The BLTS Archive- Anywhere For You by Joanne Collins (luchenbackoutlaw@gmail.com) --- Disclaimer: Everything Trek belongs to Paramount/Viacom. The song Anywhere For You belongs to the Backstreet Boys. Please do not distribute, archive, etc, without my permission. May be archived on the ASC archive, the CPSG archive and R'Rain's Slash Archive only. Posting to BLTS, CPSG, ASC/EM only. Anything else, please ask first. I will probably say yes, but I'd prefer to know about it. My very first post-Nemesis story! Of course I find that ep very inspirational, and I have at least two more stories planned. The premise of this story is that the reason that Tom wasn't on the shuttle with Chakotay is that they had an argument about telling the rest of the crew about their relationship, resulting in Tom storming off. M/m sex, although not as graphically described as usual. Of course this is for Keikimo. It was her idea, after all ;). --- "Damn, Harry, why do I screw *everything* up?" Tom Paris asked his best friend. "Don't be ridiculous, Tom. Of course you don't." "I do when it counts. I couldn't even *listen* to what Chakotay had to say today after he refused *again* to let me tell the Delaney sisters about us. He thinks their flirting with me is harmless. As if because we're committed, it doesn't *matter* that they keep coming on to me. He doesn't *realise* how hard it is to think of an excuse not to go to the holodeck, when I *know* the program Megan's going to run, or to refuse to go to dinner with Jenny. I thought when I started to show an interest in B'Elanna that they'd get the message, but it must have been obvious that I wasn't really interested in her." "Which is a good thing," Harry grinned, moving to touch the ring he wore, the twin of which was on the finger of his now-sleeping wife. "Yeah," Tom smiled, softly, "But I don't know how I could have been so *stupid*. I know how he feels about this. I know that you, B'Elanna, Kathryn, Sam Wildman and Tuvok know, and it's probably practically everywhere else on the ship...but I want us to be able to kiss in the Observation Lounge after a hard shift, or to stop a turbolift for just a couple of minutes longer than necessary, or able to dance with each other here. Just to be together together. Like you and B'Elanna." "Tom, that's not what our relationship is about. I *treasure* our time alone." "That's because you know what the alternative is like. Chakotay and I don't." Harry couldn't disagree, and he didn't say any more, just listening to Tom talk for long into the night, until, at last, the next day, Tuvok was able to find Chakotay and bring him home. Tom had wanted to rush to Sickbay, but unfortunately he was on duty. And Kathryn Janeway left *him* in command while she tried to smooth over the diplomatic problems. Tom went back to his quarters at the end of shift, hoping Chakotay would be there. He wasn't, and Tom didn't know whether he was relieved or not. After swallowing some tea and a light meal, he fell into a fitful sleep. He was woken by the sound of a red alert. "What the hell?" then he realised that it was his doorchime, and that it was seven hours later. He could have slept a few hours longer, though, and he hoped that whatever it was that it was as important as a red alert, or whoever was on the other side of the door would find out why it was a bad idea to wake Tom Paris too early. "Who is at my door?" he asked the computer. "Commander Chakotay," replied the feminine voice. All thoughts of irritation were forgotten as Tom opened the door, and only memory of their argument stopped him from throwing himself into Chakotay's arms. "You're back," Tom said, awkwardly. "I am," Chakotay agreed. "Come in," Tom invited, stepping back, "I'd rather *not* air our discussion in the hallway." "I would rather not argue again if we can help it," Chakotay said wearily as he sank onto Tom's couch. "Gods, Chakotay, I don't want to argue either. Do you *know* how happy I am to see you?" Tom couldn't stop a smile from spreading across his face. "About as happy as I am to see you," a smile finally made it's way across Chakotay's lips. "I'm sorry, Chakotay. I don't care if we *never* tell anyone about us. The important people know, anyway, and I'd rather no one else ever found out about us than go through the hell of not knowing if you're dead or alive again," Tom said, in a rush of emotions and words. "Hey," Chakotay pulled Tom down beside him, wrapping his arms around his lover, "It's okay. I'm here. And I want to tell the crew about us." "You do?" "I came to a realisation while I was on that planet. You weren't the only one wondering if I was going to come back to this ship or not, you know. And I came to the realisation that if I did die, which at that point was not entirely out of the question, you would not be able to let your feelings show. Your mourning would have had to have been done in private, or you would have had to go through the hell of telling people what we were to each other, and recalling all the memories every time you told a new person about it. I don't *ever* want to put you through that kind of pain, Tom. I love you too much for that." "I love you, too. And I'm glad that I don't have to go through your death yet, and I hope I don't have to go through it for a long time to come. So," a teasing glint appeared in the blue eyes, "How do you want to tell the crew about us? An announcement on A Briefing With Neelix?" Chakotay shuddered, "No. Is that the best you can come up with?" "What do you mean?" "Well, I'm not really the type to say such things in public. I kind of thought that you'd..." "You want *me* to make the announcement?" "Or come up with some way to let the crew know about us. Whatever you want. But not, please, A Briefing With Neelix!" "Oh, Big Man, I'm *sure* I can come up with something better than a spur of the moment joke," Tom winked at his lover. Chakotay wondered for a moment if maybe he *really* wanted Tom to handle this, but decided that he was being too paranoid. "Probably an after-effect of what happened," Chakotay told himself. "I think...maybe tomorrow? During Talent Night? And the rest," Tom grinned, "Will be as much a surprise to you as to anyone else." "Sounds...interesting. No hints?" "No hints. Wait and see. But I promise, it will all be meant in the deepest sense of affection. You know that, right? You won't get upset?" "No. I trust you, Tom. You won't do anything to hurt me." "You know it. I'd rather die." "Me too." "So," the grin returned, "How do you want to celebrate our last night of illicit pleasure?" "By having you make love to me." "That sounds good to me," and Tom took Chakotay's mouth in a tender kiss. Neither man said anything for a long time after that. --- The messages went to four personal terminals the next morning. Harry Kim, Miguel Ayala, Jerron and The Doctor were requested to be in the holodeck for rehearsal. "What is this about, baby?" Miguel asked Jerron, kissing his lover gently. "I don't know, querido, but I do know it's not for my recitation of erotic Bajoran poetry," Jerron winked. "I'll never understand how you were able to get away with that." "Simple. No one expects a young innocent kid to be talking dirty. Remember the last Talent Night?" "How could I forget the first night we were together?" "I never knew you were a connoisseur of erotic poetry, lover." "I always liked poetry, and erotic stuff just has more to it, you know? It's usually more vivid and descriptive. And not only in the sex passages." "We'd better go before I rip that shirt off you and start reciting In The Garden Of The Vedeks," Jerron grinned wickedly, ducking the book Miguel threw at him. "I do not understand. I am to be the Master Of Ceremonies. Well, I shall meet the Lieutenant," The Doctor could not understand the logic, but he would do as he was asked. "Must be to do with what Tom was talking about yesterday," Harry mused, remembering the moment when Tom had almost told him what he would really like to do to announce his and Chakotay's relationship. "It had better *not* be anything Chakotay will be embarrassed by," B'Elanna answered. "Tom wouldn't do that. And," at her look of doubt, "You know I'll rein him in." "I know. I just worry sometimes." "With Tom, that's always a good idea. Better get going." --- When the four men had listened to Tom's plan, Ayala and Jerron looked surprised, they hadn't known about Tom and Chakotay, but they agreed immediately. The Doctor looked a little odd when he realised the role he was to play, and Harry just smiled, thinking how typical it was of Tom to come up with something like this. They rehearsed the rest of the afternoon, and were as ready as they would ever be by dinner time. --- Later that night in the holodeck, after Megan and Jenny Delaney's rendition of Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves, The Doctor withdrew from the stage after announcing, "Lieutenant Paris." "Hello everyone," Tom began, "I have an announcement to make. There is someone on this ship who I care for very deeply. Someone who cares for me. And we don't want our relationship to come out over the grapevine, because someone will try to twist it, because of who it is, and who I am, and lots of other reasons that are no longer relevant. So I've decided to present it this way. My contribution to Talent Night is a song, performed by Voyager's version of the twentieth- century male singing group The Backstreet Boys. I am Brian, or B-Rok. Let me introduce you to the rest of the group. Jerron is Nick, Miguel is Kevin, The Doctor is A. J.. and Harry is Howie D." Tom ushered the others out onto the stage. Jerron wore a white shirt and blue jeans, Miguel a green shirt and pants, The Doctor an...interesting ensemble of black tank top, cream jacket and pants, Harry a gold shirt and grey pants. Tom's shirt was silver, with soft, flowing white trousers. Tom looked out into the audience, searching for and finding his lover. Chakotay smiled approvingly. Tom's slight frown cleared, and the music began. Tom jumped down from the stage, standing immediately in front of Chakotay, making it clear who he was singing to. --- I'd walk halfway around the world For just one kiss from you Far beyond the call of love The sun, the stars, the moon As long as your love's there to lead me I won't lose my way, believe me Even through the darkest night you know I'd go anywhere for you Anywhere you asked me to I'd do anything for you Anything you want me to Your love as far as I can see Is all I'm ever gonna need There's one thing for sure I know it's true (I know it's true) Baby, I'd go anywhere for you I used to think that dreams were just For sentimental fools And I'd never find someone Who'd give their love so true But I knew the very minute Couldn't live my life without you in it And now I want the whole wide world to know I'd go anywhere for you (Anywhere) Anywhere you asked me to (I'd do anything) I'd do anything for you (Whatever you want me to) Anything you want me to (Oh, yeah, oh baby, yeah) Your love as far as I can see Is all I'm ever gonna need There's one thing for sure I know is true Baby, I'd go anywhere for you For you --- "I would, you know," Tom said at the end of the song, seemingly oblivious to the microphone and the audience. "Chakotay, I'd die for you, do you understand? No one's ever treated me like I *matter* before you and the people on this ship. The guys behind me, and those of you who are left," his voice a little sad at the memory of the few people who had pointedly left as soon as they realised, "You *matter* to me, and I'd give my life for any of yours. You've all given me something I couldn't ever find before, a sense of belonging. Thank you." The audience did not applaud. They quietly left, everyone except Chakotay, and the rest of the group behind Tom disappeared discreetly. "Was that okay?" Tom asked when they were alone. "You need to ask?" "I just wasn't sure..." "I couldn't have chosen a better way," Chakotay smiled. "Let's go home," Tom suggested, suddenly tired, as evidenced by the huge yawn that split his face. Chakotay slipped a hand into Tom's, and allowed the pilot to lean on him as they waited for the lift, kissing him gently as someone passed by. "'Kotay?" "We're public now. You expected something else?" "Not that at any rate. This is going to be *fun*." Chakotay smiled as they entered the lift. If Tom only knew how much fun... They didn't feel the need to talk as the lift slowly ascended, just being together was enough. As they entered Chakotay's - their - quarters, Tom felt himself being lifted into strong arms, and, just for a moment, he clung to his lover, the irrational fears of a day ago reasserting themselves. "It's all right," Chakotay whispered, "I'm not going anywhere." "I'd go there if I had to." "I know you would." "How do you want it?" wriggling his hips against the other man's rising arousal. "I want to take you, Tom." "Please..." a whispered moan, cut off by a searing kiss. Tom was deposited on the bed, left wondering where his clothes had gone, seeing Chakotay pulling off his. The impromptu striptease wasn't meant to be provocative, which made it all the more so to Tom. At last, Chakotay was as naked as he, then the older man lay on the bed, cradling Tom in his arms. "I never thought I'd get to do this again..." "I could stay like this all night." "'Kotay!" "But I won't," and Chakotay began kissing Tom determinedly, making his every nerve sing in appreciation. Then Chakotay moved over Tom's chest, stimulating his nipples to arousal, moving lower, taking Tom into his mouth. Chakotay's hardness teased at the edges of Tom's lips and control, until Chakotay made a teasing little move with his hips, moving off Tom long enough to say, "I changed my mind," allowing Tom to take him in his mouth at the same time. Tom licked and sucked at his lover, moaning around him as he was licked and sucked. Tom held onto Chakotay's thighs, not really thinking, just feeling, and he erupted into Chakotay's mouth. Then Chakotay's climax burned its way down his throat. The lovers separated, exhausted, and rearranged themselves, Chakotay in Tom's arms. One last kiss, and they drifted into a relieved sleep. --- The End