Star Trek Imagines (Reader-Inserts) Part Two

ENT. Being Shy While Dating Malcolm Reed Would Include...

Malcolm isn't the most outgoing person, either, so he would completely understand your shyness and tendency to be reserved. It would have taken you a while to open up to him and to be comfortable around him, and vice versa. The two of you would have treaded carefully, not wanting to reveal too much or be too open with the other. Malcolm isn't the kind of shy that's nervous and quiet, more so he's reserved and had a wall built around him. Deep down, he's shy as hell, despite him trying to convey confidence when on the job.

You both would start to develop crushes on one another as you worked together, but you wouldn't say anything. You'd both just quietly pine over each other. Trip would catch onto Malcolm's feelings, and he'd tease him at first, but would soon come to realize it wasn't just a silly crush, Malcolm was developing real feelings for you. It would take months for either of you to say anything. Trip would probably nudge Malcolm into just telling you how he felt. He'd do it gently and in private so as not to overwhelm you. You'd smile shyly, look away, and mumble that you had feelings for him, too. He wouldn't push his luck or test your boundaries by kissing you or anything, so he'd just ask if you would have dinner with him alone in the captain's mess and see where things went from there.

Early on in the relationship, things would still be a bit awkward due to both of your reserved natures. You'd both be a bit uncomfortable with dating (it isn't either of your strong suits), but it made it better than you were both in the same boat. And, it didn't hurt that you both really liked the other and had been working together for some time now, so it wasn't like you were complete strangers.

As you two spent more time alone (and off duty), you'd slowly become more comfortable with one another. You'd open up more, express yourselves more, and be more willing to be physically close with one another. He'd never push you or expect more than you were willing to give him (emotionally and physically). Again, he'd completely understand your shyness and would just want you to be comfortable.

You would keep your relationship under wraps for a bit so you wouldn't have to deal with the stares, the whispers, and the questions that the crew would no doubt send your way. Your closest friends would know, of course, but they would respect your wishes and wouldn't tell anyone.

Malcolm would pick up on your telltale signs when you were becoming overwhelmed with people. He'd go to you, or touch you gently (a hand on your back, taking your hand, leaning his knee against yours if you were sitting, etc.). He would be there for you and, if need be, help you escape the social situation. And you'd do the same for him. You'd watch out for each other, but you'd also help each other become more social. You would both help the other come out of your shells. You'd go to events together (like movie night or talent shows or conferences), and would stick together like glue throughout the whole thing. You made each other comfortable, and made each other feel okay when with strangers.