The Cultural Addition
a
Star Trek: Enterprise - based fan fiction
by: Joycelyn Solo

Summary: An unexpected pregnancy has some interesting consequences for Trip, T'Pol, the Enterprise and the future of Humanity.
Author's note: This story takes place Season Three, so expect general episodic references, but with definite AU qualities.
Disclaimer: Star Trek: Enterprise and associated characters are property of Paramount Pictures. I mean no copyright infringement, this story is for entertainment purposes only.
Special Thanks: To Stub: the alpha of all betas.
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Trip/T'Pol Romance; Mystery

Chapter Sixteen - A kiss is a wish your lips make

After several moments of wide-eyed silence on T'Pol's part, Trip grabbed the desk chair and took a seat. "This wasn't quite the reaction I was hoping for, T'Pol."

"What reaction did you expected, Commander?"

"An enthusiastic 'yes' would have been nice," he said, trying not to cringe at her use of his rank rather than his name. "I didn't expect to render you speechless."

"I am still fully capable of speech," T'Pol protested. "I am simply...unprepared."

"Unprepared? T'Pol, you know my feelings for you. Heck, you've seen my feelings for you, how could you not know that this would be my next step?"

T'Pol was silent for a moment. "I fail to see the logic in your request."

"Huh? What do you mean you don't see the logic?" Trip frowned deeply. "I love you. You're carrying my children. What's not logical about wanting to spend the rest of my life with you?"

"I meant that, according to Vulcan standards, we are already husband and wife. My agreeing to marry you now would be illogically redundant."

"We may be married as far as Vulcans think, but I'm an old-fashioned guy, T'Pol. I want to prove my love to you with all the illogical traditions we Humans have. That includes your saying 'yes' to my proposal and then asking the Cap'n to marry us."

"You want to marry the captain?"

"No. I want him to perform --" Trip voice trailed off, sensing her amusement. "Your sense of humor improves daily, Darlin'."

"If I am going to take a Human as my husband, it would be logical for me to explore his favorite pastime."

"Jokes are nice, but that's not necessarily my favorite pastime." Using his legs, he pulled himself and the chair toward the bunk so that he was only inches from the woman he hoped would soon be his wife. "If we're going to be married -- or are married -- I think there are some things you need to be aware of."

"Such as?"

"Humans like to touch." To prove his point, he reached a hand out and took hers. "Our emotions are messy, but it's nothing compared to the physical ways we can express ourselves."

"Vulcan couples touch."

"If you're talking about the finger-holding you let me do earlier, it's not nearly enough." Taking one finger, he traced random patterns across the back of her hand, enjoying the shiver that passed over T'Pol at his ministrations. "I'm not knocking it, but I've got some other things in mind."

A bit more breathlessly than she would have liked, T'Pol asked, "What do you have in mind?"

Trip looked up from their joined hands and waggled his eyebrows at her. "There's a whole world of touching I want to share with you, T'Pol. But for now, let's start with the basics."

T'Pol looked at him, not entirely sure what he intended.

"You've seen Human's kiss before, right?" he asked.

"Yes, I have." T'Pol tilted her head in thought. "It seemed invasive and wholly unsanitary."

"That's half the fun." Trip leaned forward in his chair, gently tugging T'Pol toward him. "You trust me, right?"

"Against my better judgment. Yes."

"Good," Trip smiled. "Now just follow my lead."

Though he told her what he was doing, saw his intent in her mind's eye, T'Pol was unprepared when his lips touched hers. Nothing T'Pol had experienced in her years among Humans could have readied her for the torrent of sensation his lips provoked.

She had once stood on a San Francisco beach and watched the waves crash into the shore as the tide came in. Part of her had wanted to stand in the water, to feel the waves brush against her legs, to let the ocean consume her.

Unlike the melding, which she had initiated, Trip's emotions were in control -- or out of it -- and it reminded her of that same longing, to allow herself to be swept away by the power of nature's passion.

As Trip deepened the kiss, cupping her face in his hands, T'Pol heard a soft moan and realized -- with much surprise -- it was her own.

Through their bond, which only heightened the experience, she felt Trip's ripple of amusement at her reaction.

When finally, slowly, Trip pulled away, it was to his great satisfaction to see the green flush to T'Pol's cheeks. "I knew you'd like it."

The blush faded much more slowly than T'Pol would have liked as she countered, "I believe it is premature to make that assumption."

Trip gave her an incredulous look, fully aware that T'Pol had enjoyed every minute of his kissing her.

Taking the lead and leaning toward him, T'Pol said softly, "I believe further study is required to make an accurate determination."

"Darlin,'" Trip drawled, "I'm all about furthering the cause of science."

---

Author's Note: I know, that was know much shorter than anyone would like, but it was sweet and fluffy and will hopefully tide you over until next week. And what happens next week? Well...I could tell you but that would be, um, telling. However, I will say that BIG THINGS are coming and, real-life willing, a lot of those BIG THINGS will be written over the weekend.