"Ellis? Are you all right, lovely lad?" Moira was peering anxiously at him through the parted bed-curtains.
"Yeah, fine." Ellis smiled weakly, "Just got so bored I took myself to bed."
"Well you rest there, I'll be along shortly."
Ellis was half-dozing when the madam snuggled into his back, a hand draped idly over his hip as she planted soft kisses along his shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Moi," Ellis' regret was genuine, "I'm exhausted."
"Ah, that's all right," Moi nuzzled the back of his neck, "you're probably wore out from all the anxiety, poor love."
"Yeah, that must be it," Ellis was glad his friend had come up with her own explanation, he had no idea what reason he could've given her if she'd asked for one.
"Well, see how you are after you've had some sleep," Moira chuckled, reaching over to stroke his lax penis. "Not wanting to force your hand, so to speak, Ellis, but it's not often I get to play." She giggled, nestling in close to him, "All this sex about but none of it for me – I'm too busy running the business!"
"What about Keil?" it was out before Ellis was conscious he'd spoken. There was a tight silence behind him.
"Keil doesn't mix business and pleasure - so he says." Moi was very quiet.
"Then he's an idiot." Ellis growled, sensing his friend's hurt.
"Ah, doesn't matter," Moi kissed the back of his neck again, her next words slurring as she drifted towards sleep. "There are bigger devils than him to be in business with."
Tired as he was Ellis lay awake long after Moira had gone to sleep. Keil didn't mix business and pleasure?
What was he then?
Stupid question, Ellis shifted irritably, it was business obviously, a simple transaction. Then why did the thought niggle him so much?
Because it hadn't felt like a business transaction, not entirely...
Ellis had been standing scowling in the middle of Moira's small parlour, arms crossed defiantly over his chest when Keil quietly let himself in that evening.
"Good evening, Allison."
"Fuck you."
The Sou'kahn chuckled.
"Not this time, little lady."
Ellis forced himself not to flinch when Keil lifted his hand, glaring warily as the big male picked up an edge of his trailing, silky scarf and carefully tucked it around the lower half of his face.
"Let's not give anyone too close a look at you." There was a possessiveness about the Sou'kahn's smile that Ellis didn't much like the look of. "Let's go."
With his arm linked through Keil's in apparent ease - but in reality locked in place with no chance of pulling away - Ellis reluctantly left Moira's apartment. The young male kept his eyes lowered during the short walk to the Sou'kahn's living quarters only partly because he was attempting to hide his identity. The town was currently under attack by one of Midit's frequent wind storms and the fine grit that covered most of the planet's parched surface was being channelled forcefully through the broad streets. It stung like fuck against the uncovered portions of Ellis' face, and he could feel his eyelashes and the fine creases in his skin filling up with dust. Keil, he noticed, was wearing protective goggles. Bastard! Didn't think to bring a spare pair, did he? Ellis added that to his list of grievances against Moira's business partner.
The Sou'kahn was greeted cordially by the few beings they encountered on the way. It was obvious he was well known here but not liked, if the coolly cautious respect he was accorded was anything to go by. Keil didn't bother to introduce his 'friend' to any of them, something Ellis should've been grateful for but perversely found irritating as it as good as stamped on his forehead his status as the big man's 'companion of the hour'. Not that there was much time for such pleasantries, not with the wind howling against them as abrasive as an industrial rasp. Keil quickly led Ellis along several blocks of dusty, pre-fab grey metal and polymer buildings, generally two storeys high and only distinguishable from one another by the large numbers painted prominently on each corner. Without warning, Keil abruptly tugged Ellis through into the relative calm of a nondescript hallway. The Sou'kahn peeled his goggles off, absently tucking them into a pocket of his coveralls. He looked down at Ellis with eyes that glowed like old embers.
"Welcome home."
A tall, angular standard human male greeted Keil politely at the door of what Ellis assumed was the Sou'kahn's apartment. His dull, black hair was short and neat, his dull, dark sand coloured skin was clean and good grief, was that a pressed-in crease down the front of his coverall's legs? Who pressed coveralls? He pointedly didn't look at Ellis.
"Your meal is ready for you, sir - " the servant began.
"You can leave, Marot," Keil cut him off.
"Thank you, sir."
Marot bowed deeply but Ellis caught a glimpse of angry, steel grey eyes; it didn't lessen his apprehension one bit.
Keil shut and locked the door behind his stiff-spined servant. He turned to Ellis and pointed at a partially opened doorway.
"In there - "
"I don’t even get a drink first?" the young male sneered - he'd glimpsed a neatly made bed through the doorway.
" - is some washing water." Keil went on as though Ellis hadn't spoken. "Get that gunk off your face while I find you some decent clothes." He whipped the scarf away from Ellis' head. "I find nothing appealing about men in women's clothing."
Unable to muster a reply to that save a frosty glare, Ellis stalked off into the bedroom. It was a large room, twice the size of Moi's and stark in comparison. A large, plain bed, low to the bare floor, and a solidly built but again plain, high-backed chair were the room's only furniture.
So where was the water? Ellis stood with hands on hips, frowning at the two doors side by side in one wall. Moi's bathroom and closet were in that configuration as well so, in theory... Ellis gently pressed his palm to one of the doors, smirking to himself as the bathroom was revealed. Again, it was bigger than Moi's allotted space and Ellis stared hungrily at the large shallow bowl set into the floor, big enough that he'd almost be able to lie-down. Water was precious here - having something that could serve as a bath was an obvious symbol of Corrim Keil's wealth. Ellis licked his lips; it seemed a lifetime since he'd been even partially immersed in water.
"I'll let you use it," Keil's thrumming half-purr in his ear sent goose bumps shivering down Ellis' spine, "if you're very good."
Ellis' sneer wasn't as firm as he would have liked as he shrugged away from the Sou'kahn.
"Here," Keil tossed some clothing at him. "Don't be too long, your food will go cold."
Soon, without the make-up and dressed as a male again but not feeling any less vulnerable, Ellis edged his way out to the main room. Keil was lounging comfortably in his chair, two plates of something that made Ellis' nose twitch in appreciation set on the table in front of him, along with two slender glasses filled with a pale red liquid – wine, he assumed.
"What? No candles?"
Keil chuckled.
"I can get some if you want."
"Don't bother," Ellis drawled, slouching down in to the vacant chair, "I'm not here to be seduced."
Keil's expression become shuttered, losing the hint of easy good-humour Ellis belatedly recognised.
"No, you're not."
Ellis silently cursed his smart mouth; antagonising Keil wasn't going to make things easier for him.
"Eat." The Sou'kahn ordered, picking up his fork.
"This is really good," Ellis said after a few mouthfuls. The chunks of meat – whatever animal it had been – were satisfyingly rich, mixed with chunks of nameless vegetable matter in a tasty dark sauce.
"Marot has his uses." Keil was dismissive, shovelling forkfuls of food into his mouth.
The two men finished their meal in silence, Keil apparently giving his full attention to his food. Ellis snuck brief glances at his... host. With the edge of terror blunted by the meal – and the fact he hadn't been shoved face first down onto the floor as soon as he got into the apartment – Ellis let himself relax finally. His memory hadn't been wrong, Keil was as attractive as he'd remembered.
No, not attractive – Ellis frowned – compelling.
The young man flushed at Keil's amused look, realising he'd been staring.
"Finished?" the Sou'kahn asked.
"Yes," Ellis replied more quickly than he'd intended, his heart in his throat.
"Good. Come with me..."
Ellis divided his attention between the bedroom door - it was closed – and the Sou'kahn male efficiently stripping in front of him.
"Get undressed," Keil ordered brusquely, "we don't have that much time if you want to get back before Moira's finished for the night."
Oh shit, Moi. Ellis didn't like to think what her reaction would be if she got back and he wasn't there. The young male fixed his eyes on the floor and started to shrug out of his coveralls.
"Stop sulking," Keil almost sounded amused. Ellis risked a glimpse at him and froze, involuntarily staring. Holy shit the man was huge! Not just the size of his… rigging – though that was scary enough – but all of him. Ellis shivered apprehensively, he'd already had a demonstration of the Sou'kahn's strength, there'd be nothing he could do if Keil decided to play rough.
Keil chuckled richly and Ellis blushed and dropped his gaze again.
"Don't worry, I have no intention of damaging you," the Sou'kahn prowled the few paces to stand – tower – over Ellis.
"That makes me feel so much better." The slighter male grated, troubled that Keil could apparently read him so easily.
Ellis quickly tugged off the rest of his clothes and stood naked and defiant in front of his antagonist, hands on hips as he glared up at the coolly amused man.
"Well, come on, let's get this over with." he growled, substituting irritation for unease.
Keil smirked and reached down to wrap a hand around Ellis' genitals. The young male swallowed – he was well built, proportionally, but his cock was swallowed up in that huge paw.
"I'm not going to hurt you," Keil rumbled, beginning again that gently maddening kneading that'd almost shut Ellis' brain down on their previous meeting. Ellis tipped his head back as he tried to fight the arousal - but Keil was just too damn proficient. Lips parted and eyes half-closed with growing pleasure, Ellis gave in...
And now, hiding in Moi's canopied bed, the madam's deep, even breathing sounding quietly behind him, Ellis couldn't fall asleep for thinking about what Keil had done to him. And that summed it up precisely - what had been done to him. There'd been nothing mutual about it, no give and take; Ellis hadn't been given a choice in what happened even though he'd not actually been penetrated. And what the fuck was going on there? The Sou'kahn had been blatantly aroused but except for a brief moment when he'd slid that tantalising heat between Ellis' buttocks he'd not made any attempt to fuck him. Aqua eyes narrowed in uneasy confusion – Keil hadn't come either, even though he'd gone out of his way to make sure Ellis did. The young blond sighed, he supposed he should be grateful that Keil had seemed to enjoy getting him off, but it would've been nice to feel like he'd been part of the process. But still, there'd been moments when he'd not felt like an object, when he could've almost convinced himself he was seeing a depth in amber eyes...
Ellis gently squeezed his erection, quietly astounded he was able to muster the energy. Keil had wrung three climaxes out of him and his youth and recuperative powers notwithstanding, the last had turned his muscles to jelly. It'd been some little time before he was able to drag himself back into his disguise. The bastard Sou'kahn, naturally, hadn't appeared to have any problems but then he'd hardly exerted himself, had he? Ellis scowled: and it wasn't over yet - Keil had lied. When the Sou'kahn stealthily deposited him at Moira's door he'd leant down, bringing his lips close to Ellis' ear and whispered that he'd see him again tomorrow night... What little energy Ellis had left was promptly consumed in futile indignation. Futile, because he knew there was nothing he could do or say to make Keil change his mind. The big bastard had him exactly where he wanted.
The next night the Sou'kahn materialised on Moira's doorstep a bare couple of minutes after the Madam had left for her evening's work. Ellis scowled at him from behind his silky veil.
"Not wasting any time, are you?"
Keil merely smirked and offered his arm to the young man, a parody of chivalry.
The night unfolded in almost exactly the same manner as before. Keil dismissed his servant before 'requesting' Ellis get changed, then they finished their civilised meal and went through to the bedroom. The difference this time - after his second climax - Ellis had glared down at Keil from his position kneeling astride the man's broad chest and asked when he was going to get around to fucking him.
"When you beg me." was the smirked reply.
"Hah, like that's ever going to happen!" Ellis scoffed, then shivered as a broad finger gently explored the delicate skin between his balls and anus.
"You will." Keil's smirk had grown insufferably smug and that alone was enough to make the blond grit his teeth and do his damnedest to resist his tormentor's skill.
Boneless, Ellis sprawled on the bed and silently cursed his lack of willpower. Keil, damn the big orange bastard, was already dressed and once again appearing cool and composed. His lips though – if you looked closely – seemed a little fuller, a little… used. The Sou'kahn hadn't just relied on his hands this time. He'd employed that mouth in conjunction with those fingers to devastating effect. Ellis swallowed, tearing his gaze away from the broad face.
"Get moving, Allison, time to go home."
"I can't move, you've killed me."
Ellis pouted: he didn't appreciate being laughed at.
"Why are you doing this?" he grumbled.
"Doing what?" Keil tossed his bundle of clothes on the bed.
"This," Ellis indicated his limp form, "getting me off all the time but not doing anything for yourself?"
The Sou'kahn smirked.
"Because you're so entertaining, little flower. Besides, who says I'm not getting anything out of it?"
"You've never come."
"Youth." Keil rolled his eyes to the ceiling. "Orgasm isn't the be all and end all of gratification."
"I don't understand – "
"No, you probably wouldn't, you shallow little pisser." Ellis flinched away from Keil's growl. "Sex isn't solely about stimulating your prick!"
"Well, that's what you're doing to me!" Ellis retorted hotly.
"Because subtlety would be wasted on you!" Keil was looming over him now. "I could keep you on edge for hours, without touching you, until you're ready to come at the sound of my voice alone. But no," he made a sound of disgust, "you can't think past your genitals." He turned his back on him. "Get dressed."
Ellis didn't like being belittled, either, and he sensed something distressingly final about the set of Keil's shoulders.
"Are… are you done with me?"
"Yes." The Sou'kahn spoke without hesitation. "I won't trouble you again."
It was as fine night as possible given Midit's appalling weather. With his arm secured again in the crook of Keil's elbow Ellis walked beside his escort in uncomfortable silence. He got the feeling he'd screwed up badly, but for the life of him he couldn't say how, and why the fuck should it matter? It did leave the situation hanging though; would the Sou'kahn hand him over now that he'd lost interest? Even if Keil didn't turn him in the longer he hung around here the more likely it was he'd be caught, and then Moi'd be neck deep in shit as well. It was imperative he find a way off this rock. The tension was making his heart race and his palms sweat: behind the silky veil Ellis scowled. Dammit, he wasn't built to be the responsible one!
"Evening, Keil. Nice night for a walk."
The male's voice was deep and self-confident, perhaps even a touch arrogant – definitely inebriated. Ellis kept his head down.
"Verlang." the Sou'kahn nodded to him and continued on.
"See you at the committee tomorrow."
Ellis snuck a glance up at the broad man as he passed...
"What is it?" Keil's question was pitched low: Ellis' fingers were suddenly digging tightly into his forearm.
"That's him," the young blond swallowed, whispering. "That's the man I saw in the alley!"
"What alley?"
"The alley where the other one was murdered." Ellis breathed deeply, fighting down the edge of panic.
The Sou'kahn's orange eyes narrowed.
"Don't say anything else until we get back to Moi's."
A few minutes later they were standing in the madam's parlour with the door firmly shut behind them. Keil quickly checked the rest of the apartment – they were definitely alone.
"Tell me everything that happened. Don't leave anything out."
Shaking a little from reaction, Ellis retold his story of the events after his arrival on Midit.
"Why are you so sure it's Verlang." Keil pressed when he'd finished. "It was night and the lights aren't good in that sector."
"Oh, it was him." Ellis growled. "I'd recognise that hook nose anywhere. And – " he caught his breath, "He was wearing the same badge, pin-thing." he gestured vaguely at his throat, where he'd glimpsed a triangular, distinctive piece of metal securing the man's utilitarian scarf.
"Are you sure?" Keil towered over him.
"Yes, I'm sure!" the blond spat, fuming. "Why do you keep asking me?"
"Because Verlang is 2IC of the terra-forming corporation here. He looks after the Company's interests."
Ellis stared, then threw up his hands.
"Oh, fucking great! No-one's going to believe me over him!"
Keil's smirk was unpleasant.
"The Company may be God here but individuals are not immune to the law. Will you be all right?" the Sou'kahn was headed for the door.
"Um, yes." Ellis scrubbed his hands through his hair, suddenly very tired. "I guess."
"Good. I'll see you later."
The young male glowered at the broad back as Keil left the apartment. Later? Fuckit, was this another of his games? I'm done with you – I'll see you later. He was too numb and weary though to do more than continue to glare resentfully at the closed door.
Soon after daybreak the next morning Corrim Keil strode into the cluttered space that housed Midit One's handful of independent law-enforcement officers.
"Is Nao in?" the Sou'kahn asked the junior staffing the front desk. "Tell him it's Keil."
"I... I'll check, sir, Mr Keil." The officer was very new, and her eyes went round at the sheer size of the orange-skinned man facing her. She made the call then smiled tremulously up at him. "Captain Nao is in, sir, and he'll see you now."
Keil gave her a wink that had her blushing as she opened the security door for him.
"Morning, Keil." Captain Sa Nao indicated the empty chair at his desk. "What can I do for you?"
"Any progress on Provid's murder?"
"Why?" Nao leant back in his chair, expression carefully neutral.
"I've heard a whisper it was Verlang did the deed."
"What?" Nao barked out a laugh, "Gus Verlang?"
"There was bad blood between him and Provid."
"A year ago." Nao shook his head. "That was cleared up."
Keil quirked an eyebrow.
"Are you sure? There's a lot goes on behind closed doors, Nao, when folks don't want the law involved."
The dark man humphed.
"There is that."
"Who raised the alarm?"
Nao paused, unblinking.
"Verlang." he admitted.
"And how far away from the scene is Verlang claiming he was?"
"Ten metres."
"So there'd be no trace of Provid's blood on him, or his clothes..." Keil grinned at the captain's sour look. "Though far be it from me to tell you how to do your job." He made to leave. "Let me know how it goes."
Nao sighed and shot the man a wry grin.
"Oh you'll hear all about it if I've fucked up."
"Be careful how you go," Keil was serious. "Even if he's guilty Verlang'll have some muscle behind him – legal and otherwise."
"I'll be careful, and naturally," Sa Nao grinned, "I didn't hear any of this from you..."
Ellis had slept poorly and he woke up feeling bedraggled and irritable.
"What's the matter, lovely boy?" Moi was concerned, this snappishness was unlike her young friend.
He bit back what he was going to say, opting for a forced smile instead.
"I'm sick of just... hanging around like this."
"I know, lovely." The madam gently patted his cheek. "Won't be for much longer I'm sure."
Ellis gazed at his friend, aqua eyes dark and sombre.
"I'm sorry you got messed up with this, Moi."
"Ah, what sort of friend would I be if I'd turned you away, eh?" Moira sat beside him on the bed, wrapping a comforting arm around his shoulder and pulling him to her. Tired, feeling vulnerable, Ellis found himself overwhelmed by the madam's affectionate support. The urge to spill his guts to her – tell her everything about Keil, about Verlang – was acute.
"Moi..."
"Yes, lovely?" she brushed a kiss over his tousled hair.
"... Thank you." He couldn't tell her, not yet, not while there was so much to be resolved.
"You're welcome, Ellis." Moira's eyes were suspiciously bright. "Oh, look at the time! I have to get ready!" she leapt off the bed and began to bustle about, carefully avoiding his gaze. Ellis half-smiled, Moi had never been one to wallow in slushy sentimentality.
There was a knock on the door, startling them both. Ellis silently scrambled back under the bedclothes while the madam dragged on her powder-pink dressing gown, then pulled the bed-curtains closed.
"Coming! Coming!" she bellowed crossly as a second, more insistent round of knocking was heard. "Give a girl a chance to get decent!"
Moira had shut the bedroom door behind her but Ellis clearly heard her surprised, "Keil!"
"Is he in the bedroom?" the Sou'kahn demanded, his heavy tread muffled slightly by the carpet in the parlour.
"There's no one here but me – "
"Don't lie to me, woman."
Ellis froze, heart pounding: had Keil come to drag him off to whatever passed for the law on this miserable planet? The bastard! A hint of steel flashed in bright eyes: if he had to go down, he'd go down fighting!
The bed-curtains were flung open.
"There you are."
Ellis growled at the smugly triumphant Sou'kahn.
"What's going on?" Moira's voice sounded shrilly from behind Keil's broad back.
Keil ignored her, scowling instead at Ellis.
"You think I've come to turn you in?" His eyes narrowed to ember slits. "I've never backed out on a deal."
"Then why are you here?" the blond was matching him scowl for scowl while trying hard to squash his superstitious fear that the Sou'kahn could read his fucking mind.
"Yes, why are you here?!" Moira elbowed past his muscular bulk to add her glare to the onslaught.
"Let me get a fucking word in edgeways and I'll tell you!" Keil roared, effectively silencing the other two. "Verlang's been arrested, Ellis," he went on in a more reasonable tone of voice, "and you need to give your side of the story."
The young male blinked but before he could open his mouth to speak, Moira leapt in, hands planted squarely on her hips.
"Wisht, wait." She glowered. "Pretend I'm an idjit and have no idea what the fuck is going on!"
Ellis shoved his hand through his hair.
"After you told him your sister was here, Keil broke into your apartment once you'd gone to work... "
"I didn't 'break in'," the Sou'kahn was affronted, "I've got keys."
"And why do you have keys to my apartment, Corrim Keil?" Moi's voice was edging upwards dangerously.
"Why wouldn't I?" he smirked.
"You miserable, bog-sucking lowlife – "
"Can I continue?" Ellis snapped, cutting short what looked to be a splendid rant. Moira took a deep breath and folded her arms across her soft bosom.
"So, after he'd broken in…" she directed a vicious glare at her business partner, "Then what?"
"Then he cornered me, found out I wasn't your sister, and..." Ellis faltered, flushing.
"And?" Moira prompted, more curious than indignant now.
"And then I said if he was nice to me I wouldn't turn him in." Keil rumbled, grinning.
"You unprincipled sewer-rat!" the madam turned on him, punched his arm as hard as she could. "I always knew you were a bastard, Keil, but I never thought you'd be one to take advantage of a frightened child!"
"I'm not a child!" "Ellis is not a child."
"All th' same," she growled, "a gentleman would've offered to help!"
"Since when have I ever claimed to be a gentleman?"
"Fucking shut up, the pair of you!" Ellis growled. "The point is, Moi, as we were coming back here the second night..."
"The second night? Just what...?" the madam snapped her teeth shut at the impatient malevolence in the look Ellis shot her. "Go on."
"We passed a man. I recognised him as the murderer."
"Verlang." Keil added with an evil smile.
"Gus Verlang?" Moira blinked. "Are you – "
"Yes I'm sure!" Ellis huffed, glaring at Keil. "And how did Verlang come to be arrested, I wonder?"
The Sou'kahn merely smirked.
"Get dressed." he said, "And don't worry about the girly clothes this time..."
Ellis hated dealing with the authorities, no matter who they were. It was a hangover from his not-so-distant youth, he supposed, where he'd spent considerable time and energy inventing ways to dodge his formal schooling. Not to mention the sorts of trouble an idle young man could get into.
Captain Nao had been polite but firm, relentlessly forcing Ellis to dredge up every last speck of detail he could remember about the 'incident' until he felt as limp and drained as a poorly prepared salad. Eventually though it was over and Ellis was returned to a holding cell. This was for his own protection, not because Nao thought he was guilty, and anyway the door wasn't locked. He could walk out any time he wanted though that wasn't something he felt inclined to do. Feelings were still running high in the colony and Ellis didn't trust someone not to avenge the killing first and ask questions later. Besides, the food was good here, supplied as it was by Keil. The big man even took the trouble to bring in the meals himself.
"Why are you feeding me?"
The Sou'kahn paused in uncovering the stay-warm tray and quirked an eyebrow.
"You'd rather eat pre-packaged muck?"
"No, of course not," Ellis snapped, "But I'm feeling beholden to you and I don't like that."
"Independent little tough, aren't you?" Keil smirked. "And yes, you are beholden to me. I'm the reason you'll be walking free."
"After blackmailing me into sex."
Astonishingly, the Sou'kahn looked uncomfortable for a second. If Ellis hadn't been watching his face he wouldn't have noticed the fleeting expression and while he normally would've jumped on any sign of weakness now, for once, he held his words and waited.
"All right, we're even." The statement was delivered with a surliness that wasn't quite hidden by an offhanded nonchalance. Ellis regarded his companion sceptically.
"What do I owe you for the food, then?"
Keil's smirk returned with predatory force.
"One night in my company. A full night – dusk 'til dawn."
Ellis snorted a laugh as a sneaky curl of arousal coiled low in his gut.
"I'm still not going to beg."
Keil handed him a bowl of thick soup and leered.
"We'll see…"
Ellis was released without fuss early the following day. He was handed his bag – the one he'd dropped in the alley during the confusion – and advised not to leave the planet yet as his testimony would be needed at the trial. He thanked Nao – for a lawman the captain was a decent guy – then stepped past the toughened barrier that separated the holding cells from the office.
The blond scowled, his good mood fizzling out in a wash of aggravation. Keil was waiting for him.
"What? It's not night yet."
"I'm aware of that," the Sou'kahn's smile was devilish, "but good to see you've remembered the details of our arrangement."
Ellis continued scowling, all too conscious of the young female officer watching their exchange with undisguised interest. Keil continued:
"As it is I don't have the time to entertain you at the moment – " he imbued the word entertain with a leering suggestiveness that brought a crimson hot flush to Ellis' face, " – so I'm leaving you at Moi's."
"I can find my own way, thanks." Ellis responded icily.
"You won't know the way."
"I can ask someone." Ellis turned with deliberation to the young officer and afforded her a blinding smile. "Excuse me, would you be able to give me directions to The Slipper?"
The woman's eyes widened under the onslaught of charm.
"Certainly, sir," her tongue flickered out to wet her lips. "I can print you a map..."
The wind was sharp and bitter, and Ellis was grudgingly half glad that in his pride he hadn't forced Keil to let him walk to Moira's on his own. As a wind-break the Sou'kahn was acceptable, but even if Keil had had the audacity to think he could commandeer Ellis' life he still hadn't had the wits to supply him with adequate clothing. Unless - the blond shivered in his inadequate coveralls – that'd been the bastard's plan all along, to make him suffer, show him who was in charge, force him to ask for help
No fucking way.
Ellis' face tightened: he would never ask him for anything, ever.
Keil quietly let him in to Moira's apartment then turned on his heel and left without a word. Ellis – denied the petty satisfaction of slamming the door in the Sou'kahn's face - found himself instead staring bemusedly after the man, an odd mix of unidentifiable emotions roiling in his gut. Uppermost, naturally, was aggravation but even that was tempered with a reluctant respect. You couldn't fault Keil's self-assurance. He didn't let niggling little things like people's opinions or wishes get in the way of what he wanted.
Ellis tiptoed across to the bedroom to peek around the door. Moira was still deeply asleep, snoring gently amongst the flounces and lace. If the madam was keeping to her regular routine it would be several hours yet before she woke. Ellis debated his options. He wasn't tired - the bunk in his cell had been surprisingly comfortable and he'd slept well – but he didn't fancy whiling away the hours until his appointment working himself into knots by dwelling on what the night could bring. The blond sidled through the door and crept across the room to Moi's bathroom: a quick wash then he'd go to bed for a little while. He'd probably even manage to get some sleep; being able to drop off at a moment's notice, anywhere anytime, was a handy knack…
Several hours later Moira was slumped in one of her plump armchairs. Ellis, happy to be in his own clothes again, occupied the other. The madam had been surprised but pleased to find the young man curled up in her bed when she woke. He'd blinked sleepily up at her as she'd climbed out of bed – so adorable…
"So, it was Gus Verlang killed Provid, eh? Pity, Gus was one of my best customers. Still..." the madam smiled at a distracted Ellis, "you're in the clear now, lovely."
"Yeah." Ellis picked at the tray of pre-packaged food on his lap: this stuff really wasn't very good.
"What will you do wit' yourself?"
The young man shrugged.
"I have to hang around 'til the trial, then… I don't know." He stabbed irritably at a stringy bit of animal protein. "I don't want to go home but fucked if I know what else to do."
"You could always stay here for a bit, with me?" Moira ventured. "Have a proper visit like you'd intended."
Ellis smiled at her from under his fringe.
"You wouldn't mind? I've just proved I'm as much trouble as ever I was."
The madam laughed.
"Oh my lovely boy, you'd liven things up around here no end!"
Keil arrived to collect Ellis well before Moira was due to leave for work. The madam let the Sou'kahn in without a word but not without a frosty glare.
"You're not going to tell me to be gentle with him, are you?" Keil snorted.
"Not that you'd be bothered listening to anything I had to say, Corrim Keil!" Moira snapped back.
"I know he's a 'delicate flower of youth', Moira, but you know he's tougher than he looks." The Sou'kahn's smirk was calculated to be infuriating. "I won't break him."
"You'd best not or you'll have me to answer to." Moira hissed. Keil's eyebrows lifted fractionally, an indication of how little he was bothered by the supposed threat.
"Oh stop it." The 'delicate flower' under discussion grumped at the pair of them. "I can take care of myself, Moi," he turned to scowl at the Sou'kahn, "and I'm not afraid of you." Chin high he strode towards the apartment's entranceway. "And you can both fucking stop talking about me like I'm not here." The young blond shot an almost bored look over his shoulder at Keil. "So are you ready or what…?"
There was no hiding this time, and no disguises. Ellis walked in silence at Keil's side, thoroughly unappreciative of Midit's sunset glowing gold and mauve through the planet's permanent swaddling of dust. At least the wind had temporarily dropped and he wasn't blinking grit out of his eyes.
Once again Marot had prepared a filling and tasty meal for his employer and 'guest', and once again Ellis noted the man's barely concealed anger as he was summarily dismissed.
"He doesn't like you." Ellis slumped into his chair at the table.
"Marot?" Keil raised an eyebrow. "Of course he doesn't."
Ellis sensed an intrigue there but refused to comment further, holding hard to his vow to never ask the Sou'kahn for anything, including information. Maybe Moi would know something about it, he could ask her…
"Did you know your eyes unfocus when you're thinking?" The Sou'kahn was smirking. "Surely it can't take that much effort?"
Ellis glowered but said nothing: he wasn't going to give Keil the satisfaction of rising to his bait, either. The meal continued on in silence with Ellis savouring every last morsel. He wasn't delaying the inevitable, not at all, but neither did he have a deadline this time.
"Enjoying that?" Keil was sardonic. He'd cleared his bowl some minutes ago and had been sitting back watching the young man eat, watching him chew every deliberate mouthful.
"Yes. Thank you." Ellis carefully scraped up the last of the sauce before pushing his bowl to the middle of the table. He slouched back in the chair and eyed his host impassively, though to be honest that was simply a façade. Ellis was fed up with being passive, sick to death of being at the mercy of others, and – fair eyebrows lowered in a scowl - he was particularly fed up with the smug bastard sitting opposite. He was still adamant in his resolve not to beg for anything, but it wouldn't be against his principles to take, now would it? Decision made, Ellis stood abruptly and smirked over at the Sou'kahn.
"Ready?" He didn't wait for his host's reaction before marching into the bedroom and had already stripped bare by the time Keil had followed him through.
"Eager?" the Sou'kahn sneered: he made it sound like an insult.
Ellis prowled forwards, smiling mirthlessly.
"We know what I'm here for," he reached out to decisively palm the sizeable bulge at the Sou'kahn's groin. "Don't waste my time." He relished a small glow of arousal – and satisfaction – when the solid flesh stirred beneath his fingers. He kept his expression neutral, disinterested; Ellis was disinclined at the moment to give Keil any advantage by letting him see any indication of… enthusiasm.
Spine straight and his steps steady, Ellis loped back to the bed. He flopped down, sprawling in elegant abandon.
"Well?" Insolence was an art form, truly…
Keil shook his head slowly but there was a hard smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"Whatever it takes to get you through the ordeal, boy."
He undressed, leisurely, peeling away the layers of clothing with calculated care, watching the blond through hooded eyes. Ellis, for his part, while outwardly nonplussed, hovered between trepidation and an almost anxious arousal. This wasn't the Sou'kahn's usual perfunctory disrobing, there was a definite intent to his actions this time. It was unnerving – Ellis stifled the urge to wriggle – it was thrilling. He pushed himself upright as Keil approached the bed, swinging his legs over the edge of the mattress to plant his feet firmly on the floor. A wicked smile curved his lips; at this height the Sou'kahn's heavy genitals were almost on a level with his face.
"Stop right there." Ellis pressed his palm against an expanse of solid, orange abdomen.
"Or what?" Keil looked amused.
"Or I don't suck your cock."
"What makes you think I want you to?"
Ellis snorted.
"What makes you think I care?" He curved his hand around the Sou'kahn's scrotum and tugged ungently. Keil only smirked and swept his hands to the sides in an unmistakable 'be my guest' motion.
Still cradling Keil's balls, Ellis wrapped his other hand around the base of the Sou'kahn's half hard penis, estimating the girth while silently appreciating the sculptured splendour. Because, for all the intensity of their previous encounters Keil hadn't let him see this beautiful monster, let alone touch it. He glanced up, and promptly wiped any evidence of awe or pleasure from his expression: the Sou'kahn was looking far too smug.
"I've seen better." Ellis sniffed. Amber eyes narrowed but before Keil could formulate a reply the blond was determinedly sliding his lips over the head of his penis.
Breathing through his nose, Ellis relaxed his jaw and tongue, allowing the firming column to slide a little further into his mouth. He almost laughed; there was no way he'd be able to take all of this orally without medical intervention, and yet he was still contemplating having it in his arse? Well, nothing's impossible for a man with determination. Ellis closed his eyes and concentrated, easing as much of Keil as he could towards his throat. He wrapped his hand firmly around what he couldn't manage and began to move, lips and hands stroking in tandem, gently at first, acclimatising himself to the sensation of near-choking. Small noises of appreciation came from above, spurring on his efforts, not because they sounded encouraging but because they sounded like Keil was fighting not to make any noise at all. Pleased with himself, Ellis brought his tongue into play, realising with relief that while the Sou'kahn's penis was now hard and hot in his mouth, it hadn't seemed to increase much size-wise. That didn't mean he was going to be any easier to take but it lessened the chances of incidental disembowelment.
"Enough." Keil was pushing at his forehead. Ellis almost gave in to point-proving stubbornness and ignored the directive until it occurred to him that Keil had been holding himself motionless the whole time. Oh. It could've been nothing short of painful - if not dangerous - if the Sou'kahn hadn't exercised control. But still – Ellis pulled away, wiping his hand across his mouth as he smirked up at Keil – it was significant that he'd been able to test that control.
Keil returned the smirk and reached down for Ellis' penis. Ellis batted his hand away with a growl.
"Get on the bed. You're going to fuck me now."
"Are you begging?" The Sou'kahn's smirk widened and became predatory.
"No, I'm telling you." Ellis snapped. He stood up and stepped aside, contemplating the best way to tackle this and still maintain command of the situation. "Sit up. Back against the wall. Where's the stuff?"
'The stuff' being of course the slippery gel Keil had utilized to good effect previously. Ellis' cock twitched, remembering how it had made Keil's hand glide over his skin. No roughness, no snagging. Perfect.
Keil raised an eyebrow but wordlessly reached down to recover a small tube from beside the bed. He tossed it to Ellis then settled himself as directed, sitting up against the wall with his legs stretched out comfortably. He clasped his hands behind his head and leered at the blond. Ellis scowled and tossed the tube back to him then clambered onto the bed to straddle the Sou'kahn, knees planted either side of his hips.
"Prepare me."
The blond rested his hands on bulky orange shoulders as Keil reached around to press a gel coated finger against his anus. Before long, however, he was clutching at the Sou'kahn, not bothering – not able - to maintain anything like cool detachment as he was stroked and teased and gently, gently opened.
"Ready?" Keil whispered, nipping lightly at his chin.
"Yes. Now." Ellis ground out, convincing himself he still wasn't begging. He looked down into the Sou'kahn's face, absently noting the darker flush of his companion's skin, the amber within orange eyes that were nearly all pupil. Broad, strong hands took hold of his hips, steadying and supporting as they guided him down.
Despite the careful preparation the initial breaching made Ellis yelp.
"Relax. Breathe." He was ordered; Keil's voice was tight with… something. Strain? Control? "If it's too much we'll stop."
Ellis shook his head vehemently, unable to speak but no where near willing to admit defeat yet.
"Good boy." Keil crooned, kissing his throat. "Show me what you can do."
The words may have been patronising but the tone was approving, encouraging and Ellis responded with a renewed burst of determination. He wriggled, circling his hips carefully. The stretch and burn as he gradually worked that monster into his body was uncomfortable but not incapacitating: both he and Keil were breathing raggedly by the time he'd accommodated as much as he could.
"Can you move?" the Sou'kahn's eyes seemed to be glowing. Ellis replied with a nod of his head and a shaky half-smirk but he didn't demur when Keil again used his hands to help guide his movements.
Ellis' bit his lip, relaxing into the Sou'kahn's strength as Keil laboured for them both. He handed over control, allowing Keil to set the pace and man-handle him into whatever angle worked best. All Ellis had to do was hang on…
Despite the extraordinary amount of stimulation, Ellis' orgasm took him by surprise. One moment he was mindlessly riding the wave of sensation, the next his head snapped forward and he was gasping as came all over Keil's stomach. He stared at the Sou'kahn, shocked into immobility for split second before he collapsed quivering against a broad orange chest. Keil chuckled, the sound reverberating though the blond's slender body.
"All right?" Keil was nuzzling his hair. It was… nice, affectionate.
"Uh-huh," Ellis was having trouble keeping his eyes open, suddenly swamped as he was by a pleasant lassitude. Even the dull, throbbing ache in his arse would be no hindrance to him falling asleep right… about… now… Ellis jerked himself awake.
"Wait. What about you?"
Keil chuckled again.
"I'd already finished. I was waiting for you."
Ellis' sceptical look transmuted into a jaw-cracking yawn.
"Time to sleep, little flower." The smugness in the Sou'kahn's voice was almost enough to raise a scowl. Almost. Ellis winced sleepily as Keil lifted him bodily away from his not noticeably flaccid penis and let himself be settled on his side. He felt the bed move behind him and then - an unknowable amount of time later – he was roused from the edge of sleep by a moist warmth moving over his arse and thighs. It took a moment to place the sensation, and then Ellis smiled. Keil was washing him; that was very considerate…
The last thing Ellis was aware of before he dropped into a deep sleep was a kiss on his shoulder and a heavy, comforting heat moving into position against his back…
"How easy is it to find somewhere to live here?"
They were eating breakfast, a substantial meal of grilled meats and vegetables that Marot had apparently prepared while Ellis slept off his exhaustion. There was no sign of the man now.
"Priority goes to Company people."
"I could stay with Moi, I suppose." Ellis mused.
"Why?" The Sou'kahn continued eating, not lifting his gaze from his plate.
"Frontier worlds are s'posed to be good for proving yourself, aren't they?"
Keil glanced up and quirked an eyebrow.
"You've been listening to Company propaganda."
"No, I'm serious, I reckon I could make a go of it here. It's time I did something with my life, instead of just pissing about having a good time."
"Something like what?" Keil didn't bother to hide his amusement.
"Cooking, maybe? I picked up some useful skills from a Git'tharn."
"A Git'tharn…?"
"Yeah, it was the head cook on the transport that brought me here. Or I could see if Moi needs any help at the Slipper."
"Doing what?" Keil was – almost – glaring at him.
"In the kitchens, or…" Ellis smirked maliciously, "… upstairs."
"The fuck you will!"
Obscurely pleased the blond merely raised an eyebrow at the outburst.
"Why not? I'm skilled, I'm attractive - "
Keil growled; Ellis continued to smirk. Who had the upper hand now? The Sou'kahn got himself back under control with a visible effort.
"Stick to the kitchen. Whoring is never a way to 'make something of yourself'."
"Moi has!"
"Only because she stopped being a whore and ran the business instead!"
They scowled at each other over the remains of the meal.
"Fine." Ellis crossed his arms in a huff. "I won't whore. I wouldn't want sex to get routine anyway."
The Sou'kahn's smug leer was back in full force. Ellis ignored it. He pushed his plate away and stood up from the table.
"Thanks for breakfast, Keil. I'll see you 'round."
"Where are you going?"
"To get on with my life." Ellis explained with exaggerated patience. "We're done, aren't we?" Actually, after last night he sort of hoped they weren't. Sure, the man was a prickish bastard but once Ellis had stopped being a passive doll he'd glimpsed another side of the Sou'kahn. Still, he was wary about giving Keil any advantage, he wanted to know where he stood before making himself vulnerable.
"I'd… like to see you again." Keil's face was a study in impassiveness. Ellis lifted his chin.
"No blackmail this time."
"No blackmail."
"And no fucking ordering me about."
Amber eyes glinted.
"Unless you want me to."
Ellis regarded the Sou'kahn levelly.
"I owe you nothing, Keil. I'm not a toy, I'm not your minion, or a whore. Don't treat me like one."
"Equals?" the tone was gently mocking.
"Equals." Ellis stated firmly. "In fact…" he leaned forward, smirking widely. "I think it's my turn."
"To what?" Incomprehension flitted across the Sou'kahn's broad features followed quickly by understanding… and indignation.
"Oh yes," Ellis purred. "My turn." He took in Keil's flush and the tension in the man's hands. "You've never been fucked, have you?"
Keil glowered but maintained his dignity in silence.
"Don't worry," Ellis' nose wrinkled with the breadth of his grin. "I'll be gentle."
And he was still grinning as he let himself out of the Sou'kahn's building into the grit-laden wind. Yeah, this planet was a pit, but he might hang around for a while…