A few nights later, Hoshi and Trip stood inches apart, crammed once again in the Sh'ron. Hoshi's eyes were shut as she listened. "Nothing," she shook her head.
When she opened her eyes, Trip's head was turned away from her, looking out the opening. He felt her move against him and, without looking at her, he stepped out of the Sh'ron. He waited, uncharacteristically silent, as she joined him.
A glance confirmed that she was following him and he walked quietly at her side through the temple. Outside, Trip paused at the top of the stairs. Hoshi followed his gaze to the stars above them.
"You miss them, don't you?"
"Who, Jon and the others? Yeah, o' course."
"No. The stars. The adventure."
Eyes still fixed on the heavens, Trip grinned ruefully. He wore his hood down and his dark blond hair was mussed. As she watched, he rubbed the back of his head unconsciously.
"Yeah, guess I do. Never thought I'd be finishin' out my days with my feet on the ground. Least not with only a few years under my belt." He looked down at her, watching him. "I woulda liked to have seen Warp 6 or 7."
She smiled. "I know. You joined Starfleet for adventure, and you end up stuck here. I'm sorry, Trip."
Trip shook his head. "Guess there's all kinds of adventure. An' I'm not one to live my life focusin' on my regrets."
"I'm glad."
Her answer had him studying her in turn. "What about you? Regrets?"
She smiled sadly, but shook her head, eyes back on the stars. She drew her cloak tighter around her against the chill air. Noticing, Trip put an arm around her shoulders, pulling her against him. Hoshi's stomach tightened, as it did every time Trip touched her recently.
She leaned into him, thinking of how much this man meant to her now. In the recent months, Trip had gone from a fellow crewmember, for which she felt gentle affection, to the most important person in her life.
"I'm learning that everything happens for a reason," she said suddenly.
"Oh yeah? Well, if you figure out the reason for this one, be sure ya let me in on it," he teased.
Hoshi turned under his arm, fitting her body against his. She looked at him seriously. "I can think of one." She stood on tiptoe and pressed her lips softly against his.
Not thinking, just reacting, Trip held her against him and kissed her back. He tightened his grip around her, squeezing her to him as if he couldn't get close enough to her. The kiss grew deep and they stood like that for a long time, exploring, testing—savoring.
Hoshi finally realized that she could no longer feel her toes and fingers from the cold, and pulled back. Trip looked at her searchingly. Uncomfortable under his gaze, she buried her face in his neck. "You ok?" he asked. She nodded against him. "Cold?" She nodded again.
"Guess we better head back."
He pushed her away slightly and took her hand. They didn't talk during the short walk back to the village; the cold driving them to walk quickly. Their home-tree was located on the outskirts; Trip pulled back the opening cover and let her enter ahead of him.
Inside they both made sounds of relief at the warmth. "Aaahhh! I am so glad to be home," Hoshi said a bit nervously, stripping off her cloak and gloves. She set her boots close to the door and stood near the fire in just her dress.
Trip grinned at her. "You can say that again." He followed suit, yanking off his overclothes and snow-covered boots. They stood awkwardly, until he moved to his bed.
"Guess I'll turn in." He sat down on the bed and looked back at her. She was staring at him, debating what to say, when they both heard a voice calling.
"Hoshi! Hoshi!"
A panicked Tiron threw back their door cover and rushed in. "The baby…Mila…it's coming."
Hoshi and Trip's eyes both got huge and they looked at each other dumbfounded.
"What?!" Hoshi demanded of Trip, who was watching her expectantly. "You think I know what to do? I've never done it before."
"Right," Trip answered. "Right. Ok, you two go back to Mila. I'll go for Katheba."
Hoshi was already pulling her boots and coat back on. Tiron nodded frantically, looking relieved that he wouldn't be returning alone. This would be their first child, and he was terrified. Grabbing Hoshi's hand, he darted back outside. Trip followed, crossing quickly to the other side of the village to Katheba's home-tree.
Hours later, he was still lying awake when Hoshi came back into their home-tree. Beyond her, he could see that morning light was starting to break through the forest darkness.
"Is it over?" he asked, voice rough from lack of sleep. Hoshi nodded and smiled. "A boy. They're ecstatic." She moved to a basin of water, washing her hands and face.
"That's great. I'm happy for them." He closed his eyes to give her privacy while she changed her dress.
He sat up as she came to sit beside him. "How 'bout you? You look beat."
She nodded again and he gestured for her to turn her back to him. He massaged her shoulders while she talked. "I expected it to be this wonderful miracle—you know like in the movies? Woman screams, cameras cut away, and here's this perfect little baby." She laughed at her own naiveté and Trip chuckled. "It was awful. Messy, loud, terrible. But then it was over and Mila held him, and…there was the miracle. He was amazing, and they were so happy." She faced him excitedly. "I just…I can't describe it, can't do it justice. But it was amazing."
Her eyes were glowing, and he was struck again by what an incredible person she was. 'And I mighta missed it if we hadn't come here.' He leaned forward with that thought, and kissed her.
"Trip…"
"Shh. Neither of us has slept much t'night. Let's just get some rest. We can talk tomorrow." He lay back down. He was stunned when, instead of returning to her own bed, she crawled under the covers with him. She curled against him, whispering, "Good night."
He spent the next few hours lying wide awake, listening to her even breathing beside him.
**
Trip woke from a light doze to find Hoshi propped on one elbow, watching him.
"Gah!" he started. "What're you doin'?"
She smiled lazily. "Watching you. You're lovely."
"Oh I am, huh? I just bet I look lovely right now."
Hoshi leaned forward, experimentally, and kissed him. Her lips moved gently across his, her small tongue darting in and out. When he didn't protest, only kissed her back, she moved her free hand to his bare chest. Trip made a sound in his throat and rolled her under him, kissing her passionately now. He pulled back to look into her face. "You're sure this is what you want?"
"You. I want you." She leaned up to meet his mouth.
That was all of the answer he needed.