MAJOR KIRA'S SECRET...
Rating: [NC-17] DS9 - K/Du, * * * "All the people THRILLS IN THE NIGHT - KISS "Adrenalize"1984 Kira laughed out loud. Her chest filled with joy at the site of all the
gold-pressed latinum she had won. Dax' idea of a game at the Dabo tables hadn't been so
bad after all. Kira was tired when her shift was over, but Dax had come over and
practically twisted her arm to get her to go out for a while. It was amazing how much
alike Ezri and Jadzia were - and how Dax had been ill for a while and was bored to tears. "It's driving me crazy!" Dax complained. "What, you can't live without being involved in station business for only a
week?" But this was it. It was enough. She had been sitting there for hours and now it was time to turn in. Ezri knocked her in the side with her brows frowned. "Nerys! You can't leave now. They'll kill you!" Kira looked up and the smile on her lips faded. The Klingons around her did not look at all happy at the prospect of her leaving. They obviously didn't enjoy her winnings as much as she did. Kira rose. "I am the Second in Command of this station. Are you accusing me of cheating?" she challenged. . The Klingons growled. They were a messy bunch and the fact that she was the Bajoran liaison officer to the Federation didn't seem to impress them much. But she refused to let them scare her. She wished she had brought her phaser. But why in the name of the Prophets should she have to carry that thing around when she was off duty? She scraped up the bars of latinum she had won and turned around to leave. But behind her she knew the drunken Klingons were getting more upset by each moment that passed by. She could hear Jadzia behind her trying to settle the crowd, but she didn't wait to find out if her friend succeeded. So, she just strode out of the bar, not looking back. She didn't run, but she wished she could. She wished she had been wearing her communicator and asked Odo for help or gotten Captain Sisko to beam her out of there with a site-to-site transport. Kira cursed silently in her head. Vanity was not a good thing. Just because the communicator hadn't gone with the dress… Prophets, how could she have been so stupid? What if there was an emergency on the station? And she wasn't wearing her comm-badge? Kira kept cursing as she heard the Klingons disgruntled voices speaking to Ezri. It seemed her friend didn't have much success in calming them down. "It was a fair game", she told herself. A sudden pang of suspicion nagged at the edges of her mind. "Quark would never do *that*!" she said loudly as she looked over her shoulder. But in the back of her mind she knew, that maybe that Ferengi bartender really would. He had always been a bit smitten with her. If he thought that her winning would bring her back to Quark's more often... Instead of pursuing the thought she looked back. She could see the first Klingon coming out of Quark's with his 'Daq'tagh' in hand. His eyes were red from all the Blood Wine he had been drinking and Kira realized that there was no time for to get to her room. It was too far away. She would have to hide. But where? If the situation hadn't been so grim she would have laughed. Chased through the Promenade by a drunken Klingon? A very upset Klingon no less... "Damn you Dax!" she spat. "I knew I never should have listened to you!" The Klingon was running and she tried to get away from him, but the latinum was heavy and her long dress made it difficult for her to outrun even an intoxicated Klingon. She didn't want to give the latinum back to the Klingons - at least not until she had spoken to Quark. "If that *toad* has made me cheat I'm gonna... " she began. But her thoughts were quickly interrupted by the growl of another Klingon behind the first one. And this one wasn't nearly as drunk as the other one. She had to hide. She slid into a corridor and chirped the doorbell of the first quarters she could find. She waited for nearly a minute, hearing the Klingons stumbling closer. No, she had to do something drastic. She overrode the security protocols and ran into the quarters locking the door behind her. The room was dark. No lights were on and the only illumination came from the round windows letting the stars lend their pale light to the environment. She looked around to try and make sure that she was alone and then she sat down on a chair by the door waiting for the Klingons to leave so she could find her way back to her own quarters. She was not planning on staying here any longer than she absolutely had to. But they had stopped outside the door. One of them must have seen her get in there. She could hear himself throw his body against the door - growling in anger, or pain? As if he was strong enough to even make dent in it? Kira couldn't help but giggle at the situation. Mind you, she hadn't been drinking much, but a couple of glasses of Bajoran spring-wine always made her see life with a bit more humor… But all of the sudden all the commotion ended and the angry drunks outside must have left. Kira rose to get out of there before they changed their minds. But at that very moment she could hear the door chirp. Someone was coming! Kira looked around - desperate to find a place to hide. Once again she cursed at her stupid idea to take off her communicator. She couldn't get out and she most certainly couldn't call for help! *** Part 2 - A LONELY CARDASSIAN *** Dukat rubbed his eyes. He felt lonely. A strange feeling, and something he could easily have done something about if he really felt the need to do so. But the only thing he really wanted was out of reach. He didn't even allow himself to think about it. Instead he got inside his quarters and even neglected to turn the lights on. The pale glow from the stars gave him enough light to reach what he wanted - a bottle of Kanaar and a glass. Carrying these items he strode over to the eye-shaped windows of Terok Nor. "Oh, no", he silently corrected himself - "Deep Space Nine of course" He tore off the stiff chest-plate of his uniform and left it lying on the floor where he dropped it. He sniffed the air. Something smelled different about his quarters... what could it be? He turned around to watch the looming shadows of the room he was in. But nothing gave way that he wasn't alone. He could have sworn he felt the spring-like smell of - Major Kira? Dukat shook his head. He couldn't believe he had just let himself think that. The Major had been on his mind all day. But her cold gaze had struck his emotions like a sword. He knew his hopes were in vain. So he pushed the idea away and sat down on the edge of the window, staring out into space. His thoughts and memories overcame him. A long time ago he had nourished hopes of winning her. When he had found his daughter... "Ah - Ziyal!" A sharp edge of pain struck his chest, and Dukat hid his face behind his hands. There were no more tears. He had cried them all, but it still hurt so much to think about Ziyal. He shoved the memories of his daughter far back in his mind and concentrated on the other woman instead - Kira. However painful she was to think about - it was nothing compared to thinking about Ziyal, so he allowed himself to indulge in fantasies about the Bajoran female. Back then he thought that, given time, Major Kira would be able to see other sides to him than she did at first. But now, time had passed and so many things had come between them that the dream was nothing but ashes in his mind. Dukat closed his eyes and leaned his ridged forehead to the window and felt the coolness of the glass ease his mind just a little. He could see the shape of the woman he was thinking about as clearly as if she had been standing before him. The smell of her spring-perfume was as real to his mind as if she had actually been there. The thought of her made his blood run faster. He could feel the arousal creep up on him like a ghost. Major Kira had always been able to do that to him. Many times he had felt like grabbing a hold of her hair and pull her with him, to his bed. But some part of him had, even when given the chance, resisted that scenario. He preferred his women ready and willing. Willing to take him into their beds, or come to his. Although it was depressing to think about, he knew that would never happen with Major Kira. So he allowed his fantasies to fill the void in his chest. The arousal he felt wasn't an unpleasant feeling and he indulged in the images his mind created for him. He lifted his leg from the floor and leaned backwards and let the fantasies flood his mind. Kira screaming at him that he couldn't shoot his own daughter. Her laughter that night they spent in the cave, when he sat on that viscous looking plant spine. He could still feel the sharp pain in his buttocks and hear the bell-like laugher pour out of her mouth like a chime. That was when he had first realized just how strong his attraction to that woman was. *** Part 3 - TRAPPED IN THE DARK *** Kira just could *not* believe it. Out of all the damn quarters of the entire station, she had to walk into the quarters where Dukat - of all people - was staying! She clenched her jaw and was still trying not to breathe too loud, or he would hear her. She was sitting down, leaning against the wall. She had hid enough times before to know how important it was to find a comfortable spot or she would be a dead-giveaway in a matter of minutes. She had found a spot, which didn't hide her well enough, but there was nothing she could do about it now. If she moved around now, he would most certainly detect her. Was that good or bad, she wondered. She could explain what happened and get out of there. But she did *not* look forward to Dukat's satisfied smile if he found her in his quarters. Of course - she could just sit there and hope that Dukat wouldn't detect her. Only the Prophets knew how long she would be trapped in his quarters. At least if he went to sleep she could sneak out. But he was just sitting there, by the window. She had a perfect view of him where he was resting. His head was leaning against the window and if she didn't know better she would say he seemed - lonely? But as she followed his movements and watched him stretch his legs, lean his head back and close his eyes, his expression changed. His eyes got that viscous glimmer she had gotten so used to seeing - almost a predatory look. She wondered what he was thinking about. Kira had never before had the opportunity to watch him so closely. Dukat had such a piercing gaze that she seldom allowed herself to rest her eyes on him for very long. At times, when she had in fact tried to observe him more closely, he had always caught her and driven her mad with that slow smile of his. It told her that he enjoyed catching her looking at him. She knew exactly what kind of fantasies could run around in that sick mind of his! If he ever got the chance, he would probably grab a hold of her hair and drag her into a cave with him! She had seen many times how he looked at her and it made her shiver. The most irritating part of the situation she was in right now was that she enjoyed being able to watch him this closely without his knowing about it. His grayish skin looked even paler in the starlight and the shadows they created made his face seem more uneven than usual. Kira wondered what his skin would feel like if she were to touch him... Would it feel cold to the touch or warm? Would the ridges in his face feel harsh or soft beneath her hands? Kira allowed herself to wonder for just a second before she stopped her own thoughts. Dukat pulled his right leg up and leaned it toward the window. His left hand rested on his thigh and he seemed more relaxed. There was a tense feeling in the entire room. Kira wondered why, but all of the sudden she could see Dukat slowly moving his hand from his thigh up between his own legs and the truth dawned on her. Dukat thought he was alone and his mind was taking some perverted course and now he was going to... Kira almost flew up screaming. But what could she do? Dukat would kill her if he realized she was watching him at such an incredibly private moment. A thrill found its way down her spine. She almost whimpered. Waves of heat flushed her body at the thought of what she was about to see. But she couldn't stay there. She couldn't watch him, she had to stop him somehow... Or did he know she was there? Did he know that she was sitting there in the shadows, watching him? Did his twisted mind enjoy the fact that she was caught in this impossible situation. Did he enjoy the fact that she would watch him caress himself? She didn't know... Kira turned her head away from the image of Dukat sitting there, all by himself. Obviously in the mood for something she desperately didn't want to witness. She couldn't believe how she ever could have ended up in a situation like this. //Damn you, Dax!! // But still, she couldn't keep her eyes away. They were drawn back to the slender shape sitting at the window. Pulled with a strength that she couldn't resist. She had never thought about Dukat as a potential lover before. At least she never admitted to herself that the thought might have crossed her mind. But the mere thought of it sent a shiver down her spine. She never believed she would experience such feelings when looking at the Cardassian Gul. For a brief moment she allowed herself to watch him without holding back the thoughts flooding her mind. She actually thought he was good-looking - something she had never admitted to herself before. But what more was the fact that she found him incredibly attractive - he was in fact sexy - with that slender body of his, his tight, shapely buttocks. She was a woman who had always been turned on by a man's legs, and Dukat's legs were beautifully shaped. Slender, but perfectly proportioned. Right now one was leaning against the window. He was dressed in a pair of brown, tight pants, which didn't leave much to the imagination. Kira had forgotten to be afraid that he would see her. All she could think of was how astonishingly handsome he was. She let her eyes feast on his body as she sat there in the darkness. But the fact was he wasn't just good-looking, he had a gaze that was positively thrilling, Not to mention his voice which made her shiver... Dukat's voice had always made her feel strange. He used it as a tool, and that was probably why she always bantered him about it. Because of the way it made her feel. Kira had heard of bedroom eyes. But a bedroom voice? If there ever was such a thing, Dukat's voice was it... rich, vibrant and it made her quiver. She caught herself wanting to hear him say something… Kira nearly gasped when she realized what she was thinking. She wanted to scream, run up from her place of hiding and get out of there and run as fast as she ever had. Not only from Dukat, but from the feelings he provoked in her. Feelings she hadn't know she felt… not about *him*! She kept watching - as if hypnotized - as his hands were slowly moving over his thighs with long, firm strokes, slowly reaching up to his lower abdomen. His mouth was slightly open, and his breath came in rough, short gasps. She nearly moaned when she imagined those hands on the insides of her thighs instead. She could see how he was arousing himself and she almost moaned but bit her lip in time not to let out a sound. Reluctantly she let her hands slide downwards. Her gaze was locked on to him. Watching his every move she slowly pulled the skirt up, over her knees, up to the waist. Watching him made a soft ache spread between her thighs, the dampness there made her almost feel embarrassed. She imagined his slender fingers making their way into her as she started to caress herself. She couldn't help what she was doing. She couldn't *believe* what she was doing. But watching him was the most sensual experience she had ever had in her entire life. The fear suddenly struck her. What if he could smell her? She would die. Kira looked away and quickly pulled her hands away from the aching dampness. Her body was trembling and her cheeks were flushed with both fear, embarrassment and - she admitted to herself - excitement She couldn't stay and she couldn't leave. What was she going to do? *** Part 4 - A PRIVATE MOMENT *** Dukat enjoyed the vivid imaginations his mind was creating. Instead of memories of Kira his mind was now entertaining him with full-fledged fantasies about the stubborn Bajoran female. The most attractive woman he knew. He had always had such a weakness for Bajoran women. That would surely be his downfall someday... He slowly moved his hands to the aching center of his body. He rubbed his thighs and felt the ache get stronger. He imagined that the hands caressing his inner thighs were those of Nerys. His stiffness was pressing against the cloth of his pants, throbbing harder each second. The images of Kira, the strangely overwhelming smell of her, made him incredibly aroused. It had been years since he had indulged himself in such activities. Usually he would just pick up a woman who found him reasonably attractive and then he'd take her back with him to his quarters. But now...? He slowly opened his eyes and wondered to himself if he should put this off long enough to go to Quark's and pick up a Dabo girl or something. Any girl who could release him without him having to degrade himself by doing it by his own hand... But he changed his mind in an instant. Just any woman couldn't satisfy him. Not tonight. She would not be the Major. No woman could be like Nerys. No other woman had her ivory skin, which seemed so smooth and soft. Her wonderful hips, which curved so beautifully beneath her thin waist. And she was all he wanted right now. He wanted her so badly, that he could smell her. And that was enough for the moment. He would let himself go like he did when he was just a teenager. He smiled to himself as he remembered the feverish moments of adolescence, so long ago. It was just as long ago since he had felt like doing something like this, but why not? Why not ease himself? Women were so much trouble sometimes. With no more hesitation he let himself go. He decided to go through with what he had started. He let his hands slide down his body and grab himself outside of the pants. He could feel himself stiffen against his hands and he arched his neck backwards and smiled at the sensation. He started caressing himself the way he really liked it. He pulled down the zipper of his pants as a sweet, strong surge of passion flew through him like a lightning bolt and he pulled himself out of the pants he was wearing. He was swollen and hard and he could feel the neck-ridges fill with blood as his arousal grew stronger. His own scent becoming overwhelming in the air. He didn't bother to suppress the pheromones he released into the air. There was no one there to be embarrassed or affected by it. He leaned back against the window and enjoyed the wonderful feeling of his excitement. He let his other hand slowly slide to grab his testicles and he gasped for breath as he could feel the incredible arousal grow even stronger. Any embarrassment he might have felt about masturbating alone in his quarters was easily dismissed at this point. Right now he was enjoying it more than a sexual act with a woman. As he caressed himself he was bemused at the reaction. He couldn't believe this. It had been years since he was so worked up, even in the company of a beautiful, lovely woman, and yet all he had done now was think about the Major for a short moment - and then there was this *scent*, growing stronger by the second. It was as if it had changed. His imagination was truly vivid this evening he thought to himself. Earlier it had simply been the light smell of her perfume. Now, he felt as if the air was filled with the Major's own pheromones. As if she was there with him, just as overcome by desire as he was. The thought of her being there, watching him, made him stiffen even more and he moaned. // Oh this is good, so good! // he thought to himself. He drew a deep breath and tasted the smell. It was indeed changing. And it was intoxicating to him. It almost made him feel dizzy with desire. His head pressed against the window as he felt passion grow stronger. The smell was driving him crazy. It wasn't as light and sweet as before - no, it was heavier, tougher and more intense. His loins ached for her. His inner mind made up images of the Major, naked, pressing against him, filled with ecstasy, wanting *him*. He could imagine her white skin and what it would look like in the pale starlight. It would be softer than Cardassian cotton, paler than the sands of the beaches at the K'Tar Province. Her nipples would be red, like the Terran cherries he had tasted so long ago. What would she taste like? Like Risean strawberries, sweeter than Bajoran spring wine? Again he drew a deep breath. He could feel the blood run hotter in his veins. His neck-ridges were swollen, almost to the point where it hurt, and he could feel his jaws clench at the intense pleasure he was feeling. Now he wished he had gone for that Dabo girl. To be able to sink into her wet warmth right now, pretending she was the Major, would have been incredible. He could have found some Bajoran woman who resembled Nerys. He could have found some girl with short, auburn hair and a feisty look in her eyes. Some woman with pale, ivory skin and hips like the Bajoran female he was so attracted to. "No", Dukat whispered. "There is no woman like the Major. No one..." and he longed for her touch, her caress. To feel her lips kiss the insides of his thighs... *** Part 5 - WRONG PLACE AT THE WRONG TIME *** Kira struggled with herself. She had pulled down the skirt again. Embarrassed at what she had almost done. But she couldn't move away from where she was sitting. He wasn't that wrapped up in what he was doing. She couldn't stay and watch him. Could she? The tingling sensation grew stronger when she realized the truth - she didn't have much choice. Could she stay there, while he did whatever he had to do and then sneak out while he was asleep? That would seem to be her only option. What exquisite torture - and what irony... If she stayed she would have to have some self-control. She couldn't succumb to the desire she was feeling, and she certainly wasn't going to watch Dukat at a moment like this. She couldn't! It was too private - too electrifying, she had to admit to herself. She knew, that already, she would never look at him the same way she used to before... At this moment of surprise she had let her guard down and admitted to some of her true feelings for the Cardassian. That despite who he was, she had always been *extremely* attracted to him. Which made her hate him even more. That fact gave him a stronghold over her that she didn't like. Kira shook her head silently but her eyes were pulled back, as if by a tangible force, to the wiry man at the window. Her eyes had gotten used to the darkness of his quarters and she could almost see him as clearly in the pale starlight as if it had been daylight. She drank the vision as if she was dying from thirst. He was becoming more wrapped up in his actions and she could see him pull himself out of the pants and watched his hard, pulsating member as he stroke himself up and down along the shaft. She nervously licked her lips. The ache between her legs was becoming unbearable. The scent from him was overwhelming and made her want to get up from where she was sitting. She wanted to ease the pulsating desire. She wanted to join him where he was sitting, that was what she really wanted. Walk over to him. Grab him and place a juicy kiss on his thin lips... She wanted *Dukat*! His movements were slow and determined and his eyes closed. His mouth was slightly open and his features tense with the pleasure he was feeling. Kira could smell the pheromones in the air. She wondered where they came from. From his genitals or from the hard neck-ridges by his throat? They were pulsating so she could almost see it from where she was sitting. Wherever they came from - they made the lubricants flow to the center of her body, making her groin feel warm and horribly empty. Oh, how she wanted to do what he did, caress herself, but she knew if she did, he would hear her immediately. She was not known to be silent when she came… Kira bit her lip as she watched his movements become faster, more determined, and slow down again as he wasn't ready to let go of the desire just yet. Kira pushed her legs together and almost moaned again. She wanted to help him. She wanted to be there to push him closer to the edge. She wanted to be there to enjoy him fully. But he held back at this moment. As if he enjoyed tormenting himself, denying himself of the release that she could see he desperately craved. She envied him that instant. His ignorance of her presence. She *wished* she could have joined him. Kira's breathing was becoming faster, more shallow and she could smell her own excitement in the air. It made her stomach again tingle with a little bit of fear. But it was impossible to push back the arousal she felt as she was watching him. And he might smell her excitement. Cardassians had a good sense of smell. What if he *could* indeed feel her scent in his quarters? Kira asked herself and her heart almost skipped a beat at the thought. What would happen then? The images flooded her mind without warning. Kira nearly gasped when she imagined Dukat lifting his head, looking at her. His hypnotizing gaze would lock on to her eyes. Mesmerizing her. Making her quiver by merely looking at her. His excited features would tense as he realized what she had witnessed. Maybe at first he would be embarrassed or even angry. But then - when he saw her obvious excitement. Her strong desire for him, he would turn to her and take her, and she wouldn't protest. She realized, she would welcome him with great satisfaction... Kira's eyes were locked on the man by the window. She watched him work his way to the release and she whimpered silently when she saw him come. What a sight. Watching him aroused her to no end. She was wet and her sex was pulsating in synchrony with his as he finally reached his climax. //Oh,// Kira thought. // I should have been there… // Suddenly she heard him whisper. "No", Dukat's words filled her mind and made her tremble as if he had touched her. She shivered at the sheer joy of his rich voice, and she had to close her eyes. But then she realized what he was saying.. "There is no woman like the Major. No one..." His words hit her like a fist in the base of her stomach. She couldn't believe she heard what she heard. Did he know she was there? She couldn't stay! *** Part 6 - A SURPRISE AT HAND *** Dukat's limbs shivered from the ecstasy as he felt an incredible release build up in his lower abdomen. And then he came - fiercely. He moaned loudly, grasped at the cool edge of the window, as he felt the waves of pleasure rip through him like a tidal wave again and again. His mind was filled with images of Nerys, writhing with passion underneath him. Her face filled with desire - with love - for *him*! The images, the smell was so vivid that his orgasm was more intense than it had been for a very long time. Her scent stung his nostrils and it was sweet and moist. Pushing its way into his delicate sense of smell, filling his entire mind with erotic images. He sighed when the waves of excitement slowly left him and he opened his eyes. It took a few moments for him to collect himself and to focus his gaze at something. But when he did, he knew without a single doubt in his mind that he was not alone. The scent was too pressing to be something concocted by his imagination. It pierced through his own, rather strong smell. And he knew, however incredible it might seem, that Kira was in his quarters and she had witnessed his actions. Instead of becoming angry or even embarrassed he felt a jolt of excitement run through his veins and he hardened again. But he refused to lead on that he knew she was there. // What is she doing in my quarters? // he wondered. // How could she have gone undetected? - She hadn't,// he reminded himself. He *had* detected her. He had smelled her the very moment he entered the room. But his mind was too preoccupied with the Major for him to realize the scent of her was real. The perfume of her curvy shape had intoxicated his mind and made him... Dukat smiled widely when he again realized she had watched his 'performance'. He wondered how it had made her feel, watching him like that? // Did you get aroused, Major?// he wondered to himself. // Did it make you feel embarrassed? Or even sick? // //No, // he thought. The scent tickling his nose was not of a woman who was sick and it was most certainly not the smell of fear. In fact, the smell made him feel like he wanted to start all over again. He grinned. He wondered how the good Major would feel about *that*. He was tempted to find out. Maybe she wouldn't be able to restrain herself? Maybe she would even come to him? Willingly… Dukat got up from the windowsill and gazed out through the room and he saw her almost immediately. He wouldn't have unless he had known she was there, but he could see her, crouched down behind the sofa. He allowed himself to let his eyes stick to her shape for only a fraction of a second. Her eyes were filled with excitement and passion. A slight glimmer of fear showed up in her eyes as he gazed at her. But he didn't show her that he had seen her. He just turned his head away. He played with the idea to go to her. To adhere to his desire and drag her up into his arms. But he was afraid that it would make her scream or hit him. As he gazed at her for only a short moment he realized she probably needed some time to adjust to the new feelings. Instead of walking over to her, as he would have liked to, he went into the bathroom, closed the door shut behind him and started the shower. // That should give her the courage to sneak out of here, // he thought. // But if she thinks this is the end of it… // Dukat grinned. //…she is sadly mistaken!// *** Part 7 - HUNTER - PREY *** Dukat enjoyed being on the station the following days. He made it a point to run into Major Kira as often as possible. Her embarrassment was obvious to him and he loved seeing the blushing tone of her skin whenever he was around. He was supposed to get back to Cardassia Prime today, but this sudden development in his relationship to Major Kira made him hold off for a few days. Seeing that the Dominion had withdrawn to the Gamma Quadrant after the Romulans had helped the Federation to drive them away, and Cardassia was in negotiations to join the Federation, he saw no reason to leave Deep Space Nine. He was long overdue for a 'vacation' anyway… He grinned. He couldn't find a better way to spend it than to irritate Major Kira. * * * "Hello, Major!" he said and put on his friendliest smile as he entered her office. "Hello… Dukat!" she answered. She didn't look up from the padd she was working on. That in itself told him how uncomfortable his presence made her. "What's the matter Major? Busy?" he asked and leaned over her desk, smiling. Finally she looked up to meet his gaze. He held it steadily and he could see her blushing. As if every moment in his quarters a couple of days ago flooded her mind with unwelcome images. He could see her chest heaving and he couldn't help but smiling even wider. He would love to know what was going on in her mind right now, but he knew she would never tell *him*. If anyone.. "Always too busy for *you*!" she spat and the fire he was used to seeing was back in her eyes. "Why Major… you hurt my feelings. I thought we were - friends?" Dukat's voice was mocking, and the hesitation before the word "friends" didn't escape her and her eyes shrank to two small slits. "We've never been *friends* Dukat - and you know it!" He just smiled at her. "So what can I do for you?" she asked. He almost chuckled when he could see how she mentally kicked herself for phrasing the question the way she did. But he held back on the laughter. However - Dukat couldn't help himself - he had to take advantage of the situation. "Oh, I could think of many things you could do for me - Nerys… " he grinned and leaned forward over her desk. His eyes staying only an inch or so from her face. "Dream on!" she barked and turned her gaze to the padd again, as if she couldn't bear to meet his eyes anymore. Dukat smiled again. "Oh, I've had my share of dreams Major…" He pulled back from the desk and walked around it to get closer to her. Then he lazily leaned against her desk as he was no further from her than a couple of inches. His eyes were glittering with humor. "It is far from as nice as the *real* thing… " "Well, Dukat…" she said and rose from her seat. She leaned forward to look straight into his eyes. Her voice steady - calm, and her eyes cold as ice. "The *real thing* is never going to be an option for *you*!" "Really?" he said. Then he turned around and left her with a puzzled look on her face. // There - that should give her something to think about! // Dukat grinned to himself as he strode out of her office. He could hear a slamming noise against the door, but he didn't allow himself to even flinch. He just laughed. // There goes the padd… // The good Major didn't know it yet. But she had suddenly become his first priority. He never thought Kira Nerys would become 'available' - at least not to him and especially not like this. But the events that took place in his quarters a couple of nights ago made him realize, that maybe - just maybe the good Major wasn't so unattainable to him as he thought she was. He was about to find out. But knowing that the chase was indeed almost as sweet as the final achievement - he wasn't in a hurry. He could afford to wait - to be patient. *** Part 8 - CALLING IN A FEW FAVORS *** Kira's breathing was heavy and she dug her face into her hands as she watched the cracked padd lying on the floor in front of the doors to her office. She had been working on the criminal reports all morning, and now she would have to download the data from the main computer and start all over again. "Damn you, Dukat!" she muttered . Ever since that cursed day when she had to hide from the Klingons, she had had the Cardassian Gul invade her fantasies every waking hour - and sleeping too, she admitted and rubbed her brow. A throbbing headache made itself evident as she sighed and sat down. She ran into him *everywhere* and this last visit… She could have sworn he had only made it to upset her. What had been his official reason for visiting, she asked herself. - None. He had just swaggered into her office, made some teasing remarks and when he was sure that she was sufficiently upset - he had left. She didn't know what had brought on his changed behavior towards her. She was sure, thank the Prophets, that he hadn't seen her that night. He couldn't have, she tried to convince herself. She frowned. No, he *hadn't* seen her. If he had, he would never have let her get out of there without saying anything. Without *doing* anything, she corrected herself. But what was *she* going to do about *him*? He had been on her mind constantly since that day. She hated it. She hated him with a frenzy that almost scared her. But at the same time, she was so tremendously attracted to him and she didn't know what to do to not show it to him. Kira sighed. And suddenly she rose from her chair and left the office. * * * Dukat stood behind one of the bulkheads where he had stopped. Watching her intently without her knowing it. His almost predatorial gaze was locked onto her slender shape as it made its way toward Quark's. He let his eyes feast on her body. After all, she had done the same to him recently, hadn't she? * * * "Quark!" Kira shouted as she entered the bar. It was empty, except from Morn who, as usual, sat silently by the counter, zipping from a glass of Betazoidian Champagne. Its pink color and the sparkling bubbles looked completely misplaced in the heavy glass in his clumsy hands. Kira took in the awkward sight as she turned around to look for Quark. "You little *troll*. Where are you?!" Kira growled angrily. Quark might as well take the benefit of her foul mood this horrible day. He had probably done something to deserve it after all, Kira defended herself as a slight pang of guilt struck her. Quarks cautious gaze met her fiery eyes as he slowly rose from behind the counter. He lifted his hand to slowly rub his lobe, as he often did when he felt somewhat cornered. He had just returned from a business trip to Bajor and this was the first time Major Kira had the chance to talk to him. Quark had hoped she would have forgotten the unfortunate situation with the Klingons the other day. But evidently, it was still vivid in the Major's mind. "What did you do to the Dabo table?!" she shouted and leaned over the counter. From the corner of her eye, she could see Morn slowly slide off his chair and carefully trying to make his way out of the bar without being detected. "Now look what you've done, Major. You drove my best customer away!" Quark complained. Kira leaned closer to the Ferengi and quickly, like a Cardassian sand viper, she reached out with her arm and grabbed a firm hold of Quark's ear. "Don't you try to lie to me your little conniver!" she hissed, as her hand grew steadily firmer around Quark's lobes. "Ouch, Major, you're hurting me! All right, all right. I might have made the Dabo table spin in your favor the other day. But I thought you would be pleased…. " "I don't like cheating and I was almost *killed*!" Quark giggled apologetically and looked at her with puppy-dog eyes. "But you didn't come to any harm, now did you Major?" he said. "You look perfectly fine to me!" "You have *no* idea!" Kira spat and let go of Quark's ear. The short Ferengi quickly straightened and backed away as far from the Major's firm fingers as possible while slowly massaging his lobes with a slight grimace on his face. "You know, Major. That was uncalled for. Ferengi lobes are very sensitive!" he complained. Kira leaned closer to him and stretched her arms out. Quark backed away another inch and realized he had gotten as far from the Major as he possibly could so he lifted his hands in a peace offering gesture. "Okay, okay - so I won't do it again!" "I promise!" he groaned and looked at her with wide, innocent eyes. "You owe me!" "I'll make it up to you! I promise. Anything you want!" Quark moaned. "Anything?" Kira said and leaned closer again. "Anything!" Quark nodded. "Okay!" Kira said. "Then I have a favor to ask of you, but you better not tell *anyone* or you are a very *dead* Ferengi!" And Kira leaned forward as she urged the Ferengi to come closer to her. "Here's what I want you to do!" Quark cautiously leaned closer, carefully protecting his ear with his hands, but with an unmistakably curious look on his troll-like features. "Oh, you want me to…?" Quark said as his eyes widened in a tremendous surprise. "Shhhh!" Kira said. "Not a word! To *anyone*! Or you are dead! You hear me?!" "Yes Major. My lips are sealed!" *** Part 9 - THE ENIGMA *** Dukat could never resist a riddle. And the enigma that was Major Kira Nerys was probably the most irresistible one he had ever come in contact with and he wasn't about to let it go. He followed the feisty Bajoran military advisor to Quark's. His slender body following her along the Promenade, like a lion on the prowl. But he didn't go after her all the way. She'd have blown up if she were to see him now. He'd be clever to stay out of her way for just while, he thought to himself as he saw the angry female grab a positively grueling hold of Quark's sensitive ear. Whatever the Major said, at least she felt *something* for him or else she wouldn't be so offended by his teasing words, causing her temper to flare like this and let the Ferengi suffer from it. . He grinned widely - he owed that bartender a favor. Since that night, he had found out about Kira's visit to Quark's and what caused her flight into his room. He had found out that Quark had been spinning the Dabo tables in Kira's favor, making the Klingons really upset, forcing the Major to seek refuge in his quarters. Nobody else knew where she had fled to of course, but he did and he owed that Ferengi some gratitude. He watched from afar as Kira talked to Quark for a while. Morn came out of the bar with a most disturbed look on his face. Well, Morn *would* be disturbed if someone forced him to leave his favorite spot on the station, Dukat thought. But when Kira was finally done with Quark she left the bar without seeing him. Her face filled with some kind of anticipation and - fear? Now that was a positively intriguing mix of emotions on a woman's face… Dukat grinned as he left. He wasn't about to bother the Major anymore today, but this turn of events had him somewhat puzzled. Curious in fact. Perhaps he'd have to put some pressure on the good bartender to find out more of what the conversation between him and the Major had entailed? But not until he had observed what would happen within the next few days… * * * A week had passed by and Dukat was beginning to become frustrated. It seemed the Major had gone back to her usual self around him, or she was a very good actress. Dukat preferred to believe the latter. To think that he had her within his grasp only a week or so ago and to have let her go. He cursed his self-esteem, his self-assurance. He should have taken her then and there… but - no - he admitted to himself. This last week had had its moments. Like when he literally ran into the Major by Upper Pylon 2 yesterday. He had had to grab a hold of her so that he wouldn't lose his balance. She had been so close, he could see her chest pressing against his armor, and he had wished for a moment that he hadn't been wearing his military uniform. She had looked at him with such passion in her eyes. But only for a brief moment. Then she had regained her composure. Looked at him with those chilling light-brown eyes and challenged him to step aside. "I have work to do, Dukat. So - I suggest you get out of my way!" Smiling, he had left his hands on her shoulders just a second longer than necessary, then he had let go of her and stepped aside with a gracious gesture, inviting her to pass him in the corridor. That was when he had seen that faint smile - that anticipation, and fear in her eyes again. And he wondered what caused her to fear him? She had never done that before. So why start now? Remembering that look on Kira's face Dukat decided it was about time to do something about this. The chase hadn't lost its appeal, but it was time to take the next step. So Dukat steered his steps toward Ops, so that he would be there when the good Major went off duty. He leaned against the wall at Ops, being greeted by Captain Sisko's disapproving eyes as he left. "What are you doing here, Dukat?" Major Kira's voice reached his ears like a sharp needle. He wished she could talk to him in that soft, melodic voice she had always used when she spoke to Ziyal, but it seemed that voice had died with his daughter. "Why, waiting for you of course, Major… " he teased. "Then you'll have to wait. I am going home - alone!" she spat. "So, I take it you are not going to invite me in for a glass of wine and - dinner, then?" he chuckled. Her eyes pierced into his gaze when she uttered a quick and unemotional. "No." "Seriously Major. I would like to take you out to dinner. " "Why, in the Prophets names, would you *ever* want to do that?" she asked. "I would like to talk to you about… " he explained. "We don't have anything to talk about!" "…Ziyal" As Dukat spoke the words he knew they were true. Not just an excuse he made up to spend time with the Major. Even if that had been his primary intention at first. * * * // That vulnerable look in his eyes is going to be my bane! // Kira thought to herself. She hadn't gotten over Ziyal's death herself. So she could very well understand Dukat's difficulties in doing so. But why did he have to turn to her? Why couldn't he talk to somebody else? // Because there *is* no one else, you know that, Nerys! // Suddenly she just gave in. "As long as you are not trying to make a pass at me, then okay, Dukat - I'll have dinner with you!" "Why Major" he chuckled. "Why deprive me of my only joy? What are you afraid of? That you might give in?" His voice was yet again its normal mocking self. The grief had yet again been pushed back, back to the deepest corners of his eyes. There, but not quite visible to just anyone. "Careful Dukat!" she said with a genuine threat in her voice. "We can
talk about Ziyal, but that's it!" // Holy prophets. I am glad he doesn't know all the things I would want him to do.// "Okay! - I guess that's as close to a promise you won't try to seduce me that I'll ever get, huh?" she said with a tired smile. "You know me all to well, Major! So, let me pick you up in about an hour then?" She nodded in agreement and Dukat remained standing outside of Ops as he saw her make her way back to her quarters. He wondered what she would be wearing when he came to pick her up? Something seductive? No, he doubted it. Something prude? No, that wasn't really the major's style either. She would probably be something casual and non-revealing. //Oh, well! At least she agreed to have dinner with me! // Dukat sighed. Then he turned around and started whistling as he left Ops, to go and put something less formal on himself. Maybe it was time the good Major saw him wearing something besides that armor? *** Part 10 - WITHIN THE SERPENT'S GRASP *** Kira couldn't *believe* she had accepted the invitation to dinner that Dukat had offered. But since she had, she didn't have much choice but to follow through on it. She stood in front of the replicator, wondering what she was going to wear this evening. She didn't know what to put on. She didn't want to dress up at all. But she couldn't very well go in her uniform. Dukat would never accept it. Should she wear something really seductive? Just for the fun of it? No, she thought. // That might give Dukat the wrong idea… // But as if by a will of its own she started voicing her instructions to the replicator. A wine-red dress fitting like a second skin. Covered with Denabian crystals. No sleeves and no strings to hold it up, and a pair of shoes to fit with it as well. As the dress appeared in the replicator she pulled it towards her. The material was soft, and thin. It would look like a second skin as she wore it. Her heart pounded and she didn't know why she decided to wear the dress after all. What did she want? Drive Dukat out of his mind? // Yes // she admitted to herself. As her mind started wandering, remembering that evening, her heart began pounding and once again she had to ask herself what she was doing. She dropped the gown on the sofa and turned around to get into the sonic shower. She refused to analyze what she was doing. She just did it. * * * Dukat's heart nearly stopped when Kira showed up at the door to her quarters. He almost grabbed her. He almost pushed her back into her quarters, to be able to do what he had wanted to do for the last couple of weeks. But his curiosity stopped him. // What is she up to? // he wondered and let his eyes swallow her whole. From the high-heeled shoes to the thin, lacy gown which shone in almost the same color as her hair. The Denabian crystals made her look like she was draped in pure light. He was breathless - almost speechless. "Why, Major!" he said. His voice was husky and full of admiration. // How am I going to be able to hide how much I want this woman? // "Don't get your hopes up. I have another date later tonight!" she spat with the tone of voice she had selected exclusively for him. Short, high-pitched and mocking. Dukat closed his eyes for a brief moment, as to not let her see how much her words hurt him. // Is she going to go out with another man to ease the desire *I* have awakened in her? // "Oh, well. I guess I will have to settle for enjoying the efforts you made for another man then." Dukat said. His voice suddenly short and brusque. "Don't enjoy it too much. You wanted to talk about Ziyal?" she said curtly. "Let's go get something to eat first, shall we?" Dukat said, his voice gave away his discomfort at her words. He lifted his arm to offer it to her. Kira reluctantly took it. * * * // His arm against mine. His hip brushing against my hip. The warmth of his arm underneath my fingers. The tingling feeling traveling from my arm to my most secret places…// Kira closed her eyes. Prophets, she hoped Dukat would never - ever - find out that her attitude towards him had changed. // May he never find out how much I desire him! // Kira thought. // How can this be? I *hate* this man! I have *always* hated this man. And yet… - Am I *that* shallow? Has me seeing him like that changed everything? Was that all it took for me to stop hating him and begin wanting him? // Kira took a deep breath and tried to chase away the unwelcome feelings and the uncomfortable thoughts. But her mind wouldn't let her. // No - that's not true. I have *always* desired Dukat. That is why I hate him so much. He is the only Cardassian I have ever wanted. That's why I hate him, because I don't want to see anything desirable about *any* of them! It is so much easier to just hate them - all of them!// Kira swallowed as the truth dawned on her. The experience in Dukat's quarters had merely been the catalyst, the thing needed for her to realize the truth about herself. And now she was about to have *dinner* with him. That was as if the mouse would be inviting the cat over for dinner! "Are you all right, Major?" Dukat's baritone voice cut its way through her thoughts, cradling around her heart like a warm blanket. His voice had always been able to get her off balance. It was as if that voice played on all her emotions at the same time. It had an incredible range and expressed emotion precisely. No one could ever misunderstand what Dukat wanted to express with his voice. If it was sincere? That was another story altogether. He could convey hatred, concern, tenderness and mocking - all as eloquently. Kira pulled her arm away from his as they entered Quark's bar. "I am fine, Dukat. I didn't know you had a taste for Quark's food." Dukat leaned his head back and chuckled. "There are many things you don't know about me, Nerys. And I have a good hand with the Ferengi. He knows better than to serve bad food to me and my guests!" "I am sure he does!" Kira said dryly. Dukat's words made her mind fill with memories of the Occupation. How Dukat always managed to squeeze a little bit more out of her world and her people. How he seemed to enjoy taking advantage of Bajoran women, Bajoran resources and how he could care less for what happened to her people, her land... "Major, what is causing that gloomy face? I hope it isn't me" Dukat leaned forward over the table and smiled at her. Kira pulled back just enough to cause him to smile even more. "Actually it is. I was thinking about the Occupation!" Dukat sighed deeply, tilted his head and looked straight into her eyes. Kira felt as if she was caught in a serpent's stare. His eyes burrowed deep into her mind, into her heart. She had always been able to take that stare before. Why was it different now? "You always had a flair for ruining my mood!" he said. "Can't we put the past behind us for one evening and enjoy each other's company without having to dredge up old, painful memories? Is that too much to ask, Major? I was hoping we could talk about some of the nicer times we had together. I was hoping we could talk about Ziyal." Dukat's voice was tired. And his eyes were almost black from the pain he felt. Kira knew exactly what was going on in his mind. She had no one to talk to - about Ziyal. And neither did he. Kira was sure he hadn't spoken much about his deceased daughter with anyone since that horrible day almost two years ago. So many things had happened since then. So many horrible things. And some good things as well. Dukat *had* changed. She knew that. He was no longer the same man who had been the Prefect of Bajor. He was no longer the same man who had been so devastated with sorrow, when Ziyal died, that his mind had almost been swallowed up by utter madness. He wasn't responsible for Jadzia's' death. And right now - he needed someone to talk to. She was the only one he *could* talk to. Kira almost didn't say it. But she forced the words out of her mouth. "Forgive me, Dukat. I won't do that again." She refused to look him in the eyes. Not until he took one of her hands into his own. His skin was remarkably soft - as if he never had to work hard in his life. // Which is probably true // she thought. His hands were a bit cooler than hers, but not as much as she would have expected. "Why Major, I think this might be the first time you have *ever* apologized to me - about anything… " he said and smiled at her. He didn't sound smug, or mocking. It was just a smile - a smile that traveled all the way up to his eyes. Those unbelievably blue eyes. She was amazed at how well they expressed his feelings when he allowed them to. And she was amazed at how quickly she had managed to make him smile. Only seconds ago, those eyes had been full of sadness as his mind was on his daughter and her tragic death. "Thank you Major!" he said. // Prophets, he could sound so sincere! // She didn't know what to say. She just pulled her hand out of his and folded them in her lap. She didn't want him to see that they were trembling. "Major Kira - and Gul Dukat… " Quark's voice sounded amazed as he trotted up to their table. Kira's head flew up to the Ferengi and warned him to make any stupid comments. "… er… what can I do for you tonight?" "I would like a really spicy Hasperaat and a bottle of Bajoran Spring Wine. What about you Major?" "I'll have the same, thank you!" she said. Anything to get rid of Quark as quickly as possible. "Anything else?" Quark was his normal hospitable self. "No, thank you Quark. You can leave now!" Kira said between her teeth. Quark just looked at her and then he scurried off. "Now, that wasn't very nice, Major!" Dukat said with a wide grin on his lips. "If I didn't know better I would think you didn't *like* Quark… " Kira couldn't help it. She had to smile too. Soon they were both laughing and Kira finally felt herself relax, just a little bit. * * * When Quark came back a while later, he was not only carrying their food but also a data crystal, which he handed over to Kira with a sly smile. "Ahem… Major. I have managed to fulfill your latest order. Here it is. I thought you might need it tonight?" Kira could have killed him. "This *couldn't* wait?" she said. "Well, Major. I thought you would be pleased. After all, you have been asking for it rather frequently the last few days. I was hoping to make your evening just a little bit more pleasurable." "What is that?" Dukat asked, his voice more curious than usual. Kira felt her heart pounding and she *really* wanted to kill Quark right then and there. That *stupid* Ferengi! "Nothing you need to concern yourself with" Kira answered. She wished she had had a bag to put the crystal in. Or a pocket. For lack of a better place, she tucked it away in her bra. Dukat's eyes followed her movements with amusement and sincere interest. "I take it that is a holo-suite program?" he said with a smile. "Yes" she couldn't very well lie right in his face, now could she? He had already seen the crystal, there was no point in trying to hide the truth. That would only make him more curious. "What is it? I thought you despised holo-suite programs as much as I do." Dukat said. "Jadzia made me enjoy them a bit." Kira said and hoped that the mere mention of Jadzia Dax'' name would be enough to make Dukat forget about the crystal and talk about something else. A fruitless hope, as it appeared. "Is it entertainment? Do you wish to try it out right now?" "No, Dukat. This is very personal. I'd rather not talk about it." "Oh, I see… " Dukat's voice sounded like he had a major revelation and Kira looked at him suspiciously. He leaned back in his chair and folded his hands. Then he leaned his fingers against his lips in an all too familiar gesture. His mind was at work. "Don't get that perverted mind of yours going!" Kira warned. "Me?" Dukat's face showed perfect innocence. "I did nothing of the sort. However… now that you mention it. Perhaps it *is* something perverted?" Kira was speechless as she felt her cheeks redden at Dukat's intense glare. *** Part 11 - RECREATIONAL REPERCUSSIONS *** Kira relaxed as she sat down on the blanket. It was great to take this, much needed, vacation from Gul Dukat's intense stares and his relentless pursuit of her. She didn't know what to do other than to try and sneak away for a while. Thankfully Captain Sisko had given her some time off so she could indulge in some R&R. Kira drank the clear air and the wonderful smell of Bajoran lilacs. The water was glimmering in the sunset and she leaned back on the blanket she had spread on the grass, only a few meters away from the river's shore. It was a very long time ago since she had given herself the time to visit the Holana River on Bajor. And now she felt glad that she did, it made her relax, and only the Prophets knew how much she needed *that*. This was one of the most beautiful spots on the entire planet and it was what she needed. The lush green, the sparkling water, the scent of the flowers - it made all her worries disappear. She savored the moment - and enjoyed getting away from it all, even if it was for just a short while. Kira reached out to the basket she had brought. It was full of food and drink. Two loafs of bread, some Hasperaat and the usual Bajoran Spring Wine. A big Larish Pie // One of the few redeeming qualities of Cardassia…// Kira smiled to herself. There was also a couple of Moba fruits. If she were to eat it all by herself she'd burst… but she hadn't known how long she was planning on staying. And right now, after sitting here for nearly two hours, reading a novel and just lazily sitting there she was ready to eat something. The sudden shimmering and unmistakable humming sound of a transporter interrupted her as she was about to grab a plate. Kira turned around and sighed deeply.
"Ah! There you are, Major! I could almost believe you are trying to avoid me!" Dukat's voice was full of mischief, as he knew that was *exactly* what she was trying to do! "I should have known you would track me down!" Kira said with a loud sigh. "The question is why?" "Oh, I heard you were taking a few hours off to relax and I thought you wouldn't mind some company?" Dukat strolled off in her direction and - uninvited, of course - he sat down beside her on the blanket and started poking around in the basket. Kira turned around and looked straight into the Cardassian's glittering eyes. "Actually, Dukat, I *do* mind! The fact is I went here *specifically* to avoid you!" Kira was not about to show how much she enjoyed taunting him. These verbal matches between them had become an almost - enjoyable - habit. "Oh, you are very good at hurting my feelings, Major." Dukat put his hand on his chest with a theatrical expression of pain in his face. "I thought you would *enjoy* my company. We could share this pic-nic. There is more than enough food for the both of us." "All right, Dukat!" Kira couldn't help but smiling. "But only if you promise to leave me alone when I ask you to go." "Major" Dukat said and leaned forward, far beyond the borders of her personal space. His face was so close he could almost kiss her if he'd have wanted to. "You have my word." Kira nearly gasped for breath. Anticipation flooded her veins. They were here, alone. Nobody would disturb them and she wondered how far Dukat would actually go? She admitted to herself that she felt an incredible excitement at the prospect of Dukat actually trying to make good on his long time promise to seduce her. She *had* been looking forward to that. And now - perhaps - Dukat would actually do it? It was a perfect opportunity. But she wasn't about to make it easy for him. "Okay, Dukat. Let's eat!" Kira emphasized the word *eat* as she stretched her hand out to push him away. He wasn't wearing his armor, but a thin, black tunic which revealed that his body was thinner than she had thought. She had always imagined him to be a bit more muscular, but his body was slender - very well proportioned - but thin. The warmth of his chest underneath her fingers made her pull her hand back quickly and stare intensely down on the food in the basket. She had felt the alien feeling of his chest ridges underneath her sensitive palm and she brushed her hand against her leg to get rid of the sensation. It was as if her entire body was made out of nerve-endings. His presence was electrifying. Dukat just smiled at her. Then he reached for a plate and with a gesture of chivalry he placed a generous piece of hasperat on the plate and handed it over to her. "As you wish, Major!" She took the plate. Her hands were shaking and she looked at Dukat with hesitation. He sat there - relaxed as usual - and Kira couldn't help but be amazed at how perfect he looked. In every detail. His movements, his voice - everything. The effect he had on her… Kira's thoughts were suddenly interrupted by Dukat, who began to speak. "So, Major. Why did you choose this spot for your relaxation? It seems to me, this is a very romantic spot. So why would you want to go here all alone?" Dukat looked at her with a predatory smile. As if he would like to volunteer to make this spot even more romantic. "It's beautiful and it is a place - one of the few places actually - that I remember from my childhood. My parents used to take me here before my mother was... " Kira silenced as she remembered what had happened to her mother and Dukat's part in it. She got up from the grass and couldn't believe what she had been thinking only seconds ago. // I was hoping that he would seduce me! After *all* that he has done? // "That was a very long time ago, Nerys!" he said mildly. Kira jumped as she felt his hands on her shoulders. He had come up behind her so silently that she hadn't noticed. Kira turned around and looked into Dukat's pale-blue eyes. "This spot holds my most treasured memories from childhood, that's all. I always go here when I need to relax" she said and ignored his reference to Meru and what had happened between him and her mother so long ago. Dukat's grip on her shoulders became tighter and she was mesmerized - caught - in his gaze. She couldn't look away however much she would have wanted to. Then he leaned forward, she could feel his breath on her lips and the warmth from his body... Kira felt herself relax and she gave in to the feelings he provoked in her. Her hands slid up his back and into his the jet-black hair. It was softer than she had imagined, like silk running through her fingers. She wanted him to kiss her. To feel if his lips were warm and soft against hers. To feel his body close to her own. She sighed when she felt the rush of excitement that engulfed her as his lips came even closer, his breath touching her overly sensitive mouth. It was amazing and yet… "Sisko to Kira!" Her communicator chirped. She pulled out of Dukat's warm embrace and tapped it to respond. "Major Kira here" "I am sorry to disturb you, Major. But Gul Dukat is here looking for you. He says it is urgent" Oh, that was so typical. Kira did what she could to gain control of her breathing. "Computer, freeze program!" she said. "I'll be right there Captain, Kira out!" "Typical!" she repeated. She could always count on *Dukat* to disturb her! She took a good look at the holo-creation of the Cardassian Gul and regretted not being able to go through the entire program before being interrupted. "Oh, well. My *own* Dukat. I'll be back to end what we just started here in a while!" she said and put her hand to his chin. It felt so real. So amazingly perfect. The replica was a stunning copy of the real Cardassian Gul and Kira felt a pang of disbelief at what she was about to do. But she'd rather do that, than sleep with the real Dukat. "At least I'll get rid of the desire I feel" she murmured, and suddenly felt an understanding for those who enjoyed the more physical aspects of the holocharacters. She had always condemned people who sought comfort in the arms of a holocharacter, and she had never done so before in her life. But now? She could understand them. "Computer, save program!" Kira said and Dukat and the Holana River disappeared, leaving only the characteristic chequered pattern of the holoemitters in their place. Then she exited the holosuite to see what Dukat wanted. To tell the truth, she felt a bit awkward to meet him after what had just happened in the holosuite. But she didn't have much choice but to go see him. *** Part 12 - INVESTIGATION PROCEDURES *** When Dukat woke up that morning his mind was filled with memories from the evening before. He felt puzzlement at how abruptly it had ended. Kira had become upset with him and she had eaten her food in a couple of minutes sharp. Then she had gotten up to leave. He wasn't sure if it was something he had said - or if it had something to do with that holoprogram. She had seemed positively disturbed when she had received it in his company the night before… Dukat rose from the bed and went to get ready. He surely would find out what exactly had happened the night before. Even if it meant calling in a few debts where Quark was concerned. He knew the Ferengi had more information on this than the Major would have preferred… Quark's position on the station was somewhat unique and considering his origin, the bartender was amazingly discreet. Or maybe not? Blabbing about his customers would be bad for business, after all. Dukat grinned. And telling anyone about Kira's doings would be bad for survival… but Dukat knew how to handle Quark. He would get the information he wanted - one way or the other. * * * This - patience - he had been showing since that day in his quarters were beginning to wear him down. And as he was making his way to Quark's quarters he had made up his mind. Today - tonight - was the night when he would finally seduce Major Kira. He stopped at Quark's quarters and pressed the communicator. No answer. Dukat was growing impatient as he kept waiting. "Quark!" he shouted. No answer. "Quark! I know you're in there! Wake up - you night-carousing, lazy Ferengi! Open the door!" Finally there was a muffled sound of bare feet on the floor and the doors to the
bartender's quarters slid open as he finally managed to yawn a sleepy: But he abruptly woke up when he saw who was standing outside his doorstep. "Dukat? What can I do for you this morning?" Quark's eyes were blinking at the strong light in the corridor and his face looked a little weary, as if the night before had really gotten the better of him. "Morning?" Dukat said in a mocking tone. "To most it is lunch time!" "Oh, whatever!" The short Ferengi stifled another yawn and waved impatiently with his hand at the Cardassian Gul. "Tell me what you want so I can go back to sleep. We had a bet going to the wee small hours of the night yesterday. You only saw the beginning of it before you and the Major cut your evening so short! O'Brien actually beat the Doctor at darts yesterday! I won a fair amount of latinum on that bet!" Quark's rubbed his hands in a very pleased manner. Suddenly he didn't seem so tired anymore. "I don't care if you made 200 *bars* of latinum. I want you to do me a favor!" The words were not a request, it was an order. Uttered by the former Prefect of Bajor and Quark knew better than to protest. The Ferengi's features became calculating and he tilted his head. "Oh, what kind of favor would that be?" Dukat moved further into the room and the doors slid shut behind him. "I want to know what the holo-program Major Kira got yesterday is!" Quark's features became tense and suspicious. // He looks a bit uncomfortable… // Dukat noted. "What concern is that of yours, Dukat?" he said. "Oh, I can think of many things. But she had me really intrigued yesterday. The way she blushed and barked at you for coming over while we were having dinner." "Yeah, well. That might not have been the smartest thing I ever did!" Quark admitted and started rubbing his ear as he always did when he got nervous. "So, Quark. Come on now. Tell me." "There's nothing *to* tell. It was a program of entertainment for the Major. Nothing of importance. Could I interest you in a Risean holo-suite program instead? Come here and I will show you. " Quark made an effort to move further into his quarters, but was stopped by Dukat before long. The much taller Cardassian grabbed a hold of Quark and lifted him high up in the air, slamming him against the bulkhead of the station. The Ferengi's bony head made an unpleasant thump against the metal. "Ouch!" he cried out. "I am not interested in any Risean holo-programs. I despise holo-suite programs. They are false and uninteresting! I want to know about Major Kira and her program - and you are going to tell me!" Dukat said and leaned his head into Quark's face. Dukat's eyes were narrow slits and his mouth a thin line. His jaws clenched and he knew it was only a matter of time before the cowardly bartender would give in to his threats. "All right, all right Dukat. Put me down!" Quark said, his voice quivering, as he tried to get Dukat to loosen his grip around his throat. Dukat growled contentedly and put the Ferengi down, loosening his grip just enough to allow Quark to breathe. "Tell me!" "It should be worth at least a few slips of latinum to you?" Quark said, trying to save face. . "After all I will be doing both you and the Major a favor!" Dukat tilted his head and looked intensely at Quark. // Doing us *both* a favor? // Dukat thought. // Now, *that* sounds intriguing… // "All right Quark. I'll give you two slips of latinum. But that means you tell me *everything*!" "Five!" the Ferengi offered. "Two slips - don't push your luck!" Dukat said and squeezed just a little bit harder until tiny drops of sweat became visible on the Ferengi forehead. "Okay, enough already! Would you just let me go? *Please*.!" Quark hissed and started kicking with his short legs. "At least I am awake now, thanks to you!" He tried to sound offended - just enough to save face and not really let slip how scared he was of Dukat. "Major Kira came to see me last week, the day after that Klingon brawl - and asked me a somewhat delicate favor… " the Ferengi began. "And that was?" Dukat pushed. "Er… well, you see, she wanted a very specific program. Holosuite program you know… the one I gave her… " "Yes!" Dukat's voice was beginning to sound impatient. "Awww… " Quark moaned. "What am I going to tell the Major? She'll have my head on a plate!" "Quark… " Dukat said and pressed his hands against Quark's neck just a little bit harder. Quark coughed and hesitantly continued: "Well, the specifics of the program was that it would include a certain river on Bajor. A very romantic place and very Bajoran. The Holana River if I am not mistaken… and… a certain Cardassian male…the specifics of the program were rather particular." Quark stopped talking and looked up at the Gul. "And what was the program to be about?" Dukat asked. "That's just it. You know there are some people who want really good replicas of people.. good enough to be able to have - er - physical relationships with the holocharacters… " "And that is what Major Kira requested?" Dukat said - a wide grin appearing in his Cardassian face. Then he asked Quark - although he already knew what the answer would be. "Who was the Cardassian in the program?" Quark rubbed his hands again, nervously this time. "Major Kira will *kill* me!" Dukat looked at him with a smile. "I will kill you if you *don't* tell me!" "It was you… the Cardassian in the program was to be - you! " Quark said. "Although I cannot understand why the Major would want that…." Dukat looked at Quark with black eyes and the Ferengi quickly said. "I mean it is obvious that you are attracted to her and that she could have the *real* thing… " Dukat threw two slips of latinum on a table and left without another word. *** Part 13 - EXCUSES AND ADMISSIONS *** Kira stopped at the entrance to the holosuite and put a lock on it. With any luck she'd be able to calm down before meeting the real Dukat and also be rid of him in a few minutes so she could go back to the program. She knew this was sick. But she knew without a shadow of a doubt that if she didn't get this *desire* out of her system soon, she'd jump on Dukat in a corridor, like a Cardassian Vole in heat. And she definitely did *not* want to do that. She was sure Dukat would enjoy it immensely - but she sure wouldn't. At least not the part *afterwards* she thought with an ironic smile. Just the thought of having his slender body against her. Hearing him moan with pleasure in her arms… A shot of desire struck through her body and she stopped outside the holosuite, leaning against the doors, which slid shut behind her, trying to catch her breath. // Prophets, Nerys! Calm down or you will make a fool out of yourself! // Right about now that didn't seem like a bad idea. Making a fool out of herself by jumping on Dukat… She drew another deep breath, pulled the sleeves of her uniform down and ran her fingers through her hair. She licked her lips and put on a very stern face. // Remember what he's done. That'll cool you down, Nerys! // she told herself. But somehow the images of the Prefect of Bajor speaking to her people changed into just an ordinary man, a Cardassian male, sitting by a table at Quark's. Eyes filled with a pain no one but a parent who lost their child could quite comprehend. Or to the image of that slender shape sitting by the window in his own quarters, his face stern with a loneliness she had never imagined Dukat would feel. She remembered the images of him sitting in the Brig of Deep Space Nine, condemned a war criminal, waiting to be shipped off to Earth to be sentenced. She remembered all the events that had lead to Dukat being here right now in the first place. After killing Jadzia, the Pah-Wraith had left him and Dukat had run off to parts
unknown. But after that - he had returned to Deep Space Nine with information - much
needed to get rid of the Dominion. He had managed to help them convince the Vorta that The
Founders were not Gods and there had been an uprising among the Vorta and the Jem'Hadar. Kira frowned. What was she doing? Trying to justify Dukat's actions? Or was she in the process of forgiving him? How could she do that? The man who had killed thousands of her people? But he *had* changed! Wasn't it a good thing if she could forgive him? // Yes, Nerys, it is okay to *forgive* him but to fall in *love* with him? // Kira almost jumped at the word. // Who said anything about *love*? // Kira stopped as she was climbing down the stairs at Quark's, leaving the upper floor where the holosuites were located. She swallowed hard. Then she clenched her jaw and kept going. Just a slip of the mind… nothing more. So where was Dukat anyway? "Computer - locate Gul Dukat" "Gul Dukat is in his quarters" "Kira to Gul Dukat" "Dukat here" his rich voice responded momentarily. "Ah, Major, what can I do for you?" "The question is what you want. You called for me, remember?" "Ah, yes. It is not a pressing matter. I assured Captain Sisko he didn't have to locate you when I heard that you were - busy." // Is it my imagination or was he chuckling? As if he *knew* what I was doing? Prophets! Stop being so paranoid, Nerys! // she told herself. But she couldn't stop her heart from beating harder. "Well I might as well see you now since Sisko *did* locate me!" Kira concluded and tapped her badge. She made her way over to Dukat's quarters. She didn't particularly want to go there but didn't have much choice. He'd really wonder why she didn't want to come unless she had a very good reason. She had been to his quarter many times before when he was running the station. When he had lived in Captain Sisko's quarters… She pushed the communicator to Dukat's quarters. "Enter" His voice was muffled behind the doors. Then they slid open. She nearly gasped when they parted. He sat by the window, at the exact same spot he had done the other night when she had watched him. His quarters were dimly lit, and he lifted his head with a slight smile at her. "Oh, I forgot, you Bajorans want more light… I am sorry Major. I don't know *where* my manners are… " He smiled again and then he said: Kira did what she could to make her heart stop beating so fiercely. She swallowed and managed to get her voice in order. "Thank you Dukat." "You're welcome. " He stretched his legs and put his hands on his thigh, as if unaware of it. Kira
couldn't take her eyes off him any more now than she had been able to a couple of days
ago. Her heart was pounding and a growing ache was becoming evident in the pit of her
stomach. // Prophets, he is magnificent! Has he got *any* idea what he's doing to me? // Kira licked her lips and said: "So why were you looking for me?" "Oh, nothing that couldn't wait. But now that you are here…" He uncoiled from the window and his wiry body moved with predatory elegance as he came closer to her and looked at her. He had a way of always getting too close for comfort when he was talking to someone. As if he focused entirely on the person in his company. She was caught in his gaze, like a fly before a spider. "Yes?" Kira said. Her voice was husky and she tried to clear her throat. "Oh Major. I hope you are not coming down with a cold" he said with a slight smile. Then he turned around with his back at her. She noticed he seemed a bit uncomfortable. // Well he must be totally cold-blooded not to feel the electricity between us… // Kira admitted to herself. It was almost tangible - as if sparks were flying in the air. Kira could feel her lips tingling. Longing for Dukat to give her the kiss that his counterpart in the holosuite was just about o give her when he interrupted her program. "What I wanted to talk to you about, was something of a very personal nature. There are a lot of half-caste children on Cardassia since the Occupation of Bajor." He silenced and kept looking out on the stars before he continued. "Some of them are very religious and miss a place where they can go. So I have some plans - and I would very much appreciate your personal opinion on them" Dukat turned around. Yet again his eyes were dark. The pupils were almost fully dilated. Kira couldn't look away. "What kind of plans?" "I wanted to build a Bajoran temple on Cardassia. In memory of Ziyal… " he said. Kira didn't know what to say. When she had finally started believing she knew this man, he did something else to totally catch her off guard. *** Part 14 - THOSE BIG BROWN EYES*** "I love to look into your big brown eyes Deuces Are Wild - Aerosmith "Big Ones" Dukat watched the shock on Kira's face as she entered his quarters. He had purposefully lowered the lights to a comfortable level for a Cardassian and then he had placed himself by the window, in the exact position he had been when he - made his performance - the other night. Deliberately he teased her, just to see how she would react. He realized he had caught her at the exact right moment. She must have gotten *involved* with his counterpart, because she looked at him as if he was good enough to eat. She tried to hide it of course, but didn't succeed very well. He chuckled inside. Oh, she *did* want him. It felt so good not being alone - feeling like that anymore. And she would have him - eventually. He had talked to Sisko and asked him to page Major Kira for him. Sisko had reluctantly done so, even though he had told the Captain it wasn't necessary. He was glad that Sisko had obliged though. He couldn't help but smile as he uncoiled from the window and walked towards Kira. She looked at him as if he was… a delicacy she hadn't eaten in months. A surge of need shot through his body and he turned away from her. He had indeed something important to talk to her about. Nothing urgent - but important. So he began speaking, ignoring the longing he felt, using the most pleasant tone of voice he could. He knew many women enjoyed his voice. And he was about to give Major Kira a full display of how really nice it could sound if he wanted it to. The desire he felt for her gave it an even richer tone. So he told her what had been on his mind - told her about the Bajoran Temple on Cardassia and then he turned around just to watch her jaw drop. He smiled at her. Knowing her, she probably thought he had brought her there only to taunt her. To be perfectly honest, he couldn't blame her. He had been doing a lot of that the last few days… He watched her as she tried to regain her composure. "That is a… very nice idea. I never expected something like that from you!" she admitted. "You know Major. I have changed. These last few months have been an eye-opener to me…" He fell silent and Kira looked at him with those big brown eyes and he nearly forgot what he was going to say. // That is a rare occurrence indeed // he thought with a self-ironic smile. He wanted to lean forward, to pull her slender shape into his arms. He wanted to kiss her and touch her, he wanted to drive her crazy with desire, like no man had ever done before. And he was going to do just that. But not yet. He had to get through to her first - to let her know that his change was genuine. "Would you like something to drink?" he asked abruptly and moved over to the replicator. Kira nodded and he ordered a raktajino. "You know me better than I'd like you to!" she muttered as he handed her the cup of hot Klingon coffee. Dukat grinned. "I'd like to know you a whole lot better, Major" he purred and let his hand touch the back of hers as he let go of the cup. He stood close to her, as was Cardassian custom. As usual it seemed to make her a bit uncomfortable and she moved back slightly. She bit her lip and it turned into a dark red color that was totally delicious. Oblivious to his desire she watched him as he extended his arm in a gesture to invite her to sit down on his couch. She didn't respond to his comment. Instead, she put the cup on the table and fell onto the sofa as if her legs just went limp. Dukat smiled again and strode around the table and sat down next to her with his own cup of hot red-leaf tea in his hands. She stiffened as his arm brushed against hers, but she didn't say anything. He was thoroughly enjoying the moment. He leaned back on the sofa and took a sip from the cup - then he started talking. "You know when Ziyal… died…" he still had trouble accepting the fact that his beloved daughter was actually gone forever "… I temporarily lost my mind." That too, was a difficult admission, but he had to do this right or she wouldn't listen to him, and more importantly, she wouldn't believe him. Kira laughed. It was a short, humorless laugh. "Tell me about it!" she spat. "If you allow me to. That's exactly what I am about to do, Major!" he said mildly. She looked up at him over the rim of her cup as she blew on it. It was too hot to drink. Her eyes were fixated on him when she said. "I'm sorry, Dukat. Go on." As he began to tell the story to her, he relived each moment in his own mind. "When Ziyal had died, I felt like I had died with her. I merely *existed* through those days in what felt like a black hole. It seemed there was no way out. No way around the emptiness I felt. Nothing mattered any more. The doctors gave me a clean bill of health after a while. When the worst was over. When I had stopped huddling in a corner, crying. They pronounced that my mind was all right again." He paused and looked her straight in the eye. Remembering that time in his life was tough. Some of it was a total blur. "They were so wrong. I had begun hallucinating. All the people I ever respected or the people I ever hated surrounded me in every waking moment. So, when I rescued Sisko" He looked up at Kira and saw the disbelief in her eyes. He put down the cup of tea
and rose. He started pacing. Dukat fell silent but Kira didn't open her mouth. After a while he stopped by the window and stared at the stars. "Images of you, Weyoun, Sisko and Damar followed me wherever I tried to go. You were all mocking me, telling me what a coward and a traitor I was. Then I was possessed by that Pah-Wraith and managed to kill Jadzia Dax." Dukat rubbed his forehead and let his finger rest in the shallow dip of his meshavar. A splitting headache was emerging. But he had to do this. He had to get through to Kira. If he couldn't get through to her everything that he had done, everything he was going to do wouldn't matter. It would all be in vain. "At one time I nearly killed myself. No, I don't say that for you to pity me!" he said and looked sternly at Kira. "It is just a statement of fact. But then I realized that if I *did* kill myself I'd be gone forever. And all that would remain of Dukat would be the memory of a cruel madman. The Prefect of Bajor - the one who murdered Jadzia Dax - the man who murdered countless Bajorans during the Occupation. And I didn't want that. I still don't want that. So I began admitting some of the mistakes I have made. I began realizing some rather ugly truths about myself and my people." Dukat silenced for a while again and Kira watched him. She didn't say a word. Which, in itself, was rather amazing, Dukat admitted. Normally she wouldn't listen to him. She never before *wanted* to listen to him as he tried to explain or excuse himself. Now those big, wonderful brown eyes were locked onto him as he was telling the story of his change. "I realize what was wrong. I have never admitted to myself, to Ziyal or to anyone that I was responsible for what happened during the Occupation. I never realized that my need for power was greater than my care for life. Bajor and the Bajorans - they were only a vehicle for me. A vehicle to be able to climb the power-ladder of Cardassia. Once I realized that I had to do something to be able to forgive myself. So far, I haven't really been able to do that. But doing something for the Bajorans, for the Federation - for you and for the others on Deep Space Nine would be a beginning. The information I gave Captain Sisko about the Dominion was only the beginning, Nerys!" For the first time, she opened her mouth. "That's good, Dukat. That's very good. I still don't know if this means I could ever forgive you. I might want to, but I don't know if I *can*. I don't know if it is my place to forgive you." Kira said. Dukat stopped staring out through the window and came back to sit beside her. "At least you're listening now. You never used to listen to me before… " he said and put a hand on her thigh. He could feel her tension through the red cloth of her uniform. Then he leaned forward to put his cool grayish Cardassian hand on her soft Bajoran cheek. His thumb caressed her skin softly. Gently he pulled her towards him, their eyes locked and it was as if the surroundings just evaporated. There was only the two of them - she and him. He could feel her breath on his face. Warm, sweet and intoxicating. Dukat couldn't stop himself, he leaned closer and then he kissed her. At first her lips against his felt hard and unwilling, but only seconds after they met, she softened against him and he let his tongue enter her mouth. // Oh, how I have longed for this! // he admitted to himself as he let go of all the painful memories of the past few months and just let himself be absorbed by the warm caress of her lips against his. He let himself fully enjoy the desire that built inside him as her tongue met his in a delicate dance. Then he felt her arms coil around his broad neck and pull him closer. Her soft torso pressed against him and he moaned silently. "Oh, Nerys…" He let his arm slide up along her back and into her hair. The short, auburn curls felt soft to the touch and he gently pressed her closer to him as the kiss deepened. Her soft moan against his mouth nearly drove him mad. He wanted her. He wanted her so much it hurt. "Oh Prophets! What am I doing?" Kira's small, soft hands pushed him away with force. Then she sprung up from the sofa and stared at him in disbelief. "Is *that* what this is all about?" she shouted. "All your pretty speeches and verbose promises to become a good ally to me, to Bajor and the Federation. It is all a ploy to *seduce* me!" Dukat rose from the couch and stared back at her. His eyes filled with the same disbelief. "No!" he shouted. "No! I meant every word. Damn it Nerys! Can't you for *once* in your life give me the benefit of the doubt? I kissed you because I wanted to. I kissed you because I *needed* to! But that doesn't mean that all I said was a *lie*!" Kira spun around and left him standing in the middle of his quarters wondering what really happened. *** Part 15 - SOULSEARCHING *** Kira ran out of Dukat's quarters. She was ready to scream. She was ready to cry. She was ready to - go back into those quarters and take what he offered her! She wanted him with an intensity that rendered her speechless. It was as if |