Closer

 

Author: Sun Goddess

 

Feedback: Yes please! All comments welcome: irishdawn22@hotmail.com

 

Disclaimer: Farscape and the characters associated are not my property; I’m simply borrowing to allow my imagination some much-needed exercise.

 

Timeline: Directly following the departure of our beloved priestess, Zhaan.

 

Notes: This is for all the shippers out there who are being starved because of the lack of J/A shippy stories. Here’s my little contribution, hope it eases the hunger slightly!!

 

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He found her on the terrace; the place she had come to know as a retreat. An exotic paradise, littered with stars that were yet to be arranged.

Such a contrast from her previous existence, John thought. No order, just freedom.

Drifting back to reality, Crichton took the final steps toward the darkened form of Aeryn Sun.

“Pilot sent me to check on you. How are you feeling?”

He swore he could see the ghost of a smile play across her face.

“I’m coping. You can tell Pilot to put his mind at rest. You might do the same.”

He could hear the playfulness in her voice despite the unfortunate circumstances. He took her seeming light heartedness as an opportunity to sit next to her. They sat in companionable silence for numerous microts before Aeryn drew her knees further up to her chest and let out a woeful sigh.

“I miss Zhaan already,” Crichton spoke, hoping to coax Aeryn into a much-needed conversation concerning their recently departed shipmate. No reaction.

“I’m sure everyone does…including yourself.”

That got her attention. Her head snapped to lock eyes with his. Pain and confusion radiated from the depths of her exquisite azure gaze.

“That is a topic I would rather not discuss at the moment John,” she commented flatly.

He nodded silently, accepting that now was not the time to push her to open up. He stood slowly, stretched his sore muscles, and then turned to leave.

“You know where to find me if you want me for anything,” he said softly, before leaving her in the solitude she desperately craved.

 

*********

 

Several solar days passed before Aeryn joined the remaining crew for the evening meal, returning from her chosen isolation. Though she sat mostly in silence, her presence gave peace of mind to those who had become alarmed at her distressing behaviour the past weekan.

One by one, each shipmate excused themselves, until the only two remaining were Crichton and Aeryn. Crichton sat thoughtfully, clearly lost in his own world, while Aeryn simply played with her food cubes. It was Crichton who broke the silence with his seemingly strange outburst.

“Aeryn, how would you like to leave Moya for a few days? Get away from all the stress?”

The look she gave him clearly stated she did not fully comprehend what he was saying.

“Pilot informed me of a nearby planet that is currently uninhabited but can support life forms such as ourselves. I was thinking maybe we could go down for a visit, perhaps stay a couple of days, just to relax and have some time alone.”

She raised an eyebrow at him.

“Alone? You and me alone for a few solar days on an uninhabited planet? Can I trust you Crichton?” He smiled, Aeryn in a playful mood for the first time in almost weekans.

“Well…I don’t know. You may just have to take that risk,” he replied casually, a glint visible in his eye.

“I think I’m willing.”

Crichton’s surprised look brought a smile to her face.

“What? Didn’t expect to win me over so soon?” she asked.

“Well, actually, no I didn’t. But that’s not going to stop me being overly happy about you deciding to come with me.”

He gave her a wide grin that instantly managed to melt her heart.

Why do you have to be so frelling adorable Crichton, Aeryn thought.

She returned his smile with a small one of her own.

“We should reach the planet within the next solar day. I’ll get Pilot to give you a call when it’s time to leave.”

“I’ll meet you in the hanger then,” she answered before leaving the room to pursue her own duties.

 

*********

 

“Hey Aeryn! Wait up!”

Crichton came to a halt, breathless from his sudden dash. He loaded his pack into the transport pod and climbed aboard before finally turning to glimpse at Aeryn. She was trying her absolute hardest to conceal a smile, but failing hopelessly.

“Ok Aeryn, what’s so funny?” he asked with a laugh.

So nice to see her feeling better, he thought. Back to the flirty, playful Aeryn I’ve come to rely on for so many reasons.

She stifled a laugh at his obvious discomfort.

“You’re looking a little flushed there Crichton. What happened, sleep in again?”

Realisation dawned. She was mocking him. At least she’s back to her old self.

“I think it’s time we got going,” he replied, choosing to dismiss her comment.

She began fiddling with the controls and flew the transport effortlessly down to the planet.

“Avoidance, Crichton? That’s not like you. Are you feeling ill?” she remarked as she set the pod down gently onto the planet’s surface. Once they had climbed out and retrieved their packs, Crichton stood still and deeply inhaled the clean air.

“No, I’m just fine. This is definitely what the doctor ordered,” he answered.

“I won’t even ask what that means. So what do you plan on doing now that we’re here?”

“I’ll do whatever you want to do Aeryn. This holiday is for your benefit after all.”

“Ok then, let’s get going.”

 

*********

 

They trekked through the terrain for many arns, stopping occasionally to retrieve water. Now, Crichton sat on a large rock catching his breath. Aeryn stood directly in front of him, a massive smile plastered on her face. He could tell that she was enjoying herself more than she had intended to, and it made his heart swell to see her so at ease.

 

“Have you decided where you want to camp?” he asked her.

“There was a rock ledge a little while back that would provide sufficient shelter. I’d say that will be out best choice.”

“Whatever you want Aeryn. Let’s get going so there’ll still be light to find some food.”

 

*********

 

Later that night, after setting up camp and consuming a small meal, Crichton and Aeryn sat huddled in front of the burning fire they had managed to light. Sensing that she was colder than she let on, Crichton moved to put his arm around Aeryn to pull her closer. She gratefully accepted his gesture and snuggled deeper into his warmth.

“I’m glad you decided to come down here with me Aeryn,” Crichton said softly.

She smiled gently.

“I’m glad you asked me.”

He hugged her closer still, enjoying her comfort within his embrace. It surprised him to find her so at ease with their situation.

“I’m learning more about you every day Aeryn Sun. You never cease to amaze me.”

“So this little holiday of yours is actually a specially devised way of getting me to open up to you?” she asked playfully.

He knocked her gently on the arm.

“You’re getting too smart for me Aeryn. I’m going to have to come up with some better plans.”

“Hmmm. Perfecting them so that they don’t get us nearly killed would be a good start,” she replied mockingly.

“O-kaaay! Change of subject!”

She looked up at him with widened eyes.

“Giving up so easily Crichton? So uncharacteristic.”

He tickled her cautiously then lay her down.

“Ok Miss Sun, I think it’s time for somebody to go to bed. If you want to be so persistent, we can finish this conversation in the morning. Now I need to get some sleep. Goodnight.”

She giggled lightly but did not refuse. She laid her head on her pillow and closed her eyes.

“Goodnight John,” she murmured sleepily.

 

*********

 

The next morning, Crichton awoke first to find water being sprayed onto his face. He sat up groggily, forcing the last remnants of sleep away. Aeryn lay still, sleeping peacefully. Crichton turned his head to gaze out the entrance of the cave in which they were currently situated. It was raining heavily, thunder grumbling and shaking the ground with its potency. The strong wind was forcing cold droplets of moisture into the cave, leaving only a small section along the back wall dry.

 

“Frell,” Crichton swore, “Can’t we get a break for once?”

 

He acted quickly, rousing a sleepy Aeryn he directed her attention to the change in weather, then assisted her in moving their belongings to the back of the cave.

Once they had successfully settled themselves against the cave wall, Crichton pulled Aeryn into his embrace once more. She once again did not resist.

“Well, looks like we’re stuck in here for the day,” he remarked.

“Let’s just hope it clears up before we’re due to return to Moya,” Aeryn responded.

“I don’t know, I kinda like the idea of spending the next two solar days in a confined space with you Aeryn,” he smiled at her.

She did not respond, but simply sat in silence, lost in her own thoughts.

He shifted so that she was sitting in front of him, leaning into his chest. He wrapped his arms around her waist, enveloping her.

“What are you thinking about?” he asked her gently, so not to startle her.

“I was just remembering something my mother once told me.”

Crichton was preparing to ask her to elaborate just as Aeryn took a deep breath and continued of her own accord.

“She told me that herself and my father had a tradition, where they would sit together and talk. It made no sense to me at the time. Why would any two people just want to sit and talk? What would it accomplish? But I think now I understand.”

“What made you change your mind?” Crichton asked quietly.

“Being here with you. I feel safe and warm, like I can just forget about all danger and simply live in the moment.”

Crichton nuzzled into her neck, inhaling the scent that was uniquely Aeryn.

“I’ve never thought much about family Crichton. Being a soldier it was drilled into me since birth that emotional attachments were a hindrance, something to be ashamed of. But since I’ve been aboard Moya all my beliefs have been shattered. Everything I thought was right has been proven wrong. I found myself suddenly surrounded by beings that actually care for me; beings that I actually care about. But now that Zhaan has left I’m forced to question what I believe. Why should I bother to form emotional attachments if all it does is cause me greater pain when they leave?”

She sighed, and then settled back into Crichton’s arms, resigned.

“There’s a saying back on Earth: ‘It’s better to have loved and lost, then never to have loved at all.’ That pretty much applies to your situation Aeryn. Think what your life would have become if you hadn’t associated with these people. You would be a different person. You wouldn’t be Aeryn. You wouldn’t be the woman I’ve fallen hopelessly in love with.”

Crichton watched her reaction silently. When he felt her shifting in his arms he assumed the worst.

“Aeryn, I’m sorry if I’ve unnerved you by saying…”

He was cut off as a gentle finger pressed against his lips, preventing him from continuing.

“Shhh. John, it’s alright. You’ve shown me enough times what I mean to you, and how much you’re willing to give up for me. I know you love me; I love you too.”

 

She couldn’t help but smile at his stunned reaction. He reminded her of a child, smiling in bewilderment.

 

After slowly recovering from his state of shock, John brought his hand up to gently caress her silky cheek. She smiled at him, in understanding and mutual happiness. Ever so slowly, John pulled Aeryn’s mouth down to meet his own in a hesitant kiss. She shifted herself so that she was more comfortable, then allowed John’s tongue to enter her mouth in an erotic exploration. She tightened her arms around his neck and pulled him to her more fully. He responded in kind, deepening the kiss, enjoying the feel of her body encased in his loving embrace. Pulling her down to the floor, he settled her body on top of his.

 

*********

 

The rain continued for the remainder of their time on the planet. Crichton and Aeryn spent their days huddled at the back of the cave, holding onto each other and talking. Aeryn managed to open up quite a lot over the course of their stay. They spent arns each solar day telling stories of their childhood, their parents, and their upbringings. Crichton comforted her when the emotional trauma became too much and she finally broke down. She thanked him the only way she knew how, but telling of her love for him. By night they slept in each other’s arms, drawing as much comfort as possible. They made love at every possible opportunity, desperate to reassure one another of their love. Each gentle caress, every breathy moan, speaking more than words could ever express.

 

But now as they sat, Aeryn sitting contently in Crichton’s lap, their thoughts were focused on the day ahead. The sun was bound to be rising in only a matter of arns. Neither had slept, they had simply been sitting together peacefully.

 

Crichton nuzzled into Aeryn’s neck. She tilted her head to allow him access. He immediately kissed her neck, gently nipping the sensitive skin with his teeth. Her hands began to stroke his thighs, silently wishing him to continue his sensual assault on her willing body.

 

“We’re going to have to leave in a few arns,” she whispered huskily, her mind having trouble focusing on anything but the delicious things Crichton was doing to her body.

“What do you suggest we do until then?” he asked, his hot breath tingling her skin.

“Well, we could try and get some sleep,” she offered.

Crichton slipped his hand underneath the fabric of her shirt to tenderly circle her stomach.

“I’m not really that tired, are you?”

Her breathing quickened and she could feel the familiar tingling heat pooling at her centre. She opened and closed her mouth numerous times before she could form words.

“Now that you mention it…”

 

*********

 

When Aeryn woke, she found herself moulded into Crichton’s sleeping form. She looked outside and was irritated to find that the sun was currently shining brightly.

“Typical,” she whispered to herself.

 

She disentangled herself from John’s grasp and set to work, collecting and packing their belongings. When Crichton finally awoke, she was ready to leave. They made their way back to the transport pod in silence. Their trip back to Moya was made in similar style.

 

They were briefly welcomed by the crew, but soon found themselves back to the normal routine, scattered across the living ship doing repairs. So it was no surprise that by the end of the day each member had retired to his or her quarters exhausted.

 

John found himself outside the door to Aeryn’s quarters. They hadn’t had the chance to talk since their return from the planet and John wanted to make sure that she coping with the new change of events. He stepped unnoticed into her quarters and made his way across to her bed. She lay with her back to him, though he was positive that she was not asleep.

 

“Aeryn? You awake?”

“John? I’m awake, what are you doing here?”

“I didn’t get a chance to see you all day. I missed you,” he answered honestly.

She turned to face him, then shuffled to one side so that he had room to lie next to her. He climbed into the bed next to her, hands instantly encircling her in his grasp. She stayed quiet for a long time; Crichton wondered what she was so intently thinking about.

“Aeryn? What is it?” he asked concerned, worried that she was having second thoughts about the new developments in their turbulent relationship.

“I was just thinking about Zhaan.”

Crichton cringed; frightened that she would go back to her solitude.

“Aeryn, you have to let her go. You can’t keep thinking about this, it’s not going to bring her back and you know that.”

She smiled slightly.

“I wasn’t thinking about that John.”

“Well then, what were you thinking about?”

“I was thinking about family.”

“You miss not having one?”

“I miss not having one with you,” she replied quietly.

He grinned, pulling her into him, moulding her body into his.

“Is that so? Well, maybe we should start working on that now,” he murmured whilst nestling between her breasts. She arched herself fully into him and smiled.

“Maybe…”

 

The End.