Draw

Most days, a trip to Hydroponics was all Carter needed to relax and clear his head. Today, it wasn't going to be that easy, and it was all Cernan's fault.

No, it wasn't fair to blame Cernan. It wasn't the man's fault that the crew uniform fit him a little too snugly, showing off the muscles in his shoulders. Or how that same uniform accented the way his broad chest narrowed into an enticing V shape pointing down to his hips.

There was no way Carter was going to be able to clear his mind enough to get rid of that image.

“Hello, Carter,” Cernan greeted him, his smile warm and friendly. “What were you doing today?” Carter blinked out of his distracting thoughts. He didn't have time to answer; Cernan had reached for his hand, turning it over.

Cernan's expression shifted to thoughtful study, then softened to understanding. Carter thought he washed all the dirt off, but some must have clung to his nails. Enough for Cernan to see where he'd been, and to draw conclusions. A part of him wanted to squirm that Cernan knew him so well, but there was another part that felt a thrill for the engineer to notice something so small.

Carter met Cernan's gaze. He could feel his pulse growing faster, pushing him into doing something very risky. To even consider it was not like him, but standing here with Cernan, the engineer's calloused grip holding his hand, those eyes seeing him... Carter took a breath, lifted his other hand up to pull Cernan close, and kissed him.

“Carter...” Cernan sucked in a sharp breath, mouth twitching. He sounded surprised, but not upset. Carter pulled back, a little uncertain. “That,” Cernan said with a faint smile, “was a nice surprise.”

“Really?” Not a reaction he expected.

“I was worried you were feeling stressed,” Cernan explained. He lifted Carter's hand to his lips and kissed the fingers. “I'm glad to be wrong.”

Carter's skin tingled where Cernan's lips made contact, his cheeks burning hot. He had been feeling stressed when he went to Hydroponics, but he wasn't going to say that now. Instead, he drew his hand away from Cernan's mouth to touch his cheek, sliding his hand along the jaw to cup Cernan's face and bring him in for another kiss.

“Better now,” he answered against the man's lips.

His next kiss was a little more firm and bold, his lips parting a little to taste Cernan's mouth. He heard another gasp. Cernan's lips flexed against his, and then Cernan kissed back. Feeling that sent a shiver down Carter's spine.

His hand traveled a little farther, brushing behind Cernan's ear. His fingers weaved through the strands of the man's hair, enjoying the sensation against his skin. Cernan made a soft noise, his lips now holding a hunger in their kisses. Carter let his fingers dig in deeper, brushing against the scalp. This time Cernan's noise was louder.

Carter wanted to dare to be bold. On his next pass through Cernan's hair, he curled his fingers together and tugged on the strands.

“Carter!” Cernan gasped. He was breathless, his accent thickening. His eyes were wide, his cheeks flushed.

“Did... you like that?” Carter asked.

“You're good with your hands,” Cernan answered. He touched Carter's hip, bringing him a little closer. “I know you'll be careful.”

That made Carter hot all over. This time, Cernan was the one pulling him in, his mouth coaxing Carter into something even deeper and more heated. Carter pushed both of his hands into the other man's hair, digging his nails in, pulling just enough.

“Closer,” Salim whispered into his lips, sliding his other leg away to give Jason the perfect place. Jason settled himself there, fitting hip to hip.

“That better, darlin'?”

“Not... yet.” Salim shifted again, closing his legs back together until his thighs were pressed against Jason's body. Creating a tighter space where he would feel every flex of Jason's muscles, every ragged breath he took, every moan vibrating in his chest.

“Hey.” Jason gave him a gentle nip on the lips. “You know I ain't goin' nowhere.”

“I know.” Salim pressed his thighs even tighter against him, nipping back.

“And you're gonna have to let me go to get the lube,” Jason added.

“No, I won't.” Salim slid his hand under the pillow to show Jason the bottle.

“God, I fuckin' love you,” Jason declared. He slid himself closer, between the tight space Salim created with his thighs, pressing a hungry kiss on his lover's mouth. Salim groaned. The feel of Jason's body sliding between his legs sent a thrill through him.

“I love you, too,” Salim answered, petting through Jason's hair as they kissed.

He knew he was going to lose this tight grip he had on Jason, that once his lover got going, Salim's legs would be more of an anchor than a vice. But for right now he had this, and the friction it caused between them. Jason understood the purpose and started rocking back and forth, a perfect imitation of what would come later.

Their tongues got into the rhythm, too. The bed squeaked a little as they moved against each other, Salim's fingers twisting in Jason's hair and his other hand gripping a shoulder. He squeezed his thighs in, shuddering as the vice was actually slipping Jason's underwear down by inches. Heat seared his veins.

“Please,” he begged against Jason's lips.

“Fuck, how am I supposed to...” Jason's thumb hooked into the tight briefs, tugging them. “Salim, I'm gonna have to...”

“Yes, habibi,” Salim answered. He already got what he wanted from his thighs squeezing this tight.

Jason's strong hands pushed Salim's legs apart, tugging Salim's briefs off in the same moment. He lifted the legs up over his head, sliding the material off, flicking it over his shoulder. He wiggled his own off and then he was back, clamped right between Salim's thighs.

“Jason,” Salim purred in approval. He took in lube-slick fingers with a gentle arch of his back. He could be patient for this part as Jason's fingers filled and stretched him.

“Hey.” Jason patted one of his thighs. “Think you can tighten up again, darlin'?”

“I... I can try.”

“Good. I liked how it felt.” Jason was slicking up his cock now. “Like I was fucking you on the outside.”

“That, um... was the idea.”

Jason lined up, the head of his cock rubbing against Salim's entrance. “Then you better hold on tight, Salim, 'cause I'm determined to fuck your whole body.”

Proud

Josef Cernan stands in front of the large doors, anxiety high and heavy in his chest as he prepares himself to step foot into the CEO of Corinth's office.

He takes a deep breath in and a slow breath out, taking a short moment to clutch the pendant of his necklace as he remembers his late husband Mikael- it's all for him, everything he does is for him. He kisses the pendant once before he lets it drop down to his chest again, bouncing once against his shirt before it settles there.

The single, left, large door of two, opens smoothly with a press of his palm, and he should have expected to less- someone with the money this man has would never have a stiff or squeaky door. But still, the door does have a heft to it, weighted and heavy, concealing the important man behind them.

Cernan's eyes find the CEO all too easily, sitting back in his chair, behind a far too expensive desk perfectly centered near the furthest wall in the room, or rather 'window' given it's made entirely of glass. The space is intimidating, wide open, sparsely filled yet somehow overwhelming- everything little thing inside likely costs more than Cernan's own home.

"Mr. Williams." Cernan greets as friendly as he can, ignoring the lump of nerves rising in his throat, "It's a pleasure to meet you."

He knew meeting him was a possibility when he'd applied for the job, that if he was fortunate enough to be accepted he would probably train alongside him at the very least- but this is a lot sooner than he'd imagined, he hadn't really mentally prepared himself.

By all means, Cernan was still just a candidate for the position, he was only a few interviews into the process- the last thing he'd expected was for a call in to meet with the CEO for further discussions.

He was excited of course, meeting Williams like this had to be a good sign, if he wasn't being seriously considered for the job then surely this wouldn't be happening- being here only makes him want the job more, and he's terrified to somehow mess this up.

He's been told many times in his life he can be a little... much. Some people, like Mikael, had loved it- but not everyone does. Mikael was a rarity, a one of a kind in a sea of billions, he is prepared to never find that again, not until the next life where they will meet again.

Perhaps that's why he's so comfortable with the years off planet this job will mandate, there is no one left on the soil that he will miss more than the one who has already left it.

"Josef Cernan." Williams grins, beckoning the newcomer closer with a single hand, leaning further into his desk with the other, "The pleasure is all mine, I assure you."

Cernan takes careful steps into the large office, not sure when to stop until Williams thankfully gestures down to the seat across himself on the opposite end of his desk, "Please, sit."

Cernan listens, giving a quick 'thank you' as he pulls out the seat and sits- It is comfy, the cushions against its back are soft to the touch but have little give from either being new or not used often enough.

He swallows when he looks back to Williams now, the chair he'd been given lower to the ground than the CEO's, he needs to look up and Williams is looking down at him. It feels purposeful. Maybe an intimidation tactic to see how he fairs under pressure? 

Cernan can handle the heat- if anything, this oddly makes his nerves settle, like he knows what he's up against. This isn't the first competitive job he's applied for, he's familiar with the little mind games some employers pull.

He sits up as straight as he can, broad shoulders back and confident, keeping a pleasant and sure smile on his face. Every decision falls back on Williams, if he can impress the CEO he's got the job for certain. Mikael will be proud, Cernan will be on the Cassiopeia- the ship that paves the way for humanity's new home.

"You should be honoured, Cernan. Not everyone gets the opportunity to meet with me." Williams hums as he takes a moment to look him over, from head to as low as his eyes can see beyond the desk, just long enough for Cernan to feel uncomfortable before thankfully he looks down to the papers laid out in front of him. "Your resume is very impressive."

Cernan shakes off his discomfort as best he can, "Thank you, Mr. Williams. It really is an honour to-"

Williams raises a hand at him and Cernan cuts himself off, giving the CEO the silence he'd wordlessly asked for.

"There are better options out there for the Cassiopeia, Cernan." Williams' eyes raise to him again, studying his face.

He tries to hide it, but he's always been more expressive than he'd like. The smile falls from his face and his shoulders sag down in his disappointment... had he really been called here to be let down, skyrocket his hopes just to deny him? He knows his sorrow is visible at this letdown, he just can't help it- this was it, this was how he yearned to make Mikael proud.

Cernan nods, teeth nipping at his lower lip, "I understand." He breathes, clearing his throat and forcing himself to put on a friendly face again, "I am... I'm glad to have had the chance to-"

Again Williams raises his hand and Cernan shuts himself up.

Williams stands, rounding his desk and coming right up beside Cernan until he's resting a hand on the back of Cernan's chair, leering down at him- Cernan feels trapped under the eye contact, heavy, unwanted.

"There are better options, but I am the CEO, Cernan... I can be swayed to have my team choose you over them."

Cernan's mouth goes dry and he quickly stands, taking several steps away from the chair Williams still leans over, even far away his eyes remain intense, fixed on Cernan's every move. Cernan is not stupid, he sees what Williams is offering clear as day, and he will not do it.

He opens his mouth, but for the first time in his life, Cernan cannot find words. He turns and hurries for the door-

"Think about what you're throwing away, Cernan!" Williams' raised voice gives Cernan pause just as his hands reach the door, fingers brushing over the metal handle. The blind shock from Williams propositioning him fading away until he remembers what this is all about... doing right by Mikael.

He wants to make him so proud, to honour him in a way no one else ever could- something big like this, being on the Cassiopeia, it transcends everything he could ever do on Earth.

He jolts when he feels a hand rub over between his shoulder blades, grimacing and closing his eyes as Williams stands right up beside him, "What's a few moments in the grand scheme of things? You do this, and your name will be on that contract immediately. Your place on the Cassiopeia will be locked."

Cernan leans his forehead against the door, it's cold, he focuses on that, "One time? I never have to again?"

Williams gets impossibly closer, he can feel his lips dust just behind the shell of his ear, "Just once, but you'll always be welcomed back for more if you change your mind after."

He can't believe he's even considering this, can't believe himself as he wets his lips and gives a stiff nod against the door, "Okay." 

For Mikael... 

He hopes, if Mikael is somehow watching him now, that he will look away for just a moment and forgive him. He is- he will be on the ship leading the charge to building them a new home in their next life, it will be worth it.

"Good boy." Williams grins against him, Cernan shivering as Williams begins kissing at his neck, once, twice, then pulling away completely until Cernan has his space again.

Cernan dares to turn around after a moment, just catching Williams as he reaches his desk again and sits down in his expensive chair against the backdrop of the city from their large window view.

It's a cruel mimicry of when Cernan had first stepped foot into this cursed office when Williams begins to beckon him over just as he had before, back when Cernan thought this was just another phase of the interview process- how can a few minutes ago feel like ages?

He forces his body to move, much harder this time around, every step closer feeling like sinking deeper into a pool of ice.

Williams does not offer him a seat this time, just continues to gesture Cernan closer with a curl on his fingers until Cernan is standing on the other side of the desk with him, eyes devouring him the entire time.

"On your knees, I think I will have your mouth first."

Cernan freezes, eyes wide, "First? You said-"

"We agreed 'one time', Cernan. That time ends when I am satisfied." He spreads his legs, palming himself through his pants, "Now, get. on. your. knees."

For a long second Cernan feels locked in place, daring to turn and look at the door behind him, still an option, not too late... but against his better judgement, he turns back to the CEO and slowly lowers himself to his knees between Williams' spread thighs.

It's just sex, he tells himself, it means nothing. He and Mikael, they made love, soft and tender- even on nights where they were rough and kinky. It was always worship.