FicWad

Disclaimer: I own nothing and make nothing financially off of my writings. I owe everything to the Great Bird of the Galaxy and Great Wizard of the Universe.


Chapter Six: Closer

Nothing more interrupted Picard's rest in the night and the morning was just as tranquil. As Picard awoke, the thoughts of the night before crossed over his mind.

Was it a dream? He thought but soon realized it all had truly occurred.

The sensing of a presence nearby caused Picard to turn over in bed. On the nearby divan Elrond reclined: reading a book quietly. His gaze turned toward the bed when he realized Picard had awakened. With a smile he walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. A comforting morning kiss passed between them.

"When did you come back?" Picard asked in surprise.

"Another night-terror seemed to trouble your sleep," Elrond said. "I heard you and calmed you. It seems my presence was a good influence.

"Appears so," Picard said as he sat up and placed a hand on Elrond's knee.

"It pains me to know you have such fearsome dreams that make you yell out through your slumber," Elrond spoke softly while he gently ran his knuckles over Picard's cheek.

"I know," Picard sighed as he learned into the exquisite caress. "You were very correct in your assumption about my fever-dreams a few days ago when we spoke of them. It... surprised me that even in my efforts to falsely portray myself you knew more than I realized."

"As I told you, Jean-Luc, there is no need to be alone anymore," Elrond replied while a tender smile lingered on his lips.

Elrond welcomed Picard's reaching out to him, encircling his arms around the captain as Picard's breathing trembled slightly against the elf's neck.

"It happened many years ago," Picard started and then looked up at Elrond after a few moments. "I was... taken from my ship and crew during a battle. They were called the Borg, a race of beings who were once human but were made into half-man, half-machines. They had a Collective they belonged to, a single hub and unit that they assimilated other races into against their wills. Do you understand?"

Elrond nodded, his grayish blue eyes trained on Picard, "Thus far, I do."

Picard's breath shuddered again as he inhaled deeply when he came to the hardest part. The elf took his hand, giving him his support through his presence.

"They made me a part of their Collective," Picard's eyes cast his eyes downwards while he relived it again. "Stealing every part that made me an individual, unique. They took my knowledge and set out to assimilate my home world, Earth. Thousands of people... innocents, men, women, and children... were killed because I was not strong enough to fight the Borg."

"That is not why," Elrond's voice brought Picard back to the present. "You killed no one, Jean-Luc. They did and you were a casualty as well. Do not blame yourself or drown in grief."

"I still fight it everyday," Picard said, holding his hand to his chest that Elrond still clutched. "I can feel them inside me, calling to come back."

"You will not listen to them again," Elrond placed his palm over their hands. "I know you well enough now that it would never happen. Nor would you let it."

"The Borg returned no more than a month ago," Picard said, recalling the recent events. "To get to Earth once more, they killed more people and even tried to change history. I realized then how angry I still was, how hurt."

"This wound will never completely heal," Elrond told him.

Picard laughed sadly, "You sound like Robert. He said the same to me after my rehabilitation."

Elrond smiled, "At least you had someone to talk to about it."

"Yes, even if it was difficult to tell him," Picard sighed. "My crew never gave up in their quest to save me and were understanding afterward. I will never forget that."

"I share a similar bond with those who serve with me. Particularly with Lord Glorfindel since I know he has sacrificed before and is not afraid to do so again," Elrond said. "I also hold the same loyalty and faith I have for him as a friend."

"As I do with my crew, too," Picard mused and thought carefully about what he said next. "After... what happened last night, I was hoping that we could explore those same things with each other."

"I would like that as well," Elrond said, stroking the inside of Picard's palm with his fingers. "This was unexpected, yet I am willing to see where it will take us."

"Strange how we were brought together like this," Picard wondered aloud. "Sometimes opportunities come out of nowhere, I suppose."

"Or perhaps it was fate," Elrond said. "No matter the reason, we should take that chance you speak of so that we do not lose it."

"Indeed," Picard replied with a smile. "I do not even want to leave this moment."

"We do not have to," Elrond said as he rose and donned his robes. "I'll fetch our morning meal. Stay here."

"I am not going anywhere, Elrond," Picard stretched lazily while he watched the elf lord go out the door.

Rising from the bed, Picard walked into the bathing chambers. He turned the water on in the basin and went to the nearby counter and sink where a new towel was folded. The mirror caught his eye and Picard stared at his reflection for a few moments. The same face he was familiar with looked back at him but he could see a difference. He felt more alive than he had in a while.
*

Elrond went on his way down the corridor, food tray in his hands. Their breakfast had been left in his study as per his usual instructions so Elrond retrieved it to take back to Picard's room so that they could eat. There was lightness in his step and the prominent smile on this face was not missed by the other elves he passed along the way. He had nearly arrived when he heard his name being called.

"Good morning, Glorfindel," he greeted.

"To you as well," Glorfindel replied. "Where to are you heading this early hour?"

"Back to my chambers," Elrond said. "I thought to lounge there this morning before tending to my duties."

"Or perhaps Jean-Luc's room?" the golden lord asked.

"Mayhap, but what does it matter?" Elrond said as he began to brush by the tall elf.

"I was on my way to my room after the stories last night when I saw you in his doorway," Glorfindel started, the concern was written on his face. "I do not think I need to tell you what I saw between you."

"No, you do not," Elrond replied briskly. "I have come across you and Erestor plenty of times in a similar fashion."

"Elrond, I wish for you, as my lord to be happy and content," Glorfindel continued. "However, I feel it is my duty as your friend to warn and remind you of repercussions and consequences with Men."

"I remember my brother's fate well enough not to be warned," Elrond said crossly but kept his temper. "If I choose to rescind my choice, it is mine to make. Neither I or Jean-Luc know what this means between us yet, but that is our right to decide to explore if we wish it."

"I know," Glorfindel acknowledged with a nod. "I only want to see you lead a blissful life."

"Which I shall," Elrond said. "Good day, Glorfindel."

Elrond closed his eyes as he walked away and let out a long breath. Glorfindel's intentions were well meant but it did bring the reality of the situation prominent in Elrond's mind again. As he entered Picard's room, the scowl melted away from his face as he heard muffled humming in the bathing chamber. The smile from earlier returned when he set about placing breakfast on the nearby table in front of the divan. Picard came out a few minutes later in his new clothing for the day and smiled as he settled on the cushions next to Elrond.

"Tell me how this tastes," Elrond asked as he offered Picard a mug.

Taking a sip of the beverage, Picard sat back as he contemplated it for a minute.

"It tastes nearly like Earl Grey," he mused. "Your cooks will get my grateful thanks for making this tea."

"Good, though I realize you do not usually have it with your morning meal, I wanted to see what you thought," Elrond said.

"Tea this afternoon then," Picard confirmed as he took a bite of the buttered bread.

"What are your plans for today? More time for the beacon?" Elrond asked.

"For a while," Picard said. "I feel like playing my flute today."

"I look forward to that," Elrond smiled.

*

The music flowed effortlessly through the air and enveloped Elrond's body as he sat back enjoying the melodies being produced. He had been reading missives and reports while Picard played but found himself floating away on the notes, distracted beyond the point of no return. It was after the music stopped that he came back to the present.

"I had a feeling I lost you about half an hour ago," Picard said as Elrond opened his eyes.

"It was closer to an hour ago I am afraid," Elrond chuckled. "Your playing today was very different."

"Your home here has certainly brought a lot of insight and encouragement to me," the captain said. "It is so peaceful and untouched."

"It gladdens me that you enjoy your time here," Elrond said.

"Such a change in pace and familiarity," Picard said as he turned his gaze out the window. "It almost makes me forget everything else."

Feeling a weight on the window cushions next to him, Picard faced Elrond with a smile. The warm scrutiny of Elrond's eyes did not make him uncomfortable but Picard was curious as to what the elf was studying so inquisitively. He sighed and leaned into Elrond's palm as the elf reached out to caress his face.

"Your eyes remind me of the sea," Elrond suddenly spoke. "Calm and still, sparkling like an emerald in the sunlight on a cloudless day. So much you are like those waters, Jean-Luc. Yet, I wonder how tumultuous they may becoming, showing the untamed secrets below the surface when unleashed."

Before Picard could speak, Elrond swept him into a passionate kiss. He barely caught his breath before Elrond continued anew, lips enticing Picard's own to play. Picard, finally gaining control of his reeling mind, pressed with equal fervor into Elrond's onslaught.

Hands found each others, clasping tightly before wandering up arms to necks and faces. Picard felt Elrond's arms around him, fingers trailing up his back and down again to his waist. Wanting to explore through touch, Picard traced up from Elrond's torso and the hard muscles beneath. The elf sighed into his mouth as their sore lips fought for dominance.

Sliding his tongue over Elrond's lips brought another soothing encouragement to Picard from the elf. Pressing further, he gained entrance, tasting the warmth inside Elrond's mouth. Gaining the upper hand, Picard shifted his weight and leaned over Elrond covetously as they pillaged each other's depths. A shiver passed through Picard as Elrond gathered him closer against him, chests touching. It was beginning to get warm in the room and Picard finally pulled away to take a shuddering breath. Below him Elrond smiled as they both inhaled deeply to slow their beating hearts.

"Are you certain being a healer is your calling? It seems you are well suited for being a poet, Elrond," Picard mused.

"I will make it a hobby if it pleases you," Elrond teased. "However, purposeful prose or not, I was correct about the relentless sea."

"Debating about one's undoing certainly can lead to further actions to do so again and reciprocate the favor," Picard countered.

"Flattery will get you there even quicker," Elrond smiled as he rose to sit up again comfortably next to Picard. "It is my turn to entertain."

Piquing an eyebrow, Picard watched Elrond as he settled against the windowpane, his back braced against the wall. He motioned for Picard to turn and lean against him. Elrond wound his arms around Picard as they looked out the window to the sunny, late afternoon of lazy relaxation.

"You enjoy hearing history, tales, and such narratives. I will tell you the story of our world from the beginning since you asked it of me," the elf said as he nuzzled against Picard's neck and whispered in his ear. "You have shared much about your culture and I wish to tell you more of mine."

"You chose a rather comfortable place to tell it," Picard smiled and leaned into Elrond to intertwine his fingers with Elrond's

"Only for you," the elf answered, pressing a kiss to Picard's neck.