This is a sequel to my earlier story "Finally Home." You should really read that one before starting this story. Otherwise, this will make no sense.

Any words in italics represent Trip's thoughts, in the first person.

Disclaimer: I own none of the characters presented in this story, this is pure fiction.

Eternal

I jolted awake at the sound of gunfire. What the hell? Immediately my thoughts went to T'Pol. Where was she? What happened? Was she okay?

"T'POL, WHERE ARE YOU!?"

I couldn't control the suffocating fear that was building up in my chest. This was the moment I began to notice our perfect little world was about to fall apart almost as though it never existed.

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Chapter 1:

One week earlier…

I love her so much. There isn't one moment that passes where I don't think of her perfection.

Commander Charles "Trip" Tucker was not foreign to thinking to himself while he lay awake in bed with the woman he loved so dearly. Many times when he couldn't sleep, all he simply had to do was think of his future wife laying right beside him; she calmed him. It had been three days since T'Pol agreed to wed him, and he still hadn't told his best friend, the Captain. Sure, maybe their relationship strained in recent months, but he still hoped he could fix that sometime in the future. He hoped the Captain would support their marriage, after all, he loved T'Pol, and she loved him. If for some reason he didn't, Trip was prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to stay with T'Pol… he just hoped she was willing to do the same.

T'Pol began to stir. What time is it? It was a little bit past 0500, and almost time for T'Pol's morning meditation. In the past three days, Trip had tried to get T'Pol to experiment with other "forms" of meditation that they could both enjoy; however, she still seemed to prefer the norm. I fully intend to educate her on the benefits of other meditative activities… Just as soon as I can find a good way to do it.

"I do not doubt your conviction, Trip, nor do I disagree with the benefits you speak of, but I do require some occasional time to myself."

"Hold up. How the hell did you know what I was thinking!?" Trip exclaimed. He didn't remember speaking his mind. No, he was certain he didn't speak.

"I did not think it possible," T'Pol stated incredulously.

"Would you like to enlighten me, darlin'?"

"Do you remember the bond I told you about when those Orion sisters boarded our ship? The one that kept you immune to their pheromones?"

"Yeah, it's kinda hard to forget that bombshell."

"I believe we have developed a much deeper form of that bond- a marriage bond. I originally believed it was only possible amongst Vulcans, but it seems that it is capable of traversing the boundaries of species."

"What exactly does this mean?"

"I am not sure. Very little is known about marriage bonds. It is a sensitive subject among the Vulcan population. All I can tell you is that it involves being able to communicate across long distances, and it is meant to keep bonded mates together. There is a saying: 'Touching, yet not touching; apart, yet never apart.' I believe this now applies to us."

"Are you saying I can talk with you when I'm in Engineering and you're on the bridge without picking up a com? I could get used to this 'secret' communication."

"Our bond is still in the early stages; it is difficult to tell what might happen or how strong it will get. Each bond is different, and it is said that if two people are soul mates, the bond will be the strongest for them."

"Hun, we'll have no problem with that. I love you to the moon and back!"

T'Pol raised an eyebrow and gave Trip a puzzled expression. "Why would you wish to travel to the moon of a planet to show your love for me? That is illogical when you can just tell me."

Trip cracked up. "I love you so much, T'Pol. Don't you ever forget that."

Another eyebrow. "With the amount of times you remind me every day, I do not know how I could ever forget. Though I would like to say, Beloved, you mean the same to me.

Damn, she was so close to saying my favorite three words again.

"I save those for special occasions, Ashayam."

"I already forgot you're in my head. I'm gonna have to keep a lid on some of my thoughts from now on."

"Indeed."

T'Pol proceeded to stand up from the bed, but before she could leave, Trip pulled her down for a long, slow kiss. Eight point five seconds later, by T'Pol's calculations, Trip released her and let her dress to prepare for her shift. They had been talking for close to an hour, and it was almost time for her to begin her day. She briefly looked at her agenda on a nearby pad and sighed. I wonder if she knows she picked up that human habit. It's so funny and I bet she doesn't even realize! Crap, she can hear my thoughts... T'Pol almost smiled; he did know how to brighten up her day, even if she never really showed it.

As T'Pol was about to exit for their quarters for the day, Trip interrupted her stride.

"T'Pol, when should we tell everyone? Ya know, about our engagement? About us being together? I think the Captain ought to know before everyone else. I just don't want him to accidentally find us sleeping together. I hate hiding my love for you; I want the world to know how I feel about you."

"Ashayam, we can discuss this later. I must report for my duties."

"Alright… Are we still on for lunch?" he quickly asked, but she didn't hear the question as the soundproof door slid closed, and she walked away toward the bridge to begin her day.

I know we'll make it. We just need to work out some of our kinks. It'll all be alright.

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Hope you liked Chapter 1. I'm still debating where to take this story, but from the short teaser from before, you can kinda guess where it's heading… Or can you? More soon!