Fic: Once, Once I Loved (Zach/Chris)
Title: Once, Once I Loved
Author: jenlynn820
Pairing: Chris Pine/Zachary Quinto (Star Trek 2009 RPS)
Rating: G
Disclaimer: I don’t know Zach or Chris and I make no profit from this work.
Summary: Slow dancing on Chris' terrace.
Beta: eruberueth
Word Count: 1447
Note: Title and lyrics at the start of the story from the Frank Sinatra song ‘Once I Loved’.
Now I know that no matter what ever befalls I’ll never let you go
I will hold you close, make you stay
The night air was chilly as Chris pushed the glass door open and stepped onto his terrace. Zach was standing near the edge, leaning over it just a little, looking up at the sky. Chris followed his gaze and saw nothing but thick black. You couldn’t see the stars most nights in L.A. and Chris had always thought that was a pity.
Chris stepped over to Zach and placed a small CD player on the little iron table next to one of the beat up lounge chairs he’d gotten at some thrift store. He pressed a bottle of beer into Zach’s hand and smiled as he clinked it. “It’s after midnight. Happy Birthday,” he said.
Zach smiled and took a sip. “Thanks,” he said.
In a few hours Zach would be off to Mexico for more Star Trek promotion while Chris stayed in LA to prepare for his play. They’d gone out tonight with friends to celebrate Zach’s birthday in advance and after partying at a hip little Hollywood lounge they came back here. Chris shuffled a little closer and slid his arm behind Zach’s back, his fingers resting lightly on his hip.
Zach pressed against Chris, his head on Chris’ shoulder. Chris maneuvered so that he was in front of Zach, leaning against the edge of the terrace, torso flush with Zach’s. His arm remained hooked around Zach, his hand against his lower back.
One side of Chris’ mouth quirked up before he brushed it against Zach’s. The kiss was nothing more than the soft touch of lips against lips, unhurried, almost chaste, really. Zach’s free hand threaded behind Chris’ neck and they moved closer until Chris could feel the warmth of Zach melt into him.
Their mouths parted but still touched lightly as they breathed each other’s breath. Chris took Zach’s beer from him and put it down on the table. He broke his contact with Zach and went over to the table, fumbling with the buttons on the CD player.
“What’re you doing?” Zach asked.
Chris turned just as soft music filled the space between them. “Dance with me?” Chris said, the quirk of his lips turning into a full blown smile as he held out his hand.
Zach laughed. “Really?” he said.
Chris nodded and stepped close. He rested his hand on Zach’s hip, fingers pushing the t-shirt up a little, touching Zach’s skin. He took hold of Zach’s other hand and began to sway to the music. Their movements were awkward at first and they each stepped on a toe or two, leading to soft laughter and apologetic murmurs.
Chris pulled Zach to him, letting go of his hand so he could hold him in both of his arms, fingers splayed against his back, digging into the fabric of his shirt a little. Zach’s arms were loose where they rested just above Chris’ waist. Just as the song ended and another began, they found their rhythm and moved together easily, as if they always had, as if they had never not been one and whole.
The city was dark around them. The only light came from a street lamp that cast its yellow glow along the pavement below and was just bright enough that Chris could make out the expression on Zach’s face. Chris was grateful for that because the look he saw was something he wanted to remember for the rest of his life, something he wanted to burn into his heart and mind so it was always a part of him, always within reach.
Zach’s eyes were closed, his mouth parted slightly. There was heavy stubble growing dark against his cheeks and neck. He looked tired but in that pleasant way when you’re spent from lovemaking and lay boneless and sated. The thing that tugged at Chris’ heart was that they hadn’t even made it to bed yet. Zach looked this way, was yielding and vulnerable in his arms and all they’d done so far was dance.
Chris buried his face against Zach’s neck and inhaled his slightly spicy, earthy scent, lips smoothing against his throat. Zach’s arms wrapped more tightly around him. Chris hummed along with the tune, fingers pushing beneath Zach’s shirt, making small circles against his flesh. His heart beat hard, aching at the tenderness that swirled between them as they swayed and touched, his body soaking in all of Zach’s warmth.
There were fingers against the nape of his neck and he lifted his head and met Zach’s eyes. The golden brown glimmered in the sodium light. Chris’ breath hitched and he licked his lips. Zach reached for one of Chris’ hands and pulled it between them, placing it against his own thrumming heart. “There’s so much we never say,” Zach whispered.
Chris shivered at those words. Whatever they were, whatever they meant to each other, they didn’t talk about it. They just let the feelings live and breathe without words, without rules, without definitions. “You don’t have to,” Chris said, forcing the words out, hating that his voice quivered just like his body.
“That’s the best part,” Zach said, fingers now brushing along Chris’ cheek, making Chris wish he had gotten rid of his beard so he could feel skin against skin. “I want to. I want you to know,” Zach said.
“So tell me,” Chris said.
Zach brought his lips near Chris’ ear. “I love you,” he said. “I love you,” he repeated, his voice softer the second time, the words fluttering around Chris’ heart.
Chris let out a shuddering breath. He glanced at Zach’s face and the look in his eyes made his heart crack open, everything he felt for the man standing before him spilling out all at once. He pulled Zach roughly to him and kissed him recklessly, bruising his mouth as he crushed Zach in his arms.
The kiss burned hot and wild, both men caught in its pull. It waned slowly, their heartbeats synching, their touches becoming gentle, the kiss becoming a tender caress at the end as their bodies caught the melody of the music and became one with it again.
Chris held Zach’s skull in his hands, their foreheads together. They didn’t know how many times the CD repeated, how many times they danced to each song. The lightening of the sky was the only evidence that time had passed, that they hadn’t been plucked from it to live in their own private universe.
“I have to go soon,” Zach said, breaking the spell with those whispered words.
Chris lifted his head and met Zach’s eyes. “Mexico,” Chris said.
Zach nodded. “I wish you were coming,” he said.
“Me, too,” Chris said, his heart aching at the idea of saying goodbye in a way it never had before.
Zach kissed Chris. “I haven’t even packed,” he laughed softly.
“I’ll walk you home. After one more dance,” Chris said.
“One more,” Zach agreed, closing his eyes and resting his cheek against Chris’.
They were moving again, not even hearing the music anymore, the thump of their hearts enough to guide them. It was effortless now, no stumbling, no missteps, just simple and slow. Their lips met when the dance ended. Chris reached over and turned the CD player off. He looked at Zach, silhouetted against the rising sun. He dragged his fingers along his cheek. “I love you,” he whispered in the silence, the words echoing between them.
Zach smiled. “Happy birthday to me,” he said.
Chris took Zach’s hand and led him back into the apartment and then down the stairs and outside. They walked towards Zach’s house, in no particular hurry. The sky was pink and grey and edging towards blue as the sun burned away the smog. They got to Zach’s front door and stood on his porch.
“I’ll see you in a few days,” Zach said. “I’ll bring you a tacky souvenir from Mexico.”
Chris laughed softly. “Just bring me you,” he said. Zach tucked his chin against his chest for a moment and then looked up. Light swam across Zach’s face and Chris kissed him again. “Just come back to me, Zach.”
“I will,” Zach said.
The night was over and the sun shone overhead as they reluctantly stepped back. Their fingers held on for a few more seconds before they broke apart, too. “Be safe,” Chris said.
Zach nodded and disappeared inside his house at last. Chris watched the door for a few more seconds before turning and making his way down the boulevard, his heart still threatening to break out of his chest, his step light, whistling a soft tune as the sky above became as blue as his eyes.
~fin~
Author: jenlynn820
Pairing: Chris Pine/Zachary Quinto (Star Trek 2009 RPS)
Rating: G
Disclaimer: I don’t know Zach or Chris and I make no profit from this work.
Summary: Slow dancing on Chris' terrace.
Beta: eruberueth
Word Count: 1447
Note: Title and lyrics at the start of the story from the Frank Sinatra song ‘Once I Loved’.
Now I know that no matter what ever befalls I’ll never let you go
I will hold you close, make you stay
The night air was chilly as Chris pushed the glass door open and stepped onto his terrace. Zach was standing near the edge, leaning over it just a little, looking up at the sky. Chris followed his gaze and saw nothing but thick black. You couldn’t see the stars most nights in L.A. and Chris had always thought that was a pity.
Chris stepped over to Zach and placed a small CD player on the little iron table next to one of the beat up lounge chairs he’d gotten at some thrift store. He pressed a bottle of beer into Zach’s hand and smiled as he clinked it. “It’s after midnight. Happy Birthday,” he said.
Zach smiled and took a sip. “Thanks,” he said.
In a few hours Zach would be off to Mexico for more Star Trek promotion while Chris stayed in LA to prepare for his play. They’d gone out tonight with friends to celebrate Zach’s birthday in advance and after partying at a hip little Hollywood lounge they came back here. Chris shuffled a little closer and slid his arm behind Zach’s back, his fingers resting lightly on his hip.
Zach pressed against Chris, his head on Chris’ shoulder. Chris maneuvered so that he was in front of Zach, leaning against the edge of the terrace, torso flush with Zach’s. His arm remained hooked around Zach, his hand against his lower back.
One side of Chris’ mouth quirked up before he brushed it against Zach’s. The kiss was nothing more than the soft touch of lips against lips, unhurried, almost chaste, really. Zach’s free hand threaded behind Chris’ neck and they moved closer until Chris could feel the warmth of Zach melt into him.
Their mouths parted but still touched lightly as they breathed each other’s breath. Chris took Zach’s beer from him and put it down on the table. He broke his contact with Zach and went over to the table, fumbling with the buttons on the CD player.
“What’re you doing?” Zach asked.
Chris turned just as soft music filled the space between them. “Dance with me?” Chris said, the quirk of his lips turning into a full blown smile as he held out his hand.
Zach laughed. “Really?” he said.
Chris nodded and stepped close. He rested his hand on Zach’s hip, fingers pushing the t-shirt up a little, touching Zach’s skin. He took hold of Zach’s other hand and began to sway to the music. Their movements were awkward at first and they each stepped on a toe or two, leading to soft laughter and apologetic murmurs.
Chris pulled Zach to him, letting go of his hand so he could hold him in both of his arms, fingers splayed against his back, digging into the fabric of his shirt a little. Zach’s arms were loose where they rested just above Chris’ waist. Just as the song ended and another began, they found their rhythm and moved together easily, as if they always had, as if they had never not been one and whole.
The city was dark around them. The only light came from a street lamp that cast its yellow glow along the pavement below and was just bright enough that Chris could make out the expression on Zach’s face. Chris was grateful for that because the look he saw was something he wanted to remember for the rest of his life, something he wanted to burn into his heart and mind so it was always a part of him, always within reach.
Zach’s eyes were closed, his mouth parted slightly. There was heavy stubble growing dark against his cheeks and neck. He looked tired but in that pleasant way when you’re spent from lovemaking and lay boneless and sated. The thing that tugged at Chris’ heart was that they hadn’t even made it to bed yet. Zach looked this way, was yielding and vulnerable in his arms and all they’d done so far was dance.
Chris buried his face against Zach’s neck and inhaled his slightly spicy, earthy scent, lips smoothing against his throat. Zach’s arms wrapped more tightly around him. Chris hummed along with the tune, fingers pushing beneath Zach’s shirt, making small circles against his flesh. His heart beat hard, aching at the tenderness that swirled between them as they swayed and touched, his body soaking in all of Zach’s warmth.
There were fingers against the nape of his neck and he lifted his head and met Zach’s eyes. The golden brown glimmered in the sodium light. Chris’ breath hitched and he licked his lips. Zach reached for one of Chris’ hands and pulled it between them, placing it against his own thrumming heart. “There’s so much we never say,” Zach whispered.
Chris shivered at those words. Whatever they were, whatever they meant to each other, they didn’t talk about it. They just let the feelings live and breathe without words, without rules, without definitions. “You don’t have to,” Chris said, forcing the words out, hating that his voice quivered just like his body.
“That’s the best part,” Zach said, fingers now brushing along Chris’ cheek, making Chris wish he had gotten rid of his beard so he could feel skin against skin. “I want to. I want you to know,” Zach said.
“So tell me,” Chris said.
Zach brought his lips near Chris’ ear. “I love you,” he said. “I love you,” he repeated, his voice softer the second time, the words fluttering around Chris’ heart.
Chris let out a shuddering breath. He glanced at Zach’s face and the look in his eyes made his heart crack open, everything he felt for the man standing before him spilling out all at once. He pulled Zach roughly to him and kissed him recklessly, bruising his mouth as he crushed Zach in his arms.
The kiss burned hot and wild, both men caught in its pull. It waned slowly, their heartbeats synching, their touches becoming gentle, the kiss becoming a tender caress at the end as their bodies caught the melody of the music and became one with it again.
Chris held Zach’s skull in his hands, their foreheads together. They didn’t know how many times the CD repeated, how many times they danced to each song. The lightening of the sky was the only evidence that time had passed, that they hadn’t been plucked from it to live in their own private universe.
“I have to go soon,” Zach said, breaking the spell with those whispered words.
Chris lifted his head and met Zach’s eyes. “Mexico,” Chris said.
Zach nodded. “I wish you were coming,” he said.
“Me, too,” Chris said, his heart aching at the idea of saying goodbye in a way it never had before.
Zach kissed Chris. “I haven’t even packed,” he laughed softly.
“I’ll walk you home. After one more dance,” Chris said.
“One more,” Zach agreed, closing his eyes and resting his cheek against Chris’.
They were moving again, not even hearing the music anymore, the thump of their hearts enough to guide them. It was effortless now, no stumbling, no missteps, just simple and slow. Their lips met when the dance ended. Chris reached over and turned the CD player off. He looked at Zach, silhouetted against the rising sun. He dragged his fingers along his cheek. “I love you,” he whispered in the silence, the words echoing between them.
Zach smiled. “Happy birthday to me,” he said.
Chris took Zach’s hand and led him back into the apartment and then down the stairs and outside. They walked towards Zach’s house, in no particular hurry. The sky was pink and grey and edging towards blue as the sun burned away the smog. They got to Zach’s front door and stood on his porch.
“I’ll see you in a few days,” Zach said. “I’ll bring you a tacky souvenir from Mexico.”
Chris laughed softly. “Just bring me you,” he said. Zach tucked his chin against his chest for a moment and then looked up. Light swam across Zach’s face and Chris kissed him again. “Just come back to me, Zach.”
“I will,” Zach said.
The night was over and the sun shone overhead as they reluctantly stepped back. Their fingers held on for a few more seconds before they broke apart, too. “Be safe,” Chris said.
Zach nodded and disappeared inside his house at last. Chris watched the door for a few more seconds before turning and making his way down the boulevard, his heart still threatening to break out of his chest, his step light, whistling a soft tune as the sky above became as blue as his eyes.
~fin~