#bajoran reader

[lunarbreaksblog]

Julian Bashir X F!Bajoran!Reader

Note: non consensual stuff happened to the reader in the past

You were a comfort woman during the cardassian occupation of Bajor

You hated your time as a comfort woman, the hands of cardassians made you hate your body. You wanted to curl up many times and just try to hide from the sick twisted world you were in.

Finally the occupation was over...

Yet you didn't feel it was over, the ghost of lingering touches and harsh heated stares kept you stuck in an endless cycle of hatred.

You wish you could rip your skin off and start anew.

When all hope was all lost, the sun started to shine in your cold dead world.

The new CMO on the station was your sunshine now.

You met when he was doing a routine check up on you. You had been a comfort woman that the cardassians had hardly checked up on for STDs or any illness. Julian was too sweet to you.

It made you nervous, the thought that any moment he could switch and become violent to you like the men previously before.

However, he never was violent... He was kind and caring.

Obviously he had picked up that you had signs of PTSD. He wanted you to go to the station psychologist but you rejected that, you didn't want more people to touch you.

Julian made it his job to try to persuade you to go to the psychologist, he gave you some many valid points. Only after his second attempt did you actually consider his offers, even then you didn't say anything.

You liked the attention he was giving you.

It felt different to have someone care for you after so long in the dark.

[crowfootwrites]

Oh, Vedek Bareil. Le sigh. So handsome. Gone too soon. I have a major crush on Bareil Antos and have wanted to write something longer-form for him for a while, but just haven't had the time. So here's a lil' somethin' somethin'.

Kinktober Masterlist

Tagging (lemme know if you wanna be tagged for Kinktober!): @horta-in-charge

Day 6: Thigh-Riding - Vedek Bareil x Fem!Reader

Warnings: NSFW, so 18+ only; is sex in a monastery sacrilege? does sacrilege need a warning? | Words: ~615 | Song: The River Sings - Enya

It was a beautiful day on Bajor. A light breeze caressed your skin as you stood on the balcony overlooking the lush, green gardens of the Monastery of the Kai. Red and purple blooms flared in the corners of your eyes and the smell of Bajoran lilac wafted up to where you stood. It was a lovely picture; the only thing missing, in your eyes, was the handsome Vedek Bareil Antos.

No one back on Deep Space 9 knew you were here - you’d requested some time off to travel to Bajor, but you’d been intentionally sparse with the details you shared, not wanting to compromise the vedek’s position. Or your relationship with him. Which was, for now, a secret. 

The soft sound of your name floated over your shoulder and you turned to find Vedek Bareil gazing at you from the entrance to his office. His smile was contagious, and you grinned at him as he closed the door and locked it before striding to pull you into his strong arms. 

The kiss he placed on your lips was far too chaste for your liking, and you quickly deepened it, your tongue tracing the seam of his lips as he groaned deep in his throat. 

“Antos,” you sighed as you finally pulled away, pressing your forehead against his. His hands slid into your hair, placing a soft, deliberate kiss on your jaw. It was followed by another just below your ear, and another along the delicate skin of your neck. Heat crawled up your spine and you shivered in his grasp.

Soon the pair of you were moving without breaking apart, the passion growing between you as Bareil guided you blindly toward a door at the back of his office. He pulled you through it, into his sparse bedroom, where he seated himself on a low couch and tugged you into his lap. His hands made quick work of your uniform, and you promptly found yourself naked in his lap, writhing impatiently. 

“Touch me, Antos,” you begged, your core poised over one of his clothed thighs, his robes already pushed to the side. A light flickered in his eyes and his smile grew a touch devious. 

“I will, sweet girl, I promise.” His hands gripped your hips and pressed you down until your slick folds grazed the soft fabric of his pants. “First, I want you to come for me just like this,” he murmured, guiding your hips into a roll against his thigh. A moan pierced the air between you as you rolled your hips again, of your own accord. Your fingers grasped the front of his robes tightly. 

Overwhelmed by the pleasure coursing through you with every undulation, you quickly buried your face in the vedek’s neck; one of his hands cradled the back of your head while the other squeezed your hip, helping you keep the rhythm that had you rocketing toward an orgasm. If Antos wanted you to come in his lap like this, you wanted to give it to him. And anything else he wanted, for that matter. 

It didn’t take long for the friction against your core to throw you over the edge. Your climax came on slow at first, like a Terran earthquake, rolling up your spine as all your muscles tensed and you cried out Bareil’s name, still grinding yourself against his thigh. You could feel his cock, hard and heavy beneath his pants, pressed against your thigh. He groaned quietly. “Prophets, you look so lovely like this,” he whispered, tipping his head back against the couch. In your post-orgasm daze, you trailed lazy, open-mouthed kisses along the column of his throat, finally stilling in his lap.

[purplespacekitty]

Three generations of Sisko men gathered close for a jambalaya dinner in Ben's ancient Bajoran lightship, as illustrated by celebrated science fiction writer, Benny Russell. Russell keeps a souvenir baseball on his desk, signed by the legendary Willie Hawkins. In the corner, Russell stashes the sketch that gave him the inspiration for this family's story: space station Deep Space Nine.

Deep Space Nine is my favorite Trek. It has nuanced, 3-dimensional characters who become part of the show's world over the course of 7 seasons. There are some off plot lines here and there but for the most part, the story seems to write itself. I've written at length on here about how much I love Captain Benjamin Sisko and I'd like to share a project of mine I did for a class (I have so far managed to fit Star Trek into three separate final projects for three separate classes, one of which I already posted about here).

Through the lens of Sisko's character, I wanted to examine Deep Space Nine's portrayal of Black masculinity, fatherhood and Afrofuturism with three episodes (although one's a two-parter): "Homefront" (Part I), "Paradise Lost" (Part II), "Explorers" (which I made a post about here) and "Far Beyond the Stars". Initially, the idea was to focus on Ben's fatherhood to Jake, how from the viewer's side of the screen, the two of them break down numerous racial stereotypes around Black men, an important thing to remember with DS9's debut not being far removed from the end of the Reagan Administration, from which sprung stereotypes of "absent Black fathers" and "welfare queens." As I continued with this project, I found I also wanted to analyze how Sisko's relationship with his own father informs his parenting of Jake and what it means to have three generations of Siskos in one room, on one planet. That was how I got "Explorers" and "Homefront" and "Paradise Lost" in there, as I wanted to showcase episodes that focus on these exact dynamics.

"Far Beyond the Stars" offers a window into Earth's history as a commentary on racism within creative circles and the systemic racism that shapes the world we live in today and the world of Deep Space Nine. It not only invites viewers into the life of Benny Russell, a Black science fiction writer from the 1950s, but also invites us to consider the link between the future he envisioned of the life that Sisko leads in the 24th century as a Black spaceship/space station captain, father, son, husband and cook who carries the weight of his ancestors' legacy on his shoulders and the reality Russell himself lives in day by day. "You are the dreamer and the dream" has a whole lot more gravity to it when you recognize it as less of an obvious observation of what we've known and been shown throughout the episode (Avery Brooks plays both Sisko and Russell) and more of a nod to the Black future that Sisko inhabits and that Russell dreams of. As a creation of Benny Russell, Sisko and his family are Afrofuturism in a nutshell, carrying on the cultures, stories and knowledge of their ancestors as they live their lives in a future those ancestors imagined and built. Furthermore, Benny Russell's Deep Space Nine is not only important because it features a Black space station captain but also because it encapsulates a fragment of Russell's drive to write his own stories for himself and his Black readers, to breathe life into his creations, to share his art in the ways that he wants to. To cherish his experiences and ideas and imagination and reality through the creative process of putting pen to paper, stamping ink to page, painting scenes to canvas.

The DS9 finale was originally going to see Benny Russell wistfully wandering the promenade alone and implicate him as the creator of not just the story of Deep Space Nine, but of the Star Trek franchise as a whole. Obviously, this concept did not make the cut, but Strange New Worlds' "Elysium Kingdom" follows another story written by Russell, solidifying him as a real person who lived in the 20th century within the Star Trek universe and who presumably continued to write stories that got published after the events of "Shadows and Symbols".

Comprised of screenshots from "Explorers", "Homefront", "Paradise Lost", "Far Beyond the Stars", "Shadows and Symbols" and "Civil Defense" - in which Dukat flicks Sisko's baseball off his desk - (and also a picture of a random coffee table taken by me because we see surprisingly very little of Benny's desk), the collage above is my humble attempt to honor Benny Russell and his creative vision.

[he-goes-down]

✮I Won’t Say I’m In Love✮

Weyoun x GN! Reader

Star Trek Masterlist

Summary: The reader is helplessly in love with Weyoun, but is torn between loyalty to Starfleet and their love for the Vorta. (Spoiler, love wins this round)

A/n: I don’t edit my work so forgive me if it’s illegible at points </3, this is also my first time writing Weyoun so I’m sorry if he’s mischaracterised. I thought this would turn out better than it did but we move 🤞 (it’s a bit rushed and I didn’t take it seriously this was mostly for fun and myself)

Living on Deep Space Nine for the past five years has certainly come with its challenges, but nothing was more challenging than falling head over heels for a pretty but manipulative diplomat that was technically an enemy at this point. You weren’t in on the mission to the Gamma Quadrant a year ago when renegade Jem’Hadar attacked the station and their own people, and Sisko sent out to go find them. But when they came back, Jadzia and Miles told you all about the mission and this Vorta named Weyoun. You didn’t think twice about the name, not that you would meet him, he got vaporised anyway. Though, he had appeared on the station the following year with Dukat, Sisko explained how Weyoun was immortal by cloning, that was interesting enough but was captivated you were his violet eyes, it set your stomach fluttering and your skin shivering. It really didn’t help that you had to show him around the station and be his little federation tour guide for that week. To make matters worse he invited you to dinner that week, wanting your input on what to eat. You spent the time in his guest quarters ordering anything and everything from the replicator and having him shuffle through your human music playlists. Not that he really understood alot of the inspiration behind it, being aesthetically held back. That aside he throughly enjoyed pop music from the 80’s, 90’s and some 2000’s (he loved Lady Gaga specifically), and throughly enjoyed your company. You laughed your ass off at him not knowing how to properly use utensils with the food, and having to teach him was even more of a blast for the both you, him chuckling as you corrected his form and which utensil to use. Standing behind him holding those soft warm hands as you showed him how to use a knife and fork... Oh good god don’t even talk about those pretty big eyes looking up at you when he followed an instruction and asked, “Is this correct?” Your heart could explode. You didn’t know if it was a manipulative tactic or not, but whatever it was, it worked. It worked well, because after you left his quarters you laid wake in bed, looking up at the ceiling. You scream into a pillow. God he is gorgeous it hurt.

For the next few weeks you just can’t get him out of your head, he’s not on the station but every time you see purple clothes in the corner of your eye you whip your head around. Down bad is the right phrase. Guilt is mixed with this feeling of infatuation, guilty of the fact that he’s a liaison for the Dominion, a enemy, he’s probably been a centrepiece for the Dominion conquering new worlds and slaughtering the ones who resist the founders rule. But why was he so… perfect. He felt so real. Yes he could possibly be trying to fish Federation secrets out of you, but why just a simple lieutenant? His attention doesn’t make much sense. But your heart start beating and fluttering like it never has before when you get a subspace message from him to your quarters. ‘I’m coming aboard the station again in about a week to negotiate with the Bajoran people, it would so delightful if we could spend time together again when I am off duty. Care to join me for more dinner lieutenant? I promise I’ve been brushing up on my table manners while away from you and station.’ You can hear that beautiful smile through the screen. How could you say no?

You were really in it now, for the weeks you’ve been pining and itching at your skin to just get it out to somebody, but you can’t. Not even to Quark. If you told your friends they’d look at you like you’re dead insane, you haven’t even told them about you and Weyoun having dinner. You hear the things they say about him to Odo. ‘He’s a slimy manipulative weasel.’ ‘He obeys the Founders and nothing else.’. But that’s not true, he’s his own person, even if it’s suppressed under his genetics that force him to blindly follow the founder, he is still an individual. You’ve had countless conversations about culture, and he was very interested in the arts and aesthetics. He internally yearns to be free spirited and autonomous. You can see the passion in his eyes, and you can’t help but sympathise. You can practically hear Jadzia and Kira gasp in shock if you told them. Or Quark laughing his ass off until he realises you’re not joking and an awkward silence would ensue. ‘It’ll pass’ you tell yourself. You fucking liar. Every day crawling closer to his return to the station and the butterflies in your stomach flutter against your drumming heart. It’s kind of pathetic how many times you had to snap yourself out of a Weyoun filled daydream while on duty.

The day came where he would dock onto the station. Forcing yourself to keep your distance that day and while he was there, and only see him for what you had previously arranged. Your com-badge beeped that morning after you gave yourself a pep talk on how liking a war criminal is stupid. “Lieutenant,” It was Sisko. “Weyoun has just docked and asking for you. He says you really mad him feel welcome last time and he would enjoy having your ‘expertise’ again.” You can Sisko’s disdain for Weyoun seeping through his tone when talking about him. All you can think about is how Weyoun specifically wanted you to be by his side again. “Yes, ofcourse sir, on my way.” You respond. Well there goes your distancing plans. The universe is clearly trying to tell you something.

Stepping off the turbo-lift to the right deck on the docking ring, you see at an airlock where the Dominion ship is docked. As beautiful as art, meticulously crafted and carved by gods (literally), he stands with that fake but wonderful smile politely taking to the Captain. “There they are.” Sisko notices you, eager to get Weyoun off his hands and give him to you. Weyoun can’t see you that clearly from a far but his eyes still twinkle and shine when he sees you approach. ‘It’s just the lights’ you think, trying not to let your crush blind you. ‘You’re on duty. Be civil.’ Your left brain berates you. “Ah, absolutely lovely, it really is a delight to see you again.” He clasps his hands behind his back with a little bow to you. “Shall we be off?” He adds, and you try your best not to blush in-front of Captain Sisko. “Yes, of-course I’ll show to the conference room.” You said, nodding, and glancing to Captain Sisko who seems sympathetic on your behalf that you have to spend time with Weyoun. (He doesn’t know what he’s missing). You walk down the corridors, just you and him again, and two Jem’Hadar soilders behind you keeping their distance. “It is wonderful to see you again Lieutenant. Have I already said that? Oh dear, I suppose I have. But there’s no harm in saying it again when it’s true.” He can’t seem to hide his excitement around you. “Yeah- I guess me too.” You internally facepalm at your awkwardness. “Are you still up for dinner with me?” He asks, those violet eyes and lilac face filling your senses. “Yes, yes of course. I’ll have my quarters set up tomorrow as planned.” You say, gulping down your feelings. Why was he affecting you so intensely? Get a GOD DAMN GRIP MAN. “Delightful, and if your schedule is open perhaps tonight we can have a little spin at the Dabo wheels?” He has a little bounce in his step as he thinks of the prospect. You know you shouldn’t, having a private dinner together is fine, but out in public with him? At Quarks no less, it will definitely get you odd looks and rumours spreading round fast. “Uhm, I’ll have to check, maybe not…” You grimace internally at the slight rejection to him. “Oh… I see. Well hopefully some other time then.” His step faltering a bit, you don’t know if it’s because he expected a different answer physiologically or because he was upset by the response. Either way your heart ached when the little mole above his top lip dropped with his smile. Though he quickly regained it.

When you dropped him off at the conference room where he’d be speaking to Bajoran delegates, you needed a drink. Stat. You needed to clear your brain, and you went straight to Quarks. For the next few hours you sat by a booth, nursing an Icoberry Spritzer, the purple seeming all too familiar to you in a different context. You groaned softly to yourself. Your miserable state catches the attention of your friends just coming off duty and into Quarks. Jadzia and Kira being the ones to come over. “And whats with the long face hm? The voles been in your walls again?” Jadzia asks making a joke to try get a smile out of you. “Don’t try, they’ve been sitting like that forever.” Jake says, you look over not even noticing Jake had been sitting close by on one of the support beams working on a story. “How long have you been there?” You give a small shocked glare. “Like I said. Forever.” Jake rolls his eyes, addressing Jadzia and Kira only, being vague and dodging the question. Kira sits down in the booth next to you, “Come on, what’s wrong?” She asked prodding you. “Nothing.” You said, trying to sound as convincing as possible. Jadzia crosses her arms, up to challenge, with a shit eating smirk and raising an eyebrow, “Oh no no, you can’t get off that easily.” “At least give us a hint” Kira added with a small huff. “Just leave it alone- and Jake shut up go do some writing elsewhere, you should stop learning eavesdropping habits from Nog. At least Nog is sneaky with it.” You say seeing Jake’s mouth move in the corner of your eyes and he sighs keeping his mouth shut.

“Then I’ll have to start guessing.” Jadzia started, “Work load? Waking up on the wrong side of the bed? You saw someone you hate? You saw someone you like…?” When Jadzia asked the last prompt your face, though you tried to push it down, was flushing madly. Both Jadzia and Kira’s face dropped in shock and rose with glee. ‘Oooos’ and squeals ensued, flowing you basically getting chased out of the booth for answers. You made it to the stairs and Quark being nosey for gossip sees and hears the scene. “What’s going on?” He asks as he wipes down a cup in his hand. “Well if you must know, our dear friend here finally has a crush.” Jadzia tells him. Quark really drops the glass, “uh- uh, really?” Now he’s a bit flustered. “Oh jeez Quark obviously not on you.” Kira points out, exasperated. “No, ofcourse not…” Quark has had a little crush on you for sometime after Worf and Jadzia started being a thing. “Who ever it is, is damn lucky” He changes his demeanour back to a more bartendery mood (what ever that means) giving you a wink and a pat on the shoulder for good luck, while you’re a bit petrified that your friends are trying to pry out your darkest secrets. Jadzia whips her head back to you, and like a woman dire of some good juice gossip she pleads and grovels, “Just tell us already!”

You technically run away from them up the stairs to the second floor of Quarks, and they follow. You hold onto the railing of the balcony, seeing the inside of Quarks and a good portion of both floors of the promenade. Kira and Jadzia catch up, one on each side of you. “I can see it on your face you’re in love.” Kira says, and you glare at her but it’s not convincing. “Am not.” You protest. “I’ve lived many life times, you’re not fooling anyone. Just say you’re in love.” Jadzia says. “And don’t forget to tell us who it is.” Kira quickly adds. You shake your head and stare to the promenade, hoping that not looking at them will make them go away. “I won’t say I’m in love.” You sigh and rest your arms on the railing, laying your head on them. “And we’re not buying it.” Kira leans closer. You look to her then back to the promenade, standing up pin straight, your body on high alert when you see Weyoun walking on the upper level with one of the Bajoran diplomats. Your heart lurched out your chest, and it didn’t go unnoticed, Jadzia and Kira looking in the direction you’re looking. They both gasp, for a moment you’re terrified they’ll judge you, but then they look at you with huge fat grins on their faces. “Oh please tell me you’re joking!” Kira says, and you shake your head a bit bewildered that they’re taking it so well. “Why didn’t you say something earlier! Have you seen the way he looks at you?” Jadzia says, astonished. Oh those purple eyes fill your head again and you have to glimpse at him again walking on the promenade. “Have you said anything to him yet?” Kira asks “No ofcourse not.” You answer, shocked why she would even think that. “Has he asked you on a date yet?” Jadzia fires the next question. “Does dinner count…?” You’re still so confused on how chill they are about this. “Yes it counts! When is your next date?!” They’re both bouncing by now. “Uh- tomorrow, dinner at mine-“ “do you plan to tell him?” “Uh no-“ “Why not!? Please you have to! He likes you I know it!” You barely have enough time to breathe between questions but the overflowing enthusiasm and encouragement makes you feel like maybe this isn’t so wrong. “Okay- I… I will.” You say. Well you’ll definitely try to tell him.

(Unbeknownst to you Kira and Jadzia thought you were looking at Julian because he walked past the same time that Weyoun did. Whoopsie)

(Yes Julian has a crush on you)

The day passed extremely slowly. And the next, until night. You had dinner set up hours too early, nearly burning a hole into the floor with your pacing. Then the chime ringed, you went for the door, hissing open to reveal Weyoun, you ushered him in trying not to be too nervous. “And what, my favourite Lieutenant, do you have lined up for my Vorta appetite.” He says, situating in his chair by the table. “Please, you know you can call me by my name when we’re alone. And I have basically everything you have missed out on last time you were here.” You giggled, god it was also just so easy to get into conversation with him. Your fears and troubles melt away. Except the lingering worry of rejection. Just stuff it down. Just stuff it down. All in good time.

While you were plating Weyoun the third little human starter for the night, (gluttonous beast), by the replicator. He comes up behind you, nearly resting his chin on your shoulder he’s so close. “I really did miss you today in the briefing room… it’s all so tedious and repetitive, I’d much rather be spending time with you. You’ve become very special and dear to me.” He admits softly, this being a bit more vulnerable. Your heart stopped dead in your chest. You move your face, your lips so close together, “You’re… special to me too.” You admit softly. The tension is thick in the air, but a beep from the replicator cuts right through it, ruining the moment. You clear your throat and plate yourself food. “Uhm- here… it’s an old human staple dish, Mac and Cheese.” You say. But inside you’re screaming and banging on the walls of your enclosure, he was RIGHT THERE. GODDAMNIT.

‘Tell him.’ ‘Tell him.’ It was like a mantra in your mind as you gripped your pant leg under the table, seeing him enjoy the texture of the food, like cute ‘mm’ and ‘oo’s emanating from him. It was torture being like this, but you just couldn’t bring yourself to tell him. I mean, he’s a Vorta, are they even programmed to love? Well he did say he missed you… That is something. “I have also been listening to your human music that you gave me last time I was here.” He said after patting the corners of his mouth. “Oh? Yeah, and did you like it?” “Absolutely splendid, Human creativity has always intrigued me. You intrigue me.” Holy fuck is he just effortlessly good at making you blush? Or is he just trying to manipulate you…? Your brain starts to doubt itself. “I sometimes wish you were on Cardassia with me, it would be it more exciting than being stuck with Dukat and Damar everyday.” He chuckles, your heart is pulsating dangerously again. “Ah- really…?” “Yes, and I’m not just saying that because I want you in the Dominion. I’m saying that because I want you with me. I sometimes find myself doing things and wondering what you would do if you were there with me… Again I’m not trying to get you to join the Dominion- believe me, it would be lovely if you did, but just your company… it’s unlike anything I have experienced really. You seem to care for me. Yes I know the Founders care, but you’re individually caring for me. You’re not bound by duty like the Jem’Hadar are to be at my side. You just… want to be there…” His voice is sincere, even cracking a bit maybe, he’s not using his diplomatic nature to sway you, he’s just upfront and honest. “Well, I hope you want to be here with me.” He adds, his thumbs fiddling with each other as his hands are clasped together on the table.

“I do want to be here. I wouldn’t have let you come to quarters for dinner if I didn’t…” You put your hand over his intwined ones, and he opens them up to hold your hand between both of his. Lightly tracing your skin and caressing it with his thumb. Giving a small smile and gleeful exhale as he looks at your hand. Enjoying the feeling of your skin, it’s real, warm and alive. Not cold padds with treaty’s and orders. There’s a small pause, just enjoying this feeling, you are really enjoying it too, you’re amazed at how you’re not freaking the fuck out. But something itching inside you speaks up, “Don’t you… ever feel guilty? I mean about this, about our friendship. We’re not exactly on the same side.” You ask, regretting some of the word choice. “I wouldn’t say guilt my dear. But there is an unusualness to it, a forbidden sense. Why do you ask? Do you wish to end this? Are you too uncomfortable by our likeliness?” “No-! No, no, I don’t want to end it. I enjoy this. I don’t know emotions are just confusing…” You respond. “There’s no need to worry about it. It’s just the two of us here. This doesn’t concern Starfleet or the Dominion. This is separate from that.” He empathises by squeezing your hand. God you could swoon, he always knows exactly what to say. “Now let’s have some dessert.” He says with a hint of excitement and you playfully roll your eyes, he always rushes to the dessert part.

The night ends with some chocolate cake and then you and Weyoun walking to the airlock where his ship is docked. You curse yourself that you didn’t work up the courage to tell him your feelings. ‘Fuck my life man’ You think. The airlock door rolls open when he steps up. “Well that was a lovely tasty dinner as always.” He says stepping over the threshold. “If I think of any more things for you to taste and try out I’ll definitely contact you.” You say to him. He looks back to you, “Are you sure I can’t entice you with some more dessert? You can come aboard the ship and I’ll get us some ripple-berry sorbet.” He asks, holding out a hand. You think what the hell, sure. You nod, “I don’t see why not.” You take his hand and step up over the threshold, but your boot hooks on it and you stumble. Weyoun is on it and catches you, his hand on your upperback just under your neck, his other hand still holding yours, almost like dipping you in a dance. Your hands don’t even know how they found themselves on his shoulders, but they’re not leaving that spot.

“I’ve always wondered what a kiss would taste like…”

And with that, he leans down and presses his lips to yours softly, for a moment you’re frozen but kiss him back in return, and he takes that acceptance and runs with it. Moving his hand to the back of your head, the other on your waist, he might be inexperienced but not stupid, he’s seen this in other species. The kiss itself is soft but passionate, your arms around his neck, hand in his fluffy muffin top hair. He’s soft and warm, tastes like a macaron and feels like heaven itself.

There’s not tongue in the kiss, just pure tenderness and unspoken words. But once you both have to catch your breath, it feels like there’s nothing between the two of you now, you can be what you want. Weyoun burrows his face into your neck like a cat, “Absolutely delicious… may I have a second serving?” Seriously? Is he joking at this time? But you can’t say no. You kiss him again, and pepper kisses all over his face in which he chuckles in delight as he gets smothered by this new found intimacy and experience.

He loves you too.

A/n: hoes this was ass forgive me (but thank you for my pookies on the server for cheering me on)

[neuroprincess]

Tequila, Whiskey & Bloodwine - Kira Nerys/Reader

Major Kira Nerys/Lieutenant Female Reader

Summary: After a drunken night with her best friend, Kira has to face her feelings for Y/N or do the easiest thing, run away.

Classification: Light angst, fluff

Warnings: Alcohol consumption

Word count: +2000

Unrevised

"One, two, three, now!" Kira shouts over another shot of aldebaran whiskey, laughing at her friend's expression as she does the same, totally unaccustomed to the taste.  

"Damn, that's really good, but strong." Y/N mutters, lips becoming numb "It probably wasn't a good idea to drink tequila earlier."  

"Maybe not at all, however, I think your alcohol tolerance is low." the brunette places the glass on the counter and watches the surroundings, there's still a big commotion at Quark's.  

"Or your tolerance is high, darling." she defends, feigning indignation at the accusation "Nerys..." then calls her by given name, something unusual.  

"Yes, sweetie?"  

"Have you ever tried a Kiss On The Lips?" she asks, approaching slowly, the woman blushes and just nods negatively "Do you want to try mine?"  

And everything after that becomes a blur, a fog in the memory.  

If there was a sunny morning with rays and heat beating against their faces through the window, it would certainly bother them. The bajoran moans and tries to move her arm without success, a weight limiting any movement, it's warm, soft and smells incredible, intoxicating all her senses. She smiles holding onto it and hugging the body, feeling every part and curve against her. Strands sweep across her face, the scent intensifies and without even realizing it she inhales, searching for more, lips ajar brushing across soft skin, closing to plant a kiss on the place.  

"That tickles." a familiar voice whispers and she jumps out of bed recognizing who it is.  

"Y/N?! What the hell are you doing here?" Kira rubs her eyes and analyzes the situation "And half naked?"  

"Good morning to you too." she gets up, putting a hand to the temple feeling a twinge, surely just the beginnings of an annoying headache "And we're not much different."  

Nerys gasps as she looks down and finds that they're in the same position, wearing only panties and bra, immediately trying to cover herself with both hands. They stare at each other for a millisecond before she runs to the bathroom, anticipating the shame consuming and her cheeks starting to blush. Finally alone, starts freaking out, a dozen scenarios running through her head, no matter how hard she tries to search in the back of mind for some memory or what happened, how the two of them ended up in this situation, nothing comes up except shots of different drinks and a short talk until everything goes dark. A talk that makes her blush even more, a heat rising up her neck and making sweat out of nervousness. It was the lieutenant who started with a double meaning, she doesn't remember if they continued or what it led to, her body is strangely sore and there's a bruise between neck and collarbone.  

"Rys!" the younger calls from the other room, the nickname making her blood run cold "I can't find my clothes, can I borrow some of yours?"  

"Sure, sure, I'll... I'll take a shower, you can go ahead and meet me for breakfast."  

A few minutes later, she heard the bedroom door close and let out the breath that she didn't even know was holding, the nausea hitting hard, the rest of the drink still in mouth and an imminent headache, announced by a familiar pressure. Despite her age, she had been deprived of a few luxuries as a refugee and later as a resistance combatant. There were few opportunities for her to sit down and just enjoy a social occasion, to indulge a little in alcohol, to experience the normality she had been denied. Even so, it doesn't seem right. Then questions arise, the fear of having done something while out of her mind and someone from the militia or starfleet having witnessed it, or, the biggest question, having slept with her best friend and, worst of all, not remembering it, any of the details or the circumstances. The possibilities consume her as she walks to Quark's and instantly regrets having arranged to meet Y/N for the meal, frightened by the mere sight of her. Wearing her clothes. Earthy tones in loose fabrics contrasting with skin, slightly messy hair and a very cute sleepy face that makes the heart melt as she watches her sip a raktajino, soft lips catching her eyes more than she would admit. She knows she should join her friend, ignore all fears and spend a pleasant morning off, but she can't, it seems impossible. Thinking, hoping, that hasn't been seen, she turns around and runs back to her quarters, unable to face the girl. And, like an embarrassed teenager, runs away from her for the rest of the day with a dozen lame excuses, forgetting that they will have to work together the next day. 

"Y/L/N, go with Major Kira to the docking bays, a klingon ship has been rescued near the station, leaving from here, and needs immediate repairs." O'Brien orders, stepping up onto his platform, and smiles at his pupil's sudden animation, he'd noticed how downcast she'd been since the start of the shift "Is that okay for you, Kira?"  

"Why wouldn't I be?" the Bajoran retorts immediately, a little rougher than expected, without turning in their direction "Let's go before we get some impatient big guys."  

The path is tortuously silent, unlike the way the pair are in everyday life, always cheerful with casual chats and sneaking around the station corridors when they're not sharing a meal. Y/N opens her mouth a few times, trying to start a conversation, but is always interrupted by some guidance, finally giving up when she realizes the indifference of her usually warm friend.   

"Kira?" she calls, a door behind access to the docking bay "Why are you avoiding me?"  

"I'm not avoiding you, Lieutenant."  

"Well, you didn't even say good morning to me and seem to be purposely distancing yourself." her words are almost painful, the weight of the day finally affecting "I saw you leave yesterday and, after that, you avoided me at all costs. Did I offend you in any way? If it's the clothes or that night..."  

"It's nothing, Y/N."  

"So what is it?"  

About to answer, she is interrupted by the passage being opened and Odo appears accompanied by three klingons, well-known merchant brothers from the House of Ral'kur, specializing in the trade of exotic and rare materials, who were passing through the station. The tallest and eldest of them, Jarnok, takes two steps forward, bowing slightly as a sign of respect to the major, who is confused and doesn't know why or how to react, she looks at both friends for answers and they giggle.   

"Qapla, it's good to see you again, Kira Nerys. Well, you've proved yourself to be a formidable woman and worthy of my respect and admiration." he compliments, standing up straight again.  

"Do we know each other?" the brunette asked, squinting her eyes, scanning back through memories in search of something, they had never even spoken.  

"She's humorous." Draxan, another Klingon, laughs and slaps his brother on the shoulder "No need to be modest, it's not every day that someone manages to defeat Jarnok in a hand-to-hand duel."  

"I think we better start repairs so you can get back on route as soon as possible." Odo intervenes and directs them to the other side to check the outside of the ship.  

Taking a minute to assimilate what she's just heard, Kira can't believe she's got it right.  

"Did he really say that or is my brain playing tricks?" she asks when they are finally alone, inside the ship's facilities, and begins to get nervous, a little irritated, sounds like a joke "How did I duel with a fucking Klingon?"  

"Well, it was kind of my fault." Y/N tries to explain, without knowing exactly how "I lost a lot playing strip poker, some of them stared at me, you got angry and thought it was clever to duel with one of them to defend my honor."  

"You? Me? Wait, you were half naked at Quark's?" jealousy burns in the pit of her stomach and she's livid just imagining such a scene, that others have had the privilege of seeing the same thing she saw the morning before "That's crazy, not in a good way. We'll never go there again, those Ferengi..."  

"What about my breakfast?"  

"I'll make it for you, we're just not there anytime soon." she replies quickly "Now, how did I win the duel? It's fucking impossible."  

"It was probably the effect of the bloodwine. That was kind of my fault too." the lieutenant mutters embarrassed "We bet."  

"That I would drink?"  

"That we would both drink, but you were right, I'm weak on alcohol." the younger concludes, ashamed, the memories of that night popping into head and making her blush "I have to say, you looked really hot knocking Jarnok to the ground with just one blow." 

"With just one blow?"  

"Quick and accurate."  

"It explains my sore body. And the bruise on my neck." 

"That was me too." Kira freezes and swallows dry with fear at this affirmation "We fell on the turbolift and I accidentally elbowed you."  

"Oh, for a moment I thought..."  

"That we had slept together.. Is that why you've been avoiding me?" everything starts to click into place and she gasps, feeling the tears choking, the behavior being a clear response to how she feels about this and them "Nothing happened, don't worry, even drunk I know and respect boundarie and limits." she spits, feeling the bitterness of each word like a poison on the tip of tongue "I'll check the control panels, Major."  

She barely manages to take two steps only to be held by defined arms and whirled around so that they continue face to face, the brown eyes staring at her with intensity, there is sweetness which she recognizes, but sweetness mixed with pure fervor, unspoken passion, red lips tingle with proximity and the two stare at each other without words, just keeping the small details of seconds that feel like eternity. Y/N focuses on the firm grip, fingers caressing her over the fabric of the uniform, always amazed at the tenderness to be found behind the wall of hardness that Nerys builds around herself. Her heart beats faster, almost leaping out of the chest, and she can barely control her breathing, air being stolen from lungs as they are inches apart.  

"Rys..." the name pronounced in a whisper breaks the comfortable silence.  

The bajoran smiles at hearing her name and wanders a hand up to the other woman's neck, with a gentle touch pulls her to herself and, without warning, their lips meet. It's exploratory, gentle and passionate, leaving a trail of repressed desire and hidden emotions. Suddenly time is suspended, just for them, so surrendered that everything disappears for a single moment. The drunken night, the worries, the momentary pain of being away, the uncertainties and insecurities that haunted them, all dissolve the moment the kiss intensifies. In human terms, everything is thrown out of the window, nothing else matters.   

Kira reaches for the girl's waist and pulls her even closer, deepening the kiss, intensifying the touch and shouting how much she wants, no, desperately needs this. She feels in paradise, until her brain demands oxygen and realizes she's very alive.  

"So... you're not mad at me?" is the first thing running through Y/N's mind as soon as they separate, mouths brushing lightly "I..."  

"Sweetie, I was never mad at you, in fact I was mad at myself, the idea of having loved you in my arms and not even remembering it was too much for me. Shame, anger, maybe sadness." the brunette confesses, letting a bundle of vulnerability shine through "And fear. Fear that you don't reciprocate my deepest feelings or are just looking for fun."  

"Sometimes you can be really blind, Rys. Everyone knows that I'm hopelessly and madly in love with you."  

This leaves Nerys speechless, stunned, ecstatic, joy crossing every neuron and fiber of her being at the revelation. She can't find the words, doesn't need to. In the next second, their lips are together again in an eloquent kiss full of everything they can't say, the kind that are enough when there are no beautiful words to explain the most intense things. However, this lasts less than the one before, because they separate when the klingons heavy footsteps are heard walking towards them.  

"Well, Lieutenant, in my quarters after shift?"  

"First date?"  

"Of course!" 

Yes, I'm back… with new obsessions.

[sshbpodcast]

Character Spotlight: Garak

By Ames

No one here but us plain, simple tailors this week on A Star to Steer Her By. We’re finally scrutinizing fan-favorite recurring character Garak, who’s definitely more complex and nuanced than even some main characters we’ve discussed before. As we assembled our classic Best and Worst Moments lists, we found that Garak has the most moments that somehow end up in both. That’s how morally (and physically) grey this guy is.

So let’s get our measurements taken as we spotlight DS9’s resident Cardassian spy, played so stunningly by Andrew Robinson (have you read his book yet? It’s amazing). Scroll on below or decode some ciphers with us on this week’s podcast discussion (jump over to 48:23). Of all the moments we’re spotlighting, which are the best and which are the worst? My dear reader, they’re all best moments. Even the worst moments? Especially the worst moments.

[Images © CBS/Paramount]

Best moments

Let us haggle Our very first introduction to Garak in “Past Prologue” sets him up as mysterious, sneaky, and downright sassy. It’s always nebulous just how far his covert information extends versus how much he’s ever just toying with Julian, but in this early episode, he helps the doctor uncover some shady dealings that the Bajoran terrorist Tahna Los has been engaging in. And it’s delightful.

Schemes within schemes Garak and Bashir team up again in the season two “Cardassians,” in which Garak sees through decades’ worth of Cardassian scheming (the best kind of scheming) to expose Dukat’s war orphan plot. The details are convoluted and Rube Goldbergy, but the tailor puts together all the pieces and concludes that Dukat is looking to undermine Gul Pa'Dar, some-freakin’-how.

Personally, I find this style a bit too radical Listening to Garak’s smoothtalking is always extra fun because he’s always saying more than is just on the surface. Even when he doesn’t have to! In his own way, he warns Quark that Natima Lang is in danger in “Profit and Loss.” By the end of the episode, he goes so far as to shoot Toran, saving Quark’s lady love and her students before they go “out of fashion.”

My best friend, Elim The first episode to appear on both lists is “The Wire” because it’s just so Garak. While he never tells Bashir the truth once, he’s at his most vulnerable when he’s telling his various Elim stories. In his own Cardassian way, he connects with his dear doctor and expresses things about himself that, though not empirically true, are him at his most real. And the shippers rejoice.

Major, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you looking so ravishing We give Major Kira major props for her role in the stunning “Second Skin,” but Garak plays a large part as well. When Kira and Ghemor’s backs are up against the wall, Garak comes through for the DS9 crew. And like when he killed Toran in “Profit and Loss,” he’s able to put his Cardassian patriotism aside to kill the hell out of Entek and quip about it at the same time.

The spy who loved me It’s no wonder people ship Bashir and Garak so much when there are episodes like “Our Man Bashir” to fan the fires. And when things go awry in the holodeck, Garak is able to quip his way through the Bond-style holoprogram that they find themselves trapped in, all the while mocking what Julian seems to think the spy world is actually like. And he pulls off a tux pretty well too!

Excuse me, my dungeon awaits So many times that Garak saved the day have seemed to just be convenient for the character, but he’s especially heroic in “By Inferno’s Light.” He fights through his fears to go into the claustrophobia closet in the Jem’Hadar prison and remote into the waiting shuttle. Without Garak doing what needed to be done, surely the Jem’Hadar would have killed them all.

I promise you I will come back While the relationship between Garak and Ziyal always seemed kind of one-sided to us, we must admit that it was good for both characters to have someone whom they could relate to on the station. We see between “In Purgatory’s Shadow” and “By Inferno’s Light” that they care about each other, though sadly Garak never understands why before her untimely death.

A very messy, very bloody business Another episode that belongs on both lists is “In the Pale Moonlight.” We already gave Sisko some guff for this one, so let’s start off by being impressed by the layers of Cardassian scheming Garak does. Sure, it’s unethical and kind of monstrous, but it’s also a thing of beauty watching all the pieces of Garak’s plan come together to trick the Romulans into getting into the war. Not only can he live with it, but he sleeps like a baby.

Alan Turing, eat your heart out Garak uses some of his Obsidian Order talents to do some code breaking for the Federation in “Afterimage.” His arc in the final season of DS9 is a hell of a journey because he knows the work he’s doing for Sisko and crew will hurt the Cardassia he loves, but he also knows it’ll be for the best in the end to rid the quadrant of the Dominion so they can start rebuilding.

We might have a revolution on our hands Speaking of the Cardassia that Garak loves, he joins Damar and Kira’s little resistance in “The Dogs of War” and goes down to the planet to incite a revolution against the Dominion. When even Damar has opened his eyes to the atrocities the Founders are commiting in the Alpha Quadrant, then you know that it’s got to be something worth fighting for.

The last Weyoun In the siege of Cardassia Prime in “What You Leave Behind,” Garak gets to be the one to shoot Weyoun 8 after the two chirp at each other first. Turns out this is the last of the Weyoun clones, which Garak has firmly put to rest as the Federation ousts the Dominion forces from Cardassia. Garak’s story finally complete, his exile has ended in time to return to the ashes.

—

Worst moments

Nothing to look forward to but having lunch with you We’ll also see later in the series that Garak isn’t one to prioritize his mental health, so his abuse of his feel-good wire in the titular “The Wire” portrays how bad he is at taking care of himself or getting help when he is at his lowest points. When he attacks his friend and doctor when he’s going through withdrawal, you just wanna see him get better because this isn’t healthy, Garak.

Initiating counterinsurgency program level four Though Garak apparently has access codes that no doubt Sisko revoked after “Civil Defense,” he still utterly fails to stop the station’s counterinsurgency program from locking out the Starfleet personnel. In fact, per the “Attention Bajoran Workers” protocol, he’s made things that much worse by insisting they have to shut down life support only for a laser ball to replicate in Ops.

You can’t waterboard a goo It’s hardest for us to forgive Garak from ruthlessly torturing Odo in “The Die Is Cast” just to get back in the good graces of Daddy Tain… but we’ll probably do so anyway. We see just what Garak is capable of with these glimpses into his Obsidian Order past. We can absolutely easily picture how he could torment someone with just his unblinking stare. His eyes. HIS EYES!

But have you considered… murder? I may have found it adorable for Garak and Bashir to play spies in “Our Man Bashir,” but he has no idea how holoprograms work. Garak is so fast to jump to the conclusion that they kill everyone that it leaves one’s head spinning. This isn’t real-life spying, Garak. This is Julian’s sexy adventure, so of course the answer is seduction, not murder, and you should’ve known that.

Is this a date or an assassination? Ziyal is looking for company and invites Garak to sunbathe on rocks like the lizards they are… and Garak spends the whole of “For the Cause” caught up in highschool drama of what Ziyal’s inventions are. Does she like him or LIKE him? Or does she just want to lure him in to present his head to her father later? It’s all below Garak, frankly, when he could just, I dunno, talk to her.

Something swift and painless and preferably bloodless I gave Quark most of the stink for this one, but I can’t let Garak off the hook either. It’s a complete missed opportunity for “Body Parts” to necessitate Quark asking Garak to assassinate him when instead he could have enrolled Garak into some even more nefarious scheme. Garak himself should have suggested faking Quark’s death and it would have been excellent.

They’re dead. You’re dead. Cardassia is dead. I always found Garak’s plan in “Broken Link” to be tenuous at best and contrived at worst. He tags along to the Gamma Quadrant for seemingly no reason, then it turns out he wants to ask the Founders if any of the Cardassians from “The Die Is Cast” are still alive (a possibility never alluded to before), then he straight up tries to destroy the Founders’ planet until Worf beats him into submission. Huh?

It looks like I’ve captured your last piece, Chief The pretty decent horror episode “Empok Nor” has got a lot going for it, but every single time they made the kotra metaphor more and more blatant, I started checking out. Dear writers, your metaphor stood on its own without you announcing it twenty-five times. Have a little confidence that your themes are working because it was a good one… until it wasn’t.

Do you feel lucky? Do ya, Chief? But that is far from the worst thing Garak does in “Empok Nor.” The psychotropic drug is mostly at fault here, but that doesn’t mean Garak feels completely innocent. He straight up murders the Cardassian sleeper guards AND crewman Amaro in cold blood, and then kidnaps and threatens Nog so he can get at the Chief, taunting him like a serial killer the whole time.

Star-crossed lizards The sweet friendship Garak strikes up with Ziyal belongs on our good list for sure, but frankly the romance between them never quite gelled for us. We see in “Call to Arms” that they kiss goodbye when she flees the station before the Dominion swoops in, and it just feels… unearned? Garak admits in “Sacrifice of Angels” that he doesn’t know what that was all about, and neither do we.

When the devil asks you to dance, you say yes I may have marveled at Garak’s precarious plan in “In the Pale Moonlight,” but that doesn’t mean I condone any of it. Even the writers make it clear in Sisko’s actions that he finds it reprehensible how many casualties there were to pull it off: the cold-blooded murder of Vreenak (and his innocent guards!), the assassination of Grathon Tolar, the deaths of literally all of Garak’s contacts. This one’s on Sisko’s list too of course, but he at least knows it’s wrong.

You’re not worthy of the name Dax One final episode that’s on both lists. Classic Garak, playing both sides. In this case, it’s more evidence that Garak does not seem to value his mental health because, when he’s suffering panic attacks and more claustrophobia in “Afterimage,” the first thing he does is lash out at his therapist, Ezri Dax, who certainly doesn’t deserve it! The poor thing.

—

Well I hope we got in some cutting remarks about the good tailor of Deep Space Nine. Next week we’ve got another frequent guest star of the station to spotlight: Keiko O’Brien! Stay tuned for that while also tuning in every week as we venture through Enterprise over on SoundCloud or wherever you podcast. You can also quip with us over on Facebook and Twitter, and remember: the truth is usually just an excuse for a lack of imagination.

[oldschoolfic-ds9]

Sympathy for the Devil

by KJohnson (wynlady), 1999

Bashir becomes involved in a dangerous romantic liaison with Jareth, the Goblin King, who comes to the station and accuses the Bajorans of attempting to destroy his world.  As the DS9 crew works to solve the mystery of a pair of ancient Bajoran artifacts - plus some bizarre Bajoran disappearances - and save Jareth's world, Garak confronts his feelings for Bashir, who Jareth offers to him as part of a sinister deal that could change the future of Bajor and Cardassia.  Garak later regrets refusing the offer and makes blatant overtures to Bashir, who now in turn must face his own feelings for the tailor, and his love for Jareth, as the dangerous love-triangle heads into danger deep in Cardassian territory.

Words: 63350, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Rating: NC-17

Warnings: hurt/comfort, bdsm

Characters: Julian Bashir, Elim Garak

Relationships: Bashir/Jareth (Labyrinth), Garak/Bashir

Reader suggested tags (what are these?): crossover - Labyrinth, Strange Fits of Passion (Issue 5, May/Jun 1999), illustrated by HCook

links (link broken? report it and try the archive.org alternative):

tripod (pt1, pt2, pt3, pt4, pt5)

archive.org - option 1 (pt1, pt2, pt3, pt4, pt5) / option 2 (pt1, pt2, pt3, pt4, pt5)

[deepspacedukat]

Patience

Alright, here comes day two! Vreenak has entered the chat!

Day 2: Orgasm Denial

SOC prompt list here. SOC Masterlist here. Cross-posted to AO3 here.

~*~

Vreenak (ST:DS9) x Reader

[A/N: This is smut, so 18+ ONLY, MINORS DNI!!!]

Warnings: Interspecies sex, Romulan/Human sex, orgasm denial, dirty talk, fingering, necking, almost getting caught, power imbalance, power play, getting interrupted, enemies to lovers kind of.

~*~

“Do you do that for the sole purpose of annoying me?” Vreenak’s low, silken voice seemed almost too loud in the confined space of the motionless turbolift. At least ten minutes had passed since either of us had spoken, and we’d been stuck between levels for nearly half an hour. We’d received one communication from Ops saying that we’d be out soon, then we were left on our own.

“What?” I asked meeting his icy, irate gaze with confusion.

“You’re tapping your foot,” he said gesturing to the offending appendage.

“So?” I didn’t dare admit that I was just getting rid of some nervous energy. That would open a whole other can of worms that I didn’t want to have to deal with while I was stuck here with Vreenak.

“So it’s irritating,” he snapped with a pointed glare. “I’ve half a mind to cut it off at the joint if you don’t stop.”

“With what? Your shit attitude? Besides, it’s no worse than your pacing a while back,” I muttered under my breath as I leaned against the back wall of the turbolift and crossed one ankle over the other. Folding my arms across my chest, I acknowledged that it was bad enough that he hated me and everything that I did. He didn’t need to know that I was attracted to him, bad attitude and all.

Fine. If he wanted to be an ass on what was already the worst day I’d had aboard this damn station, who was I to stop him? It wasn’t like I hadn’t tried in the past. Apparently, everything I did, including the way I dressed, annoyed the Senator. For a man his age, he really should have better manners.

“You’re lucky we’re not on Romulus. Speaking that way to a man in my position would undoubtedly garner more serious consequences than you could anticipate.” Was I crazy or was there a hint of amusement in his voice? I didn’t bother to look up. I just took a deep, slow breath, and tried to concentrate on anything but the fact that I was stuck in such a confined space with a man who clearly despised me. “Oh, don’t go quiet on me now. I thought even the weakest Humans had more fight in them than that.”

Stubbornly staring ahead at the dark, non-functioning panel on the opposite wall of the turbolift, I listened to both our breaths.

“I suppose I was wrong. How disappointing. What meetings will I miss if we’re stuck here for the next few hours? Or didn’t you have time to memorize my schedule this morning?” Despite his snide comment, I was glad he changed the subject. A little of my tension melted away. I could handle business talk.

“Don’t be absurd. I’ve worked for you for how long now? You’ll only miss one. A Bajoran Minister and Admiral Ross were scheduled for three hours of your time, beginning roughly an hour from now,” I answered without missing a beat. “I believe they wanted to discuss some prior incident that occurred a few years ago at a place called Derna.”

“Oh, wonderful,” he groused, and I glanced up just in time to see him pinching the bridge of his nose with those long, agile, stupidly gorgeous fingers of his. A professional sculptor couldn’t have done a better job– Stop it, stop it! Get your mind out of the gutter! “That’ll be three hours of posturing wrapped up in pointless, transparent appeasement and assurances. Utterly tedious.”

“You could always cancel or reschedule,” I suggested as he leaned against the lift wall beside me with a sigh. “I could tell them that I’d accidentally double-booked your appointments, or something so you wouldn’t be blamed.”

My mind screamed that after how he nitpicked everything I did, he deserved to suffer through a rough meeting. Just a little bit. Why was I offering him an alternative?

Those sharp, blue eyes that I both hated and adored in turns scanned my face - presumably to determine whether I was serious. After the absurdity of the day, I supposed that was only fair. Beginning the day with a drunk Klingon tearing up his office, an Andorian challenging me to a fight in said destroyed office because the Senator was busy, and the replicator nearly exploding in both our faces when we tried unsuccessfully to order lunch...that wasn’t exactly a normal day.

This turbolift incident, as inconvenient as it was, at least afforded us a moment to breathe. Sure, we’d still have to clean up his office, give statements to security about the Klingon and the Andorian, and put in a repair call for the replicator, but, for now, all we had to do - all we could do - was stay put and wait.

Well, that and try not to kill each other before the station’s engineering team could get us out. That was much easier said than done, especially on Vreenak’s part. The Senator certainly had a temper, but I’d only seen him really lose it once. He’d needed a new desk, and the person he’d thrown through it needed major surgery. His anger with me never seemed quite that intense, though.

“Who are you to assume the relative importance of my appointments?” Vreenak’s voice dropped to that low, raspy register with which I’d become so familiar and agitated over the last few months. That tone always made me question whether he was serious or teasing, so I usually didn’t push my luck.

Today, however, I was feeling foolishly bold. After all the chaos of the morning culminated in this damn turbolift trapping us, I’d had enough. My patience had run out, and Vreenak’s snide little comment was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

“I think I’m the one who sets up your schedule and keeps angry Admirals from bursting into your office. I was trying to do something nice for you, not that you could tell. You wouldn’t know kindness if it bit those pretty, pointed ears of yours,” I retorted before I could think better of it. His eyes widened in surprise, but I wasn’t done yet. I’d been kind, I’d been accommodating, but that didn’t mean I was going to allow him to walk all over me just because I was nothing more than a glorified secretary to the man. Like a tidal wave, all my built-up frustration with the man came spilling out of me before I could stop it. “If you really want to deal with Starfleet and the Bajorans after a day like today, by all means, go right ahead! Don’t listen to your secretary’s advice. See how well that goes. After all, what the hell do I know? I’m just a Human. I’ve only covered for you about a dozen times! Heaven forbid I try to make things easier for you, you arrogant, ungrateful bastar–”

“Shut up,” he growled pinning me against the wall with one arm and grabbing my jaw with the other. The thought flickered across my mind that he might snap my neck. Instead, he crushed his mouth against mine in a hard kiss. After a beat of frozen surprise, I kissed him back with the same level of intensity. For several long moments, we lost ourselves in a dance of teeth and tongues.

He was essentially my boss. This should feel wrong, but every movement he made felt so perfect. His hands slid down my body with something like hasty reverence.

“Fuck you.” The words spilled involuntarily from my lips as he ground the heel of his palm between my thighs over my uniform.

“You seem quite eager to try,” Vreenak pointed out as I spread my legs for him. Practically clawing at the closure to my pants, he swore quietly when he dipped those long, devious fingers of his beneath my clothes and found me dripping.

He asked me something, but I could do no more than let out a desperate whine as he shoved two long digits into me. Grabbing his shoulders to steady myself, I tugged him closer.

“You’re infuriating,” he hissed as I bit the corner of his jaw. In retaliation, his fingers curled mercilessly, striking that place inside me over and over with unrelenting precision.

“Says the most irritating man in existence,” I gasped, rolling my hips to try and get more friction. Burying his head in the crook of my neck, Vreenak moaned as I palmed the bulge that had been pressing against me so insistently. Intense satisfaction poured through me when he began rutting slowly into my touch.

“Yes, but you want me, nonetheless. Don’t deny it. I’ve seen the way you look at me,” the Senator lorded that observation proudly over me even as he dragged me closer and closer to an orgasm. “Beautiful, pliant, little thing...”

“I fucking hate you,” I breathed, but my protest was so feeble and obviously false that neither of us could stifle our half-choked laughter.

“You’ve always been such an awful liar,” Vreenak murmured slanting his mouth over mine with an affection that I hadn’t anticipated. His hand sped up, intent on drawing screams from me. I was so close I could taste it. The lift jolted, but neither of us paid any attention. My breathing was no more than a stream of whimpered pleas as I began to tip over the edge–

“Ops to Turbolift Four, please respond,” a voice crackled over the comm, and we froze. Our labored breathing seemed almost too loud, now. With both our orgasms stolen away by reality’s return, Vreenak helped steady me on my feet before going to the comm panel. “Our controls show that you should be moving now. Can you confirm?”

“Yes, Ops. We’re moving,” the Senator said as he readjusted himself in his pants and took slow, deliberate breaths. I couldn’t help but smirk at the knowledge that he’d been as close as I’d been. Tuning out the conversation, I righted my clothing and tried to make myself look as if I hadn’t just been fingered within an inch of my sanity by my boss.

Mere seconds later when the turbolift opened on the level where the Senator’s office was, we both looked relatively put together for people who’d just been wrapped around each other. Navigating through the small group of people who were gathered at the lift entrance, I was suddenly grateful for the officer who’d interrupted us. If they hadn’t, we would’ve had quite the captive audience when the door had opened. We were almost to his door when one of Vreenak’s hands took up residence on my lower back.

“Cancel that appointment, but don’t pretend you double booked. Tell them the truth. Tell them...that an urgent personal matter has arisen that requires my immediate attention,” he murmured as we paused in the empty hallway. He tilted my chin up and gave me a mischievous smirk. “Once you’ve done that, I’d like you to come to my quarters. I believe you owe me a few screams for talking back to me, my dear.”

“Oh my, Senator, whatever will people say?” I teased winking up at him.

“If they’re wise, they won’t say a word. The ones who do, well...let’s not forget that I’m the Vice Chairman of the Tal.” His playful threat drew a laugh from me.

“You’d make someone disappear for gossiping about us?”

“For you, I’d make whole worlds disappear.” Having stunned me into silence, Vreenak placed a soft kiss on my forehead and started to walk away. One final teasing comment floated over to me as I moved to enter his office. “Don’t take too long, or I may have to begin without you.”

~*~*~

Taglist:

@bigblissandlove1​ @darkmattervibes​ @emilie786​ @horta-in-charge​ @toebeans-mcgee​ @android-boyfriends​ @wafflingchemist​ @starrynightgardens​ @slutty-slutty-vulcans​

[starfleetimagines]

I love your writing so much! Best of luck with your new program!

Could I request a Kira Nerys x gender neutral reader - Nerys comforting you after a nightmare?

Aaaa thank you!! <3

Kira Nerys - Safe In Your Arms

Length: Drabble (under 500) Warnings: Nightmare (nothing specified) Tag list: @space-helen @mrs-l-mccoy @plaguedoctorsnake @coffee-in-that-nebula

Your heart hammers in your chest as you snap your eyes open. Taking in a ragged breath, you stare up at the dark ceiling, memories of the dream at the forefront of your mind.

Just a dream, you try to tell yourself, but your heart won't stop slamming against your ribs. You shift and move closer to your partner. You don't want to wake her, but you need to feel her next to you; need to know she's there with you.

You wedge yourself against her back and hook an arm over her torso, holding her close to you. You nuzzle your face against the base of her neck and inhale slowly, breathing in her scent.

Nerys makes a soft noise and shifts a little. "Is it 0600 already?" her tired voice mumbles.

"No," you reply quietly, your own voice muffled by the collar of her night shirt. "Go back to sleep."

But Nerys moves and rolls onto her back. Even in the dark, you know she's frowning at you. "You okay?" she asks softly.

You lean your cheek against her shoulder and nod. "Yeah," you say, but your voice cracks.

Nerys sighs quietly and turns onto her side to face you fully. She moves her arms around you and pulls you flush against her. "Bad dream?" she guesses, and you nod.

"Want to talk about it?"

You shake your head and hug her tightly. "The usual. It's okay."

She slowly rubs your back and kisses the top of your head. "I got you. You're okay, I'm okay. We're both safe, okay?"

Nodding a little, you try to believe her. You know that she's telling the truth, but your anxiety is still so high.

She starts to quietly hum a Bajoran lullaby she's sung to you before. You take in a deep breath, focusing your senses on her: on her soft, melodic humming; her warm body against yours; her strong arms around you; her sweet scent filling your nose.

She's there, you're there, and you're both safe.

[youngpettyqueen]

finished Warchild today!! thoughts below the cut

tldr: loved this book a LOT

this book was GREAT for Julian character exploration. he's my favourite little guy, lets get that out of the way first- Julian is amazing in this book, and I love love LOOOOOOVE Esther Friesner's take on him and how she wrote him. this book is set between s1 and s2, so this is Julian in the early days of his character development, still so young and desperate to prove himself, overflowing with emotion and passion, and UGH its all so fucking good. he's grappling with self-doubt and insecurity, while at the same time also doing some of his best work as a doctor, fuelled by desperation and the need to do whatever he can to help. he works himself to the bone until he literally faints. he gets so angry on behalf of the suffering children and he doesnt give a flying fuck who he's talking to when he unleashes about it. he cries over losing a child he had a bond with, Belem, actually CRIES- something I dont think we ever see from him in the series. the raw emotional vulnerability from Julian in this book is just. so good. god. I could write an essay. his brief romance with Jalika is bittersweet, and while it is a bit shoehorned in, imo, it does showcase how Julian falls hard and fast and with reckless abandon. fantastic depiction of the character, fantastic exploration of him as a doctor, seriously I cant praise this book enough for so wonderfully capturing Julian's character in every single way

also of note. this book was written prior to Doctor Bashir, I Presume? even airing, coming out in 1994, and yet we still get some fantastic implications about Julian's family. his internal narration of his family is derisive and he avoids thinking about them, and he thinks a bit about how he was raised in higher society among politicians. also also, there's a specific bit where he mentions how his parents boasted about him only enjoying "the finest dining" as a child, and it was a cover for him just being a picky eater. considering what would be revealed later, about Julian being neurodivergent and/or disabled, I found that to be an interesting note

Julian rambling out of the way, my absolute favourite thing about this book is its depiction of Bajor. this book truly doesnt hold back in depicting just how dire the situation is on Bajor. we're still in the early days of Bajor being liberated, and it isnt a pretty picture. Friesner strikes a beautiful balance between the unflinching, raw depictions of the refugee camps, the desolation, the dying children, and the brutal, honest depiction of the government and its failings. this book follows DS9's example of depicting characters who did what they had to do in sympathetic lights wonderfully, and you find yourself sympathizing with people who do terrible things because they've been driven to such a breaking point. the failures of Bajor's provisional government are truly highlighted, garnering more sympathy for the people in these camps, the people who aren't getting the help they so desperately need. it makes no attempts to sugarcoat or soften anything, forcing every non-Bajoran character's eyes wide open at the same time it does the readers. its a POWERFUL book in that regard, and I found it deeply compelling and difficult to put down

another highlight for me is the Kira and Sisko dynamic. this is still early days for them, and they butt heads constantly. the trust they come to develop isnt quite there yet, and Kira isnt afraid to let Sisko know exactly what she thinks, and she isnt afraid to do so as bluntly as she sees fit. in the same vein, I love the dynamic between Sisko and Bajor here. its strained, uncomfortable, Sisko cant seem to ever do anything right because every choice he makes makes somebody angry. Sisko really just cant catch a break in this one. he's either dealing with Bajoran representatives who are never pleased, or he's trying to track down Julian who's gone AWOL, or he's dealing with Quark. he truly cannot win

Kira's scenes in this novel are FASCINATING also, as they explore her faith and where it clashes with her duty. we see so many facets of her character- the hotheaded rebel fighter, the major, the soft and gentle motherly figure, the proud warrior. I love that shes fully in support of Julian going AWOL and backs him up. I love that later shes conflicted about it because she believes so wholly in the prophecy and the Nekor that she wants him back to be able to cure her. I wish we got more of her in the novel, I especially wish we got more from her POV, I think it would've really benefitted the story and the furthering of character relationships. still, im satisfied with what we got

Jadzia gets some great time to shine as a scientist in this one. I love the teamwork between her and Julian, and the emphasis placed on what a great team they make. theres a very cute scene where he makes a big breakthrough and grabs her and dances around with her and its like, one of my favourite things ive ever read. but she seriously gets to shine so much in her work in this one, there would've been no vaccine without her, and she does everything she can to further her research and her work. shes working herself to the bone as well, even if shes better at dealing with it, and her lifetimes of experience really get to take centre stage. wish we had some more of her, like I do with Kira, but also like with Kira, im satisfied with what we got

the original characters in this novel are great. Belem was devastating, the various Vedeks and representatives made me grind my teeth, and Cedara and Dejana were just. so fucking good. Cedara and Dejana felt so REAL, they were so interesting to read, heartbreaking and hilarious all at once, and so so charming. I saw the reveal with Cedara coming, and I loved it. I could read a whole series about her, a wild child with far too much placed on her shoulders, desperate to protect her little sister and her home. I like to think her and Julian keep in touch, and they visit each other, and he helps her out on her path to becoming a healer. then theres Jalika, who I did enjoy, but definitely felt the weakest of the introduced characters. I wish we got more time with her, and I wish there was more exploration of her beyond being the kind and gentle healer. we get a brief glimpse of her being quite capable of being deadly, and fierce, but only the brief glimpse. still, she was compelling, and her and Julian's brief romance had an ending that packed a surprising punch considering how short it was. really felt for both of them with that one

overall, this book was a solid read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I'd highly recommend it to anyone wanting more content about Bajor, and anybody who wants a really good Julian-centric story that pushes him to points we dont get to see him pushed to in the series. its a devastating read at times, but also hilarious- seriously, theres a scene with a hologram of Dukat dancing ballet in a pink tutu. what more can I say

[crowfootwrites]

New Arrival [Odo x Fem!Reader]

Ok, y'all. I've done it. I've hyperfixated on Star Trek so hard that I got back to writing fanfiction. 😅 Please go easy on me - upon checking, the last time I wrote/published any fanfic was December of 2021. Is this my best work? Certainly not, lol, but hopefully it's not terrible. This is my first time writing anything in the Star Trek fandom and as of now, I've only watched TNG, First Contact, and I'm working my way through DS9 now. I love it, I love the characters, and I'm hoping the inspiration lasts for a long while! 💕

Odo is, without a doubt, one of my favorite DS9 characters - he's my favorite lil grump and after I watched his interactions with Taya in "Shadowplay", I was inspired to write this!

Warnings: briefly losing your child in a crowd; single parenthood | Words: ~1,850

The station was packed, and you clutched your daughter’s chubby fist tightly in yours as you attempted to navigate the throngs of people streaming through the Promenade. Your heart thudded in your throat, overwhelmed by the sheer number of beings in this new place - mostly Bajorans and humans, you noted, with the occasional unfamiliar creature. The cold, metallic Cardassian architecture soaring overhead did little to ease your nerves, although the lights and colors along the Promenade were a welcome addition.

“Mama,” your daughter exclaimed from beside you, tugging on your fingers and pointing with her other hand towards a shop window displaying a dazzling green dress, aglow with intricate beading and sequins flashing beneath the shop lights.

You nodded down at your daughter with a fond smile, giving her hand a squeeze. “It’s beautiful, Elara,” you murmured. “Perhaps we’ll stop by after we get settled in,” you suggested as you sidestepped hurriedly around a group of Starfleet officers deep in discussion, hauling your daughter out of the way just in time. 

It was your first time to Deep Space 9, where you’d recently been transferred by Starfleet, to work with Chief of Operations O’Brien. You’d jumped at the assignment, an opportunity to work with talented officers and, on a more personal level, a way to get you and Elara away from Earth and the memories that still haunted you there. 

The few days’ journey to the space station from Earth had been uneventful, and your arrival, as the newest Starfleet crewmember, had seen you met by Chief O’Brien himself, although he’d immediately been called away, leaving you and your daughter to navigate to your new quarters. 

You craned your neck slightly, attempting to find the nearest turbolift and extricate you both from the chaos of the Promenade. Sweat beaded along your hairline, the collar of your uniform suddenly suffocating. You took a deep breath and closed your eyes for a moment to gather yourself.

The breath rushed from your lungs as you stumbled backward, a deep ache forming in your shoulder as it collided with someone else’s - a group of rowdy Klingons forcing their way through the Promenade. Throwing your hands out to steady yourself, the cold metal of a support beam biting into your sweating palms, it took you only a moment to realize that both your hands were empty. 

You whirled around, panic rising in your chest as your eyes darted back and forth.

“Elara!” you yelled, struggling to be heard above the din. You darted after the group of Klingons, elbowing your way around them and anyone else who managed to get in your way. Your focus sharpened to a singular point: find her.

When you didn’t find her being towed along by the Klingons, your stomach churned, your heart leaping agonizingly into your throat.

You called her name again, the desperation in your voice growing more apparent. Your breath came in short bursts and your head spun as you pivoted again and again, frantically searching.

A pair of steady hands appeared on your shoulders and you gasped as you came face-to-face with a man whose blue eyes reflected your own wild, terrified visage.

“Are you alright, Lieutenant?” he asked, his voice gruff and firm. You managed to shake your head, your eyes still wandering behind him.

“My daughter,” you gasped, teetering on the edge of a panic attack. “We got separated, I -” 

Concern passed briefly over the man’s smooth features - too smooth, you realized somewhere in the back of your mind. “How old is she?” he barked, tears springing to your eyes.

“Four,” you managed to whisper, the tremors in your hands traveling to the rest of your body. It was all too much and you began to pull away from the man’s grasp, desperate to continue your search.

Scowling, he tapped his combadge. His other hand grasped your upper arm gently and tugged you close, ensuring you stayed with him.

“Odo to Ops.” The gravel in his voice and the strength of his grasp on your arm permitted no arguments. 

“Go ahead.”

“We have a missing child on the Promenade. I want no ships departing this station until she is found,” he ordered. Before anyone could even respond, he had tapped his badge again.

“Odo to security - I want a team on the Promenade now,” he growled. “Fan out. Child is four years old -” 

“She’s wearing yellow overalls and a pink sweater. Her name is Elara,” you interjected quickly, trying in vain to calm your breathing.

Odo repeated the information to his team, before he began escorting you down the walkway. You glanced back over your shoulder, opening your mouth to object to leaving the place where you lost Elara.

As though he could read your mind, he spared you a brief glance. “We’ll find her,” he assured you.

He led you into the security office and gestured to the seat across from his at the desk, just as a Bajoran woman with short red hair entered, slightly out of breath. 

“Thank you for coming, Major,” he muttered as he rounded the desk once again and headed for the door. “Please stay with the lieutenant.”

“But-” you argued, rising quickly from your chair. The Major corralled you back into your seat, her arms spread wide with palms out, approaching you cautiously, as though you’d bolt at any second.

“Lieutenant, trust me,” the woman asserted, “no one knows this station like Constable Odo. He will find her.”

All at once, everything caught up to you and you dropped unceremoniously into the chair, your head buried in your hands as the tears spilled over. You heard the rustle of fabric as the Major took the seat beside yours, a calming hand passing over your shoulder.

“What a sorry welcome to DS9, huh?” she murmured.

Odo scoured the Promenade, communicating briefly with members of his security team as they passed him. The large number of people gathering on the Promenade today made his job that much more difficult. It reassured him to know that no ships would be departing, but he could hardly fathom the amount of trouble a four-year-old could get into on this station. He frowned and shook his head as he strode swiftly down the corridor, failing once again to understand solids’ preoccupation with procreation. He understood the importance of reproduction for a race of beings, certainly, but human offspring in particular were so… vulnerable for such a long time. 

His team had reported back that she hadn’t been found on either the East or West platforms, and his officer on the northern main floor was still checking in and around the shops, airlocks, and turbolifts. That left the southern main floor, the area between his own security office, the Infirmary, and Quark’s Bar. He figured he’d start there - trouble had a way of following Quark wherever he went.

A flash of pink tugged at the corner of Odo’s vision just as he was about to enter Quark’s. He turned to follow it, and there, tucked away into a gap between the jeweler’s shop and a turbolift shaft, he spotted a small human girl cowering, her knees pulled up to her chin. Odo sighed at her tear-streaked face before approaching slowly. She flinched as he drew nearer, so Odo crouched and schooled his facial features into something other than a scowl.

“You must be Elara,” Odo muttered, studying the girl curiously. There weren’t many children this young on the station. Even Chief O’Brien’s young daughter was older than this one. “Your mother’s been worried about you.”

At the mention of her mother, Elara’s eyes darted to Odo’s, looking for reassurance. He gave her a small smile. 

“My name is Odo,” he offered, stretching a hand towards her, palm up. “It’s my job to make sure everyone is safe on the station.” 

Elara’s lower lip trembled as she surveyed Odo cautiously, and Odo found himself appreciating her skepticism. That seemed good for a solid child.

“I couldn’t find her,” Elara whispered, her mouth tucked behind her knees as she curled in on herself. “There were too many people.”

Odo nodded solemnly, letting his hand return to its place on his knee. “The Promenade is very busy today.” He stood and offered his hand again. “Your mother is waiting for you in my office… would you like me to take you to her?”

Elara seemed to consider this for a moment and Odo hid a smile. Finally, she nodded and placed a small hand in his as she rose from the floor. The sensation was a strange one for Odo - he was not used to much human contact and he’d certainly never held the hand of this small a child. There was something pleasant, he found, about the way her tiny fingers wrapped around his… something rewarding.

He tapped his combadge quickly to inform Ops and security that the child had been found. As he guided the child back toward his office, he felt a soft tug on his hand; he glanced down to find Elara staring up at him, her big eyes clear and curious. “Thank you for finding me,” she said before returning her gaze to the stretch of walkway before them.

“Of course,” he muttered, his usual, unamused expression sliding back into place as they approached the entrance to the security office.

You were out of your seat before the security doors had opened fully, your heart stuttering in your chest. Relief poured out of you as your daughter flew from Odo’s grasp and into your arms. 

You clutched her tight to your chest, her arms and legs wrapped firmly around you as you whispered apologies and reassurances into her hair. With a kiss to the top of her head, you glanced up at Odo, tears still trembling on the waterline of your eyes.

“Thank you, Odo,” you croaked. “I- I’m so sorry about all this - this has never happened before.”

Odo looked uncomfortable for a moment, unused to being thanked for simply doing his job, but the expression passed and he nodded sincerely. 

“These things happen, Lieutenant.” His gruff voice brought you a sudden sense of comfort; he had followed through on his promise to find her. You could tell he was a serious man who took his job just as seriously and though you’d been on the station for less than two hours, you’d already come to appreciate that. You allowed yourself a moment to study Odo as you placed your daughter back on her feet.

His gaze slid away from yours, uncomfortable again, and you smiled softly. “The station must be pretty safe with you in charge,” you offered.

Odo cleared his throat, glancing between you and your daughter. “I do what I can.” After a short pause in which you noticed Major Kira glancing between you and Odo with a half-smile and raised eyebrow, you shifted awkwardly and Odo spoke again. “I’ll escort you to your quarters so that you can get settled in,” he grumbled, and you bit back a smile as you followed him back out of the security office towards your new home.

[strawberrywritersguild]

♡ The Little Things: Chapter 1 - Medicine & Mild Colds ♡

Pairing: Julian Bashir x gn!reader Word Count: 1983 words Summary: A famous historian gets on board the station, and immediately gets sick. Julian has to figure out how to take care of them and this alien disease, when they can't contact the Trill and their own is on a long mission away.

You play with the ring on your finger, the crude markings rubbing against the pads of your other hand. You're not usually nervous about visiting space stations, and you aren't really now, but the heat emanating from inside you makes you uneasy. You would've liked to delay this visit, but the Bajoran space station is a historic site and it's your duty and passion to document it.

The docking procedures are almost ready, the captain of the ship coming to inform you. You stand up, swaying a bit, but you push through it. This isn't the worst you've ever gone through, nowhere near it in fact.

The doors to the docking bay open, and the sight of the Deep Space 9's senior officers in single file greets you. They're an impressive sight, even though you know one of them is missing. A shame, you'd always liked Dax and her unorthodox ways.

"Professor, welcome to Deep Space 9. We're honoured to have you here." The commander, Benjamin Sisko, greets you. He offers you his hand, which you take with just a slight stutter. You know he knows your hands are too warm for a trill.

"It's an honour to be here, but call me (MC). Loriaz (MC)." You say back, going back to wringing your ring. It's starting to feel increasingly cold.

"Of course, professor. Major Kira and constable Odo will be accompanying you to your quarters, after which I've arranged for a tour of the station for you." Sisko guides you away from the docking bay, towards the nearest turbolift. You nod, feeling a block in your throat.

You sway slightly from side to side. You slow your walk just to try and seem less inebriated. You feel the pretty young man with puppy eyes hover his hand over your shoulder, just before you feel a flash of hot, and then everything goes black.

You collapse suddenly, to the fright of your little convoy. Julian quickly catches you, settling your head in his lap.

"Doctor, what's happened?" Sisko demands, kneeling down besides the two of you. Julian checks your forehead with the back of his hand.

"They're burning up! I'll need to get them to the infirmary immediately." Julian starts lifting you up from under your armpits, struggling for a moment.

"Constable, go with them." Sisko commands, tapping Kira on her shoulder. "Major, you're with me. We have to check that ship before anyone else disembarks."

"Do you need help, doctor?" Odo asks as Sisko and Kira jog towards the ship. Julian answers by picking you up into his arms and leading the way.

Julian's checking every damn device they have in the infirmary, trying to figure what's wrong with you. All he's really gotten is that you have a high fever. There's really no records of trill illnesses in the federation databases, especially on board this station.

"What have you got, doctor?" Sisko asks as he steps inside, walking to stand by your bed.

"Nothing much, I'm afraid trill are a bit of a medical mystery to us. Without Dax here, I don't really know what to do." Julian explains, giving you a dose of anesthesia after a few pained sounds escape your chest.

"I'll see if I can contact the trill about this, they ought to want their precious professor in good health." Sisko says, nodding before departing the infirmary. Julian nods back, even though he knows Sisko can no longer see him.

Julian sets his hand on your forehead, initially just to check the temperature, but feeling the soft skin under his fingers he can't help but caress it.

"Soft…" he mutters, feeling the soft locks delicately resting on your head. Your head shifts closer to his hand, probably because it's much cooler than anything else near you. But Julian can't help but think that you're searching for comfort, amid whatever you're going through. "Don't worry." He whispers. "I'll make you better."

"What do you mean you can't send a subspace message to Trill?" Sisko asks, almost demands, one of their officers.

"I'm sorry, sir, but there's some space distortion that's preventing any long distance communication right now. We can't contact anyone until it's gone." She explains, frantically trying to find some way to get something through.

"Well then find a way, or we might have a dead trill on our hands!" Sisko insists, scaring half the ops station. He regrets his tone immediately. "Apologies."

"I'll see what I can do, sir, but I make no promises. It'll likely take at least a day until we can send subspace messages."

"That'll do." Sisko says, leaving for his own office. The officer sighs, going back to her screens. Superior officers, am I right?

"Home… Pixie…" Julian swivels in his chair, hearing soft mutterings from his newest patient. He quickly springs up, figuring that you've woken up. But to his surprise, you seem to just be talking in your sleep.

"Pixie?" He questions, leaning closer. Maybe you'd give some hints to what's happening to you?

"Pixie… Must get… Pixie…" you continue muttering, your words becoming incomprehensible.

"Get where?"

"Not… home… Must be…" You take a deep breath, and fall into a deep sleep once again. Julian shakes your shoulder a bit, but that all seems to have taken the last of your energy.

Julian stands straight, heading over to his computers. "What's Pixie, and where does it need to get to?" he mutters, opening the file the station had gotten on you prior to your arrival. One of the last things that had gotten through the space distortion.

Searching for Pixie through the file gets him nothing, nor does anything relevant come up with a general search. Julian's about ready to start going through all the irrelevant files when the computer sorts out for just a moment.

Julian hits the communicator on his chest immediately. "Bashir to ops, what's happening?"

"The space distortion just cut of all the communications. We can no longer contact anyone, nor can anyone contact us."

"Damn." Julian curses, looking behind him at the patient's bed. He's not certain how long you can last without any outside help. The lights shut off.

"The space distortion is going to intercept with the station in just a few minutes, and we can't predict which parts of the ship they'll shut off." O'Brien explains, gesturing to the screen with predictions of the space distortion's movements. Sisko gives a deep sigh, massaging his forehead. He can already feel the headache forming from this.

"Just, try to make sure none of the life support systems fail. Too badly at least."

"That's all we can hope for, at this point." Kira says, leaning against the command console. The lights flicker, and everyone gives a deep sigh of worry.

Julian's giving a new injection of anesthesia to you, everything around him still dark. At the moment, all he can hope that nobody will be in need of actual surgery anytime soon. He wasn't sure he could do much of anything right now besides patch up some wounds.

"Mmn… Rain…" you start muttering again, Julian petting your head to calm you down. You'd been coming in and out of deep sleep every once in a while. He doesn't really know why, or what to do about it. All he really knows is that it's not a sign of you going worse, and that physical contact makes you stop.

"Wonder what it is that you're dreaming of." Julian whispers. He'd not gotten an actual change to talk to you, but taking care of you like this, it made him more fascinated than he'd been with anyone since, well… since he could remember.

"Pretty…" your eyes open the slightest, focusing blearily onto the good doctor. Julian blushes, even though he's pretty certain you're not referring to him. Then, your eyes snap open and you start gagging violently.

"Nurse! Get me a pulmonary scanner, stat!" Julian shouts, trying to get you to a better position for breathing. It's not working particularly well.

"Doctor, none of the scanning equipment is working!" A nurse shouts back, earning a curse from Julian.

"What to do, what to do?" Julian quickly riffles through his equipment, grabbing a mix of equipment that would hopeful be of use. Grabbing your jaw, he sets your head as far back as he can, and slams one of the devices on your chest, turning it on. He quickly opens your mouth, and starts on the old technique of CPR while the machine pumps at your lungs. Your lips are soft, but he doesn't have the time to focus on them now. You might be dying.

It takes five deep breaths, and two adjustments to the lung compressor before your breathing slows to normal again. Julian takes a deep breath as he separates from your lips for the last time. Your eyes are still open, but extremely hazy and you seem to be falling asleep fast.

"If you… you wanted to kiss me, doctor… you could've just asked." you mutter, a lazy smirk on your lips before you pass out again. Julian blushes, jerking back from your med bed. If he didn't know better, he'd like to lie to himself that he got whatever you've got too.

"Doctor, the scanning equipment is working again!"

"Right now?!" Julian shrieks, his voice several octaves higher than it's supposed to be. He groans, sinking his face into his hands.

It takes five hours since the passing of the space distortion for Jadzia Dax to get back from her mission. When she disembarks from her ship, she's immediately assaulted by the hands of a frantic doctor shaking her.

"Jadzia, I need you in the infirmary immediately!" Julian shouts, his voice higher than normal. Before Jadzia can question him, Julian is already pulling him towards the infirmary.

Julian immediately shows Jadzia the professor laying on the med bed when they get to the infirmary. "Them! There's something wrong and we don't know what!"

Jadzia laughs, to the astonishment of the doctor and couple of nurses mulling about. "Dear Julian, he simply has a cold."

"A cold?!" Julian cries out, looking between Jadzia and you. "Just a cold?! They almost asphyxiated five hours ago! This can't just be a cold!"

"Trill cold's are a bit different to what you humans are used to. And from what I know of the person, Loriaz was a sickly person even prior to the joining." Jadzia explains, to Julian's utter shock. "I'm sure I have some cold medicine in my room."

"A cold…" Julian mutters.

"A cold…" you mutter, to which Julian automatically responds by petting your head. Jadzia observes the gestures with an amused smile.

Julian finishes the final checks on you, happily jotting down your stats. "Well, I'm happy to inform you that you are in quite perfect health. For now, anyways."

"That's what every doctor I've ever had has said to me." You laugh, the sound ringing in Julian's ears like bells. "If Loriaz wasn't so damn brilliant in history and politics, I would've never been chosen to join."

"So, am I to expect to see a lot of you, then?" Julian asks, a hopeful quirk in his voice. You smile, the same smile you had when you teased him right out of a fever-induced sleep. It makes Julian blush, almost bright enough to notice.

"Possibly, good doctor." You say, leaning towards him. Julian stiffens up ramrod straight. A slow but innocent peck is pressed against his cheek, just next to his lips. "Thank you, good doctor. I know that I'll be happy to be in your care in the future."

Julian nods quickly, following your slow departure with stiff movements. You wink back at him before disappearing out of the infirmary.

"…" Julian takes a deep breath, feeling a bit dizzy. He softly touches the spot your kiss lingers on. "Hope to see you soon, professor…"

[kitkatt0430-recommends]

My dive back into my old FFnet favorites continues and I'm bringing some more recs here for anyone interested in them. Still giving them my own summaries to convey my own impressions of the fics.

As You Wish by YarningChick - A fusion of The Cat Returns and The Princess Bride. Haru is the fiercely proud daughter of a samurai who has vowed to marry none other than her sweetheart - not even his death at sea could change her mind. Unfortunately, the King has decided he is going to marry Haru, whether she likes this idea or not.

Haru/Baron is the main ship and the fic itself is rated G. The main cast is all characters from The Cat Returns and while Haru is very different from her movie self, it's still a really fun and enjoyable re-imagining of The Princess Bride's plot. YarningChick has written a lot of fics for The Cat Returns - most AUs of some sort - and they're pretty much all enjoyable. So not only does the fic get a recommendataion, the author does too.

It looks so far like all YarningChick's fics are on Ao3, so that's where the links will lead.

The Angel's Knight by Philip S - Sixteen years after her death saving the world from Glory, Buffy is given the chance to return to life to aid Angel in one final Apocalypse to determine the world's future. But the truth of what's really happening is bigger than anyone could have possibly imagined.

I remember this one especially for it's rather fascinating take on what happened the night Eyghon killed Giles' pre-series and helps to explain some of the inconsistencies with his earlier portrayal and retcons made as characterization marched on. It's also got my favorite take on Catherine Madison post-trophy-ification and an interesting interpretation of the Key.

Rated T, has Buffy/Angel as the main ship, and is, unfortunately, not to be found on Ao3 yet.

BtVS: The College Years by Philip S - A Season 4 AU. With the Slayer beyond their control for the moment, the Watcher's Council chooses to reactivate the Slayer's counterpart: the Huntsman. Meanwhile, Buffy's dealing not only with college, but with the arrival of soldiers intending to fight the good fight… and whose presence will unearth more of Sunnydale's bloodstained history.

This one I remember really enjoying for the take on the Slayer that it was one of two powerful, ancient spirits. And also for incorporating Angel's return to being human via the Mohra demon, but not allowing him to roll back time like in canon. It's obvious to the reader what Angel's in store for as the fic goes on, but how he gets there is pretty fascinating.

It is rated M for a non-con encounter between Buffy and the first guy to become the Huntsman. So reader beware. The main ship is Buffy/Angel. And, like the rest of Philip S's work, it's not on Ao3 at this time.

If It's Not One Thing… by Gabrielle Lawson - There's never a dull moment on Deep Space Nine as murder, secretive aliens, and Julian's past collide. An alternate take on Julian Bashir's past written before the reveal of his parents or genetic engineering.

Probably my favorite fic about Julian. His backstory here is really well thought out and really quite tragic and it definitely captures the feel of early seasons DS9, with the tensions between Starfleet and the Bajorans playing an important part of the storyline.

It's rated T and is on Ao3 now, along with Gabrielle Lawson's other works. Lawson's Deep Space Nine fics are all pretty good from what I remember, though this one was my favorite.

The Geek's Field Guide to Arachnids by likethekoschka - A big robot spider, anaphylactic shock, and a number of near-death-experiences… all just another ordinary day on Atlantis for John and Rodney. First in a series staring John Sheppard and Rodney McKay in an established relationship, written by liketheriver and koschka under their combined penname.

While at least one of the writers moved to Ao3, it doesn't look like they brought any of their ffnet stuff - solo or cowritten - with them. Which is a shame, but I can hold out hope these'll get migrated to somewhere safer than ffnet eventually. (Like Ao3…)

All of the fics in this series are rated T and I cannot recommend the series enough for Stargate Atlantis fans. It's incredibly well written and a lot of fun to read. Features what is probably my favorite version of Radek Zelenka.

Atlas by distractedKat - Star Trek Kelvin-verse fic set after the 2009 movie and AU from there. Kirk throws himself into aiding the rebuilding of Starfleet in the wake of the Narada disaster as Starfleet Academy has found itself short staffed. This may not have been such a good idea, as his many talents have caught the eye of a corrupt Admiral…

An eventual Kirk/Spock fic that treats Spock and Uhura's friendship really well. Rated T and is up on Ao3.

[specialagentartemis]

ITPE: Dear podficcer letter

Hello! I am specialagentartemis here on tumblr, and ArtemisTheHuntress on AO3. I participated in ITPE last year, and it was a lot of fun! I look forward to this year’s too.

I give BLANKET PODFIC PERMISSION for my fic for the purposes of ITPE—you don’t need to ask for that.

I will appreciate whatever you make and look forward to it! Thank you! Here are some prompts and suggestions for diving into the fic options:

General likes: Filk and poetry; soundscaping, sound effects, and music in podfics (obviously not necessary! But if you are into that, feel free to go wild); worldbuilding; epistolary and found-footage; languages and multilingualism, especially if you give the other-language pronunciation your all; adventure, angst, whump, comedy, or character study; academia, study, and science; asexual and aromantic interpretations of characters; non-romantic intimacy and varied relationship types

General dislikes: Modern AUs; ship-focused fics; character x reader; kissing or eating sounds

Do Not Want: explicit sex; broken bones. (Most types of injury are okay! I like whump! I’m just easily squicked by descriptions of broken bones, ESPECIALLY if there’s audio associated)

———

For media-specific prompts:

The Murderbot Diaries: I love pretty much all the characters, and I don’t think there are any characters I wouldn’t want to hear about! Favorites are Murderbot, Three, Pin-Lee, Mensah, Indah, and Human One, but I mean it that I like everyone. One particular thing I like a lot is FlipSpring’s Pod AU and the spinoffs people have written of it, and I think it would be super funny to podfic it if that’s something you’re into. Podpod. (DNW: any romantic or shippy fics with Murderbot.)

Wolf 359: I love the Hephaestus crew! Both Hephaestus crews! Minkowski and her crew! Lovelace and her crew! The Hermes crew too! I am less interested in SI-5 (Kepler, Jacobi, and Maxwell) and would prefer they not be the focus. Minkowski & Eiffel, Minkowski & Lovelace or Minkowski/Lovelace, Eiffel & Hera, Lovelace & Lambert are some of the relationships most interesting and appealing to me. (DNW: romantic Hera/Eiffel. I’m just not really into their relationship that way.)

Danny Phantom: I admit I’m kind of picky about DP fanfiction, but I love absolutely everything phantomrose96 writes. I’m most interested in Danny’s relationship with his parents, with Valerie, with Jazz, and with Sam & Tucker. Vlad is cool but I feel mixed on a lot of Badger Cereal work or Vlad-focused fic… though the Maddie-Jack-Vlad college trio IS compelling to me. Really, I like when Maddie and Jack really do love Danny and would never want to hurt him… but they are scientifically compelled to catch, study, and possibly vivisect Phantom. Where Danny is torn between his love for and fear of his parents. I don’t really want Maddie and Jack to be straight up Terrible Parents, but I’m interested in how their flaws and blind spots are hurting their son without them realizing it, and Danny struggling with that. That’s one of the most interesting parts to me. I also like when Lancer is a supportive figure in Danny’s life. And when Sam, Tucker, and Valerie get to be characters with personalities in their own right. Adventure, ghost biology, blood blossoms stuff, ghost zone stuff, all of that is fun and good too. (DNW: DPxDC crossovers. Fics where someone else adopts Danny or he’s secretly someone else’s son.)

Star Trek TOS: I am delighted by and fond of the whole main cast. I like Kirk/Spock fine and have a soft spot for Sulu/Chekov and am happy if that’s present but would prefer a fic that’s not focused on a ship. I like the adventure, aliens, and weird space stuff that is TOS’s bread and butter. More serious stuff about Tarsus IV also good. I like Uhura getting the chance to be cool and Spock having Issues. (DNW: fics that also take from the AOS movies.)

Star Trek DS9: Kira is my Favorite. Kira, Bajorans, the Resistance, Kira’s relationship with all of that, yessss my fave. I also love Odo. I prefer Kira and Odo’s relationship to be platonic. Kira and Damar are also super interesting. Kira and Sisko have an underratedly interesting relationship too. Sisko and Jake, Jake and Nog, Keiko getting to do science and be interesting, Bajoran religion, Bajoran-Federation politics, and baseball are all also themes I like. Again, this is an “I like the whole main cast” situation. I don’t have anything against Garak/Bashir, I like them, but would prefer they not be a major focus for this ITPE.

Severance: TBH there’s so little fic out there the pickings are slim but HELLY R. MY GIRL HELLY. Love herrrrrr. I like Mark a lot too but tbh am not into their romance (are u seeing a theme here lol)

ars PARADOXICA: Sally Grissom my loveeee. Crossovers with other podcasts are also cool.

———

My Offers: Generally pretty open to most stuff rated T or lower. I AM happy to offer The Murderbot Diaries podfic I just forgot to add that as I was going through all the less-requested sign-up summary list!

I would prefer not to be matched on Wolf 359 where the requester wants a Hera/Eiffel fic. I wouldn’t really have fun making that. The same for people requesting The Murderbot Diaries ship-fics. I don’t really want to be matched on DPxDC Danny Phantom crossovers. If matching on Original Work, I’d prefer a request for something sci-fi or fantasy.

[oldschoolfic-ds9]

The Horror, The Horror

by The Plaid Adder, 2000

Sisko asks Ophidia to direct a live version of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" for the Bajoran Gratitude Festival...let's just say that the end result is interesting.

Words: 24594, Chapters: 6/6, Language: English

Rating: PG-13

Warnings: none listed

Characters: Julian Bashir, Elim Garak, DS9 crew, OC

Relationships: Garak/Bashir

Reader suggested tags (what are these?): Strange Fits of Passion (Issue 12, Aug/Sep 2000), script format, crossover - Star Trek: The Next Generation, crossover - The X Files

Untitled series:

Sigh No More

New to Thee

I Never

The Chair

Working Lunch

The Horror, The Horror

Bloodheart

Langue D’Amour

links (link broken? report it and try the archive.org alternative):

archive.org - option 1 (prologue, act I, act II, act III, act IV, act V)

[deepspacedukat]

Praetor’s Pride - Part 2

This is shorter than I initially anticipated...also uh...remember how I said there might be like...eight or nine chapters? Yeah, it’s uh...it’s gonna be more than that. Also, I didn’t intend to post today, but uh...here we are. Enjoy!

Part 1 here.

Cross-posted to AO3 here.

~*~

Praetor Hiren (ST:Nemesis) x Reader

[A/N: This has some smut adjacent innuendo/fantasizing, so 18+ ONLY, MINORS DNI!!!]

Warnings: Flirting, mentions of alcohol consumption, hangover, sexual innuendo, brief hint of sexual fantasizing, Hiren drinks his Respect Women Juice daily, insulting Kai Winn is my hobby/passion, platonic cuddling, mild Romulan hand play.

~*~

Hiren kept her in the periphery of his vision as he spoke to the various representatives in attendance. He had one left: a rather unpleasant blonde Bajoran woman. What was her name again? Winn? Internally he cringed as she made some insultingly transparent insinuation about bolstering relations between Bajor and the Empire.

He would much rather reinforce the friendship with the Federation via the lovely young thing Letant had just introduced him to. She was beautiful...utterly entrancing, unlike the power-hungry religious leader who was attempting to garner his favor by laying a hand on his sleeve.

Instead of sensual interest as she’d no doubt hoped to illicit, all Winn had done was inspire a vague nausea that he intended to remedy. The Praetor had endured just about enough of this unpleasantness. Turning his gaze fully and unabashedly toward where Letant and the Ambassador stood giggling with their glasses of Romulan ale, Hiren felt a smile spread across his lips.

“Yes, very interesting, I’m sure. Excuse me, Kai.” Without looking at her or bothering to wait for a response, Hiren puffed himself up the slightest bit and made his way toward his friend and the lovely lady who was slowly taking over his thoughts. Neither noticed his approach. “Now, what could you two be conspiring about?”

Letant wasn’t bothered by his appearance, but the young lady bit her lower lip and attempted very gallantly to stop her laughter.

“Oh, all manner of sordid things unbecoming to two public figures, as usual,” Letant chuckled even as his companion’s lovely face darkened in a blush. She gave the Senator a reproachful glare before looking to Hiren.

“Shaoi kon, Praetor,” she murmured demurely sending his heart thudding in his side. Her pronunciation of the deferential greeting was a little clumsy, but her tongue handled the syllables well otherwise. Maybe he should try to teach her some more of his language just to hear her whisper it in his ear...

Shaking that notion from his head and stepping closer to her, Hiren lifted a hand to his chest and inclined his head very slightly.

“Shaoi dan, lhhei.” At his intonation, surprise flitted over her face. So she knew the difference in meaning between the two phrases, then. That was good. Letant had introduced her as a prospective mate. No matter what position they each held, he wanted to make sure she knew that he perceived her as his equal. He hoped that the more balanced greeting he’d given would demonstrate that. “Forgive me for interrupting, but would you still be interested in conversing? I suspect that several intriguing differences in philosophy might become apparent in our discussion.”

“Of course. I’d love to, Praetor,” she replied, but he held up a hand.

“I recognize that our positions are very different, however, I would consider it a personal favor if you would call me ‘Hiren.’ There are enough Senators and military leaders who call me by my title as it is. I’d prefer to count you amongst that small group of people who are more...familiar with me.” He only put a small hint of sternness into his tone, but that was apparently enough to get through to her that he was serious about that request.

“As you wish...Hiren.” Her smirk sent a jolt of warmth through him. The Praetor had never much cared one way or another for his name, but the way this pretty little Human said it made several feelings stir beneath his otherwise calm surface. He watched as she handed her glass to Letant and clasped her hands behind her back. “Shall we?”

“Walk with me,” he said as he nodded his head in agreement. They were silent until they stepped out onto the balcony overlooking the steep drop leading to the edge of the Apnex Sea. Beneath the silvery light of the moon, Hiren watched as his companion stepped up to the railing and took a deep, bracing breath of sea air. The curve of her alien ears and the pleasing softness of her brow made him wish to skim his fingers over every inch of her just to know if her skin felt as soft as it looked. “I must admit, lhhei, I don’t know much of Human philosophy.”

“That’s alright. I know absolutely nothing of Romulan philosophy,” she said offering him a small smile. “I’ve spent quite a bit of time with Letant, but beyond my general observations of him and his behavior, I must say, your people are almost entirely a mystery to me.”

“Ah, then I fervently hope that I’ll make a good impression,” he said allowing his eyes to skim over her face in more detail. There was a subtle blush on her cheeks for which he assumed the Romulan ale was responsible - although, he did hope that it also had something to do with him.

“I’m certain you will, Hiren. You already represented your people admirably during your speech tonight.” The Praetor subconsciously puffed himself up a little, preening at her praise.

“One of my more eloquent addresses, in my opinion,” he noted glancing out at the waves. A light laugh trickled from the lady at his side, and he lifted an eyebrow as he turned back to her quizzically. “You disagree?”

“No, but I see your ego is no less inflated than Letant’s. I’ll be more careful about how I phrase my compliments in future.” She sounded almost as mischievous as she had with Letant.

“Humility is not often found in large quantities within Romulans. Surely you’ve realized that by now?”

“Oh, naturally. Some people find it annoying, but, to me, that’s part of what makes your people so intriguing,” she said turning to face him fully and leaning against the railing. “There’s a saying on Earth, though: ‘Pride goeth before the fall.’”

Hiren’s tongue darted out to wet his lips briefly at her insinuation and took a step closer, keeping eye contact with her the whole time.

“And...where exactly do you expect me to fall, dear lady?” He couldn’t contain the smirk that curled his lips at the way her eyes widened a fraction. Were those her pheromones that were clouding his mind so thoroughly?

The Ambassador looked up into his eyes and swallowed visibly before she answered.

“I don’t know you well enough to tell yet, Hiren.” Her voice was small and a little shaky, and a brief thought that he was the hunter and she his prey flitted through the Praetor’s imagination. That was a game he would dearly love to play with her. It was wise of her to remain guarded for now, though. After all, they’d only just met.

“We’ll have to remedy that, won’t we?” He couldn’t keep the flirtatious tone from his voice. Her eyes darted down to his lips for barely a moment, but he noticed - oh, he definitely noticed - the hunger that was there, even if it only lasted a split second. And it was hunger. Of that he was very certain. Letant had told him that Humans used their mouths for intimacy. Hiren had attempted to ‘kiss’ her hand earlier in the night, but he was unsure if he’d done it correctly. Now he desperately wanted a more personal demonstration of how that action was accomplished when done correctly. “Would you consider joining me for the midday meal tomorrow? There’ll be no need to stand upon ceremony. It’ll be just the two of us. If you can stand being around an arrogant Romulan for that long, of course.”

“Well...it’ll be a test of my endurance, but I think I can handle one measly little meal with you.” Hiren’s smile widened, and he was about to say something witty when her fingertips brushed against the side of his hand, trailing lazily up toward his wrist. His breath hitched and his mouth dropped open in surprise. Did she know of Romulan hand play? To touch the ruler of the Empire so brazenly in a public area... Had she any idea how she’d just enticed him?

The gleam in her eye told him she had at least a vague idea of what she’d done. If she’d been his already, she’d be in for a long night for forcing him to hold his composure during such an important event. Of course, that behavior just reinforced what Letant had said about her: she was an ideal mate for a Romulan and much too good for any pathetic Human male to claim. She deserved the best, which Hiren would strive to be for her.

Tamping down his physical reaction to her, Hiren looked to one of the floral arrangements at the side of the door. Quick as a flash, he’d snapped up one of the Sea Lilies and tucked it carefully into her hair.

“There. You already fit the scenery to perfection, but now it fits you, as well,” he murmured as a blush crept up her cheeks to the tips of her non-pointed ears. “Perhaps tomorrow I’ll be able to focus on more than just your beauty so that we can actually discuss philosophy as we’d planned.”

“I’d like that,” she replied quietly. “I’ll see you tomorrow, then, Hiren. Thanks for the chat.”

Just like that, she’d stepped around him and back into the banquet hall teeming with people. Once he’d lost sight of her, Hiren leaned on the railing and let out a heavy breath. This Human girl was dangerous if he was already thinking of her in such a familiar manner. Letant hadn’t told him she would be that good of a catch.

--

The next morning, I was awakened by my door chime. Groaning into my pillow, I called for whoever it was to come in and blearily climbed out of bed. Wrapping myself up in a warm, fluffy bathrobe, I peered out of the bedroom to see Letant lounging on my couch  as if he owned the place. He smirked as soon as I stepped into his field of vision.

“Ah, I see the alcohol affected you more than you let on last night. Your head must’ve been positively swimming by the time I returned you to your quarters,” he said as I shuffled over and curled up next to him on the couch with a small grunt. Without a moment’s hesitation, the Senator reached over and pulled me closer to him so I could lean against his side. “Well, you haven’t called me a bastard yet, so I take it your talk with Hiren was pleasant? You certainly seemed exuberant when you rejoined me after your walk with him last night.”

“You weren’t s’pposed to introduce me to someone actually nice, you smug ale sponge, you,” I grumbled against his shoulder. A smooth laugh poured from his throat and I buried my face further into the soft material of his tunic. “I’m serious. You were supposed to introduce me to yet another bigoted, pompous ass of a man so I could spend my days laughing at people with you instead of wondering what to wear to lunch with the Praetor of the entire fucking Romulan Empire–”

“You’re having lunch together? You didn’t tell me that last night.” Letant pounced on that piece of information, and I nodded my head silently from my curled up position. “Then I shall keep my mischief to a minimum today.”

“Oh no you don’t! You don’t get to start chaos then run off like you usually do. You got me into this, and I need your help figuring out what outfit would be appropriate.” I grabbed his arm firmly as if to keep him here, but he just rested his chin atop my head. “I don’t want to make an ass of myself.”

“Never fear. I’d never let you go into something like this blindly. First, however, I think you might need my hangover cure, am I right?”

“And whose fault is that?” I snarked looking up at him.

“What can I say? I enjoy your laughter and you give me so much more of it when you’ve had alcohol. You know I wouldn’t allow anything to happen to you, sweet girl.”

“Of course I do. Why else do you think I allow myself to drink so much of that blue warp plasma you call ale?”

“At least we don’t drink that synthetic swill that is supposedly alcohol,” he retorted, and I couldn’t help but giggle against his side. We reclined there for a little while longer before Letant extricated himself and went to the replicator. He returned with a glass of what looked like tar - a sight I’d become quite accustomed to after many nights of overindulging in Romulan ale in his company. Even if I never got too severely intoxicated, Romulan ale caused the worst hangovers in existence, so this horrid black goop was a necessary evil. “You know the drill. Drink until your tongue feels fuzzy, then close your eyes till the sensation goes away.”

I accepted the glass with a grimace and did as he instructed. When I closed my eyes and leaned my head back, Letant ran his fingers gently through my hair. Eventually, the pounding in my head stopped and the lights didn’t seem as painful.

“Better?” I hummed quietly at his question and turned my head to look at him. “What is it?”

“Oh nothing. I just don’t know what I’d do without you. Aside from having a diminished number of hangovers, that is,” I murmured, and he gave me a fond smile.

“Always so sentimental. Come. Let’s sort through your wardrobe. I’m sure there’s something we can work with, even if Human clothes aren’t quite as stylish as Romulan ones.” He stood and made his way toward my bedroom, and I followed close at his heels.

“At least we don’t look like we’re trying to disguise ourselves as couches.” He let out a bark of laughter.

“Just remember that this particular ‘couch’ is the reason you have a date!”

~*~*~

Romulan words:

shaoi kon = formal greeting from inferior to superior

shaoi dan = formal greeting between equals

lhhei = madam