Chapter Text
After a few hours of exploring the market, Trip insisted they stop at a coffee shop. A “pick-me up stop,” as he put it. The sun was already beginning to lower in the sky, and the afternoon sun baked the stone plaza. T’Pol held a cup of green tea in her hands, enjoying the warmth from the mug. She found herself more fond of the taste, especially considering how much she had to defend her choice of beverage. Trip was confused about why she wanted a hot beverage on a warm day like this. She explained Vulcan got much hotter than this, and it was a perfectly comfortable temperature to enjoy tea. She declined his suggestion of iced tea, but not from lack of trying. He insisted she and Lieutenant Reed were “exactly the same, stubborn.” Malcolm was also not fond of the beverage in its iced form. T’Pol couldn’t blame him.
“Maybe I could use Daniel’s old quarters,” Trip considered, taking a sip of his iced coffee. T’Pol raised an eyebrow.
“I thought we agreed an ancient Valdorian manifold would be a waste of space on Enterprise,” She said, leaning back in her chair.
“Well, I know but— I would love to get a better look at it,” He sighed. He knew as well as T’Pol that it wasn’t plausible to bring the technology aboard. It was far too large to be considered just a trinket.
“I empathize. I found the Rigelian garments rather appealing,” She said. “However, I am not in need of new clothes at this time.”
Before Trip could answer, T’Pol was startled by a hand on her shoulder. She pulled away instinctively. Hoshi let go of her shoulder, and her cheeks flushed.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you,” She said sheepishly.
“You did not,” She responded dryly. Trip laughed, but Hoshi still seemed rather embarrassed.
“Right,” Trip replied sarcastically. “Saved you a seat, Hoshi.” She smiled and sat between them. Ensign Sato lifted her pointer and index finger to T’Pol. She held her fingers to the other woman in a short kiss. Hoshi was undoubtedly still embarrassed, but an incredible sense of peace lingered behind it.
“What have you two been up to?” She asked, breaking from the kiss and folding her arms on the table.
“Exploring the marketplace. Risa has a variety of cultures to offer,” T’Pol said, picking her mug up. Trip nodded in agreement.
“Yeah, it was great. You’ll have to drag T’Pol back down here and get a look at it. I couldn’t read a thing in the whole place,” He explained enthusiastically. T’Pol raised an eyebrow.
“You will not have to drag me,” She said to Hoshi. The other woman giggled.
“It’s not like I could even if I wanted to,” She said with a smile. She seemed to ease back into her usual self.
“I wanted to brush up on some of my dialects since we’re here. Risian is a very interesting language. I think it could be useful if we’re ever needed here for diplomacy,” She continued.
“We are here to have a break from our Starfleet duties,” T’Pol noted. It was a blanket statement, but she was concerned about Hoshi not taking enough time for herself.
“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure we have plenty of time together,” Hoshi said with a wink. “Speaking of, are you two doing anything tonight?”
“Nah. Malcom promised me dinner and drinks. You can have her for a little while,” Trip said ruefully. Hoshi rolled her eyes, but a smile gave away her fake annoyance.
“Whaddya say? I know a little place on the beach that has live music,” Hoshi asked. She was planning on staying in tonight. However, she could not say no to that hopeful smile and fond gaze.
“I am available.”
“Great! You’ll love it,” Hoshi beamed. A moment of silence passed.
“Well, I should probably leave you two alone to finish your coffee,” Hoshi said. She had always been cautious about giving Trip his space when he was spending time with T’Pol. Hoshi didn’t want to overstep any boundaries. While the thought was appreciated, it was not necessary. Trip and T’Pol had discussed their romantic relationships many times. They were both comfortable with each other's respective partners. Unless a date with just two was planned, it was completely acceptable for another partner to join.
“You don’t want anything?” Trip asked.
“I just don’t want to interrupt.”
“Your presence is not disruptive,” T’Pol said. Just to make sure, she glanced at Trip for confirmation. He seemed to be on the same page. “It is pleasant to see you.”
“You gotta work on your compliments,” Trip sighed playfully. Hoshi’s cheeks had turned a light pink color, and she smiled radiantly.
“Well… okay if you’re sure,” She agreed. “Since I’m here, I’m going to get something to drink.” Hoshi stood and smoothed her floral dark blue dress. It fell perfectly over her hips, accentuating the shape of her legs. She looked beautiful. T’Pol would have to tell her so over dinner. Hoshi headed over to the order counter, waiting behind a group of people placing their order. T’Pol turned her attention back to her own cup of tea. She took a long sip, staring out over the marketplace. As she looked, she saw a familiar face in the crowd. He noticed her as well, however, she kept the observation to herself.
“I’m not sure the capt’n will mind. It’s not like we’re using those quarters for anything,” Trip sighed. It took T’Pol a moment to realize he was still lamenting about the manifold.
“Why don’t you ask him next time you see him?” She suggested. “Against his better judgment, he might not be entirely opposed.”
“Can’t hurt to ask, right?” He said with a smile. T’Pol glanced up again to see Lieutenant Reed once more. Again, she kept quiet as he tapped Trip on the shoulder. Trip jumped out of his skin. If T’Pol were human, she would’ve found it very hard not to laugh. Malcom smiled and gave a still flustered Trip a peck on the cheek.
“Did I give you a scare?” He asked, fully knowing the answer.
“Well, you know, I was just… On high alert. That’s all,” Trip retorted. Malcolm took the other seat between the two.
“Indeed,” T’Pol added with a raise of her eyebrow. Malcolm laughed and before Trip could interject again, Hoshi was back.
“Jeez, you’re both so jumpy! You needed this vacation,” She smiled, sliding a cup across the table before sitting down. Malcolm quizzically looked at it for a moment before realizing it was for him.
“Oh, Hoshi. You didn’t have to do that,” He said, hesitantly taking the cup.
“Don’t act like I’m trying to poison you. It’s coffee! With two sugars and no cream,” Hoshi took a sip of her own beverage. Malcolm glanced between the cup and Hoshi several times.
“But… I never order it with sugar in the mess hall,” He said looking at Hoshi with a slight smile. “How did you know?” She smiled coyly, shrugging.
“Lucky guess,” She said with a wink. “Anyways, I hear you two are going out tonight.”
“Yes, but I’ll certainly need to change first,” Malcom answered. T’Pol took a quick note of his attire. A loose blue tee-shirt, a gray jacket, and dark blue slacks. She did not find it unsuitable for a dinner date. Trip seemed to share her sentiment.
“Why?” He asked, sounding completely baffled. Malcom looked just as confused as Trip.
“What do you mean why? I don’t want to show up underdressed for our date,” Malcolm said as though it were obvious.
“Well, duh, being underdressed comes after,” Trip replied. Hoshi choked a bit on her drink with a snort. Malcolm shook his head disapprovingly but a fond smile gave away the facade.
“You’re a real charmer, love,” Malcolm sighed. Trip smiled proudly, despite Reed’s sarcasm.
“That’s how my mama raised me. A perfect gentleman,” He quipped. “What I’m trying to say though, is you look perfect. You don’t gotta change.”
“Yeah, Malcolm, you look great,” Hoshi added. T’Pol nodded.
“I would agree. Your appearance is adequate for the occasion.”
“I know it didn’t sound like it, but that was a compliment… I think,” Trip clarified.
“That was my intention,” T’Pol confirmed. It seemed relatively appropriate given the situation, however, she might have been too vague. Perhaps, that was the source of Trip’s remark. Malcolm considered for a moment.
“I still think I’d rather change,” He said after a moment. The strings of lights strewn about the patio flicked on as the sun had almost completely set. They gave off a warm orange glow along with the fresh moonlight.
“Doesn’t matter what you wear, it'll still look better when it’s off.” Hoshi laughed again, this time unobstructed by her drink. Malcolm rolled his eyes even though he seemed a bit flushed.
“Has he been like this all day?” He asked T’Pol. She thought for a moment.
“Somewhat, although it seems to have become more pronounced since your arrival,” She observed.
“It’s just cause I love you so much, darlin’,” Trip leaned in and gave Malcolm a kiss on the cheek. Malcolm blushed and smiled warmly.
“It’s already dark. Maybe we should start heading to the restaurant? I’m starving,” Hoshi interjected. T’Pol nodded in agreement.
“Indeed, you two should be off as well,” She said, standing up. Hoshi gathered up everyone’s cups and placed them in a neatly stacked pile in the center of the table before standing as well.
“We’d better. I’ve got to go back to my villa first,” Malcom said, following T’Pol’s lead.
“Yup. We’ve gotta stop at the villa first,” Trip added, taking Malcolm’s hand.
“Right,” Hoshi said, sarcastically. “Well, if you get around to dinner let me know how it is. I’ve been wanting to try Zeolga’s for a while.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Trip agreed.
“Okay good. Goodnight, guys,” Hoshi said warmly. Trip tugged Malcolm’s arm, prompting them to head back towards the resort.
“Goodnight, ladies,” Trip hollered. Hoshi waved and sighed.
“I don’t think I’m going to know if that food is any good,” She shook her head with a smile. She turned her attention to T’Pol.
“Shall we?” Hoshi asked, holding her hand out. T’Pol nodded, taking the other woman’s hand.
“We shall.”