Hey guys! I've been waiting a long time to post this first chapter. This is Wesley/Traveler romance, hence gay as hell. But in all seriousness, this is going to be a proper gay science fiction book one day. For now, this chapter is rated teen but I will have smuttier chapters as their relationship develops. If you're reading this now you probably know better than anyone that this is a fandom with little to no fanfictions. I found one a long time ago that was a side topic to a bigger story. Other than that, as far as I can tell, the only fanfics that exist are the ones I have written. Here's my canoe Y'all. I hope this prompts others to expand the fandom. Wesley and the Traveler basically run off into the planes of existence together, so get over it, everyone. They belong together.

P.S. - And please, stop calling the Traveler a space-age pedophile. Welsey is well over eighteen when their relationship begins.

Enjoy! I'm open to ideas in the comments since this is still in the works.

Chapter One: The Journey of a Lifetime

All my life I thought I was ordinary, by most standards. The one thing I had going for me was my career in Starfleet. My dad was a Starfleet Officer, and I thought it would make my mom proud to follow in his footsteps. Though… I've started to realize I don't need Starfleet to feel important anymore. I now know that being part of a ship crew was only a small chapter in my life, but I never thought it would lead to so much more.

Even before I joined Starfleet I wasn't sure that my dad's path would become my own. But, before I knew it, Picard was giving me an upgrade from observer to acting ensign. I presumed he did it because my mom is the Chief Medical officer, but that's hardly a reason to let me join so easily. Maybe it was the way I handled the random frequent emergencies throughout daily life on the ship, but I'm not sure Picard noticed things like that.

What I would later understand is that one person truly set the clock for my destiny.

This stranger, this Traveler, had such an air of mystery. I have to admit I was drawn to it. I wanted nothing more than to ask him tedious questions for hours about his abilities and where he came from, but I didn't get the chance. He looked so ethereal when I first met him. Silvery skin and hair made him stand out. His long neck and sculpted features painted the picture of a graceful creature. He looked more human than some humanoid cultures, other than the protrusions on his forehead. These made him look no less attractive, at least to me. But… I probably shouldn't have had those thoughts in my head anyway.

We became closer after the first test on the warp engines. He was extremely exhausted, his breathing raspy as he attempted to ignore the ache in his head. I very much wanted to be of some help to him, though he assured me there was nothing to be done. So I just talked to him, trying to ask some of those tempting questions that had been fogging my mind. I asked if the warp equations had anything to do with the functions of time and space and thought… perhaps… that those entities aren't as separate as they appear to be. To that, he gave me such a bewildered look. I mistook his shock for anger as his face drew nearer to mine, his eyes searching. I jolted at his hand on my shoulder as he warned me about asking such things. The Traveler tried his best to remain serious, but his last words came out as a chuckle.

"-dangerous nonsense."

As you would expect I felt embarrassed... like I said something I shouldn't have. That nervous heat on my face wouldn't go away… certainly not until his eyes left mine. Those searching, hopeful eyes.

I know he saw something within me, but he was holding more back.

I think about him often these days… but today he's all I can think about. I've packed up my things and changed into civilian clothes, prepared to leave my Enterprise family to explore the 'many planes of existence'. Right now I'm two steps away from the transporter pad which will take me down to the surface… so I can finally begin the journey of a lifetime.

It has been three years since I've worked with the Traveler. I wish I could have appreciated getting to work with him at the time, but my focus was set on worrying for my mother. I couldn't have known that our next encounter would be through the eyes of Lakanta. When he came up to my table in ten-forward just a few days ago I was too distracted to know what that look in his eyes was. Lakanta searched my eyes with that far-reaching gaze… I should have known it was the Traveler, but I was hardly in a state to be observant. The same goes for everyone else.

He revealed his natural form down on the planet just a few hours ago. Seeing his face made me miss him more than I should, which was painfully obvious now that I look back on it. It was difficult not to run at him and tighten my arms around his chest, tight enough to make sure he could never leave again. I don't know if I'll be able to hold that back this time.

With luggage in hand, I take my final step onto the pad, smiling at my mother as my vision fades into the land below.

As my vision clears I start to take in the scenery around me. This place is dry and dusty like a desert. Out of the corner of my eye, I see the start of a forest. Facts about water accumulation come to mind as I ponder this curious landscape. I'll have to study this area sometime.

I'm soon distracted by a tall figure walking towards me down the dirt path. He comes from that village in the distance. I start to make out the grey outfit he's wearing. The Traveler has always worn grey or silver, very suited to him.

I start walking towards him, holding my heavy luggage as we start to get closer. Once he's only a couple of yards away I drop my things, running to him faster. I can see a smile on his face before I tackle him, probably a bit harder than I needed to, considering that we're collapsed on the ground.

He winces in pain, and now I'm starting to regret how full-force my embrace might have been.

"S-sorry I was just trying to… I didn't mean to-"

My words are cut off by his arms wrapping around my waist as he pulls me to his chest.

"Wesley…" he whispers into my ear. His voice is full of emotion, pulling a string in my gut that sends shivers down my spine.

He sighs in satisfaction, relaxing his grip on me without letting go.

"You don't know how long I've wanted to hug you…"

He runs his hands down my back, causing my spine to arch. I feel warm and lightheaded from all this… though I hope it's not noticeable.

He moves his head to look at me, grinning as he says, "But I didn't know you'd beat me to it… maybe if I gave you one sooner I wouldn't have been tackled to the ground… hm?"

He chuckles, bringing his forehead to rest against mine.

"I… didn't mean to attack you… I just haven't seen you in so long…" I admit as I avoid his gaze, looking down at his shirt.

"It seems you haven't forgotten me after all this time. Wes… your eyes are so far away... Is there something wrong?"

I swallow, feeling put on the spot. As I look to him my face burns and I become caught in his gaze. His eyes are so… fascinating. Not just the dark color of them, but also the shape.

"I could never forget you… and I never want to." My eyes trail back to his shirt as I try to hold myself together.

His expression changes from worry to… something I don't quite recognize. If I have to place it, I'd say it almost looks pained. A sad, fluttering smile dances on his lips as those dark eyes travel up and down.

His thumb runs over my cheek, sensing the warmth radiating off my skin. "Your cheeks darken just as they did when we first met. It's stunning."

A shock coursed through me as his arms wrap around my hips. They hug me to his body as I envelop his head in my arms. Something about this feels too close… too intimate...for a teacher and student. I feel the need to get up, to calm down, as though I would lose myself at any moment from his emotions pulling me in.

I dart up, walking a few feet away as I pace my breathing. My heart is beating a million miles an hour…

To be fair… that was the first time I've ever been so close to him. I pull my shirt down timidly as I try to think of other things. Like engine physics… or the monotonous voices of Starfleet professors.

"Wesley?" the Traveler calls from behind me. I can hear the shift of dirt underneath his shoes as he walks closer. I turn around before he reaches for me again, trying to put a smile on my face as my heart sinks longingly in my chest.

"D-don't you think we should visit the village…? You can show me where I'll be staying…"

I run a hand through my hair nervously. All this time… all I've wanted was to be near him… but now I'm not sure that will satisfy me. There's something beyond that… something more desperate. I don't think… I… truly understood how much I missed this Traveler…

He gazes at me with concern but quickly shrugs it off with a smile.

"Sure. I've been waiting to give you a full tour of the place. It's beautiful how simple their structures are, holding so much of their culture's history."

He walks ahead of me, brushing my shoulder with his hand, prompting me to follow. I shiver as I walk back to my luggage, picking up one in each hand before jogging to catch up.

We walk side by side. A twist in my gut forms as he runs his hand down my arm. His hand overlaps my own as he slides across it to take the handle from me. I let go, looking over to him as he smirks.

"I'm here to help, you know." Traveler assures in such a kind voice. His voice is always kind.

I can't help but grin back at him, knowing the path ahead of me is a good one.