Prompt 6: A Valentines Ficlet. (Requested)
She swept her eyes over the celebration that was taking place in the mess hall. The ceremony itself was beautiful, blurry but that was mostly due to her tears clouding her vision. When Hoshi had walked down the aisle, she'd had to laugh at the Hawaiian floral shirt Trip was sporting underneath his dress uniform, contrasted against a pristine Captain Archer, not even a hair out of place. She'd moved to the side and watched as T'Pol glided down the aisle with far more grace than Hoshi could ever hope to achieve. Despite having helped T'Pol get dressed in traditional Vulcan robes, Hoshi was still overwhelmed with how stunning she looked.
Now here they were several hours later, Jon and T'Pol were talking animatedly, well animatedly for a Vulcan, to Dr Phlox and Trip, Malcolm and Travis were sat around a table surrounded by hopeful single crewmen and she was standing there, drink in hand, alone. She carefully made her way to one of the windows and gazed out at the stars.
"Six years sure is a long time." The husky voice belonging to Travis startled Hoshi. "Thank god they finally admitted the attraction, hey Hosh?" The glimmering humour entranced her into nodding her agreement. Quickly collecting herself she decided to make intelligent conversation, his presence should not affect her so much.
"Indeed, or else we would all be forced to endure eye-sex on the bridge for another six years." Despite his bark of laughter, Hoshi turned bright red unable to believe she'd just said that. Refusing to meet his eyes, she turned her attention back to the view in front of her, internally chastising herself.
"Hoshi," at the serious tone she turned towards Travis. "Would you do me the honour of dancing with me? Please?" The genuine smile on his face promised nothing but good intentions. Deciding she needed the distraction, or at least that's what she told herself, she agreed. Placing their glasses on a nearby table, Travis took Hoshi's hand and led her onto the make shift dance floor that only had a handful of people on it. Seeing her hesitation, Travis reassured her. "Don't worry Hosh; once someone starts dancing, everyone joins them." And with that he pulled her flush against him. "Hey Kellis, put on a slow song, would ya?" turning his head back to Hoshi he grinned sheepishly. When a couple notes rang out, Travis swayed her back and forth, encouraging her with both his eyes and hand to lay her head on his broad shoulder. She begrudgingly complied, but found herself relaxing into the pose as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
Unaware of how much time had passed, she slowly raised her curious eyes when someone tapped her on the shoulder. She questioned Travis with her eyes but he merely gestured behind her head where she discovered a gleeful Captain Archer, holding a satisfied T'Pol closely as they too danced.
"Speaking of those who eye-sex each other on the bridge." She immediately turned beet-red and began to apologise. "Hoshi, it's fine," He interrupted her; "Just glad you two finally got it together." He smiled warmly at the couple before turning to whisper into T'Pol's ear as they spun in a slow circle.
She felt Travis chuckling against her and turned to glare at him. "What?"
"You could've warned me they were within earshot!" Travis merely chuckled again and pulled her back into him. They stayed this way for a long time.
"Hoshi?" She considers him with curious eyes. "Um, are you familiar the old Earth celebration of Valentine's Day?" At her affirmative nod he continues, "Well, would you be my Valentine?" Rather than answering Hoshi leaned up and placed her lips against Travis'. When they pulled apart he queried, "So, that's a yes?" She just smiled and tucked herself back into him.