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Subject: [ASCEM-S] New TOS "Tempting Fate on Squeaky Springs" 1/9 (Mc/Sa, K/S) [NC-17]
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Title: "Tempting Fate on Squeaky Springs"
Series: TOS
Author: T'Thrill
Romance Codes:  Mc/Sa, K/S
Rating: NC-17 m/m
Summary:  This story begins 4 years after the second five-year
Initially, I had intended for this to be a short, PWP Christmas
story, however, I missed the deadline and, as so often happens
when I begin exploring relationships, it began to take on a life
of its own.
 
This, like all my stories, can be found on my webpage
T'Thrill's Den of Trek Delights
http://www.geocities.com/tthrill1612/

Warning:  This story contains *explicit* m/m sex.  If you are 
not interested in and/or are offended by such things, you will 
find reading this a complete waste of your time, so please move 
on.  If you are under 18 years of age, please move on, as well.

Disclaimer: Copyright 2004 by T'Thrill. This is an original 
work of amateur fiction based on Star Trek. This work makes 
"fair use" of Star Trek copyrighted material; it is not intended 
to infringe on the intellectual property rights of Paramount, 
Viacom or other owners of copyright in Star Trek or any of 
their assignees or licensees. The author's copyright extends 
only to the original material in this work.
 
Archive:  Okay to archive in ASCEM, BLTS, and COCO-SSD, 
provided that header, disclaimers, my name, and email address 
are all attached. All others please ask. My email address is -- 
TThrill1612@aol.com


Acknowledgments--Once again, I have to send a big 
"THANKS" to my wonderful beta, Selek.  Also to MizzMarcee 
who read the first part and gave me feedback as I tried out 
numerous titles.
 
 Note - RHIP - Rank hath its privilege
 
 
The Definition of Love
 
My love is of a birth as rare
As 'tis for object strange and high;
It was begotten by Despair
Upon Impossibility.
 
Magnanimous Despair alone
Could show me so divine a thing,
Where feeble hope could ne'er have flown,
But vainly flapp'd its tinsel wing.
 
And yet I quickly might arrive
Where my extended soul is fixt,
But Fate does iron wedges drive,
And always crowds itself betwixt.
 
For Fate with jealous eye does see
Two perfect loves, nor lets them close;
Their union would her ruin be,
And her tyrannic power depose.
 
And therefore her decrees of steel,
Us as the distant poles have placed,
(Though love's whole world on us doth wheel)
Not by themselves to be embraced.
 
Unless the giddy heaven fall,
And earth some new convulsion tear;
And, us to join, the world should all
Be cramped into a plainsphere.
 
As lines, so loves, oblique may well
Themselves in every angle greet;
But ours so truly parallel,
Though infinite, can never meet.
 
Therefore the love which us doth bind,
But Fate so enviously debars,
Is the Conjunction of the Mind,
And Opposition of the Stars.
 
Andrew Marvell (1621-1678) 
 
 
Chapter 1/9
 
Twenty-seven minutes after leaving San Francisco, and finally 
clearing the restricted, municipal-use region of air space, 
Leonard nudged the directional heading of his '71 Turbo-shuttle 
two degrees North, while simultaneously increasing the 
velocity to maximum, giving her all she would take.  As 
always, there was a feeling of exhilaration that washed over 
him when he felt her top out, as if he were leaving all of his 
cares behind.  Only then did he settle back in the seat and fully 
enjoy the almost undetectable vibration of the engine that could 
be felt through the controls.  This, he assumed, must have been 
the same feeling Jim experienced when he used to walk the 
silent corridors of the Enterprise late at night, sometimes 
stopping to lay his hand gently, almost lovingly, against the 
metal of the bulkhead.  It was as if on some personal level, and 
under very rare circumstances, man really did have the ability 
to communicate with machine.
 
Purchasing the sub-warp shuttle had been an unabashed 
indulgence following the first five-year mission on the 
Enterprise.  It had been a futile attempt to balm the resentment 
he had felt toward Jim, Spock, and Starfleet with material 
possessions.  It hadn't worked.  Nor had resigning his 
commission altogether, storing his prized possession in a 
pressurized containment unit, and leaving Earth for New 
Fabrina, hoping against hope that Natira would somehow hold 
his answers.  She hadn't, by any stretch of the imagination.  
However, the medical tapes found in the Fabrini computer 
banks had held a lot of valuable information, so he'd spent the 
next eighteen months translating them.
 
He'd just returned from the colony planet when he was 
informed that his Reserve Activation Clause had been invoked.  
There hadn't even been time to get the shuttle out of storage 
before he was ordered to report to the Enterprise.  The fact was 
that his shuttle had spent most of the twelve years he'd owned it 
in storage, but he couldn't help himself; he still loved piloting it 
when he got the chance.
 
Not that the ending of the second five-year mission, and 
returning to San Francisco to live, had offered him much down 
time either.  Between his appointment as the head of Deep-
Space Medical Training at the Academy, compiling and 
publishing procedural information gained from the ten years 
spent as CMO on the Enterprise, and the nearly constant 
demands to consult or lecture, he hadn't been able to take more 
than a day or two off at a time in the four years he'd been back 
on Earth.  Although the years since the last mission ended had 
sped by, they weren't what Leonard would regard as 
particularly satisfying, especially from a personal standpoint.  
But they passed--days, weeks, then months at a time--without 
too much thought.
 
Before he knew it, another Christmas season was upon him, 
and there was nothing like having to attend the usual round of 
holiday parties to point out that he was alone--again.  No doubt 
making this year worse than usual was the fact that lately he'd 
been stewing over a lot of things, including the training mission 
that was coming up in less than a month.  He still couldn't 
understand why they wouldn't just put an experienced crew 
back onboard the Enterprise.  Hell, he would've signed up in 
half a heartbeat if they'd asked him!  Admittedly, he was 
feeling more than just a little melancholy about having to spend 
those all-too-fleeting weeks on the ship that felt more like home 
than any other place in the galaxy.  God only knew what it was 
doing to Jim.  As hard as he'd tried, he hadn't been able to get 
his long-time friend to discuss anything more personal than the 
necessary operational logistics.
 
So, between the holidays and the upcoming mission, he'd 
decided the best thing to do was to just get out of town for a 
few days.  Besides, with the mood he'd been in lately, he 
suspected that no one really wanted him around anyway.  It 
would do him good to take some time off and get his thoughts 
in order.  With no more thought than that, he had placed 
himself on the 'Do Not Call' list--RHIP--sent a message to the 
agency in charge of upkeep on his cabin, thrown any of his 
'cold weather' clothes into a cargo locker--although most of his 
winter wear was kept at the cabin--added enough provisions to 
get by on comfortably for several days, and called the storage 
company and ordered his shuttle delivered.  He had sent Jim a 
time-delayed vid message to let him know where he was going, 
and assured him that he'd be back no later than New Year's 
Eve.  He knew his friend well enough to know if he spoke to 
him directly, Jim would do all in his power to talk him into 
staying around for Christmas.  It would be a nice gesture, but it 
was also the very thing Leonard couldn't cope with this year.
 
Once his decision was made to go to the cabin, the thought 
crossed his mind to invite Sarek to join him.  He knew that after 
being away at the Rigel Conference for a week, Sarek had 
returned to Earth just the evening before, and it would be nice 
to catch up.  But after further thought, he dismissed the idea.  
With everything else going on in his life, he wasn't sure Sarek's 
company was what he needed.
 
Nine months earlier, Jim, Spock, and Leonard had met for 
lunch, as they did on those rare occasions when all three 
happened to be available.  Over the course of the meal, Spock 
mentioned that his father had relocated his base of operation 
from Vulcan to the embassy in San Francisco.  Upon hearing 
this news, Leonard had taken it upon himself to contact him 
that very evening.  Since then, the two of them had formed an 
extremely close friendship, to the bewilderment of many, 
including his two best friends.  Even with Jim, Spock, and most 
of the Enterprise crew in the San Francisco area, it was Sarek 
who Leonard had begun to seek out.  Whether it was to have a 
companion for dinner, find a willing ear to complain to, or just 
spend a few hours in quiet conversation, Sarek was the person 
he had begun to think of first.
 
This could have been because, as an ambassador, Sarek had 
developed a certain tolerance to even the most emotional 
beings--even Leonard had to admit that he had his moments.  
Or, it could have been after knowing Spock for all these years, 
Leonard had learned to really appreciate that wonderful Vulcan 
facade that he knew could, in certain circumstances, shelter a 
hotbed of unexplored emotions--although this was something 
the doctor would never openly admit.  However, he knew it 
was mainly for the reason he had only recently acknowledged, 
and only then in the deepest recesses of his heart.  Somewhere 
along the way, he'd managed to fall in love with Sarek.
 
Sure, there had been times when he thought he'd been in love 
before, but it was never like this.  This was the fucking lump in 
your throat, melt when he was close enough to get a whiff of 
his scent, heart racing when you saw him, heart aching when 
you had to leave him, couldn't remember what it was like to go 
to sleep without imagining him beside you, kind of love.  There 
was only one problem.  It was completely, and totally, one 
sided.
 
Leonard didn't know for sure when it'd happened.  Since first 
meeting him, all those many years ago onboard the Enterprise, 
there was just something about the ambassador's company that 
Leonard had found enjoyable.  Whether it was awe or 
adoration, there was no doubt that he had been drawn to him 
from the very beginning.  However, there had been the small 
matter of the ambassador's devoted, and heterosexual, marriage 
to Amanda.  When she hadn't moved to San Francisco with 
him, Leonard began to suspect there might be trouble, but this 
was only a gut feeling.  Certainly Sarek had never said anything 
that had led him to that conclusion.
 
As a matter of fact, discussing relationships in general seemed 
to be the one subject that was taboo with the ambassador, often 
leading to a detectable distancing in Sarek's demeanor.  
Leonard didn't fully understand the reason, but he assumed it 
had to do with the fact that it was hard as hell to discuss 
personal interactions without discussing the emotional 
involvements, as well.  Whatever else Sarek was, he was *all* 
Vulcan, and it became blatantly clear that the idea of pursuing 
anything beyond a platonic friendship with him was completely 
out of the question.  But even if friendship was all they would 
ever have, Leonard was damned grateful for the time they 
found to spend together.  The feelings he harbored beyond that 
would just have to remain his own carefully guarded secret.
 
Before he'd finished packing, he'd decided he didn't want to go 
another week without seeing him, and he would just have to 
manage to keep his feelings in check.  Contacting his Vulcan 
friend via a comm link, he invited him to come along.  When 
questioned as to their destination, the only hint Leonard would 
give the ambassador was that he would need to pack for several 
days and dress warm.  Knowing that Sarek was a man who 
usually required specific details, he'd half expected him to 
decline the offer, but when he accepted, Leonard's mood had 
significantly brightened.  An hour later, he had picked Sarek up 
at the Vulcan Embassy.
 
Leonard glanced down out of the shuttle's windows, knowing 
from the settings displayed before him that they were directly 
over the mountains.  But between the thickening cloud cover, 
and the altitude he had to travel to avoid the strong wind 
currents, very little could be seen of the ground below.  It was 
just as well since he didn't want to ruin the effect when they 
approached their ultimate destination.
 
The weather reports had warned of high wind gusts above 
fifteen thousand feet, with some downdrafts as strong as a 
hundred and thirty-six knots, leveling off to somewhere around 
forty-five knots at ground level.  The shuttle was equipped with 
gyrostabilizers; however, so having to descend through those 
wouldn't pose a problem.  The only other warning was one 
regarding the expected cold temperatures, possibly reaching as 
low as minus twenty-four degrees Celsius in the higher 
elevations.  This wouldn't be a major concern since they would 
be at the cabin before the temperature really started to 
plummet, and even then they wouldn't be outside for more than 
a few seconds.
 
Sarek was seated in the adjacent seat, and Leonard noticed him 
pulling the heavy wrap tighter around his shoulders.  Although 
the internal temperature of the shuttle was already warm 
enough that the doctor was feeling the first beads of sweat pop 
out on his forehead, he slipped his arms out of his jacket and 
keyed the thermostat up a bit to make Sarek more comfortable.
 
"Better?" Leonard asked.
 
"Yes, thank you," Sarek replied.  "Doctor McCoy, we have 
been underway for some time.  Will you now inform me of our 
destination?"
 
Leonard gave his passenger a sly, sideways grin.  "I guess since 
we'll be arrivin' in just a few minutes, it's about time to let you 
in on the secret.  We're headed to my cabin.  It's located in 
northern Colorado, nestled in what's considered to be the 
foothills of the Rocky Mountain's.  Sixty acres of pure 
mountain heaven, and without a doubt, it's the prettiest place on 
Earth to spend Christmas.  It's also something I haven't done 
since I landed my first tour of duty onboard the Enterprise."
 
"Doctor, you do realize that, as a Vulcan, I am unaccustomed to 
exceedingly cold climates."  Uncharacteristically, there was the 
slightest hint of anxiety that crept into Sarek's voice.
 
"I know, and I wouldn't take you some place where you'd be 
uncomfortable," Leonard assured him.  "It's no more than a few 
steps from where I'll set the shuttle down to the door, and it's 
not like we'll be camping out.  The cabin has all the luxuries of 
home, including low-light solar panels that maintain the 
temperature at a comfortable level, and there's a fireplace that 
will have the place positively toasty in no time.  I promise, once 
you're inside, you'll be good and warm.  But I'll make you a 
deal; if after two days you don't like it, we'll go back to the 
city.  
How's that?"
 
"I believe that to be an acceptable offer, Doctor," Sarek replied, 
although somewhat warily.
 
"Excellent!  I promise you, you're gonna be amazed." 


"You never cease to amaze me, Doctor," Sarek replied, looking 
toward him and arching an eyebrow upwards.  It was *that* 
look, the one that always made Leonard's heart hammer just a 
bit faster, his breaths a bit more shallow, the palms of his hands 
the least bit damp, and the crotch of his trousers a bit 
uncomfortable.  Never before had there been anything that 
could make him as weak in the knees, or arouse him as quickly, 
as that single look could.
 
"You rarely visit this location, correct?" Sarek was asking him.
 
A calming breath later, Leonard answered.  "Unfortunately, 
that's true.  Two five-year tours on the Enterprise, deciphering 
the medical files on the Fabrini colony in between those 
missions, and the grueling schedule of the last four years hasn't 
left a lot of time to get away."
 
There seemed to be a degree of increased formality in Sarek's 
voice when he replied.  "Yes, Doctor McCoy, I seem to 
remember that you spent a considerable amount of time with 
the Fabrini."
 
Leonard wondered if he'd said something that Sarek found 
objectionable, but for the life of him he couldn't think of a 
damned thing.  The ambassador certainly couldn't object to the 
work he'd done with the Fabrini.  The information that had 
come from those records had proven to be extremely useful.  
But he sure couldn't remember saying or doing anything else to 
offend his guest.  Hell, since leaving San Francisco--except for 
pushing the speed-to-distance ratios a little faster than was 
legal--he'd been on his best behavior.  "Yeah, almost two years.  
There was a lot of valuable medical information gleaned from 
their computer banks, but it took time to pull it out and translate 
it.  So, you see, there hasn't been time for extended vacations in 
recent years."  It was as much an explanation as a defense, but 
against what, he didn't know.
 
"Indeed.  Yet, you have retained the cabin all this time?"
 
His response came cautiously, not wanting to say anything that 
would upset Sarek.  "Oh, sure.  I could never get rid of it.  It 
holds too many memories.  You see, my father had always 
wanted a place in the mountains, so I originally had the place 
built for him.  Not long after that, my wife and I split up, and I 
spent the next few Christmases at the cabin with my dad.  My 
daughter loved the summers there when she was little, so I 
always tried to arrange a week or two to take her up during that 
season, as well.  After my father became ill and had to move 
back to the city, I had the place closed up.  He died shortly 
thereafter, and within three months I accepted the position as 
CMO on the Enterprise."  He wondered if mentioning his 
divorce was stepping over the bounds, but there were just some 
subjects that couldn't be avoided.
 
"You have not returned since?"
 
"Oh, I come up for a day or two, here and there, but I haven't 
been back for the holidays.  There's just somethin' about being 
there at Christmas that's special, and this morning I got a real 
hankerin' to come here this year."
 
"James and Spock did not wish to join you?"
 
"To tell ya the truth, I didn't ask," he answered, feeling a little 
guilty about that.  For sixteen years--less the two years he'd 
spent on New Fabrina --he, Jim, and Spock had spent every 
Christmas together, first on the ship, then either in San 
Francisco, or at Jim's home in Iowa.  And although he was sure 
they wouldn't mind his absence, and would actually enjoy 
being left alone for once, he hadn't so much as offered them the 
opportunity to decline.
 
"I see," Sarek replied.  "In any case, it sounds like a most 
pleasant place, Doctor McCoy, with equally pleasant memories.  
I look forward to our arrival."
 
"Well, keep in mind that the cabin's not all that big, but it's nice 
enough."  Then, much quieter, he added, "Especially when 
sharin' it with a friend."  He glanced over at Sarek and flashed a 
quick smile.  Although they had become what McCoy would 
qualify as close, their friendship, per se, was another of the 
many relationships that they had never openly discussed.
 
"Admittedly, I do not find particular significance in this 
specific religious commemoration; however, I am honored that 
you would ask me to join you.  I am certain there are others 
who would have gladly accepted such an invitation."
 
"Maybe, Ambassador, but none who would be more welcome," 
he conceded, while still maintaining the level of formality that 
had never been crossed between the two of them.  It was just 
this barrier that Leonard had wanted to break through for some 
time, and he decided that his courage would never be as 
staunch as it was at the moment.  With a quick breath, and a 
decision that the only way to attack the problem was in his 
usual head-on manner, he stated, "That said, I would like to 
address these titles we use.  To tell ya the truth, I really don't 
wanna be called 'Doctor' again until I'm officially back on duty.  
For the next week, I want to forget all about Starfleet, Starfleet 
Medical, and the Academy.  I'd even like to forget that you're 
an ambassador."
 
"To attempt to forget ones chosen profession is not logical, 
Doctor," Sarek stated.
 
Knitting his eyebrows, Leonard turned his head toward Sarek, 
but discovered that there was a decided twinkle in those deep 
amber eyes.  No doubt about it, the Vulcan was teasing him.  
Whatever faux pax he had committed earlier, had evidently 
been forgiven.  Deciding he could give as good as get, and 
doing his best to feign indignation, he stated, "I *mean* I don't 
want to have to deal with the formality of titles.  You can call 
me Leonard, Len, or even Bones, but if I hear you calling me 
'Doctor McCoy' again, I just may be forced to set the shuttle 
down and let you out, got it?"
 
There was almost a smile that was returned, but not quite.  "I 
believe, Leonard, that you have made your point quite clear."
 
McCoy chuckled.  "Much better.  Now, settle back because you 
are just about to be introduced to the most beautiful place in all 
the galaxy."
 
"According to humans, Leonard, isn't beauty supposed to be in 
the eye of the beholder?"
 
"It will be.  Trust me.  It will be."  Leonard sighed, happily, 
feeling any remaining tension ease out of his body.  He made 
the final adjustment to the trajectory and started his descent.
 
 
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Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 23:24:39 -0600
Subject: [ASCEM-S] New TOS "Tempting Fate on Squeaky Springs" 2/9 (Mc/Sa, K/S) [NC-17]
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Chapter 2/9 - See all warnings and disclaimers in chapter 1/9
 
When it was just about time for the sun to settle low on the 
horizon, Leonard dropped the speed and let the shuttle glide 
toward the ground.  There just wasn't anything as beautiful as a 
purple-gold sunset reflecting off the snow-covered peaks and 
valleys, and he fervently hoped that the bands of clouds would 
part long enough to see it.
 
The small township closest to the cabin, White Springs, was 
just below them, which meant they were only a few kilometers 
from setting down.  If the agency in charge of upkeep had been 
able to get to the cabin on such short notice, the fire would 
already be roaring.  Leonard could almost smell the wood--
synthetic as it was--burning on the grate.  But even if a 
preparation crew hadn't been able to make it out, it would only 
take a few seconds to get a fire going.
 
Perfect timing!  The city was behind them, and the sun chose 
just that moment to peak between the heavy clouds that were 
rolling in.  This would take Sarek's breath away, for sure!  He 
brought the shuttle to a safe distance above the treetops and 
leveled out.  Looking down, he uttered, "What the hell?"  There 
was nothing but the gray-brown of dormant aspen trees with a 
heavy sprinkling of evergreens thrown in.  There wasn't any 
snow!  There was always snow here by Thanksgiving, at the 
very latest.  It was December the 23rd, for God's sake, and 
nothing!
 
"A problem, Leonard?"
 
"Where's the snow?"
 
"There does not appear to be any."
 
"Exactly!  I don't understand it.  This is one of the few places 
where you can bet money on havin' a white Christmas!"
 
"I am sorry that you are disappointed.  Does this mean that you 
are turning back?" Sarek asked, sounding just a bit too eager.
 
"Sorry, Sarek, but you won't escape that easily.  Okay, so 
there's no snow, that doesn't mean we still won't have a great 
time.  The cabin is nice, even if the landscape isn't all that 
great."
 
"As you wish, Leonard."
 
There were a few moments of silence before Leonard shouted, 
"DAMMIT!"
 
"Another problem?"
 
"Yeah, it's the clearing next to the cabin, a place I've always 
used as a landing site.  There are several trees down across it.  
There seem to be trees down everywhere.  Well, I'm certainly 
not gonna be able to land there."
 
"There is no alternate site?"
 
"Nothing close.  There's the pond not terribly far from the 
cabin, but with the weight of this shuttle, I'm not sure it would 
be wise to risk it, even if it's frozen solid."
 
"Do you believe this is a recent occurrence?"
 
"It has to be.  I received a report from the agency in charge of 
upkeep on the place about a week ago stating they had been out 
here on a routine visit, cleaning things up and makin' sure there 
were no repairs needed.  So, it couldn't have been in this 
condition for too long.  I wonder if the cabin has been hurt."  
He tried to maneuver the shuttle into a better position, but the 
imminent darkness and the still-thick tree canopy that 
surrounded the dwelling prevented him from getting close 
enough to see.  "I can't tell," Leonard said, craning his neck to 
no avail.  Even adjusting the viewscreen was no help.
 
"Does this mean that you will be unable to access your cabin?"
 
"Well, it makes it more difficult, that's for sure.  I think it'd be 
best to go back to one of the towns and stay for the night, but 
first I'd like to check things out here.  That way, if need be, I 
can get a repair crew out here as soon as possible.  I have an 
idea."  Turning the shuttle south, he spotted what he was 
looking for.  "There, the old meadow.  It's about a half  'a mile 
hike, maybe a little more, but I really wanna get a look at the 
place before we lose the last of the light.  It shouldn't take long, 
and you can stay in the shuttle while I'm gone."
 
"I understand your concern, and I will go with you.  That 
distance should not pose any great difficulty.  Then, if all is 
well, we can stay."
 
"Well, it's pretty cold outside.  Accordin' to the sensors, it's 
only about eight degrees on the Fahrenheit scale, and now that 
the sun is setting, it's only gonna get colder."
 
"Then perhaps you are right.  I shall remain in the shuttle while 
you investigate any damage."
 
Leonard breathed a sigh.  This certainly wasn't working out the 
way he would have liked, but at least Sarek was being a sport 
about it.  As he neared the ground, a couple of strong wind 
gusts sharply rocked the vehicle, stirring up a thick cloud of 
debris.  By bring the shuttle around, and heading it into the 
currents, he settled it smoothly into the clearing and powered it 
down.
 
"I'll be back as quickly as I can.  When you start getting cold, 
just power up the shuttle and get the heat goin'," he said to his 
companion, slipping his arms back in his coat and sealing the 
front closure.
 
"Understood," Sarek nodded his agreement.
 
Pushing open the hatch on his side, he stepped out.  When he 
closed the protective cover of the door, the first blast of arctic 
wind hit him.  It was sharp enough to slice through the jeans he 
was wearing.  Just when he thought it couldn't get any worse, 
he rounded the corner of the shuttle and hit the nor'easter head 
on.  He had to turn his head to the side to breathe.  This wasn't 
going to work.  There was no way he could hike twenty feet, 
much less the distance to the cabin in this!  They would just 
have to go back to White Springs, stay there for the night, and 
try again tomorrow.
 
Fighting his way back around to the side of the shuttle--finding 
the protection welcoming--he grasped the release, opened the 
hatch, and quickly jumped inside.  With his teeth chattering, 
and while rubbing his hands together and blowing on them, he 
exclaimed, "Cold enough out there to freeze the balls off a 
brass monkey!  I can't make it to the cabin in this, especially 
with the wind as strong as it is.  I think we're better off finding 
a place to stay in town and coming back tomorrow."
 
"I agree.  It is beginning to get quite cold, even with the access 
ports closed."
 
"Yeah, that's for sure.  Just a second and I'll have us powered 
up and the heat back on."  He pressed the button on the control 
panel.  Nothing.  He pressed it again.  Same thing.  Again.  
Nothing.  Over and over.  Still nothing.  He turned off all the 
controls, turned them back to the position they were supposed 
to be in, and pressed the button again.  Nothing...again.  He 
turned off all the controls, sat back in the seat, took a deep 
breath to stem his frustration, and then started the process all 
over again, with the same results.
 
"Well, she's dead.  I'll have to call for help," he said to the man 
sitting beside him, obviously becoming uncomfortable from the 
cold that was seeping into the vehicle.  The wind gusts were 
getting stronger, causing the shuttle to shake.
 
Flipping the switch on the comm box, he depressed the 'all 
stations' button and stated, "Mayday...mayday...mayday.  This 
is shuttle J26YMLH.  Please respond."
 
Silence.
 
"Repeat. Mayday...mayday...mayday.  This is shuttle 
J26YMLH.  Please respond."  He manually readjusted the 
settings and tried again, and again, and again.  He wasn't 
getting through to anyone.  Whatever had killed the engine had 
the whole electrical system disabled.
 
The last, short glimmer of sun had faded into dusky, gloomy 
gray, and then black, as clouds thickened and the last remnants 
of the day disappeared, leaving them stranded in the midst of an 
inky darkness.  "Do you have your communicator, Doctor?" 
Sarek asked, his voice beginning to shake.
 
"No, I'm sorry, I don't.  Dammit!  I figured with the comm on 
the shuttle, and the station at the cabin, I'd be fine.  I didn't 
want 
to be paged all week, so I left it at home.  How about you?"
 
"I only have a unit set up for local use in and around the 
Embassy, one that will carry no more than one hundred 
kilometers.  I am afraid we have far exceeded its capabilities."  
He pulled it from a pocket and tried, but it, too, was useless.  
"As I feared," he sighed, sliding it back where it came from.
 
Leonard slid his jacket off and wrapped it around Sarek in an 
attempt to keep him warm.  He had told Sarek to dress warm, 
and he had on heavy trousers, boots, a sweater, and a heavy 
coat, but still not enough to keep someone from Vulcan 
comfortable against the extreme cold.  When Sarek didn't 
protest to the additional jacket, Leonard knew how desperate 
things were getting.
 
On the trips he'd taken with Jim to his family place in Idaho, 
Leonard had always kidded his friend about the emergency 
equipment he insisted on carrying along--calling it overkill.  At 
that moment, Leonard would have given real money to have 
that little generator/light/heating unit that Jim owned.  If he 
remembered correctly, it even had an emergency beacon built 
into it.
 
As rapidly as the temperature was dropping, he knew they 
couldn't survive the night, not in the shuttle.  Leonard could 
feel himself beginning to tremble uncontrollably.  "Sarek, I hate 
to say it, but I think we only have one chance of making it 
through the night, and that's to get to the cabin, one way or the 
other."
 
Sarek nodded, "I have come to the same conclusion."
 
"I really didn't mean for you to have to hike in, especially under 
these conditions."
 
"It is a factor that cannot be helped.  The alternative is certainly 
more unpleasant," Sarek responded, the quaking in his voice 
unmistakable.
 
"That's for sure.  I have a couple of blankets and a flashlight in 
the back.  I'm gonna get those, and then I'll be around to get 
you, okay?"
 
"Yes," Sarek answered.  He pushed the jacket off and handed it 
toward Leonard.
 
"No, keep it.  Wrap it around you.  I'll use one of the blankets," 
he said, sliding out the hatch on his side.  The cold wind that hit 
him froze him in is path.  He had to muster every ounce of 
strength just to take that first step.  The second came a bit 
easier, and by the third he could only tell he was walking by the 
fact that he was getting closer to the back of the shuttle.  His 
hands were so frozen that he had to punch the release 
repeatedly before he applied enough pressure to pop it open.  
He gathered up the blankets and threw one around his shoulders 
and head.
 
He grabbed the flashlight, and while his hands were still 
protected by the walls of the compartment, he powered it on.  
Reaching in his case, he pulled out the portable medical kit that 
contained a scanner, and then he spotted the backpack that had 
been stored in the shuttle since the last time he'd been to the 
cabin.  He knew that it contained some basic equipment along 
with several ration packs, he couldn't remember what else, but 
he stuffed the medical kit into it and slid an arm through one of 
the straps.
 
He didn't bother with trying to get the door back down, but slid 
around the edge of the shuttle until he was at the hatch on 
Sarek's side.  With his hand wrapped in the edge of the blanket, 
he pulled on the release until it gave way.  Sarek slid his feet 
out on the ground while Leonard wrapped the other blanket 
around him--not an easy task while trying to keep his own 
blanket from blowing away and keeping a grip on the flashlight 
at the same time.
 
He nodded to Sarek, the strong wind gusts made even shouting 
impossible.  Leonard set off, leading the way with the narrow 
beam of light.  He'd walked the path to this meadow a thousand 
times, but that didn't keep him from wondering with every 
painful step if he was leading them off in the wrong direction.  
Every ten meters or so, he would shine the light ahead and 
reassure himself that they were still going the right way.  He 
would berate himself for this predicament later.  For now, every 
ounce of energy had to go into that next step.
 
Occasionally, the high winds would snap off tree branches, and 
they would plummet down, some landing very near them.  It 
made walking the path dangerous, not to mention nearly 
impossible to navigate.  Following the clearing that was beside 
the pond was easier, but once they had to reenter the wooded 
area, things got significantly more treacherous.  Sarek stumbled 
over a fallen limb, and when Leonard tried to catch him, the 
flashlight flew out of his hand, going dark when it hit the 
ground.  Leonard helped Sarek to his feet, and then felt around 
for the light.  After a few tries, he found it, but clicking it on 
and off, even shaking it, didn't help.  He knew it was broken 
and tried to stuff it in his pocket, but with his frozen fingers it 
was impossible.  Dammit!  Why in the hell had he left all his 
winter gear, including the wonderful gloves he used when 
cross-country skiing, at the cabin?  He sure could've used them 
now!  When he couldn't feel to put the light in his pocket, and it 
fell to the ground once more, he left it.
 
Turning back to Sarek, wrapping both his arms around his 
waist, he tried to shout, "It's okay.  The cabin is just ahead," but 
whether Sarek heard him, he couldn't tell.  He started off again 
in what he hoped was the right direction, but in truth he'd lost 
his bearings, especially now that he had no source of light.  
Because of the heavy clouds hanging overhead that were 
blocking out the moon, he could barley see his hand in front of 
his face.  In all honesty, he had no idea as to whether or not 
they were still on the right path.  He only knew if they stopped, 
they were dead.
 
With the fairly steep incline of the path, and having to feel their 
way along with every step--often becoming entangled in a 
fallen limb--Leonard didn't know how far they had walked.  He 
only knew that they were still upright and moving, and that 
they should have been at the cabin long ago.  Real panic was 
beginning to set in as he tried to formulate a plan for making it 
through the night.  He tried to think of alternate locations for 
them to hold up.
 
There were a few caves on the property, but the entrances were 
obscure, at best, unless you knew exactly where to look.  The 
next closest cabin was about three kilometers to the east, but he 
doubted that they could hold out that long.  Besides, even in the 
light of day it was a treacherous hike due to the two deep 
ravines that separated the properties.  The ravines.  Leonard 
hadn't thought about those, and he began to wonder with his 
next step if he was about to lead them off the edge.  They 
couldn't keep this up.  With all the trees and large limbs that 
were down, perhaps he could build them some kind of lean-to 
to crawl into.  He thought he remembered a striker in his pack, 
and if the wind died down some, he might be able to build a 
fire.
 
Leonard put his foot out once more and felt a sharp pain cutting 
into his shin.  His forward motion kept the top of his body 
moving, and the two men once more tumbled down.  They had 
fallen onto some type of wooden platform.  Leonard rolled up 
on one knee and realized they had tripped over the edge of the 
porch.  Another five feet to the west, and they would have 
walked right past it.
 
"We're here!" he shouted, scrambling to his feet.  There was 
something large, but lightweight, in his way.  He reached out to 
move it and realized it was one of the solar panels from the 
roof.  Something had knocked it off, and he had to assume the 
rest were gone, too.  Helping Sarek up, he led them to the door.  
He palmed the lock, but there was no light signaling a response.  
Trying the handle, it turned, so he pushed against the door with 
his shoulder and it opened, but not far.  There seemed to be 
something behind the door that was blocking it.  He pushed 
harder, and by finally mustering all his energy and throwing his 
full weight against it, he was able to get it open wide enough 
for them to squeeze inside.
 
"Lights," he commanded, but like everything else, there was no 
response.  Expecting to be met by warmth, all that the cabin 
afforded them was a chance to get them out of the unrelenting 
wind.  The cold was still with them.  "Power's out.  Stay here.  I 
know there are some lanterns over the fireplace," he called to 
Sarek.
 
Stepping toward the front wall of the room, his foot kept 
encountering something that felt like rubble.  He made his way 
to the fireplace and started raking his hands along the rock 
mantel.  Bits of wood and what felt like chunks of plaster 
scraped against his palms--the only part of his hands that still 
had feeling--as he ran them along the wide shelf.  He finally 
felt the metallic base of one of the lanterns turned over on its 
side.  Retrieving it and setting it upright, he let the edge of the 
mantel lead him to the end, and to the box where strikers were 
stored.  At least those were still in the right place.
 
Fumbling with the cover on the lantern, he rapped the striker 
against the stone to activate the tiny glow and aimed it at what 
he hoped was the wick.  On his first try, there was a blaze of 
light that showered the area.  Taking the lantern and turning 
around, he saw that the cabin was in shambles.  "Jesus Christ!" 
he exclaimed, but his first concern was Sarek.  Pushing the 
debris out of the way with his foot, he made his way to where 
Sarek was standing.  "Come this way," he directed him.  "I'll 
get a fire started and we should be warm in just a few minutes."
 
Sarek managed a nod, nothing more, before stepping carefully 
toward the path that Leonard had roughly cleared.
 
Leonard went back to the door and pushed it shut to keep the 
wind out.  It was then that he noticed what had been blocking 
the door.  One of the rafters had fallen.  He looked up, but 
couldn't tell the extent of the damage.  Finding a piece of the 
synthetic wood among wreckage, he tossed it into the fireplace.  
Using the striker that he still had in his hand, he lit it and 
watched as it blazed to life.  Just the sight of it made him feel a 
bit warmer.  Using the light from the lantern, he found two 
more logs and tossed them on top of the one already burning.  
That should get them started and sustain them for a few hours.  
He pulled the cushions off the sofa, shook the debris off of 
them, and laid them on the floor, a safe distance from the fire.
 
"Sarek, come sit over here.  You'll get warmed up quicker by 
the fire."
 
Sarek shuffled toward cushions, and Leonard helped him to the 
floor.  Only then did he see just how bad a shape the Vulcan 
was in.  He was positively ashen.  "Oh, damn!  Lay down and 
let me grab some more blankets."  He helped him to lie across 
the cushions and tossed the blanket that was clinging more to 
the backpack he carried than to his shoulders across Sarek, who 
had rolled onto his side and pulled himself into a ball.
 
Using the light from the lantern to look around, the first thing 
he tried was the comm station, but with the solar panels 
knocked off the roof, the battery back up had been drained. 
Then he rushed to far corner of the cabin where the bed was.  
Everything in this area still seemed relatively in order.  He 
pulled the comforter off the bed and shook it, and then 
remembered the quilt chest.  At the foot of the bed he opened 
the antique cedar chest and lifted out the stack of four or five 
quilts.  One of them had actually been made by one of his 
great-something grandmothers, the others he had collected over 
the years when he came across an unusual specimen.
 
Making his way back to Sarek, he laid several across the 
Vulcan.  Some warmth was beginning to come from the 
fireplace, and Leonard knew that he needed to get the cold 
layer of clothes off the ambassador, allowing the fire and 
warmer blankets to heat him more thoroughly.  But he decided 
to allow the temperature in the cabin to increase somewhat 
before he tried that.
 
As he tried to attend to Sarek, Leonard felt his own fingers and 
face really begin to burn, and a real concern began to arise 
about the injuries they had suffered from exposure.  There were 
drugs that could be given to restore circulation, lessening the 
chances of losing limbs, but he didn't have any such 
combination in his small medical kit, and getting them to a 
medical center this evening was out of the question.  'Couldn't 
have fucked this up anymore if I'd tried!' he thought to himself.
 
Leonard managed to locate two more lanterns, as well as an 
adequate supply of fuel pellets.  At least they would have light.  
He sat one lantern on the long table located just behind the 
couch, and taking the other with him, he went to the small 
kitchen area where he was met with even more debris from 
toppled shelves and dislodged upper cabinets. Looking up, he 
realized that there was a hole in the ceiling, temporarily 
patched by the tree trunk that lay directly over where the fallen 
rafter had once hung.
 
Knowing there was nothing that could be done about it at the 
moment, he tried the kitchen faucet and was glad to find they 
still had running water, even if it was ice cold.  Only then did 
he begin to feel the weight of the pack still clinging to his 
shoulder.  Slipping it off, he cleared a spot on the counter and, 
with aching fingers, opened it up.  The container with most of 
their food supplies was still on the shuttle, but he knew some 
basic provisions were always kept in the pack.
 
He pulled out the medical scanner, several servings of 
emergency rations, and a pack of teabags.  Dammit!  A 
lightstick was stashed in the pack!  He had forgotten all about 
it!  He remembered it was left from last summer when he was 
up here and had decided on taking a late evening stroll.  Jim 
and Spock had come with him, and he had decided to give them 
some time alone, not that the two men were all that bashful in 
his presence.  Actually, he was the one who was horny as hell 
and needed some time alone.  He'd ended up in the darkness, 
seated against a tall pine, his fly open, taking care of his own 
needs.
 
Shaking off the memory, Leonard reached under the cabinet 
and found one of the heaver teapots.  If he could get something 
warm into Sarek, he knew that would help more than anything.  
He rinsed it out, filled it with water, and took both the box of 
teabags and the kettle over to where the fire was burning.  He 
sat the pot on the grate to heat up, and then turned his attention 
back to Sarek.
 
Kneeling down beside him, he could feel the heat of the top 
layers, but running his hand underneath, he found that those 
layers of clothes next to Sarek's skin were still extraordinarily 
cold.  The Vulcan appeared to be asleep.  "Sarek," he called, 
trying to rouse him.  "Sarek!" he called more forcefully, but 
still couldn't get him to respond.  'A healing trance,' he thought-
-even fleetingly wished that he had that capability--but decided 
he wanted assurance.
 
Rising, he walked over to the counter and retrieved the portable 
scanner.  Returning to Sarek's side, he pushed back the blankets 
and ran the small diagnostic node from the Vulcan's head down 
the length of his torso.  EEG readings were lower than normal, 
pulse and respiration were both slowed, and signs of activity in 
the endocrine, urinary, and digestive systems had ceased 
altogether.  All secondary systems were definitely shutting 
down.  These weren't the bio signs of a Vulcan in a healing 
trance.  These were the bio signs of a Vulcan who was dying.


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Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 23:24:56 -0600
Subject: [ASCEM-S] New TOS "Tempting Fate on Squeaky Springs" 3/9 (Mc/Sa, K/S) [NC-17]
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Chapter 3/9 - See all warnings and disclaimers in chapter 1/9
 
 
Leonard quickly pushed the rest of the blankets off and rolled 
Sarek onto his back.  If he was going to have to start mouth-to-
mouth, he wanted him in position.  He began to strip the cold 
layers of clothes off, knowing that he had to get Sarek's 
circulation restored.  With his burning hands still not 
cooperating, it took some doing, but he soon had Sarek stripped 
down to the one-piece undergarment.
 
Taking the warmest of the quilts, Leonard covered Sarek from 
his neck to his knees in an attempt to stabilize the Vulcan's core 
body temperature, and then ran another scan.  All the while he 
was praying to those nameless deities that often invaded his 
agnostic heart when he was bending over the lifeless body of 
someone he loved.  So many times it had been Jim or Spock 
who he'd hovered over, his gut searching through the depths of 
the universe--and beyond--for any elusive measure of help, 
while his mind clamped down tightly on the knowledge stored 
there.  Reading the scan, he saw there was no change.
 
He rose from the floor and grabbed the remainder of his kit 
from the counter.  His hands were trembling from the 
emotional overload that was building up inside of him.  As he'd 
had to do so many times in the past, he willed himself to hold 
his hands steady, stilling the panic that threatened to turn him 
into a quivering mass of ineptitude.  Pulling out the hypospray, 
he dialed up a mild neural-stimulant that he then injected into 
Sarek's shoulder.  Anything more powerful would have 
overtaxed the very systems he was trying to get to respond.  He 
watched the readings on the scanner carefully.  Fear, much 
colder than what was coming from the winds blowing outside, 
gripped him in those seconds when there was no response.
 
He reached out and touched the brow that he had so often 
watched in silent amazement.  Just the smallest twitch of it 
could speak volumes.  At that moment, he would've given up 
everything, including his own life if need be, to see that gentle 
arch once more.  "Sarek..." he breathed.  "Don't leave me.  Not 
now.  Not before I've had a chance to tell you..." He stopped.  
There was a very small flux upwards in the EEG reading.  
Anxiously, he ran the node the length of the body once more.  
The readings had started to respond, even if only slightly.
 
With a warm blanket spread over Sarek to insulate the part of 
his body containing the major organs, Leonard knew the next 
concern was the circulation that would be greatly compromised 
in those areas that were most distal from the heart.  If he could 
get a healthy blood flow into those areas, it should help to 
warm Sarek throughout.  He could only hope--pray--that was 
all it would take to bring Sarek around.  He certainly didn't 
have the equipment needed to do anything more 
comprehensive.  As he vigorously massaged first the left leg 
and then the right, he began to get some sensation of feeling 
back in his three fingers that had remained numb.  Although 
exceedingly painful, it was the first positive sign that he just 
might not lose them.  They were not, however, on his list of 
concerns at the moment.
 
After thoroughly kneading the lower legs, he laid a warm 
blanket across them and uncovered Sarek's thighs.  He worked 
his hands over the flesh that was still amazingly solid and taunt 
for a man of Sarek's age, then realized that for a Vulcan, that 
would be fairly comparable to his own fifty-three years.  After 
several minutes of deep massage, he wasn't positive, but he 
believed that the skin did seem to be warming under his 
ministrations.  Laying a warm quilt over the thighs, he pulled 
one of Sarek's arms from under the cover, and starting at the 
fingers, he worked his way to the shoulder.  This time he was 
certain that the skin was becoming warmer and more pliant.  
Tucking that arm under the cover, he moved to the other side 
and pulled out the other arm, giving it the same treatment.
 
He heard a soft moan.  "Sarek?  Sarek, if you can hear me, open 
your eyes!" he called, hearing the desperate plea in his voice.  
Leaning over him, he noticed a small fluttering of the lids.  
Reaching for the scanner and running it once more the length of 
Sarek's body, he noted that the readings had all risen to near 
normal.  They weren't out of the woods yet, but it was certainly 
looking more promising.
 
"Sarek, open your eyes!" he demanded forcefully.
 
Once again there was a fluttering of the lids, and this time the 
eyes opened, but only briefly.  "Good!  Try to wake up.  C'mon, 
you can do it.  Sarek, look at me!"
 
The eyes opened, hooded at first, then wider.
 
Leonard drew a deep, jagged sigh of relief.  "Welcome back," 
he smiled down at the man, and found himself blinking hard to 
clear the moisture that wanted to gather in his eyes.
 
"Doctor McCoy," Sarek whispered, his eyes darting around, 
evidently trying to place his surroundings.
 
"It's okay," Leonard soothed.  "We're in my cabin.  Do you 
remember anything?"
 
Sarek stopped his visual search, and returned his gaze to 
Leonard's face.  Nodding slightly, he answered, "Yes, I 
remember.  The shuttle was disabled.  We were forced to walk 
here."  His voice was becoming stronger.
 
"Yeah, that's right."  Leonard sat back on his heels and took a 
second to appreciate the feeling of elation that was flooding 
through him.  "Jesus, you had me really scared for a minute," 
he breathed.  "I thought...it looked like...you were dying.  How 
do you feel?"
 
"Now that I am warmed, I am much improved.  I apologize for 
causing you distress.  May I ask what happened?"
 
There was a sudden, almost overwhelming impulse to take 
Sarek in his arms and kiss him soundly.  Instead, to distance 
himself from such temptation, Leonard stood up, only to find 
that it seemed his energy had been siphoned out of him.  He sat 
down, hard, on the arm of the couch.  Bending forward, he 
placed his forearms on his knees and clutched his fingers 
tightly together.  "Honest to God, I have no idea.  You were 
unconscious for a while.  Your EEG readings were lowered, 
your pulse and respiration were down to those of almost human 
standards, and the rest of your body was shutting down 
completely."
 
"Interesting.  I believe I may have experienced vohris tu'di'kish-
torek.  It is the ability of Vulcans to decrease the function of 
nonessential systems, including any supplementary portions of 
the brain, which therefore lowers the metabolism and conserves 
the body's remaining heat to fuel the most fundamental 
systems."
 
Foolishly, Leonard actually thought he'd learned about all the 
Vulcan idiosyncrasies from Spock over the years!  Obviously, 
what he knew was only the tip of the iceberg!  "Nifty trick!  
Just give me some warnin' next time, okay?"
 
"Doctor, that is a 'trick' that I hope not to repeat in the near 
future.  However, should I feel the need, I shall, indeed, attempt 
to warn you."
 
"Fair enough," he nodded through a small grin.  Straightening, 
feeling as if his strength was beginning to return, he looked 
around at the shambles.  "Sarek, I'm really sorry about...all of 
this.  It's certainly not what I had in mind when I invited you up 
here."
 
There was a tone to Sarek's voice that was almost soothing.  
"Doctor, it is illogical to berate yourself over conditions which 
you had little control."
 
"True enough that I couldn't control either the weather or the 
break-down of the shuttle, but I should've been better prepared, 
especially during this season.  My father used to always tell me 
that not preparing for the 'what if's' would be my undoing."
 
"Perhaps.  However, you had no reason to believe that we 
would have so many unfortunate turns of luck."
 
Leonard managed a slight grin.  "I didn't think Vulcan's 
believed in luck."
 
"I believe the events of this evening may have been 
instrumental in changing my mind," Sarek replied.
 
"Well, we've certainly had a bad run of it this evening, that's for 
sure," Leonard agreed.
 
"Indeed, but not all bad, in my opinion.  Admittedly, we have 
been faced with adverse conditions.  It seems, however, that the 
very act of locating this cabin was a positive occurrence.  On 
the way here, there were times when I believed you were 
unsure of our location.  I am glad to find I was wrong."
 
Leonard's smile faded.  "Sarek, you weren't wrong.  There were 
times back there when I was going on nothing more than my 
best guess.  So, you're right; just the fact that we're here is 
lucky."
 
"Indeed, that does seem to be the case.  What has happened to 
your cabin?  I assume this was not what you were expecting."
 
Leonard looked up toward the rupture that was visible through 
the ceiling.  "No, not at all.  I know a tree has fallen on it, but I 
won't know anything more until it's light outside.  For now, 
everything seems pretty stable, despite having no power."  With 
the solar panels gone, so were the electrical receptors that were 
built into them.  He remembered the old generator that used to 
be out back, but when it had died years before, he'd had it 
replaced with the emergency battery system, which worked 
great if you didn't need to use it for more than twenty-four 
hours, or if the solar panels were in place to keep it charged.  
Obviously, the power had been out for at least a day or two.  
The kettle he had placed on the grate started to hiss.
 
"What is that sound?" Sarek asked, turning his head toward the 
fireplace.
 
"I put a kettle of water on," Leonard replied, pushing himself to 
his feet.  "Let me grab a couple of cups, and I think I can have 
you some tea in just a minute."  Unfortunately, the substance he 
had intended on using to warm up was still in the storage locker 
on the shuttle.  A shot of 'Kentucky's finest' would feel pretty 
good right now.
 
His toes still felt frozen inside the boots, and before going to 
the kitchen he pushed them off and laid them beside the clothes 
that he had divested earlier from Sarek.  Holding onto the 
mantel, he alternately held each foot close to the fire.  "Ahhh, 
that feels better," he sighed.
 
Padding back to the kitchen, Leonard rinsed out two mugs that 
were somehow spared the tree's carnage.  Taking them back to 
the hearth, he pulled out two teabags and placed one in each 
cup.  Then, using the edge of one of the blankets, he lifted the 
handle of the kettle and carefully filled each mug with steaming 
hot water.  He placed the pot on the hearth to keep it warm and 
to keep the remaining water from boiling away.  "We might 
wanna give that a few minutes to cool down.  I don't wanna 
throw anything too hot into our bodies right now."
 
"Doctor, please, you seem to have taken care of me, but I do 
not believe you have taken the time to really warm yourself 
since our arrival."
 
"Well, I probably need to get outta these clothes.  They just 
seem to be holding the cold in, more than anything else."
 
"Indeed, I do believe that would be wise," Sarek agreed.
 
"But first, I need to take care of other things.  By the way, the 
toilet facilities are located just through that door."  He pointed 
toward the one area in the cabin that was set apart from the rest 
of the open space.  Making his way to the door, he entered and 
realized just how much colder this room was than the area 
where the fire was roaring.  He relieved himself and ran his 
hands under the ice-cold water, which hurt like hell on his 
recently thawed fingers.  Grabbing several towels from the 
cabinet, he took them with him as he quickly left the room.
 
When he returned, he noticed Sarek rising to a sitting position.  
Leonard knelt down, and reached for Sarek's arm.  "Whoa, 
there.  Are you feelin' strong enough to sit up?"
 
"Yes, I am quite well, thank you, and you are in need of a place 
where you can sit and warm yourself."
 
Standing up, Leonard looked around until his eyes fell on the 
dark outline of the bed in the far corner.  Several years earlier 
he'd had a mattress made to precise specifications for use on the 
iron bed that was more than three centuries old.  The mattress 
had a four-inch core of ion-compressed hydrourethane to keep 
the antique medal-based foundation on the bed from feeling 
uncomfortable, and the rest was filled with layers upon layers 
of thick, tightly-packed down.  "Sarek, you're not by any 
chance allergic to goose feathers, are you?"
 
"Goose feathers, Doctor?   No, I have no allergies that I am 
aware of.  Why?  Are you planning on us sharing your cabin 
with some form of Terran fowl?"
 
Leonard looked down and smiled.  "Not exactly, but it's gonna 
be a long night, and I have an idea of how to make it a bit more 
comfortable.  Be right back."
 
Carefully picking his way across a patch of debris on the floor, 
he went to the bed and stripped off the rest of the covers.  He 
retrieved a new set of sheets from the chest and laid them on 
top of the bare mattress.  Then, starting at the bottom, he began 
to roll it, forcing out the air that collected in the layers.  The 
purpose of designing it like this was so it could be taken outside 
to absorb the smell of that wonderful mountain air, something 
he had only done once.  However, in this situation, it was going 
to work just fine.
 
Getting it rolled as tightly as possible, the cylinder was still an 
armful, but Leonard was able to get it over to the area where 
the fireplace was burning.  Sarek, seeing what he had in mind, 
had risen and moved the cushions out of the way, clearing a 
spot between the hearth and the couch.
 
Turning his body so when he laid the mattress down it would 
unroll in the right direction, Leonard eased the bundle to the 
floor and let it go.  The thick pad unrolled, and he knelt down, 
grabbed one edge, and then shook it several times to plump it 
up to its original thickness, more than doubling it in height.  
With Sarek's assistance, he threw the sheets across the mattress 
and tucked them around it.  He then retrieved the warmest 
blankets and spread them on top.
 
Looking down, the Vulcan asked, "Goose feathers?"
 
"Down, actually.  The finest that could be found.  Toss me 
those cushions, if ya don't mind."
 
Sarek retrieved the cushions, and Leonard used them to prop 
against the front frame of the couch, giving them a headboard, 
of sorts, to lean against.  "There!  At least we should be fairly 
comfortable.  Ya know, I think I told you we wouldn't be 
campin' out.  Maybe I spoke too soon," Leonard said, as he 
went back to the large chest and scooped up an armful of thick 
pillows.  Not carrying one of the lanterns, he wasn't sure how 
many he'd grabbed.
 
"I do not believe that this could truly be considered camping 
out, since we are actually indoors," Sarek was saying.
 
Tossing the pillows on the bed and glancing once more toward 
the hole in the ceiling, Leonard replied, "Well, it's as close as I 
wanna be on a night like this, that's for sure!"
 
"Indeed, Doctor, I believe on that point, we are in full 
agreement," Sarek replied, attempting to arrange the pillows.  
Since there were five of them, he laid two on either side of the 
bed, then looked at the fifth questioningly, as if the odd pillow 
didn't fit into the geometric equality of the arrangement.  That 
one, he finally laid on the frame of the couch.
 
Leonard grinned, enjoying watching Sarek try to solve the 
pillow equation.  This was a man who could intelligently 
negotiate a meticulous peace treaty with even the most 
vehement of enemies.  Yet, the mere act of not knowing what 
to do with the extra pillow made Sarek seem somehow 
refreshingly vulnerable.  "Now, just what did I tell ya about 
calling me 'Doctor'?" Leonard asked.
 
"I apologize.  Does this mean that you are going to put me 
outside once more?"  The unmistakable twinkle returned to 
Sarek's eyes as he turned his face upwards.  With that, he 
arched a single eyebrow.
 
It was all Leonard could do to catch his next breath.  To that 
same army of deities he had prayed to earlier, he offered up a 
silent 'Thank you'.  "No, I think you've already paid for that 
slip.  Let's just say I owed you one."
 
"I believe we both had to pay, Leonard," Sarek stated, and 
McCoy noticed a shudder run through the body.
 
Returning his attention to the matter at hand, Leonard knelt 
down and pulled back the edge of the cover.  "Here, I think that 
does it.  You need to get back under the covers before you get 
too chilled again."
 
"I believe that would be wise; however, I wish to relieve 
myself, as well, before settling down."
 
To the doctor, this was welcome news, considering the shape 
Sarek had been in no more than a half-an-hour before.  "Sure, 
but I'm warning you, it's freezing in there."
 
"A fact that not can be helped," Sarek nodded, and then 
disappeared through the door.
 
Taking this moment of privacy, Leonard slipped out of his 
clothes--all but his shorts--and stood briefly in front of the fire 
to warm his front, then turned to warm his back.  He added a 
little more of the hot water into each mug before placing them 
at the side of the bed, then poured some of the hot water onto a 
towel and used it to complete the warming of his face and 
hands, assuring himself that there were no areas of permanent 
injury.  'Lucky, indeed!' he thought to himself.  He tossed three 
more logs on the fire, knowing that would get them through the 
night, before sliding under the covers.  Although cold at first, 
he thrashed his legs around a bit and the bed began to warm up 
in a way that he had forgotten could feel so good.
 
Sarek returned and he, too, got into the makeshift bed.  He was 
noticeably shivering.  Leonard reached over and tucked the 
blankets around Sarek's neck and started rubbing his hands up 
and down the Vulcan's shoulders and arms.  "Here, let's get you 
warmed up."
 
"Thank you, Leonard.  The coldness of that room was not 
underestimated."
 
Still rubbing his hands quickly over Sarek's arms, he suddenly 
realized that this was probably very uncomfortable for a Vulcan 
who valued space.  Leonard immediately pulled his hands 
away.  He reached for the cups and handed one to Sarek.  
"Sorry, I wasn't thinking.  Sorry about havin' to share the bed, 
too.  I'd intended on sleepin' on the couch during your visit.  
With a bit of work it folds out, but I didn't feel like wrestling 
with it tonight.  There's also the bay window seat that's actually 
well padded and large enough to sleep on, but since the fire is 
our only source of heat, it seems smart to stay close to it until 
it's had time to warm the whole cabin."
 
"Leonard, no apology is required.  I am offended by neither 
your touch nor your close proximity.  As for the bed, it appears 
to be quite adequate for two people."
 
The statement surprised Leonard, but he couldn't deny that, on 
a very basic level, it pleased him, as well.  He wondered for a 
moment if Sarek perhaps meant more, but there was certainly 
no indication that there was any underlying meaning behind the 
Vulcan's statement.
 
Sitting quietly, sipping their tea, Leonard experienced a feeling 
of true serenity settle over him.  Few times before had he really 
felt safe.  But lying here, next to the man he loved with all his 
heart--even if he couldn't tell him--made him feel more secure 
than he had ever been before.  Sure, it hadn't been the best of 
evenings by any stretch of the imagination, but things could've 
turned out a whole lot worse.  Leonard snuggled himself deeper 
into the covers, feeling the heat from Sarek's body lying very 
close to him, and silently loving the sensation.
 
"Leonard, what is the meaning of that sign above the fire?"
 
Leonard looked up at the old sign that had once hung by the 
road that led up the side of the mountain.  The post that it had 
originally been suspended from had fallen years before, and 
since few ground vehicles accessed this area anymore, Leonard 
had salvaged the wood-carved sign and hung it over the 
fireplace.  "It's the name of this place.  It's a human tradition to 
give a name to your secondary home, and that's what my father 
christened this place long ago."
 
"I do not understand the meaning," Sarek replied.
 
Leonard hesitated a moment.  "Well, this mountain is riddled 
with small streams, often called springs, that feed into the pond 
that I mentioned."
 
"I see.  Do they indeed...squeak?"
 
Leonard could feel himself blushing.  "In the spring, when the 
waters begin to flow again, they do sound a little like that when 
the chunks of ice shear away."  It was a stretch, but an 
explanation he had used several times over the years.  Most 
people didn't buy it, with good reason.
 
"Interesting," Sarek replied thoughtfully.
 
Leonard's only reply was a slightly mischievous smile.  His 
father had been a man with a delectably dirty sense of humor.  
Soon after the cabin was finished, his dad had brought a 'friend' 
here with him.  The next morning, David McCoy had dubbed 
the property with the name and ordered the sign.  Grateful that 
Sarek wasn't pursing the subject further, Leonard relaxed once 
again into the nest of pillows.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]


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Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 23:25:31 -0600
Subject: [ASCEM-S] New TOS "Tempting Fate on Squeaky Springs" 4/9 (Mc/Sa, K/S) [NC-17]
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Chapter 4/9 - See all warnings and disclaimers in chapter 1

The fire's red-gold flames were hypnotic, and combined with 
the soft crackling of the logs as they slowly burned, and the 
almost inaudible sound of the breaths taken by the man lying 
beside him, Leonard was lost in a haze of warm contentment.  
After a while, Leonard realized that he hadn't felt Sarek move 
for some time.  He glanced over to see if his guest was asleep, 
but Sarek was propped against the pillows watching him.  
"Need somethin'?" Leonard asked, feeling slightly unnerved by 
being studied so closely.
 
"No, everything is quite satisfactory.  I do not believe I have 
ever seen you like this.  You seem less...agitated than I 
remember seeing you in the past, despite the events of the 
evening."
 
"Do I?" Leonard flashed the man beside him a half-smile.  
"Maybe it's being here.  Maybe it's just the fact that we're alive.  
It could've very easily worked out the other way."
 
"Yes, that is true."
 
Now it was Leonard's turn to stare at Sarek.  He'd always 
thought the man was damned handsome, but with the firelight 
illuminating the silver streaks in the wavy hair, and 
highlighting the strong features of the face, he was 
breathtakingly beautiful.  Leonard wondered how Amanda 
could let this gorgeous man out of her sight; much less allow 
him to stay for long periods on Earth without her.  "Sarek, why 
are you here?" Leonard asked.
 
Sarek's eyebrows rose, slightly.  "I am here because you invited 
me."
 
"I don't mean that.  I mean why are you *here*, on Earth?"
 
"I have recently found it more...productive...to conduct my 
business from the San Francisco Embassy."
 
"Mind if I ask why?  I know with the places you've been called 
to in the last few months, Vulcan would've probably been more 
centrally located for you," Leonard ventured.
 
"Perhaps, but my reasons are not strictly professional.  They are 
more of a...personal nature."
 
Leonard knew full well he was crossing into that unexplored 
frontier that often caused Sarek to suddenly withdraw.  "I can 
respect that, and I won't press you.  But keep in mind I'm your 
friend, and I'm willing to listen...that is...if you decide you 
wanna talk about it."
 
Sarek took another sip of tea, then set the cup on the floor 
beside him.  Leonard assumed the subject was closed, and was 
surprised when Sarek finally said, "Since you, too, have 
experienced a failed marriage, perhaps you will understand.  
My marriage is...troubled."
 
Leonard nodded.  "Honestly, I'd suspected as much when 
Amanda didn't join you at the embassy."
 
"Your suspicions were correct.  My relationship with Amanda 
has been undergoing changes in recent years.  Undoubtedly, it 
is the result of our many lengthy separations.  I fault myself for 
this.  I have frequently placed the demands of my position 
above the desires of my bondmate."
 
"Well, considerin' your job, some of that's to be expected, 
right?"
 
"Yes, and that, it seems, is the problem.  Several years ago, my 
wife voiced her desire for me to relinquish my duties with the 
Federation and take a position as an instructor at the Vulcan 
Science Academy.  I could not comply.  Teaching is not where 
either my talents or my interests lie.  Ten months ago, Amanda 
issued an ultimatum.  I would either forfeit my duties as an 
ambassador and return to Vulcan permanently, or I would stay 
away from our family home.  I chose the latter."
 
"Sarek, I'm really sorry to hear that.  I had no idea things were 
that bad."
 
"Kaiidth.  We have each made our choice, a choice that has 
been long coming.  I find that in doing so, there is a sense of 
peace that did not exist before."
 
Leonard blew a slow breath from between his pursed lips.  
"That's usually the case, I think.  But it sounds like she just 
wants you around more.  You can't fault her for that."
 
"I believe that was the reason in the beginning.  Her first 
request was made after the heart surgery I underwent under 
your care.  Considering her emotional nature, I attempted to 
make allowances for this, explaining to her repeatedly that the 
repair was complete and there was no cause for concern.  
However, increasingly, her demands became more of a testing 
of wills.  I cannot do as she asks, and she can no longer accept 
that which I am."
 
"You've both drawn a line in the sand and are unwilling to 
cross it."
 
Sarek nodded, thoughtfully.  "A colorful metaphor, but one that 
is quite accurate."
 
Well, there was no doubt in Leonard's mind where Spock 
inherited his stubborn streak.  Evidently it came from both 
sides, but Leonard knew he was the last person to pass 
judgment.  "I know what that's like.  I've drawn a few lines 
myself over the years," Leonard replied, empathetically.
 
"If I may ask, was that the reason for the dissolution of your 
marriage?"
 
"Actually, Sarek, I've had two marriages that failed.  The first 
one was with Joan.  That was the one that produced my 
daughter, Joanna.  The reason that marriage broke up was more 
a case of having nothing in common.  I don't know that we ever 
really loved each other, certainly not enough to make that kind 
of commitment.  We got married out of a fear of being alone, 
and soon found out that we were lonelier being married to the 
wrong person.  There was a lot I couldn't accept about myself 
back then.  Once I realized that some things are undeniable, it 
was a lot easier to just let go."  His voice faded out.
 
"You stated you had two marriages that failed," Sarek prodded.
 
Leonard nodded.  "Yeah, there was also my marriage to Natira, 
one of the Fabrini, and possibly the quickest break-up in 
history.  I had contracted a fatal illness, and fear of spending 
my last days alone drove me to marry her.  But it was not being 
able to comply with her demands that I dedicate myself to their 
religion of the Oracle that finished us off.  So, in that case, it 
was certainly a line in the sand that did us in."
 
"Did you feel love for her?"
 
It surprised Leonard that Sarek was willing to discuss such 
emotions, but he was enjoying this new openness to their 
friendship.  "I think so...at first.  Certainly I felt admiration for 
her, and even a level of lust that I hadn't believed was still 
possible with a...well, with someone.  After the first mission 
ended, and I couldn't find what I needed on Earth, I went to her 
on New Fabrina.  I was hoping that things might work out, but 
soon discovered that wasn't possible."
 
"I see," Sarek answered, stiffly.  After a moment of charged 
silence, Sarek asked, "Leonard, what are you doing here?"
 
"Me?  It's my cabin, at least what's left of it," he said, looking 
around, trying his best to lighten the suddenly heavy 
atmosphere that seemed to be forming between them.  But it 
seemed that Sarek would have no part of it.
 
"That is not what I mean.  You stated that this is the first 
Christmas you have been here in many years.  Yet, instead of 
inviting those who have become such a part of you, you chose 
me to spend this time with.  I am understandably curious as to 
why."
 
Taking another sip of tea, Leonard found himself gripping the 
mug much too hard.  He wasn't sure he had the answer to 
Sarek's question, certainly not a simple one.  "I guess there just 
comes a time when you get tired of bein' the third wheel, if ya 
know what I mean."
 
"No, I do not.  Please, explain."
 
"Let's just say I didn't want to interfere with the time Jim and 
Spock have to be alone."  His answer was a little on the flippant 
side, and Leonard knew it.  They were suddenly entering into 
topics that Leonard would much rather shy away from.  Open 
discussion was one thing, but there were some very old wounds 
that he'd rather not pick at.
 
"James and Spock are bondmates.  They reside together.  I must 
assume that being afforded time alone is not an issue.  There 
must be another reason.  Perhaps it is the same reason that has 
prompted your efforts to sever your relationship with them," 
Sarek persisted.
 
Leonard bristled.  "Sever...?  No!  Never!  Jim and Spock are 
closer to me than my own family.  I'm not severing a damned 
thing!  Been there done that, thank you!  You don't know what 
it was like when the first mission ended.  Having to face losing 
them was...hell, it was *worse* than having a marriage break 
up!  It was like I'd lost the two best parts of myself.  No, sir!  If 
you think that, then you are *very* wrong."
 
"Then logic dictates that you should prefer to be with them at 
this time, as you have been in Christmases past."
 
Leonard felt his hackles rise, just as they always did when 
Spock brought the concept of logic into one of their famed 
discussions.  "Logic?  Sarek, I dunno know if you've noticed, 
but I'm human, one hundred percent, through and through!  I 
don't think logic has a damned thing to do with it," he 
countered.
 
"The fact that you are human is not a point that has gone 
unnoticed.  It does not, however, explain your reason for your 
inviting me to come here instead of them."
 
Leonard tried to swallow his rising anger, and failed.  "You 
really wanna know why I'm not with them this year?  It's 
because as much as they both mean to me, Jim and Spock have 
become blatant reminders of what's missing in my own life.  
You have to understand what it was like before they bonded.  It 
was always the three of us, all of us in the same boat, so to 
speak.  After that mess with V'ger, they finally realized what 
everyone else already knew, and everything changed, just like I 
knew it would.  Oh, it wasn't so bad when we were still on the 
ship, but lately I look at them together, see the touches and 
looks that pass between them...the same thing I'm 
missing...and.well, it makes me so jealous that I can't stand 
it!"  Leonard rolled his head back and looked up at the ceiling.  
"God!  I can't believe I admitted that!"
 
To Leonard's dismay, Sarek pressed him even further.  The 
man was relentless.  "It is my experience that jealousy usually 
stems from deeper emotions, usually resentment or anger.  Is 
there some reason you feel anger toward them?"
 
"Anger?  Toward them?  No!  Of course not!  At least, not 
anymore.  Oh sure, when Jim ran to the safety of the admiralty, 
and Spock took off to all but bury himself on Vulcan, I was 
damned pissed at both of them.  I took a long time to realize 
that the person I was really mad at was me."
 
"For what reason?"
 
Leonard was sorry he'd ever started this.  It seemed that Sarek 
was determined to dissect every word he uttered, and it was 
doing nothing but dredging up the past--not to mention the load 
of guilt he'd managed to carry around since that time.  He didn't 
like thinking about it.  It was over and done with, more than ten 
years in the past, and to dwell on it now didn't do anyone any 
good.  Just remembering those last, miserable weeks at the end 
of the first mission still had the ability to awaken powerful 
emotions in him, emotions that were best left alone.
 
However, it felt like the genie was out of the bottle.  He'd 
already said too much, and if there was any chance that Sarek 
would understand, Leonard knew he would have to answer, and 
as truthfully as possible.  Even so, he couldn't quite believe that 
he was considering confessing to Sarek those things that he 
thought he would never tell anyone.  "It was my fault...all of it.  
I could've stopped what happened," he breathed.  "I could've 
prevented Jim from accepting promotion and Spock from going 
to Vulcan.  They were both hurting, and both too proud to do 
anything about it.  I knew what was goin' on.  Hell, I don't think 
there was a person on the ship who didn't know, but I was 
supposed to be their friend, dammit!  Then the orders came.  
We were ordered to report back to Earth."
 
"What could you have done differently?"
 
"I could've told Jim he was acting like a fool, for one thing!  In 
those days, Jim was hell-bent on fuckin' every female that 
crossed his path, trying everything possible to refute the fact 
that it was Spock he loved.  Not that Jim hadn't had his share of 
conquests before, but once it looked like the crew could be split 
up, he went on some kinda sexual rampage.  Almost parading 
the women in front of Spock, like he was darin' him to say 
something.  Hell, that's exactly what he was doin'!
 
"It actually had the opposite effect on Spock.  He pulled into 
such a shell that he actually left us, emotionally, weeks before 
the first mission ended.  I'd spent almost five years trying to 
tear down that barrier of his!  Damn near succeeded, too.  But if 
I'd really been a friend, I would've gone to him and explained 
what Jim was doin'.  I would've made them sit down and admit 
what they really meant to each other.  Oh sure, I never missed a 
opportunity to take them on over any subject ranging from the 
Prime Directive to replicated food, but I couldn't talk to them, 
not about that.  I was too scared of how it would effect *me*!  
Too scared of screwing up what we had together to say those 
things that really needed sayin'.  So, what did I do?  I just sat 
back, kept my mouth shut, and let everything fall apart.  I 
allowed my fear of bein' left behind nearly destroy the two 
people I claimed to care the most about."
 
"Leonard, Vulcan wisdom teaches that which is meant to 
happen will do so in its own time.  In this case, it seems to be 
so.  The three of you did find your way back to one another.  
James and Spock did discover that which existed between 
them."
 
"Excuse me, Sarek, but Vulcan wisdom be damned!  It sure as 
hell wasn't Vulcan wisdom that brought Spock back, anymore 
than it was anything I did.  The credit goes to whoever 
programmed that damned machine to have a consciousness.  If 
it hadn't been for V'ger...well, it still scares the hell outta me to 
think that we would've never seen Spock again."
 
"I think you underestimate my son, Leonard.  Spock had 
achieved that which few on my planet have been able to.  Not 
only had he mastered the disciplines, he had done so in less 
time than any who had gone before him.  His dedication was as 
complete as any of the Master's of the Kolinahr has ever been.  
It is questionable that the machine you speak of had the 
influence necessary to cause him to renounce his devotion to 
the Order of the Kolinahru."
 
Leonard turned and looked at Sarek.  He had often wondered.  
"Jesus!  I had no idea!  Ya know, now that you mention it, I've 
often wondered if it was really that entity callin' out to Spock 
that brought him back.  Personally, I've always believed it was 
Jim needin' him that made him return."
 
"Perhaps it was more than James alone.  There is great strength 
when the voices of one's t'hylara are combined in unison."
 
"T'hylara?  As in t'hy'la?"
 
"Yes.  James, and you."
 
Leonard had heard Spock call Jim his t'hy'la many times in 
private.  He had assumed it meant lover.  Could Sarek believe 
that he and Spock had shared that kind of relationship?  That 
the three of them...?  Surely not!  If so, he had to straighten him 
out right here and now.  "Sarek, I don't think you're gettin' the 
whole picture here.  I've never been Spock's lover.  Yeah, I love 
'em both, but I've ever had romantic inclinations toward either 
of them."
 
"You misunderstand the meaning, Leonard.  T'hy'la can mean 
lover, but it can also mean a friend, more like a sibling, one not 
born from the same family, but willingly chosen as a 
companion.  I know little of Spock's feelings; we have never 
discussed his emotions.  However, it is my belief that this tie 
does bind you and my son together.  Only one who is t'hy'la 
would still carry such remorse regarding actions taken so many 
years before, correct?"
 
Leonard sighed.  Although the relationship he and Spock 
shared could more often than not be considered an adversarial 
one, he knew he'd do anything for that damned Vulcan, and he 
suspected the feeling was mutual.  "Maybe.  I guess I care for 
him a lot more than I've ever admitted.  I remember when I 
returned to the Enterprise and Spock wasn't there, I missed 
him...terribly.  His absence was like a void on the ship.  I think 
I needed him as much as Jim did.  It was like a vital part of us 
was missing.  Funny, I kept searching for him with every turn 
of a corner, almost like I expected him to be there."  Leonard 
turned the mug in his hands.
 
"Leonard, it seems that in your own way, you are still 
searching."
 
Leonard emitted an almost bitter chuckle.  It seemed that Sarek 
had hit the nail on the head.  "You're right about that!" he 
muttered, as he raised his head and drained the last of the tea 
from the cup.  He grimaced.  This wasn't his favorite beverage 
to begin with, even worse when it was cold.
 
"What is it you are searching for?" Sarek asked.
 
Resting the back of his head on the edge of the sofa frame, 
Leonard stared into the licking flames of the fire.  "I don't think 
I even know anymore," he sighed.  "I guess I'm lookin' for that 
person who I can feel comfortable with, talk to, care for, and 
who cares for me in return.  Someone who can arouse me with 
nothing more than a touch, or a look, and who wants me as 
much as I want them.  Someone who makes me feel warm and 
safe, someone I can make feel the same way.  Someone like..." 
Leonard stopped and looked over at Sarek, unable to believe 
how he almost ended that sentence.
 
"Like who, Leonard?" Sarek asked, rolling on his side and 
lifting himself up on one elbow, the cover falling to midway of 
his body.
 
Under the flesh-colored, one-piece undergarment that Sarek 
was wearing, Leonard couldn't help but notice the outline of the 
tightly drawn nubs that accentuated the muscular chest.  He 
swallowed...hard.  "I think I've said enough.  Besides, aren't 
you tired?"
 
Sarek reached out, lifted the mug from Leonard's hand, and laid 
it aside; their fingers touching just long enough for a shiver of 
desire to race through the doctor's body.  "I do not believe that I 
have ever felt quite as awake as I am at this time.  Almost 
energetic, although I do not understand why."
 
"I'm afraid I do.  I gave you a mild neural-stimulant a while 
ago," Leonard answered, guiltily.
 
Sarek nodded.  "Indeed, that does at least partially explain it.  
In any case, I do not feel the need for rest.  I am awaiting an 
answer."
 
"Sarek, if I say anymore, I might ruin what we've found 
together in these last months, and that's one thing I'd never 
wanna do."
 
"Is this not the same dilemma that you once had with James 
and Spock?  Are your fears once again preventing you from 
expressing that which should be spoken?  I was under the 
impression that the relationship we are forging is based on 
honesty--with each other, and with ourselves."
 
Honesty.  It wasn't all it was cracked-up to be.  Leonard knew 
from experience that there were times when all honesty got you 
was a royal kick in the ass!  "In all honesty, I'm not sure you're 
ready to hear the truth," Leonard stated, his voice beginning to 
tremor.
 
"I believe you should allow me be the judge of that.  And from 
you, I would expect nothing less."
 
Leonard felt like a man standing on the edge of a precipice; 
below him was nothing but darkness.  If he answered truthfully, 
it would be a leap of blind faith.  Would Sarek catch him, or let 
him fall?  Taking a deep breath of courage, Leonard stated, 
"I've been searching my whole life to find someone who makes 
me feel the way I do when I'm with you," he whispered.  He 
had taken the step, and he was freefalling, waiting for Sarek's 
reaction.
 
Sarek shifted, coming to a seated position, his eyes staring 
straight ahead at the fire.  "May I ask you one other question?"
 
"Sure, anything," Leonard breathed around the knot of 
trepidation that was building in his chest.
 
"Am I to understand that you wish to pursue a relationship with 
me, even though I am a male?"
 
Leonard felt his skin ripple, as if the atmosphere in the room 
had become charged.  "Yes."
 
Sarek turned and looked at him.  "Earlier, you stated that the 
events of the evening were not what you had intended when 
you invited me here.  What were your intentions?"
 
Leonard sat up and looked into those dark, penetrating eyes.  
They were giving no hint as to what the man underneath was 
feeling.  "I didn't bring you up here to seduce you, if that's what 
you're askin'.  This place is special to me.  I only wanted to 
share it with someone I care a great deal for.  Sarek, no matter 
how I feel, I'd never ask you for something that you weren't 
ready for, or couldn't enjoy.  When I invited you to come with 
me, I certainly had no intention of revealing my feelings to you.  
I don't want this to destroy the friendship we've found together.  
I think I could stand anything but that."
 
"It has been my impression that you are a devout heterosexual, 
Doctor."
 
So, that was it.  In one fatal step, he'd managed to alienate the 
man he loved.  Feeling like he'd been kicked in the gut, he 
knew there was no more reason to hide anything.  Sarek wanted 
the truth, and if it was going to end, it was going to end with 
nothing less than the whole truth.  "Sarek, you might as well 
know, I discovered a long time ago that I prefer males.  That's 
what destroyed my first marriage, and it's the one thing that 
took me by surprise when I met Natira.  She's one of the few 
females in many years that I felt...sexually attracted to.  But 
you wanna know what really did us in?  Honesty!  Let me tell 
you, it's a concept that's way overrated!  I told her that I'd had 
male lovers, that until I met her that was my preference, only to 
find out that she was repulsed by that fact.  Turns out that the 
Fabrini religion teaches that homosexual relationships are an 
abomination against nature.  She actually offered me the chance 
to resume my position as her husband, but I would've had to 
under go some kind of spiritual cleansing of my soul and 
denounce those feelings."
 
"What was your response to her offer?"
 
"What the hell do you think?  I told her to go fuck herself!  
Well...not in those *exact* words because, by then, I was 
translating the medical records that Spock had discovered in 
their computer banks.  There was too much at stake to get 
myself thrown off the planet, but I made it clear that I wasn't 
interested.  After that, and only because of the treaty that was 
being negotiated between the Fabrini and the Federation, was I 
allowed to continue my work.  The rest of the time I was on the 
planet I was secluded from the general population.  For the 
most part, Natira was the only person I was allowed contact 
with, and she treated me with nothing less than complete and 
utter disdain."  When he stopped talking, he realized he was 
breathing hard.  He'd just gutted himself in front of Sarek; it 
was only a matter of waiting to see what his reaction would be.
 
 
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]


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Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 23:26:17 -0600
Subject: [ASCEM-S] New TOS "Tempting Fate on Squeaky Springs" 5/9 (Mc/Sa, K/S) [NC-17]
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Chapter 5/9 - See all warnings and disclaimers in chapter 1

After several tense moments of silence, Leonard thought he 
perceived a softening within those dark eyes.  "You may not be 
aware that I was the one who negotiated the treaty that was 
signed between the Federation and the Fabrini.  Your marriage 
to the High Priestess, as well as the annulment that followed, is 
a matter of record, as are their staunch views regarding same-
sex relationships.  A point in the finalized treaty states there 
will be no representatives with homosexual leanings sent to the 
colony.  To do so, they believe, could have the potential for 
contaminating their culture.  Perhaps now that I know of your 
presence on the planet at the time, I understand the reason for 
such a stipulation."
 
So, Sarek had known about his marriage to Natira all along.  
That explained why Sarek had become so distant in the shuttle 
when Leonard had mentioned his time with the Fabrini.  
Having to deal with them probably wasn't the most pleasant 
experience Sarek had ever had.  "You're right, I had no idea 
you were involved.  All of that was takin' place off the planet, 
and I wasn't exactly being kept in the loop, so to speak.  How 
did you manage to deal with that demand when bigotry, in any 
form, is one of the basic objections to accepting new members 
into the Federation?"
 
"Given the most revered Vulcan philosophy of IDIC, this was a 
point that was most difficult for me to accept.  However, the 
Federation Council believes that as the Fabrini becomes 
increasingly interactive with all Federation cultures, even these 
antiquated perceptions may someday evolve.  Therefore, the 
provision was agreed to.  The very fact that you were married 
to Natira, and were then allowed to remain on the planet during 
the period of time needed to translate the medical files encoded 
into their computer banks, led me to the logical conclusion that 
you were of a like mind."
 
"Wait just a damned minute!  You thought I was...one of 
them?" Leonard came to his knees.  Sitting back on his heels, 
so he could look Sarek directly in the eyes, he placed his hands 
determinedly on his thighs.  "My God," he breathed.  "What 
kinda Neanderthal did you think I was?  Did you serious 
believe that I could agree with their homophobic ideology?"
 
Sarek looked away.  "Although, in truth, I found it most 
difficult to coalesce these impressions with the man I had come 
to know, it was a consideration."
 
"You must be outta your Vulcan mind!  Hell, for all I know, it's 
you who feels that way.  There's never been any indication that 
you've ever considered a relationship with another male, nor do 
you ever have much to say about Jim and Spock.  I've gotta tell 
you, there are times when I get the distinct feelin' that you 
disapprove of their bond."
 
Sarek met his gaze.  "It seems, Leonard, that for the months we 
have spent in each other's company, there has been an 
inordinate amount of miscommunication that has transpired 
between us.  I believe it is time to, as humans are so fond of 
saying, 'set the record straight'.  However, given the topic of 
our discussion, that may not be the best choice in terminology.  
First, let me assure you I have participated in sexual encounters 
with males.  Prior to my bond with Amanda, males were my 
primary choice for the release of sexual tension.  After I took 
Amanda as my bondmate, I ceased pursuing such relationships.  
Then I met you.
 
"During those days that I was your patient, I was given the 
opportunity to observed you.  It was the care and concern that 
you showed to all who entered the medical facility that began 
to intrigue me.  It was those qualities, mixed with a more than 
adequate measure of irascibility, that precluded me from 
forgetting you even after leaving the Enterprise.  It was only 
after many weeks of meditation that I began to put those 
frequent thoughts of you into perspective."
 
"That was then.  What about now?" Leonard asked, not quite 
believing what he was hearing.
 
"Soon after you contacted me nine months ago, I began to 
discern a renewed desire to explore a physical, and emotional, 
connection with you.  However, I misconstrued both your 
relationship with the Fabrini, and what appeared to be an 
attempt to sever your friendship with those who had been your 
closest companions.  It was due to the very fabric of their 
relationship that I believed you had distanced yourself from 
James and Spock, choosing my companionship instead."
 
"Jesus Christ!  And that's why you thought I hadn't invited Jim 
and Spock to come here with me?"
 
"Indeed.  Considering the facts in evidence, it did seem to be 
the most valid conclusion."
 
"So much for your goddamned logic!  Sarek, if it seems that 
I've been distancing myself from them, it's only because I 
prefer to spend every free minute that I can with you."
 
Sarek reached out and stroked his fingers lightly against 
Leonard's.  It felt as if there were an electrical current that 
jumped between them with the contact.  "Hearing this pleases 
me.  Because of these fallacies in judgment, I have repeatedly 
discounted the emotions I have felt emanating from you, and 
done all to repress the deep longing for you that I have 
discerned within myself.  I hope that someday you will be able 
to forgive me for underestimating you.  I should have known 
better."
 
Suddenly everything had fallen into place.  Leonard wondered 
how two men who desired each other so intently had ended up 
on such opposite sides of the same fence.  Reaching up, he 
stroked gently down the side of Sarek's face and watched as the 
eyes closed and the lips parted under his touch.  The look of 
such passion on this beautiful face ignited the ember that had 
been smoldering in his gut.  "I forgive you.  I have no choice in 
the matter because...I love you, goddammit," Leonard breathed.
 
The eyes opened.  Although the cabin was still seeped in 
shadows of darkness, the light from those eyes seemed to 
illuminate the deepest recesses of Leonard's heart.  No longer 
were there any secrets or misconceptions being used as a wall 
between them.  Gone, also, was the veneer of logic that was so 
often used as a shield.  "Because of this, forgiveness comes to 
you so easily?  It takes nothing more than my request?"
 
"Well, that...and maybe...a kiss?"
 
Sarek reached for his hand and brought it to his lips.  Gently, he 
pressed Leonard's fingers against his mouth.  That was all it 
took for Leonard to feel a wave of hot desire shoot through his 
body.  Sarek shook his head briefly.  "That will not be possible.  
You see, Leonard, I would find it impossible to stop with a 
kiss.  If I am to have you, I wish to have all of you."
 
When Leonard answered, it was around his heart that had 
seemingly found a permanent home in his throat.  "No one said 
anything about *stoppin'* with a kiss.  I just thought it would 
be the best place to start."
 
Sarek leaned forward, and Leonard felt himself being bundled 
into strong, heated arms.  "Then to your request, I most heartily 
comply," Sarek answered, his voice heavy with pent up 
emotion, as he pulled Leonard down on the bed.  Only then did 
Sarek brush those soft lips against his. In that flash of warmth, 
Leonard knew that Sarek had caught him.  He no longer felt 
like he was falling.  He was safe.

As often as Leonard had dreamed of this moment, he wasn't 
prepared for the powerful rush of emotions that surged up 
within him with that first, intimate touch--love, lust, fear, 
regret, adoration, frustration, and many, many more were all 
accounted for.  It was as if there had been a thin membrane 
across his soul, and this man's touch ruptured it.  His next 
breath was drawn through ragged gasps as the mouth claimed 
his once more.
 
The kiss deepened, becoming less gentle and more bruising, as 
passions that would no longer be denied grew more demanding.  
Their bodies began to strain and twist against each other, 
sensitive flesh seeking friction to find relief.  Just when it 
seemed that the heat building between them was on the verge 
of carrying them away, Sarek pulled his head back.  Leonard 
saw his own plethora of emotion reflected back to him in those 
eyes, not the least among those was need, lust, and what he 
hoped was love, yet there was pain there, as well.
 
"Leonard..." Sarek's breaths were coming in short, hard pants.  
"That which I have come to feel for you is undeniable.  I have 
known...for many months that it is you who makes me burn.  
As much as I would wish it, I cannot offer you the same status 
that my son has given to James.  I cannot offer you a bond.  I 
have a bondmate.  Unlike a marriage vow between humans, it 
is not within my power to have that which exists between 
Amanda and myself broken."
 
Having been there throughout the bonding process between Jim 
and Spock, these were facts that Leonard was all too aware of.  
A 'life bond' was just that.  Just his luck to finally find the one 
person he could love with all his heart, only to have him belong 
to someone else.  "I know," he breathed.  "I think I've always 
known."
 
Sarek caressed his fingers gently down the side of Leonard's 
face, and the doctor felt the draw as they grazed against his 
meld points.  He'd never liked the idea of anyone invading his 
thoughts, but he would love nothing more than to have this man 
explore his mind, and for him to have the ability to do the 
same.  "It is a difficult situation in which we find ourselves," 
Sarek whispered.
 
"*That's* a helluvan understatement.  Now what?" Leonard 
sighed.
 
"Leonard, the fact that I cannot bond with you does little to 
dampen that which I have come to feel for you.  I will, 
however, accept your decision if you wish for this to go no 
further."
 
Leonard watched the slightly swollen lips as they moved.  
Bring a hand close to Sarek's mouth, he ran his thumb lightly 
across them.  "Sarek, I'm no fool.  I know that I should--that we 
both should--walk away.  But for the first time in my life, my 
search is over.  How do I just walk away from that?  Can you?"
 
"If you so desire, and with great difficulty, I could distance 
myself from you.  I could not, however, cease my longing for 
you, nor would I want to attempt to do so."
 
"Sarek, I've waited all my life to feel for someone what I feel 
for you, and to have those feelings returned is more than I 
thought I could ever ask for.  So, I guess the decision is really 
yours.  As far as I'm concerned, whatever you can give me, for 
however long, even if it's only tonight, I'll accept with 
pleasure."

Sarek leaned down and kissed him, first over each eye, and 
then on his lips before pulling his head back once more. 
"Leonard, my ashaya, you once again misunderstand me.  I 
have no intention of holding you tonight with little concern for 
tomorrow.  You are not so easily dismissed.  It is my sincerest 
hope that you will wish to forever be a part of me, even 
undergo with me that which I must periodically endure.  
However, since I cannot invite you to share a bond, that which I 
offer it is less than fair."
 
Forever a part of him.  Sarek was speaking of a commitment to 
one another; one that was more binding than any Leonard had 
ever been a part of before.  Was he really ready to give all he 
was to this man?  Was this man willing to do the same?  The 
only answer he needed was found in those dark, shining eyes.  
"It's no less fair for you, I think.  Besides, who said that love's 
fair?  And that's the one thing we share, isn't it?  Love?"
 
"Yes, my Leonard.  Yes, indeed it is," Sarek replied, and 
Leonard watched as a smile gently graced the beautiful face of 
his soon-to-be lover...no, much more than that.  Something told 
him that this was to be his lifemate.  Leonard wondered how 
few had been privileged to this smile.  It was the bona fide 
definition of radiance.
 
Once more savoring that mouth, he felt a distinctive hardness 
pressing against his hip.  Almost tentatively, Leonard slipped 
his hand between them until he held Sarek's scrotal sack in his 
cupped fingers.  As he became more comfortable with touching 
Sarek intimately, he massaged the hard shaft, tracing the 
impressive length of it through the thin fabric, feeling his own 
hard cock as it twitched repeatedly against Sarek's thigh.
 
Reaching up to the chest, Leonard separated Sarek's garment as 
far as it would go, then helped his lover free himself from the 
confines of the material.  Reaching beneath the blankets, he slid 
it down and out from under Sarek's raised hips.  Sitting up, 
Sarek freed it the rest of the way, pulled it out from underneath 
the covers, and tossed it to the side.  Then, in turn, Sarek 
divested Leonard of the last remaining barrier between them.
 
Only then did they lie together naked for the first time, body 
against body, bare flesh pressing against bare flesh.  Between 
long, consuming kisses, hands roamed, and learned, and 
gripped, and kneaded.  Bodies that had recently been cold and 
stiff were heated, damp, and responsive.
 
Moving his lips to the base of Sarek's ear, and tasting the 
coppery-spice flesh there, he moaned, "Sarek, I wanna make 
love to you.  I wanna feel you inside of me."
 
Sarek reached between them and encased both cocks in his 
strong hand, exerting only enough pressure to allow them to 
slide against each other.  Leonard felt the inferno that had 
burned so long in his gut move, almost painfully, toward his 
groin.  It had been a long time since he had given himself over 
to someone in this way--maybe never so completely--and he 
quickly passed the point of being able to hold back.  His mind 
tried to stop his quick ejaculation, but there was no controlling 
the actions of his body.  His hips were thrusting involuntarily 
into the hand that gripped him.  "Oh, God!  I can't stop.  I'm 
gonna cum!" Leonard moaned, his body shivering from the war 
being raged inside of him.
 
"Yes, my Leonard.  Do not resist.  Cum for me.  Let me feel 
your release," Sarek trilled against his neck.  Sarek reached for 
his meld points with his other hand, and with a mentally 
whispered question, waited to be invited inside.
 
"Yessss..." Leonard hissed.
 
Opening his mind was so easy to this man.  In no more than an 
instant, they were one.  Leonard could feel the pleasure of both 
of them, a doubling and redoubling of need and desire.  He felt 
acceptance as he was mentally assured there was no reason to 
feel self-conscious.  This was what Sarek wanted from him.  
Mostly he felt love; flowing around and through them, 
surrounding them, and rapidly filling those dark recesses in 
their souls that had been cold and empty before.
 
With that, Leonard relaxed and just enjoyed the sensation as he 
felt the first of the strong spasms pass through him, the 
epicenter being the first contraction centered in his groin.  
Leonard gripped Sarek's biceps to steady himself, feeling as if 
he was going to be pulled apart.  But Sarek was there, in his 
mind, steadying him, holding him together when the first 
contraction hit.  He felt Sarek's hand move to the end of his 
cock, massaging him to completion, capturing his fluid.  
Through the meld, Leonard felt Sarek's pleasure at watching his 
face as he came.  It wasn't words that he was sensing, but a 
flood of impressions and images that were being shared 
between them.  As Sarek carefully collected his ejaculate, there 
was no doubt what his lover had in mind, and the realization 
that soon, very soon, this man would be inside of him caused 
another uncontrollable shutter to race through his body.
 
With the last of his fluid expelled, Leonard rolled on his back, 
bent and spread his knees, giving Sarek access to that part of 
him he desired--that they both desired--to have filled.   Sarek's 
eyes held his as long, nimble fingers began to coat his anus 
with the fresh ejaculate.  First one, and then two fingers began 
to relax the muscle at the entrance, slipping further into his 
chamber, finding that rarely explored part of him.  Leonard 
groaned as Sarek began stroking the sensitive nodule that 
renewed his erection and caused him to crave more.  He felt the 
wonderful fullness of the fingers moving inside of him, and 
through Sarek, he also felt the heat and softness found within 
the tender flesh.  He was the giver.  He was the receiver.  He 
was in ecstasy.
 
"Beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder, and you are 
beautiful," Sarek crooned, his fingers massaging the chamber to 
readiness, his eyes grazing the length of Leonard's body, then 
returning to his face.  For perhaps the first time in his life, 
seeing himself through Sarek's mind, Leonard believed him.
 
Leonard reached down and sought out Sarek's organ.  He ran 
his hand up the length of it, traced the ridges, and coated the 
engorged, smooth head with the beads of fluid that were 
escaping from the small slit.  "I'm ready.for you," he breathed 
through jagged gasps.
 
The fingers were withdrawn, and Sarek moved between his 
thighs.  Tilting him forward, Leonard felt the cockhead as it 
was centered against him, and the rush of sweet pain as the 
swollen apex pushed inside.  A small gasp escaped his lips with 
the invasion.  He felt Sarek's hesitation, but his need far 
exceeded any discomfort.  "Don't stop!" he moaned.
 
The large cock slid slowly forward until Sarek was fully seated 
inside of him.  Leonard felt complete, down to his very core, in 
a way he had never before thought possible.  Sarek began to 
move inside of him, gently at first, then increasingly harder.  
Through the meld, they shared each thrust.  It was as if they 
were two sides of the same coin.
 
Sarek hovered over him, supported by his outstretched arms, 
and Leonard looked between them, the light from the lantern on 
the table behind them illuminating their bodies.  Leonard 
tweaked and rolled the tight, sensitive pips between his fingers, 
and his eyes feasted on the sight of Sarek withdrawing and then 
sinking himself inside of him, again and again.  His own 
renewed erection grazed against the hard, taut abdomen with 
every thrust, his seeping fluid drawing wet trails on Sarek's 
flesh.
 
Sarek was close to orgasm.  Leonard pulled him down and 
gathered him into his arms.  His lover's rapid heartbeat could be 
felt pounding against his side.  The plunges into him became 
quicker and more urgent, each one rubbing the length of their 
damp torsos together.  Gentle moans against his neck grew 
louder as Sarek teetered on the edge.  Leonard could feel him 
holding back, holding onto that wonderful 'point of no return' 
sensation as long as possible, and sharing it with his lover 
through the meld.
 
Wanting to savor the sensation of Sarek cumming inside of 
him, Leonard was glad that his first orgasm had afforded him 
some measure of control.  Even then, it took every ounce of 
resilience Leonard could muster to keep Sarek's first 
contraction from triggering his own.  Sarek's seed was being 
pumped deep into his bowels in short, hard thrusts, bathing his 
tightly-stretched cavity in warmth.  After Sarek's last spasm, 
Leonard thrust his cock against Sarek's abdomen and allowed 
his ejaculate to shoot between them.  Body and mind shifted 
from a state of ecstasy to a realm of rapture that Leonard had 
never known was possible, one that could only exist in this 
surreal world they had carved out for themselves.  
//Love...Love you...// his mind screamed, the words never 
making it further.
 
//Love you, my ashaya, my Leonard, my love// was heard 
clearly, almost reverently, in Leonard's thoughts, although 
Sarek's lips never left his.
 
Lying together, still connected, unwilling to separate, Leonard 
pulled the blankets up around Sarek's shoulders.  Sarek pulled 
back from the meld, but there remained a feeling of 
completeness between them in those sated moments of ebbing 
passion.
 
When Sarek did roll off, Leonard retrieved one of the towels 
and wet it with the warm water.  He cleaned them both, and as 
he bathed the length of Sarek's cock, he noticed the stirrings 
underneath the cloth.  "It seems that my body has yet to lose its 
desire for you," Sarek all but purred.
 
Leonard leaned over and licked small circles around the small, 
hard nipple closest to him.  The cock in his hand swelled to its 
fully aroused state.  Looking up Leonard teased, "I'll forgive 
you, *this* time."
 
The towel tossed aside, Sarek urged Leonard to lie down with 
his head on his chest.  Leonard did so, and returned his hand to 
Sarek's organ where he resumed stroking it.  Now that the cabin 
was quite warm, he was able to push the cover away so he 
could watch his fingers as they played along the shaft, tracing 
and learning the most responsive areas just beneath the ridges.  
Taking his time, he massaged the tight, thick scrotal sack, and 
allowed his index finger to venture further back.  Bending one 
leg, Sarek allowed him access to that most private area of his 
body.  Locating the puckered entrance, he traced the tight 
orifice and dipped a saliva-slickened finger inside.  It was an 
area that Leonard was determined to learn intimately and 
completely, but not yet.
 
Sarek emitted a moan of frustration when the finger was 
removed.  Sliding his hand back up the shaft, wrapping it 
around the sensitive ridges, Leonard whispered the promise, 
"Later, my love."  Leonard captured the hard, tight nub between 
his lips, rolling it gently between his teeth.
 
The arms began to tighten around him, signaling his lover's 
move toward impending release.  Leonard increased his strokes 
to bring him over, and felt his lover become rigid as the first 
spasm raced from Sarek's groin.  Massaging him to completion, 
Leonard lifted his head to watch as the white opaque streams 
shot forcefully from the small slit, landing against Sarek's 
abdomen.  Each new spurt ripped a new, throaty groan of 
pleasure from Sarek, as he rode each wave of unimpeded 
passion.  When Leonard was sure the last surge had passed, he 
released his grip on the cock.
 
There was a splattering of Sarek's semen just above the navel, 
and Leonard leaned down and captured the warm, wet fluid 
with his mouth.  He savored the sweet, cinnamon-copper honey 
as it ran over his tongue.  Sarek pulled him up and captured his 
mouth, the sweetness shared between them, as his lover's 
tongue plunged between Leonard's lips.
 
"I think I have an idea for that extra pillow," Leonard crooned, 
as he gathered the warm, sticky semen from Sarek's abdomen.  
Retrieving the pillow, he placed it just at hip level, and then, 
with a kiss, he whispered, "Roll onto your stomach."
 
Over and over, the next hours were spent seeking and finding 
ways to pleasure one another--with only brief respites taken in 
between for relieving themselves of the fluids each had 
willingly received, and to clean away the remnants of previous 
sessions.  Promises and vows of lives that would be forged 
together were spoken in voices both heavy and spent with 
passion.  Only when their bodies could no longer find the 
strength to mesh, did they find exhaustive, sated rest, each 
wrapped in a pair of strong arms.  The warmth from the 
fireplace surrounding them; the warmth of the love they shared 
permeating through them.  When sleep did finally come, it 
came easily and deeply.
 

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]


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Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 23:26:37 -0600
Subject: [ASCEM-S] New TOS "Tempting Fate on Squeaky Springs" 6/9 (Mc/Sa, K/S) [NC-17]
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Chapter 6/9 - See all warnings and disclaimers in chapter 1

From somewhere amidst the visions that came only from being 
wrapped in a blanket of love and desire, Leonard dreamed that 
Jim was calling to him.  "Bones!  Bones, are you in there?" he 
heard.  Then, his mind fighting its way to awareness, he 
realized it wasn't a dream.  Before he could respond, Jim had 
burst through the cabin door; Spock was just behind him.
 
"Jim?" Leonard asked through silted eyes and a sleepy haze.  
"Spock...? What...what the hell are you two doin' here?"
 
"Bones, are you all right?" Jim panted.  
 
"Yeah, we're fine.  What's goin' on?" Leonard asked.  He and 
Sarek freed themselves from the tangle of arms and legs.  
Leonard sat up and rubbed his eyes with the heels of his hands, 
trying to clear his head of the last cobwebs of sleep.
 
"You scared the hell out of us, that's what!" Jim roared.
 
It seemed that Jim had yet to realize that he was lying in bed 
with Sarek, however, that did not seem to be the case with 
Spock.  His eyebrows had all but disappeared beneath the dark 
hair that was peaking out from underneath the wool, knit cap.  
"A correction, Doctor," he stated.  "Jim was scared.  I was 
concerned."  Turning his attention to Sarek, he asked, "Father, 
are you well?"
 
Jim flashed his bondmate a look of frustration, as he always did 
when Spock broke his momentum.  Spock simply replied with 
a twitch of his eyebrows toward Jim.
 
"Quite well, my son," Sarek answered.  He rose from the bed, 
making no attempt to disguise his nudity.  He did pull off one 
of the top blankets and wrap it around him, but even this he did 
so casually that Leonard suspected it was to arm himself more 
from the cold air coming from the open door than from any 
sense of propriety.  He certainly didn't seem to be alarmed by 
their sudden discovery.  Something about that served to 
reassure Leonard that the promises made during the night lived 
on.
 
Jim turned back to Leonard.  "We got the message that you 
were coming up here, but then couldn't raise you on your 
communicator, the comm in your shuttle, or here at the cabin.  
We didn't know what the hell had happened!  I contacted the 
FSA and they couldn't pick up a signal from your shuttle.  
They're supposed to send out a search party this morning, but 
we didn't want to wait.  Jesus, Bones, I imagined everything 
from a shuttle explosion to a crash in some canyon where your 
signal couldn't be detected!"
 
Finding that Sarek's indifference to their situation served to 
relax him, as well, Leonard replied, "Jim, we're fine.  It's true 
that we ran into some trouble, and I'm damned glad to see ya, 
but I'd appreciate it if you'd close the door so we can keep some 
of the heat in."
 
Jim, who had started looking between Sarek and Leonard, his 
eyes growing a bit wider as he realized what they had walked in 
on, stopped staring long enough to turn and close the door.  He 
turned back around, pulling off his hat and gloves, and 
surveyed the obvious disarray in the cabin.  "Jesus!" he 
muttered.  Stepping around the debris, he came closer.  "We 
spotted your shuttle.  It looks like you had to desert it quickly.  
Both the back hatch, and the one on the passenger's side appear 
to be open.  What happened?" he asked, his voice still laden 
with the remnants of anxiety.
 
Deciding that privacy to get dress wasn't going to be afforded, 
Leonard retrieved his discarded shorts and slid into them as he 
stood up from their makeshift bed.  "We arrived here last night 
just before it got dark.  I saw the trees that had fallen on the 
property, including the place where I usually put down.  
Worried about the cabin, I landed in the meadow to see if I 
could get up here to check on any damage, but then the shuttle 
wouldn't start again.  The electrical system seems to be frozen 
up; even the comm unit's out.  Since we would've frozen to 
death if we'd waited for help, we had to hike in."  He decided 
this wasn't the time to explain how bad things had really gotten.  
Before Jim could question him further, Leonard asked, "How'd 
y'all get here?"
 
Jim seemed to draw a sigh of relief.  "We have Spock's flitter.  
It's light enough that we were able to set down on the frozen 
pond."
 
"Well, I was beginning to think we were gonna be stranded for 
a few days.  Now that you're here, I can see about gettin' a crew 
up here to work on the damage.  I know there's a tree across the 
roof, I can see it from here."  He looked up in the faint light of 
the early morning to where the trunk of the tree was visible.
 
It was Spock who replied.  "There are actually two trees across 
your cabin, Doctor."
 
"Two?  No kidding?  Well, they've sure made a mess of things.  
This must've happened a coupla days ago 'cause the battery 
pack that keeps the comm unit charged is dead.  Is it still bad 
outside?" he asked, walking to the bay window.
 
"No, the winds have died down, but..." Jim started
 
Instead of seeing the trees bending under the force of the wind, 
there seemed to be very little movement other than the 
sprinkling of snow that was already turning the ground white.  
"Well, I'll be damned!  It's snowing!  Looks like it's gonna be a 
white Christmas after all!" Leonard interrupted.
 
"Indeed, and I suggest we see what can be done to get your 
shuttle functioning before conditions deteriorate," Spock stated.
 
"Sounds like a good idea," Leonard replied, smiling at his 
friend.  'We', as in, 'Spock will give it the once over,' he 
thought.  Whereas his Vulcan friend had an exceptional 
aptitude when it came to mechanical devices, Leonard was 
decidedly lost when it came to anything mechanized.
 
While Jim was looking around at the obvious damage to the 
cabin, Spock, always logical and orderly, continued.  "As for 
the trees, you can call for assistance from the flitter.  There is 
also a portable comm unit that we brought along.  You can set 
it up in here until you get power restored."
 
"Sounds good.  That means I can stay here and see to the 
repairs," Leonard answered, slipping into the last of his clothes 
and pulling on his boots.  With Spock's help, he pushed the 
fallen rafter aside and retrieved his gloves and a hat from the 
closet beside the front door.  Then, turning to Sarek, Leonard 
said, "We'll have you out of here shortly."
 
Sarek, who had also managed to slip into his clothes, walked to 
where Leonard was standing.  "I seem to remember that I have 
two days to make my decision."
 
"Yeah," Leonard grinned at him.  "But that was before all of 
this happened.  I guess I figured you would wanna get outta 
here as soon as possible."
 
"I am in no hurry, and if you are staying, then I claim my right 
to the full extent of the days offered."
 
There was such a look of warmth in those eyes that, had they 
been alone, Leonard would have pulled him close and kissed 
him.  Instead, he settled for brushing his fingers against the 
back of Sarek's hand.  "There's some emergency packs of food 
on the counter, if you're hungry.  I'll be back soon," he said 
softly, feeling the sweet tenderness inside of him where Sarek 
had last been just hours before.
 
//Yes, I feel your presence, as well,// he could've sworn he 
heard, as if the words were spoken directly to his soul.  "I shall 
await your return here, my ashaya," Sarek responded, openly 
declaring his feelings for all in the cabin to hear, using the word 
for love that Leonard had seen in his mind the night before.
 
//Love you...love you with all my heart...// Leonard thought, 
hoping against hope that Sarek could hear him.  Sarek nodded, 
the slightest hint of that sweet smile he had seen the night 
before caressed the otherwise stoic face.  It was all Leonard 
could do to drag himself away.
 
The air hung heavy with both unasked and unanswered 
questions as Leonard walked down to the small flitter with Jim 
and Spock.  The shape the path was in, Leonard found it 
miraculous that he and Sarek had actually been able to find 
their way up it in the dark.
 
Reaching the flitter, Jim retrieved some provisions that his 
friends had brought along on their rescue mission.  "This 
should be better than emergency packs," Jim said, indicating 
the food in the box.
 
"Looks good!" Leonard said, peering inside.  He spied a 
package of biscuits and several varieties of fruits.  Until now, 
he hadn't thought about how long it had been since either he or 
Sarek had eaten.  'Well...' he thought, and flushed at the 
salacious images that came to mind.
 
"Bones, are you okay?" Jim asked.
 
"Yeah, I'm fine, Jim," he chuckled.  Leonard got on the comm 
unit and contacted the FSA to advise them that a rescue party 
would not be necessary.  He then contacted the company that 
was in charge of upkeep on the cabin and gave them a full 
report of the damage.
 
"They're sending a team," Leonard said, standing from the 
flitter's seat.  "Considerin' it's Christmas Eve, I'm surprised they 
have a crew willin' to come out."
 
Reaching inside, Jim pulled out the portable comm unit and 
laid it on top of the box of provisions that were sitting on the 
ground.  "Great, Bones," Jim answered, less than 
enthusiastically.
 
"Problem, Jim?" Leonard asked.
 
Without a word, Jim reached in his pocket and pulled out the 
broken flashlight Leonard had dropped the night before.  He 
held it out, accusingly.
 
"Where'd you find it?" Leonard asked, sheepishly.
 
Tossing his head up the path, he answered, "Back there, on the 
trail.  Let me guess, it was the only one you had with you, and 
the two of you were up here stumbling around in the dark, 
right?"
 
Damn!  How was it that Jim could always read him like an 
open book?  "Somethin' like that," he admitted.
 
Jim stepped toward him, those green-gold eyes flashing.  
"Goddammit, Bones!  You know damn well that to come up 
here in the middle of winter without any emergency equipment 
is asking for trouble!  Do you know what could've happened?  
What we could've found this morning?" Jim demanded.
 
Leonard knew this tone.  Jim Kirk was a man with nerves of 
hardened steel, unless someone he really cared for was in 
trouble.  This outburst was the result of fear, magnified to the 
point where Jim was royally pissed.  He knew Jim well enough 
to know that it wouldn't get any better until his friend had 
blown off a considerable amount of steam.  And there was 
Spock, standing at Jim's side, his stoic mask doing little to hide 
the deep concern that was apparent in those dark brown eyes.  
If it wouldn't have made Jim that much madder, Leonard would 
have grinned.  Damn, it was nice to be reminded from time to 
time just how much the three of them really did love each 
other.  "I'm sorry, Jim," Leonard answered contritely.  "You're 
right."
 
"Bones, why did you just take off like that?  You never 
mentioned wanting to come here.  Spock had even asked Sarek 
to join us for Christmas dinner, but he declined, never saying a 
word about leaving town with you.  If you had just *said* 
something, or if you'd told us that you and Sarek wanted to be 
alone...by the way, when in the hell did *that* happen?"
 
Leonard looked from Jim to Spock.  His Vulcan friend's 
eyebrows were arched upwards.  Standing in the cold with big, 
fat, wet snowflakes pummeling them wasn't the place he 
would've chosen to explain, but it seemed to be the time for 
answers.  "As far as coming to Squeaky Springs for Christmas, 
it wasn't something I'd really thought about until yesterday.  As 
for Sarek and me...well, not until last night."
 
"Then why all the secrecy?  Why a delayed vid message that 
we wouldn't get until you were all ready gone?"
 
"Because I knew you would try to talk me out of it, especially 
since I'd originally intended on comin' up here alone.  I just 
needed to get away this year.  With everything that's been 
going on, I just needed some time to get my thoughts in order."  
He paused, wondering whether to be completely truthful, but if 
there was ever a time, this was it.  "Jim, to tell ya the truth, 
seein' the two of you together can make a guy feel pretty 
lonely, especially during the holidays."
 
Leonard watched as Jim's anger seemed to deflate right in front 
of him.  "Bones...I'm sorry.  We never wanted to do anything to 
hurt you.  I guess sometimes we just don't realize...I mean, 
we've always been comfortable around you."
 
"Indeed," Spock added.
 
"Hell, I know that, and I wouldn't want it any other way.  It's 
just that this year seemed worse, somehow.  What with the 
training mission that's comin' up, and knowing how I felt about 
Sarek, and feelin' pretty sure that he didn't feel the same way, 
was more than I could stand."
 
"And now?" Jim asked.
 
"Now, everything's okay."  Leonard nodded, finally allowing 
that smile that had been threatening to show through.
 
"Glad to hear it, Bones.  Just, next time, promise to be more 
careful, will you?  I'm getting too old for this!"
 
Leonard's grin widened.  "I promise."
 
"Okay, you two go look at the shuttle, and I'll stay here with 
Sarek and wait for the repair crew."
 
Leonard nodded and started to turn around, but turned back.  
"Jim, Spock, thanks, for everything.  I don't mind admittin' that 
I was worried.  It seemed that anything that could go wrong, 
did."
 
"That's what friends are for, Bones.  Now, you two get on your 
way, and Sarek and I should have something whipped up for 
breakfast by the time you get back."
 
Jim picked up the equipment and headed back to the cabin.  
Spock and Leonard boarded the flitter and went to the meadow 
where his shuttle was stranded.  After just a few minutes, 
Spock had discovered the problem.  "You have debris in the 
reactor coil containment unit, Doctor.  Had you been able to 
start it, there is a ninety-seven percent probability that you 
would have had a fatal explosion."
 
"Damn!  I had no idea!  You don't know how many times I 
tried to get it going!"
 
"It is most fortunate that you were unsuccessful."
 
"Is it something that can be fixed?"
 
"Yes, I am removing the outer chamber now and should be able 
to clean it out sufficiently while inside the protection of your 
cabin.  I will reinstall it this afternoon."
 
"Is that safe?" Leonard asked, backing up a step.
 
"There is no danger, Doctor.  I am not removing any of the 
parts that are charged with radiation."
 
"Spock, thanks.  I know I keep saying that, but it sure is good to 
find out that you have friends you can rely on."
 
Spock turned and looked at him.  Those dark eyes that so often 
seemed combative had softened.  "Indeed, and it was for that 
reason we were concerned, Leonard."
 
It was rare that Spock called him by his given name, and only 
on those infrequent occasions when a deeper level of closeness 
was being felt between them.  With Spock, 'Doctor' had always 
been spoken in friendship.  It was only when his friend called 
him 'Doctor McCoy,' that Leonard knew he had to watch out, 
much like a mother calling her child by all three names.  In the 
years he had known this man, he had always found the 
arguments between them easier to take than these extraordinary 
moments of tenderness.  It was no different this time.  He owed 
a lot to his friend, the least of which was an explanation.  
"I...uh...guess finding Sarek and me like that was a shock, 
huh?"
 
Spock pulled at the collar of his coat, tightening around his 
neck.  Leonard wasn't sure if it was from cold or from 
nervousness that his friend was fidgeting with the collar.  True, 
it was cold and snowing, but he had spent years watching his 
friend meticulously attend to the minutest detail when stalling 
for time.  "It was...unexpected.  I was not aware that you and 
my father had considered taking your relationship beyond one 
of friendship."
 
"Actually, we hadn't.  Well, not openly, anyway.  Spock, don't 
get me wrong, I've had strong feelings for Sarek for a long 
time, but it wasn't until last night that we discovered it was 
something we both felt.  Does it bother you?" Leonard asked.
 
"Bother me?  Are you asking if I am disturbed that you and my 
father are involved in a sexual relationship?"
 
"Yeah, that's exactly what I'm askin'."
 
"To some extent, but not for the reasons you may think.  I am 
quite aware that there has been dissension within my parent's 
marriage.  It seems they are unable to coexist in harmony.  The 
fact that one or the other has found satisfaction elsewhere is not 
troubling.  I am, however, concerned for you.  You do realize 
that he remains bonded to my mother?"
 
"Yeah, I know we can't have what you and Jim have, but I love 
him, Spock.  He's the only person who I would willingly share 
the rest of my life with, and with or without a bond, I hope to 
do just that.  So, I'll take what he's able to give, and count 
myself a very lucky man for finding someone I feel this way 
about."
 
"As you know, Leonard, Vulcan's do not believe in luck."
 
"I don't think Sarek would agree with you, especially after what 
we went through last night."  He grinned, allowing that 
questioning look to remain on the face of his friend.  Spock 
went back to work on the shuttle, and Leonard loaded the 
storage locker filled with provisions, and the cases containing 
his and Sarek's clothes, into the smaller craft.
 
Once they had boarded the flitter and were headed back toward 
the cabin, Leonard turned toward his friend.  "Spock, can I ask 
you a question?"
 
"I can not remember a time when saying 'no' has stopped you, 
Doctor," Spock replied.
 
Leonard grinned.  "Yeah, but this time it's about the time you 
returned to Starfleet."
 
"Please, continue," Spock stated, setting the flitter down 
smoothly.
 
"What brought you back?  What I mean is, was it really only 
V'ger calling to you?"
 
Spock powered off the vehicle and turned his attention to the 
man seated beside him.  "Doctor, those events occurred ten 
years, twenty-seven days, and eighteen hours ago.  I cannot see 
why it is important at this time."
 
Leonard looked out the window.  "I'm sorry.  I don't like 
thinking about that time, either, but you see I've always wanted 
to apologize to you, and to Jim.  If it hadn't been for me, you 
never would've left.  I knew what was goin' on...before the first 
mission ended.  If I'd just had the nerve to say something.  To 
make the two of you realize..."
 
"Leonard, there is no need for self-recrimination.  There is 
nothing you could have done to stop the events that took place.  
Until I accepted the part of me that I had always denied, I could 
not accept that which I felt for Jim.  Only through my time with 
the Kolinahru, could I begin my journey toward completeness.  
As for the reasons surrounding my return, it is true that the 
V'ger entity reached out to me.  However, it was only through 
the voices of my t'hylara that I discerned the entity."
 
"Your t'hylara?"
 
"Yes, Leonard.  One who I wished to join with, the other a 
brother, and both in need."
 
Leonard rested his head on the back of the seat and smiled.  It 
felt like a heavy weight, one that had become a permanent part 
of him, fell away.  "Does Jim know?"
 
"Jim is my bondmate.  We have no secrets."
 
Leonard nodded.  "Good," he sighed.
 
"If that is all, may I request that we move to the interior of the 
cabin?  I am becoming quite chilled."
 
"Oh, sure!" he replied, opening the hatch and sliding out of the 
flitter.  "By the way, there's somethin' I didn't know.  You never 
told me that Vulcans have the ability to shut down body 
systems to conserve heat!"

"Doctor, the extent what you don't know would fill volumes."

"Now listen here!  As your doctor, you had the responsibility to 
tell me...!"  The arguing didn't cease until the two had reached 
the door.

An hour after leaving the cabin, the two friends returned.  
There was already a two-man team working to get the landing 
site cleared so other equipment could be brought in.  Entering 
the cabin, the smell of food caused Leonard's stomach to 
rumble.  Any point he had been trying to make with Spock was 
immediately forgotten.  "Looks like the two of you have been 
busy," Leonard commented, as he and Spock placed the cases 
down and warmed themselves by the fire.  
 
Using only the fireplace, a surprisingly hearty meal had been 
prepared.  There was a pot of oatmeal--compliments of the 
ration packs--with some of the fresh fruit added that Jim and 
Spock had brought with them.  More fruit had been sliced and 
set out on a plate.  The teabags had been used to brew a pot of 
tea, and some biscuits were being heated on a pan placed on the 
hearth.  There had even been enough of the dishes salvaged 
from the toppled shelves to set a table.  Leonard also noticed 
that the mattress had been moved back to the bed.
 
"Well, we didn't have much to work with, but it should be 
edible," Jim nodded toward the table.  "How about the shuttle?  
Did you find the problem?"
 
"Yeah, Spock did, and it looks like he'll have it repaired by this 
afternoon."
 
"Good," Jim replied, thoughtfully.  "Spock?  A moment, 
please?" Jim asked, pulling his bondmate off to the far corner 
where the bed stood.  For the next couple of minutes, they were 
whispering between themselves.  Actually, it looked like Jim 
was doing all the talking, while Spock was mostly nodding.
 
Sarek poured four cups of tea, while Leonard ladled out four 
bowls of oatmeal, retrieved the warmed biscuits from the pan, 
and added them to the plate of sliced fruit.  By the time Jim and 
Spock returned, breakfast was on the table.
 
Seated, all but Jim began to eat.  It seemed like he had other 
things on his mind.  "Bones, I've been thinking.  I know that 
you want to stay here and see to the repairs, but I'd rather the 
two of you not stay up here alone.  Not with the weather as 
threatening as it is."
 
Swallowing, Leonard replied, "Jim, we'll be fine.  This isn't the 
first winter I've been here, and once the power is restored, and 
the shuttle's operable, we'll have all the comforts of home."
 
"Then let me put this on a more personal note.  Spock and I are 
in agreement."  He looked deliberately toward Sarek.  "We 
want *all* of us to be together for Christmas."  Then turning 
his attention back to his long-time friend, he added, "Dammit, 
Bones, the three of us have shared a lot of holidays over the 
years, and let's face it, there's not many traditions left to those 
of us in Starfleet.  Most have long since lost their significance 
amid apathy, duty shifts, and having to deal with the 
unexpected.  This tradition is just about all we have left.  If you 
want to stay here, and if we all pitch in, we can get this place in 
shape."
 
"You mean it?  The two of you are willin' to stay over?  Jim, 
are you sure?  I mean that would be great!  But...it's not that 
large."  Although Leonard loved the idea of all of them being 
together, there was also the consideration of wanting to be 
intimate with Sarek.
 
As if reading his mind, Jim flushed, slightly, giving his 
normally golden skin a delightfully ruddy tone.  "Bones," he 
grinned.  "If you and Sarek are in agreement, we can make do.  
I know the couch makes into a bed.  Spock and I slept there 
when you brought us up here last summer, remember?  Besides, 
this place is yours, and it means a lot to you.  How many times 
have you told us the stories of the holidays you spent here 
before your dad died?"
 
"Every Christmas we have spent together, if I remember 
correctly," Spock interposed.
 
Leonard was taken back by the offer.  He hadn't realized that 
spending the holidays together had meant that much to Jim and 
Spock.  In the six years since their bonding, he had always 
assumed that they would just as well have had the time alone, 
and always included him out of some sense of duty.  If he had 
forgotten just how strong the friendship between them was, this 
morning had been a vivid reminder.  Looking at the man seated 
beside him, he met Sarek's gaze.  "Sarek?  Is this okay with 
you?" he asked.
 
A hand underneath the table closed in around his fingers.  "I 
would find spending the holiday together most pleasant," his 
Vulcan lover replied.
 
There was a 'hum' of satisfaction coming through to him from 
his lover's touch.  Leonard was certain that Sarek was okay 
with the offer.  Hell, they'd already been found naked in bed 
together; there wasn't much else left to the imagination!
 
Leonard turned his hand, giving Sarek's fingers a slight squeeze 
of understanding.  "Well, all right!  There's enough provisions 
packed in the storage locker to feed a small army.  As long as 
the repair crew can get the power restored, food's not a 
problem."
 
Jim, through that wonderful half-smile of his, said, "You know, 
out back I noticed a small pine that has fallen.  If I trimmed it 
up a bit, I think it would make a perfect Christmas tree.  Damn!  
I haven't seen a real Christmas tree since I was a kid!  This is 
going to be fun."
 
Getting drawn into Jim's enthusiasm, Leonard said, "Hey, if I'm 
not mistaken, there's still a box of ornaments and decorations in 
the loft."  Looking up, he added, "That is, if they're still in one 
piece."
 
"Well, Bones, as soon as we finish eating breakfast, we'll check 
it out," Jim grinned even wider.
 
Suddenly, Leonard felt a rush of 'Christmas spirit' descend 
upon him that he hadn't felt in many years.  It was the feeling of 
happiness that comes from being surrounded by those you love.
 
 
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Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 23:26:56 -0600
Subject: [ASCEM-S] New TOS "Tempting Fate on Squeaky Springs" 7/9 (Mc/Sa, K/S) [NC-17]
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Chapter 7/9 - See all warnings and disclaimers in chapter 1

By nightfall, the cabin's roof had been temporarily patched, all 
signs of debris removed, two temporary support beams 
installed to compensate for the downed rafter, and their 
provisions had been stowed.  Power had been restored by the 
instillation of temporary receivers, although the solar panels--
ones which needed to be specially ordered--were beyond repair, 
and it would be several days before they could be replaced.  
Heat, however, wasn't a problem.  The maintenance company 
had furnished a supply of synthetic logs for the fireplace--so 
many that they could have stayed warm until the following 
spring, if need be.  Spock had seen to the repair of Leonard's 
shuttle, and had moved both the shuttle and his flitter to the 
freshly cleared spot just outside the cabin.
 
The pine tree that Jim had spotted had been trimmed down and 
brought inside where it was steadied in a bucket and placed in 
the front corner of the great room.  From salvaged pine 
clippings, Spock had managed to fashion a wreath that hung on 
the inside of the front door.  No one had the heart to tell him it 
was supposed to hang on the outside.  Luckily, the ornaments 
had been on the opposite end of the attic from where the roof 
had sustained damage, and they had survived unscathed.  The 
decorating of the tree became a walk down memory lane for 
Leonard, as each ornament seemed to remind him of 
Christmases long past, but none were as happy as this one was 
turning out to be.
 
Leonard had located the bottle of bourbon he'd brought along, 
and after a few shots of the best antifreeze that could be brewed 
in an oak barrel, Jim had already started putting the meaning of 
'merry' back in Christmas.  After the pressures that his friend 
been had been under from Starfleet in these last months, not the 
least of which was to get the training cruise coordinated, it was 
good to see some of that playfulness--he seemed intent on 
decorating Spock as well as the tree--that Leonard hadn't seen 
in him for a very long time.
 
At one point, and against Spock's advice, Jim had been 
standing on the stepladder to add ornaments to the upper 
branches.  All the while, Spock had been standing beside it, one 
hand holding the apparatus steady, the other hand protectively 
on Jim's thigh, and a length of tinsel wrapped around his 
shoulders.  Jim had leaned over--had it not been for Spock's 
support, Leonard suspected that Jim would've toppled over--
and in a voice that was supposed to be a whisper, said, "You 
know, Spock, the smell of pine always makes me horny as 
hell!"  Leonard had burst out laughing, and even Sarek had 
difficulty suppressing his smile, although watching him try 
caused Leonard to laugh that much harder.
 
Although Spock had, at first, flashed his bondmate an 
obviously contrived look of disapproval, after that, the Vulcan 
had been a man on a mission.  Due to his efforts, the rest of the 
clippings graced the mantle above the fireplace, the rehung 
shelves in the kitchen area, and any other available surface the 
Vulcan could find to stick or lay them.  As was Spock's goal, 
the sweet smell of fresh pine soon permeated throughout the 
cabin.  Leonard had to admit, whether it was the presence of 
Sarek, or the abundance of pine, he seemed to be having the 
same problem as Jim.  He was having great difficulty keeping 
his mind off the body of the man who had just the evening 
before become his lover.
 
During the decorating process, Spock had run into a problem--
the sticky pine resin, something that he had evidently never 
before encountered.  However, with the power restored, and hot 
water once again available, even that had turned out to be more 
of a blessing than anything else.
 
Leonard had noticed Spock standing at the sink in the kitchen 
for an extraordinarily long time, scrubbing hard at his hands.  
"What's the matter, Spock?" Leonard asked, walking to where 
his friend was standing.
 
"I seem to have residue on me that is not water soluble," he 
stated in obvious frustration.
 
Looking down, Leonard noticed the dark patches where the 
resin had attached itself firmly to Spock's skin.  The hands were 
nearly raw where Spock had scrubbed them to no avail.  Pulling 
his hands out of the flow of water, and dabbing at them with a 
towel, Leonard said, "It's pine sap, Spock.  You'll never get it 
off this way, but there's some soap in the bathroom that will 
dissolve it quickly."  Looking up, he noticed another smear of 
the substance on Spock's cheek, and yet another above one 
eyebrow.  Reaching up to a particular stiff lock of hair, 
Leonard, said, "My God, Spock!  What the hell did you do, roll 
in the stuff?  Go!  Get the bottle of green soap on the shelf 
above the sink and get in the shower."  Then, flashing his friend 
a sly smile, Leonard added, "As a matter of fact, I'd suggest you 
take someone in there with you who could help you get this 
stuff out, if ya know what I mean."
 
Spock looked at him and arched his eyebrows.  "Indeed, 
Doctor, I do.  A proposal I find surprising since your 
suggestions are normally predicated by what could only be 
considered unsound thinking."
 
"Listen you green-blooded son-of-a-bitch, do you wanna stand 
here and debate it, or do you want to get Jim and take 
advantage of the goddammed pine forest you've managed to 
create in here?"
 
"Given my choices, I believe it would be most advantageous to 
yield to the latter of those options."
 
"Damn right!" Leonard muttered, flashing his friend a knowing 
grin.  Spock moved toward the window where Jim was 
watching the snow that was accumulating outside.  After 
leaning over and whispering something to his bondmate, Jim 
followed Spock into the bathroom and shut the door.
 
The fire had begun to die down a bit, and Sarek had been 
adding logs to those that were still burning.  Taking this 
opportunity, Leonard walked up behind him and slid his arms 
around his waist.  Sarek pulled the arms tighter around him, 
folding his own arms over Leonard's.
 
"I've wanted to get my hands on you all day," Leonard breathed 
into a pointed ear.  Sarek leaned back into him, and Leonard 
rubbed the hardening mass forming in the crotch of his jeans 
against his lover's ass.
 
After a moment, Sarek turned in his arms.  "It seems that I have 
discerned many of your more dominant thoughts today, 
Leonard.  I am reasonably certain that getting your 'hands' on 
me has not been your primary concern."  The eyes sparked with 
mixture of teasing and carnal thirst.  He placed one arm around 
Leonard's waist, and with his other hand he traced the 
distinctive bulge at the denim-covered crotch.
 
Leonard leaned in and captured the warm mouth.  Letting his 
hands explore, he discovered he wasn't the only one who was 
aroused.  Pulling back, his voice becoming graveled, he said, 
"Ya know, when those two get finished in there, I could use a 
shower, too."
 
"Indeed?  Am I to assume that you, too, will be 
requiring...assistance?" Sarek purled.
 
Leonard covered Sarek's hand, which was still lightly stroking 
his sex, with his own.  Together, their fingers traced the 
impression of his rock-hard cock.  "What to you think?" he 
asked, flashing his lover a rakish grin.
 
"I think that if we continue in this manner, we will not need the 
privacy afforded by the lavatory."
 
It was true, the sensation of his cock being massaged was 
feeling entirely too good.  His breathing was already becoming 
shorter, and the strokes he was directing up and down his organ 
were becoming harder.  Much more of this, and Leonard knew 
he would have an orgasm right then and there.  As tempting as 
that was, he gave Sarek another quick kiss, and backed 
away...regrettably.  "While we're...waitin' our turn, ya wanna 
help me get a soup started for dinner?" he asked.
 
"Although it would not be my first inclination, and I must 
admit that I have little propensity in the field of culinary skills, 
I find that any opportunity to work beside you is quite 
appealing."
 
Leonard grimaced lovingly at is lover.  "Ya know, there are 
times with a simple 'yes' will do."
 
"Yes, Leonard.  I will help you prepare a soup."
 
"Better," Leonard chuckled, as he reached for Sarek's hand and 
led his lover to the kitchen.  On his way, he keyed on the music 
at the comm station and ordered up a selection of lively 
Christmas tunes.  For one thing it was the season, for another, it 
helped to mask some of the arousing sounds coming from the 
other side of the bathroom door.
 
By the time the soup was prepared, and had been placed on the 
old-fashion plasma cooktop to simmer, the sound of water 
running in the shower had stopped.  Exiting from the bathroom 
in a cloud of damp vapor, Spock looked as 'Vulcan' as ever, 
whereas Jim was flushed to an absolutely golden glow, the 
satiated grin on his face hiding absolutely nothing.  Both had 
towels draped around their waists.  "Bones, we didn't bring any 
extra clothes.  Got anything we can use while our clothes are in 
the recycler?" Jim called as he emerged from the door.
 
"Sure, Jim, check the bureau," Leonard nodded toward the 
sleeping area.  "You should find anything you need in there."
 
As Jim and Spock were proceeding to the corner of the cabin, 
Leonard turned and looked and Sarek.  "Looks like it's our turn.  
Ready?" he grinned wantonly.
 
"Yes," Sarek answered, the simplicity taking catching Leonard 
off guard.
 
The bathroom was still bathed in warm dampness when they 
entered.  Having the water heated by molecular vibration units 
had been something Leonard had insisted on when the cabin 
was built.  It meant a limitless supply of hot water--when the 
power was on--and he took full advantage of that feature as 
they shut the door.  He palmed the shower to its warmest 
setting to keep the steam in the room from dissipating.
 
Sarek had already pulled off his heavy sweater, and was about 
to do the same to the long-sleeved T-shirt underneath when 
Leonard reached for his hands and stopped him.  "Last night, I 
had to strip your clothes off quickly.  Let me enjoy it this time," 
he breathed.  Had it really been less than twenty-four hours 
since they arrived here?  It seemed like a lifetime ago.
 
"Only if you will allow me the same pleasure," Sarek replied, 
displaying a hint of that smile that was meant only for his lover.
 
"I wouldn't have it any other way."  Leonard reached for the 
hem of Sarek's shirt and inched it slowly up the torso.  Right 
away he noticed that the one-piece undergarment was absent.  
The shirt was the only thing that stood between him and his 
touch of Sarek's bare skin.  Pulling it off, he tossed it into the 
hamper that was attached to the recycler, and grazed his thumbs 
across the small, circular nipples, feeling them respond to his 
touch.  The chest was smooth, only the faintest line of hair ran 
from the breastbone to the waistband of the trousers--a 
provocative path that beckoned one to follow it to the treasures 
that lay below.
 
His fingers trailed down the path until he reached the closure to 
the trousers, but found his hands being pulled away.  "I believe 
it is my turn," Sarek replied in a voice becoming deep with 
pure, unadulterated lust.
 
Sarek reached for the front of Leonard's shirt and unbuttoned 
each button with painstaking care.  If it had been up to him, he 
would've just pulled the damned thing open, the buttons be 
damned.  Only after the front was completely unfastened, did 
Sarek slide it slowly from his shoulders.  Leonard held his arms 
up and allowed Sarek to remove the T-shirt underneath.  These, 
Sarek laid carefully into the hamper.  The wait to feel those 
hands on him was increasingly agonizing, and he knew, 
without a doubt, this was Sarek's objective.
 
Sarek looked at him, those dark eyes drinking in every inch of 
exposed flesh, and Leonard felt somewhat embarrassed under 
the close scrutiny, suddenly aware of how thin he looked in 
comparison to his lover.  Unable to watch those eyes any 
longer, Leonard looked away.  A hand came to his chin, gently 
pulling his face back around.  "Why do you look away from 
me?" Sarek asked.
 
"Sarek, I'm not exactly a kid anymore.  I guess I was afraid 
that, in the light of day, I'd see...disappointment in your eyes," 
he whispered.
 
"My ashaya, you are wrong if you believe there is anything 
about you that I do not find exceptionally desirable."  Sarek 
leaned in and captured his mouth.  Any reticence Leonard felt 
was dissolved under the taste of those lips.
 
"Ummm...my sentiments exactly," Leonard breathed, once 
Sarek had released him from the kiss.  "Now, it's my turn."  
Leonard reached for the clasp at Sarek's waistband and pulled it 
open.  Running his fingers the length of the open fly, Sarek's 
erection spilled out.  Only the fabric of the trousers was 
covering him.  "No underwear?" Leonard grinned.
 
"Since I remained indoors today, and the temperature in the 
cabin is quite satisfactory, there was no need for the additional 
insulation."
 
"Logical.  Fucking.  Erotically.  Logical." Leonard breathed as 
he went to his knees.  He removed Sarek's shoes.  There were 
socks, but the floor of the cabin did remain cooler than the air, 
so that, too, was logical.  He removed them.  Reaching up, he 
slid the trousers down and off the legs.  Not bothering with the 
recycler, he tossed the trousers aside.  Immediately, he grasped 
the base of the hard cock and pulled it deep into his throat, not 
quite to the root, but as far as he could manage, in one, swift 
movement.
 
Leonard was reasonably certain that neither the closed door, 
nor the music he had left playing were successful in concealing 
the resulting groan that escaped from Sarek's lips.  Strong 
fingers threaded their way into his hair as Leonard massaged 
the sensitive head and ridges with the back of his tongue.  
When he felt the first drops of precum trick down his throat, he 
pulled off, not wanting Sarek to find release so quickly.
 
He felt himself being pulled up.  A warm tongue parted his lips 
and he opened to receive it.  Their tongues dueled in erotic 
representations of their cocks driving inside each other.  Sarek's 
hands went to the button on his jeans and roughly tugged it 
open and continued to pull until the zipper had reached the end 
of its path.  A hand plunged inside the waistband of Leonard's 
shorts and wrapped around the hard shaft.  Moving his lips to 
Leonard's ear, Sarek panted, "I burn for thee, Leonard McCoy, 
as I have never burned for another."
 
If Sarek's hand wasn't about to bring him off, the admission, 
rasped in a voice deep with passion, just about did it.  He was 
close, too damned close, another stroke up his cock and he 
would be lost.  He reached down and pulled Sarek's hand away, 
quickly slid his jeans down, wrestling each boot off with the 
opposite foot, and ripped jeans, shorts, and socks off 
simultaneously.  He reached his hand into the spray of water 
and adjusted the temperature down just to the point where it 
wouldn't burn his skin.  Then, grasping Sarek's hand, Leonard 
pulled him under the spray with him.  They meshed together 
under the flow of water.  Cocks, and tongues, and arms, and 
legs, were all grappling for the greatest amount of contact 
against the other's flesh.  Hands became slick with billows of 
white later from the soap extracted from the wall pump, and 
they drew erotic paths over heated, wet bodies.  Moans that 
could no longer be suppressed were ripped from them when 
private orifices were taunted and probed.
 
Not an inch of either Human or Vulcan skin remained 
untouched, unappreciated, or uncleaned.  The spray chased 
puffs of white suds down the drain, yet hands and mouths still 
explored.  Turning him around, Sarek placed Leonard's hands 
high against the warm, wet tile, and instructed him to part his 
legs with the gentle nudge of a knee between his thighs.  Sarek 
rubbed his erection into Leonard's crease, and the human stilled 
himself, waiting for the invasion he knew would come quickly.  
Instead, he felt the sensation of a tongue starting at the nape of 
his neck, trailing a path down his spine, and down the crevice 
of his ass as Sarek knelt behind him.
 
"Sarek...wait..." Leonard tensed and breathed a half-hearted 
protest when he felt his mounds being separated.  It wasn't a 
hygienic concern; he knew for a fact that they were both as 
clean as a whistle, certainly as far up as sudsy fingers and water 
had the ability to reach.  It was that no one had ever touched 
him in such an intimate way before.
 
Stopping his progression toward the puckered opening, Sarek 
took small sucking nips at the edges of the furrow.  "I will not, 
if you wish it."
 
"It's not...not that I don't want you to.  It's just...no one has 
ever...I've never..."
 
"Neither have I, my ashaya.  Never before have I had one who 
I have wished to experience in every way.  However, I find 
myself wanting you...all of you.  Shall I...continue?"
 
Leonard held his breath and looked up to where the tile met the 
ceiling.  He nodded.  "Yes..." He shivered as he expelled the air 
that he had been holding in his lungs.
 
Once again, his mounds were spread wide.  When he felt the 
warm tongue circle and lathe his opening, his fingers tried, in 
vain, to dig into the hard surface of the tile.  The touch was 
frightening yet erotic, benevolent yet decadent, gentle, yet it 
caused his whole being to tremble.  Mostly, it was an act given 
and accepted in love.  It was as if this most intimate of all 
contacts was a covenant of trust that belonged to only them.  
When the tongue darted inside of him, he gave himself into it, 
wholly and completely.  He knew that he would forever belong 
to this man; that they would forever belong to each other.  
//Forever...Forever...my love!// his mind screamed.
 
//Forever, my ashaya...Forever, indeed// was bled back to him, 
clearly, without any reservation or hesitancy, from Sarek's heart 
to his.
 
He felt his body responding with each subsequent touch, and 
even felt his hips push toward his lover when the tongue probed 
inside of him again.  He relaxed against the touch that was no 
longer foreign and allowed himself to be opened and prepared.  
When he was ready, Sarek rose up behind him, centered his 
cock and invaded him.  The lips returned to the base of his 
neck, and a hand grasped his already throbbing cock.  It only 
took a few strokes before he was spilling his seed onto the wall 
of the shower, the same time that Sarek's was being pumped 
deep into him.  //Love you...forever...love you...// Leonard 
thought with his whole being.
 
//Love you, my Leonard.// was felt within him.  Sarek held him 
tightly around the waist as he pulled his softening erection out 
of his anus.
 
Panting, one hand still splayed against the wall for support, 
Leonard reached for the controls and changed the shower's 
output to a fine, warm spray before he turned and met the face 
of the man he loved.  He thought his mind had been playing 
tricks on him during the day, but he was now certain that wasn't 
the case.  "How?  How can I hear you without you initiating a 
meld?" he asked.
 
Sarek's hand brushed down the side of his face.  "Vulcan 
legend dictates that in the most rare circumstances, when two 
perfectly matched souls meet, a mental link can begin.  It is not 
legally binding, as is a bond, or tel-tor, which can only be 
achieved through a reldai.  However, if legend is to be 
believed, such a link has the potential to be equally as strong.  
It is my belief, Leonard, that we may be very close to forming 
such a link to one another.  If so, we are becoming mentally 
joined through tel'itsk, the small bonding.  I have personally 
suspected only one other instance where this may have been 
achieved."
 
Leonard looked down as he absorbed this information.  Then, 
looking back up, he said, "Let me guess, Jim and Spock?"
 
"Yes," he nodded.  "If you find that this is disquieting, we must 
refrain from any further melds.  They will only serve to 
strengthen this link."
 
Leonard wrapped his arms around Sarek's waist.  He shook his 
head quickly to clear the drops of water from his face and eyes, 
wanting nothing to obstruct his view.  "Sarek, I love you.  If 
this link brings us closer together, then I want it, with all my 
heart.  Ya know what's even better?  I know you do, too.  Now 
that I understand what's goin' on, I feel it, I feel *you*, inside 
of me."  He drew Sarek into a kiss.  "Besides..." he continued 
when their lips had once again parted, "...who am I to mess 
with perfection?"  He grinned, and he felt the warmth of that 
grin as it bathed his lover's insides.
 
Sarek raised his hand to touch Leonard's meld points, but 
Leonard took his hand and brought it to his lips.  "Not now, not 
here," he said, looking around.  "Later, when we can lie 
together."
 
"Yes, tonight," Sarek breathed.  "And Leonard, contrary to my 
son's opinion, I believe that all of your suggestions are quite 
sound," he smiled, openly.
 
 
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]


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Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 23:27:20 -0600
Subject: [ASCEM-S] New TOS "Tempting Fate on Squeaky Springs" 8/9 (Mc/Sa, K/S) [NC-17]
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Chapter 8/9 - See all warnings and disclaimers in chapter 1

After a hearty dinner of vegetable soup and breads, the four 
men finally had time to relax and enjoy result of their day's 
labor.  Leonard had changed the music coming from the comm 
station from the traditional Christmas songs to soft, low 
instrumentals, and the cabin's lights had been turned down, 
allowing the tall, glowing tree to be viewed in its full, 
illuminated glory.  The only other noticeable light was that 
coming from the crackling flames of the fireplace.
 
While putting the dishes away, Leonard had happened upon an 
unopened bottle of merlot that had been spent these many years 
in the wine cooler.  David McCoy had been quite the 
connoisseur, and Leonard was certain this was a wine that 
should be saved for a very special occasion.  He couldn't 
believe there would ever come a time that would be more 
special than this evening.  He uncorked it and poured out a 
small amount into one of the wine glasses stored in the rack 
beneath the cooler.  It was grand.  Rich and woody, just sweet 
enough keep it from being too tart, and he swore he tasted the 
faintest hint of raspberries.
 
'Here's to you, Dad,' he thought, as he downed the last of the 
sample.  Taking the wine over to the table beside the couch, he 
was pleased when even Spock and Sarek agreed to share a 
glass.  He handed a glass to both Spock and Jim, who were 
seated on the couch, and he took the other two to the deep, 
cushioned window seat set within the bay window, where Sarek 
was sitting.  When everyone was served, Leonard raised his 
glass.  "Here's to fate," he saluted.
 
"Fate, Bones?  Isn't that a rather ominous toast?" Jim asked.
 
"Not at all, Jim.  Haven't you ever heard that fate is jealous of 
lovers?  If you don't give her the recognition she demands, 
she'll seek revenge."
 
"Then by all means, let's *not* tempt fate," Jim smiled, as he 
raised his glass and tuned to give his lover an admiring wink.  
"Here's to fate, and to us all," Jim added.  They all saluted in 
agreement and took a sip of the wine.
 
Following the impromptu toast, there was a moment of 
uncomfortable silence that seemed to descend upon the group.  
This was about the most romantic setting Leonard had ever 
been in, yet it seemed no one was quite sure just how to handle 
that.  Spock seemed reticent to show his feeling in front of his 
father, and Jim, Leonard assumed, was still remembering the 
conversation earlier in the day, and didn't want to do anything 
to make his friend feel uncomfortable.  Surprisingly, it was 
Sarek who came to the rescue.
 
Leonard was still standing between the table and the bay 
window when Sarek reached for his hand.  Turning so the 
cushions propped against the wide frame supported his back, he 
pulled one leg up on the seat.  Although the seat was plenty 
deep enough to sit side-by-side, he urged Leonard to sit 
between his legs.  Scooting himself between Sarek's thighs, he 
felt strong, warm arms surround him as he leaned back against 
Sarek's chest.  When he turned to smile up at Sarek, out of the 
corner of his eye, Leonard noticed that his friends had moved to 
the same end of the couch, and Jim was nestled within Spock's 
arms, a passionate kiss was being shared between them.
 
There was a level of comfort that had long ago been reached 
where the two bondmates would often show signs of affection 
in Leonard's presence.  As a matter of fact, Spock was the one 
who often instigated the romantic touches with his bondmate.  
He was, indeed, a hot-blooded Vulcan, and Leonard, more 
often than not, took those opportunities to tease him about 
being on the proverbial, never-ending honeymoon.  When 
Sarek began tracing his ear with his lips, Leonard decided that 
father and son were a lot more alike than either one would ever 
be willing to admit.
 
Leaning his head against Sarek's shoulder, they looked outside 
where the full moon illuminated the white landscape.  "I told 
you it was beautiful here," Leonard whispered.
 
"You did, indeed," Sarek replied, pulling up the fabric of 
Leonard's thin T-shirt--all he'd needed since the cabin was 
being kept so warm--and running his hands down his lover's 
chest, tweaking the nipples to full arousal, and making it quite 
clear what it was about the cabin that he found most beautiful.  
Leonard, who before this time together had never considered 
himself worthy of such accolades, felt himself flush at the 
compliment.
 
The scenery outside forgotten, Leonard turned in the arms, slid 
his hand around Sarek's neck, and captured the sweet, warm 
mouth.  Although the windows were insulated and the inside 
remained as warm as the air in the cabin, it wasn't long before 
the outside of the multi-layered glass had started to steam over.  
The mellow strains of the orchestral music were soon joined by 
the sounds of soft, sucking kisses, short gasps of air, and 
whispered names of lovers, coming from two different areas of 
the cabin.
 
Sarek erection was pressing against Leonard's hip, and every so 
often his lover would briefly push forward to feed his need for 
increased pressure.  When Sarek slid his hand inside Leonard's 
lightweight jogging pants and began to fondle his erection, 
Leonard glanced over Sarek's shoulder, finding himself briefly 
embarrassed, and wanting to make sure they weren't being 
observed.  What he saw in the soft shadows was Spock's hand 
combing through Jim's hair, while Jim's head moving steadily 
up and down on Spock's exposed erection.  Had there been an 
ounce of voyeurism in him, that picture would have brought 
him over, for sure.
 
Returning his full attention to his lover, he ran his hand under 
Sarek's shirt and began to tease the extremely sensitive, 
hardened pips.  Taking Sarek's cue, Leonard had forgone any 
restrictive underwear after their shower, and Sarek eased the 
flexible waistband down far enough to free Leonard's cock.  
"You surprise me," Leonard whispered, finding himself 
extremely aroused at being so exposed.
 
"How so?" Sarek nibbled into his ear.
 
"Being so openly sexual."  Leonard thrust his hips toward the 
fist encasing the head of his cock.
 
"Does it disturb you?  I forget that Humans have such parochial 
attitudes when it comes to sexuality."
 
Leonard grinned.  "You mean Vulcan's don't?"
 
"I thought you would have been around Spock long enough to 
learn that sexuality is considered a natural function between 
partners, that the denial of such is illogical, and the expression 
of it, in the appropriate setting, is quite acceptable.  This, I 
believe, is a most appropriate setting."
 
Leonard had always thought Spock being the aggressor, 
especially in his presence, had just been a wanton characteristic 
of his friend's human side that had somehow managed to 
escape.  Obviously, that wasn't the case.  "Guess I missed the 
finer point of that lesson," Leonard hissed, as he reached 
between them and untied the string to Sarek's soft pants and 
freed his lover's cock, as well.
 
They kissed and massaged each other, each almost reaching the 
point of no return before being soothed back by their lover time 
and time again.  It was torturous, dizzying, bliss.
 
"Jim," was whispered into the darkness, and the soft, muted, 
erotic moans of Spock's climax caused a shutter to run through 
Leonard.
 
He grasped his arms tightly around Sarek's neck and breathed, 
"Oh, god!  I'm gonna cum," as he felt the first contraction in his 
groin building.
 
Sarek applied pressure to the base of his cock, and eased him 
back with his mind.  //Not yet, my ashaya...but soon...very 
soon...// his lover soothed.  It took a few seconds, but Leonard's 
imminent need to release abated.
 
It wasn't long before they heard the snapping sounds of Spock 
and Jim releasing the hidden latches that would convert the 
couch to a bed.  It seemed to signal the time Leonard had 
waited for all day.  He pulled his waistband up over his 
straining cock, as Sarek retied the string of his trousers.  Rising, 
he held out his hand to Sarek and led him to the farthest corner 
of the cabin.  Before undressing, he remembered to gather the 
sheets, blankets, and pillows that Jim and Spock would need.  
He took them to the couch and laid them on the high back as 
his friends were pushing the foot of the bed into place.
 
When he returned, Sarek had already dispensed with his 
sweater, shirt, and boots, and was beginning to remove his 
trousers.  This time, Leonard just stood back and watched.  To 
see the man strip down with such abandon was almost an 
orgasmic experience in itself.
 
Leonard pulled off his T-shirt, stepped out of his slippers, and 
started to slide his pants down when he realized that they were 
missing one necessary ingredient for a night of lovemaking.  
They had not needed it the night before, but he didn't want to 
wait for one to get the other off before they could be joined, 
and lube wasn't something he hadn't even remotely considered 
when he was packing.
 
In the muted light, Sarek moved toward him, pulling him into 
his arms.  "Why have you stopped disrobing?" he whispered.
 
"Umm...I think we're gonna to need something...lubricant.  I 
didn't think to come prepared.  I did pack a bottle of oil for the 
salad, I could get it," Leonard whispered.
 
Sarek reached down and caressed the length of Leonard's cock 
through the fabric as their lips brushed together, suppressing 
the gasp that would have escaped from Leonard, otherwise.  "I 
believe that would be wise," he replied through what was 
certainly a grin.  Leonard wished it were light enough in the 
room to once again see that beautiful face lit with a smile.
 
"I'll be right back," he breathed.  Leonard crept to the kitchen 
area and rummaged through one of the cabinets, searching for 
the small bottle that he knew he had put in there earlier in the 
day.  The oil wasn't exactly ideal, but it was non-irritating, and 
it would serve the purpose.
 
"Looking for something, Bones?" he heard Jim ask.
 
Glancing up, cautiously at first, he saw Jim seated on the edge 
of the converted bed, pulling off his socks.  "Sorry, I'll be outta 
here in just a second," Leonard replied, pushing his hand 
further into the cabinet.
 
Jim leaned over and took something from the daypack that was 
lying at the side of the converted couch.  "Here," he said, "I 
think this will work better," he said, tossing something toward 
the kitchen counter.
 
Leonard reached up and grabbed it as it sailed toward him, the 
light from the fireplace glinting off the silver cylinder.  It was a 
tube of lubricant.  There was certainly no need in trying to deny 
what he'd been looking for.  "Thanks," Leonard grinned 
sheepishly.  Knowing he was blushing from head to toe, he 
turned it over in his palm.  "You didn't bring extra clothes, but 
you packed a tube of this?" Leonard asked.
 
"Never leave home without it," Jim smiled, as he rose and 
pulled off his shirt.
 
"But don't you need..."
 
"I always carry extra," Jim stated.
 
Leonard nodded his gratitude before returning to the corner 
where the bed was located.  He could make out the shape of 
Sarek already lying under the covers.  Leonard laid the tube on 
the table beside the bed, slid out of the pants, and under the 
thick layer of quilts.  Wasting no time, he gathered his lover 
into his arms and rolled them over so he was lying on top, their 
erections meeting at the same moment as their mouths.  
Pushing their hips repeatedly toward each other, they ground 
their organs between them, their bodies searching for quick 
release, each pulling back when it threatened.
 
"Did you locate the oil?" Sarek rasped.
 
"Better.  Jim gave me some lubricant," Leonard panted, 
retrieving the tube.
 
Sarek spread his thighs and pulled his knees up.  "Prepare me, 
my Leonard," he whispered.  It was almost a plea.
 
Leonard uncapped the tube and spread some of the slick 
substance on his fingertips.  He rubbed his fingers together as it 
began to warm, and rising to his knees, he located the small, 
puckered opening and began to push the lubricant into it.  As 
his fingers began to penetrate the ring of muscle, he felt it begin 
to relax.
 
Leonard pulled his fingers out and came to his knees between 
Sarek's thighs.  He didn't have to ask; he knew Sarek was ready 
to receive him.  With his still-slick fingers, he smoothed the 
lubricant across the head and around the shaft of his cock.  He 
felt Sarek's urgency to be penetrated, just as his lover could feel 
his own burning desire to be surrounded.  Their bodies 
hungered to be joined, but even more, their souls seemed to cry 
out to one another.  Leonard positioned himself and slid inside.  
As he laid down on Sarek and gathered him into his arms, 
Sarek's fingers found his meld points.  "Are you certain?" he 
whispered before entering Leonard's mind.
 
"Yes," Leonard panted.  "I've never been as certain of 
anything."
 
Without resistance, Sarek's consciousness flowed effortlessly 
into him, joining them completely.  The link that had already 
started to form between them was unequivocal, and Leonard 
wondered how he could have been so unaware of it.  He was at 
home, and he was making a home for Sarek within him.  They 
belonged together, they belonged to each other, they were 
whole.
 
Body and soul expanded until there were no boundaries that 
existed between the two.  Their senses rose to a heightened 
state of excitability, far beyond what was possible in the 
corporeal world.  It was as if together they could feel the 
golden aura that surrounded them; hear the essence of their 
combined spirit; taste the flames that wove endlessly between 
them.  Time had no value, there was no future, no past, as it 
was no longer linear, but spherical, and it spun around them, 
encircling them, leaving them with only here and now.  The 
bed they were laying on was a raft, and they were afloat in the 
universe.  Their desires were the very fabric of space, and their 
love the flux that was holding it together.
 
They burned, and cooled, and burned again, as the waves of 
pleasure rushed over them, then receded, only to roll across 
them once more.  The very polarity of their existence was being 
drawn together, and Leonard knew that once they were united, 
they would forever cease to be two individuals.  But at the last 
moment everything around them stopped.  Sarek's soul was no 
longer inside him, but hovering above him in the vastness of 
their universe, a perfect parallel to his own.  Close, so very 
close, threads joining them, but separate.  Slowly, Leonard 
once again started to feel self-aware, and it seemed that Sarek 
was moving away from him.  He wanted to reach out for him 
and pull him back inside, but the threads that joined them kept 
his arms bound at his sides.  He wanted to cry out against the 
emptiness.  //Don't leave me...I will be lost!// his mind shouted.
 
Only when he heard // Do not fret, my ashaya, I am here.  I will 
always be here...// whispered from Sarek's soul to his, did he 
know that he was not alone.  He would never again be alone.  
He allowed himself to bathe in the warmth of Sarek's presence.
 
As Sarek pulled them back from the meld, Leonard became 
aware of the weight of his lover on top of him, the sensation of 
fullness inside of him, and the taste of cinnamon, and copper, 
and salt, and iron that was blended in the moisture between 
them.  How they ended up this way, he didn't know.  It didn't 
matter.  Leonard knew that when he found the ability to speak 
again, he wanted to discuss what they had experienced, but then 
realized there were no words to describe it.  It was.  That was 
all.
 
Their breathing slowed.  Sarek pulled out and Leonard rolled to 
lie on his chest.  What was left between them was strong.  
//Thee has lied to me, my ashaya.// Leonard heard, as strong 
hands rubbed up and down his back.
 
//About?// his mind questioned.
 
//I believe this place gets it name less from the natural sources 
of water, and more from the sound this bed makes during 
intercourse.// Sarek smiled into his thoughts.
 
Leonard turned his head and pressed his lips against a taunt 
nipple.  There was no need to answer.  Sarek knew.
 
Relaxing again on Sarek's chest, Leonard opened his eyes.  The 
fire had grown less intense--obviously they had been making 
love for several hours--and the only illumination in the room 
was from the multicolored lights that still glowed from the tree.  
There were no wrapped boxes underneath, but the precious 
gifts on this Christmas weren't the kind that could be purchased 
from any shop.
 
Leonard knew that he could have wished to stay here, wrapped 
in these arms, forever.  He was glad that they had several more 
days together before having to return to San Francisco, but 
even knowing that they would eventually have to return 
couldn't dampen his spirits.  Not now that they had found each 
other.  Sure, he knew that in just three weeks they had the 
training mission coming up, but that would only be a temporary 
separation.
 
From a distance there could be heard the sound of gentle 
scraping as the feet of the converted bed abraded rhythmically 
against the wooden floor, the high back of the couch serving as 
the only barrier between the sets of lovers.  Leonard snuggled 
against Sarek, and knew he was a very lucky man, indeed.  
They all were.
 
 
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]


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From ???@??? Wed Feb 18 00:30:01 2004
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Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 23:27:54 -0600
Subject: [ASCEM-S] New TOS "Tempting Fate on Squeaky Springs" 9/9 (Mc/Sa, K/S) [NC-17]
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Chapter 9/9 - See all warnings and disclaimers in Chapter 1

The day after Christmas, Jim and Spock left to go back to San 
Francisco.  Jim had a meeting scheduled on the twenty-seventh 
with the new Chief of Starfleet, Admiral Morrow, to update 
him on the progress being made on the training cruise.  Being 
named its captain, Spock had to report back to the Enterprise 
and oversee all that was transpiring on the ship.  At least Jim 
had seemed a lot more relaxed when he left.  Leonard was 
certain that one encounter with the new administration would 
probably take care of that.  From everything Leonard knew 
about him, he suspected that Morrow was a stickler for the 
rules.  Then he remembered that Jim had a birthday coming up.  
The BIG one!  The BIG FIVE-OH!  God help them all!
 
He and Sarek had stayed on until the thirtieth.  Although he 
found that he missed his friends when they left, the days alone 
with Sarek had been wonderful.  In truth, had they not been 
faced with various construction crews throughout the week, 
they may have never left the bed.  Those mandatory breaks in 
their lovemaking had given Leonard a chance to do a little 
cross-country skiing, and for the two men to get to know even 
more about each other.  It was, for all intents and purposes, 
their honeymoon.  The bond that had been formed between 
them strengthened throughout the next days, even to the point 
where it had been necessary for Sarek to start teaching Leonard 
how to shield his thoughts.
 
Shielding wasn't something that Leonard found enjoyable, or 
particularly easy.  In those times when he succeeded, he felt 
terribly alone.  However, considering they couldn't stay here 
forever, as much as both would have wished it, it was 
necessary.  Too, he soon discovered that those times of mental 
silence that existed between them, made the opening up again 
that much sweeter.
 
By the end of the week, he had learned to manage, if not 
master, several shielding techniques.  Sarek assured him that 
what he had learned in a week, took some years to accomplish.  
'It's nice to know that Sarek can admire me as much for my 
brains as my body,' he thought, chuckling to himself.
 
//Indeed, I find both *most* desirable,// Sarek responded 
mentally.
 
Opps!  He needed to work on those techniques a bit more.
 
The repairs to the cabin were completed, just in time for it to be 
closed up once more.  As they loaded the last of the containers 
and cases into the shuttle, it was a feeling of melancholy that 
seemed to settle over Leonard.  What they had found together, 
they had found here.  He couldn't help but wonder how 
returning to San Francisco would change that.
 
He stood on the porch, absorbing one last look of the expansive 
view, when he felt the warm arms encase him.  "You are 
troubled," Sarek stated.
 
Leonard shook his head, and then laid it back on Sarek's 
shoulder.  "No, not really.  Just sad that we have to leave."
 
"We knew the day would come."
 
Leonard sighed.  "Yeah, but that doesn't make me wish it didn't 
have to end."
 
Sarek turned him in his arms.  "My ashaya, nothing is ending.  
I believe this to only be the beginning.  Actually, I have been 
exploring possibilities."
 
"Oh, yeah?  What possibilities?"
 
"In three days, I must leave for Beta Antares.  I shall be away 
no more than three weeks."
 
"You have to leave in three days?  When you get back, that's 
just about the time we leave on the training mission."
 
"Yes, which is to last six weeks, correct?"
 
"Right."
 
"During those weeks, it is my intention to go to Vulcan.  Then, 
upon your return, I believe I may have some information for 
you."
 
"If you think you're gonna keep me hangin' for over two 
months, then you're outta your mind!  C'mon.  Spill."
 
Sarek smiled at him.  "Thee are a most curious lover, my 
ashaya."
 
Leonard placed his hands on Sarek's sides, just above his waist, 
purposefully digging his fingers in slightly.  "I also know where 
you're ticklish.  If you don't tell me, then..."
 
"Since you are not above resorting to torture, then I suppose I 
must.  I am going to approach Amanda about dissolving the 
bond between us, leaving me free to choose another as my 
bondmate."
 
Leonard's mouth dropped open.  "Is that possible?"
 
"It is not something that is common.  It has, however, been 
done on occasion when there are extenuating circumstances.  
Since Vulcan is a matriarchal society, and since it was my wife 
who requested that I leave the family home, if she makes the 
request that the bond be severed, then there are ways."
 
"That's a pretty big 'if'.  Do you think she will?"
 
"I will not know until I speak with her.  However, in any case, 
there is another matter that we need to decide."
 
"What's that?"
 
"Our place of residence.  I assume you do wish to reside 
together?"
 
"Absolutely!  I just...wasn't exactly sure how to bring the 
subject up."
 
"Considering you are not a Vulcan National, you cannot reside 
at the embassy, and your apartment is much too small for the 
both of us.  I will need a place where I can set up an office.  
Therefore, in your absence, if you would not mind, I will begin 
the search for a house.  I, of course, would make no decision 
until you had the opportunity to give your approval."
 
Leonard moved one arm to the back of Sarek's neck, the other 
he wrapped around his lover's waist.  "Of course I wouldn't 
mind.  Just make sure it has a big bedroom, one that will hold a 
nice, comfortable bed, preferably one with squeaky springs," he 
grinned.
 
"Indeed.  I, too, believe that to be a requirement," Sarek smiled, 
as he pulled his lover in for a kiss.
 
Before things could become too heated, Leonard breathed, 
"Ready?"  Leaving this place no longer made him feel sad.  
This was only the beginning for them.
 
"Yes, Leonard, I am ready," Sarek replied.  "On one condition."
 
"Placing conditions on me already?" Leonard smiled.  "What?"
 
"That you keep your speed-to-distance ratio within the legal 
limits."
 
Leonard burst out laughing as he released his grip on his lover.  
"I'll give ya my heart, my mind, and my soul, but now you're 
askin' the impossible!"
 
"I am beginning to suspect, Leonard, that a life with you is 
going to be most challenging."
 
"Yeah, I think that's a most logical assumption!  By the way, 
what are you gonna be doing on Beta Antares?"  Leonard asked 
as they walked to the shuttle.
 
"It seems that the Iotions of Sigma Iota II have been stirring up 
trouble in the quadrant lately.  There are reports that in recent 
years the Iotions have made some extraordinary technological 
advances.  It is a situation that must be dealt with."
 
"Iotions?  Technological advances?  Oh, shit!  It was only a 
communicator, dammit!" Leonard moaned, as he pulled the 
hatch closed and powered up the shuttle.
 
 
********************
 
A month later, Leonard and Sarek stood facing one another on 
the red sands of Vulcan.  The fal-tor-pan and been successful, 
however Spock still had a long way to go.  It was still unclear if 
he would ever be the man he'd been before.
 
The precious link that had united Leonard and Sarek was gone.  
Whether a result of carrying Spock's katra, or a result of the 
refusion, Leonard didn't know, but in the face of all that had 
happened, it no longer seemed to matter.  Unfortunately, the 
events of this last terrible week had done nothing to stem the 
love he still felt for Sarek.  Nor, if the look in those dark, 
chestnut eyes were to be believed, for the feelings that Sarek 
still held for him.  What they felt for one another, however, was 
not a consideration.
 
"So you're returning to the home you share with Amanda?" 
Leonard asked.  There was no accusation in his voice.
 
"Yes.  It has been decided that peace must be made for the 
welfare of our son.  The months, and perhaps years, ahead are 
going to be difficult for him.  What the future holds, only time 
will tell."
 
"I know.  She's willing to overlook...everything?"
 
"She has accepted that which is.  She knows that she is, once 
again, the only one who shares my mind.  She accepts that she 
will always have to share my heart.  Concessions have been 
made, on both sides.  The line in the sand, no longer exists.  
But, Leonard, what of you?"
 
"Me?  My best friend's a broken man.  I'll be there for him, as 
much as he'll allow it.  Beyond that, I have the welfare of the 
crew to think about.  They gave up everything to save 
Spock...and me.  My first priority is makin' sure they're taken 
care of.  None of us knows what's gonna happen next.  If 
Starfleet gets their hands on us, it'll be sixty years of mining 
borite, and that's if we're lucky."
 
"I will do all in my power on behalf of the crew."
 
Leonard looked up at him and forced a small smile.  "Thanks, 
Sarek, but I don't think even you can get us outta this stinker.  
Besides, even if worst comes to worst, Spock's alive, and 
maybe, someday, he'll be whole again.  In either case, it was 
well worth the price."
 
"Where will you go now?"
 
"Jim wants us all to stay on the ship.  I think it's best.  Maybe 
he can find his way back to us by pouring all of his energy into 
it."
 
Sarek nodded.  "Then, I will take my leave of you."
 
Leonard blinked back threatening tears.  If he wasn't mistaken, 
there was moisture gathering in Sarek's eyes, as well.  "It's not 
where we'd planned on bein', is it?" Leonard asked, trying not 
to choke up.
 
"No...it is not."  It seemed that Sarek was beyond the ability to 
say more.
 
Leonard nodded, and swallowed the lump in his throat.  "Good 
luck to you, Sarek.  I mean that.  I hope you find happiness."
 
As the expression on the face became stoic, it was as if Leonard 
was watching the Vulcan facade descend over the man he 
loved.  "Happiness is an illogical emotion, Doctor McCoy.  I 
shall, instead, seek contentment.  Live long and prosper, 
Doctor."  He raised his hand to display the ta'al.
 
Having given up years ago being able to make the sign, 
Leonard just nodded.  "And the same to you, Ambassador 
Sarek."
 
For the sake of their son, Sarek and Amanda had agreed that 
they would have to make peace in their marriage, accepting that 
which had previously seemed unacceptable.  It was a decision 
that Leonard both understood and respected.  Acceptance, it 
seemed, had become necessary for all involved.  As he turned 
and walked away, Leonard felt the last thread that had joined 
his heart to Sarek's, break.  Fate had triumphed.
 
 
< finis >
 

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]


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