Series: VOY
Codes: Paris/Kim; established Chakotay/Tuvok
Rating: NC17
Categories: Humour, Romance.
Disclaimer: These characters are the property of Paramount-Viacom. I just borrowed them and am not writing for profit.
Summary: The crew of Voyager find it impossible to mind their own business... again. (Sequel to COMMAND LOGIC)
Warnings: This is NC17 rated so graphic descriptions of m/m sex.
Author's Note: It took me a long time to write this story and I finally finished it in August 2006. Amazingly, it won some GOs in the Star Trek GO awards. (Best Paris/Other slash - 1st place; Best Chakotay/Other slash - 2nd place; Best VOY novel - 2nd place)
Command Possession - Chapter 4
Tom Paris was feeling his usual confident self. So far, things had gone very smoothly. Harry, a master of observation, had studied the other Possesseds and then proceeded to behave so similarly that Tom thought their hosts would never realize that Harry hadn't been a Possessed all his life. Only Tom could tell that Harry was still simmering with resentment and humiliation.
The Leaders had sprawled on the comfortable cushions and their Possesseds had knelt beside them and served them a meal that was one of the most delicious Tom had ever experienced. Delicate flavourings and subtle spices enhanced every mouthful and as the Leaders seemed to be responsible for the amount their Possessed could eat, Tom made damn sure that Harry shared every dish.
Now the feast appeared to be drawing to a close, the platters of food were removed, and when Harry returned to kneel beside him, he was holding a goblet brimming with Veptek juice. He offered it to Tom with a slight smirk, and Tom sighed slightly with relief that Harry had finally recovered from his ill humour. He took a sip and experienced again that instant, cool, refreshing buzz. Suddenly he felt amazingly alive and he handed the goblet to Harry with a beaming smile. Harry blinked at him in surprise.
Throughout the meal there had been much talking, and Tom had fascinated Gelvar and the other Leaders with tales of Voyager's travels in the Delta Quadrant, but now, as they drank the Veptek juice, the room fell silent. When Tom glanced around the room, he realized why, and the anxiety that had receded during the meal, quickly returned.
All of the Leaders were now completely focussed on their Possesseds, drawing them closer, caressing them slowly, in some cases kissing them hungrily. Only one Leader was not distracted, and Tom swallowed nervously as he realized that Gelvar was now watching Harry with an expression that could only be described as lustful. Finally Gelvar finished his examination of Harry and met Tom's eyes.
"Leader Tom, I have never seen a Possessed like yours, he is extraordinary. Would you consider a trade," he indicated the pretty, young man kneeling beside him, "if even for one night?"
Out of the corner of his eye, Tom saw Harry's body jerk, almost as if he'd been struck, and he swiftly reached out and grasped his arm, holding him in place. For one furious moment, he'd almost gone for Gelvar himself, but now he took a couple of deep breaths and willed himself to reply politely.
"You will forgive me, Leader Gelvar, but he is extremely valuable to me," he said shortly.
"Oh," Gelvar looked puzzled. "I had thought he did not please you. Are you punishing him, that you starve him of your affection?"
At this point, Tom realized his mistake. While Harry had performed the role of a Possessed so successfully, Tom's performance as a Leader had been a complete failure. All through the meal he had noticed that the other Leaders constantly petted and caressed their partners but he'd never laid a finger on Harry. His concern for Harry's feelings had placed them both in danger and there was no excuse for that on a Starfleet Mission. He'd have to salvage the situation quickly.
"Yes," he replied. "He spoke in public when he should not have."
"Ah," Gelvar nodded. "You honour us, but you are a strict master. Soon is the time of the Veptek, when all should be forgiven."
Tom gave his most brilliant smile. "Of course, Leader Gelvar. Thank you for reminding me."
Gelvar nodded and returned Tom's smile, and then was instantly distracted by his Possessed. Tom blinked in surprise, and then risked looking at his own Possessed.
Harry was still furious, Tom could see that straight away, but even further down in his eyes, Tom saw something he'd never seen in Harry before. Complete panic. Seeking to reassure, Tom sat up and gently pulled Harry closer into a loose hug.
Harry was like a block of wood in his arms and Tom felt slightly annoyed. It wasn't like he was hideous or anything, and this would be a whole lot easier if Harry co-operated. He put a firm hand under Harry's chin and tilted his face up. Harry's eyes met his briefly and then skittered away.
"Tom," it was not even a whisper, merely a breath, but Tom heard it perfectly. "Don't you dare."
Again Tom was annoyed; he'd already failed once tonight. He wasn't going to again, whether Harry liked it or not.
"Would you prefer Gelvar?" he asked softly and, he had to admit, rather snidely.
He felt rather than heard Harry's sharp intake of breath, and when Harry's dark eyes met his again, he could clearly see the mixture of anger and terror in them. Tom just managed to hold back his gasp of surprise, but that look shook him badly. What on earth could Harry be so afraid of? They were best friends after all; surely Harry couldn't be afraid of him? Instantly feeling the need to reassure and protect, Tom brushed his hands lightly down Harry's smooth back.
"It's alright," he whispered. "I won't hurt you. Trust me?"
For a long moment Harry just stared at him, still with that stricken expression, but then he gave a minute nod, and closed his eyes. Tom couldn't help smiling slightly, Harry looked liked he was going to his execution. Then he lowered his head and pressed his lips to Harry's.
It was like kissing a brick.
Harry's lips were a tightly pressed, rigid line against his, and even after a few moments of determined pressure they showed no signs of softening. Tom drew back slightly and frowned. Harry's eyes were still closed, and he looked as determined and stubborn as Tom had ever seen him. This was obviously going to be hard work, but Tom found himself eager to meet the challenge.
Again he placed his lips on Harry's, and again Harry showed absolutely no reaction. Frustration slowly started to replace the protectiveness Tom had been feeling. Could the reason Harry seemed so naïve be because he was completely passionless?
For the third time in as many moments Tom was annoyed, and deep down he had to acknowledge that his emotions were careening wildly around Harry. It didn't matter though, whatever happened, he wasn't going to fail again. Harry wasn't going to win. He wasn't sure when this had become a battle, he didn't care; he'd make sure that Harry gave in and responded or he'd swear to celibacy for the rest of his life, and a celibate lifestyle just didn't suit him at all.
Tom used every skill in kissing he possessed. He nibbled and licked, coaxed and seduced. His hands drew slow soft circles on Harry's back and finally he felt Harry trembling in his arms. He doubled his efforts and Harry's trembling increased.
Then, with a shudder and a gasp, Harry kissed him back, and Tom's whole world suddenly changed.
Instant heat surged through his veins, as Harry's tongue tentatively licked his bottom lip, and Tom immediately went for it. Met Harry halfway and then pushed even further, deep into Harry's mouth, sliding slow and sensuous along his tongue. Harry shuddered again, opened wider to the kiss... and then just sort of melted against Tom.
Briefly the thought crossed Tom's mind that he'd been a fool to think Harry passionless.
That was the last thought to cross his mind for some time.
He became a creature of sensation and reaction, losing himself into the kiss in a way that he hadn't experienced for quite a while. He'd suspected he was becoming jaded, after a long series of romantic encounters, but when Harry wound his arms tightly around Tom's neck and climbed up onto Tom's lap, he knew he wasn't jaded any more. He couldn't stop himself from groaning into Harry's mouth.
He needed to breathe. He didn't want to breathe if it meant leaving the delicious intoxication of Harry's lips, but if he didn't breathe soon he was going to faint. So he nibbled his way across Harry's cheek and licked his throat and when Harry tilted his head back in welcome, Tom felt well compensated.
Then Harry tensed and tried to pull away. Tom wasn't having that; he tugged Harry closer, his hands closing around Harry's hips, and nipped his earlobe.
"You're not going anywhere," he whispered in Harry's ear, and before Harry could answer, Tom took his lips again.
Tom's head was spinning. Harry was now responding to his kiss with an urgency that was delightful and very flattering, his tongue pushing into Tom's mouth, more and more demanding. In turn, Tom himself wanted more, he just couldn't get enough of Harry's hot mouth and his smooth, warm skin sliding under Tom's fingertips. When he pushed his fingers under the waistband of Harry's pants to get at even more of his skin, Harry rocked against him slightly and let out a soft moan, the sound causing a deep thrill throughout Tom's body.
Suddenly Harry jerked in his arms and broke the kiss. Tom opened his eyes and found Harry looking at him, his eyes darker even than normal, smoky with passion. His lips were swollen and wet, and Tom desperately wanted to taste them again, but as he leaned forward Harry quickly glanced away.
"Damn," he heard Harry whisper.
Tom followed the direction of Harry's gaze and got quite a shock himself. He'd totally forgotten where they were. The room was now half empty and as he watched, another couple rose to leave. The couples that remained were very busy; they certainly weren't noticing Tom and Harry watching them. Tom glanced at Harry and smiled in amusement when he saw the flush of embarrassment staining Harry's cheeks.
Then he followed Harry's eyes again and found that one of the Be'lal had noticed them watching. It was Gelvar, and the look on his face said quite clearly that he wanted to be in Tom's position.
Obviously it was time to leave. Besides they had that large, comfortable bed in their room to take advantage of, and no way was Tom letting a third person in it.
"Let's go back to our room," he said softly, and wasn't surprised when Harry swiftly stood.
It was difficult to walk to the lift normally. Tom was glad that Harry was behind him and that his long robe was so loose, hiding how aroused he'd become just from a couple of kisses. He wondered how Harry was coping and when he turned to face him and saw the bulge in Harry's pants, he almost laughed in triumph.
His mind was still buzzing with surprise at how powerful and hot it had been to kiss his best friend. In a short time, he'd gone from appreciation of Harry's body to absolute lust for Harry's body, and he wanted more, badly. As soon as the lift doors closed he stepped closer to Harry, crowding him against the wall.
He met Harry's eyes and his heart sank as he saw that Harry's fear had returned. Well, he'd overcome it once; he'd bet anyone he could overcome it again.
"What's up?" Tom asked in what he knew was his sexiest voice. "Or shouldn't I ask?" Tom slid his hand between Harry's legs and wrapped it around the erection he found there. Very nice, he thought.
Harry jumped. "Jeez, Tom," he squeaked indignantly.
Tom couldn't help smiling at the shocked expression on Harry's face. "Been a while, has it?" And he tightened his grip.
Immediately Tom knew he'd made a terrible mistake. Harry's eyes flashed furious fire and he pushed Tom away forcefully. Tom staggered back, regained his balance and held up his hands in his most pacifying manner.
"Hey, sorry," he said with his most appealing smile. "I just didn't expect it to be like this. Went to my head a bit, I guess." Ain't that the truth, he added mentally.
The lift doors opened, and Harry strode out of the elevator and slammed into their room, and Tom trailed behind him, hoping no one was around to see it. As soon as the door was closed Harry swung around and pushed him again.
"Well, just don't expect anything else," he practically snarled at Tom.
"Look, calm down will ya! Okay, I went too far. I said I was sorry. What more do you want?"
Jeez, Tom thought, how did things go this wrong so quickly? He edged closer to Harry, hoping that he'd get over his anger and they could get back to what they'd started downstairs. Instead, Harry took a quick step backwards and raised his hands.
"I want you to leave me alone."
Tom froze. "You do?"
"Look it was just an act, right?"
It was like a slap in the face, or a bucketful of cold water thrown at him, or hearing the words 'court martial' in the hospital after Caldik Prime, or the word 'prison' at his trial... Tom shook himself mentally and saw that Harry was now watching him nervously.
"It was?" His throat had closed up, making it difficult to talk.
"Yeah," Harry said softly.
There was a long moment of silence, in which Tom marvelled at how painful it was to know that Harry had 'acted' all that passion downstairs. And just as successfully as some of his own past performances. Really, it deserved a round of applause, so Tom gave him one and Harry almost jumped out of his skin.
"Well, I have to say, Harry, you're one helluva an actor. With more practice, you could even rival me," as he spoke Tom quickly crossed the room. "Think I'll take a bath now," and he slammed the door behind him.
Once inside the bathroom, Tom glared at himself in the large mirror.
"That's what you get for thinking with your dick," he said quietly. "Again."
