Seascape (Final) Part 9 (R for language) Star Trek Bigbang
Title: Seascape (Part 9)
Author: Rip_the_tide
Beta(s): my sister
Series: Star Trek IX, Nu!Trek
Character/Pairing(s): Spock/McCoy
Rating: very light R (mostly for language)
Word Count: 29,525
Warnings: A little graphic violence in a few places, but nothing really bad, also pirates
Disclaimer: I do not own anything that belongs to someone else. no copyright infringement was intended. This is all just in fun.
Author's Note(s): Sometimes there is silliness. Please excuse the silliness.
Summary: Dr. McCoy is about to start a new life across the sea. His plans abruptly change when he is kidnapped by the infamous pirates of the Enterprise.
Link to Fic: ...
Link to Art: You will be jealous of this amazing artwork, I know I am: wootsauce.livejournal.com/577505.html
Link to Mix: You will also be jealous of this amazing fanmix: community.livejournal.com/yodayoga/1831.html
McCoy woke a few hours later and immediately began to check the status of his patients. Scotty was still alive and that was really something. Stomach wounds were tricky. Sulu had woken up, but someone very intelligent had made sure that he stayed at least sitting. A few of the men had passed, mostly the one’s that McCoy had thought would. There was nothing he could have done. He told himself this over and over even though, as in the past, it never seemed to help.
He reaches the deck and immediately heads for Spock and Kirk.
“You should probably be resting.” He told Kirk, whose arm is thankfully in a sling.
Kirk shrugged and it was probably the first time he had ever seen the man truly melancholy. He wasn’t really surprised.
“So.” He said, “We won.”
“Yes,” Spock replied but both his and Kirk’s eyes were glued to the horizon. McCoy followed their gazes and sees a sail.
“Navy.” He breathed out in a soft gasp. He recalled the discussion about the proximity of the Navy and the danger of being discovered after the battle. He realized then that this had been very close to a suicide mission. That had been why Spock had been so disturbed to learn that he had decided to embark with them. He sagged next to both men.
“Is there no chance that we’ll be able to outrun them?” he asked.
“None whatsoever. Even if the winds were in our favor, which they are not, we cannot currently outrun a Navy ship of that size.” Spock replied with no expression.
They stood in both righteous victory and utter defeat for a moment before Spock spoke again, “You will most likely be fine, doctor. You were, after all, our captive.” And he gave a wry smile that looked a bit painful.
McCoy felt despair rising once again. He had been through so much with these men and women. He had nothing to look forward to getting back to. He shook his head. It wasn’t fair. It wasn’t fair.
“I should go…check on Scotty.” He said and slumped back to the Infirmary all the while trying fruitlessly to think of a way to save them from the ridiculous standards of society. True, they were criminals, but they had done a hell of a lot of good as far as McCoy could tell. It must balance out somehow.
McCoy did the rounds once more before once more falling into a restless sleep.
He woke to soft voices and Navy uniforms in his Infirmary. He sat bolt upright and stared. There were Kirk and Spock and an older man in Navy uniform all looking at him curiously now. He must look a bit dreadful and probably still bloody now that he thought about it. He was about to run a hand through his hair in reflex, but remembered that his hands were still bandaged and would snag.
“I apologize for waking you, Doctor McCoy. I don’t believe we’ve met but I’ve heard a great deal about you.” The man in the Navy uniform offered his hand, “I am Admiral Christopher Pike.”
McCoy shook his hand and stood, then abruptly sat back down, swaying slightly. Spock was kneeling next to him.
“Doctor, when was the last time you ate?” he asked.
“Hnngh…” he couldn’t remember. Not yesterday, or maybe, what day was it anyway? He heard Kirk and the Admiral- Pike, speaking in the background, but Spock was right in front of him. His head collapsed to rest upon Spock’s shoulder. He breathed in the scent of the man and buried his face in the man’s neck.
He couldn’t hear Pike or Kirk anymore. He was gently laid back upon the cot and was extracted from Spock’s arms.
“I will bring you some food, doctor. Please remain horizontal.” McCoy heard him say, but didn’t really fully understand. He was asleep as soon as the door closed again.
The next time McCoy woke there was a tray of food next to the cot and one day from Vulcan. They planned to rebuild everything in the secluded town, including the Enterprise.
McCoy ate ravenously and went to check on his patients. Everyone was doing well for the most part. There were a few small infections, which, while dangerous, could be easily dealt with. Scotty was even awake for a short amount of time. McCoy almost thought Uhura was crying when she saw his eyes open. McCoy finished his check up quickly and left the two alone.
After his patients his first priority was finding out what exactly had occurred that had cause this complete lack of hostility between the Navy and the pirates. He found Spock, Kirk and Pike sitting on the deck in truly ingenious collapsible chairs. He approached them and found them amiably discussing plans for the rebuilding of Vulcan.
As he neared them they rose to greet him.
“Dr. McCoy. I’m not sure you remember me.” The admiral said.
“I remember, Admiral Pike, although I’m still a bit confused.” McCoy said. The Admiral looked towards Spock and then at Kirk.
“It’s all right.” Kirk said, “He’s practically one of us now.” And Kirk’s eyes shone at McCoy with a suspicious mischief. This made McCoy a bit nervous.
“Captain Kirk and the Enterprise are part of the Navy.” Pike said. “They work undercover and most of the Navy isn’t even aware of their existence.”
McCoy stared. This was ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous. The Navy had kidnapped him. The undercover Navy ship pretending to be pirate ship had kidnapped him.
“You’re not pirates.” McCoy said slowly. Kirk was grinning at him like a moron. They had let him believe all this time…and before McCoy realized it his fist was feeling a little sore and Kirk was on the deck with a hand to his jaw. Spock and the Admiral moved between he and Kirk.
“You son of a bitch.” He said, incredulously. “I can’t believe you all! None of you even hinted. Do you know what I’ve been going through? Shit.” He said, turning away from the men to collect himself, “You would be Navy.” He muttered darkly and shook his head.
Spock moved to take his arm but he wrenched out of his grasp, “Don’t touch me.” He snapped and went below.
He was behaving irrationally, he knew, but honestly, they had let him believe for days that his life was in danger, that he had fallen in with murderers. He could have worried so much less. He sighed and sank into his bed in the guest room, before he realized that he wasn’t quite sure it was his anymore.
He rose and went to the door but he opened it just in time to reveal Spock about to knock on the door. He slid into the room and shut the door behind him.
“I apologize, doctor, for the distress our falsehoods must have caused you. I regretted them, but they were for your safety and ours. We were duty bound to keep them to the best of our abilities.”
McCoy sighed, “I understand. I’m just frustrated and…” he threw his hands in the air, “I don’t know. I was taken by surprise, I suppose. It was a bit of a shock.” He admitted, “How’s Kirk’s face.”
Spock almost smirked, which also surprised McCoy, “He will recover. He’s had worse.”
McCoy shook his head, “I still can’t believe…and all this time. Well, I am a bit relieved. I doubt I would be alive if you were anything like real pirates. You know I really believed you were pirates, of a sort.” McCoy laughed, “And after all that bullshit about pirates being misunderstood outcasts of society.”
Spock stood stiffly before him.
“You have something to say.” McCoy stated. Spock nodded.
“Now that you know the truth I have a proposition for you. Our crew is still incomplete. We will need a ship’s surgeon and we have all seen that your work is exemplary. I have already gained permission from the Captain to invite you to join the crew of the Enterprise permanently as the Senior Medical Officer.”
“Who will I be working under? How much control does the Navy have over us?” McCoy asked.
“We are directly under the command of Admiral Pike, who affords us much lenience due to his personal relationship with the captain. As for you personally, you would be subject only to the commands of the first mate and captain, but you would also have the power to override any orders for medical reasons.” Spock explained.
“Yes.” McCoy said as soon as Spock finished speaking. Spock paused.
“That’s all you wanted to know before you agreed?” Spock asked, incredulous.
“Yes. I want to stay here. I don’t have anywhere to go and I’ll have enough freedom to satisfy me. This is what I want.” McCoy decided.
“Very well.” Spock replied, he surveyed the room idly, “Perhaps we will be able to find a way to retain these rooms as your quarters. I will go inform the Captain.” He said and walked out, pausing only at the doorway.
“I am glad, very glad that you will be staying.” Spock said and walked out.
McCoy blinked and steepled his fingers considering his decision and his journey with these “pirates” so far. He considered Spock and their interactions.
He smiled.
It was a week before the town has more than four buildings. It was another two before they were anywhere near sustainable. The Enterprise was taking a little longer to fix, due to the lack of ship building supplies. Admiral Pike had sent for supplies and gone to retrieve them and a few more artisans and workers.
It was in the third week that a memorial was held for those who had died in the massacre and those who had die fighting against Nero.
On the Monday of the fifth week the Enterprise was that much closer to her former glory and the town was nearly completely finished. The “pirates” would be leaving soon and it was decided that a celebration was in order.
During these weeks McCoy had gotten to know his new crewmates much better. Now that he was in on the secret he was fully welcomed into the family and the difference was tangible.
Sulu began to teach him simple fighting styles so that he would be able to defend himself. He had drinking contests with Chekov. He was helping Scotty return to his former health and meanwhile learning all about the inner workings of the ship. He discussed literature and poetry with Kirk and Uhura showed him the logistical side of keeping a ship afloat. There was a lot more paperwork than one would expect pirates to be required to do.
Then there was Spock, who had been avoiding him until a few days.
It had been Friday when the two had been ordered by the Captain to go on a foraging mission with others. They were to make a pair. Unfortunately the terrain had been rather rocky and it had been raining earlier that day. McCoy, who was unused to such rocky territory had slipped and twisted his ankle. He had refused to be carried but had accepted some support. Kirk had looked a little disappointed when they had arrived with Spock only half-supporting McCoy with an arm around his waist.
On Saturday he and Spock had been “accidentally” locked into a small closet together. Uhura had let them out looking a bit more than slightly pissed off. Things were getting a little out of control. Luckily no one had enough time on Sunday to play any jokes or really do anything besides prepare for the celebration on Monday.
It was mid evening when Kirk found McCoy and lead him off to speak with him privately, perhaps an hour before the party was supposed to start.
“McCoy, why don’t you just ask him?” Kirk asked him bluntly. McCoy flushed. He hadn’t given any outside indication of his…preference for the tall, dark haired man. He hadn’t thought he had, anyway.
“I…” McCoy said, but found that there was really no response he could make.
“When you decided to come with us up against the Narada you told me that you had always taken the safest road in you old life. You told me that you had never taken a chance or been spontaneous and that that was what had caused you to lose everything, including your wife. Did you ever think that maybe by taking a chance you have everything to gain.”
McCoy looked down. He had said those things. He had meant them too and he did want…
“Even if you didn’t have everything to gain,” Kirk said, catching his attention once more, “You have nothing to lose, I promise you.”
McCoy nodded and sat to think. Kirk pressed a hand onto McCoy’s shoulder and left.
“You love him.” Uhura said to him in his quarters. The captain was not present.
Spock was silent. There was no response he could make that would express the turmoil he was experiencing concerning the matter of Leonard McCoy.
“Just let him know that you care. Even if he doesn’t reciprocate, he’ll appreciate the sentiment.” Uhura said.
Spock remained silent, giving no hint of his emotional state.
“I have never seen you more openly affectionate towards another person. I know that you’re afraid of spending your life alone. Take a chance, Spock. Let go of what makes perfect sense. People aren’t variables in an equation.” Uhura continued.
Spock stared at the floor. Uhura sighed and pressed a light kiss to the top of his head.
“Think about it.”
The celebration was an immense success. Everyone attended, even Scotty for a while before he was tired out. Spock and McCoy spent the evening circling each other warily, getting gradually closer and eventually, as the party reached it’s peak, they met at the edge of the area that had been cleared for dancing and by mutual unspoken decision they wandered off towards the edge of the forest at the foot of the mountain.
The walked in the moonlight enjoying their silence and the nervous anticipation and the sound of the celebration fading into the background.
“Spock, I…” McCoy started to say as they paused in their walk, “I’m not sure how to say this.”
“Dr. McCoy, I believe you say it like this.” And Spock turned to face McCoy and cupped McCoy’s face in his hands, “Leonard McCoy, I believe I am in love with you.” And he pressed his lips onto McCoy’s softly, and released him, waiting for an answer.
“Damn pirate.” McCoy said, smiling more widely than Spock had ever seen him, “You stole my heart.” He said and wrapped his arms around the taller man pulling him in for a kiss. They held tightly to each other, all the stress of the past few months channeled into their passion for one another.
Their tongues danced and their breath mingled. Their hands ran along muscle and slipped into clothes, undid fastenings, untied ties, removed and soothed.
There was no moon that night. There was much more.
Author: Rip_the_tide
Beta(s): my sister
Series: Star Trek IX, Nu!Trek
Character/Pairing(s): Spock/McCoy
Rating: very light R (mostly for language)
Word Count: 29,525
Warnings: A little graphic violence in a few places, but nothing really bad, also pirates
Disclaimer: I do not own anything that belongs to someone else. no copyright infringement was intended. This is all just in fun.
Author's Note(s): Sometimes there is silliness. Please excuse the silliness.
Summary: Dr. McCoy is about to start a new life across the sea. His plans abruptly change when he is kidnapped by the infamous pirates of the Enterprise.
Link to Fic: ...
Link to Art: You will be jealous of this amazing artwork, I know I am: wootsauce.livejournal.com/577505.html
Link to Mix: You will also be jealous of this amazing fanmix: community.livejournal.com/yodayoga/1831.html
McCoy woke a few hours later and immediately began to check the status of his patients. Scotty was still alive and that was really something. Stomach wounds were tricky. Sulu had woken up, but someone very intelligent had made sure that he stayed at least sitting. A few of the men had passed, mostly the one’s that McCoy had thought would. There was nothing he could have done. He told himself this over and over even though, as in the past, it never seemed to help.
He reaches the deck and immediately heads for Spock and Kirk.
“You should probably be resting.” He told Kirk, whose arm is thankfully in a sling.
Kirk shrugged and it was probably the first time he had ever seen the man truly melancholy. He wasn’t really surprised.
“So.” He said, “We won.”
“Yes,” Spock replied but both his and Kirk’s eyes were glued to the horizon. McCoy followed their gazes and sees a sail.
“Navy.” He breathed out in a soft gasp. He recalled the discussion about the proximity of the Navy and the danger of being discovered after the battle. He realized then that this had been very close to a suicide mission. That had been why Spock had been so disturbed to learn that he had decided to embark with them. He sagged next to both men.
“Is there no chance that we’ll be able to outrun them?” he asked.
“None whatsoever. Even if the winds were in our favor, which they are not, we cannot currently outrun a Navy ship of that size.” Spock replied with no expression.
They stood in both righteous victory and utter defeat for a moment before Spock spoke again, “You will most likely be fine, doctor. You were, after all, our captive.” And he gave a wry smile that looked a bit painful.
McCoy felt despair rising once again. He had been through so much with these men and women. He had nothing to look forward to getting back to. He shook his head. It wasn’t fair. It wasn’t fair.
“I should go…check on Scotty.” He said and slumped back to the Infirmary all the while trying fruitlessly to think of a way to save them from the ridiculous standards of society. True, they were criminals, but they had done a hell of a lot of good as far as McCoy could tell. It must balance out somehow.
McCoy did the rounds once more before once more falling into a restless sleep.
He woke to soft voices and Navy uniforms in his Infirmary. He sat bolt upright and stared. There were Kirk and Spock and an older man in Navy uniform all looking at him curiously now. He must look a bit dreadful and probably still bloody now that he thought about it. He was about to run a hand through his hair in reflex, but remembered that his hands were still bandaged and would snag.
“I apologize for waking you, Doctor McCoy. I don’t believe we’ve met but I’ve heard a great deal about you.” The man in the Navy uniform offered his hand, “I am Admiral Christopher Pike.”
McCoy shook his hand and stood, then abruptly sat back down, swaying slightly. Spock was kneeling next to him.
“Doctor, when was the last time you ate?” he asked.
“Hnngh…” he couldn’t remember. Not yesterday, or maybe, what day was it anyway? He heard Kirk and the Admiral- Pike, speaking in the background, but Spock was right in front of him. His head collapsed to rest upon Spock’s shoulder. He breathed in the scent of the man and buried his face in the man’s neck.
He couldn’t hear Pike or Kirk anymore. He was gently laid back upon the cot and was extracted from Spock’s arms.
“I will bring you some food, doctor. Please remain horizontal.” McCoy heard him say, but didn’t really fully understand. He was asleep as soon as the door closed again.
The next time McCoy woke there was a tray of food next to the cot and one day from Vulcan. They planned to rebuild everything in the secluded town, including the Enterprise.
McCoy ate ravenously and went to check on his patients. Everyone was doing well for the most part. There were a few small infections, which, while dangerous, could be easily dealt with. Scotty was even awake for a short amount of time. McCoy almost thought Uhura was crying when she saw his eyes open. McCoy finished his check up quickly and left the two alone.
After his patients his first priority was finding out what exactly had occurred that had cause this complete lack of hostility between the Navy and the pirates. He found Spock, Kirk and Pike sitting on the deck in truly ingenious collapsible chairs. He approached them and found them amiably discussing plans for the rebuilding of Vulcan.
As he neared them they rose to greet him.
“Dr. McCoy. I’m not sure you remember me.” The admiral said.
“I remember, Admiral Pike, although I’m still a bit confused.” McCoy said. The Admiral looked towards Spock and then at Kirk.
“It’s all right.” Kirk said, “He’s practically one of us now.” And Kirk’s eyes shone at McCoy with a suspicious mischief. This made McCoy a bit nervous.
“Captain Kirk and the Enterprise are part of the Navy.” Pike said. “They work undercover and most of the Navy isn’t even aware of their existence.”
McCoy stared. This was ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous. The Navy had kidnapped him. The undercover Navy ship pretending to be pirate ship had kidnapped him.
“You’re not pirates.” McCoy said slowly. Kirk was grinning at him like a moron. They had let him believe all this time…and before McCoy realized it his fist was feeling a little sore and Kirk was on the deck with a hand to his jaw. Spock and the Admiral moved between he and Kirk.
“You son of a bitch.” He said, incredulously. “I can’t believe you all! None of you even hinted. Do you know what I’ve been going through? Shit.” He said, turning away from the men to collect himself, “You would be Navy.” He muttered darkly and shook his head.
Spock moved to take his arm but he wrenched out of his grasp, “Don’t touch me.” He snapped and went below.
He was behaving irrationally, he knew, but honestly, they had let him believe for days that his life was in danger, that he had fallen in with murderers. He could have worried so much less. He sighed and sank into his bed in the guest room, before he realized that he wasn’t quite sure it was his anymore.
He rose and went to the door but he opened it just in time to reveal Spock about to knock on the door. He slid into the room and shut the door behind him.
“I apologize, doctor, for the distress our falsehoods must have caused you. I regretted them, but they were for your safety and ours. We were duty bound to keep them to the best of our abilities.”
McCoy sighed, “I understand. I’m just frustrated and…” he threw his hands in the air, “I don’t know. I was taken by surprise, I suppose. It was a bit of a shock.” He admitted, “How’s Kirk’s face.”
Spock almost smirked, which also surprised McCoy, “He will recover. He’s had worse.”
McCoy shook his head, “I still can’t believe…and all this time. Well, I am a bit relieved. I doubt I would be alive if you were anything like real pirates. You know I really believed you were pirates, of a sort.” McCoy laughed, “And after all that bullshit about pirates being misunderstood outcasts of society.”
Spock stood stiffly before him.
“You have something to say.” McCoy stated. Spock nodded.
“Now that you know the truth I have a proposition for you. Our crew is still incomplete. We will need a ship’s surgeon and we have all seen that your work is exemplary. I have already gained permission from the Captain to invite you to join the crew of the Enterprise permanently as the Senior Medical Officer.”
“Who will I be working under? How much control does the Navy have over us?” McCoy asked.
“We are directly under the command of Admiral Pike, who affords us much lenience due to his personal relationship with the captain. As for you personally, you would be subject only to the commands of the first mate and captain, but you would also have the power to override any orders for medical reasons.” Spock explained.
“Yes.” McCoy said as soon as Spock finished speaking. Spock paused.
“That’s all you wanted to know before you agreed?” Spock asked, incredulous.
“Yes. I want to stay here. I don’t have anywhere to go and I’ll have enough freedom to satisfy me. This is what I want.” McCoy decided.
“Very well.” Spock replied, he surveyed the room idly, “Perhaps we will be able to find a way to retain these rooms as your quarters. I will go inform the Captain.” He said and walked out, pausing only at the doorway.
“I am glad, very glad that you will be staying.” Spock said and walked out.
McCoy blinked and steepled his fingers considering his decision and his journey with these “pirates” so far. He considered Spock and their interactions.
He smiled.
It was a week before the town has more than four buildings. It was another two before they were anywhere near sustainable. The Enterprise was taking a little longer to fix, due to the lack of ship building supplies. Admiral Pike had sent for supplies and gone to retrieve them and a few more artisans and workers.
It was in the third week that a memorial was held for those who had died in the massacre and those who had die fighting against Nero.
On the Monday of the fifth week the Enterprise was that much closer to her former glory and the town was nearly completely finished. The “pirates” would be leaving soon and it was decided that a celebration was in order.
During these weeks McCoy had gotten to know his new crewmates much better. Now that he was in on the secret he was fully welcomed into the family and the difference was tangible.
Sulu began to teach him simple fighting styles so that he would be able to defend himself. He had drinking contests with Chekov. He was helping Scotty return to his former health and meanwhile learning all about the inner workings of the ship. He discussed literature and poetry with Kirk and Uhura showed him the logistical side of keeping a ship afloat. There was a lot more paperwork than one would expect pirates to be required to do.
Then there was Spock, who had been avoiding him until a few days.
It had been Friday when the two had been ordered by the Captain to go on a foraging mission with others. They were to make a pair. Unfortunately the terrain had been rather rocky and it had been raining earlier that day. McCoy, who was unused to such rocky territory had slipped and twisted his ankle. He had refused to be carried but had accepted some support. Kirk had looked a little disappointed when they had arrived with Spock only half-supporting McCoy with an arm around his waist.
On Saturday he and Spock had been “accidentally” locked into a small closet together. Uhura had let them out looking a bit more than slightly pissed off. Things were getting a little out of control. Luckily no one had enough time on Sunday to play any jokes or really do anything besides prepare for the celebration on Monday.
It was mid evening when Kirk found McCoy and lead him off to speak with him privately, perhaps an hour before the party was supposed to start.
“McCoy, why don’t you just ask him?” Kirk asked him bluntly. McCoy flushed. He hadn’t given any outside indication of his…preference for the tall, dark haired man. He hadn’t thought he had, anyway.
“I…” McCoy said, but found that there was really no response he could make.
“When you decided to come with us up against the Narada you told me that you had always taken the safest road in you old life. You told me that you had never taken a chance or been spontaneous and that that was what had caused you to lose everything, including your wife. Did you ever think that maybe by taking a chance you have everything to gain.”
McCoy looked down. He had said those things. He had meant them too and he did want…
“Even if you didn’t have everything to gain,” Kirk said, catching his attention once more, “You have nothing to lose, I promise you.”
McCoy nodded and sat to think. Kirk pressed a hand onto McCoy’s shoulder and left.
“You love him.” Uhura said to him in his quarters. The captain was not present.
Spock was silent. There was no response he could make that would express the turmoil he was experiencing concerning the matter of Leonard McCoy.
“Just let him know that you care. Even if he doesn’t reciprocate, he’ll appreciate the sentiment.” Uhura said.
Spock remained silent, giving no hint of his emotional state.
“I have never seen you more openly affectionate towards another person. I know that you’re afraid of spending your life alone. Take a chance, Spock. Let go of what makes perfect sense. People aren’t variables in an equation.” Uhura continued.
Spock stared at the floor. Uhura sighed and pressed a light kiss to the top of his head.
“Think about it.”
The celebration was an immense success. Everyone attended, even Scotty for a while before he was tired out. Spock and McCoy spent the evening circling each other warily, getting gradually closer and eventually, as the party reached it’s peak, they met at the edge of the area that had been cleared for dancing and by mutual unspoken decision they wandered off towards the edge of the forest at the foot of the mountain.
The walked in the moonlight enjoying their silence and the nervous anticipation and the sound of the celebration fading into the background.
“Spock, I…” McCoy started to say as they paused in their walk, “I’m not sure how to say this.”
“Dr. McCoy, I believe you say it like this.” And Spock turned to face McCoy and cupped McCoy’s face in his hands, “Leonard McCoy, I believe I am in love with you.” And he pressed his lips onto McCoy’s softly, and released him, waiting for an answer.
“Damn pirate.” McCoy said, smiling more widely than Spock had ever seen him, “You stole my heart.” He said and wrapped his arms around the taller man pulling him in for a kiss. They held tightly to each other, all the stress of the past few months channeled into their passion for one another.
Their tongues danced and their breath mingled. Their hands ran along muscle and slipped into clothes, undid fastenings, untied ties, removed and soothed.
There was no moon that night. There was much more.