full_of_wrath | court martial

Marcus hasn't arranged for Khan to be present, precisely, but is demanding a series of reports be turned in that afternoon, as well as that they sit down for a briefing. So, when the court martial proceedings run late, it's natural that he slip into the audience to wait them out for his Admiral and captor to be sprung.

He nearly trips down the steps when he sees who's standing up in front of the panel, and reevaluates how exactly this afternoon is going to play out. Khan slinks into one of the chairs adjacent to the aisle, settling down with his long legs stretched out, resplendent in his Starfleet uniform, commanders' insignia and all.

Not quite as highly ranked as Kirk, he notices quickly, even though the man has yet to turn around.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

From:

kobayashiwhatnow

Kirk had known Khan was working with Starfleet. With, not for. There's a distinction. Thousands of people work with Starfleet while maintaining their own loyalties.

But when he sees Khan his eyes still widen, his movement still noticeably hesitates.

Pike pulls him into place and he gives his testimony.

From:

full_of_wrath

When he hears what Kirk is being disciplined for, he actually has to muffle a laugh behind a cough, which makes Marcus look over at him and a few of the other military men besides. He excuses himself politely, and sinks deeper into his lazy sprawl, obviously watching the proceedings without much concern.

From:

kobayashiwhatnow

Kirk looks at him, too, not sure what to make of the reaction. He's off the hook in the end anyway, and slips away.

But he'll be at Khan's apartment waiting outside.

From:

full_of_wrath

Khan makes it back after his meeting, still looking tall and posh and lean in his blues.

When he sees Kirk, he draws up tall and provides him with a wry, formal salute.

From:

kobayashiwhatnow

Kirk can't help a smile.

"Is that how it's going to be? Because I don't go for that on my own ship."

From:

full_of_wrath

"What can I say? I'm a slut for authority."

He answers, smiling wider now.

"Come in. I hear you've kept your ship?"

From:

kobayashiwhatnow

"Yeah, miraculously."

Even he can admit it was a close call, because of how young he is. He steps inside, laughing.

"I thought I was going to choke when I saw you in the audience."

From:

full_of_wrath

"I should be the one saying that. After all, I saw you down at the front, in command gold. Outranking me, pretty smuggler."

Which actually delights him. Mostly because the other option would be feeling sickly betrayed, and Kirk didn't know.

From:

kobayashiwhatnow

Kirk laughs, a little self-effacing.

"Yeah, be careful who you call me that around, I'm always a step away from another court martial."

From:

full_of_wrath

"I couldn't help but notice that you were a little rebellious in there."

Nudging him, to get him up the stairs to Khan's apartment.

From:

kobayashiwhatnow

"Yeah, most of Starfleet Command isn't that fond of me."

Just Pike, really. Pike is enough, thank God for Kirk's career.

He turns and takes the steps two at a time, and waits for Khan at his door.

From:

full_of_wrath

"Maybe I'll take the opportunity tonight to beat some discipline into you."

He offers, contentedly.

From:

kobayashiwhatnow

Jim grabs Khan's sides, pulls him in and kisses him.

"You can try."

He would really, really like it if Khan did.

From:

full_of_wrath

"I'm in the mood to hit someone who won't say 'stop.'"

He admits, hands resting on his hips, looking him over contemplatively.

From:

kobayashiwhatnow

"And I'm in the mood to brawl with someone who isn't doing it to try to kill me."

Jim slides his hand up Khan's chest.

"Or did you mean you wanted someone to take every blow with a smile?"

Because he can do that, too.

From:

full_of_wrath

"Why don't I subdue you, and we find out?"

Is what tickles his fancy, currently.

From:

kobayashiwhatnow

Kirk lifts his hands, a 'come at me' invitation.

"Let's find out."

From:

full_of_wrath

Khan's tongue darts out to wet his bottom lip, and then he rushes him dragging him up the rest of the steps and to, then through his door, into the little flat.

From:

kobayashiwhatnow

Because they'd agreed to make this a subduing scene, Kirk starts fighting back the second they're inside. He brings his arms down hard to try to break out of Khan's grasp, wrenching himself backward.

From:

full_of_wrath

He gives him a shove to get him moving, letting him go. The point is the scrabble, so he wants to give him just enough of a headstart that he can chase.

"Don't get into any trouble, now."