Moonlight of Your Soul 6/8
Mar. 24th, 2005 07:34 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
gilascaveSee previous parts for..uh..previous parts.
Moonlight of Your Soul
Chapter Six
"Oh, yes, lovely. The moon's rising in half an hour and you two are asleep."
Radek opened his eyes to find Rodney standing in the middle of his quarters. Carson had moved at some point, lying beside him now, but snuggling just as closely. Radek looked around, realising that it had grown dark and the moon was, in fact, very soon on its way.
"Rodney?"
"I knocked, but there was no answer. I let myself in -- you *did* invite me, although I must say I'm glad I didn't arrive sooner."
"We've been asleep all afternoon," he protested, feeling not so very much awake.
"Uh-huh," was all Rodney said.
Radek felt Carson stir and ignored Rodney in favor of kissing Carson awake. Carson opened his eyes -- then they opened wide.
"Rodney?!"
"Hi. Moon. Werewolf," Rodney said, giving a short wave towards the sky then towards Radek.
"I..." Carson started to sit up, then he stopped and pulled the sheet up to his shoulder. He looked frantically around and Radek pointed at the pile of Carson's clothing. It was on the other side of the room and Radek could see how much Carson was not thrilled about getting out of bed to get his clothes.
Fortunately -- or not, depending on one's point of view, Radek thought -- Rodney grabbed them and brought them over.
"Thanks," Carson managed, though he looked like he was about to swallow his own tongue.
"Don't mention it. I'm assuming that if you two need a shower first, you won't take the *entire* half hour before the moon rises?"
Carson blushed a deep and very adorable red. Radek frowned at Rodney, despite his amusement.
"I do get to see the transformation, don't I?" Rodney asked, frowning as well.
"I--" Radek stopped. He had not thought about it. In truth, he had not thought about his audience at all, today. But the question seemed obvious; why else would Rodney want to be here, if not to see everything?
"You can say no," Carson said quietly, laying his hand on top of Radek's arm.
There was a sound of protest from Rodney. But then he said, "Well, of course if you really don't *want* to, I can wait outside until you've changed." He sounded just like a small boy who had been told he could not attend the science fair.
"No, it is...will be all right. I have not -- there has never been...." Radek took a deep breath. "It has only ever been myself alone, or other members of my pack. I am only nervous. But you may stay."
Rodney grinned and clapped his hands together. "Excellent! Now, I assumed you wouldn't want any recording equipment, but if I could take some notes...?" He began looking around Radek's room, apparently for a notebook.
Radek swallowed. "No cameras."
"Yes, yes, so I thought. Oh, here we go. Now -- can I ask what it's like beforehand? I mean, while you're still capable of talking. Er, I assume you won't be able to talk after you're a wolf?" Rodney sat down, paper and pencil in hand that he had taken from Radek's desk.
"Not English," Radek told him. "And I doubt you can understand a wolf's body language or howls."
"I think I got the gist of one," Carson said, slyly. He was still holding onto his clothing, not making a move to get out of bed.
"I had a dog, once," Rodney said. "Is it the same? Not that I ever really understood him, either, except when he needed to go outside. Never did get why he kept destroying my dad's shoes, though. I'm assuming you're smarter than a dog, even as a wolf, though."
"Yes, Rodney, I am smarter than a dog."
Rodney rolled his eyes. "Look, at least half of my questions will, statistically speaking, be stupid ones from your point of view. But I have to ask them sometime. I only have," he paused to look at his watch.
"Ten minutes," Radek told him.
"Ten-- you can tell? That closely?"
"After a lifetime of feeling the moon rising, yes, I can tell." He told himself that Rodney was correct -- he wanted to know everything, and that meant asking the occasional stupid question. "Children learn how to tell, as they grow. Usually by age five or six, they know how soon the moon is coming."
"Wow." Rodney was staring at him, then suddenly began writing furiously.
"Excuse me," Carson said, finally, and he started to get out of bed, trying to keep his back turned and remained covered with the sheet.
Rodney waved a hand absently and asked, "So you said earlier that you're still yourself, just wolf-shaped. So your brain doesn't change. Would you be able to, I don't know, type? Or something?"
"They do not make paw-shaped keyboards," Radek pointed out.
Rodney waggled the pencil as he began talking quickly again. "The Atlantis control panels are large. You could still use those -- for god's sake, Carson, I've seen you naked before. Get dressed already, if you're going to."
"You what?" Carson yelped.
"What do you think?" Rodney asked him, and Radek was fairly sure he did not mean about whether Carson should get dressed.
"The keyboards for the Atlantis computers, yes, those are large enough. I am not sure what you would expect me to do -- I cannot type notes; the control panels we have figured out have very specific purposes, none of which is word processing." Not to mention the fact he would have to go out to the control center to use them.
Rodney didn't seem to mind his refusal. "Yes, yes, I'm just thinking. It's at least possible -- you could dial the Stargate, those keys are big enough."
Beside him, Carson finally got out of the bed. Radek glanced over, preferring that view to watching Rodney tap the pencil against his chin. Carson glanced at him, then quickly away and proceeded to dress quickly. When he was dressed again, he turned back around -- and glared fiercely at Rodney.
Rodney looked surprised. "What? I never said I didn't *like* the view. So, Radek, can you -- whoa! OK, note to self, don't ogle the werewolf's lover's ass."
Radek was halfway across the room towards him, not even sure what he was doing or what he was going to do when he got to Rodney. He couldn't strangle him -- much as he wanted to, sometimes. "I..." He unclenched his fists, then froze.
The moon was rising.
"Are you... Oh. Oh, that's *cool*."
Rodney was staring at him. His body was changing and Radek turned his head to look at Carson. Who was also watching him, with just as much fascination. But it was easier to see Carson staring at him.
He dropped to his front paws and wanted to give himself a shake, but couldn't quite bring himself to move. He didn't dare turn around though he could hear Rodney writing, furiously. He was talking to himself -- or perhaps Radek was meant to follow the barely coherent questions and answer them, somehow.
Carson walked over and dropped to his knees in front of him and put his hand on Radek's head. Radek closed his eyes and wanted to press himself against Carson. He tried to force his tail up, out from between his legs, telling himself that acting as though he weren't afraid would make him feel less afraid.
"It's all right," Carson said softly, as he rubbed Radek's head. On stiff legs, Radek moved closer to him and Carson sat down; Radek pressed closer and Carson put an arm across his back, pulling him in.
"I don't think he's a lap wolf," Rodney said, and his voice was subdued and serious.
"Aye, but he's terrified," Carson said calmly, and he kept petting Radek. He didn't try to shift Radek away, despite the truth of Rodney's words.
"Should I...go?" Rodney asked, and Radek could tell that he would, if asked.
But Carson shook his head. "He's got nothing to fear from either of us, so you ought to stay and let him find that out."
Radek had his face against Carson's chest, wishing he could open his eyes -- wishing there was room to hide underneath the bed. He heard Rodney stand up, then he was coming over and crouching down.
"Over here," Carson said. "Not behind him -- though if he bites you, it won't be on purpose."
"So I'm moving to where he *can* bite me, so he feels safer?" Rodney asked, in equal tones of surprise and exasperation.
"So he doesn't feel as though you're trying to be dominant over him," Carson snapped. "Sit down," he said again, tugging on Rodney's arm. Rodney finally sat down beside Carson, in front of Radek.
Rodney was nearly as close to him as Carson was and Radek forced himself to look. Rodney was staring at him, frowning slightly and smelling of worry. Radek was beginning to breathe hard, but didn't let himself move. There was nowhere to run, anyhow.
Carson was still petting him, and that helped. Rodney raised a hand, hesitantly, then he laid it on Radek's face.
"Wow."
His fingers moved awkwardly and Radek had no idea if he minded or not. If, like Carson's hand, it felt good. Just to be touched -- even if Rodney was staring, eyes wide with stunned amazement. His hand moved, and Rodney said in an objective tone, "His pelt's thicker."
Suddenly Radek had a flash of being subjected to physical examination -- studied and poked and examined. He hadn't even realised he was whimpering until Carson's grip on him tightened.
"Shh, Radek, calm down," Carson was saying and even Rodney looked surprised.
Then Rodney's manner changed and he scooted in even closer. "Hey, Radek, relax. It's all right." His hand flattened against Radek's head, no longer hesitantly touching, but petting.
Radek closed his eyes again and forced himself to remain still. Carson -- Carson was safe. He smelled concerned, and Radek could detect clearly the other feelings he'd half-scented earlier. The words Carson had stopped himself from saying earlier were obvious now. Carson's hand moved past his face and Radek risked a tentative lick.
Carson chuckled. No one spoke, though, and both Carson and Rodney simply continued petting him.
Radek blinked, then, as the realisation slowly hit. He looked at Rodney -- Radek could feel Carson, smell him, and...he knew Carson had already settled into place. *Pack*, flittered through his mind. But Rodney was just sitting there, no longer the mad scientist, but this. What was this? Caring and the same gentleness as Carson. Not for the same reason -- but there were things there that Radek had only even associated with cousins he'd grown up with.
He had no doubt Rodney's questions were still there, that he still wanted to learn whatever he could. But the notebook was abandoned across the room and Rodney was sitting here without any questions in his eyes at all.
"Are you all right, now?" Carson asked. Radek was calming down; his breathing had slowed and he no longer had to fight down the whimpering that had curled in his chest.
He waited a moment to make sure. Then he shifted tentatively further towards Carson, feeling his weight start to tip them both backwards. Carson braced himself with a quick hand behind him. Radek pulled his back legs up and scooted sideways, despite being just as large, if not the same shape, as Carson. Carson gave a grunt of protest, but did not try to push Radek back.
"Huh. I guess he *is* a lap wolf," Rodney said.
"I think he's a wee bit spoiled," Carson said, teasing lightly. "We've only been officially dating for twelve hours and already look at the liberties he's taking." He was rubbing Radek's head, letting him know in no uncertain terms that he was welcome to stay right where he was.
"Well, under the circumstances," Rodney said, "It isn't every day you turn into a werewolf with humans watching-- wait, *twelve hours*? What was...OK, you're lying. You two started sleeping together weeks ago."
Radek could feel the heat as Carson blushed again. He was suddenly grateful he couldn't speak English and and could leave Carson to the conversation. "Aye, well...yes. But it wasn't...oh for god's sake, Rodney, I don't need to explain the details to you."
"I don't know, it isn't like I can ask Radek anything. So I have to ask you. Now, spill. You two *have* been sleeping together for weeks."
Radek looked up to see Carson glaring at Rodney. "Yes."
"So? Twelve hours? Oh, don't tell me you two have been just--"
"Do you *mind*?" Carson snapped, but there was no real anger in him.
"Just having sex? What in the world for? I mean, OK, I can buy that being better than nothing. But why-- oh. Right, OK, sorry. Brain blip," he said. He gestured at Radek, and Carson nodded. "But now...it's official? We can tease you in public?"
There was a pause. Then, "*We*?" Carson choked.
"We don't have much else to do on long, boring missions except gossip about our friends. Sheppard, Ford, and Teyla and I have figured out about twelve of the couples that are trying to keep it a secret. Although we're not sure about Rogers and Lindsey. Maybe they're fuck-buddies, too? Huh. That would explain a lot."
"Rodney?" Carson asked, calmly.
"Yes?"
"Do you happen to notice how large my lover's teeth are at the moment?"
Radek smiled.
"You wouldn't."
"It may not turn you into a wolf, but I'm pretty sure it will shut you up."
"Oh, it wouldn't," Rodney countered. "I'll start hollering then *you* will have to leave him here and go patch me up." He smiled, smugly. "Bluffing."
Radek had to admit he had a good point. But there were other ways to defend Carson -- and himself. Radek stood up, ignored the looks he got, and pounced. Lightly, not using his full weight, because Rodney *was* only human.
But it was enough to bowl him over onto his back with a loud, high-pitched yell. Radek landed on top of him, and there he stayed. He gave Carson a grin while Rodney flailed.
"Aye, that'll do," Carson said.
"Help?" Rodney said.
Carson, however, stood up and stretched. "I really need a shower. If you two will excuse me?" He walked away to the bathroom and Radek watched him go.
Finally Rodney said, wheezing a bit, "If you get off me you can go watch him. And I can leave and find some kind, *caring* doctor to put my ribs back together."
Radek knew he was joking, but...another excellent point. Perhaps Rodney *was* smarter than he was. He got up and padded to the bathroom. Behind him, he heard Rodney pick up the notebook then let himself out.
end chapter six
Moonlight of Your Soul
Chapter Six
"Oh, yes, lovely. The moon's rising in half an hour and you two are asleep."
Radek opened his eyes to find Rodney standing in the middle of his quarters. Carson had moved at some point, lying beside him now, but snuggling just as closely. Radek looked around, realising that it had grown dark and the moon was, in fact, very soon on its way.
"Rodney?"
"I knocked, but there was no answer. I let myself in -- you *did* invite me, although I must say I'm glad I didn't arrive sooner."
"We've been asleep all afternoon," he protested, feeling not so very much awake.
"Uh-huh," was all Rodney said.
Radek felt Carson stir and ignored Rodney in favor of kissing Carson awake. Carson opened his eyes -- then they opened wide.
"Rodney?!"
"Hi. Moon. Werewolf," Rodney said, giving a short wave towards the sky then towards Radek.
"I..." Carson started to sit up, then he stopped and pulled the sheet up to his shoulder. He looked frantically around and Radek pointed at the pile of Carson's clothing. It was on the other side of the room and Radek could see how much Carson was not thrilled about getting out of bed to get his clothes.
Fortunately -- or not, depending on one's point of view, Radek thought -- Rodney grabbed them and brought them over.
"Thanks," Carson managed, though he looked like he was about to swallow his own tongue.
"Don't mention it. I'm assuming that if you two need a shower first, you won't take the *entire* half hour before the moon rises?"
Carson blushed a deep and very adorable red. Radek frowned at Rodney, despite his amusement.
"I do get to see the transformation, don't I?" Rodney asked, frowning as well.
"I--" Radek stopped. He had not thought about it. In truth, he had not thought about his audience at all, today. But the question seemed obvious; why else would Rodney want to be here, if not to see everything?
"You can say no," Carson said quietly, laying his hand on top of Radek's arm.
There was a sound of protest from Rodney. But then he said, "Well, of course if you really don't *want* to, I can wait outside until you've changed." He sounded just like a small boy who had been told he could not attend the science fair.
"No, it is...will be all right. I have not -- there has never been...." Radek took a deep breath. "It has only ever been myself alone, or other members of my pack. I am only nervous. But you may stay."
Rodney grinned and clapped his hands together. "Excellent! Now, I assumed you wouldn't want any recording equipment, but if I could take some notes...?" He began looking around Radek's room, apparently for a notebook.
Radek swallowed. "No cameras."
"Yes, yes, so I thought. Oh, here we go. Now -- can I ask what it's like beforehand? I mean, while you're still capable of talking. Er, I assume you won't be able to talk after you're a wolf?" Rodney sat down, paper and pencil in hand that he had taken from Radek's desk.
"Not English," Radek told him. "And I doubt you can understand a wolf's body language or howls."
"I think I got the gist of one," Carson said, slyly. He was still holding onto his clothing, not making a move to get out of bed.
"I had a dog, once," Rodney said. "Is it the same? Not that I ever really understood him, either, except when he needed to go outside. Never did get why he kept destroying my dad's shoes, though. I'm assuming you're smarter than a dog, even as a wolf, though."
"Yes, Rodney, I am smarter than a dog."
Rodney rolled his eyes. "Look, at least half of my questions will, statistically speaking, be stupid ones from your point of view. But I have to ask them sometime. I only have," he paused to look at his watch.
"Ten minutes," Radek told him.
"Ten-- you can tell? That closely?"
"After a lifetime of feeling the moon rising, yes, I can tell." He told himself that Rodney was correct -- he wanted to know everything, and that meant asking the occasional stupid question. "Children learn how to tell, as they grow. Usually by age five or six, they know how soon the moon is coming."
"Wow." Rodney was staring at him, then suddenly began writing furiously.
"Excuse me," Carson said, finally, and he started to get out of bed, trying to keep his back turned and remained covered with the sheet.
Rodney waved a hand absently and asked, "So you said earlier that you're still yourself, just wolf-shaped. So your brain doesn't change. Would you be able to, I don't know, type? Or something?"
"They do not make paw-shaped keyboards," Radek pointed out.
Rodney waggled the pencil as he began talking quickly again. "The Atlantis control panels are large. You could still use those -- for god's sake, Carson, I've seen you naked before. Get dressed already, if you're going to."
"You what?" Carson yelped.
"What do you think?" Rodney asked him, and Radek was fairly sure he did not mean about whether Carson should get dressed.
"The keyboards for the Atlantis computers, yes, those are large enough. I am not sure what you would expect me to do -- I cannot type notes; the control panels we have figured out have very specific purposes, none of which is word processing." Not to mention the fact he would have to go out to the control center to use them.
Rodney didn't seem to mind his refusal. "Yes, yes, I'm just thinking. It's at least possible -- you could dial the Stargate, those keys are big enough."
Beside him, Carson finally got out of the bed. Radek glanced over, preferring that view to watching Rodney tap the pencil against his chin. Carson glanced at him, then quickly away and proceeded to dress quickly. When he was dressed again, he turned back around -- and glared fiercely at Rodney.
Rodney looked surprised. "What? I never said I didn't *like* the view. So, Radek, can you -- whoa! OK, note to self, don't ogle the werewolf's lover's ass."
Radek was halfway across the room towards him, not even sure what he was doing or what he was going to do when he got to Rodney. He couldn't strangle him -- much as he wanted to, sometimes. "I..." He unclenched his fists, then froze.
The moon was rising.
"Are you... Oh. Oh, that's *cool*."
Rodney was staring at him. His body was changing and Radek turned his head to look at Carson. Who was also watching him, with just as much fascination. But it was easier to see Carson staring at him.
He dropped to his front paws and wanted to give himself a shake, but couldn't quite bring himself to move. He didn't dare turn around though he could hear Rodney writing, furiously. He was talking to himself -- or perhaps Radek was meant to follow the barely coherent questions and answer them, somehow.
Carson walked over and dropped to his knees in front of him and put his hand on Radek's head. Radek closed his eyes and wanted to press himself against Carson. He tried to force his tail up, out from between his legs, telling himself that acting as though he weren't afraid would make him feel less afraid.
"It's all right," Carson said softly, as he rubbed Radek's head. On stiff legs, Radek moved closer to him and Carson sat down; Radek pressed closer and Carson put an arm across his back, pulling him in.
"I don't think he's a lap wolf," Rodney said, and his voice was subdued and serious.
"Aye, but he's terrified," Carson said calmly, and he kept petting Radek. He didn't try to shift Radek away, despite the truth of Rodney's words.
"Should I...go?" Rodney asked, and Radek could tell that he would, if asked.
But Carson shook his head. "He's got nothing to fear from either of us, so you ought to stay and let him find that out."
Radek had his face against Carson's chest, wishing he could open his eyes -- wishing there was room to hide underneath the bed. He heard Rodney stand up, then he was coming over and crouching down.
"Over here," Carson said. "Not behind him -- though if he bites you, it won't be on purpose."
"So I'm moving to where he *can* bite me, so he feels safer?" Rodney asked, in equal tones of surprise and exasperation.
"So he doesn't feel as though you're trying to be dominant over him," Carson snapped. "Sit down," he said again, tugging on Rodney's arm. Rodney finally sat down beside Carson, in front of Radek.
Rodney was nearly as close to him as Carson was and Radek forced himself to look. Rodney was staring at him, frowning slightly and smelling of worry. Radek was beginning to breathe hard, but didn't let himself move. There was nowhere to run, anyhow.
Carson was still petting him, and that helped. Rodney raised a hand, hesitantly, then he laid it on Radek's face.
"Wow."
His fingers moved awkwardly and Radek had no idea if he minded or not. If, like Carson's hand, it felt good. Just to be touched -- even if Rodney was staring, eyes wide with stunned amazement. His hand moved, and Rodney said in an objective tone, "His pelt's thicker."
Suddenly Radek had a flash of being subjected to physical examination -- studied and poked and examined. He hadn't even realised he was whimpering until Carson's grip on him tightened.
"Shh, Radek, calm down," Carson was saying and even Rodney looked surprised.
Then Rodney's manner changed and he scooted in even closer. "Hey, Radek, relax. It's all right." His hand flattened against Radek's head, no longer hesitantly touching, but petting.
Radek closed his eyes again and forced himself to remain still. Carson -- Carson was safe. He smelled concerned, and Radek could detect clearly the other feelings he'd half-scented earlier. The words Carson had stopped himself from saying earlier were obvious now. Carson's hand moved past his face and Radek risked a tentative lick.
Carson chuckled. No one spoke, though, and both Carson and Rodney simply continued petting him.
Radek blinked, then, as the realisation slowly hit. He looked at Rodney -- Radek could feel Carson, smell him, and...he knew Carson had already settled into place. *Pack*, flittered through his mind. But Rodney was just sitting there, no longer the mad scientist, but this. What was this? Caring and the same gentleness as Carson. Not for the same reason -- but there were things there that Radek had only even associated with cousins he'd grown up with.
He had no doubt Rodney's questions were still there, that he still wanted to learn whatever he could. But the notebook was abandoned across the room and Rodney was sitting here without any questions in his eyes at all.
"Are you all right, now?" Carson asked. Radek was calming down; his breathing had slowed and he no longer had to fight down the whimpering that had curled in his chest.
He waited a moment to make sure. Then he shifted tentatively further towards Carson, feeling his weight start to tip them both backwards. Carson braced himself with a quick hand behind him. Radek pulled his back legs up and scooted sideways, despite being just as large, if not the same shape, as Carson. Carson gave a grunt of protest, but did not try to push Radek back.
"Huh. I guess he *is* a lap wolf," Rodney said.
"I think he's a wee bit spoiled," Carson said, teasing lightly. "We've only been officially dating for twelve hours and already look at the liberties he's taking." He was rubbing Radek's head, letting him know in no uncertain terms that he was welcome to stay right where he was.
"Well, under the circumstances," Rodney said, "It isn't every day you turn into a werewolf with humans watching-- wait, *twelve hours*? What was...OK, you're lying. You two started sleeping together weeks ago."
Radek could feel the heat as Carson blushed again. He was suddenly grateful he couldn't speak English and and could leave Carson to the conversation. "Aye, well...yes. But it wasn't...oh for god's sake, Rodney, I don't need to explain the details to you."
"I don't know, it isn't like I can ask Radek anything. So I have to ask you. Now, spill. You two *have* been sleeping together for weeks."
Radek looked up to see Carson glaring at Rodney. "Yes."
"So? Twelve hours? Oh, don't tell me you two have been just--"
"Do you *mind*?" Carson snapped, but there was no real anger in him.
"Just having sex? What in the world for? I mean, OK, I can buy that being better than nothing. But why-- oh. Right, OK, sorry. Brain blip," he said. He gestured at Radek, and Carson nodded. "But now...it's official? We can tease you in public?"
There was a pause. Then, "*We*?" Carson choked.
"We don't have much else to do on long, boring missions except gossip about our friends. Sheppard, Ford, and Teyla and I have figured out about twelve of the couples that are trying to keep it a secret. Although we're not sure about Rogers and Lindsey. Maybe they're fuck-buddies, too? Huh. That would explain a lot."
"Rodney?" Carson asked, calmly.
"Yes?"
"Do you happen to notice how large my lover's teeth are at the moment?"
Radek smiled.
"You wouldn't."
"It may not turn you into a wolf, but I'm pretty sure it will shut you up."
"Oh, it wouldn't," Rodney countered. "I'll start hollering then *you* will have to leave him here and go patch me up." He smiled, smugly. "Bluffing."
Radek had to admit he had a good point. But there were other ways to defend Carson -- and himself. Radek stood up, ignored the looks he got, and pounced. Lightly, not using his full weight, because Rodney *was* only human.
But it was enough to bowl him over onto his back with a loud, high-pitched yell. Radek landed on top of him, and there he stayed. He gave Carson a grin while Rodney flailed.
"Aye, that'll do," Carson said.
"Help?" Rodney said.
Carson, however, stood up and stretched. "I really need a shower. If you two will excuse me?" He walked away to the bathroom and Radek watched him go.
Finally Rodney said, wheezing a bit, "If you get off me you can go watch him. And I can leave and find some kind, *caring* doctor to put my ribs back together."
Radek knew he was joking, but...another excellent point. Perhaps Rodney *was* smarter than he was. He got up and padded to the bathroom. Behind him, he heard Rodney pick up the notebook then let himself out.
end chapter six