Chapter Text
Shore leave had barely started, and it was already clear it would be overwhelming.
Even though it was an extended leave, T’Pol still had to manage her time wisely. This was the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with her partners and get some well-earned alone time. Although it seemed relatively easy, the ‘alone time’ would undoubtedly be the hardest to manage. T’Pol had known this, but she was surprised by the knock on her door so early. She had only managed to put her suitcase on the bed and quickly look around the room. She sighed and smoothed out her uniform (she hadn’t even had the chance to change yet). It was no mystery which was at the door. Hoshi would undoubtedly choose an outfit before familiarizing herself with the area. T’Pol swung the door open.
Just as she had expected, Trip was standing outside. He looked up from his Padd as soon as she opened the door properly. He had already changed into a garish-looking Hawaiian print and shorts. She would’ve been impressed with his ability to get ready so quickly if not for his impatience regarding her own speed.
“Hi,” He smiled brightly at her. “Why are you still in uniform? We’re on vacation.”
“I would have changed if I had been given adequate time,” She explained with an eyebrow raise. Trip either didn’t understand her jab or chose to ignore it.
“Can I come in?” He asked, bouncing on his toes. He was very anxious to start enjoying shore leave. Of course, he didn’t want to start alone. He seemed to enjoy himself only if the people around him were also having fun. It was something T’Pol admired in him while it simultaneously annoyed her (at least when she was involved). She stepped back from the door, inviting Trip to come in. He did so and shut the door behind him. T’Pol returned to her suitcase to unpack her personal belongings.
“I assume Lieutenant Reed is settled in,” She commented, beginning to empty her clothes into a dresser near the bed.
“Yeah, he wanted to take a nap,” Trip scoffed. “Can you believe that? We just got to the most beautiful planet in the galaxy and he wants to go to sleep.”
“It has been a long journey. I’m sure there will be plenty of time to admire the terrain. We do have two weeks scheduled,” She replied smoothly. Her partner had made himself comfortable, lying down on her bed. Trip sighed heavily and sat up to look at her.
“Yeah, well there better be. He promised me dinner,” He looked back down at his Padd. Knowing Commander Tucker, he was likely familiarizing himself with the planet in the best way he knew how. T’Pol considered her next words very carefully as she finished putting her clothes away.
“I believe you are letting your anxiety cloud the situation. I’m sure Lieutenant Reed… Malcom will fulfill his promise when he is rested,” She explained, sitting on the bed next to Trip. He looked blankly at her for a moment. Despite their weak telepathic bond, T’Pol often found Trip’s reactions unpredictable. It wasn’t logical, but she found it somewhat endearing. His face softened, and he sighed, looking sheepishly down at his Padd again.
“You’re right. I guess I’m just nervous. About things going right I mean,” He said softly.
“I have noticed you often worry about situations out of your control,” She added, glancing at her partner’s Padd. As she had predicted, he seemed to be reading reports about Risa’s many activities.
“Exploring the culture yourself is usually preferred over reading the database,” T’Pol quipped, raising an eyebrow curiously. Trip shot her a look but seemed to take her advice, turning off the Padd and placing it next to him on the bed. She could tell he was still anxious.
“I am going to the marketplace. I would like to try some of the fruits indigenous to this planet. You are welcome to join me if you wish,” T’Pol had no real interest in trying the local plant life. Trip's face lit up as she expected with this statement. He nodded, springing up from the bed. Although she knew it was vain, T’Pol couldn’t help but feel proud of herself. She returned to the dresser, glancing over her options of clothes. After a moment of reflection, she picked out a pair of black leggings, a mulberry blouse, and a brown handbag. She changed reasonably quickly and not without noticing Trip staring at her with a soft smile. Finally, she found a pair of brown wedged heels and slid them on. T’Pol checked her purse to ensure she had put everything she needed inside. Everything seemed to be in order.
“Are you ready?” T’Pol asked, adjusting the strap of her bag. She didn’t need an answer to that question, considering Trip was already standing by the door.
“If you are,” He answered with a smile. T’Pol nodded shortly and exited her room. Trip followed, anxiously bouncing on his heels as he waited for her to lock the door behind them.
“I believe the marketplace is located west of here, in the center of the province,” She noted. She turned and began to walk down the stone corridor outside her room. Now that she was outside, she felt the warmth sink into her bones from the afternoon sun. It wasn’t nearly as hot as it could get on Vulcan, but it was still a welcome familiarity. Trip matched her pace, humming in agreement at her statement. The pair walked silently, making it out of the complex of vacation homes and onto Main Street. It wasn’t overly crowded, but dozens of species milled about. No one seemed to be rushing or going anywhere in particular. Part of Risa’s charm, she supposed. She turned to Trip to ask if he had a preference where they went. To her confusion, his attention wasn’t on the street, the shops, or even the tourists wandering about. He met her gaze with a fond smile but didn’t say anything.
“Is something wrong?” She asked, tilting her head slightly. Trip blinked a few times, seemingly snapping himself out of his trance.
“Huh? Oh, no, nothing. It’s just… well—“ He paused, tightening his lip. T’Pol was slightly concerned she had done something to upset him. Nothing on her face gave away this concern as she waited patiently for her partner to find words.
“You’re almost taller than me when you’re in heels,” He pointed out sheepishly. Now that he mentioned it, T’Pol did notice she no longer had to look up to meet his eyes. She nodded, looking at her shoes.
“I see. I’ll return to my room and find a different pair of shoes to wear,” She said decisively. Trip’s eyes went wide, and he held up his hands.
“Well, wait a second, I didn’t mean you should change,” He said urgently. T’Pol raised an eyebrow.
“I assumed you had pointed it out due to discomfort,” She explained with confusion. Now it was Trip’s turn to be confused. He blinked dumbly at her as though she were a six-headed alien. Perhaps she should be more careful about trusting sources about human behavior.
“I was under the impression,” She started slowly. “That human males sometimes find it… uncomfortable when their partners are taller than them.” After a moment of Trip processing what she had said, he laughed.
“No, no, T’Pol. The last thing it makes me is uncomfortable,” He assured her, smiling as bright as ever. He must have sensed her continued confusion because he gently took her hand. A familiar spark fizzled in the tips of her fingers as he did. She felt a hazy blur of emotions that weren’t hers. She often forgot how peaceful Trip’s mind was despite his seemingly endless well of energy. Her thoughts were wrapped up with his in a warm hug. Everyone around them was gone as if they had never existed. Even though they were nowhere near Vulcan or Enterprise, she felt the relief of being home. In her quarters or the city of Shikar. As quickly as she was comforted by the sense of home, Trip pulled his hand away. The sounds of the market reached her ears, and they were no longer standing alone.
“See?” He asked. T’Pol was still adjusting to reality, and it took her a moment to realize what he was asking. He had melded with her briefly to demonstrate that he was not uncomfortable. She grasped a moment before pulling a coherent feeling from their meld. It wasn’t as easy as it seemed. She nodded after a moment.
“Yes. I will keep your preference in mind for our next date night,” She replied with a hint of amusement. She noticed Trip’s face flush slightly as he grinned at her. T’Pol quickly glanced around the cobbled street.
“Oh, hey, there’s the fruit vendor,” Trip pointed out. It took her a moment to recall the white lie she had told.
“Perhaps I will purchase some fruit on our way back to the resort. It is illogical to carry it for our entire outing,” She said as she started to walk down the street. Trip stayed by her side just as before.
“Outing?” Trip asked coyly, “I don’t remember you saying it was an outing.”
“It is possible I forgot to mention it,” She admitted, glancing at her partner. Trip smiled and shook his head. Despite his attitude, T’Pol was certain he would appreciate the gesture. Especially now that she saw an antique shop on the next corner. Trip wasn’t usually interested in history, but she felt he might be in this case. This was a unique shop. Specifically, it specialized in ancient starship design and mechanics.
“I believe I may have found something suited to your interests,” She said, bumping Trip gently with her shoulder. He followed her gaze to the stone shop. She almost felt a smile come to her face as her partner’s eyes lit up. Despite numerous plans to keep, T’Pol found herself looking forward to her vacation. It would be tiring but completely worth it. As Trip began babbling about one of the components in the window, she was certain of it.