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Living Among the Thorns- Ch 12

Author - Triplover
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Living Among the Thorns

By Triplover

Disclaimer: See Chapter One.
Summary: See Chapter One.

A/N: This was the hardest chapter for me to write. I don’t know why but I had no idea what would happen between Trip and T’Pol. I tell you, sometimes writing is a challenger! I hope you guys like this last chapter! It wasn’t easy!

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Chapter Twelve (Conclusion)

Jonathan Archer was tired, but more than that he was upset. What Trip had said made a lot of sense, and that scared him. What if their mission, what if what they were going to do would end up with the death of a race, the Xindi race instead of the Human race? He knew he couldn’t let his people die, but the thought that he would end up killing an entire race… it was more than horrifying. It was sickening. It scared the hell out of him in ways he never thought possible. He couldn’t sleep, not now. Not after what he had soon realized. The fact of the matter was, it might come to that. And that meant that he would have to make a big decision.

But he didn’t want that decision to be his crew’s along with his. If it came down to a point where they had to destroy an entire race… then he would do it, not them. He was the captain, and he would deal with the problems and guilt to come from what they had to do. From now on, no matter what happened, no matter what Enterprise had to go through, he would do whatever he could to take on all the burden. His crew didn’t deserve to suffer. So he’d make sure that they didn’t have to. No matter what.

But that was not the only thing that swam around in his head. His talk with Trip had opened his eyes to more than the Xindi but to Trip’s growing relationship with T’Pol. He couldn’t believe what Trip had told him; perhaps it was that he wouldn’t believe it. After all, he still had feelings for T’Pol. But the way Trip looked at him, the way he said those three words… Archer had never seen him so serious as when he said those words. He’d seen Trip in many other relationships… and with each he’d said he’d loved them… but even then, even through the words Archer could tell somewhere in him there was doubt. He sensed no doubt now. Not when he’d said it this time. He loved T’Pol. There was no doubt about it.

Now there was a problem though. He wondered whether T’Pol felt the same way. T’Pol had changed so much on Enterprise, but had she changed enough to love someone? And to love Trip of all people? The question weighed heavily on him. He didn’t want to see his friend hurt. Even if he had feelings for T’Pol still, he didn’t like the thought of Trip having his heart broken once again by a woman. Too many had already done that too him to the point that Trip hadn’t even really seemed to want a relationship. The man practically changed his life just so that he wouldn’t have one. Running to a starship was one thing Archer hadn’t thought about… and yet… it was true… he had run. He’d run from the relationship he had with Natalie.

Then there were all his one-night stands with other women. It certainly gave him a reputation with women that Archer never thought the man would shake. Trip was an emotional man, but with women… emotions were like is enemy. Just there to hurt him over and over again. So when Trip had decided he wouldn’t get hurt ever again, he’d shut down that emotion that gave him the desire to love. But apparently T’Pol had gotten through his defenses. He didn’t know how, but she had. But did she love him? It was one question he just couldn’t answer… and that scared him. He had no idea how T’Pol felt.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

T’Pol hesitated. She immediately made eye contact with him. He had a look of surprise on his face but he seemed to try to hide it with a smile. She breathed in deep. All her doubts about her new feelings melted away as if they had never existed. What was she to do now? She could not seem to speak. Every part of her wanted to touch him, wanted to move closer to him. She could hardly control herself. She could still feel his lips on hers, feel his arms around her, holding her so tightly against his strong muscular body. The thought brought flutters in her stomach. She swallowed hard at the thought. “May I come in?”

Trip smiled broadly, nodding. “Of course.” He moved aside and T’Pol walked past him and towards his window. She did not dare look at him again, not until she got her feelings on this matter clear. She could hear the door close and hear Trip walk closer to her. She held her breath until he finally stopped. She did not turn around for fear that he was too close. Instead she looked outside at the window. She still had no idea what to say. “Sooo, did ya just come here fer star gazin’ or is there somethin’ on yer mind?” He asked. She could tell by his voice that he was uncomfortable. Probably the result of her silence. She finally turned around and noticed that he had not gotten too close. As soon as she made eye contact with him again she watched his eyes move away. He looked down then back up at her, yet not completely looking at her.

“We should talk about what transpired on the Redeemer.” She said finally. He breathed in deep, obviously nervous. His hands didn’t seem to know where to rest.

“Yeah… I figured as much.” He sighed, then fell to the bed, clasping his hands together as his elbows rested on his knees. He looked down. “I uh… I think maybe we should just forget about it.” he whispered. T’Pol raised an eyebrow. She had not expected this.

Part of her felt a stab of pain at his words. She did not know what to say. “Forget about it?” She asked, her voice hoarse. She frowned at the sound that came out but he did not seem to notice, for which she was quite thankful.

He let his fingers go through his hair as he sighed. “I know that’s what ya want. I’m sorry about what I did. Kissing you was inappropriate. I shouldn’t have done it, and I’m sorry.” T’Pol began to realize what was going on. She walked over to him and sat down next to him. She looked straight ahead.

“That is not what I want. And I do not accept your apology because you do not need to make one. The kiss was… agreeable.” He looked up at her, she could tell he was surprised. Eventually she looked at him to see his mouth hung open and his eyes wide. She could tell he was trying to speak but no words came out. Finally he looked away, then stood and walked over to the window. He shook his head and finally turned to look at her.

“What? You mean you… you… you liked it?”

It was now that she realized that she had to tell him. As her eyes searched his, she could tell that it was time that he knew what she had kept secret all this time. “I… I have developed feelings for you.” She said in a whisper.

Trip Tucker was sure that he had lost all sensation in his legs at this point. Her words almost sung to him. He couldn’t say a word. Only look at her. He’d never wanted something so much in his life as much as he wanted to hold her at that moment. To touch her… to… to kiss her. But he held back. He just stood there. Watching her. Feeling his heart fall down into his stomach. “You… you… you what?” He asked, wanting to hear her say it again. So he’d know he hadn’t just made a mistake. T’Pol looked straight into his eyes. Not even blinking.

“I said, I have developed feelings for you.” He took a step back to the wall, keeping himself from falling to the floor in shock. He’d never thought he’d see the day when she would say what she just said. He looked down and shook his head.

“This can’t be happenin’….” He mumbled to himself. He didn’t know what to say. He didn’t even know what to do. T’Pol cocked her head at him. He closed his eyes and let his head hit the glass window. “T’Pol… why didn’t ya tell me this sooner?” He asked, keeping his eyes closed.

“I… was somewhat confused as to what the feelings were at the time. I needed to understand what was happening. I am not accustomed to this kind of emotion.”

He breathed in deeply, keeping it in his lungs for awhile before exhaling. “Still ya must have known somethin’… ya must of known somethin’ was there!” He didn’t know why he was so upset. All he wanted to do was kiss her but he couldn’t. He knew more than anything that he wanted to be with her. But something in the back of his mind held him back. Fear.

“I am sorry if you are upset by this, I simply wished to tell you how I felt. I wish to talk about this, and what we should do about it.”

He opened his eyes and watched her stand and walk closer to him. “T’Pol… you… you… it’s pointless to talk. It would never work between you and me!” He hadn’t meant to yell, but his frustration got the better of him. T’Pol cocked her head once again.

“How so?”

He sighed long and hard. “I’ve been in relationships before. All of ‘em ended up bein’ disasters. All of ‘em! If I can’t make it work with a Human, how in the world would I make it with a Vulcan?! I mean, for god’s sake… those women… all I could think was how it was possible I could live with them, that I could have somethin’ with them. With you, all I can think is how it’d be impossible to live without ya, but also to have somethin’ with ya. I do love you T’Pol… more than you know. But if this didn’t work, I’d lose you… and that’s just not somethin’ I’m willing to let happen ta me.”

“Then don’t.”

Trip looked away, closing his eyes then looked out the window. “It’s not that easy. It never is. If I hurt you, I’d never be able to forgive myself. And I would hurt you, T’Pol. Some people are just better off alone.”

“You fear taking a risk with this, because you do not wish to lose our friendship. Yet if I walk out of here, we may still lose it. We can not go back to the way things were.” It was strange to think that her own logic was now helping her reason with this man. Especially as her wish to be with him was an illogical one. Suddenly the hesitation she’d felt left her, and only determination was what had appeared in its wake.

“But we can’t go forward either… so we’re somewhere in the middle. Too afraid ta be more, yet unable to go back. Aren’t you afraid of this? Aren’t ya afraid of what might come from this?” T’Pol found it odd that he would ask such a question. Did he not know her? She was a Vulcan… and Vulcans did not feel fear. But yet,…perhaps it was his knowledge of her that made him ask the question, because she did feel such fear.

“If it were anyone else, I would tell you that I do not experience fear. But… such would not be the truth. And I can not lie to you. I do fear this. I do fear the closeness we would have if we pursued this relationship.”

“So why ya so determined to have it?” His eyes were soft, yet showed the fear she now saw in him. Fear of getting hurt… it was fear of getting hurt.

“Because I am more afraid of what we would lose, if we do not try this.”

“I don’t know T’Pol. I just don’t know. I mean, we’re suppose ta be findin’ the Xindi… not fallin’ in love.”

“Why can we not do both?”

“Because either of us could get hurt… or worse. And then what’d we do? Earth can’t afford us gettin’ distracted.” He knew it was a flimsy excuse but the truth was, it was how he felt. His feelings for her could cloud his judgment and that was something he wasn’t sure he wanted.

“Then we will have to make sure that it does not happen.” T’Pol now realized that he was shaking. It was hardly noticeable, but she could see it. He was upset. And it was her fault. Her determination was slowly melting away at his distress. But even though it was leaving her, she still didn’t want to give up.

Trip finally looked at her. “How can ya be so sure about all this?” He whispered questioningly.

“I am not sure about… ‘this’. I am sure about you.”

Trip smiled, moved his hand to her cheek, caressing her cheek with his thumb. “How can ya be so sure bout me?”

“Because, when I see you… I see an honest man. One who I can trust, and rely on. Someone who I know and care for. I have not been sure about anything in my life until now, until this. It was you all along. At first I could not admit to myself that something more was going on between us. But whenever you were hurt, whenever you were upset, I felt something I have never before felt. Something I could not begin to describe. And when your sister died, the pain intensified until it was unbearable. When I thought you would die, the feeling doubled until I could hardly control the feelings that were wearing down my ability to suppress emotions. No one has ever done that to me. No one but you.”

“I tend ta have that affect on people.” He said with a sheepish smile.

“Indeed.” She whispered back and moved away from him to sit on the bed. He followed her and watched as she looked down at nothing. “I am not going to lie to you. A part of me thinks that a relationship with you would be a mistake. That it would be illogical to try this, to want this. But that part of me is a small part, a part that I have let control me for far too long.”

Trip sat down next to her and tried his best to control himself. His urge to kiss her was growing. “You really think this could work?”

“I do not know. You bring up a good point. A Vulcan/Human relationship has never been attempted before. Not even a friendship. But even with the uncertainty, I cannot ignore how I feel. Nor can I suppress these feelings. I wish to pursue this… but if you do not I will understand.” She was looking down now, aware that she was dreading his answer. But he moved her head up to look at him, and moved his hands to her cheeks to keep eye contact.

“I do want this T’Pol. More than anything. I just don’t want to ruin this… what we have. I don’t think I could stand it if this didn’t work out.” She moved her hands over his.

“Trip, I know. I know that you fear what the future will hold.” And remembering Phlox’s words, she continued, “But when it comes to love… risks are all part of the process.”

Trip couldn’t help the smile that played across his lips. He let go of her face and chuckled. “I can stare down twenty Klingons but I still get nervous when I find myself fallin’ for someone. What is it bout the opposite sex that’s got me sweatin’ so much?” He asked, not really expecting an answer.

“Perhaps it is the fear of getting hurt.” She offered. He nodded slightly.

“Yeah… maybe… either way… it drives me crazy.” He slowly moved his right hand to her cheek once again, enjoying the warmth of her touch. “Ya hear that? Ya make me crazy. Completely crazy.” He sighed for the hundredth time. “But I guess crazy isn’t so bad.” He added and moved closer to her until their lips met and their kiss deepened.

Slowly they pulled off clothes, until it was skin on skin, allowing the passion they’d felt to go free. Trip no longer thought of the doubts he had had earlier. She was the only thing he thought about as he moved in and out of her. As he made love to her. He hadn’t known that Vulcans could be double jointed, but this one was. He felt her body arch when he moved away from her. Her skin was softer than he’d imagined. Her lips were wet and just as soft. All his entire thoughts were on her, and giving her pleasure. His love for her intensified with each passing moment as he felt her finally let out a moan that he’d never have expected. He felt his climax coming soon, just as he knew hers was coming. It was only a matter of time. And she finally was beginning to pulse from under him. Their moans intertwined in that moment as both felt themselves being thrown into a pleasure neither had known possible. Her back again arched as she sucked his juices dry. And finally he collapsed on top of her, heaving and out of breath, hardly able to keep back the astonishment he felt. The thought of what he was doing was lost in the heat of passion; now that he was aware of things again he could feel a smile come across his lips.

At last he slid to her side, still breathing heavily, unable to speak…There were no words. Only a feeling… a feeling of warmth that he’d never felt with any of those other relationships. Something was different. Very different with her… He couldn’t describe what he felt. It was an emotion even he didn’t quite know… one he’d never actually felt before. Peace… that was what it was… It was peace. He finally felt at peace.

Trip looked over at T’Pol who was looking at the ceiling. She was sweating just as much as he, and he could tell that she’d felt something too. His problems didn’t seem so bad anymore. His feelings about the Xindi were close to gone. His despair over Torlic and Koelin’s death was all but destroyed. They hung over him still, but now… now he had her with him. Just being with her had made his pain go away in a way he’d never understand. Peace… she gave him a peace that no one else ever could. He didn’t fear their future together… he didn’t worry whether they’d stay together because he already had his answer. He took a deep breath and smiled. “You know I told the cap’n about how I felt about you.” She looked back at him.

“He is your friend… I suspected as much.” He cocked his head oddly on the bed.

“So yer not gonna kill me or anything?” He asked in surprise. “I mean yer not mad that I told something kinda private to him?” T’Pol liftd an eyebrow.

“Why would I be mad at you? I love you.” Trip smiled, then suddenly frowned.

“T’Pol… that’s the first time you’ve actually said that ta me. You just told me you loved me. You said those three little words.” She paused….

“So I did.” And with another smile Trip moved her closer to him, holding him in his arms.

Trip had never felt so content as did lying there just holding her. His arms around the Vulcan who now seemed to be drifting off to sleep on his chest. Her hands around him. Her form seemed fragile, yet he knew it wasn’t. Either way, lying there with her, knowing she felt the same way he did… that she loved him… well, it was better than anything he ever felt before. Maybe this could work. Maybe his fears before were just him trying to protect his self from rejection later. Like with Natalie. But she was no Natalie. This was T’Pol… the love of his life.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

T'Pol was not at all sure of many things in her life, but what she was sure of was that her relationship with Charles Tucker was the best thing that ever happened to her. T'Pol couldn't help but wonder what the Vulcan High Command would say about such a union. It was obvious that many Vulcans would find her relationship with a Human insulting, but she no longer cared about Vulcan, or what any of the Vulcans on her home planet that would be against such a union. It was her life, and in the words of Charles himself 'she had the right to choose'. She wanted this, she wanted him. She found pleasure in the life they would soon find themselves in.

T'Pol searched the mess hall for Charles. Once she found him sitting at a table near the window she walked over to the table. Trip smiled and stood, pulling out her chair for her and then sitting down himself. He moved his chair beside her and put his arm around her. Neither hid the feelings they had for each other. Although T'Pol did not completely know what to do in front of the crew, they for the most part knew that she and Trip were a couple. But showing affection in public was not something she was used to. Still, she did not hold back from taking the pleasure out of the situation. She was with him, the ‘love of her life’ as the Humans say. And the public eye could watch all it wanted; she was with the man she loved and that was all that mattered.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Ha! Pay up Malcolm, he put his arm around her!" Travis said with a grin on his face. Malcolm frowned, exhaling loudly.

"Oh come on! T'Pol was never like that before; she never showed any affection before... why now?!" he whined. He grimaced a little upon hearing himself, then with a sigh gave Travis what he owed. Travis laughed and took the last piece of the chocolate fudge cheese cake. Malcolm gave out an exasperated breath as he watched the ensign and Hoshi eat *his* cheese cake. Malcolm frowned. “Oh hell! You shouldn’t have cheese cake at breakfast anyway!” But Hoshi and Travis didn’t seem to have heard him.

Travis kept that silly grin firmly implanted on his face as he looked from Malcolm to Hoshi. "So, I don't see the universe splitting in two." . Hoshi gave him a look Malcolm knew was a warning signal. He suppressed a laugh.

"So I was wrong, big deal, I wasn't the one who lost his cheesecake in a bet." She added just to get on Malcolm's nerves. Malcolm rolled his eyes.

"He is my friend, and yet the man won't even help me win a bet! What good is he?" He mumbled and sat back in his chair. Travis shook his head.

"Things are certainly changing around here." He said with a sigh. Hoshi nodded.

"Yeah well nothing ever stays the same... besides they deserve a little romance, anything to get our minds off of this mission." she added. Malcolm smiled then looked over at the 'happy couple.'

"If they have children... I wonder if they would have pointed ears." He wondered. He looked at the ensigns who were both looking at him strangely. "What?"

They both rolled their eyes at him. "I think they make a good couple. They’re so different it’s as if they’re the same person. I think it'll work out." Travis said, ignoring his statement. Malcolm's eyebrow lifted.

"And what about you Travis, think you'll ever find someone that you'd be perfect with?" Travis smiled looking at Hoshi. Malcolm could have sworn a spark flared as they looked at each other. Hoshi didn't seem to notice, though, and Travis was too busy grinning like a kid in a candy store to realize how he looked.

"Yeah, I think the woman for me has got to be right under my nose... that's how it usually is." Malcolm couldn't help but wonder if there was a double meaning to his statement. Hoshi said nothing as she shook her head and began to take another bite of the cheese cake.

"Yeah, who knows... if those two can hit it off then there's hope for all of us." She added and smiled at the two 'love birds' who were now sharing a meal together for lunch. She seemed to brighten as Trip Tucker's smile grew while T'Pol talked to him. "So what do you think Malcolm... do you think they'll make it?"

"They certainly do look happy; well, Trip does anyway." Malcolm muttered. "Yeah, they'll make it. If anyone can make it, it would be them. After all, they're in love. And if a Vulcan can fall in love, then there's got to be something strong there. They'll be just fine." He said with a smile. Just fine indeed.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Trip Tucker watched the stars outside his window... thinking of what had happened in the past few days. He’d thought that his mission to the Redeemer was just another mission but it wasn’t. It wasn’t even close to being ‘just another mission’. It was a life changing event that he’d never forget. He was finally working through his problems with T’Pol’s help; somehow life wasn’t so scary anymore. He’d never been so hurt by what happened… to see a man he liked try to kill him… and then to watch a boy, too young, die right in front of him. But he was ok. Or at least he’d be ok. He knew that now.

He was back on Enterprise... back home. Home sweet home... he'd missed Enterprise more than anything. Now he could sleep in Starfleet issue beds, eat Earth food and go to movie night on Tuesday. He wasn't completely back to his old self yet. He had headaches still and felt strange... although he wasn't sure how to describe the feeling. It was like... being weaker yet still as strong as always all at the same time.

Either way he looked at it, he was happy and that was enough. He was with T'Pol; he and the captain had had a long well-deserved talk. And he was home. He was worried though about the captain. Trip had a feeling that the captain was upset about something. *Something* was bothering him. But he was also sure he'd find out what it was and cheer the man up. They had both drifted from each other since the Xindi attacked Earth; it was time to regain that fading relationship which Trip was determined to do. He was finally happy, but to have Archer back as his best friend would make his life close to perfect. Even with the Xindi threat still lurking in his mind, reminding him of lost life, he felt a peace he'd never felt before. Perhaps it was T'Pol's doing; he couldn't be sure. Although he suspected as much.

He was happy. He had love, friends and he was alive and well... for the most part anyway. But what surprised him most was how balanced he felt, something he never thought he'd have back after the death of his sister and the vengeance he had promised to take for his little sister. All that was gone now. He still hated what the Xindi had done, but at least now he understood why they'd done what they did. He'd never forgive them but at least now he understood them. And perhaps when everything was over and done... they'd find a way to coexist. Perhaps. Only one question was left in his mind after what had happened to him. Could such peace ever happen, could it ever prevail? He'd tried to find that peace with Torlic and that had ended in disaster. Could they really learn to get along with this other race that was so determined to listen to these people from the future?

But what was worse, another question then came up from that one. Was it true? Were the Xindi really going to be completely wiped out by mankind... by Humans? Trip shook his head and rubbed his temples before taking the pain medication Phlox had given him. Whatever the answer was, it was better left for the future, not him. For now he would worry about finding that weapon and saving Earth, nothing else. One thing remained, the Xindi were still out there and if Enterprise didn't stop them, no one would. And Earth would be gone. Trip wouldn't let that happen. Perhaps he was just like Torlic in that way, but none of that mattered. He had to do what he had to do, just like Torlic and if that meant becoming a killer, being killed or loosing someone... then he'd just have to deal with it when that time came. Until then he'd lean on T'Pol and Archer for his support in getting through whatever changes that were now imposed on him.

No matter what happened, he knew that one thing would never change. He would always love T'Pol, he would always protect T'Pol and he would never give up. He would find the weapon, he would stop them from deploying it and then he would come home and tell his family what he should have said years ago... what he never got the chance to tell Lizzie. Then he would tell them the good news. That he was with T’Pol, that he was happy, and that he was no longer alone.

Trip walked over into the bathroom and washed cold water on his face and once again looked in his mirror. But this time, he didn't see the angry, cold-hearted man he'd seen before. Now he saw a glimpse into the old Trip, who he used to be before life beat him so far down that he'd almost been dead. He smiled, a smile he hadn't had for a long time. Different than the ones he would show before. More than just genuine. This wasn't just the old Trip, even before he'd been alone. Now he was with T'Pol. This wasn't the old Trip, this was the new Trip. Someone he'd never seen before but hoped he'd see again. Finally he walked out of the bathroom and looked around at his quarters. It was almost time for lunch. He and T’Pol were going to have lunch with the captain tonight. Finally the doors opened and T'Pol walked in with ease and a grace he'd seen many times.

"Are you ready?" She asked. He nodded, keeping the bright smile on his face at her gaze.

"I certainly am, darlin’." He answered back, walking over to her and grabbing her hand. And for the first time he was. He was ready for anything now. The two walked outside his quarters and after one last glance they made way for the captain's mess. He kept on a smile the entire way there. But before they reached the mess he stopped and looked at her. “Hey T’Pol… did ya happen to keep that outfit ya wore on the Redeemer… the one I picked out for you?” Just thinking about that outfit made him hot.

“I did… why do you ask?” She said confused. He grinned at her.

“Oh nothing… just wanted to know… we might need it later.” He winked. T’Pol lifted an eyebrow and he could tell she was interested. He walked ahead of her looking forward to seeing that outfit on her again. T’Pol followed him in and they walked over to the table. Jonathan Archer smiled.

“You two look well rested this fine afternoon… sleep well this morning?”

Trip and T’Pol exchanged looks. Trip tried to keep from the grin he could feel sneaking back on his face. “The best sleep I’ve had in years.” Archer nodded, smiling more broadly.

“What about you T’Pol?” T’Pol looked back at Trip one last time.

“I was… exhausted last night… so my sleep was quite deep.” Trip noticed a hint of amusement in her voice that he was sure the captain wouldn’t.

Archer looked at the two with a hint of confusion. “What’s with you two?”

“Oh you know, just happy ta be back home.” Trip shrugged.. Archer cracked another smile as he looked at the two. He could see it. He didn’t know how but he could see it. It wasn’t Enterprise that made Trip grin, and it certainly wasn’t Enterprise putting that sparkle in T’Pol’s eye. The two looked at each other one last time and Archer knew exactly what was going on. Love. They were both in love… he didn’t know why he hadn’t seen it before.

“I certainly don’t blame you.” He said warmly. Archer never expected he’d be so relieved. So, he still had feelings for the woman… that didn’t matter now. His friend was happy… and…so Jonathan Archer was happy. The fact of the matter was, part of him was feeling the heartache… those two were in love with each other… T’Pol loved Trip and Archer was now pushed to the side. His two closest friends had found each other and now he had no one… He really was alone. Terror griped him immediately.

Trip looked at T’Pol unable to hide his fast growing grin. T’Pol looked back at him and he could tell that through that Vulcan mask of hers, she was smiling back. He could see a lot of things in her now. Now that they’d shared so much together. Trip couldn’t believe what was happening to him… but either way… no matter what happened now… he knew he had her with him at his side. The Xindi could do their worst… and now Trip knew he would be ready for it. Because now, he had the best weapon against heartache of all time. The love he shared with the one woman who had gotten through his defenses. And found a way to steal his heart.

The End

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A/N: I just want to thank all those who made comments, encouraging me to continue this story. I have to say that if it wasn’t for you guys I might not have done as well as I did. In fact, I want to thank everyone who read this story, comment or not… thanks! It was hard to do this one… but you all made it easier. I’ve always loved to write… and it was nice to work on this one. And it was certainly fun! I actually came up with the idea after watching another movie… then the wheels just started turning. But I owe most of what I’ve written to the people who read this story since really, I might not have wanted to go on with it if I didn’t think people would like it!


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A whole mess of folks have made comments

Great story Triplover. I share your comments about how difficult writing can be at times. I am having a challenging time writing my last chapters as well....but as you indicate.....encouragement and kind reviews are a great motivator. I hope you find the time to gift us with more of your stories. Thanks again.

Oh what a wonderful story and beautifully written. I felt quite depressed in the beginning of chapter 12 with Archer willing to also destroy the entire Xindi race. As Trip found out after his time on the Xindi ship they are not really that different and both races just want to protect their own people. I hope they find a solution so they can co exist. The interaction between Trip/Tpol was really beautiful and the ending was inspiring showing us that maybe love can conquer all.

Hey, a Vulcan love story! This was great and I did love the way you wrote Trip and T'Pol slowly revealing their feelings for each other. Thank you so much, Ali D :~)

That was very beautiful - and hot! Wow!

Absolutely Wonderful!!!

Can't wait until your next story!!!

10/10

Very nice! You certainly met the challenge! I loved how Trip was so uncertain and T'Pol was the more confident one. Great job! I hope you write more stories!

Great story. Loved the ending. Who wouldn't? Loved Trip and T'Pol's interaction. T'Pol was very laid back with the public displays, interesting.

"Terror immediately gripped him." Ha ha!
But, is there anything more? Archer is in a panic, you just leave it there. He didn't have any closing thoughts.

Otherwise, great chapter, great story. Loved how Trip and T'Pol confessed to e/o.
Can't wait for more from you!

wwoooooooooooooooooooooooo hooooooooooooooooooooo!!!
I loved it, I was glad it was the end, i was starting to hate those cliff hangers. I love your writing. Thankyou for writing this

I loved the Travis and Hoshi sub story, could you write something with them in a romantic relationship? Not just in it, but working towards it. It'd be exciting.

I just loved this story. Very well written. I'm glad you kept writing it, even if that's from the selfish part of me that wanted to see the story complete. ;)

Even if I wanted to, I wouldn't know a single bad thing to say about this story. The plot, the character interactions, the dialogue ... it was just perfect! I loved the story's premise, I loved how T'Pol cared about Trip, I loved how they tried to resist the inevitable, and I LOVED the Xindi captain. Especially the fact, that you chose not to write him as an Evil Bastard(tm) cardboard figure. Although we ultimately learn little about him, he struck me as a three-dimensional and sympathetic character right from the start.

Thank you very much!

That was just...awesome.

I appreciate how you tie up loose ends. It was a very professional touch to have Trip looking at himself in the mirror again (like he did in Chapter 1) and seeing himself a changed man. Very well done!