TITLE: "FALLING"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "Farscape"

PAIRING: M/F

RATING: NC-17

STATUS: New.

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

SERIES/SEQUEL: SEQUEL to "DIVERGENCE"

WEBSITE: http://www.carlajane.50megs.com/Ali00.html

SUMMARY: "With everyone going their separate ways, Crichton may have the best of the bargain."

The usual disclaimers apply. No infringement of copyright is intended.



"FALLING"
A "Farscape" story
Written by Alison M. DOBELL
* * * * *

It was an odd little dream. Intoxicating him with fleeting glimpses of things that tugged at his heart and mind but vanished when he tried to see them clearly. Memories were taken out, dusted off then vanished. It was beginning to frustrate him. What had at first piqued his curiosity now began to annoy him. What the hezmana was happening? Was he losing his frelling mind? Had Harvey returned to rob him of his memories? He stirred in his sleep, restless and getting distressed. Hemnoth woke and lay on her side watching him. Concern on her face, wondering why the human was getting upset. She had allowed him to sleep unmolested this first night, not wanting him to regret his decision to come among them. Now she found herself worrying about him. A rare thing when relationships with men were so fleeting and had but one purpose. She stroked his face and noticed that at her touch he began to calm. She smiled and gently kissed him. He mumbled something into her mouth as her lips slid across his. Her tongue teased gently between his lips, her hands taking their dance lower as she slid a leg over his. Gently she coaxed him into responding, hooking his legs apart with her heel, pausing when his eyes slowly opened heavy with sleep.

"Hemnoth?"

"Shhh, John, you were dreaming beloved."

He felt her lips on his, a soft sweet flavour of ripe fruit. She quenched his thirst with a kiss and moulded her body to his, warming him against the cool air fanning through the latticework of their hut. The stir of air on his skin blended with the warmth of her flesh and he woke fully. Her eyes pale and luminous like moon glow, her full rich lips poised above his to let him speak if speak he must.

"Sorry if I woke you."

She smiled down at him, her hand stroking him so gently between his legs that it was almost sophomoric. "Do you want to sleep?"

He did not miss the spark in her eyes. The attempt to shield her desire from him so he could choose without compunction. He found it oddly endearing. He smiled back and cradled her face in his hands, the long jet black hair hanging down and brushing his skin as he inhaled her fragrant scent. She really was very beautiful and he would have to be minus a pulse not to be flattered by her attention. Not to mention the way he was hardening to her fleeting touch. Occasionally her nail would graze him and he would shudder. Just a gentle brushing up and down the length of his cock but it was enough to stir the blood, to fire a heat in his loins that surprised him. He felt himself beginning to get seriously aroused.

Her breath was sweet as honey. Everything about her was intoxicating. "You? Do you want to sleep, John?"

God he was getting so horny. Her ghost of a touch was driving him crazy. He wished she would either stroke him and caress him properly or take her hand away, but he couldn't say that. He was not sure why. "I don't think I could sleep now if I wanted to."

She chuckled lightly, a pleasant sound. Recognising the slightly husky tone in his voice. Her hand drifted firmer around his cock. He sighed and shifted beneath her as she adjusted the pressure, unconsciously raising his hips into her touch to increase the contact as she gripped him. She smiled and followed the desires of his body, building him up slowly, lovingly, with such aching grace that he wanted to cry. Her hand rode his foreskin up and down his shaft, the rythym making his breath catch and darkening his eyes with desire. Her touch was so beautiful, so gentle, so intimately personal and nothing like their previous love making. It was as if this time she was making love to him with her heart as well as her body. That he noticed and was moved to respond in kind was not lost on her. Hemnoth was more than pleased with him. More than happy to take the time to find the key to John Crichton. This time his lips sought hers, a passionate kiss that was gentle, loving, and given freely. Yes. She would keep this one. And the Gods help anyone who tried to take him away from her.

* * * * *

Aeryn ate her last meal with Ka D'Argo. Suddenly she had no words for him. Nothing at all to say. Was that all that these cycles they had shared amounted to now? The cold silence of a last goodbye? What was wrong with her that she could not wish an old friend and valued warrior good luck? There was an odd sourness in her belly at the thought. Not quite conscience but close. Jool slipped into the mess hall and made sure she kept her distance from Aeryn. She picked up some food cubes and moved to the other side of the Luxan. Her shock of red hair was still shedding but not so badly now that she was combing it regularly every morning. D'Argo looked up suddenly.

"If you have something to say Aeryn, say it. You will not change my mind."

She shook her head slowly. She had not come for a confrontation. So why had she come? "I just wanted to wish you luck in finding Macton. To hope that you will be safe."

She did not add her hope that one day she would see him again. Hopes were too much to ask for in a Universe which had taken John Crichton from her. Would she never be able to have thoughts that did not revolve around that human, even in his absence? Aeryn knew the answer by the ache in her heart but like most of her emotions it would remain hidden. Buried somewhere so deep inside that it could never betray her. D'Argo grunted.

"Thank you, Aeryn. I know my task will not be easy but it will be just."

She paused a microt. "What will you do after that?"

"After?"

"Yes. When Macton is dead."

"If I am not killed in return I will go and seek Jothee."

"He has his own life now, D'Argo."

He flashed her an angry look. "He is *still* my son."

She said nothing. Had not meant it to sound that way but it had come out wrong anyway. She was no good at this. The polite words and minefield of verbal sparring that passed for conversation was too political a science for her to engage in with any grace. She always ended up rubbing people up the wrong way and when she got frustrated or just plain ran out of patience there was always the anger. Yes. She and Ka D'Argo had a lot in common.

"I am sorry D'Argo, I meant no offence."

She got up to leave, his words stalled her. "Aeryn. I'm sorry too. I think I am just so angry at losing John. After Lo'laan, after Jothee.... It is too much."

She nodded. Understood. "When you're ready let me know and I'll see you by your ship."

He nodded and continued to eat in silence as Aeryn left. Jool moved to take a seat next to him. "You are really going?" She whispered.

His eyes narrowed, sensing a hidden purpose. "Yes. Why?"

Jool flicked a nervous look towards the door. "I'll be left alone with Aeryn."

"Jool, Aeryn is not a monster but an ally. One you will learn to value in time."

"She frightens me."

"Get over it."

"Why is she always angry?"

He just stared at his food for a few microts. It was a question most people asked about him. He looked up and met Jool's eyes. "Aeryn is a warrior Jool, bred for fighting not for conversation. In this we have much in common. Don't expect her to talk for the sake of it Jool. She won't. Don't expect her to show interest in the things that matter to you, it would be a waste of time."

"She hates me."

"No." Said D'Argo softly. The truth hurting him like a two edged blade. "She hates herself."

* * * * *

The exercises bored him but were necessary. Lt Braca checked his screen, snapped out orders and watched the prowlers dart out from the belly of the ship to engage in manouevres. He watched the attack formations and trimmed off a couple of tardy turns with sharp corrections. The pilots voices echoed back at him through their coms in stilted single syllable words. They all knew the results were always recorded. Scorpius was nothing if not fanatical about the expertise of the men under his command. Only the best would satisfy his scrutiny.

They had been training now for four days. Another four and they would reach a planet suitable for ground simulations. Lt Braca preferred their own training grounds but Scorpius insisted the men were getting sloppy. So they had come out here to get the added incentive of covering new ground. Moving in territory his men did not know. *It will sharpen their reflexes*, Scorpius had said. He could still feel the chill of the half-breed's eyes as his commander had grinned disingenuously at him. Oh yes. They would have to perform or die. It was not just for Scorpius. It was the Peace Keeper way.

* * * * *

Aeryn only accepted the reality at last when she met D'Argo in the landing bay. His sleek Luxan ship drawing her eye in appreciation as it always did. It also diverted her gaze from a less space worthy vessel. Maybe she would jettison the module after all when D'Argo was gone. At least then she would not have to look at it every time she came down to do repairs or run checks on her prowler. But she knew she would never do that. What had been precious to him was still precious to her. He had gained comfort from the presence of the familiar here in this alien landscape and she could understand the bond of a pilot for his ship. Even if it was a pile of dren from another galaxy. It was his pile of dren and that was the whole point. It took a microt to realise that D'Argo had been talking to her. Flustered and annoyed with herself she turned her head and looked at him.

"Aeryn, are you alright?"

She nodded, her voice curt. "Yes. I am fine."

For a microt it looked like he would say something else but he closed his mouth and nodded instead. "Take care of Moya, Aeryn. I hope that some day you will find peace."

She nodded. It was an odd thing to say but they both knew what he meant. "You too, I hope you find peace as well, Ka D'Argo."

"It has been an honour fighting by your side, Aeryn Sun. But a greater honour to have been your friend."

She did not know what to say. Nodded her head and put a hand on his shoulder. "I feel the same, D'Argo. Take care."

He nodded and boarded his ship. Aeryn moved back behind the blast door, concentrating so hard on D'Argo's ship she did not see Jool standing in the shadows watching the craft as it took off. Now there were only the two of them besides Pilot, Moya and Cholok knew how many DRDs. Jool tried to slip away before Aeryn saw her. Too late. "Where are you going?"

"I... I.... wanted to go and see Pilot. Make sure D'Argo has no problems with his ship."

Her eyes narrowed. Testy. "Why would he have any problems?"

Jool was backing away from her slowly. Terror mounting. Confused by her actions, Aeryn closed in on her and grabbed an arm. Jool shrieked in panic. "What are you talking about?"

"Let me go, let me go, let me GO! Help, Pilot, Aeryn won't let me go!"

Pilot's voice floated over the com sounding concerned. "Joolusko? Aeryn? What is happening?"

Irritated, Aeryn glared at Jool who suddenly clammed her mouth shut and cut off the scream. "Jool said something about wanting to watch D'Argo's ship to make sure there were no problems with it. I wanted to know why she thought there would be."

"Aeryn, I am sure Joolusko meant nothing by her comment. I will be happy to put her mind at rest."

Aeryn nodded and released the Interon. Jool fled as if fearing Aeryn might shoot her if she stayed. Aeryn was not sure she could stand remaining on board Moya with Jool. Even for a short time. She needed to bleed off the tension. Quickly she made her way to her quarters and changed into her vest and pants. The gym was the only place to work off her anger and put it to good use. She would also use the time to think and perfect her own plans. Now that the others had left there was no one to oppose her wishes or stop her. The Interon would not even come into the equation. She would simply be relieved for her to be gone.

* * * * *

They lay coupled together in silence. He stroked her hair, his fingers running through the blue-black strands, his senses drinking her in and absorbing everything about her. He closed his eyes and inhaled her sweetness as she relaxed against his chest. So close to perfect but it wasn't Aeryn. His heart ached. He opened his eyes and looked down at her, saw the smile on her lips as she gazed back at him. Her green eyes flecked and holding him in the warmth of her regard. He was a lucky man and he knew it. What red blooded male back home would not envy him right now? He brushed his hands slowly through her hair, draping it across his chest to reveal the perfection of her face. She dipped her head and kissed his chest, her tongue drawing a lazy path across his nipples as she looked at him. He chuckled softly.

"Hemnoth, you are insatiable."

"Then fill me."

He smiled gently at her. "I thought I did."

Her laughter was a light sparkle that lightened the heaviness in his heart. Oh yeah, Aeryn. That was a gift he was never meant to open. He wondered if anyone was. Why couldn't Aeryn be more like Hemnoth? Hemnoth. He savoured her name in his thoughts and closed his eyes a microt as her body slowly sashayed against his, rubbing and waking parts of him that should right now be sleeping. His eyes half opened to find her green ones laughing down at him. Her happy hands warming his skin as she dipped her head to kiss him more fully. Her tongue tasting him and filling him with her flavour. She drew back gently and played her hands back and forth across his chest. Watching him watching her.

"Okay Hemnoth, what are you thinking?"

"Margenna is with child."

At the surprise on his face she laughed again. Bright, happy laughter that men would die for. He swallowed and fought for something to say. "Um that was quick. Are you...sure?"

Her smile got bigger. "Yes, love, very sure."

"H... how do you know? I mean on my homeworld it takes weeks... weekens....monens.... before the woman knows."

"We know when the seed takes, when the womb becomes fertile."

He had no answer to that. "Oh."

She leaned over him and wriggled a bit more making his breath catch. "Not fair, Hemnoth."

He captured a breast in his mouth and began to suckle, a hand massaging her other breast and gently pinching and rolling the nipple until it was nice and hard between his fingers. It was her turn to squirm a little, her hands reaching down for him. She was surprised when he suddenly grinned at her and flipped her onto her back. So, the human wanted to play did he? She was
happy with that but she wanted more than that of him this time.

"John?"

He was busy. His hand furrowing inside her, fingers slowly feeling their way in the slow building dance that would ignite her core. A nipple plied between teeth and tongue, his body framing hers with his own, desire for her growing by the microt. Women always wanted to talk at the most inopportune times. "Yeah, sweetheart?"

"Samada came to me before nightfall."

Samada was one of the young women who had yet to fall pregnant. He knew what was coming. His hand stopped moving, she slid her hand down to encourage him to keep going. Not to waste the delicious momentum. "I thought you said you wouldn't share me?"

"I meant that. Not unless you agreed."

He looked at her then. Half his mind concentrating on the reactions he was picking up to his manipulation, his fingers slowly picking up pace. Half of him on their conversation. "You want me to mate with her?"

"I will be with you, love."

"And that's how it works, huh? You get me horny as hell and let the other women take what they want?"

She kissed him, not wanting him to think his contribution was in seed only. Wanting him to know he mattered to her, was precious. "Forget I asked beloved, it is just in my happiness in you it hurts to see anyone in pain. I wanted only to share that joy."

"Hemnoth, it's not that I don't want to help..."

She smiled into his eyes sensing an opening, a weakening in his resolve, and arched up a little into his busy fingers in mute celebration. She caught her breath as he had her climbing new peaks and made herself breathe out slowly. Wanting his touch to last. Not wanting to lose her concentration any more than she wanted to give him up. Ever. "Then you will help us, love?"

"I um..."

Her hand on his aching shaft was divine. All his higher brain functions had gone on vacation. They hadn't even packed a hamper. Who needed food when love could sustain you? A moan escaped his lips. How could he refuse her anything? Dying would hurt him less.

"Then we are agreed, my love?" She whispered in the heat of his passion. Her tongue gently lathing the inside of his ear. Her breath making him shudder.

Words were completely beyond him. "Mmm hmm."

She took that as a yes and kissed him long and deep, her tongue sliding across his, her breath inflating his lungs when the oxygen got a little too rarified for him. He did not hear Samada enter their tent, was unaware they were no longer alone until her hands began to stroke his back, drift down to caress his hips, her oils soaking into his skin where she had annointed herself for this microt. She took her hands away briefly to dip them in a bowl of precious oils scented with spices and fruits that tingled against his skin and turned the slow fire of sexual passion into an all consuming flame wherever she touched him. How had she known? Were these people frelling telepathic? Oh God, he hoped not. If they were he was screwed in more ways than one. As she oiled him, he felt his skin warming, little electrical impulses shivering under his skin and exciting all the nerves in his body. As he trembled Hemnoth increased her touch, sending him higher and higher. Her hands all over him in a delicious blur that left his mind uncertain where her touch ended and Samada's began.

They rolled him carefully between them so that Samada could position herself while Hemnoth guided him into her. He was aching with need now, so fired up he was leaking, so ready that he was not sure he would hang on long enough. Hemnoth smiled gently at him, stroked his sweat soaked face and gently plied him with little kisses. He struggled to form words. "Hemnoth... I... I can do this, I don't need you to guide me in."

She licked his lips and breathed her sweet scent into his mouth. "Relax beloved. This will be different but it will not hurt you."

He felt a fleeting confusion but it vanished beneath her hand. He gasped as Samada eased herself down on him, Hemnoth ensuring there was no discomfort despite the angle. <Oh that was deep, that was so frelling deep> He raised his head to try to work out what they were doing and was surprised to see Samada facing away from him, her naked body fitted perfectly down on his aching shaft, her body angled for the deepest penetration as she began to slowly rock. His head fell back. <Oh man, that is just *so* intense> Samada leaned forward gently so as not to put too much pressure on his cock, her hands dipping in the the bowl to lathe more of the oils down his legs until she reached his feet. He was straining now, the effort making his back arch. Hemnoth hushed him with soothing words as she continued to kiss him gently, her hands distracting him only a little as Samada bent his legs so she could pull them inward and massage the soles of his feet. He jerked, the pressure setting off all kinds of erotic wiring in his body so that he cried out. Hemnoth kissed his throat, her tongue caressing and sucking his throbbing pulse, a hand now on his stomach gently massaging his solar plexus as they controlled the rise and fall of his orgasm. He thought this time they would definitely kill him. The feeling was so incredible, the rush so sustained that he felt as if he were a frelling waterfall. <Oh God, Oh God, I am *never* gonna be able to walk again>

Only when he was close to passing out did they ease him gently, the rhythm slowing to a pace he could manage even if he could no longer control anything. He felt as if they alone could order the pumping of his heart, the rise and fall of his flagging breath, along with the sense that his mind had been completely shattered and frelled to the four corners of the Universe. Samada raised herself off him and turned round to lay beside him. Her smile so gentle, her hands thanking him. His eyes were closed. Samada looked at him for a microt then looked at Hemnoth for permission to kiss him. She inclined her head with a gentle smile and Samada brushed her lips respectfully against his and left him with the imprint of her scent then left. Hemnoth was so proud of him. Her eyes shining for love of him. This gentle stranger who had so rapidly become the most important thing in her world. She kissed his cheek. "Thank you, beloved."

She was surprised when one very weary eye opened and looked at her. "I just hope, Hemnoth, that you don't expect me to impregnant every one of your frelling tribe..."

Her laughter was light and merry. She wrapped herself possessively around him, the warmth of her body the best blanket there was. Her scent filled his senses, her taste in his mouth was a fine wine that he savoured with relish. No matter how shattered he felt he was still aware of her, in ways that made him tingle with joy. He put his arms around her and held her to him. "Well?" He murmured into her throat. "You didn't answer my question sweetheart."

"Shhh, you are tired John. Sleep now, we will talk about this tomorrow."

He would have argued but her hands stroked his face gently guiding him into a deep and dreamless sleep where he lay cradled in her arms forever.

* * * * *
END