Chapter 8: Places

"I can't help but worry that you won't always be this patient with me, Douglas." Martin says from behind his hands.

The captain curls tighter into himself, head resting on his knees, his hair a fiery mess in the dying sunlight peeking through the window of their hotel room. They are sitting side by side on the bed, their backs against the headboard, the pillows smashed up between them. They have just shared an intense session of kissing and petting where Martin has gone from pliant and willing to this tight ball of nervous energy. Both men are shirtless and barefoot, but still wearing their uniform trousers. They arrived a little over an hour ago and have somehow managed to forget their dinner plans for the moment.

Everything had been going fine-swimmingly, in Douglas' opinion-until he made the mistake of unzipping Martin's trousers and cupping his balls through the material of his cotton pants without saying anything first. Immediately, the captain's entire body had gone rigid and he pulled away so fast Douglas barely had any time to get his hand back. He would never lie and say it has been easy getting used to talking during intimacy, but he will admit that it has been good for him. In some ways, it has made their budding relationship more about them and less about the physicality of it.

Douglas lets Martin go in order to give him the space he so obviously needs and knowing that the captain's reaction is not personal. He cradles Martin's knee with his hand, trying to keep some physical contact without it being overwhelming; Martin relaxes a little under Douglas' touch, though he does not move his hands from his face. His fingertips are mashed so tightly against his hairline that they have blanched from the pressure.

Douglas eases closer and pulls Martin's hands down and does not let them go.

"Martin, let me tell you this: I've never wanted to be patient with anyone before you."

"I don't understand." The captain mutters at the walls as he tries to look away from the brown eyes peering into his soul.

Douglas gently grips Martin's chin. Their gazes lock and he swears that he can taste the electricity crackling around them.

"I honestly know no other way to explain myself," he says pointedly.

Martin does not respond but some of the wary expression on his face dissipates. He frowns, wrinkling his brow then tightens his grip on Douglas' hand. It is on the very tip of his tongue to ask about patience and the Mrs. Richardsons times three, but something in the other man's expression is already answering the unspoken question. In that instant, Martin understands that Douglas is telling him the complete truth.

Douglas sees comprehension dawn on Martin's face and he smiles. "May I?" he asks, leaning in closer.

Martin nods and moves into Douglas' space, their lips touching gently in between. It's a sweet kiss, almost chaste except for the heat that Douglas can feel growing between them. After a few seconds, however, he pulls away, breaking contact completely and resting his hands in his lap. He pushes back up against the headboard and angles his legs so they hang off the side of the mattress, effectively allowing Martin to choose whether he wants to be close or have some space.

To Douglas' amusement, Martin shuffles forward on his hands and drops his head onto the first officer's shoulder, the force of the movement pushing a loud grunt out of Douglas' chest. Martin huffs as he finishes by draping himself all over Douglas' bare back.

"Thank you, old man." Martin cracks a snort then giggles.

"What did you call me, junior?" Douglas rumbles as he turns around so he can wrap his arms around the captain. He chuckles before kissing the top of his head as Martin giggles again.

"Old...man." Apparently, Martin has hit slap-happy.

"Oh, that's enough, you." Douglas pokes his fingers into Martin's ribs in order to make him laugh some more; he is pretty sure he could get addicted to that sound.

"Douglas..." Martin is on his back now, hands grabbing at Douglas' forearms and feet trying for purchase against the side of the bed. "Thats..." he chokes on another giggle. "Stop!" he finally is able to get out.

Douglas stops and Martin lays there, gasping but still laughing. He watches the captain carefully, taking in the sheen of sweat on his chest, the slightly flushed face and tousled hair. A very large something curls in Douglas' chest and begins to purr, telling his subconscious that if Martin looks like this now, he's going to practically glow after a great shag.

Martin stops laughing and opens his eyes when he feels Douglas go still. They stay that way for a few moments until Martin grabs the back of Douglas' neck and hauls him downward for another searing kiss. Douglas keeps himself propped on his hands as Martin's fingers splay over his back. When they both come back up for air, Martin closes his eyes again and leans his head back against the now wrinkled sheet.

"It's not that I don't want to, Douglas, or that I can't...I mean, I am able...it's just I want him gone, out of my mind...before we...we..." Martin stammers.

"Shh, Martin, I told you, I understand. I really do. Look at me." Douglas says from where he is now crouched over his favorite captain of all time.

Martin swallows and does as he is bid. "Yes, Douglas?"

"I've got an idea. Let's you and me go have some supper, then come back here and try out the swimming pool? I hear its heated." Douglas grins.

"Sure, Douglas," Martin says as he lets out the breath he didn't realize he was holding. He is aware that something new is happening here, but has no desire to label it yet. "That's a great idea."

"Good then, junior, sir! We have to put clothes on, though, it may be a small place, but I'm sure its a sight better than a walk-up on the beach." Douglas kisses Martin one more time then moves off the bed to rummage through their bag for something to wear. As he strolls towards the bathroom, Martin grabs around the waist from where the smaller man is still perched on the bed. Martin buries his face against Douglas and they stand that way for a little while, quietly contemplating each other.