Title: Enthrallment
Chapter 6
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Major Hayes leans comfortably back in his seat, biting his bottom lip. In the last three days, I've learned that the Major bites his bottom lip when he's lost in thought or when he's concentrating on something.
I've also learned that he works out in the gym every day before his shift, that he likes to mix his food together (a habit which a find appalling), that he folds his napkin into a square the second he sits down at the table, and that he has an disconcerting habit of licking the chocolate off his fingers after he eats a piece of chocolate pie.
I'd like to shoot Phlox out a launch bay.
Since my little chat with Phlox in the infirmary a few days ago, I've been overly aware of everything the Major does.
I've been trying to figure out why on Earth Doctor Phlox imagined that the Major and I were romantically involved. The thought occurred to me that perhaps Major Hayes has some attraction for me. And perhaps the Doctor noticed this attraction and assumed there was something between the Major and me. Or perhaps Major Hayes went as far as to verbalize an attraction for me.
I have to, of course, nip this in the bud. I need to sit down and have a long talk with Major Hayes. I'll explain to him that, while I'm flattered, any fraternization between us on that level would be inappropriate. It's important for him to know that these feelings are nothing to be ashamed of. I myself had a minor attraction to Captain Archer at one point. Although I don't think I'll share that piece of information.
The Major crosses his arms and narrows his eyes at the screen.
I lean over and whisper, "I like these black and whites, but I confess I prefer war dramas."
"Imagine that," he says. Flashing a quick smile, he adds, "Can you imagine how easy life would be if all we had to do was expose the Xindi to sunlight?"
I grin at the Major. "That would certainly alleviate the need for MACOs aboard ship."
"Nah," he says confidently, "You people would get yourselves into trouble somehow."
The Major grins, though he keeps his eyes on the screen. He rather looks pleased with himself.
Letting out a breath, I frown. I suppose I do find the Major attractive in a Neanderthalesque way. As far as I know, I've done nothing to encourage an attraction from him. Still, we work closely. And I have been trying to bridge the gap between us. I suppose I bear some responsibility if the Major is indeed attracted to me.
Raising my eyebrows, I ask, "Is that a fact?"
Just then, a Junior Lieutenant a couple of rows back barks, "Keep it down."
I vaguely consider reprimanding the officer, but instead, I choose to disregard him.
"Listen, Major," I say quietly, "I need to have a word with you later this evening."
"Of course, sir," he says hesitantly, "To what does this pertain?"
"It's something of the . . . personal nature."
When I see the Major flinch, I say, "Don't worry. You're not in trouble."
I'll have to handle this delicately.
After a few minutes, the Major says, "Sir, would you like a piece of candy?"
"Yes, thank you," I say.
I take the confection from Major Hayes and pop it into my mouth. I'm more than a little surprised when it turns out to be pineapple. Of all things. "Hmm . . .Pineapple. Pineapple is my favorite."
"Really?" Major Hayes says, "Well, I'm a chocolate man myself."
I feel a rush of heat that starts in my stomach and torpedoes downward. "Yes, I've bloody noticed," I mutter.
Suddenly, I have an irrational urge to feed him pie.
The Major tugs at the sleeve of his uniform. "What's that, sir?"
I take in a breath. "Oh, nothing. This is wonderful, Major."
"It's homemade."
I'll definitely have to nip this in the bud.
-----
After the movie, Major Hayes and I head to the mess hall. I'm hoping that we can have a long talk. It would be best to do it in a public place. I nod to myself. Yes, that would be probably be best.
If I'm being honest with myself, I do have an attraction of my own to deal with. I wonder if I might have confused the Major. I've been searching my mind, reviewing my actions. Perhaps I said or did something to lead him on.
Of course, there's also the possibility that I might have said or done something to make him feel uncomfortable. He has been acting a bit skittish around me the past two or three days. After Ensign Morey incident, I want to be especially careful that Major Hayes feels at ease around me.
In any case, I'll have to tread carefully during this conversation.
When we enter the mess hall, Trip beckons us to join him and Phlox at their table. Sighing, I walk over to join them. I suppose our talk will have to wait.
Trip and the Major chat briefly about the movie. I'm unable to concentrate on the conversation because Phlox keeps grinning at me.
"You two sure know how to suck the life of everything," Trip says suddenly, slapping Major Hayes on the shoulder. "Get it?"
Honestly, if Phlox should suspect anyone of being involved with the Major, it's Trip. The man has been a bit too touchy-feely with Major Hayes lately.
"What on Earth were we supposed to 'get'?" I ask, scowling.
Trip sighs. "Honestly, Malcolm. You two are made for each other." Before I have a chance to argue, Trip gets up and walks toward the desert case.
I cast a quick glance at Major Hayes who looks more than a little uncomfortable. This is exactly the kind of comment that can cause problems.
Standing up, I follow Trip to the desert case. "What the bloody hell is that supposed to mean?"
Trip frowns. "It means you two are a lot a like."
"Well," I bluster, "You can drop that kind of talk."
Trip narrows his eyes, and then slowly, he smiles. "Why, Malcolm. Do we have a crush on Major Hayes?"
"We do not," I snap.
"Oh, I think we do," he smirks. Leaning against the desert tray, he says, "It's not a big deal. Why don't you just do the deed and get it out of your system?"
I open my mouth to speak, but only a squeak comes out.
"You'll feel better," Trip says, grabbing a piece of pumpkin pie and tearing back toward the table.
Scanning the pies, I pick up a piece of apple and resist the temptation to snatch a piece of chocolate. Then, I hurry back to the table before Trip and Phlox decide to share their unsolicited opinions with the Major.
-----
After dinner, I accompany Major Hayes to his quarters. I'm debating whether or not I should speak with him about his attraction . . . and mine, I suppose. As his superior officer, it's my responsibility to take care of problems, and while I don't feel this qualifies as a major problem, it could well grow into one if I leave it to fester.
Without warning, we reach the Major's quarters. He nods. "Well, sir. I think I'll turn in."
I consider leaving our talk until breakfast, but recklessly, I say, "Actually, Major, do you mind if I come in?"
The color drains from the Major's face, and he glances at his door as if it has betrayed him. "Of course, sir," he says.
Nodding, I follow Major Hayes into his quarters.
I'll have to assure him that this attraction isn't his fault. If it's anyone's fault, it's mine. This is a small ship and we work closely. I should have been more careful in my interactions. I'll say I'm flattered . . . No, if say that it will imply that the attraction lies solely with him.
"Sir?"
"Major?" I say, startled.
He bites his bottom lip. "What was it you wanted to talk about?"
I let out a breath. "Major," I say gently, "Enterprise is a small ship. It's not uncommon for attractions to—"
"Sir—"
"Major," I say firmly, "Let me finish. Now, people who work closely together often find themselves attracted to each other."
"Sir, if I've done anything that—"
"You haven't done anything wrong," I assure him, "I'm not trying to embarrass you."
"I'm not embarrassed," he says defensively.
That's odd. I'm completely mortified.
"Good," I smile nervously, "Because you have nothing to be embarrassed about." Letting out a breath, I nod and say, "Well, I'm glad we got that straightened out."
Well, now, that wasn't so bad.
"Sir," Major Hayes says after a moment, "Exactly what did we straighten out?"
