Reed and Hoshi walked around the ship while Malcolm explained to Hoshi everything that was bothering him. "My father abused me, Hoshi. He beat me everyday or every time I did something wrong. He wasn't that bad when he was sober. When he drank, he was a nightmare. My mum couldn't do much; she couldn't say anything to stop him. He'd lock her in a closet with my sister when he beat me. I became very quiet and I kept to myself a lot after that. He sent me to military school because I guess he got tired of having me around and he eventually wanted me to join the Royal Navy, but I didn't. I wanted to join Starfleet. He hated me for breaking tradition. Now he wants to disown me legally. And now I've been having nightmares about all of it."

"Oh my God, Malcolm. I had no idea and I'm so sorry for your pain. He sounds so awful." –Hoshi said. She really didn't know what to do next. Should she tell someone? Or should she keep it a secret?

***********************************************************************

Several hours later…

The two found their way back to Hoshi's quarters.

"Do you want to come in?" –Hoshi asked

"Um…what about your bunk mate?"

"She's on nightshift tonight."

"Okay…I'd love to come in."

Hoshi entered her code and the door swished open. She turned on the lights and she made her way over to her hot plate. "Would you like some tea?"-She asked sweetly

"Yes, please."

While Hoshi boiled the water for tea, Malcolm looked around her quarters. It was cozy and comely. On the wall, there were pictures of smiling friends and family that Hoshi had left back on Earth. On the desk there were even more pictures and some letters.

A few minutes later, Hoshi came over with the tea.

"You're a very lucky person, Hoshi."-Malcolm said

"Why do you say that?" –Hoshi asked

Malcolm indicated the pictures and letters.

"Oh…I forgot. I'm sorry Malcolm. I'm being rude."

Hoshi went over to her desk and gathered up the pieces of memories. She was about to put them into the top drawer when Malcolm stopped her.

"Don't, Hoshi. It's all right. And…my life hasn't always been that…traumatic. I had some happier times in my earlier childhood. I cling to those memories for support. That's what life is worth living for…memories to hold on to." Malcolm managed to smile a little. "Don't worry. It doesn't bother me and I'm going to be fine."

Hoshi looked into Malcolm's eyes. Even though he did look pretty normal on the outside, his eyes told another story. It showed Hoshi many things. All the pain, suffering, and traumatizing emotion that he felt had bottled up inside. This was the definite cause of Malcolm's behavior. Hoshi blinked suddenly. She now knew the truth and she wanted so much to help him. She needed to help him. Malcolm was usually the strong pillar that the crew depended on…more importantly, if she did not help him now, the strong pillar that is Malcolm Reed could crumble into dust. She did not want that. Hoshi realized something. She really cared for him, this armory officer. No, it was more than that. She had fallen in love…with the man, Malcolm Reed. Hoshi then gave Malcolm a supportive smile. She had an idea to help him.

"Malcolm, you said before that you have had nightmares, right?"

"Yes…that's right."

"What have you tried to help cure it?"

"I think everything…why? What do you have in mind?"

"Sleep."

"Sleep? Hoshi, I've tried that millions of times."

"No…you haven't been sleeping right."

"Is there a special technique for this or something?"

"I have a plan."

"What is it?"

"I want you to sleep with me…in my bed."

"WHAT!"

"Malcolm! No…not like that. I mean in my bed, next to me. Nothing silly…I promise."

"Will that work?"

"If my theory is correct, yes. If you sleep in my bed, I guarantee you will relaxed and will sleep like…you've never slept before."

"I don't know…"

"Come on…please. Think of it as a sleepover."

"But…"

"No buts, Malcolm. What do you have to lose?"

Malcolm hesitated. A few seconds later, "All right."

Enterprise Corridor (NOT hallway, stupid!)

A few minutes later

Malcolm walked back to his quarters, slightly light hearted. He was going to get his things and meet Hoshi back in her quarters in twenty minutes. He sighed. He felt differently when he was around Hoshi. He didn't have to keep his guard up or anything. He felt…alive. He felt…truly happy. He felt…something he's never felt before. Was it love? No…it couldn't be…could it? It didn't matter to him. He liked that feeling. Before he got to the door and entered the code, he heard a voice behind him.

"Malcolm! Hey, what're you doing tonight? Want to go to the movie?" It was Travis.

Malcolm shook his head. "Sorry, Travis. I'm…busy tonight."

Travis smiled and turned around. "Okay, I'll see you later then. Bye."

"Bye." Malcolm said as he entered his quarters.

************************************************************************

Hoshi's quarters

Twenty minutes later

"Are you ready?"-Hoshi asked

Malcolm nodded. "Yes."

"One two three." –Both said aloud as they pulled back the covers and slid in.

Malcolm closed his eyes and yawned. "Good night Hoshi."

Hoshi looked over at Malcolm. "Good night, Malcolm."

************************************************************************

Next morning

Hoshi woke up with a start. She turned over to see that Malcolm wasn't there. All that was left was a note on the pillow addressed to her. She picked it up and opened it. It tersely said,

Hoshi,

Thank you for your help. I really appreciate it. I've gone to explain myself to some crewmembers that were just trying to help also. I was a little moody yesterday…Um… I would like to ask you to meet me after shift in the armory. I have…something…for you.

Malcolm

Hoshi put down the letter and went to the bathroom to shower.

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Armory

After shift

Hoshi walked in the armory. She incredibly tired. She looked around and was amazed. The room was decorated and there was a picnic setup in the middle of the floor. She looked around but did not see Malcolm anywhere. "Malcolm? Are you in here?"

"Here!"

Hoshi looked up to the second floor. There he was on the top step of the ladder.

"Hi."

"Hi."

"Do you like it?"

"I love it…Malcolm, it's so romantic."

"I know…um…this is hard to say but…"

"What?"

"Hoshi, I love you. I'm in love with you."

"I…I love you too, Malcolm. You are the sweetest guy in the whole worl-no, the whole universe!" Hoshi said as she ran over to him and gave him a big hug. He returned in and added a kiss.

The End

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Author's Notes: What did you think? PLEASE REVIEW! I love reviews…they make my day. Um…Guess what? (Chicken Butt) I'm finished this story! (So…) This means I have one less story to think about! Yay! Whoo hoo! does happy dance (clears throat) Whoops…sorry. blushes