Title: Past Perfect

Author: Josephine

Email: Lovellama@aol.com

Rating: G

Codes: R/S

Category: Romance/General

Summary: Hoshi reminisces with someone


For Kim


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... and that's how I met Lieutenant Malcolm Reed, Armory Officer of the Enterprise.


Our first date? Hmm, let me see if I remember … Well, one night I was stretching against the wall of the gym, waiting for our sparring session to start. I was thinking of him, rolling his name around in my head.  Malcolm. Maaaaalcooooolmmmmm.  I've always liked the way it sounds, neh? I love to listen to Poppy's voice.


The gym doors hissed open, and he walked in. Right on time as always. "Ready, Ensign?"


I basically ignored him, continuing to stretch. I'd told him many times to call me Hoshi when we were off duty, but he sometimes forgot.


"Ensign."


… Hoshi." He sounded amused.


I finally looked up. "Hey Malcolm. Ready?" I moved to stand in front of him, bouncing lightly on my feet.


"Give me a minute." I watched him from the corner of my eye as he limbered up. He was the same as he is now, whipcord lean, all muscle. He came to the middle of the mat and we circled each other, looking for an opening.


Your Grandfather always said in a fight, let the other person make the first move. Because we were practicing, he was the other person, and he came at me almost immediately. But I had a few tricks up my sleeve, and before he knew it he was pinned flat on the floor.


"Nice one, Hoshi," he said, and tried to get up, but I didn't move.


"You owe me a forfeit."


Sometimes you have to be roundabout in getting what you want, neh?


"Excuse me?"


"A forfeit. I pinned you on the first try. That deserves something, doesn't it?"


He looked at me suspiciously. Poppy wasn't as trusting then as he is now. "What did you have in mind?"


"See the movie tomorrow night with me. It's got explosions, you'll like it." He was about to answer when I added: "Along with dinner in my cabin. I make a mean enchilada, remember?"


Yes, I know you like my enchiladas, sweetie. And Mommy, and Daddy too.


I smiled at him, feeling all fluttery inside. I leaned forward, whispering in his ear, "It'll be fun." I pulled back slightly, our faces barely touching. I remember quite clearly how blue his eyes were, how sick to my stomach I felt. What if he said no?


But he just stared at me, and nodded faintly. "All right."


I don't remember much of the rest of the session; I know he didn't let me pin him again.


I half expected him not to show up, but Poppy's an honorable man, and he said he'd come so he did. I made the enchiladas, and he ate them, even wanted seconds. We watched the movie … funny, I don't remember what it was. I remember asking him more than the date itself, I guess because I was so nervous.


What was that, itoshigo? Our first kiss? Well, that happened sometime later …