Title: Transitions
Author: ZenosParadox
Codes: R/S, Tu, A
Rating: PG
Summary: RS, Tu. Hoshi and Malcolm's movie night is disrupted by friends and MACOs. Occurs when the Enterprise has entered the Expanse. Written during the season 2 hiatus, so details don't conform to canon. No spoilers; details of the crew has no basis in Season 3 other than character names.
Disclaimer: The characters belong to Paramount. This fiction was written solely for personal enjoyment.
TRANSITIONS
INVITATION & PREPARATION
~The Armory~
Malcolm told himself to breathe. All right, this was it. If Hoshi increased her percentage, he would take it as a sign that he should ask her to the movie tonight. If she didn't improve, then he wouldn't.
Hoshi took steady aim with the phase pistol completely oblivious to the turmoil her score was causing in the Armory Officer.
And of course after the movie, Malcolm would find some way to prolong their time together, perhaps discussing how books were better than movies, and then things would of course progress from there because Hoshi would have her beautiful hair down and he would be able to touch it when he kissed her--
"Was I good, Malcolm?"
"Oh, yes." Then Malcolm realized that was Target Practice Hoshi not Dream Hoshi speaking. "Er, I mean, yes, it was--"
Malcolm looked down at the numbers and panicked. Bloody hell! Her score was EXACTLY the same. What kind of sign was this? What would he do? Was the universe testing his resolve?
"Well?"
"Exactly the same as last time."
Hoshi registered Malcolm's disappointment and walked over to him, put her hand lightly on his shoulder and said, "Let me try one more time?"
She wouldn't let her friend down. She'd show those MACOs that Starfleet trained officers knew how to use a weapon. Hoshi got a determined look in her eye and said, "Begin."
Malcolm knew better than to argue with a woman when she was armed and determined. He accepted his disappointment with some relief, and watched the next round. His anticipation grew. He looked at the numbers and panicked. What the hell!
"You improved by one percent," said Malcolm. Now what was he supposed to do?
"Great. I feel like celebrating," said Hoshi with a smile.
"Wu, uh, wudalikgahmoveetnyte?" mumbled Malcolm.
Hoshi looked at Malcolm for a moment as she interpreted not only his words but his body language. She was going to go out on a limb and assume he asked her to movie night. What should an Ensign do? To hell with that! What would Liz Cutler do?
"Yes, I'll meet you at the movie!"
Trip walked into the Armory just as Hoshi bounced out, not even registering his presence. The engineer looked at his friend standing in the Armory with a silly smile on his face and merely rolled his eyes.
"Malcolm? LIEUTENANT REED!"
"What?"
"I think you're gonna need some help tonight. Movies? With Hoshi? Just what I thought. Come on, we won't have much time."
"She said yes," murmured Malcolm as Trip led the man away.
"Uh huh."
"To me."
"You bet."
"Oh my God, what have I done!"
~~~~~
~Reed's Quarters~
"Okay, now ya gotta listen to me, Malcolm. Hoshi is not some floozy ya met in a bar."
"I beg your pardon! I am quite aware that Hoshi's not like--like Ruby--"
"Ruby was NOT a floozy--"
"Yes, right, we must have known completely different Rubys."
"Malcolm! Just shut up and listen to me. This is Hoshi we're talking about. Now, when was the last time you were on a date? And I don't mean having a romp with that Vissian cheese hound."
"Veylo was not a cheese hound! Wait, are you suggesting she was a dog? I'll have you know--"
"You didn't accept her dinner invitation, did you?"
"Well, no, but that's besides the point. Anyway, we were discussing HOSHI."
"Right, so, let's go over your master plan. Just what do you want to get out of this evening? Oh, considering how red you're turning, I think we can assume that's not gonna happen."
"I was thinking I would walk her to her quarters, Commander, that's all."
"Uh huh. Okay, so all you have to do is not offend her at the movies."
"Any fool knows that! What do you think I'm going to do at the movies, exactly?"
"That's a tough one. Let me think. How about, 'Hoshi, I didn't know you had any nice clothes.' Or maybe, 'You don't look as bad as you did before.' Or even--"
"I get your point, Trip. I will compliment her on whatever she's wearing. Is that fine with you?'
"Good start. Now, be careful where you sit. If Hoshi sits by Liz Cutler, those two might start gossiping and you'll wind up getting ignored."
"Right, so I need to establish strategic seating arrangements. No problem."
"That's the spirit. Now, when it comes to the popcorn--"
"What popcorn?"
"Whaddya mean, what popcorn? You're bringing popcorn, right?"
"Well, I, uh, no, I mean--"
"Malcolm, think! POPCORN. You eat it with your hands, you share the same bag." Trip stopped short of dope slapping the man.
"You wind up with the kernel coat stuck between your teeth."
"You have no sense of romance, my friend."
"Better to have a sense of dental hygiene."
"Oh, so that's how you got all those women to go on a second date, huh?"
"How do I make the popcorn?"
"That's the spirit. Come on, Chef has a stash of the good stuff, no stray kernel coats."
"Why can't anything be simple?"
"Because it's Hoshi. She's not a simple woman, Malcolm."
~~~~~
~Enterprise Corridor~
Hoshi was thinking about the evening ahead as she walked down the corridor. All right, you're an adult. Malcolm just asked you to the movies because he likes the way you handle his weapons--his phase pistol--NO! Damn, why am I so obsessed by Malcolm's equipment!
Hoshi was frowning when Jon Archer caught up with her, but that never deterred the Captain.
"Hoshi, can you take Porthos for a walk? I have to finish up a few things. Thanks," said Archer as he dropped the pup into Hoshi's arms and turned. "Oh, he needs to see Phlox for his checkup!"
"But--" Hoshi's remark was silenced by a lick from Porthos. She looked at those puppy dog eyes and knew she was lost.
"Come on, Porthos. Let's go see Phlox. I don't have to change for the movie because this is NOT a date."
~~~~~
~Sickbay~
"Porthos appears to be doing fine, Ensign. Ensign?" Phlox noticed Hoshi was just staring blindly at the wall. He touched her shoulder gently; she turned her head with a sweet smile and then jumped.
"Ugh! You're not Malcolm!"
"I never claimed to be, Ensign," said Phlox with a quizzical expression.
Porthos merely wagged his tail. He could have told Hoshi this wasn't Malcolm, either.
"Ahem, sorry, Doctor, I was just getting ahead of myself," said Hoshi with an attractive blush.
"I take it you're seeing Lieutenant Reed at the movies tonight?"
"I'm just meeting him there. It's not like it's a date or anything like that. I mean, it's not as if I have to hurry to my quarters so that I can change into something nicer." Hoshi looked at her uniform that now had dog hair all over it. Great! Now she would have to change.
"I see. Then I won't warn you against his allergy." Phlox turned merrily to the counter again.
"What allergy? What do you mean warning me about Malcolm's allergy?"
"Oh, but this isn't a date and I believe Ensign Cutler mentioned that women wear perfume on dates with their male counterparts. Such a shame, really. Now, we Denobulans enjoy the natural scent of our--"
"WHAT ALLERGY?"
"Well, if you insist, he's allergic to jasmine."
"Oh, well, if that's all--"
"And to orchids."
"Right, no jasmine, no orchids."
"And to roses." Phlox gave a small laugh. "You know, it's a good thing the Lieutenant isn't a florist."
"How about gardenias? Is he allergic to that?"
"Hm. Let me think. Gardenias, yes, no, it was geraniums. Definitely geraniums."
Hoshi sighed. "Not that it matters, really. I'm not wearing perfume."
Porthos merely wagged his tail. He thought the Ensign smelled fine just the way she was.
"Come on, Porthos. I'll change then drop you off."
~~~~~
~Recreation Hall~
Malcolm entered the room with his bag of popcorn and scouted the surroundings. How could he ensure Hoshi would not be sitting next to Liz Cutler? Ah, the woman in question approached him.
"Lieutenant, it's nice to see you here. Did Travis finally convince you to come or was it the movie that's showing tonight?" Liz smiled brightly at Malcolm and calculated how quickly she could drag Hoshi to the movie. Once Liz saw where Reed was sitting the rest would be easy.
"I just had to come," replied Malcolm and kept his bag of popcorn behind his back.
"I guess you're the type who likes to sit in the back?" asked Liz.
Malcolm gave her an apprehensive look. Liz wasn't coming on to him, was she?
"Or do you like to be in the middle? Me, I like to be right up front."
"I think perhaps I'll just take a seat in the back in case I'm called away suddenly." Malcolm breathed a sigh of relief.
"Oh, good, yes, that's very good." Perfect. Liz could make Hoshi change before dragging the woman in here and tossing her at the Lieutenant.
Malcolm thought Liz had been a bit too enthusiastic in discovering where he was sitting. Was she out to sabotage his date with Hoshi and sit by her, too?
"I'll just be sitting down, then," said Malcolm warily as he took a seat in the back row leaving one chair beside him empty near the aisle.
"Oh, you have popcorn," said Liz as she watched Reed take his seat.
Malcolm bit his lip to avoid saying anything rude. Liz Cutler was becoming quite annoying. "Yes, I believe that's part of the ritual for movie night."
Liz looked at the bag and suddenly got suspicious. That was a lot of popcorn for one person to eat. Oh, Hoshi would be so disappointed. "Are you meeting someone?"
Malcolm closed his eyes briefly and said, "Ensign Cutler, you might want to take a seat before the room fills up."
The Armory Officer was rather proud of himself for not blowing up at the woman. He then saw Travis Mayweather and smiled. "Travis!"
The helmsman immediately came over with a wide grin and Liz sighed in relief when she saw him. Of course, Reed was waiting for Travis.
Travis said, "You made it, Malcolm! You'll really like this movie."
"I fully intend to enjoy movie night, Travis, so why don't you help Liz find a seat somewhere up front," said Malcolm with emphasis on the last three words. Malcolm added a terse nod of his head.
Travis gave a nod back, but didn't quite understand. Malcolm gave another two jerks with his head. Travis smiled and mimicked the jerks. Malcolm nodded once. Travis nodded once. Liz Cutler's head was now in a continual pivot. What the hell?
"Sit up front with Ensign Cutler, Ensign Mayweather," said Malcolm through gritted teeth.
"Oh, yeah, Liz, come on, I'll clue you in on all the moves," said Travis as he dragged Liz away.
"I'd love to sit with you, Travis, but I need to run an errand first. Save a seat for me." Liz left quickly. Good, she had just enough time to get Hoshi.
~~~~~
~Sato's Quarters~
Hoshi looked at her reflection. Soft red shirt just inviting to be touched, matching lipstick, sleek black slacks riding low on her hips. Hm? Just one more button needed to be undone on the top.
Hoshi turned to Porthos and said, "This is perfect. Lieutenant Reed, Ensign Sato is armed and dangerous!"
Porthos wagged his tail in agreement and wondered what the hem of her slacks would taste like.
"I'm glad you agree, Porthos." Hoshi bent down to scratch the dog who soon became quite hyper and started jumping on and off her bed.
"Porthos, come on. Time to go home to Daddy."
Bark, bark. Wag, wag.
"Porthos, stop! I've got just enough time to get you back to the Captain before the movie. Now settle down."
Rrrruff.
"Porthos, quit wiggling, now--Oh no! Come back here! No, don't pull that off the wall. Porthos, don't bite the cap off!"
That's when Hoshi heard her door chime. She sat a moment in stunned silence as the flame retardant dripped from her hair. Porthos immediately ran to the corner and whined. The door chimed again.
Hoshi looked at the whimpering puppy, looked down at the perfect movie date outfit, and emitted a primal scream.
"Hoshi! Hoshi, what's wrong? Okay, I'm going to call security if this door doesn't open!"
Security? Malcolm Reed? Seeing her like this? Hell NO!
"Liz." Hoshi stood at the open door with all the dignity she could muster.
"Oh. My. God."
"It could be worse," said Hoshi as she lifted her chin. Porthos emitted another whimper from his corner.
"You're right. That stuff could have covered all of your scalp and you'd be bald." Liz shook her head as she saw the lower one third of her friend's silken locks covered with the flame retardant. She glared at the puppy, who merely slinked further into the corner. No cheese tonight.
"What do you mean? This will wash out, won't it?"
Liz shook her head. "If you want a kerosene bath, then yes, that should do it."
"Oh, Liz, what am I going to do? I'm supposed to meet Malcolm at the movies. I can't go like this."
Liz thought quickly. "So you're the one he's waiting for."
"It's not a date," said Hoshi quietly as she surveyed her hair. This would certainly make a great impression.
"I've got a solution, but it will be drastic. What's more important? Hair or your It's-not-a-date?"
Hoshi considered for only a moment. "The date."
"Give me your scissors."
From the corner, Porthos merely whimpered.
*****
Author: ZenosParadox
Codes: R/S, Tu, A
Rating: PG
Summary: RS, Tu. Hoshi and Malcolm's movie night is disrupted by friends and MACOs. Occurs when the Enterprise has entered the Expanse. Written during the season 2 hiatus, so details don't conform to canon. No spoilers; details of the crew has no basis in Season 3 other than character names.
Disclaimer: The characters belong to Paramount. This fiction was written solely for personal enjoyment.
TRANSITIONS
INVITATION & PREPARATION
~The Armory~
Malcolm told himself to breathe. All right, this was it. If Hoshi increased her percentage, he would take it as a sign that he should ask her to the movie tonight. If she didn't improve, then he wouldn't.
Hoshi took steady aim with the phase pistol completely oblivious to the turmoil her score was causing in the Armory Officer.
And of course after the movie, Malcolm would find some way to prolong their time together, perhaps discussing how books were better than movies, and then things would of course progress from there because Hoshi would have her beautiful hair down and he would be able to touch it when he kissed her--
"Was I good, Malcolm?"
"Oh, yes." Then Malcolm realized that was Target Practice Hoshi not Dream Hoshi speaking. "Er, I mean, yes, it was--"
Malcolm looked down at the numbers and panicked. Bloody hell! Her score was EXACTLY the same. What kind of sign was this? What would he do? Was the universe testing his resolve?
"Well?"
"Exactly the same as last time."
Hoshi registered Malcolm's disappointment and walked over to him, put her hand lightly on his shoulder and said, "Let me try one more time?"
She wouldn't let her friend down. She'd show those MACOs that Starfleet trained officers knew how to use a weapon. Hoshi got a determined look in her eye and said, "Begin."
Malcolm knew better than to argue with a woman when she was armed and determined. He accepted his disappointment with some relief, and watched the next round. His anticipation grew. He looked at the numbers and panicked. What the hell!
"You improved by one percent," said Malcolm. Now what was he supposed to do?
"Great. I feel like celebrating," said Hoshi with a smile.
"Wu, uh, wudalikgahmoveetnyte?" mumbled Malcolm.
Hoshi looked at Malcolm for a moment as she interpreted not only his words but his body language. She was going to go out on a limb and assume he asked her to movie night. What should an Ensign do? To hell with that! What would Liz Cutler do?
"Yes, I'll meet you at the movie!"
Trip walked into the Armory just as Hoshi bounced out, not even registering his presence. The engineer looked at his friend standing in the Armory with a silly smile on his face and merely rolled his eyes.
"Malcolm? LIEUTENANT REED!"
"What?"
"I think you're gonna need some help tonight. Movies? With Hoshi? Just what I thought. Come on, we won't have much time."
"She said yes," murmured Malcolm as Trip led the man away.
"Uh huh."
"To me."
"You bet."
"Oh my God, what have I done!"
~~~~~
~Reed's Quarters~
"Okay, now ya gotta listen to me, Malcolm. Hoshi is not some floozy ya met in a bar."
"I beg your pardon! I am quite aware that Hoshi's not like--like Ruby--"
"Ruby was NOT a floozy--"
"Yes, right, we must have known completely different Rubys."
"Malcolm! Just shut up and listen to me. This is Hoshi we're talking about. Now, when was the last time you were on a date? And I don't mean having a romp with that Vissian cheese hound."
"Veylo was not a cheese hound! Wait, are you suggesting she was a dog? I'll have you know--"
"You didn't accept her dinner invitation, did you?"
"Well, no, but that's besides the point. Anyway, we were discussing HOSHI."
"Right, so, let's go over your master plan. Just what do you want to get out of this evening? Oh, considering how red you're turning, I think we can assume that's not gonna happen."
"I was thinking I would walk her to her quarters, Commander, that's all."
"Uh huh. Okay, so all you have to do is not offend her at the movies."
"Any fool knows that! What do you think I'm going to do at the movies, exactly?"
"That's a tough one. Let me think. How about, 'Hoshi, I didn't know you had any nice clothes.' Or maybe, 'You don't look as bad as you did before.' Or even--"
"I get your point, Trip. I will compliment her on whatever she's wearing. Is that fine with you?'
"Good start. Now, be careful where you sit. If Hoshi sits by Liz Cutler, those two might start gossiping and you'll wind up getting ignored."
"Right, so I need to establish strategic seating arrangements. No problem."
"That's the spirit. Now, when it comes to the popcorn--"
"What popcorn?"
"Whaddya mean, what popcorn? You're bringing popcorn, right?"
"Well, I, uh, no, I mean--"
"Malcolm, think! POPCORN. You eat it with your hands, you share the same bag." Trip stopped short of dope slapping the man.
"You wind up with the kernel coat stuck between your teeth."
"You have no sense of romance, my friend."
"Better to have a sense of dental hygiene."
"Oh, so that's how you got all those women to go on a second date, huh?"
"How do I make the popcorn?"
"That's the spirit. Come on, Chef has a stash of the good stuff, no stray kernel coats."
"Why can't anything be simple?"
"Because it's Hoshi. She's not a simple woman, Malcolm."
~~~~~
~Enterprise Corridor~
Hoshi was thinking about the evening ahead as she walked down the corridor. All right, you're an adult. Malcolm just asked you to the movies because he likes the way you handle his weapons--his phase pistol--NO! Damn, why am I so obsessed by Malcolm's equipment!
Hoshi was frowning when Jon Archer caught up with her, but that never deterred the Captain.
"Hoshi, can you take Porthos for a walk? I have to finish up a few things. Thanks," said Archer as he dropped the pup into Hoshi's arms and turned. "Oh, he needs to see Phlox for his checkup!"
"But--" Hoshi's remark was silenced by a lick from Porthos. She looked at those puppy dog eyes and knew she was lost.
"Come on, Porthos. Let's go see Phlox. I don't have to change for the movie because this is NOT a date."
~~~~~
~Sickbay~
"Porthos appears to be doing fine, Ensign. Ensign?" Phlox noticed Hoshi was just staring blindly at the wall. He touched her shoulder gently; she turned her head with a sweet smile and then jumped.
"Ugh! You're not Malcolm!"
"I never claimed to be, Ensign," said Phlox with a quizzical expression.
Porthos merely wagged his tail. He could have told Hoshi this wasn't Malcolm, either.
"Ahem, sorry, Doctor, I was just getting ahead of myself," said Hoshi with an attractive blush.
"I take it you're seeing Lieutenant Reed at the movies tonight?"
"I'm just meeting him there. It's not like it's a date or anything like that. I mean, it's not as if I have to hurry to my quarters so that I can change into something nicer." Hoshi looked at her uniform that now had dog hair all over it. Great! Now she would have to change.
"I see. Then I won't warn you against his allergy." Phlox turned merrily to the counter again.
"What allergy? What do you mean warning me about Malcolm's allergy?"
"Oh, but this isn't a date and I believe Ensign Cutler mentioned that women wear perfume on dates with their male counterparts. Such a shame, really. Now, we Denobulans enjoy the natural scent of our--"
"WHAT ALLERGY?"
"Well, if you insist, he's allergic to jasmine."
"Oh, well, if that's all--"
"And to orchids."
"Right, no jasmine, no orchids."
"And to roses." Phlox gave a small laugh. "You know, it's a good thing the Lieutenant isn't a florist."
"How about gardenias? Is he allergic to that?"
"Hm. Let me think. Gardenias, yes, no, it was geraniums. Definitely geraniums."
Hoshi sighed. "Not that it matters, really. I'm not wearing perfume."
Porthos merely wagged his tail. He thought the Ensign smelled fine just the way she was.
"Come on, Porthos. I'll change then drop you off."
~~~~~
~Recreation Hall~
Malcolm entered the room with his bag of popcorn and scouted the surroundings. How could he ensure Hoshi would not be sitting next to Liz Cutler? Ah, the woman in question approached him.
"Lieutenant, it's nice to see you here. Did Travis finally convince you to come or was it the movie that's showing tonight?" Liz smiled brightly at Malcolm and calculated how quickly she could drag Hoshi to the movie. Once Liz saw where Reed was sitting the rest would be easy.
"I just had to come," replied Malcolm and kept his bag of popcorn behind his back.
"I guess you're the type who likes to sit in the back?" asked Liz.
Malcolm gave her an apprehensive look. Liz wasn't coming on to him, was she?
"Or do you like to be in the middle? Me, I like to be right up front."
"I think perhaps I'll just take a seat in the back in case I'm called away suddenly." Malcolm breathed a sigh of relief.
"Oh, good, yes, that's very good." Perfect. Liz could make Hoshi change before dragging the woman in here and tossing her at the Lieutenant.
Malcolm thought Liz had been a bit too enthusiastic in discovering where he was sitting. Was she out to sabotage his date with Hoshi and sit by her, too?
"I'll just be sitting down, then," said Malcolm warily as he took a seat in the back row leaving one chair beside him empty near the aisle.
"Oh, you have popcorn," said Liz as she watched Reed take his seat.
Malcolm bit his lip to avoid saying anything rude. Liz Cutler was becoming quite annoying. "Yes, I believe that's part of the ritual for movie night."
Liz looked at the bag and suddenly got suspicious. That was a lot of popcorn for one person to eat. Oh, Hoshi would be so disappointed. "Are you meeting someone?"
Malcolm closed his eyes briefly and said, "Ensign Cutler, you might want to take a seat before the room fills up."
The Armory Officer was rather proud of himself for not blowing up at the woman. He then saw Travis Mayweather and smiled. "Travis!"
The helmsman immediately came over with a wide grin and Liz sighed in relief when she saw him. Of course, Reed was waiting for Travis.
Travis said, "You made it, Malcolm! You'll really like this movie."
"I fully intend to enjoy movie night, Travis, so why don't you help Liz find a seat somewhere up front," said Malcolm with emphasis on the last three words. Malcolm added a terse nod of his head.
Travis gave a nod back, but didn't quite understand. Malcolm gave another two jerks with his head. Travis smiled and mimicked the jerks. Malcolm nodded once. Travis nodded once. Liz Cutler's head was now in a continual pivot. What the hell?
"Sit up front with Ensign Cutler, Ensign Mayweather," said Malcolm through gritted teeth.
"Oh, yeah, Liz, come on, I'll clue you in on all the moves," said Travis as he dragged Liz away.
"I'd love to sit with you, Travis, but I need to run an errand first. Save a seat for me." Liz left quickly. Good, she had just enough time to get Hoshi.
~~~~~
~Sato's Quarters~
Hoshi looked at her reflection. Soft red shirt just inviting to be touched, matching lipstick, sleek black slacks riding low on her hips. Hm? Just one more button needed to be undone on the top.
Hoshi turned to Porthos and said, "This is perfect. Lieutenant Reed, Ensign Sato is armed and dangerous!"
Porthos wagged his tail in agreement and wondered what the hem of her slacks would taste like.
"I'm glad you agree, Porthos." Hoshi bent down to scratch the dog who soon became quite hyper and started jumping on and off her bed.
"Porthos, come on. Time to go home to Daddy."
Bark, bark. Wag, wag.
"Porthos, stop! I've got just enough time to get you back to the Captain before the movie. Now settle down."
Rrrruff.
"Porthos, quit wiggling, now--Oh no! Come back here! No, don't pull that off the wall. Porthos, don't bite the cap off!"
That's when Hoshi heard her door chime. She sat a moment in stunned silence as the flame retardant dripped from her hair. Porthos immediately ran to the corner and whined. The door chimed again.
Hoshi looked at the whimpering puppy, looked down at the perfect movie date outfit, and emitted a primal scream.
"Hoshi! Hoshi, what's wrong? Okay, I'm going to call security if this door doesn't open!"
Security? Malcolm Reed? Seeing her like this? Hell NO!
"Liz." Hoshi stood at the open door with all the dignity she could muster.
"Oh. My. God."
"It could be worse," said Hoshi as she lifted her chin. Porthos emitted another whimper from his corner.
"You're right. That stuff could have covered all of your scalp and you'd be bald." Liz shook her head as she saw the lower one third of her friend's silken locks covered with the flame retardant. She glared at the puppy, who merely slinked further into the corner. No cheese tonight.
"What do you mean? This will wash out, won't it?"
Liz shook her head. "If you want a kerosene bath, then yes, that should do it."
"Oh, Liz, what am I going to do? I'm supposed to meet Malcolm at the movies. I can't go like this."
Liz thought quickly. "So you're the one he's waiting for."
"It's not a date," said Hoshi quietly as she surveyed her hair. This would certainly make a great impression.
"I've got a solution, but it will be drastic. What's more important? Hair or your It's-not-a-date?"
Hoshi considered for only a moment. "The date."
"Give me your scissors."
From the corner, Porthos merely whimpered.
*****