Well Warmed

Jasper sat by Thaddeus's bio-bed in sickbay, their hands intertwined as they quietly discussed the latest engine repairs. The atmosphere between them was warm and intimate, neither fully acknowledging the significance of their joined hands but both drawing comfort from the contact.

Suddenly, the sickbay doors hissed open. Jasper and Thaddeus quickly pulled their hands apart, an instinctive reaction despite the innocence of their gesture. Captain Flint strode in, his cybernetic eye whirring as it focused on the pair.

Flint's gaze lingered on their now-separated hands, and Jasper could have sworn he saw a flicker of something - jealousy, perhaps? - cross the captain's face.

"Beaufort," Flint said, his voice gruff. "How are you feeling?"

Thaddeus stiffened slightly, his hand now resting stiffly at his side. "Captain," he acknowledged, his tone carefully neutral. "I'm... recovering."

Jasper felt a sudden tension in the air, an unspoken current running between Thaddeus and the captain. He shifted uncomfortably, feeling like an intruder in a private moment, despite having been there first.

"Good, good," Flint nodded, his gaze flicking between Thaddeus and Jasper. "I trust LaBrant here isn't tiring you out with his presence?"

"Not at all, Captain," Thaddeus replied, a hint of defensiveness in his voice. "Jasper's company has been... quite welcome."

Jasper felt a warmth spread through his chest at Thaddeus's words, even as he noticed the captain's cybernetic eye narrowing slightly.

"I see," Flint said, his tone unreadable. "Well, I'm glad to see you're on the mend, Beaufort. The ship needs its chief engineer back at full capacity."

There was a loaded pause, the air thick with unspoken words and hidden meanings. Jasper found himself resisting the urge to reach for Thaddeus's hand again, acutely aware of the complex dynamics at play.

"Thank you, Captain," Thaddeus said finally, his voice tight. "I'll be back on duty as soon as Dr. T'Lana clears me."

Flint nodded, his gaze lingering on Thaddeus for a moment longer than necessary. "See that you are. We have much to discuss when you're back on your feet."

As the captain turned to leave, his eyes met Jasper's, and there was a clear warning in them. Jasper felt a chill run down his spine, suddenly very aware of the delicate situation he found himself in.

Once the sickbay doors closed behind Flint, an awkward silence fell between Jasper and Thaddeus. The easy intimacy of moments ago had evaporated, replaced by a tense uncertainty.

"Thaddeus, I—" Jasper began, not quite sure what he wanted to say.

"It's fine, Jasper," Thaddeus cut him off, his voice weary. "You should probably go. I... I need to rest."

Jasper hesitated, his hand hovering near Thaddeus's, wanting to reclaim that connection but unsure if he should. Finally, he nodded, respecting Thaddeus's wishes. "Of course. I'll... I'll come back later, if that's okay?"

Thaddeus gave a short nod, his face turned away. As Jasper left the sickbay, his mind was whirling with questions and a growing sense of unease.

The engines of the Protea hummed steadily as Jasper made his way through the narrow corridors towards the engine room. It was late, well past the end of his shift, but he couldn't sleep. His mind kept drifting back to the close call they'd had the day before - a sudden surge in the plasma manifolds that had nearly fried half the ship's systems.

As he approached the engine room, he heard a familiar voice muttering curses interspersed with technical jargon. A small smile tugged at his lips. Of course Thaddeus would still be up, tinkering away.

The door slid open with a soft hiss, revealing the organized chaos of the engine room. And there, in the midst of it all, was Thaddeus. He was bent over a workbench, his fingers dancing over a complex array of wires and circuitry. His dark red hair was mussed, likely from running his hands through it in frustration, and there was a smudge of grease on his cheek.

"You know," Jasper said, leaning against the doorframe, "most people sleep after nearly dying."

Thaddeus didn't even look up, but Jasper saw his shoulders tense slightly. "Most people aren't responsible for keeping this bucket of bolts running, LaBrant. Some of us have actual work to do."

Jasper rolled his eyes, pushing off the doorframe and making his way over to the workbench. "And some of us know when to take a break before we collapse from exhaustion."

Thaddeus's hands stilled, his unseeing eyes turning in Jasper's direction. "I'm fine," he said, his voice clipped. "If you're here to mother-hen me, you can turn right around and leave."

But Jasper had known Thaddeus long enough to hear the slight tremor in his voice, to see the way his fingers were shaking ever so slightly. Without a word, he reached out and gently took the soldering iron from Thaddeus's hand.

"Hey-" Thaddeus started to protest, but Jasper cut him off.

"You're not fine," he said softly. "And that's okay. We almost died yesterday, Thaddeus. It's okay to be shaken up."

For a long moment, Thaddeus was silent. Then, with a heavy sigh, he slumped forward, his forehead resting against Jasper's shoulder. "I should have seen it coming," he murmured, his voice muffled. "The signs were there. If I'd been paying closer attention-"

"Then you'd be superhuman," Jasper interrupted, his hand coming up to rest on the back of Thaddeus's neck. "You can't catch everything, Thaddeus. That's why you have a team. That's why you have me."

Thaddeus stiffened for a moment at the touch, then slowly relaxed into it. "You?" he scoffed, but there was no real heat in it. "What good are you, besides being a constant thorn in my side?"

Jasper chuckled, his thumb absently stroking the soft hair at the nape of Thaddeus's neck. "I'm the one who keeps you from working yourself to death, for starters. And you like how I make coffee."

That startled a laugh out of Thaddeus, a rare, genuine sound that made Jasper's heart skip a beat. "Your coffee is atrocious and you know it," Thaddeus said, finally pulling back to 'look' at Jasper, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

"Maybe," Jasper conceded, his own lips curving into a grin. "But it got you to laugh, didn't it?"

Thaddeus shook his head, but the tension had drained from his shoulders, the haunted look fading from his eyes. "You're impossible," he muttered, but there was a fondness in his tone that made Jasper's chest warm.

"I prefer improbable. If I were impossible you'd have gotten rid of me already. Come on," Jasper said, tugging gently at Thaddeus's arm. "Let's get you to bed. Whatever you're working on can wait. If the doctor sees you're gone she's going to tear the ship apart looking for you."

To his surprise, Thaddeus didn't resist. He allowed Jasper to lead him out of the engine room and towards the sick bay, their shoulders brushing as they walked side by side through the quiet corridors.

As they reached Thaddeus's door, Jasper hesitated. "Will you be okay?" he asked softly.

Thaddeus was quiet for a moment, his unseeing eyes fixed on some distant point. Then, almost imperceptibly, he nodded. "Yes. Thank you, Jasper," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "For…. coming to find me, too."

Jasper felt something shift between them, a deepening of the connection they'd been dancing around for so long. "Always," he said, the word carrying the weight of a promise. "I'll always come find you, Thaddeus."

For a moment, Thaddeus's hand lingered on Jasper's arm, a silent acknowledgment of everything left unsaid between them. Then, with a small nod, he disappeared into the sick bay, leaving Jasper standing in the corridor, his heart full of a warmth he couldn't quite name.

The days following the crisis passed with daily repair work and debriefings. Jasper split his time between his duties in engineering and visiting Thaddeus in sickbay. Each day, he saw a little more of the old spark return to Thaddeus's eyes, and it gave him hope.

One afternoon, Jasper was elbow-deep in a damaged control panel in the engine room, muttering to himself as he tried to reconnect a particularly stubborn set of circuits. He was so focused on his task that he didn't hear the footsteps approaching.

"You're doing it wrong, LaBrant."

Jasper startled, nearly dropping his tool. He spun around to find Thaddeus standing in the doorway, a slight smirk on his face.

"Thaddeus!" Jasper exclaimed, his face lighting up. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be resting?"

Thaddeus shrugged, stepping further into the room. "Dr. T'Lana cleared me for light duty. Apparently, I'm a 'difficult patient' when confined to sickbay."

Jasper chuckled, shaking his head. "Why am I not surprised?" His expression softened as he looked Thaddeus over. "How are you feeling? Really?"

"Better than new, actually," Thaddeus replied. He reached for the hem of his shirt. "See for yourself."

Before Jasper could protest, Thaddeus lifted his shirt, revealing his torso. Where there had been a nasty gash and burns just days ago, there was now only smooth, unblemished skin. Jasper's eyes widened. 

Thaddeus's body was a study in understated beauty - lean and graceful, with a delicate strength that belied his intellectual prowess. His skin was pale, almost luminous. 

Jasper's gaze traced the gentle curve of Thaddeus's collarbone, the slight hollows above his hip bones, the lines of an Adonis belt that disappeared tantalizingly beneath his waistband.

Thaddeus's chest was narrow but well-defined, rising and falling with each breath. His shoulders, usually hidden beneath his uniform, were surprisingly broad for his slight build, tapering down to a trim waist. There was an almost ethereal quality to him, like a marble statue come to life.

What struck Jasper most was the contrast between Thaddeus's usual prickly demeanor and the vulnerability of his exposed skin. The pale expanse of his torso seemed to invite touch, and Jasper had to clench his fists to resist the urge to reach out and run his fingers along Thaddeus's side, to confirm that the damage had truly healed without a trace.

"Not even a scar," Thaddeus said, his voice cutting through Jasper's reverie. "Modern medicine is quite remarkable."

Jasper realized with a start that he'd been staring, drinking in every detail of Thaddeus's form. He felt heat rush to his face, spreading down his neck and across his chest. His heart hammered against his ribs, and he found himself struggling to form coherent thoughts.

"That's... that's great," Jasper managed to stammer, his voice sounding strained and unfamiliar. He abruptly turned away, nearly knocking over his toolbox in his haste. "I'm glad you've recovered so quickly."

Thaddeus's brow furrowed slightly as he registered Jasper's flustered reaction to his exposed torso. Then, slowly, a sly smirk spread across his face as realization dawned. He lowered his shirt, but the wheels in his mind were already turning.

"Well, I should report to the captain," Thaddeus said, his tone deceptively casual. "Try not to blow up the ship while I'm gone, LaBrant."

As he turned to leave, Thaddeus let his hand trail across Jasper's back, his fingertips grazing lightly over the fabric of his uniform. The touch, though brief, sent a shiver through Jasper's entire body.

Jasper inhaled sharply, his face flushing a deep red. He spun around, staring at Thaddeus in disbelief, but the engineer was already walking away, offering only a casual wave over his shoulder.

For a moment, Jasper stood frozen, his mind reeling. Had Thaddeus done that on purpose? No, no- he was just overthinking. 

He shook his head, frustrated with himself for getting distracted. "Focus, LaBrant," he muttered, turning back to the plasma injector he'd been calibrating.

The next morning, Jasper sat in the mess hall, reviewing schematics on his PADD while absently eating his breakfast. He was so engrossed in his work that he nearly jumped when he heard Thaddeus's voice.

"Jasper."

Jasper looked up to see Thaddeus standing there, coffee in hand. He couldn't help but notice the way Thaddeus's head tilted back as he took a long drink, exposing the line of his throat. Jasper quickly averted his eyes, focusing on his PADD.

"Oh, Thaddeus," he said, striving for a casual tone. "Good morning."

"Mind if I join you?" Thaddeus asked, already sliding into the seat next to him. "Or am I interrupting your thrilling conversation with your eggs?"

Jasper felt the heat of Thaddeus's thigh pressing against his own and struggled to form a coherent thought. "No! I mean, yes, you can join me. If you want."

As Thaddeus leaned in to speak, Jasper caught the scent of his soap mixed with coffee. He found himself leaning in slightly, then straightened, focusing intently on his PADD.

"What are you working on?" Thaddeus asked, his voice low and dangerously close to Jaspers ear.

Jasper's breath hitched. "Oh, you know. Fluctuating power levels, misaligned conduits. The usual excitement."

"Riveting," Thaddeus deadpanned. He took another sip of his coffee, letting out a small, appreciative moan that Jasper tried very hard to ignore. "The coffees good today. Want a taste?"

Jasper's eyes flicked to Thaddeus's lips, then quickly back to his PADD. "I've got my own, thanks," he said quickly, his voice higher than usual.

Throughout breakfast, Jasper found himself hyper aware of every movement Thaddeus made, every accidental brush of their arms, every time Thaddeus leaned in to speak.

"You ok? You seem distracted." Thaddeus suddenly said, his voice carrying its typical dry tone. 

Jasper looked up, startled. "Oh, uh, no. It's nothing. Just... thinking."

"Mm," Thaddeus hummed thoughtfully. "A dangerous pastime, especially for you." 

Across the mess hall, Captain Flint watched the interaction with a growing sense of unease. 

Flint had never seen Thaddeus behave this way with anyone. The engineer was usually all business, his interactions with the crew professional and often brusque. But now, watching him lean in close to Jasper, his body language subtly inviting, Flint couldn't shake his growing resentment.

As Flint observed, he saw Thaddeus casually reach across the table again, this time to point out something on the PADD. His fingers brushed against Jasper's as he did so, and though the touch seemed innocent enough, Flint didn't miss the way Jasper's breath caught at the contact.

Captain Flint watched Thaddeus and Jasper's interaction, his cybernetic eye whirring rapidly as his organic one narrowed in barely concealed anger. As soon as the two engineers parted ways, Flint strode over to Thaddeus, his movements sharp and precise.

"A word in my ready room, Mr. Beaufort," Flint said, his tone clipped and professional.

When he entered Flint's office, the captain was already seated behind his desk, his fingers steepled and his cybernetic eye whirring softly as it focused on Thaddeus.

"Close the door, engineer," he said, his voice deceptively soft.

Thaddeus obeyed, the soft click of the latch sounding unnaturally loud in the tense silence of the room.

Flint leaned back in his chair, his gaze raking over Thaddeus with a cold, assessing intensity. "What the hell do you think you're doing, Beaufort?"

Thaddeus maintained his usual impassive expression, but his voice held a note of caution. "I'm not sure I understand the question, Captain."

"Don't play dumb with me," Flint snapped. "I saw you with LaBrant. Touching him, leaning in close. We've spoken about this."

Thaddeus sighed, his posture relaxed but guarded. "Jasper is a member of this crew, Captain," he said, his voice tight with barely contained emotion. "We work together. That's all. There's no need to-"

"No need?" Flint interrupted, slamming his fist on the desk. "I told you to stay away from him. I don't give a damn about LaBrant. I care about you parading around my ship, flaunting yourself in front of everyone!"

Thaddeus's expression remained neutral, but his tone became more placating. "I assure you, Captain, there's nothing going on. You're reading too much into a simple conversation."

Flint stepped closer, invading Thaddeus's personal space. "Am I? Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you're trying to make me jealous."

"That's not my intention," Thaddeus said calmly.

"And yet here we are again," Flint growled. "You seem to forget something, Beaufort. I'm the captain of this ship. You're my chief engineer. And LaBrant? He's just another junior officer. Easily replaceable."

Thaddeus's jaw clenched, a flicker of anger crossing his usually impassive face. "Jasper is a valuable member of the engineering team. His skills are not easily replaced."

"Is that so?" Flint asked, his voice dangerously soft. "Well, if this... distraction continues, I can have him reassigned at a moment's notice. There are plenty of starbases that could use a mediocre engineer."

Thaddeus's face hardened. "I think you're overreacting, Leon. Perhaps we should-"

Before he could finish, Flint grabbed Thaddeus by the front of his uniform and pulled him into a rough kiss. For a moment, Thaddeus didn't respond, his body tense. Then, slowly, reluctantly, he returned the kiss, his hands coming up to rest lightly on Flint's arms.

When they broke apart, Flint's anger seemed to have cooled slightly, replaced by a mix of desire and frustration. "Why him?" he asked, his voice low and strained. "Why not me?"

Thaddeus stepped back, a hand coming up to wipe his mouth, his face once again an impassive mask. He didn't respond.

Flint stared at Thaddeus for a long moment, conflict evident in his eyes. Finally, he stepped back, straightening his uniform. "You're dismissed."

As Thaddeus turned to leave, Flint's voice cut through the tension like a knife., as though he were upset by Thaddeus's easy compliance with his orders. "Don't forget your place, Beaufort."

Thaddeus paused, his hand on the door. He turned slowly, his unseeing eyes narrowing. "My place? And what place would that be, Captain?"

Flint chuckled, the sound cold and mirthless. "Come now. Surely you remember our agreement?"

He stepped closer, his breath hot against Thaddeus's ear. "Or do I have to remind you?"

Thaddeus's hands clenched into fists at his sides, rage and fear warring in his chest. He wanted to lash out, to strike this arrogant, possessive man. He had been so young then, so desperate to escape the life of poverty and degradation that had been all he'd known. When Flint had offered him a chance at a better future... he had been willing to do anything.

But he knew Flint held all the power here, and to defy him openly would be to risk not just his own position, but Jasper's as well.

So he swallowed back the bile that rose in his throat, forced his features into a mask of blank compliance. "I... I understand, Captain," he said, his voice sounding hollow and distant to his own ears. "I haven't forgotten our... arrangement."

Flint smiled, the expression cold and satisfied. "Good," he purred, his hand coming up to cup Thaddeus's cheek in a mockery of tenderness. "I'd hate to think you were getting any... ideas, Thaddeus. About your place on this ship, or your relationship with certain crew members."

Thaddeus flinched at the touch, at the unspoken threat behind Flint's words. But he held himself still, held onto his composure with a white-knuckled grip.

"Of course not, Captain," he said, the words tasting like ash on his tongue. "I know my duties, and I will fulfill them as always."

Flint's thumb stroked over Thaddeus's cheekbone, the touch making the engineer's skin crawl. He smiled, the expression cold and satisfied. "See that it doesn't, Thaddeus. I'd hate to have to... take measures to ensure your cooperation."

The implication was clear, the threat hanging heavy in the air between them. Thaddeus felt sick, his skin crawling with the phantom sensation of Flint's touch.

But he held himself still, held onto his composure with a white-knuckled grip. He couldn't afford to show weakness, not now, not in front of this man who would exploit it without hesitation.

"May I go, Captain?" he asked, his voice steady despite the tremors running through his body.

Flint waved a dismissive hand, already turning away. "Yes, yes. Get some rest, Mr. Beaufort. We have a busy day tomorrow."

Thaddeus didn't need to be told twice. With a quick, jerky nod, he turned and strode out of the office, his steps rapid and his heart pounding in his ears.

He didn't stop until he reached his own quarters, the door sliding shut behind him with a blessed finality. Only then did he allow himself to slump against the wall as the enormity of what had just happened crashed over him.

The thinly veiled threats, the casual cruelty, the sickening insinuations... they were nothing new. But something about this confrontation, about the way Flint had spoken of Jasper, had stirred a flicker of defiance in Thaddeus's chest.

The captain's hold on him was strong, the consequences of defiance too steep to contemplate. He couldn't just walk away, couldn't just sever those chains without a plan, without a safety net.

But maybe... maybe he could start to loosen them. Maybe he could begin to distance himself, to pull back little by little until he found the right moment, the right leverage, to break free entirely.

It would have to be gradual, subtle. He couldn't risk arousing Flint's suspicions, couldn't risk the captain's wrath falling on Jasper or the rest of the crew.

Thaddeus took a deep breath.. He straightened his shoulders, his jaw setting in a determined line.

He would find a way out of this. He would find the right time, the right opportunity, to sever his ties with Flint once and for all. And when he did…

...

What then?

What was he expecting, really?

He couldn't deny that his thoughts kept circling back to Jasper.

Thaddeus shook his head, a wry, bitter smile tugging at his lips. He was getting ahead of himself, letting his thoughts get away from him.

The truth was, he had no idea what to expect. No frame of reference for what that looked like.