Samantha Title: Perfect friendships PART 5

Author: Samantha

Rating: starting with PG

Pairing: Archer and T'Pol

Disclaimer: Don't own it... At least not yet. But you never know. This is my first story (part 5), so depends on you people, if I will continue with it, (or maybe not). I must say a have lots of fun reading all the e-mails I have received, from this web site, and few others. So I shell leave Archer -T'Pol-Trip situation open as long as I have material for a good story. If you have any requests, you are most welcomed to drop me an e-mail, and if you would like to see additional characters in this story, again, not a problem.

PARTS FROM PREVOIUS CHAPTER (4)

"Is there anything I can help you with Sub Commander"

Silence, again! I hope T'Pol will not be playing the same game as Trip, Captain thought.

"You don't like me very much, do you Captain?"

Whatever else he might have been expecting her to say, this wasn't it.

"How can you say that Sub Commander! You know I think highly of you and I think you are the best officer I ever worked with" said Captain.

"That is not what I'm implying. You don't like me as a person, without my title and ability as Sub-Commanding officer"

"I don't know you well enough to dislike you or like you on a personal basis Sub Commander"

"That's what I figured" she nodded. "On Vulcan, we were always told not to discuss "our ways" with other species"

"I respect that T'Pol, I never intended to force you to adjust to human ways. It must be very difficult for you" quietly said Captain.

"Not at all, but occasionally I wish I could have less emotional environment"

"I guess" our smell" doesn't help" jokingly pointed Captain

"That can't be helped Captain, l 'm getting use to it somehow. But you still haven't answered my question."

He laughed. "I guess so , but can I tell you afterwards , at the end of this conversation , so that we don't start arguing".

"As I'm off duty Captain, I don't have to use my "self-control, so I can't guaranty we will not ague tonight."

"T'Pol I must say I'm a bit surprised with your approach tonight. I hope you truly don't think, we had all this disagreements based on my personal issues with you."

"I couldn't find any other logical explanation for you behavior Captain"

"T'Pol, as far as I'm informed, you are very much liked with in Enterprise and its crew. Actually, I have been informed, that one member of this crew is having romantic feelings for you" said Captain.

Archer could not remember if he had ever seen an expression of shock on T'Pol face (like this one) before.

"What are you telling me Captain?"

CHAPTER 5

"You know what I'm telling you T'Pol" confirms Captain.

"You have to excuse me Captain, but it's quite difficult for me, to believe you. I think I prefer to believe in time travel" said T'Pol

Captain was not certain, if he had just heard T'Pol making fun of this whole situation, but if she did, thought John, she was doing a good job, especially for a Vulcan.

"If I was telling you, "Vulcan" was attracted to you, would you be less surprised, or could it be, that, you find my statement too revolting" asked Captain.

"I have never really given this subject much thought Captain. It would be, as to think, that you and Hoshi are having "possible relationship". I know, and you know, Hoshi and you are just good friends and anything beyond that would be illogical" said T'Pol.

"Emotions have nothing to do with logic, Sub-Commander" said Captain.

"Than, you can understand, why my people, have decided to suppress emotions. They are creating confusions and illogical way of thinking" firmly confirmed T'Pol.

"So you admit, Vulcans have some emotions "left" to spare" laughably said Captain.

"I would be lying if I said, we don't have any emotions. We just choose to "invest" well in them"

"Invest? What do you mean by that" asked Captain.

"The amount of emotions, that, are permitted to be shared between our species, are limited, and they are used, carefully, to show affections between bond mates, or if you would like me to be more specific, between husband and wife. We are just not "made" as you are, to be able to form any type of "part time" relationship" seriously said T'Pol.

"I'd never say this to you, if I thought;"this" crewmember was having "part- time" feelings for you T'Pol. I think he's in love with you" quietly but strongly confirmed Captain.

T'Pol was again , for the second time tonight , taken back , by Captains honest statement, but as usual she was trying her best, not to show it"

"You think or you know Captain"

Jesus, here we go again, thought John. She is trying her best to convince me, what I believe, is not true or logical enough.

"Is there any difference between the two" asked Captain.

"Certainly there is Captain. If I ask you: "Are you certain you loved your father or you think you loved your father" would you be able to , distinguish the difference between the two"

"Don't go there T'Pol" seriously answered Captain

"Why not"

"Because I said so" Captain again, could feel the same emotion coming over him. He could feel this conversation was going in a wrong direction.

"Then, I apologies for disturbing you Captain" said T'Pol and just before she turned around to leave, Captain shouted.

"Wait! Please T'Pol, don't go. I don't want this conversation to end the same way. Like all the others. I apologies for my sudden outburst. I.......I'm just not use to this type of conversation. I like to, leave my private life, private.

"Well Captain, if that is the case, I have to say, humans and Vulcans have something in common. I don't like to talk about my personal life with others. So you must understand, who ever this crewmember is, and no matter how shy he feels, about talking to me, I need to face him personally. Talking to you about it, is not what I wish for. This subject is not "open to public", and it's for me and the person who wish to be involved with me, to discuss this situation."

"I know that T'Pol, but you can't "shoot the messenger"

"True Captain, but you could always refused to be "the messenger" commented T'Pol.

"That's what you think" said Captain

T'Pol was a bit surprised with Captains response to this conversation, but than again she was surprised with lots of things, that, Captain did in this few months, but she was not in a mood to question him again. She decided it would be best, to let it go, for now.

"Captain, don't you think, if would be, for the best, if you give me "the actual name" of the person, instead of you talking about it" said T'Pol

John recalled in his head the way, Trip eyes would "lit up" on a sheer thought of having relationship with T'Pol. His friend wanted to take this one slowly, and he will be dammed, if he's going to destroy this for him.

"You are right, but I think, from a human prospective, it might be better to tell "him" to speak with you first. I have a feeling, he was a bit nervous about it all" said Captain

"Maybe, but would it be possible for you, not to advertise this situation to your crew ...including Commander Tucker" said T'Pol

"What are you trying to say T'Pol? That I can't keep my mouth shut when it comes to personal relationships, or you just trying to "bid" for cynic of the year? Said Captain in frustration.

"I'm not a cynic Captain, I'm a realist, especially when it comes to this type of human behavior" confirms T'Pol

"Could you, please, explain?"

"If you wish. Humans are unable to keep there emotions at bay, especially when it comes to personal relationships. I'm certain that this crewmember was also egger to tell you about his affection for me, instead of waiting for the right opportunity to talk to me in person" calmly explains T'Pol.

"He just wanted to know, if he was doing the right thing T'Pol, that's all! Is it so hard for you to believe that human emotions can be as "reliable" as Vulcans? He is serious about you T'Pol .If I was thinking otherwise, I wouldn't tell you about it"

"I assume, I should be relaying on your judgment, and "count your blessings"

John could not believe his ears; she was again, in typical "T'Pol" way able to make his blood boil. If he gives her a compliment, she slaps it into his face, if he gets angry at her , she says, it's a typical human behavior. That's it , he had enough. If Trip wanted any help with T'Pol, , he wasn't the right person for the job. Looks like, everything he does, this days with T'Pol, blows up in his face.

"Sub-Commander, I give up. I tell you what! I shell pass the message to this "poor soul" and pray for him afterwards"

"Pray? Why would you pray for him" T'Pol was confused by Captains last remark, and it was evident in her voice.

John knew what he was about to say was not the smartest thing in a world, but then again, at this moment in time, he didn't care.

"Because I feel sorry, for a stupid fool, for ever falling for you. If I was him I would rather go for a Xindi female, or even better a Andorian, at least they have more understanding of the words, relationship and emotions. I was trying to be helpful, but I have a feeling, I'm talking to .........wall! How dare you, accuse me of not being able to keep this relationship private. You trusted me when it came to arresting a fugitive for High Command, but when it came to.....this....you don't think I can't keep quiet!

For just a moment there was a flash of something deep in those eyes, a moment when he thought he had pushed her too far. She carefully moved away from the Captain and said,

"Of course Captain, it would be illogical for any "Vulcan female" like my self, to try to understand the "deepness" of human's emotions. Most of "us" are having marriages with Vulcan males for the sake of it , while, "YOU HUMANS" are so good at it. Correct me if I'm wrong Captain, but aren't you the oldest human aboard this ship? I understand why other members aren't married or in relationship, but you Captain?! Aren't you running out of time? Maybe you haven't found a female who will be able to putt up with your constant and overpowering need to loose your temper or is just the case of you needing to loose your temper with any female of any species!"

Her tightly controlled speech was worse than if she had pinched him. It cut at him. He felt sick. He could see her eagerness to leave , and just that look reminded him that she was the last person in a world he wanted to hurt in that way , but despite all this , he didn't wanted her to know , how much he cared .He took his notebook and said "You wanted me, to answer your question, so I shell. It's not a question of me "disliking" you, it's a question, of you, disliking me" and without saying any other word he walked out, leaving T'Pol, still standing there with a "frozen" face.

3.00 am Kitchen area

Out of habit, Captain started to feed Porthos with cheese. He knew he shouldn't have, he knew, it wasn't good for Porthos, but he just couldn't stand the look in little dog's eyes. It had been a mistake to try to help Trip, he just made it worst. But at least this incident with T'Pol made him think. He didn't know why he reacted the way he did, in her presence. Why he always needed her acceptance in everything and everyone. She probably wouldn't react, the way she did, if he haven't pushed her so far. John was under no illusion that Trip will be hurt by this outcome.

"Porthos, all Trip asked me to do is to apologies to her, and look what I did , I made it more difficult for him to even talk to her, about creating any type of relationship"

Even do, Porthos, could not understand what his master was saying , it was clear to him , that he wasn't happy. All he could do is grovel for more cheese.

Captain could see, what Porthos wanted, so he decided to give him ,last piece.

"One more and that's it" said Captain

Before Captain had a chance to throw last piece of cheese, Hoshi walked into a kitchen area.

"Morning Captain" said Hoshi

"Jesus Hoshi, you almost gave me a fright. Why aren't you asleep?"

"I could ask you the same questions Captain"

Jon smiled and shrugged. Good old Hoshi, she always knew how to tell him , to shut up , without being too nasty about it

"Well, if you must know, today is mine annual "Captain Archer idiot day" , so I have decided to spend this occasion with my dear Porthos."

"Let me guess Captain, you had another "peaceful conversation" with Sub Commander T'Pol"

"Yep, another one" confirmed Jon

"Captain... no.... John, forget the title, you have a problem, and I think it's time for you to except it. I don't know who you trust enough, to talk about it, but please get it out of your system"

"Maybe I should give you some cheese as well, Hoshi" said Captain with a grin. He just wasn't in a mood to have another "serious" conversation with another friend.

"Don't start John, Don't try to protect me against the universe and try to be my "Big Brother" again. I care for you John, you have been my dear friend, for so many years, and one of the reasons, why I have joined this crew, is because I respect you"

John sighed and shook his head. "Hoshi, I hope, that haven't changed? I know it must have been hard for you, to adopt, to this situation, and to this way of life, and if I can....."

Before John could finish his sentence Hoshi suddenly interrupts him.

"You think you know everything, don't you .You aren't always right. But then again, you got the last one right"

"What do you mean" asks Captain

"About me, not being able to adjust, to this kind of life. This was the reason why I came here, to talk to you"

John had a problem, and that problem was, he didn't like where this conversation was heading He raised his hands and clasped them over his head.

"Go ahead Hoshi, what's on your mind"

Hoshi looked at him and said

"This will be my last mission with this crew John, after that I'm leaving Enterprise and Starfleet."

"YOU WHAT!!!" if John thought this night could not get any worst, he was wrong. Seems like, it just started. He let the horror of this new situation sink in, just for a few moments.

"Hoshi, have I done something to cause you pain , if I did I'm sorry...I....I ...

"Don't be ridiculous John; this has nothing to do with you"

"Hoshi please, think about, what you are saying .Give me a chance to discus this with you in an afternoon. I beg of you, sleep over it" John knew, he was begging, but he didn't care

"John, nothing will change for me in next few hours" said Hoshi.

"In the name of our friendships give me, few hours Hoshi, please? Will you? Come on. I'll do anything I promise"

"I made up, mine mind "

"I know you did , but you can't just let me....., let you.... go , without giving me an explanation?

"I can give you an explanation straight away, if you are willing to listen"

"O.K, I'm ready, shoot!" Captain didn't care, if he doesn't get any sleep, for the next few days, all he wanted to do right now, is to help Hoshi.

"Uhmmm, I don't know, how to start John"

"From beginning "joked Captain

"Funny.... not. O.K.....Here we go, I started this, so I'm going to finish it. I want to leave, because I'm treated ...like a child. I'm frightened to go , on away mission , everybody seems to be offering , helping hand , like I'M NOT , capable of looking after my self . I'm just not use to this ...situation. Even , if I do want to improve in certain areas , I don't think , anybody will give me , two minutes of there time to teach me " said Hoshi , as quickly as she could.

"Be more specific Hoshi, what would you like to learn " asked Captain causally

" I want to learn how to pilot the ship, I already have , previous experience, from few years ago ,when I first joined Starfleet"

"What else" asks Captain

"Everybody ...well ...most of them ....on a bridge, are treating me like a kid , I feel stupid"

"You trying to say , crew and Captain are overprotective"

"Well...no John.....you are great Captain.....it's just.....I'm not a baby"

"What do you want me to do differently?"

Hoshi got hold of Captains hand and said" Stop trying to be a father to every member of this crew ...relax a little bit"

"So, you are saying, I should change a bit" quietly said Captain

She let go of his hand." I don't think so, John. I love you just the way you are"

"Yeah, but no one else does" He reminded her

"When you say "no one else", do you mean T'Pol" asked Hoshi

John paused. "I think, we should talk about you Hoshi, not Sub-Commander T'Pol"

"Nothing to talk about, I said what I wanted to say"

"Hmm...I tell you what Hoshi; I will make you a deal. If you find that after two months, it's not worth your while, you can than quit"

Captain was now, very serious. He knew ,he had to be to convince Hoshi to stay-not that she had a chance of going anywhere for the next few months , but he knew , he needed to let her see , that she was important member of his crew.

"John I don't think, I will change my mind, I ....."Before she could answer, Captain responded

"Listen Hoshi, what do you have to loose. Just give me, and this crew, another chance .Anyway, what I had in mind, would involve only me and you"

"Grrrrr.....sometimes sucks to be your friend" said Hoshi with a biggest smile on her face.

"Ha, ha ....thank you, this is the first compliment I got today. Now...listen, how about, me, teaching you, how to be a "great pilot". One hour, everyday, after shift. We would do this privately, so you don't feel under pressure"

"You are joking" Hoshi just couldn't believe, John would do this for her.

"No, I'm serious"

"One hour, everyday, you and me, nobody will know?"

"Yep"

"Serious?"

"For the last time, Hoshi, yessssssss" Captain was trying not to laugh. Hoshi looked like, she just won a prize.

"O.K, I will do it "

"There is one, little thing, I need to ask you , in return" carefully said Captain.

"I knew this is too good to be true. What are you up to" Hoshi was getting worried, in a funny way.

"I would like you to teach me, how to speak one type of language. But only under condition, you keep this to your self" said Captain

"WHAT? You want learn another language?! Why? You were never interested before" "It was different then" said John

"O.K John, I will do it" Hoshi was more than intrigued, by all this.

"Good, if you don't mind, we can start tomorrow" said Captain

"O.K "Hoshi agreed.

"Good, now if you excuse me, I really have to catch up. So I see you in few hours" Captain was just about to get up, but Hoshi suddenly started to laugh

"What?!

"Haven't you forgotten to tell me............ something" said Hoshi

"What?"

"Dear Captain! Which language you want me to teach you" asked Hoshi

"Oh...sorry Hoshi, I'm a bit tired. Off course......... ...language. Well....I would be grateful, if ...you could teach me, how ...to speak.........as much ......as possible......

"John, are you O.K, stop talking to your self, and tell me"

"O.K.....Vulcan"

"Vulcan!"

"Yep"

"Vulcan, like "pointed ears" Vulcan" Hoshi just HAD TO confirm this again.

"Yes, and yes, and again, just in case, if you haven't heard what I said, Vulcan" John could feel Hoshi staring at him.

"Fine, Vulcan it is. Well I better go to bed. This will be interesting, I can't wait to start" Hoshi could feel, "alive" again.

"Good, I'm glad, now listen I have to go to bed too. I shell see you in few hours. Good night"

And with this last words Captain and Porthos started to walk toward there quarters.

"Good night , John"

Hoshi had so many questions she wanted to ask John, but she knew, she have to be gentle with him. Eventually, she will find out.

3.30 am T'Pols quarters

T'Pol stopped near her door , and pressed open button, before she could see the person standing on other side , she could smell the scent of Commander Tucker. She had to admit; sometimes it was "overwhelming"

"Commander Tucker, how can I help you?"

"Oh, hi there, how did you know, it was me?"

"Guess" said T'Pol

"You smelled me?

"Yes. But I'm curious Commander, have you came here tonight, to talk about your scent, or is there something else, I can help you with"

"Well, there is, but can I, come in first"

"Please" "Oh, by the way , this is for you" said Trip and handed T'Pol boll of strawberries.

"Thank you Commander"

"It's a pleasure" Trip loved giving her this little presents .Every time he did this , she would looked confused and innocent , vulnerable even.

Once Commander Tucker and T'Pol were comfortable, Trip took out of his shirt pocket a photo and offered it to her.

"This a group photo of me and my family" said Trip

"I can see that Commander. Why are you showing me this photo?

"Well... I wanted you to know how my family looks like and especially my sister"

"Why?" asked T'Pol, more confused, than ever

"I want you to know, how grateful I am, for all your help .This pressure points helped me, to overcome so many fears. I like being in your company, not for the sake of learning about pressure points, but also because you are nice person to be with"

Trip didn't know how T'Pol will react to this confession, but after he had heard an argument between her and Captain, he knew he had to approach her sooner, rather than later. As much as he respected Captain, when it came to chatting to women, Captain was useless, and he had just proved the point tonight. He just had to find the courage to approach T'Pol and tells her how he feels about her. If his sister, could see him tonight, shy looking at front of Vulcan female, she would laugh.

"What's so funny?" she asked

He must have been smiling."Nothing 's funny, I'm just thinking about you"

"And you find me funny?"

"Sort of, in a strange Vulcan, sort of way" said Trip with a smile

"So....correct me if I'm wrong Commander, but you have come here tonight at almost 4.00am to tell me how grateful you are , for all my help , and to express your admiration for me .

"Yes" answered Trip.

"Nothing else?" quietly asked T'Pol

"Nope......"

"I think, you are not telling me the truth Commander" said T'Pol

"I'm not?"

"No"

"Well T'Pol, could you please tell me , why am I here ?

"As you wish, Commander. I think you are here, to tell me, that you find me attractive" said T'Pol softly.

TO BE CONTINUED

P. S tell me what you think. Do you hate it, love it .or you are not certain Samantha