The BLTS Archive- Carnivale 2
Dancing Aloud
by MizzMarcee (MizzMarcee@yahoo.com)

---

This story is a sequel to Carnivale, which was part of the 2000
Ensign-Fuh-Q-Fest. Although you do not need to read Carnivale in order
to understand this story, it may help in your enjoyment of it.

This story also runs in the same universe (albeit a year in the
future) as Skazetelnitsky's fine story--'The Taming' and Karmen Ghia's
wonderful sequel--'The Taming 2, The Return.'.

Warning: This story contains adult themes and m/m sex. If this is not
your cup of java, or you are under eighteen years of age, please find
your entertainment elsewhere.

Disclaimer: Copyright December 2001 by Marcee Evans. This story is an
original work of amateur fiction based on Star Trek, which is owned by
TPTB (i.e., The Powers That Be: Paramount, Viacom, and all its
entities). No money is being made, just doing this for fun, yadda,
yadda.

A great BIG thanks to T'Thrill for your unfailing enthusiasm and
wonderful beta work! And to Karmen Ghia--for suggesting our favorite
Scotsman have his very own fest! :-)

The symbol ~~ denotes the beginning and ending of an internal thought.

---
The next morning...


Montgomery Scott snorted gently and opened his eyes with a jerk. The
room was bathed in filtered light. He could tell right away that it
wasn't the artificial light of his quarters on the Enterprise, but the
natural light of a sun.

Shore leave?

He moaned softly. He always found it a bit disconcerting to wake up in
a strange place. Shore leave did that to a person.

He felt a soft breath tickle the skin of his chest. Glancing down, he
saw a dark head resting against his shoulder.

Pavel.

He grinned. It wasn't a dream after all.

Scotty pulled back slightly, gazing down at the young man who lay
sleeping in his arms. Gods, the lad was beautiful. Never in his
wildest dreams had he thought he would live to see this sight, ever
feel this youthful body pressed up against him, ever feel his cock
encased inside the lad's hot channel.

This was what he had ached for since he had witnessed the young
Russian's death on that dusty street in Tombstone. After he discovered
the young Russian had not died, Scotty wanted to take Pavel Chekov in
his arms and never let him go. And now, that dream had finally become
a reality.

He brushed a few stray locks away from the lad's brow, and then
pressed his lips there. He memorized the taste of his lover's
forehead, noticing the salty sweat from the night before. He moved his
lips along the bushy eyebrows and down to a closed eyelid. Kissing the
delicate skin around the eye, he felt the tickle of long eyelashes
against his lips. He then moved to the young man's ear.

"Mmmmmmmmm...?"

"Rise 'n shine, laddie."

"Mmmmmmm. M...monty?"

"Aye, laddie."

Scotty felt the young man's arms tighten around his waist.

"J...just a little longer?" The young Russian let out a sigh, and then
pleaded, "Please...?"

Scotty chuckled. He leaned down and traced his lips over Chekov's,
barely kissing the full lips.

"Aren't ye hungry, laddie? I am. En I dinna want to pay for a hot tub
without using it--if ye catch my drift."

"Mmmmmmm. Hot tub?"

"Aye, laddie. I thought we could order a wee bit of breakfast and
relax in the hot tub this morning before we head back to the ship.
What dya say 't that, my love?"

He watched as Pavel slowly opened his eyes and peered up at him. The
happy contentment Scotty saw in those dark brown eyes made him shiver.
Gone were the worry lines and sadness that he had witnessed these last
few weeks. It almost made Scotty want to cry like a wee bairn,
realizing that he helped erase the sadness.

~~Guess I have Uhura to thank for this.~~

It was funny how the lass knew what was needed, especially in matters
of the heart. Had she known all along that what he and Pavel needed
was each other?

Pavel's warm eyes teased him back from his musings. He grinned at the
young man and couldn't resist leaning down and capturing the Russian's
full lips with his own. Pavel opened his mouth and teased Scotty's
tongue inside. They deepened the kiss until Scotty rolled on top of
the youthful body, pinning him down.

"Better yet, what say we skip breakfast, laddie? I think I hae 'bout
everything I need right here."

He felt the Russian squirm under him, bucking his body upward to rub
his hardening shaft against Scotty's thigh. The engineer felt the
stiff cock beneath him. It was a sensation that caused him to become
aroused as well. "Aye, laddie," he murmured with an affectionate
chuckle, "Ready for other things, are ye?"

"I want you, Monty," Pavel whispered, hooking one arm around Scotty's
waist while his other hand cupped the Scotsman's buttock.

Scotty pressed his cock against Pavel's heat, rubbing himself in
counter motion to the Russian beneath him. He chuckled, loving the
soft moans and sobs that came in response to his movements. He
attempted to pull them over onto their sides, but it seemed Pavel had
other ideas. Before he realized what was happening, Scotty found
himself pinned onto his back, with the Russian now straddling his
hips. The younger man began to rub frantically against him, building
their heat, erection against erection.

"Oh, laddie."

Eyes closed, Chekov moved harder against his lover, murmuring Scotty's
name over and over in a whisper.

Scotty cupped Pavel's ass, guiding the undulating body into just the
right spot. Soon they were moving in perfect rhythm, their soft moans
and gasps building until they both came in loud, satisfied groans.

Once he could catch his breath again, Scotty ran his fingers through
the sweaty hair of his young lover and gasped, "Ye are gonna be the
death of me, laddie. How could Sulu ever consider letting ye get
away?"

The words were out before he could pull them back. Scotty felt the
young Russian tense above him. The body shifted, and then rolled off
of him in one fluid motion.

"I...I'm sorry, Pavel. Just forget I said that, okay? I'm sorry. I
wasn't thinking. Please forgive me, lad."

Chekov was now sitting on the edge of the bed, his back to Scotty. The
engineer knelt on the mattress behind the silent navigator. He reached
out his hand, but froze. Scotty desperately wanted to help, but would
he only hurt the lad in the process?

Deciding his past silence hadn't helped one bit, Scotty took matters
into his own hands. When the young man didn't flinch away from his
touch, Scotty gently massaged Chekov's tense shoulders, and then ran
his fingertips down along the muscular arms. Snaking his arms around
Chekov's waist, Scotty pulled his young lover into a warm embrace.

"I'm sorry, love. I am."

He heard Chekov let out a soft sigh. The Russian's hands grasped
Scotty's in front of him, caressing the engineer's knuckles. "It's not
your fault, Monty. I'm just...I'm still angry with Sulu. It still...
hurts."

Scotty pressed his lips against the skin right behind Chekov's right
ear. Working his way downwards, he gently trailed a path with his
tongue to the juncture between shoulder and neck. "How about I help ye
find ways to make the hurt go away? Would ye like that, my love?"

There was a long, silent pause, and then the Russian whispered, "Hot
tub?"

With a chuckle, Scotty hugged the lean body. "Now ye are talking,
laddie. Come on."

Once they were off the bed, Scotty kept a possessive hand pressed
against his young lover's lower back as he steered Pavel to the
bathroom where the hot tub was situated in their suite at Caesar's
Club. As promised, the tub was huge, seemingly capable of holding
nearly a dozen humans at one time.

~~Och, what a wee party a group could have in here!~~

The dumb grin that Scotty felt forming on his lips vanished in an
instant. He would never share the lad. Never! No one, not even Sulu,
would ever get a chance--not with this one, not if he had anything to
say about it.

Pavel made use of the facilities while Scotty started the jets going
in the hot tub and then dipped his hand in to check the water
temperature. Perfect.

Assuring himself that everything was set in the tub, he joined Chekov
in the alcove, taking his turn to freshen up and use the facilities.

When Scotty was finished and turned around, he noticed the Russian was
already relaxing in the tub. Eyes closed, Chekov was reclining back,
letting the water bubble up to his neck. Scotty noticed the shy smile
on those full lips and suddenly he just had to taste them again.
Silently, the engineer reclined on his side next to the tub and leaned
over. He could feel the young man's breath on his cheek as he moved
closer. Finally, he brushed his lips against his lover's, memorizing
the taste and textures with his tongue until Chekov opened his mouth
and invited him in. Passions flaring, they deepened the kiss until
they were both panting for breath.

Breaking the kiss, Chekov opened his eyes and, with a devilish glint,
asked, "Isn't it time you got wet, Mr. Scott?"

Scotty was no idiot. He took a blatant hint as well as the next bloke.
With a loud snort, he slid feet first into the bubbling water.
Kneeling in front of Chekov's reclining body, he parted the young
man's knees and scooted up closer.

"Is this better, laddie?"

The Russian wrapped his legs around Scotty's waist and chuckled as the
older man grabbed his ass and pressed against him. "Da. This is much
better."

Scotty ran his fingers up and down the young man's growing erection.
The kid certainly didn't know how to stop.

"What do ye want, laddie?"

Chekov just gazed into his eyes, a crooked smile forming over his
lips.

"Tell me, Pavel," Scotty teased as his hand cupped the Russian's balls
and gently squeezed.

Chekov shuddered under his hands, dark eyes radiating such happiness
that Scotty felt his chest constrict with emotion.

"I want you inside me, Monty."

"Tell me how, love. Tell me."

The Russian simply smiled and then gave Scotty a wicked look. Chekov
unhooked his legs from around Scotty's waist. With a loud chuckle, he
swam away from the older man.

"Och! I need to catch ye first, lad? Ye want to play games, do ye?"

The engineer pushed himself over to the other end of the hot tub. As
he approached, Scotty noticed Chekov had taken a position on his right
side. Dark eyes watched his every move--welcoming, enticing him
closer.

As he scrambled up next to his lover, Scotty noticed the navigator was
lying on top of a partially submerged platform of some kind. There
were recessed handles on either side of Chekov's head and, upon closer
inspection, another set of handles on either side of his hips.

Scotty leaned up against the platform and ran a hand along Chekov's
flank, and then cupped a firm buttock. "Are ye gonna tell me what ye
want, lad?"

Chekov wrapped his arms around Scotty's neck and brushed his lips
against the older man's throat.

"Come up here, Monty. I'll show you."

Scotty floated up onto the platform so that he was now lying on his
left side, facing the younger man.

The Russian leaned forward and captured Scotty's lips in a soft,
feather-like kiss. They slowly deepened the kiss while their hands
worked their magic. Soon both were fully aroused and straining to keep
control of their building passions.

Scotty knew he was close to losing it. He needed to take action and
fast.

"Pavel. I dinna think I can wait much longer. Tell me what ye want..."

Scotty felt Chekov's arms wrap around his middle. The younger man
rolled onto his back, pulling the Scotsman with him until he was lying
astride the Russian.

He felt Chekov's hand snake between their bodies. Questing fingertips
cupped his scrotum and squeezed gently to slow things down. Dark eyes
looked up at him, and a devilish twinkle in those eyes made Scott
chuckle low in his throat.

Scotty watched in rapt attention as the young man grasped the
handrails by his head. The feel of the Russian's supple body
stretching beneath him made him rock-hard again.

"Like this. I want to see your face this time, Monty."

Scotty smiled as he knelt over his lover and grasped Pavel's ankles.
Pulling up, he wrapped Chekov's legs around his waist. Moving his
hands down, he gently spread the mounds of flesh beneath him, exposing
his target. This was going to be perfect. The platform gently sloped
into the water, allowing most of their bodies to remain submerged
while keeping their heads above water. The engineer certainly didn't
want to drown his new lover on their first day together.

"I catch yer drift, Pavel. Now ye just keep a grip on those handles 'n
let me take care o' the rest. Okay, laddie?"

Dark, trusting eyes smiled up at him and Scotty grinned back. Gods,
this was so unbelievable. He wanted to watch, too. He wanted to watch
Pavel's face when he tipped him over the edge. He wanted to memorize
every nuance, every sound, and every statement to their lovemaking. He
wanted to burn it into his memory so he'd never forget this moment.

Scotty's fingertips roamed over his lover's body, finding those places
that made the other shiver and gasp with profound pleasure. He
caressed the Russian's legs, from knees to supple thighs, until he
reached the young man's firm, round buttocks.

Brushing a fingertip against the opening to Chekov's body, he felt the
young man shiver beneath him. After teasing his lover a few moments by
circling the opening, Scotty pressed a finger in, dipping it inside to
the first knuckle. The Russian met his gentle thrust with one of his
own, forcing the finger even further inside with a swift movement of
his hips. Scotty stretched the firm ring, inserting a second finger,
and then a third, until he could feel the tight opening was ready for
him.

The Russian moved his hips against Scotty's fingers, taking in the
invading digits even deeper. Eyes closed, the young man let out a loud
gasp as a finger brushed against the prostate gland.

"Monty...need you."

"Aye, laddie."

"Ready now. Please..."

"Just hold on, love."

Scotty pulled his fingers out, and then pumped his cock to bring it to
full erection. He guided the head to the entrance of the lithe body
below him. Ever so slowly, he shifted forward until he felt the head
of his cock pressing against the tight ring. After taking a deep
breath, and then releasing it, Scotty locked eyes with the young
Russian. He then sank down into the willing body beneath him, sliding
his full length deep inside in one smooth movement.

They remained that way for a long, silent moment, eyes silently
communicating love and trust to the other. Scotty played with one the
navigator's nipples, and then leaned down to press a kiss against the
warm lips, waiting for his lover's body to adjust to the invasion.

 Finally, Chekov let out a small grunt, and then bucked his hips
upwards as far as he could. Taking that as his cue, Scotty began
moving, sliding his cock out to the head, and then back down inside
the tight channel. They slowly started moving as one unit, building
the pleasure higher and higher.

"Oh...laddie."

Keeping both hands firmly on the slender body to anchor himself,
Scotty undulated into Chekov in harder thrusts. He centered his aim
carefully each time, searching for that special target deep inside his
lover's body. The Scotsman knew he found it when he felt Chekov's back
arch and heard a loud moan.

Never taking his eyes off of Chekov's face, Scotty aimed his next
thrusts into the same path, eliciting a series of passionate whimpers
from his new lover. They moved together in a fluid rhythm, their lower
bodies embraced by the hot, bubbling water.

Oh, this was good. So good. So very, very good. Scotty didn't know
what angelic creature had deemed him worthy of such joy. Maybe Uhura
was an angel. Yes, that was it. She was an angel for bringing them
together, and Scotty knew he'd never live it down. This was ONE favor
he would never be able to repay and the lass would make sure he never
forgot it. But, damn, it would be worth all the gloating and teasing
to have Pavel share his life and bed.

Soon, passions bubbled over the edge. It didn't take long before
Scotty felt the channel begin to contract sharply around his organ.
Gripping the lad’s hard shaft, he pumped until he felt the younger man
cum. Feeling Pavel’s orgasm milk the full length of his cock, he knew
he was close, so very close himself.

He gave two more erratic thrusts and, with a low grunt, spilled his
seed inside his lover in a shuddering climax. Pressing down on top of
the Russian's sated body, Scotty traced kisses along the lad's temple,
whatever his lips could reach on the beloved face below him. He
wrapped his arms around the young man's torso and felt the
after-shudders still echoing within his lover's body.

After the other man's breathing leveled out to a more even tempo,
Scotty gently withdrew. Lying down on his side next to Chekov, he
pulled the boneless form into his arms, tucking the dark head under
his chin and holding the young man tight. "Mmmmmmm, laddie," Scotty
moaned, wrapping his arms around his new lover. "I could get used to
this. Aye, I could. What say ye move in with me, lad...as soon as
possible?"

Chekov angled his head back with a laugh and looked up into the older
man's eyes. A strong arm wrapped around Scotty's waist and the Russian
began playing with his right nipple.

"Yes, I would like that, Monty." The Russian gave him a devilish grin
and then added, "Besides, you have a larger cabin than Sulu...among
other things." Scotty felt the navigator's hand move down between them
and clutch his cock, stroking him from root to head.

Scotty laughed. "Ye dinna say, laddie. I'm glad I dinna disappoint ye,
then."

"Nyet. Far from it." Chekov leaned against Scotty and pressed his lips
against the engineer's. After a short, passionate kiss, the Russian
pulled back to look into Scotty's face. "One thing I'll miss is this
hot tub. It's too bad we cannot take it with us when we return to the
Enterprise."

Scotty kissed the welcoming lips again, and then murmured, "Aye,
laddie. I dinna think Captain Kirk would allow me to requisition one
of these beauties. Tis a shame." He ran his fingertips down to the
Russian's hip and then brushed against the semi-erect cock. "However,
I think we can think of a few other ways to occupy our private time
aboard ship. Aye, lad?"

Scotty noticed Chekov's eyes grow wide as he stroked his young lover's
hardening cock. Scotty just had to chuckle. Aye, the kid was going to
be the death of him, to be sure, but what a way to go.

---

After spending most of the morning alternating between feeding each
other breakfast and making out, Chekov made use of the shower while
Scotty used his communicator to check in with the ship.

Pavel loved the feel of real water on his body. The water jets
pulsating against him was both soothing and energizing. He washed his
hair and skin with the sweet smelling preparations left for them by
Caesar's Club.

The shower alcove was filled with steam when he exited. He had to wipe
away a spot on the mirror with the corner of the towel to see his own
reflection.

What he saw gazing back at him was a happy man. It was as if the last
few months hadn't happened. If he thought hard enough, perhaps he
could wipe away memories of the end of his relationship with Sulu.
Although he still twinged at the deep feelings of rejection whenever
he thought of Sulu, he noticed it was slowly being replaced by the
affection he now felt for his new lover. Maybe it was best if he could
think of the good times, instead of focusing on his feelings of
abandonment. He was grateful for what Sulu had done for him those many
months ago--when he needed a friend and Hikaru's arms could make him
forget of other things best left unspoken and forgotten. At least the
nightmares hadn't returned last night while he slept in Monty's arms.
He'd have to remember to tell the engineer the same lie he told
Sulu--to explain why he'd sometimes wake up screaming.

The memory suddenly came unbidden...

*'Get your filthy hands off me, you Klingon bastard!'*

Chekov grasped the edge of the sink and shuddered uncontrollably.
Biting his lower lip to keep the sob forming in his throat from
escaping, he shook his head violently. Taking a couple of deep,
cleansing breaths, he willed his body to relax and cut off the
flashback. He ran cool water from the faucet and splashed the liquid
onto his face. Wiping the moisture off, he looked in the mirror again
with a frown.

~~Not here. Not now. When is it going to end?~~

With a deep sigh, he tried to cover the frown with a muted smile.
Pavel stared at himself again in the mirror, noticing the smile never
reached his eyes. He wrapped a big, white towel around his hips and
exited the bathroom

Seeing Scotty was sitting on their bed, he made his way over to his
lover's side. Finding the engineer talking into his communicator,
Pavel finger-combed his damp hair, catching the end of the
conversation.

"Aye, lass. Tis great news. I appreciate ye checking the duty rosters
for me."

It was Uhura's voice that answered brightly, "That's my job, Scotty.
Since we've been delayed an extra day, awaiting the arrival of a
diplomat to join us on our run to Alpha Primeus 10, it was nice of
Captain Kirk to allow for extended shore leave."

"I'll be sure t' thank the Captain the next time I see him, lass."

"And, Scotty?"

"Aye, lass?"

"Be sure to tell Pavel hello from me, okay?"

Chekov noticed Scotty glance over at him, a worried statement forming
on his face.

"Uh...when I see him, aye."

They both heard Uhura's warm giggle. Her voice lowered considerably
and, in a conspiratorial tone, she added, "Don't play coy with me. I
saw you leave the dance floor together last night. Did you have a good
time?"

"Lass..."

"Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me. I'm on a secure channel and
no one is on the bridge at the moment. I sent Ensign Randolph down to
the Auxiliary Bridge. Just little ol' me, all by myself while everyone
else is enjoying shore leave."

"Don't tell me ye have 't work while everyone else gets extended shore
leave?"

"Thanks for your concern, Scotty, but I'm only here long enough to
communicate the change in the duty roster today. Geoff is waiting for
me planetside. We've rented a little bungalow where we plan to spend
the last few hours of Carnivale."

"Good, lassie. I wouldn't want ye 't miss out on the fun."

"Thanks, Scotty. Oh, and Scotty? When you see Chekov..."

The Russian sighed. What was the use of hiding? "I'm right here,
Uhura."

He heard a warm giggle over the comm channel. "I knew you were there,
Pavel. Nice to hear your voice. Are you happy, sweetie?"

Chekov felt himself blush. Feeling Scotty's gaze on him, he looked up
into his new lover's eyes and finally said, "Da, I am."

"Good! I'm so glad for you, Pavel. You'll see. It'll all work out. But
keep your eyes open for a certain helmsman today. He's been asking
around for you this morning and he wasn't in the best of moods."

"Is Lei with him?" He felt the twinge deep in his gut again and closed
his eyes. Just then, a warm hand encased his left fist, caressing it
affectionately. Opening his eyes, he saw the concern in Scotty's eyes.

Letting out the breath he just now realized he was holding, Pavel
relaxed and gave Scotty a wan grin. He opened his fist and gripped
Scotty's hand with his. Releasing the anger, he added, "You don't have
to answer that, Nyota. It doesn't matter anymore, does it?"

"No, sweetie, it doesn't. Go on and have fun today, all right? We may
run into you during the celebration in the city--or we may not. I
think Geoff wants a quiet day by the beach after the all-nighter we
pulled in the dance hall last night."

"Have fun, Uhura...and thanks," Scotty answered.

"You're welcome, Scotty. I expect a full report from you two upon your
return. Enterprise out."

Scotty flipped the communicator closed and set it down on the
nightstand. The older man reached his arms out towards Chekov in an
obvious invitation. The Russian eagerly melted into the warm embrace,
pressing his face up against his lover's chest.

He felt the engineer's lips brush lightly through his hair, then kiss
his temple. "I'm sorry, laddie. I meant to tell you I saw Uhura as we
left the dance floor last night. There was no hiding from her. And ye
know how good she is at guessing what's going on, don't ye now? I
think she knew I loved you even before I realized it myself."

Chekov pulled back, looking up into Scotty's serious face. "You did?
You loved me...?"

"Aye, laddie. I was afraid I'd never be able to tell ye. I dinna
thought I'd have a chance..."

Climbing into the Scotsman's lap, Chekov wrapped his arms around
Scotty's neck and leaned in for a kiss.

"I love you, laddie. I hope, in time, you come to love me, as well."

"I do, Monty. I love you, too."

The words felt right on his lips as he said them, and he hugged the
other man tighter. He heard Scott chuckle low in his throat.

"Well, lad, I've had more time to get used 't the idea. You've had,
what, less than ten hours?"

"But I've known you longer than ten hours..."

"Aye, but ye need to take care of your heart, Pavel. I dinna want 't
see ye hurt ever again."

"I know you wouldn't..."

"Ye maybe dinna expect Sulu to hurt ye, either, did ye?"

Chekov looked into Scotty's eyes, and then glanced away, feeling a
blush course up his cheeks.

"Aye, but he did. And ye need time to heal those wounds. Ye know a
wounded heart dinna heal as quickly as Dr. McCoy's regenerators can
heal a broken arm. I hope I can help ye find love again, Pavel."

He looked back into Scotty's warm, glowing eyes. He could see the
truth in those eyes. Scotty would never hurt him intentionally. And
because the engineer cared about him and loved him, he was willing to
let Pavel take it at his own pace. He wasn't expecting him to announce
his love here and now, but was willing to allow Pavel to fall in love
with him--however long that takes.

The Russian smiled gently at Scotty, conveying all of his love and
warmth in the unspoken message of his heart. "I want no other to help
me find it, Monty."

He watched the serious statement fade from Scotty's face, replaced by
a look of absolute love and gratitude. "Aye, lad. Thank ye for letting
me try. I'll take care of informing the Captain of our intentions.
He'll need 't know before I have ye move in with me. There's the
difference in rank to worry about, plus I'm second officer aboard
ship..."

"Could he say no?" Chekov suddenly felt his body shudder. The thought
hadn't crossed his mind until just that moment. He knew Starfleet
regulations allowed for romantic relationships between officers aboard
ship--although the Captain had final approval if there was the
possibility the romance might interfere in the normal operations of
the ship. There were provisions, like reassignment to other areas of
the ship.

Scotty shook his head. "Nae. I dinna think it twill be a problem,
lad." The engineer gave him a sly wink, then patted Chekov on the
backside through the thick towel. "So...we have the whole day together
before returning back to the ship at eighteen-hundred. What would ye
like to do today, Pavel?"

Chekov sighed. "Everything."

---

Scotty watched his new lover pick up his black leather pants from the
night before and then look over to give him a disgusted grimace.

"I don't think I want to pull these things on again. Where did we
leave our uniforms?"

The engineer chuckled warmly. "Och, laddie. Dinna ye remember? We left
'em in a locker in the costume room, one floor down."

Chekov dropped the pants into the recycling unit and then turned to
Scotty. "We could ring room service to pick up our uniforms for us."

"Nae, Pavel. We dinna have 't do that. We can retrieve our uniforms
later. Besides, today is High Carnivale--the climax of the entire
festival. 'Tis nearly a law that ye come to High Carnivale in full
costume if ye want to join in the celebration." The Scotsman glanced
back to the younger man, "That is, if ye'd like to attend the
celebration today, lad."

The Russian walked over to where Scotty was standing. Warm arms
wrapped around the engineer's waist as he heard Pavel reply, "I'd like
nothing better, except perhaps to spend more time alone here with
you."

A growing warmth filled Scott's chest and he shuddered with the jolt
of emotion that suddenly coursed through his body. Returning Chekov's
embrace with one of his own, he placed light kisses along the young
man's brow and then said, "Let's go join the party for a little while,
laddie. I'll pay for a few more hours in the room, just so we can come
back here to freshen up and relax before we return to the ship." He
rubbed himself against the Russian, and then murmured, "Perhaps we'll
have time to take another dip in the hot tub. Sound good, love?"

"Da." Chekov paused, and then brown eyes gazed up at Scotty. "But we
still need something to wear, Monty."

"Dinna ye worry. I have that covered." Scotty steered Chekov to the
wall containing the control panel for their room. He paid for the
additional hours, using his credit chip, and then pressed a series of
buttons on the console. A panel opened to reveal a small terminal that
looked similar to the one they used the night before when selecting
their costumes for the dance.

"So, name yer pleasure, laddie," Scotty said with a happy laugh as he
started paging through the costume possibilities on the terminal
screen.

Stopping at one display, Scotty pointed, "Here's the one ye chose last
night, Pavel."

"Hmm...I think I'd like something different for today, Monty."

"Your wish is my command," Scotty said brightly, and then turned to
wink, "...Although I must say your gypsy outfit last night was, ah,
very inspirational."

Chekov's face lit up into a bright smile. "I'm glad you enjoyed it."

Nodding his head, Scotty chuckled, "That I did, lad. Remind me to get
a copy of that outfit later--for our own little private costume
party."

He saw Chekov blush slightly. The Russian chuckled, and then added,
"As long as you get the wizard costume, too."

"Including the masks and sandals," the engineer ventured.

Scotty paged through a number of potential costumes. Some were quite
hot, some just silly. They both decided to pass on the peacock
costume. It was certainly colorful, but the towering plume sticking up
from the wearer's butt crease looked a bit unwieldy for the activities
they had planned for the day.

As they continued paging through the costumes, Scotty was finding it
difficult to concentrate on the screen. Feeling Chekov's warm breath
as the Russian leaned close to his left shoulder, Scotty felt himself
starting to become aroused again.

He was about to change his mind about costumes altogether when the
Russian suddenly pointed at the screen and exclaimed, "There! That's
the one."

Scotty blinked, and then stared at the screen. His stirring erection
suddenly bloomed as he imagined Pavel wearing the costume in question.

"I...uh...I approve."

Scotty heard a soft chuckle behind him. Chekov's warm body pressed
against his back. A hand snaked around and down, pressing palm-down
onto the engineer's growing bulge under the tenting towel wrapped
around his waist.

"I thought you would like it, Monty."

"Aye, lad. That I do, but I'm not sure I want the whole population of
Bennett's Planet to see ye in it." He glanced at Chekov. "I'm sorry,
Pavel. I can be a mite jealous under some circumstances. I dinna want
't share ye with anyone."

"We'll be wearing masks, won't we?"

"Aye, lad."

"Then let's just have fun with it, Monty. We don't have to be
Starfleet officers today. Let's enjoy Carnivale like the natives."

"Like the natives, ye say," the engineer snorted, "By taking part in
public orgies and sharing ye with everyone else?"

Scotty felt the young man's hand stroke his straining erection a few
times, from root to head. Warm lips pressed kisses onto his bare
shoulder.

"I promise, Monty. I'm not going anywhere. You can put a leash on me,
if that will make you feel better. But, believe me--I'm yours."

Scotty felt his face grow hot. "A leash, eh?" He shook his head in
wonder. How did he luck out to get this kid? "All right, lad. Ye win,"
Scott said with a bemused chuckle. He pulled Chekov around so he was
pulled up against his left side. "But I trust ye. There 'twill be no
need for a leash. It will be my distinct pleasure to show you off
today, laddie. You are my gift--my prize."

Scotty felt the young Russian flinch suddenly.

"Laddie?"

"It's...it's nothing. Sorry. I just..."

"Tell me, Pavel. Did I say somethin' wrong 't hurt ye?"

Chekov turned in his embrace until the younger man could press his
head against the engineer's chest. The Russian's arms wrapped around
his waist, holding on as though he might be pulled away at any moment.

"Laddie?"

"It's nothing, Monty," Chekov whispered, his breath gasping against
Scotty's bare chest. "Someone...someone once called me that. His
'prize.' It just...it brings back bad memories."

"I'm sorry, lad."

Chekov lifted his head slightly. Scott wanted to look into his lover's
eyes, but the Russian refused to look up and make eye contact.

"No, Monty. It's not your fault. I'm sorry."

Scotty felt anger and fear suddenly course through him. "Was this
Sulu's doing?"

"NO! It...it wasn't Sulu. Please don't. I can't..."

Scotty pulled the Russian into a brutal embrace.

"It's okay, laddie," the engineer soothed between soft kisses against
Chekov's dark hair. "It's okay. I won't pry any further. You're safe
here."

Scotty's imagination was running wild. What had happened? What
horrible thing could somebody do to the lad to cause such a reaction?

~~Never again. No one will ever hurt you again. Not if I can help
it.~~

Scotty let out a soft sigh as he continued to rub the Russian's back
in gentle caresses. If Pavel didn't want to talk about it, then Scott
would just have to be patient. Right now, all he wanted was to make
the shuddering body in his arms relax and find some peace. He focused
his attention solely on Pavel. Gods he loved the lad! It was so
apparent that the young man had been treated badly, not only by Sulu
but by past lovers as well. It pained Scotty to no end that the lad
had faced this heartbreak alone. He once again thanked the lucky
constellations--and Lieutenant Uhura--for bringing the two of them
together. If tender loving care was what the young man needed, then
Scotty was more than willing to give it.

Scotty resolved then and there that he wouldn't let go until Pavel was
ready--even if it took all afternoon.

---

Pavel took a look at himself in the bathroom mirror. He turned to the
side, appraising himself at different angles. The costume fit like a
glove, like it had been made especially for him. But then, it had
been, using the measurements taken for his gypsy costume the night
before.

This costume was a tease and nothing more. The simple g-string just
barely kept his privates covered under the shimmering fabric while the
sheer cloak left hardly anything else to the imagination. If he were
going out alone instead of with Scotty, he wouldn't have been so bold
to pick something like this. He'd been hit on--even abducted--on shore
leave before, wearing nothing more provocative than his Starfleet
uniform. But this costume? It was shouting for it in spades.

A sudden chill invaded his body and Pavel jerked his gaze away from
the mirror. He didn't know why his emotions were riding so close to
the surface these past few days. It both alarmed and angered him.
Perhaps it was just the lingering aftermath of his breakup with Sulu.
Or maybe it was the fact that the truth had almost bubbled out of him
earlier--when Monty had called him his 'prize.'

The young Russian placed his fists on the vanity. Leaning forward and
closing his eyes, Pavel took in a deep breath. He had to keep it
together. Damn! As much as he wanted to pour out his heart to Monty
right then and there, Pavel knew that he couldn't. He couldn't reveal
what happened to him on that secret mission--or what *almost* happened
to him. It was all shrouded under a Level-5 security code. Not even
the Captain had that kind of security clearance. So, Pavel was alone
with his past, unable to confide in anyone and still unable to find
peace.

Oh, Mr. Spock had helped to some extent, helping him get past his
guilt and shame. And the new relationship with Sulu shortly after his
return kept the dark thoughts at bay most of the time. But even a year
later, a fleeting image or a voice from that doomed mission would
flash into his mind, sending waves of fear and revulsion coursing
through him. God! What would have happened had his Klingon captor
survived the barrage that eventually freed them? What would have
happened had the Fleet failed to stop the Klingon ship that kept him
and the other team members captive? What would have happened? Pavel
was certain he'd probably be dead by now--or worse.

Pavel shook his head, trying to loosen the despair that was creeping
into his hunched frame. Taking in a cleansing breath, he opened his
eyes and looked back up at the mirror to his reflection.

"He's dead," Pavel whispered to himself. It was a mantra he kept
telling himself over and over again through the past year. He looked
into the haunted eyes staring back at him. They didn't seem to be
convinced by the reassuring words.

Dammit. It was time to put the past behind him. He was here with
Monty. Why couldn't the blasted Klingon ghost leave him in peace? He
shook his head, as if shaking off the negative images that were
swirling in his mind. He resolved, finally, to enjoy the day with
Monty--their first full day as lovers. He was safe. The Klingon was
dead. He could stop looking over his shoulder. He was free.

Centering himself on those reassuring thoughts, the Russian picked up
the dark mask from the vanity and placed it over his face. Taking in
his reflected image, the young man marveled at how the mask shimmered
as the light caught the surface at different angles. The total effect
was breathtaking.

Pavel heard a soft footstep from behind.

"Laddie? I...oh God!"

The Russian turned around, just in time to face Scotty as the older
man gasped. The engineer raked his gaze over Pavel's body, from head
to toe and back again. With a big grin forming on his face, the
Scotsman moved up next to him.

"You like it?"

"Like? Laddie...'like' dinna do it justice." The engineer ran his
hands down the glistening fabric covering Pavel's shoulders, along his
chest, and finally down and back to the Russian's buttocks. Scotty
pulled him close, close enough so Pavel could feel the man's erection
under his costume and the engineer's hot breath against his cheek.

"Perhaps I should get that leash after all, lad. How will I ever keep
everyone's hands off of you dressed like this?"

Pavel shrugged. "I'll just make sure they know I'm with you, that's
all."

Scotty brushed his fingertips affectionately through the Russian's
hair. "I hope that'll be enough, love."

Chekov felt his cheeks blush. He knew his lover was totally turned on
by this new costume, but it hurt to see how worried Scotty was about
their safety. But then, they were on shore leave after all. Pavel knew
he didn't have a good track record in that regard. He didn't want to
put Scotty in a position of fighting off determined suitors.

Pavel reached up to a small, transparent controller that was sewn
within the shoulder of the cloak. He slid the control forward and,
like magic, the shimmering garment became more opaque.

Scotty gazed at Chekov, his mouth open in mild surprise.

"Is this better, Monty?"

"Ye can set the fabric to be opaque or translucent?"

Pavel grinned, nodding his head. He reached up and dialed the control
back and the cloak became totally transparent.

"Oh, laddie...!"

"See? I can set it more opaque when we're at the party, but I can go
totally transparent when it's just you and me."

"Oh, laddie...," Scotty repeated, his voice only a hushed gasp. He
blinked his eyes a couple times, then added excitedly, "We must take
this costume back with us. Tis perfect."

Pavel grinned. "I'm glad you approve, Monty."

"Aye...I do! I definitely do," Scotty said as his eyes roamed Pavel's
body, as if memorizing him in every detail.

With a slight chuckle, Pavel gave the engineer an appraising look, and
then said, "I approve of your costume, too."

Scotty ran his hand down the front of his smooth black leather
jumpsuit and fingered the many buckles and straps on his chest. "I'm
glad ye like it, lad. I had a wee bit of trouble deciding."

"It suits you, Monty," Chekov murmured with a wry wink. "Be sure to
bring it back to the ship."

"Ye like it that much, lad?"

Chekov placed his hands, palm down, on Scotty's chest. He fingered the
silver closure at the neck, and then pulled it down to expose the
engineer's chest. Reaching inside, Pavel rubbed the other man's nipple
until it was hard. He leaned down and kissed the bare skin exposed
beneath the leather. "Mmmmm. It will be fun stripping this off of you
later."

Scotty's arms encircled him. Pulling Pavel close, Scotty whispered,
"And I will enjoy every moment of ye stripping it off, lad."

The engineer gave him one last squeeze and then pulled away slightly.
"We better go. If we want to enjoy undressing each other later..."

"...And the hot tub," Pavel added.

"Aye, and the hot tub," Scotty continued, "We need 't get to the party
now."

Chekov pulled on his sandals, carefully wrapping the laces up around
his lower legs and tying them just under the knee. Scotty, for his
part, pulled on the black sandals that came with his costume. The
Russian even noticed the silver toe ring on one foot. He could feel
the heat rising, just thinking about undressing Monty after the party
and sucking off that toe ring.

He turned to the Scotsman expectantly. "I'm ready."

Scotty seemed to be holding back a bemused grin. He gazed upon Pavel
with a devilish look.

"I dinna think ye are ready, Pavel."

"What?" Pavel looked down at his feet. Yes, both sandals were securely
tied. He reached up to touch his face. Yes, his mask was on. What
else...?

Apparently realizing his confusion, Scotty murmured, "Uh...don't ye
think ye better dial that thing up again, lad? No need giving the
folks at Caesar's a free show, if ye catch my drift."

Chekov blushed, his hands immediately reaching for the controller at
his shoulder. "Sorry."

"Quite all right, love. Let's find the party, shall we?"

---

Hikaru Sulu gave up trying to go against the flow and found himself
pushed along by the masses in the way he had just come.

Bennett's Planet was a sea of partiers of all shapes, sizes, and
species. Unlike him, most were adorned in brilliant costumes. He had
spied a number of crew from the Enterprise among the revelers, but he
still could not find the one person he had been searching for since
last evening.

Sure, it was his fault--again. He had arrived at the Pavillion over
three hours late, only to find Pavel Chekov had finally given up on
him. The woman working the hostess position at the lounge hadn't been
too helpful in his search. She remembered the Russian all right.
However, the only thing she offered was that the young man who had
rented the private booth at the lounge under the name of 'Chekov' had
left an hour earlier on the arm of a distinguished fellow. When Hikaru
tried to pump her for more information, all she would share was that
Pavel's friend was a good tipper and the young man seemed to be in
good hands.

Hikaru returned to the ship, angry and sullen. Lei was spending the
evening with friends and Pavel never returned to his cabin that night.
He even overrode the security lock by using the passcode Pavel had
given him a long time ago. Nothing. It appeared Pavel's bunk hadn't
been slept in all night. There were no clues as to where Pavel had
vanished. When he found Uhura in the officer's mess the next morning,
she wasn't too accommodating with information, either.

He knew he had been acting the jerk lately. He knew he wasn't being
fair to either Pavel or Lei. But he couldn't help himself. Pavel was
his best friend. When they turned their friendship into something more
intimate a year ago, Hikaru felt he was on cloud nine. But then, true
to form, he slowly started to lose interest in the relationship and
began looking for something else to spark his juices.

For as long as he could remember, he had been accused of having a
short attention span when it came to hobbies. Now, that same title was
being applied to him in regard to his lovers. But his credo was that
life was to be lived and savored to the fullest. Most of his lovers
entered their relationship with the same thing in mind. No long
commitments; just savor the moment.

But then, Pavel had been the exception. The Russian knew Hikaru didn't
stay with a lover for very long, but he happily plunged in anyway. He
thought Pavel understood. He never promised Pavel that they'd be
together forever, but he should have known his friend's feelings would
turn more serious. He had watched from the sidelines as Pavel grew
more and more serious about forming a long-term relationship with
Martha Landon. Hikaru tried to warn Pavel, because he knew Landon's
type from ten parsecs away. But he couldn't bring himself to say, "I
told you so," when Landon dumped Pavel for a tall, muscular
Lieutenant. Yeah, he should have known Pavel would take their
relationship more serious. He should have known better.

The helmsman grunted as he shook his head in frustration. Not only was
his slow progress against the crowds giving him a headache but he also
realized he wasn't certain what he was going to say or do when he
finally did meet up with Pavel. He wanted the happy, devil-may-care
Pavel back. He missed that side of his young friend. Hikaru hated the
sad look he saw in Pavel's eyes these days, knowing he was partly to
blame for causing it. But he just couldn't bring himself to fix what
apparently had been broken between them long ago.

"Sulu?"

The familiar voice brought the helmsman out of his inner funk. He
looked up, searching the sea of faces surrounding him until his gaze
landed on the craggy features of Doctor Leonard McCoy.

"Doctor!"

Hikaru pushed between the mass of bodies until he found himself
side-by-side with the Enterprise's CMO. Although the doctor was in
costume--green scrubs--he was easy to recognize without a mask.

"Now I remember why I hate crowds," the doctor yelled over the din.

Sulu favored McCoy with a wry grin. "Then why are you here?"

McCoy pointed up ahead. "I made the mistake of accepting Jim's
invitation to check out Carnivale. He and Spock are up ahead
somewhere."

Hikaru grinned. "Mind if I tag along with you, Doctor? I seem to have
lost my date."

McCoy grimaced as a large man elbowed past him.

"Well, if you mean Chekov, he's probably smart enough to stay away
from this crowd." The doctor glanced back at him. "So why are you
looking for him? You two have a falling out--again?"

Letting a slight groan escape, he asked the doctor, "Is that the
latest gossip aboard ship?"

McCoy's cheeks flushed slightly, and then he shook his head. "No. Just
the humble reckonings of an old country doctor, son."

Hikaru grunted as another wave of bodies streamed past them at a
faster rate, nearly bowling them over. On instinct, he grabbed McCoy
by the upper arm.

"Let's try for the side. The last thing I want is to be trampled when
I'm on shore leave."

"I'm with you," McCoy shouted. The doctor pointed to the right. "I see
Jim and Spock up ahead. Looks like they came to the same conclusion."

Attempting to peer ahead through the mass of people, and still
gripping the doctor’s arm, he couldn’t see the Captain or Commander
Spock anywhere in this mob.

The two officers slowly made their way to the side until they were in
front of a huge building.

"Jim!"

Hikaru felt the doctor grab his upper arm and steer them closer to the
white-columned structure. He saw a man, who was dressed in what
appeared to be a pirate's costume, turn their way. Apparently seeing
them, the man waved, a wide grin forming on his lips.

As they drew closer, Hikaru recognized the unmistakable bearing of
Captain Kirk. By this time, his taller companion had turned toward
them as well. Mr. Spock was dressed in a black, flowing robe. Even
with the black mask, it was easy to recognize the Enterprise's First
Officer.

"Bones," the Captain shouted, "You made it. I was afraid we lost you
back there." The hazel eyes fell on his helmsman and, with a wide
grin, Kirk added, "I see you picked up a stray."

Sulu could hear McCoy give out a low chuckle. "Yeah. Seems he lost
something-- or someone--here on Bennett's Planet."

"Lost? I see." Kirk turned to gaze pointedly at Hikaru. "You and
Chekov have another falling out?"

He felt his cheeks burn red again. "What? Does everybody...," Hikaru
stammered, and then remembered who he was addressing. "N-no, sir. Not
exactly. Just, well, just a miscommunication, sir."

McCoy grunted as if he knew something but was keeping silent. Kirk
looked from Sulu, to McCoy, and then back again. "I see. Well, it will
be next to impossible to find him in this crowd. Looks like you're
stuck with us, unless you plan to go stag."

"Indeed, you are welcome to join us, Mr. Sulu," Spock interjected,
speaking for the first time since Hikaru and McCoy's arrival. "I
overheard that this establishment offers entertainment today. Might I
suggest we remain here and allow the crowd in the street to dissipate
before we venture any further?"

"Here? Where exactly are we, Spock," Kirk asked, peering at the tall
building ahead.

"It is called Caesar's Club, Captain. It is described as a high-energy
establishment offering a nightclub atmosphere and hedonistic pleasures
of every kind. For discriminating clientele."

Hikaru noticed McCoy's wry smirk.

"Why, Spock. I didn't know," the doctor drawled.

"I was merely reciting the promotional material I perused on the
Enterprise before coming planetside, Doctor."

"I understand completely," McCoy said with a wide grin.

Hikaru noticed that the Captain was grinning as well.

"Did your promotional material tell you where the entertainment was
located, Spock?"

Spock nodded towards the white-columned structure. "Today's activities
are to be held at the inner-most courtyard." The tall Vulcan looked
down at Hikaru. "Costumes are required."

Being the only one of the four not attired in something other than his
Starfleet uniform, he asked, "You mean they won't let me in wearing
this?"

"Afraid not, Mr. Sulu," Kirk said with a laugh.

"Caesar's Club offers an assortment of costumes for sale or rent,
Lieutenant," Spock offered.

"Yeah, Sulu," McCoy intoned. "What were you thinking? Coming down for
High Carnivale without the appropriate costume."

Making a decision, Hikaru looked from the First Officer, to Dr. McCoy,
and finally to Captain Kirk. Nodding his head, he replied, "All right.
If you don't mind me hooking up with you, I'd be happy to join you."

Kirk slapped Hikaru on the shoulder and the helmsman felt the Captain
start to lead him towards the large white building. "Now you're
talking. Time to get you a proper frock, Mr. Sulu, and then it's party
time."

He grinned back at his Captain. "Lead on, oh Captain."

---

The party was fully underway by the time Scotty and Pavel finally
arrived at the inner courtyard of Caesar's Club. The staff hadn't
lied. The courtyard was filled with merriment and bawdy entertainment.
In one corner, real champagne--not the synthetic stuff--flowed
endlessly from a bubbling fountain. All you had to do was fill your
glass or, as some did, just open your mouth and drink deeply. Banquet
tables lined the nearest wall, filled with every kind of food
imaginable. Dancers in all stages of dress and undress undulated on
the dance floor and in the balconies on three levels that rimmed the
inner courtyard.

With Scotty's hand firmly anchored on the small of his back, Pavel
made his way further inside the spacious courtyard. He heard the heavy
beat of music and smiled, noticing for the first time that the same
band from last night was now performing in the corner. The hammering
beat performed a staccato against his sternum, echoing his memories
from the night before. In an instant, he recalled being held firmly in
Monty's embrace on the dance floor, dancing to the rhythm of the
sensuous beat. His cock began to stir as his mind fast-forwarded to
the scene in their private suite above the nightclub--when they made
love for the first time while moving to the same rhythmic beat.

The fast tune ended and was quickly replaced by a slow song. Pavel
closed his eyes and swayed gently to the soothing rhythm. He felt
Scotty lean towards him and then the Scotsman's breath warm in his ear
as the other man whispered, "Do ye want to dance, lad?"

Pavel simply nodded his head.

The older man maneuvered them onto the crowded dance floor. Once they
found a relatively open spot, Scotty pulled Pavel around to face him.
Chest-to-chest, they stood so close to each other that the Russian
could feel the other man's breathing. They gazed into each other's
eyes for a long, silent moment.

The intense love that shone on Scotty's face took Pavel's breath away.
Gods. He had never felt so wanted, so protected, and cared for in his
entire life. All he wanted to do at that moment was to tell the whole
universe that he was Monty's and they belonged to each other.

The two men clung to each other as they swayed to the slow tune. The
Russian nuzzled into the open neckline of Scotty's leather jumpsuit,
enjoying the scent of leather mingled with the musk of his new lover.
He planted a kiss on the Scotsman's Adam's apple and then moved his
lips southward to the hollow spot beneath. Pavel heard the engineer
let out a low chuckle and smiled inwardly as he felt the vibrations
through his lover's skin. The other man planted kisses against his
hair and temple and Pavel couldn't help but let out a contented sigh.

Pavel concentrated on the feel of his new lover, the way their bodies
seemed to fit so perfectly together, how strong--but also how
gentle--Scotty's hand’s were as they caressed down his back. Pavel's
heart was filled to the brim. He knew Scotty meant what he said about
allowing him to grow to love the burly engineer. But Pavel knew
already. This was love.

The slow song ended and the band apparently decided to bump things up
a few notches. Soon, the two men were writhing against each other to
the frantic rhythm of the seductive beat. To Pavel, no one else
existed on the dance floor--only he and Monty belonged in this
universe.

When the set ended, Pavel felt himself steered to the sidelines. He
looked up at Scotty and noticed the older man's face was glistening
with sweat.

"Whew! I guess I em nae as young as I used 't be, Pavel," the Scotsman
gasped, "Tis definitely a workout keepin' up 't ye."

The Russian chuckled as he wrapped his arms around Scotty's neck. "We
better take a break, then, Monty. You need to conserve your
energy--for later." Pavel waggled his eyebrows suggestively at his
lover and Scotty answered with a loud chuckle.

"Aye. Dinna worry, Pavel. I’ll nae forget about our date in the hot
tub."

"Good," Pavel gushed, then reached up and brushed his lips against the
older man's. "I cannot wait."

Scotty smiled down at him with a wide grin, and then captured his lips
in a hungry kiss. Pavel felt one of the engineer's hands wander up the
front of his cloak and rub his nipple until he knew it was hard as a
pebble. He pulled down the fastener to Scotty's jumpsuit to expose
more skin, and then reached inside to reciprocate.

"Mmmmmmm...laddie," the older man's tenor rumbled.

They savored the touch, kissing deeply, totally oblivious of those
around them.

When they came up for air again, it was Scotty who voiced, "How 'bout
a wee drink, lad? I could use some liquid refreshment."

"Sounds good, Monty."

Pavel let Scotty lead him to the upper deck, where another drink
fountain was located. This time it was Romulan Ale that flowed from
the spigots of the fountain. Pavel didn't question how Caesar's Club
could smuggle in Romulan Ale, or whether he should consume the illegal
drink. Despite his vocal claim of only loving his beloved vodka,
secretly the Russian had always wanted to try the blue liquor.

He took a sip of the ale and gasped. Feeling a warmth hit him square
in the chest, Pavel marveled as the concoction's effects spread down
his arms, his torso, and eventually seemed to center in his groin.

"I should'a warned ye, Pavel," Scotty said with a bemused chuckle.
"This potion packs quite a wallop."

"It's good," the Russian remarked as he ventured another sip. Closing
his eyes, he savored the heat spreading like a fountain down his
middle. After a long moment, he opened his eyes and looked up at his
lover. "Not as good as vodka, of course..."

"...Nae, and not as good as Scotch, either," the Scotsman added, as if
expecting the comparison.

The two men regarded each other seriously and then, suddenly, broke
out in laughter. It was fun to be with someone who understood your
jokes.

Pavel took the mellow silence between them to gaze around the
expansive landing where they now stood. The area overlooked the main
courtyard and was less crowded than below. It contained a number of
marble statuary, including a large human form at the very center of
the landing.

Carrying their drinks with them, the two men snaked their way past the
other dancers and couples engaged in more intimate activities. They
found themselves in the center, next to a balcony that jutted out of
the landing that overlooked the courtyard. On that balcony stood a
larger-than-life statue of the human form Pavel had spied earlier.

"Julius Caesar," Pavel read off the plaque that was fastened at the
foot of the tall, marble statue.

"Namesake of the club, 'tis my guess," Scotty added.

The band began playing one of the selections Pavel remembered from the
previous night. Suddenly feeling like dancing again, he bolted the
rest of his drink and handed the empty glass to his lover. Without
missing a beat, he began dancing with himself.

He heard a soft chuckle next to him.

"Ah, Pavel. Ye are going 't be the death of me."

Looking up into the Scotsman's bemused eyes, Pavel laughed. "I hope
not, Monty. You promised me a date in the hot tub later."

---

Doctor Leonard McCoy took one step into the courtyard of Caesar's Club
and gasped. 'Hedonistic pleasures of any kind' was putting it mildly.
The place was a goddamned orgy in the making.

He ventured a glance at the Captain and Spock as they all stood near
the entrance surveying the crowd. He noticed one of Spock's eyebrows
had risen high on his forehead. Leonard chuckled to himself. Spock
probably thought the bawdy behavior of their fellow guests
'fascinating.' Of course, he wouldn't have minded knowing what exactly
was going on in that Vulcan head at the moment as Spock studied the
heated couplings occurring all around their small group.

Moving his attention away from Spock, McCoy glanced at his captain.
Even though standing perfectly still, he noticed Kirk’s gaze moved
quickly around the room. Only his doctor would recognize the dilating
eyes that signaled his interest in the erotic activities taking place
in front of them.

Maybe it had been a good idea to convince Jim to go planetside, the
doctor mused to himself. It hadn't been that long since the captain's
loss of his beloved Miramanee. Leonard knew Jim hadn't fully recovered
from her death or the re-establishment of his real identity and
memories. The captain had seemed lost for the past few weeks, unable
to connect on a personal level with his friends and crew. Oh, he was
the same old captain in many ways--decisive and brilliant. Yet, the
doctor knew it would take time to heal the emotional scars--the ones
of the heart. Maybe a little diversion would do Jim a world of good.

"Hey, don't start the party without me," Sulu called from behind
Leonard. He looked back, taking in the helmsman's costume as a
Japanese samuri. He was impressed. Caesar's Club certainly didn't
scrimp on details for their costumes. Sulu appeared as though he had
just stepped into the party from a time portal, sans sword, of course.
With a nod to Sulu, the doctor stepped aside to let the helmsman enter
all the way into the courtyard.

"Oh. My. God," Sulu murmured in his deep voice. "This...this is
incredible."

"Yeah," Leonard whispered back, "Isn't it, though?"

The four men wandered past the champagne fountain and the tables of
food--James T. Kirk, as always, leading the way.

As they were making their way to sample the food, a burly human strode
up to their little group.

"Captain? Captain Kirk?"

Leonard and his friends turned towards the booming voice. He
immediately recognized the burly man who met them at the entrance to
Caesar's Club--the one who got them past the bouncers.

"Captain! That is you! I thought I recognized your costume. Greetings
to you--and to Mr. Spock, Dr. McCoy, and Lieutenant Sulu," the man
bellowed over the music. "I am glad you found your way to our
courtyard party. Welcome, my friends."

"Thank you for allowing us in, Mister Ahkardi," Kirk said with a
smile, taking the man's hand in a firm handshake. "We were not aware
that tickets to today's party were already sold out."

"Indeed," Spock voiced besides the captain. "It was most advantageous
that we encountered you at the entrance and that you possessed four
passes to allow us admittance."

The man grinned broadly as he turned to the tall Vulcan. "I try to
personally greet most of our guests as they enter our Club, Mr. Spock.
And, I must admit, I keep a few passes on hand for special guests."
The man turned to face Captain Kirk again. "And, I must say, a captain
of a great starship, and his bridge crew, are special guests indeed. I
am honored by your presence, gentlemen. Please, enjoy our amenities to
the fullest." He waved his hand around in a wide arc. "You'll soon
see. We have the best food, the best entertainment, the best liquor,
and the most beautiful guests in the entire galaxy."

Leonard noticed Kirk's smile as a lovely woman sauntered past their
group.

The captain watched the woman disappear into the crowd, and then
replied, "I think I'm seeing evidence of that already."

"Please enjoy yourselves," Ahkardi added. "If there is anything you
need--anything at all--please do not hesitate to ask."

Leonard nodded his head. As Kirk continued the small talk with their
host, Leonard took the opportunity to gaze at the amazing architecture
of Caesar's Club. He had to admit that the builders had taken great
pains to make the place look like authentic Roman architecture, down
to the marble statues and the white support columns. He suddenly felt
a slight shiver course through his body--remembering the last time he
saw this kind of architecture. It was when they found themselves in
the audience of Apollo himself--all those many years ago.

His gaze strayed upwards and a broad smile crossed his lips.

"Mr. Ahkardi," he yelled over the music, pointing to the next landing
above them. "Is that what I think it is?"

The beefy man's expressive face lit up. "If you mean Romulan Ale, I
believe you are correct, Dr. McCoy."

Leonard noticed Spock's eyebrows rise toward his forehead. Jim just
looked amused.

"Romulan Ale?"

McCoy turned back to the helmsman with a scowl. "Don't be a prig,
Sulu. I'm sure Mr. Ahkardi has it solely for medicinal purposes."

Leonard had to chuckle to himself as he watched Jim's face contort
into a hard glare.

"Is that correct, Mr. Ahkardi," the Starfleet Captain asked with mock
sternness. "Romulan Ale?"

 Their bubbly host suddenly began to stammer, as if he were a small
boy caught with his hand in the cookie jar--again. Leonard noticed
beads of sweat suddenly appear across his brow.

"You...you aren't going to report me, Captain, are you? I'm an honest
businessman. But we receive guests from all over the galaxy--not only
from the Federation." The man then turned to McCoy, as if attempting
to validate his position with at least one member of the party, and
added, "We have a fine stock of vintage Klingon blood wine, as well.
We are a multi-species establishment, gentlemen."

Kirk continued to glare at their flustered host, and then broke out
into a wide grin. Slapping the burly man on the shoulder, Kirk
replied, "Well, who am I to step on the customs of a multi-species
establishment. I've always wanted to try Romulan Ale."

The captain turned to the rest of them. Leonard could see the playful
gleam in those hazel eyes as Jim winked at him. McCoy grinned back.
This was a good sign. Maybe Jim would regain his equilibrium after the
stress and loss he had endured these past few months.

"Well, gentlemen," Kirk continued with a broad smile, nodding upwards
to the fountain. "You know what they say, 'When in Rome.' Shall we?"

---

The music was pounding in a fevered frenzy all around them as Pavel
moved in time with the steady beat. His eyes were closed as he slid
his backside seductively against the tall marble statue. He knew he
was turning Monty on. Even with his eyes closed, he could hear his
lover's heavy breathing and feel the warm hands caress his nipples,
his torso, his flank.

"Ah, lad. Ye are so beautiful."

"Monty..."

"Dance for me, Pavel."

Spurred on by Scotty's words, Pavel reached his arms up to hook around
the neck of Caesar's statue. He continued to undulate his ass against
the groin area of the marble image, pretending that he was pressing up
against Monty's groin, taking his lover's cock deep inside.

"Want you..."

"I love ye, laddie. With all 'm heart."

One of Scott's hands came to rest on Pavel's right hip. But instead of
slowing him down, the hand pressed him even harder against the statue.
The engineer's other hand ran down the front of his cloak until it
reached under the fabric and cupped his balls. The intimate touch
jolted an immediate reaction from the Russian's cock, which was
pressing hard against the confines of his g-string.

"I want 't watch ye cum, Pavel. Cum for me, lad."

"Want you, Monty. So badly..."

"I know, lad. I want ye, too."

Pavel started to feel a bit light-headed, and more than a little
flushed, as he continued to rub himself against the cold marble--which
was now slick with his sweat. He could feel the music pounding in his
sternum and all the way down to his groin. It suddenly felt as though
he was on a tropical landscape--the heat permeating through every pore
of his skin. In his haze of desire, his mind suggested it could be in
reaction to the Romulan Ale, but immediately brushed that thought
aside.

Without giving it another thought, he lowered an arm from Caesar's
neck and unfastened the clip at his shoulder. He felt the opaque cloak
pool at his feet.

"Laddie...?"

Pavel grinned as he opened his eyes. Returning his arm up to hook once
again around the statue's neck, the young Russian looked into Scotty's
startled eyes. "Look around, Monty. Everyone else is naked, or nearly
so."

"Aye, I know, lad, but..."

"Besides, I'm too hot."

Pavel ground his ass back into the statue's groin area. When he parted
his lips and moaned, he heard his lover's breath hitch besides him.
Da. That was the reaction he was aiming for. He wanted to show Monty
what was in store for them when they returned to their room. He wanted
to show the whole universe how much he desired his new lover. Besides,
clothes just got in the way...

Pavel knew that, under normal situations, he was usually a fairly
modest person in public. He knew, in that part of the brain that
scrutinized things on a rational basis, that his sudden desire for
exhibitionism was largely due to downing a large glass of Romulan Ale
in a short period of time. But the rational part of his brain was
taking a break at the moment, so there wasn't anything to override the
part that ached for this. And what he ached for more than anything was
to seduce Monty with not just his body, but with his whole being.

The band ended one song and, without missing a beat, moved on to
another pounding tune. Pavel focused all of his attention on the
rhythm, enjoying the feel of the hard marble sliding against his bare
ass from behind and Monty's ministrations on his front.

Pavel felt his lover's hand clutch his aching cock and he groaned low
in his throat. He heard Scotty's chuckle, and then warm lips pressed
against his. They deepened the kiss, all the while keeping up with
their frantic beat. When the Scotsman broke the kiss, Pavel groaned
again.

"Ye like that, Pavel?"

"Da. Want you, Monty. Like this. Inside me..."

"I want 't be inside ye, too, lad. Soon. Verra soon."

Monty's hand unhooked the front of the g-string and, at last, Pavel's
erection bobbed out of its confining garment. The engineer's hand
encased his firm member and pumped, building him higher.

"Monty..."

"Cum for me, lad."

"I'm cumming..."

---

McCoy filled a tall glass with the deep blue liquid that poured
steadily out of the fountain. Yes, the party was definitely improving
if they served something as exotic--not to mention illegal--as Romulan
Ale. But, as Jim pointed out, 'When in Rome.'

At least Spock hadn't taken offense. Of course, the blasted Vulcan
would understand that negotiations were at a delicate point. Although
Bennett's Planet was being considered to join the Federation, it still
remained neutral and catered to an eclectic clientele.

He stood watching as the Captain and his First Officer moved towards
the center of the upper landing. The two men stopped by the railing
that overlooked the courtyard, quietly sipping their beverages.
Surveying the crowd as he made his way towards his friends, Leonard
had to chuckle at the state of dress--or make that undress--of the
customers using the upper landing of the courtyard. The goings on in
the relative privacy of the landing was even closer to an orgy.
Couples, threesomes, even four or five individuals, were huddled
around the marble columns, statuary, and tall potted shrubs that
populated the upper landing. Each grouping appeared to be in the
middle of some intense coupling. It made Leonard's cock jump under his
surgical scrubs just witnessing it.

As he neared Jim and Spock, he noticed they were looking down onto the
courtyard at a couple engaged on the dance floor below. Spock seemed
to notice his approach and pulled away from the railing, forming an
opening for Leonard to slide in close to overhear their conversation.

"Bones," Kirk called to him, "Doesn't that look like Lieutenant
Samuels down there?"

McCoy looked down to where Kirk was indicating. At the same moment, he
felt something, or someone, brush up against him ever so
slightly--invading his personal space yet holding back in case the
closeness was not desired. Leonard didn't pull back, but stood
still--feeling a slight breath against the nape of his neck as they
both peered over the railing.

The presence nudged closer until Leonard felt--or thought he felt--a
hard cock press against his hip. The three men gazed at the couple
below who seemed to be in the throes of passion--right there in the
middle of the dance floor. The sight of the tryst below, and the feel
of the aroused male behind him, made McCoy's cock flare under his
scrubs. He was so tempted. Oh god. He was suddenly so tempted to press
his hips back into the heat behind him.

Before the doctor could follow through on that thought, however, a
deep voice directly behind him stated, "I believe you are mistaken,
Captain. The man you are referring to is much taller than the
Lieutenant."

The presence moved back slightly and McCoy thought he would groan with
the loss. Leonard continued to gaze down at the dance floor, but
focused his attention on the other dancers--wishing for that presence
to invade his private space again. It did not.

He took in a deep breath, thankful that Jim seemed content to gaze
down at the dance floor as well--blissfully unaware of Leonard's
present condition. Gods, he had to get his body under control or he'd
never live it down.

Feeling his erection beginning to go lax, and his libido a bit more
restrained, McCoy glanced to his right to gaze at his captain. "Spying
on your crew, Jim?" McCoy asked, knowing his eyes reflected his
amusement with the thought.

"Come on, Bones. I'm just interested that they have a good time. After
all that we've been through lately, the crew deserves to let out some
steam."

"Well, I must say your idea to extend shore leave certainly gave a
boost to morale. The crew couldn't leave fast enough for their second
day of Carnivale."

"I must agree with the Doctor."

"You, Spock," McCoy teased, unable to help himself. "You're agreeing
with me?"

Leonard chuckled as he noticed Spock's eyebrows rise as the Vulcan's
dark brown eyes turned his way. "I merely agreed that the crew seemed
delighted to have an extra day planetside. That is all, Doctor."

Leonard heard the Captain laugh. "Delighted, Spock?"

The Vulcan turned to Captain Kirk. "Perhaps 'delighted' is not the
correct description."

"Oh, delighted is a perfect word, Spock," McCoy interjected. "But from
you? It just sounds so--emotional--to me."

"Hardly, Doctor..."

"Spock. Bones," the Captain interrupted.

Leonard turned to look at Kirk, but found his gaze had turned back
towards the center of the upper landing.

After a few moments of companionable silence, Kirk nodded at a tall
statue and the two figures next to it. "Doesn't that look like Chekov
over there?"

"Where?"

"I can see his face, his hair. Who is that with him?"

"How can you tell that's him," Leonard growled. "That man has a mask
on his face."

Just then, the man's companion moved slightly to the left.

"Sweet Lord," Leonard exclaimed as he blinked. "You're right, Jim.
That is Chekov."

The Captain turned towards him. "You're certain? I mean, it looks like
it could be him."

"Jim...believe me. I'd recognize that birthmark on his hip from
anywhere."

"You would?"

Leonard had to almost laugh. Jim seemed so surprised by his
proclamation. So, in his thickest southern drawl, he added, "Aw only
know from a professional point of view, sir. Strictly professional."

Kirk turned from Leonard to Spock, who had also turned to gaze at the
twosome. "Perhaps we should allow him his fun..."

"I believe that is Mr. Scott with him," Spock broke in suddenly.

"Scotty? Well I'll be..." McCoy gasped, turning his attention back to
the pair.

Leonard felt his cheeks grow red. The captain, as if sensing his
unease, turned back to face him.

"You knew, Bones?"

"Not exactly, Jim," he had to admit. "I had my hunches, though. Ever
since we were caught in the middle of that whole Melkotian mess. You
saw how Scotty was..."

McCoy bit off what he was about to say. It wasn't his intent to dredge
up any more stressful missions and parade them in front of Jim at this
moment. They were here to relax, not relive old war stories.

Kirk clenched his jaw and then shook his head, as if trying to shake
off the memories of the event that they had dredged up. The captain
then said crisply, "We were all grappling with how best to handle that
whole situation, Bones. We were all grieving for him. I don't blame
Scotty if he..."

"The Doctor is correct, Jim. Mr. Scott has indeed exhibited an
increased level of protectiveness and concern over Mr. Chekov--both
during and after our encounter with the Melkotians. I would assume the
engineer has formed an affection for the ensign."

Leonard watched as Scotty's hand pumped the young Russian's erection.
"Well, by the looks at what they're doing over there, I would assume
Scotty has formed a much deeper relationship with the ensign than mere
affection."

He looked to the Captain for agreement. What he saw was James Kirk
staring at Scotty and Chekov--as though mesmerized by the two lovers.

Leonard waited a few beats, and then murmured, "Jim?"

After waiting a few more beats, McCoy repeated, "Jim?" He saw Kirk
blink.

As the captain turned towards him, McCoy noticed a wan smile form over
Kirk's lips. "Well, perhaps we should allow them their privacy,
gentlemen. And perhaps we should steer Mr. Sulu away before he finds
them."

"Speaking of Sulu, where did he go off to?" Just then, Leonard looked
over to where the fountain was located. The helmsman seemed to be
saying good bye to someone and, just then, began walking towards them.
"He's on his way."

"Then let's..."

Leonard noticed Sulu wave at them, and then look at Spock. To
Leonard's chagrin, Spock was still staring at Scotty and Chekov. The
doctor watched as Sulu's gaze followed Spock's to the couple next to
the tall statue at the center of the upper landing. Sulu stopped in
his tracks. He stared for a moment, and then started sprinting to the
statue.

"Too late, Jim." He grasped the captain by the upper arm, practically
dragging him forward.

"What? Bones! What are you doing...?"

"Preventing someone from making a jackass out of himself. Come on..."

They rushed towards the pair, who seemed totally oblivious to what was
about to descend upon them at any moment. As they reached the statue,
Leonard heard Chekov let out a voluptuous, earth-shattering,
passionate moan, just as the music blared its ending.

At the same time, Hikaru Sulu descended upon the pair as well.

---

"I'm cumming, Monty..."

"Yes, love. Cum for me..."

"Oh. G...!"

Pavel couldn't get the last word out before he was tipped over the
edge completely. Punctuated with a loud cry, his seed shot into
Scott's calloused hand and dripped onto the floor below. Chest
heaving, eyes closed, the Russian collapsed back against the statue
only to be scooped up into the engineer's strong arms.

"I got ye, lad. I got ye."

Pavel wrapped his arms around Scotty's neck and allowed his lover to
partially support him. His legs seemed to be unable to support him at
the moment, but he was too sated and happy to care. He knew Scotty
would be there to hold him. Sighing in contentment, he pressed his
lips against Scott's shoulder.

Just then, an angry voice boomed directly next to him. "What the hell
are you doing?"

His mind still a muzzy haze, Pavel glanced up at the new voice that
intruded his sated bliss. What he saw made him gasp.

"S...Sulu? Wh...what?"

Strong hands ripped him from Scotty's embrace. Angry voices began to
filter through his fuzzy mind. His arm was yanked hard. He could hear
his new lover's protestations amid the hubbub, along with other
voices.

"Sulu! Ye have nae business here..."

"You little slut whore," the other voice shouted into his face, the
low voice dripping with venom. "What the hell are you doing here? With
him?"

"Sulu! Don't..."

"Gentlemen. Stop this nonsense this instant..."

"I'm a doctor, not a referee..."

"It is for Mr. Chekov to decide who..."

He felt his other arm yanked from the opposite direction. Suddenly,
his main fear wasn't falling flat on his ass but being pulled apart.

"Laddie..."

"Sulu, let Chekov go..."

Pavel closed his eyes. He felt dizzy. The angry voices were giving him
a headache.

"Let me go," he cried out suddenly. He felt one set of hands release
his arm. The other hands still held on tight.

"M...Monty?"

"Right here, lad..."

"You have a lot of explaining to do," the other voice growled.

Pavel didn't like the harsh tone of that last voice.

"Let me go!" Pavel screamed. His head abuzz with the layers of voices,
his mind a haze from the Ale and his most recent climax, Pavel fought
to regain some semblance of rational thought. He failed. Suddenly, the
roughness he had experienced at the hands of the Klingon flooded his
memory. Gods! He had to get away. He had to escape those hands.

He tried to twist away--tried to just get away. Get away. Get. Away.

Those hands wanted to chain him up. Those hands wanted to possess him,
control him, lock him up and force him to be a sex slave for all
eternity. Oh gods! No! Not again! No!

"Get your filthy hands off me, you Kl...!"

He took a shaky, unbalanced step backwards, jerking away from the
hands still grasping him. The hands released him suddenly just as
Pavel's foot contacted a slick patch of his own making on the floor.
His foot slid out from under him. Pavel felt himself falling, and then
hitting against something hard behind him. He crumpled to the floor,
finding himself sprawled on top of another body. Before he could
decipher what was going on, Pavel's eyesight began to go gray. As
blackness overtook him, the last thing he could make out was his
captain's voice directly above him, loud and clear, hissing, "Mr.
Sulu! Consider yourself on report."

---

As Pavel Chekov was falling, the Enterprise officers instantly forgot
their argument and rushed to catch the unsteady Russian. However, by
the time they could react, it was already too late. With a loud crack
that could be heard over the music, the young man's head hit the shins
of the statue behind him.

As the Russian slumped to the floor, Leonard felt himself being shoved
aside. A man in a pirate's costume swooped down as Chekov fell. It
happened so fast that it was all a blur to the doctor. One moment, the
ensign was falling. The next moment, the young man's nude body was
sprawled on top of his captain.

Kirk scrambled to keep Chekov's head from hitting the floor, cradling
it against his chest as he fought to balance their two bodies.

Leonard finally found his voice. "Nice catch, Jim."

Blood was flowing freely from a gash on the back of the Russian's
head. The captain cupped Chekov's head in the palm of his hand,
covering the wound, trying to stem the blood flow. Leonard pulled out
the small medical scanner that he carried with him at all times--even
on shore leave.

"Laddie? Laddie!!! Oh my god. Pavel!"

Leonard ignored the engineer's frantic words, concentrating all of his
attention on the injured man

"How is he, Bones?"

Peering at the readings of his scanner, his brow furrowed with
concern, he replied, "Jim, there is a hairline fracture and concussion
in the occipital region. Fortunately, there doesn’t seem to be any
injury to the neck or spinal column. That’s a lucky break. We need to
get him to the ship as soon as possible."

He noticed the captain pull the young man more firmly against his
chest. "He's shivering, Bones."

The doctor looked up into Kirk's concerned face, and then further up
to the others. "We need a blanket over here. Something to cover him."

In an instant, a black robe was dropped into his hands. Looking up
again, he noticed that Spock had removed his long, flowing robe and
was kneeling down next to him, totally unfazed by the state of his
undress.

Taking in Spock's current attire of gray shorts and undershirt,
Leonard couldn't help a momentary grin to himself.

~~Hmmm. I wondered what the hell he wore underneath that robe. I guess
it's lucky for him he wasn't completely nude under there.~~

The doctor shoved aside the flash of humor and the arousing thought.
Once again, he centered all of his attention onto his patient. With
Spock's help, he wrapped the heavy robe around Chekov's naked form,
being careful all the while not to jar Kirk's pressure on the head
wound.

"Captain Kirk! Captain Kirk! What happened, Captain?"

Leonard noticed Mr. Ahkardi, owner of Caesar's Club, bound over to
their small group. It was then that the doctor noticed a small crowd
had formed around them, witness to their ministrations for the injured
Russian. As if clued into the event happening in the upper landing,
the band was performing slow songs in the courtyard below. It was a
nice change from the driving beat of before--at least to Leonard's
poor ears.

The club's owner dropped to his knees in front of the captain, his
eyes growing wide at the blood staining Kirk's hands and chest.

"Oh my god!"

"I think he’ll be okay, sir," Leonard reassured the rotund man. "He
has a concussion, and scalp injuries always bleed like hell."

Ahkardi blew out a huge sigh of relief. "When I heard someone was hurt
up here, I came as quickly as I could." He turned to address Captain
Kirk. "Is there anything I can do to help you, gentlemen?"

"We just need to transport him to the ship, Mr. Ahkardi. But thank you
for your concern."

"Please, Captain--contact me if you require anything. I am so sorry
this has happened. I assure you, I pride myself on keeping our guests
happy and safe."

"We'll take it from here. Thank you," Leonard murmured.

Just then, he noticed Chekov's eyelids flutter slightly.

"He's waking up, Jim."

---

Pavel tried to open his eyelids, but it was as if he couldn't quite
remember how to actually do it. He felt strong arms hold him tight,
his head cradled against someone's chest. Voices murmured all about
him, muffled by music and the typical hubbub of a large crowd. His
entire body felt lethargic, as if all of the energy within him had
been sapped out.

He tried to move his head, but the hand cupping from below tightened.
He felt his cheek pressed even tighter against the musky fabric of his
companion.

One thing was certain--he felt warm--all over, like he was wrapped in
a cocoon. He sighed, thinking it felt nice to be snuggled warm inside
a cocoon. Well, it would feel nice if he didn't have such a pounding
headache.

He snuggled into the fabric of his companion's shirt. An image formed
in his head. It was an image of the man he was sharing this day with.

"Mmmmm...Mmmmmm?"

"It's okay, Pavel. I've got you. Just lay still now."

"Mmmmmm?"

"We're about to beam up to the ship."

"Mmmmm...Mon?"

"I'm right here, laddie."

That didn't seem right. The second voice seemed much further away than
the first. Finally prying an eyelid open a crack, he gazed, one-eyed,
up at the man who was holding him fast.

"Mmmmmmmm...Monty?"

As his fuzzy vision cleared somewhat, he found hazel eyes gazing down
at him, a slightly bemused grin almost masking the man's concerned
statement.

"Sorry, Pavel. I expect I'm a poor substitute for Mr. Scott right now,
but I don't want you to start bleeding again, okay?"

"Sssssssss...sair?"

He tried to sit up, but was held down by other hands.

"Shhh. Just lay back, ensign. You're okay. I've got you."

Pavel gazed up at his captain. It seemed quite inconceivable to him
that Captain Kirk was here--embracing him in such a way. What had
happened? Why was the captain here? It just didn't seem to make any
sense.

"Okay. I have to set you down on the floor now, Pavel. We're about to
beam up to the ship."

He couldn't answer, the words seeming to be a jumble in his head. He
was starting to feel frightened. Something was wrong. What was wrong
with him? As he felt himself being carefully lowered to the cold, hard
floor, and the hands that once comforted him let go, his fear turned
into panic.

 "Nnnnnnn.....nooooo!"

Adrenaline and blind panic pushed his formerly lethargic body into
hyperdrive, causing his limbs to struggle against the heavy fabric
about him. He found an opening and shot his hands out wildly. He had
to escape. He had to get to where he was safe. He couldn't be left
here. Not left here with him. Oh god. Not with him. Not alone with
him.

"Nnnnnnn...noooo! Don't...don't leave...don't leave me here!"

The hand returned, grasping his right hand and pinning his arm against
a muscled chest. Another set of hands pinned down his left arm and
shoulder. He felt more hands holding his legs and hips, keeping him
motionless.

"We're right here, Pavel," a reassuring voice murmured into his right
ear, the man's breath warm against his skin. "You're safe. Do you
understand?"

It was then he discerned that the back of his head was still cupped by
the palm of another hand. He felt the fingers that grasped his right
hand loosen their grip and brush down his forearm in soothing strokes.

Pavel blinked his eyes, trying to regain some level of reason to the
movements and words swirling around him. He found the same hazel eyes
through the haze. Gasping loudly, in near panic, he clutched the
captain's forearm in a death grip, frightened that the image of safety
may float away at any moment.

"Sssss...sair? Please...don't leave me, sair."

The hazel eyes met his and Pavel calmed slightly under the reassuring
gaze.

"It's okay, Pavel. I'm not going anywhere without you. We're beaming
up to the ship now. All of us. I'll be right here with you the entire
way. Do you understand?"

He tried to nod his head. At least he thought he had. He was so
exhausted. Moving like he just did sapped the last remaining energy
from his body. Pavel closed his eyes, trusting in the soothing
assurances of the voices around him and the warm hands that kept him
steady.

---

Pavel realized he must have dozed off, because the next thing he knew
he was laying flat on his back, with something beeping softly above
him.

Opening his eyes partway, he gazed up into the craggy face of Dr.
Leonard McCoy.

"Well, I'm glad you're back in the land of the living, son. You gave
us a little scare for a few moments, there."

"Doc...doctor?" Pavel croaked, but his dry throat prevented much more
than just a graveled sound.

"Yes?" McCoy asked his patient, taking another glance at the monitors
above the biobed.

Before Pavel could say anything more, a cool glass was pressed up
against his lips. The doctor supported his head, allowing him to take
only small sips of the contents of the glass. Drops of water slid down
his throat, soothing his parched mouth.

When the glass was pulled away, Pavel opened his eyes fully and looked
around. Sickbay. He was in sickbay.

"H...how? How?"

He tried to sit up, but the firm hand on his chest kept him in place.
That, and the returning headache. He groaned as the pressure inside
his head increased and, for a moment, he saw sparkles in his eyesight.

"Let that be a lesson to you," McCoy groused, but his eyes were kind
and warm. "You've been here for a little over five hours, son. You had
a severe concussion, which means you stay put until I say you can do
otherwise. Got that? We put you into an induced coma so you'd heal
faster." The doctor crossed his arms and fumed, "If I find you're not
cooperating, like trying to sit up when you're not suppose to, I can
put you under again."

"Bones! I'm shocked," a voice chided from across the room.

Pavel tried to move his head to the source of that voice, but McCoy's
threatening glare stopped him cold.

"I only make that threat whenever my patients don't fully cooperate,
Captain. You know that." The doctor turned to Pavel and added, "And
you're going to cooperate, aren't you, son?"

Sighing, Pavel nodded his head. Did he have any other choice?

"Good," McCoy replied sharply. "I have other patients to look in on so
I expect to find you fast asleep when I get back." Pavel felt the
doctor pat his shoulder and saw him look up before saying, "Don't stay
long. He needs his rest."

As the Russian pondered the doctor's last words, Captain Kirk's face
came into view.

Focusing on the man's hazel eyes, Pavel asked, "Sair? Wh...where is
Mon...I mean, Mr. Scott?"

Kirk smiled. Placing a warm hand on Pavel's shoulder, he said, "Scotty
is fine. He's confined to quarters right now, otherwise he'd be down
here with you."

A sharp feeling of guilt stabbed inside him for some unknown reason.
"Confined? W...why?"

Kirk patted his shoulder in reassurance. "It's okay, Pavel. I did it
more as a cooling off period rather than a real punishment. Scotty and
Sulu got into a little brawl after we brought you to sickbay." The
captain rubbed his chin thoughtfully, and then added, "I think I may
have to make Romulan Ale off-limits to the entire crew. Its effects
can be quite unpredictable."

Pavel nodded his head, forgetting that the movement would make his
headache worse. He shut his eyes for a few moments, allowing the pain
to slowly subside.

"Head still hurts?"

"Da."

He felt Kirk's hand pat his shoulder again. Opening his eyes, he found
the captain studying him closely.

"I received a request this afternoon, ensign, from Mr. Scott. He asked
me to approve your move into his cabin."

Pavel looked up at the Captain in surprise. "He...he asked for
approval?"

The captain nodded his head. "Regulations require me to talk with you
first before I approve the move. Considering the age difference, and
the fact that Scotty is in your direct chain of command..."

"...I...I really want this, Captain," Pavel blurted out. He took in a
shaky breath and then looked away. Realizing he had just interrupted
his captain, he felt his cheeks blush hot, and his headache flared
mercilessly. He closed his eyes, waiting for the reprimand.
"S...sorry, sair," he finally choked out, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't
hev..."

He felt the hand rub his shoulder gently. "Shhhh. It's okay, Pavel.
You're not on duty at the moment, so no offense taken. Okay?"

He opened his eyes again, squinting against the pain pulsing in his
head as he turned back towards his captain. Not knowing exactly how to
answer Kirk's casual manner, Pavel simply whispered, "Aye, sair."

"Listen. We don't have to discuss this now. If you're sure about
moving in with Scotty..."

Pavel nodded his head earnestly, knowing it would cause his headache
to pound even harder but not wanting to interrupt Kirk again with
another outburst. He saw the captain look down at him, a thoughtful
statement on his face.

"All right, then. As long as you're sure about this, I'll okay the
move. Why don't you stop by my office once McCoy clears you for duty
and we'll talk about it. Scotty is in your direct chain of command. I
need to make sure your moving in with him doesn't interfere with
that."

"We will not allow it to interfere, sair. I really want this. Monty is
a good man. And...he loves me."

Kirk smiled at that, and his gaze seemed to soften somewhat at the
Russian's entreaty. After a short pause, the captain replied, "I'm
happy for you, Pavel. I truly am. We'll talk this through, just
because Starfleet regulations force me to. But I don't think there
will be a problem with you moving in with Scotty once you're released
from sickbay later tonight."

Pavel blinked his eyelids, feeling a sudden moistness forming at the
corners of his eyes. It was true. He really *did* want this with
Scotty. And it seemed the last hurdle, getting approval from Captain
Kirk, was already accomplished.

"Thank you, sair. Thank you."

The captain's hand brushed down to Pavel's upper arm, and then gave
his forearm a quick squeeze. "You're welcome. Now why don't you get
some rest, okay? Scotty will be released from confinement in a couple
hours. He's been begging to see you."

Nodding his head, Pavel's headache returned full force. He closed his
eyes with a loud gasp.

Pavel heard the captain chuckled softly, and then felt a warm palm
press down on his forehead.

"Don't move your head, ensign. That's an order."

Pavel smiled slightly, but kept his eyes closed, his head perfectly
still. "Aye, sair."

After a long, silent moment, the captain whispered, "Get some rest,
now."

"Aye, sair."

The steadying pressure lifted from his forehead, and then the hand
gently touched his shoulder before withdrawing completely. Pavel heard
the soft steps of his captain retreating from sickbay.

He sighed. Leaving his eyes closed, he visualized himself in Monty's
quarters, waking up every morning in Monty's arms. He couldn't wait to
begin their new life together. For the moment, all other concerns were
gone. All that was left was happy contentment. He felt himself gently
lulled to sleep, a slight smile forming over his lips. Perhaps the
next time he opened his eyes it would be to gaze into his lover's
eyes. He'd have to apologize for ruining their last session in the hot
tub, of course. But he was sure he could find ways to make it up to
his lover. His smile grew wider as he slipped into a light sleep,
enjoying the images forming in his mind. With a final sigh, he faded
off into a deep, healing sleep.

---
Two hours later...

"Well...it's about time you got here," a voice groused as Montgomery
Scott entered sickbay.

Scotty looked to the right and found Dr. McCoy leaning up against a
biobed, arms crossed in front of him in the seemingly vacant sickbay.
The Enterprise's CMO was sporting a dark scowl on his face and the
engineer was taken aback for a moment by McCoy's dark mood.

"Good evenin,' doctor. I..."

"...Came to fetch Ensign Chekov, I gather," McCoy replied darkly.

He paused for a moment, not knowing whether to take the doctor's foul
statement as a joke or otherwise. He learned long ago that, with
McCoy, you sometimes never knew if you were getting a straight
response, bullied, or fed a bunch of bull. Scotty had witnessed the
doctor's acerbic sense of humor before when dealing with
others--especially Mr. Spock. It certainly kept everyone on their
toes. Well...except for Mr. Spock, that is. The Vulcan seemed unfazed
by the doctor's rantings.

"Aye, I have...," Scotty faltered uncertainly. "I have come to fetch
the lad. But first, tell me. Is he really going to be all right,
doctor?"

"That's what I mean to discuss with you," McCoy answered seriously. He
waved his hand towards his office. "In there."

When Scotty didn't move from his spot in the middle of sickbay, McCoy
sighed, and then added, "Please, Mr. Scott. I do not have all night."

"All right, doctor," he replied. As Scotty started following the
doctor to the office, he felt a slight shiver shoot through his body.
He had been told the lad was okay. Gods, what if...?

After the door shut behind them, the burly engineer turned to face
McCoy directly and whispered, "Ye gotta tell me straight, now, doctor.
The lad is gonna to be all right, is'n he?"

McCoy sat down in the chair behind his desk. Placing his arms out on
the tabletop in front of him, he stared at Scotty for a long moment.
Finally, he replied, "It's entirely up to you, Scotty."

"What are ye saying, doctor? Is he all right or is he not?"

"Physically, Ensign Chekov is mending rapidly. As I told you earlier,
he suffered from a severe concussion. That was one nasty blow to the
head. He will be off duty for at least two days until he's fully
recovered. But that's not what I'm concerned about."

Scotty felt his mouth go dry. "What--what exactly are ye concerned
about, doctor?"

McCoy sat back in his chair. He seemed to regard the engineer for an
overly long period of time. Finally breaking the silence, he asked,
"Pavel Chekov is moving into your quarters tonight, is he not?"

"Aye. If he wants to right away, that is," Scotty replied, not certain
where McCoy's line of conversation was heading but going along with
the questioning anyway. "The captain gave his approval. Pavel and I
discussed it planetside. I decided to go ahead and get it approved
straight away." He looked sternly at the other man and added, "We
dinna need to get your approval as well, do we?"

McCoy blinked, and then a deeper scowl creased his face. "No, you
don't need my approval but, I swear, if you hurt that boy in any way,
I'll..."

"...I won't," Scotty replied hastily. "Ye can count on that, doctor."
He sighed, feeling a sense of relief flood through him at the
assurances that nothing was wrong with the lad. Nothing but the prying
concern of his old country doctor, that is.

McCoy didn't seem convinced, however.

"I love the lad. I want to look after him as he recovers," Scotty
added fervently, feeling his frustration build at McCoy's meddling. "I
could never...I would never knowingly hurt the lad..."

"...Well, see that you never do," McCoy interrupted sternly, pointing
a finger at the engineer. "That boy has been through enough hell
already without you doing something foolish."

Remembering the young man's alarming reaction to being referred to as
his 'prize,' Scotty replied, "I understand, doctor. Completely. I
dinna want to ever see the lad hurt or sad. I promise ye, I will do
everythin' in my power to keep him happy and safe."

"Is that a solemn vow?"

"Aye. It is," Scotty said earnestly, nodding his head.

McCoy gazed at him for a long, silent moment. Satisfied, a broad grin
formed over the doctor's lips as he replied, "Good. Now get the hell
out of here. He's waiting for you in one of the private treatment
rooms. I'll point you the way."

Scotty jumped out of his chair and headed for the door.

Before he could trip the door sensor, the doctor's voice called him
back. "Scotty?"

He turned, feeling a broad smile forming across his lips. "Aye,
doctor?"

"Nothing strenuous for the next 48 hours...you hear me? I placed a
bio-sensor on him, so I'll know. He needs to rest."

Scotty nodded his head uncertainly. "Nothing strenuous? Have ye
discussed this with the lad, doctor?"

"I have. Not that it would help any."

Scotty grinned. "Aye. The lad can be quite stubborn when he sets his
mind to something."

He noticed the slight glint in the doctor's eyes. "He's a handful,
eh?"

"Ah...now, doctor. I nae kiss 'n tell. It would'na be polite." Scotty
chuckled softly. His manner switched to serious as he looked directly
at McCoy and added, "I'll remember what ye said to me, Dr. McCoy. I
will make sure the lad rests. I promise ye."

The other man patted Scotty on the shoulder, a satisfied statement on
his face. "Good. Just remember, the tissue in his brain is still
healing. He doesn't need a quick jump in blood pressure, if you catch
my drift."

"I hear ye, doctor."

McCoy led Scotty to the door of his office, tripping the sensor in the
process. "Good. If you have any questions or concerns, my door is
always open."

"Thank ye. I appreciate that, doctor. We both do."

Scotty started to turn away but McCoy stopped him with a gentle hand
on his arm. "And Scotty?"

"Aye?"

"Congratulations. To both of you. Make each other happy, okay?"

The engineer felt a warm glow forming in the middle of his chest as he
gazed into McCoy's craggy face. "Thank ye, doctor. I appreciate ye
saying that."

The doctor pointed off to a door next to his office. "Go on. He's
ready to be discharged. Just needs someone to help escort him to his
new quarters. Do you know anyone who will fit the bill for that duty,
Mr. Scott?"

Scotty's grin widened. "Aye. As a matter of fact, I do."

"Well, what the hell are you waiting for? Be off with you then."

The engineer shook his head, and then walked towards the entrance to
the private room McCoy had pointed to. After tripping the sensor, he
slipped through the door before it was fully open, not wanting to wait
a moment longer to be by Pavel's side. Gods, being confined to
quarters seemed like an eternity. Throughout his ordeal, he had been
unable to touch his technical journals, unable to concentrate on
anything for any length of time. In the end, he gave up on doing any
work and, instead, used the remaining time to get his quarters ready
to share with his new lover.

As he stood next to the biobed, a deep feeling of affection and relief
flowed over him as he gazed down at the young man. Chekov appeared to
be deeply asleep. Curled on his right side, facing him, the Russian
looked exceedingly young. Scotty reached down and brushed his
fingertips through the dark hair, messing it up with the slightest
touch. He chuckled softly, enjoying the feel of the silky hair as it
slipped through his fingers. He ran his hand down Chekov's arm, and
then across the front of his blue sickbay jumpsuit.

Bending down, he placed his lips near the young man's ear and
whispered, "Laddie?"

When, at first, he didn't get the expected response, he whispered a
little louder, "Pavel? Wake up, lad."

"Mmmmmmm?"

"Aye, lad. Time for ye to come home."

"Mmmmmmmm.....home?"

A heavy eyelid blinked open and a dark eye focused groggily onto
Scotty's face.

"Mmmmmm...Monty?"

"Aye, lad. I came to bring ye home."

The young man reached out with his left hand and grasped Scotty's
tunic. The engineer was pulled down with surprising strength until he
was face-to-face with his young lover.

The Russian nuzzled into his neck and then murmured, "Missed you,
Monty."

"Aye," he whispered back, his voice husky with affection. "I missed
ye, too." He placed his arms around the slight body and kissed the
man's temple. Rubbing his hands over Pavel's back, he asked gently,
"How 'bout I take ye home now? Would ye like that, love?"

"Da."

"All right. Here, I'll help ye."

With Scotty's assistance, the Russian managed to sit up on the biobed.
The young man still seemed quite groggy so the engineer helped Chekov
pull on a pair of slippers. After easing Chekov off of the bed, he
wrapped an arm across his lover's back and slowly guided his charge
out of the room.

He noticed McCoy was standing in the doorway of his office, watching
them silently, never saying a word. Scotty noticed the genuine smile
on the doctor's face and, again, the engineer sent up a silent word of
thanks to the heavens for the miracle he held in his arms. Nodding
once to McCoy, he steered the Russian out of sickbay and into the main
corridor of the ship.

They met a few curious looks along their journey but, for the most
part, nearly everyone broke out into knowing smiles when they
encountered the couple. Scotty didn't know when he had ever been
happier and he knew it showed plainly on his face.

He was taking his lover home. Home. They were about to begin their new
life together. How he had wanted this. Ached for this. For months, he
dreamt of this day. And now it was finally coming true.

Scotty managed to get a vacant turbolift and, finally alone, he
ventured a kiss with his young lover. Pavel responded passionately,
albeit not with his usual stamina--breaking the kiss short with a loud
gasp.

When they reached their deck and exited the turbolift, Scotty found
the corridor surprisingly empty. With a happy laugh, he pulled Chekov
up against his right side. Arm-in-arm, the Scotsman steered Pavel down
the corridor to their quarters. Scotty noticed that the Russian still
seemed a little unsteady on his feet, so he kept a firm arm around the
slim waist, just to be on the safe side.

Once arriving inside the privacy of their quarters, Scotty escorted
his lover to the double-wide bunk. The engineer was suddenly thankful
he remembered to fold out the extension on the bunk ahead of time so
it would be ready for them later that night. He carefully pulled back
the covers and then patted the mattress. "In ye go, love. Doctor's
orders. Bed rest."

Chekov's dark eyes flashed at him, a tired, frustrated scowl forming
over his expressive face. "Nyet. No more bed rest, Monty," he groaned.
"I feel like I haven't moved for days."

Scotty ran his palms over the young man's shoulders and then began a
gentle massage. "Feeling a wee stiff and sore, are ye?"

"Da," Pavel murmured, leaning back against Scotty's hands. "I could
really go for a hot shower. With real water." Dark eyes looked up at
him, and then the Russian added, "And maybe a back rub?"

The engineer smiled silently. He would do anything for the lad.

"All right, then. A hot shower. And a back rub," Scotty murmured
happily. "I think I can help ye with that, Pavel."

Scotty led the Russian into the small bathroom. He quickly keyed in
the setting for a full water shower. Making sure the temperature was
set at the right level, he then turned towards his companion.

Finding Chekov still fumbling with the fastenings to his jumpsuit,
Scotty grasped the young man's hands gently, stilling them.

"Let me. I'll take care of everything, my love."

"I can do it, Monty," Pavel scowled, allowing some of his frustration
to show through. "I am not an invalid."

"Perhaps not, laddie," Scotty replied back gently, "But ye are
recovering from a nasty blow to the head. Dr. McCoy said ye are to get
plenty of rest. So ye are just going 't have to get used to me
pampering ye." The Scotsman pulled Chekov's left hand up to his lips.
He kissed his lover's knuckles and then worked his way down to the
inside of the wrist. Feeling the strong pulse beat in the wrist, he
smiled affectionately. Looking up into Chekov's dark eyes, he
murmured, "Besides, I want 't take care of ye. Let me do this for ye,
Pavel. Okay?"

Chekov's statement softened, and then he broke out in a wan smile.
"Da. Okay, Monty."

"Good," Scotty said with a wry chuckle. "Now let me get this jumpsuit
off ye and we will both get our showers taken before my water ration
runs out for the month."

Scotty made quick work of Chekov's sickbay outfit and soon they were
both drenched in the hot, cascading water. The engineer yearned to
touch all of the erotic spots that he had discovered on his lover's
body during shoreleave. But, because of McCoy's harsh warning, the
Scotsman had to placate himself with simply soaping down the lad's
smooth skin all the while fighting off his own erotic thoughts. He
took special delight in shampooing and rinsing his lover's longish
hair, enjoying the silky feel of the strands as he worked in the
lather. He finished up with a gentle neck and shoulder massage.

Toweling off his lover afterwards, Scotty ventured an affectionate
kiss. Enfolding the Russian in his strong embrace, he discerned the
great fatigue in the young man's body. It apparently had taken a lot
out of Chekov to remain upright all that time--from their walk from
sickbay through their time together in the shower.

Deciding it was time to put the Russian to bed, Scotty led Chekov out
of the bathroom and to their bunk. The young man made no protests this
time, seemingly grateful to be finally off his feet and resting
against the pillows in a reclining position on the bed. Scotty fussed
with the pillows and covers for a few moments, making sure his lover
was comfortable and warm.

Remembering that Lieutenant Uhura often teased the navigator about his
penchant for chocolate, Scotty asked, "Do ye want anything, Pavel? Hot
chocolate, perhaps?"

"Da. That would be good."

Scotty went to work at the replicator, coming back with two large,
steaming mugs of hot chocolate. He sat down on the edge of the bed
beside his lover and then handed over one of the mugs.

Chekov sipped the hot beverage, closing his eyes with a soft sigh.
After a few moments, he opened his eyes and looked up at Scotty. "This
tastes wonderful. Thank you."

The Scotsman chuckled warmly. "I'm glad ye like it. 'Tis a secret
recipe."

"Secret?"

"Aye," he answered. Chuckling again, Scotty added, "My grandmother's.
Of course, under normal circumstances I would add a dash of
Scotch--just to give it a little kick. But being you just got out of
sickbay, this'll do for t'night."

Scotty watched Chekov sip the hot chocolate, and then began drinking
from his own mug. An amiable silence fell upon the two men.

It was while Scotty was clearing away their empty mugs that the
Russian broke their contented silence with, "I'm sorry, Monty. What
happened at the Club with Sulu. I heard you..."

"...Aye, laddie," Scotty replied, turning around, "Sulu and I got into
a wee brawl. He dinna like the fact that I was takin' ye away from
him."

"He has Lei. He abandoned me. Why should it matter to him anymore?"

Scotty sighed at the bitterness he picked up in the young man's voice,
the hurt he saw in those dark eyes. "Aye. But apparently Sulu realized
he was about to lose something of great value, Pavel. It dinna need 't
make sense to the likes of you or me."

The Russian turned away, and then whispered, "I know."

There was a long, uncomfortable silence and, not knowing what else to
do, Scotty moved back to the bunk and sat down. He placed his hands on
the Russian's shoulders and began to massage the tense muscles he
found there.

"I'm here, love. Let it go."

Chekov let out a soft sigh and then slowly turned back towards him.
The young man reached out and Scotty quickly pulled the lithe body up
into his lap, enfolding him in a warm embrace.

"I love you, Monty," the Russian's muffled voice sighed into Scotty's
chest.

"And I, you, laddie." He pressed kisses against the young man's hair
and stroked his back and arms. Running one hand between them to
Chekov's chest, Scotty caressed the smooth skin he found there,
murmuring soft assurances as he continued to hold the young man in his
arms.

After a few moments, the Russian lifted his head from Scotty's
shoulder. With a contented look on his face, the young man leaned
forward and captured the engineer's lips in a gentle kiss.

For a moment, Scotty wished he could forget the promise he just made
in sickbay. Oh how he wanted to deepen the kiss until they both gasped
for breath. But, alas...

Breaking the kiss, the younger man seemed to mirror Scotty's thoughts
as he whispered, "I wish we could be together tonight."

Scotty chuckled softly. "But we are together, love. Ye are here with
me."

Chekov seemed to blush slightly. "I mean...together. You inside me."

The engineer smiled down at his lover, a flood of emotion spilling
over him all at once. "There's nothing I'd like more than to make love
to ye right now, Pavel. But we canna do it--not 'til ye are fully
healed."

He heard the other man sigh. "I know. It's just...I'm sorry we missed
our date in the hot tub."

Scotty pulled away slightly so he could gaze into Chekov's dark eyes.
"Tis all right, lad. Mr. Ahkardi promised--the next time we visit
Bennett's Planet--he will have a deluxe suite ready for us. Free of
charge."

"Free?"

Scotty smiled. "Aye, laddie. Free. And he picked up all of our charges
this time--the room, the costumes, everything."

"That was wery nice of him," Chekov said.

"Aye, Pavel, and guess what he had beamed up for us as a nice parting
gift?"

"What?"

With a smug grin, Scotty rose from the bunk and opened one of the tall
closets. He pulled out a garment and held it out for the Russian to
see, and then draped it over the young man's extended arms.

"My costume...," the young man laughed, running his hands over the
nearly-transparent fabric.

"Aye, laddie. A number of really prime costumes, actually--including
your gypsy costume from our first night together. Mr. Ahkardi, the
manager at Caesar's Club, took our sizes from the earlier fittings and
made brand new costumes for us. On the house." Scotty took Pavel's
left hand in his. "He wanted me to tell ye how sorry he was that ye
were hurt."

Chekov nodded his head as he ran his right hand over the shimmering
fabric of the cloak. "It is very generous of him." A crooked smile
formed over his lips as he added, "Did he happen to beam up your
leather jumpsuit, too?"

"Aye, laddie. He did," Scotty said with a laugh. "Along with a number
of other...ah...rather provocative costumes."

"Provocative, you say," Chekov replied, his smile growing wider. "Then
when I am better, we will have to celebrate, no?"

Scotty reached up and caressed the Russian's cheek. "Aye. We will.
'Twill be one bonnie of a party, that I can tell ye."

"I'm looking forward to it, Monty, most eagerly."

The Scotsman noticed the look of fatigue in his lover's dark eyes.
"Aye, laddie. So off 't sleep with ye. The sooner ye recover, the
sooner we can celebrate."

Pavel nodded sleepily and Scotty helped him to lie down flat on the
bunk. The young man rolled onto his left side, facing away from him.
The engineer slipped under the covers, spooning up next to the
Russian, and then called out to dim the lights.

Remembering his promise to give Pavel a backrub, he began a slow,
soothing massage over the young man's shoulders.

"Mmmmmmmm. That feels wonderful, Monty."

"Ye feel wonderful, Pavel," Scotty soothed, moving his hands lower to
Chekov's middle back. "I love touching ye. I'm so glad ye agreed to
share my life."

"I'm glad you let Uhura talk you into coming to my rescue, Monty."

"I'm glad ye gave an old salt like me a chance..."

Scotty heard a slight chuckle come from the young Russian.

"Lad?"

There was a short pause, and then Chekov whispered, "I'm glad I gave
you a chance, too. I never knew you were such a good dancer..among
other things."

Scotty laughed happily, wrapping his arms around the slight body and
pressing up against him.

"I'm glad I dinna disappoint ye, laddie."

"You didn't. Believe me. It was wonderful...all of it. Well, except
for Sulu."

"I'm glad, Pavel."

There was a long, comfortable silence between them. And then,
suddenly, Chekov whispered, "Thank you for coming into my life,
Monty."

Scotty pressed kisses against the younger man's bare shoulder, and
then nuzzled against Chekov's ear. "No, Pavel, thank YOU for coming
into mine. We 'twill have a bonnie time, you 'n I."

Pavel yawned loudly, and then added, "When I'm better, we will have a
party. Just the two of us."

Scotty gave the Russian an affectionate hug. "Aye, just the two of
us."

The two men relaxed into each other's embrace, resting silently in the
darkness of their shared cabin.

Holding the youthful body in his arms, Scotty finally felt at peace.
The aching emptiness in his arms, in his heart, and in his soul now
seemed filled to the brim with a deep affection and abiding love. He
pressed kisses against the nape of Chekov's neck. Then he rested his
forehead against the young man's shoulder, enjoying the simple
pleasure of listening to his lover's soft breathing.

"G'night, laddie."

"Mmmmmmmmm..."

---
Epilogue


Very late the next evening...

~~Personal log: With Bennett's Planet long behind us, we are well on
our way to Alpha Primeus 10 with Ambassador Marius and the latest
round of treaty negotiations with the Angarians.

Since departing Bennett's Planet, I have been besieged with restless
nights. But it's not the pending negotiations that I'm losing sleep
over.

Perhaps I should seek out Bones and get a sleep inducer. But then he'd
start in on the questions.

I can't go into the reasons with him. Oh god. Not about this.

I think I'm in trouble here. I'm not sure where I should begin to
explain why, but I can't get the images out of my mind. Maybe I should
destroy the footage that Mr. Ahkardi sent me--a recording of the
events that occurred on the upper landing of Caesar's Club yesterday
involving my men. I realize Mr. Ahkardi sent the footage as a goodwill
gesture--to let me destroy the only video surveillance footage of what
happened that night between my men. I know he meant it as a favor, but
god, it has become a curse to me.

Before yesterday, I had never considered another male as a sexual
partner. Oh, there had been opportunities presented to me through the
years. I even thought, for a time, that Spock was attracted to me. But
I never felt compelled to respond in kind. There were always enough
females who were willing--most who knew I was unable to form a
long-term relationship. And what about those who I wanted to share my
life with for a longer period of time? Well...I thought I could never
get over Miramanee. But then, I thought that of Edith, too, didn't I?
How pathetic am I?

I've loved women, lost women, but never looked at another man. That
all changed yesterday. I find myself drawn to the footage that Mr.
Ahkardi sent me--a recording from the security cameras at Caesar's. It
must be a state-of-the-art system--top-notch image quality and audio.
The footage captured closeups of Scotty seducing Ensign Chekov.
Pumping him until he...! Oh god, it made me cum just watching it. And
now, the images are burned inside my mind. I close my eyes and I can
see them. See him.

The images I see in my mind are not of Scotty seducing Pavel. No, it's
my hand that is pumping him. It's my touch that is setting him on
fire. It's my name he cries out when he cums. And it only gets worse
when I go to bed, when I try to get some sleep. I literally ache to
hold that body against me, feel him beneath me, feel my cock buried
deep inside him.

Oh, god. I think I'm lost.

At first, I didn't understand what was happening as I held him at the
club. He looked up at me with those dark, trusting eyes of his. I
think, at first, he thought I was Scotty. I wished, at that moment, it
had been my name on his lips.

I know I'm lost.

Of course, there is nothing that I can do with this. Pavel is about to
embark on a new relationship. Mr. Scott requested I give my
authorization for Pavel to move in with him and, heaven help me, I
approved the request. It's the best thing for Pavel. I know he's
suffered greatly for many weeks--months actually--when Sulu lost
interest in their relationship. He needs this. He needs someone who
will pamper him, maybe even spoil him a little bit.

I normally don't get involved with the personal lives of my crew.
That's not my place unless it interferes with their duties aboard the
ship. But this time, it's different. Without my realizing it, I've
grown attached to him. Protective of him. Maybe it started after he
came back from that secret mission, the one none of us were supposed
to know about. And when he was killed by the Earps--oh god, Scotty
wasn't the only one who couldn't control his grief.

What is different now? After seeing him with Scotty...watching Pavel
being seduced at Caesar's Club...my body now burns to hold him, to
touch his skin like I did while Bones attended to his injuries.

And I almost lost it again as I talked to him in sickbay the other
evening. How I wanted to brush the stray locks of hair off of his
forehead--to have him move into MY quarters instead of Scotty's. How I
wanted to pamper him, and spoil him just a little bit.

But it can never be.

I couldn't do that to him. After all he's been through lately, he
needs a stable relationship. He needs someone who isn't married to his
ship--his career.

Someone in my position can't... I have never been able to make that
kind of commitment to anyone. It is wrong for me to even consider the
idea. I'm totally wrong for him. I'd only hurt him. I know it. It can
never be. Never.

But, oh god, how I wish it could be.

End personal log.~~


The man cued up the footage once more, zooming in on the image of
Pavel Chekov's face. He could hear the young man's soft moans, the
words of endearments coming from those full lips. Words he could only
imagine were aimed at him instead of someone else.

He pressed his left hand against the viewscreen, covering the spot
where the other man's hand was pumping the ensign. He imagined his own
hand in its place, stroking the young man's erection. With his other
hand, he pumped his own cock until he was aching for completion.
Listening to the young Russian's whimpers and soft gasps, he thrust
his hips up against his fist. Focusing his sight on Chekov's face, he
let out a soft moan of his own. He pumped in time with the music
playing over the tiny speaker, the music that almost drowned out the
sounds of the lovers as the older man seduced the younger man until he
was about to cum.

When the Russian bit his lip and let out a loud cry of completion, the
solitary man pumped one final time and felt the release he needed so
badly. One word was moaned as his ejaculate spewed into his hand,
"Pavel...!"

---

The End