Lover's Quarrel (Conclusion)

Posted on Mon Sep 12th, 2022 @ 6:14am by Captain Gary Alexander

3,843 words; about a 19 minute read

Mission: Mission 3 - A Whole New World
Location: Gary's Quarters
Timeline: 2168/08/15 1815

KAT let herself be pulled into the embrace; lips soft, welcoming, and still tasting of wine. She felt a shift and opened her eyes long enough to notice the slight scruff of bristles that he had missed while shaving. Inwardly, she imagined what might be distracting him from self-care, or a need for expediency...until her attention was slowly redirected once again. One last thought about whether there might be a need to get back to her quarters earlier, but that too disappeared in the rising ripples of desire that rose heatedly from her core.

A small groan of pleasure coupled with a smile escaped Gary's lips. He held KAT close as he gently laid her down onto his bed, all the while, making certain that his lips never left hers. How was it that she always smelled so good? How was it that he could feel like this after refusing to acknowledge anything but passing fancies. This.... This felt real and right. It always did, no matter who else he spent time with. And yet, both knew that it could be nothing more.... But now, the equations had changed, had they not?

KAT let the sound slowly roll down her spine, skin dimpling with the resonance. His hands felt warm, even through her uniform, cradling her gently, almost lovingly. His attention was always so clear, so precise, and so... attentive.... Her mind couldn't focus on a solid train of thought and so... she had but a breath to decide. Would she give into it? To the feelings, the... sensations...? KAT swallowed and struggled inwardly. And it was not yet time. Not all of her. Not yet. There wasn't even the subtlest of changes to her attention, but her emotions had been restrained once more. Merely physical. No matter how it felt. No matter the... tantalizing possibility. After all, she knew this Captain was safe. He was emotionally unavailable. And she...? Struggled to remain aloof. But don't tell her that.

Gary let his lips trail from KAT's lips and he kissed down her chin, letting his tongue trail down her neck...that beautiful, perfect, slender neck that he had kissed so many times. How could he not desire it? Or the professional voice and the more vulnerable one that came from it. They were both wounded so horribly, yet, they kept coming for one another.

Yes, Gary had others. He had never inquired about whether KAT did the same. He doubted she did but would not have doubted if she had others, as well. The thought filled him with something he had not felt in years. What the emotion was, he refused to identify.
Pulling his hands from KAT's body, he lifted himself up so that his eyes were level with hers. He cupped her face with both hands and whispered, "I love you, Karina." Before she could respond or have time to object, his mouth was again pressing against hers.

Her eyes widened, a solid lump of a scream settled deep in her throat; fear rushing through her more rapidly than she could imagine. What she couldn't swallow before had been displaced just as surely as she had been dowsed in a bucket of cold water. But scream, she did not.

His eyes had already moved from her face, and the entirety of her security of distance and emotional neutrality had been snatched from her with those words. Had the room gotten darker? The light closing in as her ears filled with a hiss of indistinguishable garble....

He had said... all that he had said at dinner... Perhaps he meant... her lips parted, the tip of her tongue tasting a flavor of Gary and wine... a combination of intoxication and confusion. Her mind struggled to remain... detached. She was no Vulcan, but she had appreciated their abilities to keep their personal demons at bay. But even they had a time of release every 7 years.

The slightest dampness swelled at the corner of her right eye, but that was all she outwardly showed. Her body was like a separate entity, reacting, enjoying the sensations, slowly, sensually moving in tandem. It was comfort. 'But now?' Her mind raced as back arched, pressing herself closer against him.
'Now, what was comfort?' her mind screamed. Her body ignored her.

Gary's body worked automatically. He started to assist KAT out of the remainder of clothing, all the while kissing her as if each kiss was the last he would ever share with KAT. He did not want her to leave. He needed her - not just her body, but her mind and soul, as well. Instinctively, something told him the time for talking was not now. Why, he could not say, but the two of them knew each other so well. Was that not what a relationship was? A lifemate? His body hesitated at that thought for a moment and he broke the kiss, removing whatever clothing might be left from KAT. It was then that he saw that KAT's eye was glassy. Was she crying? Bringing his hand to her cheek, he whispered tenderly, "Kat?"

She blinked in surprise. Her hand instinctively moved to his and it was wet. "What's wrong?" she asked with concern. Where had the water come from? Had she? "Oh, my goodness," she whispered, face flushing. "I can't seem to hold my wine."
Chuckling, her hand clasped his and slid it lower, along the side of her torso. His naked arm brushed her breast, hair teasing the nipple awake. This was not the time. She didn't know when it might come, when she would allow it to emerge. But now? No. Now was definitely not the time. Her other finger outstretched from her hand, draped around his neck and shoulder, pulling him closer. It brushed the now-cooled emotion-riddled droplet from her face, and fully intended to replace it with heated droplet of perspiration.

KAT's cue was unmistakable. He allowed himself to be pulled back into her. His hand remained on her breast, giving her nipple a small pinch. His index finger and thumb started to lightly tickle it after releasing the pinch. His mouth covered hers again, so he could taste her wine filled tongue on his while Gary's other hand moved to her rear. It allowed him to gently push his member into her soft, moist opening.

There might have been a sigh of relief, but it was stolen by a gasp of pleasure. Her nipples bulleted, pressing into his chest as her ass tilted upward, giving in to the slow enjoyment of being penetrated. Nerve endings fired off in succession as her mind graciously allowed her this time of pleasure. No words, no thoughts, and no concerns about the past or the future. Now had become suspended and elongated, stretching out like a ribbon of need. There was a relief in these moments of shared pleasure; a connection on at least one level that she could allow, she could... manage.

Her skin flushed in response, every touch on her skin and within her, heightened. Inner muscles wrapped around the intrusion, teasing and encouraging deeper connection. She felt Gary's member thicken and she moaned softly, pressing her face into his shoulder. She would give her right eye a severe talking to once she could think straight again.

He was unhurried. Time was on their side. They had all night in this new galaxy. And yet, who knew how much time that they really had? Already some had died. The moment that thought crossed his mind, he thrust hard inside her, the pain leaving himself and turning itself into a desperate pleasure. Realizing that his last immediate thrust had been less tender than he intended, he kissed her apologetically before he kissed down to KAT's opposite breast, only to suckle her nipple, his tongue flicking across its erectness.

The depth, the emotional wall that had remained intact had to be ever-vigilant even in this new place. Didn't it? There was a crack, albeit a hairline fracture, but it needed to heal. She would do that if he...how hard had that been? The unrivalled twisting of unspoken emotions sat within her. It was an itch that needed to be scratched. Bare. Open. And without apology.

Her unmistakable grunt as he hit some angle made her hips squirm. Slow would be acceptable... Would be a pace between lovers of long and regular connection... But would that harshness meet a deeper, nearly untouchable and barely entertained need? That unspoken pain might be released or even resolved in a moment of deep and unbridled need and desire? Her hands stiffened and fingers traced downwards to Gary's ass. She pulled him down as her hips thrust upward, her body arching into the motion. Sometimes, feeling anything, even a pleasurable pain, was better than being stranded in darkness.

A pleasurable sounding noise came from Gary's voice as he allowed his teeth to brace the sides of her nipple. His tongue flicked across it lightly while it was held in place. As Kat's body reacted, he let up and he whispered, "Let's enjoy this. More than the physical release, KAT...." His head came back up to Kat's face, as his body molded into hers. His mouth teasingly brushed her lips and left them slightly over hers, his eyes again meeting hers.

"Mmmmm..." she moaned, eyes fluttering open for a brief moment. Was it an acquiescence? An approval? Was it anything other than physical desire? She was unable to say either way.... The words Gary spoke were like a buzzing sound and she was gratefully spared from responding verbally. She was all for pleasure, release, for the sensations.

Did they penetrate further than that? She was unwilling or unable to confront the possibility. Instead, she pulled him into the kiss, suckling on his bottom lip and was willing to slow it down. But not stop. Oh no... there was no stopping... and her eyes fluttered closed, the gleam of her eyes hidden beneath her lids...

Smiling into the kiss, Gary was relieved at KAT's agreement. Kissing her, he allowed his body to move against hers, pressing into it and releasing. As he pressed, he thrusted slowly and more deeply into her. The release was always slow, tender, and gentle. His hand that was on her breast moved into her lush hair. Rather than grabbing it, his hand tangled itself in her hair and he pressed towards the back of her neck, lessening any space that possibly arose between the two of them.

It was a slow grind, a pleasurable sensation that continued to deepen and spread through every cell of her. KAT felt his hand guiding her slowly and surely as though he were trying to meld himself into her. Her skin slid against his, contact close to a sensual comfort. She was threatened... haunches up within her. Her emotions were being pelted by a penis and pleasure. She struggled to keep her mind focused, those emotions suspended and simply explore and enjoy the physicality. And that's exactly what she did. Her body moved with his, the dance they performed different yet timeless. And as the pleasure mounted further, she pushed back the threshold, allowed the tides to move her higher without tipping her over... and pulled Gary with her...

Gary could feel that KAT was getting close to her own ecstasy. That knowledge, in of itself drove Gary to higher heights. He was lucky that this beautiful creature chose to stay with him. She did not have to and he knew it. If she felt unduly pressured, she would have reported him to Starfleet long ago. But she never did. She always enjoyed him and he her. This dance that they had between themselves had gone on for years. And today was the latest culmination of that dance. Gary knew a dance never completely ended. The music would change, slow, or stop, creating a new movement. But this one was sweet, sensual, and delicious. His mouth came off of her as he exhaled heavily, his breathing quickening. "Oh, KAT....Oh....honey...."

Holding on to his upward climb towards a dizzying release, KAT curled her legs around his upper thighs, encouraging without dominating, adding sensation without demand. Her back arched, inner muscles grasping tightly, almost desperately as the pleasure pooled within her and overwhelmed all but the sigh of it... approaching... so close... it was there... just... There... Her muscles gripped, locked, held and then released in a thrilling and encouraging wave of pleasure. Her body trembled beneath and against his, shuddering, shaking and riding each crest.

As KAT began to tremble and shake, Gary could feel the pressure against him. His thrusts could not escape her tightness. The pleasure of the pressure became too great and he exploded within her. Simultaneously, there was a great gasp of relief as he collapsed on top of her, his breathing slowing as his weight fully fell on top of KAT. He chuckled lightly. "I'm not squishing you, am I?" he asked as he watched KAT's own reactions to their session of passion.

As she lay beneath him, breathing deep and heavy, she purposely pressed her cheek against his shoulder and squished her face. "No," she said against his skin. "Not at all." The mask was always lingering, ready to divert, defend, distract. There was an openness to her face, yet there was no openness within her. Was it fear? Was it distrust? And then she asked the question she had been avoiding within her for some time... was it Gary? Or did she not trust herself? But the mask was firmly in place... the discomfort solely within her. She could examine that and the tear at length at her own leisure. The crack would soon become a fissure and then what might she do? And now was not the time to consider this.... not after such panting pleasurable release. "Although, from up there you COULD pass me some wine." Her voice was light. "I seem to have developed a thirst."

Gary removed his hand from behind KAT's head. He brought it to KAT's face and cupped it from the chin and cheek. He smiled into her eyes and told her, "As you wish." Gently and reluctantly, he pried himself from KAT's body. Gary left the bed and walked over to the table, unconcerned over his nakedness. He got to the wine, looked back at KAT and smiled at her before turning his attention to the bottle and pouring more of its contents into the cup. That task completed, he walked back to KAT, sidled up to her, and handed her the glass. "It might be best if you sit up for this."

Sighing and rolling her eyes upward, she raised a hand to him, asking for assistance. "If it is... I won't be able to do it on my own." Her lips twisted wryly and wiggled her fingers at him. She had watched his muscles play beneath his skin as he moved. She watched the motion and noticed small nicks and puckers in his skin. A canvas of hard living, wasn't it? She pulled back from any extraneous thoughts. Those would just be distracting, and not allow her to be in the moment. How unbelievably constant her stream of self-talk was. All to keep her together... to keep her... "Mmmm. Thirsty."

Gary watched KAT silently as she drank, savoring the way she looked as she drank. Those lips taste wonderful. I wonder if the grapes knew what a pleasure they would have when they were changed into wine. What was not perfect about KAT? he wondered. Perfect complexion, flawless skin, and a body that men and women would die for. Yet, here she was with him. He put his left hand on her right thigh.

KAT looked down at the hand and then up his arm, following it slowly to look at the Captain's face. "Not having any?" she asked softly, using the tip of her tongue to flick a little of wayward wine from the corner of her mouth. Her head tipped to the left and looked at him. "Or perhaps you're wondering if I should head back to my quarters." Her hand swept across her naked skin. "I should get dressed first, at least..."

Gary's hand squeezed KAT's thigh and he took the cup from her and took a sip of the wine. "I'm not wondering any of those things. The night is still young. And why would I expect you to leave, Karina?"

"Oh?" KAT smiled. "The night indeed is young, but I should leave at a decent hour to keep tongues from wagging too hard, don't you think, Captain?" She winked at Gary. "You already have such a terrible reputation as it is. It is my duty to ensure that your authority is respected and your leadership, unquestionable." Becoming more serious she looked at him fully. "Besides, it seems... selfish to be here enjoying myself when there's so much to be done." Closing her eyes, she shook her head. A strong sense of responsibility was something that was her curse.

"I don't care if tongues waggle anymore, KAT. You've always been my right hand and I love you. Maybe it took us getting lost out here for me to admit it. I don't know, KAT. But the rules are going to change out here, Karina. Home is not something that is likely ever to be found again. We should enjoy the happiness that we can while we can."

Her eyes widened considerably and then narrowed. "Are you thinking of relinquishing your Command?" Rules changing indeed. They were Starfleet. Abrupt and sweeping changes would be just as unwelcome as being hurled out here. "Or changing the structure of the ship's reporting hierarchy?"

Her tone was matter-of-fact. "Because at this point, any additional changes to the infrastructure of stability on board?" She shook her head and sighed deeply. "It would bode very poorly for you, Sir." Assigning tasks and the like was keeping people engaged. For now. "Hope must remain or everything dissolves. And this ship and everything aboard Her would be forfeit."

She shrugged. "Command carries responsibility. And personal happiness should NEVER be put above the health and well-being of everyone aboard the ship that you swore to protect and serve." If she had known about Stan Lee, she might have quoted his line for Peter Parker from his Uncle Ben... 'With great power comes great responsibility.' But in this instance, not only would it be a mixing of genres, it would also be redundant. KAT knew the Captain felt it all too well.

Her tone softened, but only slightly. "It's on your shoulders. But you're not alone." She smiled. "Keep going with the appearances and loyalty will continue. Change? Well, some things need to be handled more delicately."

Gary turned to KAT and smiled warmly into her eyes. "No, I won't be alone. I have you. And you are my other half." He leaned in and kissed his yeoman tenderly on the lips. "I do love you, Karina. I am an engineer at heart. Solutions are simple. You see the problem and you solve it." He caressed her gently on her cheek again. "So, if you think it is better to keep up appearances for awhile, then that is what we will do for now." He sighed as he traced her jawline with the back of his hand. "But my feelings are real and always have been. I just wish I told you much sooner."

KAT looked into his eyes for a moment, then cast them downwards shyly. 'Other half. He loves me.' Too much to process. Was it wrong for her to feel even more isolated? Could she return such depth of feeling? Did she even have that capacity within her anymore? Or did she even have it to begin with?

"Timing. Is. Everything." Her gaze clear, her confusion and wonder shoved so far down that it was surprising that she could eat at all. So many changes. So many emotions. So much responsibility. Would she rise? Or fall? Become like a diamond? Or crumble from the pressure?

"And with that thought, I believe that the timing is just right for me to get dressed and head back." Leaning forward as she stood, her lips brushed his cheek gently. "Besides, any later, our breakfast meeting might just be leftovers."

She tugged at her uniform, simplistic to dress in and smooth down. She proceeded with dressing slowly, covering and uncovering skin as she teased him, her eyes dancing.

Gary sighed, feeling like he lost the immediate battle; however, he could see from KAT's eyes that he did not lose the war. "Well, breakfast with you is never disappointing. But," he said as KAT was teasing her with dressing routine, "I don't think you have to dress so soon. I'm sure that we both could spent a little more time together, no?"

KAT's face spread into a smile that was disarmingly touching. "So soon?" she asked, looking at her PADD. "I suppose not now..." but as she touched it, it sprang to life. "Oh fuck no."

Her face colored using the expletive. "Sorry," she muttered.

Her eyes glanced across the screen. "It appears that some questions have arisen about power structures and finite... half life expectancies." She looked at the information. "Conversion to alternative fuel sources to think ahead for what might be a long trip."

She shrugged. "A Captain's duty is never done." She chewed on the inside of her cheek. "And remember, keep hope alive. The trip they're speaking of is to Home."

"You shouldn't have looked," Gary lightly scolded KAT. "It could wait until tomorrow." He sighed and encircled KAT with a bear hug. "I still meant every word of what I said," he whispered lightly in KAT's ear.

"Perhaps not," KAT said and held the PADD to her chest like a security blanket. "Each tomorrow seems a little harder to face." She leaned into his arms and closed her eyes. Why did he have to say that? Why could things not remain... She knew he'd expect her to respond in kind. She had not said the word love in any context between herself and any other human being since... that day.

"I know you want me to say it to you, Gary...." KAT's voice stopped in her throat. "I feel...." That was all she could manage. All she had within her to share at the moment. A great gaping wound had remained within her for so long that it had created its own biosphere within her heart. If she even still had one. "I'm... I..." Her PADD buzzed. "... need to go." That eye was acting up again and she kissed his cheek before slipping from his grasp. "See you in the morning."

"I'll see you in the morning," Gary acknowledged. "And I will wait for when you're ready. I was not until today. You will find your day."

 

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