The BLTS Archive - Un series #11: Unabashed by Kiff (Kiff47@yahoo.com) --- Disclaimer: Paramount is God. I am not. I make no money from this. Promise. Archiving: Okay for my webpage, ASCEM, BLTS. Anyone else, please ask first. Feedback: Anything except flames are welcome. If you wish to send it privately, e-mail me. --- From his bed, Chakotay watches as Tom dresses, grinning as the ensign wriggles his ass into the jeans he had worn last night. He's very tempted to undo all of the young man's hard work right here and now. But it's only 0520, and the commander has the luxury of another hour of sleep awaiting him. Tom is heading back to his quarters now, before Alpha shift begins to stir and before rumors can begin to fly. The pilot puts on his shoes, pushes his hair into place, then glances at Chakotay. "Well, I guess I'll see you on the Bridge." "Right." "And maybe later on?" It sounds like a request, or even an invitation. It sounds *good.* "Sure. Back here?" "If you're more comfortable that way." "It doesn't really matter." Tom considers this. "Okay. This could become a habit, you know." Chakotay props himself up on an elbow. "I'm not going to worry about anything beyond the next twenty-four hours. I'd like you to come back tonight, if you want." "I'll be here." "Good." Tom looks like he wants to say more, but he only nods once before turning and walking out. Chakotay is tempted to call him back. The bed already feels colder and emptier. But sleep does eventually return to him. --- Space is quiet, and the mood on the Bridge is relaxed. Tom is as cheerful and efficient as he was yesterday. "Commander." The captain leans toward Chakotay for a private conversation. "Have you and Mr. Paris worked out your problem?" "Captain, I can assure you that what happened in Sandrine's will not be repeated." "I'm glad to hear that." She straightens up in her seat, and Chakotay manages to smother a smile. The rest of the shift passes without incident. --- "Commander!" exclaims Neelix. "I want you to try this new rice dish I've created. It wasn't ready for lunch, but I think I've got the recipe down now." Chakotay sniffs at the Talaxian's offering, then nods his head. "Okay." Neelix beams. "You won't be sorry. Mr. Tuvok has already given it the Vulcan seal of approval. I really am trying to do better for the vegetarians on board, sir." "I'm sure it will be fine." Chakotay smiles and accepts his tray. He pours himself some juice and looks for an empty table. There's one near the window. He seats himself and samples the rice. It's excellent. He nods across the room at Neelix, who gives him a double thumbs-up in return. The commander settles in to enjoy his food and look over some reports. After about ten minutes, he gets the odd feeling that someone is watching him. He looks up to see Harry Kim three tables away. The ensign quickly shifts his gaze, but Chakotay can't miss the guilty look on his face. Puzzled, he goes back to his food, only to be interrupted once more. "This seat taken?" It's Tom, with a full plate and a big grin on his face. Chakotay's eyes widen. Tom *never* sits with him. He always sits with Harry. People will wonder what the hell is going on. "Come on, Chakotay. I won't do anything to embarrass you. We can pretend to talk business." Chakotay nods quickly, but as Tom sits down, the commander can see Harry again, and the Ops officer is staring at the two of them with huge eyes. "Was Harry expecting you?" "Hell." Tom glances around. "I didn't think he was even going to be here. I thought he'd be in bed. He's got the night shift again." "Maybe you should invite him over." "What's the matter? Are you afraid of me?" "No...." "I saw you across the room. I wanted to eat with you. That's all." Chakotay tries not to look at Harry again. "Okay, Tom." "You want me to leave? I'll leave if you want." "No!" hisses the commander. That would just make more of a scene. "All right, then." Tom picks up his fork and begins to eat. Chakotay resumes his own meal. Janeway comes in, gets a tray and sits down. She sees Chakotay and Tom together and smiles at the commander from behind Tom's back. Tom turns to see what Chakotay is looking at. "What's with the Captain?" "She likes to see the crew getting along so well." "Uh-*huh*." Tom looks suspicious. Chakotay glances again at Harry, who still looks distressed. "Maybe you could tell me what's with Harry." Tom follows the commander's gaze. Harry only shakes his head, picks up his tray, and leaves. "You must have stood him up after all, Tom." The lieutenant snorts. "More of your bizarre sense of humor. Actually, I know what's bugging him. You and me." Chakotay stops in the middle of a bite, his mind slowly putting two and two together. "Paris...." he says in his most dangerous voice. Tom is unfazed. "He's my best friend. That's my only excuse for telling him. He won't say a word to anyone." "You *told* him." "What? *You* didn't tell the Captain? I thought you told her everything, and that's why she likes me again all of a sudden." "Tom...." "You didn't." "You *did*. You told Harry. I can't believe this." "Chakotay." Tom puts a hand on the commander's arm. "I trust Harry with my life. I tell him things I don't tell anyone else. That's the way it is between us, and it will never change." "All right," the other man says after a moment. "You and I are different. You do something to me that Harry can't. On top of that, I think I'm even starting to like you." Chakotay snorts. "I have the same damn problem." "You see? We won't be able to keep this a secret for too long." Tom takes a huge bite of food. "The ship will survive the news, old man." The commander sighs. "You have a point." "Sure. Now can we relax and enjoy our food? Neelix made chocolate cake for dessert." "I'll save some room," says Chakotay, allowing a smile at last. --- The End