Third part now here!!
Disclaimer: Same as in the first part....
The first game Tom won with ease, the second with a bit more of a fight and by the third he was hanging on by his finger nails.
“Okay, spill, Commander, where have you been hiding these talents?” Tom looked up at him over his own glass of whisky from where he was lounging against the bar. “You have never in my knowledge played before, not on this ship anyway, I’d know.”
“Ah, Tom now that would be telling. And anyway you don’t know everything that goes on here on Voyager, you’re not in the holodeck *all* the time are you.”
“Now *that* would be telling,” Tom grinned.
Chakotay grinned. “I’m just a fast learner Tom, that’s all,” Chakotay noticed that he was calling Tom by his first name and yet Tom still called him by his rank. He debated whether or not to call him on it. “Tom, you can call me Chakotay, we are off duty now.”
Tom turned and looked at him. “Sorry, didn’t notice I was,” he lied easily.
“It’s okay. Its just nice to be reminded that your not just a rank sometimes, you know?”
“Yeah, I know......Chakotay.”
Chakotay could have sworn he heard something in the way Tom said that but when he looked at him he was the picture of neutrality.
“So Chakotay, are you feeling better than you were earlier?”
“I am,” Chakotay smiled at Tom. ‘If only I could tell you why, Tom’ he thought. ‘Its you, being around you.....’
“We must do this again sometime.” The tone was more of a question than a statement and Chakotay lookd up into clear blue eyes.
“I’d like that, Tom,”
Tom smiled and Chakotay thought he’d faint - right there on the floor in the middle of Sandrine’s. Instead he controlled his fast beating heart and gripped the bar a little bit harder.
“Well I don’t know about you but I’m gonna turn in, ships to fly you know....”
“Yeah.” As much as Chakotay didn’t want the magic of the evening to finish he knew that if he was going to get up in time for the early morning meeting he would have to get some sleep soon. They left the holodeck together after Tom had called to the computer to end the program. The easy banter that had developed over the course of the pool games continued as they walked down the corridor together. When eventually they came to Tom’s door, they stopped. Both of them hesitated rather nervously. Tom fidgeted while Chakotay hovered not wanting to say goodbye but knowing that if he stayed any longer he’d do something he’d regret in the morning.
"Well, I'll say goodnight then, Tom."
"Goodnight, Chakotay."
Tom turned to activate his door, as Chakotay moved away slowly. The he stopped and turned back.
"Tom.....do you want another game tomorrow?" Chakotay's heart was beating double time as he wondered if he was pushing it or making himself look to obvious. The last thing he wanted to do was rush and end up making a prat of himself......it wouldn't be the first time.
Tom's smile took away any fears he might have had. "Sure, Chakotay. Say about 1900 hours?"
"Its a date," As Chakotay turned away down the corridor he inwardly cringed. Tom didn't seem to have noticed his unfortunate use of words though, either that or he was ignoring it.
As the door closed behind Tom he fell back against it, thinking about Chakotay's last words and running them through his mind again and again. Sighing, he pushed himself upright and headed towards the bedroom. A *date* Oh what a thought! He smiled as he stripped down to his boxers. He through his clothes vaguely in the direction of the chair and flopped down onto the bed, chuckling softly, what would Chakotay think if he knew what Tom was thinking. He could picture it now.
The wrath of the Big man was something to behold. He had only seen Chakotay really mad on a few choice occasions. The man didn't show his anger very much, but when he did it was like he built it all up and let it out all at once. The thought of being on the end of such an outburst unnerved Tom slightly, even though he knew he *had* been the reason for a number of the big man's previous outbursts in the past. He just couldn't help himself, the two of them had wound each other up so much. They were better these days, more like collegues and even friends at a push, although most of their socialising was done by accident, usually through other people.
But that night he allowed himself to dream of how he wanted tomorrow to be like and had one of the most peaceful nights he had had for a long time.
Chakotay had walked back to his quarters on what had seemed like air. His head floated in a most delightful way and his heart seemed to be beating double time. A *date* Oh what a thought! If only Tom knew what his thoughts were! Chakotay chuckled to himself as he slid into bed. Tom would most likely knock his lights out, senior officer or not. He chuckled again and slid under the covers. Oh well, he would enjoy tomorrow for what it was, an opportunity to spend some time with the young man, off duty for once and maybe allow them to achieve a friendship. That would be better than nothing.
~^~
The nest day went very slowly, seeming to drag at every opportunity. At least that the way it seemed to both Tom and Chakotay. Tom practically bounced onto the bridge at the beginning of the morning shift, much to the puzzled and amused looks of Harry, B'Ellana and the Captain. B'Ellana made a mental note to pin Tom down at lunch. Whether this would be at all possible was another matter the way Tom was springing around, a remarkable feat seen as he was sat at the helm the entire time.
By the time the next shift came to relieve them for lunch Tom was practically ready to explode. He had suffered the last few minutes tapping on the console and generally jiggling about, much to the annoyence of various nearby crewmembers. When at last the relief pilot arrived he just about jumped from the chair and if the others saw him move to the turbolift they couldn't recall it. One minute he was sat in his chair, the next he was stood expectantly in the lift waiting for those of a slightly slower speed to catch up. Janeway looked at B'Ellana and both shared a look that nearly sent the two women into hysterics.
Harry stepped in next to Tom and B'Ellana jogged over to join them standing on Tom's other side. As soon as the doors closed both Harry and B'Ellana turned to look at Tom, who just looked at each one in turn with the most innocent expresion he could muster, which had it been anyone else but them, would have worked. However they had known him too long for that to wash with either of them.
"Okay, Tom, give."
"What?"
"You know what. I've seen cheshire cats with smaller grins than the most of the ones you've been wearing this morning." Harry looked pointedly at Tom, who withered slightly. Turning to B'Ellana he found no easier alternative and was met with what would have to be the Klingon equivalent of a leer. He shrank even more.
"You can't fool us, Tom. Did something happen last night?" B'Ellana's were bright and expectant.
Tom sighed. "Nothing happened. We had a few games of pool is all. Nothing to get all worked up over...." He turned and looked at each expectant face in turn. ".....and we're meeting up for another game tonight."
"I knew it!" B'Ellana practically jumped.
"B'Ellana, its nothing to get all excited about. Its just a game of pool. Its not a date or anything......"
"So?" Came the reply. "Hey this is Chakotay we're talking about here. He hardly ever goes out socially, not without the Captain, and certainly not down Sandrines. Not very often anyway. This is definately a good sign." She grinned.
Tom looked at the eager look on her face and sighed. "Let's go have lunch guys."
~^~
By the time 1830 rolled round both Tom and Chakotay were wrecks, although neither of them would admit it. The rest of the afternoon shift had gone without incident. Tom had sat there absolutely ingrossed in his flying and Chakotay had taken an inordinate amount of time to got through a pile of standard reports. The Captain had observed the behaviour of her two officers with discretion. Eventually however, her overwhelming curiousity had gotten the better of her and after one particular longing gaze from her first officer, aimed at her helm officer, she called Chakotay to her ready room.
Chakotay followed her in somewhat hesitently. "Captain?"
"Don't worry, Chakotay. Come on over. Coffee?"
"Um....yes, thank you." Chakotay sat down next to her on the window couch and took the offered mug.
"So tell me, what happened?"
"When?" Chakotay had obviously been studying Tom's patent look of innocence, Janeway noted. Unfortunately, he still had some work to do.
"Last night, I'm guessing. Judging by this morning and this afternoon's behaviour from a certain pair of senior officers." She grinned mischievously. "I'm also guessing that you took my advice - at least to a certain extent maybe?"
"I......we.....we had a friendly game of pool...or two, before we both retired to bed.....separarely," he added quickly, seeing the beginnings of a smirk. "Then we...arranged for another game tonight."
"Excellent!" Chakotay shot Janeway a look at her, in his opinion, all too enthusiastic response.
"Kathryn, its just a game of pool, nothing more. Just an opportunity to get to know the man better. See if we can explore our friendship, I mean we've hardly spent any time together off duty and its not good for the moral of the ship if two of the senoir officers aren't seen to get along. We haven't exactly got the best track record and the crew knows this. Sometimes I still get the feeling that some people still see the difference between two crews and it unsettles me."
Janeway nodded, her voice turning serious. "I know what you mean. We've come so far together, achieved so much, yet I know it's still possible that people see themselves on two opposite sides of a line, even now. From what I have seen most people have settled into the idea of one crew, but I suspect its harder on your former crew to adjust, even after all this time. I mean, they have to keep in mind that this I only a temporary thing, which is good, because you still are thinking that you are going to get home, you are thinking positively and I want that. But on the other hand it keeps people from accepting that they are part of *one* crew, of *one* family." She sighed. "I hope you and Tom can find some equal ground, Chakotay. Maybe more..." She smiled.
Chakotay grinned and then fidgeted noticeably. "Is there anything else, Kathryn?"
"No. Why?" She grinned again, this time with a definate glint in her eye. Chakotay gave his best 'play' glare as she got up to go over to her desk. He followed after putting both their mugs back into the replicator to be recycled.
"Have fun tonight, Chakotay." He smiled back over his shoulder as he went back out to the bridge.
~^~
At 1900 Chakotay walked through the door of Sandrines. His eyes immediately swept the room for Tom. He spotted him over on the far side by the bar, just getting a drink from the looks of it. Barely suppressing the nervous grin that threatened to take over his face, he walked over as casually as he could. "Hi, Tom."
"Hey, Chakotay!" Chakotay was met with the hugest grin he'd ever seen. "Get yourself a drink, I'm just racking the balls up."
Chakotay ordered a whisky with ice. Only the one tonight, but he felt he needed something to calm his nerves, else he'd be on edge the whole night. When he turned back, Tom had set up the table ready and was stood leaning against its edge hugging a pool cue.
"So, think you can beat me tonight?" Chakotay could hear the teasing tone in Tom's voice, mixing with the challenge given.
Taking a sip of his drink, Chakotay put down his glass on the bar and walked over. "I certainly intend to try." He grinned and felt his stomach flip at the smile he got in return.
"Okay, lets play." (Tom let Chakotay break, as a sign of hospitality, Chakotay being the 'guest'.)
Three games later and the Tom was winning. Chakotay had won the second but only because of a mistake on Tom's behalf. Tom had wiped the table with him in both the first and third games. He was certainly a good player, way out of his own league, mused Chakotay, who suspected that Tom had either been tired the night before or let him almost win on purpose. It was either that or alcohol made his aim better, he chuckled inwardly.
The conversation ranged from shop talk, to past and current interests, to ship's gossip and rumor, with the two of them finding a lot more in common than they had expected. Relaxed and in surroundings and an atmophere he was comfortable in, Tom was easy-going and a lot more open. The usual sarcasm and jibes that had existed between them for so long were absent and Chakotay found himself completely relaxing in Tom's company. And also finding Tom's wit was there in abundance! He had Chakotay doubled up at frequant intervals, cracking up himself at the sight of the big man trying desparately to control the tears flowing down his face.
After the fifth game Chakotay noticed that it had gotten almost too loud to talk in Sandrines, the tiny bar almost packed out with people. Turning, he noticed Tom looking around the bar, a pensive look on his face and guessed rightly that he was thinking the same thing. Chakotay turned back to the bar to put his drink down and felt Tom's hand on his shoulder. Turning he was met with a pair of questioning blue eyes.
"Do you want to go somewhere a little more quiet? I hate to sound like an oldie, but I can hardly hear myself think in here, let alone talk!" Tom was grinning, but Chakotay caught the almost pensive look in Tom's bright eyes. He nodded and followed Tom as he led the way to the door, trying to keep his heart from beating its way right out of his chest. He smiled ruefully, he was behaving just a teenager!
Once outside Tom walked striaght to holodeck one and checked the panel.
"No-ones in holodeck one. Want to come in?"
Chakotay swallowed first, mentally chastised his mind for the myriad of questionable thoughts it was having before answering, "Yeah, sure. What are you going to run?"
Tom tapped a few controls on the panel.
"Computer, run Paris 24 ?? alpha."
"Program running."
Tom turned back and gestured towards the door, which had opened (sensing their presence). Chakotay walked through, Tom behind him, and was startled to find himself in the middle of a clearing of trees. He turned back to Tom who had walked past him, heading down towards a small path that wound its way off to the right.
"Come on Chakotay, I thought you were the outdoors type."
With a friendly glare Chakotay followed.
"I never pegged *you* for the outdoors type." Chakotay parroted Tom's previous statement as they walked, puzzled by the program Tom had decided to run.
"There's lots of things people don't peg me for...." Tom began before stopping himself. He started again after a slight pause. "Its Reynic IV. I visited this place once with my mother when I was young, it just kinda stuck on me I s'pose. Quiet, peaceful, calm, a good place to come when you need to think. Lets you unwind and relax, you know."
"Yeah, I know what you mean. Thats the reason I visit my spirit guide. Some place where you can find calm and peace. Guidance too, if you need it."
Tom stopped suddenly and turned, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Would you help me find my spirit guide sometime?"
"Of coure."
Seeming satisfied Tom turned back and carried on down the small winding path. Chakotay looked at the back infront of him, wondering where they were going. Just as he was about to ask they emerged from the trees onto another clearing like the previous. This one however was positioned on the edge of a big ravine. Behind them was the light wood they had just walked through and infront to all sides was the most beautiful and breathtaking sight Chakotay had seen for a long time. It was similiar to the Grand Canyon back on Earth, but with smatterings of bushes and copses like the one they had just emerged out of, dotted around in various places. As he looked around he caught the shrill cry of a large bird that echoed off the rock faces. The wind was light and the sun bright but not blinding. Chakotay guessed the time to be around early evening.
He turned to find Tom staring at him, blue eyes piercingly clear in the softened light of their surroundings. "What do you think?"
It occured to Chakotay that Tom's poise seemed nervous, an almost unpercieveable waver to his voice as he stood, his fingers fidgeting with a twig he had picked up.
"I love it. It's absolutely beautiful!"
"You do?" Tom smile was huge, his blue eyes sparkling. His body relaxed somewhat as he sat down on the grass. "I wasn't sure whether to bring you here. Its the first time I've shown this to anyone."
"I'm honered, Tom. I might have to ask to borrow this in the future, if that's alright?"
"Oh, sure! I'm glad you like it."
An uncomfortable silence followed broken only by the occasional snapping noise as Tom fiddled with more twigs. Tom chuckled suddenly.
"What up?"
"I bring you here cause its too noisy in Sandrines to talk, and when we get here I can't think of a thing to say." He chuckled again. "Sorry."
Chakotay grinned. "Hey, its takes two to make a silence."
Tom turned to look at him and a moment later had collasped backwards onto the ground, his laughter boucing off the cliffs. The sound was like music to Chakotay's ears. A more beautiful or catching sound he had never heard and he found himself chuckling too, soon laughing as hard as Tom.
When at last the laughter had faded, Tom stayed on his back looking up at the sky, too exhausted to move for the moment. He couldn't believe he was here, with Chakotay. It had been a snap decision on his behalf to bring them here, not sure where he wanted to go, only that Sandrines had gotten way to much for the way he had been feeling. Too many people, not enough space.
Realising that Chakotay had been silent for quite a while, Tom looked up to see if he was alright......to find himself on the recieving end of a pair of dark eyes. Blushing he quickly turned away and struggled to sit upright.
"Sorry." Chakotay turned away himself, embrassed that he had been caught staring for a second time in two days.
"S'kay." Tom ducked his head, finding the new twig in his hand extremely interesting as his mind whirled furiously. That was the second time he had caught the Commander staring at him like that, the first time on the bridge the day before. He wasn't sure whether to be excited or nervous and plumped for both. He didn't dare believe it was what he wished it was, he knew that was impossible. The Commander would never feel that way about him, besides which the big man didn't like guys that way, he was sure. The Commander was in love with the Captain, everyone knew that. Anyway the Commander had morals and principles, how could he possible feel that way about someone like him?
He'd known this was a big mistake, he should have listened to himself. There was no point in dangling what he would never have infront of himself. It was just another form of self-torture. Inwardly cursing himself, he started to get up, his mind working on plausible excuses so he could leave and run for the sanctuary of his quarters.
"Chakotay........"
"Tom......"
They both began at the same time. Chakotay had risen to his kness, a worried expression on his face.
"I was thinking that perhaps I should go to bed, I.....I..have some reports that need to be done tomorrow and you know what the Captain's like about reports."
Tom was running, Chakotay had feared this. He'd scared him and now he was running. Chakotay took a deep breath. He had to say something *now*, before Tom got away - yet again. He couldn't keep going on the way he was, the Captain was right he had to say something and end his misery. If Tom said no, then he said no. If he swung him a left hook, then fine, he would take the answer the way it came. If he laughed.......Chakotay didn't think he could stand it. But he would get over it.....eventually.
Tom was starting to edge away. "Tom........." Tom turned, startled by the tone he heard in Chakoaty's voice. "Tom...we've had a good time tonight, haven't we?" Tom nodded silently, not sure where Chakotay was going.
"I don't want that to end." He edged closer. "I.....not tonight.....not ever."
Tom wasn't sure what he had just heard. It couldn't be what he thought...could it? He stood still, frightened he would suddenly wake up and discover it was yet another dream. He looked up and met Chakotay's eyes, stunned by the intensity of the look he found there. He ducked away again, trying to control his breathing that had suddenly started to quicken.
"Tom, look at me." Chakotay slowly came closer still, his voice soft and quiet. "I need to know if you feel the same thing. If...if you feel the same way."
Tom looked up and slowly met Chakotay's eyes. In the intense blue that he found there, Chakotay saw, with a leap of his heart all that he wanted, had hoped, to see. He expelled a breath of air sharply, his thoughts suddenly unsteady.
Moving slowly, as if frightened that he would suddenly jump away, he brought his hand up to touch the side of Tom's face. Tom closed his eyes, drawing in a breath. He stroked his thumb across the proud cheekbones and brushed his fingers along his temple, marvelling at the softeness he found there. Slowly he moved his fingers back to gently run his fingers through the blond hair, gently grasping the back of Tom's head and encouraging it forward. Tom's eyes flicked towards him, as Chakotay brought their faces closer until they could feel each others breath on their lips. Bringing his other up he rested it against the other side of Tom's face and gently bent down to touch his lips ever so softly against Tom's. A small whimper escaped the younger man as Chakotay barely brushed his lips.
Feeling Tom's body start to tremble Chakotay moved his left hand to the slim man's waist to hold him tighly against his body. As each man became more sure of the other's response, the kiss deepened slowly until the passion that was shared in that one simple act was strong enough to take their breaths away.
Parting a fraction they held their faces against each other, resting cheek to cheek, unable to put more distance between them. Chakotay could feel Tom's quick breathing on his neck, Tom's face turned downwards, the warm of his skin where their faces touched, radiating through his body. Tom was gripping the front of Chakotay's uniform as if for dear life. Pulling back the Commander captured Tom's gaze and smiled. Tom returned one of his own as he shyly dipped his eyes.
"That was...incredible," Tom's voice was barely more than a whisper.
"I've wanted to do that for such a long time." Tom looked shocked as Chakotay caressed the side of his jaw, feeling the barest beginnings of stubble under his finger tips. "Everytime I saw you on the bridge, or in the messhall, I ........." He broke off, unable to put into words the agony he'd gone though knowing that his desire had been so close yet ultimately out of reach. Instead he let his hands and fingers do the talking, telling Tom through their gentle strokers, their tender caresses how much he was feeling.
Tom had closed his eyes again under the sensations that Chakotay's touch were creating. He couldn't believe he was in his arms, being held so close. The intensity of his emotions left him feeling light-headed and giddy. "I've wanted you to do that for so long. I've needed to feel your touch, wanted you to hold me. I never thought you would feel anything for me."
What an awful place to leave it?! But thats where I ran out of spare time and had to hit the books again - damn studies!!
More coming soon.....hopefully!! :)