Title: Moments Reflected
Fandom: Star Trek Enterprise
Rating: PG-13
Length: 300
Content notes: None
Author notes: This is a set of three drabble, in Malcolm's voice. The first is pre-canon, the second takes place in late Season 2, and the third is set perhaps fifteen years post-Season 4.
Summary: Malcolm reflects on three important moments.

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Chasing Dreams

"I want to go. I need to go."

The face reflected in the mirror is young and determined. He takes a deep breath, steeling himself for the confrontation to come. The Admiral will be home soon and it can't be put off any longer.

This day has been a long time coming. His grandmother told him he had to chase his dreams – they wouldn't come to him. All the dreams of space and stars, the longing to be himself openly and to become part of something meaningful - all lie down one pathway.

"Father, I'm leaving today to join Starfleet."

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The Lovers

"How did I ever question whether loving Jonathan was the right thing to do?"

His reflection is smiling, eyes sparkling. Reaching up to smooth his tousled hair, he brushes fingertips over lips reddened from the morning's waking. And he wishes they didn't have to be on duty in twenty minutes. He'd have preferred to share the shower, but they both knew the delay that would inevitably result.

He recalls the months when Jonathan had courted him, when each lonely night his fears gave way to an aching need for the man.

Then Jon had kissed him and all doubts faded.

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The Right Words

"What if I were to ask you..."

The man in the mirror shakes his head, knowing that's not right either. He's older than the other reflections of himself that he's addressed over the years, his hair now flecked with grey. But his eyes are bright and he wears a determined look. He needs to get this right.

He knows his younger self was skittish, too worried about appearances, determined to keep personal things private. But their last brush with death brought with it a moment of clarity. There might never be another chance for this.

"Jonathan, will you marry me?"

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