Chapter Four: Waltzing Wonders:
Jim kept his word, he visited Khan the next day. And the next day. And the next day. In fact, for three weeks he visited, undiscovered by Bones or Spock, his knack for escaping trouble coming in more than a little useful. He reasoned it was worth the risk of getting caught, to finally have someone understand exactly what he was going through, and be able to advise him on how best to cope with it.
Sure Spock was a good friend, as was Bones, but neither of them truly understood what he was experiencing, in fact neither of them had breathed a word of their findings to him yet, still keeping him in the dark, or so they believed.
In the weeks which followed, they took the time to learn about each other in great detail, storing every fact to memory for later discussion; Jim discovered that Khan had a quiet fondness for classical music and cats, and Khan learnt that Jim enjoyed rock music and dogs. But in between their differences were similarities, things which they could build on with time, such as a joint fascination with technology, taking things apart and putting them back together to see how they worked; they loved motorbikes, the faster the better; and they had a keen shared interest in learning.
It was strange to go from hating and fearing Khan to realising that they weren't so different, and in fact finding a good basis for trust and maybe even friendship. Maybe even more.
Kirk gritted his teeth as he hid his face under the bed covers at that thought, sighing heavily as his stomach churned with an anxiety he wasn't entirely used to. Somewhere during his visits and all this chats, he realised there was a little more driving him than just a need for understanding, there was something deeper, and to his surprise and nervousness he found himself straying into dangerous waters. Feelings were stirring, as unwise as they might turn out to be.
It wasn't that he was unused to being attracted to the same sex, he'd always lived his life with a foot in both worlds, it was more a case of it being Khan that he was concerned about. The man was a killer, a war criminal, and probably the most hated person in Starfleet. And yet that didn't seem to matter what they were talking, when they were close.
Jim had continued to experience small episodes of chronic pain, but they were resolved with greater ease and none had been quite as severe as the first. Which was probably the only positive point.
He jumped slightly as he heard the door open and he popped his head up, groaning internally as he saw Bones, he pushed himself up into a seated position and slung his arms over his legs as he pulled them up towards his chest, "Did you bring grapes?"
"Very funny, Jim." the doctor mused, checking his records to see how he'd been doing, "I've made the decision to discharge you temporarily, the last of the tests I need to run can be done without you being here for them. So it seems stupid to keep you in a bed we might need. You can go back to your apartment, but I don't want you to be on your own for extended periods of time, just in case you have another attack."
His mood picked up slightly at the news he could finally leave the hellhole that was the hospital, but then dipped again at the conditions, "Before you even suggest it... Spock is not coming home with me. That apartment is my own little safe haven, I don't even take one night stands back there."
"Jim its either Spock or you stay here." he put his foot down.
"Then I guess I'll have to stay here!" he snapped, "I won't have anyone trespassing on my space."
Bones was momentarily surprised by his friends bout of surliness, and drew in a heavy breath, "Alright, just... You can go home alone, but I want you to keep in regular contact with myself or Spock, and if you do experience any pain at all, you come straight back. Is that fair?"
"Fine." he muttered, sliding off the bed and throwing his clothes on, waiting patiently for his IV to be removed so he could escape.
He paused by the door and glanced at his friend over his shoulder, the man had a worried look on is face. He shrugged off the guilt of having snapped at him and left the room, stopping suddenly as he saw the noticeboard just outside his door and an idea formed in his mind as he read one of the posters, it could solve Bones's worries, and it would mean he didn't have to spend another of 'those days' alone.
He made a sharp left, pushing open Khan's door and going inside, ignoring the sudden panic of the man behind him.
"Jim!" he heard Bones exclaim as he shut the door and flicked the lock down to give them some privacy.
Khan raised an eyebrow at the scene, "I thought you wanted to keep a low profile."
"I did, but I've just been discharged." he grinned slightly as he could hear Bones swearing at him through the glass, "So now I don't have to worry."
"I see, so you will not be coming to visit any longer?" he asked, his tone level.
The blond walked over and sat by him on the bed, blocking out the sound of the doctor's voice, "On the contrary, I have an idea that might just get you out of here. I imagine you are as bored of these four walls as I am."
"How are you going to do that without breaking at least a dozen regulations?" the dark haired man asked, sitting up slightly with curiosity in his gaze.
"Bah who cares about regulations?" he asked waving a lazy hand, "There is a party at Starfleet HQ this weekend, for senior ranking officers, I was thinking of attending."
"And your point is?" Khan frowned, not following his thought process.
"And you say you're a genius," he muttered, "You are a Captain, are you not?"
"I am, yes but... Oh." the superhuman paused suddenly and let out a small chuckle, "I see what you mean, Captains are superior ranking officers. But maybe you are forgetting, I am not the Captain of a Starfleet vessel, and on top of that I am a known killer."
Jim's smile only widened, "Good job it is a masquerade then, isn't it? Masks, costumes, no one will recognise you."
"Hm, it is an interesting plan for certain, and I can't deny I would like to feel some freedom again... Very well, seeing as you asked so nicely, James, I will accept your invitation." Khan's lips twitched towards a smirk, "I'd like to see you get permission, however, as I am still under lock and key."
"The lock and key, of Doctor McCoy, who owes me." he shrugged.
Khan watched curiously as the blond strode over to the door and flicked the lock back open, allowing a furious doctor inside.
"What the hell are you playing at, Jim?!" the man exploded, grabbing his shoulders and shaking him, "How did you even know he was here?!"
"Dammit Bones, calm down," he grabbed his hands and pushed them away, "I've been coming to see Khan for weeks, next time you want to hide someone, don't put them next door to me. It's ridiculous."
"You were confined to your room, you shouldn't have been walking around." Bones growled, barely containing his anger.
Jim took a moment before speaking, "Look, I was going mad staring at four walls, I needed a break. I saw Khan and I had to talk to him, I needed to. For my own sanity. He isn't a monster, Bones, he was in an impossible situation. He thought his family had been murdered."
Bones stared at him, "Have you lost your damn mind? Do you need reminding of what he did?! What he could still do?"
"I know what he did, I was there, I saw it and I lived it. But I don't care." he said honestly, "The things he did were wrong yes, but the reason for them couldn't have been any more human. His intellect and very life was abused by Marcus, his family was taken from him and used against him... If it had been me I would have done anything to protect you guys, to protect the Enterprise."
"You did do anything, Jim. You killed yourself protecting us." the doctor snapped suddenly, running a hand down his face, "You stuck yourself in a radioactive chamber, and you kicked the Warp core back into position to save us. It was a damn miracle we brought you back at all, I won't do it again! I can't do it again!"
Jim took a step back, mouth opening slightly, looking down as he listened, hearing his friend's voice crack with emotion, with pain. Sometimes he forgot that his death had affected everyone around him, not just himself.
"Bones, listen to me," he murmured softly, peering up slowly, "I did what I had to do, for my family. Just like he did for his. He's not a bad person. I know about your diagnosis, okay, I know what's going on with me. My body is changing because of Khan's DNA, because of his blood, and if it makes me half as strong as he is then you wouldn't need to worry about me any more, would you?"
"How do you know about..." McCoy trailed off and shot Khan a dark glare, "This is why I wanted you kept apart. My diagnosis is speculation, based on the information Khan has shared, and the tests I have run. I have no way to know how this change will affect you long term Jim. It might fade out, you might go back to being normal and then where would you be?"
"With someone who could help me." he said firmly.
He could see the cogs moving in his friend's head before the expression on his face turned to one of complete disbelief, "No Jim. No. The answer... Is no."
"I'm not taking no for an answer, its not an option." Kirk replied, folding his arms, "Khan isn't sick, he doesn't need a hospital bed. He and I are taking up space you could use if an emergency takes place. You want someone to stay with me in case I have an episode, he needs somewhere to stay."
Bones grabbed his friend's arm and pulled him to the door, speaking in a hushed voice, "I can't sign off on that, I can't just let him out of this hospital to wander freely. What if he does something, goes rogue, kills people? That would be on me. I would be at fault."
"I would be taking full responsibility for him and his actions, if anything were to happen it would be on me, not you." he murmured, "I honestly believe he is invested in helping me. Bones, listen, I've been coming in here for hours, for the last three weeks and we've done nothing but talk. I understand him better than I understand Spock, for the love of God, and I've know him far longer. Please, trust me."
The doctor swallowed hard and shook his head, taking a deep breath, "You ask too much of me, and I expect to be able to ask a favour in return. Several favours, in fact. At least three favours."
"Does that mean..."
"Yes." Bones said sharply, "I know you, if I said no you'd just break him out anyway, at least this way I know where he is and who he is with... And I suppose... If he's genuinely interested in your best interests then I will know someone is looking after you as well."
Jim grinned widely, "Knew I could count on you!"
"Don't even go there." the doctor growled, glancing sharply at Khan before he left, making several notes on his PADD.
"How did you manage this again?" Khan asked as they walked side by side towards Starfleet Head Quarters, where the masquerade party was taking place.
"Magic." Kirk smirked in response.
In the days following their release from hospital, Jim had taken the time to show Khan around San Francisco properly, while aware the other man was more than capable of snapping his neck with a twist of his fingers at any given moment, he allowed himself the luxury of believing Khan wouldn't do that. He couldn't help but relax around him the longer they spent together, and he found himself sinking into a pattern of something he might dare to distinguish as friendship. Though there was a small part of him that hoped for more than that.
Sharing his apartment with the dark haired man had been an interesting experience, he wasn't used to having anyone else there and found himself to be on his best behaviour, only slightly self conscious of the fact that his flat was furnished with only the basics and there was no real sign of life there. No photographs, no paintings, no vases, nothing of him. Khan hadn't mentioned it, but he knew he had noticed.
Checking his watch and seeing it was close to eight in the evening, he put a little more haste into his step, not wanting to be late considering all the effort it had taken to get this far, it had taken two full days and a bucket full of Kirk's suave persuasive abilities to convince Khan to actually attend in fancy dress; not to mention he had been forced to point out about six times that Khan needed a disguise to prevent panic among the guests.
But finally he had achieved victory, and there they were, striding across the courtyard dressed as a couple of 18th century pirates, equipped with tricorn hats and elaborate eye masks. Jim's mask was black with flares of red velvet trailing an intricate story across his face, while Khan's was black and blue, patterned like the web of a snowflake.
"I have never worn anything so ridiculous in my life, if this is magic I don't want to see more." the black haired man muttered under his breath, "I can't believe I allowed myself to be talked into this..."
"Are you still whining? Seriously, it will be fun if you let it." Jim shook his head exasperatedly, "Trust me, it will be great."
"The idea of trusting you makes me more anxious than before." Khan said snidely.
"You injure me!" he laughed.
Khan, however embarrassed and uncomfortable in his current clothing, followed him willingly right up to the entrance, keeping his head down as they were greeted by door staff.
"Name." one of the large, muscled men demanded, his demeanour far less intimidating thanks to the wizard costume he was wearing.
"Kirk, James T." the blond answered mechanically, "This is my plus one."
"Captain of the USS Enterprise." the doorman confirmed and nodded, "In you go, have a pleasant evening sir."
"And you."
Jim grinned widely as they entered the building, this was the first time he had bothered to come to one of the Fleet's fancy parties, it was more of an excuse to spend time with Khan in a different environment than anything else, but he had to admit they really had out done themselves with the decorations.
Billowing drapes of red, yellow and blue hung from the ceilings to the floors, bathed in the warm glow of gravity resistant orbs, and smothered in silver balloons which clung onto the walls with shiny silver ribbon. A red carpet ran the length of the entrance, leading to the conference room which had been turned into a food area and dance floor for the occasion.
"This was not what I expected." Khan breathed, slightly mesmerised by the lights and the scenery.
"Me neither, they sure out did themselves... And they have actual taste in music. Amazing." Jim commented, leading them into the large room which was stuffed with bustling officers, he stole a glance at his companion and smirked, "What, you weren't thinking the same thing?"
"Actually, I was." the dark haired man answered, "Marcus allowed me that one luxury while I worked, music. I would have lost my mind without it. Or... At the very least lost it more."
Frowning faintly at the mention of the former Admiral, Kirk looked away and scanned the crowed, his heart sinking abruptly, "Oh for the love of... Shit."
"What's wrong?"
"I forgot that First Officers are invited as well... I've just seen Spock." he groaned, grabbing his wrist suddenly and leading him further into the crowd, "This way."
Khan was momentarily taken aback by the contact on his arm, initial instinct being to pull away, however he stopped himself and allowed the other to drag him off, and when they then came to a stop on the other side of the room, he tilted his head slightly, "Why do you not wish for Mister Spock to see you?"
"Because Bones has probably told him everything by now, and all I will get is a lecture, which is the exact opposite of what I need. Especially tonight." he growled in response, turning towards the food table and stabbing a cocktail sausage venomously before eating it.
"What do you mean especially tonight?" Khan questioned, leaning against the table and keeping his eyes on the crowd, before his gaze flicked to Kirks'.
"It's just... It doesn't matter, not right now. I just need a night off to enjoy myself." he said quietly.
The superhuman contemplated his response for a moment, it was clear that Kirk was somewhat adverse to the idea of discussing what was on his mind, yet at the same time he could hear the need to talk in his voice. He wasn't willing to push him and risk his temper flaring, after all he currently owed the blond a great deal, starting with his freedom to walk around the city without an armed guard. But he would store the moment to memory, and ask him about it another time. He would ensure Jim had the night he wanted, at the very least.
"I will keep an eye out for Mister Spock for you," he said, stealing a second sausage from the Captain and eating it himself, "You sound like you need to unwind."
Jim pouted as the nibble was stolen but then looked relieved, "Really? Thanks. I owe you one."
Khan paused as he considered the many, many ways he could claim that 'one' before clearing his throat and scanning the crowd for the Vulcan once more, "Move towards the drinks." he instructed, steering Jim away from the prowling First Officer.
"I swear he is more persistent than fleas." the blond muttered under his and allowed himself to be moved.
"You know, it isn't entirely fair that he isn't in costume himself." Khan grumbled softly, shifting his hat slightly.
Kirk snorted, downing a small cup of punch, "Oh he would never do anything as fun as dressing up for a party, no no, that would be far too illogical."
"Clearly." the other huffed.
Spock continued to follow them around the room, whether or not the Vulcan was actually aware of that or not, neither of them could decide, however it was becoming somewhat annoying. Determined to keep his word and give Jim the evening he wanted, his ears pricked as the tone of the music changed and he saw people heading for the dance floor.
"Can Spock dance?" he asked, gripping Kirk's wrist suddenly.
"What?" Jim frowned in confusion, "No, of course he can't, he wouldn't give it the time of day."
"Excellent, then follow me."
Spluttering in puzzlement, Kirk allowed himself to be pulled through the crowded room, suddenly understanding as the dance floor came into sight, "Are you serious? You are inviting me to dance with you?"
"Yes, why? Are you adverse to the idea?" Khan asked as they moved.
"Not at all but... I would never have thought of you as the dancing kind." he shrugged slightly, a small shudder running through him as he felt one of Khan's hands slid to the small of his back as they got into position.
"And I didn't realise that you were interested in men as well as women, but I have felt your eyes on me ever since we left the hospital, so now, we are even." He whispered against his ear as they moved in time to the fast paced Spanish music.
Jim flinched slightly as he felt his breath against his skin and he swallowed the lump in his throat, before forcing a smirk into place, "If you really had noticed, why not say something?"
"I would say something... If it bothered me." the dark haired man replied, matching his smirk.
It was the first real smirk Jim had seen from the man, and there was something in his eyes, a smoulder, which made him slightly light headed and it occurred to him for a moment that he may have finally met his match. It was as terrifying as it was exhilarating.
"You know," he began, as he allowed himself to be led around the floor, "You didn't need to use Spock as an excuse. I know you just wanted to finally get your hands on me."
Khan looked down at him and his lips twitched, "You overestimate your effect on me, Captain."
"So I do have an effect on you then. Thank you for telling me." he teased.
"That was coy." the soldier commented.
Jim felt his mind go blank as they enjoyed their dance, keeping perfect pace and position with each other as they wove a ring around the other dance partners, many of whom left the dance floor to give more room to two clearly talented dancers.
The music was building in his ears, his heart thundering in response with each step, each twist and turn, neither of them put a foot out of place, it was as though for that moment their minds were one, perfectly interlocking and syncing, giving way to a mesmerising display of skill, talent and passion.
Khan twirled Kirk under his arm, dragging him closer again and spinning them both as he then curled him back, eyes twinkling slightly as he watched how much the other seemed to be enjoying the moment.
The climax of the music was fast approaching, and the two could sense it, fast paced foot work followed before a second spin and twist, Khan drew him in close, leaning in slightly and brushing his lips over Jim's, enjoying the way the other's breath caught in response.
And then like that the music was gone, and he spun the blond elegantly out until they were stood side by side, only their hands still touching. The pair only realising they were alone on the dance floor when an outbreak of applause roused them from their bubble, and they both grew shifty as they realised how many people had been watching their display.
Khan chuckled softly to himself as he looked at Jim's still bewildered face, an expression of surprise and lust rolled into one.
"Captain." Spock said suddenly from beside them both.
"Oh for the love of all things." Jim dropped his head and sighed heavily.
"Ah, it would appear my plan did not work." Khan mused, "My luck is clearly not as good as yours, James." his lips twitching as he caught the back end of two death glares.
The Vulcan stood straighter if anything else, "Captain I feel we should talk."
"I had a feeling you might say that." the blond huffed, "Come on then."
Jim trailed after his friend as they left the room, standing just outside the door way as the music inside turned more subtle again, as if a gentle reminder that their moment was truly over. The blond glanced around as he felt Khan at his side and his cheeks burned suddenly as his mind treacherously replayed the best kiss he had never had.