Treachery and Belief. 2 of ? (Jensen/Jared NC-17, WIP)
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Title: Treachery and Belief (WIP) 2/?
Rating: NC-17
Pairings: Jensen/Jared
Summary: Captain Jensen Ackles has been working anti-terrorism all his long career. He's the specialist they call in when the going gets tough, and he's not afraid to use questionable means to get a result. On most worlds it's the same story. Find the terrorists, squash the cell, make the punishment a clear warning; move on. Except this time, there is no moving on. Jensen is exiled to the very edge of the known worlds, where everything he holds to be true will be tested to the limit.
Picking up the tall, handsome and chatty hooker, in the spaceport bar, on his first day on a new world, will have far reaching consequences that Jensen could never have imagined.
Warnings: (up to and including chapter 3) explicit sexual content, gore, dub con, mindfuck
Chapter 2
Jensen
It took an hour to establish that his billet wasn’t ready and another ten minutes to cajole the address of the nearest bar and a few dollars of local cash from the officer who greeted him. If Jensen was lucky, he would be woozy with alcohol and have a woman on his arm by the time he got into his apartment. Granted, it was not the plan of a true officer and gentleman but he knew he still had charm and looks, whereas his career prospects were pretty much torpedoed to hell. He was on R and R and it was a good enough plan for now.
Jensen strode into the Terminal Bar with confidence. He weaved through tables and chairs to the counter and sat on one of the high stools that surrounded it. Dirty windows afforded a hazy view of the main highway and an imposing building, fortified with security wires, and patrolled by soldiers. Jensen couldn’t discern it’s purpose but he supposed he would find out soon enough.
The bar was no different from any other space-port dive. Seats clustered about practical tables awash with drink. Workmen, soldiers and pilots sat in groups and the noise grew in crescendo as alcohol consumption increased. Jensen indicated for the barman to serve him. Apparently, Rufus, as his name tag identified him, was not one for conversation. Tall, dark-skinned and athletically built, his brown eyes assessed Jensen and seemed to find him wanting.
“You’ll be new around here then,” he stated flatly, as he served Jensen a cheap bourbon. “Likely need a headache remedy in the morning.” He pointed to an assortment of travel sickness and hangover remedies kept behind the bar and sold at an inflated price to unwary travelers.
Jensen was too long in the tooth to fall for that one. He shook his head with a wry grin, and went back to examining his new surroundings.
Shined metal dispensers with slots at the top and a small, square, delivery hole, were bolted to the bar at regular intervals. Jensen poked his finger at one of them, wondering what it was for. It was cold to touch. Delight replaced curiosity, because plentiful fresh water and ice machines were a luxury that most planets did not have.
Reaching into his pocket, Jensen found the coins that he had been given. He pressed a small, shiny, disc into the slot. A single clear ice-cube clattered into his glass. He pressed another coin into the slot and waited for more ice. The disc rattled back into the 'rejected' hole to the melancholy announcement, "Please use the correct currency". Jensen examined the disc that had been refused, turning it in florescent light to see more clearly. Jensen was holding a standard issue information disc from his computer, almost the same size, color and weight as the Amulan coin. He slipped it back into his pocket.
He sipped his drink and watched a card game. A gentleman's game at first, the tone became gradually more boisterous until there were accusations of foul play, and Rufus appeared to be readying himself for a melee. Just as it seemed that flash-point was being reached, the bar door slid open and a hush fell. There was a squeak on polished floor, and Jensen became focused on the source of the footsteps.
The feet were large, clad in fashionably scuffed sports shoes. The legs that connected to them seemed to go on forever and muscles rippled under perfectly fitted denim. Raising his eyes, solid abs, a broad chest and shoulders filled a tee shirt with a vee neck that led the eye to wander over acres of tanned and kissable neck, about which a soft mess of brunette and red striped hair fell.
Stop leering, Jensen inwardly scolded, forcing his gaze to the man’s face. He estimated the stranger’s age to be mid-twenties but it was difficult to be sure.
Oh shit, the man was grinning at him.
It was a broad and genuine smile, from deep pink lips that curved to form freakin’ dimples in a handsomely defined face. The edges of his eyes crinkled to emphasize their fox-like quality. Multi-hued hazel, and gold-tinted, the eyes were framed with thick long lashes, and they pinned Jensen with a mesmerizing stare. Hypnotic, was the less-than-rational thought that ran through Jensen's increasingly distracted mind.
Jensen was hooked. He was equally attracted to men and women, but it was a long time since a man had turned his head. This particular man was stunning. Otherworldly, supplied his spinning mind, and perhaps he should have paid attention to his own instinct on the matter, but lust pushed all other considerations aside. Jensen had come here to get laid, and now he had a target. Goddamn, the guy looked young, but if he was allowed in the bar he wasn’t jail-bait. No harm in trying.
Chatter started up again, the usual hubbub returning to the bar, but Jensen didn’t notice. The man continued to the counter. He plopped himself onto the stool next to Jensen.
"Can I buy you a drink? Can you drink and ogle at the same time?" It was an oddly happy, strangely accented voice that asked.
The man was still smiling, and his hand bumped Jensen’s arm in a friendly gesture. Jensen accepted the offer with a nod, lips curling into a lopsided smile, slight lines appearing around his deep green eyes.
"Rufus! Two purple-nurples please. Katie not in yet?"
The barman shook his head and continued mixing liquids. The final bright concoction was presented in a tall glass, sporting a cherry on a stick.
"Am I supposed to drink this?" Jensen poked at the red fruit, swirling the liquid into a miniature whirlpool.
"It'll prevent a hangover," the stranger cheerfully declared.
"Only if it kills me," he grumbled. Jensen watched him pay the barman for two purple nurples with the correct Amulan currency, two notes and a single silver disc.
The card school picked up again, the noise drowning normal conversation. Jensen took the opportunity to remain quiet and think about what he was going to say. He was out of practice and tongue tied.
The stranger beat him to it. " Arrived today? So what brings you so far?" he asked, then leaned his head intimately close to Jensen’s mouth to hear the answer.
Soft hair brushed lightly against the sensitive skin of Jensen’s face and he shivered at the contact. "Vacation. I'm Jensen, Jensen Ackles by the way." He was officially on leave, so it wasn’t a complete lie. He extended a hand and it was taken in an eager, warm grip.
The hazel-eyed stranger tipped his head to one side, his gaze assessed Jensen, as if curious about some aspect of him. He snapped his head up again and beamed at Jensen. “Jared. I’m Jared,” he introduced himself, sliding his hand slowly from Jensen’s, trailing the pads of his fingers softly on his skin, lighting a spark of sensation which tingled Jensen’s spine and curled his toes, and fuck if it didn’t leave him speechless at the tease of it.
When he finally had his senses back, it occurred to Jensen to ask how Jared had known that he was an outsider.
Jared grinned again (and damn his mouth should get tired with all that smiling). He panned the room with his eyes, settling back on Rufus and then Jensen. Jensen’s brow furrowed then relaxed. The bar was busy, and Jensen, Rufus and Jared were the only exceptions in a sea of Silurians, with their pale skin, blonde hair and blue eyes.
“Okay, stupid question,” he muttered into his ridiculous purple drink.
Jared frowned as if he hadn’t heard, and patted a friendly hand on Jensen’s knee.
Jensen jumped at the unexpected attention, and purple alcohol splashed over his hand and onto his pants. “Jeez. I gotta ask, is this a planet-wide touchy-feely thing, or just you?” he exclaimed, slamming the glass back on the counter and spilling even more. He grabbed for a napkin but Jared was already there with one.
“Sorry, sorry, didn’t mean to, y’know, I just ... it’s me,” Jared stuttered, looking like a kicked pup, and fumbling with tissues to blot the stain, and getting altogether too close to Jensen’s crotch, and yet Jensen wasn’t stopping him.
“Rufus will get you another one.”
“Beer! Get me a beer. Stupid-ass purple stains!”
“”Well at least it doesn’t look like you peed yourself.” Jared regained his cheerful demeanor, still dabbing at Jensen’s jeans, with little heated glances at the growing erection there. Fuck! Jensen could kick himself. The location, the bar, and the whole set up had hooker written all over it. He pushed Jared’s hand away. “I’ll get it.”
“I said the drink was on me.” Jared looked perplexed.
Aw, hell. Well, if the hooker was offering to pay for the drinks who was he to argue? Jensen settled in his seat to drink his beer, and Jared showed no signs of backing off.
“Did you know that you can swim in the sea here, and we have baths? I’ve heard some other planets only have chemical showers.”
Jared didn’t seem to have an off-button, and the way he accompanied his conversation, with exaggerated movements and expressions, was entertaining. Jensen was bored of being alone and it was starting to seem like a solid plan to enjoy Jared’s easy company and pay for the sex. Jared was hot, and it wouldn’t be the first time Jensen had hired a whore. This day and age, it was a perfectly legitimate business, with immunity jabs, health certificates, and insurance.
“Doesn’t matter what anyone says, you have to get a visa to travel in Arturia. You cannot miss a visit to Camelot ...”
Jensen watched the bar as the room filled to capacity. A petite brunette girl with deep brown eyes dipped under the bar, put on an apron with a ‘Gen’ name tag and took over serving for Rufus. Rufus retreated to the corner of the counter, in conversation with a newcomer. They both looked in the direction of Jensen and Jared. Rufus called across to Jared.
"This gentleman wants to know if you'll accept a drink."
"Rufus! I have a reputation to maintain. Of course I'll accept. Have I ever been known not to?"
The amused reply was shouted over the general noise, "You are obviously unaware of my reputation. When have I ever been a gentleman?" It was evidently a private joke between regulars.
Rufus mixed two purple nurples, and gave one to Jared and another to the new customer. What happened next made no sense to Jensen, unless the price of the drinks changed according to time or customer. The man paid with two Amulan notes and Rufus gave him a single coin in change.
A single silver disc.
***
The card game wound down, and a more mellow hum descended at the Terminal Bar.
Evening brought couples in. The odor of sweat and damp work-boots gave way to the sweeter scent of mixed perfumes, hair fixers and peppermint. Meaningful conversations were held with rapt attention to eye and body contact.
Jensen was as relaxed as he ever allowed himself to be, but not drunk. In his line of work it was never wise to lose control of his senses. In the last hour he had sensed a change in Jared’s mood. He seemed agitated. When conversation turned to him, he would charm, but his eyes didn't sparkle with the rest of him. Jensen suspected he was fed up with waiting for Jensen to formalize their arrangement. He leaned close to breathe hotly on Jared’s ear. “We should go out back, freshen up,” he suggested. Legal or not, he had no wish to be seen bargaining for time with a whore.
“We should?”
“Yes, we should, it’s quieter there.” Jensen winked at him, and Jared’s eyebrows raised. He tipped his head and considered the proposition. Jensen huffed and grabbed his hand, and Jared let himself be pulled to the back of the building and into the rest rooms.
The light was better in the corridor, and so was the view of Jared. Jensen wasn’t disappointed.
It took a moment to check that a room was empty. He firmed his grip on Jared’s hand and swung him into the first empty space, to crowd him against the wall. He clicked the lock with his other hand. Jared’s eyes widened, but he didn’t object to Jensen’s lips pressed hard to his own. His mouth fell open and he pushed back harder, his tongue tangling on Jensen’s and sucking at it, while their lips slid needily together. Jensen’s hand cupped the back of Jared’s neck and tangled in his hair. The boy was cinnamon sweet and earthy, firm and delicious and Jensen wanted him.
Jared moaned and struggled, he broke the kiss and pushed Jensen back. “You are so sweet, addictive. Too much. We can’t do this.”
Jensen tightened his grip on Jared’s neck. His other hand found the waistband of Jared’s pants and slipped inside to caress the firm flesh hidden there. “You think I can’t afford you? I can.”
Jared panted and rolled his hips to meet his hand and then dipped in to kiss him, and Jensen reveled in it. It was unlike anything he had ever experienced. Jared seemed keen but he was blushing and hesitant in his moves. He was either new to the job, or excellent at playing the virgin. The kiss was over too soon and Jensen found himself whining for more.
“The price? I can’t afford it, and neither can you,” Jared muttered, while kissing his neck and sucking purple rounds.
Jensen’ s hands feathered over Jared’s smooth, firm flesh, exploring under his soft tee-shirt and circling his nipples, and the young man writhed into his touch.
“I always pay a fair price,” Jensen muttered.
“My price isn’t fair. Oh, mmm, nngh, so, so perfect,” Jared murmured. Jared’s eyes glowed almost gold with his desire, and he was so very responsive to Jensen’s touch.
Jensen had money, and right now he was prepared to spend it. “Name it.”
Jared's reply was odd, “You think you have no soul but it’s just neglected. It’s beautiful. It could shine.”
Jensen wasn't about to consider his morals or his soul at a time like this. “You’re wrong, I’m the big, bad wolf, Jared, and I want to take you to bed. Gonna have you, whatever your price.”
Jared stilled under him and his eyelids fluttered closed as he breathed deep, steadying his panting lust. When he opened them again, he was markedly different. He slid to his knees and his whole body screamed of control. This wasn’t the shy boy of a moment before. It confused and scared Jensen, but his worries seemed irrelevant when clever hands unzipped him and nimble fingers slid his pants down to his knees.
Golden eyes stared up at him, and Jensen groaned as a pink tongue darted out to lick a stripe around the head of his cock. “You’ll pay the price to let me take this?” Jared asked permission to continue, his hand stroking Jensen’s rigid cock and cupping his balls.
“Fuck,yes!” Consent was sexy, he’d heard that somewhere, and in this context the implied power over Jared’s actions gave him almost as much of a thrill as the huge palm that rolled his sac with a hint of a squeeze.
“Big, bad, wolf! You’re a pussy cat, Jensen.” Jared breathed hot over the tip of his cock and Jensen snapped his hips forward, searching for the wet heat of Jared’s mouth. He found it soon enough and it was perfect. Jared sealed his lips around his cock and hmmed as he slipped a path half-way and then slid his tongue all around it and up and down. Strong hands grabbed at Jensen’s ass-cheeks, kneaded and pulled him at a steadily deepening rhythm. It wasn’t enough, and Jensen dug his hands into Jared’s hair, gripped his head and plunged deep, hitting the back of his throat, begging access. Jared gagged and choked, pulled off with a cough and watering eyes, but his hands stroked at the slick of saliva he had left behind, working it into silky flesh and making Jensen moan with desire.
“Sorry.”
“Sorry”
They both apologized at the same time.
“I shouldn’t have done that without asking.” Jensen was ashamed that he hadn’t checked before he acted, but he continued to push eagerly into the tight hand that jacked his slick member, unwilling to end the blissful sensations that pooled in the base of his stomach and vibrated through every fiber of him.
“I would have said yes. I just never knew what it would be like.” Jared’s eyes were lowered, his cheeks burning red. He was beautiful and shy once more.
“How can that be?” Jensen asked the young man kneeling at his feet. He stroked his hands through the brown and red hair. There was not a hint of brown roots where the red met the scalp and it was soft and silky, finer than anything he had ever petted before.
Jared shrugged and the grin he gave was sexy and cheeky and cute, all at once. “Never done this before,” he said, “But you wanted to, and I believe I should, and I want to, far, far too much.”
He opened his mouth wide and engulfed Jensen’s cock in warm, wet suction and all of Jensen’s questions died with the slick and the slide, the pull and the push and the effort it took to prevent his hips from forcing himself too far into the accommodating mouth with the wide, welcoming lips. He let himself go, enjoying the sensation, imagining that Jared’s patter was true, and that Jensen was taking his innocence for the first time. It was possibly the most erotic fantasy he had ever had, and his dick was definitely in agreement. Jared hmmed again, and sucked on the tip of his cock, before bobbing his head to take him almost to the root. Jensen cried out and whimpered and gripped at his hair, “Yes, fuck, yes! That! Keep going.”
Golden-hazel eyes looked up at him from between his legs before repeating the action until Jensen was a writhing, incoherent mess. Jensen could feel the tightness of mouth that indicated Jared’s grin as he worked, and he couldn’t hold out much longer. He came with blinding ecstasy and a scream muffled by his own fist, and just wow. He sank to the floor to hug Jared.
Jared pulled away with cum splattered on his cheeks, dribbling over his lips and coating his tongue. “Shit!”
The young man spat on the floor, yet his tongue swiped his swollen lips with relish and there was the sound of him swallowing. When Jensen grasped at him for a deep, passionate kiss, he kissed back, embracing Jensen with not a space between them.
Pain hit Jensen a moment later, and it made him gasp. His head felt three sizes too small and he was dizzy. The world around him narrowed to a smoky haze inside bright golden light. He was glad he was already sitting on the floor. It passed in a moment, and then he felt better, so much better than he had in months, energized even. He should have done this ages ago.
It went suddenly cold as Jared scrambled away from him, untangling their limbs to stand up. There was the sound of water running and Jared was rinsing his mouth, spitting into the sink, so yeah, maybe the kid was a beginner, because that was just rude. It didn’t change the fact that the blow job had been a mind-blowing appetizer, and Jensen was relaxed and ready for a main course at his apartment.
Jared splashed water on his face and wiped it with a towel. “I have to go,” he announced, and stepped to the door.
Jensen struggled to his feet, concerned. “Did I hurt you? I haven’t paid you yet.” He touched Jared’s arm lightly. “I thought we were doing fine. You should come back to my apartment. You wouldn’t need to tout for more business tonight.”
“I have to meet somebody.”
Jared’s erection was clearly gone and Jensen was a little offended that he was obviously a time-filler, an extra between Jared’s regulars. “Then tell me what I owe." He tucked himself back in hurriedly, no care about the stickiness, and reached in his pocket to pull out his banking chip.
A hand reached to unlock the door. Three fingers and a thumb closed around the handle, and black talons clicked against the metal of it. Jensen gawped and his gaze followed the hand to Jared’s arm and then up to the young man's face. Jared ran the long black fingernails of his other hand through his sweat-damp hair.
“You didn’t think it was for money did you?” Jared’s smile was sweet and sad and terrifying. Jensen looked again, just to be sure, but the teeth he saw in that glance were still there, sharp, pointed layers with an irridescent coating that gleamed unnaturally.
Jensen blinked and looked again, what had he been roofied with?
“You have sweet little ears,” he choked out, without understanding why the hell he would even mention it.
Jared’s whole demeanor softened. “Oh. I didn’t know that would happen. You can really see me, huh?” Jared leaned in to Jensen and kissed him on his cheek.
Jensen flinched and backed away.
Jared spoke gently, “Well, yeah. I guess it was good, and we'll see each other around some time. I know we will. We should have a drink together before you leave, to stop folks talking. You don’t need that.” A black-talon stroked Jensen's cheek, oh so gently, “You’re perfect, Jensen.”
Then Jared was gone, striding back to the bar, leaving Jensen, shell-shocked, to follow a few minutes later.
There was a bourbon waiting in his place at the bar and Jared was draining a suspiciously purple drink in one gulp. It was an awkward moment, and Jensen felt that he couldn’t walk away without it being too obvious that something had happened between them. He sat uncomfortably at the bar and eyed Jared nervously while draining his own drink.
A cold draft blew in and Jensen saw Jared beam. He couldn’t get used to those teeth. He looked into his glass and wondered again what his drink had been spiked with. Jared jumped off his stool with obvious enthusiasm, to stand next to Jensen and grab at his hand. Jensen fought the urge to pull away and managed with only a brief wince.
"I would do the best tour of Arturia - the real Camelot, things you should see. Not the tourist spots. Find me and I'll take you. You're safe with me." As Jared let his hand fall away he paused slightly to speak again, unprompted and inexplicable. "Peel away all you’ve been taught to find your own belief. Don't be afraid to change your mind. When you hold a true belief, keep it strong. Then there can be no treachery."
Jared left him there, a whirlwind now, dodging obstacles to the door, where he opened his arms wide to hug a woman into a loving embrace. Blonde, blue eyed and tall, she was resplendent in the navy and gold of the elite fighter arm of the Union Space Fleet. Jared pulled her in close, kissed her lips against his and they turned to leave together, arms wound affectionately around each other.
Jensen turned back to the counter to stare into his glass. Determined to maintain his dignity, he ordered another drink, feigning cheerfulness. The bar girl, Gen, brought it to him and settled, chin on hand, close by. "You're not the first and you certainly won't be the last. He doesn't mean to. Isn't aware he does it."
"I don't know what you're talking about. He doesn't mean to what?" Jensen was on the defensive.
"Flirt. Oh, come on! I saw you. You fell for it. I thought it might make you feel better to know that it isn't deliberate. Jared’s naive. All The Kavina tend to be. It’s their closed upbringing; brilliant at maths, astrophysics and design, but not a social skill among them." Her tone was chatty and reassuring, and Jensen wasn’t sure if his brain was more stuck on the not-a-hooker implication, or the not-human one.
"The Kavina?"
"Excuse me?"
"You said, all The Kavina."
"Yes?" she was looking at him sideways, quizzical.
"Are we talking extinct mind-reading witches and tactical assassins here?"
"Well, obviously they’re not quite extinct, and I've never heard it put like that."
“He looked, looks human.”
“Yeah. Don’t let it freak you out. There’s a whole low-level mind-screw that goes on, but the serious mind-fucking stuff was bred out of ‘em years ago. They're still good for the odd party trick, though.”
A well built private stumbled up to the bar next to them, interrupting. He was drunk, slurring his words. "Witches, fucking freaks thats wha.. thas wha..they are. Murderers.” He pointed a shaky finger at Jensen. “They’ll steal your soul. When we..." He began to fade out, then, with renewed vigor he started again, "When we wipe the bastard Arturians...we're....we're..gonna burn 'em. Burn like the witches they are." He raised his glass at Jensen and gave a drunken guffaw. " You would have done him though, wouldn't ya? Not a good career move, no, no good at all," and he swayed off, bouncing into tables and chairs.
"He's drunk, I'm sorry," Gen apologized.
"Do you apologize for all your customers?"
She shook her head, exasperated. "Not most nights. He's right about one thing though. You don't want to get caught up with one."
"It doesn't seem to have done any harm to our Commando Pilot.” He couldn't hide the bitterness in his tone. "I bet they're having a really good laugh at my expense."
"Ouch! You are feeling sorry for yourself. If you said something stupid, don’t fret about it. Everyone hits on Jared the first time they meet him. Never goes anywhere. He’s oblivious, and with the noise in here he wouldn't have heard you. The Kavina don't hear well. Most of the time Jared lip reads. As for Katie and Jared, well, it hasn't done his career any harm, but she'll never make officer while they're together. To date an Arturian is trouble, but The Kavina are untouchable, the lowest. That the pair of them are accepted by their own communities is nothing short of amazing. I suppose it's 'cos they've been together since they were kids.”
“They’re dating?!” Jensen was incredulous.
“Never had anyone else. Cute, really. They're walking the wire though, and when they fall I wouldn't like to guess which side they'll land." She was intense, serious.
A queue was forming by the counter, and Gen straightened, reached to the rack and drew down a glass.
"Duty calls! Yes gents and ladies, what is your desire?"
Jensen was fucked out and fucked-up. He made a call to the barracks, had Rufus order a taxi, and went back to his apartment alone.
Jared
There was no do-over for what Jared had done, and the symptoms were well documented. He felt like he had been hit by a six-ton transport but it had been just a taste, and it took everything he had not to go back to the human and take the rest, and damn the consequences.
He watched Jensen return to the bar. He seemed wary of Jared, but he was fine. He would be fine. Katie’s arrival was a welcome distraction. It brought a whole new set of complications but they were easier to live with than the sweet, sweet attraction of Jensen.
Jared and Katie cuddled as they walked out of the Terminal Bar. As they passed other couples making their way into the bar Jared spoke in a stage whisper. "Lets go somewhere quiet."
They made their way to a dimly lit alley and leaned against a stone wall, with ivy and ferns tumbling about them.
"Mmm, lets find a spot for making out."
Katie rolled her eyes, but only Jared could see her. "Uh huh!" Katie reached up and nibbled Jared’s ear. Her face was turned in against his neck and it partially blocked the deep yellow glow which surrounded Jared.
Those passing in near proximity looked away, uncomfortable, being sure not to be seen staring at the necking couple. When they looked back Jared and Katie were completely hidden from view. It wasn't important to them, just a couple who had found dark spot, for a passionate moment.
They tumbled through the wall together and started the descent, running down stone stairs in the rough hewn floor.
As they ran Jared laughed. "Sis, you are one very sick girl."
"You know you enjoyed it"
The steps were numerous, corridors between were lengthy. Doors were passed, passageways ignored, elevators and floor accelerators sped them on.
"You were so late, Katie." There was something new and dark in Jared when he considered the things that might have happened to her, and he didn’t like it.
"We had problems, had to take her back up."
"I don't understand, she was perfect."
"The shields failed."
"There was nothing wrong with the shields. They couldn't have failed."
"Probably pilot error then. Perhaps they'll work tomorrow"
"For pity's sake Katie! You could have been killed."
"But I wasn't. There will be an inquest. Are you sure it’s no-one your end?"
"Anti- terrorist picked up Lena but she doesn't have enough knowledge to have done that."
Katie stopped, visibly shocked, "Lena? Are they sure? She doesn't seem the type."
"The evidence was damning. She had an info disc on her too. Are you saying you know she's not the type?"
"What was on the disc?"
"No idea and I don't want to know. It wasn't from the CVD. I kept it safe, handed it on."
"To anti-terrorist?”
He threw his hands up in a gesture of despair, and he wondered if the empty space in his gut was just that. "If I was to consider martyrdom it wouldn't be for something so petty - no, to yours."
"They aren't my people. And by the way, what was with you and that guy in the bar? I saw the way he looked at you."
They resumed walking down a final set of stairs. It led to what appeared to be another solid brick wall.
Jared had to think about her question and he had no reference points. There was an itch under his skin. It was unrecognizable and undefinable and it was making him nauseous. "He arrived today. I caught the name Jensen. Says he's on leave. Any ideas?"
"Ackles. Captain Ackles. Specialist anti-terrorist guy."
"I like him."
Katie shook her head, mocking him. "Jared you never cease to amaze me." Then with genuine concern in her voice, " There was a transmission..."
Jared grabbed her head gently between his hands and kissed her loudly on the cheek. "Ah you care! Things were hectic. Don't worry, I'll find it and scrub it in the morning."
They let the wall part in a haze, walked through it, and emerged in a large cavern.
There was a whirr as Jake maneuvered his wheelchair to them. He was threading wire through electrical conduit. "Well you took your time." He furrowed his brow as he looked at Jared, “You seem different. I wouldn’t normally ask, but are you okay?”
Katie squinted at Jared. “Same old, same old,” she commented, throwing an inquisitive glance at Jake, and another at her brother.
“Yeah, yeah, nothing life-threatening.” Jared shook his head and blocked his thoughts more thoroughly.
Surrounding them was a vast computer array, unlike anything that could be found on the surface. Design and calibration tools were neatly stored beside soldering irons, riveters, screwdrivers and the finest metal polishing equipment that the worlds had never seen.
Just beyond the edge of the first cavern, a second could be seen through observation panels. Jared stood and stared at what was contained there, hardly daring to acknowledge the craft he had created, but needing to believe, to make it real and keep it there. It was a truly wondrous spacecraft, neat, efficient, deadly, and a work of art. Light bounced and reflected from every surface. In places, the sheen was so complete that only the recesses of the cavern were visible. Jared came out of his reverie with a start, remembering an event from earlier in the day. " Oh by the way, we've solved the glitch, Satellite and I."
"Oh my God! You're serious, you really did it" Jake was breathless with excitement.
"Well that puts today in perspective," said Katie. " I've been driving a Minivan when there's a Bentley in someone else's garage."
Jake and Jared looked confused, Katie smiled "Old Earth" she laughed. She didn't bother explaining.
***
Jared took the long way home, through tunnels and up to the ground, over the border and across the bridge. Anything else was impossible to explain to the soldiers who watched them all.
The gate to the Kavina compound opened with a thought. Jared eyed apartment windows where the light still burned and social chatter of friends and families spilled carelessly on the night air. He didn’t want their company or their questions.
He considered the dark door that led to his own small room, and then the ornate marble gateway which led to the Commune Halls. He ignored both in favor of a metal gate and muddy path which took him to the barn. He locked the gate behind him and trailed his hand in sleepy, tall flowers which woke, stretched their petals and bent to caress his skin as he passed. He skipped a step unconsciously because, even after what he had done, Amulan, his quey, still sensed him. There was a lightness that returned with the knowledge.
A horse whinnied and stamped, and he shushed the mare with a hand of feed and soft touches. Trusting brown eyes regarded him solemnly as she nuzzled him for more.
“Jared.”
He didn’t need to turn to know who was in the barn with him.
“Tallah.”
“Will you sit with an old healer?” A wizened old man with snow white hair and lightning- blue eyes lifted his lantern with a shaky hand, to spread soft light over bales of hay. Jared sat and patted the space beside him and the man’s knees creaked as they bent.
“You’re closed to me.” Tallah was direct.
“It is safest.”
“That is what Jake said too. And yet ...”
“And yet, what?”
“Did you think the others would not sense the change?”
“I knew you would. It doesn’t matter. To them, I am already our traitor, but I believe in what I am doing, and how many of us can say that any more?”
“I’m not sure. Perhaps only Lili.”
“I took a taste. Enough to know how to feel, because without that I am blind.”
“You stopped?” Tallah sounded surprised.
“It’s been done before.”
“In exceptional circumstances, and the path isn’t easy. The draw to your match will be overwhelming. Feeling can deceive you.”
“Lili and I could be the last. It’s exceptional enough.” Jared wished the crawl of alien emotion would leave him alone. He scratched at his skin, as if it would release him.
“She felt it too, and there was a change in her. She got her mark. Go to her.” Tallah sounded weary.
Jared was shocked. “She’s only eight!”
“Exceptional times, my son.”
Jared smoothed a hand over the ancient healer’s shoulder. “You should rest.”
Tallah struggled to his feet and Jared steadied him. He patted the young man’s arm, “I believe in you. You and Lili and Jake. I believe in your choice. Now you must too.”
“I do,” Jared spoke too quietly to be heard. They parted at the marble gateway, and Jared paused to remove his shoes and clear his head.
He sensed Lili in the first commune hall. Jared turned the doorknob quietly, closed his eyes and shut the door behind him. He took a step into the void and opened his mind. The deep blue of dizzying infinity, stars and vast galaxies stretched all around him and the screams of a hundred queys greeted him. He truly felt its magnitude, the power and the pain for the very first time. It battered his consciousness, blinded his second sight, and tore through every nerve ending, without relief, and he thought it might drive him insane.
“I have my marker.” Lili’s blonde and pink curls floated in the forever, and her blue eyes reflected starlight and sparkled with discovery. “It is the same as yours.”
Jared felt the scorpion marker on the underside of his wrist crawl and rattle. He didn’t know what to say.
“The queys cannot wait until I get old. We were never going to breed, Jared, were we?”
“Tell that to every member of our society.” Jared was flippant.
“They took. Not us. It is on them that we are the last True Kavina.”
“The executions weren’t on them, and we aren’t the last. I don’t believe it.” Jared curled his talons into the Butterfly Nebula to grasp a palmful of dust. He turned his hand and relaxed his hold to let it drizzle through his fingers, as if through an hourglass.
“I took,” he admitted, tilting his head to appreciate the rainbow of color and reflection of hues as the dust danced and span back into the vast hydrogen cloud.
“You tasted. You’re here with me, so it can’t be the same,” Lili spoke with the happy innocence of childhood. “Jensen has beautiful eyes. Like the green sea of our quey. It has to mean something.”
“That was adult time. You’re not supposed to sneak into my mind like a sneaky sneak, Lili!”
Lili giggled. It was the carefree chime of a field of bluebells and it silenced all of the queys for a fraction of a second, “Sex is natural,” she sang, and it echoed and wavered before being swallowed into the depths of a black hole.
“Tell that to your Uncle!”
Lili pouted, “He isn’t True. Only you and me and Tallah are.”
“No, but he is entitled to complain when you don’t meet your bedtime. Are we done?”
“Stenar is crying.” A tear rolled over her plump freckled cheek.
“They all are, Lili, and if you stay too long it will drive you mad. Say goodnight, sweetheart.”
“G’night.” She blew a tender kiss.
They left together. The worlds and stars and infinite universe swirled and merged. Black talons reached for the door handle and then they were outside. The darkness and moons greeted them, and Jared's pain faded. The trees sighed, and the grass tickled his ankles for attention.
Part 3
Title: Treachery and Belief (WIP) 2/?
Rating: NC-17
Pairings: Jensen/Jared
Summary: Captain Jensen Ackles has been working anti-terrorism all his long career. He's the specialist they call in when the going gets tough, and he's not afraid to use questionable means to get a result. On most worlds it's the same story. Find the terrorists, squash the cell, make the punishment a clear warning; move on. Except this time, there is no moving on. Jensen is exiled to the very edge of the known worlds, where everything he holds to be true will be tested to the limit.
Picking up the tall, handsome and chatty hooker, in the spaceport bar, on his first day on a new world, will have far reaching consequences that Jensen could never have imagined.
Warnings: (up to and including chapter 3) explicit sexual content, gore, dub con, mindfuck
Chapter 2
Jensen
It took an hour to establish that his billet wasn’t ready and another ten minutes to cajole the address of the nearest bar and a few dollars of local cash from the officer who greeted him. If Jensen was lucky, he would be woozy with alcohol and have a woman on his arm by the time he got into his apartment. Granted, it was not the plan of a true officer and gentleman but he knew he still had charm and looks, whereas his career prospects were pretty much torpedoed to hell. He was on R and R and it was a good enough plan for now.
Jensen strode into the Terminal Bar with confidence. He weaved through tables and chairs to the counter and sat on one of the high stools that surrounded it. Dirty windows afforded a hazy view of the main highway and an imposing building, fortified with security wires, and patrolled by soldiers. Jensen couldn’t discern it’s purpose but he supposed he would find out soon enough.
The bar was no different from any other space-port dive. Seats clustered about practical tables awash with drink. Workmen, soldiers and pilots sat in groups and the noise grew in crescendo as alcohol consumption increased. Jensen indicated for the barman to serve him. Apparently, Rufus, as his name tag identified him, was not one for conversation. Tall, dark-skinned and athletically built, his brown eyes assessed Jensen and seemed to find him wanting.
“You’ll be new around here then,” he stated flatly, as he served Jensen a cheap bourbon. “Likely need a headache remedy in the morning.” He pointed to an assortment of travel sickness and hangover remedies kept behind the bar and sold at an inflated price to unwary travelers.
Jensen was too long in the tooth to fall for that one. He shook his head with a wry grin, and went back to examining his new surroundings.
Shined metal dispensers with slots at the top and a small, square, delivery hole, were bolted to the bar at regular intervals. Jensen poked his finger at one of them, wondering what it was for. It was cold to touch. Delight replaced curiosity, because plentiful fresh water and ice machines were a luxury that most planets did not have.
Reaching into his pocket, Jensen found the coins that he had been given. He pressed a small, shiny, disc into the slot. A single clear ice-cube clattered into his glass. He pressed another coin into the slot and waited for more ice. The disc rattled back into the 'rejected' hole to the melancholy announcement, "Please use the correct currency". Jensen examined the disc that had been refused, turning it in florescent light to see more clearly. Jensen was holding a standard issue information disc from his computer, almost the same size, color and weight as the Amulan coin. He slipped it back into his pocket.
He sipped his drink and watched a card game. A gentleman's game at first, the tone became gradually more boisterous until there were accusations of foul play, and Rufus appeared to be readying himself for a melee. Just as it seemed that flash-point was being reached, the bar door slid open and a hush fell. There was a squeak on polished floor, and Jensen became focused on the source of the footsteps.
The feet were large, clad in fashionably scuffed sports shoes. The legs that connected to them seemed to go on forever and muscles rippled under perfectly fitted denim. Raising his eyes, solid abs, a broad chest and shoulders filled a tee shirt with a vee neck that led the eye to wander over acres of tanned and kissable neck, about which a soft mess of brunette and red striped hair fell.
Stop leering, Jensen inwardly scolded, forcing his gaze to the man’s face. He estimated the stranger’s age to be mid-twenties but it was difficult to be sure.
Oh shit, the man was grinning at him.
It was a broad and genuine smile, from deep pink lips that curved to form freakin’ dimples in a handsomely defined face. The edges of his eyes crinkled to emphasize their fox-like quality. Multi-hued hazel, and gold-tinted, the eyes were framed with thick long lashes, and they pinned Jensen with a mesmerizing stare. Hypnotic, was the less-than-rational thought that ran through Jensen's increasingly distracted mind.
Jensen was hooked. He was equally attracted to men and women, but it was a long time since a man had turned his head. This particular man was stunning. Otherworldly, supplied his spinning mind, and perhaps he should have paid attention to his own instinct on the matter, but lust pushed all other considerations aside. Jensen had come here to get laid, and now he had a target. Goddamn, the guy looked young, but if he was allowed in the bar he wasn’t jail-bait. No harm in trying.
Chatter started up again, the usual hubbub returning to the bar, but Jensen didn’t notice. The man continued to the counter. He plopped himself onto the stool next to Jensen.
"Can I buy you a drink? Can you drink and ogle at the same time?" It was an oddly happy, strangely accented voice that asked.
The man was still smiling, and his hand bumped Jensen’s arm in a friendly gesture. Jensen accepted the offer with a nod, lips curling into a lopsided smile, slight lines appearing around his deep green eyes.
"Rufus! Two purple-nurples please. Katie not in yet?"
The barman shook his head and continued mixing liquids. The final bright concoction was presented in a tall glass, sporting a cherry on a stick.
"Am I supposed to drink this?" Jensen poked at the red fruit, swirling the liquid into a miniature whirlpool.
"It'll prevent a hangover," the stranger cheerfully declared.
"Only if it kills me," he grumbled. Jensen watched him pay the barman for two purple nurples with the correct Amulan currency, two notes and a single silver disc.
The card school picked up again, the noise drowning normal conversation. Jensen took the opportunity to remain quiet and think about what he was going to say. He was out of practice and tongue tied.
The stranger beat him to it. " Arrived today? So what brings you so far?" he asked, then leaned his head intimately close to Jensen’s mouth to hear the answer.
Soft hair brushed lightly against the sensitive skin of Jensen’s face and he shivered at the contact. "Vacation. I'm Jensen, Jensen Ackles by the way." He was officially on leave, so it wasn’t a complete lie. He extended a hand and it was taken in an eager, warm grip.
The hazel-eyed stranger tipped his head to one side, his gaze assessed Jensen, as if curious about some aspect of him. He snapped his head up again and beamed at Jensen. “Jared. I’m Jared,” he introduced himself, sliding his hand slowly from Jensen’s, trailing the pads of his fingers softly on his skin, lighting a spark of sensation which tingled Jensen’s spine and curled his toes, and fuck if it didn’t leave him speechless at the tease of it.
When he finally had his senses back, it occurred to Jensen to ask how Jared had known that he was an outsider.
Jared grinned again (and damn his mouth should get tired with all that smiling). He panned the room with his eyes, settling back on Rufus and then Jensen. Jensen’s brow furrowed then relaxed. The bar was busy, and Jensen, Rufus and Jared were the only exceptions in a sea of Silurians, with their pale skin, blonde hair and blue eyes.
“Okay, stupid question,” he muttered into his ridiculous purple drink.
Jared frowned as if he hadn’t heard, and patted a friendly hand on Jensen’s knee.
Jensen jumped at the unexpected attention, and purple alcohol splashed over his hand and onto his pants. “Jeez. I gotta ask, is this a planet-wide touchy-feely thing, or just you?” he exclaimed, slamming the glass back on the counter and spilling even more. He grabbed for a napkin but Jared was already there with one.
“Sorry, sorry, didn’t mean to, y’know, I just ... it’s me,” Jared stuttered, looking like a kicked pup, and fumbling with tissues to blot the stain, and getting altogether too close to Jensen’s crotch, and yet Jensen wasn’t stopping him.
“Rufus will get you another one.”
“Beer! Get me a beer. Stupid-ass purple stains!”
“”Well at least it doesn’t look like you peed yourself.” Jared regained his cheerful demeanor, still dabbing at Jensen’s jeans, with little heated glances at the growing erection there. Fuck! Jensen could kick himself. The location, the bar, and the whole set up had hooker written all over it. He pushed Jared’s hand away. “I’ll get it.”
“I said the drink was on me.” Jared looked perplexed.
Aw, hell. Well, if the hooker was offering to pay for the drinks who was he to argue? Jensen settled in his seat to drink his beer, and Jared showed no signs of backing off.
“Did you know that you can swim in the sea here, and we have baths? I’ve heard some other planets only have chemical showers.”
Jared didn’t seem to have an off-button, and the way he accompanied his conversation, with exaggerated movements and expressions, was entertaining. Jensen was bored of being alone and it was starting to seem like a solid plan to enjoy Jared’s easy company and pay for the sex. Jared was hot, and it wouldn’t be the first time Jensen had hired a whore. This day and age, it was a perfectly legitimate business, with immunity jabs, health certificates, and insurance.
“Doesn’t matter what anyone says, you have to get a visa to travel in Arturia. You cannot miss a visit to Camelot ...”
Jensen watched the bar as the room filled to capacity. A petite brunette girl with deep brown eyes dipped under the bar, put on an apron with a ‘Gen’ name tag and took over serving for Rufus. Rufus retreated to the corner of the counter, in conversation with a newcomer. They both looked in the direction of Jensen and Jared. Rufus called across to Jared.
"This gentleman wants to know if you'll accept a drink."
"Rufus! I have a reputation to maintain. Of course I'll accept. Have I ever been known not to?"
The amused reply was shouted over the general noise, "You are obviously unaware of my reputation. When have I ever been a gentleman?" It was evidently a private joke between regulars.
Rufus mixed two purple nurples, and gave one to Jared and another to the new customer. What happened next made no sense to Jensen, unless the price of the drinks changed according to time or customer. The man paid with two Amulan notes and Rufus gave him a single coin in change.
A single silver disc.
***
The card game wound down, and a more mellow hum descended at the Terminal Bar.
Evening brought couples in. The odor of sweat and damp work-boots gave way to the sweeter scent of mixed perfumes, hair fixers and peppermint. Meaningful conversations were held with rapt attention to eye and body contact.
Jensen was as relaxed as he ever allowed himself to be, but not drunk. In his line of work it was never wise to lose control of his senses. In the last hour he had sensed a change in Jared’s mood. He seemed agitated. When conversation turned to him, he would charm, but his eyes didn't sparkle with the rest of him. Jensen suspected he was fed up with waiting for Jensen to formalize their arrangement. He leaned close to breathe hotly on Jared’s ear. “We should go out back, freshen up,” he suggested. Legal or not, he had no wish to be seen bargaining for time with a whore.
“We should?”
“Yes, we should, it’s quieter there.” Jensen winked at him, and Jared’s eyebrows raised. He tipped his head and considered the proposition. Jensen huffed and grabbed his hand, and Jared let himself be pulled to the back of the building and into the rest rooms.
The light was better in the corridor, and so was the view of Jared. Jensen wasn’t disappointed.
It took a moment to check that a room was empty. He firmed his grip on Jared’s hand and swung him into the first empty space, to crowd him against the wall. He clicked the lock with his other hand. Jared’s eyes widened, but he didn’t object to Jensen’s lips pressed hard to his own. His mouth fell open and he pushed back harder, his tongue tangling on Jensen’s and sucking at it, while their lips slid needily together. Jensen’s hand cupped the back of Jared’s neck and tangled in his hair. The boy was cinnamon sweet and earthy, firm and delicious and Jensen wanted him.
Jared moaned and struggled, he broke the kiss and pushed Jensen back. “You are so sweet, addictive. Too much. We can’t do this.”
Jensen tightened his grip on Jared’s neck. His other hand found the waistband of Jared’s pants and slipped inside to caress the firm flesh hidden there. “You think I can’t afford you? I can.”
Jared panted and rolled his hips to meet his hand and then dipped in to kiss him, and Jensen reveled in it. It was unlike anything he had ever experienced. Jared seemed keen but he was blushing and hesitant in his moves. He was either new to the job, or excellent at playing the virgin. The kiss was over too soon and Jensen found himself whining for more.
“The price? I can’t afford it, and neither can you,” Jared muttered, while kissing his neck and sucking purple rounds.
Jensen’ s hands feathered over Jared’s smooth, firm flesh, exploring under his soft tee-shirt and circling his nipples, and the young man writhed into his touch.
“I always pay a fair price,” Jensen muttered.
“My price isn’t fair. Oh, mmm, nngh, so, so perfect,” Jared murmured. Jared’s eyes glowed almost gold with his desire, and he was so very responsive to Jensen’s touch.
Jensen had money, and right now he was prepared to spend it. “Name it.”
Jared's reply was odd, “You think you have no soul but it’s just neglected. It’s beautiful. It could shine.”
Jensen wasn't about to consider his morals or his soul at a time like this. “You’re wrong, I’m the big, bad wolf, Jared, and I want to take you to bed. Gonna have you, whatever your price.”
Jared stilled under him and his eyelids fluttered closed as he breathed deep, steadying his panting lust. When he opened them again, he was markedly different. He slid to his knees and his whole body screamed of control. This wasn’t the shy boy of a moment before. It confused and scared Jensen, but his worries seemed irrelevant when clever hands unzipped him and nimble fingers slid his pants down to his knees.
Golden eyes stared up at him, and Jensen groaned as a pink tongue darted out to lick a stripe around the head of his cock. “You’ll pay the price to let me take this?” Jared asked permission to continue, his hand stroking Jensen’s rigid cock and cupping his balls.
“Fuck,yes!” Consent was sexy, he’d heard that somewhere, and in this context the implied power over Jared’s actions gave him almost as much of a thrill as the huge palm that rolled his sac with a hint of a squeeze.
“Big, bad, wolf! You’re a pussy cat, Jensen.” Jared breathed hot over the tip of his cock and Jensen snapped his hips forward, searching for the wet heat of Jared’s mouth. He found it soon enough and it was perfect. Jared sealed his lips around his cock and hmmed as he slipped a path half-way and then slid his tongue all around it and up and down. Strong hands grabbed at Jensen’s ass-cheeks, kneaded and pulled him at a steadily deepening rhythm. It wasn’t enough, and Jensen dug his hands into Jared’s hair, gripped his head and plunged deep, hitting the back of his throat, begging access. Jared gagged and choked, pulled off with a cough and watering eyes, but his hands stroked at the slick of saliva he had left behind, working it into silky flesh and making Jensen moan with desire.
“Sorry.”
“Sorry”
They both apologized at the same time.
“I shouldn’t have done that without asking.” Jensen was ashamed that he hadn’t checked before he acted, but he continued to push eagerly into the tight hand that jacked his slick member, unwilling to end the blissful sensations that pooled in the base of his stomach and vibrated through every fiber of him.
“I would have said yes. I just never knew what it would be like.” Jared’s eyes were lowered, his cheeks burning red. He was beautiful and shy once more.
“How can that be?” Jensen asked the young man kneeling at his feet. He stroked his hands through the brown and red hair. There was not a hint of brown roots where the red met the scalp and it was soft and silky, finer than anything he had ever petted before.
Jared shrugged and the grin he gave was sexy and cheeky and cute, all at once. “Never done this before,” he said, “But you wanted to, and I believe I should, and I want to, far, far too much.”
He opened his mouth wide and engulfed Jensen’s cock in warm, wet suction and all of Jensen’s questions died with the slick and the slide, the pull and the push and the effort it took to prevent his hips from forcing himself too far into the accommodating mouth with the wide, welcoming lips. He let himself go, enjoying the sensation, imagining that Jared’s patter was true, and that Jensen was taking his innocence for the first time. It was possibly the most erotic fantasy he had ever had, and his dick was definitely in agreement. Jared hmmed again, and sucked on the tip of his cock, before bobbing his head to take him almost to the root. Jensen cried out and whimpered and gripped at his hair, “Yes, fuck, yes! That! Keep going.”
Golden-hazel eyes looked up at him from between his legs before repeating the action until Jensen was a writhing, incoherent mess. Jensen could feel the tightness of mouth that indicated Jared’s grin as he worked, and he couldn’t hold out much longer. He came with blinding ecstasy and a scream muffled by his own fist, and just wow. He sank to the floor to hug Jared.
Jared pulled away with cum splattered on his cheeks, dribbling over his lips and coating his tongue. “Shit!”
The young man spat on the floor, yet his tongue swiped his swollen lips with relish and there was the sound of him swallowing. When Jensen grasped at him for a deep, passionate kiss, he kissed back, embracing Jensen with not a space between them.
Pain hit Jensen a moment later, and it made him gasp. His head felt three sizes too small and he was dizzy. The world around him narrowed to a smoky haze inside bright golden light. He was glad he was already sitting on the floor. It passed in a moment, and then he felt better, so much better than he had in months, energized even. He should have done this ages ago.
It went suddenly cold as Jared scrambled away from him, untangling their limbs to stand up. There was the sound of water running and Jared was rinsing his mouth, spitting into the sink, so yeah, maybe the kid was a beginner, because that was just rude. It didn’t change the fact that the blow job had been a mind-blowing appetizer, and Jensen was relaxed and ready for a main course at his apartment.
Jared splashed water on his face and wiped it with a towel. “I have to go,” he announced, and stepped to the door.
Jensen struggled to his feet, concerned. “Did I hurt you? I haven’t paid you yet.” He touched Jared’s arm lightly. “I thought we were doing fine. You should come back to my apartment. You wouldn’t need to tout for more business tonight.”
“I have to meet somebody.”
Jared’s erection was clearly gone and Jensen was a little offended that he was obviously a time-filler, an extra between Jared’s regulars. “Then tell me what I owe." He tucked himself back in hurriedly, no care about the stickiness, and reached in his pocket to pull out his banking chip.
A hand reached to unlock the door. Three fingers and a thumb closed around the handle, and black talons clicked against the metal of it. Jensen gawped and his gaze followed the hand to Jared’s arm and then up to the young man's face. Jared ran the long black fingernails of his other hand through his sweat-damp hair.
“You didn’t think it was for money did you?” Jared’s smile was sweet and sad and terrifying. Jensen looked again, just to be sure, but the teeth he saw in that glance were still there, sharp, pointed layers with an irridescent coating that gleamed unnaturally.
Jensen blinked and looked again, what had he been roofied with?
“You have sweet little ears,” he choked out, without understanding why the hell he would even mention it.
Jared’s whole demeanor softened. “Oh. I didn’t know that would happen. You can really see me, huh?” Jared leaned in to Jensen and kissed him on his cheek.
Jensen flinched and backed away.
Jared spoke gently, “Well, yeah. I guess it was good, and we'll see each other around some time. I know we will. We should have a drink together before you leave, to stop folks talking. You don’t need that.” A black-talon stroked Jensen's cheek, oh so gently, “You’re perfect, Jensen.”
Then Jared was gone, striding back to the bar, leaving Jensen, shell-shocked, to follow a few minutes later.
There was a bourbon waiting in his place at the bar and Jared was draining a suspiciously purple drink in one gulp. It was an awkward moment, and Jensen felt that he couldn’t walk away without it being too obvious that something had happened between them. He sat uncomfortably at the bar and eyed Jared nervously while draining his own drink.
A cold draft blew in and Jensen saw Jared beam. He couldn’t get used to those teeth. He looked into his glass and wondered again what his drink had been spiked with. Jared jumped off his stool with obvious enthusiasm, to stand next to Jensen and grab at his hand. Jensen fought the urge to pull away and managed with only a brief wince.
"I would do the best tour of Arturia - the real Camelot, things you should see. Not the tourist spots. Find me and I'll take you. You're safe with me." As Jared let his hand fall away he paused slightly to speak again, unprompted and inexplicable. "Peel away all you’ve been taught to find your own belief. Don't be afraid to change your mind. When you hold a true belief, keep it strong. Then there can be no treachery."
Jared left him there, a whirlwind now, dodging obstacles to the door, where he opened his arms wide to hug a woman into a loving embrace. Blonde, blue eyed and tall, she was resplendent in the navy and gold of the elite fighter arm of the Union Space Fleet. Jared pulled her in close, kissed her lips against his and they turned to leave together, arms wound affectionately around each other.
Jensen turned back to the counter to stare into his glass. Determined to maintain his dignity, he ordered another drink, feigning cheerfulness. The bar girl, Gen, brought it to him and settled, chin on hand, close by. "You're not the first and you certainly won't be the last. He doesn't mean to. Isn't aware he does it."
"I don't know what you're talking about. He doesn't mean to what?" Jensen was on the defensive.
"Flirt. Oh, come on! I saw you. You fell for it. I thought it might make you feel better to know that it isn't deliberate. Jared’s naive. All The Kavina tend to be. It’s their closed upbringing; brilliant at maths, astrophysics and design, but not a social skill among them." Her tone was chatty and reassuring, and Jensen wasn’t sure if his brain was more stuck on the not-a-hooker implication, or the not-human one.
"The Kavina?"
"Excuse me?"
"You said, all The Kavina."
"Yes?" she was looking at him sideways, quizzical.
"Are we talking extinct mind-reading witches and tactical assassins here?"
"Well, obviously they’re not quite extinct, and I've never heard it put like that."
“He looked, looks human.”
“Yeah. Don’t let it freak you out. There’s a whole low-level mind-screw that goes on, but the serious mind-fucking stuff was bred out of ‘em years ago. They're still good for the odd party trick, though.”
A well built private stumbled up to the bar next to them, interrupting. He was drunk, slurring his words. "Witches, fucking freaks thats wha.. thas wha..they are. Murderers.” He pointed a shaky finger at Jensen. “They’ll steal your soul. When we..." He began to fade out, then, with renewed vigor he started again, "When we wipe the bastard Arturians...we're....we're..gonna burn 'em. Burn like the witches they are." He raised his glass at Jensen and gave a drunken guffaw. " You would have done him though, wouldn't ya? Not a good career move, no, no good at all," and he swayed off, bouncing into tables and chairs.
"He's drunk, I'm sorry," Gen apologized.
"Do you apologize for all your customers?"
She shook her head, exasperated. "Not most nights. He's right about one thing though. You don't want to get caught up with one."
"It doesn't seem to have done any harm to our Commando Pilot.” He couldn't hide the bitterness in his tone. "I bet they're having a really good laugh at my expense."
"Ouch! You are feeling sorry for yourself. If you said something stupid, don’t fret about it. Everyone hits on Jared the first time they meet him. Never goes anywhere. He’s oblivious, and with the noise in here he wouldn't have heard you. The Kavina don't hear well. Most of the time Jared lip reads. As for Katie and Jared, well, it hasn't done his career any harm, but she'll never make officer while they're together. To date an Arturian is trouble, but The Kavina are untouchable, the lowest. That the pair of them are accepted by their own communities is nothing short of amazing. I suppose it's 'cos they've been together since they were kids.”
“They’re dating?!” Jensen was incredulous.
“Never had anyone else. Cute, really. They're walking the wire though, and when they fall I wouldn't like to guess which side they'll land." She was intense, serious.
A queue was forming by the counter, and Gen straightened, reached to the rack and drew down a glass.
"Duty calls! Yes gents and ladies, what is your desire?"
Jensen was fucked out and fucked-up. He made a call to the barracks, had Rufus order a taxi, and went back to his apartment alone.
Jared
There was no do-over for what Jared had done, and the symptoms were well documented. He felt like he had been hit by a six-ton transport but it had been just a taste, and it took everything he had not to go back to the human and take the rest, and damn the consequences.
He watched Jensen return to the bar. He seemed wary of Jared, but he was fine. He would be fine. Katie’s arrival was a welcome distraction. It brought a whole new set of complications but they were easier to live with than the sweet, sweet attraction of Jensen.
Jared and Katie cuddled as they walked out of the Terminal Bar. As they passed other couples making their way into the bar Jared spoke in a stage whisper. "Lets go somewhere quiet."
They made their way to a dimly lit alley and leaned against a stone wall, with ivy and ferns tumbling about them.
"Mmm, lets find a spot for making out."
Katie rolled her eyes, but only Jared could see her. "Uh huh!" Katie reached up and nibbled Jared’s ear. Her face was turned in against his neck and it partially blocked the deep yellow glow which surrounded Jared.
Those passing in near proximity looked away, uncomfortable, being sure not to be seen staring at the necking couple. When they looked back Jared and Katie were completely hidden from view. It wasn't important to them, just a couple who had found dark spot, for a passionate moment.
They tumbled through the wall together and started the descent, running down stone stairs in the rough hewn floor.
As they ran Jared laughed. "Sis, you are one very sick girl."
"You know you enjoyed it"
The steps were numerous, corridors between were lengthy. Doors were passed, passageways ignored, elevators and floor accelerators sped them on.
"You were so late, Katie." There was something new and dark in Jared when he considered the things that might have happened to her, and he didn’t like it.
"We had problems, had to take her back up."
"I don't understand, she was perfect."
"The shields failed."
"There was nothing wrong with the shields. They couldn't have failed."
"Probably pilot error then. Perhaps they'll work tomorrow"
"For pity's sake Katie! You could have been killed."
"But I wasn't. There will be an inquest. Are you sure it’s no-one your end?"
"Anti- terrorist picked up Lena but she doesn't have enough knowledge to have done that."
Katie stopped, visibly shocked, "Lena? Are they sure? She doesn't seem the type."
"The evidence was damning. She had an info disc on her too. Are you saying you know she's not the type?"
"What was on the disc?"
"No idea and I don't want to know. It wasn't from the CVD. I kept it safe, handed it on."
"To anti-terrorist?”
He threw his hands up in a gesture of despair, and he wondered if the empty space in his gut was just that. "If I was to consider martyrdom it wouldn't be for something so petty - no, to yours."
"They aren't my people. And by the way, what was with you and that guy in the bar? I saw the way he looked at you."
They resumed walking down a final set of stairs. It led to what appeared to be another solid brick wall.
Jared had to think about her question and he had no reference points. There was an itch under his skin. It was unrecognizable and undefinable and it was making him nauseous. "He arrived today. I caught the name Jensen. Says he's on leave. Any ideas?"
"Ackles. Captain Ackles. Specialist anti-terrorist guy."
"I like him."
Katie shook her head, mocking him. "Jared you never cease to amaze me." Then with genuine concern in her voice, " There was a transmission..."
Jared grabbed her head gently between his hands and kissed her loudly on the cheek. "Ah you care! Things were hectic. Don't worry, I'll find it and scrub it in the morning."
They let the wall part in a haze, walked through it, and emerged in a large cavern.
There was a whirr as Jake maneuvered his wheelchair to them. He was threading wire through electrical conduit. "Well you took your time." He furrowed his brow as he looked at Jared, “You seem different. I wouldn’t normally ask, but are you okay?”
Katie squinted at Jared. “Same old, same old,” she commented, throwing an inquisitive glance at Jake, and another at her brother.
“Yeah, yeah, nothing life-threatening.” Jared shook his head and blocked his thoughts more thoroughly.
Surrounding them was a vast computer array, unlike anything that could be found on the surface. Design and calibration tools were neatly stored beside soldering irons, riveters, screwdrivers and the finest metal polishing equipment that the worlds had never seen.
Just beyond the edge of the first cavern, a second could be seen through observation panels. Jared stood and stared at what was contained there, hardly daring to acknowledge the craft he had created, but needing to believe, to make it real and keep it there. It was a truly wondrous spacecraft, neat, efficient, deadly, and a work of art. Light bounced and reflected from every surface. In places, the sheen was so complete that only the recesses of the cavern were visible. Jared came out of his reverie with a start, remembering an event from earlier in the day. " Oh by the way, we've solved the glitch, Satellite and I."
"Oh my God! You're serious, you really did it" Jake was breathless with excitement.
"Well that puts today in perspective," said Katie. " I've been driving a Minivan when there's a Bentley in someone else's garage."
Jake and Jared looked confused, Katie smiled "Old Earth" she laughed. She didn't bother explaining.
***
Jared took the long way home, through tunnels and up to the ground, over the border and across the bridge. Anything else was impossible to explain to the soldiers who watched them all.
The gate to the Kavina compound opened with a thought. Jared eyed apartment windows where the light still burned and social chatter of friends and families spilled carelessly on the night air. He didn’t want their company or their questions.
He considered the dark door that led to his own small room, and then the ornate marble gateway which led to the Commune Halls. He ignored both in favor of a metal gate and muddy path which took him to the barn. He locked the gate behind him and trailed his hand in sleepy, tall flowers which woke, stretched their petals and bent to caress his skin as he passed. He skipped a step unconsciously because, even after what he had done, Amulan, his quey, still sensed him. There was a lightness that returned with the knowledge.
A horse whinnied and stamped, and he shushed the mare with a hand of feed and soft touches. Trusting brown eyes regarded him solemnly as she nuzzled him for more.
“Jared.”
He didn’t need to turn to know who was in the barn with him.
“Tallah.”
“Will you sit with an old healer?” A wizened old man with snow white hair and lightning- blue eyes lifted his lantern with a shaky hand, to spread soft light over bales of hay. Jared sat and patted the space beside him and the man’s knees creaked as they bent.
“You’re closed to me.” Tallah was direct.
“It is safest.”
“That is what Jake said too. And yet ...”
“And yet, what?”
“Did you think the others would not sense the change?”
“I knew you would. It doesn’t matter. To them, I am already our traitor, but I believe in what I am doing, and how many of us can say that any more?”
“I’m not sure. Perhaps only Lili.”
“I took a taste. Enough to know how to feel, because without that I am blind.”
“You stopped?” Tallah sounded surprised.
“It’s been done before.”
“In exceptional circumstances, and the path isn’t easy. The draw to your match will be overwhelming. Feeling can deceive you.”
“Lili and I could be the last. It’s exceptional enough.” Jared wished the crawl of alien emotion would leave him alone. He scratched at his skin, as if it would release him.
“She felt it too, and there was a change in her. She got her mark. Go to her.” Tallah sounded weary.
Jared was shocked. “She’s only eight!”
“Exceptional times, my son.”
Jared smoothed a hand over the ancient healer’s shoulder. “You should rest.”
Tallah struggled to his feet and Jared steadied him. He patted the young man’s arm, “I believe in you. You and Lili and Jake. I believe in your choice. Now you must too.”
“I do,” Jared spoke too quietly to be heard. They parted at the marble gateway, and Jared paused to remove his shoes and clear his head.
He sensed Lili in the first commune hall. Jared turned the doorknob quietly, closed his eyes and shut the door behind him. He took a step into the void and opened his mind. The deep blue of dizzying infinity, stars and vast galaxies stretched all around him and the screams of a hundred queys greeted him. He truly felt its magnitude, the power and the pain for the very first time. It battered his consciousness, blinded his second sight, and tore through every nerve ending, without relief, and he thought it might drive him insane.
“I have my marker.” Lili’s blonde and pink curls floated in the forever, and her blue eyes reflected starlight and sparkled with discovery. “It is the same as yours.”
Jared felt the scorpion marker on the underside of his wrist crawl and rattle. He didn’t know what to say.
“The queys cannot wait until I get old. We were never going to breed, Jared, were we?”
“Tell that to every member of our society.” Jared was flippant.
“They took. Not us. It is on them that we are the last True Kavina.”
“The executions weren’t on them, and we aren’t the last. I don’t believe it.” Jared curled his talons into the Butterfly Nebula to grasp a palmful of dust. He turned his hand and relaxed his hold to let it drizzle through his fingers, as if through an hourglass.
“I took,” he admitted, tilting his head to appreciate the rainbow of color and reflection of hues as the dust danced and span back into the vast hydrogen cloud.
“You tasted. You’re here with me, so it can’t be the same,” Lili spoke with the happy innocence of childhood. “Jensen has beautiful eyes. Like the green sea of our quey. It has to mean something.”
“That was adult time. You’re not supposed to sneak into my mind like a sneaky sneak, Lili!”
Lili giggled. It was the carefree chime of a field of bluebells and it silenced all of the queys for a fraction of a second, “Sex is natural,” she sang, and it echoed and wavered before being swallowed into the depths of a black hole.
“Tell that to your Uncle!”
Lili pouted, “He isn’t True. Only you and me and Tallah are.”
“No, but he is entitled to complain when you don’t meet your bedtime. Are we done?”
“Stenar is crying.” A tear rolled over her plump freckled cheek.
“They all are, Lili, and if you stay too long it will drive you mad. Say goodnight, sweetheart.”
“G’night.” She blew a tender kiss.
They left together. The worlds and stars and infinite universe swirled and merged. Black talons reached for the door handle and then they were outside. The darkness and moons greeted them, and Jared's pain faded. The trees sighed, and the grass tickled his ankles for attention.
Part 3