The Dance

By Kat

PG


Boredom could be a dangerous thing.  This was foremost in Archer's mind as he stared out at the stars.  Nothing, they had come into contact with nothing but stars in nearly two weeks.  Granted, he was exploring his stars, but he wanted more.  There had to be something out there to distract him.  An unusual star, a new planet, a new culture, hell even a new enemy, though he preferred not to consider that option too closely.  "Damn," Archer muttered, boredom was going to get him into trouble.  With a sigh, he turned to his desk hoping to find something to distract him.  Nothing pertinent came to the fore. 
With another sigh, he allowed himself to be distracted the old fashioned way, the way he had tried to avoid, the way he knew would lead to trouble.

Eyes closing, he allowed his thoughts to drift.  There had been a time when he dreamed of the stars.  Now there were much more fascinating things to dream of.  He smiled as music filled his head and visions began to form.

Beauty came in many forms, but none quite so exquisite as the woman before him.  Each line and curve spoke of grace and style.  He hesitated to approach her.  Her eyes were closed and her body swayed subtly to the music, a soft Latin beat that pulsed around her.  The delicate black straps of her dress crossed between her shoulder blades and were the only adornment covering the smooth tan skin of her back.  The waist gathered low at her waist, draping the swell of her hips, and falling into a loose, full skirt that swirled around her knees.  His breath caught in his throat as her head tipped back and her arms spread wide.  Her body shifted and slowly she turned, each move blending beautifully to the music.  As she turned to face him, he stepped forward.  His eyes slid slowly over the low cut dress before tracing their way back up to her face.  Her eyes fluttered open and locked with his.  Unable to resist he stepped forward once more.  His arms curved around her and drew her close.  Instinctively he took the lead and swept her into a dance, allowing the sensations of soft, fragrant woman, and sultry music to guide him.

Time was forgotten as the tempos changed, rising and falling yet barely noticed as the two moved together.  Once more Jonathan allowed instinct to take over as he tightened his embrace around the woman in his arms.  As she glanced up at him, he dipped his head.  His words whispered across her lips.  "You are so beautiful T'Pol, so perfect."

Her head tipped to the side and one brow rose.  "Hardly."

He smiled.  "To me you are.  Every time I look at you I want to kiss you."

She gave him a long look.  "What are you going to do about it?"

His eyes dipped to her lips before meeting hers once more.  "I think perhaps I just might have to take a taste."

She leaned forward, their lips almost touching.  "Don't think too long Captain."

Just as he closed his eyes, allowing his mouth to mesh with hers, she spoke again.  This time her voice was questioning.  "Captain?"

He drew back and blinked as it echoed over him one more time.  "Captain?  Captain Archer are you alright?"  Once more he blinked, and with a shake of his head he focused back on reality.  "Captain, please respond?"

Archer stood quickly, nearly tripping over his own feet as he stood.  "Come in."

The door opened to reveal the woman he had been fantasizing about.  T'Pol stepped into the room and as the doors closed behind her, she gave Archer a careful once over.  "Are you alright Captain?"

He coughed and ducked his head a bit before answering.  "Uh yes, thank you T'Pol.  I'm afraid I was absorbed in what I was doing.  Sorry for worrying you."

One brow shot up as she studied him for another moment.  "That's quite alright Captain.  I should have expected you to have more to occupy your time than the rest of us.  I apologize for bothering you."  She turned to leave, only to stop as his hand curled around her arm.  Her eyes met his, something flashing in them briefly.

"You came in here for something.  What can I do for you?"  As she glanced at his hand, Archer knew he should let her go, but he was reluctant to do so.  His daydream was too fresh in his mind, and even in uniform she looked tempting.

"Some of the crew have requested permission to hold an impromptu party in the mess hall.  I thought perhaps it would be good for morale."

Archer smiled.  "Give them the okay then."  He slowly tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow and guided her to the door.  "You were planning to attend right?"

She shot him a look from the corner of her eye.  "I had considered it."

"Excellent.  Tell me something T'Pol?"

"Yes Captain?"

"Do you dance?"

fin~