Remember, this is slash, so don't be surprised.
Thanks for the reviews so far. I had fun writing this. It's a contrast with the angsty epic saga I have going, and I do love romantic comedy!
x-x
Trip finished off the last of the bottle, then nudged Hoshi awake. As her eyes blinked open lazily, he bent down and whispered, "Time to go, sweetheart." The show had ended a few minutes before, and they were due to return to Enterprise.
Hoshi smiled up at him. He helped her sit, and as she did so, she reached with a gentle hand and caressed his cheek. She gave him a smoky look, although her eyes held a hint of amusement. "Too bad," she said softly, repeating what she'd said earlier. Then she leaned forward and placed a kiss on that cheek.
Trip felt the heat rising to his face and, caught in the moment, he grasped her hand, placing a kiss in its palm. He looked up when he heard someone clear their throat from quite nearby, and his eyes locked with Malcolm, who was standing at the opening to their enclosure. He could have sworn he saw the man's lip twitch as if he were smothering a smile, but it was gone as quickly as it had come.
"Commander," Malcolm said, all official now.
"Lieutenant," Trip replied with a look that he hoped said, "this isn't what it looks like", but which probably came across more as, "oh, damn." Then he thought about what Hoshi had said, earlier, and he quickly looked away from Malcolm. Which probably made him seem even more guilty. Sighing, he shook his head in defeat.
"We're heading back to the ship," Malcolm said. "Will you two be joining us?"
When Trip finally met Malcolm's gaze again, he almost groaned. Malcolm was standing in the doorway, leaning languidly against one of the structure's supports. The lamplight cast his grey eyes into deep shadow, but the man was clearly amused.
Using Trip's shoulder as a support, Hoshi pushed herself to standing. Malcolm, playing the gentleman, straightened and held out a hand to help her over the cushions. As she stepped toward him, graceful despite the drink, his eyes moved from her and back to Trip, one eyebrow raised. Only then did Trip look at Hoshi through clear eyes. Her hair, normally neatly pulled back, had partly fallen, and dark strands were flowing down her back and onto her face. Her uniform jacket was partly undone, exposing her black shirt - he didn't even remember her having done that. She looked... well, she looked delightful, but she also looked as if she'd... He ran a quick hand through his own hair, hoping for the best, but suspecting that he looked much the same as she did.
As Hoshi exited the enclosure and stood, one hand on Malcolm's arm for support, Malcolm held out his other hand expectantly. He cocked his head to the side.
Pursing his lips, Trip reached forward and allowed Malcolm to help him up and out. As he settled beside them and made to move toward the exit, he heard Hoshi's voice and he turned back.
"Don't worry," Hoshi whispered to Malcolm. She patted him on the arm, then ran her hand up his arm to the back of his neck, and up into his hair, ruffling it. She glanced at Trip for a moment before she returned her gaze to a surprised-looking Malcolm. "You have nothing to worry about." Then she smiled wistfully and, leaning in, gave Malcolm a quick kiss on the cheek. "God, you guys are cute." She brushed past them and began moving down the aisle. Trip could see Jon, T'Pol and Travis standing just at the base of the stairs, and Travis smiled when he caught sight of Hoshi.
"What was that about?" Malcolm asked as they began walking, side by side, toward their crewmates.
Trip glanced over. Malcolm was blushing, and looked a bit flustered. "I'll tell you later," Trip said, trying to keep it short.
"Yes, indeed you will," Malcolm replied with finality. And Trip then knew that he was up shit's creek, no paddle in sight. So he said the only thing that could possibly make any sense in this situation.
"Bring beer."
Because God knew, they were going to need it.
x-x
Please let me know what you think of this so far. Thanks!