MATCHMAKER EPILOGUE
By: Jigs & Officer Don
Feedback: Any and all comments welcome. Email: jigsaw4@aol.com or marks@caverock.net.nz
Archiving: Please e-mail us first
Rating: NC-17
Category: J/A Shippiness
Warnings: The J/A "Shippiness" Sensor is fully engaged. Consider this your only warning. J Possible references to scenes from the Premiere through 'The Ugly Truth.' Matchmaker is complete as posted. The Epilogue is for those who like a bit more spice with their fanfic.
Disclaimer: Regrettably we have no claim to Farscape; we're just borrowing the characters for some J/A Shippiness.
Nothing happened on Moya that escaped Pilot's watchful eye. Sometimes, although he rarely intended it, his constant monitoring often revealed more about his shipmates than he or Moya really wanted to know. D'Argo and Chiana recreating all over the ship fell into that category. They were usually discreet enough to keep it from the others on board, except for the sneaky dominar who had caught them recently.
During the last solar day, Pilot's concern for Aeryn compelled him to intrude on her privacy. With the help of a DRD, he listened to her conversation on the terrace with John, and once satisfied that Commander Crichton had the situation under control, he instructed the DRD, the one John affectionately called 'L'il Blue,' to leave quietly. And later, Pilot made sure John and Aeryn were safely in their quarters.
With the news of the Sak'kra return to the Unknown Territories, D’Argo’s injury, and Jenavian Chatto’s unsettling visit to Moya, she and Pilot agreed that a day off was in order for the crew. Given the emotional upheaval between John and Aeryn in the last few arns, Pilot and Moya especially wanted them to have a chance to be together, if they wished it. Since the items on the repair schedule for this work cycle were routine and did not involve critical systems, it was an easy decision.
As Rygel, Zhaan, Chiana and D'Argo enjoyed the first meal of the day, Pilot joined them via the clamshell and suggested they have a leisurely day off and not bother John and Aeryn.
"Are they all right?" Zhaan asked, concerned.
"Yes, Pa'u Zhaan, they are both fine."
"Then what's going on, Pilot?" D'Argo asked gruffly.
"The last few arns have been…difficult," he said vaguely. Moya and I wish for all of you to have a day to relax, and Ka D’Argo, a chance for you to rest your injured leg." He paused, hoping the others would not question him further.
"I do not require rest," the Luxan growled, spitting out the word ‘rest’ as if it left a bitter taste in his mouth. "John and Aeryn - they are fighting, again!" D'Argo concluded.
"Why don't they just frell each other and get it over with!" Rygel barked. "If I took this long to satisfy my wives, I'd never have produced any heirs."
"How sensitive, Rygel," Zhaan admonished the little dominar, shaking her head disgustedly.
Chiana had been unusually quiet until now, absorbing the conversation. "Let's just do what Pilot said," she urged, cocking her head in a manner uniquely hers. "Besides, if John and Aeryn want to tell us what happened, then they will, yeah. I think we should just give them some space. C'mon, D'Argo, I'm sure we can think of something to do." She grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the corridor.
D'Argo looked at her over the tops of his eyes as a sly smile pulled at the corners of his mouth. "Be gentle," he joked, "I'm still an injured man."
"You people are out of control!" Rygel snorted, "I'm going back to my chamber, though I doubt anyone will miss me." With that last verbal salvo, Rygel sped out of the galley in a huff, as fast as his hover throne would go.
"I will be in my chamber as well Pilot, should you need me. I must pray to the Goddess in hopes the Sak'kra Empire will return to obscurity and leave us in peace."
That was easier than expected, Pilot thought, breathing a sigh of relief as he returned to his control console.
++++
Slowly opening his eyes, John Crichton couldn't remember the last time he slept so soundly. With a big smile on his face he looked up at Moya's golden ceiling; he was happy, the happiest he'd been since he landed on this side of the galaxy. Yawning widely he released a satisfied groan, stretching his arms above his head and flexing his feet. There was only one person responsible for his mood and he couldn't wait to see her.
With that goal in mind he rolled over on his side, startled to see a shag of long, black hair near his hip covering a slender, pale arm barely visible beneath the ebony strands.
"Aeryn!" He said excitedly. "What are you doing here?" He was pleased and flabbergasted all at once.
She stirred and raised her head, her thick lashes fluttering open to reveal a pair of sleepy but beautiful, gray-blue eyes. "John," she said softly, then groaned as she tried to straighten her neck, "surprised to see me?"
"Ah…yeah, you could say that," he grinned down at her, "but happy, too. So why didn't you wake me when you came in…and when DID you come in?"
She arched her back to work out the kinks from sleeping in such an uncomfortable position and groaned again. "I wasn't expecting an inquisition so early," she said as she pushed herself up to sit on the edge of his bunk, "I thought I'd be awake before you."
Aeryn was only slightly embarrassed at having been discovered, but she did her best to hide it. "When I woke up in the middle of the sleep cycle, I couldn't remember going to my quarters, and I…." She hesitated.
"You fell asleep in my arms on the terrace," John said smiling at her, "and I didn't want to wake you. So I put you to bed and came here."
"You didn't want to stay?" There was the slightest tinge of disappointment in her voice.
John’s eyes widened and his voice raised excitedly, "didn't want…you were asleep, Aeryn! Of course I wanted to stay." His tone softened and he reached up to stroke her cheek, "you were sleeping so peacefully, and I wasn't sure you…." He looked away from her; his unusual shyness made her smile.
"Wasn't sure I what?" She asked, reaching for his hand, gently squeezing it to reassure him.
He looked up at her again, and whatever he had in mind to say was lost in the depths of her eyes, "you are so beautiful…." He breathed.
She smiled at him and moved closer to his still prone body, her stiff back protesting slightly. Touching his eyebrow with her fingertips, she traced her hand down his cheek and wrapped her fingers around his neck, pulling him slowly to her. The kiss was gentle at first, intensifying as their passion increased.
As they eased apart, she whispered, "you do know I want you, John. You've got to know that."
"I know it when you kiss me like that..." his eyes searched hers, "…but seem to forget it again when you push me away."
"John," she sighed, saddened that he was still unsure of her. It was all too obvious that all the times she rejected him in the past had shaken his trust in her affection.
"Even when I push you away, it isn’t because I don’t want you," she tried to explain.
"But that’s how it feels, Aeryn," he said quietly.
"I know…it's just…just that I've never felt like this before. It's all so new to me..." She paused, "when I woke up and you weren't there…I missed you, and…."
John started to speak, but she hushed him with a soft kiss. "…And I realized I never told you that…I love you."
Her words overwhelmed him; John closed his eyes and sighed, "I've waited so long to hear you say it, Aeryn, seems like an eternity."
"I denied it all this time because…I need you so much that it scares me. I have never needed anyone…. You make me feel things I've never felt; things I never wanted to feel. I was ashamed and angry that I couldn't control my reaction to you." She stopped not sure how to continue.
John sensed she had more to say and he wanted her to say it without any prompting from him. He was finding out more and more about how her mind worked, and that pleased him, even if some of what she said was hard to hear.
"And all these feelings came surging to the surface when Jena said she'd been with you."
John closed his eyes. She lifted his chin and he opened his eyes slowly and met her gaze, "that isn't what made me so angry, John, not really. I just wanted it to be me, and I wasn't there. I was angry with myself and angry with Jena for knowing how I would react. I…was afraid…afraid of losing you."
"Never happen, Aeryn," he said softly, shaking his head.
"When you forced me to talk about it…I turned my anger on you because it's the emotion I know best."
"You are very good at anger…" he said teasingly, tickling her upper arm with his fingertips, "you’ve got that down to an art form."
"I don't know where all this comes from…why you’re so important to me…."
"Its called love, Aeryn," he assured her.
"Yes, but, I'm not sure I deserve your love…." She lowered here eyes demurely.
Lifting her eyes to his, he said, "you've been denied so much, Aeryn. You deserve to know what love is…deserve to be loved by someone who truly adores you…and that's me!" He grinned at her, "don't ever forget it!"
"I don't think you'll let me forget it, John," she said with a glint in her eye.
"Got that right…." His lips could barely hold his gargantuan smile, his heart so filled with joy. He took her hand and kissed her palm, "we can go slow, Aeryn, as long as I know you're going with me."
"Were you ever in love before?" She asked quietly.
"I was, but not like this. I could live without Alex - I can't live without you."
"I'm sure I didn't love Velorek…I couldn't have, after what I did…. I just wanted to fly prowlers."
"And what do you want now?"
"I want you," she said, kissing him soundly to make sure he got the message.
"And you love me, right?" He wanted to hear it again.
With an exasperated sigh, she asked, "you want me to say it again?" He nodded enthusiastically, and she grinned at him, "I love you…but don't expect me to say it everyday."
"No?" John couldn't hide his disappointment.
"But I do promise to think it everyday."
His face brightened, "well, that's all right then…as long as you promise."
She smiled and nodded her agreement, "so you forgive me…for yesterday?" She asked, stroking his cheek tenderly.
He grinned back at her, then blanked his expression, "what happened yesterday?"
"Well if you don't remember," she played along, "I'm not going to remind you." She rubbed her hands slowly across his chest, "anyway showing is better, isn't that what you said?"
This was one time he didn't mind having his words served back to him. "Yeah, that's what I said." He sat up and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. Her painful moan surprised him; he was expecting something a bit more inviting. "Aeryn?"
"My back really didn't like that sleeping position." Her face twisted in pain as she tried to stretch again.
"I would have shared, y'know." He reminded her, distressed that she seemed to be in such agony.
"Too late now."
"No it isn't." He said quickly, as an idea came to him. "Lie down on your stomach." John scooted down to the end of the bed and stood up. "I have magic fingers, and it won't even cost you a quarter," he laughed.
Carefully she stretched out on his bed, dutifully following his instructions. "I have no idea what that means, John, but you can explain it to me later."
"Have you ever had a body massage?" he asked, sitting down beside her.
"No."
He reached for the hem of her gray tee shirt and pushed it slowly up her back and over her head, gently lifting her hair and separating it over her shoulders. Silently thankful she had taken off her bra before coming to his room, he smiled down at her, one less garment to remove. She rested her head on her crossed arms, anticipating the feel of his hands on her.
An idea came to him in a flash and he verbalized it. "I can do a full body massage if you want, but you'll…ah…." Realizing suddenly what he was suggesting, he mumbled the rest, "…have to take off your pants and everything." He winced and closed his eyes waiting for a painfully physical response from Aeryn.
"Okay."
"Okay?" His eyes popped open, "just okay?" He couldn’t believe it! "Tell me I'm not dreaming."
"You're not dreaming." She answered coolly.
John sat back and mouthed the word 'wow,' fearful that if he said it out loud it would ruin the moment. He pinched his arm just to make sure, though. Mildly irked by his slow response, Aeryn turned over stiffly and started to unfasten her pants.
"John, help me," she asked, struggling to push her pants over her hips.
"My pleasure," he grinned, carefully pulling her pants and underwear down and tugged them off her long, slender legs.
"God, you're gorgeous," he told her as he helped her roll over on her stomach.
She laughed, "well I don't feel too gorgeous at the moment. Maybe we should get Zhaan…."
"Oh no, I'm great at this…you'll see." He wasn't about to let anyone touch her but him, not even Zhaan.
He caressed her shoulders with his fingertips, then let his hands drift lightly over the expanse of ivory skin, locating the knots that required his attention. "I wish I had some oil, or something," he said absent-mindedly.
"I still have some of that oil Zhaan gave me for my hair. Will that work?"
John laughed, "it worked on me!"
"Very funny."
"Thing is, I don't want to leave you right now to get it." His mind worked quickly on the problem, "hey, wait a sec, I've got some oily salve stuff that Blue gave me for a pulled hamstring. That would work. Don't move."
"That's a joke, right?" She said with just a hint of sarcasm.
He quickly grabbed the small jar and sat down beside her again, taking a generous amount in his palm and rubbing his hands together. Starting at her shoulders, he rubbed the ointment over the smooth surface of her back. His gentle touch was soothing and Aeryn could feel her muscles begin to relax. Applying more pressure, his strong hands massaged her, pressing his thumbs between her shoulders at the base of her neck, then pushing up her back, gently squeezing and caressing each clump of tension he found. He was slow and methodical in his care, kneading and comforting, until her sweet sighs and murmured moans surrounded him. John was enjoying this so much he couldn’t keep the smile off his face. Repeating the ritual several times with meticulous care, he gradually worked out the stiffness in her sore muscles.
"Better?" He asked, hoping that by the time he was finished, she would be ready for more strenuous exertion.
"Feels wonderful," she moaned, closing her heavy-lidded eyes. Chuckling softly, she added, "just enjoying your handiwork."
"Now who's being funny?"
They were both smiling, enjoying the shared closeness they both longed for.
John continued his attentions, finally working his way down, caressing her soft cheeks. Aeryn wiggled slightly and John slapped her bottom, just enough to sting a little, "be still, you."
Aeryn snickered and wiggled once more, just for good measure.
"Stop it! This is serious work," he scolded, loving the playfulness of her mood.
He rubbed more of the salve into his palms and continued his massage, working the fragrant lentiment into her thighs and calves, lost in the feel of her soft skin beneath his eager fingers. Aeryn's breathing was unhurried and rhythmic now. John's therapeutic touch relaxed her so much she fell into semi-consciousness.
Aware that she was too quiet, John decided to bring her back into the moment. He worked his way back up to her thighs, then slipped his hand inside the soft folds between her legs. Aeryn moaned and raised her head. John’s hands moved to her hips and helped her turn over on her back. She stretched lazily as he smiled down at her, his admiring blue eyes caressing every curve. He bent over to brush a soft kiss across her lips. Rubbing his fingers tenderly along her neck and shoulders, he watched Aeryn's face as she responded. Moving his hands lower, gently squeezing her breasts as the nipples hardened beneath his palms.
Aeryn put her hands on his, following them down her body. "You have wonderful hands," she purred, simply enjoying the feel of them against her skin.
"Busy hands are happy hands," he laughed, then lowered his voice seductively, "and mine are very busy."
Aeryn propped herself up on her elbows, laughing as he tickled the sensitive area behind her knees. Her laughter delighted him. He rarely saw Aeryn so genuinely happy and relaxed and hoped this was only the beginning of many such moments.
John continued massaging her legs, finally moving down to her feet. Aeryn sighed as he pressed his thumbs to her right sole, pushing up the arch to the ball of her foot. She had never had a foot massage, and it was glorious. John was very thorough, and when he was satisfied with his efforts on the right foot, he moved to the left.
Aeryn sighed again, then finally sat up, her back feeling much better, in fact all of her was feeling pretty damn good. She ran her fingertips across his chest, over his shoulders and then down his spine and slowly back up again. John straightened and pressed his shoulders back, trembling slightly. She reached up and stroked his stubbly cheek with the back of her hand.
"You’re right…you do have magic fingers," she whispered.
His breath caught; he was absolutely defenseless against her charms. Undeniable desire consumed him as his own arousal ached for attention. "Aeryn," he whispered, his eyes silently, yet insistently asking to be allowed closer.
Smiling her consent, Aeryn reached for him, claiming him with her mouth as she threaded her fingers through his tousled hair and pulled him down, tongues wrestling in playful battle. He deepened the kiss, holding her head in his hands like a precious piece of art. "I love you," he whispered against her mouth, "I've never loved you more than I do at this moment."
"Show me…." She whispered back, reaching down to pull at the top of his Calvins.
Standing up, he quickly removed his shorts and stretched over her, resting comfortably atop her slender body.
Aeryn rubbed his shoulders, then dragged her hands down his chest and abdomen as he raised up to allow her caress. As she moved her hands down his sides, she began rocking slowly, tantalizing him as their bodies touched. She crooked her leg around his and flipped him over smoothly, laughing at the surprised look on his face.
"My turn to explore," she whispered. John was already breathing through parted lips in anticipation.
As she raised above him the long strands of her hair tickled his face. He reached up and twisted them around his fingers, then let the curls fall free. She kissed her way down his chest, licking around his nipples before gently nipping at them. When she descended further to kiss his hips and run her hands along his thighs John was so tense with sexual desire he could barely control his reaction. But he was so fascinated by what she would do next his curiosity got the better of him, at least for the moment.
She lowered her head, kissing the very tip of him; he shuddered beneath her. As she bent down to lick the underside of his shaft he groaned loudly, the movement of her hair intensifying his passion. She fondled his warm sacs, simultaneously reaching up to stroke his hard length, the motion tangling her hair around him. John gasped at the feel of her beautiful hair moving against him, scratchy and silky all at once. He'd never experienced anything like it.
"Aeryn!" He gulped for air, grabbing her shoulders. In his aroused state he could take no more.
John drew her to him, holding her tightly and rolling them over again so he was on top. He kissed her fiercely, she groaned, lost completely in the moment until they broke apart breathless and panting. He began rubbing his totally rigid shaft against her aching center.
She raised her hips and John slowly entered her, closing his eyes as he arched his back to fill her completely. He groaned loudly, followed by a heavy sigh as their bodies became one. Aeryn clutched him tightly, constricting her inner muscles around him as he stroked inside her. He bent down to suckle a breast, lapping at the nipple with his tongue while his hand caressed the other. She moaned contentedly, craving every sensation he created.
The tiny bed trembled with their passion as they accelerated to completion. Hearts racing, their bodies reached climax almost simultaneously. John’s warm essence streamed inside her as Aeryn held him tightly. Breathy groans of ecstasy escaped them as they both relaxed from the exertion.
In the afterglow of their lovemaking, John lay beside her, rubbing her breast tenderly and whispering words of love against her temple. Aeryn decided she would have to learn some words in his language so she could tell him, without the aid of the translator microbes, how much he meant to her. She smiled at the idea, closing her eyes as she nestled in the crook of his arm.
Only a few microts has passed when she opened her eyes to find John staring at her.
"What?" She asked.
"Nothing, just admiring the view." He sighed contentedly and kissed her forehead. "Thought you might like to know that Jena left Moya last night.
"Really? And I didn't get a chance to say good-bye…." Her sarcasm wasn't lost on John.
Chuckling softly, he said, "you know what, Aeryn, I found out some interesting stuff from her."
"So that's where you were instead of staying with me?" She teased.
"Don't start. I was going back to my cell after tucking you in, when Pilot signaled me and told me Jena was leaving. I took the opportunity to get some answers to a couple of questions."
"What questions?" She asked, raising an eyebrow suspiciously.
"Well, it seems our Special Directorate Disrupter doesn't always have disrupting on her mind."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning she told me she was playing matchmaker, trying to make you jealous, force you to talk to me about…."
"…About?"
"About us."
"She had no right to interfere," Aeryn snapped, then paused, "but…I guess considering what happened, it's all right."
"I'm glad you said that, 'cause I don't know how much longer I could have waited for you and kept my sanity." He laughed humorlessly, "of course that's questionable, I suppose. Scorpious is still kicking around in my head, although I haven't seen his ugly face recently."
"Let's don't talk about that now, John. We will find someway to get rid of him, and we'll do it together."
"That's my girl. We're invincible, Aeryn, I know it. I just might need a reminder every now and then where Scorpious is concerned."
Aeryn smiled at him and kissed his chest. "What other question did you get an answer to?"
"I asked her why she saved me on the Royal Planet. Never really understood why she would, but I'm glad she did, especially now," he added, caressing her back.
"I guess I should have thanked her for that myself. Since I failed you…."
"No baby, you didn't. There was so much crap going on in that palace; I don't think half of the court knew what was going on. Everything was happening all around us, and so much more beneath the surface, we couldn't have even guessed at."
"You know John, I have my own confession to make about the Royal Planet."
"What's that?"
John recognized the look, it was the same guilty expression she had when she mentioned Dregon on the terrace. "Does this have something to do with that Dregon guy? I told you I'd ask you about it later…this is later."
"I didn't know what to do when I thought you'd just given up. That you weren't willing to fight with me to get away from that insanity they called a government."
"I didn't see any way to fight it, Aeryn. I would have gone with you in a microt, would have followed you into the barren lands so fast if…if you'd just said you wanted me."
"I couldn't say that John, not then. I was fighting my feelings for you and hating the fact that we'd gotten into all that dren in the first place. And you were just so willing to marry Katralla; I couldn't understand it."
"I wasn't willing, Aeryn, it was Scorpious…." He hesitated, shuddering as the leering face of his nemesis slithered through his mind. "I never want to go through that again."
She tightened her arms around him, "I know, John. I understand a lot more now than I did then."
"I thought I had lost you forever. At that point I didn’t really care what happened to me as long as I didn’t get strapped in that chair again! The only way to get away from Scorpious was to marry Katralla."
"I’m sorry, John, so sorry I didn’t understand then what Scorpious had done to you."
"I couldn’t tell you, Aeryn…admitting my fear to you, or anyone seemed to make it more powerful. And you…you’re always so strong…I didn’t want you to think…."
She interrupted him, "I think you are very brave, John." She smiled at the startled look on his face and continued, "I’m so proud of you…after all you’ve been through…."
He stared at her, and slowly a smile appeared despite the tears in his eyes. Knowing Aeryn was always miserly in her praise, her words meant a lot.
"No one could endure what you have and not impress me." She kissed him and held him close.
Pulling back slightly he said, "as long as I have you I can make it, isn't that what you said?" She nodded as he smoothed the hair back from her face, "and something else you were right about…there's nothing we can't overcome together, and that includes Scorpy. As long as I know you love me, I'll never let him win."
"It makes me happy to hear you say that. You know I'll do everything I can to protect you and keep you out of that chair. I won't let him hurt you, John, not him, not anyone."
"Baby, I'm counting on that." He kissed her softly, tickling the seam of her lips with his tongue.
"Hmmm…you are very distracting."
"Just returning the favor," he grinned. He settled back down beside her, "okay…about this Dregon guy…."
"Right. All I could think about was that I had to get away. Couldn't bear the thought of watching you marry Katralla, taking you away from me forever. It was like the decision had been made, and that was the end of it. Almost like it was an order I had to follow, I don't know. I did something stupid and ended up with a broken leg." She took a breath, "I went into the barren lands with Dregon."
"What made you go with him?" John was definitely curious, having watched her blatantly reject his advances several times.
"He kept hanging around, nagging at me like an insect buzzing in my ear, asking me to go to the barren lands to forget…."
"To forget what?"
"You - somehow he knew I was in pain, and offered himself as a diversion."
"How gallant! That probakto!" John snorted, using one of Rygel’s favorite words.
"Don't be angry John, as it turns out, I owe him a debt…we owe him a debt."
"We do?" He was skeptical. "What kind of debt?"
"What I told you before, about the good days…it made me realize what I was missing."
"Oh, right." He paused, wondering whether to ask the question that had been at the back of his mind since she mentioned Dregon, but he wanted to know. "Is that all?"
Although vague, Aeryn knew what he was asking, "we didn't recreate or anything, but he wanted to…."
"Huh huh…what a surprise!" He scoffed, "tell me what happened, Aeryn. How did you break your leg? I never did buy that story you told me about falling off a cliff." He chortled, "you falling off a cliff - never happen."
"Actually John, that is what happened? But I didn't exactly fall…."
"What?" John couldn't believe it. "He pushed you?"
"Push no…more like pulled."
"What do you mean? How can somebody pull you off a cliff?" This story was getting more amazing by the microt.
"Well if they're dangling 5 metras below you, it's pretty easy."
"Okay baby, spill it."
Her brow knitted in confusion, "John Crichton, I will never understand half the things you say, but as long as I understand the important things, it will be okay."
"Well, the most important thing for you to know is that I love you."
After a brief interlude of kissing and fondling, Aeryn was getting serious again.
"I'm still recharging, Aeryn," John reminded her, "tell me the rest of the Dregon story."
"Sorry…you're just too…."
"Don't be sorry, it will be worth the wait," he looked at her with serious intent, "trust me." She chastely put her hand on his chest.
"You know, Sebacean men have very little chest hair…." She observed, gently twisting her fingers through the fine hair on his chest.
"You don't like it?"
"On the contrary, I like it a lot. I'll always know it's you in the dark," she grinned.
"It better always be me," he said menacingly.
"Is that a threat?""It is."
"Good, just making sure we both know whose bed we belong in." She ran her hand suggestively along his thigh.
John growled, "you're making me crazy, Aeryn…."
Aeryn flashed a wicked smile,"I think you had a head start long before you met me."
"Ha…ha," he smirked. "Now finish telling me about Dregon…before I pull something we'll need later."
She laughed at him and jerked her hand away, "don't even joke about it!" Settling down beside him again, she continued, "okay, back to Dregon. We were going into the barren lands to go rock climbing. I needed something physical to do, and since I couldn't beat the hezmana out of you…" she grinned, "or anyone else on that frelling planet, I decided I needed some very physical exercise."
"Very physical exercise?" He repeated slowly, arching his brow.
"I told you, nothing happened," she assured him. "Since I really didn't know what was in the barren lands, and Dregon was so willing to be a guide, I told him if he could keep up he could go."
"That's my Aeryn!" John laughed, "what a lovely invitation. I can see why he jumped at the chance…no pun intended."
"Are you making fun of me?"
"Yeah…"
"John!" She growled in mock anger, poking him in the ribs. He feigned great pain laughing as he put his arms around her.
"Okay, this is me being serious," he joked, swiping his hand down his face as the grin disappeared.
"He tells me he's a climbing expert, right? And we start climbing this very steep rock wall, near the Devastator Reefs, I think he said. You'd have to be an experienced climber to even attempt it. I had gone ahead and climbed to another level and he froze below me, hanging on like a frightened child, tethered to me. Apparently he'd only gotten his expert rating on a training wall, probably with padding and a safety harness, dumb shit."
"Dumb shit?" Her use of human slang tickled him and he fell back laughing hysterically.
"What’s so funny?" She asked more than a little perturbed. "I used it right, didn’t I? Isn’t that what you would say?""
"Oh yeah, that was perfect! Just surprised me to hear to say it, that's all."
"You know, I secretly like some of those earth things you say. They make me laugh, even when I don't understand them. I never laughed very much before I met you."
"So all this time you’ve been laughing at me?"
"Well, maybe sometimes I was…." She teased, then became more thoughtful, "as a Peacekeeper I never had much reason to laugh, but I like it. Laughing with you is one of the things I love most."
"Okay, okay, get back to the story, before I get a really big head. Finish telling me about Dregon…we need another 200 microts or so…."
"I don't think the rest of the story will take that long, John." She grinned at him and he pretended to pout.
"Anyway, he's hanging below me, scared to death. I tried to talk him down, told him where to place his hands and feet for a better hold. He did it at first, then froze again. Before I knew it, he panicked and instead of grabbing the wall, he grabbed my frelling leg."
"You're kidding?"
She made a face at him, "does it look like I'm kidding?" John shook his head. "And we both fell off. It was about a 100-metra drop. Don’t know how we missed all the rocks below. We were lucky we weren't killed."
"God Aeryn, why didn't you tell me this before?"
"I didn't want to tell you how stupid I was, and later I didn't want you to think I had run off with Dregon, but considering you were with Jena, I guess you would have understood." She paused a beat, "you would have understood, wouldn't you, John?
John's eyes twinkled, "I would have tried to be as understanding as you were. But don't ever let it happen again. The next time you want to go rock climbing with an idi…." John decided he didn't want to compare himself to Dregon, but Aeryn caught on and grinned at him, then let him off the hook.
"You volunteering to go rock climbing with me?"
"You bet, babe, and I promise not to pull you off the cliff." He said as he snuggled closer, "I think it's been well over 200 microts now, don't you?"
Aeryn feigned shock, "John Crichton, you are very single-minded, when did you become so intent on recreating?"
"With you - all the time!" He grinned at her as his hand trailed down her firm stomach, "let's just say I'm making up for...missed opportunities."
"See I was right about your hormones," she smiled cockily.
John raised up on his elbow, "not just MY hormones, Aeryn," he answered rubbing his hand delicately between the soft, moist folds between her legs.
She trembled, then grabbed his hands and pulled him on top of her, "I don't want to miss any more opportunities either."
Their lips met, and the conversation ended as John and Aeryn spoke only with their bodies.
+++++
L'il Blue was eavesdropping on the couple from outside the cell door as they talked. When the conversation ceased, Pilot summoned him and he reluctantly rolled away to continue his work schedule. There was the subtlest change in Moya's normal humming as it became richer and more rhythmic.
Ever in tune with her surroundings, Zhaan noticed the change in the midst of her meditation. "Pilot is anything wrong with Moya?"
"No Zhaan, Moya is fine," Pilot paused, "she is very happy, however."
"Ah," said Zhaan smiling, "then I take it John and Aeryn are enjoying their time to together?"
"Indeed, Zhaan. Moya has often wondered why they have never acted on their feelings as Chiana and D'Argo seem to have."
Zhaan was sure Pilot was being a tad sarcastic about Chiana and D'Argo, knowing full well the Luxan and Nebari had done little to hide their carnal pleasures. "I do not think you can compare the emotions involved, Pilot. John and Aeryn's relationship is much more complex and hopefully their differences will eventually bring them closer. I do not believe this will be the case with Chiana and D'Argo, Pilot."
"Moya and I agree, Zhaan. That is why we are so happy for John and Aeryn."
"I will pray to the Goddess for their continued happiness."
+++++
John leaned closer, tracing his tongue around her lips, urging her to allow him inside. She complied, letting him explore, tickling the roof of her mouth with the tip of his tongue. She kissed him back with a vengeance, savoring the taste of him.
The kiss was long, intense and deeply passionate. As John and Aeryn separated, he brushed the hair back from her cheek, his fingers hesitating momentarily. He kissed her eyes, her brows and nuzzled her ear; she closed her eyes as he nibbled and nipped at her neck, desire tightening between her legs.
He seemed to know instinctively what pleased and aroused her. Slowly sliding against her, he licked his way down her body, lingering at her breasts. She arched up at him as he found a particularly sensitive spot. She was warm and inviting and he wished he had more hands so he could touch her everywhere at once.
He loved the way she moved beneath him as he worshipped her, whimpering and begging for more. A sob escaped her as he stripped away all her control. She had no defense against him, didn't want one - it felt too wonderful. Lost in his manipulations, Aeryn was being pulled under by a whirlpool of sensation, quivering as he neared her aching center.
He bent down to lap at her with his tongue, teasing the swollen folds of her femininity. She tasted of honey warmed by the sun, sweeter than he remembered. She writhed beneath him as he caressed the pearl of her desire with his fingertips, drowning in her soft cries. He pulled away reluctantly, enjoying the beauty of her response, loving the fact that she wanted him so much.
"John…please…" she pleaded. He looked at her face and smiled at the hunger blazing in her eyes. Dragging his hands down her body as she trembled, she raised her hips as he approached her burning core. Slowly he immersed his finger inside her weeping entrance, a harsh cry escaped her at the welcomed intrusion, but she wanted more. He moved his finger vigorously in and out of her, rubbing firmly against her moist walls, caressing her intimately, mesmerized by the waves of passion distorting her lovely features.
He brought her to the edge of ecstasy, then clipped her wings before she could soar,
stalling her release by withdrawing his finger. He took her hand, bringing it to his pulsating shaft, wanting her to feel his reaction to her. Wrapping her fingers tightly around him, she smiled and guided him to her, rubbing the tip of him against her.
Unable to control himself any longer, he thrust forward and she absorbed him eagerly, her dewy heat coating him as she took him fully inside her. John felt his world shift on its axis.
Tears moistened their eyes at the power of their mating, their breathing rapid and uneven. He pushed inside her again and again. Her mouth moved, but no coherent sound came forth, only moans of rapture; his own growls of possession mingling around them. She was turning into molten fire, every nerve in her body responding to his ardent lovemaking.
Breathless from the exertion, she clung tightly to him as John thrust inside her one final time, filling her with his fiery essence as she clenched around him, holding him deeply. Panting wildly they rode the last waves of their passion tangled together.
Two hearts no longer alone in the universe, lost only in their desire, had finally found security in their commitment to each other.
+++++
Aeryn snuggled closer to John, content to be close to him again, naked and in the same bed. She looked at him adoringly, pleased at the satisfied smile on his face.
//Wonder if I should tell him about defending the Farscape?// Wanting to see his reaction, she decided, why not? "John…."
"Hmmm…."
"I can tell you something that will shock you."
"You’ve already surprised me so much I may yet have a heart attack." He nuzzled her neck, "but no more heartache."
She smiled at him, "I defended your shuttle to Jena." She said proudly.
He stopped abruptly and looked up at her, "no way!"
"I did…."
"Aeryn, you hate the Farscape."
"Well, technically it is…not up to the prowler’s standards, but it can take us back and forth to a planet when we need it. And it did perform a miracle of sorts." She stopped to watch his beautiful face twist up in confusion, "it brought you to me and I can’t really hate it anymore, can I?"
"That’s the best thing you could have ever said about the Farscape," he grinned, kissing her quickly.
"I've been wondering, why did you name it Farscape?"
"Well, the idea was to test DK's and my theory that earth's gravity could be used to propel the ship out of planetary orbit without using extra fuel, right? So if it worked, it would eventually mean humans could travel far away from earth, escaping into other parts of our solar system. So we came up with the name Farscape, combining the words 'far' and 'escape.' Pretty cool, huh?" He grinned at her.
"Cool," she repeated, trying to mimic the earth word as best she could. An idea was forming in her mind as she closed her eyes.
+++++
It was time for the midday meal, but only Chiana, D'Argo and Rygel were present.
"Zhaan is still meditating, I suppose," D'Argo commented to no one in particular.
"All the more food cubes for me, then," Rygel said gleefully, rushing to fill his plate.
"I wonder what John and Aeryn are doing?" Chiana asked, her eyes sparkling like India ink.
"Most likely frelling themselves senseless," Rygel huffed in between bites. "The way you two have been! If we could bottle all that energy we wouldn't need any cesium fuel!"
"Shut up, Rygel," D'Argo growled, "you're just jealous."
Chiana grinned evilly at the grumpy dominar, "I think you're just tired of your own company, Toad. There's nothing wrong with pursuing our pleasure."
D'Argo tried to keep a straight face and his voice calm, "it's not the first time and I doubt if it will be the last for John and Aeryn."
Rygel looked shocked, "I've never caught them!"
D'Argo roared with laughter, "John and I have shared a few secrets. Being the only males on board Moya, we have to stick together, you know."
Rygel looked indignant, "I'm a male and so is Pilot!"
"Ah, but Pilot is already connected to his precious Moya." D'Argo looked down his nose at Rygel, "and you barely qualify, your lowness!"
Rygel scoffed as his earbrows flattened; "I don't have to stay here and be insulted by you! My sexual prowess is legendary on Hyneria! I've had more wives than you ever will!" He sneered, grabbing his food cubes and zooming out of the galley.
"That was easier than I thought!" D'Argo smiled, satisfied that he and Chiana could have a meal without the snobbish observations of Dominar Rygel the 16th.
"So when was the first time they frelled each other?" Chiana asked, her curiosity suddenly sparked.
D'Argo considered how to answer Chiana's question. "I only have a suspicion, as John has never told me, but the second time was after the body switching," he wiggled his eyebrows.
"You didn't answer my question, Dar!"
"That's the only answer you're getting!"
Chiana threw a food cube at D'Argo and he batted it away. Then she tried another approach, getting up from her side of the table and plopping in his lap. "I have ways of making you talk, D'Argo…" she said, stroking his tentacles.
"I will never betray the confidence of an ally, Chiana, you should know that by now." D'Argo's mouth was saying no, but his body had other ideas, as he shuddered from Chiana's touch.
"Come on, let me in on the secret," she purred.
"No! Now stop it, I'm hungry," D'Argo said, pushing her hand away.
More than a little irritated that her feminine charms were failing her, Chiana stomped her foot and stalked out of the galley.
D'Argo smiled, admiring her retreating strut. He had his own ways of making her forgive him, but they could wait until he was done eating, he thought, popping another food cube in his mouth with a wry smile.
+++++
John awoke to find Aeryn sleeping comfortably, using his chest as a pillow. He looked over at her, sighing as his mind wandered into the future. He hoped that one day Aeryn would give him the most precious gift of all - a child. John wasn't exactly sure when he first thought about Aeryn as the mother of his children, but his mind was made up after she wanted to take the compatibility test when they returned from the Royal Planet.
Apparently the thought had crossed Aeryn's mind too, he decided, or at least the possibility of children. There was no other purpose for the drops except to test for genetic compatibility for procreation. If recreating was all she wanted from him, there was no need to bring the vial back to Moya or initiate the test. That thought made John hopeful, but he knew better than to say anything to Aeryn about it right now. When she was ready they would discuss it, and he would convince her.
He knew he was jumping ahead, they still had Scorpy to worry about, but he couldn’t help himself. His dream of spending his life with Aeryn was coming true and he couldn't help but fantasize about the future now that he could look at it knowing she loved him. And, if they kept up the pace they were on right now, the inevitable was bound to happen. The image of a very pregnant Aeryn wielding her pulse rifle made him smile.
Aeryn stirred beside him, "John?" She said, looking up at him and noticing the faraway look in his eyes, "erp to John?" she smirked.
"Huh? What?"
"Where were you? You were metras away!" She scolded.
John grinned, "the future, Aeryn the future."
"More human bizarreness?" She frowned, never missing a chance to tease John about his alien roots.
John grinned, "something like that, Sunshine."
"I want to name my Prowler," she said determinedly.
John blinked, "am I hearing you right? Won't that go against protocol or something?"
"If I were still a Peacekeeper, but I'm not. And your module has a name so why can't I name my prowler?"
"Hey I never said you couldn't, I'm just a little surprised, that's all."
Aeryn smiled, "what I want to know is how do humans name their ships? Peacekeepers only name Command Carriers and other command ships. Marauders and prowlers are always referred to by their service numbers."
"How do humans names ships?" John mused, "let's see. They can be named after people or places, cities, states even ideals. A few examples that come to mind are the John F. Kennedy, that's an aircraft carrier named after a dead President – leader of the United States, the country I’m from. Then there's the Iowa, that's a battleship named after a state, the Los Angeles, an attack submarine named after a city. The British Royal Navy has a tradition of naming their warships after ideals like Repulse, Invincible and Indomitable. So you see Aeryn, there's plenty of ideas to choose from." John smiled, "humans have a tradition of naming almost anything. Some countries even name their railroad locomotives!"
Aeryn was bemused by John's little speech, mainly because she only understood some of it. Humans were indeed an odd species. Or was it just John Crichton? She didn't really care; it was what made John, well, John.
"So you'll help me think of a name for my prowler then?" Aeryn asked.
"Names for my lady's prowler?" John mused aloud, "Butch?"
"How about Sundance?" Aeryn asked, "or Rainbow?"
John chuckled, "who every heard of a fighter named Rainbow? Rambo maybe."
Aeryn looked at him quizzically, John laughed, "that's a really long story, Aeryn, but trust me, the name fits."
"Choosing a name is harder than I thought."
"Well Sunshine, we don't have to settle on one right away." John smiled, "we can think about it for a while."
Aeryn brooded, still thinking. She didn't want to wait now that she'd made up her mind to name the prowler.
"What's with the long face, baby? You remind me of a thunderstorm rolling in, like that expression you get when it's time to kick ass."
Aeryn's eyes lit up, "that's it…that is it!" She said excitedly.
John looked puzzled, "what's it?"
"I'll name my prowler Thunderstorm!" Aeryn smiled, "after all, I did like the rain, remember. "
John grinned, "Farscape One and Thunderstorm - I like that." John eyed her mischievously, "guess we can start working on names for the kid's ships, don't you think?"
Aeryn was stunned, "who said anything about children, Crichton?"
John just laughed, "a guy can dream, can't he?" Quickly changing the subject, he asked, "you hungry?"
"Starved - we haven't eaten all day. But we've burned up a lot of energy," she snickered. "C'mon, the others will surely be wondering where we are."
"Oh they probably have a pretty good idea, Aeryn." As an after thought he added, "does that bother you?" John was afraid they would be in for some good-natured harassment from their friends, and he wanted to have some idea what Aeryn's reaction would be.
"Don't worry, John. I expect some teasing." She grinned at him, "I'm sure they'll be able to tell if they go too far."
"Oh, I'm sure they will." John smiled back, "I just wondered if you want to tell them…anything."
"They'll know, John." She kissed him quickly, "and I don't mind that at all."
As they stood up to get dressed, John pulled her against him and kissed her again, "last one to the galley is a rotten egg."
She had no idea what that meant, but she was sure it was a challenge of some kind. She pushed him down on the bed and scrambled for her clothes.
+++++
None of the Moya's crew had seen John or Aeryn all day and it was time for the evening meal. Everyone was seated when joyous laughter was heard coming from the hallway. Aeryn raced into the galley, followed closely by John. She put her hands on her knees, gasping for breath. He stopped beside her and assumed the same position.
"You cheated!" He accused, looking over at her.
"You're just slow!" She countered, patting his shoulder.
"I demand a rematch!" He laughed.
They both looked up to see four stupefied faces staring at them in disbelief. John and Aeryn looked at each other and laughed. Zhaan couldn't recall seeing either of them so relaxed and happy.
"It has been a good day, then?" The Delvian asked.
"The best, Zhaan," John answered, wrapping his arm around Aeryn's waist. He was happy she didn't push his arm away, and delirious when she did the same.
"We're starving," they said together.
"What a surprise," D'Argo deadpanned, then laughed loudly.
"Yeah!" Chiana grinned knowingly, finally glad Aeryn had come to her senses. She would never understand why it took her so long.
Only Rygel was unimpressed and continued devouring his meal.
"You know Aeryn," John said, leading her to the table, "we will have to have a proper naming ceremony for that prowler of yours."
"You even have a special ceremony for naming ships?"
John nodded his confirmation, "humans never miss an opportunity to celebrate."
"Your species is truly…unique, John."
"But that's why you love me, right?" John asked as he separated himself from Aeryn to pull out a seat for her.
Aeryn grinned and nodded then gave him a quizzical look, "what are you doing?"
"It's a tradition, Aeryn. A man always pulls out the chair for a lady. It's a gesture of respect." John winked, "but don't expect it every mealtime. It's for special occasions only."
"You do seem to have traditions for almost everything."
Growing tired of all the friendly chatter, Rygel sneered, "what's so special about the two of you frelling all day?" Fortunately John and Aeryn were in such a good mood they just laughed at the remark, along with Zhaan, Chiana and D'Argo.
Down in his den Pilot smiled. He and Moya were happy that everything had worked out. All was right in their little corner of the universe, at least for now....