#malcolm reed fic

[make-me-imagine]

Much More Than Fond

Plot: Malcolm often comes off as a pushy, teasing, frenemy to you. But unbeknownst to you, he actually cares quite a lot about you. You could even say he has a crush.

Pairing: Malcolm Reed x Gn!Reader

Requested Prompts: "In your dreams!" "Every night, actually." + 'Secret Admirer' A/n: It's not straight forward with the secret admirer prompt; more like 'admires from afar secretly' lol

Requested By: @fandomdancer (these are from Valentines Day sorry it took me so long to get to them)

Warnings: Brief mentions of not eating/drinking water (neglecting health) - So take this as a reminder to eat and drink some water!

Words: 2.3k

-

Making your way into your work space, you sighed as your head ached. You had gotten so busy with repairs, you had forgotten to eat or drink any water. You knew you should go to the cafeteria, but you couldn't ignore the reports you had to fill out.

Walking towards your desk, your eyes locked on a granola bar, a bowl of fruit and a bottle of water sitting on your desk. You blinked a few times as you looked around.

This was the third time you found snacks and water left at your desk when you had been busy with work. The first time you ignored it, thinking someone left them there accidentally but when it kept happening, you grew even more curious.

You asked around, but no one claimed them to be theirs, and no one knew who was doing it, or at least they didn't want to tell you.

You wondered how they always knew you hadn't eaten anything, and how did they always know your favorite snacks? You had received your favorite candy bar, fruit snacks, muffin, and now a granola bar. So whoever it was clearly knew you more than you were expecting.

---

As Malcolm marched down the corridor, his eyes caught on a familiar figure. Glancing into the room, he spotted you working on some damage from the last mission. Your face was knit in concentration as a granola bar was sticking out of your mouth.

He smirked to himself as he kept walking, his heart fluttering a bit in his chest. He had heard you asking around about the snacks being left on your desk, but no one, especially you, would have considered him as the culprit.

Malcolm tried to convince himself he was just being kind, but he knew it was more than that. The two of you had a complicated relationship. You would bicker, argue, tease each other, and sometimes even joke around with one another. That latter, usually if you were both teasing Trip. But people would hardly consider you friends.

Malcolm didn't think of you as much more than a colleague for a long time, but slowly, he found his eyes following you, checking on you, teasing you on purpose just so he could see the way you scrunched up your face in annoyance.

He had even started to notice and familiarize himself with your routines and habits. He knew you woke up at the same time every day whether or not you had duty. How you'd check with everyone and see if they needed anything before you left.

He knew your go to style of burger, pasta, pizza, the way you make your coffee or tea, your favorite fruit, your favorite muffins and candies.

And, he knew you had a tendency to get so caught up in your work that you would forget to take care of yourself. He would notice you missing lunch, or even dinner. He'd spot you going to Phlox for headaches because you forgot to drink water. And he found himself growing worried.

He knew you loved your work, and he admired that about you, but he didn't want to see you hurt yourself in the process. That was one of the first signs that Malcolm no longer saw you as just a colleague. Actually, Malcolm was far, far past that.

So far past that, that he caught himself thinking about you more often than he'd like. If the chef was cooking one of your favorite meals, he had to convince himself not to go tell you. If he heard you laugh, his stomach would erupt in butterflies. If something he said made you smile, he cold hardly repress a grin.

If he told anyone how he was feeling, he knew what they would say. Malcolm Reed has a crush.

The thought alone made Malcolm want to curl up into a ball. He knew there was nothing wrong with feelings, or relationships, but in a way he thought he was stronger than this. But as much as he wanted to think that of himself, he knew better. He had fallen for you, hard.

--- --- ---

Your eyes flicked over to Malcolm as you entered the security room. You had a few repairs there, but weren't expecting to see him, he was usually on the bridge at this time.

You often found yourself avoiding him. At first it was because he got on your nerves, but recently, as much as you hated yourself for it, it was because he made you nervous. If he would smirk or smile at you, your stomach would twist with a giddy feeling. If you caught him looking at you for any reason, your ears would burn. You hated it, just like you were supposed to hate him.

"More repairs Y/n?" His smooth voice echoed through the room.

You felt yourself jolt slightly as he acknowledged you, and by using your first name. You peered over your shoulder at him to find him looking at you.

Butterflies.

You swallowed briefly as you looked back at the control panel "No, I thought I'd go for a jog."

He smirked to himself "Perfect weather for it."

You smiled softly to yourself, but didn't reply, instead trying to focus on your work.

There were a few moments of silence before you felt a presence grow closer. Peering back a bit, you noticed Malcolm was now at a computer panel just behind you. His presence sent a shiver up your neck, but you tried to ignore it.

The silence was broken as Malcolm began humming an unfamiliar tune, repeating the same melody over and over.

As much as your ears burned due to his proximity, your annoyance grew. "Don't you know any other songs?" You finally spoke up, annoyance lacing your voice.

Malcolm smirked, glad he finally got your attention. "Hmm, well there is this one-"

As he started to hum a now familiar tune, you shook your head "No, anything but that."

He laughed, knowing the tune from the old western that played on repeat for three weeks at movie night would trigger your annoyance.

He chuckled softly "Well what would you prefer?"

"Silence?"

He snorted softly but went silent. You slowly started to regain concentration on your job, but it was broken as you felt as though he had gotten closer.

Looking back, you almost jumped at the proximity of your bodies as Malcolm peered over your shoulder, almost touching you.

His eyes met yours and your ears burned hot, he rose a brow and you stuttered out "Don't you know what personal space is?"

"Can't I see what you're doing in my security room?"

"I'm repairing, it's what I do."

Malcolm was afraid he was imagining the effect he had on you, but as your eyes darted nervously back to your work, he thought maybe he wasn't imagining anything.

Leaning down, he brought his face closer to yours and spoke softly "Am I making you nervous?"

You froze momentarily, and he swore your breathing stopped. But you quickly recovered as you side-eyed him.

"No, you're making me angry."

He chuckled but didn't move to leave, instead speaking again "Really? 'Cause your ears seem to be turning a different color."

You felt embarrassment and anger rush through you, could he see how he was affecting you? And was he making fun of you for it?

You met his eyes, your faces a mere inch from each other, you hissed "In your dreams."

You saw his eyes dip down to your lips for a split second. And as you heard the security room doors slide open, a faint smile played on his lips "Every night actually."

Giving you no time to respond, Malcolm rose and turned towards the new visitors and approached them, talking animatedly to the other security officers.

Your heart was hammering in your chest, as your ears and neck burned hot. Quickly finishing your repairs, you left before you could speak with Malcolm again. But as you left, you could feel his eyes on you.

--- --- ---

After your interaction with Malcolm, you threw yourself into your work to distract yourself. But by doing this, you managed to finish everything faster than normal.

As you sat at your desk, glancing at the clock, you noted it was dinner. But surely Malcolm wold be there, and you had no desire to see him at this moment.

You wanted to know what he meant by his comment. If he was just teasing you and he meant nothing by it, or, if there was truth in it. As much as you wanted to know, you also did not.

Sighing at your own indecisiveness you leaned back in your chair, eyes closed.

Hearing the door slide open, you turned and looked with light surprise. Your heart jolted as your breath caught in your throat as you saw Malcolm standing in the doorway.

Malcolm quickly shoved his hand behind his back as he stared at you. There was a moment of silence between you before he cleared his throat "Hello."

You quirked your brow in confusion as you tried to ignore your hammering heart. Your eyes glanced down at his hidden hand before you met his eyes.

"Can I help you?"

"I- uh, didn't think you'd be in here right now."

Was he nervous? You turned more in your chair so you were now facing him fully.

"Where else would I be?

"Well- I figured you were off repairing something since you did not come to dinner again."

"Oh." You felt a tug at your heart as you realized he noticed your absence. You suddenly wondered how many times he had noticed you were gone before.

Suddenly you felt a light bulb go off in your head as your eyes trailed down to his hidden hand again.

"Why would you come here if you thought I wouldn't be here?"

Malcolm could tell in the tone of your voice that you had figured it out. With a slightly defeated sigh, he brought his hand out into view, revealing a bowl of fruit.

"I heard- I know you like these, so I thought you'd want some before they were all eaten."

Your heart skipped a beat as your ears burned hot again. You stared at the fruit before you slowly looked up at his eyes. He was staring down, seemingly too shy to meet your eyes. It was a side of him you had never seen, and you were startled by how it affected you.

Barely able to repress a smile you stood up, your voice coming out softly. "So it's you then?"

Malcolm looked up and met your eyes, raising his brow.

"The one who keeps leaving me food and water?"

"Ah...well. Yes." He cleared his throat as he walked over to your desk, setting the fruit down, all while avoiding your eyes. "I had just been noticing recently what with the damage to the ship, that you've been working a lot of over time, and that you'd been missing lunch and dinner quite often, and I was afraid you might fall ill, so I thought I might as well leave you some food to remind you to eat.

As he rambled with a nervousness you had never seen, your heart was fluttering as you felt touched by his sudden caring side.

"Thank you Malcolm." You said softly, causing him to stop rambling and finally meet your eyes.

When he saw the soft expression on your face, he felt his heart melt in his chest.

"Well, you're welcome."

You smiled as you looked down at the fruit "How- how did you know what my favorite fruit was, or my favorite candy bar, well, everything you've been leaving for me has been my favorite."

Malcolm smiled, forcing away any embarrassment he might be feeling. "I know quite a lot about you actually. Things I've...noticed about you recently."

"Noticed? Like what?"

His eyes seemed to roam your face for a second and you felt vulnerable. But his face remained soft, as he smiled.

"Like how you take your coffee and tea, and how you always close your eyes when you take a drink of it. The way you walk the long way around to your station so you can check on everyone first. Or how you get so lost in your work you forget to take care of yourself."

There was a tone in his voice with this last sentence, that made it seem as though he was chastising you. But the smile on his face told you he was worried for you.

"Out of the two of us, who was the one who collapsed due to sleep deprivation?"

Malcolm chuckled "Touché."

You smiled "Thank you, for caring, it's kind of surprising really, I thought-"

"That I didn't like you?"

"Well, I at least thought you weren't very fond of me"

He smiled "I wasn't once. But then I started to see you for who you really are, and now, well now I'm much more than fond of you."

You smiled at each other as your eyes remained locked for a moment, taking the moment, you spoke softly. "I'm quite fond of you too actually."

"Is that so?" He questioned with a raise of his brow, his grin widening.

"Yes. As annoying as you can be, you are quite charming."

He chuckled "I'm sorry for all the teasing."

You shook your head with a soft laugh "It's alright, in a way, the teasing is what made me realize I liked you."

"Well then I wont stop."

You chuckled and shook your head with light bewilderment.

He grinned at you and cleared his throat "Well, are you still working or...would you like to accompany me to the dining hall? There's still time to eat, if you want."

"With you?"

"Yes, with me."

You smiled widely at him "I'd love too."

xx End xx

I hope you enjoyed it! If you did, please consider reblogging! It really helps spread it to others, and makes me very happy~

General Taglist: @criminaly-supernatural, @imaginesfire, @onuen, @rexit-mo, @witchygagirl, @alexxavicry

Star Trek Taglist: @starfleetimagines, @groovy-lady, @asgardianhobbit98, @agent-catfish-kenobi ,@starship-argo, @cs-please, @gatefleet, @fandomdancer

[thetachapel02]

whump maybe?

[ionamalachite]

Ok!!! Enterprise s4e15 Affliction with Malcolm being interrogated (and put in the brig) by Archer.... wow this is delightful. Rewatching that scene today, I can see that Archer grabs Malcolm and gets really in his space. Like uncomfortably close. I love that Archer is a touchy guy like that. So in character. But also delightfully awful.

"Malcolm, I never would've believed that you, of all people..."

GUYS????

I definitely re-watched all that. I love the Section 31 arc so much! Over the course of the two episodes I like how Malcolm goes from being defiant and belligerent to telling Archer what colony Phlox is on and helping him transfer Trip from Columbia to Enterprise. The change of heart as he realizes where his loyalty lies is wonderful and vindicating to watch. What a great arc!!!

[deadheaddaisy]

It became time to create a timeline for several of my works that it turned out weren't exactly stand-alone, especially since some of them now align with works in the universe created by @more-better-words. All works are rated G or T except where noted, and pretty much all are focused on Hoshi and Malcolm at this point.

______________________________________________________________

Little moments

Timing: begins in 2151 at the launch of Enterprise and continues up to and including Terra Prime in January 2155 (TATV is a poorly-constructed holographic historical fantasy / someone's sick fever-dream and didn't occur in this world). 

Series info: Bits and pieces in the slow burn, pre-relationship Hoshi & Malcolm phase, showcasing how these two became close friends and trusted colleagues. Some of the pieces might be moved around to fit the timeline as I deem necessary, and depending on which element I decide to write at which time in the series.

Holding on (by the skin of my teeth) - 2151

Learning The Ropes - 2151

Ramble On (But Tell No Tales) - 2151

On the edge of dreaming - 2151

Going Under - 2152

Dynamite Comes In Small Packages - 2153

______________________________________________________________

Somewhere I Belong

Timing: Aligns with more-better-words' From the Ground Up (February-November 2155) and What We Build Here (December 2155-July 2156)

Series info: How Hoshi and Malcolm finally moved beyond friendship into something more. The series is fluid in terms of what is written and published when. See above for timeline shenanigans as it suits me.

Place Your Bets coda - 2155 (in progress)

Outrun - 2156

Words That Fall From Your Lips - 2156

Close Enough - 2156

______________________________________________________________

My gift to myself based on the above series, as drawn by the wonderful @heart-sprout:

Leaning In

Timing: Aligns with More-Better-Words' Chosen - March 2166 and onward

Series info: Post-Romulan War

Better With You (And The Angels Sing coda) - March 2166

A trick or treat short written for me by more-better-words and including Malcolm Reed - 2166

______________________________________________________________

Outtakes and Side-Quests

Fics that align with the timeline above but are in an Explicit series of their own, to be on the safe side:

It's Oh So Quiet - 2155 (E)

Calling the shots - 2155 (E)

Outrun - Outtake - 2156 (E)

Mutually Beneficial - 2156 (E)

The Princess and the Warlord - 2156 (E) (Not written by me but a gift related to Outrun - Outtake and meant to follow Mutually Beneficial)

Can't Get Enough (Of You) - 2166 (E)

______________________________________________________________

Then some of my other, more stand-alone fics:

Nothing To Fear (in progress)

A Hint of Salt, A Taste of Sweet 

Bedtime Stories

Three For One And Room For None

______________________________________________________________

Lock & Load

Standalone smut series.

Revisiting Risa (E)

______________________________________________________________

AU/canon-divergent fics that don't align to any standard timeline:

Better the devil you know (in progress)

Winter Heat (standalone - for now)

Money or Nothing (E) (current version complete, sequel underway)

[themurdochmemesteries]

malcolm-centric platonic soulmate au!

[alex-guerin]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Star Trek: Enterprise Rating: Not Rated Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Malcolm Reed/Charles "Trip" Tucker III Characters: Malcolm Reed, Charles "Trip" Tucker III, Jonathan Archer - background, Phlox (Star Trek) Additional Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Malcolm Reed Needs a Hug, Post "Shockwave I & II", Post "Minefield", Why does the galaxy keep laughing at poor Malcolm?, Trip is getting real tired of having his boyfriend almost killed, Injured Malcolm Reed, accidental angst fest, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Heavy Angst, Angst and Feels, Did I Mention Angst?, Because this definitely is the most angsty fic of this series, There might be some angst...., You've been warned... Series: Part 5 of Chicken Soup for the Starfleet Officer's Soul Summary:

Trip is getting real tired of his boyfriend almost getting himself killed.

[lokismusings]

Shameless post asking for any fic recs revolving around the Shuttlepod One episode with some Tucker/Reed addition pleaseeee

And some dream fics where one of them dreams about a different reality? 👀

[starfleetimagines]

Malcom Reed x reader and jealousy

He glowered over his drink, eyes fixed on you laughing with a visiting alien. He was happy you were enjoying yourself, but couldn't you enjoy yourself with him?

"Just go talk to them," Trip said nearby and Malcolm groaned quietly.

"I don't want to bother them."

Trip gave him an unimpressed look and Malcolm tipped his head back to finish his drink, but it did little to settle the twisting jealousy settled in his chest.

Send me a character or ship plus a word and I'll write a five sentence fic!

[spacestation-l7]

Some Malcolm doodles but he’s not human

[make-me-imagine]

Truth or Dare: Part Two

(Part One)

Plot: After their game of truth or dare, both Malcolm and Y/n come to terms with their changed feelings. During a ship-wide party, those feelings become less than secret.

Pairing: Malcolm Reed x Gn!Reader (Use of Y/n)

Written for @fandomdancer as a fic commission on my Ko-fi

Warnings: A kiss at the end, but that's it!

A/N: The requested song is linked in the fic at the moment it starts to play.

Words: 2.2k

-

Ever since your game of truth or dare with the others the night before, your mind had been working non-stop. Had these feelings for Malcolm always been there? Had they just been hidden by your friendship with him?

And the one question that seemed to be plaguing you most frequently.

Did he feel the same?

Or was this just some quickly passing crush that would be gone in a weeks time? Part of you hoped so, but another part of you, a curious part, wanted to know what would happen if your feelings were real. And if they were returned.

Jumping slightly as a hand gripped your shoulder, you looked up to see Trip staring at you.

Chuckling he removed his had "Where's your mind at? I was calling you for a good thirty seconds."

Realizing you had been wandering down the hall without paying attention, you chuckled nervously "Sorry, just a bit tired I guess."

"Not too tired I hope? You better show up to the shin-dig tonight."

You smiled and nodded "I will be there"

"Good."

"Did you need something?" You asked, recalling why he had come up to you.

He handed you a PAD "Just for you to check this over."

"Ah, alright, will do."

"Maybe take a nap before the party tonight, ey?" He smiled as he wandered off.

You let out a small sigh, you really needed to get out of your own head. Sighing again, you headed to your room to take a shower. How could you take a nap with your mind so worked up? It's the reason you didn't really sleep in the first place.

---

The ship was still stuck in the storm, and expected to be until the following day. So, after some discussion among the crew, and encouragement from the Captain there was going to be a party tonight. Food, music, dancing. Should be fun. Though, a heavy weight had seemed to find it's way into your chest.

You hadn't seen Malcolm since the previous night except once from a distance. When you saw him, you felt as though your chest was going to explode, so you turned around and avoided him.

You seriously needed to get grip on yourself and figure out your feelings before tonight. Yeah, right.

Malcolm couldn't seem to stop his eyes from wondering around every space he entered, looking for your presence. He had only seen you once earlier in the day walking the opposite way. He had resisted the urge to follow after you, but regretted it when he didn't see you again.

He hoped he would see you tonight at the party. He wanted a moment to be with you, to see just how strong his newfound feelings were.

He wasn't quite sure what he was going to do either way. He had lingering suspicions that maybe you had feelings for him, and he wanted to know for sure. If you did, then perhaps your relationship could become more. And if you didn't, well then, he would hope to remain your friend at least.

Checking the clock, he realized it was about half an hour until the party was going to start. Deciding to go to his room to get ready, he tried to ignore the twisting in his stomach as nervousness filled him.

--- --- ---

As you made your way into the large room, people were mingling and laughing together, as some danced in the center of the room.

The whole party was themed around old Terra traditions. Old music, food, and drinks. A theme you assumed was devised by the Captain and Trip.

You felt a nervous flutter in your chest as you looked around the room, your eyes looking out for one person. As your eyes settled on him, you felt you heart jolt.

Malcolm stood with some others, smiling about something and you felt butterflies shoot through your stomach.

A few days ago you would have gone up to him easily, with no problem. But now, you walked to the other side of the room, unable to even look at him.

You had come to the conclusion that your feelings for Malcolm were real. As much as they seemed to come out of nowhere, you had a feeling they had been simmering for some time.

Finding Hoshi, you stood and talked with her, wondering if you'd get the courage to approach Malcolm soon.

"Hey, look!" Hoshi whispered to you, catching you off guard.

Following her finger, you looked across the room to see Travis dancing with Hannah, grins on both of their faces.

Your thoughts were distracted from Malcolm as you grinned at the sight. It looked like Travis found his courage after all. And, he wouldn't have to eat a whole batch of southern pear salad it seemed.

Malcolm searched the room for you, his eyes scanning fervently. As they finally landed on you, he felt his chest tighten. You had a bright grin on your face that took his breath away, literally.

Following your line of sight, he saw you watching Travis and Hannah. He smiled at the sight as well before he looked back at you.

Feeling a sudden burst of courage, he walked across the room towards you, his eyes never leaving your face.

"Y/n."

Your heart leapt at the sudden familiar voice as your eyes darted to Malcolm, who had appeared by your side.

Swallowing the sudden surprise you smiled "Hey Malcolm"

He stared at you for a moment before finally clearing his throat and finding his words "Would you care to dance?"

Your eyes widened slightly at the question as your heart pounded. "Dance?"

You could feel Hoshi look between the two of you and you wondered if maybe she could feel the tension as well.

He nodded with a smile, though you could see something in his gaze. Nervousness?

"Alright." You said softly, your voice much quieter than you meant.

But Malcolm heard you fine and smiled brightly at you "Great, come on."

As he reached down and slid his hand into yours, you felt your breath hitch. After giving Hoshi a parting glance, you followed him to the center of the room, butterflies rampaged through your stomach as his hand left yours before gently landing on your waist, the other moving to your shoulder.

As the two of you began to slowly dance to the music you felt as though you had nothing to say. You had never been so speechless around Malcolm.

The song that had begun playing was new to you and you felt a nervous flutter. You weren't used to old music, and you were afraid you'd embarrass yourself.

Malcolm, seemingly noticing your hesitation smiled softly as he leaned a little closer "Just follow my lead."

You met his eyes and felt a warmth in your chest, your eyes seemed to stay locked forever, before Malcolm began stepping in rhythm to the song. You followed along, constantly reminding yourself to keep breathing.

"Have we ever danced before?" Malcolm asked after a moment of silence.

After you thought on it for a moment you shook your head, starting to feel your self relax in his presence again. "I don't think so."

"Hmm. That's a shame."

You smiled, repressing a chuckle "Yeah it is. If I had known you were a good dancer I may have looked for an excuse."

He grinned at you "I'm not the best, but with the right partner..." He trailed off softly, and you thought you could hear a subtle hinting tone in his voice.

After he twirled you lightly, he brought you closer than you had been before. Your face felt warm, but you tried to stay calm.

He opened his mouth to speak, but closed it, seemingly second guessing himself.

"What?" You prodded softly.

"I just- was thinking about that game of truth or dare yesterday evening."

Your heart seemed to jolt suddenly as you smiled, laughing softly "Yeah, what about it?"

"Well, it's a shame it ended so early. I never got a chance to ask you a truth."

"Didn't you?"

He shook his head in response "I dared you early on in the game to chug some cider, but that's it."

"Oh yeah. Thanks for that by the way." You said sarcastically earning a laugh. You swallowed, butterflies heavy in your chest, before you spoke again "Well was there something you wanted to ask me?"

He smiled softly, and you could see something shining behind his eyes. You had asked the right question.

"It's not something I thought of during the game, but after."

You rose your brow inquisitively and he chuckle softly before straightened himself up a bit and speaking playfully "Truth or Dare?"

You let out a laugh as you rolled your eyes playfully. The playful part of you wanted to choose dare, but the other part of you, the one that recently discovered your new feelings, wouldn't let you. You had a feeling in your gut, that he felt the same. And that this truth would make it real.

"Truth." You said softly with a smile.

Malcolm seemed to take in a breath before he spoke, his voice soft, only loud enough for you to hear.

"Do you feel the same way about me, as I do about you?"

The over thinker in you wanted to convince you maybe he meant friendship, but you knew that was stupid. He wouldn't ask you that. The only reason he would be asking a question like that, is if this was a confession in itself to you.

'Do you love me as much as I love you?' His inner thoughts spoke, but he reworded it, for fear of the emotion being too strong.

"I think-" you stopped yourself before you started over with a soft nod of your head, your eyes filled with fear, surprise, and joy "Yeah, I do."

Malcolm let out a relieved sigh that seemed to bare a heavy weight he wasn't aware he was holding until it was gone. "Oh thank God."

You couldn't resist the laugh that bubbled out of you, allowing him the relief to laugh as well.

You spoke softly "Can I ask... when did you know?"

Was it as recent as your discovery, did things change for you at the same time?

"Well, I think I always knew, in some way. But, I didn't realize it fully, until last night actually, it was like it suddenly smacked me i-"

"-in the face!" You finished, your face showing your surprise "Me too!"

"Really?"

You nodded fervently and he let out a bewildered laugh. "Wait...so were you actually checking me out when I was doing my pull ups?"

He saw the shock cross your face before you smacked him, making him laugh and mutter out an apology.

"I guess it was good that Trip convinced us to play that stupid game. Who knows how long it would have taken otherwise."

"Shh! Don't say that!" You said, causing him to look around startled.

"What why?"

"You really want Trip to have that over our heads for the rest of our lives?"

Malcolm's eyes widened as the thought "Oh God, definitley not."

You chuckled "So let's maybe keep that under wraps huh?"

He nodded and laughed "Just our little secret then."

--- ---

The rest of the party went well, you and Malcolm only left each other's sides a couple times througout the night. But anytime you'd look to catch his eye, he was often already looking at you.

It wasn't obvious to the others, as far as you could tell, what had happened between the two of you. So it would remain your secret for a while longer.

When most everyone had wondered off to bed, you parted ways with Hoshi and Trip before heading back to your dorm, Malcolm trailing alongside you.

You got to your door a lot faster than you would have preferred, and gave Malcolm a shy yet bright smile.

He grinned at you before he looked around and cleared his throat.

"This may come off a bit fast, and I understand if you say no, but, would you mind if I kissed you goodnight?" His eyes were heavy with nervousness as he asked and you almost reached out and touched his face.

Your heart swelled in your chest as the butterflies returned. You were shocked at the question, but far from displeased by the suggestion.

You smiled, and you were sure you face was flushed as you replied "I wouldn't mind at all."

Smiling, Malcolm slowly inched forward, his lips hesitating just before touching yours, before he kissed you. It was gentle, and only lasted a few seconds, but it was special. You felt a shiver run through your body a you felt a giddiness in your stomach.

When Malcolm pulled away, he kept his face close to yours as he looked into your eyes.

His voice was nearly a whisper when he spoke "I was afraid...that might feel weird, but it was..."

"Perfect?" You asked softly.

He smiled and nodded "Exactly."

You smiled in return as you slowly pulled away from each other. You were sure both of you felt the desire to kiss again, but it was best this night end here, with a perfect ending with a promise for more to come.

"Good night Malcolm" You said after a moment.

He grinned down at you "Goodnight Y/n."

xx End xx

Thank you for reading, and I really hope you liked it!

This was a two-part commission fic, so if anyone is interested in getting one as well, you can find he llink to my ko-fi at the top of the fic.

General Taglist: @criminaly-supernatural, @imaginesfire, @onuen, @rexit-mo, @witchygagirl, @alexxavicry

Star Trek Taglist:@starfleetimagines, @groovy-lady, @asgardianhobbit98, @agent-catfish-kenobi, @starship-argo, @cs-please, @gatefleet, @fandomdancer

[ionamalachite]

Almost 4600 words of this shran/reed/archer fic and it's coming by SOOOO SLOWLY. i need so many more words to make this work lol

[deadheaddaisy]

Have a bit of fluffy cuddle silliness!

[deadheaddaisy]

This is perfect! 😂

Commander Tucker

[themurdochmemesteries]

wrote a little something after dealing with writer's block and burn out for a few days!

[lokismusings]

Not the one fic I’m working on, but this plot bunny popped into my head so I ran with it.

[starfleetimagines]

Target Practice

Rating: General

No warnings

Pairing: Malcolm Reed/Charles "Trip" Tucker III

Tags: Fluff, Established relationship, Kissing for motivation, Dialogue heavy

Word count: 625

Summery: Trip isn't too keen on leaving engineering to do target practice, but Malcolm manages to convince him.

I made an AO3 for character/character fics! I'm still going to post my reader-inserts here, but thought it would be nice to have a place specifically for slash fics :)