Transposition
Epilogue
Still slightly damp from the shower, Radittsu dropped down onto the bed - which creaked alarmingly - and settled on his back with a satisfied sigh, arms behind his head on the pillow. Sulu stretched and rolled over to lie on top of the Saiyan, forearms resting on the broad muscular chest as he kissed a corner of the smirking mouth.
"Good training session?"
"Hai."
"Did you kill anyone?"
Radittsu raised an eyebrow, then slapped his lover stingingly across his naked backside with his tail. Sulu yelped and bit his jaw.
"Don't do that!"
A strong hand slid down his back to cup a buttock, fingers teasing between his legs, and the helmsman groaned. Radittsu nuzzled silky black hair.
"Shall I stop?"
Wriggling as the Saiyan's rigid erection pressed against him, he chuckled.
"Perhaps not..."
An hour later, pleasantly weary - and a little sore on Sulu's part - the human nestled sleepily against his larger partner's warm strong body. Radittsu kissed his forehead.
"Do you regret my appearance?"
"No, I think you're beautiful..."
Radittsu sighed and flicked his inkei gently, tail immediately curling around the flesh comfortingly.
"I mean, my appearing in your world... do you miss your friend?"
Sulu sobered.
"Yes, I miss him. I still feel guilty. But I don't regret you. Never that."
Radittsu pulled him a little closer.
"I am glad."
"Do you regret it?"
The Saiyan considered the question, then shook his head.
"I was the weakest of my people's survivors - weakest of the warriors in Frieza's forces, just about. Looked down on by everyone, even my own kind. Punished for the least infraction." He sighed. "Admittedly, I could kill with impunity there, unlike here. But no, in the main I would very much rather be here." He nipped Sulu's nose lightly. "You are also a reason for my preference."
"I'm glad to hear that!" Sulu settled his head on the broad shoulder. "And you're OK coping with us frail humans?"
"I think I can manage."
"... are you happy?"
Radittsu laughed, a deep rumbling sound, and pulled the helmsman up for a forceful kiss.
"Yes, little human. I am happy. It is not something I had ever expected, but it is a good feeling."
"I'm glad." Sulu settled himself again, one hand buried in the thick mane. "I am too."
"I know. I can scent it..."
Smiling happily, Sulu drifted into sleep.
"Do you miss them?"
Chekov turned from the viewport and smiled at the slightly anxious face at his shoulder.
"Da. A little. But I am happy."
Zaabon wrapped long arms around the Russian's body and nestled against his back: Chekov nestled back into the embrace. Happy didn't really describe it adequately - he felt cherished, wanted and respected here. He enjoyed his work, had acquired a variety of friends, once the station personnel had grown used to him being part of their odd little family. And Zaabon and Garak had made him feel so welcome, so loved...
He had taken time to search through Starfleet's records to find out what had become of his old shipmates, slightly startled to find that Sulu had taken up with the Saiyan in what had become a lifetime partnership. But his old friend was obviously happy and contented, which was good as far as he was concerned. He'd been alarmed by Zaabon's reaction to the image of Radittsu, though - the alien's eyes had widened, then he'd hissed angrily, fisted hand slamming against the screen. Then the Russian realised the golden eyes were wet with tears.
"I know him!"
Chekov had hastened to try to comfort his lover, pulling the lovely face to his shoulder and stroking soft emerald hair.
"Did he hurt you?"
"I... I can't remember..."
"Shall ve try to find out? There must be some records somevhere about him."
Zaabon shook his head, face still buried against the human.
"No... no..." He turned to take another look at the Saiyan, face twisting with what looked oddly like grief to Chekov, then cuddled against the human again. "Please, make it go away."
He'd discussed the event with Garak, later. The Cardassian had been concerned - anything that upset either of his lovers worried him - but as Zaabon had, as often happened with things that disturbed him, forgotten about the incident as soon as it was over, they'd both agreed not to mention it again. To anyone. Although Chekov couldn't help but wonder what had happened, all those years ago. Radittsu had obviously had a considerable effect on their Zaabon for him to be able to remember the Saiyan...
But in the main their alien was happy and contented, and Chekov and Garak did their best to keep him that way. Not that it was particularly difficult.
Zaabon nibbled his earlobe.
"Is it time for bed?"
Chekov laughed and swivelled to kiss soft blue lips.
"No, but I'm sure an early night wouldn't do us any harm."
The alien smiled and snuggled closer, then flipped the Russian into his arms and flew them both to the bed. As Zaabon peeled his clothes swiftly from his body, Chekov wondered fleetingly what it would be like to make love in mid-air...
Later, with Zaabon buried deeply in his body while Garak thrust into the alien from behind, he decided he didn't really need to know - this was about as close to heaven as he needed to be.
And while he knew their life on DS9 couldn't last forever, he was going to make damned sure they all stayed together when the time came to leave. Somewhere, he was sure, there was a planet with their name on it...
© 2006 June 3rd Joules Taylor
