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Summary: While doing crew evaluations, Chakotay gains some new
insights into the blond blue-eyed Ensign.
Spoilers: UZ 1&2,
Imperfection
Timeline: Just before UZ 1.
Finished! He pressed the enter button on the terminal in his
quarters.
Chakotay sat back and rubbed his eyes with his fingers. For the last
week he had been working on the crew evaluations, a task that was
while not physically demanding was emotionally exhausting. It had
involved reviewing each crewmember's successes and failures and
giving commendations for the former and solutions for the latter.
Solutions, that was the difficult part. The standard Starfleet
protocols just didn't apply here. He couldn't recommend sending
someone back to the Academy for more training or reassign them to a
planet or station if they were failing to meet Starfleet
expectations. He had to either find a way to fix the problem or find
another way for them to fit in on Voyager and at the same time, do it
thoughtfully and with caring.
Over the last six years these people were not only his subordinates
but also his family. While as a first officer he knew that a happy
crew was a more productive crew, it was more important to him as a
person that they felt useful and fulfilled in their roles on
Voyager. These people had been through hell and back, performing
admirably in situations no Federation or Maquis training could have
ever prepared them for. They deserved no less than the best appraisal
he could give of their performance in return.
He had already removed Ensign Tal Celes from Astrometrics and placed
her in the Doc's medic program. She was good with people not
machines. Crewman Dalby he transferred to Deck 15 hoping he had
finally found a place where the man's natural ability to piss people
off wouldn't be a problem. Crewman Harren wouldn't give the man a
sideways glance as long as he didn't interrupt his ongoing research
into the origins of the universe.
And finally there had been Tom Paris to consider. Since being busted
down to Ensign the man's performance had been exemplary. In truth
the incident with the Moneans had only been a minor glitch in the
man's return to grace. Before becoming Voyager's chief pilot his
career had been less than commendable. But under the Captain
unfailing support and guidance he had risen above his past and become
a Starfleet officer even that poor excuse of a father of his would be
proud of.
Thus it was his recommendation that the rank of Lieutenant be
reinstated to Ensign Thomas Eugene Paris.
Chakotay smiled to himself, he could already see Kathryn's reaction
of delight as she read his report with her beloved morning cup of
coffee tomorrow. Busting Tom had been difficult for her but she had
done what she had to protect the chain of command. As captain she
had no choice. Chakotay knew that secretly she commended the
ensign's actions and if not restrained by the title of Captain and
the Prime Directive would have celebrated the event not condemned it.
The commander pushed his chair back and stretched, placing his fists
in the small of his back. As he prepared for bed, he thought about
Tom and how he would react to getting his rank back.
In truth the man's reduction in rank seemed to have had very little
effect on the man's devil may care attitude. He had even made his
time in the brig seem more of a holiday than a punishment. As the
unofficial ship's councilor, Chakotay had monitored Tom's internment
carefully. The ensign had read, watched holo vids and written
letters to occupy himself during his confinement. He seemed almost
happy and when his spirits did drop a simple communication from a
friend would lift him for hours. After his release he resumed the
same duties he had before as if the whole Monean affair hadn't
happened. His demeanor was the same, well maybe it was a bit more
introspective but that was about it.
As he lay in bed ruminating he realized that maybe rank wasn't all
that important to the man. Being appreciated was. Doing his best
for the captain was. Being true to his nature was.
His eyes were opened. This wasn't the Tom Paris Chakotay had seen
for all these years. This was a man that he wanted to know better.
Much better.
********
"Computer, time."
"01:15 hours."
Chakotay moaned. Two hours since he
had gone to bed and five before he had to get up. Five hours, he could
function on five hours of sleep, he done it before. The trick was
however that he'd have to actually fall asleep now and he was no where
near doing so. His body might be willing but his mind was not, it was
wide-awake and raring to go. And where was it going? Straight to Tom
Paris via his groin. He began to lightly stroke the only part of his
body that didn't seem to want rest.
Six years ago he wouldn't have even
entertained the thought of taking the brash young man as his lover.
Chakotay knew he was what was typically referred to as an Alpha male.
He preferred partners who were more sensitive and reserved. The cocky
flyboy attitude that Tom projected previously just wasn't his cup of
tea, but this new mature version was. Time and circumstance had
tempered him into someone Chakotay could seriously consider spending
his life with.
Many of the crew had found companions,
but the commander had resigned himself to the fact that he would
probably spend the trek back to the Alpha quadrant alone. There was no
one he deemed a suitable lifemate on Voyager and casual affairs were
not an option. His sexual needs were satisfied with willing partners
he found on the various planets they had encountered. They were brief
and often-anonymous exchanges, totally lacking in the intimacy he
craved. He was a romantic. He didn't just want somebody to fuck he
want somebody to make love to and that somebody was Tom Paris.
There was only one possible problem.
Chakotay wasn't sure if Tom was attracted to men. All his liaisons on
board Voyager had been with women, his most recent being his now
defunct relationship with B'Elanna. In fact the only same sex
experience the ensign had that Chak was aware of was the prison in
Auckland and the way Tom's eyes glazed over when his time there was
mentioned, indicated it wasn't a pleasant one.
Even knowing that the pilot had been
most probably raped in prison, did not discourage the commander. He
planned on offering the man companionship and love first. When he had
Tom's trust, he would show Tom how beautiful and wonderful the act of
sharing their bodies could be. It would take all his patience not to
seduce such an enchanting creature into his bed before then so for now
he banished such desires to his fantasies.
As he fell into his fantasy the light
strokes became rougher, more insistent. Chakotay imagined pale slender
hands on his cock and a long lean body pressed against his. He
envisioned touching Tom, tasting Tom and finally taking Tom. Sinking
into his heat and hearing the man call his name in rapture. Thrusting
into him over and over…
"Tom!"
His belly tightened and he came hard.
His hand continued to move as his seed spilled over the plane of his
heaving chest.
As his breathing evened, serenity
overcame his body and his mind. Finally Chakotay slept.
********
Man that woman must have toranium
balls, the newly christened Lieutenant mused. Tom knew he had a bad
case of hero worship when it came to the Captain, hell he'd run the
ship into a supernova if she asked him, but who could blame him. Shit,
she just stared down a fucking Borg Queen for god's sake.
Tom fingered the new pip on his collar
as he readied the comm for a personnel transfer. Even though they were
yet again facing another precarious mission, Tom was on cloud nine.
Captain Kathryn Janeway had given him back his rank and he wouldn't
have traded that look of pride in her eyes for anything. It didn't
matter that she'd had probably been acting on a recommendation from
Chakotay.
Between calibrations Tom took a
sideline look at the commander who was arguing yet again with the
captain's strategy. He supposed in a way he had Chakotay to thank for
his present mood. It was the commander's faith in him that got his pip
back. He wasn't used to the big guy's approval and he wasn't really
sure how that made him feel. While the Captain's pride warmed his
heart, the commander's pride seemed able to warm everything else too.
It was almost sexual. Whoa, stop the
bus cause I wanna to get off. Not sexual, it couldn't be sexual, could
it?
Tom looked closer at the commander,
taking in the strong features of his face and the firmness of his butt
visible through his uniform. He looked quickly back down at his hands.
My God did I just check out the man's ass? He felt an answering twitch
from underneath the console. Shit! What the hell is it with me? Life
starts going along pretty good and I have to find a way to go and
screw all back up again. He knew he didn't stand a chance with the
obviously heterosexual commander.
As he was thinking about Nelix's
cooking in an attempt to gain control of his nether regions, Ensign
Bateheart arrived to relieve him of his post. Tom had to go prepare
the Flyer for her trip to the Borg cube they were currently on course
to.
He grabbed a nearby PADD and placed it
strategically over his groin and headed for the turbolift. As the
doors to the lift closed he couldn't help himself by taking one last
look at that spectacular ass.
*******
Chakotay turned the corner into
another deserted hallway. The ship was in its night cycle so he wasn't
surprised at the lack of personnel in the corridors. He had walking
aimlessly for the last hour trying to relieve his restlessness, a
habit he'd picked up from Kathryn.
The away team had been on the Borg
cube only a day but it felt like a millennia. In his mind he went over
the arguments he had presented to the Captain on why he should be the
one going to face the Borg. But as usual she patiently listened to
him, nodding at all the right times, and then barreled ahead doing
what she want to do anyway. If they were in the Alpha quadrant she
wouldn't be able to get way with such blatant disregard for protocol
but since they weren't it was sort of a mute point.
Chakotay gave a mental sigh and then
took a moment to take in his surroundings. He was on Deck 6, outside
the Armory; Holodeck Two was down the hall. Maybe he'd check out
Sandrine's. At this time of night the place would more than likely be
deserted but that didn't matter, he didn't need social interaction
tonight. Watching the holo characters interact would provide what he
needed, a distraction from his worries regarding the away team.
He entered the program, which was
oddly already running, followed the dimly lit alley to the bar and
walked in. The place was deserted, really deserted. Sandrine wasn't at
the entrance to welcome him, the pool shark character wasn't skulking
around looking for easy marks, in fact none of the holo players were
present adding their usual colour to the establishment. The only
figure in the place was sitting a the far end of the bar nursing a
beer. When he saw who it was, he made a move to leave. In lieu of the
current crisis, this wasn't the time to indulge his personal desires
and in his present state he didn't think he could keep up his cool
commander façade. Too late, those ocean blue eyes caught his.
"Hey Commander." Tom rotated
on his stool and placed his elbows back on the bar.
"Come, here often?" Tom
blushed, "I mean, you're not usually here this time of night.
Can't sleep?"
Chakotay crossed over to the
Lieutenant stopping between his knees at the edge of his personal
space. In a glance he took in the man's relaxed pose and unconscious
sensuality.
"No. But I don't usually when
we're dealing with the Borg. What about you, come here often?"
Smiling, he parroted Tom's initial question. He couldn't help himself.
He'd noticed the pilot's flush when he first asked it. The flush
resurfaced.
"Uh no, yes, I mean sometimes.
When it's quiet like this it's great place to think things out. It
beats moping around my cabin."
Even though he knew shouldn't Chakotay
stepped forward invading a little more of Tom's space, feeling the
heat rising up from the man's body. Those ocean blue eyes were turning
indigo. Spirits, the man was beautiful.
"And what things are you thinking
about now, Tom?"
Tom considered saying your gorgeous
ass but with the commander standing so close to him he had a hard
thinking in coherent sentences let alone saying them aloud. He could
feel his cock hardening and his pants stretching across his hips. So
in total Tom Paris fashion he didn't say anything, he reacted.
He turned his head slightly and
pressed his lips to the commander's. He half expected the big guy to
drop him right then and there so he was somewhat shocked to feel a
warm tongue seeking entrance to his mouth. He regained his equilibrium
and took hold of the commander's hips to bring him closer and deepen
the kiss.
This wasn't going the way he planned
it he thought as he brought his arms up to frame Tom's face with his
hands. Chakotay thought he was a good kisser but Spirits, Tom was
doing things with his lips and tongue that would make a Vulcan horny.
He needed to gain some control over this situation before he found
himself leaning over the bar begging the lieutenant to take him. He
disengaged his mouth from Tom's, and pressed his erection against his
soon to be lover's own rock hard member.
"Tom baby, do you trust me?"
He looked into a pair wild and unfocused eyes. Tom merely nodded.
"Then let me do something for
you. Just relax and enjoy it, OK." Again a just a nod.
With his eyes never leaving those
beautiful blue ones, Chakotay's hand trailed down the front of Tom's
uniform to his pants and undid them. A large weeping cock sprang into
his palm. No underwear, he filed that little fact away in his mind for
later. He explored the length of the treasure in his hand, thumbing
the slit when he reached the head. Tom finally said something.
"Gods, Chakotay don't stop."
"Shhh, I won't baby, I
won't." He kept caressing him as he dropped to his knees.
Chakotay replaced his thumb with his
tongue lapping up the collected moisture and ringing the purple head.
He held the base with one hand with the other tried to steady Tom's
now bucking hips. Such sweetness. He took a little more into his mouth
and began to bob his head.
"Oh fuck, Chakotay!"
Hands grasped the back of his head and
the commander gave up trying control Tom's movements and hung on for
dear life as the man fucked his mouth. His own erection was becoming
almost painful so he moved one hand down to rub the aching through his
uniform.
"Oh fuck, oh fuck, ohhhh!"
The feel of Tom's cum on the back of
his throat sent Chakotay over the edge. He ignored the hot dampness
spreading across the front of his pants as he swallowed all his lover
had to give.
Chakotay stood and enfolded his
beloved into his arms. Tom wrapped both his arms and legs around him,
pressing his face into his neck. The commander became concerned when
felt a warm dampness there. Tom was crying? This wasn't the reaction
he been hoping for.
"Poocuh? Are you OK?" Tom
didn't lift his head as he spoke.
"Yeah, Chak I'm OK. Shit. I know
this is really stupid. I don't know why I'm doing this. I…I…"
Tom sat up, wiped an arm across his
face and squared his shoulders. He took a deep breath before he spoke
again.
"It's just that this is, well, a
little overwhelming. I was having all these feelings about you but
never thought that I have a chance to express them. I didn't think
you'd be interested in something like this." He took another
breath, "You know like I'm a guy and you're guy. That sort of
thing."
Chakotay leaned forward and wiped the
last vestiges of tears from Tom's cheeks with his fingertips.
"I'm interested, Poocuh. Very
interested."
The lieutenant's eyes sparkled and an
impish grin formed.
"Yeah? I think I'm going to need
some more convincing though. That is if you're up to it big guy."
The commander smiled back. This was
the old Tom Paris talking. Chakotay was surprised that he didn't mind
a little of the old personae mixing with the new. In fact he didn't
mind it all.
"Tomorrow, Lieutenant, tomorrow.
Tonight let's get some sleep so we'll be ready for anything the Borg
throw at us. Deal?"
"Yeah, OK, deal. But after we
kick some Borg ass, I'm gonna call you on that one. Deal?"
Chakotay hugged the man close to him
and whispered in his ear.
"Deal."
*********
"Hey, I learned from the
best."
Chakotay sighed in relief as the Tom
left the ready room. That whole episode had touched a hidden fear
within the commander. The fear that because their new found
familiarity they wouldn't able to function as Commander and
Lieutenant. That the chain of command would irreparably damaged. He
didn't want to have think about what steps he would have had to take
if Tom had been unable to separate their personal relationship from
their professional one. Fortunately the pilot had respected his
decision to give the away team more time and had, if somewhat
reluctantly supported it. It was a scene he'd played a hundred times
before with the captain. Chakotay considered it a hurdle cleared.
Using it as a way to cope with the
stress of the their current situation, Chakotay allowed himself to
reflect on last night's chance encounter.
The order of events hadn't gone quite
the way he had planned them. Love, honour, sex and then maybe if
things went well the love and honour thing again. Going down on Tom in
Sandrine's, hadn't in any way, shape or form been part of the agenda.
Neither had his thought to being bottom to Tom's top. No man had ever
penetrated him before so he was surprised when he considered letting
Tom do so. No not letting, wanting, desperately wanting.
Chakotay wondered what he was getting
himself into. He had underestimated the beautiful blonde pilot and the
power he had over him. Well tonight he would get things back on track.
It was time to enchant the enchanting.
*******
Tom finished another long-range scan.
He knew Harry was keeping a constant vigil over the away team's vital
stats but couldn't help checking for himself every once and awhile. He
noticed Tuvok was acclimating faster to the neural suppressant than
either the Captain or B'Elanna. Tom hoped his Vulcan physiology would
kick in and allow them to finish delivering the virus so they could
get them the hell out of there. Then things could get back to the
normal around here. Yeah, normal, whatever the hell that means.
Nothing was normal for Tom anymore. In
the last day he'd gotten back his rank, developed a crush on the first
officer and then been exquisitely sucked off by said first officer in
a public place. No, this just hadn't been a regular day in the life of
Tom Paris.
And what's more, last night he kissed
a man for the first time in his life.
It wasn't unfortunately the first time
he touched or been touched by a man sexually. Sex in prison had been
like currency, cold and hard. If they wanted something you took it and
if you wanted something you gave it. He had accepted it as a way of
life but not a way to live. Kissing to him implied love and warmth, he
had never allowed anyone in that hellhole to touch his lips.
He absently ran his fingers across his
mouth. It had been like touching fire. Chakotay's answering kiss had
ignited a burning through out his entire being. It had been both
frightening and fascinating at the same time.
Then he asked me to trust him. Never
before had he been so willing to give himself over to someone.
Sandrine's could have been jammed with patrons as he fucked Chak's
mouth and he wouldn't have cared. Hell the bar could have been full of
Kazons, or Vidians and he wouldn't have neither cared nor stopped for
the matter. It had been that intense.
Tom checked his scans again and
wondered what the hell he was getting himself into. He had taken the
handsome commander too lightly over the last six years. Well tonight
he would be prepared and give as good as he got.
Time to turn on the fabled Tom Paris
charm.
*******
Tom stood outside the doors of
Holodeck Two and unnecessarily re-tucked his white denim shirt into
his jeans for the tenth time since he had left his quarters. He hoped
he had dressed appropriately for this "date" as Chakotay had
refused to give any details as to what the scenario would be. All he
had said was don't wear a uniform.
He had thought about wearing his blue
silk "come fuck me" shirt but because he had wanted to stop
in and see the Captain in Sickbay before coming here, he decided
against it. It was a little obvious and he didn't need her asking
about his plans for the evening. Because if she did ask he'd tell her
and he wasn't ready to talk about Chakotay to anyone just yet.
Come on Tommy Boy stop procrastinating
and move it. He walked forward and stepped from hard deck plating to
soft fragrant grass. Tom was awestruck. He was in a world of trees,
mountains and soft breezes. Stars twinkled in the sky and the glow
from the two moons gave everything a dreamy quality.
"Hello, Tom."
Ah and here was the piece de la
resistance. Chakotay was dressed in form fitting khakis and a beige
cable knit sweater, a vision in earth tones. His dimples blossomed as
he walked towards Tom.
"Do you like it?"
"Yeah Chak, you look great."
"I meant the program, Poocuh."
"Oh, yeah it's great too. Where
are we? Is this place real?"
The commander slipped an arm around
the lieutenant's waist and began walking with him through the trees.
"Yes, it's real. This is where I
used to come to think things out. This is the forest that bordered my
home on Dorvan V."
Tom slung his arm around Chak's
shoulder and breathed deeply. He could smell the crispness of the air
and the sweetness of the woods but it was Chak's own musky scent that
intoxicated him the most. He could feel the embers of his passion
begin to ignite. No, he wasn't going to let that dazed feeling
overwhelm him again. Get a grip Tommy Boy, play the game.
"So big guy what's the plan? A
little back to nature romp?"
The commander stopped walking and
stiffened. Tom took the opportunity to rim the shell of Chakotay's ear
with his tongue and than quickly dart it in and out.
"Tom stop it." He pulled
back from the blonde, "I wanted to show you this. " His eyes
looked forward entreating Tom's eyes to do the same.
The trees had thinned out and they
were standing at the edge of a star sparkled lake. The far side was
lined with more trees giving way to majestic mountains their peaks
obscured by violet clouds.
Tom walked to bank where a small fire
was burning trying to take it all in at once. The pilot had grown up
in cities. He was use to tall buildings, buzzing commerce centers and
lots of people. There was nothing like that here. Which was not to say
there nothing here because there was. Beauty was here, life was here
and Chakotay was here. Once again the commander had managed to sweep
him away. Whoa, be cool Tommy Boy, be cool. He turned and faced
Chakotay who was by now standing next to him.
"You know if you're showing me
all this to seduce me, you're doing a hell of job." He licked his
lips, peered at the man through his eyelashes, and purred, "But
you don't really have to, I'd fuck you in a Borg Cube if you wanted me
to."
"No!"
Abruptly Tom Paris found himself
shoved violently back. He tripped over his own feet and fell to ground
on his butt hard.
"I wasn't doing this to seduce
you!" Chakotay stood over Tom with his hands clenched. His voice
was a low growl. "Believe me Lieutenant if all I wanted was your
body, you're right I wouldn't have done all this. A Jefferies tube on
my morning break would have been enough." His voice softened,
"But I wanted more and I had hoped you had too."
Chakotay turned and walked away
berating himself for letting his loneliness make him act the fool. He
had known that someone like Tom Paris wasn't for him. He had been able
to accept the cocky flyboy attitude and even like it, but he couldn't
accept this. All the man was interested in was sex and that just
wasn't enough for him anymore.
Gods Paris what the hell did you just
do? I'll tell you what you just did; you were so busy protecting your
own damn feelings you forgot about Chak's. The big guy shows you a
piece of his heart and you ignore it and go straight for his cock. He
said he wanted more. He didn't really know if he could give more but
for the first time he wanted to try. He couldn't lose this man, but if
he didn't say something now, he knew for a certainty he would. He
stumbled to his feet and spoke through his fear from his heart.
"I think I'm in love with
you."
Oh my god, did that just come out of
my mouth? Tom saw Chakotay stop. He spoke to him over his shoulder.
"What did you say?"
"I said I think I'm in love with
you. I mean nobody has ever made me feel this crazy, so it's gotta be
love right?"
He turned and approached Tom as if
approaching a wounded targ. Cautiously and with slow movements.
"You're sure?"
"Yeah you definitely drive me
nuts." OK Tommy Boy enough with the humour. "Yes, Chak I'm
pretty sure I do. I'm just not sure what that means."
The commander lifted a hand to the
pilot's cheek. This wasn't exactly the way he envisioned this
happening but he could work with this. Things were getting back on
track.
"Would you like me to show
you?"
Not waiting for an answer he began
kissing those talented lips. He grabbed the belt loops of Tom pants
and brought him closer to his body. He felt hands slip under his
sweater and knead the muscles of his chest, tweaking his nipples. He
grabbed the hem and removed it to give Tom better access. Lips and
teeth replaced fingers. He tilted his head back and lost himself in
sensation. Spirits what this man did to him!
The touches stopped and Tom stood back
from him and started to remove his clothing. Chakotay watched
mesmerized by the glow of moonlight accenting the sculpted leanness of
the pilot's body. When he was done, he stood there looking into the
commander's eyes.
"Show me Chakotay, show me what
it means."
Tom watched in fascination as his love
removed his trousers and boots. The fire light played over the man's
solid form. Chakotay mimicked his surroundings, majestic beauty and
tranquil strength. He was a force of nature in himself and Tom was
humbled by his desire for him.
Chakotay took Tom's hand and pulled
him down to the soft loam so the were lying on their sides face to
face. Their lips found each other as their hands explored the dips and
swells of the other's body. Moans mixed with endearments as their hips
began to undulate, rubbing their erections together.
Chak released Tom's mouth to lick and
nip along his delicate throat. He felt the vibrations of his lover's
vocal cords on his lips as Tom groaned in pleasure.
"Now Chak, I need you now!"
Chak stopped his ministrations and
looked into a face wrought with desire.
"What do you need baby, tell
me."
Tom opened his eyes and tried to catch
his breath, "You, inside me, please."
Nodding Chak rolled over to where his
khakis lay and retrieved a small vial from one on the side pockets.
When rolled back Tom was already in position on his elbows and knees.
"Come on Chak, do it."
He opened the vial, releasing the
scent of sandalwood, and poured the oil into his palms rubbing them
together to warm it. After he coated his fingers and penis he lay
forward over Tom's back kissing the nape of his neck. One oiled hand
stroked his lover's cock as he circled Tom's anus with a finger slowly
working inside. When the pilot's body had accepted one, he inserted
two, than three fingers brushing the man's prostrate.
"Oh fuck Chakotay, do it
NOW!"
He removed his fingers and steadied
himself placing his hands on the lieutenant's hips. Chakotay had to
remind himself to go slow as he pierced Tom with his cock. He was so
close to coming it was hard to fight the urge to just ram himself into
his lover.
Tom felt the head of Chakotay cock
enter him. It wasn't enough. He shifted his weight back slamming into
Chak trying to take all of the man inside him. Chak cried out and held
him to him motionless.
Gods the man was going drive him
insane.
"Move Chak. Gods Chak please
move!"
His felt a roughen palm grab his
weeping penis as a spine shattering thrust threw him forward. Tom
grabbed at the grass beneath him for leverage as Chak began to
"move". He tried to match the thrusts with his own but the
big guy was raging into him so fast he couldn't keep up. So he relaxed
and savored the feeling of being filled so totally by the man he
loved.
Chak felt Tom's surrender and lost it.
With a few final pumps he shot his seed deep into his beloved. He
heard Tom scream and shortly after felt the warmth of his release in
his hand. Falling forward, he pulled Tom's back into his chest and
tried to fight the blackness creeping at the edge of his
consciousness.
Grass and dirt stuck everywhere to
their sweat drenched bodies as the beating of their hearts evened out
and their breaths became calm. Tom regained his senses first.
"Chak you OK?"
Arms and legs tightened around him.
"Mmmm."
"I'll take that as a yes."
"Mmmm."
"Chak? This program must have
taken a lot of care and work right? But I think you forgot
something?"
"Mmmm? What?"
Tom looked at the breathtaking vista
around him and then back down to his debris covered body.
"A blanket!"
Chakotay raised himself on one elbow
to look at his lover's face. Through that mask of mock outrage, Chak
thought Tom looked adorable with leaves and sticks poking out his hair
at all angles. He started to rise.
"I didn't forget. What do you
think the lake is for?"
Comprehension dawned on the lieutenant
as he took the commander's hand to help him up off the forest floor.
"What? Oh no Chak, you're the
nature boy not me. I'll like sonics thank you very much." Tom
looked at him. The commander's eyes were sparkling and his dimples
were in full force. "No fucking way Chakotay!"
"Come on Poocuh, it will be
invigorating."
Chakotay took Tom's other hand and
began slowly walking towards the water's edge.
"What part of NO didn't you
understand commander? I'm not freezing my balls off in…."
Tom didn't get a chance to say much
more as Chakotay unceremoniously hauled him into the clear cool water.
********
"Hey Chak over here! You gotta
see this!"
They were in the Artisan's Market on
Beltran, a planet rich in metal alloys. The Captain had negotiated a
deal with the planet's council for pure ore to aid in their repairs to
the ship's hull. They been here a couple of days and would probably
leave tomorrow after most of the major damage had been attended to.
Until then limited shore leave had been granted to the crew.
Tom had already flitted over to
another stall before Chakotay had a chance to view last marvel he had
found. He was like a kid in a candy store. It was a delight for the
commander to see this previously hidden facet of the man's
personality.
He smiled and shook his head. The last
couple of days they had been spending all of their off duty time
together and he had been "delighted" the whole time. Though
he hadn't mentioned it to the commitment shy Lieutenant, he was more
convinced than ever that Tom was his future lifemate. He could wait a
little longer for the formalities of their bond.
Trying to catch up, Chak weeded
through the stalls admiring what these people could do with metal.
There displays of musical instruments, sculptures and jewelry. He saw
Tom at stall up ahead speaking to one of the vendors. Maybe he had
finally stopped his wanderings long enough to buy something. The
captain had made provisions in their deal with the council to provide
the crew with some local currency. But again before the commander
could reach him he was off to the next discovery.
The commander stopped at the stall
that had distracted his lover. Laid over black velvet were beautiful
rings, bracelets and necklaces made of a gold alloy of some kind. He
traced his fingers over some of the more exquisite pieces.
"Can I interest you in
something?"
From the beaming features, Chakotay
guessed that this man behind the table must be the artist.
"Thank you no. I really don't
think I would be able to select only one of these beautiful
pieces."
It was the truth; they were all so
lovely. Tom however didn't seem to have had that problem. He wondered
which trinket had caught the pilot's eye.
"However the last gentleman that
was here, he found something he liked didn't he?"
"Oh yes, the excited one. Yes he
did seem attracted to one of my earlier works but he wasn't interested
in buying either."
Chakotay knew it wasn't because he
wasn't interested, it was because he was broke. Tom had spent most of
his money on the local food and drink, treating himself to a break
from Nelix's culinary creations.
The vendor showed the commander the
item Tom had liked. He found he had enough money and so he bought it.
It was a simple gold ring, what
Chakotay's tribe would call a wedding band. He would give it to his
lover tonight. Tom wouldn't have to know what it meant, not yet
anyway.
He thanked the vendor and went in
search of his errant lover.
*******
It was the ring. Tom sat up straighter
in Chakotay's bed. After a fantastic session of love making Chak had
presented him with this gift. He had noticed it today in the bazaar
because it had been just like the one his mother used to wear. To her
it had been a symbol of love and fidelity, an old earth custom she
believed in. His father had given it to her on their wedding day.
"Do you like it, Poocuh?"
Tom looked down at the big teddy bear
wrapped around his torso. Gods, Chak probably had no idea what it
meant giving this to him. He slipped the ring onto the third finger of
his left hand. Forever he thought. He'd tell the big guy about
"forever" later.
"Yeah Chak I love it." He
scooted back down so he was eye level with his love. "And I love
you big guy."
"Good now come here and show me
how much."
Tom lined his body up with Chakotay's
and then began torturing him with kisses. The first time when they
made love was always hard and fast but the second was generally more
gentle and teasing. His hands caressed the length of the commander's
back, squeezing when he reached his firm bronze ass. Gods he loved
that ass.
Chakotay pressed closer into Tom
relishing his talented mouth and losing himself in the sensation. It
wasn't until he registered the insistent poking of Tom erection in his
stomach that he broke from his revelry and took action.
Freeing his left arm from underneath
his lover's body, he reached down and grasped both erections, rubbing
them together leisurely. His right hand he brought around and clasped
Tom's left clearly feeling the ring there. His ring. The thought of
his beloved wearing his ring moved him to increase the speed of his
stroking. Tom began pumping into his hand in earnest. Twisted in bed
sheets both men came, sealing both their bodies and their hearts
together.
Later after cleaning up a bit and
obtaining new sheets from the fresher Tom lay in Chakotay's arms his
head resting on his chest. The big guy was already fast asleep,
snoring quietly and Tom was following his lead quickly, but before he
lost awareness he kissed that smooth bronze chest and whispered
"I do."
********
"Well then gentlemen, I guess
you're with me."
As the lieutenant brushed past him he
gave the commander a smile usually reserved for their moments alone.
It was the smile he had seen every morning for the last week when he
woke. He repressed a smile of his own and returned to his seat on the
bridge.
********
He found Tom in Sickbay, sitting on a
bio-bed watching over Seven and Icheb. His contemplative countenance
broke into one of pleasure when he saw the commander. Chakotay hopped
up on the bed beside Tom, their arms and thighs touching.
"How are they?"
"Fine. In a couple hours, when
she's stabilized, we'll move Seven to her regeneration alcove for the
rest of her recovery."
Tom fell back into his previous somber
state. Chakotay took his left hand in his right. The other he used to
turn the pilot's face to his.
"What is it, Poocuh?"
"It's nothing really. I was just
thinking how lucky Seven is to have someone like Icheb care about her
so much that he would risk his existence for her. I guess I was
feeling a little envious."
Chakotay watched as Tom's gaze
returned to the two people sleeping on the bio-beds. He realized that
under all that bravado was a man who was vulnerable and had a deep
seated need to feel loved. The commander hadn't actually said the
words to Tom yet but he felt them with all that he was. He had held
his tongue for fear of scaring off the emotionally erratic lieutenant.
Perhaps now was the time to take the chance to reveal his feelings. He
began to twirl the ring on Tom finger. Tom looked down at his hand.
"You know among my tribe when a
man gives his beloved a gold band it is more than just a gift. It is a
promise to love, cherish and honour that person for the rest of their
life. During my lifetime I have had issues with many of my people's
customs but never with that one. I believe in the promise of the
ring."
Tom's blue eyes traveled from his hand
up to Chakotay ebony ones, his features displayed a mixed look of
disbelief and wonder.
"If I didn't know better I'd
think that you were proposing to me commander."
With his hand still on Tom's face,
Chakotay brushed the pilot's cheekbone with his thumb.
"I am. I love you Tom Paris. Will
you be my lifemate?"
Before the lieutenant could speak
Chakotay place a light kiss on his mouth. This was a serious decision.
He wanted to give Tom time to think about it. As Tom tried to speak,
Chakotay moved his thumb over his lips.
"No Poocuh. I don't want an
answer right now. Think about this and tonight in my cabin we'll talk.
Deal?"
Tom nodded his head up and down.
"Deal."
Chakotay kissed him once more, slipped
down from the bio-bed and left Sickbay.
After watching the commander leave,
Tom brought his left hand up and looked at the band of gold on his
finger.
"Holy shit."
********
Tonight! How the hell was he supposed
to wait until tonight? Tom absently played with ring as he looked at
the crono on console at the Conn. Time was dragging by. This
particularly boring section of space and the absence of the commander
behind him were not enough to distract him from the seemingly slow
passage of time.
He still could hardly believe the
commander had asked him to marry him. He had wanted to jump up on the
bio-bed and scream yes and then proceed to ravish the big guy on said
bio-bed. Ravish, yeah he liked that. Chakotay was in for one major
ravishing once he got him alone. His eyes went involuntarily for the
chrono again. Shit how was he ever going to be able wait until tonight
to tell him yes let alone do any serious ravishing?
When Tom heard the turbo-lift doors
behind him swish open, he turned slightly in his chair. He saw
Chakotay enter the bridge and sit beside the Captain. They began to
discuss ship's business. Now that Chakotay was here, the wait became
intolerable. Tom lifted his eyebrows and shoulders in tandem. So why
wait? He turned his chair around to face his senior officers.
"Yes."
The Captain and Chakotay halted their
conversation and looked expectantly at Tom. The Captain spoke first.
"Yes what Mr. Paris?"
Standing and settling into the
standard at ease position with his arms behind his back, Tom angled
his sight directly on Chakotay.
"Yes Chak. I'll marry you."
Silence. Tom looked around the bridge.
Tuvok's eyebrow was raised, Harry had stopped breathing and a knowing
smile graced the lips of the Captain. He looked back to Chakotay
waiting for him to say something, anything. He didn't.
Before the lieutenant could remark on
the man's silence, he found himself in a strong bear hug with full
lips against his. After recovering from the initial shock of being
kissed on the bridge, Tom brought his hands up and framed Chakotay's
face. It was a long deep kiss that wasn't broken until they heard the
sound of the Captain clearing her throat behind them. Chakotay spoke
over his shoulder.
"Permission to leave the bridge,
Captain?"
"Permission granted and
congratulations as well."
Both men turned to look at her. The
Captain was trying not too successfully to appear professional and
calm. The sparkle in her eyes gave her away. When they didn't move,
she rolled her eyes and made a shooing motion with her hands.
"Oh for heaven's sake go!"
Galvanized into action, the commander
grabbed his intended's arm and whisked them into the turbo lift.
********
"Computer, halt turbo lift."
Chakotay rounded on Tom, his hands on
his hips and a frown creasing his brow. All Tom noticed what the cute
way the expression made the big guy's tattoo crinkle.
"Why in the spirits made you
decide to give me my answer on the bridge? There's a time and a place
for our personal relationship and in front of the Alpha shift isn't
one of them!"
Nothing could make Tom angry at this
moment. He was going to be married to the hunkiest guy on Voyager and
he was ecstatic. He wrapped his arms around his beloved and molded his
body to his. Licking the tattoo he whispered.
"Are we having a fight? Cause if
we are I'm sorry. Now can we go home and have some earth-shattering
make up sex? Please baby can we go home?" He licked the tattoo
again and then trailed his tongue to the commander's ear.
Chakotay sighed. This is what life
with Tom Paris was going to be like. No matter how many plans he made
or scenarios he came up with he'd never be able to properly figure in
the "Paris" factor. But it was all part and parcel of what
he loved about this man. And he did love this man, dearly. He resigned
himself to living a rollercoaster of a life and pulled Tom's forehead
to his.
"OK Poocuh we'll go home but no
more public displays of affection on the bridge? Deal?"
Tom made as if to think about it and
then pulled Chakotay in for a hug.
"Deal."
"Computer, resume."
And they went home and lived happily
ever after, well for the most part anyway.
End.