@fasciinating
THE KNOWLEDGE THAT Khan’s orders were to bring him harm cuts through his thoughts like a hammer. quickly collapsing the great walls Spock had erected to protect himself from whatever excuses he’d so grievously miscalculated would be the argument’s response. with rapid effect, his eyelashes flutter, lips parting. Spock looks at Khan and it is apparent the news is a blow he had not expected. perhaps, it was a test. an assessment of his loyalties, to which Khan has most certainly failed. quickly then, Spock agrees, nodding slowly. their plans will have to be accelerated; an unfortunate setback against their many months of formulated design. but Khan is right. & quite viscerally so — they cannot remain here if their combined weaknesses have been discovered. “ we will need to strike soon. ” he says, hands daring the edges of Khan’s space with intent to amend his thoughtlessness from moments ago. Spock continues forward until his waist strikes silently against the augment’s bent knees, “ there is a family. their daughter, ” he begins, head tilting, his eyes seeking Khan’s for forgiveness, “ — she is unwell. ” it is a low move. however, as they say, desperate times call for desperate measures.
admittedly, the fact that they’ve not been as careful as they should have been so as not to be discovered is concerning. his judgement has become lax, perhaps he’s been followed and not noticed. but it is too late to concern himself with that now-- there is no undoing what’s been done. their ‘superiors’ know, and they will not be left alone now. they’re likely thinking of what else they can do to finish digging their claws into Khan’s very being.
Spock closes the distance between them again, waist bumping his knees, and his eyes linger on the contact for a moment or two before he slowly raises his hands. palms settle against Spock’s hips, fingers gently curling into his flesh to keep him close, before he tips his head up so that their eyes can lock together once again. the apologetic look doesn’t go unnoticed, and so Khan gently squeezes his fingers around his hips, a silent forgiveness.
the suggestion isn’t something that would usually come from his companion, but they desperate times call for desperate measures. he inclines his head and strokes his thumb idly against a hip bone beneath Spock’s shirt, eyes darting off to the side as he considers this move. “utilised correctly, that could be useful. people will do anything for their family, after all. we will need to make contact soon, i doubt we have more than a few days before they come up with their own next move.”
