Title: Homecoming
Author: Ragua
Date: May 29, 2004
Rating: PG-13 (Language)
Disclaimer: Characters belong to Paramount. I get no
money—just havin' a little fun.
Summary: Tucker family reunion causes less trouble for T'Pol than one would expect. It does stress Trip out, though. No nookie for that boy.
Author's notes: Semi-sequel to
Archive: Sure, why not. Just let me know
Home that our feet may leave,
But not our hearts.
—Oliver Wendell Holmes
Chapter 5: Kiss and Make Up
As Mrs. Tucker had predicted, Charles was very pleased to see her the following morning. The first words from his mouth were an apology for his behavior the previous day.
I think I'm getting a little tetchy being cooped up in here, he admitted ruefully. I didn't mean to take it out on you. He raised his eyes to hers appealingly.
It is to be expected, T'Pol accepted his apology graciously. However, the doctor tells me that your recuperation has progressed to the point that you will be able to accompany your parents when they disembark at Jupiter Station tomorrow. You will be able to continue your rehabilitation at their home.
Yeah, Phlox has been instructing my dad on all the medical gadgets they're going to need, Trip grinned affectionately. I think Dad's more excited about getting some new toys to play with than having me at home!
Having spent considerable time with Mr. Tucker in the last week, T'Pol decided that this was probably an accurate assessment—at least now that Mr. Tucker knew that his son was well on his way to recovery.
How about you? Charles asked her tentatively. What are your plans now?
I will, of course, be obligated to report to the Vulcan Consulate, T'Pol admitted slowly. My reception there will determine my subsequent course of action. She frowned at the thought of what her reception might be.
I wish I could be there with ya. To..you know...to back you up, if ya needed, Charles volunteered. Maybe you could put it off until... His voice trailed off as he gazed at her pensive face, unsure how she would react to his offer of support.
Once again, T'Pol was moved by his sincerity, his unwavering loyalty. However, his proposal was most certainly not practical. While your presence would be...appreciated, I suspect that it would be problematic as well. When his face fell in disappointment, she attempted to explain further. You are not the most...diplomatic of humans, particularly when faced with Vulcans with whom you disagree.
He sighed, acknowledging the truth of her statement. Yeah, Soval sure hates my ass.
As a Vulcan, T'Pol corrected him sternly, Ambassador Soval hates neither your ass' nor any other part of your anatomy, Commander. Charles grinned sheepishly at the scolding.
T'Pol continued. It is likely that I will face some type of censure from my colleagues. It is only logical, she added, as he scowled at the thought of those who might condemn her. You would most likely feel obligated to defend my actions. Your attempts to do so, might further...alienate my detractors.
I'd do you more harm than good, he murmured, discouraged.
It is a very distinct possibility, she agreed, relieved that he accepted her logic in a rational fashion.
Will you keep me posted, then? On how it's going for you?
Of course, Commander.
And...when you get everything settled...will you come out to my folks' place for a visit? He issued the invitation haltingly, unsure of her, worried that she might refuse. My mom and dad would love to have you, he rushed to assure her. They know you're a vegetarian, so food wouldn't be a problem. But if you don't like the cooking, we could—
Of course I will visit, Charles, she interrupted.
He sat open-mouthed for a few seconds, surprised by her sudden acceptance. Then he let out a great woof! of air and grinned, relieved that she had agreed and delighted at her use of his name.
T'Pol opened her mouth to inform him that, in fact, his mother had already issued an invitation, which the Vulcan had accepted. Then she thought better of it. According to Mrs. Tucker, there were many instances where What the men don't know won't hurt them. Perhaps this was one of those situations?
Suddenly she looked down. Charles had snared her hand and was industriously wrapping his fingers around hers. She lifted her gaze to his, raising an eyebrow. He grinned mischievously, looking extremely pleased with himself.
Yes, T'Pol decided. This was definitely one of those situations. She squeezed his hand in return.
Score! Trip crowed to himself as he caressed her hand.
This was definitely more like it.