Written Jewels

Part One

Okay, so Salim definitely wasn't interested in fucking him. Jason had pulled out all the stops this time: wearing a shirt that rode up on him when he moved a certain way, running ice over his neck while Salim was watching, even moaning a little. And Salim just walked away.

Jason tried not to be too disappointed about it. It would've been nice, though, after all the flirting they'd been doing lately. Unless Jason seriously misunderstood all the teasing, laughing, and chatting that had been going on the last few times he came over to fix something for Salim. He didn't think so, and he thought Salim had been checking him out all day.

Maybe the heat was just getting to him, making him dazed and feeling horny. It didn't help that the heat caused Salim's shirt to stick to his body, giving Jason a great view of his broad shoulders and swelling pecs. It was the kind of weighty, muscular body that belonged on heavyweight boxers: powerful, with just enough meat that Jason could sink his hands into it.

Jason concentrated on the AC unit, working with it another twenty minutes before it kicked back to life.

“Fuck yeah!” he cheered, pumping his fist in the air. He lifted his shirt up to wipe the sweat off his face.

“What happened?” Salim asked.

Jason turned at his voice, forgetting he still had his shirt pulled up. Salim froze, eyes zeroing in on the bare stretch of abs and chest exposed to him. He didn't look like he was breathing. Jason dropped his shirt down again.

“The AC is back on. It'll probably take some time before you'll feel it.”

“Oh.” Salim's voice came out small and tight. He was still staring at Jason. “Okay.”

God, he wished Salim would stop fucking him with his eyes; it was making Jason's libido go nuts. Jason turned away from it, leaning over the AC so he could fee the air. It wasn't cool yet, but it was better than nothing.

“Do you...” Salim cleared his throat. “Do you need another shirt?”

“I'm good, I got another one in my truck. Just gimme a minute.”

There was no response from Salim. Jason could hear his footsteps but didn't want to look. Salim was already so fucking pretty, but the heat had done things, like pronounced the curl in his hair, that made him look even better.

“Are you sure?” Salim's voice came from just behind Jason. “You can wash it here.”

“Yeah,” Jason agreed. He reached down for the hem of his shirt, heart pounding. “I could.” He slowly eased the shirt up, still not daring to turn around.

Salim's hands were suddenly there, gripping the shirt and pulling up. Jason gasped, shuddering as the material went up, up, and off his body. He wet his lips and finally glanced over his shoulder. Salim stared back, eyes wide and cheeks flushed. Jason would give anything to know how much of that flush was from the heat.

“Thanks,” Jason said, “but I still feel so fuckin' hot.”

“I can see that.” Salim's eyes flicked over his exposed skin. “You're practically glowing in sweat.”

“Thanks,” Jason snorted, then went still as Salim's fingers lightly grazed across his stomach. Jason planted his hands on the wall. “What...?” he started to ask, but fell silent as the brush of a tongue on his neck stopped him.

“Sorry,” Salim said, “I don't know why... I think... the heat made me delirious.”

“Do it again,” Jason invited, tilting his head to the side. Salim's tongue slid over his skin again and he shuddered, groaning as he craned his neck for more.

“I...” Salim huffed a breath against him. “It feels like I should...”

“Don't,” Jason interrupted. “Don't fuckin' stop. Please.”

“Is this okay, too?” Salim asked, sliding his fingers up and down the middle of Jason's stomach.

“Fuck yeah, it is.”

Salim's eyes tracked the bead of sweat as it slowly ran down Jason's neck, disappearing under the collar of his shirt. His muscles flexed as he worked. Salim wet his lips, swallowing down the desire heating up inside him.

It seemed like a good idea to hire a handyman to fix all the issues around the house, and it had been at first. Jason was a hard worker and took care of everything, from the bedroom window that got stuck to the washer that rattled too loudly with every load. He was also good company, talking with Salim about movies and music, laughing with him over stupid jokes, and volleying back every tease that Salim threw his way.

Of course Salim noticed Jason was attractive right away, but he had dismissed the sharp zing he felt seeing the younger man. But when that initial attraction was combined with a Southern charm and a confident personality, it was getting harder and harder to ignore. Lately, when Jason came over, Salim was noticing his body. All those strong muscles flexing and pulling.

This time was the worst yet. The recent heatwave had caused Salim's air conditioner to go on the fritz, and Jason was here trying to fix it. Jason reached up, his shirt hiking up to tease a bare strip of skin.

“Excuse me a moment, I'm going to get more ice,” Salim announced, leaving the room before Jason had a chance to respond.

He hurried into the kitchen, grabbing the bag of ice he had in the freezer and dumping some into a bowel. Salim ran a cube over his neck, closing his eyes and fighting off the images wanting to play in his head.

“Hey, mind if I grab one o' those?” Jason's voice drawled. Salim's eyes snapped open and he stared dazedly at the younger man. “That looks real nice,” Jason said, reaching for some ice. To Salim's pleasure (and slight panic), Jason ran the ice over his neck. And to make it worse, Jason let out a soft noise when the ice touched his skin.

It sounded almost like a moan. A sound that was now burned into Salim's mind.

“You okay?” Jason asked him. “I'm sorry it's takin' so long with the AC.”

“It's okay.”

Salim stared at the fresh gleam of water on Jason's neck. Then his eyes moved lower, noting how the material of Jason's shirt clung to his body. Salim looked back up, only to see Jason rolling his head back to slide the ice along his neck.

“I,” Salim spoke up, voice shaking. “I should, um...”

“You sure you're okay?” Jason asked him.

“I'm fine,” Salim insisted.

Jason raised an eyebrow, then shrugged, now moving the ice under his collar to the back of his neck. It caused his shirt to hike up again. Salim's gaze narrowed to that bare strip of skin, the subtle flex of abs as Jason breathed in and out.

“I'm going to open some windows,” Salim announced, turning and walking away.

He shut himself in his room to put as much distance as he could between himself and Jason. This was getting out of hand. The AC needed to be fixed soon before Salim lost his mind. He closed his eyes, and pictured gripping the hem of Jason's shirt, peeling it off his sweat-glazed body. Finally getting a good look at those muscles that were being teased to him.

His hand moved down, a finger gliding over the inseam of his pants. He shuddered, now imagining how hot Jason's skin would feel. Salim ran his tongue over his lips, thinking of the arch of Jason's neck as he ran ice over his hot flesh. One finger became two, then three, then Salim gave up and started palming himself, eyes fluttering. He let out a low groan.

A knock jolted him out of his lustful daze and he froze.

“Salim?”

Salim took a breath, hoping his voice didn't shake when he answered, “Yes?”

“I'm headed back to work, okay?”

“Okay.” He still had a hand on his crotch. He should move it away, shouldn't he? It was already bad enough he was touching himself with Jason in the house.

“Okay then. I guess... I'll go.”

Jason's footsteps retreated. Salim let out a long sigh. He had two options: either go out and torture himself some more, or stay in here until Jason left. The hand still on his crotch told him which direction his body wanted to go. And his brain was making a very good case for agreeing, because staying in here was just going to make Jason worry and check up on him.

Part One, Part Two, Part Three

Salim still couldn't believe he did it. He actually found the artist responsible for that intriguing sketch. And the person turned out to be a handsome and charming man with an equally charming accent. A man Salim would have very much liked to keep talking with, but there were other people at the gallery. He let them take Jason's attention while he stared at his phone, head spinning.

He was still staring at his phone hours later, sitting on his couch. The gallery had closed before Salim had a chance to talk with Jason again. It was silly to want to, wasn't it? He just met the man.

The phone rang in his hand. Salim startled, nearly dropping it before he answered. “Hello?”

“Hey,” Jason answered from the other end. “It's Jason.”

“That's what it says on my screen,” Salim agreed.

“God, you're a smart-ass,” Jason huffed, though Salim thought he heard a bit of a chuckle in there, too. “Where'd you disappear to?”

“I went home.”

“Oh.” A pause. “Yeah, I guess it is kinda late. Shit, sorry.”

“It's all right.” Salim glanced at the clock. It was late, for him anyway. He was usually in bed by now. “How was the rest of your night?”

“S'okay,” Jason answered. “A lot of people came, which was pretty awesome. We had drinks when it was over, and I helped clean up.” There was another pause. “I didn't get a chance to ask you,” Jason said, “why you brought my sketch back. You coulda kept it and I wouldn't have known.”

“I don't know,” Salim admitted. “I... I just wanted to find the person who drew something so incredible.” Feeling bold, he added, “I'm glad I did. I had a nice time.”

“Me too. I mean,” Jason quickly corrected, “the whole night. Meeting people, talkin' art.” He let out a breath and Salim waited, smiling to himself. “So,” Jason resumed, “I kinda have this... image in my head. Happens all the time. It's why I'm in art school. And I know we just met, but you did track me down first.”

“I did,” Salim agreed when the silence stretched for a while.

“So I was hoping,” Jason continued, “you'd be cool with me... drawing you.”

Now it was Salim's turn to go silent. His face burned in a blush. “Me?”

“Yeah. You don't have to if it's too weird.”

“It's about as weird as coming all the way to an art gallery because I found a crumbled-up sketch,” Salim pointed out. That got a laugh from Jason, and Salim smiled wider. “I'm flattered,” Salim said. “You can draw me if you want.”

“Thanks. So are you free Wednesday?”

Salim's blush turned a little hotter. He could put the pieces together. That “image” Jason had in his head was of Salim. He didn't just want to draw Salim from memory, he wanted Salim to model for him.

“Yes,” Salim answered, trying to ignore his pounding heart. “I'm free.”

The sleep technicians didn't technically have an office space, so if any of the crew needed a consultation, they had to take it in the community space between Carter and Simms' rooms. Carter made sure to clear the table off before Cernan came in.

“Thank you for seeing me, Carter.”

“Of course.” Carter gestured for him to sit down, taking the seat across the table. “I'm here to help you. What's the problem?”

“Well, it's...” Cernan hesitated, glancing around for the security camera.

“The audio is off,” Carter assured him. “This is confidential.”

“Okay, good.” Cernan hesitated again. “And you can't tell Simms either. Is that okay?”

“Why?” Carter wondered with a frown.

“Because... This has nothing to do with sleeping.”

Carter sat up a little straighter in his chair. Now that he thought about it, Cernan hadn't asked to see Carter about any sleep-related matters. He simply said he needed to see Carter in private, and Carter had come to his own conclusions.

“This is about... your acting skills,” Cernan continued.

“What?” Acting? Cernan wanted to talk to him about acting?

“I...” Cernan took in a slow breath. “I need your help putting on... a performance. I'm asking you because I don't think anyone else I could ask would be... convincing.”

“I don't know what you're talking about,” Carter said.

“I need for you to act like we're... involved. Romantically.”

“What?” Carter asked again, this time with a hitch in his voice.

“The rest of the crew has to believe I'm not available,” Cernan continued. “You and I already have some things in common. They would believe it if our friendship became something more.”

“But...” Carter swallowed, his heart beating erratically. “Isn't lying against your beliefs as a Buddhist?”

“I'm spending time with someone I care for very much,” Cernan reasoned. He placed his hand on the table, sliding it toward Carter. “How could that possibly be a lie?”

The whole thing sounded strange, but Carter knew Cernan must have a good reason to ask. So he nodded and slid his hand out to grasp Cernan's.

“I've never tried acting before.”

"A rushed kiss before one party leaves for work" requested by @smolbeandrabbles

“All right everyone.” Stafford was wrapping up his assignments for the crew. “To your stations.”

Young and Mitchell chatted and laughed as they headed back to the bridge. Eisele was going the opposite direction, through the atrium to the Oracle's main hub. Williams was given no assignment, but was likely off to his office on the science deck.

“Come on, Cernan,” Cooper said, gesturing for him to follow her and Anders.

“I'll be right with you,” he assured her. “I have to get going,” he told Carter. Carter gave a tight smile. Trying so hard to be supportive when there was clear tension in his eyes. He and Simms weren't given any real assignments.

“I know. You've got important things to do.”

“What you do is important, too,” Cernan said. He leaned in, giving Carter a quick peck on the mouth. He felt Carter return the pressure just before they parted. “See you in the mess hall for lunch?”

Carter nodded, and Cernan hurried to catch up with Cooper and Anders. Cooper's eyebrows were nearly to her hairline.

“Uh, what the fuck was that?”

“What?” Cernan asked.

“That, back there.” She pointed to the crew lounge.

“A team meeting.”

“I meant what was going on with you and Carter.”

“Oh, that,” Cernan nodded in understanding. “He's been worried about what he and Simms are going to be doing while we're all surveying the planet.”

Cooper and Anders exchanged looks. “I think she's referring to that kiss,” Anders said at last.

Cernan's face flushed red. He hadn't done that on purpose, exactly. Kissing Carter in that moment was more like a natural sequence of events. He was headed out, so he kissed Carter before leaving.

“It's nothing that you two haven't done before,” Cernan hedged.

“Well, yeah,” Anders agreed, “but we're a couple.” There was a significant pause and the two women exchanged looks again.

“Wait, are you two a couple?” Cooper demanded.

Cernan suppressed a sigh. “Can we please just get to Astroscience? We need to make some calculations in preparation for the first drone.”

“You are!” Cooper gasped. “How did this happen? When did this happen?”

“It's a long way to Astroscience. You'd better give us all the juicy details,” Anders chimed in.

"A kiss to convince them not to leave bed in the morning" requested by @smolbeandrabbles

Since it wasn't meant to hold two people, the small space of Carter's bunk necessitated he be pressed right up against his partner. They were slotted so Cernan's back was to Carter's chest. His arms were locked around the engineer's body almost like another strap to keep him close. He could feel every rise and fall of Cernan's steady breathing as he slept.

And there was a benefit of being this close: he could feel it when Cernan started shifting around.

“Josef?”

“Sorry,” Cernan said. “I didn't mean to wake you.”

“Light sleeper,” Carter reminded him. He adjusted his arms around Cernan's body. “You all right?”

“I'm fine.” Cernan reached for one of the straps holding them down. Carter caught his hand before he finished unbuckling them. “Tomas...”

“Just a few more minutes.”

“Didn't you used to scold Simms for sleeping in?” Cernan teased him.

“I'm not sleeping in,” Carter argued. “We're still within regulated sleeping hours.” That made Cernan chuckle, and Carter smiled feeling the vibration.

“For a few more minutes?” Cernan glanced over his shoulder, his lips curved in amusement.

Carter touched his cheek, encouraging him to turn his head more. Cernan rolled, sighing as Carter's lips connected with his. Carter gave him soft pecks on the mouth, caressing his cheek and jawline. His other hand squeezed Cernan's fingers.

“At least,” Carter said when he pulled back from their kiss.

“Who am I to argue with a sleep technician?” Cernan returned the soft kisses, letting go of Carter's hand so he could get his arm around the other man instead.

Pulling them into a kiss while showering together. [I assumed you meant this fic, so here's a continuation of it!]

Cernan smiled to himself as he and Carter headed back to the crew quarters. He honestly hadn't intended to take so long with his work, but he couldn't find a reason to regret it when Carter came in and encouraged him away. Cernan touched a spot on his neck Carter had paid attention to. If he had to guess, there was going to be a noticeable mark.

“Who else is awake?” he asked.

“Just us.”

They fell quiet as they came through the doors. Everyone else was tucked in their bunks. Cernan watched as Carter moved around the room, stopping by each bunk to check the sleepers. Cernan's smile grew a little bit. For obvious reasons, he never got to see Carter at work before. And while this was not the same as checking in on people in hypersleep, Cernan imagined there weren't too many differences.

He waited until Carter had moved down Mitchell before coming up behind him and kissing his neck. Carter took in a sharp breath.

“My turn to distract you,” Cernan whispered in his ear. A blush spread over Carter's cheeks. “Come on.” Cernan gently tugged him away from the sleepers.

He brought Carter into the bathroom, where Cernan started to get undressed. “Um, what are you...?” Carter began.

“I believe you were the one who suggested a shower.”

“Right.”

Cernan retrieved two clean uniforms. Carter's lips flicked into a faint smile and he worked off his clothes, too. With their gravity boots off, they had to move quickly into the shower stall.

“Here, let me.” Carter floated over to the screen on the wall and tapped in a few commands. “I miss real showers,” he sighed as he was given the regulated soap, sponge, and water packet.

“Do I get to go first this time?” Cernan asked. Carter turned red and swallowed, but passed the packet over without argument.

Cernan squeezed a bit of soap onto the sponge and started on Carter's back. He tried to massage as he worked, kneading out the tension that always found its way to Carter's shoulders and back. Everyone was awake now, but Carter proved not ten minutes ago that he still cared for them all. If Cernan could relieve some of that built-up pressure for even a few minutes, he would.

“Cernan.” Carter's voice was a bit breathy and trembling.

“Your muscles are too tight,” Cernan scolded him. “You can relax with me.”

Carter didn't respond with words, arching his back to get closer to Cernan's touch. One good thing about washing in zero G was how much easier it was to reach all the spots. Cernan worked the sponge down Carter's legs, taking special care between his thighs. He got a soft gasp from the technician.

It was overwhelming being in a room with all of them gathered together. They were freer here, less inhibited by the eyes of the townsfolk. Charlie tried to smile politely and not startle every time one of them moved too fast.

“Can I get you something, Charlie?” Esme asked him for the thousandth time.

“I'm good,” he assured her, also for the thousandth time.

“Open mine first, Carlisle,” Emmett insisted with an eager grin.

Carlisle indulged his son with a smile. All his “children” were here celebrating what they insisted was Father's Day, though it was nowhere near. Charlie learned that when something didn't line up with his reality, it was best to not ask questions and move on. What he knew was that all the Cullens were here celebrating Carlisle, and Carlisle had asked him to be here. So he came.

And didn't dwell on the fact that this meant he was technically meeting the family today as Carlisle's boyfriend.

Carlisle opened Emmett's present, which turned out to be a painting. Charlie didn't expect that, nor did he expect it to look so beautiful. He was no art expert but even he could tell Emmett had captured the light and angles perfectly.

“Hey, I recognize that place,” Charlie realized. “Isn't that where...?”

“Our first kiss,” Carlisle confirmed. “I described it to Emmett. I love it,” he added to Emmett. “Thank you.”

“Mine next!” Alice insisted. Charlie liked her best out of the kids for many reasons, and her way of diverting people away from awkwardness was just one of them.

Hers turned out to be books on crafting hobbies. Carlisle had been talking about wanting to have something to do that wasn't working. He made a good effort at fishing, but working with his hands was too built into him.

“You could start with knitting,” Alice suggested.

“Like in Demolition Man,” Charlie commented with a faint smile. They all gave him blank stares.

“Mine and Rosalie's next,” Jasper spoke up. He was almost as good as Alice, though not always as tactful.

They gave two things: tickets to a music concert and a car key. The key to Rosalie's very beautiful, very classic car.

“It's not to keep,” she said, “just to borrow for the concert.”

“Why does he need to borrow a car for that?” Charlie wondered.

“Because the concert is in Los Angeles,” Carlisle said, showing him the tickets. Two tickets, Charlie noted immediately. To a band they both liked. Charlie frowned, catching Carlisle's eye first and then looking around at the kids.

“Are these gifts supposed to be for me, too?”

“Well, yeah,” Emmett nodded. “You're our dad, too.”

“Emmett.” Carlisle spoke his name in a low, warning tone. “I'm sorry,” he said to Charlie. “I should have warned you my family gets enthusiastic when one of us... grows attached.”

“Right.” Charlie felt his face turn hot. He didn't know how to feel about this. Of course they all already knew—damn those vampire senses. But he assumed he would have to work up to them accepting him as their dad's boyfriend.

“Mine's last,” Esme said. “It's just for Carlisle, I promise.”

Charlie nodded, starting to get nervous. Gifts from the kids was one thing, but Esme had been Carlisle's companion for decades. She knew him so well. But when Carlisle pulled off the wrapping, he revealed a pocket watch.

“It's broken,” Charlie noted helpfully.

“She's not very subtle,” Carlisle said with a wry smile. “She's saying I don't have to keep waiting and looking at the clock anymore. I found you.”

Charlie turned away, blushing. It was a little embarrassing, but also a pleasure for Carlisle to say something like that in front of his while family. After a moment he turned and pushed his shyness aside to give Carlisle a soft peck on the mouth.

“Happy Father's Day.” He didn't dare even whisper the rest, but Carlisle knew his expressions and heartbeat by now. He would know what Charlie was wanting to say.

Fly Me to the Moon

Carter glanced once more to check that Cernan wasn't peeking as he guided the engineer into the atrium. It had taken them several days to dismantle the giant head that loomed over the room, but now that they had, the space looked much better. It was more open, perfect for what Carter had planned.

“You can open your eyes,” Carter said.

Cernan did, his eyes widening as he took in the strings of lights Carter had wrapped around the upper atrium. The rest of the lights in the room were dimmed, mimicking a night sky full of stars.

“It's beautiful,” Cernan breathed.

“You like it?” Carter squeezed his hand. “I was hoping so. You've been working hard lately.”

“You did all this for me?” Cernan turned to him in surprise.

“You do a lot for us,” Carter explained. His eyes dropped, down to the hand he was still holding. There was at least a reason to hold on while he was bringing Cernan in here. Now, without that excuse, he was getting nervous.

“It looks like you put a lot of work into this,” Cernan noted. “Thank you.”

“There's, um... one other thing.” Carter released his hand, tapping a command on his utility strap. Music started playing through the atrium. Cernan tilted his head to listen, a thoughtful frown on his face.

“What is this?”

“It's... It's just a song I found.” Carter was glad he made the room so dark, so Cernan wouldn't notice the blush. “I thought it would be nice to listen to while moving in zero G.”

“And the atrium is a perfect place to float,” Cernan finished. “I like the way you think, Carter.” His fingers tapped out a command, turning off his gravity boots. Carter tapped his own utility strap to follow.

Cernan caught his eye and smiled, reaching out a hand to him. Carter's heart beat faster as he gripped onto it, pulling Cernan closer. Cernan's eyes went wide again, his mouth opening but nothing coming out. After a moment, his grip on Carter's hand tightened and Carter rested a hand on his waist.

“Carter.” Cernan's expression shifted; he looked nervous now, too. “I could be wrong, but the lights, the music, this.” He touched where Carter's hand was on his waist. “Is this really just because I work hard for everyone?”

“No.” Carter's insides started twisting in nerves. “I thought it was a good way to show you how I felt.”

“It is.” With how close they were, Carter could see Cernan's face turning red. “But,” Cernan continued, bring his face so close his nose touched Carter's, “I like simple gestures, too.”

“Oh,” Carter breathed. His eyes fluttered closed, his heart racing. “Okay,” he said, and kissed Cernan on the lips.

Kaidan couldn't believe it. He achieved what many claimed was impossible. He got the great Commander Shepard to sit down and stay seated for more than five minutes. This wasn't the first time Kaidan made such an event happen, but it still felt like a triumph.

The players had just skated onto the field. Two of them squared off, at the ready. At the whistle, they both lunged with their sticks. One team took possession and the game was on.

“You really like this?” Shepard asked.

“It's exciting! Just look at that pass! Incredible.” Kaidan took his eyes off the screen to meet Shepard's gaze. The commander was smiling at him. “What?” Kaidan raised an eyebrow.

“Nothing. Just... it's cute how Canadian you are sometimes.”

“I don't like hockey because I'm Canadian,” Kaidan protested. Shepard gave him a look. “Okay, not just because of that,” Kaidan amended. “I like it because it requires so much skill and strength. You remember going through Noveria?” Shepard nodded. “Now try imagining it with blades on your feet and a hundred pounds of gear on you, and you have eleven other guys around you with blades and the same gear. And you have to guide a tiny little disc across the ice with a wooden stick.”

“Okay, I get it,” Shepard interrupted, laughing.

“You'll like it too, I promise. It's got everything you enjoy: teamwork, picking fights—”

“I don't enjoy picking fights,” Shepard argued. This time it was Kaidan giving him a look. “Fine. I don't enjoy starting fights,” Shepard sighed.

“It's okay.” Kaidan leaned in to kiss his cheek. “You know I'll never get on you for it.”

“I know.” Shepard's expression softened, then turned playful. “Is that why you like me? I remind you of this sport?”

“Shepard, please. You know what won my heart.” Kaidan left a significant pause before saying, “It was your taste in whiskey, obviously.”

“Obviously.” Shepard gave him a quick kiss that Kaidan couldn't resist in lengthening. “Now quit distracting me,” Shepard scolded playfully. “I'm trying to watch your favorite sport.”

This was starting to get ridiculous. No, maybe “ridiculous” was the wrong word for it. Maybe “pathetic” would suit the situation better, though Simms might not call Carter that to his face. She was getting close to saying something to his face; she just didn't know what.

She spent the last four years trying to ignore it. She and Carter were supposed to trade off on shifts checking in with the sleepers, but Carter volunteered to do it most of the time. Simms just thought he was keeping himself busy. Until she noticed on the security cameras how Carter always checked Cernan's pod first when it was his turn.

Which might have been dismissed, if she didn't also catch Carter in hydroponics messing around with their samples of the lotus plant. He tried to play it off as experimenting with the supposed health benefits. And pretending that he didn't know lotuses were connected to Buddhism. That moved Simms from curious to suspicious.

It took her a while to connect the next dot. During his downtime, Carter mostly worked on his plant projects or played chess with her, but sometimes he pulled up a book to read. Simms couldn't figure out why he would be interested in stories about hot air balloons. Then she happened to remember the pictures they put up in everyone's bunks. Cernan had pictures of hot air balloons in his bunk.

Simms was feeling good about her detective work when Carter ruined it by just mentioning Cernan out of the blue, no prompting, no reason, their conversation having nothing to do with the engineer. And that was what brought this to the level of ridiculous and/or pathetic.

She knew she wasn't technically supposed to leave the sleepers while they were getting acclimatized, but she went out of the Pod Room anyway. Carter had just topped off the last cup of coffee.

“Simms, what are you doing?” he asked with a frown.

“What are you doing?”

“Getting... coffee?” He held up the drinks with an uncertain smile.

“Oh, come on, Carter, you know what I mean!” she sighed, rolling her eyes. When he made no sign that he did, Simms gave him a hint. “He's awake now, you know.”

“They're all awake now,” he replied. “That's what we do.”

Simms took in a deep breath to keep herself from shaking him. Fine, she would try a different tactic. “That one's his, right?” she asked, pointing to the cup Carter left on the counter. “Three members of the science crew awake, two hands. Math says somebody's getting their coffee delivered solo.”

Carter glanced at the cup, then back at her. His brows were pinched in that slightly nervous way of his.

“I can just take it to him,” Simms offered.

“No!” Carter stepped in front of her. “I'll take care of it. You should get back.”

“Oh, my god.” Simms shook her head, grabbing the two cups out of his hands. “I'll take these to Cooper and Anders. Make a bloody move!”

“What's that supposed to mean?”

“It means that if you were pining any harder, you'd be a tree.” She turned and walked back to the Pod Room.

Salim had never been to anything like a Renaissance Fair before, but Zain was so enthusiastic about going that of course Salim agreed to join him. He even agreed to get into the spirit by dressing up. Zain assured him that the cream-colored shirt was supposed to be that long on him. Otherwise, it wasn't that different from regular clothing; it just had the belt around the outside of the shirt.

He and Zain were listening to a bard play an authentic-looking instrument when he spotted two men locked in a mock sword fight.

“Let's go over there next,” he suggested, pointing.

Unfortunately, the fight ended just as he and Zain got there. Both of the men wore leather armor over their clothes for the fight. One of them had their back to him, but turned, and Salim's mouth fell open.

“Jason?”

It was definitely him, though he looked so different without his signature hat and his tattoos covered. The leather armor and gauntlets suited him, and those pants... Salim brought his eyes back up to Jason's face.

“Good morrow, sirs,” Jason greeted. “Are you enjoying the fair?”

“Ah... yes.” Salim should try to close his mouth, but he was still too stunned. He would never have expected to see Jason, of all people, here and in costume. And trying to sound like someone from the era, too, though his accent completely ruined it. “Are... you?”

“I am to take part in the tournament later this afternoon,” Jason said. His eyes flicked to Salim's face and held his gaze. Then, he reached for Salim's hand, lifting it up and lightly pressing a kiss to his knuckles. “Sir, would you do me the honor of granting me your favor?”

“What?” Salim hadn't understood a word of that. His brain had short-circuited the moment he felt Jason's lips touch his skin. His hand felt like it was burning, but in a very pleasant way.

[He wants you to give him something, Baba,] Zain explained. He was grinning, his eyes bright. [Something he can wear in the tournament, to show that you're supporting him.]

“Oh. Of course! I'd be happy to support you, Jason.” He patted his pockets, looking for something. He hadn't brought anything with him. With an apologetic shrug, he offered his belt. “Will this do?”

“I will wear it with honor,” Jason promised, immediately looping it around his waist. “Will you take something of mine in return, fair lord?”

“I...” The heat was spreading to Salim's face. This whole thing was very bizarre, but he admired Jason's commitment. And he couldn't deny there was some appeal to exchanging tokens for each other to wear. “Yes, I will... Sir Jason.”

Jason took a strip of cloth out of his pocket. Salim recognized it as the shemagh Jason had been wearing during their trip through the Sumerian ruins.

“I can't believe you still have that,” Salim remarked with a chuckle. He tied it around his arm.

“Some parts of that day were worth holding onto,” Jason answered. He reached out to help knot the shemagh in place. When it was secured, he took Salim's hand again. “I shall be your shield and triumph, fair lord.”

“I... I'm sure... you will.”

“Shepard, really?” Kaidan's voice, half exasperated and half amused, came somewhat muffled from the pillows.

Shepard froze. All he did was sit up in bed. He was trying to be careful and slow, making sure his weight didn't disturb the mattress too much. Something must have still alerted his partner, though.

“What?”

Kaidan sighed and rolled so he was looking at Shepard. “You remember what I said last time? About leaving the bed?”

“But I did wake you,” Shepard pointed out.

“Not on purpose.” Kaidan's eyes narrowed. “You know what this means.”

“That I'm terrible at being stealthy?” Shepard tried to joke.

“Yes.” Kaidan's voice dropped to a growl. He reached out, tugging Shepard back down. “And it means I have to remind you of the benefits of waking me up.” His grip tightened a little, his lips hot against Shepard's.

“Hmm.” Shepard returned the kiss, his hand sliding over Kaidan's chest to wrap around him. “I like this benefit.”

“So then why do you keep trying not to wake me?” Kaidan complained between kisses.

“Can't remember.” He sighed as Kaidan's hands started moving over him, the major's body rolling on top and pressing him deeper into the mattress. Kaidan's mouth moved to his neck and Shepard groaned, tilting his head back for more.

Vampire. The word brought up images of bats flying around ancient castles, of sharp fangs and flowing capes. Ridiculous images that were supposed to belong to monsters. What didn't belong was a kind smile, gentle hands, a white lab coat, eyes that looked more like golden honey or sunshine.

Charlie raked his fingers through his hair. He was a cop, trained to sift through evidence to find his answers. But none of the evidence added up to vampire.

“Why?” he needed to know. “Why did you tell me?”

“Because I care for you,” Carlisle answered.

“And you didn't, in the years you've known me?” Charlie huffed.

“Not like this.” Carlisle said it without hesitation, meeting his gaze. There was an intensity to that gaze that set Charlie's heart racing faster.

“Prove it,” Charlie insisted.

One moment, Carlisle was in front of him. Two blinks later, he was standing just behind Charlie.

“I can hear your heart,” Carlisle said into his ear. Charlie took in a sharp breath, his muscles tensing. “It always beats like that when I'm close to you,” Carlisle continued. “I tried to ignore it before, because it was never out of fear. It's... been much more difficult to ignore, lately.”

Charlie knew exactly what the doctor meant. There was a part of him that was attracted to Carlisle from the first moment he saw the man. He ignored it, didn't want to deal with feeling that way about another man—a younger married man, no less.

And now those things were no longer true. Not young, not married. And something more than a man.

“It's all right,” Carlisle was saying, his voice not so close, “if you need time.”

Charlie turned to face him. How he felt when he looked at the doctor hadn't changed. Vampire, but not monster. Carlisle could never be that. Charlie stepped closer, his hands cupping the doctor's face. His skin was so cold against Charlie's skin.

He pulled Carlisle in, and he caught a brief flash of longing before he pressed a kiss on the doctor's cold lips.

“I had two years to work up to that,” Charlie said. “I had enough time.”

He brought their faces close again, his lips working against Carlisle's until they softened and kissed back. Until the doctor was leaning into him. No doubt hearing the way Charlie's heart raced and skipped with every brush of their lips, the feel of Carlisle's body so close to his.

It was incredibly difficult to find any part of the night sky free from light pollution. They had to travel for miles, finally settling in a field. Cernan spread out the blanket before guiding Mikael over. Mikael had a little smile playing on his lips, the sort he always got when he thought he knew Cernan's plans and was still trying to let it be a surprise.

“Amazing,” Mikael breathed once they were both seated on the blanket. “Sometimes I forget just how many stars there are up there.”

“Cetus is there,” Cernan pointed. Mikael leaned in to follow the line of his finger. “And somewhere in that cluster is Tau Ceti f.”

“So you're going to be up there?”

“Maybe,” Cernan shrugged.

“You didn't bring me all the way out here for 'maybe', Grip,” Mikael said. “If you're undecided because of me...”

“No,” Cernan interrupted. “Not... entirely. It's a lot to consider.”

“I know.” Mikael rested his head on Cernan's shoulder. “I just want you to consider it for the right reasons. What it will mean to you.”

“That's an impossible thing to do,” Cernan sighed. “I can't think of just myself, but of everyone. We will carry the hope of humanity with us. Eisele may have built the ship, but I have to make sure it doesn't break down.”

“You earned that trust,” Mikael told him. “Don't be afraid of it.”

“I'm in awe of it,” Cernan replied. “At the end of it all, I'm still only one.”

“One can sometimes be enough,” Mikael said softly. He pressed a kiss to Cernan's cheek, and when he turned his head, another on his lips. “I won't ask you to decide one way or the other,” Mikael continued. “Just know I'll be waiting in the next life, wherever you choose to go.”

Cernan swallowed hard. He didn't want to think of the next life. Not while this one was still being lived. Still, he brought Mikael out here for this reason. For them to talk about the future. He wasn't sure what he would do, but he was sure of one thing.

Shepard heard the enticing sound of crackling bacon guiding him down the stairs and into the kitchen. Kaidan looked up from his spot at the stove and flashed a smile. Shepard took a moment to enjoy the sight of Kaidan in his hoodie, the shorts he threw on hugging tight to his ass and thighs. The only thing missing in the look was a bed-head, but because of Kaidan's biotics, Shepard only got to enjoy such a sight for a very short time.

“Hungry, Shepard?” Kaidan asked. His smile grew a bit more mischievous. “Or just thirsty?”

“Morning to you, too,” Shepard responded with a chuckle.

Speaking of thirsty, some coffee sounded good. He started up the machine, purposefully standing by it and waiting to give Kaidan a good view of his bare back. Unlike his boyfriend, Shepard hadn't bothered to put on anything except a pair of black boxers.

He waited, and sure enough, Kaidan's warm hand slid across his back to rest on his waist. Shepard turned, heart skipping at how close the other man's face was to his. He would never, ever get tired of the way Kaidan looked at him.

“Good morning,” Kaidan rumbled.

“Morning.” He couldn't help himself; he leaned in for a brief kiss.

“I wish you'd wait until I finished with the stove,” Kaidan sighed, kissing him again before slipping his arm away. “Last time, I nearly burned the bacon.”

“I like it extra crispy,” Shepard retorted with a smile. “Besides, I thought you liked when I watched you cook.”

“Maybe a little,” Kaidan agreed, his lip tugging up. He returned to the bacon and Shepard poured them two cups of coffee.

Shepard did his best to not distract Kaidan until the bacon was off the stove and onto plates. But once their meal was safe, he was back to getting in the biotic's space. After so many years of not being in his space, Shepard was taking all he could get. He was rewarded with another soft kiss on his lips.

“So,” Kaidan hummed when they parted. “You never answered my question. Are you hungry, or just thirsty?”

“Mostly cold. Someone stole my hoodie.”

[No longer cutting out of newness, and this has no game spoilers, so enjoy!]

Simms had a plan, but in order to execute it, she needed some back-up. She approached Cooper and Anders, requesting to speak with them in private.

“Is everything all right?” Anders asked once the three of them were alone.

“Everything's fine. I just wanted to consult with you both on something.” That made the thing sound a lot more serious and official, which Simms ruined by asking, “Have you two noticed anything about Cernan and Carter?”

“You mean the 'Zen bros'?” Cooper smirked, using Mitchell's nickname for the two men. “What about them?”

“You two know Cernan really well, and I doubt anyone on this ship knows Carter as well as me,” Simms said. “So I was just wondering if it was just me seeing it.”

“Ah.” Anders' eyebrows rose up. “Yeah, obviously Cernan is into Carter.”

“Obviously,” Cooper echoed. “Cernan talks about Carter all the time, hangs out with him in our down-time, and whenever we're all together, he tries to be sneaky about looking for Carter in the room.”

“He fails miserably,” Anders said, exchanging an amused smile with Cooper.

Simms let out a breath of relief. So she wasn't just imagining it! Of course, she got to witness four years of Carter always checking Cernan's sleeper pod first and mentioning the engineer without any prompting, so she had more reason to suspect it on at least Carter's end. It was nice to know the feeling was mutual.

“I'm glad we agree.” Simms heaved a sigh before continuing. “The problem is, I think we can also agree neither of them are going to do anything about it. Carter's been pining for four years and I don't think Cernan being awake is going to change that.”

“Cernan's not going to make the first move,” Cooper remarked. “If he noticed Carter's feelings, he hasn't said anything to me or Anders, and I don't think he'd approach Carter about it. And honestly, I'm not so sure he realizes he feels the same way. I love the guy, but as perceptive as he is about other people, he's pretty clueless about his own feelings.”

Which meant that if anything was going to happen, it would fall on Carter to start it. Simms suppressed a groan. That was never going to happen! The man was too cautious. Which was great when he grew plants, but not so in dealing with his crush.

“Seems to me,” Anders spoke up, “that they could do with a bit of help.”

Simms glanced between them. They had matching gleams in their eyes that Simms was sure had sparked in her own whenever she was plotting mischief.