Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Hob fell in step behind Teleute as she made her way towards the transporting room.

“What’s he done, now?” Hob groaned, adjusting the settings of his tricorder.

“You know my brother, always getting in trouble,” she replied curtly, her step brisk and focused.

“Of course,” Hob said as they entered the room.

“Just wish he didn’t make me have a fucking counting board for the sheer number of times he’s been in the medbay,” he added in a whisper.

Teleute laughed as they watched the crew beaming back onto the landing pad.

“There’s my cue,” Hob grumbled, before stepping towards the pair of security officers that had just finished materialising and were holding thebleeding, but still conscious science officer.

“Well, well, well, Morpheus,” Hob drawled while scanning the man over with his tricorder, in search of any internal injuries. 

“Dr. Gadling,” the other man mumbled, his split lip caked with dark blue shimmering blood, a simple reminder of his alieness. 

“Just call me Hob, as often as you are in my medbay, you get a pass,” said Hob, relieved at what he was seeing on his scan.

“No internal bleeding this time, a wonderful feat,” Hob cracked.

Morpheus stayed stoic and relatively alert, for someone who had lost a few pints of blood and received a blow to the head, giving Hob an unimpressed look.

“Bring him to the medbay,” Hob turned to the two red shirts who immediately followed his order.

“And tell Matthew I’m on my way,” he added towards the retreating men.

Hob sighed, running a hand over his face. When they had been commed over an injured party member, Hob had feared for the worst. Of course, he should’ve known that Morpheus had been a part of this particular research party. It was, after all, a part of his duties as Chief Science Officer to go on such outings, not that Hob liked how often the man ended up 1. hurt 2. in the middle of danger. It was as if he were a magnet for injuries and dangerous situations. Hob recalled his  board that tallied the number of times Morpheus had been in the sickbay, and pictured adding yet another tick. It was a colossal (and maybe a tad impressive, Hob had to admit) number. But it shouldn’t surprise Hob anymore, after all the years he’s known Morpheus and had a front seat to his recklessness (and occasional selflessness).

“Despite a minor head injury, there's no internal bleeding, and his organs are all intact,” Hob told Teleute, who had been waiting beside the transporting station. 

“Hmm, could’ve been worse,” responded Teleute, pensive and unphased by Hob’s agitation.

“I know, ” Hob said, frustrated.

“Urgh, anyways, I better get down before somebody burns my medbay to the ground. Captain,” he bowed his head before leaving Teleute to debrief with the other party members. 

Hob had known Teleute since his academy days, when they had bonded over their shared love for a good laugh and Old Earth history, as well as their more advanced age (compared to the much younger cadets they rubbed shoulders with). Her brother, though, was a more recent acquaintance, as he had been enrolled in Starfleet quite a few years before Teleute (Hob had come to know, after a few years, that it was Morpheus who had inspired her to join) and had already been stationed aboard an exploration vessel when Tel and Hob had been elbow deep in exams, assignments and occasional hangovers. Thus, Hob had only met him when he himself had been assigned to the Dreaming , shortly after Tel’s promotion to be Captain of it. The ship, the USS Dreaming (NC-1389), was a wonderful Constitution class vessel, one amongst the many of the fleet, who had been about to undergo a five year mission of deep space exploration. Hob had been promoted to Lieutenant Commander and given the role of Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the vessel after his previous assignment ran its due. While he did sound sour in dire circumstances, Hob was known as a sweetheart on board and yet a person you absolutely did not want to cross. There's an old saying somewhere about doctors and being able to recite the name of every bone in your body while breaking them, for a good reason. Two years after the start of their deep space mission, Hob was still delighted in his work. It was hard, but very rewarding, and the hiccups and mishaps were few and far between, more exceptions than the norm, even if it meant that his practice had widely diversified since coming aboard the Dreaming . They had an excellent variety of crew members, requiring a wide range of knowledge and skills Hob was known to possess, as well as possibilities for more learning and research. For a second, their crew was (more or less) sensible. Barring the few exceptions, like the one laying atop a medbed when Hob returned to the medbay. 

Morpheus had been a particularly difficult case. He was seemingly more prone to accidents and injuries than the rest of the crew. He had been in Hob’s medbay almost as frequently as the medical team themselves. Which was a lot . Some of it could be excused by his unusual physiology. As one of the last few members of his kind, Morpheus was an oddity in Starfleet, needing more frequent monitoring and check ups for an array of conditions and particularities. Even if most of his personal file was classified, Hob, as the CMO, was privy to more information than most. But that didn’t mean that the Doctor had a better idea as to why Morpheus was in the medbay so often. It was rarely illness, Hob noticed, most of the reasons being petty accidents that could’ve been easily preventable. It had been funny the first few times, but now, more often than not, Hob was frustrated at the sight of the man entering his medbay on a stretcher and/or escorted by another crewmember. For fuck’s sake, this man was Chief Science Officer, they needed him whole and healthy. Which is why Hob bypassed Morpheus’ bed entirely, simply nodding at Matthew, his assisting nurse who was processing Morpheus, and went to lock himself in his office. Hob let himself fall in his chair, sighing. He would need to stage an intervention. Because things couldn’t simply continue like that. He understood that some crew members might be more susceptible to accidents and injuries, but there still was a limit on how often people should frequent the medbay. Hob waited for Matthew to come deliver his report on Morpheus' condition, which didn’t take as long as he had thought it would.

“Sup’ doc,” Matthew chimed in as the door slid open.

“Don’t call me like that,” Hob laughed, wrinkling his nose playfully.

“Can’t help it,” Matthew countered, coming to sit on the corner of Hob’s desk.

“Oye, watch it mate!” Hob said, catching a towering pile of dossiers before they could fall to the ground.

“Sorry boss, y’know how I get,” the nurse simply crossed his arms in front of him.

“So, how’s it?” Hob asked, re-balancing the leaning tower of documents.

“Your favourite patient,” Matthew’s tone dripped with sarcasm.

“Found himself falling onto a boulder, cracking his skull open, nothing a dermal regenerator can’t handle,” added Matthew.

“This is getting out of hand,” Hob sighed 

“So, I was thinking about staging an intervention,” Hob said, as he reached for the bottom cabinet of his desk, pulling out a bottle of whiskey.

“How so?” asked Matthew, perking up.

“Cause this is getting ridiculous. Matthew, it’s the fourth time this week alone that he’s been in the medbay,” Hob complained, running a hand through his hair..

“And it’s only Wednesday morning! Care for a sip?” the Doctor asked.

“No thanks” replied the nurse.

“D’you think maybe there’s a reason he’s here so, uh, often?” Matthew asked, shuffling his feet.

“What do you mean?” Hob squinted towards the nurse. 

“Nothing! I don’t know anything. Oh, look, there’s someone calling me. Matthew? Yes, that’s me, see ya boss!” Matthew rushed out of Hob’s office.

Hob sighed once again, putting his head down on his desk. Ok, so, something was definitely up with Morpheus, if Matthew , of all people, was making comments and allusions about it. Hob just didn’t know what . This intervention couldn’t be a bad thing. Then, they’d have to talk things out or, rather, Hob would have some time to tear Morpheus’ a new one (or maybe simply give him a strong-worded warning). There, Hob could be the responsible and cool CMO everyone thought him to be. 

Chapter Text

In the end, it took two weeks for Hob to be able to corner Morpheus alone. It was as if the other man had sniffed trouble and made himself scarce on purpose. That, or he had finally gained some sense. Hob strongly suspected the first option instead of the latter, despite wishing for the opposite. Which also meant that, by the time Hob finally managed to catch Morpheus, he was at about his wit’s end. 

“Morpheus” Hob smiled broadly as he found Morpheus alone, the door swishing behind him. 

“Medical Authorisation Code Gadling-Psi-1-8-8-9” Hob added towards the ship’s computer in a stern voice before turning back towards his target.

“Authorisation code accepted, Dr. Gadling” Hob heard the ship’s computer respond as his eyes were locked onto Morpheus’ frozen stance.

The other man was standing ramrod straight at the back of the Lab, a PADD in his hands. It was clear that Hob had interrupted the man during one of his rounds of experimentations, especially considering their location in one of the ship's lower labs. After all, Hob had been obligated to practically hound down the CSO to get him somewhere alone and private enough for them to have a conversation where someone couldn’t overhear them. Hob had also utilised one of his override codes to be able to lock in the doors of the lab, leaving Morpheus with no possible exit save for captain’s intervention, as Tel’s the only one with clearance to bypass his medical overrides (barring few exceptions). 

“Do you know how hard it's been to find you, as of late?” Hob took a few steps closer towards Morpheus, who stood frozen.

“The medbay’s been so empty,” Hob teased.

“I apologize, Doctor,” Morpheus answered in a clipped voice. 

“No need. I’d just like to know why ? Before those blessed two weeks of respite, you’d basically been living in the medbay. Now, why’s that?” Hob said.

Morpheus tightened his grip onto his PADD.

“It seems that my proneness to accidents has been lessened by increased time in the lab, Doctor,” Morpheus said.

“So, doing your job,” Hob deadpanned.

“Which you had been doing for the past two years, no?” Hob asked

“It has been roughly that time since the start of our mission, yes,” Morpheus glanced down at the PADD in his hands.

“Then what changed? I’d just like to know what would help to keep you safe and healthy in such a way that you wouldn’t have to visit as frequently as you did before,” Hob asked, pursing his lips.

Truth be told, for all the teasing Hob was doing, he liked the other man. A lot . Over the years he’s been serving aboard the Dreaming , Hob had found himself developing a soft spot for the CSO. But Hob still needed to do his goddamn job, and it couldn’t be acceptable, nor advisable, for a crewmember to be that often in the medbay. It not only took up his time, but Hob’s sanity.

“As I have said, Doctor, I have been occupied in the labs,” Morpheus doubled-down in a grating tone of voice, his grip tightening on his PADD.  

“Look, Morpheus, I just want to know what I can do to keep you healthy and out of my medbay, that’s all,” Hob said, coming closer.

“Doctor, I will ask you to remain where you are,” Morpheus’ voice stopped Hob dead in his tracks.

“What?” Hob said, his senses going on alert.

Hob took a moment to glance over at the other man again. His knuckles were blanching from the tight hold in which he held the PADD in his hands - Hob could even see a slight bend to the screen, from the  tension weight being applied to it. Morpheus stood ram-rod straight, his face carefully blank, his eyes hardened by an emotion Hob couldn’t quite place. Though the other man would deny it, Hob had seen Morpheus exhibit a vast array of emotions. Injury and near-death experiences do that to some. But it was only upon closer inspection that Hob noticed what Morpheus had probably wanted to hide. Eye bags coupled with bloodshot eyes - a lack of sleep. A slight twitch in the other man’s hands - perhaps a lack of nourishment. Chapped lips - dehydration. A slight sweat dusted Morpheus’ temples - the indicators of a fever, perhaps? 

“You aren’t well,” Hob said, his expression darkening. 

“Stay where you are,” Morpheus swallowed, averting his gaze.

“Morpheus, what the hell is going on?” Hob took a step forward.

“Stay. Back.” the other man hissed, now properly shaking. 

Hob closed the distance between them in a few strides. Up close, it became apparent that Morpheus was truly not doing good. The man’s eyes were glazed over, he was panting, short of breath.

“You’re burning up, aren’t you?” Hob said as he reached to take Morpheus’ temperature with the interior of his wrist. 

Morpheus quickly swatted Hob’s arm away.

“Doctor,” he growled. 

“Morpheus,” Hob bristled.

“Let me do my job.”

The two men stared into each other’s eyes for a moment that stretched in time. Hob was scowling as he looked into Morpheus’ eyes. He couldn’t even try to deny his state. Why hadn’t he come to the medbay? It’s not as if he hadn’t been there plenty of times already? Morpheus knew very well how Hob, and his team, worked. 

“Why have you been avoiding the medbay?” Hob asked.

“Doctor, do not make this harder than it already is for me,” Morpheus rasped.

“If I don’t know what it is, I can’t make this harder for you, Dream, ” Hob snapped, Morpheus’ more official title slipping out in his rising anger.

“Do not call me that,” Morpheus gritted his teeth, anger flashing in his eyes.

“Morpheus, fuck, just talk to me,” Hob said, anxiety rising at the man’s most unusual antics.

“I can’t,” said Morpheus unconvincingly, looking haggard.

“Just get out,” he added.

“Fuck, I didn’t want to do this, but you leave me no choice,” Hob muttered under his breath, exasperated.

“You are now ordered for a full medical examination and will need to report to the Medbay as soon as your legs can get you to it per the CMO’s order, effective now,” Hob added, loud and firm.

“I can’t ,” Morpheus insisted, panic starting to lace his voice.

“You’ve given me no other option,” Hob said with a pained expression.

“Hob, Hob, ” Morpheus pleaded, his shaking doubling in intensity. 

“I will escort you,” Hob said, seizing the other man’s hands with his own.

As soon as Hob made skin contact with Morpheus, the other man yelped. This was followed by a proper, almost animalistic, growl . In the blink of an eye, Hob  was flat on the floor, pinned beneath  Morpheus. The other man straddled Hob’s thighs, his hands locked onto Hob’s wrists, keeping him trapped. Morpheus hid his face but Hob could hear the man struggle to control his rapid, rattling breathing. Hob felt Morpheus’ heart pound, as the other man’s torso had been pressed against his own in the frenzy of Morpheus’ movements. Hob looked at the ceiling in confusion. What the hell was going on with Morpheus? Hob skimmed through his medical knowledge, trying to find a possible explanation to Morpheus’ behaviour. In the end, it was the gentle rocking motion that the man had started doing after a moment and something very hard pressing on his thigh that clued him in. 

“Morpheus, what have you taken?” Hob said, trying to gentle his voice. 

Morpheus only sniffled into Hob’s shoulders, his grip tightening on Hob’s wrists.

“Ouch, ok ok. No need to grip so tight,” Hob winced, trying to shuffle his hands to get circulation back.

Morpheus whined, his head turning into the crook of Hob’s neck. Hob froze as he felt the other man’s nose graze his throat, mouth following suit. Hob exhaled slowly as he tried to contain his own reaction. This is not the place and time to shag the guy you’ve had a crush on for the better part of a year , Hob said to himself, repeating it as a mantra, inside of his mind as he desperately tried to kill off his growing erection from being pinned under the other man’s body. Fuck , this was totally not how Hob had envisionned growing closer to the man. Hob gave himself a minute to collect his strength, holding his breath steady, before he tried to escape Morpheus’ grasp again. But, as before, Morpheus was lighting quick and didn’t let Hob get even an inch out of place. 

Morpheus growled again, this time accompanying it with a gentle, but firm, bite to the front of Hob’s throat.

“Ok, I won’t go,” Hob croaked, a smidge of fear rising in his chest at Morpheus’ ferocity.

“I promise,” Hob added as he heard the other man start to whine again.

Sensing Hob calm and stop resisting, Morpheus started back his exploration of Hob’s neck, all the while continuing to grind onto Hob's thigh. Hob sighed gently as he tried to think about a new course of action. The most logical thing to do would be to call for help, but he didn’t know how well Morpheus would react to the intrusion when he had Hob pinned in such a way. Morpheus was clearly not thinking straight. If Hob's hypothesis - that he was under some sort of aphrodisiac or something of that kind - was right,Hob couldn’t risk the safety of other crewmembers. Hob also knew that it was only a matter of time before the Captain would be pinged about the ongoing lockdown Hob had issued on the Lab and would either come looking herself or comm Hob about it. So Hob needed to get word out to not approach them while he was still dealing with the situation and perhaps to bring them a few supplies if they were going to have to stay here while Morpheus calmed down. Hob’s thoughts were interrupted by the wet press of Morpheus' mouth on his neck. Hob barely suppressed a moan as the other man started to suck a bruise there. Fuck , Hob really needed to deal with that quickly if he didn’t want things to escalate.

“Computer,” Hob raised his voice.

“Open communication to Captain Endless,” he added as Morpheus started to whine again.

Chapter Text

It only took a moment for Teleute’s voice to ring through the room.

“Hob? Tel speaking,” she said.

“I need an emergency medical kit brought to Lab 7,” Hob said, groaning under Morpheus' tightening grip.

“Are you well?” she asked, concern clear in her voice.

“I’m dealing with, uh, a situation pertaining to your favourite CSO,” Hob explained.

“MINE,” Morpheus snarled into Hob’s throat, ringing clear enough in the room for the comm to pick it up.

Hob could almost hear Teleute’s brain work to put 2 and 2 together, and cringed internally at the thought of it.

“Please just leave the kit at the door. I can handle the situation,” Hob added, trying to convince Teleute to drop it. 

“Alright Doctor, I’m taking your word for it,” Teleute said.

“Anything else?” she asked.

“Give us a bit of breathing space. Will report back towards the start of Gamma shift,” Hob answered.

“Granted, Doctor,” Teleute agreed, her voice curt.

Hob could imagine her rising concern at the fate of her own brother, but Tel was, as always, a most professional and competent commanding officer. He could imagine her perking up on the Bridge, or even taking the call in her ready room, deep in paperwork.

“Thank you Captain,” Hob sighed.

“See you, Doctor. Endless out,” Teleute finished, shutting down the channel.

Hob winced as the comm bipped, indicating the communication’s been cut. He knew he’d have to give Teleute a complete explanation later (besides his official report, and what a pain in the ass that’ll be), but couldn’t be arsed to care about it more than a passing thought since he had a very aroused and feral Morpheus quite literally on his lap, who had started grinding down in earnest again when his sister’s voice died down. 

“It’s ok Morpheus,” Hob breathed.

Morpheus whined in Hob’s throat again, before one of his hands left Hob’s wrists to travel down Hob’s shirt. Hob, now pinned only by a single, but just as equally tight, hand, could only watch the ceiling, trying to control his breathing under the feeling of Morpheus’ hand sneaking under his uniform and under shirt. Both men hissed at the contact. Before long Hob’s shirt was racked up until it couldn’t go up anymore, exposing his torso and stomach. Morpheus whined again as the shirt stuck under Hob’s chin, unable to go over his head.

“Let me,” Hob said, wiggling his fingers trying to indicate Morpheus to release his grasp.

Morpheus growled in response, baring his teeth.

“I won’t go, I swear,” Hob tried.

Slowly, Hob felt Morpheus’ grip on his wrists loosen, then let go. Hob sighed in relief as he brought his arms down, rolling his shoulders a few times to try and get rid of the ache that had started to settle there. While Morpheus was indeed feral at the moment, he could still be reasoned with. Good. As promised, Hob took his shirt off, but when he tried to leave his undershirt on, Morpheus’ hands came to pull it off. Hob swore under his breath as the cool air hit his bare skin. However, Hob barely had any time to cool down as Morpheus pounced on him again, this time going for his chest instead of his throat.

“Fuck,” Hob swore under his breath as one of Morpheus’ hands came to wrap around the back of his neck to better hold him in place.

Morpheus settled on Hob’s thighs again, this time preoccupied by the expanse of Hob’s bare chest. Hob tried to keep his breathing steady under the ministrations of the other man, but his self-control was getting real thin as his own desire was rising exponentially. He couldn’t give in, he couldn’t . Hob needed to stay level-headed, as was required of the CMO in a medical emergency. Because this was a medical emergency. Morpheus was most likely under some sort of substance that altered his behaviour and made him act out in a most unusual way. While the other man was usually so reserved and contained, he was now rendered feral under the weight of some of his most basest instincts. Hob was no botanist but he did have a background in biochemistry, and could only imagine the havoc that was wrecked upon Morpheus’ brain and body for him to react in such a way. His readings must be off the charts, not that Hob had brought a tricorder, thinking that this would merely be a simple chat. But oh how Hob had been wrong. 

Hob lost track of the time Morpheus spent rutting against his thigh while lavishing his chest in open mouthed kisses and bruises. The nurses would have a field day if they could see Hob looking that ravaged and bruised. Hob’s hands, after sitting uselessly on the ground, settled on Morpheus’ hips, stabilising the man all the while providing him direct contact - which seemed to help. Hob faintly registered noises outside of the Lab’s doors - the sign that the kit that he had asked for had been delivered - but made no move to go pick it up. Hob’s thoughts were filled with the sight of Morpheus using Hob’s body to chase his own pleasure. The other man was rutting against Hob’s thigh, his erection trapped in between both of their bodies, as he continued to make his way down Hob’s body with his mouth and hands. A part of Hob felt guilty at the pleasure he was also feeling - Morpheus was not his usual self - but the medical part of his brain told him that this was the best course of action to keep the other man calm. If Hob needed to be the target of Morpheus’ attention to keep him from being violent, then so be it - though a secret part of Hob’s brain relished in being the centre of Morpheus’ attention. 

Morpheus picked up his pace, leaning back on Hob’s torso, as he brought his head back into the crook of Hob’s neck. Hob’s breath hitched at the sensation, his hands momentarily squeezing Morpheus’ hips. The CSO moaned, his own hands coming to grip onto Hob’s shoulders. 

“It’s alright,” Hob whispered to Morpheus, who seemed to be getting increasingly whiny as he chased his own pleasure. 

Hob was more than happy to help Morpheus, but he just wished it hadn’t come to that, right there, right now. He wished they could’ve done that more properly, in a bed instead of on the floor of one of the ship’s labs. Perhaps Hob would’ve taken Morpheus out to dinner first, they would’ve seen eachother in more casual contexts, perhaps in the mess or in the recreation halls. Go on proper dates, get to know eachother even more. Hob couldn’t deny his attraction to the scientist, especially not as the man in question was riding Hob’s thigh while making the most delicious noises Hob had ever heard. Hob’s control was fraying dangerously fast, and he was about to give in when Morpheus stilled his movements, hitting his own climax. Hob could only watch in a dazed wonder as Morpheus spilled in his pants.

Hob’s hands were tightly gripped around the other man’s hips as Morpheus came down from his orgasm, dropping his weight on Hob’s chest. Hob gasped under the sudden influx of weight, but quickly scrambled to wrap his arms around the other man, securing him in a more comfortable position so that they both could breathe properly. Hob stayed still as Morpheus tucked his head back in Hob’s throat. Hob’s breath hitched as Morpheus’ knee unwittingly bumped into his erection. Morpheus' head rose and the two men made eye contact for the first time since Morpheus had pinned Hob to the floor. Morpheus’ pupils were completely dilated, his usually silver-blue eyes now all black. They were slightly clearer than when Hob had first approached the other man, but still held traces of it, as if Morpheus was not completely over what was consuming him. Morpheus’ face was flushed, his lips parted as he breathed, his hair wild, his forehead shining with sweat.

“Hob,” Morpheus whispered hoarsely. 

“Morpheus,” simply replied Hob.

The two men stayed silent for a moment before Hob cleared his throat, blushing furiously.

“You still need to report to the medbay,” Hob said weakly.

“Hmm,” groaned Morpheus, diverting his gaze as he tensed up. 

“There’s a medkit outside the door, if you let me go and get it, I can run preliminary tests here,” Hob offered, sensing Morpheus’ apprehension.

Morpheus sniffed once, before slowly detaching from Hob’s shoulders. Hob sat up, groaning under the pain in his back - this was decidedly not a comfortable spot to… canoodle, if Hob could put it like that. Hob made his way to the door, adjusting his hard cock in his pants, giving his code to the ship’s computer so the doors would open and let him get the medkit. The hallway outside was blessedly empty - Hob would have to profusely thank Teleute later - and thus, Hob was able to quickly get back inside to Morpheus, who had been watching Hob like a hawk. 

Hob sat back on the ground, Morpheus climbing back into his lap as soon as he did so. Hob froze slightly, before relaxing slowly and reaching to drag the kit closer - no sense in pushing the other man away, especially if Hob’s presence kept him calm. The Medkit contained everything Hob needed, ranging from prepackaged snacks, small water bottles, to a full tricorder, an array of salves and bandages, as well as a few condoms and packs of medical-grade lube. Hob frowned at the sight of these last items - he would need to have a strong word with his nurses (Hob had a gut-feeling Matthew had been behind this addition to the pack), but he could let it slide, for now, since he had much more urgent things to concentrate on. Powering up the tricorder, Hob handed Morpheus a water bottle.

“Drink,” Hob said as he calibrated the tricorder to Morpheus’ physiology. 

Surprisingly, Morpheus didn’t protest, taking the offered bottle and downing it in one go before reaching for the other one the pack contained. Scanning Morpheus quickly, Hob saw the tricorder light up with the results. Just as he had thought, Morpheus’ body was absolutely wrecked. His readings were abnormally high, almost close to a critical point (which Hob theorised Morpheus had been just about to reach when Hob had cornered him, which meant that Hob’s presence, and Morpheus ejaculating, had significantly helped his condition), even considering his usual characteristics. Hob couldn’t exactly pinpoint the origin of Morpheus’ altered state, the tricorder surprisingly didn’t show any sign of foreign substances, but it still confirmed his suspicions. Hob sighed as logged the results in the ship’s database, transferring them directly into Morpheus’ file - they would need further analysis and research that Hob didn’t have time to conduct at the moment. He handed Morpheus a ration bar.

“Eat,” Hob said.

Morpheus wrinkled his nose in distaste, but still took the bar and slowly started to chew on it, his expression sour. Hob softened at the oddly endearing sight,. Even in his agitated state, Morpheus was still, well, Morpheus. Hob estimated that it would take a few hours, if not days, for Morpheus’ state to return to normal. Which was not a good sign for either of them, as Morpheus seemed to be overly attached to Hob and wouldn’t let him out of sight, nor touch. Hob looked at the time indicator on the tricorder before shutting it down. They were still a few hours away from Gamma shift, when most officers would be off duty and thus, liberating the hallways for a safe travel, either back to the medbay or to Morpheus’ quarters. In the meantime, Hob could only stay here monitoring Morpheus’ state. As Hob was coming back from his thoughts, he felt Morpheus straddle his legs, wrapping his arms around Hob’s shoulders to press their chests together. Hob faintly registered that Morpheus’ chest was now just as equally bare (he must have taken his shirt off when Hob wasn’t looking), before the other man dived for Hob’s mouth, capturing it in a searing kiss. Hob gasped in the kiss, haphazardly setting the tricorder aside before wrapping his own arms loosely around Morpheus’ waist. 

“Morpheus,” Hob whispered in the kiss, not being able to get any more words out under the bruising force of Morpheus’ lips. 

The two men kissed for a while, before Morpheus pulled out. His swollen lips glided down Hob’s neck, continuing what he had started. Hob let out a moan, unable to do anything but enjoy the feel of Morpheus’ mouth. The other man started rocking gently in Hob’s lap, grinding his erection against Hob’s stomach, oh so near from Hob’s own cock. 

“Morpheus, please,” Hob whispered as he gripped Morpheus' hips tightly. 

Morpheus groaned into Hob’s neck in response.

“Tell me you want this,” Hob pleaded, an edge of desperation creeping into his voice.

“Tell me it’s not just whatever’s going on in your body, whatever you took,” Hob added, his voice breaking on the last word.

“Hob,” Morpheus reared his head back to look at Hob’s face.

“Yes,” the other man gritted through his teeth.

“Yes what?” Hob whispered, tears gathering in his eyes at the overwhelming feeling of Morpheus’ hands, cock, body, everything, everywhere . 

“I want you,” Morpheus spoke clearly.

“You’re not just saying that to make me shut up?” Hob swallowed nervously.

“No,” Morpheus said seriously, baring his teeth.

“Sure?” Hob asked again.

What if Morpheus only wanted Hob because he happened to be the closest person? What if it was just whatever Morpheus took? How could Hob know? How could-

“YES,” Morpheus roared, with a force that surprised Hob.

“I’m just,” Hob stuttered, stunned by Morpheus' response.

Morpheus, this time, simply groaned before recapturing Hob’s lips in a bruising kiss.

“Mine,” Morpheus growled in the kiss.

“You’re mine, ” he licked at the inside of Hob’s mouth, tilting the doctor’s head to get a better access.

The two continued to make out, Morpheus ferocious, Hob going lax under the force of their combined arousal. Hob hissed as he felt Morpheus’ free hand trail down his torso and slip under the band of his pants, long fingers coming to wrap around his erection. Tilting his head back, Hob’s breath hitched as Morpheus sucked bruises on his shoulders in tandem with the firm movement of his hand onto Hob’s cock. 

“Morpheus,” moaned Hob, surrendering into the other man’s grasp. 

Hob lost himself in the sensations. Morpheus' cool hand wrapped around his cock, jerking him off in his pants. The man’s mouth, sucking and licking at Hob’s shoulders. Morpheus’ torso, still firmly pressed against Hob’s own. It didn’t take long for Hob’s climax to wash over him. Hob came on Morpheus’ hand with a shout, tears cascading down onto his cheeks as Morpheus continued to milk his cock all throughout his orgasm. Hob opened his eyes as he felt Morpheus’ retreat from his pants just in time to see the other man lick the cum off of it. 

“Fuck,” Hob swore as he watched the other clean his hand with broad swipes of tongue, before laying his back down on the floor. 

Hob tried to cool off and collect his thoughts after the mind shattering orgasm he had just received. Hob felt Morpheus follow his movement, readjusting himself in Hob’s lap to better sit. Hob felt his spent cock twitch inside of the confine of his pants at the feel of Morpheus’ settling weight, and Hob could only watch dazedly as Morpheus pulled his own cock, hard again, from his pants and lazily start to jerk himself off atop of Hob’s thighs while holding Hob’s gaze intently. How could the other man have such a short refractory period, Hob wondered as he observed Morpheus bring himself to completion once again, this time, coming onto Hob’s bare chest. Hob swore as he felt the thick and warm ropes of cum hit his chest - they would be such a bitch to clean, when he’d get access to a shower. Hob could only lay on the floor as Morpheus stepped off his lap and took off both of their pants, starting with his own and discarding the soiled garments aside - they had, after all, both come in their pants. It didn’t take long for Morpheus to crawl back onto Hob’s chest unphased by the cum painting it. 

Hob breathed deeply as he felt Morpheus settle in his arms, both of them now completely naked. Hob could almost feel the other man purring in pleasure as he hid his face back into Hob’s neck - his new favourite spot? If things were going to continue that way, Hob thought, they would definitely need more water and rations. But that could be handled by a more clear-headed Hob, instead of this warm, sleep addled, sex satiated, version of the doctor. He knew he would probably get a scolding from his Captain, and would need to have a proper conversation with the man currently laying in his arms once he was more lucid, but Hob, for now, couldn’t care less. Hob he let sleep grasp his tired mind and spent body, giving in to his tiredness. 

There would be time for it later on. Right?

Morpheus watched as Hob fell asleep, keeping a watchful eye on him. Morpheus’ cock twitched at the sight of the bruised doctor - their work , the feral part of his mind whispered, so beautiful . The more rational part of his mind, which had been pushed down in the deepest recesses of his mind, was currently worrying over his relationship with the doctor - ruined, completely ruined, how could they ever recover? How could Hob ever accept him, how could he even forgive him for such trespassing? For such an attack? But the sex happy, still feral, part of his mind quickly quieted those thoughts. Hob, after all, had been so sweet in wanting to deny his own attraction to the CSO, in not wanting to take advantage of him in his compromised state. See how he didn’t want to hurt us? See how gentle and sweet he has been? Morpheus watched Hob’s chest rise and fall under his breathing. The Doctor would wake in a few hours at most, which gave ample time for Morpheus to think about their next course of action, of all the ways he wanted Hob to ruin him, how he wanted to ruin Hob in turn.

There would be time for worrying and explaining later. For now, Morpheus had to keep his partner, his mate , happy and satiated.

Right.

Chapter Text

“So, let me get this straight,” Hob said, putting down his cup on the small table in front of them both.

Morpheus simply observed him, his own hands wrapped around a similar mug. They were both in the CSO’s quarters, finally dressed again, as Morpheus had come down from his frenzied state a few hours ago.

“Your… species,” Hob started.

“Yes.” 

“Goes into a mating frenzy every…” Hob continued.

“Century, yes. It is akin to the Vulcan’s own Pon Farr, but with a significantly lower occurrence,” Morpheus agreed.

“I will pretend that I didn’t hear you talk so casually about the most guarded secret of Vulcan’s history and culture”, Hob smiled before growing more serious.

“But this condition of yours, it was never put into your medical file because…?” Hob asked.

“It is something we do not talk about often - we are akin to the Vulcans on this characteristic, it is private, but also an inconsequential fact to share about ourselves, since it happens so unfrequently. There is also a possibility that it doesn’t trigger at all…” Morpheus explained.

“Because there isn’t always a compatible target for it,” Hob finished, recalling Morpheus’ earlier words, just as the other man had started to be more clear-headed in the laboratory. 

“Indeed,” Morpheus simply replied, smiling into his cup.

“And, this time around, there was,” Hob continued.

“Evidently,” Morpheus teased.

“You smug bas-” Hob started, amused.

“I know,” Morpheus interrupted.

The scientist stood up, abandoning his mug onto the table while circling around the table.

“You have told me so on plenty of occasions, my love,” he added, settling into Hob’s lap. 

Hob melted under the pet name and Morpheus’ attention.

“I’m so far gone on you it’s ridiculous,” Hob whispered, putting his arms around Morpheus’ waist.

“Less ridiculous than my attempts at gaining your favour and attention,” Morpheus replied, hiding his face into Hob’s neck.

“Easy, you already had both. I was just too blind to realise it could be reciprocated,” Hob said lovingly, brushing a hair into the other man’s hair.

“That said, don’t come to my medbay that often anymore though, please?” Hob asked.

“Not even to see you?” Morpheus pouted.

“Only if you are unharmed, then,” Hob sighed before pulling the other man into a kiss.

Hob was still giddy that he could do just that - kiss Morpheus and give out his love so freely. That it would be given back just as ardently. That this was it . Them, together. For gods knew how long, but Hob would greedily take everything that Morpheus would and could give him. He had been starved of the other man’s attention and love for so long, Hob was sure to make the most of their time together, however long that would be. 

“I cherish and love you deeply” Morpheus whispered onto Hob’s lips, wonder in his eyes. 

“And I, you” Hob whispered back, equally wonder-struck.

“Now, do you have any other medical secrets you haven’t told me yet?” Hob teased Morpheus.