Captain Jon Archer walked down the corridor of Enterprise with a smile on his face. He had been looking forward to this party and if things went right, he wouldn't be leaving it alone.

Okay, so initial he wasn't to fond of the idea of having a Christmas party. That's not what they were out there for and it made him think too much of home and not spending Christmas with his family. But the more time they spent on the ship, the more he realized how much his crew needed it. And so did he.

***

ONE MONTH EARLIER

"That's not what we're here for, Trip," Jon said to his friend's request for a Christmas party.

"I know. But we need it. Everyone and that includes you. Besides, there's a lot 'a people up here that wanna be with their families right now and can't and they need to be cheered up. And you're included in that group too, Jon."

Archer frowned. Everything his best friend was telling him was true. He could see what the close accommodations were doing to his crew as well as himself. Maybe a party could help loosen things up a bit.

He sighed. "Fine. We can have a party. But it's your thing. Okay?"

Trip smiled so bright Jon's heart almost melted. "You got it, Cap'n. It'll be the best party you ever been to." Then he turned and walked away.

Jon watched him go until he was out of sight. Get it together, Jon, he said to himself. Trip isÉTrip. Mister flirt with every woman on the ship, straight as an arrow, Trip. Get over it Jon, and get on with your life.

*** *

And he had. At least until a couple of days ago. That was when Trip gave him the first, smallest hint that he might be interested. He was in the rec room when Trip walked in and smiled.

***

THREE DAYS EARLIER

"Damn!" Jon said as he missed yet another basket. He'd been shooting hoops for almost two hours and had only managed to hit about ten of them. He was so wrapped up in his game, he didn't hear the door open and shut.

"Maybe you're just getting old," Trip said from behind him.

"I could take you any day of the week," Jon said panting. So what if he was a little older than his best friend.

"Think so, huh?" Trip said smugly, walking toward him. "We'll have to see about that sometime."

"Why not now?"

"Nah. You're tired and I wouldn't wanna take advantage of ya."

"I dare you," Jon said, passing him the ball.

Trip caught it easily. "Fine," he said putting down the clipboard and pen he'd been holding. "But I warned you." He started dribbling the ball and walking toward Jon with an evil grin on his face. He began running and easily ran past Jon and scored. "See. I told you."

"Yeah, yeah," Jon said, walking over and taking the ball and walking away.

"Hey, you're not mad 'cause I showed ya up are ya Jonny?" he said, watching his friend go.

He got no answer.

"Jon?"

Still no answer.

He ran up behind his friend and put his hand on his shoulder, stopping him and turning him around. "You're really upset, aren't you?"

Jon looked into his friend's eyes and marveled at the worry there. "Not really. Guess I'm just feeling a little older now."

"Aw, c'mon, Jonny," Trip said, putting his free hand on Jon's other shoulder. "You're not that old. You're just tired. You'd been in here longer than me."

"Yeah, I guess," Jon said.

"Hey," Trip said, grabbing Jon's face. "We'll do this again when you're rested. I bet you beat me." Jon smiled and felt Trip rub his thumb against his cheek lightly before quickly pulling it away. "UmÉ the party's in three days in the mess hall at 08:00. You'll be there?"

"You bet," Jon said smiling. Trip smiled back and quickly left. Jon couldn't get the smile to go away. He knew he'd seen something in Trip's eyes and his heart leapt. "Yes!" he said, bouncing the ball and walking back toward the showers.

*** *

Finally reaching the mess hall, he stopped. What if he was wrong? What if what he was in Trip's eyes was wishful thinking? No. He'd been waiting for the last three days for this. He wasn't going to talk himself out of it now.

He walked into the mess hall and looked around. The room was beautifully decorated with bright reds and greens and lights all over. There was even a tree standing in a corner. Most everyone seemed to be there already. Everyone except the one he was looking for.

"Captain," he heard a voice say behind him.

He turned around and smiled. "Doctor," he said. "Enjoying yourself?"

"Oh yes, Sir. Thank you. This is a strange tradition, Christmas."

"Some think so. But on Earth it is a treasured custom."

"Yes. That is what Commander Tucker was telling me. I am going to do some research after the party."

"Have you seen Commander Tucker lately?"

"Yes. He was over near the bar a few minutes ago."

"Thank you, Doctor," Jon said and headed off in the direction of the bar.

"You're quiet welcome," the doctor said.

Jon found Trip right where the doctor had said he was. He was leaning against the bar, sipping on a beer. He smiled when he saw Jon walking toward him and said something to the bartender who nodded and walked away. "I didn't think you were ever gonna get here," Trip said, smiling.

"I was right on time."

"Got you a beer," Trip said as the bartender set a bottle down.

"Thanks."

They stood there and talked about everything and nothing. Jon watched Trip for any indication of interest and was slightly disappointed when he found none. After a little while, they decided they should socialize a little. Jon didn't see Trip again for most of the rest of the party.

After the party was over, trip saw Jon saying goodnight to the last of the guests and walked over to him. "They the last?"

"Yeah. We're all that's left."

"Mind if I walk with ya?"

"You know I don't." It was exactly how Jon imagined it, but he wasn't leaving alone. That was good.

"Did you enjoy it?" Trip asked after a while.

"I sure did. You put on good parties."

Trip smiled a bright smile at the compliment.

Before they knew it, they had reached Trip's quarters. "I'm wired," he said. "Wanna come in and talk a while?"

Jon smiled. Maybe there was hope after all. "Sure."

Trip smiled back and opened the door and walked in. Trip walked across the room to his desk to put some papers down. Jon walked to about the middle of the room.

"So what do you wanna talk about?" Jon asked.

"Oh, I dunno," Trip said, finally turning around, hiding something behind his back. "I got somethin' for ya."

"But I didn't get you anything," Jon protested.

"It's okay. I hope ya like it." He took a small piece of plant, held it over Jon's head, and kissed him before he could protest. When he met no resistance, he deepened the kiss. Finally, they broke the kiss to breathe.

"Merry Christmas, Jon."