Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek in any of its forms This is an Enterprise Fan fiction and no infringement is intended on the copyright. It was merely written to amuse the author and others she hopes.

By :FireStar

2006.30.12

A/N: Telepathy will be in Italics or Thoughts. This is an A.U. and does not follow canon.

A Father's Joy

Part 8 (Realizations and a Thick Steak) PG

Commander Charles S. Tucker III sipped his beer. The music was soft and sad and it was starting to annoy the hell out of him. The old country song about a queen in blue jeans.

How appropriate was that? The song fit T' Pol like a glove. After all she was royalty on Vulcan and he was just that poor old working man. Yes he had bought her first beer and her first piece of Pecan pie. But deep down she never really wanted a relationship with him. He was just that fling she wanted. He could admit it to himself it was his pride that was truly injured not his heart. He thought it was love after Elizabeth but it had been that weird bond thing. It was artificial an biological function to draw the parents to the child and ensure its survival. He had tried and he even went to Vulcan to meet and try to charm T' Les. However in the end T'Pol care more about tradition and Vulcan society to make it work. Of course she been willing to have an affair. That angered Trip as it went against his moral code. He was even angrier at himself because he almost had committed adultery. Hence the transfer to Columbia. That brought him back to this woman. He swallowed his beer and looked over at Captain Erica Hernandez. She was really hurting. He felt bad as it was clear her heart was breaking. Somehow, Trip thought she must still really love Jonathan Archer. He knew the story of course. How Jonathan had broken it off as inappropriate. Somehow he wondered at that. Maybe it had just been a easy excuse? No, he would not think that. Jonathan Archer may have stolen his girl but he knew he genuinely liked and respected Erica Hernandez. No , Jonathan had moved on and Erica had not . In many ways this marriage would be harder on her then him. He knew he no longer had romantic feelings for T'Pol. Erica still had feelings for his former friend. Yes Trip was angry and he was bitter. Somehow they had both fooled him. He thought they were at best allies maybe friends but he never thought it was more. He ordered an other beer for both himself and Erica.

"Would you like to dance?" He asked. He had to move maybe he would stop thinking about them together. Yep, they were in love that mission in the Expanse with the Illyrians proved it then confirmation at Azzitti Prime. First T' Pol supported the Captain's theft and illegal stranding of those innocent people and the she gone crazy and went after him on a suicide mission. Hell she had risk Enterprise to save Jonathan Archer. So much for the excuse she used.

"The needs of the Many out weigh the needs of the few or one." Yeh like he believe that again!

"Sure Trip I think I would love to dance." Erica said Oh God it hurts so bad. I need to be held. Why did he reject my love? What does she have that I do not?

Strong arms took her and held her close.

Lord he smells so good. What is that scent? I know it… Old Spice I think they call it? Erica laid her head on Trips chest and they swayed to the music. It was so natural and comforting that neither noticed that they were in perfect harmony. Each hurting over what they felt was a betrayal by someone they loved and trusted even as both wished that person peace and happiness.

Damn Jon I hope you are happy. I guess it is just my pride. T'Pol is a fine female even if she is Vulcan. Charles S. Tucker III thought

"The music is nice." Trip said "I Hope I am not steppin on your toes? I never was to god at dancing."

Erica laughed and smiled at him. Oddly happy. "Well I have tow left feet. So, maybe we are a matched set."

Trip stilled a moment and winked at her. "Well maybe we could be?"

Erica laid her head on his chest and softly said "Maybe we could. I mean it is not like we ….I mean you dance well Trip."

"You too Erica. I think we should go grab some food. What cha think? I mean beer and nachos is fine for a snack but I am in the mood for a nice thick steak. Rare with lots of beans and a tall glass of wine."

"That sounds great. I know this little steak house it is only two blocks from here. A mom and pop place." Erica said smiling. "Let's go."

Trip grinned at least he no longer had to pretend to like Vegetarian. Plus his thoughts were his own again.

TBC…