‘Tis a consummation devoutly to be wished’ - Hamlet



He can't stop watching him.

Jon sighs.

Trip leans across the console, brushes against Malcolm's arm.  The two
of them freeze.

"Sorry," Trip mumbles.

//Just talk to him//

Malcolm at work.  Eyes flicking, absorbing information, fingers flying, calling up data; he suggests possibilities.

Trip hovers at his shoulder, unneeded.

Jon wants to shake him.

Later.  "Trip.  Talk.  To.  Him."

"He's not interested."

"You know for sure?"  A groan.  "Quit whining."

He ought to seal them in the shuttlepod again.  Tempting.

Dinner, Captain's mess.  Wine, good food.

"Captain Archer, incoming message from Starfleet."

He owes Hoshi for this.

"Enjoy your meal."

~100











‘Oh!  How bitter a thing it is to look into happiness through another man's eyes.’  - As You Like It


Private affection.

In public.

Subtle and sweet.  Malcolm leaning into Trip as he stands next to him. 
Eyes talking.

You wouldn't notice if you didn't know.

Public affection.

In private.

Holding hands in his Mess.  Teasing words.  Malcolm wiping sauce from Trip's cheek.

He is delighted at their happiness, their unity.

Alone, he watches the stars stream past.  His life follows, whipped into oblivion.  He has everything he wanted.  His bed is the biggest on the ship and it is empty.  Strange how they do that.  Why not make it a single bunk?  Only the Captain has to sleep alone.

~100