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Reed's Armory -- A Malcolm Reed Fanfiction Archive .. |
Title: Best-Laid Plans
Author: Beverly Crusher
Author's e-mail: [email protected]
Fandom: Enterprise
Pairing: Tucker/Reed
Rating: NC-17
Category: Slash
Summary: Seduction of the seducer.
Comments: Feedback pleeeeeeeaaaase.it's like cookies for me.
Beta reader(s): Mareel. I can't thank her enough.
Archived to Reed's Armory on 10/13/2003.
Trip Tucker, chief engineer of the Starship Enterprise, stretched luxuriously, and yawned. He was lying in his bed, and the knowledge that he had the whole day off made him turn around, pull the covers up to his chin and close his eyes for another hour.
But something was nagging on the edges of his mind, refusing to allow sleep to come again. There was something he wanted to do today. Something important.
Then he remembered. A bright smile spread across his face, and whistling a little tune, he jumped out of bed and headed for the bathroom. There was work waiting for him...
Four hours later he sat in Shuttlepod One, accompanied by a very grumpy Lt. Reed.
"So, Mr. Tucker." Malcolm stressed the 'Mr.'.
"What exactly was it you wanted to look for on this planet? I mean...what could it be that our away-teams didn't find? After all, they've only been checking on this planet for six days."
"Sarcasm doesn't suit you, Malc. So give it up. I talked with the cap'n about this an' he says okay. Go'n have fun. His words!"
Trip still was wearing his happy grin. He had indeed had a talk with the captain about this little trip to the planet's surface.
He just didn't tell him the whole truth.
For over three years now Trip had been dealing with his growing affection for Enterprise's armoury officer. He had even began to dream of him--a fact that at first threw him really off-balance. He'd started watching Malcolm on his station on the bridge, admiring his finely-shaped hands as they were dancing across the console, wishing it was his body they were dancing across.
All the while, hoping Malcolm would never find out.
Over the years, they had become friends. The incident on Shuttlepod One had been the foundation for their ever-deepening friendship. Malcolm had proved his loyalty and friendship on more occasions than Trip could count. He knew that Malcolm would rather get hurt himself, than allow injury to anyone whose safety was his responsibility.
Trip loved it.
Their friendship was developing into something deeper than only friendship. They spent more private time together, went to the movie-nights together, and nearly every day they had breakfast, lunch and dinner together, amazingly always arriving at the same time in the mess.
And somewhere along this way, Trip discovered he had fallen for that quiet man. For his British accent, that sent shivers down his spine.
For his stubborn behaviour, that could drive the southerner mad sometimes.
For his shy and heartbreaking little smiles.
For that Malcolm Reed hidden behind the facade of the officer.
For that Malcolm Reed who tried to sweep away a tear in a sad movie before anybody could notice.
That Malcolm Reed who wanted nothing more than to be accepted.
He was. And much more, as far as Trip was concerned.
That's why he was here in Shuttlepod One, which was loaded with food and supplies for at least two days, a comfortable tent and a still very cranky Malcolm Reed.
Malcolm Reed was very pissed off. He was sitting in this damned shuttle with Commander Tucker, who kept grinning like an idiot--and he had absolutely no idea of what this so-called mission was all about.
He wanted to go back to Enterprise, back to his routine, to his weapons, and to the simulations he still needed to run. But mainly he was confused about why this mission had put such a smile on the face of Cmdr. Charles Tucker III. It wasn't as if their previous shuttlepod experience together was one either of them would care to repeat. Something about that smile made Malcolm want to retreat from his confusing presence.
He couldn't concentrate on his work when this man was near. The PADD he was holding in his hand, and pretending to read, hadn't been scrolled down for at least ten minutes. His mind was racing, his thoughts were swirling, unable to find something to hold on to.
All he could think of was Trip. The faint smell of his aftershave, the way he ran his fingers through his hair when he was thinking, the sparkling of his blue eyes when he was laughing about a joke.
And his mouth. Those well-shaped lips that seemed to be made for kissing.
Trip Tucker had become an obsession for him. There were times when Malcolm thought he would explode when he was near Trip. Or would do something terribly stupid like kissing him in the middle of the mess-hall.
And now here he was. Stuck in this too-small shuttlecraft with an all all-too-cheery Trip Tucker.
How he hated him.
How he loved him.
When he first analysed his feelings for the commander, he was shocked. And afraid. And convinced that he'd never be able to look his superior in the eye ever again. But over the last few months, the feelings had deepened and now he couldn't imagine not being able to spend time with him. Though he was sure that this feelings would never be mutual.
He cherished the time be spent with Trip. The movie-nights, the dinners and lunches and all the occasions when their work threw them together.
He wasn't sure why Trip had chosen him for this routine mission. In the very beginning of the exploration of this planet they had declared it safe. So why did he choose the armoury officer and not a science officer? T'Pol for example.
Suddenly, a few minutes before reaching the landing-point, the shuttle jerked and Malcolm tried to hold on to something to prevent himself from falling from his seat. As soon as the shuttle was steady again he got up and stepped behind Trip. "Commander? What's going on?"
"I dunno...I..aaaahh"
Another jolt shook the two men violently, and Malcolm grabbed the first thing he encountered...Trip's shoulder.
Using all his piloting skills, Trip managed to keep the shuttle upright.
"We're losing power here. Maybe a broken conduit or something like that. I think we have to take her down, Malc. Ready for a little emergency-landing?"
Malcolm released Trip's shoulder, and strapped himself down on the seat next to him.
"Okay, let's do it."
With an inelegant roughness, the shuttle landed near a small forest that one of the away teams had examined the day before.
Cursing, both man left the shuttle. A little trail of smoke came from the starboard engine. Trip opened it up and looked inside. Malcolm armed himself with his phase pistol and his scanner, and checked out out the field where they'd landed. He returned to Trip who was still trying to make engine repairs.
"We're alone here. There don't appear to be any signs of immediate danger. What's wrong with the shuttle?"
"Just one more minute..."
Trip had his head stuck beneath the hull of the shuttle and his voice sounded muffled. After a few minutes, he raised his head and let out a few very colorful curses.
"I can't fix this alone. I need my equipment from Enterprise. I'll hail 'em and let 'em know what happened."
Trip stepped inside the shuttle and returned short time later.
"I told the cap'n what had happened. But we can't expect help before tomorrow evening. They have to run a diagnostic check on the other shuttlecraft first to prevent the same thing happening to it as happened to us."
"So, what DID happen?"
Trip gave a careless noncommital shrug before replying.
"A broken conduit or some such. Hard to say without the right equipment."
Malcolm watched Trip through slightly narrowed eyes. His friend hadn't lost his good mood.
Quite the contrary.
With a little whistle on his lips Trip went back to the shuttle, and fetched two backpacks. He handed one to Malcolm and put the other one on his own back. He gave Malcolm a slap on the shoulder and smiled.
"Let's go. If we wanna finish our mission we still have lots t' do. Come on."
Trip turned around but was suddenly stopped by Malcolm's hand on his shoulder.
"No, wait. That's it? Let's go? Why don't we wait here? Wouldn't it be easier for the captain to find us here?"
Trip seemed speechless for a moment but quickly regained his control.
"No, as I said we have a mission. So I would suggest less talking and a little bit more action, okay?" Trip headed south with long, energetic steps followed by a still utterly confused Lt.Reed.
It was way past sunset when Trip finally came to a halt, unfastened his backpack, and let it drop to the ground. They were in a wide glade in the center of the forest they had spotted from their emergency landing site.
It was as beautiful as Trip remembered it. He'd been here six days ago with the first away-team. When he saw this place, certain pictures had formed in his mind. Some serene, some incredibly erotic, and all including a certain armoury officer.
Malcolm.
Malcolm had been silent for the last two hours.
Trip could feel his almost palpable anger. He knew that his plan wasn't fair to the other man, but he was desperate. He wasn't sure he'd be able to hide his feelings much longer, so he'd developed this, well...this stinky little plan together with the captain.
He looked up at the sky. Two big full moons illuminated the night, accompanied by a billion stars. And somewhere up there was Enterprise. He felt more than he saw Malcolm stepping close to him.
"It's breathtaking, isn't it?"
Trip nodded.
"Ev'rytime again."
He turned around and nearly bumped into Malcolm, who was standing closer than he'd expected. Hastily, Malcolm took a step away and tried to melt into the shadow. Trip cursed inwardly. He should have turned around slowly, taken Malcolm in his arms and kissed him senseless. He cleared his throat and was suddenly very grateful for the darkness of the night, which hid his hard-on. Even if his primary goal was the seduction of Malcolm Reed, didn't he want to rush things.
"Aah...let's pitch our tent, okay?"
Eeeeww...Trip cringed at the sound of his own words. Was there a way one could sound more ambiguous?
"Our TENT?"
Trip heard the incredulity in Malcolm's voice. He smiled.
"You won't sleep on the ground without at least a sleepin' bag, will you?"
Malcolm shook his head. It was impossible for Trip to see his face, since it was completely hidden in the shadows. Suddenly Trip felt awkward. Maybe this all has been a terrible mistake. Could he bear to be refused? Could he work with Malcolm after he had offered him his heart if he were rejected? But hell...Trip bowed his head slightly. ,No risk, no fun' as the old saying went. If he succeded, it surely would be more than worth it.
"No, I won't."
Malcolm's reply came softly.
"Good! Do you wanna pitch the tent or build the firesite?"
"The firesite."
They worked in companionable silence for the next twenty minutes. Then the tent was ready, the sleeping bags rolled out, and the fire spread its warm glow. Without many words, they had dinner together.
Trip leaned very comfortably against a rock; Malcolm sat opposite him, staring into the fire, seemingly lost in thought. The firelight caressed his features, danced over his cheekbones and put little sparkles in his remarkable eyes.
Trip was mesmerized by that sight. With all his willpower he had to turn away from Malcolm and try not to stare.
He grabbed his backpack and pulled out a bottle of red wine. He had also thought to bring two glasses, which he carefully placed on their improvised table. Malcolm raised his head as he heard the soft clinking of the glasses and his eyes widened in surprise.
Trip hold up the bottle, a questioning look in his eyes.
"Like to join me? It's Italian. Tuscany. 2148. Good year."
Malcolm smiled.
"Excellent year. Sure, I'd like a glass."
Trip poured the dark liquid into the glasses and handed one to Malcolm. Their hands touched as if by accident, and in an instant Trip felt like he was on fire. Drunken without having even tasted the wine.
Hastily Malcolm drew back his hand and Trip bowed his head. He tried to hide his smile, for the English man's reaction did not go unnoticed.
The evening went by with little chats and jokes, and another bottle of red wine. The first moon had begun to set when the two man finally decided to go to sleep and crawled into their sleeping bags.
Alien nightbirds flew through the air, and from somewhere deep within the forest came a wolf-like howling, causing Trip to wake suddenly. He was lying on his stomach, and noticed a heavy weight on his back and a feeling of incredible warmth. He was just about to jump up when he felt a soft breathing on his neck. He shifted his position slightly and a hand wrapped around his waist tightend its grip.
He turned carefully and found his face mere inches apart from a very peacefully sleeping Malcolm Reed.
Malcolm had moved in his sleep and was now holding him tight, snuggling close to Trip. He tried not to wake Malcolm as he sneaked his arms around him and positioned Malcolm's head on his shoulder. Oh my god, it felt so good. Yes, he definitely could get used to it. He imagined waking up with him in the morning, kissing him, holding him close... and suddenly his underwear was too tight. He felt Malcolm's steady breathing and gently caressed his shoulder. A dark strand of hair hung on Malcolm's forehead which Trip stroked back with a tender gesture. He gave his armoury officer a peck on his head, closed his eyes again and went back to sleep in an instant.
Trip's scent was the first thing Malcolm noticed when he awoke in the morning. He inhaled deeply and snuggled closer to the warm form next to him, and lazily, without thinking, he run his left hand over the sleeping man's stomach. Suddenly he sat bolt upright.
Oh my god, what was he doing?
He backed away, glanced at Trip's sleeping form and slipped from the tent. He began pacing in front of the tent, full of nervous energy. What had he done? How could he forget himself so far as to snuggle with a superior officer? He had to get away. At least for an hour or so, to settle his thoughts. He dressed in silence, put on his shoes, and left for a run through the forest and to the shuttle.
Trip waited until Malcolm left the tent before opening his eyes. He could still feel the warmth of the other man's body next to his own, the caressing of his hand. And with a triumphant little smile, he remembered the unmistakable hard-on that had pressed against his left leg.
So, apparently the straight-laced Lt. Reed wasn't as straight as he wanted everyone to believe. That meant also that Trip had at least a chance at winning the English man's heart. Now he only had to convince that stubborn Brit that Trip was just the perfect man for him.
He listened carefully to Malcolm's movements outside the tent and could tell he was going for a run. Considering their so-called "situation", Malcolm would surely go to the shuttle and try to reach Enterprise. With a little luck, he would talk to Archer and his little secret would be safe for one more day. Enough time for Trip to finish his plan: the seduction of Malcolm Reed.
During his run to the shuttle, Malcolm let his mind wander back to how he had woken up. It felt so good lying close to Trip. If he only had been bold enough to take the initiative and follow his impulse. If he only would have had the courage to reach up to Trip's face, stroke it, kiss those exciting lips. He sighed and stopped. Panting, he bent over slightly and put his hands on his knees. He would never have the courage to let Trip know about his feelings. Never. There was too much to lose. He sped up again and shortly he reached the shuttle. Just minutes later he closed the comm-link and cursed out loud.
Tomorrow.
They had to stay here for another day, and, even worse, for another night. He hadn't been quite able to follow the more or less stammered excuses that Captain Archer was giving him. Perhaps he'd awakened him. Or disturbed him during a meeting with Chef. But there was nothing he could do. If even Trip was unable to fix the shuttle without his tools, how would he be able to do it?
He fetched another phase pistol from the shuttle (just in case) and with gritted teeth he turned back to their camp.
"So what is it you're worried 'bout?"
Trip was looking Malcolm straight in the eyes, trying desperately to hide his laughter. Archer had joined in on his little game, just as promised.
He had another 24 hours to get Malcolm to admit his feelings, and fall in love with him. And he wanted to start with it right now.
"We have somethin' to eat; you said yourself the planet's safe, the sky's blue, and we just have to lie back an' wait for the cap'n to come down an' fetch us. I can't see the problem.
Malcolm rolled his eyes.
" Enterprise is without her armoury officer. And without her chief engineer. Don't you worry?"
"No. I guess she can stand it for a few hours more. Now don't worry an' let's have some fun."
"FUN? I cannot see any kind of fun in our situation."
Trip was close to losing his temper. He took a deep breath and a thought formed in his mind. He remembered that little pond he'd discovered on his first visit down here. They could easily reach it within an hour. As he imagined Malcolm naked in the warm water, his face changed and he gave Malcolm a bright smile.
"Let's go. I wanna show you somethin'. Come on."
Malcolm looked Trip in the eyes, an unreadable expression on his face. Trip swallowed. Did Malcolm suspect something? But suddenly Malcolm smiled one of his rare smiles.
"Then what are you waiting for? Let's go."
Malcolm's suspicions began to grow. There was definitely something going on here. He wasn't quite sure what it was, but he decided to join the commander's little game, for the moment. And if Trip wanted to show him something...well...who was he to deny him.
After a very silent walk through a different part of the forest, Trip came to sudden halt. Malcolm, who had walked behind nim, nearly bumped into ihm.
"What the..."
But Trip interrupted him.
"Here it is..."
He turned around and looked and at Malcolm.
"Come on. Malcolm...may I invite you in?"
With these words he took a step aside, and Malcolm's gaze fell upon a little pond in the middle of the glade.
The water glistened in the sunlight, birds were singing and a little spring fed the pond constantly with clear, fresh water. The trees surrounding the glade were painting strange patterns on the lake's surface. It was an oasis of peace and relaxation.
"Trip! That's ... that's beautiful. Simply beautiful. My god...when did you find this?"
Trip's face lit up in a radiant smile. He had been so certain Malcolm would love this place as much as he did. And his face spoke volumes.
"Saw it on my first trip down here. I knew you would like it. Come on in. The water's wonderful. It's warm and relaxing--just what you need right now."
Malcolm tore his eyes from the lake and gazed over at Trip. What he needed right now? Come on in? Did he get that right? He had no swimsuit. How could he? But before he could say anything about this, he noticed Trip stripping off his uniform. Suddenly he felt a knot in his gut.
"Aah...Trip...what...ahem...what are you doing?"
Trip gazed up at him while as he kicked off his shoes, silent laughter in his eyes.
"I'm getting undressed. Why? Do you wanna swim in your uniform? I sure as hell don't!"
Soon he was naked and wading slowly into the clear water.
Malcolm's mouth went dry in an instant. Unnoticed by Trip, he admired the man's backside; the broad shoulders, the slim waist, the soft contour of his hips and that beautiful ass. Unwillingly his hands began to clench and unclench as if they were kneading those perfectly rounded buttocks. And his penis. Malcolm sighed.to himself. Softly embedded in fair curls. His penis? How could he look at his...oh...my...god!!!
Malcolms face flushed furiously and he hastily turned away.
Away.
He had to get away. How could he ever look Trip into the face again. He had almost STARED at his manhood. Oh god, how embarrassing. He was just about to run when he suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder trying to turn him around. Malcolm resisted.
And then he heard Trip's voice filled with emotion.
"Malc. Look at me. Please. Don't turn away. Don't RUN away. Did you...do you like...what you see?"
Malcolm was surprised that his friend's voice suddenly sounded almost shy.
He gave in to his impulse and looked at Trip again. What he saw in Trip's eyes reflected his own emotions in a way that he never thought possible. He suddenly knew that it was now or never. He could say 'no' and stay on the safe side. No complications, no emotional turmoil, no great thinking. Or he could say 'yes' and maybe find heaven on earth, everything he had ever hoped for.
There was only one answer to that question. He gathered all his courage and looked Trip deep in the eyes.
"Yes. Yes, I like what I see. I really..."
He wasn't able to finish the sentence-- it was cut off by nearly 170 lb of amorous engineer who almost knocked him off his feet.
"Gotcha!"
With a triumphant shout, Trip kissed Malcolm again and again.
"I knew that I'd get you with this little pond here. And now get the hell out of that uniform and come into the water. It's beautiful. You'll love it." Trip released him and dived, swimming out toward the center of the pond.
Malcolm still couldn't quite believe what was happening.. So he did as he was told, and quickly got undressed and joined Trip in the warm water. When he made his first move in it, he felt some tension begin to fade away. Slowly a smile spread across his features and with some powerful strokes he reached Trip.
"You were right. It's lovely here." he laughed.
Trip put his arms around the English man's neck and pulled him closer.
"Not nearly as wonderful as you are, d'you know that? I've waited so long to do this...c'mere...lemme kiss you..."
Malcolm saw Trip's face drawing near and closed his eyes in anticipation. Then he felt the soft touch of Trip's lips against his own and without thinking he opened his mouth. Softly their tongues began a tender duell. Moaning, Trip let his lips wander along Malcolm's jawline and nibbled on his shoulder blade.
The English man let his head fall back, offering his throat, and simply enjoying the sensations the other man's hands and lips were creating on his body.
Trip's hands roamed over his body, gently pinching his nipples before heading south. Malcolm didn't care any more about where they were or why they were here. The two of them seemed to melt against each other. Malcolm's breathing grew heavy and he started to fly...
...and fell back to earth when Trip suddenly pulled his hands away from him and smiled at Malcolm's moaned protest.
"Not here, darlin'. Let's get back to our tent and lemme show you how much I want you. I want to make love to you."
Malcolm simply nodded and tried to clear his love--fogged brain a bit. Together they swam back and dressed.
They arrived back at their camp in record time. It was shortly after midday and the air had warmed remarkably. But the glade surrounded by tall trees was still very cool and comfortable.
Suddenly Malcolm felt awkward. He had never made love to a man before. What should he do? What if he did something wrong?
What if ... these hands...oh these talented hands. Trip had stepped close to him and without hesitation he began unzipping Malcolm's uniform and pushing it down along his arms and over his hips.
The rational thinking left Malcolm's brain with silent footsteps...it was no longer needed.
He stretched out his arms, reaching blindly for Trip. He found him, pulled him close and began a loving attack on the mouth that had followed him into so many dreams. He heard Trip groaning deep in his throat, and suddenly felt very powerful. He was the one who could elicit such sounds from his southener. Bolder now, he let his hands move over the other man's back and gently kneaded that gorgeous ass. Again he heard that deep groaning. And Malcolm smiled.
Trip was in heaven.
This man was pure bliss. So very responsive and unbelievably tender. He removed Malcolm's uniform efficiently and ripped his own off in just a few seconds. His dreams seemed to come true when he gave Malcolm lingering kisses and gently urged him down onto the sleeping bags.
Then Malcolm lay there.
Naked.
Willing.
And all for him.
And his pleasure. His penis was hard as never before, and with a look at Malcolm he saw that he wasn't alone. With a devilish grin he closed his right hand around Malcolm's fully erect cock and began to stroke it in a steady rhythm.
Malcolm's head fell back on the pillow and he closed his eyes. Trip lay down next to his lover and covered his face with tiny butterfly kisses, his lips wandering down that magnificent body in a southernly direction, coming to rest where his right hand was already working magic on Malcolm's anatomy.
He inhaled deeply, savouring the intoxicating scent before he tentatively licked at the head of Malcolm's member. He was rewarded with a sharp intake of breath from his lover. Encouraged, he opened his mouth and closed it around the shaft. When Malcolm involuntarily lifted his hips and tried to thrust deeper, Trip made a hasty withdrawal.
"Whoa...careful, darlin'."
"Sorry, love," Malcolm gasped.
Trip smiled. Love. That sounded good. He made himself comfortable between Malcolm's wide--spread legs, pinned the English man's hips to the sleeping bag with both hands, and began his loving tongue dance around that beautiful shaft again. He licked the underside, scratched it lightly with his teeth, and took it deep in his mouth. Malcolm's breathing once again grew heavy and sweat covered his body. Trip reveled in the taste of Malcolm in his mouth and wished this would never end. He began a low humming sound deep in his throat and suddenly he had to tighten his grip on the armoury officer's hips. Malcolm whispered in a voice thick with emotion.
"Oh god, Trip, take care. I'm close...so close. Please, I don't want to....OH GOD, YES! YES! YESSSSSSSSS! Aaaaaahhhhh..........."
Malcolm came with a loud shout, and Trip swallowed it all lovingly. When there was nothing left for him, he climbed up to cover Malcolm's body with his own, smiling as he watched him struggling to regain control. The English man took a deep shuddering breath and opened his eyes to gaze up at his lover.
Trip tenderly stroked back some of the dark strands that clung to Malcolm's forehead. Malcolm caught his hand and kissed the palm softly.
"Trip. That was incredible."
The southener gave him a gentle smile and kissed him.
"So are you, darlin'. So are you..."
Malcolm felt like a boneless ragdoll. Totally spent, he enjoyed the afterwaves of his orgasm. When he caught his breath again, he rolled over and took Trip with him. With a startled gasp the engineer was caught under a grinning armoury officer.
"You planned this, didn't you? The emergency landing, the lame excuses from the captain, this mission...all a fake, right? By the way, I still wonder how you talked Captain Archer into this. You didn't tell him of your plans, did you? Did you? Oh my god, you did!"
Trip avoided his eyes and nodded slowly. Malcolm chuckled. At least Trip had enough decency to pretend to be ashamed.
"All these lies, all the efforts, just to seduce me?"
Trip looked up at him and shrugged, with as much of a shrug as he could manage.
"It worked, right? It was worth it."
Malcolm bowed his head slightly and gave Trip a loving kiss. A kiss that deepened quickly and left both men breathless. Malcolm propped himself up on his elbows and gazed at the taller man beneath him.
"Yes, it was worth it. More than that."
He brought his mouth to Trip's ear and whispered with a seductive voice.
"Let me show you how much."
Goosebumps appeared on Trip's body and Malcolm smiled. He gently nibbled, licked and kissed his way down to the other man's nipples. He circled one with his tongue and suddenly bit down. Trip drew a sharp breath. Malcolm licked over it again to soothe it, satisfied to hear a deep moan from the man beneath him. But Trip seemed to grow impatient and he put his hands around Malcolm's head to guide it gently but insistently down to his throbbing manhood. The long slender fingers of the armoury officer closed around it. Trip moaned.
"That's it. Yeah!"
Malcolm was fascinated by the it's texture--soft like satin, strong like steel. He began to stroke it, slowly at first, Soon becoming bolder, his movements became faster and his mouth, unable to resist the temptation any longer, closed around Trip's shaft. Deeper and deeper he sucked in his sweet prey, not releasing it for a second. When he began to play gently with Trip's balls, the combined effect pushed him over the edge.
Trip's release came like a volcano eruption, hot, and fast. Trip let out a harsh sigh and clawed his fingers into the sleeping bag.
Malcolm pulled Trip's limp body into a loving embrace and gave him a tender kiss on the forehead.
They spent the rest of the day talking, laughing, and joking, all the while never releasing one another. When the sky darkened and the first moon rose they crawled out of the tent, and made a fire. Trip had another bottle of the wine left and they emptied it together while enjoying their dinner.
Later, as they lay together on their sleeping bags, Trip draw lazy patterns with his fingertip on Malcolm's shoulderblade.
"Ready for returnin' to Enterprise, Lt. Reed?"
Malcolm felt himself tense up. This day had been like a dream come true. Finally he had been allowed to touch and kiss Trip whenever he wanted to. How would it be when they both were back on duty? Would it change anything? How could he ever look Captain Archer in the eyes again, knowing that he knew. Trip patted his lover's back reassuringly.
"Hey, at ease, darlin'. Afraid of meeting Jonnie?"
Malcolm knew that his behaviour was foolish, but he nodded slowly. He felt Trip's grip tighten around his shoulder and felt his soft laughter.
"No need to worry. Yeah, I told him I wanted to spend some time with you. Gettin' to know you a bit better. I didn't tell him that I was trying to seduce you. So he knows nothing."
Malcolm felt incredibly relieved. He lay his head back on Trip's shoulder and in an instant both men were sound asleep.
~the end~