vulcan High Command, I often went to a nearby jazz club to listen to the local artists." She, of course, did not clarify that she was not really supposed to go there, nor did she mention that it was the first time that she flirted with humanity and their lack of emotional control. She certainly did not mention that it was that information that created such chaos in her mind during that first mind meld so long ago.
Trip and Malcolm glanced at each other in surprise. TPol liking jazz music. What else was the woman going to throw at him tonight to completely confound him, Trip thought.
After arriving at the jazz club, Trip looked around. "I thought Dad said a small club." It was good size, enough to have a slick wood dance floor already swarmed with people enjoying the fine Florida night.
Malcolm shrugged, looking for Lt. Perkins in the throng. TPol got a few surprised looks from other patrons, but the mood was light and no one really wanted to know anyway. The atmosphere sizzled with fun and pleasure.
TPol nodded towards a table about 20 feet away "Your Lt is over there Cmdr."
Malcolm followed her gaze and broke into a large smile. That willowy blond was in a fitted green sundress. Her hair, much longer than he had hoped for, flowing around her face and bottle green eyes. Without pause, he headed that direction leaving Trip and TPol to tag behind. Trip noticed the strap had fallen from her shoulder again... and again she beat him to the punch by pulling it back up before he could.
Not long after they were seated and on their second drink...Helen gave TPol a conspiratorial wink, then pulled a protesting Malcolm onto the dance floor.
"I hope you don't think I'm gonna dance" Trip drawled.
"I assure you I had not anticipated asking you to do so" TPol replied primly.
Unfortunately for Trip, there were enough interested parties that wanted the chance to dance with the Vulcan... and he had piqued the Vulcan just enough so she accepted one of the offers. Trip's face dropped when she took the man's hand and was swept onto the dance floor. It was obvious she was not an accomplished dancer, but her natural grace and athleticism accommodated for much. His tension mounted as he watched her with him. Watched his hand on her back, her arm...that damned strap had slipped again. As soon as he watched the man slid it back into place...the very thing he had wanted to do... that was it. He got up and stormed out onto the floor and up to the dancing pair. "Excuse me, but I believe this was my dance."
TPol's brows went up and the man she was dancing with turned and shot Trip a hateful look. "Buddy, I am dancing with her..."
Trip's jaw twisted "I don't think you understood me... This dance was mine."
Before things could escalate, TPol extricated herself from the man "I apologize, I did not realize the rest of my party had arrived. Thank you for the dance."
Reluctantly the man released her and gave Trip another dirty look as he walked away.
"As I stated earlier this evening, you have a way of finding trouble." She said blandly.
Trip just grunted and took her into his arms for the next dance. God, that fabric was so damned soft, just like her skin. He must be losing his mind.
"I thought that you did not wish to dance"
Trip pursed his lips in frustration. His little display had put on quite the show for TPol. "Well, I changed my mind."
"I see"
TPol unaccountably felt a very illogical satisfaction at Trip's behavior. For a brief moment, she could almost understand how Vulcan women over the ages became thrilled at ritual combat. She was very aware of her hand in his and his hand on her back and the smooth sultry music that filled the room. It amazed her that she could respond so differently to this man as opposed to any other... Vulcan or human.
Fortunately, the rest of the evening progressed smoothly and without incident. They spoke of past events and current events; no one strayed into the realm of the future and what possibilities it held. As they were walking to the door to leave, Malcolm suggested a walk on the beach, to which Helen agreed and neither Trip nor TPol argued against.
The moon was bright in TPol's eyes as she walked along the water's edge holding her sandals. Trip smiled and shook his head. "Never once did I really believe I would see this."
"See what?"
"You...walking along a moonlit beach in a white dress and barefoot."
"I see no reason to damage shoes from the water. And as we are walking at night at Cmdr Reed's request, I have no control over the state of the moon."
"Mmmmmhmmm, well that may explain it to your satisfaction, but it really doesn't explain why you are getting your feet wet in the first place."
TPol opened her mouth to reply, then realized that she could not make one, so she closed it and simply rolled her eyes away from him. Why was she walking in the water? Since she started coming here, she could not believe how tranquil and relaxed the beach made her feel. The sound of waves as she began to meditate... "As we are close to your family's home I will just walk."
"I'll join you" he answered.
"That is not necessary"
"Who said anything about necessary?"
She just sighed and kept walking, Trip trailing behind her. Of course, if she had realized why he was trailing behind her...she may have smacked him.
They entered the dark, quiet house together. "I need to meditate. Jazz keeps me rather wound up. Thank you for the dance."
Trip smiled, reached out and slipped the fallen strap back onto her shoulder "Your welcome"
She paused watching his hand, nearly wishing that it would linger on her skin, met his eyes once, then turned and glided up the stairs to her room.
Trip just stood there watching that soft white fabric swirl around her slender calves as she walked upstairs. "Hey" he called suddenly.
When she turned and looked over her shoulder at him he nodded "I just wanted to tell you that you look really nice tonight".
"Thank you" was all she said before continuing up the stairs.
Trip went to the kitchen and grabbed a snack and a drink, expecting Malcolm at any moment. When he had finished his small meal and Malcolm still had not returned, he just smiled and went upstairs to change and go to sleep. He sat on the bed just ready to lie down and...
He looked up at a night sky filled with a bright full moon and graceful palm trees waving softly in the sea breeze. Smiling, he took a deep breath and just let the sound of waves and wind, the silvery light playing on the water seep inside of him... calming him... relaxing him. It was such a pleasure to be surrounded by this rather than the awful nightmares which had plagued him during and since his part in dealing with Terra Prime. He sat down on the beach and leaned back enjoying watching the water. His eyes widened and his jaw dropped when out of the waves and foam themselves TPol emerged to her waist; unclad in anything but the water and moonshine shining on her skin. Dear God!
He staggered to his feet and walked towards the water before it was even a conscious thought. She looked like some ancient sea siren sent to drive him out of his senses. What sort of tricks was his mind playing on him right now...?
TPol stilled in the water... she had not anticipated seeing Trip standing not 15 feet from her on the shore. She shook her head denying his presence. "I had not believed it possible after all of these years."
Trip just stared at her... every male instinct crying out for him to enter that water and go to her... to touch her, to taste her. He shook his head, not in denial but in an attempt to clear his head. "What... what did you say?" he finally managed to get out after slowly processing that she had actually spoken.
"I had not believed your presence here was still possible."
Trip could not take his eyes from her...and finally realizing this TPol sunk back to her neck in the water. That cleared his head a little. "What isn't possible in my own dreams? Just surprised to see you here in my dream" He waved his hand in her direction nonplussed "Ya know... all disrobed."
TPol scowled at him from the water "You are not dreaming. We have had this conversation before, although it was long ago."
Trip was fast losing interest in the way his mind worked... the last thing he wanted was to be arguing with TPol about dreams. About dreams... conversation long ago? With sudden clarity, his head snapped up and he refocused on TPol in the water. "This can't be one of your meditations! You have that big white space with nothing in it at all!"
Making the decision that placing Trip off balance was more important than her modesty, she rose from the water and walked to the shore. She was rewarded by his sudden interest in attempting to look anywhere but at her and his face turning a brilliant shade of scarlet. She calmly walked past him and picked up the white sundress she had worn that evening.
After she had dressed Trip finally felt safe looking at her again. And again it was a mistake... the white fabric clung nearly transparent against her still wet body. Somehow this was worse than her being completely unclothed. He took a step towards her, reached out and...
And found himself looking at Malcolm in his bedroom.
"Hey there, what's wrong with you? I've called you three times and you never responded. You just sat there staring off into space. Are you ok?"
Trip stared at Malcolm without comment for a moment, not sure if he wanted to strangle him for interrupting that meditation event... or to thank him for keeping him from making a complete fool of himself. "Uh yeah, I'm fine. I guess I must be tired is all"
"Ok" Malcolm said uncertainly.
Trip cocked his head at Malcolm and frowned "What did you want anyway?"
"Oh" Malcolm smiled sheepishly "I just wanted to let you know that I was getting up early to go do some sightseeing with Helen tomorrow and didn't want your family to wonder where I had gotten off to."
"Like her huh?" Trip smiled. "Awfully quick... and a potential work mate as well."
Malcolm shot him a dirty look "It's sightseeing. Besides I am scheduled to be posted to Admiral Archer again soon anyway. It won't be like she would be directly under my command or anything. Unlike some officers I know."
"Hey what's that supposed to mean?"
Malcolm just rolled his eyes and walked out of the room to his own. Leaving Trip to contemplate what he should do at that moment. Did he go to see TPol right now? Did he just lie down and go to sleep? Did he mention it tomorrow or just ignore it like they used to?" He gave up with a sigh and tossed himself back on the bed in an attempt to sleep.