Thank you so much for your feedback! Here's the end.

x-x

Trip dumped Malcolm's stuff on his friend's desk chair as Malcolm sat down on the bed.

"I don't know why I'm so tired," Malcolm said, leaning his back against the bulkhead.

"I can think of several reasons," replied Trip with a tinge of sarcasm. When he saw Malcolm yawn, and his eyes flutter closed, Trip's voice softened. "Why don't you get some sleep?"

"I should shower," Malcolm said, his voice heavily slurred, his eyes still closed.

Trip stepped to his bed and sat on its edge. "You can do that in the morning. Lie down."

"I'll get my sheets dirty," Malcolm said, his eyes opening slightly.

Trip laughed. "Don't worry about your sheets. Lie down." He pushed gently on Malcolm's shoulder, and his friend tumbled to the side, limp as a rag doll. Trip shifted slightly to give Malcolm more room, and then pulled a blanket up over him. Malcolm closed his eyes again, and sighed. Trip patted his arm, and Malcolm grabbed his hand and squeezed.

"Thanks."

Trip squeezed back. "No worries. That's what friends are for." He watched Malcolm lying there for a moment, then said, "Why did you drink it?"

Malcolm, his eyes still closed, responded with a soft, "Hmm?"

"The drink she'd sent over. You said you weren't going to drink it, but when I got back..."

"Ah, yes," Malcolm replied. "You know, I don't actually remember drinking it." He sighed, and shifted to make himself more comfortable on the bed. "One moment, I was looking into her eyes - deep green eyes, amazing, actually..."

"Malcolm?"

"Hmm?"

"The drink."

"Oh, right, sorry. I was looking into her eyes, then, um...you were on the floor, and then I was kissing her." Malcolm opened his eyes. "Remember what we were talking about, after all that?" At Trip's look of confusion, Malcolm explained. "Afternoons and coffee spoons. Risks to be taken."

Trip nodded. "Having the courage to act?"

Malcolm yawned, and closed his eyes again, murmuring, "Or will you wait forever, letting time pass you by, never daring?"

"To bite into that peach," Trip said softly.

Malcolm gave a small giggle, then said, "I suppose that her bum is a bit peachy, yes, but..."

Trip tensed. "Whose bum?"

Malcolm rubbed Trip's hand. "I know that you're interested in her, Trip. T'Pol. I know it's scary. But if you don't..." He yawned hugely.

When he didn't continue, Trip spoke, "If I don't..."

Malcolm's eyes blinked open lazily, and he held Trip in his gaze. "You'll never know. And that would be a tragedy."

"Ah, yes." Trip sat still for a moment, and Malcolm smiled at him gently. "Thanks."

Malcolm nodded. "Good night, Trip."

"Night, Malcolm."

x-x

I'd written this story from a challenge that appeared on a slash list. With that in mind, I've also written an alternate, slashy ending. If you're interested in reading this alternate ending, please let me know here in your review, and I'll post it for you.