Disclaimer: Paramount owns all these characters, this work was not done for
profit. If you decide to sue let's put it this way. I own nothing! All you
can get from me's a bunch of old posters a jar full of pennies and an
overactive imagination.
Note: I'm no poet the little bits of poetry come from Andrew Marvell (1621- 1678) it's called "To His Coy Mistress". And the one at the funeral is written by Shakespeare and is called "Sonnet 17" As with most of my stories this isn't set during any particular episode. Another thing if you could answer it Why do people think the British accent is sexy? Maybe it's because I'm British but I don't find it sexy.
"But at my back I always hear Time's winged chariot hurrying near: And yonder all before us lie Deserts of vast eternity Thy beauty shall no more be found [.] The grave's a fine and private place But none, I think do there embrace."
Archer sat tapping his foot against the leg of his chair, a large mug of coffee in his hands he looked at the door every few seconds and the chronometer on his desk every few minutes. It wasn't like Malcolm to be late, what had happened to him? He fought the urge to call the armoury to ask what lieutenant Malcolm Reed was doing and why he was still on duty.
The door opened and he smiled, he'd given Malcolm his personal access code so he wouldn't have to stand around outside waiting for Jon to open the door where anyone could see him.
"Coffee Jon?"
Archer felt his toes curl and his stomach knotted in a tight ball at the sound of Malcolm's voice and that seductive British accent. He resisted the urge to jump up and kiss him something he'd wanted to do all day. "Want some?"
"Mmm yes please" It was unusual for Jon to drink coffee at this time of day, he preferred it in the morning. Now he was off duty he usually preferred a beer. Crewman Knight had recently bottled a batch of home-made beer that wasn't too bad and many of the crew had being offered some. Malcolm being not too fond of beer himself had given his to Archer whom naturally being the captain, the crew had felt it inappropriate to offer him a few bottles.
Archer missed most of the social activities the crew embarked upon as captain he had to mentain impartiality, he couldn't afford to socialise and become too familiar with the crew. To that rule Archer had until recently but one exception Charles "Trip" Tucker III, his long term friend and fellow officer.
Trying to pinpoint when exactly he realised he had feelings for Malcolm was difficult, he supposed it had being the first day he'd met him when Enterprise was still in docking bay. He'd placed the attraction to the accent and had convinced himself that once he got to know the armoury officer the attraction would soon fade, at any rate it was unlikely his feelings would develop into anything more and a relationship was out of the question.
When faced with a problem his mind became rational the bigger the problem the more efficient he became. His attraction to Malcolm was a potential problem, and his mind sorted out reasons why it couldn't happen. About a month into Enterprises maiden voyage Archer revaluated once again that theory.
After having met the officer his admiration had grown for him, his dedication to his work and his bravery in all situations was know throughout the ship. He now clung to the fact that he could not and would not have a relationship on board Enterprise, not with one of his officers, not with any member of the crew, that and the likelihood that Malcolm was gay was slim at best.
The only problem he had was that even though he knew what to do, sometimes when he didn't consider something that much of a problem he went against his rational mind. That's when he faced moral dilemma's he naturally didn't believe in hurting people, and he wanting something even though it went against 'logic' was a hard decision to make.
When the lift had broken down with him and Malcolm the only ones in it, Archer had decided it was best to keep his cool with every breath he could smell Malcolm he was sure he could taste him in the air. It would take a team from engineering about an hour to arrive, seeing as every engineer on board was busy running a routine ship wide diagnostic.
Archer decided he couldn't trust himself in a lift with Malcolm that long, he was slightly claustrophobic and knew that after a while that made him lose himself and do crazy things as the claustrophobia got worse.
Summoning what little he could remember of his engineering skills -it'd been a while since he was near anything technical- He'd set about trying to locate the problem.
Malcolm was leaning over him holding some wires out of the way when Archer had stepped back without warning bumping to Malcolm. Archer remembered the deep breath he'd taken to steady himself as he'd brushed past the firm solid shape. He'd turned around to find Malcolm red with embarrassment looking away from the captain Jon looked down briefly at the creases around the hips of Malcolm's uniform. Grateful that he was looking away and hadn't noticed Jon's own aroused state he'd cleared his throat.
"Sorry Captain"
Jon found himself becoming more aroused at the sound of his voice, maybe it was the claustrophobia setting in, maybe it was the smell of Malcolm, maybe it was the joy he felt besides his more rational mind at knowing Malcolm felt the same. To this day he hadn't quite worked out what had made him say those words.
"What for? The feeling's mutual"
Archer bought himself back down the present, all that mattered was that he was here now with Malcolm and he was happy. He smiled at himself pouring a cup of coffee for Malcolm.
"Oh shame, you were referring to the coffee. Sir." He let the sir drawl out deeper than the other words.
Archer felt the hairs rise at the back of his neck he moved quickly pushing Reed unto the large sofa in the middle of the room. He lay on top of him staring into his deep grey-blue eyes for a while before bringing his head down in a long, deep, hard kiss quenching his thirst for his lover.
Whilst on the bridge he'd found his thoughts wondering to Malcolm several times he'd had to shake himself to remind himself where he was, as thoughts flooded into his head of Malcolm. He was sure T'pol had noticed his unusual behaviour she had a meticulous eye for detail which none of the other Bridge crew had. Several times he'd found himself staring at the reflection of the lieutenant on a screen, and twice Reed had made sure he gently brushed past Archer whilst he walked about to another station or out of the bridge to continue the rest of his shift in the armoury.
They seemed like casual touches but he was sure T'pol would notice if they continued even if no one else did. He broke the kiss. "We have to be more careful" His hands were still stroking the side of Reed's face.
"We are careful"
"Not careful enough, today on the bridge I couldn't stop thinking about you" He brushed a finger against Reed's lips. "I know T'pol noticed how I was acting. You brushing by me, she'll put two and two together Mal"
"I know." Malcolm sighed. "God I can't help it Jon it nearly killed me out there today not being with you. Six hours together and we couldn't even look at each other."
"I know, it hurts me too. But we can't let our relationship be public you know that as well as I do."
"Yeah." Reed moved under Jon, an indication for him to get up and stop squashing him. They both sat up, the moment lost. "Can't risk you loosing your command."
Archer hugged Reed's shoulders. "It's not like that Malcolm. I want. I don't know what I want."
Reed turned and looked deep into Archers eyes before asking. "Do you want me?" Archer didn't hesitate in his reply he didn't need to. "I want you Malcolm, more than I've ever wanted anyone before. Ever."
Malcolm saw the sincerity in his eyes, Jon loved him as much as he loved Jon that much he was sure of. Archer smiled sweetly at Malcolm, he decided he'd start this conversation later, now was not the time for him to try and address his issues after all they were his issues, he'd sort them out later in his own mind. If he knew what the problem was it'd be easier to explain to Malcolm and to sort out later.
He shook his head slightly sensing the beginning of that rational state again, this would cause problems for him, he wanted Malcolm but. but what? He couldn't say what the problem was just he was going into rational overdrive.
He lay awake the chronometer on the wall said oh two hundred, he was happy with Malcolm that was the problem. He snorted into the darkness "How can me being happy with someone be a problem?" He sighed he was the captain, he wasn't supposed to be happy, he was supposed to be professional. He sighed and rolled over. If T'Pol could hear him now, she'd say he'd being "illogical in initiating the relationship with Mr Reed." He couldn't deny it, he'd put at risk everything he'd worked for all his life. Starfleet wouldn't demand they end their relationship, but they'd be watched any small sign that it was affecting Archer or Reed there'd be hell to pay.
"What are people gonna say when they find out?" Porthos whined in the corner Archer was keeping him up too. He wasn't afraid of peoples reaction to the same sex relationship those days of taboo were long gone but he knew what they'd say about Malcolm sleeping with the boss for his own personal gain. Did Archer give him the post of chief Armoury officer because of their relationship? He didn't want that not for Malcolm, he loved him too much to see people doubt his ability Malcolm was the best for the job the only one for the job.
He was reasoning things out again in his mind, trying to work out what was for the best. He wasn't sure he'd like the answer that came back. He rolled over and touched the spot where Malcolm had lain just a few hours earlier both deep in pillow talk now it was empty Malcolm having sneaked back to his quarters.
Archer bit his lip, he had to do something Enterprise was a small ship, something like this was bound to come out sooner or later and he had a deep feeling it would be sooner. A tear rolled down his cheek he made no effort to wipe it away he laid awake for a few more hours watching the stars go by.
He loved the stars he loved this ship he'd wanted nothing more all his life to sail amongst the stars it was his dream Enterprise was the reality suddenly it seemed suffocating. The stars rolled by endless and unexplored, casting bright moving lights on to the lightly sleeping captain the chronometer glowed oh four hundred he'd be up in a few hours.
Note: I'm no poet the little bits of poetry come from Andrew Marvell (1621- 1678) it's called "To His Coy Mistress". And the one at the funeral is written by Shakespeare and is called "Sonnet 17" As with most of my stories this isn't set during any particular episode. Another thing if you could answer it Why do people think the British accent is sexy? Maybe it's because I'm British but I don't find it sexy.
"But at my back I always hear Time's winged chariot hurrying near: And yonder all before us lie Deserts of vast eternity Thy beauty shall no more be found [.] The grave's a fine and private place But none, I think do there embrace."
Archer sat tapping his foot against the leg of his chair, a large mug of coffee in his hands he looked at the door every few seconds and the chronometer on his desk every few minutes. It wasn't like Malcolm to be late, what had happened to him? He fought the urge to call the armoury to ask what lieutenant Malcolm Reed was doing and why he was still on duty.
The door opened and he smiled, he'd given Malcolm his personal access code so he wouldn't have to stand around outside waiting for Jon to open the door where anyone could see him.
"Coffee Jon?"
Archer felt his toes curl and his stomach knotted in a tight ball at the sound of Malcolm's voice and that seductive British accent. He resisted the urge to jump up and kiss him something he'd wanted to do all day. "Want some?"
"Mmm yes please" It was unusual for Jon to drink coffee at this time of day, he preferred it in the morning. Now he was off duty he usually preferred a beer. Crewman Knight had recently bottled a batch of home-made beer that wasn't too bad and many of the crew had being offered some. Malcolm being not too fond of beer himself had given his to Archer whom naturally being the captain, the crew had felt it inappropriate to offer him a few bottles.
Archer missed most of the social activities the crew embarked upon as captain he had to mentain impartiality, he couldn't afford to socialise and become too familiar with the crew. To that rule Archer had until recently but one exception Charles "Trip" Tucker III, his long term friend and fellow officer.
Trying to pinpoint when exactly he realised he had feelings for Malcolm was difficult, he supposed it had being the first day he'd met him when Enterprise was still in docking bay. He'd placed the attraction to the accent and had convinced himself that once he got to know the armoury officer the attraction would soon fade, at any rate it was unlikely his feelings would develop into anything more and a relationship was out of the question.
When faced with a problem his mind became rational the bigger the problem the more efficient he became. His attraction to Malcolm was a potential problem, and his mind sorted out reasons why it couldn't happen. About a month into Enterprises maiden voyage Archer revaluated once again that theory.
After having met the officer his admiration had grown for him, his dedication to his work and his bravery in all situations was know throughout the ship. He now clung to the fact that he could not and would not have a relationship on board Enterprise, not with one of his officers, not with any member of the crew, that and the likelihood that Malcolm was gay was slim at best.
The only problem he had was that even though he knew what to do, sometimes when he didn't consider something that much of a problem he went against his rational mind. That's when he faced moral dilemma's he naturally didn't believe in hurting people, and he wanting something even though it went against 'logic' was a hard decision to make.
When the lift had broken down with him and Malcolm the only ones in it, Archer had decided it was best to keep his cool with every breath he could smell Malcolm he was sure he could taste him in the air. It would take a team from engineering about an hour to arrive, seeing as every engineer on board was busy running a routine ship wide diagnostic.
Archer decided he couldn't trust himself in a lift with Malcolm that long, he was slightly claustrophobic and knew that after a while that made him lose himself and do crazy things as the claustrophobia got worse.
Summoning what little he could remember of his engineering skills -it'd been a while since he was near anything technical- He'd set about trying to locate the problem.
Malcolm was leaning over him holding some wires out of the way when Archer had stepped back without warning bumping to Malcolm. Archer remembered the deep breath he'd taken to steady himself as he'd brushed past the firm solid shape. He'd turned around to find Malcolm red with embarrassment looking away from the captain Jon looked down briefly at the creases around the hips of Malcolm's uniform. Grateful that he was looking away and hadn't noticed Jon's own aroused state he'd cleared his throat.
"Sorry Captain"
Jon found himself becoming more aroused at the sound of his voice, maybe it was the claustrophobia setting in, maybe it was the smell of Malcolm, maybe it was the joy he felt besides his more rational mind at knowing Malcolm felt the same. To this day he hadn't quite worked out what had made him say those words.
"What for? The feeling's mutual"
Archer bought himself back down the present, all that mattered was that he was here now with Malcolm and he was happy. He smiled at himself pouring a cup of coffee for Malcolm.
"Oh shame, you were referring to the coffee. Sir." He let the sir drawl out deeper than the other words.
Archer felt the hairs rise at the back of his neck he moved quickly pushing Reed unto the large sofa in the middle of the room. He lay on top of him staring into his deep grey-blue eyes for a while before bringing his head down in a long, deep, hard kiss quenching his thirst for his lover.
Whilst on the bridge he'd found his thoughts wondering to Malcolm several times he'd had to shake himself to remind himself where he was, as thoughts flooded into his head of Malcolm. He was sure T'pol had noticed his unusual behaviour she had a meticulous eye for detail which none of the other Bridge crew had. Several times he'd found himself staring at the reflection of the lieutenant on a screen, and twice Reed had made sure he gently brushed past Archer whilst he walked about to another station or out of the bridge to continue the rest of his shift in the armoury.
They seemed like casual touches but he was sure T'pol would notice if they continued even if no one else did. He broke the kiss. "We have to be more careful" His hands were still stroking the side of Reed's face.
"We are careful"
"Not careful enough, today on the bridge I couldn't stop thinking about you" He brushed a finger against Reed's lips. "I know T'pol noticed how I was acting. You brushing by me, she'll put two and two together Mal"
"I know." Malcolm sighed. "God I can't help it Jon it nearly killed me out there today not being with you. Six hours together and we couldn't even look at each other."
"I know, it hurts me too. But we can't let our relationship be public you know that as well as I do."
"Yeah." Reed moved under Jon, an indication for him to get up and stop squashing him. They both sat up, the moment lost. "Can't risk you loosing your command."
Archer hugged Reed's shoulders. "It's not like that Malcolm. I want. I don't know what I want."
Reed turned and looked deep into Archers eyes before asking. "Do you want me?" Archer didn't hesitate in his reply he didn't need to. "I want you Malcolm, more than I've ever wanted anyone before. Ever."
Malcolm saw the sincerity in his eyes, Jon loved him as much as he loved Jon that much he was sure of. Archer smiled sweetly at Malcolm, he decided he'd start this conversation later, now was not the time for him to try and address his issues after all they were his issues, he'd sort them out later in his own mind. If he knew what the problem was it'd be easier to explain to Malcolm and to sort out later.
He shook his head slightly sensing the beginning of that rational state again, this would cause problems for him, he wanted Malcolm but. but what? He couldn't say what the problem was just he was going into rational overdrive.
He lay awake the chronometer on the wall said oh two hundred, he was happy with Malcolm that was the problem. He snorted into the darkness "How can me being happy with someone be a problem?" He sighed he was the captain, he wasn't supposed to be happy, he was supposed to be professional. He sighed and rolled over. If T'Pol could hear him now, she'd say he'd being "illogical in initiating the relationship with Mr Reed." He couldn't deny it, he'd put at risk everything he'd worked for all his life. Starfleet wouldn't demand they end their relationship, but they'd be watched any small sign that it was affecting Archer or Reed there'd be hell to pay.
"What are people gonna say when they find out?" Porthos whined in the corner Archer was keeping him up too. He wasn't afraid of peoples reaction to the same sex relationship those days of taboo were long gone but he knew what they'd say about Malcolm sleeping with the boss for his own personal gain. Did Archer give him the post of chief Armoury officer because of their relationship? He didn't want that not for Malcolm, he loved him too much to see people doubt his ability Malcolm was the best for the job the only one for the job.
He was reasoning things out again in his mind, trying to work out what was for the best. He wasn't sure he'd like the answer that came back. He rolled over and touched the spot where Malcolm had lain just a few hours earlier both deep in pillow talk now it was empty Malcolm having sneaked back to his quarters.
Archer bit his lip, he had to do something Enterprise was a small ship, something like this was bound to come out sooner or later and he had a deep feeling it would be sooner. A tear rolled down his cheek he made no effort to wipe it away he laid awake for a few more hours watching the stars go by.
He loved the stars he loved this ship he'd wanted nothing more all his life to sail amongst the stars it was his dream Enterprise was the reality suddenly it seemed suffocating. The stars rolled by endless and unexplored, casting bright moving lights on to the lightly sleeping captain the chronometer glowed oh four hundred he'd be up in a few hours.