The Rainbow- Pt 2

The Rainbow's Foot

By ShouldKnowBetter

Part Two

Rating PG-13

******************

T’Pol requested that the cab drop her off several blocks from Tucker’s house, just as she had waited until she was some distance away that morning before looking for one. She wasn’t sure whom she was trying to deceive except possibly herself. Her announcement that she would be staying with a friend for a few days had caused a few raised eyebrows at the consulate but times had changed since she had last been on Earth and there were a few Vulcans who chose to live outside the compound. She had not said that it was one of them with whom she would be staying but she had not denied it either.
It certainly wasn’t the short walk in the low gravity that made her heart rate increase by the time she reached the front door of the accommodation unit. If he had changed his mind …

It was Charlie who opened the door, his greeting about as uninformative as possible. “Hey.”

“I … Is your father at home?”

“Uh huh.”

“May I speak with him?”

The boy didn’t have to answer as Tucker appeared. “Who is it, Charlie?” Then he caught sight of T’Pol standing well back from the door and gave the boy a mock shake by the back of the neck. “What did I tell you about giving me a shout?” He got a shrug and Charlie retreated into the house and T’Pol did likewise back down the path.

“I will leave.”

“Like hell you will!” Tucker raced after her, stopping her with an arm around her waist as he relieved her of her bag with the other hand.

“If your son does not wish me to be here …”

“I want you to be here.” He had dropped the bag to put both arms around her, pressing her close. “Charlie’s just had a bad day at school and he’s cranky. He’ll be OK after dinner.” She looked up doubtfully and he captured her mouth in a gentle kiss that contained reassurance and welcome and she couldn’t leave then.

“Dad! The pasta’s boiling over!”

“Shit!” Tucker dropped her as if she had been a live plasma conduit and sprinted into the house. T’Pol followed, for the first time in years aware of amusement. It seemed that Tucker ran his family in much the same manner he had run his engineering department on Enterprise, in a controlled panic that stopped short of crisis and which ultimately had the desired effect.

She left the bag in the hall and carried T’Pril through to the kitchen where Tucker was wiping the cooking surface while the two children looked on from the table. He glanced up with a rueful grin. “Have you learnt to cook yet?”

“No.”

“So what do you do at home?”

“My mother supplies suitable meals.”

“I wish my mom did!”

“We’ve got some of grandma’s ice cream in the freezer,” Charlie suggested hopefully.

His father grinned at him. “You reckon? Well, maybe tonight, if you’ve had a rough day. Gonna tell me what happened yet?”

The boy shook his head and his sister stared reprovingly at him. “You should tell daddy. Maybe he can help.”

“Don’t wanna.”

T’Pril began to wriggle and T’Pol set her down cautiously, wary of hot objects within reach, but the girl simply climbed onto a spare chair at the table and reached for one of the data recorders, although Katie snatched it back. “No, T’Pril, that’s my homework.”

The younger girl pouted and T’Pol picked her up again, releasing a wail of protest. “Put her down,” Tucker said firmly. “She’s not doing any harm. Katie, go get T’Pril some of your old picture books.”

“I brought her own education package. I will fetch …”

“Let her go.” He lifted the girl out of T’Pol’s arms before she could object, setting the child down. “Do you know where your mother left her bag, T’Pril?” His Vulcan was … odd … but the girl understood him and nodded. “Then fetch something to amuse yourself with.” She trotted off and Tucker stood up, eyes faintly accusing. “You spoil her.”

“She is a baby.”

“No, she’s not. She must be at least three.”

“Four years, two months.” T’Pol glared at him. “We age more slowly than humans.”

T’Pril scampered back, a large box of electronics held in both hands that she thrust at Tucker with a distinct air of triumph. He grinned. “Clever girl. Can you operate it?”

“Yes.”

The girl scrambled up to the table again and began to activate the learning device while Tucker slid an arm around T’Pol, squeezing gently. “Relax, honey.” His voice was pitched for her ears only. “It doesn’t matter what happens here. No one’s gonna judge you.” She swallowed and leant her head on his shoulder, feeling his mouth brush her temple. Not to be judged … He released her abruptly, giving her a shove towards the table. “Sit. If I don’t get dinner ready soon, Charlie’s gonna give me a hard time.”

T’Pol perched on the edge of a chair, resisting the urge to help T’Pril with the number game she playing but Katie was performing that task and Tucker would undoubtedly interfere if she tried. Charlie was staring at her with disapproval again and she gave him an enquiring look; she was used to Tucker men disapproving of her.

“What do you do?”

“I am a scientist. My current research is in the area of micro singularities.”

“Miniature black holes?”

“Indeed. I am impressed by your knowledge.”

“Dad told me. He said you’re real clever.”

“So is your father.”

“Nah. He can’t do maths.”

Confused, T’Pol glanced up at Tucker who winked at her over the boy’s head. A pity that she had no idea what he was trying to convey to her. “You have reason to believe this, Charlie?”

“Yeah. He won’t do my homework.”

“I see,” as perhaps she did.

“Science is sort of like maths, right?”

“Mathematics is the keystone of many disciplines.”

“Was that a ‘yes’?”

There was that stirring of internal laughter again. “Yes.”

“Would you like to do my homework?”

“I will look at it with you, if you wish.”

“OK.” He grabbed one of the recorders, selected a page and thrust it at her. “I don’t get it.”

“It is basic geometry. What do you ‘not get’?”

“All of it.”

She regarded the simple questions thoughtfully. “Has your father taught you to play pool?”

“Sure. We got a table in the basement.”

“Good. Perhaps you would care to show me.”

“What about my homework?”

“We will take it with us.”

“Dad?”

“Go ahead,” and the smile Tucker directed at T’Pol was wide and approving and she very nearly smiled back. Instead she brushed his mouth with her fingers as she followed his son from the room.

T’Pol ate too much but the pasta salad was … tasty … and when she thought about it, she had not actually eaten since before her arrival on Earth. Eating also meant that she did not have to talk, although as she had noted before Tucker’s children talked even more than he did so perhaps the risk of being required to contribute to the conversation was small. T’Pril ate the human food without protest and did not complain more than four times that she did not understand what was being said. She was certainly happy enough to reply when one of the humans addressed her in Vulcan and speaking during meals was another bad habit that T’Pol would have to break her of when they returned home.

They retired to the living room after tidying up the kitchen, Tucker dropping onto the larger sofa with a yawn, holding out an arm for T’Pol to join him which she did without hesitation, curling up at his side while T’Pril crawled up to join them. Absently, more interested in the feel of Tucker’s body against hers, T’Pol wondered at the child’s lack of surprise that her mother was allowing an apparent stranger to touch her. Perhaps it did not seem strange because T’Pril was so used to receiving caresses from her mother and grandfather; it was very wrong of them and would soon have to cease.

Much happier now that he had understood his homework and eaten a huge portion of peach ice cream, Charlie attacked the entertainment unit while Katie perched on the arm of the sofa, faint jealousy evident as she watched the two Vulcans cuddled up with her father until Tucker tickled her and pulled her close in a loving hug.

“Dad,” Charlie was busy with a menu system, “can we watch the soccer?”

“No!” That was Katie. “Isn’t there any water polo?”

“That’s a girl’s game!”

“Is not! Uncle Jon likes it.”

“Uncle Jon’s a sissy.”

Tucker laughed himself into hiccups and T’Pol regarded the boy with barely contained amusement. “I believe Ambassador Archer would be interested in your opinion, Charlie,” which only made the man laugh harder. T’Pril looked round at the hysterical humans with interest and then shocked T’Pol by producing another smile. She should take her daughter away at once – and she wasn’t going to.

Further debate resulted in a decision to play a game for an hour, although that restriction led to a further argument over bedtime but Tucker was unmoved on that topic; and watching the children’s acceptance, T’Pol realised that his easy going nature was as deceptive as it had ever been. When necessary he asserted his authority and that was it, without argument.

The game perplexed her entirely, however. “What is the educational purpose?”

“Dunno,” Charlie informed her cheerfully and skilfully dealt out the property cards.

“But …” The memory of similarly pointless arguments surfaced and she decided not to bother. The ultimate purpose was undoubtedly to ‘have fun’. “The dealing of cards is not described in the rules.”

“Short cut.” Tucker was stretched out on the floor on one side of the board. “For when we haven’t got time to play properly.

“Yeah, ‘cos some people are so hung up about bedtime.”

“Yeah, ‘cos some people work, Charlie Tucker. Just you remember that.”

“Aw, dad, I went to school. That’s, like, ten times worse than designing some stupid engine. And I did homework.”

T’Pril extracted the cards from T’Pol’s hand and began to lay them out, matching colours, and Tucker chuckled. “Obviously a natural. Make the money into piles too, T’Pril.”

T’Pol lost, mainly, she was sure, because the Tuckers cheated, but her early exit from the game gave her the opportunity to whisk T’Pril away to be made ready for bed as soon as the child started to droop. And that presented her with another problem – she did not know where she and T’Pril were to sleep. The bedroom she had shared with Tucker the previous night was a guest room, not his own. The logical conclusion was that both she and T’Pril should sleep there, leaving Tucker to return to his own bed upstairs but that was not what she wanted at all. Surely he would not have asked her to stay if he had not intended them to remain intimate? Hoping it would not look as if she were assuming too much, she carried the drowsy T’Pril back into the main room to find the other children gone and Tucker tidying up the game. He put the last few cards away and came over to give her a quick kiss. “Better put that sleepy baby to bed.”

“Yes.” T’Pol took her courage in both hands. “At once,” and she turned back the way she had come.

“Hey,” her arm was caught in a firm grip, “wrong way. There’s a spare bed in Katie’s room for sleepovers. You think T’Pril’ll be OK there?”

“Yes.”

“So do I,” and he smiled at her in the way that had always shattered her composure no matter how long she had meditated beforehand.

By the time T’Pol had ensured that T’Pril was safely asleep, Tucker had already abandoned his two with a strict promise of half an hour’s reading maximum and returned downstairs. He was spread out on the couch when she joined him, smiling as she knelt at his side. “I’m tired. What d’you say we meditate for a bit then get an early night?”

“Yes.”

His smile faded even as he stretched out a hand to stroke her cheek. “You never used to agree with me.”

“Perhaps you have gained in wisdom.”

“I don’t think so. Was it that bad, T’Pol?”

She leant forward to kiss his mouth. “We should meditate.”

They really did get an early night so T’Pol awoke around 0400 even though she had slept for longer than normal. On Enterprise, their custom had been to go to sleep together on the understanding that she would always wake first and would get up to read or meditate or sometimes, if the situation demanded, to go on duty. But if she remained then as soon as Tucker showed signs of stirring she would come back to bed for a cuddle and, if time and energy permitted, sex. This time she stayed in bed for a long time watching Tucker sleep. It was a very pleasant exercise but eventually it became impossible to concentrate on that alone and she was forced to seek distraction, which was not hard to find. The conference started later that day and she could review her notes to ensure that she had omitted nothing.

It was a couple of hours later when Tucker groaned and rolled over and T’Pol hurried to insert herself within easy reach. “Charles?”

“Morning.” Cool hands encouraged her to press delightfully close and she took advantage to kiss him. It was so nice to share a bed with someone; her husband had been a fool to reject her suggestion. “You sleep OK?”

“Yes.”

“Me too.” This time he kissed her back and she could feel his erection pressing into her belly – and never mind that it was a physiological reaction and not a sign of affection. “What have you been doing?”

“Reviewing my notes for the conference.”

“Are you all ready for that?”

“Yes.”

“Good,” and he rolled on top. “So I won’t be wrecking your performance if I distract you.”

Tucker sighed with contentment some time later. “That was nice.”

T’Pol knew what he meant. It had been how they used to make love, not the frenzied passion of the first night. “I am sorry.”

He forced her head up to meet his furious gaze. “For what?”

“For the other night.”

“Don’t.” Gentle fingers stroked her cheek, anger gone. “You needed that.”

“You did not enjoy it.”

“T’Pol.” He waited until she finally had to look at him. “I’m never not gonna want sex with you. Not until they nail down my coffin, anyway. I hated seeing you so desperate and I’m getting too old for all-nighters, but you didn’t force me, honey. Never think that.”

“It … had been some time.” Tears were threatening again and she repressed them sternly.

Firm lips pressed to hers. “I’ll make love to you, T’Pol, whenever you want.”

“You cannot.”

“The hell I can!”

“But I want you all the time.”

Tucker laughed and held her tightly for a moment. “Can we compromise on that one?”

“Perhaps.”

“Now that’s more like my T’Pol.”

She pressed her face into his neck, concentrating fiercely. They had made their choice ten years before. She must remember that this was no more than a brief intermission before she had to resume her chosen path. She could not allow Tucker’s intrinsic kindness to make her forget that.

He tickled the back of her neck gently. “We’ve gotta get up, honey, or we’ll have the kids looking for us again.”

T’Pol pulled back at once. “Do you wish to shower here?”

“Quicker if I go upstairs.” He kissed her lightly. “Make me coffee if you’re ready first.”

Once, one of her favourite activities had been showering with him. She wondered if he remembered.

T’Pol surprised herself by successfully making both coffee and green tea – she had found a packet in a cupboard – and was rewarded with a warm hug. “Thanks. Want some breakfast?”

“No.”

Tucker tossed bread into a toaster and began to make sandwiches. “You need to eat more. How come T’Pril sleeps through the night? I thought she’d be awake hours ago.”

“She is young. Her need for sleep will decrease over time.”

He grunted and poured himself more coffee, bringing the toast over to the table and glaring at T’Pol until she took a piece. “I sure miss chef in the mornings.”
“Could you not eat at Starfleet Headquarters?”

“No time. I push it to work a full week as it is. That’s why I was there last Saturday. The kids were at a party so I was catching up.”

“You still appear to have time for exercise.” She did not believe that he could maintain his physique without effort.

“I go the gym lunchtimes. Stops me going crazy.” He smiled at her. “That and meditation. Hey, T’Pril.”

The little girl climbed onto T’Pol’s lap, pulling a furry tiger with her. “Hey.”
T’Pol glared at Tucker; he had already had a bad effect on her daughter. “Good morning, T’Pril.” She repeated the greeting in English; there was no harm in attempting a little education. “What animal is that?”

“A sehlat.”

“No, it is a tiger, an Earth creature.”

“It is a sehlat.” T’Pril could be very stubborn.

“Not enough teeth, honey,” Tucker assured her. “It’s a tiger.”

“Tiger.”

T’Pol tried the glare again but it was wasted as he turned to give his own children a hug and to get them fed.

Despite the fact that they had all got up on time there was still a last minute panic to get out of the house – T’Pol suspected that there always was – although Tucker managed to back her into a corner for a hug. “What time’ll you be home tonight?”

She reminded herself sternly that Tucker was referring to his own abode. “The conference is scheduled to end at 1600 then I must collect T’Pril from the crèche at the consulate.”

“So around 1700?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll see you then,” and he kissed her softly.

Charlie again opened the door to T’Pol and T’Pril although this time he grinned at her. “You’re gonna be in trouble. Dad’s in a temper.”

T’Pol set T’Pril down, feeling a stab of anxiety. “Do you know why he is annoyed?”

“Admiral M’Benga, that’s his boss. He’s always making dad cross.” The boy started up the stairs, T’Pril at his heels. “We’re hiding out up here.”

T’Pol went through into the living room to find Tucker seated at the computer terminal in one corner, a PADD and a mug beside him. He glanced up and scowled at her. “You’re late.”

“Ambassador Archer was a guest at the conference. He held me in conversation.” Hoping that she was not misjudging the situation, she crossed to stand behind Tucker, stroking his shoulders, relieved when he leant back into her. “Charlie said that an Admiral M’Benga has annoyed you.”

“Yeah. Bastard. What did Jon want with you?”

“He enquired into my well being.”

“Did you tell him you were staying here?” She didn’t answer and he swung around. “Why didn’t you tell him?”

“I thought you did not wish it known. You told the children …”

He pulled her onto his lap. “I don’t want you being gossiped about. I don’t mind friends knowing. Kiss me?” She obeyed willingly. “Kiss me again,” and when she had finished he sighed. “That’s better. Conference go OK?”

“Yes.” Some of the speakers had been interesting and the debate had been stimulating but she would save the details for later when he was more cheerful. “What did the admiral do to cause you annoyance?”

Tucker frowned and swung back to the terminal although keeping her on his lap. “Rejected my proposal for the next phase of the project.”

“Did he give justification for his rejection?”

“Allegedly! Guy can’t make sense at the best of times. He wants a revised version tomorrow morning. So much for family friendly policies in Starfleet!”
T’Pol reached for the PADD that she guessed held the original proposal, scanning through it rapidly as she caressed the back of Tucker’s neck; it had always been an effective technique for keeping him quiet. “You have omitted information in several areas. The admiral probably assumed that you were hiding a flaw in the plan.”

He snatched the PADD to check for himself. “I didn’t leave anything out.”
“You have not documented your verification strategy, nor have you provided sufficient detail of the work allocation.”

“I know that stuff. M’Benga doesn’t have to get involved at that level of detail.”
“How long have you worked together?”

“Three months.”

“That is not long enough to establish a working level of trust between you. Until you prove that you are capable of working without supervision, he will continue to supervise.”

“I’ve been in the job for years! What does he think I am? A cadet?”

“Charles, you always gave the impression of being far less professional than you were. Has that changed?” He scowled. “Admiral M’Benga may even doubt your commitment when you have a family to care for alone.” She raised a hand to stroke his still sulky face. “Update your proposal. I estimate that it will take no more than an hour.”

“I hate it when you’re right. You ought to be nice to me, not defend my boss.”
“I will be very nice to you … later.”

“Promise?” She looked calmly back and he began to grin wickedly. “D’you remember how you used to kiss my stomach?”

“I have an excellent memory.”

“Good,” and he captured her mouth in a slow, deep kiss.

“Aw, dad!” Charlie’s protest pulled them reluctantly apart. “Not the kissy stuff.” Tucker gave his son a quizzical look and the boy grinned. “Is it safe to come down now?”

“I guess.”

T’Pol removed herself from Tucker’s lap. “Your father has agreed to complete his task, Charlie, but will require quiet to do so. I suggest we leave him to his work.”

“Dad’s gotta do homework? Hey, cool!”

“I hate kids.”

Charlie grinned, unoffended at his father’s claim, and responded to T’Pol’s gentle push in the direction of the stairs.

Katie and Charlie were both reading while T’Pol was taking T’Pril through a series of exercises to improve her concentration when Tucker finally appeared, a little over an hour later, and dropped onto the bed behind Charlie, ruffling the boy’s hair. “What d’you say we eat out? I can’t be bothered to cook.”

The boy yelped with pleasure. “Can I have steak, dad?”

“Well, I’m sure gonna.”

Katie rolled her eyes. “It makes me feel sick.”

“Sorry, honey, but you know the rules. We don’t have meat at home but we’re allowed to elsewhere. Move yourselves then. Fifteen minute countdown starts now.”

T’Pol followed Tucker as he headed for his own room. “I will remain here.”

“No, you won’t.” He turned back to face her.

“T’Pril …”

“Will be fine. They’re used to kids.” He stepped up close, a hand cupping around her cheek. “I want you to come.”

“Very well.” Sensible behaviour when Tucker touched her was still difficult.

“Good girl.” He kissed her forehead. “Go get ready. I want to grab a shower.”

The restaurant was barely a kilometre away so they walked although T’Pol knew that she would be carrying T’Pril back however low the gravity. From the familiar way Tucker was greeted by the staff, she deduced that he frequently could not be bothered to cook – and frequently brought women with him. The stares only started after people had taken a second look and noticed that she wasn’t human. At least the table was tucked away in a corner; she could not bring herself to care that she was being seen with a human family but the stares were humiliating.

A large woman approached the table with a grin. “Any chance you want to see a menu, Trip?”

“Probably not.” He glanced over at T’Pol, eyes creasing in amusement. “So that’s three mushroom risottos, two without cheese, two steaks, a beer, a glass of shiraz, two apple juices and,” he pointed at T’Pril, questioning, “water?”

“Yes, and also for me.”

“Uh huh,” he shook his head to deny T’Pol’s request to the waitress. “Don’t tell me you don’t drink, I know you do.”

The drinks arrived promptly and Tucker downed half his beer in a single gulp and ordered another even as he finished the other half a little more slowly. “Daddy!” Katie protested and he glowered at her.

“I had a bad day!”

She looked doubtfully at T’Pol then back to her father, expression pensive. “Mom used to shout when you got drunk.”

He held the girl’s eyes, his own serious. “I haven’t got drunk in years, Katie. I’m not gonna start now.”

“You’d better not,” and she returned to her fruit juice, leaving T’Pol to worry about what might have happened in the past. When she had known him, Tucker had enjoyed alcoholic beverages but she had never seen him more than mildly inebriated. Sensing her scrutiny, he met her eyes, gave her a quick smile and reached across the table to cover her clasped hands with one of his own, surprise showing when she took the opportunity to retain possession of it before he could pull back. She was not prepared to miss any opportunity for touching and what did it matter if someone saw her? She was already shamed in the eyes of her people.

The constraint that Katie’s comment had introduced lasted only until the food arrived then conversation returned to normal - loud and boisterous – although T’Pol noted that Tucker drank his second beer far more slowly than the first and didn’t order a third. The food was good and she again ate too much because it was a long time since she had eaten mushroom risotto. Of course it was. The last few days had proved that she had done very little that she actually enjoyed in the last ten years, from talking about her work to having sexual intercourse with the man she loved.

Between fielding questions from the children and stopping arguments, she was able to acquaint Tucker with the first day’s proceedings at the conference and they eventually entered into one of the heated debates for which they had been infamous on Enterprise.

“Damn it, you’re wrong!” Tucker yelled at last. “Why are you always so damned stubborn?”

“Perhaps because you are ill-informed, illogical and incapable of admitting defeat.”

“Now, you listen …”

“Dessert?” The waitress was back, looking doubtfully from Tucker to the children although Charlie and Katie were grinning.

“S’OK, Sally,” the boy assured her. “Dad’s not really mad.”

“Who says I’m not?”

“We do,” Katie said firmly. “Dad, I’m full, can we go play?”

“Sure, but no jumping around or you’ll be sick.”

Both children declined dessert and headed for a games area in one corner of the restaurant, T’Pril following them despite T’Pol’s protest that Tucker overruled as usual. “She’ll be OK. Come sit round here and you can keep an eye on her.”

She moved around the table onto the bench seat he had been occupying with Katie and Charlie, moving as close as she dared without encouragement then as close as possible when, after a moment’s study, Tucker slid an arm along the back of the seat behind her. He gave a grunt of amusement as she pressed against him and dropped the arm around her shoulders. “You can’t get around me that easily. I’m still mad at you and you’re still wrong.”

“I may be willing to concede the point regarding the validity of the Klingon data.”
Cool lips brushed her temple. “You never used to concede a damn.”

T’Pol did not have to respond as the waitress delivered a plate containing a large serving of pecan pie, smiling approvingly at the sight of her favourite customer with his arm around a pretty women – even if she was an alien. “You want another beer, Trip?”

“No, thanks, just coffee.”

T’Pol waited until the coffee arrived and Tucker had swallowed the first mouthful of pie with evident pleasure before asking cautiously, “Charles, do you have an alcohol-related problem?”

“No,” he said firmly, maybe just a shade too firmly then sighed. “I really don’t, but when my marriage was breaking up it wasn’t pretty and Natalie threw some low punches – hell, so did I! – and I got drunk a few times. Katie can just remember and it upsets her if she sees me drinking.”

“I am sorry.”

“Not your fault.” He dipped his head and kissed her gently, lingering just long enough to provoke a reaction. “I was wrong to have a drink tonight. Didn’t need one when you’ve promised to be nice to me later.”

She arched an eyebrow. “I promised to be very nice. If you merely wish for nice …”

He stopped her disclaimer with another kiss. “I want the very nice. Have some pie.”

“You believe I need my inhibitions lowered?”

He nuzzled her ear, chuckling softly. “Well, maybe just a little.”

T’Pol pulled back but only so she could meet Tucker’s eyes, letting him see the desire. “I will see what I can do.”

It was gratifying to hear his breath catch, to see his pupils dilate. “Jeez,” he murmured, “what you do to me and in public where I can’t do a thing about it,” although he was moving in for yet another kiss when Charlie’s voice interrupted.
“No, dad, I told you! Not the kissy stuff.”

“I don’t mind.” Katie was back too. “What’s wrong with dad kissing T’Pol?”

“Kissing’s for girls.”

Tucker studied his son with some misgiving. “One day, Charlie, I’m gonna have to explain that one.” He broke off another forkful of pecan pie and offered it to T’Pol, eyes wicked. She widened her own at him in a gesture only he could see and ate the offering delicately, aware that he shivered against her. The sucrose would go straight to her head but perhaps no one but Tucker would notice.

“Dad, can I have some pie too?”

“Sure, if you let me kiss you goodnight.”

“Aw, yuck! Dad, that’s horrible.”

“So, daddy,” at eight Katie was a lot more knowing, “does that mean T’Pol lets you kiss her goodnight?”

He fed the woman beside him another forkful. “A gentleman doesn’t answer that sort of question, Katie.”

“T’Pol, does dad …”

“Enough!” Tucker swallowed the last of his dessert and stood up, tugging on T’Pol’s hand to keep her close. “If you’re gonna embarrass us we’re going home. Katie, grab T’Pril before she gets lost. Charlie …” but the boy had already dashed ahead, colliding with the waitress.

“Oops, sorry, but we gotta dash. Dad wants to kiss T’Pol and I don’t wanna watch.”

Tucker groaned. “Sorry, honey. Want me to grovel?”

“No. I trust Charlie was accurate for I would like you to kiss me.”

He chuckled and squeezed her hand. “I knew that pie was a good idea.”

They didn’t exactly hurry the children into bed once they got home but neither did they linger as long as normal to ensure that they were settled and Tucker grabbed T’Pol the moment they reached the bottom of the stairs, pinning her to the wall for a long, searching kiss. “Where were we?”

She busied herself with the buttons of his shirt to reach the skin underneath. “I believe I was about to lower my inhibitions.”

“Oh God.” Tucker had said that with increasing desperation and increasing frequency over the course of the preceding half hour. “Oh, God, that was good.”
“I am glad you recognise that my memory has not failed me.” T’Pol looked down at the man with undiluted satisfaction. Tucker might have reduced her to mindless flesh the night before last, but she had just proved that she could pleasure him into irrationality.

“Oh, yeah.” His eyes were still closed. “Jeez, I’d forgotten how good it feels with your body temperature higher than mine.” The first few times he’d slept with Natalie again he’d not understood why it had been so … bland. “You’re so hot.”

T’Pol leant forward to press her mouth to his. She was not sure if that had been a literal or metaphorical reference but either way it was complimentary and she did not want a compliment to go un-rewarded. On Enterprise, Tucker had hardly ever said flattering things to her – except that he loved her. “Charles.”

“Mm?”

She swallowed, shocked that she had been so close to stating the unacceptable. This was only a temporary arrangement. Tucker did not want to know that she still loved him, would always love him. “Do you wish to shower?”
Blue eyes opened to look into hers. “Why do I get the feeling that you don’t just wanna get clean?”

Because for ten long empty years she had been alone. “Because I want you again.”

“You really are insatiable, aren’t you?”

“You said that you would take me whenever I wished.”

“Yeah, I did, didn’t I? But did I know what I was letting myself in for?”

The pain was sudden and unexpected. She had thought that he wanted her, at least for a short while. The first night had been pity, yes, but since then …
“T’Pol.” Strong arms pulled her back, not as strong as hers but compelling when she wished them to be. “Don’t look like that. I want you, honey, never doubt that. You need to give me a rest, that’s all. You wore me out.”

“I am sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry.” He had settled her on his chest, cool hands soothing on her back. “Just relax. There’s no hurry.”

T’Pol turned her head to one side so that Tucker could not see her expression, knowing it was currently beyond her control. There was every need for haste. There were only a few days left before she had to leave and she did not want to. All she wanted was to stay with him for the rest of her life – or, practically speaking, his life, for she would outlive him by many years if they both reached their natural span. It could not happen and this time not merely because neither their families nor their cultures could accept the idea. This time only one of them was in love.

T’Pol was talking to one of the Andorian scientists during the midday break when one of the organisers approached her to say that she had a personal call. Alarmed because all she could think was that T’Pril had been taken ill, she followed the woman to the reception desk to find Tucker’s face waiting on the screen.

“Sorry,” he said before anything else, “but I need a favour. M’Benga couldn’t meet me this morning even though he wanted that damn proposal first thing and now he’s scheduled a meeting for 1630. The man’s a …”

T’Pol drew the logical conclusion and interrupted before Tucker could compromise himself on an official comm. channel. “You wish me to collect Katie and Charlie from school?”

“Yeah.” He looked guiltily at her. “I know it’s a damn cheek but I can’t get hold of …”

“At what time?”

“1700. They’ve got some after school club. Are you sure?”

“Positive.” It would mean leaving the conference early but she knew Professor Cunliffe’s work and was not impressed. It would be no loss.

“Thanks. I don’t know what time I’ll be home. If you all get hungry …”

“I am sure that Katie will be able to instruct me in the way to proceed.”

“Yeah. Thanks again.” He kissed his fingertips and pressed them briefly to the screen. “See you later.”

T’Pol gave the organiser a cool stare and returned to the main chamber, leaving the woman with a puzzle. She knew that the Vulcan had only been on Earth for a few days because she had helped with the travel arrangements so how had the other woman been able to establish a relationship with that charming Starfleet officer? Vulcans were certainly fast workers.

T’Pol reached the school not long before the appointed time and dismissed the cab because it was only a short distance to the Tuckers’ house and T’Pril showed signs of having been confined all day. The crèche concentrated too much on mental discipline and not enough on physical well-being. She must remember to forward them some recent papers on childcare. There was a small play area attached to the school and she let T’Pril in for some exercise, keeping a watch for Katie and Charlie and so missing the approach of a petite woman balancing a baby on her hip.

“T’Pol?” She turned in surprise and the other woman smiled. “I thought it was you. Jon told me you were on Earth but what are you doing here, sub-commander?”

T’Pol didn’t have time to decide how to answer that or even if she wished to answer because Katie and Charlie raced up at that moment, the boy by-passing the adults to join T’Pril on a climbing frame while Katie more politely stopped by the women. “Hey, Hoshi, T’Pol. Where’s dad?”

Since that was clearly directed at her, T’Pol had to answer. “He has been detained at work. He asked me to collect you.” It was impossible to avoid Hoshi Archer’s astonished stare any longer. “I met Commander Tucker a few days ago. He was kind enough to allow myself and T’Pril to stay in his house while I am attending the conference.”

Hoshi’s eyes were huge. “Jon didn’t mention that. Are you and Trip …?”
T’Pol went to rescue T’Pril who had climbed too high and become stuck. “We should return home in case your father arrives before us.” That was directed at Charlie who shrugged and scrambled down.

“I’ll come with you.” Hoshi’s tone didn’t leave room for argument. This was the best bit of gossip in years: in eleven and a half years, to be precise, since Tucker and T’Pol had got together the first time. “Jon’s out tonight. We can catch up on what we’ve both been doing since you left Enterprise,” and especially on how the Vulcan woman had returned to her old lover.

When Tucker reached home not long after 1800 it was to find everyone on the living room floor playing Scrabble and supremely indifferent to his arrival. “Someone might at least say hello,” he grumbled and came to sit close behind T’Pol, arms going around her waist. “What are you doing here, Hoshi?”
“It’s nice to see you too, Trip,” she replied affably, watching with interest as her friend kissed the Vulcan woman’s neck and wasn’t elbowed away for a public demonstration of affection. So those two were definitely back together and Tucker looked happier than he had in a long time. “I met T’Pol at school. I help out there, remember?”

“And you thought you’d do a little digging?” he asked with a touch of asperity and Hoshi shrugged.

“Well … Charlie, you can’t spell ‘no’ like that.”

“Why are we playing Scrabble in Vulcan?” Tucker asked curiously and finally extracted a response from the woman in his arms.

“Katie believed that it would allow T’Pril to participate. However her notion of spelling is as erratic as yours and these letters do not lend themselves to representing Vulcan.”

“I can spell a word.” The man’s eyes were on T’Pol’s letters and Charlie howled in protest.

“Dad, no! You don’t need to help T’Pol. She is Vulcan!”

“Oh yeah.” He nuzzled one pointed ear. “I guess I forgot that.”

T’Pol moved her head out of reach. She did not mind having her neck kissed and Tucker’s arms around her were very pleasant but if he stimulated her ears too much he would be embarrassed by the result. “How did your meeting with Admiral M’Benga proceed?”

“OK.” He nuzzled her neck some more since it was there and available.

“He accepted your proposal?”

“Yeah.” Teeth nipped her gently. “He even thanked me for staying late.” She turned for an assessing look. “I was real polite. Said I didn’t mind what hours I worked as long as I had enough notice to arrange cover for the kids.”

“Perhaps it was a conversation you both needed to have.”

“Maybe. What’s for dinner?”

“I have no idea.”

“Didn’t I ask you to cook?”

“No.”

Hoshi smiled; it was sheer pleasure to see Trip happy again. “If you ask me to stay, I could be persuaded to cook.”

“Suits me.” Tucker grinned back. “Can you teach T’Pol while you’re at it?”

“I have no idea.”

Tucker kissed T’Pol’s neck again then pushed her away. “Go learn to cook. I’ll take over here.”

Hoshi scrambled up as well. “Heaven help the spelling then.” Once in the kitchen, she began to poke around in the fridge. “Will you be staying long, T’Pol?”

“I … The conference ends on Friday.”

She had never heard the Vulcan woman sound so uncertain. “Trip’s had a rough few years.” Purposely she didn’t look around. “He tries to hide it for the children’s sake but … well, bringing up two kids by yourself isn’t easy.”

“He appears to have been successful.”

“Yeah, they’re nice kids. I think it was a good thing Natalie didn’t want anything to do with them after the divorce. I never liked her; I don’t know why Trip thought he did,” except that Natalie Tucker had been blonde, slender, extrovert and shallow. If Tucker had tried – and Hoshi thought maybe he had – he couldn’t have found a woman in greater contrast to his former lover. Why one of his family or friends hadn’t taken him aside and told him that he was making a big mistake Hoshi hadn’t understood until she had learnt the dates of the Tuckers’ marriage and Katie’s birthday. “Well, it looks like it’s going to be pasta. You’d think the man was Italian, he never has anything else in the house.”

“There’s nothing wrong with pasta.” Tucker wandered into the kitchen mainly, Hoshi suspected, so that he could hug T’Pol. “Make me coffee?” T’Pol freed herself long enough to pour him a glass of milk then returned his side again; Hoshi had had no idea that Vulcans could be so affectionate. “That’s not coffee.”

“You drink too much coffee.”

“You’re horrible to me,” he grumbled without too much conviction. “I’m gonna have a shower and get changed. The kids are watching a thing on dinosaurs.”

“A thing?”

“Yeah, a documentary thing. You can answer the questions, I don’t do dinosaurs anymore.”

T’Pol found dinosaur questions more challenging even than cooking and glared at Tucker when he laughed at her difficulties. “You are not helping.”

“I said I didn’t do dinosaurs,” but he changed the subject. “Hoshi, are you doing anything Friday night?”

“Why?”

“That’s nice! A simple question and all I get is suspicion!”

“You want something, you always do. What is it this time? Babysitting again?”

He grinned winningly at her. “Come on, Hoshi, play nice. You know we’ll always have Henry whenever you want.” For a second the ‘we’ sent a wave of warmth through T’Pol until she realised that Tucker had been referring to himself and his children. She had to remember that she was only a visitor but it was difficult when she wanted to remain on a permanent basis.

“Why should I look after your rotten kids? Maybe my husband’s going to take me out.”

“Nah, Jon only takes you to water polo matches and it’s the closed season.”

“Oh, all right. I suppose you want me to come here?”

“Sure, it’s easier. You’ve just got one. We’ve got three.” That time T’Pol couldn’t suppress the hope. Oh, but she wanted to stay!

T’Pol had just finished her meditation and was about to slip out of her robe when a noise from outside the room drew her attention, followed by the sound of bare feet on the stairs. A quick look confirmed that Tucker hadn’t stirred and she opened the door to find Charlie only a couple of metres away.

He halted when he saw her. “I had a nasty dream.”

“Did you?” Hesitantly she approached. “Dreams can be unpleasant but cannot harm you, Charlie.”

“Daddy wasn’t in his room.”

“He is down here.”

“He didn’t come when I called.”

T’Pol placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder and steered him into the bedroom. “Your father was tired, Charlie, and it is a long way from your room. Even I did not hear you call and my hearing is far more sensitive than a human’s.”

The boy was crawling under the covers next to his father and Tucker grunted, startled out of sleep. “What the …? Charlie?”

“Daddy.” The boy had his arms around Tucker’s neck. “I had a nasty dream.”

“Did you?” He wasn’t properly awake although he was hugging the boy. “What about?”

“A dinosaur tried to get me.”

“Huh?”

T’Pol perched on the side of the bed. “Dinosaurs featured in the documentary earlier this evening.”

“Oh, well,” a hand was ruffling the boy’s hair, “that explains it. None of them gonna get you here, Charlie.”

“Indeed, they have been extinct for approximately 65 million years.”

“They chased me along a beach.”

“It was just a dream, Charlie. We all get them but they can’t hurt us.”

“Can I stay here?”

Tucker looked apologetically up at T’Pol but didn’t hesitate. “What d’you say we go upstairs to my room so T’Pol can get some sleep too?”

“OK.”

“Go get a glass of milk to take up with you.”

Recognising that Tucker wanted the chance to dress, T’Pol held out a hand to the boy and he let himself be served with a large glass although he returned immediately to his father’s side when the man emerged, squeezing T’Pol’s hand in passing as he ushered the boy up the stairs. She returned regretfully to the downstairs bedroom, reflecting that life on Enterprise had been much simpler.

***************

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