Pregnant Pause - Part 1 Title:鼦 Pregnant Pause (1/2)
The second episode of the Series "For Better or Worse"

Author: Weebob

Fandom: Enterprise

Pairing: Tucker/Reed

Rating:袠

Category:䒷lash

Feedback: Aids the learning process!� ([email protected])

Archive: EntSTCommunity, Reed𠏋 Armory, BLTS,� MEGA � if you want it - any others, please ask first.

SPOILERS: Slight one for 孏he Expanse�, and nods to 𨯗 Night in Sickbay� and 廍ingularity�, I suppose.

Summary:� A companion piece to my fic �Just One More�, filling in a few missing details about Charlie Tucker-Reed𠏋 arrival.

DISCLAIMER:�I don㦙 own or have any rights to the Star Trek universe, 𡌃nterprise", or any of its characters � they belong to UPN/Paramount.� I am making no money from this story.


 A PREGNANT PAUSE


鏠ongratulations, Commander, Great news, Lieutenant!�

As Ensign Nasir passed out of earshot, the glowering storm that had been gathering since the first crewman had wished them well that morning finally broke.

㜁hat the bloody hell did you do?� Make a flippin� ship-wide announcement? Isn㦙 there ANYTHING private about our private life?� Trip, you KNOW how I feel about this.� Did you make a conscious choice to go blabbing to every Tom, Dick and Harry or is terminal indiscretion something you Americans are born with?�

Despite his husband𠏋 ranting, Trip Tucker was still smiling wider than the cat that got the cream.� He drew Malcolm aside into a nearby storeroom and engulfed him in a hug. 璌arlin� yer upset, ain㦙 ya?�

The explosive 䥲ah!� that he smothered in his shoulder only served to make him smile more and hug harder.

When the man in his arms finally stopped struggling and cursing, he planted a kiss on his brow then leaned back a little to study him properly.

岞alcolm, when the guy ah love volunteers to have mah baby surgically implanted in 魀m and then carry it for however long it takes, 倴os ah can㦙 do it m𠏋elf, don㦙 ya think ah wanna shout it from the rooftops?� An' what was ah supposed to say when ya were holed up in yer quarters for a week while ya were convalescin�?� Jon told everyone 倴ept T柹ol - she got the real story - that ya鏆 been havin� surgery and were to rest up, but all that meant was folks were trappin� me in corridors an� turbolifts to ask for details.� An� ah ain㦙 a good liar.�

Finally simmering down somewhat, Malcolm sighed: 𨧻𠍿 sorry, love. Its just a bit overwhelming being the centre of attention on my first day back on duty, especially when I𠍿 feeling so bloody sick. And I can㦙 believe my uniform𠏋 too tight already - that just accentuates things and makes people stare.�

Trip laughed, 尞et 𦦨m stare, darlin�. Although Phlox took out a few bits an � pieces to make room, he did say ya鏆 be showin� almost immediately.� He ran a gentle hand over Malcolm𠏋 belly, seeing that the fabric of his coveralls did look a little strained in places. 㜁e𠑥l go see the quartermaster later on an� ask if he can let out a seam or two.�

Scowling, Malcolm led the way back to the corridor and into a turbolift.� As its doors opened onto the bridge, Trip leaned over to whisper in his husband 𠏋 ear: 𨯗n� no more racial slurs, darlin�. Ah don㦙 wan� the kid to hear ya badmouthin� his poppa!�

**********

Malcolm Reed gasped as his sweating body began to spasm involuntarily. Pressed close behind him, he could feel his husband, holding him around the waist and calling encouragements over the unintelligible sounds the lieutenant was currently making.

孏hat𠏋 it, darlin�.� Don㦙 hold back. Let it come.�

Convinced that he wouldn㦙 hold out for much longer, Malcolm groaned loudly: 𨧻 hate you Trip Tucker, I really � Oh, Fuck!�

His tirade was cut short as, yet again, he retched and heaved into the toilet.� This time, he successfully produced something and Trip gave his back a congratulatory rub.� 孏here ya go, Malcolm.� All better now?�

Slumping sideways against the lavatory wall, Malcolm glared at the engineer: 幞o, I𠍿 bloody not all better.� God knows when I𠑥l EVER feel better again! Its been six weeks, Trip.� Six sodding weeks of feeling sick every minute of the day � except for when I𠍿 actually BEING sick.� Are you SURE Phlox said this is normal?�

Grinning, his husband poured some mouthwash into a tumbler and handed it to him: 幞ow darlin�, ah never said that.� The doc says its not ABNORMAL for nausea to be constant throughout the first three months of pregnancy.� Ya just have to sit it out meantime.�

Doubling the wattage of his glare, Malcolm rinsed and spat.� Trip took the empty glass from him then helped him to his feet and through to their cabin, where he flopped, listlessly, on their bunk. 幈h God, I think I𠍿 dying.�

Trip sat beside him and began gently rubbing his afflicted partner𠏋 stomach. After about 15 minutes, Malcolm groaned: 鐈ow long until we𠆫e due on the bridge?�

孏wenty minutes, darlin�.� You go hit the shower an� ah𠑥l fetch ya some tea an� toast.� Usually, if ya eat something just after ya throw up it stays down.�

He helped the hapless lieutenant to get up again then left him to his morning toilet.� As he exited their quarters, he heard Malcolm𠏋 voice echoing from the shower: 鎽ust remember, Trip Tucker, I am never, EVER, doing this again, d𠋀ou hear?� I鏆 rather face the bloody Klingon battle fleet than have another baby.�

**********

Jonathan Archer enjoyed having company for dinner and it had been a few weeks since Trip had been able to join him.� He sat back at the table and took a sip of his wine. 㜁ell, Trip, I have to say it isn㦙 getting any easier to come to terms with having a pregnant Armoury officer.� When you asked permission for Malcolm to go ahead with the procedure, I must admit I was amazed.

Laughing, Tucker shovelled in another mouthful of dessert. 𨯗h𠍿 STILL kinda amazed! You know ah always wanted a family, Cap佋, an seein� Hoshi and Travis havin� li𠑥 Alice just made me broody. Malcolm𠏋 not exactly the maternal type, though. In fact, he鏆 never even thought about us havin� kids - but he𠏋 adamant that our baby ain㦙 bein� grown in a lab an� he𠏋 determined to go through with the pregnancy to the end, even though he𠏋 been awful sick for the last three months. At least that𠏋 eased up now an� he𠏋 puttin� on weight.� Mind you, the hormone injections are getting� to 魀m a bit. He has headaches an� gets irritable more often �

The Captain𠏋 eyebrows shot up: 岞ORE irritable?�

Trip nodded, grinning, � but he usually goes all weepy now, instead of losin� his temper. Oh, an� his hair𠏋 growin� like weeds � it has to be trimmed every week right now - although most of his body hair has fallen out.� He ain㦙 too pleased, but ah think its kinda sexy, ya know? When we cuddle up he𠏋 all warm an� smooth an� �

The Captain looked uncomfortable as the engineer developed a rather dreamy expression: 孏rip � too much information!�

Pulling his mind back, with difficulty, to the present, Trip cleared his throat: 𡌃h? Uh, sorry Cap佋.� Yeah, well, other 𤉋 that, he𠏋 the same old Malcolm.�

Feeling rather flustered, Archer eased open his collar and took a swallow of his wine 㜁ell, I never thought I鏆 say it, but thank God for that!�

**********

Midway through the most wonderful dream involving Malcolm, a tropical island and a bottle of coconut massage oil, Trip Tucker felt a familiar elbow digging him repeatedly in the ribs.

孏ri-ip?� Are you awake, love? I𠍿 hungry and I really fancy some black pudding, Trip!� I know I won㦙 be able to get to sleep again if I don㦙 have some.� I𠐔e been awake for two hours just thinking about it.�

Blearily, Tucker rubbed his eyes and tried to focus on his partner.� Weird nocturnal cravings were a new development in Reed𠏋 pregnancy and, as far as the engineer was concerned, they were far from welcome. 岞alcolm, its 2am � and what the hell is black puddin� anyway?�

幈h Trip, its delicious!� It𠏋 a sort of thick sausage made out of pig𠏋 blood and seasoning and�

Trip was pulling a disgusted face 岞y God, Malcolm!� Are you turnin� into a goddam vampire or somethin�? What about some pineapple and chilli sauce?�

幞o! Its bloody revolting!�

The engineer looked incredulous: 㜁hat?� Ya were crazy for it last night! Ah had to get ya three helpins!�

Looking a little like he might cry at any moment, Malcolm blinked up at his husband: 璌on㦙 yell at me, Trip! If you really cared you鏆 slip along to the galley and see if Chef still has any black pudding stashed away�he made some for me just last week.� Oh, and tomato ketchup. I need tomato ketchup with black pudding � especially re-sequenced black pudding � I鏆 go myself but you know how I hate the way the galley staff stare at me like I𠍿 a freak.�

Already pulling on his sweatpants, Tucker listened to his husband𠏋 fixated rambling and groaned in defeat. 岞alcolm, ah never thought ya could get any more paranoid, but �

幈H!�

Trip stopped in mid-sentence as Malcolm cried out suddenly and clutched at his abdomen, confusion clear on his face: 璌arlin� what is it?� D𠋀a need Phlox?�

For a few moments, his husband remained silent and still, eyes wide and startled, then a slow smile spread over his features. 孏rip I feel it!� Its moving!徺uick, come here.�

Leaning over, Trip allowed him to guide his hand to a spot on his now-rounded stomach and hold it there.� For a few moments they waited, then the engineer felt a slight but definite fluttering under his palm. 㜁ell, ah 𠑥l be damned! Ain㦙 that something, darlin�?� We𠆫e havin� a baby!�

**********

Despite his advancing pregnancy, Malcolm stubbornly continued to carry out most of his normal duties - although needing to modify the way he did so, in some instances.� Jobs he usually stood to undertake were now done whilst seated, his new maxim being 忛ever stand if you can sit and never sit if you can lie.�

The first casualties of his delicate condition were his all-nighters in the Armoury, carrying out weapons modifications - they had been curtailed by his need to nap every few hours - and he no longer forgot to eat as, fuelling both himself and the baby now, he was constantly hungry!

One evening, shortly before their return to Earth, Trip Tucker came off shift to find their quarters empty and a message from Malcolm on their computer terminal: 焅amished! Couldn㦙 wait for you. See you in the Mess Hall.�

Smiling, Trip headed for the shower.� These days, it seemed as if Malcolm spent most of his time eating and the Enterprise quartermaster was finding it a challenge to keep pace with alterations to the expanding lieutenant𠏋 uniforms!

Of course Malcolm, even though he had long since said goodbye to his waistline, was still working out, determined to stay as fit as possible. Tucker had spent quite some time adjusting the settings on a static bike and tweaking one of the gym𠏋 treadmills to provide what he termed 𢘛addling pace�, so that his husband could continue his exercise routine.

In the Mess Hall, Malcolm was already halfway through his second helping of dessert.� Taking a mouthful of his own beef stew, Trip frowned at the odd, apparently polka-dot pudding the lieutenant was devouring. 㜁hat the hell is that, Malcolm?�

Swallowing his current mouthful with an expression of bliss on his face, Reed grinned at the engineer 廍potted Dick.� Trip almost choked on his own food, 鎽esus!� That sounds like somethin� ya oughta see Phlox about!�

Joining in with his laughter, Malcolm scraped the plate clean 鏠hef𠏋 been indulging me with a few traditional English dishes of late and Spotted Dick is one of my favourite puddings. Since I𠐔e been pregnant, he𠏋 made it his personal project to make sure I eat enough to nourish the baby.� It seems I have a reputation for starving myself.� Can㦙 think how that came about.�

Trip finished his meal while Malcolm chatted about anything and everything that had occurred during his shift. He looked well and relaxed but, most of all, Tucker noted with satisfaction, he looked happy.

Malcolm suddenly noticed he was being studied: 㜁hat?�

His husband pushed his empty plate aside 𨧻t suits ya.�

Still confused, the Armoury officer knit his dark brows together in puzzlement. 㜁hat suits me?�

𠐓ein� pregnant.� Yer kinda 孄lowin� these days.�

He was gratified to see his partner duck his head and blush to the roots of his thick and lustrous hair 𨧻 � I don㦙 know what you mean.�

Standing, Trip took him by the hand 鏠ome on back to our quarters an� ah𠑥l explain.�

As the doors shut behind them, Tucker locked them, dimmed the lights and steadily backed a now-giggling Malcolm against the bulkhead. 㜁hat ah mean, Mr Tucker-Reed, is that ya look so han𠏋ome it takes me all mah time tah keep mah hands off ya.�

To illustrate his point, he unzipped Malcolm𠏋 uniform and slid it off his shoulders then hastily removed both his undershirts.� In the subdued lighting, Malcolm𠏋 eyes looked enormous and dark, but there was no mistaking the want burning in their hazy depths.� He started to say something but Trip silenced him with the deepest of kisses then stepped back a little to admire him.

Some of Malcolm𠏋 body hair had grown back in again, mostly as a fine down on his arms and legs.� His chest and stomach, however, remained smooth and Trip let his fingertips ghost over the slightly darker and more pronounced nipples before gently kissing and running his tongue over them, eliciting a happy sigh. 幈h, that𠏋 nice love.� My chest𠏋 been so sore lately that I𠐔e been scared to touch it, but you got that just right.�

Grinning, Trip turned his attention to Malcolm𠏋 protruding stomach, lightly fondling the bulge and feeling the surges of movement within. 鐈appy to oblige, darlin�. Hey! Somebody𠏋 restless tonight!�

Reed laughed 幈h, he𠏋 like that most of the time now. Hyperactive, like you.�

His jumpsuit was abruptly pulled the rest of the way down to his ankles, along with his undershorts. Within moments, he was naked and carefully being arranged on all fours on their bunk, his entire body thrumming with desire.

It was a strange sensation, feeling Trip and the baby inside him at the same time. The squirming in his belly and the slow, deep, rhythmic movements of his husband seemed to combine to make his pleasure more intense than he had ever thought possible and he could hear himself sobbing with joy as the waves of orgasm began to crash over him.

He lay awake for some time that night, snuggled on Trip𠏋 chest, as his son � for they knew definitely now that Tucker-Reed junior was a boy � somersaulted within him. For all his earlier ambivalence, having a baby felt so right now � as did all three of them lying here together.

His family.

**********

Jonathan Archer stifled a laugh as he watched the Tucker-Reeds assume their stations on the bridge.� They were bickering as usual but there was no doubt whatsoever about the loving regard in which they held each other.

Malcolm sat down at Tactical then, as had become usual of late, the fidgeting began.� The Captain caught Hoshi𠏋 eye and saw that she too � having experienced Reed𠏋 difficulty firsthand � was looking on with amusement.

Having a pregnant tactical officer was not something Archer would every have envisaged when the Enterprise first set out on her mission - Starfleet regulations being uppermost in everyone𠏋 mind at that time � but the dangers they鏆 faced as a crew, and the bonds that were formed through time and adversity, convinced him that there were more important things in life than blindly obeying the rule book. Now every situation was considered on its own merits and, normally, he let his crew get on with living their lives.� Hoshi𠏋 pregnancy had given him cause for doubt but, when she鏆 politely told him (off the record, of course) that her procreation was none of his goddamn business, he鏆 backed off.� He hadn㦙 even thought to challenge Trip and Malcolm on the matter.

If couples felt they were willing to risk their children𠏋 lives on a starship, who was he to argue � after all, as Travis repeatedly reminded him � boomers had been having space babies for years.

Shipboard weddings had become quite common � the Tucker-Reed nuptials being the most recent � and even he was dipping his toe in the ocean of love! Totally unexpectedly, he had fallen for one of Chef𠏋 assistants, Annabella Larsen, a plumply pretty widow of his own age who, having seen her children and grandchildren safely settled in their lives, decided to indulge her desire for adventure and sign up to be an 𡌃nterprise galley slave�.

She was an excellent cook but also a lively conversationalist and a dog-lover to boot.� The fact that she had a healthy appetite for sex and was vocal in her enjoyment of Archer𠏋 body didn㦙 hurt either!

He glanced back at Malcolm, still trying to arrange his bump in a way that was comfortable but didn㦙 obstruct his use of the tactical console, and smiled: with Annabella, there was also no need to worry about contraception!

T柹ol interrupted his wool-gathering with some totally disinteresting piece of information regarding revised protocol, in relation to the Vulcan High Command, effective upon the ship𠏋 return to Earth.� Archer grunted an acknowledgement to her request to carry out more research on the matter and she left the bridge.

Since cutting her own ties with the High Command, T柹ol had changed her appearance, revealed more of her own personality and become less severe � although maintaining something of her Vulcan aloofness, in public at least. Still, she was all sharp angles and bony elbows though and he was relieved that Dr Phlox had been so wide of the mark when he suspected sexual tension between them.

No.鼦rcher was happy with Annabella and, tonight, he would lie pillowed on her soft curves and count his blessings.

What sounded like a deep and involuntarily uttered moan of pleasure drew his attention back to the tactical station.� He was shocked to see his staunchly proper Armoury Officer with his eyes closed and a blissful expression on his face while Trip, one eye on the engineering station, rubbed his husband𠏋 lower back.

The Captain opened his mouth to reprimand the men when a soft but pointed throat clearing from the direction of the Communications station halted him in his tracks.� He raised his eyebrows and Hoshi shook her head and discreetly beckoned him over. 鏠aptain, have you any idea how sore your back gets when you𠆫e carrying a baby?� He glanced over at Tactical and saw that Malcolm was back to his usual diligent scrutiny of his console, although Trip continued with his massage.

𡦖oint taken, Ensign.�

Ignoring the muffled snigger coming from the direction of the helm, he went back to his chair.� Malcolm𠏋 condition had caused a few awkward moments but, he was surprised to realise, on the whole it had just been accepted and the crew had adjusted to accommodate it.

On away team duty, while Malcolm was looking out for his crewmates, they would be looking after him.� During training sessions with his security teams, volunteers would suddenly come forward to demonstrate martial arts moves and chairs and glasses of water would mysteriously appear when their C.O. showed signs of flagging.

The Armoury staff too became extra vigilant, making sure Reed didn㦙 try to lift any heavy weights or attempt maintenance in torpedo tubes.

Although grumbling profusely about being treated 𢡠ike a bloody invalid�, Malcolm was deeply touched at the unprompted shows of concern and affection, commenting often to the captain about the supportiveness of his colleagues.

Sneaking another quick peek at the men, Archer saw that Trip had given up his impromptu massaging for now and was leaning across Reed𠏋 console, adjusting something or other. His hand, however, was caressing Malcolm𠏋 shoulder as he did so and his husband was smiling up at him as he worked.

Archer sighed a little forlornly, wishing someone would give him a massage while on duty.� After all these years and endless adjustments, his command chair still crippled him.

Dreams of massages made him think again about Annabella, who would be coming off shift around now.� He stood and worked a kink out of his spine. 𨧻𠍿 taking an early lunch today then I𠑥l be catching up on some reports in my quarters.� Commander, you have the bridge.�

Tucker looked up and grinned.� 𨯗ye Cap佋.� Give m� regards to Miz Larsen.�

Archer ambled towards the turbolift. 㜁ill do, Trip.�

It was only when he heard laughter as the doors closed that he realised he鏆 been had.

**********

Enterprise was safely home and berthed, medals had been presented and the fanfare of her return was over. Now Malcolm was on a moving staircase, feeling nauseous with anxiety, peering anxiously across the concourse at Starfleet HQ and watching his crewmates being reunited with their families. His parents and sister were conspicuous by their absence � their condemnation of Malcolm𠏋 marriage and pregnancy having arrived in a text-only transmission shortly before the ship reached Earth - but Trip insisted he鏆 become a Tucker the moment he slipped on his wedding ring and so had acquired a new set of parents and relatives.

And here they were waiting to meet him - what seemed like hundreds of them!

Trip slid a comforting arm around Malcolm𠏋 shoulders and steered him towards the gathering of his clan: 㛝er forgettin� to breathe again, darlin� . That𠏋 it, an� how about ya smile for me too?�

Managing only to twitch up the corners of his mouth, Malcolm braced himself as a wave of Tuckers bore down on him.� First to arrive were the children, all of whom were hugged and swung around by Trip, then came the sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles and cousins.

The engineer was engulfed with excited people � then, quite suddenly, tears were being shed over the loss of Lizzie Tucker. Just as suddenly, laughter echoed again as new spouses and offspring were introduced and Malcolm felt a little left out.� He wasn㦙 forgotten though, as Trip extricated himself and came over to draw him into the crowd. 鐈ey y𠿟ll, ah鏆 like to introduce my husband, Malcolm. Make 魀m welcome but be gentle about it � he𠏋 havin� our baby.�

A thick blanket of silence descended at Trip𠏋 announcement and Malcolm flushed as all eyes were suddenly on his stomach.� Memories of being singled out for ridicule as the small, shy, nervous child, who failed all his exams at boarding school, flooded his mind, and an unpleasant rush of panic clawed its way up his spine. He wanted to flee but a gentle hand squeezing his shoulder kept him in place: 鐈ello Malcolm, please don㦙 be upset � they𠆫e just a little surprised. Most of them didn㦙 know about the baby until just now.� I𠍿 Trip𠏋 mother and this is my husband Charles.�

The woman gestured towards a tall, handsome man with greying hair and the same shade of blue eyes as her son. He stepped forward and happily wrung Malcolm𠏋 hand: 㜁e𠆫e very pleased to meet ya Malcolm. Welcome to the family!�

Momma Tucker, a diminutive, homely woman who complemented her large voluble husband perfectly, took her new son-in-law by the arm. 幞ow, sweetheart, you look a little pale and I think you𠐔e been on your feet for quite long enough.� Let𠏋 go find a place to sit while Trip talks himself hoarse. You can meet the others one at a time when they𠐔e worn themselves out asking him questions. No point in tiring yourself unnecessarily.�

Watching the exchange between his mother and husband, Trip grinned broadly 𨯗h won㦙 be long, Malcolm. Momma𠑥l take good care of ya meantime.�

Nervously, Malcolm nodded and let the woman lead him to a quiet bench in a corner of the concourse, her husband going on ahead to clear a path through the crowd. Soon, he was sitting in the shade and drinking a glass of cold water, magically procured from somewhere by his mother-in-law, which, he was disturbed to note, was trembling along with his hand.

Seated opposite, Charles jnr smiled at him and he suddenly saw, quite clearly, exactly how his husband would look in about twenty-five years time. It was as if the older man had read his mind: 㛝eah, we look kinda alike an� talk the same way too. Fortunately, his momma𠏋 genes gave 魀m his brains and a dash o� common sense. He didn� turn out too bad!�

He glanced out at the seething mass of Tuckers, still milling around on the concourse. 廍orry if the gang spooked ya.� They all wanted to come an� do the 蘔ail the conquerin� hero� thing an� we hadn㦙 the heart to stop them. We ain㦙 had much to celebrate lately, so we𠐔e gone for it big time!�

Sadness washed over Malcolm as he remembered Trip𠏋 overwhelming grief and anger after his kid sister𠏋 death in the attack on Earth - heralding their mission to find the Xindi. 㛝es.� I � I𠍿 so sorry for your loss. I saw how badly Lizzie𠏋 death affected Trip and it must have been, at least, equally hard for both of you.�

Charles jnr nodded, his face suddenly sombre. 㛝eah. Those were dark days. But we𠆫e real glad ya were there for Trip.� Ah know how hard he made it for ya � he felt so guilty that he wrote us sayin� he didn� know how he was ever gonna make it up to ya � but ah think that was when he realised how much ya meant to 魀m an� that he鏆 better do somethin� about it.�

Memories of Trip𠏋 emotional declaration of affection, then of several disastrous dates and misunderstandings after that, made Malcolm chuckle involuntarily and he found that Momma too was a mind reader!

孏rip was born with his foot in his mouth and his heart on his sleeve, Malcolm.� He went into space as a brilliant, impulsive, immature young loudmouth but he𠏋 come back a fine man and his family𠏋 pride and joy.� You 𠐔e had a lot to do with that, helping him to start to grow up and look beyond himself. We𠐔e seen him change for the better since he𠏋 had you in his life.�

Blushing furiously, Malcolm was relieved to see his husband coming towards them, a selection of infant Tuckers trailing behind him like ducklings. 鐈ey, darlin�. Ah brought ma nephews an� nieces to meet ya.� Everyone else is gonna wait until the homecomin� party tomorrow night but the kids𠑥l be in bed then � so here they are now.�

By the time the youngsters had been returned to their parents and peace reigned again, it was time to catch the shuttle to where their new home awaited them.� Trip𠏋 godmother, Great Aunt Minnie, had recently died and left her modest house and furniture to him and his husband. The property and its contents were sound, if old-fashioned, and both men were grateful for the woman𠏋 gift - looking forward to having a place to call their own.

Families were still being reunited as they re-crossed the concourse, and the mere sight of the Starfleet uniform made total strangers come forward to welcome them back and thank them for their efforts in the Expanse.

Trip was touched and delighted by it all but Malcolm seemed to be growing more withdrawn the longer it went on. Gradually, the engineer began to understand: even those he鏆 never met before in his life appreciated Malcolm more than his own family ever had.

璌arlin�, yer folks ain㦙 worth it an� they don㦙 deserve ya. Ah know ya wish it was different � an� so do I � but even Phlox can㦙 make the blind see if they don㦙 want ta.�

Malcolm stopped walking and stared at him. 孏rip, is EVERYONE in your family a bloody telepath?�

Sniggering, Tucker patted his husband𠏋 stomach. 鏠𠍿on darlin�, like ya said to me a couple of months ago, we got our own li𠑥 family right here. Now, let𠏋 get you home so ah can carry ya over the Tucker-Reed threshold before that bump o� yours gets any bigger.

**********

The following evening, at the Tucker family homecoming party, the Tucker-Reeds were swamped by good wishes and gifts from family members and friends. Trip returned from packing another load of baby clothes and toiletries into his parents� groundcar while Malcolm was paying one of his frequent visits to the lavatory so, taking the opportunity to catch her while she was alone, he sidled up to his mother, who was sitting watching his father take part in a rather undignified novelty dance.

鐈ey Momma!� So � what d𠋀a think of Malcolm? The pair of ya seem to be hittin� it off alright.�

The woman smiled and drew her son in close for a hug. 𨧻 think he𠏋 a dear, and the best thing that ever happened to you � so that makes me happy.�

Trip laughed and returned the hug: 𨯗n� ya don㦙 mind that he𠏋 not a girl?�

Frowning, she pushed him back so as to look him in the eye: 㜁hy should I? You𠆫e in love with him and he absolutely ADORES you.� What else could I ever want?�

Trip sat up straight: his husband was not normally so forthcoming.� 璌id he tell ya he adores me?�

Looking thoughtful, she shook her head: 幞o, but his eyes did.� He has such expressive eyes � and they positively sparkle when you𠆫e around.�

Uncharacteristically blushing, Trip ducked his head and she smiled, weighing her words. 廍eriously though son, I𠍿 worried about him. He𠏋 so crazy for you that he𠏋 taking an enormous gamble with his life to have your baby.�

Trip looked a little indignant 𨯗h didn� force him, Momma.� He volunteered, even after he knew the risks.� Dunno why, but he𠏋 kinda like that � always wantin� to jump into the firin� line.�

Even to his own ears, he sounded rather defensive and he wasn㦙 terribly surprised when his mother gave him a playful slap on the ear: 𡤃se the brains you were born with, Trip. You told me yourself what an awful family he𠏋 from. All of his life, his parents have rejected him and the big message they𠐔e been giving him is that he can never do or say anything right.� Wouldn㦙 that make you feel like there was nothing about you that was good? Dammit, he鏆 have had it easier as an orphan!�

Momma was into her stride now: 𨯗nd how does someone who𠏋 never been shown love know how to show it to others? For Malcolm, the only thing he has with a recognised value is his life and being so willing to give it up for others is the only way he can show them he cares.�

Trip felt distinctly uncomfortable:� 𠐓ut Momma, he tells me he loves me. He don㦙 need to go takin� chances to prove it.�

She sighed, exasperated: 鐈E feels that he does, son.� He TELLS you he loves you but, deep down, he can㦙 convince himself that the telling𠏋 good enough, so he makes sacrifices to prove it.� He𠏋 so grateful to you for loving him, Trip, but he needs to know he𠏋 doing well and making you happy too.� Be sure you tell him how terrific he makes you feel and how special he is for being able to do that.� Her frustration switched back to anger: 尞ord help me, if I ever meet his parents, I𠍿 gonna bang their heads together.�

Their heart-to-heart was interrupted when Malcolm reappeared, arms folded tightly across his chest and distress evident in his taught expression. Both Tuckers jumped to their feet but Momma reached him first. 㜁hat is it, sweetheart?� Sit down and tell Trip all about it and I𠑥l go get you a nice strong cup of tea.�

Malcolm nodded his thanks and tried to smile but his anxiety was glaringly obvious and Trip frowned at him worriedly. 廍ay somethin� Malcolm, yer scarin� me.�

Taking a deep, quavering, breath, Malcolm uncrossed his arms and held them rigidly at his sides.� As Trip𠏋 eyes widened in surprise, he gave a wail of misery: 幈h Trip!� I𠍿 turning into a woman!�

TBC

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