#quark replies

[loquaciousquark]

when will eppie hawke and fenris meet tavish and astarion? (:

"And anyway, it won't be that bad. One last little Fade rift. We'll barricade it up as best we can, send a message to Skyhold, go home, and—"

One of the craggy footholds crumbles away beneath Hawke's foot, and it's only Fenris's quick hand that saves her from a plummet back down the side of the barren mountain. "Hawke, please."

"Please yourself. I said you didn't have to come."

Fenris throws her a longsuffering look, the flickering green lightning of the rift casting weird shadows over his eyes, but he doesn't let go of her arm until she's got both feet on solid ground again. "Just seal it and let this be done."

"My heart's only desire, lover," Hawke says, smiling, just as another pair of voices rises from the other side of the rift.

"Careful—careful! It shocks like the entire Hells are in there. Where's Gale?"

"Wherever Karlach dropped him, I suppose, with that little sprained ankle of his. No, I see them, they're almost here. Come away, darling. No need to get so dramatically close."

"This, from you?" says the woman, just as she and her fellow voice round the far edge of the rift. "Oh!"

"Well!" Hawke says almost at the same moment. Two of them after all: a short, slim woman with auburn hair pulled back in a low tail, and a tall, lithe man with hair as white as Fenris's and eyes that gleam like rubies. The man has a dagger drawn already, a thin smile playing over his face; the woman's fingers rest on her sheathed rapier, but her gaze is open, friendly. Hawke plants her staff on the rocky ground in as welcoming a gesture as she can manage. "Fancy running into someone like you up here of all places."

"I could say the same," the woman says. The green rift, still hanging between them and stretching a good twenty feet into the sky, gives an ominous rumble. "Our wizard's been fretting about magical disturbances along the city's borders for weeks. He finally traces the source to this location, and here you are at the heart of it. I'd like to believe it's coincidence."

"Alas," Hawke says, "one of my greatest faults is a terrible habit of being around when things begin. Fenris can attest to that better than most." She lays a hand on Fenris's shoulder, but he's stiff as iron, eyes glued to the man's dagger, and he's reached back for the hilt of his greatsword. "I'm Hawke, by the way."

"Call me Tav."

"And I'm Astarion," the man says grandly, accompanied by a wholly unnecessary flourish of his dagger. "We're here to steal the world."

"Save it," Tav says sharply.

"Of course, my dear. Save the world. What did I say?"

Fenris makes a short, disgusted noise, but Hawke's pleased to see he's let go of his own sword. She doesn't think this Astarion is going to kill them—not easily, anyway—and she likes the look of Tav despite herself. Both of them quick on their feet, she thinks, both moving gracefully with an innate, self-assured balance. As Tav steps around the rift Astarion moves with her like water, without even needing to see where she's gone. It reminds her a great deal of Fenris and herself, actually, though Hawke would give an arm to trust her own feet that much.

Fenris, it seems, has come to similar conclusions, and he rolls his shoulders as he releases their tension. Even his voice has lost its nascent fury, which for Fenris is practically friendly in situations like this. "The rift is dangerous. We will guard it until the Inquisitor can seal it permanently. Be on your way."

"Inquisitor?" drawls Astarion with that same, thin-lipped smile. "Sounds like someone from dear Shadowheart's former enclave, don't you think?"

"I don't think they're Sharran," Tav says. "Are you?"

"What a speculative look you've put on," Hawke says, delighted. "I haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about. Unless you'd like me to be Sharran, in which case, I most certainly am and in fact have always been."

Both Fenris and Astarion roll their eyes—hilarious in its own right, but heightened by the clear antipathy still remaining between them. Fenris sighs. "Hawke—"

The rift explodes.

Green lightning shatters over the rocky cliff. The rumble bursts into a deafening roar; the faint breeze that had been dancing around them sweeps up into a hurricane. The air cracks and snaps with a sudden smell of ozone.

Hawke throws her hand over her eyes. She can't see—the wind tears her hair from its bindings and she can't see past the brilliant flashes of blazing green and she can't hear— "Fenris!"

Someone's fingers wrap around hers. She wrenches up her staff, calls for fire—for ice—for anything—but the rift has become a maelstrom and every scrap of magic sucks into the raging whirl before she can shape it. Her boots skid on the stone as she tries to brace against the inexorable pull, pebbles and rocks rattling along every step. She can't—the hand wrapped around hers has seized tight as a vise, but she's slipping anyway, and Maker, she can't—

A man's echoing voice, stripped bare of all artifice, wild with fear: "Tav!"

The wind dies. Not slowly, not gradually; it falls off like someone's upturned a glass over the rocky cliff, and Hawke's ears roar in the sudden silence. The wind is gone, and the rift is gone with it as if it had never been, the thunderous clouds that had been swirling above it already dissipating to glimpses of blue morning sky.

"Andraste preserve me," Hawke says, loud in the quiet, and she looks over to see Tav still crouched against the face of the mountain. One of Tav's hands clutches a dagger she'd wedged deep into a stony crevice; the other is still wrapped tight around Hawke's wrist where she'd pulled her away from the tempest.

No sign of Fenris. No sign of the other one—Astarion. A long white scrape in the stone marks where Fenris's sword had sought and failed to find purchase, disappearing at the precise place where the rift had torn itself open.

Gone. Gone, gone. Her heart hammers in her throat, and she indulges in thirty seconds of agonizing grief before she sets it aside, turns, and pulls Tav to her feet.

"Well," Hawke says at last. "Looks like it's just you and me, then. Ready for an adventure?"

"Yes," Tav says, her grip on Hawke's hand like steel, and her eyes blaze. "You and me. Let's get them back."

—

Everything hurts. Everything godsdamned hurts, and Astarion lets out a pained groan as he rolls to his back and drops his arm over his face. His ears ring like bells, and something twinges painfully in his left hip, and the inconvenient sun has decided to blaze right in his face and gods damn it, he'd known they ought to wait for Gale. Wretched wizard and his weak ankles. Wretched Tav and her complete inability—

"Tav," Astarion says, and sits bolt upright.

No Tav. Not even the dark-haired sorcerer with the wide smile. Just that taciturn warrior in leather and half-plate seated on a rock a few feet away, watching Astarion get his bearings, his greatsword slung across his knees and a deeply sour look on his tattooed face. The skies above them are clear and blue as a song.

No Tav. No Hawke. No rift. No plan, and no company besides an irascible stranger with the same sudden look of dawning horror.

"Venhedis."

"Shit."

[hooved]

can't believe someone put quark in a fashion disaster poll. you just don't Get it

[quarks-pussy]

what do you mean you forgive him for being on tbbt???

there is some tea there, gimme

Wh... are you asking me why The Big Bang Theory is bad??

[hosseinis]

For the song/fic ask: any of 42/72/92 and succession/house m.d./ds9 which like idk if you write for those, so pick and choose as you like! (Also not picking a specific ship bc I feel like the song's gotta tell you, you know?)

send me an ask with a ship/fandom + a number from 1 through 100 and i will write a small ficlet (100 words or more) based on the song at that ranking!

#92: This Is Me by Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman)

“I’m curious,” Quark starts, to which Odo replies, “Well, that’s never a good thing.”

“Ha ha,” Quark says without feeling, and leans forward on the bar. Odo’s not drinking anything, of course, but he’s keeping an eye out on a pair of Arcadians near the Dabo table. “It’s more of a question, really.”

“I suppose I don’t have a choice but to hear it.”

“Nope,” Quark says cheerfully, and gestures at Odo’s general figure, to which Odo feels a bit affronted. “Haven’t you ever tried to look like anything else before? Biological, I mean. You’ve turned into a chair more times than I can count, after all. Is it hard for you to do it?”

There's a silence that follows, though for once Odo doesn’t feel insulted, or even annoyed. Instead he has to ponder that for a long moment, one finger tapping against the bartop while he thinks. Of course, there were times before he came aboard Deep Space Nine that he would turn into all sorts of things to entertain others, but usually they were inanimate objects.

“I've been a rat before,” Odo finally says thoughtfully. “That wasn’t very difficult.”

Quark hums.

“That’s it?” He gestures at him again. “I mean, really, Odo. You could look however you want. Some people would kill for that. Don’t you ever want to try and be a different you?”

“...well, no. This is me,” Odo says after a moment, a bit perplexed. “Or at least, this is what I choose to look like.”

“Hm. I suppose it’s the same thing, really,” Quark replies. He's looking at Odo with something unreadable, though his sharp teeth are showing in a way that looks more like a smile than a smirk. Something about it seems… fond, almost. Then the smile turns a bit mischievous, but the fondness remains. “Have you ever tried being a Ferengi?”

Odo gives him a dry look.

“I would rather be a rat," he says flatly.

Quark chortles, making his way around the bar to greet some new guests as they walk in.

“Suit yourself.”

Odo watches him go, feeling oddly like maybe one day he ought to try.

“Bah,” he scoffs after a moment, flustered, and returns his attention to the Arcadians.

[youhavereachedtheendofpie]

You’re so right 🥔

potato is life, potato is love 🤌

[tongowheel]

@guttersniper | continued for beta editor.

corner of his mouth twists into a wry smile — not nearly as annoyed by mutt's comments as he would've been twenty-something years ago. he bites back a retort, only because mutt redirects the conversation. && if that was an intentional tactic, well... quark can't really blame him for that.

the smile widens. "yes we are. && between you && me, i hate leaving her but—" a little shrug ; there's something fond in quark's gaze && his voice, something rare. "odo's finishing up some business at home && then he's leaving her with ravh for the rest of the weekend. little kids && weddings don't mix. but you can come visit any time." he pulls out his holo-pad. "wanna see?"

[im-a-goddamn-cat]

I saw your tags, best of luck on your transition and on starting T! Have a nice gender!

aww, thank you!!! 💕 sadly i have no idea when i'll be able to start my transition (if i'm brave enough to do so) since i still live with my unsupportive parents... but someday hopefully!

[polyphonetic]

You are:

[hypertechnica]

number one obscure ds9 character: PEL!!!!!! AGGHHH 2x07 rules of acquisition my beloved

imagine. you fall in love with your business partner but you’re secretly a woman (your entire society is insanely horrendously sexist) and when you are forcibly outed to him, you think that maybe he might understand, that he'd be different, that you could run off somewhere where people wouldn’t care if you didnt fulfill oppressive gender roles, and he replies that he would care.

i would have done something drastic

she should’ve appeared again just to deck quark in the fucking face

[loquaciousquark]

quark are you planning to play veilguard? :3

I am! I suspect I’m going to be a little behind everyone else--I want to finish my current playthrough of BG3 (in Act 3, about to do Wyrm’s Rock); then I want to replay Inquisition with a Lavellan. This is mostly for @silksieve because I love her and want her to be happy, as I’m currently rather ambivalent about Solas. 

DAI was a perfectly fine game, but the character I was trying to play just butted badly up against the constraints of the narrative. To me DAI seemed clearly to be built as a story for elves, the way DA2 seemed to me to be built for mages, and I have just...I don’t know! I have this weirdly reflexive negative response to playing elves in DA the way I do to playing tiefling bards in BG3 - there seem to be plenty of them around already & I’d rather see a different story.

So yeah. I’m going to try to do an elf playthrough of DAI before I start Veilguard. I’ll let everyone else populate the wiki for me so I don’t have to worry about approval ratings & collectible locations, ha!

[yourlocalmerchgirl]

Your Person

Bobby Goren X neurodivergent F!reader

Summary: Bobby has spent most if his life feeling like he didn't belong, that it wasn't possible for him to connect with someone the way everyone else does, that is until me meets you, his person.

Warnings: Cannon level violence and language. So much fluff, love and acceptance. mentions of Panic, anxiety and death/dying. Minimal use of Y/N. Very little physical description of reader

Authors note: This is story was a labor of love and my love letter to Bobby Goren and the way Vincent D'Onofrio played him. I've never connected with or seen myself represented in a character the way I do with Bobby Goren. I dont think you need to of seen Law and Order: Criminal Intent to enjoy this story.

The midsummer sun shinned down on Bobby’s face as he walked to the coffee shop. The sun feels similar to warmth that spreads throughout his chest whenever he sees you. The smile you always give him. God that smile. It’s different than the smile you give everyone else around you.

He can’t help but smile thinking about the day you met. How flustered and embarrassed you were when you’d run into him causing his coffee to spill everywhere. How he felt something tug In his chest when your big hazel eyes looked into his when you realized it spilled on him. He wanted to wrap his arms around you and tell you it was ok when it was clear you were prepared to be yelled at.

Bobby knew the moment he started falling for you. He tried to fight it at first because it scared the shit out of him. Pretty much resigning to the fact that he’d always be alone. His job was demanding, which was hard for a lot people to deal with. So he had stopped entraining anything that wasn’t serious. He wanted someone to share a life with, someone that would accept him, quarks and all. So he didn’t want to waste what little free time he had with someone who only wanted sex.

As he dips into the cafe the cashier greets him with a tired smile.

“Welcome in, just to let you know we close in 10 minutes”

“No problem, I’ll have a large coffee cream and sugar”

“Oh, Ah is (y/n) in today?”

“Umm I’m going to grab the owner” she replies eyeing him suspiciously.

Bobby doesn’t blame her, she doesn’t know him, he hasn’t been in, in about a month. She’s doing the safe thing by getting someone.

“Hey, theres this guy out front that I’ve never seen before asking for Y/N”

“Ok, I’ll go up and check it out. Why don’t you start your end of day tasks”

Stacey makes her way to the front to see who’s asking for you. She’s very happy to see it’s Bobby, the one person you’ve really taking a liking too since he started coming in.

“Hey Bobby, sorry about that”

“It’s no problem, I know she was just being safe, doing the right thing”

“She’s here, back in her usual spot doing some ordering on her laptop” Stacey says as she hands him his coffee.

“I wont stay long, I know your trying to close up”

“You’re welcome to stay as long as you want. She’ll be really happy to see you, but you didn’t hear that from me” Stacey chuckles.

She’ll be happy to see me?

Bobby is rounding the corner into the seating area at the exact moment you happen to look up from your laptop.

The way you light up sends a sea of warmth crashing against his chest. He waves awkwardly and you return the wave.

“Hi” he say unable to contain the smile dancing across his face.

“Bobby! Hi. You’re alright?” The smile creeps across your face.

“What do you mean I’m alright?” He asks tilting his head to the side to watch your expression as he sits.

Fuck. You can feel your skin heating up as you pull your eyes down too your laptop.

He realizes by your reaction that he sounded accusatory when he didn’t mean too.

“I didn’t mean for that to sound that way”

“I didn’t mean anything by it, it’s just been a while since I’d seen you in…uh not that I expect you to come in. I know you’re busy. I um just was worried when it had been a while.” At this point youre face is on fire, you’re making an absolute fool of yourself with your word vomit.

She worries about me

“We’ve had several intense cases back to back. We pretty much were working around the clock. Only went home to sleep. Not that I was really sleeping either.” He says studying you intently, trying desperately to figure out if you feel the palpable connection that’s between the two of you.

“I wish I’d know, I would have brought some stuff from the cafe down for you and your partner.”

“That’s really very sweet of you”

“It’s not like you come in everyday, but regularly enough that I just thought something might of happened to you in the line of duty” you say without thinking, almost like you’d forgotten you were talking to him.

Bobby tilts his head trying to look at your face.

“You really were worried about me. I didn’t mean to worry you”

The realization crashing down on you like a brick. Fuck. I really said that out loud.

“I ah. Man I’m saying a lot of things. I’m sorry I’m trying not to be weird. Didn’t really mean to say that out loud” you say dragging your hands down your face as you pull your eyes up to find him already looking at you.

His deep brown eyes are soft, his smile kind as he watches you.

“No it’s not like that. It’s nice to know someone’s worried about me.”

“I’m sure lots of people are worried about you, you’re pretty awesome.”

OH MY GOD. I need to stop talking. What the hell am I doing. This man is not interested in my flattery. Where is literally anyone to cut into this conversation to save me from myself.

Just then as if you materialized her yourself you notice Stacey over Bobby’s shoulder coming towards the two of you.

“Did our girl over here tell you she’s testing out some new recipes for the bakery case? And that she’s knocking it out of park?”

“No she didn’t, she must of forgotten to tell me how much of a badass she is.”

Your face is beat read at that point, meanwhile the both of them are smiling ear to ear talking about you.

“Yea she’s like that, she’s too modest really. I tell her all the time she needs to brag about her pastries more often”

“Man you two are quiet the pair today” you laugh

“Besides, why brag about myself, I’m just an average baker. I’m no Gordon Ramsay”

“I don’t see Gordon Ramsay making apple danishes and apple bread. I bet you could kick his ass” Stacey adds as you all begin to laugh.

Bobby relishes bring included in this moment of banter. Seeing how light and free you are when your wall is completely down and there’s no anxiety in sight.

“I’d love to try them, can I?” Bobby cuts in.

He doesn’t miss the way your face lights up at his comment.

“Sure, I think there’s still some left from my test batch this morning let me go check”

You say before going out back to check.

“Can I ask you something about her?” Bobby asks, his voice soft with a hint of hesitation.

“Of corse you can, though I might not give you a answer”

Bobby can’t help but smile at Stacey’s direct protectiveness of you. He’s happy you have a friend like her.

“Does she have a boyfriend?”

“No she doesn’t” Stacey says arching your eyebrow in curiosity.

“Do you think she’d want to go to dinner with me?”

Stacey looks over her shoulder to see if you were coming before answering.

“I’m going to be real honest for a second. Yes, honestly I think she would love to go to dinner with you. She really enjoys when you come in and truly was worried something had happened to you when you didn’t for a while. But with that being said don’t ask her if you’re not serious about going actually. Don’t ask her just to blow her off or to only get what you want when it’s convenient for you.”

“I get where your coming from”

“I’m not trying to say you’re the type to do that. She just-she has a big heart and people love to take advantage of that. She doesn’t trust or open up easy. At times she has crippling anxiety. So just be patient with her. Your smart and perspective, I’m sure you’ve noticed that her anxiety eases when she sees that you’re here”

Bobby knows exactly what Stacey’s talking about. He picked up on your anxiety immediately, notcing that over time when he’d come in at peak times you’d sometimes be drowning in your anxiety. But he swore you’d look up and connect eyes with you and he’d see your expression soften, your body become less tense. He always thought it was his eyes playing tricks on him, letting himself see what he wanted to see. But Stacey confirming it was real made the fire in his chest burn hotter.

As they can hear you coming back Stacey leans in quickly to Bobby so you don’t hear.

“She finds comfort in you, please don’t take that for granted”

Bobby nods, you’re too close now to respond. He appreciates the serious heart to heart with Stacey.

“Hey sorry it took so long, I think they taste better heated up so I was waiting for the little oven to heat up so I could warm them up for you”

“Well I’ll leave you guys to it, I’ll be in the office for a bit doing payroll. Welcome back Bobby, it was nice to see you” Stacey offers before leaving the two of you alone.

“Thank you, you didn’t have to go through all that trouble for me”

“Oh no it’s no worries, really. Oh I ah should have asked do you need it packed up? You probably need to get back to work.”

“Im actually all done for the day. But I can go, I’m sure you want to go home.” Bobby says as he starts to stand, worried he’s over stayed his welcome.

“Oh ok, here let me pack these up for you”

You’re disappointed, Bobby can tell by your tone. He feels clueless navigating stuff like this sometimes. He never wants to come off as over baring or clingy, he’s been sold so many times that needy guys aren’t attractive.

“It was nice to see you today, hope you like the pastries” you offer unable to tamp down your smile. There was just something about Bobby that drew you too him, that made you feel like there’s this electricity between the two of you.

Bobby’s half way through the doorway when he doubles back. His hearts pounding but he just has to do it.

“Sorry, one more thing. Would you like to go to dinner with me sometime?”

“Like…on a date?” You ask shifting on your feet nervously. It couldn’t be could it?

“Yes, If you’d want that. If not id still like to go as friends.” Bobby wonders if you can see if his heart pounding in is chest because, fuck- he was nervous.

“I’d really like that…to go on a date with you”

A genuine smile rolls so quickly over both of your faces as both of you look at each other in awe.

You go around the counter to get a piece of paper and a pen.

“Here, this is my number just let me know when it works with your schedule and I can make it work with mine”

“Heres mine as well”

The way your fingers graze his when you take his card send electricity shooting through his whole body.

“I’m off the whole week because of all the over time I’ve worked, are you free tomorrow or is that to short notice?”

“No, that works for me I can do that”

Your smile makes Goren feel like he’s the only person in the world.

“Does 5 o’clock work?”

“Works for me”

“Where can I pick you up?”

“You can pick me up here”

“Oh ah I don’t want to rush you, making you get ready here”

“Oh” you let out a little laugh. “I just live upstairs. Stacey and I both do”

“Just ring the buzzer for Apartment 1 next to the graffiti covered door and I’ll come right down”

——————————————————————

The buzzer sounds as you quickly pad across your apartment to the call box.

“Hello”

“Hey it’s Bobby, sorry I’m a little early”

“It’s ok, let me grab my shoes and I’ll be right down”

Bobby fidgets with his hands, rubbing his thumb into the palm of the opposite hand while he waits.

He can’t help the smile that comes at just hearing the door click open and it only grows as you open the door and step out on to the sidewalk. The way the early evening sun hits you makes you look ethereal.

“You look beautiful, I like your dress” Bobby beams.

“Thank you so much, I had to get it when I saw it, but never had a reason to wear it” you smile.

“You look very handsome” you try to turn away but he catches a glimpse of you blushing. Bobby thinks it’s so cute when to get shy like this.

“I really like your suite, it’s a nice color on you” you say reaching over and rubbing the fabric between your index finger and thumb. “It’s soft too” you say with a smile.

Bobby lets out a content hum, the sound makes you painfully aware that you actually did in-fact feel the fabric of his suite coat.

“Oh god I’m sorry” you say pulling your focus to the ground. “I have this bad habit of feeling the texture of things”

“It’s ok, I get it. You’re a tactile person. Please don’t feel bad. I also have a bad habit of touching things. Picking things up and checking them out or playing with them. And most people really don’t like it when you touch their stuff. I try not to but I just can’t help myself.”

“You can feel my dress if you want”

Bobby can’t help but smile at the gesture and the meaning behind it.

His finger tips lightly graze the bare skin of your arm as he takes the fabric of your sleeve between his fingers.

The little giggle that bubbles out of you when the sensation of his touch tickles you leaves him breathless.

To any just passerby this scene unfolding must look awkward. And it is, but it is the must beautiful kind of awkward. The both of you showing vulnerable glimpses of yourselves to one another and being met with nothing but acceptance.

“Do you like Italian food? There’s a great place near here I thought I could take you too, if you’d like”

“I love Italian, that sounds great”

The two of you fall into comfortable small talk as you walk to the restaurant.

The two of you are met with a warm happy welcome when you walk into a quaint restaurant.

“Welcome back, Bobby! Your usual table and meal tonight?” The hostess says with a smile.

He comes here often

“I…ah actually would like table for two tonight” Bobby responds as he turns to smile at you.

“Wonderful, right this way” the waitress beams

“Their food is very good here. The veal parmesan is my favorite but you really can’t go wrong with anything here”

“Can I get anything else to drink besides water for the two of you?”

“I’ll have a glass of red wine please”

“And for you miss?”

“Oh, just water is ok for me”

“I’ll ah I’ll just stick with water too”

“No, no it’s ok, please have the wine”

“Sorry I should have asked if you were ok with alcohol.”

“Really it’s ok. It’s not like that. I just… I’m admittedly very nervous about tonight so if I mix that with alcohol, I’ll just talk your ear off” you laugh.

“I think I’d like that” he smiles. He could listen to you talk all night long.

It’s at this point you’re painfully aware that the restaurant is getting very busy. A huge party arrived taking over one whole side of the tiny space. You’re trying to ignore it, to just focus on the sound of Bobby’s soothing voice. You so badly want tonight to go well, and certainly having a panic attack within the middle of the restaurant would not help in that.

The two of you order dinner, as the loud drone of conversations are crashing together. Your heart starts pounding as all the chatter becomes impossible to sort through. You squirming around in your seat as you try to sooth yourself doesn’t go unnoticed by Bobby. He sees your pulse quickening in the glow of the restaurant, as your eyes squeeze shut. He knows right away you’re having a panic attack without you having to say anything as he springs into action.

Quietly he goes up to the hostess, explaining that you’re not feeling well and asks to pay for dinner and for it to-go.

When he turns back you’re gripping the table so tightly your knuckles are white.

Bobby kneels down next to you,smoothing his hand up and down your back. The way you relax into his touch fills his chest with that familiar warm sensation.

“Why don’t we go” he softly says into your ear.

I really fucking did it now

Letting out a pained sigh you slowly stand. You can’t even bring yourself to look at him as he guides the two of you out of the restaurant, his hand never leaving your lower back.

“Are you ok?” He tilts his head trying to look at your face.

You can feel yourself retreated further and further inward, embarrassed and upset with yourself.

“I should go, I’m sorry I ruined your night. Thank you for taking me out, or atleast trying too”

You turn to walk away but Bobby reaches out for your arm, stopping you in your tracks.

“Please wait. I’ll take you home if you’d like. But you need to know you’d your not ruining my night.”

“That’s very nice of you but…” you start but Bobby cuts you off when he sees tears in your eyes.

“Hey, do you like ice cream? What if we got ice cream and walked around the park?

“Wait you want to continue our date by getting ice cream when we couldn’t even get though dinner”

“I won’t tell if you won’t” Bobby smirks

“Ok” you smile

“Maybe there will be a lot of ducks at the pound” you say smiling up at him as the two of you exit the ice cream parlor.

“You like animals” it’s less of a question and more of making a mental note out loud.

“I do. I love animals. I like them more than most people because all they want is to give and receive unconditional love. They don’t judge you. They’re just there for you.”

“I never thought about it that way, but you’re right. It really is unfair that some of us have to feel that way.”

“It is because I don’t think you ever fully get used to being an acquired for most people. I just wish It hadn’t taken me so long to realize most people were just using me.”

Bobby’s both saddened and surprised by your comment. On one hand it hurts him that you’ve ever had to feel this way, that you’ve had to experience that same kind of loneliness. And on the other hand he’s never had someone pull the thoughts right out of his own head, to be able put to words to what that exact feeling is like.

A thought occurred to Bobby- Would she let me hold her hand. Before he can stop himself hes sliding his hand softly down your fore arm to lace his fingers with yours.

“Is this ok?” Bobby asks bashfully asks as the two of you enter the park.

The way you lock eyes with him when you answer, the way you’re filled with pure happiness radiating off of you makes the breath catch in his throat. He’s never felt this free before with anyone and he’s prepared to make sure you feel that you’ll always feel that way too.

—————————————————————-

That one date turned into the two of you seeing eachother every day that week that Bobby was off.

That week turned into months, 4 months to be exact and as you burst onto the street below, your arms full of bags Bobby cant remember a time he was happier.

“What’s all this?” He laughs as he takes the bags as you two wait for a cab to his place.

“We havnt gotten to see each other in a couple weeks, I though I could cook dinner for us and we could just relax, watch some movies or read.”

“You don’t have to go through all that trouble”

“Well I want too, besides I got a new cookbook with some of the gift cards you gave me for the bookstore. So there’s some stuff I’ve been dying to make.

“ you know.. you didn’t have to do that you know. You didn’t have to send that gift card over”

“I know. But I was upset I couldn’t take you to the book store to get that new book you’ve been excited about. Were you able to get it?”

“Yes! I was able to get the last signed edition they had” you beam up at him, unable to contain your excitement.

“I havnt finished it yet, but it’s so good Bobby! I brought it so you could see it, can I show you?”

“Of course” he smiles as he leans against you, looking on as you show him the book.

“Do you mind if shower quickly?”

“Of course, no rush. I’ll get started on dinner. Take your time, don’t worry about me” you coo, wrapping your arms around his neck as you push yourself up on your tippy toes to kiss him.

As Bobby wipes the steam covered mirror with his towel he can’t help but stare at his own reflection, desperate to see himself the way you see him. Everything about being around you feels like a dream, still In disbelief that a girl like you would choose to spend time with him. That a girl like you who’s so kind, patient and loving wants him in her world.

Bobby knew he wasn’t for everyone, that most people thought he was to weird, obsessive and by the book. He had a short fuse when it came to other peoples bullshit and could be somewhat of a loose cannon but the moment someone made comments about him he would shrink back into himself because deep down he always believed their hateful words.

But when you look at him, your eyes are always filled with a level of love and empathy that he’s never received from anyone before. Bobby knows he’s weird, that there’s a lot about himself and his personality that he can’t help. When it comes to you though he feels free, he never feels out of place or like he doesn’t fit into society when he’s with you.

The sight of you swaying to the music you have on as you cook makes his heart thunder in his chest.

I love this women

“Dance with me for a moment while dinner cooks” Bobby whispers, his breath fanning your neck as he wraps his arms around you nuzzling into you.

“I don’t know how too” you giggle, never getting enough when he’s like this- clingy and playfully romantic.

“It’s ok, follow my lead. I’ll teach you.” Bobby relishes moments like this. He loved teaching you things.

“There, that’s it, just like that” he coos as the two of you glide around the kitchen.

You let out the cutest content hum as you buried your face in his chest. He gradually slows the two of you to a stop as he holds you In the middle of the kitchen.

“What are you thinking about?” He asks kissing the crown of your head.

You tilt your head up to find his deep brown eyes watching you intently.

“I’m thinking about how happy you make me”

Just as he’s about to reply Bobby’s work phone starts ringing. He lets out a gravely growl.

“I’m sorry, that’s work I have to get it”

“It’s ok” you whisper stepping back to busy yourself taking dinner out of the oven. You try to hide the fact that you’re sad, but it’s useless, Bobby knows he can feel it, he knows your micro-expressions like the back of his hand.

“This is Goren” he answers the phone as he steps into the living room.

The rest of the phone call is in a quick hushed tone. You can tell Bobby’s frustrated by the call.

“I-I have to go. I’m really sorry. There’s a huge development in our case and they need me”

“It’s ok. I’ll just put this in the fridge and go too”

“No no. It’s ok please stay. Make yourself at home. I will be back I just don’t know when.”

“O-okay”

This couldn’t have come at a worse time is all Bobby can think as he makes his way to the station. You’re always so good about his schedule but this is the first time he’s had to leave abruptly like that for work and while you were at his place no less. A place you havnt been many times and he knows your probably anxious right now about being there alone.

“What’s the update?”

“The manager of a motel in the Catskills called the tip line saying a father and two children matching Nathan and his kids checked into his motel a couple of hours ago. Chef wants us to go out there and stake it out.”

“Alright let’s head out then”

——————————————————————

“Sorry to have to call you in Bobby” Eames says finally breaking the silence in the back of the stake out van.

“It’s fine, wasn’t trying to be short on the phone” Bobby waves his hand as he’s looking out the window.

“Eames I think I got something” he says handing her the binoculars.

“Over there at the vending machine, I think that’s Lilly, Nathan’s daughter”

“She was pretty glued to you when we were there for questioning drew you that picture, maybe she remembers you. If she does she could get us access to Nathan.”

Eames and Bobby cautiously approach the little girl at the vending machine.

“Hi Lily, do you remember me and my partner Alex? We came to your house a few times.”

“Yes, policeman Bobby. Did you hang my picture up?”

“Of course I did, right next to my desk just like I said.” Bobby says kneeling next to Lily.

“You did! I hope everyone likes it!” Lily’s eyes light up as she scoots closer to Bobby.

“Can you tell us where you dad and brother are?” Eames asks

“They are in the room. Dad and bothers hair is turning blonde but the room is really stinky so I came out here. Dad said mine would change too.”

“He’s bleaching their hair” Bobby says locking eyes with Eames.

“Sweetheart, do you think you could take us to the room, we’d like our hair blonde too.”

“Ok, but could I have some more chips? I’m hungry”

“Yes, let’s get you some more chips” Bobby says pulling a dollar from his pocket and slipping it into the machine and handing the chips to the girl.

“Can you show us the way? we don’t know where to go?”

“Mmhmm” Lily hums happily as her little hand grabs Bobby’s.

Bobby and Eames hang back a moment as Lily enters the room.

“Daddy! My friend are here and they got me some chips!”

Nathan looks up to unexpectedly to find the pair starring back at him, scrambling he draws his gun.

“Hey..hey point your gun at me not my partner.” Bobby’s voice booms

“We’re just here to talk Nathan, we walk to help you.”

“Bull shit you don’t want to help me. You don’t give a shit about me. You just want to take my family away.” Nathan gestures angrily, turning his attention back towards Eames.

“Hey what did I tell you focus on me, not my partner.”

“We do want to help you, and we will. We will make sure that you have access to therapy and meds on the inside.”

“Fuck you man I’m not going away, you’re not putting my kids with strangers” Nathan reaches for Lilly while waving his gun at Bobby.

“Daddy please stop shouting at my friends”

“Shut up, they’re not your friends, they want to take you away from me just like they did with mommy”

“Why don’t you let my partner take the kids to the diner to get some food and you and I will have a talk.”

“Give her your gun and phone, put them on the floor and slid them over to her, no funny business” Nathan motions his gun towards Eames.

Bobby does what he’s told. He knows it’s risky but he needs to get Eames and the kids out of here.

“Lily can you draw me some new pictures to hang up at work?”

“Ok I can do that” she says as she takes Eames and her brother’s hand and they all leave.

“You know she looks up to you, ever since the two of you came poking around the house asking question she’s talked about you guys nonstop. It’s pretty cruel to tell a child you care just to get what you want.”

“I’m not lying. I hung the picture up next to my desk.”

“You’re the one lying to her about us taking her mother away.”

“If you hadn’t of been hanging around asking questions….” Bobby cuts Nathan off mid sentence.

“Nathan. Your embezzling money, stealing from your clients. We’re doing our jobs asking questions.”

“If you didn’t come around asking questions that made my wife suspicious she’d still be alive.”

“Don’t put that on me. You killed your wife not me.” Bobby shouts unable to keep his cool any longer.

“You don’t get it do you? This is a eye for a eye situation”

“So what, you want to hurt me? You want hit me? Go ahead, give me the best you’ve got.” Goren snarls.

Nathan laughs

“Only one of us is leaving this room and it’s not going to be you Bobby”

“You’re really stooping to a new low threatening a detective.”

“It’s not a threat. Your not leaving this room alive”

Bobby’s starting to panic, his heart pounding against his chest as he try’s to figure a way out.

“If you kill me youll never see your kids again, you’ll loose everything.”

“I already lost everything when you forced me to kill my wife. My only choice is to take you out.” Nathan says as he takes a step closer

“And what are you going do when your daughter comes in here and sees you’ve killed her friend.”

“Do not talk about my daughter. She needs to learn that the world is cruel and that not everyone is what they seem” Nathan spits as he digs the gun into Bobby’s chest.

Bobby’s mind races as he try’s to slow his breathing. He knows Nathan wants to see him panicking, he’s desperately trying to ease his mind. In all of his career he’s never felt this close to death, he can’t do that to Eames or to you.

“Hope you told the person you have at home that you love them because you’ll never see them again”

In an instant all Bobby sees is your face, the way you looked into his eyes as he lead you around his kitchen in a dance. Everything about it was so simple and romantic and then you told him how happy he makes you. And then he never got to tell you how happy you make him, how he’s never loved anyone the way he loves you. The idea of never getting to see what life would be like with you makes him see red and he snaps.

“Well come on, do it if you’re going to do it” Bobby Growls. The pain of his thoughts being flooded with moments that would never be with you, hurts worse than death it’s self he’s sure of it.

A rapid secession of bangs rings out from the other side of the door rendering Nathan distracted for a slipt second. Bobby lunges forward grabbing ahold of the gun and kicking his knee trying to knock him down.

He pushes against Bobby causing him to stumble back, he attempts to take a shot at Bobby but when does he pushes hard back into him. The bullet lodges into the wall as Nathan regains his footing holding the gun on Bobby.

Eames bursts through the door in this moment.

“Nathan drop your weapon” she shouts holding her gun on him.

“Your going to have to shoot me or I’m going to shoot your partner”

Nathan lunges torwards Bobby and with out hesitation Eames shoots him in the b chest in self defense.

Bobby sits there in the back of the van, his head in his hands as they make the couple hour drive back to the city.

“Are you alright, Bobby?” Eames asks needing to check on her partner.

“Am I am ok? No I’m not ok. I almost died. Almost never saw her again.” He grits out, frazzled and shaken by the whole ordeal.

“Ugh sorry. I didn’t mean to yell, I’m just shaken up”

“I heard what he said to you. You love her don’t you?”

Bobby nods in response, afraid to say it out loud.

“Does she know?”

“No” Bobby shakes his head with a low voice. He lets out a long breathy sigh as he leans his head back against the wall of the van before closing his eyes.

“I feel loved too” Bobby breaths out into the dark quietness of the van as they pull back into the station garage.

Bobby never talks like this, so Eames knows he’s being genuine and vulnerable with her.

“You go, I’ll go up and do our paperwork before I go home.”

“No it’s ok”

“You’ve had a long night, you deserve some rest. Take a few paid days off. If the captain has an issue with it he can take it up with me”

“Thank you, Eames” Bobby gives her a tight lipped smile before heading to his car.

You’re all he can think about on you his drive home. He’s so distraught and disheveled over tonight’s events. All he wants right now is for you to crowd his senses, to be in your arms with your hands messaging through his hair as you tell him everything going to be alright.

As Bobby pulls up to his places he hope that some luck is on his side, that you’ll still be there but he fears it’s unlikely. After a few minutes he drags himself inside. You left the light on above the sink for him, there’s a note telling him that dinner is in the fridge for him. He takes this as a sign that you’ve left and his shoulders sag a little.

He just stairs at the small plate of food on the counter. His nerves are still through the roof from work but he knows he needs to eat, not really remembering the last time he did. He’s aimlessly pacing around the kitchen picking at the plate of food when he notices warm dim light coming from his bedroom.

Maybe she did stay.

Bobby stops in his tracks at the sight of you sound asleep in his bed with a your book laid across your chest. He can’t help but tear up as he sinks down on the bed next to you, leaning over you to grab your bookmark off the bedside table. As he gently takes the book off your chest and places the bookmark inside he notices your wearing one of his undershirts as a bed shirt.

Softly he lets his body fall onto yours, his head nuzzling into the crook of your neck.

“Mmhmm Bobby” you hum sleepily as you wrap your arms around him tightly, one hand instinctually messaging through his short greying curls.

Bobby lets out a ragged breath as he melts further into you.

“What time is it? I should go and let you get some rest.”

“Please…don’t go. Don’t leave me alone” Bobby chokes out.

“I-I I’m not going anywhere Bobby”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“Not tonight, not right now. I’m just to-I was just to scared I’d never see you again. I just want to be near you”

“Why don’t we take a shower, that will help sooth you.

Bobby watches you in complete awe of the way you move around the bathroom getting the shower ready, at how caring and loving you are with him. It’s hard for him to believe that all of this is real. That someone like you would truthfully care for him, would want to spend time with him. It’s hard for him to trust people because of his line of work and the life hes had, but opening up to and trusting you was the best decision he ever made.

Taglist: @malindacath @aselys @jupiteress @yesalwayswelles @samfromstardewsgf23 @pixiehex1985 @celticwitchofsorrow @capondi @thatsjustdandy @storywriter12 @namesirrelevant @lzrdonaleash @thegirlthatwillstealurman @modestlyabsurd @cheyanne-chan @darkangelforever333 @gertieisayellowjeep @shuilian @elefrog25-blog @nightsore @dumbasswalkinghere @liviadrusilla44 @musicalwayshelp0193-blog @malevolent-muse @mandy426 @missingfromthephotographs

[ensignsimp]

Romantic Solok HCs:

A/N: I do sort of like it when he's rude to me. Hopefully, that's a psychological defect than a weird sexual thing. WHY WAS HE IN ONLY ONE EPISODE? WHY?

Prompt: Romantic Solok HCs

GIF by deepspacedukat

This man has a face you want to slap and kiss all at the same time.

No one knows why he seemed to like you more than anyone else on the station, not even you.

The two of you first met it was during the baseball game.

You had spent most of your time absentmindedly flirting with him as a way to get into his head.

"Hey," You whispered from your catcher's position.

"Are those space pants?"

"Because your butt looks out of this world."

<(¬////¬)> (Apparently, it did, a little too well.)

Who knew he would be a sucker for cheesy Earth pickup lines.

After that, he would return to DS9 for a variety of reasons. (Never to see you.)

No matter how hard you tried to hide around the station, he would somehow always find you.

He would bombard you with questions, (brag) inform you about his latest achievements and upcoming missions, and occasionally point out how you could improve your own work. (Charming)

If you were invited to the T'Kumbra to do repairs, he would constantly follow you around.

At first, you thought it was because you were a human on his ship.

During one of your visits to the T'Kumbra, you were squeezed into a crawl space, and Captain Solok was standing outside.

"Have you thought about transferring off of Deep Space Nine? It seems as if you could do better elsewhere."

You were confused, was that a compliment?

He further elaborates, "You would be able to rank up faster on a starship, possibly to Chief Engineer."

Was he offering to transfer you to his ship?

You quickly finish your work, pull yourself out of the wall, and politely as possible excuse yourself.

You disappear back onto DS9 where you begin to question his sudden strange behavior.

He wasn't able to wait for your answer, but that wasn't the last you heard from him either.

Soon you were getting messages of a rather personal nature from him.

He would send you offers of transfer, as well as Vulcan poetry, books, and even music.

When he did return to DS9 after his latest mission he didn't even bother meeting with Sisko first.

He pinned you at Quark's and demanded to speak with you, privately.

Before you could reply he was dragging you back to the T'Kumbra and into his private quarters.

He then had a complete (Vulcan) meltdown.

"Why have you not answered my request? Do you not understand how rare this opportunity is?" His voice was so calm it was scary.

"I have tried to prove that this ship, that," He paused and swallowed hard, "That I am worthy of your time."

Solok, who believed that Vulcans were superior to their Human counterparts, was trying to convince you, that he was good enough.

You would have thought you were dreaming if it wasn't for the small pinch you gave yourself.

He reached his hand out to you in the Vulcan kiss, hoping you would reciprocate.

When you pressed your fingers to his, you saw his whole face light up green.

"You bring out my most illogical traits, Koh-nar."

[crowfootwrites]

Day 22, breeding, goes to Dukat, the man who has NINE children by the end of DS9. 🙄

Kinktober Masterlist

Taglist: @horta-in-charge

Day 22: Breeding Kink - Gul Dukat x Fem!Reader

Warnings: NSFW, MDNI; breeding and talking about it a bunch | Words: ~910 | Song: Such a Whore (Stellular Remix) - JVLA

The Replimat. The Habitat Ring. Quark’s Bar, but that wouldn’t be out of the ordinary. The Klingon restaurant. The Promenade. Sisko’s office.

These were all the places you’d run into Gul Dukat in the last two weeks. Each time, you’d done nothing more than exchange pleasantries. It seemed as though Dukat wanted to speak with you more in depth, but every time you bumped into each other, you were in a hurry or being called away by someone. After a few days of this, you couldn’t help but let your eyes linger over his intimidating form as you moved on, wishing you had time to ask him… something. Anything, really, just to get him to say what was on his mind. You were dying to know if he had the same thing on his mind as you did.

So after two weeks of increasingly familiar greetings and tentative glances, you decided to make your intentions known. And it was though, your decision made, the universe was inclined to pave your way. 

***

The turbolift groaned to a halt at the Promenade’s lower level, and you stepped on, eager to head home after a long shift. As you turned back around, your eyes locked on the now-familiar figure of Dukat striding on to join you before the lift departed.

“Lieutenant,” Dukat greeted, smirking as he turned to stand beside you. 

“Gul Dukat,” you replied as the lift lurched, moving down toward the habitat ring. “It’s good to see you again.” You peeked at him out of the corner of your eye.

“We seem to be running into each other quite a bit,” he teased.

You took a deep breath, trying to remind yourself to be bold and take what you want. “I must say, I’ve been looking forward to our run-ins,” you said, your words coming out in a murmur. In your periphery, you spotted Dukat’s eyebrow ridge raised in surprise. 

The lift shuddered to a stop at your level of the habitat ring before Dukat could formulate a response.

You stepped off, but turned back to face the imposing Cardassian. “I’d love to see more of you,” you admitted, your limbs tingling as your heart raced inside your chest. You took a step backward, away from the lift as Dukat grinned.

“H5-A, chamber 1504.”

You watched as the turbolift proceeded downward again, Dukat shooting you a smug smile just before the lift carried him out of sight.

***

And that was how you’d wound up in your current position - your face buried in the pillows and your ass in the air as Dukat fucked you ravenously, your paired grunts and moans filling the air around you. 

Dukat had shown up late enough that you’d begun wondering if he was actually going to show up, and you’d practically worried a path in your carpet with your pacing. But your anxiety and doubt had been forgotten the moment he entered your quarters and pinned you to the wall like he couldn’t wait another second to feel you against him. 

A particularly harsh thrust pulled a cry from you, his fingers digging into your hips with bruising force. Sweat beaded along your hairline. Your fingers twisted in the sheets of your bed to keep you stable as Dukat bore down over you, groaning his pleasure.

“I can’t imagine… leaving this cunt… empty,” he growled between thrusts. “You’re just begging to be filled.” He planted a hand beside you, leaning forward to drag his lips along your spine. Your back arched at his touch, his Cho’Ch hitting right where you needed it the most. Tears sprang to your eyes at the wave of pleasure threatening to engulf you. 

“Ah, you like that, don’t you, my dear?” he taunted. “The thought of letting me fuck you full of my seed, belonging to me?” You clenched around his length at his teasing, the idea sounding very appealing in your current state. Your satisfied whine was muffled by the pillows. 

Suddenly, Dukat’s arm looped around your midsection, hauling you up against his chest. He buried his face in your neck, one of his hands grasping at your hip like a lifeline while the other came to rest, almost tenderly, on your belly.

“What I wouldn’t give to see a pretty Human like you round with my child,” he muttered, as if to himself. His lips traced the curve of your neck as his hand moved down from your hip, circling your clit with practiced precision. The scales on his chest pressed into your back as he fucked you, his Cho’Ch throbbing against the roiling heat at your core. It pushed you higher, your head tipped back against his shoulder in your ecstasy. Moans poured forth from both of you as you climbed, your climax just out of reach. You could feel Dukat’s desperation in the stuttering of his hips. 

“Perhaps I’ll take you back to Cardassia with me,” he grunted, his words punctuated by his thrusts. “Make you bear my children, keep you bred like a good little Human slut,” he offered, his fingers pressing into the fat of your stomach below your navel. Arousal pooled in your tingling limbs, your legs shaking with the effort of holding yourself up and, as his fingers traced tight circles against your clit, you shuddered as you came, crying out Dukat’s name. It was followed by a sharp hiss from Dukat, who promptly spilled inside you, keeping his word to fill you up.

[hooved]

was fucking crying laughing earlier at whatever’s going on in the replies on trekcore’s tweet about that new quark figure

[enigmatist17]

Odo stared.

The small creature on the floor of the Promenade stared back, the collar adorned with the Starfleet insignia around its neck jingling as it shook its head.

"What are you?"

It continues to stare, before letting out a strange noise and sitting on the floor as if in defiance. Scowling, Odo keeps the...thing within view as he taps on his com badge, running through who to contact before deciding on one.

"Odo to Lieutenant Commander Dax."

"Dax here. How can I help?" She replied within a few seconds, something the security chief always respected.

"There is a strange creature on the Promenade that appears to belong to someone in Starfleet. I would appreciate it if you came down here to help me find its errant owner." He can just about picture the amused smile that would have crossed Dax's face by now, the creature seeming unaffected by the chirping of his badge.

"I'll be down right away." Odo remains in place as he waits, the creature starting to lick its side for a purpose he is unsure of without much regard for the environment around it.

"You are very strange."

"Aw, kitty!" Dax gushed when she caught sight of the small creature, kneeling down when she got close enough within reach. "Hey there little guy!"

"What is a...kitty?" He raised an eyebrow in surprise when the creature sat up suddenly, little teeth flashing when Dax reached out to pet it.

"Cat, it's a pet normally found on Earth or some colonies." Dax pouted as she stood, angling to get a look at the collar. "Spot, what a cute name."

"I'll look through recent arrival records; animals have to be logged before they come aboard the station." Odo huffed, watching Dax suddenly reach down and scoop the cat up off the ground, the creature letting out a very displeased noise. "It does not sound very happy."

"I'm not just going to leave them here, so let's make this quick, hm?"

As expected the cat had indeed been logged with a new arrival, a Lieutenant Barclay having arrived in regards to studying the wormhole. His quarters were one lift ride and a twenty-minute walk from the security station, Odo pressing the door controls as Dax tried to get the cat to play nice.

She had been unsuccessful the entire journey.

"H-Hello?" The man who answered the door seemed the most removed Starfleet officer Odo had ever seen, clearly nervous to find two people outside of his door. While every officer Odo had ever met stood tall and had an air of confidence in their position, this Barclay looked sorely out of place as he slightly hunched over, trying to appear much shorter than he was. He and Dax can see two large boards set up against the far wall covered with equations behind him in the room, data pads and electronics scattered all over every available surface, save the bedstand that appeared to hold a small bed for the cat.

"We found your cat, Lieutenant." Dax held Spot up with a slight grin, hazel eyes going wide in alarm. "He was on the Promenade."

"Spot! I-I've been looking all over for you!" Barclay shot the cat a frown, the cat letting out a small purr when it registered the other officer. "Naughty girl."

"She's a gorgeous cat, shame she's not the friendliest thing." Dax held out Spot towards Barclay, who was able to scoop up the cat with no resistance. "Escape artist too it seems."

"S-Spot does like e-exploring." Barclay gave them an embarrassed smile, Spot nestling into his arm with more of the purring noise she had made a moment ago. "Sorry, she's enjoying the space station, w-we haven't been off-planet enough for her liking."

"Please ensure Spot doesn't make her way free again; we don't need injuries to occur to those living at the station." Odo gave a slight nod, the Starfleet officer looking even more embarrassed as he hissed something to Spot the changeling couldn't catch. "I wouldn't want to find Quark serving a limited item on his menu."

"What?!" Barclay held Spot closer in alarm, his shoulders relaxing a fraction of a centimeter when he heard Dax giggle behind the security officer. "T-That's a joke, right?"

"Goodnight, lieutenant." Clasping his hands behind his back, Odo headed off down the hallway with a smirk, as the human and Trill watched him leave.

"I-Is he always like that?" Spot purred as her human began to pet her, staring daggers at Jadzia, who pouted in return.

"That's Odo in a good mood, if anything I think he's just curious about your cat."

"Spot does have that effect on people." Spot purred once more in response, before wriggling free of his arms and dropping down, disappearing into Barclay's quarters.

"Well, you and Spot have a good rest of your night, lieutenant; it was nice to meet you."

"Likewise." Barclay watched the Trill head off for the evening for a few moments before closing the door, turning to look at the cat now curled up on his bed without a care in the world.

"Y-You're such a pest." With a smile, the engineer gives Spot a small scratch before returning to his work, pausing when he's about to pick up a data pad. "Computer, p-please inform me if Spot leaves these quarters."

"Acknowledged."

[youngpettyqueen]

Thanks! In that case I'd like to request Bashir and Worf with a kiss on the cheek :)

oh this is so choice anon I could kiss you myself

LOVE that yall have been giving me so many excuses to write Worf lately. especially love the excuse to write Julian and Worf, because I love them, and I will never stop spreading the Julian and Worf (and Julian/Worf) agenda. thank you for allowing me another excuse to force people to consider Them

hope you enjoy <333

Things happen way too fast.

One second, Julian is coaxing a bottle away from a very intoxicated Nausicaan, and passing it behind his back to Quark, who swoops in to take it with practiced quickness. Except, the Nausicaan towers over the both of them, and he sees exactly what they do.

And this makes him very, very angry.

The next thing Julian knows, he's on the ground, his head spinning and his cheek smarting. He doesn't get to be on the ground for very long, however, as the Nausicaan grabs him by his collar and hauls him clear off his feet.

The Nausicaan growls something, but Julian's ears are still ringing a bit too much for him to make it out clearly, and he's a bit preoccupied with trying to squirm his way out of the iron grip on his collar. Then the Nausicaan is reaching back for something at his hip, and Julian's eyes widen as he realizes that he's going to do a whole lot worse than just punch him in the face.

And then Worf comes roaring in like a lion.

At first all Julian sees is the hand that clamps down on the Nausicaan's shoulder. Then he's being dropped on his ass, and from the ground he watches as Worf hauls the Nausicaan up into the air like he weighs nothing at all, and slams him down into the nearest table with such force that he puts him through it.

Worf hunkers down over the Nausicaan, his hands still fisted in his jacket. His eyes are burning with rage, his lips pulled back over his teeth in a display of ferocity. "If you harm the doctor again," He snarls, "I will kill you where you stand." He doesn't say it like a threat, he says it like a vow. It's backed up by his posture- coiled tight, ready to strike should the Nausicaan so much as breathe wrong.

The Nausicaan, of course, is too dazed to respond.

Worf drops him, letting him flop back against the broken remains of the table. He draws himself up to his full height, then steps off the Nausicaan and moves over to where Julian is still sitting on the ground. He holds a hand out to him.

"Are you alright?" He asks, his tone significantly softer.

Julian stares up at him for a moment, starstruck. Then he nods, takes Worf's hand, and lets himself be pulled up to his feet. It never stops being unfair, just how easily Worf lifts him.

He stumbles as he stands. Worf is quick to steady him. "'M alright, 'm alright," Julian assures him, wincing as he gingerly touches his cheek, which hurts like hell, "Just... had my bell rung, is all. I'm alright." He'll probably have a wicked shiner, but it's nothing a quick stop at the infirmary won't fix. Still, it smarts when he talks.

Worf leans down, examining the injury for himself. "You are bleeding," He observes, "I will take you to the infirmary." He decides.

"Oh, that isn't necessary," Julian says, even as Worf takes him by the arm and guides him away from the scene of the fight, "I can get there just fine. Beside, I'm sure Odo's going to want to talk to you about..." He glances back to see a couple of Starfleet Security officers moving in to deal with the fallen Nausicaan, "That."

"The Constable will wait." Worf replies curtly. Clearly, he's not going anywhere.

Julian can't help but chuckle. "You're being awfully protective." He remarks, his tone light, bordering on teasing.

Worf huffs, an irritated sound. "There are few things as dishonourable as striking a healer," He gruffs. Then, softer, almost hesitant, he adds, "And I... do not enjoy seeing you hurt."

Julian softens at the admission, his smile going from teasing to warm and genuine. "That's very sweet, Mr. Worf," He hums, and he bites back a laugh as Worf pointedly averts his eyes, "I'm alright, really. A regenerator will have this fixed before you can blink. But..." He tries to catch Worf's eye again, "Thanks. For the rescue, I mean. Usually I'd insist I can fight my own battles, but I suspect our Nausicaan friend was about to turn me into a kebab, so your intervention is much appreciated." He rambles a bit, but the sincerity is there all the same.

"That is precisely why I intervened when I did," Worf tells him, confirming Julian's suspicions, "I would have intervened regardless, but when he reached for his blade, I was compelled to act... quickly." He admits.

Julian doesn't really want to think about how close he got to being run through. He remembers the Academy courses on artificial and biosynthetic organs, and he remembers the case study his class did on Captain Jean-Luc Picard's artificial heart, which he got after a Nausicaan stabbed him. In a bar fight. Much as he admires Captain Picard, he has no desire to also have an artificial heart.

So, he breezes right past all those thoughts, and goes right back to teasing. "It almost sounds like you were worried about me." He comments, saturating his voice with charm.

"I was not worried," Worf refutes, again, without making eye contact, "I merely did not desire to see you stabbed in a... bar fight. It would be... unbecoming." He grumbles.

"Oh, yes, unbecoming," Julian nods, mock serious, "As opposed to, say, being stabbed in a proper battle."

"Yes," Worf agrees, not catching Julian's sarcasm, "That would be a far more worthy death."

From literally any other person, that would be an insane sentence. From Worf, however, Julian recognizes the compliment. His grin broadens. "Are you saying I'm worthy of a grand and glorious death on the battlefield?" He asks, leaning into Worf's arm, "Mr. Worf, that's positively romantic."

Worf looks like he might genuinely combust, his face flushing a deep, dark shade as he grumbles under his breath. Julian chuckles, rich and warm, continuing to cling to his arm as Worf, despite the teasing, continues to walk him to the infirmary. Such a gentleman.

When they do arrive, Worf turns to him, still obviously flushed. "I will go speak to the Constable," He says, all serious, as he tends to be, "I suggest you do the same once you are released."

Julian snaps a two-finger salute. "I'll be there in a jiffy," He agrees, "I'm sure Odo will want my statement." He's not looking forward to that. Dealing with all the statements and questions is more of a pain than being punched in the face. But if he doesn't go tonight, Odo will just hound him tomorrow, so he might as well bite the metaphorical bullet and do it sooner rather than later.

"Be sure to tell him the Nausicaan was going to make an attempt on your life." Worf instructs.

Julian still really doesn't want to think about that. "How could I forget," He sighs, "Don't let me keep you. You've been the perfect gentleman, but I can take it from here. Like I said, this won't take long. You'll probably still be in Odo's office when I get there." It's probably going to be a long night for both of them. Joy of joys.

"In that case, perhaps I should wait," Worf suggests, "It may be... safer, if I escort you." He adds, somewhat awkwardly.

Julian raises a brow at him. "You really are being protective," He observes. He chuckles, and gives his head a shake, "I'm a big boy, Worf. I can handle myself. But I'll tell you what," He says, "If I think I need an escort, I'll ask Nurse T'Strei." He offers as a compromise. He has absolutely no intention of actually asking for an escort, he just knows Worf won't back down from this. Worf's protective tendencies are endearing, to be sure, but he has a lot of pride, and he can only take so much.

Worf considers this for a moment. Then he nods. "Very well," He agrees, "I will see you in the Constable's office." He turns to leave.

"Hold on," Julian catches him by the sleeve. Worf looks back at him, and Julian steps closer, smiling fondly as he looks up at him, "There's an old Earth custom that comes with walking me home, you know." He hums, a twinkle of mischief in his eye.

Worf just looks confused. "This is not your home." He points out.

Julian chuckles. "I practically live here," He reminds him, "So it's close enough for me to do this." Bold as brass, he tugs Worf even closer, and goes up on his tiptoes so that he can give him a sweet little peck on the cheek.

Worf's entire body goes rigid. He freezes in place like a statue, like he's a part of the computer that's just shut down. Any of the blush he'd managed to shake off roars right back to his face, across his nose, he's probably blushing right to his ears under all that hair.

Julian lowers himself back down with a grin. "See you soon, Mr. Worf." He purrs.

Worf blinks. Then he blinks again, and clears his throat. "Yes," He jerks a nod, "See you. Soon." And then he turns on his heel and takes off at a brisk march.

Julian watches him go, lingering until he's out of sight. Barely aware of the sting in his cheek, he ducks into the infirmary, humming cheerfully and much, much too pleased with himself.