The Middle Chapter

~o0o~

The next morning the Knights woke them and escorted them to the dining room for a huge breakfast. Then it was time to leave.

Sir James and Sir Leonard walked outside to the stables with them, watching as the Knights’ horses were prepared.

James hugged Sir Montgomery, telling him how much he would miss his wisdom, his humor, his ale. James hugged Sir Hikaru and told him to take care of Pavel. He hugged Pavel and asked that he guide them home safely. He wasn’t sure he wanted to hug Uhura but she left him no choice. “You really aren’t as bad as I pretend,” she whispered to him before releasing him.

With that, they mounted their horses and left, looking back at their friends until they could no longer see them.

“Regrets?” James asked Leonard.

“What would be the point?” Leonard said with a shrug. “You’ve made our bed. And I’ll lie in it.”

“Only if you want the King to kill you,” James laughed.

“True. If he isn’t good to you, I’ll kill him. And you know I can,” Leonard told him as they returned to the castle.

“Yeah. He asked if we were lovers.”

“Everyone thinks we are,” Leonard said.

“That’s fine. He also thought I was Christopher’s consort.”

“In his dreams,” Leonard laughed.

“Whatever. I wonder what we’re supposed to do now?” James said as they entered the relative darkness of the castle.

“I have no doubt that someone will be along shortly to tell us,” Leonard said as they crossed the receiving hall.

“No doubt,” James agreed. As predicted, two guards approached, looking slightly menacing, the larger one telling James that the King had sent for him, the second telling Leonard that he was to escort him to the King’s apothecary since he was claiming to be a healer, the guard clearly doubtful that it was true.

James was taken into a warm room dominated by a huge basin with inviting steam rising from it. He was instructed to remove his clothes and enter the tub, which he did, enjoying the water that surrounded him, smelling faintly of cinnamon.

When the guard decided he’d soaked long enough, he provided a towel to James. Once he was dry, the guard made him sit so that he could weld rings onto his ankles, connected by a light chain which James thought he would be able to break without much trouble unless it was sturdier than it looked. Not that he had plans to find out. The King had done as he had promised, just as James had no intention of attempting to flee from the King, chains or not.

The guard took James into what turned out to be the King’s bedroom. It was huge and luxurious and some place he could become accustom to spending time, awake or asleep. Left alone inside the bedroom, James approached the huge window overlooking the forest below. The sky was sparkling blue with no clouds, the sun shining brightly down on the world.

“You cannot escape through that window,” the King’s rich voice informed him from the area of the door.

“I have no intention of escaping,” James assured him as he turned, wearing nothing but a smile and the chain between his ankles. “I made you a promise.”

The King nodded once as he approached, studying James the entire time. From the gleam in his eye, James could tell he liked what he saw. “Yes, you are indeed beautiful.”

“Thanks,” James said, studying the King as the King did the same. “Am I to be kept naked?”

“Do you object?” the King asked.

“Not especially. Except I am easily bored. I don’t know that it is in either of our best interests for me to be confined to your bedroom,” James told him honestly.

“Point taken. Once you have been with us long enough that my Knights trust you, you will be allowed to practice with them. I have heard of your skill with a lance.” James shrugged with one shoulder, following the King’s eyes down to where he was admiring James’ very firm and very lovely erection. “Are you always so easily aroused?”

“When I’m near someone as breathtaking as you,” James agreed.

“I see. Are you saddened by the departure of your friends?”

“I’d be lying if I said no. But I gave my word and I have no intention of breaking it.”

The King nodded again, approaching to stand very close to James. “I find you intoxicating,” the King whispered against James’ lips.

“Glad it’s not just me,” James whispered back, very much hoping the King was about to kiss him. His wish was granted when the King closed the distance between them, covering James’ mouth with his warmer one, the King’s tongue exploring James’ mouth, plundering, tasting, savoring. “Mmm….” James sighed as the King kissed his neck up to his ear, one very warm hand wrapped around James’ cock. “I sure hope you have no place else to be right now,” James whispered into the King’s shoulder as he continued his delicious kisses.

“I could hardly leave you in this…condition,” the King assured him, covering James’ mouth and stealing away his breath.

“You need to stop touching me,” James said in a strained voice.

“Ah,” the King responded, removing his warm hand from James’ beautiful erection but not removing his lips from the especially delicious place where James’ shoulder and neck met.

“Thank you,” James said, regretting the loss of his touch but knowing it was for the better, at least for right now. “Please let me undress you.”

The King nodded without stopping his exploration of the cooler skin which James took for permission. James tried to concentrate solely on removing the King’s numerous layers of beautiful, dark garments but the King’s mouth and hands were making the job extremely difficult. When the King finally stood naked before James, James had to take a step back to admire his sculpted body, a lovely shade of green.

“You are beautiful,” James said, one hand on the warmth of the King’s chest, the fingers of his left hand pulling through the long black locks that flowed half-way down his back.

“Come,” the King said, holding one hand out to James and leading him to the enormous bed that dominated the left side of the room. James used the small step stool to climb onto the comfortable bed, the chains making it somewhat awkward.

“Nice,” James said in approval as he lay stretched out on the silken sheets.

“Being King has its advantages,” the King said as he leaned over to kiss James’ mouth before moving down his body, lavishing his skin with caresses that made James sure he was going to come without his erection being touched which would be an embarrassing way to begin a relationship.

“I bet it does,” James whispered against the King’s warm lips when he had returned to the luscious lips beckoning him.

“Mmm…” the King moaned into his mouth, his hips undulating in anticipation. James untangled one hand enough to stroke the King’s fine backside, the King kissing him even more thoroughly in appreciation.

“Please,” James begged, his hips lifting in need, his erection bobbing in neglected arousal. “Please.”

“Yes,” the King answered although it was not really an answer in the way that James needed it to be.

“I need you,” James whispered, pleading in his voice and he didn’t care.

“I am aware,” the King assured him. He backed up slightly, putting some distance between them which made James whimper in loss. “Shhh…” the King soothed, caressing the side of his face. “I wish to meld us. As we are intimate, it will be the beginning of the permanent bond. You must agree to this. You will not be able to take any other lover as I will know if you do.”

“I have no plans to make love with anyone else,” James promised.

The King placed his fingers in the positions he had previously used, seeking out the truth for himself. He found James’ essence warmly greeting him, wanting, needing more. And he found the truth of James’ words. The King was the person he had been looking for his whole life and he would make certain he never did anything that would threaten that which he had finally found.

James relished having the King inside with him, for the first time in his life not feeling alone, singular. He knew that his Knights loved him. That love was important but the love of the King was nourishment, necessary, as essential as the air that he was breathing.

“I do love you, as illogical as that is,” the King confirmed whether out loud or not, James could not determine and it did not matter.

“I can…see it,” James responded, allowing his essence to be surrounded by the joy that the King felt at his presence.

“Will the day come when you can say the same to me?” the King asked, not particularly concerned that James hesitated to put his feelings into those actual words.

“I hope to. I don’t have much experience in being accepted for who I am.”

The King nodded inside and out, kissing James again as he slowly removed his fingers from James’ face, his warmth and reassurance lingering. “There is oil on the table beside the bed.”

James turned around and reached for it, the King caressing his very taut and lovely backside as he found the small bottle. The King’s hand wondered lower, skimming in between James’ thighs to stroke him intimately and gently, arousing him even further. James smiled as he turned to face the King, giving him the oil and kissing the King’s welcoming mouth.

“Take me,” James pleaded.

“Yes,” the King agreed, holding one of James’ hand in his and pouring oil onto it. James followed his silent instructions, coating the King as the King kissed him everywhere he could reach.

James reluctantly left the deliciousness of the King’s mouth to go to his hands and knees, waiting impatiently as the King spread the warm oil over his opening, one delicate finger preparing him for entry. “Please,” James whispered, rocking back and forth in anticipation and hunger.

The King kissed James’ attractive backside, kissing up the nubs of his spine to his neck, biting him without marring the skin, his warm erection penetrating James body, making him moan and his words incoherent. //Yes,// the King whispered inside James’ head as he fully encased his erection inside the welcoming body below him.

//Oh,// James moaned, no actual words possible. He could not remember a time when he was as aroused or as pleasured through lovemaking. The King was skilled and caring and knew exactly where and when to touch him to bring them both the most stimulation possible.

James knew his own bliss as well as the King’s, the sensations mirrored and heightened by their duality. He was nearly overwhelmed by it all, holding onto the physical presence of the King within his body to anchor the mental sensations which threatened to sweep him away. The orgasm, when it came, was explosive and soul shattering and made him want to cry out to the gods for giving him this priceless gift, one he surely did not deserve.

//You do deserve this. And more,// the King whispered to him when they lay crumpled in a heap, basking in the glow of fulfilled desire.

“Mmm…I’m sure not going to argue that,” James said, rubbing his cheek on the King’s chest where it had ended up.

“Good,” the King said, his silent laughter rumbling under James’ ear. “You are very gifted in the art of making love, as I have heard.”

James shrugged at that, turning his head to look up at the King, his black eyes reflecting the amusement James could feel emanating from him. “I told you I have lots of experience.”

“Yes. Our lovemaking will balance out eventually,” the King said in answer to the question James hadn’t been aware he was forming.

“I don’t mind, really. I find great pleasure in being the one penetrated.”

“But you also like to be in control,” the King told him knowingly.

“Mmm…” James sighed non-committally.

“Are you falling asleep?” the King asked in some amusement.

“Yeah. Usually do. After.”

“I see,” the King responded, kissing his head. “I must leave you.”

“King stuff to do?”

“Yes,” the King laughed. “One of my guards will bring you to share lunch with me.”

“Good. ‘Bye.” James managed to pry one eye open when the King left the bed, watching him through the haze of sleep as he put his clothes back on.

“Sleep well,” the King said, kissing his head before leaving the chamber.

~o0o~

Their days followed much the same routine, James sleeping in the King’s bed, the King leaving before full light to return between breakfast and lunch to express and renew their desire. James made no attempt to control their lovemaking, content to have the King within his body.

The King would leave afterward, James getting out of bed when he was ready and putting on the rather ridiculous clothes that the King had given him. The chains had to be accommodated, the pants he was provided buttoning up the sides so that he could get them on and off with relative ease. Leonard shook his head the first time he had seen them but as long as James was well treated and happy, he was not going to make any further comments.

Leonard had settled in as the new healer, some of the King’s Knights wary of him, most welcoming his assistance. Leonard would not say he was exactly happy in his new circumstances nor would he express any displeasure. He was busy, well regarded by most, and able to spend time with James whenever he was not occupied with the King.

~o0o~

“I’m really bored,” James said to the King on a particularly hot day. He sat next to the King as Spock studied the maps spread out on the huge table before them, resting his cheek on his arm. He wore only a loin cloth, the breeches too warm for the weather, even inside the relative coolness of the castle.

“Where is Leonard?” the King asked in amusement, pulling one of the maps from beneath James’ arm.

“In the village. One of the baking sisters is going to have her baby,” James explained, watching the King study the maps. “What are you doing?”

“Determining if there will be enough water for all the regions of my realm,” the King said, picking up a smaller map to study it.

“Where is Christopher’s realm on here?” James asked, leaning closer.

“Here,” the King said, pointing to a portion of the map that was blue, the features indistinguishable.

“Oh,” James said, quickly tiring of the subject and laying his head back on his arm. “Can’t you play with me?”

The King shook his head in affectionate amusement, turning his black eyes to his bondmate. “I have an entire realm to rule. I do not have the time to amuse my little one.”

James pouted at that. “It would amuse you too.”

“It would. However, I understand my responsibilities and that precludes me from amusing myself at all hours of the day.”

James snorted at him, closing his eyes.

“Would you like to learn to read?” the King offered, still studying his beautiful bondmate.

“I can read.”

“Not in our language,” the King corrected.

“Oh. There is that,” James agreed. “Will you teach me?”

Spock, as James expected, shook his head. “No. But I will ask the person who taught me.”

“I guess I should learn to speak your language too. Not just the words you use when we are …you know.”

“I do know. And you know that those are hardly words appropriate to use in polite company.”

“Yeah,” James agreed. “When can I start lessons?”

“Go and dress in something less…revealing and return here,” the King instructed.

“Okay,” James said, standing and kissing the King on the head. Spock watched him leave before he left in the opposite direction.

When James returned to the library in full breeches and a cool tunic, the King was talking quietly with a lovely woman who looked vaguely familiar but James could not understand why that would be. He was certain he had never before seen her.

“Ah, James,” the King said, holding out one hand in invitation. James approached, taking his hand and looking at the woman with sparkling black eyes and long grey hair. She wore a light dress to accommodate the weather, blue and embroidered with delicate flowers. “This is she who is my mother.”

“Your mother?” James repeated in obvious surprise.

“Did you think perhaps I was hatched by dragons?” Spock asked, James feeling the amusement inside his head.

“No, of course not. It just never occurred to me that your mother lived in the castle.”

“He is not ashamed of me, James,” the King’s mother assured him.

“Why haven’t I met you before, ma’am?” James asked, noting that her eyebrows and ears were like his rather than the King’s. That was curious.

“You would have to ask Spock that, dear. He does things his own way for his own reasons,” she said knowingly.

“As I’ve learned, your grace,” James agreed.

“Please, dear, you should call me Amanda. We are, after all, family.”

“You knew about me?” James asked.

“Of course, dear. You have brought my son much happiness. And for that I am grateful.”

“I’m the one who is grateful, Lady Amanda,” James said with a charming smile.

She laughed at that, laying a soft hand on his arm. “Spock tells me that you wish to learn to read.”

“Yes, please,” James agreed.

“Come,” she said, taking his hand from Spock’s and leading him to the opposite side of the library, Spock following them with his eyes until he could no longer see them behind the enormous stakes of books.

Amanda paused by a low shelf, selecting a worn volume and carrying it with her to a table beneath one of the stained glass windows which depicted a Knight slaying a fierce, fire breathing dragon. “Here we are.” James sat beside her, studying her again. “I would guess that you have many questions,” Amanda said softly and warmly.

“How is I didn’t know about you? I mean, I can read his thoughts.”

“The ones he allows you to access. You know that he keeps some thoughts solely as his own.”

“Yes,” James agreed. “I guess I never thought that would include his mother.”

“Or his father?” she asked.

James shook his head. “Why don’t you eat with him…or us…or…well?”

“We lead separate lives, dear. Being the King has its inherent challenges and responsibilities. His father is one of his closest advisors but you have not been privy to their discussions.”

“No ma’am,” James agreed, studying her once more. “You don’t look a lot like Spock.”

Amanda laughed at that, a delightful sound. “I am from the same realm as you, James. Spock’s father is from this realm. Many of the natives of this realm resemble Spock more than me and you.”

“I did notice that quite a few of his Knights look like him.”

“Those native to this realm do,” she agreed. “Some citizens of our former realm have come here and married then had children of mixed heritage.”

“I don’t think I ever saw anyone who looks like Spock in Christopher’s realm.”

“They are feared as dragons, dear. They dare not venture across the border unless they wish to die there.”

“That’s unfortunate,” James said.

“It is, for both our realms.”

“Have you met Leonard, ma’am?” James asked in curiosity.

“Not yet. I hope to do so soon, on a social occasion rather than because I need him. I have heard that he is skilled at the healing arts although his manner can be….”

“Gruff?” James finished for her when she seemed disinclined to do so.

“Yes,” she laughed. “But as he is your friend, I feel certain that it is all for show.”

“Very much so,” James agreed.

“Do you miss your home, James?” she asked kindly and like someone who knew how it felt to live a place in which you were not born.

“My life wasn’t exactly happy, ma’am. I’ve known great happiness since I met your son. I guess there are some things I miss. I miss being a Knight more than I expected to.”

“One day you will be able to take your place with Spock’s Knights. Please just don’t get yourself killed. Spock would never survive.”

“I’ll be careful,” James promised with a smile, Spock’s affirmation of her words echoing in his head, warming him even more.

Amanda nodded at that, opening the volume and beginning instruction, finding James to be a quick and capable student.

“What have you been doing?” Leonard asked him later that day when they were drinking from tankards of ale, trying to cool off.

“I met Spock’s mother,” James said, laughing at the surprise on Leonard’s face. “Yeah. I know. You think it would have come up.”

“Why hasn’t it? Is she some crazy old hag that he stashes in an attic and never admits to existing?”

“On the contrary. She’s beautiful, cheerful, smart, and she likes me.”

“Then she is mentally unbalanced,” Leonard said.

“Thanks,” James laughed. “She’s from Christopher’s realm. Spock’s father is from here.”

“Interesting,” Leonard said, drinking more of his ale.

“Did the baby come?”

“Yeah. Little girl. Most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen,” Leonard said.

“Find some sweet local girl and settle down. Have a whole houseful of your own children,” James advised as he often did.

Leonard shook his head at that. “Like any woman would have me.”

“You have charm and looks and…me!”

“And why would you be an inducement for anyone to marry me?” Leonard asked.

“Cause we’d be family then. Anyone would want me for a brother.”

Leonard snorted at him, going over to the cask to refill their tankards. “So what did you and Spock’s mother talk about?”

“Amanda. She’s teaching me to read.”

“To what possible ends?” Leonard asked, sitting back by him and handing him his tankard.

“I was bored. So Spock asked her to instruct me,” James explained. “She’s also going to teach me to speak their language. The regular parts. Not the ones I already know from Spock.”

“Does he think that will keep you out of trouble?”

“I never get into trouble. Not since he and I became involved.”

“When will you finally say it?” Leonard asked, studying him with all knowing eyes.

“Say what?” James asked although he knew perfectly well what his friend meant.

“That you are in love with him. It’s not a curse, you know.”

James shook his head, standing up and stretching. “It is time for us to eat.”

“Fine,” Leonard huffed, also standing and going with him into the dining chamber. James was surprised and pleased to arrive and find Amanda already present, standing next to a tall, distinguished looking man who very much resembled Spock.

“Ah. James,” Amanda said, holding her hand out to him. “I wish for you to meet Sarek. Father of Spock.”

“Sarek,” James said with a small bow. “And this is Leonard, your grace.”

“Leonard,” Amanda said, taking both of his hands and gracing him with a light kiss. “It is delightful to finally make your acquaintance.”

“Thank you, Lady Amanda. Your grace,” Leonard said to Sarek who was watching the interactions with a mildly disapproving expression.

“Spock will be with us shortly,” Sarek said, making James wonder if Spock’s father was privy to his thoughts. He sure hoped he was wrong or he was going to have to learn a whole new inside-his-head language.

“I was surprised to learn of your…presence in the castle,” Leonard said mostly to fill in the awkward silence that had descended on them. James was usually the one who could not let the silence remain unchallenged but Leonard could see that he was preoccupied with other concerns at the moment.

“It is not much of a secret,” Amanda responded. “Once you learn to speak our language, you will hear others speak of us.”

“It is past time for you to have mastered our language,” Sarek said, again making James feel as though he was being slapped down. Really, what had he done to make Spock’s father dislike him so thoroughly and intensely? It usually took a bar brawl or a broken heart for someone to take such a complete dislike of him.

//He does not dislike you, t’hy’la,// Spock assured James. //He is, as you would say, trying to figure you out.//

//Can he read my thoughts?// James asked.

//Not unless you touch him. I will be there momentarily. You needn’t be concerned.//

//You aren’t the one he’s shooting silent arrows at,// James said, looking over at Amanda who was watching him with silent amusement. //Your mom thinks it’s hysterical.//

//She is accustom to the way Sarek interacts with others. It is his nature.//

//Please hurry. Or I am going to bolt from the room. And thanks for the warning that they’d be here.//

//I did not invite them. They decided to come. To get to know you and Leonard,// Spock said, James relaxing a fraction when the guards opened the door to allow the King to sweep in.

“Spock,” Amanda said with a smile as he crossed over to the small group.

“Mother,” Spock said, kissing her lightly on the cheek. “Father.”

“Spock,” Sarek said, looking from Spock to James and back. James could not tell what he was thinking and found that disconcerting.

“Are we ready to partake?” Spock asked, waving a hand at the table loaded and ready for them.

They generally agreed, Spock sitting at his customary place at the head of the table, James sitting to his immediate right, Leonard to his left. Amanda sat next to James and Sarek occupied the chair at the end of the table. The food, as always, was plentiful and delicious, the conversation slightly strained, James afraid he would say the wrong thing at the wrong time and once he had agreed that it would indeed be a relief when the heat wave finally broke had little else to add.

//You must relax, t’hy’la,// Spock said as James concentrated on his apple tart to the exclusion of all else. Leonard was conversing easily with Sarek, discussing the relative pain relieving merits of one root over the next. Amanda alternated between listening to that conversation and attempting to draw out James but not succeeding.

//Do you have any idea how scary your father is?// James asked, enjoying Spock’s hand that was stroking his thigh beneath the table, carefully hidden by the cloth that covered the board surface.

//Of course. It is, as you must know, for show, as is Leonard’s gruffness. Sarek does not disapprove of you.//

//I wish I were so sure. Amanda likes me. Does that help?//

//You are worrying for no reason. This is first I have experienced you being discomforted by anyone. You were more comfortable with me the first time we met.//

//I was prepared to die then. I didn’t think it’d be by your father’s hand after I was already used to the idea of living here full time. With you, I mean.//

//He wishes you no harm. He is pleased that you have provided me much pleasure.//

//Have provided? Past tense? Like I’m not going to provide it any longer? On an on-going basis?//

//You are babbling, love. You know this, correct?// Spock asked in silent amusement.

//Yeah. It’s the heat. And too many tankards of ale. I’m sorry.//

//You do not need to apologize. Dinner is nearly concluded. We will return to our chamber and you can sleep off your anxiety and your overindulgence.//

//Good,// James sighed, turning his attention to Amanda when she asked him a polite, inconsequential question which was easier to answer than he had expected. He thought he might be able to actually relax until Sarek asked him a follow-up question which he suddenly couldn’t answer if his life depended on it. Which it very well might.

“No, we never visited the ocean,” Leonard said, jumping in to fill the silence left by James’ mental absence.

“It is most delightful,” Amanda said. “Spock should arrange a time for you to go.”

“Would you accompany them, Mother? James does tend to find trouble if it does not find him first,” Spock said affectionately.

“It would be my pleasure, dear. Let me know when you would like to travel to the shore, and I will be certain that I am ready.”

“Thank you, Lady Amanda,” Leonard said with a bright smile.

“Of course,” she responded, watching with the others as Spock stood, indicating that the meal was at an end.

“Stay if you choose. I will be retiring for the evening,” Spock announced, looking over at James, certain that he too was ready to retire. James stood, putting his hand into Spock’s and nodding to the King’s parents and Leonard before leaving behind the dining chamber and the faintly disapproving expression of Sarek.

“Thanks,” James said as they made their way up to their bedroom.

“Your thanks are unnecessary, t’hy’la. I do not wish for you to be discomforted by the presence of my father. You will become accustom to him.”

“Oh lord. Does that mean he’ll be around now?” James asked trying very hard not to whine as much as he wanted to.

“He is my father,” Spock reminded him as he opened his bedroom door so that they could enter. “Are you ready for bed?”

“What are you doing? Are you coming?” James asked hopefully as Spock unbuttoned the legs of his pants for him.

“For a short while. Then there are matters which I must see to before I sleep.”

“’Kay. I really like your mom. Did I remember to tell you that?” James asked as he climbed naked into the cool bed sheets.

“I could feel your affection for her. She also enjoys your company,” Spock confirmed, standing beside the bed to look at his bondmate with affection in his eyes.

“Leonard asked me today why I never say that I…uhm…how I feel about you,” James said, studying Spock. “Do you mind that I never say it?”

“I know of your feelings, love. I do not need the words which you are not yet prepared to give to me.”

“Good. I would like to say them but…not yet.”

“You will when it is time,” Spock agreed, undressing under James’ watchful and appreciative eye. When he was also refreshingly naked, he joined James on the silk sheets, kissing him breathless.

“Uhn…” James moaned in need, reaching up to kiss him again. “I crave you.”

“I am well aware of what you want,” Spock assured him, stretching out full on top of him, their bodies slippery from the sweat that was coating their skin even before they engaged in more intimate activities. “You are very beautiful,” Spock said, leaning up on his elbows to gaze down at the sparkling blue eyes of his bondmate.

“Am I?” James asked absently, staring up at Spock’s lush lips. “Kiss me.”

“Mmm…” Spock agreed, covering James’ mouth with his own, taking his breath, exploring his teeth, tongues battling for dominance. When Spock released James’ mouth so that he could breathe, Spock kissed down the cooler body, biting him as he went until he reached his pink nipples, hard and waiting for Spock. James gasped when Spock bit his nipple, arching his back in need. Spock turned to the other one, licking and biting it until they were both tender and swollen.

“I’m going to come,” James moaned, using his hands to encourage Spock lower on his body. His erection needed attention or he was going to have to take care of it himself.

“Oh no, my beauty,” Spock said, using one hand to hold both of James’ over his head. “You are not touching yourself.”

“Damn telepath,” James groaned, lifting his hips to rub his erection between Spock’s heated mounds.

//You usually have no complaints,// Spock said, returning to his kisses, leaving a hot trail down to the curls at the base of James’ yearning erection.

//Please stop teasing me,// James begged.

Spock did not respond, looking up at him as he went lower on James’ writhing body. James gasped when Spock licked across his weeping erection, his black eyes drinking in the wonton need on his bondmate’s face.

//I’ll pay you back,// James promised, lifting his hips once more in a desperate plea for relief.

Spock laughed internally at him, taking James’ erection into his mouth, rewarded with the moans of pleasure James could not control and would not have if he were able.

//Good gods you are talented,// James managed to project through the torrent of sensations being created by Spock’s hot mouth and tongue that knew just where and how to touch him to maximize his pleasure.

//Practice, my love.//

//Lucky me,// James responded, his chained feet moving up and down the bed in rhythm to Spock’s attention, his hands obediently over his head. When Spock increased the suction, James erupted into his mouth, Spock taking it all greedily.

//Will you turn over for me?// Spock requested as he licked James clean.

//You don’t want paybacks?//

“I want to be encased in your beautiful body,” Spock told him, nibbling on his thighs as he waited for James to recover.

//Mmm…// James agreed, waiting as Spock moved aside so that he could roll onto his stomach, a pillow beneath his hips to position him at the best angle for Spock’s enjoyment.

“You are very lazy,” Spock said as he kissed up the back of James’ thighs, laving his perfectly formed backside.

“Yeah,” James agreed, his hands beneath his cheek, his bottom lifting on its own. “I wouldn’t be if my ankles were free.”

Spock bit him lightly, not otherwise addressing his comment. James did not especially care if his ankle remained chained except that eliminated some of his favorite positions for sex. He felt Spock reach over him for the oil, twisting to watch him coat his erect, flushed green penis, happy he was about to have it inside his body.

“You know I love when you make love to me,” James said in a breathless voice, his eyes sparkling in anticipation.

“I do know,” Spock agreed, laying over him and easing his erection into James’ receptive body. James moaned, the intense heat always welcome and surprising. The pleasure Spock provided James had left him on the brink and all too soon James felt Spock erupt inside of him, Spock thrusts slowing then stopping.

“Mmm…” James moaned, turning his head to kiss Spock’s panting mouth. “I guess you don’t mind so much that I’m lazy.”

“Not in the least,” Spock agreed, kissing his warm face. “I will get us some water when I have caught my breath.”

“’Kay,” James agreed, turning onto his side when Spock rolled off of him, reaching over to kiss the warm lips that were still parted in an effort to get enough air into his lungs. Spock’s cheeks were covered with a warm green blush, his lips swollen and damp, his hair in disarray. James thought he had never seen him more beautiful.

//You are also beautiful,// Spock said, reaching over to kiss James’ smiling mouth. //Always.//

“Thanks,” James said, the smile reflected in his eyes.

Spock took a deep breath and reluctantly left the bed, feeling James’ eyes on him the entire time. James gratefully drank the cool water, returning the glass to Spock before laying back on his pillow.

“Hurry,” James requested, looking up at him.

“I will join you shortly,” Spock promised, kissing his forehead before going over to his desk where he had to watch James fall asleep before he could turn his full attention to the work that was always waiting for him.

It was some time later that Spock joined James in bed, reassuring him with a kiss and a warm arm draped over his stomach.

~o0o~

The Final Chapter