I do not own nor profit from Star Trek or Gene Roddenberrys works
A/N: I hope you enjoyed the last chapter, I decided if I began work on this chapter, that I would put out two chapters. Well, I hope you enjoy this. Any R/R is helpful, just please be nice about it, advice is more effective when it's presented kindly. Enjoy the story!
John was getting nervous. He had stayed up waiting for Safiya to return from 31 for a few hours, and it was already 10 at night. Her communicator was off, and it drove him nuts. All he could do was wait for her to come back to his place, where she had been staying since her attack three weeks ago. His tapped his thumb against the sheets, trying to watch TV to get his mind off of her absence. It had been his personal mission to make sure she was safe. Though she may not have particularly liked it, he limited how often he was away from her.
Safiya looked at her PADD and smiled. Her breath was heavy, as her heart raced. She slid the frozen tube in the shell, hearing it click into place. the flashlight in her teeth glanced over the peaceful face frozen in time. She had stayed long into the night to make sure she was alone. John would be so angry with her, she knew, but she couldn't risk her communicator blaring in the middle of her clandestine operation. She didn't want to argue with John over the proper ways of storage. The cryocase was sufficient as a standalone, hiding it in the warheads was just a way to get them off planet for the next part of their plan.
She replaced everything the way it was before she arrived, and slipped out of the weapons bay. She walked briskly with her PADD under her arm. As she turned the corner, she came face first with the Admiral
"A-Admiral Marcus, good evening." She spoke coolly, not interested in engaging in conversation.
"Kesi. It's nice to see you again. I haven't been in London for a while, haven't seen you for a while." He smirked. She hated the way he looked at her. "I'm sorry to hear about your attack, please, accept my condolences. I hope this never happens again. But, at least Addams is no longer in a position to hurt you." He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. She bit her tongue, not wanting to scream at him. "So, what are you doing here so late at night?" He looked her over.
"Well, I wanted to make sure that this program was going to interface properly with the warheads." She smiled.
"I thought they already tested that." He eyed her.
"No sir, they tested the software on the computers, but not on the rockets themselves. If the warheads aren't properly attuned to receive the commands from the computer, then you are going to be better off throwing the warheads out of the trash shoot and hoping they hit their target." She spoke, explaining, as she opened her PADD to show him. "It turns out, there is a small glitch in the interfacing with the warheads, so I am going to fix that, and hopefully it will not affect how it interfaces with the computer system." She smiled.
The admiral just nodded, taking in the information. "Kesi, I'll be taking a few people off planet to tour the building port for the newest ship. Understand, this is an experimental ship, but, I think it would be interesting for you. As soon as the ship is built, we will be moving many people there to work and install on board. You'll basically be living there for a while." He looked at her, hoping to see her excitement to finally go off planet in Star Fleet.
She looked distant, thinking about how fun that would be, how amazing it would be to finally see Jupiter so close. "I would enjoy that, Admiral." She smiled softly.
"Well, it's late, go home. That's an order." He pointed to her sternly, and left her in her spot.
The door slid open quietly, but it was enough to get John up from the bed. Safiya was setting her things down on the edge of the couch when John appeared.
"Where were you?" He glared. "I've been calling you, and waiting for you all night, you never told me you were going to be this late. Where. Were. You." his voice was firm, hard, and angry.
"John, I was enacting our plan. I'm sorry, I couldn't have my communicator on. If you would have called while I was incognito, you may have blown my position." Her eyes were wide, a small pout coming across her lips. "Warhead 9 is loaded with a cryocase." She lowered her voice, looking into his eyes.
John sighed, running his hands through his hair before walking to her. "I just get worried when I don't know where you are." He hugged her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders.
"I was thinking, however, about my staying here." She began to speak. "I don't want to overstay my welcome. I think it may be time for me to return home soon." She sighed, but felt his hold tighten briefly.
"Your stay is never too long." He stroked her cheek, seeing the swelling was gone, she looked like herself again, save for the glimmer of hurt that lingered in her eyes. He hated how her normally shimmering green eyes had been dampened by that event. She smiled into his hand, and stepped back.
He watched her get ready for bed getting in a tight tank top and her panties, leaving him to stare after her, unable to be upset. His eyes roamed her body as she brushed her teeth and her hair. Her voluptuous rear begging for his hands, but he had to hold back, biting his thumb. He could feel himself harden in his briefs, following her body around the room. She moved to the kitchen, grabbing some water, leaning against the counter as she drank. She felt comfortable with her body around John, and enjoyed the freedom of walking around his home in her pajamas.
She caught his gaze, as he stood there, hard, watching her. "Hi, did I do something wrong?" She asked, suddenly feeling guilty, as she lowered her glass.
John had no words for her, only a gentle kiss upon her lips, to tell her what he was thinking, but he was apprehensive, not knowing if she would reciprocate, or if she was still closed up. Surprisingly for him, her lips puckered in return, her fingers running across the back of his neck, deepening their lips embrace. John lifted her onto the counter, her legs wrapping around his waist, as he massaged her sides, parting his lips, asking for her tongue. He kissed her neck, pulling her torso in closer, his kiss going lower, across the small scars left by Addams.
She moaned softly, feeling the electricity of his lips on her skin. She imagined his lips so many times, but never thought he would feel so good. Her head fell back, allowing him access to her neck, his hands on her back, pulling her in close. She felt him grind into her hips, feeling his length against her. This sudden feeling caused her to jump, wanting him from between her legs. "I-I'm sorry, John, I am enjoying this, but, please understand I am still nervous. I've never done this before... Willingly." She blushed, looking down, she wasn't trying to give him the wrong ideas, but, the feeling of his hard cock reminded her of Addams.
"If you are not ready, then I will not push you. I am simply happy to have my lips upon you, if you would have that." John rubbed her thighs, speaking hoarsely into her ear. She nodded, resting her forehead against his. He chuckled, kissing her forehead, and carried her into the room, where he would spend the night tasting her upon his lips.
The Officers Ball had arrived. Though Janet was bummed about Addams, she kept her hope up to have a good time at the festivities.
The December air was frigid, causing Safiya to curl into John tighter. "Mm, you really need a fireplace." She whispered as John moaned, pulling her into him. "I'll think about it." He said lazily, not interested in waking up, and not interested in letting her up. "We have to get up John, the formal is today." She pushed against him gently.
"I don't HAVE to get up." He growled, burying his head into her neck. "I could just keep you here in bed with me all day, kissing you." He smirked. Safiya was afraid he actually would, as over the last week, he had developed quite a taste for her, wearing out her lips by the end of the night. "But, I am also interested in what you are going to grace me with, so I will let you get up." He sighed, rolling back over, letting her go.
Safiya met up with Janet for breakfast, leaving John to sleep in, a rarity for him. Their day was going to consist of getting hair and nails done, and then getting dressed to go to Dover. The two women were going to go together, meeting their dates, (as now, Safiya was going with John) at the formal. Janet ate her pancakes, excited.
"Well, we can at least have a drink on the way out there. I ordered us a limo." She smirked. "I will definitely make sure that we have drinks." Janet rubbed her hands together. "Now, it's eleven. I say we go, get showered, then get our nails done. From there we should get our hair done, you know, let our nails dry properly, we can go back to my place, get dressed, and be on the way!" That was the plan.
Safiya just had her nails cleaned up and painted with white tips. Janet made sure hers were scarlet, always being in favor of bold colors. Their toes were made to match as they waddled their ways to the second floor of the salon. "I feel like a goose!" Janet squealed, already divulging in the champagne that was provided. Safiya laughed, watching as Janet purposefully stuck her rear out and puckering her lips to look like a goose.
"I really don't know how to do my hair." Safiya sighed, flipping through the magazines. She didn't like being done up so. Janet being Janet, wanted the most opulent styles they had to offer. She had a long braid set to the side, adorned with gold and silver leaves. Safiya settled on what appeared to be a sloppy bun, allowing her curls freedom, yet still ensuring a formal look. Her hair was pinned in place with rhinestone pins of various colors.
Back at Janets flat, they opened their dress bags and displayed their outfits. She was tipsy, but able to place her makeup. It was not Safiyas style, thats for sure. Bold eyes, and heavy blue gray eye shadow was off putting, but it would seem James liked it. In the end, it didn't look so terrible on Janet, it just wasn't something that Safiya would have put on her own face. Janet was able to rock that burlesque style. Her own makeup was very light, highlighting her eyes more than anything. Eyeliner, mascara, and light eye shadow was all she really needed, plus her pink gloss, she could never leave her pink gloss behind on a night like this. The two women appeared as polar opposites.
John stood with Admiral Marcus and James T. Kirk, waiting for his date. He supposed now they were dating, though they never spoke of it officially. He had arrived early with the Admiral to oversee the setup and to discuss the progress of S31, for his part of it anyways. The Admiral kept him close, as people began to trickle in, and the sunlight began to fade. The white paper lanterns strung up under the large tent allowed plenty of light as the sun faded. There was a grand alabaster staircase where the guests entered, and John kept his eyes glued there, hoping to see Safiya sooner than later.
"She must be something special." Kirk sidled up next to him, taking a swig of his drink.
"I don't take your meaning." John barely offered him a glance. Kirk pointed his drink towards the entry.
"You've barely kept your eyes off of those stairs. I'm assuming you are waiting for a woman, and with that look, I am guessing that she is something special." Kirk elbowed Johns arm playfully, but John was in no mood to satisfy this young ones curiosities. Who he was waiting for was no concern of James', and he had no need to convince himself or any others of her exclusiveness.
"She is, beautiful, yes. You will see as she comes in with your date, just how little one can compare to her." He turned his head slowly to Kirk, who strained to keep a smile, picking up on the insult in his voice.
"Well, we will wait and see about that." Kirk swallowed, ready to bet on it.
"Well, you won't be kept waiting." John allowed a small sigh, seeing Safiya and Janet at the top of the stairs.
"I stand, so, very corrected..." Kirk swallowed, watching the two women. Janet was bold, outgoing, her crimson lips and nails matching her red dress. The halter dress sparkled with its sequins, the neckline was low, threatening to expose her bosom, the back was near nonexistent, and a high slit up the thigh nearly came up to her hip. She commanded attention as she walked the stairs waving like a practiced beauty queen, but she was not the attraction.
To her right, with a small smile and blushed cheeks, stood Safiya. Some of her natural loose curls gently brushed her long neck. Her pale lavender dress with its sweetheart neckline hung to her body perfectly, flowing freely from her hips, brushing the floor and trailing behind her. She held a small silver clutch, but was rather unadorned compared to Janets jewelry. She smiled when she caught Johns gaze, making her way gracefully down the stairs towards him. Jim also followed her, unaware of his own date who was coming towards him.
"James, honey! I'm so glad you are here!" She wrapped her hands around his neck, now taller than him in her strappy stilettos. Safiya preferred her slippers, they allowed her to feel barefoot without actually being so. "So, James, sweetheart, this is Safiya, the one I've told you about. And this is John, he works with us." She gestured to each person respectively.
James bowed down, grabbing Safiyas soft hand, and kissing her knuckles gently, perhaps a little longer than he should have, as John cleared his throat. "It is quite lovely to meet you, Ms. Safiya." He smirked with a seduction in his voice. He turned to John and shook his hand to appease his date, even though he knew John already from earlier.
The other three already knew one another, and so introductions were unnecessary. Janet and James walked ahead to their table, but John held Safiya back. "You look, truly amazing tonight." John kissed her hand, gently rubbing his thumb across the back of her hands. "I just hope I will be able to behave here, my stunning one, because when we get home, I won't be able to keep my hands off of you." He purred into her ear, causing her smile in anticipation.
John held his hand at the base of Safiyas back as they walked about, mingling with the guests. She carried herself with pride and confidence, like a regal woman as she shook hands and made small talk with brass.
"Safiya, my my, and how are you this evening?" Admiral Marcus approached the two, a middle aged blonde on his arm.
"Admiral, a good night to you." She gave a nod to him, a small smile across her lips. "How are you this evening?" She engaged. John looked around, sipping his champagne.
"I'm good, Safiya, have you met my wife?" He gestured to the woman beside him and smiled.
'If only she knew' Safiya smirked, greeting her.
They swapped conversation for a moment before the Admiral led his wife away to mingle with some other guests.
"Would you like to sit down?" John spoke into ear, realizing that she had not had a moment to sit since she arrived.
"That would be nice, thank you. Yes." He led her to the table where Janet and James sat.
Their conversation was easy going that night, as they enjoyed champagne, John sitting closer to Safiya watching the eyes following her. Janet had left sometime in the middle to mingle. Out of curiosity, John got up to retrieve them more champagne. Safiya looked around, giving James a pleasant smile.
"So, you work in...?" He tried to learn something about her, other than the general conversation, still blissfully unaware of the existance of S31.
"Oh, I work with the Admiral, in programming. I hear you are a captain, you look very young, you must be quite skilled." She offered interest.
"Well, in many ways, as Janet has learned." He winked at her. John stood staring about 75 feet away, but he could still hear their exchange.
"How fascinating for her." Safiya rolled her eyes, not appreciating his sexual innuendo.
"Perhaps, later tonight, I can show you my talents." He moved to a closer seat.
"No thank you, besides, you have Janet to go home with tonight." Safiya wrapped her shawl around her shoulders tighter, looking around for John.
"She can watch... or join." He leaned in, reaching out to stroke her shoulder. She stumbled up out of her seat.
"You are repugnant. I already have someone who has offered to escort me home. If you are so unhappy with your own date, then that is your burden, but how dare you advance on me in such a vile way." She exclaimed. She left James sitting at the table, but he was not hurt long, as he followed his instincts to a few other women at the party.
Upset, She followed a lit path towards the cliffs. The stars twinkled overhead, and her breath fogging before her. She hated being treated like such a piece of meat, especially not from a man who was supposed to be dating her friend. But what the hey, they were a match, two lovers who couldn't stay in a relationship.
"I'm surprised you did not accept his advances." John held out a glass to her.
She scoffed, taking a large gulp. "Yeah right. James is disgusting. I can't believe the nerve of him. They should have sent him through charms school before becoming a captain." John held her close. "I just, ugh, he isn't my type. He is crass. Not gentle, or tender, or hard. He is still a boy." She shivered in the cold, the waves roaring beneath them.
"He is not like me." John whispered. She shook her head. He kissed her shoulder. They were far from the party, but could hear the live band tuning up. When they finished their drinks, Safiya turned into John, wrapping her arms inside his jacket, enjoying his warmth. "Did I tell you, how beautiful you are tonight?" John asked, tucking a stray curl behind her ear, looking into her eyes.
"It's snowing." Safiya smiled, seeing the white flecks standing out against Johns black hair. "I love the snow." She sighed, rarely having seen snow in her childhood. John leaned down, taking her lips, loving her so purely in that moment. "Greensleeves." She whispered, hearing the music from the tent flow towards them. She loved hearing the song as a child. John stepped back, holding one hand out, wrapping the other around her waist. She rested her arm on his elbow, and allowed him to lead her in a dance. Their eyes locked, he spun her and danced with her so passionately, the skirt of her dress flowing about them majestically.
She had never danced in such as manner as she had with John in that moment. She felt like a princess of old, at a royal ball or gala, whose prince had come to sweep her off of her feet. Sho came to save her from everything bad in her life. But this was John Harrison. This was a man who was ferocious and unyeilding when need be.
John looked down at the woman in his arms, and realized his overwhelming desire to protect her. She had broken a piece of herself off into his heart, and there it festered until he accepted it. When the Admiral asked him to work with his advanced programming, he never thought he would fall so deeply. His peoples emotions were strong, and their love was just as savage as their hate.
Their moment was interrupted by yelling coming from the tent. "You do NOT have to push me out. I don't HAVE to leave!" She heard a woman yelling.
"Janet?" She looked confused to John, and they both hurried back to the tent. Janet was being escorted up the stairs, James taking her, as she stumbled. "But, I wasn't done." She whined, her makeup smudged. She hiccuped, as James hailed the limo.
"That's my ride" Safiya pouted, looking to John.
"It's alright, we can leave." He rubbed her arm, as they got into the limo with Janet and James,and it was better, as he was ready to leave and have her to himself.
It was a long ride home, between Janet being drunk and upset, James trying to be a reasonable date, but still clearly wanting Safiya, and John trying not to rip James vocal chords out. Safiya, rested her head on Johns shoulder, holding his hand, as he rubbed hers with his thumb.
James and Janet spent half of the ride making out frivolously and the other half dipping into the liquor cabinet while she cried and got angry.
They dropped off Safiya and John at Johns place, and waved the other two goodbye. They were quiet on the lift, until the door closed securely behind them.
John dipped her back, kissing her neck tenderly. "I have been wanting to do this all night." He moaned into her neck. Her breath hitched, feeling her body responding to him. She ran her fingers through his hair, enjoying his touch. He was gentle with her, exploring her body tonight with his lips as if it were the first time all over again, and it drove her nuts.
The snow continued to fall heavily outside as they made their way to the bedroom. The wall on the far side was programmed to a one way window, where they could watch the snow fall in the streetlamps in the distance without being watched. John removed his jacket and shirt, placing it on the chair, and watched as she reached behind her, unzipping her dress. It fell to the ground in a lavender pile. She shook out her hair, removing the pins that held it.
John took a deep breath, pulling her into a deep embrace.
"John." She mewed, looking up into his eyes. "John, I'm ready."
A/N: So, I know I have mostly been building their relationship, sorry about that. Next chapter I plan on some story progression, and a little bit o crazinesssss! Okay, well, please, enjoy this chapter.