Fan Fiction
TITLE: Keeping Secrets
AUTHOR: Briana L. Wright
RATING: G
CODES: K, C/T, AU
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Written in Harry Kim's POV.
SUMMARY: Harry observes the Commander and Chief Engineer from afar.
He walks towards the door of the conference room, then glances back for only a second. His attention is directed towards her. It's a signal he sends, in a code only she knows. He is always watching her; she is always watching him. It's creepy. And I know it's wrong, but I enjoy watching -- mostly because this sort of discretion is so unusual for them both.
I see him leave...and then I see in her eyes what a stranger's could not: she loves him. There's a longing in her eyes that only he could be responsible for. I grin proudly to myself because I'm in on the secret they've been trying to keep.
I glance to my left where she's sitting, smiling ever-so-discreetly. Now I know she's thinking of him. A private moment between them has chosen to resurface at the consequence of her obvious joy. I try to pretend as if my eyes haven't been indulging in her affair, but she's already caught me. Her face is a tableau of quiet embarrassment and public defense. "Shut up, Starfleet," she mumbles to me. It's like having been scolded by a sister. Luckily, since she's in a good mood today, there'll be no wounded body parts. She smirks to herself and eyes me before leaving. She knows...that I know...but doesn't call me on it.
Later, in mess hall, I see them at their usual table. They've talking, smiling, laughing. I've never seen either of them so happy. Their voices are just loud enough for one another to hear. Smiles linger in the anticipation of a simple caress, maybe a kiss. There are plenty around to see, of course. But they behave like the world around them has just disappeared.
I guess I'm a hopeless romantic at heart, which is why I find myself making observations. If I've learned anything from these two, it's that you can never be too subtle. For all I know, there could be someone out there that's been sending me signals all this time -- I just haven't looked well enough. I can't be a spectator forever, but until that day, it'll have to do.
He reaches for her hand, taking it lovingly in his. She seems at a loss for words as he stares at her, saying with his eyes what his mouth cannot. Then, rudely, their reverie is interrupted by a comm badge alert: the sound of duty. She gets up and insists that there will be more time later, but it's not enough. He pulls her into a strong embrace and they kiss deeply, passionately. When it ends, she reassures him: "I'll see you tonight." It's a promise she intends to keep.
My scrutiny isn't the same now that she's gone, but I can't avoid the quiet hope on his face. His wistfulness is emanating from across the room. I know he's thinking of her. He's contemplating their evening together...perhaps. He picks up the drink she barely touched and traces the rim with a finger, where the warmth of her lips would have been. He grins and mumbles something to himself. Moments later, he takes both their glasses back to the bar before leaving.
With a smile, I return to my glass and wonder when I'll have his good fortune.
