Icicles 12
Do not own Star Trek
Khan's eyes narrowed as he observed himself in the mirror. He had no idea how lint managed to get all over his dress greys, but he was not amused in the least bit. Naturally the one thing he did not have was a lint roller or even tape.
He had been back in his office all week. No Marla. Andrew did come by twice to water her plants though. She wasn't returning his calls. He still didn't quite understand what he did to set her off, but he was sure right now she was very busy with the last few days of the Bajorans. He knew he would be glad when they were gone. That meant Marla would go back to normal, Marcus wouldn't be forcing him along to things like a show dog and the general stress level would go down a millimeter. It also meant he could finally get his hands on Lakewood. Khan's lip curled at the thought. The man was the one responsible for the tribbles, harassing Marla and also that stupid assembly. It would be great fun to relieve some stress by pulverizing the man into the ground. He had been warned not to kill, maim or disable him though.
Khan picked what he could off his uniform. He figured Marcus would have something at least when the man picked him up. Other than the lint, he had made sure everything was perfection, shined, and up to standard, lest he be subject to Marcus's wrath. His hair was combed to the side, he made certain the only thing Marcus could complain about was the lint. He checked his watch, dug in his dresser drawer and pulled out a small box. A gift from the space station. He was going to wait until Marla and he were in a relationship, but it seemed an appropriate time as an apology. He flipped the box open to check and make sure the necklace was still in place and undamaged. On second thought, perhaps he should wait. He pocketed it just in case. He would just have to see how the night went.
Khan left his apartment and went to wait outside. He wasn't waiting long before the car pulled up. Khan climbed into the back and was slightly surprised to see Marcus's wife next to him.
"Good evening." He nodded towards her. She nodded back. He had no idea if she knew what he was or not.
"Son, what the hell is all over you? Here." Marcus pulled a lint brush out of his pocket and shoved it at him.
Khan did the best he could to get everything off without having to remove any of his clothing. He opted to look out the window at the city flying by, the lights ranging from shining almost obnoxiously bright to somewhat dim, soft and gentle.
Marcus's wife sighed as they pulled into the entrance to the Academy campus and proceeded to drive down a few winding turns. Before long, they pulled up to a large building with what appeared to be fairy lights decorating the walkway up. Students meandered by, glancing over at the fuss. The car turned off and the driver got out and came around to open the door. Marcus and his wife got out before Khan proceeded to clamber out. Marcus made an irritated noise before taking the lint brush out of his pocket and quickly went over Khan's back. Khan froze, unsure whether or not the brush was loaded with anything that would knock him out.
Finally, Marcus was satisfied and pocketed it once more.
"Well, are we going to go in or are we going to stand out here all night?" Marcus grunted as his wife took his arm. Khan followed the older couple up the walkway into the building. Immediately, warmth washed over them upon entering. He looked around to see men in their uniforms or tuxedos and women in gowns floating around the entry hall. Signs pointed guests in direction of the bathrooms and the event space. The couple continued on the event space. Khan looked around him at the hallway which was lined with paintings and photos of the Academy. Music and noise grew louder as they approached. A pair of large wooden doors were opened up to reveal the large room within, which seemed to glow. The noise and background music of a strings quartet washed over them. Tables were set up around the room along with a separate open space where servers milled around with what appeared to be springwine.
Marcus began talking to someone and he took the opportunity to separate and walk around. It was difficult to navigate through the crowd, but finally he found Marla. Unfortunately, she was surrounded by people. He took a quick moment to observe her. To him, she looked absolutely amazing. The light blue dress had to have been tailored to fit her that well. He felt his heart beginning to race. He felt as if it would nearly explode when she turned and locked eyes with him. She quickly excused herself and walked towards him.
"Commander." She smiled. Perhaps she wasn't still pissed at him. "Come, walk with me." She took his arm and guided him out to a terrace at the back of the giant room. The terrace was decorated with small trees and wooden benches and the lights from outside. Khan noted the space heaters beside each bench. Marla sat down and motioned for him to sit. He complied quickly.
"I would like to apologize for snapping at you, John." She took his hand. "I know you meant well, but I felt like you were ignoring the fact I had the situation under control." John observed her face. Minimal makeup, nothing on her mouth. Just the Marla he knew.
"Apology accepted and I apologize that I upset you."
"May I offer you a drink?" They looked up to see a server walking up to them, tray of the blue wine.
"None for me, thanks." Marla shook her head.
"Sir?"
"No."
The server walked away from the pair and back inside.
"Good call. It's an imitation springwine. The Bajorans aren't satisfied with it. They think it tastes cheap and are sending for one of their kegs from their ship to be here within the hour." Marla informed him.
"May I say, you look absolutely…stunning?" He kissed her hand gently.
"Thank you. Tabitha threw a fit over my dress because it's the same color as the one Bal gave me for the state dinner." Marla went slightly red.
"You never did tell me how that went." He commented as he brushed a strand of her hair back from her face.
"Awkward." Marla sighed. "Marcus wouldn't leave me alone. Asking questions constantly throughout the night, sitting beside me…then I had to deal with Bal getting drunk and asking me constantly to go back to Bajor with them again."
"I see." Once more, he was reminded that he would very happy once the Bajorans were gone. "I want to discuss som-"
"There you are, McGivers. Come on, they're starting to seat everyone." A woman poked her head out.
"Coming." Marla sighed. "I suppose that's our cue to go rejoin the party." Khan stood and offered his hand. Marla took it before walking towards the door.
Marla sat at the large table. Bal sat beside her. Kitya and Elyn were on her other side. Marcus and his wife sat on the other side of Bal. John was beside the Admiral's wife. Various other Admirals and Bajorans sat at the table. Andrew was across the room at a table with Coore and Maloney. Annora, Tabitha and a few other McGivers sat a table away. Tabitha insisted on sitting directly behind her, probably to keep an eye and ear on her. Tabitha informed her she was fortunate to have found herself at that table with the company she was in. Annora kept glaring at her. Marla had been informed that Annora thought her makeup was not formal enough. Marla had merely grunted. She allowed Tabitha to mess with her eyes, but that was about it. She was tired of the way Tabitha had insisted her make-up be done the entire time the Bajorans were here.
Marla twitched slightly, startled by the cold leather of a shoe gently rubbing against her ankle. She quickly glanced around to see only John had picked up on it.
"Something wrong, Marlena?" Kitya hissed under her breath without moving her mouth.
"Bal." She hissed back, doing the same. Marla tried to move her legs, but his foot followed. She quickly stomped his foot in his instep and Bal yelped.
"Is everything alright, Ambassador?" One of the Bajorans quickly asked,
"No, no. Just a, erm, back spasm. Happens to the best of us. Old age must be creeping upon me." He laughed gaily. Once the table resumed conversation, he leaned over to Marla, hand trailing to her inner thigh.
"Feisty tonight, aren't we? I like it." He retracted back and engaged Marcus and his wife in conversation. Marla took a quick sip of water as she remembered what Marcus had said about Bal having a thing for Klingon women, who notoriously battered their mates as foreplay. It seemed no matter what she did, Bal was going to interpret it as playing hard to get.
She nervously glanced at John who was focused on his glass of water. She wished they were sitting closer. Marla wanted to grab his hand, play with it, feel his calluses, intertwine her fingers with his slender ones. She wanted the dinner to be over as soon as possible so as to escape Bal's attention, escape Annora's disapproving glares and spend the night mostly with John.
The servers began coming around with food. She gave a small sigh of relief. Tabitha had told her not to eat too much. Her stomach, however, wanted to devour the salad in front of her. She forced herself to take it slow. Marla glanced around the table.
"McGivers, you must be excited about the new history building." Marcus turned to her as the plates were cleared away for the main course.
"Yes, very excited. The entire history department is, sir."
"So I've heard. But rest easy, just another few months and the department should have a new building. Dean Klaus is very anxious for it to be done."
"Where is Dean Klaus, now that I think of it?" Dr. Marcus looked up from her food and looked around.
"No one has heard from him in a while. I think Cheryl said he was on vacation in Majorca." Marla shrugged.
"How strange." Bal frowned. "I wanted to see him. After all, we did have such a pleasant time last time I was here. Pity. Perhaps we could extend our stay a few days or another week and go visit him."
Marla could feel her face drop.
Bal's face lit up as he turned to Kitya for approval. "I hear Majorca is lovely. What do you think, Kitya?
Kitya gave a look of what could only be described as disbelief.
"After all, wouldn't our little terran, you, and Elyn here look stunning in little beach outfits?" Bal grabbed Marla by the jaw and squeezed her cheeks slightly. "Hm, Kitya? Kitya? Kitya, darling? Are you alright?"
Kitya was mouthing wordlessly and only emitting a high pitched whine.
"Excuse us." Marla rose quickly and grabbed Kitya by the hand and pulled her out into the corridor out the door behind them.
"Kitya. Kitya! Snap out of it, dammit!" Marla growled as soon as they were beyond earshot next to the bathrooms.
Kitya began to cry.
"Marlena…I can't do another week here chasing him around." Kitya practically sobbed.
"Kitya, you are not staying another week, you are leaving tomorrow morning and will be on your way home to Bajor. To your house, to your friends and family."
"It's a two month journey." Kitya whined. "I am ready to go home now. Not a week from now. No offense to Terra."
"None taken."
"Is everything alright?"
Marla turned from consoling Kitya to see John headed down the hall. Kitya turned and faced the wall.
"Just a little stressed out. It appears Kitya has had quite enough." Marla gently rubbed Kitya's back. "Kitya, I don't know how you have managed to keep up with him over the years, but you have been doing such a good job."
"No, I haven't. He's been touching you, hasn't he? I'm supposed to be keeping him under control, not letting him fondle people under the table."
"He's been touching you?" John's tone darkened.
"Not now, John. Kitya, how's this; we go back in there and we switch seats? That way you can keep Bal under control?"
"Okay."
"Alright. Now let's stop crying. We'll go get something cool on your eyes, okay? I'm sure he realizes that you can't stay forever."
Kitya nodded and walked into the bathroom.
"Where did he touch you?" John breathed.
"No. We are getting through this night without any more incidents. I have worked too fucking hard for there to be an intergalactic incident ten hours before they leave. We are going to go, eat, drink and be fucking merry at this fucking thing for the next few fucking hours. DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?" She snarled as she pointed her finger at him. John backed up slightly.
"Understood." He responded lightly as he reached out and moved her hand to the side. "Let us collect Kitya then."
Marla managed to clean Kitya up as best she could before they rejoined the table.
"Is everything alright,, Kitya?" Bal frantically fretted over her as the Bajoran woman sat beside him. Servers began moving around with the main course.
"We are unable to stay another week." Kitya replied with a smile frozen on her face. "We are going home to Bajor. Marlena will be staying here and you will call your mother tonight."
"Yes. Of course." Bal continued to fuss over her as the rest of the table started to eat.
Marla sighed in relief that Bal's attention was now turned completely to Kitya and making sure she was unharmed and alright.
Elyn gave her a smirk as she glanced at her and at the pair beside them as Bal began murmuring to Kitya in Bajoran.
Finally the plates were cleared away and a Bajoran came up to Bal and muttered something.
"SPLENDID!" Bal crowed.
Marcus cringed.
"It appears our good wine has arrived. Instruct the help to dump that swill they are attempting to pass as springwine and have them begin to serve ours immediately."
Within minutes, the servers began serving a darker shade of light blue wine.
"Ladies and Gentleman, the floor is now open." Cheryl stood and announced a few minutes later.
"Well then, I suppose we should go take advantage of it then." Dr. Marcus smiled at her husband as she finished her glass of water.
"Of course." Marcus smiled back at his wife and stood, offering his hand. "Forty years and I have yet to find another dancer as divine as you my dear."
The couple walked to the floor and began to waltz. Many began to follow their lead, getting up to either mingle or dance. Elyn poked her in the side before waving her fingers and giggling as one of the Bajoran men pulled her out to the floor.
"My darling terran, would you do me the honor of this first dance?" Bal stood and extended his hand.
"Bal, behave." Kitya snapped.
"Ambassador, as long as you keep your hands where they should be, there will be no problems." Marla smiled and took his hand. Bal whisked her away and twirled her around to the lively music. Marla could honestly say she had not been danced with like this since she was a teenager with her grandfather. The music ended and Marla smiled at Bal.
"Thank you." Marla nodded and stared to walk back towards her seat.
"Oh, that's all?"
"Kitya is looking lonely. Perhaps she would enjoy a dance, Ambassador."
Bal frowned as he looked at Kitya who was downing her wine quickly. Marla could only describe the ambassador's motions as frolicking towards the woman. Marla sighed in relief as she turned around to find herself face to face with Admiral Marcus who took her hand and began dancing with her.
"Fine night, is it not? I must say, I am impressed by your department. I will recommend you for a pay raise to the Dean. You will be paid double overtime for all of this."
"Thank you, Admiral."
"And I will also overlook your involvement with my first officer, though I highly discourage you from engaging any further with him. Relationships with career Starfleet officers tend to be strained from time spent off planet and he will be off planet quite often in the coming months."
"I-um-sir?"
"McGivers, I understand you are from a different time. Allow me to explain. Our computers on board the space station have the ability to locate personnel. I happen to know he spent the night in your quarters when you were aboard the station and that you frequently spend time together outside of work. As I have stated, I highly discourage you from engaging further. Just, out of concern for you. You need someone who is here, someone who can help you adjust to life now. Not an active Starfleet officer. Just something to think about. Enjoy your evening." With that, Marcus bowed and returned to his wife.
Marla stood staring at the man, a whirlwind of emotion. She was feeling violated that he knew John had spent the night and that they spent time together outside of work, offended by the fact the Admiral of Starfleet was telling her what he thought she needed. She felt ready to cry actually. She snatched a glass of the Bajoran springwine from a server walking around and walked out of the room and turned down the empty hall. She found the door she was looking for and hurriedly entered the access code on the pad beside the door and heard the lock click before she darted in.
"Computer, lights on, low." The room became somewhat illuminated, revealing shelves upon shelves of old books. A comforting sight to see. She inhaled the smell of the pages, the dust, the smell of lignin breaking down. Marla found herself lost in the maze of shelves and on an old fashioned sliding ladder, reaching up for the unmarked leather bound book in front of her. She settled on the platform and opened it to find it was a very old copy of The Secret Garden. A tiny laugh of delight escaped from her lips. It had been one of her favorite books growing up. She remembered the worn out copy on the shelf and begging her grandmother to read it to her before bedtime as a girl.
Marla's head snapped up as she heard approaching footsteps.
"Need I ask?"
She looked down to see John standing below her.
"About what?"
"Hmm…well for starters, why you have decided to hole up in a library, why you are on a ladder, why Marcus was talking to you and why you decided to run off afterwards…Shall I go on?"
Marla rolled her eyes.
"Come down, I need to talk with you."
Marla reluctantly complied. She stood in front of him and looked up into his cold blue eyes.
"What do you wish to discuss?"
"Our relationship."
Fuck.
"Sorry, come again?"
"Marla, we kissed in your bedroom. We've been beating around the bush long enough and I want something more than this, whatever it is." John reached for her hands. Marla could feel herself shaking slightly. "I apologize if I am making you uncomfortable, but it needs to be addressed now."
Marcus's words slithered back into her head. She considered lying. She considered shattering his heart right there and then. Telling him the kiss meant absolutely nothing to her even though she knew that was an outright lie. Tell him she as sorry for leading him on, she got caught up in the moment. Something.
"Why? Why do you want to be in a relationship with me?" She stalled.
"Because to me, you are truly a superior woman. Strong, independent, intelligent, your personality, your entire being attracts me." He breathed in her ear, sending electric shivers down her spine as he pressed his lips to her hands. "Marla, open your heart to me. Please."
He was close. Terribly close. His face was mere inches from hers. She brought her eyes up to meet his. His eyes betrayed him. He wasn't asking. He was practically begging.
LIE. The cowardly voice in her mind screamed.
"Alright."
Relief washed over his face before he slammed his mouth on hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck and allowed herself to be pulled in close. To be held by the man in front of her. Her man. Marcus's words seemed to fly out of her head at that moment. Her breath hitched slightly as his hand trailed down to her waist and lower back where he pulled her closer. Everything seemed to vacate her mind at that very moment. It seemed to last for hours on end.
As they separated, he gave a wide and genuine smile. Marla couldn't help it but giving him another brief kiss before settling against him.
"We should probably go back in." Marla grimaced.
"Perhaps." John murmured. "Or we could just leave."
"You can. I can't." Marla sighed. "I have to escort the Bajorans to the shuttle yard."
"I'm certain they can find their way there themselves."
"I can't. Besides, Marcus has been watching us apparently."
John quickly looked down at her.
"Explain."
"When he spoke to me earlier…He advised me to not pursue a relationship with you and that he knows about us spending the night together on the space station and us spending time together outside of work. I don't know how he knows, but he does." The feeling of dread returned, the exhilaration damped as she realized she had just disobeyed an order from the superior officer. A voice reminded her she was not in rank in Starfleet, but the Academy instead. Therefore, he held no authority over her. Or did he?
John's face darkened considerably.
"I will handle it."
"Keep calm."
"I do not wish to keep calm! Marcus is following you, he has no right. He has no right to follow either of us!" John rumbled, a snarl beginning deep in his throat.
Marla reached up and gently stroked his cheekbones.
"You can be as angry as you want, but you need to keep calm once we get back in the room, okay?"
John scowled at her. Marla covered his ear before speaking into it.
"Come over tonight, after all of this. We'll relax, watch a movie or something and you can spend the night."
John sighed and placed his forehead against hers.
"Will you call me when you get home?"
"Yes. It is supposed to be over at ten. Let's go back in and socialize."
John groaned.
"I know, I know." Marla nuzzled him gently. "But I need someone to fend off Lakewood for me. I saw him skulking around earlier." She teased.
He caught her mouth with his once more.
"If you insist." John grumbled.
"We can hang out later, but we need to go be social." Marla backed away towards the door while pulling his hands gently.
As they reentered the room, Marla was seized by Bal once more.
"Come, dance again with me, terran." Bal beamed as he whisked her away.
"Sorry, Ambassador. My turn to dance with my sister." Marla looked up at Andrew and smiled. Bal scowled and walked away.
"Hi Andrew." Marla grinned.
"Hi Marla. Where did you and John disappear off to?" Andrew questioned as he awkwardly attempted to dance.
"Library."
"Library? Marla."
"What? Nothing happened."
"Nothing happened between you and your little boyfriend eh?"
Marla scowled.
"What no denial? No outraged 'He's not my boyfriend?' right now?"
Marla continued to scowl. Andrew's eyes widened before he gave her a very wicked smile.
"No. Andrew. NO."
'Yes."
"NO."
Andrew twirled her around and shoved her towards Bal who eagerly caught her and began dancing once more with her.
"Andrew! Get back here!" Marla tried to get his attention as Bal danced her away from her brother, who was approaching John.
"Relax, you are in good hands." Bal smiled widely.
Tabitha looked around. She was surrounded by all the important people of Starfleet Academy. Annora was breezing through people as if they were ghosts, heading straight for the Marcus's table. Annora was blissfully oblivious to the fact she rubbed people the wrong way the majority of the time and they only put up with her because of her money. She took a sip of wine. Peach sat scratching her arm. Her father sharply reprimanded the seventeen year old for fidgeting. Oh Peach. The problem child.
She hadn't dared introduce Marla and Andrew yet. It would be a terrible idea to do so at the moment. The family was in a disgruntled mood. She had just barely convinced Annora to allow Marla and Andrew back in the museum whenever they pleased. She had a feeling Annora was hiding something.
Tabitha narrowed her eyes as Annora sat back down next to her.
"Well, Dr. Marcus is as cold as ever."
"Perhaps if you didn't keep insulting her hairstyle and passive-aggressively suggesting a facelift, she would warm up to you." Tabitha snipped. Peach giggled. Her father reprimanded her once more, earning a sour look from the teenager. Recovery was suiting her well. She had no known slip-ups lately. She knew Edward was being harsh with her for a reason and that reason was to keep her in line and to keep her from doing lines of cocaine off an Andorian male stripper's ass at a party she snuck into. Peach and her father had lost the respect of man family members. Now they were attempting to earn it back.
Tabitha supposed compared to them, Marla looked like a complete angel. She hoped Annora would see it soon and come around. Annora had been calling their financial adviser's office fairly frequently. She knew this since their adviser had called her to ask if everything was alright. Tabitha had a feeling that Annora was scrambling to hide, bury and transfer all the assets she could before officially having to recognize the siblings which meant having to include them in various things. Naturally, Annora was more concerned with her wealth than this. Tabitha shook her head at the thought. The woman was cold. She had absolutely no idea how she had gotten that way either. They had been raised in the same home by the same people. Ah well. Nothing she could do about it now.
Khan leaned against the wall, observing the scene in front of him. There were so many other things he would rather be doing at the moment. He watched as Marcus and his wife spoke with a woman. Marcus's wife did not seem particularly pleased to see said woman. She retreated back to the McGivers table. Ah. One of Marla's relatives. Speaking of relatives, he noted he hadn't seen Andrew McGivers that night. The man was sure to be here. He scanned the crowd and found Andrew dancing with Marla before shoving her towards Bal. She appeared to be protesting. Andrew was approaching him.
"So. John. John, John, John." Andrew shook his head.
"What?" Khan eyed the man in front of him.
"It appears you are now my sister's stupid boyfriend. I apologize for your misfortune. Now I have to give you a hard time. Comes with the territory." Andrew shrugged. "Now, I have to ask the questions."
"The questions?" Khan raised an eyebrow.
"You know, the older brother questions. Now, we both know you fully intend on banging my sister, so I have to ask, do you intend to screw her and leave when you're done?"
"What? No." Khan snapped.
"Are you going to treat her well, with respect and dignity?"
Khan stared at the man in front of him.
"Yes."
Andrew stood close to him, staring defiantly into his eyes. Khan glared back.
"Drew!" Marla had approached them without either one noticing and was tugging on Andrew's uniform sleeve.
"Hey there Marls. Just having a friendly conversation with John here. You know, your stupid boyfriend- OW!" Andrew cringed and jumped back as Marla punched his arm.
"Drew, go say goodbye to the Bajorans. We're leaving in ten minutes."
"Who? You and I?"
"No, The Bajorans and I. I'm supposed to go escort them to the shuttle yard."
"Why do you have to go with them?"
"Because they asked me to." Marla sighed in exasperation. "And I want to make sure Bal gets on the damn shuttle."
Andrew grabbed her and started to dance with her again.
"You've been hitting the springwine haven't you?"
"Marls. You know, after you died, I took your truck out every weekend and drove it around the back roads and highway with your music blaring out of the speakers. It was almost like having you back with me, in the passenger seat. I love you so much, little sister."
"Don't you dare make me cry right here."
"Only trying to protect you."
"I know."
"John, I'm giving you my blessing."
Khan rolled his eyes.
"Hey! I can just as easily take it back."
"Come on, John, come say goodbye to Kitya." Marla reached out for his hand. He took it and followed her.
"Kitya is over there."
"Be nice to Andrew." Marla scolded as she changed direction. "He's tipsy and emotional right now."
"I could see that."
"Be nice."
"I have no desire to go say farewell to the Bajorans."
"Why not?" Marla stopped and turned to face him.
"They've caused nothing but trouble." Khan wrinkled his nose.
"John-"
"Dance with me instead." He interrupted her. "One dance before you leave."
Marla stared at him. Khan seized her. Marla looked slightly startled, but soon fell into sync with him.
Khan could feel Marcus's glare on the back of his head. He didn't particularly care at that moment because later that night, he would be in Marla's apartment, on the couch with her and the tribble with no interruptions and then in her bed at the end of the night. At this point, he was so irritated with everything, he didn't care if they had sex or not, he just wanted her to himself for several hours. Khan's eyes fell on Lakewood approaching. Yes, that was right. As soon as the Bajorans left, Lakewood's ass was his.
Lakewood put his empty glass down on a nearby table before approaching. Khan watched him through narrowed eyes.
"Marla!" He slurred. Marla's head turned as Lakewood stumbled and flailed to catch himself, grabbing the nearest thing to steady himself, which unfortunately was her ass. Marla snarled and shoved him away.
"Sorry! Sorry!" Lakewood stumbled back towards them. Khan stepped in front of Marla.
"Get away." Khan spoke softly to him.
Lakewood gulped and staggered back, clearly remembering their last encounter.
"Marla, it's time to go." Elyn had walked up and now rested her hand on Marla's shoulder.
"I'll be right there." Marla nodded. She turned to him. "I'll call you when I get home." She squeezed his hand.
"I'll be waiting."
Marla smiled before releasing his hand and rejoining the Bajorans who were moving towards the door.
Khan felt a hand on his shoulder.
"I think you've behaved yourself enough for tonight. Lakewood is leaving. If you're going to do whatever, go do it. Don't kill him." Marcus grunted. "Don't come in tomorrow." He clapped him on the shoulder and returned to his wife.
Khan smirked. Oh what an excellent night this was turning out to be.
The farewell to the Bajorans was a mess of hugs, handshakes, tears and the occasional gift. Kitya especially. Marla was sad to see the woman go.
"We will keep in touch, I promise. We will be back next year." Kitya hugged her.
"Alright. I'll try and send you that book you wanted next ship to Bajor."
"I look forward to it." Kitya smiled. Kitya turned and started to board the shuttle before looking back one last time. Marla waved. Kitya waved back.
"My darling Marla, are you sure you do not wish to accompany us back to Bajor?" Bal sighed heavily.
"I am certain my place is here, on Terra." Marla nodded.
"Pity. Kitya and I could have used you greatly." Bal pouted. "I look forward to seeing you next visit. Perhaps you will have changed your mind by then."
"Perhaps." Marla lied.
Bal nodded in understanding. "Then accept my gifts. I've had them sent over to your apartment."
"Bal-"
"No arguments, my sweet terran." Bal smiled and kissed her hand before turning and entering the craft.
"Move back, they need to shut everything up. Get in the car." One of the Starfleet personnel tapped her on the shoulder. Marla nodded and went back to the car. Already she was missing them. She was determined not to cry as she waved one final time before opening the door and placing the gifts inside. She would enlist John's help with them later. After she had properly welcomed him home, that is. She had made that decision in the car on the way to drop off the Bajorans.
Marla dug out her phone from her cleavage and found John's number.
"Hey. We just dropped them off. I'm on my way home now."
"Alright. I just got home. Call when you arrive at your apartment and I'll leave then."
"Sounds good." Marla grinned. God, she couldn't wait. No interruptions, no fighting because of said interruptions. First she had to straighten up her room. She went over a quick mental list of everything she needed to do in the time it would take John to get to her place.
The car pulled up in front of the building. She thanked the driver and carried her things to the elevator. In front of her apartment stood a woman standing guard over several boxes.
"Oh dear." Marla sighed. "What the hell could he have possibly done?"
The woman nodded and left as Marla unlocked the apartment, put the other things on top of the boxes and dragged them in. She pulled out her phone and called John, who informed her he was on his way. Marla dashed off the clean the bedroom and bathroom quickly. She paused only to change. She hesitated slightly before putting on a matching set of underwear and her usual lazy clothes over them.
Napoleon fasted himself to the strap of her beater and held on as she quickly shoved the dirty clothes in the wash and changed the sheets to a clean set. The tribble trilled in excitement of running around while Marla vacuumed. She offered grapes up occasionally and the tribble munched as she cleaned the kitchen counter off. She giggled, oh the tribble was being spoiled tonight.
Marla glanced around at the clean apartment and turned on her classical music collection before collapsing on the sectional. Napoleon tumbled down into her lap and purred.
"Good Napoleon." She exhaled and petted the fuzz ball.
It felt like only moments before the sound of knocking came from the door. She placed Napoleon to the side and hurried to the door. She opened it to reveal John leaning against the doorway with a brown paper bag in his arms.
"What's this?" She stood on tiptoe to see inside.
"Give me a minute Marla." He chuckled before kissing her and walking to the kitchen. Marla shut, locked and chained the door before following him. He pulled out a takeout container.
"What did you get?"
"Zeppoli from that Italian café down the street. Go sit and I'll bring it over."
"Ooh. Thanks, John. I suppose Easter is coming up."
The pair fell silent once John dumped the zeppoli on a plate and cracked open the containers of raspberry and chocolate.
"So, what is all that in the corner?" He broke the silence as they neared the last few pieces.
"Gifts from the Bajorans. Half of it is from Bal."
"Everything went well, I take it?" John glanced up at her from the food. "No attempted kidnappings to take you back to Bajor?"
"Surprisingly no." Marla chuckled.
"Good. I told you everything would be fine." He located her free hand and gave it a tight squeeze. Marla smiled gently at him.
"I am so glad that that is all over with." Marla sighed with content as she squeezed back. "You want the last one?"
John picked it up and tore it in half before offering up the other half.
"That works too." Marla smiled. She got up to move to the couch when she saw John as he started to clean up. "John, come sit on the couch, I'll take care of it later."
"It's nothing. It is taken care of."
Marla rolled her eyes and went in her living room. She gathered the boxes and put them on the coffee table and began opening them. The contents of the boxes proved to be mostly books and maps, a Bajoran earring, some jewelry and finally, Marla reached for the boxes from Bal. She was a little nervous to see what was inside.
John had come and settled beside her and was watching her. He occasionally made noises of approval and was flipping through the books. She hesitantly opened the first box to find photos of Bajor. The second, more jewelry and the third, a very lovely shawl wrapped around a large bottle of springwine.
"That was rather lovely of them to give me all this." Marla combed over one of the maps of Bajor. John shut the book he had and wrapped his arm around her. She snuggled in against his side and made a contented noise as she ran a hand across his chest. "I am glad that everything can get somewhat back to normal now."
"Define normal. Everyone's definition is different."
"Fine, normal for me then."
"Better. Do not roll your eyes at me."
"You can be so ridiculous." Marla moved and kissed his cheek. He turned and took her by the mouth.
"Forgive me for proper usage of language." He managed between kisses.
"No, you're just being stubborn." Marla teased.
"Stubborn? Hm. You are the one being stubborn."
"Really now? And how is that?" Marla nipped at his lip. John pulled away much to her dissatisfaction and looked in her eyes.
"You're supposed to be having a relaxing evening. Now stop fighting it and relax. Besides, I really am curious as to what you define as normal. I'm fairly certain everything in the past months has not been many people's definition of normal."
"Normal for me…Work, group, not having to escort Bajorans around, going back into my regular schedule and attempting to function in modern day society. That is my normal."
John considered.
"Fair enough." He finally admitted before resuming their kiss.
Marla allowed herself to be pulled onto his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck, enjoying the incredibly soft material of his sweater against her bare arms and the rough material of his pants against her bare legs. It was a nice contrast of textures, she felt. She broke the kiss and rested her forehead against his and closed her eyes, just breathing, enjoying the presence of the man. She was jolted out of her reverie when his phone rang. A low growl of frustration emitted from his throat.
"Don't answer it." She pleaded.
"I have to. It might be Marcus." He dug in his pocket. "Harrison. What do you want, Andrew? Lakewood?…I could name several people…No…No…So? He's learned his lesson now, hasn't he? He is lucky whomever did it did not take time to castrate him…"
Marla smirked and began kissing his neck, pulling the collar of his mock turtleneck down slightly, earning a noise catching in his throat. He gently pushed her off and kissed her on the cheek while listening to the ear piece. Marla made an agitated noise. Fine. She stood up and walked towards the kitchen. She made it a point to stretch and let a small moan escape from her lips. That got his attention. She heard him stutter slightly and clear his throat while on the phone with her brother. She adjusted her bra under her shirt in plain view in the kitchen door before turning and bending over inside the fridge, looking for a bottle of water. Napoleon trilled and inched towards her on the counter. Marla dug for some carrots to feed the tribble. Ah, right next to the water bottles. She could hear John getting impatient on the phone with Andrew. She smirked to herself. She knew either Andrew was on a rant or at this point, doing it on purpose because he knew it was likely John was at her place.
She abandoned the carrots and instead pulled out some strawberries to clean. She rinsed a few of them off and put them in a bowl before pulling a small knife out of the drawer and bringing it into the living room, along with the Tribble.
She settled in the chair farthest away from John and began slicing the berries and feeding them to Napoleon. She occasionally stopped to lick the knife and her fingers of the strawberries' juices before continuing. She didn't have to look at John to know he was staring intently at her, still attempting to get Andrew to stop talking. She pulled out the biggest strawberry of them all last, sliced it in half, gave half to the tribble and slowly ate the other half, watching to make sure Napoleon didn't choke on it from attempting to inhale it. A piece of the stem fell in her bra. She fished it out and put it in the bowl.
At this point, she knew Andrew had to be doing this on purpose. Whatever. She put the empty bowl aside and began unpinning her hair from the elaborate style Tabitha had forced on her. She picked up the pile of pins and bowl before taking the bowl and knife out to the kitchen, giving up on managing to tempt the man on her couch off the phone. Maybe she would take a shower before bed. Finally, she heard him stop talking and the sound of a phone hitting the table while she finished doing the dishes. It wasn't long before he was in the kitchen behind her.
John wrapped his arms around her waist and buried his face in her neck.
"Now, where were we?"
"At the part where I finish doing the dishes." Marla replied dryly.
"Tease." John growled and began aggressively kissing her neck, making her weak at the knees.
"Will you go sit and I'll be back in a minute." She finally managed. If she had to wait for him to finish his business, he was going to have to wait now for her to finish hers. He released her and slunk back into the living room. Holy hell. Marla's heart was racing. She attempted to refocus on the task at hand as she placed the dishes in the drying rack. She considered delaying longer by waiting for them to dry and then putting the dishes away. If she didn't do it now, then they were likely to not get put away period. She scowled as she began drying them and putting them back in the cabinet quickly, eager to get back.
She had to keep herself from running back to the sectional. Marla found herself once more pulled onto John's lap and his mouth and teeth at her neck, hands playing at the hem of her shirt and brushing against bare skin. Her breathing became ragged as John's hands began moving under her shirt and stroking her sides.
"I need a line, Marla. What do you want?" John finally breathed against her skin, thumbs stroking the sides of her bra band, feeling the delicate lace. "Tell me." He growled as he slid his thumbs underneath, feeling her skin.
"I want you to take me into the bedroom and fuck me to your hearts content." Marla growled back. "No anal, no choking, and you will wear a condom."
"Done." With that, John stood and hoisted her over his shoulder and carried her into the bedroom. She giggled as he squeezed her ass.
She was gently tossed onto the bed as John began removing his shirt. Marla rolled to the other side of the bed and fished in her drawer for the box of condoms and threw it to him. She decided it was worth it to tease him some more. She hooked her fingers into the waistband of her shorts and bit her lip. Right now, she was going to take her sweet time with him. He watched her hungrily across the bed, waiting to pounce. She slowly rolled her shorts off and kicked them aside before kneeling on the edge of the bed and starting to lift her shirt up. She turned and sat facing away from him at the last second.
She had been too caught up in the amusement to notice he had moved around the bed and was in front of her when she looked up. She smirked.
"Impatient, aren't we, Commander?" She smiled wickedly up at him as she began undoing his pants, taking the condom from him.
He growled and pulled her up to kiss her roughly. He aided her one handedly to get his pants and underwear off and he kicked them aside next to hers. Marla could feel his bare erection pressing against her skin. She reached down and began lightly stroking his length, thumb massaging the head of his cock. He groaned in her mouth before she pulled back and returned the condom to his hand. She sat back down and retreated to the middle of the bed, watching him. Before she knew it, John was on top of her.
His eyes traveled down her figure before he kissed her once more, his kisses becoming increasingly rougher before beginning to move to her jaw line, down her neck and to her chest. His hands slid underneath her and unfastened her bra before working it off her and tossing it over the edge of the bed. She shivered slightly from the cold air hitting her breasts. He began fondling, squeezing and rubbing her chest with his warm hands. It wasn't long before his mouth was on her left breast, tongue circling her hardened nipple and sucking, occasionally flicking his tongue across. Her back arched at his ministrations, legs crossed and beginning to draw up.
"Like that, do we, my little speed-demon?" He smirked as he as switched breasts, his hand returning to the abandoned and continuing to roll her taut nipple in his fingers. A whine began to build in her throat.
"Don't you dare hold back, Marla. I want to hear every single noise I draw out of you." Khan lifted his head and looked at the woman underneath him. He ran his slender fingers down her sides, over her scars. She squirmed and tried to turn slightly to hide them. "No. I want to see them and you." He spoke firmly as he flipped her back flat on the bedspread and began tugging at her underwear's waist band. She lifted her hips up to assist him and they were gone in a single fluid motion.
Khan began trailing kisses from her sternum and down her stomach, making a point to kiss the scars on her side. He felt her breathe deep when she realized where he was headed. She automatically spread herself and brought her knees up for him. Khan continued down to her inner thigh, moving to settle himself between her legs. He spread her folds with his fingers and quickly located her clit before flicking his tongue over it. Marla's breath hitched. He abandoned her clit and instead lapped at her wet entrance, tasting her. She moaned and grabbed at the bedspread as he dragged his tongue back up to her clit several times before sucking it. He was determined to make her writhe underneath him as he began abusing the tiny nub in between his teeth.
Marla cried out and grabbed his hair. Dear god. She couldn't remember the last time she had gotten good head. Fred refused to and it wasn't Lee's favorite thing in the world. When he did, he half-assed it until she shoved him off her. He had enjoyed getting rather than giving. The thoughts of other men were driven from her mind as he started sucking even harder. Marla couldn't even distinguish half the noises that were coming out of her mouth when she felt his hand leave her hips and travel to her slick opening. He slid a finger in before working a second, feeling her from the inside as he thrust with them, searching for that spot that would make her lose control. He found it and she yelped out his name. She felt him smirk against her as he continued to hit the same spot. Marla felt her orgasm beginning to rise deep within her.
"Don't…stop. Oh god, John..." She managed to get out between cries of pleasure, hips rolling to meet the rhythm of his fingers.
"Let go." He purred against her sex. Her orgasm felt like an explosion as she rode it out, knowing his hand was going to be soaking wet.
Khan felt her hand on his scalp go limp as she came down. He withdrew his fingers and licked them clean as she watched. He returned to her mouth and kissed her deeply, having her taste herself.
Her arms wrapped around his neck, legs around his hips, fingers knotting in his hair and he felt her heavy breathing as he allowed her to recover, his hair falling in his face and hers. Marla kissed his neck and nibbled at his ear. He could smell her. Her hair, her perfume still lingering from the night. Her arousal. He twisted his own fingers into her hair as she nipped and sucked at his Adam's apple. He felt her naked form pressed against him and it was pure ecstasy. The only way this could be better was as if they were in his quarters aboard a ship with his awakened crew making their way out to find sanctuary. Then it would be perfection.
His cock was throbbing at this point, anxious for release. Khan guided himself between her thighs, teasing her clit once more with the head, earning desperate whimpers. He entered her slowly, feeling her walls around him adjust for his size.
"Alright?"
"Yes."
He began to move, eagerly thrusting against her. She found and matched his rhythm quickly and he began to pick it up. Her nails began to dig into his back. He moved and sank his teeth into the curve of her neck, drawing out a cry and a tightened grip.
Marla closed her eyes. She could feel him shifting slightly around while he bit and sucked at the point on her neck, attempting to find that spot again. She yipped as he hit it and she clenched down on his member. The man above her shuddered with pleasure and released her neck as he continued, harder and faster, his own moans, swears, and noises of pleasure beginning to escape from his lips. She felt a second climax rising and she gripped his hips tighter with her thighs.
"Come for me Marla." He managed, in between heavy breaths. "I know you're almost there, now come for me like a good girl." She cried out his name and came undone around him, her orgasm nearly his own undoing. He continued to pound into her, eager for his finish.
"On your back, John. Let me finish you." She panted. He quickly pulled out and rolled her on top of him. She guided his cock back inside her and began riding him hard and fast. He quickly grabbed on to her hips, gripping her so tightly, she feared he would leave bruises. She already knew there would be one on her neck. She slid her hands up and down his muscular chest, taking in the sight. "John." She dug her nails into his side, causing him to groan her name loudly. "Your turn to come for me, John." She could see his orgasm coming. Once more, she gripped him as tight as she could manage from two orgasms.
"Fuck!" He growled as he buried himself deep within her and released.
Marla dismounted him after she was certain he was done, breathing heavily and collapsed beside him, shaking slightly. He wrapped her up in his arms and kissed her lips and face tenderly before massaging the bite on her neck with his tongue. Marla ran her fingers through his hair, playing with it, twisting it gently between her fingers.
"I believe you have now been properly welcomed home, Commander." She sighed.
"I believe so. If this is the welcome home I get, I ought to go off planet more often." He grinned at her before kissing her temple. She giggled and shoved him playfully before laying her head on his chest, perfectly content.
"I didn't know you hair was this long." Marla murmured as she continued to play with it.
"I need a haircut."
"No, don't. Then I can't play with it like this."
"It won't be that much shorter, just a trim. I'm not going to shave it all off." He responded, amused.
"So what did my brother want?"
"Lakewood. Someone attacked him outside the gala and he wanted me to come to help look for whomever did it."
"What?" Marla sat up and looked at him. "Someone attacked Adam? How badly?"
"Enough to make certain he won't be moving pain free for a while." He shrugged as he motioned for her to settle back down. "Does it matter? You are not fond of the man, as I recall."
"Yes, but that doesn't change the fact there is someone on campus violently attacking people!" Marla shuddered and buried her face into his chest.
"I'm sure whomever attacked Lakewood had a good reason to, given the man's history with people. Besides, they are probably long gone by now. There is nothing to worry about." Khan stroked her hair, knowing full well they wouldn't be able to trace it back to him. He had made sure of that.
"John, I have to get up. I need to pee." She spoke after a few minutes of silence and started getting up.
"Let me clean you up first." He smirked and slid back down between her thighs.
"No, I'm too sensitive right now and don't want your tongue anywhere near there at the present moment." She grumbled.
"As you wish." He sighed in disappointment and sat up.
"Later. I think I'm going to take a shower. Remote is over there if you want to turn on the tv while I'm in the shower."
"One more kiss, then. One more." He breathed.
"I'm coming right-" Marla laughed but was cut off by his lips. He pulled away and she exhaled. "I'm coming right back. Are you going to be here when I get out?"
"Yes."
"Good. Now, I really have to pee, so if you'll excuse me." Marla moved to the side of the bed and got up. She stretched and made her way, shakily to the bathroom. Khan smirked at his handiwork.
The door closed and he got up to dispose of the condom. As he threw it out, he heard the toilet flush and the sink run.
"Holy…JOHN! THE FUCK DID YOU DO TO MY NECK?"
He started laughing as he left the bedroom to find his sleep shorts in another bag in the kitchen.
Amanda Sayes sat at the window. Andrew had come by, only to get a phone call. He had said he needed to go, something about one of his friends being attacked.
"Amanda?" Andrea padded over, cup of tea in hand. "Here."
"Thank you darling." Amanda sighed.
"You're worried." The blonde girl commented.
"Very much." Amanda sipped the tea the girl had handed to her. "I'm always worried about my boys. They may be grown men, but they are still my boys to worry after."
"I see." Andrea sat beside her.
Amanda glanced at the clock.
"It's just about time for our late night show. Go pop some popcorn and we'll watch." Amanda smiled and patted her knee.
"Okay!" Andrea smiled.
Amanda was quite pleased with the progress Andrea was making. The girl had found a part time job at the mall, was starting to make friends and she suspected she was starting to see that Peter boy who pulled her off the bridge. Now if only the girl would allow her to take her out shopping for more fashionable clothes. But still, she was sure to ask the girl how she felt every day. Amanda was determined that Andrea should never feel that she was alone again.
A roll of thunder echoed slightly, rumbling in the curves of the city. Amanda closed her eyes and inhaled the smell of the popcorn coming from the kitchen. Andrea trotted back with a full bowl and sat on the couch. Amanda rose to join her and turned on the tv.
Marla leaned back against the shower wall for support as she washed away the remnants of their romp. John had really done a number on her neck and she had no idea how she was going to cover it up for work, even if Cheryl had given her until Monday off, she still had to see people that weekend. Maybe a scarf. It was still chilly enough for one. She counted herself lucky he hadn't broken the skin, but fuck. She giggled. The last time she had to worry about covering up a hickey was when she was fourteen from the boy down the road at the Fourth of July fireworks. The sooner she got some ice on it, the better.
She quickly washed her hair, had one last rinse off and shut the shower off. She wrapped up in her towel and came back to an empty bedroom, his clothes no longer on the floor and her heart dropped.
"John?" She called.
"Yes?" She heard him from the other room. She gave a small sigh of relief.
"You better not be naked on my couch."
"I assure you I'm not. I'll be right back in."
Marla smiled slightly and began digging for fresh shorts and shirt. She stripped the bedspread off the bed, threw it in the corner and pulled the freshly laundered one from the laundry basket of clean sheets she failed to empty earlier.
"John, can you bring me an icepack from the freezer, please?"
"Yes."
"You know what, never mind, I'll just go get it myself."
"No, you stay in there."
"Why?"
"Just wait. I'm going to shut everything off out here."
Marla rolled her eyes and crawled under the sheets. She flipped the tv on, searching for something to watch.
John came back in the room, two steaming mugs of tea in hand, icepack wrapped in a dishtowel under his arm, which he quickly dropped on the bed. He extended his arm and offered the mug. Marla stared at him.
"It's not poisoned or drugged. I promise."
"John, you really didn't have to make tea." She took the mug and smiled. "Thank you though." She retrieved the icepack and placed it on her neck while sipping her tea. John quickly joined her under the covers with his cup. Marla quickly snuggled up to him and his warmth.
"What are we watching?"
"Some late night show." She yawned. Thunder rumbled outside and soon it began to pour. "Mmm…April showers bring May flowers." She mumbled as she took a drink.
Khan glanced down at the woman curled up next to him. She looked so utterly peaceful. Her eyes drifted up to meet his and she smiled once more and he felt his heart race. He gently kissed her forehead and set his empty mug down on the nightstand. Marla prodded him with her equally empty mug and he placed it beside the other. He stretched, groaning slightly. Marla yawned again.
"Tired, are we?"
"What can I say? You wore me out."
He gave a low chuckle and turned the tv off.
"Then it is time for bed."
"Probably. I have the day off tomorrow, but you have work." Marla lay down on her pillow after she shut off the bedside lamp.
"Marcus was generous enough to also grant me the day off."
Marla smiled.
"Yay, we get to sleep in tomorrow." She breathed as she took the icepack off and tossed it on the laundry basket.
"Indeed, we do."
"I don't think you quite understand how much I'm looking forward to that." Marla allowed him to pull her against his body as the little spoon.
"I do, as I share the same sentiment." He arranged her hair so he could breathe and kissed her shoulder.
"The rain sounds so nice."
"Yes, it does." Another low roll of thunder sounded as he spoke.
"So relaxing…" She yawned again. "Night, John."
"Goodnight Marla."
"Where's Napoleon?"
"On top of the headboard when you turned the light off. Must have come in while you were in the shower."
"He's going to snuggle with you. Fair warning."
"I can live with that. Goodnight."
"Night."