The Mulled Wine Effect

Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing. No profit whatsoever is made from this.

Many thanks to my Beta and very close friend, Signal Armistice for all her help. Reviews welcome, however, flames are not.

Author's Note: Trip's accent is quite strong in this as he's off-duty and relaxed.

Chapter 1

Italics = thought

Malcolm checked his chronometer as he strode purposefully towards the Mess Hall doors. He noted that he was forty minutes later than he had told Trip he would be. He hated to be late, but the minor repair that had suddenly needed doing just as he was on his way out of the Armory at the end of his shift had taken quite a few minutes longer than it should have. In truth, Trip could have made the repair in less than five minutes, but Malcolm hadn't wanted to call him, simply because said Commander was on the organization committee for the shindig he was on his way to.

Walking into the Mess Hall, he made his way over to Trip after stopping to get a drink. As he appeared at Trip's left side, he said, "What, no Hawaiian shirt? I barely recognized you."

"While mah usual casualwear is fun, relaxed and vibrant, it doesn't tend to give off a festive feel." Trip replied without looking at Malcolm.

"I'd have to agree with you. This" Malcolm indicated Trip's red polo shirt, "certainly fits in better with the garlands and tinsel….Trip, is there a problem?" He tailed off, realizing that something had the Commander's attention.

"Take a look, whaddya see?"

Malcolm looked to where Trip's gaze was held, "I see Hoshi…ah, I see."

Hoshi was sat at a table by herself, nursing a drink and still in uniform.

"That's not our usual Hoshi, is it?"

"She came here t' help set up after her shift - but she's been kinda quiet so far, and as y' can see, she doesn't exac'ly look festive."

Malcolm shifted his weight, "I've been in the Armory since lunchtime. I couldn't say if anything happened this afternoon to do this."

Trip looked at Malcolm and raised an eyebrow, "Fancy a wager, Mal?"

"Go on…" Malcolm was interested but wary at the same time.

"Nothin' t' worry 'bout, just a little, harmless bet. The first one of us to make Hoshi smile gets a bottle of Kentucky Bourbon." Trip was quick to reassure him.

Malcolm considered momentarily before tilting his head slightly, "You're on" he agreed, a small, one-sided smile gracing his features and he followed Trip over to Hoshi's table.

"Hey, Hosh," Trip greeted the Communications Officer, sitting down at the table.

"Hey," Hoshi unenthusiastically returned and didn't look up.

"Everything alright?" Malcolm questioned as he joined them.

"Peachy," She swirled her drink and still didn't look up.

"Funny, doesn't look anythin' like the case of Georgia peaches I've got in stasis," Trip countered wryly, "Ya wanna try talkin' about it?"

"It's no big deal." Hoshi stopped swirling her drink. Instead, she brought the glass to her lips and threw her head back, downing the contents in one swallow.

"Well, it's obviously a big deal to you. Care to share? Maybe we can help." Malcolm offered.

"You'll think its stupid and laugh"

"We'd never laugh at somethin' that's upsettin' ya, you're our friend."

At this, Hoshi finally looked up – first at Trip, then at Malcolm. She cocked an eyebrow, recognizing the caring, concerned looks on her friends' faces. Lowering her emptied glass to the table and shifting in her seat slightly she began to talk. "Ok, here's the thing. December 24th is the date that my last boyfriend and I split up."

"Y' got dumped on Christmas Eve?" Trip, to his credit quietly – asked Hoshi with a look of incredulity, and entirely missed the withering look shot at him from Malcolm.

"No," continued Hoshi evenly, "We split up. It was a mutual thing. We both knew what we wanted to do, our paths were moving in opposite directions and neither of us wanted to give up our goals…..it's no big deal."

"So, if it's not the split itself that's the problem," Malcolm began slowly, "it must be to do with when it was?"

Hoshi nodded.

"Hoshi, how long ago was this split?" Malcolm gently enquired.

"Six months before Enterprise launched."

"What 'bout your friend on Risa?" Trip asked

"That was a shore leave thing." Hoshi dismissed it with a wave of her hand, "I'm just feeling a little nostalgic for the warm and fuzzy things in life….making effort to look nice for someone…that sort of thing. Don't worry about me – really, I'm fine – just being pathetic." She waved her hand again, "I'm also a little surprised that I haven't been in a position to have a relationship for six and a half years, considering I only agreed to be here on board for our first mission. Now I wouldn't change it for the world. I love it here. I love all my friends here and couldn't imagine it any other way.

Great, she thought Now I look really pathetic in front of not only two of my best friends, but also the two most gorgeous men I have ever, or will ever meet! Great job, Hosh. Next thing you'll be telling them exactly how much you like them, and they'll be gone at warp six, never to be seen again! Stop thinking about your friends like that….save that for your dreams! Wait….what? Where did that come from? Oh, who am I kidding? Ok, ok…..but now is NOT the time for…..Why is Malcolm waving at me?...

"Enterprise to Hoshi….Are you there?" Malcolm asked, loud enough to break through her thoughts, but not enough for anyone else's attention to be drawn.

Hoshi shook her head slightly. She saw the concern in both of their faces, So sweet and caring….STOP IT! She chastised herself, "I'm alright guys; I just got a little lost in my thoughts. I'm not much company tonight. I guess I should just call it a night, I'm sorry for ruining your evening. Thanks for listening though. You guys are great." As she said this she leaned forward, gracing the Commander and Lieutenant with her first genuine smile of the day. She laid a hand on the forearm of each and started to stand.

"Hoshi, wait." Trip stood swiftly and reached a hand towards her, "I've got an idea, come on." With a nudge to Malcolm's shoulder to move him, he moved away from the table and headed for the door.

"After you." Malcolm motioned to Hoshi, and she started to follow Trip.

As he followed her, Malcolm's eyes grazed over the walking female form before him: the swing of the ebony ponytail, the creamy contours of the slim neck, the bamboo-straight back…..his eyes were heading downwards as he caught hold of himself Malcolm! Get a grip – she's your friend. She doesn't see you like that, and she never will. Then, having chastised himself, he returned to following Hoshi and Trip.