Neelix bustled about in his kitchen, cleaning the pots from dinner. They
overloaded his sinks, as usual, and were caked with sauces, doughs, and
other 'concoctions' that he had made for the evening meal. And it had been
an excellent meal, if he did say so himself, one of his finest yet; but he
couldn't get his mind focused around how wonderful it was like he usually
could. This was because he, like every other being on this ship, had heard
of Tom Paris' return.
The news of the pilot's mysterious appearance had taken him completely by surprise. He'd never thought that he would see his friend again, never be able to set things straight with the man. Now he could. He was just worried that Tom wouldn't accept his apology. Neelix began scrubbing at a large black, semi-burnt pot.
When Tom had left, one year ago, Neelix had been positive that the man would come back. Tom had left them once before, when Neelix had still been fairly new on the ship, and that had turned into a huge undercover project to draw out Voyager's traitor. At the time Neelix had been very into the role of portraying Tom Paris as a man that would be greatly missed. He'd wanted to make sure that Tom received the recognition he deserved, as a valuable crewmember, and as a friend. He couldn't explain how happy he'd been when he'd realized the whole thing had been a big hoax, and his friend hadn't left for good. And that was what Tom's departure, one year ago, had come across as: another big hoax. Well, he had been wrong.
When it had become apparent that Tom had really left Voyager, for good, in that definitely not coming back permanent kind of way, he had spent a long time berating himself for not saying good bye properly. He'd merely stood in the mess hall and given Tom a quick hug, all for show. Talak he felt so guilty for that. Well, now Tom was back and Neelix had made some tomato soup for his friend; with real tomatoes from the hydroponics bay. Now all that Tom had to do was show up, which wasn't looking like a huge possibility.
Tom probably just wanted to rest easy his first night back. And, after all the comments Neelix had heard his fellow crew members making, he wouldn't be too surprised if Tom decided to stay in his quarters for this evening. He slammed the pot he'd been drying onto the cool counter top in frustration.
"What's wrong Neelix, is the pot being mean to you?" Neelix spun around, and stared in a shocked silence at the pilot standing at the other side of the counter. Tom was really here!
"Tom! By the strings of the Takelie! How are you?" Neelix's legs worked on cruise control as he catapulted around the counter and threw himself at a very surprised Tom. Wrapping his arms around the much taller man he attempted to squeeze the life out of him. It was obvious that Tom was surprised by the act, and it took a moment for him to relax and return Neelix's friendly embrace. Neelix was fully aware of how Tom's own crushing arms seemed reluctant to end the hug, but he pretended not to notice.
"It's good to see you Neelix. How've you been holding out the last year?" Delighted, Neelix dragged the man to the nearest table, making him take a seat and then sitting in the one across from him. He eagerly began answering the question.
"Oh I don't know where to begin! So much has happened! Just the other day I was in the kitchen and…" Neelix cut off in mid sentence. "Tom, I made you tomato soup in hopes that you'd stop in tonight. You've got to be starving! I'll go get it!" Neelix jumped out of the chair he had just sat in and bounced to his kitchen. He'd completely forgotten about the soup for a moment, but he was so excited. It was like an adrenaline rush seeing his friend again.
He pulled a bowl out of the cupboard and began to fill it with the thick red liquid. He had to admit he was relieved that Tom was happy to see him again. Over the last year he had occasionally wondered if he himself had been part of the reason Tom had left, thankfully it didn't look that way. He put some replicated crackers on the plate beside the bowl, grabbed a spoon, and headed back out to Tom. He didn't miss the broad smile covering the pilot's face.
"There you are. Made today with real tomatoes." Seeing Tom's raised eyebrow he hurried to reassure him. "I followed the recipe book to the letter, it's safe." Tom chuckled and dug in. Neelix watched as his friend's eyes close in appreciation, savoring the taste. He didn't waste any time in continuing the conversation while Tom ate. He babbled on and on about some of the adventures Voyager had had in the last year. He watched as the pilot smiled at stories about the crew's mischief, and Tuvok's coming out of the closet…humor wise that is. Who knew the man had such a devious mind when it came to practical jokes.
It took Tom forever to finish his soup. He ate it like it was the best thing he'd tasted in the last year. Who knew what those aliens fed him, probably some form of gruel, or even worse, something like those asparagus plants that the humans had in their replicator databanks. Awful stuff.
He talked until Tom finished and pushed the bowl aside. "Now that was good soup."
Neelix grinned, and decided that it was time to switch the conversation. He was waiting to learn what the man had been up to in the last year. What adventures he must have been on!
"Tell me Tom, what have you been up to this last year? Were the ships you flew anything like Voyager?" Tom stopped smiling and looked away from Neelix for a brief second, before his lips were curled upwards once more.
"The ships were very impressive, I'll give that to the Kinkari, but they were nothing like Voyager. And their food! Let's just say that I'm sorry about every time I made fun of your cooking. I missed it almost as much as I missed you." Tom ducked his head in embarrassment at his confession, and Neelix wanted to cry out in joy. He opened his mouth to return his own confession, but the gruff voice he heard was nothing like his own.
"Isn't that a sweet little lie. How long did it take you to think that one up, Paris?"
Oh no. Neelix looked up to see Burkenson standing behind Tom, towering over him. He hadn't even seen him approach their table. He looked back at Tom and was amazed at how fast the man had changed his demeanor. A moment ago he had been smiling and talking easily, now his eyes were calm, almost cold in their unwavering gaze as he turned to look at Burkenson. Any hints of a smile had disappeared.
"Burkenson, Neelix didn't tell me that you'd developed a sense of humor."
"Well then, let me be the first to tell you that I'm going to be watching you. I can't have you running around messing with people's lives again, can I? You don't belong here; you made that clear one year ago." Tom stared at the dark skinned man a moment, obviously contemplating his next course of action. Neelix prepared to call security, but decided a moment later that it wasn't worth it. Tom stood and looked at Burkenson before replying.
"Your right, I did. Sorry Neelix, I have things to do. The meal was great." He turned and brushed passed his offender, heading towards the door. He didn't escape before one more threat was called out, carrying loudly across the mess hall.
"You better watch yourself Paris, we wouldn't want your face ending up like your quarters." The doors slid shut and Neelix turned to glare up at Burkenson. He was exactly the kind of officer that Neelix didn't like. He sometimes found it impossible to get along with him.
"Threatening Mr. Paris would not be a smart move. Remember your place aboard this vessel Ensign Burkenson." The man glared down at him before he to left the mess hall. The other occupants in the room continued eating as though nothing had just happened. Welcome back Tom, he thought before retreating back to his dishes.
((/\))
Tom's fists clenched tightly, but remained at his side unnoticed by anyone he passed. Burkenson had always been the major thorn in his side, ever since the beginning of the trip. Now the man just had more fuel for his fire of hate against him, and the worst part was that now his reasons for hating the pilot were backed by most of the ship.
Tom knew that he had it coming. You don't just pack up and leave your home and family with no excuse, and then suddenly show up again. Then again, he had never intended on showing up again. It was like a dream come true, to finally be home, but how the hell did he get here? So far Harry and Tuvok had been unsuccessful in finding a viable explanation, and they'd been working on it since Tom had arrived. It made him feel nice and welcome to know that his old friends were doing everything possible to find out how to send him back.
Old friends. He needed to talk to Harry.
"Computer. Locate Ensign," he paused a moment, a quick smile gracing his lips. "Locate Lieutenant Kim." The emotionless female voice of the ship's computer floated through the air.
"Lieutenant Kim is in his quarters."
"Is he alone?"
"Affirmative." Great. That was great. Okay Tom, you have to talk to the kid, and now is as good a time as any. But what should he say? "Hey Harry, sorry for up and leaving without giving you any explanation or warning whatsoever. I'll try not to run out on you again. Still best friends though, right?" Right, and he'd chosen to go to prison…wait, scratch that last thought.
How would Harry react? What would he say? Tom hoped his friend could forgive and forget, hey, he'd always been a pushover right? Now that was definitely not called for! Harry had lost his innocence a long time ago, and if anything, he had the most feelings any one individual could have. If he had truly been Tom's friend, Tom had hurt him. And now, after he had come back could he even tell his best friend why he had left? Yes he could. Would he? Nope, not a chance.
If he had told them the reason he was leaving one year ago, he would never have been allowed to leave. The even bigger problem was all the questions his explanation would dig up about his past. He was not ready to drag anyone into that mess. That didn't give him any excuse not to talk with Harry though, so he set off towards the Lieutenant's quarters. He had no trouble remembering the way. This ship and everything about it was burned into his mind as though he had been its designer. The walk through the bright corridors was quick, and he was facing Harry's door in a matter of minutes.
Well, here goes nothing. He requested access.
((/\))
Harry jumped, almost violently, when he heard the door chime. He had been so lost in his thoughts that its intrusion actually startled him. He didn't usually get so edgy about those things.
"Come." He heard his voice call out strong and sure, and he cursed under his breath when the object of his previous thoughts entered his quarters. He hadn't expected Tom to show up tonight. He didn't want Tom to be here right now; in fact he needed the man to not be here. Harry's emotions were on extreme edge and he hadn't been given a chance to sort through everything yet.
Tom was back, and in his quarters right now, and all he wanted to do was send him away. Please Tom, leave me alone tonight. I can't deal with this right now. I don't want to say anything I might regret. But instead of speaking his mind, he stared at the nervous man before him, his eyes gazing hopefully towards him. When neither of them spoke for a full minute, Harry couldn't take the silence any longer. He couldn't believe his voice didn't crack in the next moment.
"Tom." So it was more of an acknowledgment than an actual greeting, it was the best he could muster at this moment.
"Harry." They continued to stand stiffly. Harry didn't give an inch, he just waited. Tom had come to him after all, not the other way around. And after another full minute of silence, Tom finally spoke.
"How've you been?"
"Fine."
"I've heard some pretty wild tales about the last year from Neelix."
He couldn't hold his anger in check any longer. "Don't Tom."
"Harry I…"
"No! What did you expect to gain by coming here tonight, huh? What is it you'd like to hear me say?" He was satisfied to see the pilot's face twist with guilt. "Did you think that after all this time you could waltz back onto Voyager as if you'd never left? Did you think I would just forgive and forget the second you walked through that door?" He gestured angrily towards the large sliding door, praying for someone to barge in and interrupt him before he was completely carried away by his anger. Then again, he needed to get this off his chest.
"Why did you leave Tom?"
Tom looked at him with sorrow filled eyes. That look usually knocked him down to the lowest rung on the ladder, and he would feel the need to comfort his friend; it didn't work tonight.
"It was something I had to do. I'm sorry. I didn't want to hurt anyone, that was never my intention." Tom's voice was thick with apology, but there was no regret. After all the emotional pain he'd caused by not even giving them a reason for his departure. After all the nights Harry had lain awake trying to convince himself that it wasn't his fault. After all the late evenings drinking with B'Elanna at that Talaxian bar Neelix had created on the holodeck. And Tom held no regret. Well, Harry didn't have to take that.
"What were you trying to do Tom? Did you intend to be able to leave this life and everyone in it behind? Did you think you would ever come back?" A quiet no was his answer. "Well, you're back now, and you have to deal with the fallout of your actions. Don't come here and expect me to just jump in and help you out. You brought this upon yourself."
"I know I did Harry, and I'm sorry!" Tom's voice almost pleaded for Harry to understand, but Harry couldn't understand. He wasn't willing to understand at this moment, it was just too soon.
"Are you sorry Tom?" He glared at the tall man. "You remember that day, almost seven years ago, when we first stepped onto this ship? Everyone told me not to trust you. They told me that you would just stab me in the back if you were ever given the chance. Do you remember what I said after even you warned me to keep a distance and that you were bad news?" His voice had reverted to a quiet calmness that he didn't feel. In the sudden dead silence Harry could hear his own breathing, slightly rushed from his verbal explosion. He waited for Tom's answer.
"You said you choose your own friends."
"That's right. I choose my own friends Tom, and right now you are not one of them." That was Harry's final blow. "I suggest you leave."
"Harry…" Tom's voice was pleading.
"Now." It was final. He glared into the older man's eyes, shining bright with emotion. Then Tom closed his eyes and turned his head away a moment in defeat, breaking their eye contact. When Tom's attention once again focused on him, Harry almost dropped his glare in surprise from the change in emotion. Or lack there of.
Tom was a completely different person from the man who had stood there a moment ago, pleading for forgiveness. This Tom's eyes had lost their radiant blue, and turned to a light grey, closing off all emotion from Harry. He noticeably stood taller, his shoulders wide and his back straight. The posture was cold, uncaring, and disciplined. When he spoke, his voice was no longer filled with the choked emotion of a few moments before. It was clipped and formal, and very un-Paris like. It didn't even hold his defensive sarcasm.
"I respect your decision. Goodnight Lieutenant." Tom turned and left, Harry looking after him, his glare slowly dissolving away. When the door slid silently shut and the presence of his anger was completely gone, Harry sank into his couch and sighed, his hand reaching up to cradle his forehead. What had he done?
The news of the pilot's mysterious appearance had taken him completely by surprise. He'd never thought that he would see his friend again, never be able to set things straight with the man. Now he could. He was just worried that Tom wouldn't accept his apology. Neelix began scrubbing at a large black, semi-burnt pot.
When Tom had left, one year ago, Neelix had been positive that the man would come back. Tom had left them once before, when Neelix had still been fairly new on the ship, and that had turned into a huge undercover project to draw out Voyager's traitor. At the time Neelix had been very into the role of portraying Tom Paris as a man that would be greatly missed. He'd wanted to make sure that Tom received the recognition he deserved, as a valuable crewmember, and as a friend. He couldn't explain how happy he'd been when he'd realized the whole thing had been a big hoax, and his friend hadn't left for good. And that was what Tom's departure, one year ago, had come across as: another big hoax. Well, he had been wrong.
When it had become apparent that Tom had really left Voyager, for good, in that definitely not coming back permanent kind of way, he had spent a long time berating himself for not saying good bye properly. He'd merely stood in the mess hall and given Tom a quick hug, all for show. Talak he felt so guilty for that. Well, now Tom was back and Neelix had made some tomato soup for his friend; with real tomatoes from the hydroponics bay. Now all that Tom had to do was show up, which wasn't looking like a huge possibility.
Tom probably just wanted to rest easy his first night back. And, after all the comments Neelix had heard his fellow crew members making, he wouldn't be too surprised if Tom decided to stay in his quarters for this evening. He slammed the pot he'd been drying onto the cool counter top in frustration.
"What's wrong Neelix, is the pot being mean to you?" Neelix spun around, and stared in a shocked silence at the pilot standing at the other side of the counter. Tom was really here!
"Tom! By the strings of the Takelie! How are you?" Neelix's legs worked on cruise control as he catapulted around the counter and threw himself at a very surprised Tom. Wrapping his arms around the much taller man he attempted to squeeze the life out of him. It was obvious that Tom was surprised by the act, and it took a moment for him to relax and return Neelix's friendly embrace. Neelix was fully aware of how Tom's own crushing arms seemed reluctant to end the hug, but he pretended not to notice.
"It's good to see you Neelix. How've you been holding out the last year?" Delighted, Neelix dragged the man to the nearest table, making him take a seat and then sitting in the one across from him. He eagerly began answering the question.
"Oh I don't know where to begin! So much has happened! Just the other day I was in the kitchen and…" Neelix cut off in mid sentence. "Tom, I made you tomato soup in hopes that you'd stop in tonight. You've got to be starving! I'll go get it!" Neelix jumped out of the chair he had just sat in and bounced to his kitchen. He'd completely forgotten about the soup for a moment, but he was so excited. It was like an adrenaline rush seeing his friend again.
He pulled a bowl out of the cupboard and began to fill it with the thick red liquid. He had to admit he was relieved that Tom was happy to see him again. Over the last year he had occasionally wondered if he himself had been part of the reason Tom had left, thankfully it didn't look that way. He put some replicated crackers on the plate beside the bowl, grabbed a spoon, and headed back out to Tom. He didn't miss the broad smile covering the pilot's face.
"There you are. Made today with real tomatoes." Seeing Tom's raised eyebrow he hurried to reassure him. "I followed the recipe book to the letter, it's safe." Tom chuckled and dug in. Neelix watched as his friend's eyes close in appreciation, savoring the taste. He didn't waste any time in continuing the conversation while Tom ate. He babbled on and on about some of the adventures Voyager had had in the last year. He watched as the pilot smiled at stories about the crew's mischief, and Tuvok's coming out of the closet…humor wise that is. Who knew the man had such a devious mind when it came to practical jokes.
It took Tom forever to finish his soup. He ate it like it was the best thing he'd tasted in the last year. Who knew what those aliens fed him, probably some form of gruel, or even worse, something like those asparagus plants that the humans had in their replicator databanks. Awful stuff.
He talked until Tom finished and pushed the bowl aside. "Now that was good soup."
Neelix grinned, and decided that it was time to switch the conversation. He was waiting to learn what the man had been up to in the last year. What adventures he must have been on!
"Tell me Tom, what have you been up to this last year? Were the ships you flew anything like Voyager?" Tom stopped smiling and looked away from Neelix for a brief second, before his lips were curled upwards once more.
"The ships were very impressive, I'll give that to the Kinkari, but they were nothing like Voyager. And their food! Let's just say that I'm sorry about every time I made fun of your cooking. I missed it almost as much as I missed you." Tom ducked his head in embarrassment at his confession, and Neelix wanted to cry out in joy. He opened his mouth to return his own confession, but the gruff voice he heard was nothing like his own.
"Isn't that a sweet little lie. How long did it take you to think that one up, Paris?"
Oh no. Neelix looked up to see Burkenson standing behind Tom, towering over him. He hadn't even seen him approach their table. He looked back at Tom and was amazed at how fast the man had changed his demeanor. A moment ago he had been smiling and talking easily, now his eyes were calm, almost cold in their unwavering gaze as he turned to look at Burkenson. Any hints of a smile had disappeared.
"Burkenson, Neelix didn't tell me that you'd developed a sense of humor."
"Well then, let me be the first to tell you that I'm going to be watching you. I can't have you running around messing with people's lives again, can I? You don't belong here; you made that clear one year ago." Tom stared at the dark skinned man a moment, obviously contemplating his next course of action. Neelix prepared to call security, but decided a moment later that it wasn't worth it. Tom stood and looked at Burkenson before replying.
"Your right, I did. Sorry Neelix, I have things to do. The meal was great." He turned and brushed passed his offender, heading towards the door. He didn't escape before one more threat was called out, carrying loudly across the mess hall.
"You better watch yourself Paris, we wouldn't want your face ending up like your quarters." The doors slid shut and Neelix turned to glare up at Burkenson. He was exactly the kind of officer that Neelix didn't like. He sometimes found it impossible to get along with him.
"Threatening Mr. Paris would not be a smart move. Remember your place aboard this vessel Ensign Burkenson." The man glared down at him before he to left the mess hall. The other occupants in the room continued eating as though nothing had just happened. Welcome back Tom, he thought before retreating back to his dishes.
((/\))
Tom's fists clenched tightly, but remained at his side unnoticed by anyone he passed. Burkenson had always been the major thorn in his side, ever since the beginning of the trip. Now the man just had more fuel for his fire of hate against him, and the worst part was that now his reasons for hating the pilot were backed by most of the ship.
Tom knew that he had it coming. You don't just pack up and leave your home and family with no excuse, and then suddenly show up again. Then again, he had never intended on showing up again. It was like a dream come true, to finally be home, but how the hell did he get here? So far Harry and Tuvok had been unsuccessful in finding a viable explanation, and they'd been working on it since Tom had arrived. It made him feel nice and welcome to know that his old friends were doing everything possible to find out how to send him back.
Old friends. He needed to talk to Harry.
"Computer. Locate Ensign," he paused a moment, a quick smile gracing his lips. "Locate Lieutenant Kim." The emotionless female voice of the ship's computer floated through the air.
"Lieutenant Kim is in his quarters."
"Is he alone?"
"Affirmative." Great. That was great. Okay Tom, you have to talk to the kid, and now is as good a time as any. But what should he say? "Hey Harry, sorry for up and leaving without giving you any explanation or warning whatsoever. I'll try not to run out on you again. Still best friends though, right?" Right, and he'd chosen to go to prison…wait, scratch that last thought.
How would Harry react? What would he say? Tom hoped his friend could forgive and forget, hey, he'd always been a pushover right? Now that was definitely not called for! Harry had lost his innocence a long time ago, and if anything, he had the most feelings any one individual could have. If he had truly been Tom's friend, Tom had hurt him. And now, after he had come back could he even tell his best friend why he had left? Yes he could. Would he? Nope, not a chance.
If he had told them the reason he was leaving one year ago, he would never have been allowed to leave. The even bigger problem was all the questions his explanation would dig up about his past. He was not ready to drag anyone into that mess. That didn't give him any excuse not to talk with Harry though, so he set off towards the Lieutenant's quarters. He had no trouble remembering the way. This ship and everything about it was burned into his mind as though he had been its designer. The walk through the bright corridors was quick, and he was facing Harry's door in a matter of minutes.
Well, here goes nothing. He requested access.
((/\))
Harry jumped, almost violently, when he heard the door chime. He had been so lost in his thoughts that its intrusion actually startled him. He didn't usually get so edgy about those things.
"Come." He heard his voice call out strong and sure, and he cursed under his breath when the object of his previous thoughts entered his quarters. He hadn't expected Tom to show up tonight. He didn't want Tom to be here right now; in fact he needed the man to not be here. Harry's emotions were on extreme edge and he hadn't been given a chance to sort through everything yet.
Tom was back, and in his quarters right now, and all he wanted to do was send him away. Please Tom, leave me alone tonight. I can't deal with this right now. I don't want to say anything I might regret. But instead of speaking his mind, he stared at the nervous man before him, his eyes gazing hopefully towards him. When neither of them spoke for a full minute, Harry couldn't take the silence any longer. He couldn't believe his voice didn't crack in the next moment.
"Tom." So it was more of an acknowledgment than an actual greeting, it was the best he could muster at this moment.
"Harry." They continued to stand stiffly. Harry didn't give an inch, he just waited. Tom had come to him after all, not the other way around. And after another full minute of silence, Tom finally spoke.
"How've you been?"
"Fine."
"I've heard some pretty wild tales about the last year from Neelix."
He couldn't hold his anger in check any longer. "Don't Tom."
"Harry I…"
"No! What did you expect to gain by coming here tonight, huh? What is it you'd like to hear me say?" He was satisfied to see the pilot's face twist with guilt. "Did you think that after all this time you could waltz back onto Voyager as if you'd never left? Did you think I would just forgive and forget the second you walked through that door?" He gestured angrily towards the large sliding door, praying for someone to barge in and interrupt him before he was completely carried away by his anger. Then again, he needed to get this off his chest.
"Why did you leave Tom?"
Tom looked at him with sorrow filled eyes. That look usually knocked him down to the lowest rung on the ladder, and he would feel the need to comfort his friend; it didn't work tonight.
"It was something I had to do. I'm sorry. I didn't want to hurt anyone, that was never my intention." Tom's voice was thick with apology, but there was no regret. After all the emotional pain he'd caused by not even giving them a reason for his departure. After all the nights Harry had lain awake trying to convince himself that it wasn't his fault. After all the late evenings drinking with B'Elanna at that Talaxian bar Neelix had created on the holodeck. And Tom held no regret. Well, Harry didn't have to take that.
"What were you trying to do Tom? Did you intend to be able to leave this life and everyone in it behind? Did you think you would ever come back?" A quiet no was his answer. "Well, you're back now, and you have to deal with the fallout of your actions. Don't come here and expect me to just jump in and help you out. You brought this upon yourself."
"I know I did Harry, and I'm sorry!" Tom's voice almost pleaded for Harry to understand, but Harry couldn't understand. He wasn't willing to understand at this moment, it was just too soon.
"Are you sorry Tom?" He glared at the tall man. "You remember that day, almost seven years ago, when we first stepped onto this ship? Everyone told me not to trust you. They told me that you would just stab me in the back if you were ever given the chance. Do you remember what I said after even you warned me to keep a distance and that you were bad news?" His voice had reverted to a quiet calmness that he didn't feel. In the sudden dead silence Harry could hear his own breathing, slightly rushed from his verbal explosion. He waited for Tom's answer.
"You said you choose your own friends."
"That's right. I choose my own friends Tom, and right now you are not one of them." That was Harry's final blow. "I suggest you leave."
"Harry…" Tom's voice was pleading.
"Now." It was final. He glared into the older man's eyes, shining bright with emotion. Then Tom closed his eyes and turned his head away a moment in defeat, breaking their eye contact. When Tom's attention once again focused on him, Harry almost dropped his glare in surprise from the change in emotion. Or lack there of.
Tom was a completely different person from the man who had stood there a moment ago, pleading for forgiveness. This Tom's eyes had lost their radiant blue, and turned to a light grey, closing off all emotion from Harry. He noticeably stood taller, his shoulders wide and his back straight. The posture was cold, uncaring, and disciplined. When he spoke, his voice was no longer filled with the choked emotion of a few moments before. It was clipped and formal, and very un-Paris like. It didn't even hold his defensive sarcasm.
"I respect your decision. Goodnight Lieutenant." Tom turned and left, Harry looking after him, his glare slowly dissolving away. When the door slid silently shut and the presence of his anger was completely gone, Harry sank into his couch and sighed, his hand reaching up to cradle his forehead. What had he done?