Archer waited impatiently at the window of the transportation terminal. The wind was whipping around the outside of the building, but there was no precipitation, making it a nice day by local standards. He still had no desire to go outside and wait, but he did wish he could see more of the sky from where he was. Wait, is that it? The speck he saw, far away at first, quickly grew as it skated under the swirling clouds. Yes! He laughed at himself. Even though this was the third time, the last few hours before this particular cargo showed up always seemed longer than the whole six months before.
He managed to contain himself until the pod actually plopped itself down on the landing pad outside, but no longer. Pulling the hood of his coat over his head, Archer slipped out through the double set of insulated doors and up into the cold. He trotted over and helped the landing crew secure the vehicle and get the hatches open. One or two at a time, the passengers made their way out and hurried to the terminal. Just as Archer was wondering if something had gone wrong somewhere, the face he was searching for appeared in the doorway, wearing a familiar big grin.
Hey. The greeting came with a quick hug and a pull towards the terminal. Come on, Im freezing my ass off out here!
Back through the doors, hoods came off and Archer found himself right where he wanted to be with armfuls of blond, blue-eyed engineer. God, Trip, I missed you
I missed you too, Jon. Trip closed his eyes and relaxed into his partners embrace. Because of their cold gear, the only thing he could really feel was Jons face against his, but no matter. It was enough that he was there. I thought it would be easy once I got here, but now I dont know His musings were interrupted by a low voice in his ear.
I couldnt get out of that dinner tonight. Sorry.
Not a problem.
Do you feel up to going? We dont have to stay late, but I do have to make an appearance.
Trip pulled back so he could see Jons face. Dinner or no dinner, youre not getting out of my sight already, you bastard!
Youre still spoiled, arent you?
***
Trip watched from across the room as Jon schmoozed his way back from the buffet. Watching his partner work, even after all this years, was always fascinating. And this being an ambassador suited him, more than captain, more than explorer, more than anything. This is what you were meant to do, Jon. But couldnt youve done it somewhere warmer?
The object of his focus finally got to the table, holding two dessert dishes. He set one down in front of Trip, sat down with the other for himself. Try this one.
Trip started to spoon a bite, then noticed that the crisp-shelled mound of whatever-it-was seemed to be vibrating slightly. He glanced at Jon, who was looking suspiciously innocent. You first, he directed with his spoon.
Jon chuckled and carefully tapped a hole in the top of his own mound. A fountain of what looked like chocolate syrup sprayed out of the top for several seconds, gently settling on top of the crust. He spooned up a bite, then laughed at the mock glare he was getting from Trip. You just have to do it slowly
Otherwise?
Otherwise you get a face full of Andorian chocolate.
Thanks for the heads up. Trip dug in slowly, from arms length, and watched the fountain of syrup play over his bowl.
Well, Shran got a pretty good laugh at me the first time I had it, Jon explained with a mouthful.
I bet he did. Mm. This is good.
Thought youd like it. He watched as Trip took a drink of water and rubbed his eyes tiredly, then reached over and rubbed his partners shoulders. I can go any time now.
Are you sure? I dont mind staying
No. Lets just finish and go. I have to say goodbye to Shran and the High Minister and then I can take off.
'Kay.
***
They hadnt had much time in Jons house before the dinner, so when they got back, and Jon disappeared into the bathroom, Trip wandered around, looking, getting reacquainted. The water polo ball, the Cochrane statue, the flight school mementos, they were all there, along with a few things from their days on Enterprise. But in a prominent place on the ambassadors desk was a lone picture of Jon, Trip, and Porthos that Trips mom had taken on their last trip to Florida. They were on the beach, the sun setting behind them, arms around each others shoulders, and Porthos was jumping up on their legs. That was a great day. I wish He wandered into the bedroom and started getting out of his dress uniform. Jon hadnt been exempt just because he wasnt Starfleet any more seems there was required dress for ambassadors too.
Jon came out of the bathroom, saw what he was doing, and hurried over to stop him. Dont.
Why? The journey was catching up to Trip and he was tired, not catching Jons meaning.
Let me.
Oh. Okay. Who am I to argue with mmm"
Jon had interrupted him with a kiss and a searching hand, blindly reaching for the fasteners in the front of the white uniform tunic. Trip responded, pulling Jon tight, reacquainting himself with the depths of his lovers mouth. He felt a caressing hand slip inside his uniform, fingers rubbing over his chest. He tried to undo Jons tunic in kind, but Jon gently pushed his hand away. So he wants to run the show tonight
By the time they came up for air, Jon had managed to undo all the fasteners on his lovers top, exposing his black undershirt, and some of those buttons were undone as well.
Trip pulled back just a little and held Jons hands in his own. You know how much Ive missed you.
Not quite as much as Ive missed you, but Im used to that, Jon teased.
Bastard. Im trying to be serious here.
Sorry, Brat. Go on.
And Im sure you know how many nights I dream about this when were apart.
I have a good idea.
He dropped his forehead onto Jons shoulder. There is no way Im up for anything exciting tonight. Im sorry.
Jon stroked his lovers hair. Im not. I figured youd be wasted.
It would have been fine, but the Andorian couple in the next cabin had a baby with them and the poor thing was space sick all the way here.
Damn.
Yeah. At least I had a bulkhead between us and a hatch to close. Not like it helped much, but they couldnt get away at all. He kissed Jons neck, hugged him, then straightened back up. You dont mind?
Not at all. Do you mind if I keep going? Jon grinned, Just to take in the scenery.
Trip grinned back and spread his arms wide. Be my guest.
***
Blue eyes blinked sleepily, muscles stretched, and Trip slowly eased out of the fog of sleep into the light of morning. Lacking caffeine, it took a minute for his brain to register his location Where...? but the warm lump spooned up behind him in the bed provided the needed data Jon He wriggled around and over to face his partner, who, from all appearances, was still dead to the world.
Trip had been so tired the night before that once they got to bed, all hed done was offer a quick kiss goodnight before he passed out. Now, he took the time to do what Jon had done, and just look. Jons face was relaxed in sleep, but the worry lines were still there, and Trip carefully traced them with a finger. How many of these are about me? He pulled their covers down a little, taking in the older mans muscled arms, then running his fingers over the soft chest hair. There were more grey hairs there now. Jon always complained about them and Trip always told him they were just fine. Distinguished? Huh. Just wait till you get to be distinguished and see how you like it. He watched Jon for a few more minutes, then pushed gently on his shoulder. Jon obediently rolled over on his back, shifting, settling in, not waking up. Trip smiled to himself. Some things never change. And some things have to. But not right now.
***
Jon woke with a start. Damn, that was a good dream Then he gasped. I guess I wasnt dreamingohh, Trip The pressure and the friction between his legs were too much and his words failed him temporarily. He stared at the ceiling without really seeing it and reflexively reached under the covers towards his lover, but couldnt quite touch.
Just as he thought he might be reaching the point of no return, Jon felt everything ease off, just enough, and was able to focus a little as Trip slid up and popped his head out from under the covers.
Good morning. Trip laid one hand on Jons cheek, kissed him. The other hand was still busy between Jons legs.
Mmm. Good morning Jon kissed him back, sliding his hands down his lovers back, then between the two of them to discover that Trip was more than ready for him to return the favor.
Oh, yeah Trip groaned and closed his eyes. Thats so good, Jon
How about this? Jon whispered back.
Yeah go harder mmm It was difficult, but Trip managed to remember what he was doing for Jon. Here? The undignified noise that Jon made in response more than answered Trips question. Not much more time passed before their semi-coordinated efforts to please each other did their job, and they reached the peak together.
Some minutes later, when he got his breath back, Trip slid off to lie beside Jon, an arm and a leg still draped over. Thanks.
Good enough? Jon replied, teasing.
Itll do. Trip teased back. But, seriously, it was way past good enough. You?
Definitely. Thank you.
So whats on the agenda for today?
Whatever you want. I cleared my calendar for the next three days.
Then were not in any big hurry this morning.
Nope. Got something in mind?
A nice long shower. And some breakfast.
I think that can be arranged.
***
All those months ago, when Jon had first accepted his position on Andoria, neither he nor Trip thought there would be much in the way of recreational activities on an ice planet. Turned out they were both wrong. The first time Trip had visited, it was summer and they had been able to go out on the surface and go hiking. The second time, it was winter and far too dangerous to go out, so they had gone caving in a glacier that their guide said was thousands of years old. This time, summer had come around again, and they were trying out the Andorian version of windsurfing. Instead of surfboards, the sails were mounted on long, skinny sleds with rudders. The pilot had to not only control the sails, but steer with a foot at the same time. Just the kind of challenge that the pair enjoyed. They had both taken a couple of falls in the beginning, but they caught on quickly and spent their day chasing each other around the ice field.
Darkness called an end to surface activities, so as sunset began, they had their last race, back to the dock. They pulled up in their slots and hopped up on the platform at almost the same time.
You owe me!
Excuse me? I was here first you owe me!
You need to get your eyes checked.
I can see well enough to beat you, thank you very much. The bickering continued as they secured their little crafts to the platform, checked out with the gatekeeper, and walked to the insulated hatch to go back underground. Once inside, they shed some of their heaviest cold gear and carried it rather than wearing it all the way back to Jons.
You are such a cheater.
Is that any way to talk to Earths official representative to Andoria?
It is when he cheats.
Spoiled. Absolutely rotten.
Sez you.
If thats your only answer, then I think Ive made my point.
Look here, Mr. Earth Ambassador Sir, do your constituents know how big a fraud you really are?
You think theyd take your word for it? Youre not exactly an unbiased source.
So you admit it?
I do not.
What a shame. Such corruption in a trusted official. Trip tsked.
Jons only response was to roll his eyes. By this time, they were at his front door, and he punched the code to let them in. Gear was stowed in the front closet, and two weary bodies ended up on the couch.
I have to go back to work tomorrow, at least for part of the day.
Yeah, I know.
We should do something special for dinner tonight.
What did you have in mind?
I dunno. How about going to the Palace?
Is that the place with the rainbow lights in the ceiling?
Yeah.
I didnt think we liked the food there.
New chef. I havent tried it, but rumor has it that its better.
Sure. Why not?
***
Trip poured them each some more wine as the waiter cleared away their salad dishes. They were at a back table of the Palace, with a great view of the aurora borealis-like lights that played over the domed ice ceiling of the restaurant, but Jons idea to hide in the back hadnt kept them from being interrupted by several people who just had to speak with the Ambassador. Unruffled, Jon tended to each of them, addressing their problems if he could, otherwise inviting them to come by his office anytime for help. Trip had just sat back and watched, speaking when he was introduced, otherwise keeping quiet. Jon was clearly in his element. During one particularly long conversation, the engineers thoughts wandered to what had been on his mind since long before his arrival. Hell, I should probably just tell him. Forget the other stuff. I dont want to A touch on his hand brought him back to Jon in the here and now.
Sorry about that. I didnt think anyone would find us back here.
Trip chuckled. And you dont think we pink skins are a little hard to miss?
Maybe. Jon picked up his wine glass, swirled the liquid around, studying it intently. He sighed and suddenly looked serious. So are you ready to tell me?
Trips stomach flipped over. Does he know? Tell you what?
I can still tell when theres something on that so-called mind of yours. Youve been bugged about something ever since you got here.
The engineer shifted uncomfortably. I thought Id hidden it pretty well.
You know better than that.
I just wanted us to have a nice week. I would have said something later.
Well, say it now instead. The younger man still hesitated. Trip, whats going on? Jon tried to figure out the problem by reading his partners face. Youre usually the one that wants to talk Then it occurred to him. There was one thing Trip didnt like to talk about. Are you having nightmares again? I thought youd gotten it through your thick skull that
No, Im not having nightmares.
Then what?
Trip sighed, downed a gulp of wine, and started in. You know when you were first offered this post, they said it was just temporary, thatd youd be home in six months.
Yeah. Ambassador Lewis got sick and couldnt leave right away.
And then he decided to retire and they asked you to stay until they found a replacement.
And we agreed that it would be okay, as long as it was still temporary.
Trip sighed. Yeah.
What is it?
Im sure you dont hear it all from the Council members, for fear youd get a big head, but to listen to the talk in the corridors, youre the best Ambassador since Christopher Columbus.
Jon was surprised, then pleased. Really.
Really. And when Ive come for these visits, Ive seen you at work. Youre good at this, Jon. Its easy for you.
So whats your point?
My point is, you need to ask to stay. Take the post permanently.
What? Are you crazy? You and I agreed when I started that I would come home as soon as I could, and thats what I intend to do.
But thats before I knew how well you fit in here. Trip reached across the table and took his partners hand. Trust me, Jon. You need to do this. Just like you needed to be on Enterprise.
Jon was still in shock at the mere suggestion. Trip, are you sure?
Im sure. I started thinking about it after my last visit and I think its the right thing for you to do.
Well, okay. I guess. He started thinking about the details. If Im permanent, I can plan for trips home, but you wouldnt mind still making the trips out here?
Well, thats the other thing I wanted to talk to you about.
What else?
I cant keep making these trips. Every six months is just not cutting it for me.
Jons heart dropped into his stomach and lay there in a lump. What the hell? Trip
I mean it, Jon. I cant do it any more.
Then to hell with the post. Im coming home now. He threw his napkin down on the table and started to get up. Lets go pack.
Trip pulled on the hand he still held. Jon, sit down. Youre not going anywhere. Jon sat back down, but he was not happy. You belong here. Doing this.
I belong at home with you.
No.
No? What the hell do you mean, no? Jon was hurt and confused, but he could still see his partner hesitating. Trip, if you have something to say, say it. You cant make it any worse than it already is Do you not want me to come home with you?
No, I dont.
I see. All right. If thats what you want.
Jons voice had gone cold, but Trip could hear the strain. Dammit! I pushed too far. Hes pissed. What I want is to come here and be with you.
Jon was afraid he hadnt heard it right. Say that again."
I want to come here and be with you, you bastard. Subspace messages be damned. Holding you once every six months is just not good enough.
Now Jon was afraid to believe it. But Trip, Starfleet
Dont you worry about Starfleet. I can take care of them.
But thats where you belong, Trip. I cant take you away from that.
You wont. Last time I was here, I made a point of getting to know a couple of Shrans engineers. Trip smiled slyly and Jon began to realize that hed been had, but good. We came up with a joint research project, and I presented it to the Admiral last month.
And?
It was approved, contingent on me moving to Andoria for the length of the project.
Which is?
Right now, the estimate is two years, give or take a month or two. But it could go on for quite a while.
Again, the details started popping into Jons head. What about your parents?
Oh, theyre used to me being gone. Besides, Mom helped me write the proposal. And Dad wants to paint a blue glacier. Im sure theyll be here to visit right after I get settled.
Trip, there arent any beaches here. Its very, very different.
There arent any beaches in deep space, either. Well just have to go visit one.
Just like that.
Well, sort of. I wanted to make sure it was okay with you first.
Okay with Why the hell did you string me along like that? Jon grew serious again.
Im sorry. I didnt mean to upset you. I mean, well, I figured if I just said I was coming, youd spend all week trying to talk me out of it. This way, youre happy to have me. When Jon didnt react, Trip grew worried. You are still, arent you?
Im gonna get you for this, Trip Tucker! As happy as anyone could be to have a goddamned spoiled brat moving in with them!
***
They were waiting in the transportation terminal for the pod to show up, watching out the window, holding hands.
Ill get everything into storage as soon as I can. Porthos and I will be back in a couple of weeks.
You really think hell be okay to make the trip?
Sure. Phlox checked him out last time he was through and said he was a fine specimen of an elderly bugle. I think that dog likes deck plating better than he likes grass anyway.
Jon chuckled. Okay.
You know, its not nearly so hard to leave this time.
Its not nearly so hard to see you leave this time.
Lets dont do this again. We gave it a try, but
Yeah.
The speck appeared under the clouds and made its way to the surface, just like it always did. Jon and Trip waited until the very last moment to walk out to the pod, just like they always did. They got up to the hatch and Trip turned to Jon, put his face up inside his lovers hood and whispered, I love you, you bastard. See you soon.
I love you too, Brat. Hurry back, Jon whispered back. Just like he always did.
I really enjoyed this. Love the exploding chocolate desert. I can almost see Shran sitting and laughing at Jon when he gave it to him. It was very nice to see Jon and Trip from Savior and what a nice relationship they have developed over the years. Thanks
On 15 June 2005 at 08:08 AM KayJay said:
Wonderful! I'm a fan of your particular take on this pairing... so nice to see them again!
On 10 July 2005 at 12:37 AM tripsmyguy said:
This was great. Jon as Ambassador to Andoria is brilliant! He and Shran just can't get away from each other. lol
Perfect nicknames -- Jon calling Trip "Brat"! That's my favorite part.