Part One: Offer and Acceptance.
AN: While this can be read as a stand alone, it might be better to read chapters one to five of Past Becomes Present. It will fill in parts of the backstory that are only touched on in this section of the story. I hope you enjoy.
"Tell me what happened," B'Elanna asked, her body still slick with sweat after they'd made love. Spooned against her mate, Tom Paris had been everything she'd wanted after the day they'd both experienced. Content to lay in his arms for the moment, she was in the mood to listen. "The full story and you'd better not leave out any of the details."
"When I asked to have your name added onto my Starfleet billet, the administrative assistant gave me this odd look," Tom smiled, disturbing her by lifting his head and kissing the point behind B'Elanna's ear. He found she had very sensitive areas that made Torres shiver. It should disturb him, the dichotomy between her Klingon and Human halves, yet he found her completely alluring. "She asked me to wait a moment and disappeared out the back. Honestly, I thought it might have something to do with our visit to sickbay last night. It seemed Professor Chapman's heard the rumour you'd shacked up with a serving officer and were still on campus. He placed a note on your file, asking to be contacted if anyone came in to officially change your residence."
"He site to site'd you without warning," B'Elanna snickered, proving her demeanour was better and her humour returning after their argument, if it could be called, that a few hours ago.
"I got the run down on your last two years at the Academy," Tom continued recounting his morning. "Equal parts impressive and concerning. It gave me a good idea why you're so driven academically but let that Klingon temper get in the way." A growl from the woman in his arms and Paris grimaced. He needed to tread carefully. Torres hadn't come to terms with her mixed heritage which formed the main reason for quitting the academy. "Professor Chapman thinks a lot of you, B'Elanna. He accused me of forcing you to quit for selfish reasons, describing you as the brightest young Engineer to attend the academy this century. Don't laugh, I'm paraphrasing."
"I guess it didn't take you long to correct his assumptions," she smirked.
"That you're a good engineer," Tom chuckled, levering himself onto an elbow so he could look down at her beautiful face and the expressive eyes that were the window to her soul. "I'd never correct a professor on that score. That I'm selfish, I admit to that. I also know how you'd react if I attempted to make decisions for you. I never want to lose your friendship or trust, B'El. It's to important to me."
Watching, B'Elanna pulled his head towards her lips and brushed her mouth against his. Noticing the passion build, Tom shook his head, trying to ignore her offer. They needed to discuss this. Her future was too important to get distracted.
"He wants you to return to the Academy, B'Elanna," Paris said seriously, his eyes searching her's for understanding. "I told you he tried to bribe me with a posting at R&D here in San Fransisco so we could stay together while you complete your degree. When I indicated we would need to discuss it, I could almost feel is disappointment. He wouldn't let me leave until I promised to get you to finish your degree, anywhere, even on Qo'noS. I really think he's right, you're too talented not to get a formal education."
B'Elanna didn't say a word. It was too much to take in and no one had ever validated her in the way Tom did. It seemed so easy for him, affirming her feelings of honour and respect without trying. Several minutes passed in companionable silence before she asked, "what happened with the Admiral? You said he left three messages. It must have been important."
"I should have gone to see dear old Dad prior to adding you to my billet," Tom stated sarcastically. "I don't think I was out of Chapman's office more than two minutes when he com'ed me. There was so much anger in his tone, I knew I was in trouble. The moment I left Chapman, he must have called Admiral Paris's office and told him everything. I know how that would have gone down with Mr. Micromanage my Children's Career."
"Another site to site," B'Elanna guessed with a snicker, until she noticed Tom's expression. "Was it as bad as you expected?"
"Worse," Tom's tone dripped with irony, although he was attempting to make light of the situation. "I got a dressing down the likes of which I've never heard before. His face was so red; honestly I thought he'd have a heart attack. He'd do that you know, if he felt he could guilt me into taking the posting on Excelsior as second officer. Then he tells me not to disappoint my mother by missing dinner tonight."
"Oh," B'Elanna stated with a deep frown before choosing to change the subject to one just as painful for her. Quickly she summarised the meeting with Sean Kelly and the invitation to catch up with her teammates on the decathlon team this evening. Oddly, she felt nervous telling Tom she'd decided to take Sean's advice which mirrored Professor Chapman's.
"You've decided to sit your finals?" Tom asked, keeping his pleasure contained. He'd come to the conclusion that Starfleet might not be her best option, not until she got her temper under tighter control. However the Engineering world would be all the poorer if B'Elanna Torres didn't complete a formal degree.
"I'm even going to attend the exams for the Starfleet Officer units," B'Elanna couldn't look at him. Asking for help had never come easily, "if you'll tutor me."
"B'Elanna," Tom's tone hinted at disappointment, "I'll do anything for you, especially if it makes you happy."
"Good," she sighed, eyes suddenly shiny. If Paris didn't know better, he say it was those courses were the final straw causing her to quit. As if B'Elanna read his mind, she allowed a single tear of frustration. "I'm failing those units and have a lot to catch up on. I don't know if I'll pass. I guess I could retake them over the summer, if I have too."
"Then you're thinking of returning to the Academy?" Tom didn't know how his voice came out so evenly with the lump in his throat.
"You really want R&D," she finally saw the hope now her own insecurities had been conquered "don't you?"
"Yes," Tom answered, "but not at the cost of your future. It was never my decision to make, B'Elanna."
"It's my decision and I've made it," B'Elanna pulled out of Tom's arms. "Only your going to have to help me get through the required Starfleet courses over the next two years."
Unable to stop the grin, Lt. Paris knew they could do this. The argument his mind and heart experienced this morning when he'd woken to an empty bed suddenly resolved. Thomas Paris knew it wasn't too early to be in love. Holding out his hand, he offered, "deal."
"I know a way we can celebrate," B'Elanna cooed, pulling him towards her. Her temper started a slow burn when he resisted.
"jIH dok," Tom offered easily, holding out his right wrist. She stopped dead, watching and waiting, her breath coming in short, shallow pants. "We have to talk about those words, B'El."
"Tom," she warned, her mood becoming as dark as her chocolate orbs. "Do you have any idea what your offering?"
"I read the doctor's information, B'Elanna," Tom's tone took on a very serous note. "I went back to Sickbay this morning and met a nurse who knew an amazing amount about Klingon mating rituals." Once again taking her chin in his hand when she threatened to look away, he forced her gaze to meet his. "Did you mean it? Have you already taken the oath in your mind and heart?"
"Yes," even with her head held fast, she couldn't look him in the eye.
"Good, because you need to let me answer," he ensured she took his meaning. Releasing her suddenly, B'Elanna watched as Tom took her right hand in his left. Bringing it to his mouth, he kissed her palm gently. Changing his grip, Tom dug her nails into the soft flesh. In a moment of pure bliss, B'Elanna did the same.
"jIH dok," she whispered, watching the rivulets of blood creep down her wrist.
"maj dok," came the response in a guttural growl. Without thinking, Tom brought B'Elanna's hand to his lips and lapped at the drops. His eyes not leaving those of his new mate, Paris very deliberately sniffed and then bit. The action caused B'Elanna's need to spike.
An hours later, they once again lay side by side. This time completely exhausted and unable to move. Sighing deeply, Tom called out, "computer, time?"
"1800 hours," it responded.
"I have to get up," Paris groaned.
"Do you want me to come with you?" B'Elanna asked, shivering internally at the thought of facing Tom's family. Yet with the step they'd just taken, it was expected, even required by her honour. Every lesson in Klingon culture and ceremony forced on her by her mother returned with vengeance. They were one and her mates trials were now hers as well. Yet, facing Kathy and her siblings if they were anything like she imagined truly frightened and angered her. Human fear she could conquer, it was the Klingon anger at the way her mate had been treated that needed satisfying.
"No," Tom gritted his teeth, sitting abruptly and feeling his shoulder ache once again. "What is it with your Klingon women and beating a man's clavicle. This might be the second time today I have to attend sickbay to get it looked at."
"You didn't tell me," B'Elanna stated, her eyes taking on an irritable sheen.
"How would I have come across a nurse so well versed in Klingon customs," Tom lightened the mood by teasing, "if I hadn't? Besides this is the first opportunity I've had to inform you."
"Broken?" B'Elanna requested somewhat mollified. When Tom shook his head, stating just bruised, she chuckled. "It's considered a blessing on the marriage," she teased, "only if it's broken. I can try again, if you like."
"Thanks," he responded mockingly, "but I think you achieved your goal this time. I think," Tom approached the subject carefully, "we should make this marriage Federation Legal, B'El. It will make your next two years at the Academy easier."
"How do you conclude that?" B'Elanna asked, shocked.
"Paris cadets have been attending these hallowed halls for a century. There has been four of them go through the Academy in the last decade. The name carries a lot of weight, B'El. Think about it," Tom didn't mind adding a pleading tone. He knew the power of his families reputation and what unsought but exciting offers would be thrown at Torres during her tenure. She'd have protection unlike anything she'd experienced up until this point.
"Why?" B'Elanna noticed the change in Tom's eye colour. Watching his reactions carefully, she knew there was more to the offer than just formalising the bond they'd already taken.
"Take a shower with me," he offered, finding the energy to climb out of bed but grimacing as his left arm refused to cooperate. "I'll explain."
"Then," B'Elanna pointed at his arm, "I guess it's back to sickbay."
"Lt. Paris," S'harah greeted the young couple. At the end of her duty shift, she'd stayed back on sighting the officer cradling his left arm with a Klingon cadet at his side. They were in more trouble than either realised. Obviously Mr. Paris had headed her words and acted on them. "I guess you broke it this time."
"It would seem so," Tom answered, red seeping into his cheeks. On the other hand, B'Elanna looked rather pleased with herself.
Taking them though to a private room, S'harah quickly attended to the obviously broken bone. Watching the interactions carefully, she had the answer an earlier question. Lt. Paris had taken her advice and committed to the half Klingon, as his injuries implied. The half moon finger nail marks on their right hands attested to the completing of the bonding ritual. It was going to create issues they hadn't considered.
"Cadet Torres," S'harah stated.
"I resigned," B'Elanna stated, crossing her hands over her chest in a protective movement.
"Before or after you took the oath," S'harah asked carefully, well aware of this individuals temper. When the young woman glared and refused to answer, Lt. Paris swore under his breath. It seemed he'd picked up on her meaning.
"Could you give us a minute?" Tom requested.
"I will," S'harah agreed, her gaze travelling to the right palms of the couple before her, "once the dermal regenerator can be dispensed with. I suggest we get rid of those bonding marks."
"What," B'Elanna demanded when the nurse finally left them alone, "was that about?" Staring down at her palm, she felt bereft. With a wave the imprint of her so recent bonding had been removed. Luckily the nurse didn't touch the healing bit mark on her mates cheek. Working herself into a furore, Paris's next words deflated her mood.
"Fraternisation protocols," Tom sighed, hanging his head. He'd not even thought about the issue until the nurse brought it up. "I could lose my commission for coercing a cadet into a relationship and you'd be thrown out of the Academy, or denied readmission."
"I wasn't a cadet when we met," B'Elanna rolled her eyes, unimpressed and understanding she was splitting hairs. She'd only just handed in her exit paperwork a few minutes before literally running into Lt. Paris.
"You were still wearing the uniform," Tom reminded. "Professor Chapman heard the rumour that we were living together within hours of our meeting and put that note in your file. Hell, we even came for contraceptive shots together. It looks planned, B'Elanna."
"The doctors called me Mrs. Paris," B'Elanna recalled, "because he knew my status as an ex-cadet didn't entitle me to medical attention unless I was with you. I resigned my position before I met you, Tom and the records reflect that. You only just got your room assignment after your promotion ceremony. We couldn't have know each other before two days ago. So, we haven't broken any of Starfleet's ridiculous laws. But," thinking, she came up with the only solution possible, "before we go to Professor Chapman and get the decision reversed, we'll have to make this Federation legal. If the academy accepts me back, they do it as a married woman."
"And that doesn't look staged," Tom demanded.
"Who cares," B'Elanna fired back. "Even if we had arranged the entire event, we've followed the rules, to the letter."
"You're sure?" Tom questioned. "I don't want you making this decision without thinking it through. There will be consequences, B'El."
"You gave me plenty of reasons to take your name, Paris, while we showered," B'Elanna growled, telling her mate to drop the subject. She'd made her decision and wasn't about to back out now. "I don't have to like it but I can accept it. Besides, by the time I make Lieutenant, I expect you to have Commander in your designation so we don't get mixed up."
"Yes, Ma'am," Tom managed to make the words sound brazen and yet offered promises for later tonight.
"If you think I'm not coming with you to your parents," she continued, glaring, "you'll be sleeping on the couch."
"Taking you will only add fuel to the fire, B'El," Tom tried to communicate the significance of this meeting. They'd discussed his dysfunctional family. For once in his life, Paris didn't gloss over the issues. "Dad's beyond angry. We'll be walking into a warp core breach."
"Then it's a good idea to have an engineer at your side," she returned in the same tone. "It's amazing what we can achieve with out of control reactions. Anyway," smirking, B'Elanna knew what they had to do. Requesting the time from the computer, she understood they'd be late to the Paris family dinner if they pulled this off. "We're going," she stated, her glare enough to keep Tom silent, "but we're going on our terms and with our own agenda."
"You're sure," Tom looked and sounded nervous, standing outside his parents house. He was learning that when his mate put her mind to something, it happened, fast. B'Elanna didn't procrastinate or waste time.
"Very," B'Elanna's Klingon side had reasserted itself after the events of the last hour. Managing everything as quickly as possible, they'd arranged a site to site, saving valuable minutes. "Come on, we're already half an hour late."
Taking in a deep breath and straightening his shoulders, Tom stood his full height and requested entry into his childhood home. Heart beating more rapidly with each step down the hall, he felt B'Elanna's hand slip into his. Entwining their fingers, he gave her a hesitant smile. Ready or not, they'd face his family together. The living room door opened to seven people seated in a comfortable looking arrangement. The conversation stopped suddenly as they noticed the new comers.
"I see you've brought your….friend," Kathy offered with a look of pure distain at her brother, before turning her eyes toward her father with a knowing smirk. "Cadet B'Elanna, wasn't it."
"Lt. Comm. Johnston," B'Elanna infused her tone with just the correct amount of animosity and challenge, "I thought it was customary for wives to take there husbands name in this family." Holding out her hand in such a way as to make the gold band so new to her finger shine, the half Klingon extended her hand to the older and somewhat confused generation, "Mrs. B'Elanna Paris, Sir. It's nice to meet you, Admiral, Mrs. Paris."
That silenced the entire room and Tom Paris couldn't have been prouder of the woman at his side.
It's taken some research to find the supposed fraternisation laws. I hope you like my solution. The next chapter will feature a discussion between Tom and his mother. You'll just have to wait to see how B'Elanna pulled of this coup de grace.