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 13

All the way to the brig, Harry Kim muttered to himself in frustration. He still wasn't entirely sure how it had happened but he had an uncomfortable feeling that he only had himself to blame for the fact that he was now going to spend the next few hours sharing a cell with Tom Paris.

He could feel Tom striding beside him as they both followed Lieutenant Tuvok, and he risked a swift glance in his direction. Tom's face was set and calm. Harry swore quietly to himself.

They reached the brig and Tuvok escorted them to a cell, activating the force field behind them. Harry watched as the Vulcan spoke briefly to the security officer on duty and then narrowed his eyes in suspicion as they both left the holding area and disappeared into the corridor.

"What on Earth?" The surprise in Tom's voice was obvious. "That's totally against regulations."

Harry closed his eyes for a moment in frustration. It seemed everyone on this damned ship was conspiring against him. "He wants us to sort things out," he blurted.

Tom frowned at him. "What do you mean?"

Suddenly, Harry realised just how close to Tom he was standing and he strode swiftly to the farthest point of the room and stood, leaning against the wall, his arms crossed defensively across his body. His anger, which had died to a constant simmer, now rose boiling inside him yet again.

"He came to see me yesterday," he hissed through gritted teeth. "I expected a Vulcan to be able to mind his business, but he's just like everyone else on this ship."

Tom drifted slightly closer and Harry's body stiffened.

"He's right though," Tom's voice was quiet, and the most tentative that Harry had ever heard it. "And perhaps he, just like many others on this ship, just cares about you."

That was too much. "Oh, just … Shut. Up." Harry snarled. "Don't think for a minute that you and I are going to talk in here. Why didn't you just keep your mouth shut? You always think you're protecting me, but I'm telling you now Tom, I don't need your brand of protection!"

Tom's blue eyes flashed in anger, and Harry felt a secret satisfaction. If he could just keep Tom angry enough then maybe he wouldn't keep looking at Harry with that strangely tender expression that was making him feel so uncomfortable.

"Jeez, Harry," Tom's voice was tight with frustration. "What do I have to do here? So, I got a little carried away by the situation. Well, here's a newsflash for you, so did you." His blue eyes narrowed and Harry knew he'd seen his slight flinch as the words struck home. "I bet that's what you really can't stand about this. Perfect Harry Kim finally succumbed to emotion."

For a moment, Harry struggled blindly with his own fury, gasping for breath. "How dare you!" he finally managed. "You're the one who betrayed me, remember. I trusted you!"

Tom stared at him, and then Harry's anger was swamped by complete shock, as he heard Tom give a brief snort of laughter.

"You never trusted me, Harry."

Harry's jaw dropped in speechless horror; not only at the accusation but also at the dull disappointment he could hear in Tom's voice. He watched, mind-numbed, as Tom paced before him in the small space of the cell. Finally, he took a deep breath and found his voice.

"What do you mean?" He could hear the quiver in his voice and swallowed heavily. Tom's accusation had shaken him more than he could have thought possible, and a small dart of pain in his heart told him that it was because it just might be true.

Tom had stopped his pacing, and now stood watching him intently, his eyes expressionless.

"You're the one who just wanted a quick fuck in the holodeck, remember?" Tom raised his hand as Harry opened his mouth with a quick response. "Yeah, I know," he continued. "You figured that was all I'd want. You didn't trust me, Harry, you didn't trust that I wouldn't use someone I love."

Harry frowned in confusion. "How could I… all those people you've…" He knew he was spluttering, but he just couldn't get his thoughts together. How had Tom done this? How had he turned all of Harry's anger into a strange sense of shame?

Tom sighed. "Yeah, I know. But think about it Harry. Did I ever have a relationship with those people beyond the sex? They knew it was about mutual satisfaction, just as much as I did. I never lied to them, and if any of them had ever developed feelings which I couldn't return, then I would have ended it with them, just as they would have with me, if the case were reversed."

"Tom, I…" Harry faltered to a halt, realising he didn't actually know what he was going to say. Tom's blue eyes bored into his as the pilot moved closer. Harry tried to move away but started with surprise when Tom's hand closed around his arm.

"Do you think I really would've used you like that, Harry? You've been the best friend I could ever…" He broke off, and Harry could see the struggle to control his emotions, in his darkened eyes. His own eyes widened. "It may have taken me a while to realise it, Harry Kim, but I have, finally. I'm in love with you."

The words shook Harry to his very core. The lack of flippancy in Tom's quiet voice, the seriousness in his eyes, the tentative pressure of his hand on Harry's arm, all of these made a vivid impression in his mind and heart that emphasised the words he'd just heard as if they'd been shouted in his ear. For a long, frozen, moment, he simply stared into Tom's face watching the expression of concern slowly dawning there. He felt Tom's fingers tighten on his arm.

"Uh… Harry, are you all right?"

"I'm not sure," his voice sounded breathless, even to his own ears. "Perhaps I should sit down. I need to think."

Tom led him over to the bench, and he sank onto it gratefully, as Tom hovered over him anxiously.

Harry waved an irritated hand to the seat beside him. "Oh, for God's sake, sit down Tom."

Tom instantly obeyed, the heat of his body warming Harry's side, distracting and disturbing. Perversely, Harry sprang to his feet again and began to pace the small area.

"How is it you always do this to me, Tom Paris," he muttered. "Always sweeping the rug out from under my feet." He stopped pacing and frowned at Tom, who was watching him worriedly. "And I always let you do it. The question is… do I let you this time?"

Tom looked at him hopefully, and Harry felt a small smile working it's way from his heart to his lips. "You're shameless, you know that, don't you?"

Tom winked at him, and Harry couldn't help himself, he laughed, causing Tom to rise swiftly to his feet.

"Hang on," Harry held up a warning hand. He sighed, feeling the confusion welling up inside again. "Tom," his voice dropped to a whisper. "I can't tell you how humiliated I felt."

"I know. I'm sorry."

Harry shook his head, and sighed. "I've realized that it wasn't really your fault."

"I'm still sorry."

"Thanks," he smiled, briefly. "I guess I should feel flattered by the spectacular style of your revenge, and…" he broke off at the puzzled look on Tom's face.

"Uh… Harry, I wish I could really claim responsibility, but I actually thought it was you."

Harry blinked. "Oh."

"So, it wasn't you?" Tom frowned thoughtfully.

"No. Who is it then?"

"I don't know," Tom's smile was gentle. "And to be honest I don't really care at the moment. Harry, a few minute's ago, I made a rather difficult confession, one that I've never actually made before. I'd kinda like to know how you feel about that?"

And, to Harry's complete annoyance he felt his cheeks redden, and then burn even hotter as Tom's smile widened.

He took a swift step away from the friend who had always been disturbing, but now seemed downright dangerous to his peace of mind.

"You said that I didn't trust you, Tom," Harry said seriously. "That was a shock to me, but I have to confess, you may have… no, you were right. In many ways I do, but in this way… it may take me time to… " He ran his fingers through his hair in frustration.

"Harry, Harry," Tom's hand was on his arm again, gently pulling him into the circle of Tom's arms. Harry felt his body stiffen and tried to relax. "This doesn't have to be so difficult. We have all the time it takes to get used to this, if you want to give it a chance."

"You've slept with half the people on this ship," Harry accused, surprised at his own resentment.

Tom closed his eyes for a moment. "Yes, I have," he agreed. "But I haven't slept with the other half. And I certainly haven't felt about any of them the way I feel about you. I'm quite happy to keep reassuring you of that for as long as it takes."

Harry narrowed his eyes. "It might take a long time."

"Maybe not as long as you think."

Harry sighed and closed his eyes, finally allowing himself to relax against Tom's body. His friend was solid, supportively strong and Harry could feel Tom's heart thumping steadily against his own chest. He felt the slightest suggestion of soft lips whisper against his forehead and shivered. The truth was, he knew, that Tom had him wrapped around his little finger – he could do pretty much whatever he wanted with Harry, and Harry would let him because he quite simply…

"Oh, all right," Harry muttered against Tom's shoulder. "I admit it, I love you too."

Immediately a hand under his chin pressed his face upwards and hot lips descended upon his own. The kiss was hard but tender, a paradox that seemed to reflect Harry's feelings. Tom's lips moved firmly against his own seeking, rather than demanding, a response, and Harry realized that still the choice was his. In the end, it didn't seem so hard to melt against Tom's mouth and open himself up to the flood of emotions welling up inside him.

When the kiss finally ended, Harry could feel Tom shaking as he laid his cheek against Harry's. "Thank you," Tom breathed into his ear. Harry smiled to himself. It seemed that perhaps Tom wasn't always so sure of himself as he seemed.

He'd have to remember that.

A few minutes later Tuvok entered the brig and released them from the cell.

"That didn't take very long," Tom told him, with a sarcastic twist to his lips. "I thought we'd been found guilty and sentenced. Aren't we supposed to be here for a couple of days yet?"

"I have found new evidence, which clears both your names," Tuvok replied blandly. "I must tell you that I find your decision to waste my time with false confessions most regrettable. I will make a full report to the acting Captain."

"Right," Tom eyed the Vulcan with amusement. "Well, I guess I owe you one."

"No, Mr. Paris, you do not. All debts are paid."

Tom had been about to leave the brig, but he turned and stared, with wide eyes, at Tuvok. The Vulcan met his astonished look with a raised eyebrow. After a moment, Tom smiled slightly and nodded his head, and then he took Harry's hand and pulled him out into the corridor, the doors closing behind them.

"What was that all about?" Harry asked.

"I'll tell you later," Tom replied with another secret smile. "Now, want to come to my quarters for a while?"

"Um…" Harry felt his cheeks burn and forced down a sigh of exasperation. When would he ever stop blushing? "Okay."

Within a few moments Harry was seated on Tom's couch, chilled glass of wine in his hand. Tom sat beside him, watching him carefully.

"What?" Harry asked. "Don't look at me like that. I'm not going to break you know."

Spontaneous laughter burst from Tom's lips. "Sorry," he said. "After the last few days, I just can't quite believe that we're here."

"I know what you mean," Harry agreed, dryly. He leaned forward and placed his glass on the table. "Look, Tom, I have to tell you… I think I need this to go slowly."

Tom slid closer to him. "You mean you don't want to jump into bed with me?" He asked, and Harry could hear the teasing note in his voice, and shivered. He looked up at Tom, meeting his sparkling eyes with a mischievous look of his own.

"Actually I do," he replied. "I mean I'm only human right?" He grinned, enjoying the shock on Tom's face. "But I don't want you to overwhelm me, okay. I'm going to need time, to myself, to think about things."

Tom's face had softened into seriousness. "I understand Harry. This is all kinda new to me too and I feel the same way myself."

"Good," Harry knew the relief he could see in Tom was mirrored in his own eyes.

"So, about this jumping into bed thing then…"

Harry's breath caught in his throat as Tom's hand drifted around his throat to rest heavily against the back of his head. "Yeah?" His voice cracked.

Tom slid even closer. "You and I once started something." He breathed against Harry's lips. "Why don't we finish it?"

Harry could only nod, his eyes drifting closed as Tom's lips took his in a deep kiss. Instant heat pooled in Harry's groin when he felt the slide of Tom's tongue against his own. Tom's body pressed against his and Harry found himself running his hands down Tom's side, searching for skin and groaning when he found only the heavy fabric of a Starfleet uniform.
Tom lifted his head and gazed down at Harry for a moment, his eyes dark.

"We have to get out of these clothes, Harry."

Harry nodded and tried to move, but in the end all he could do was lie there lethargically as Tom tugged and pulled at his clothes, and finally got them both naked. His eyes grazed the length of Tom's body and he felt himself blush hotly as he saw the reddish cock straining towards him. Then Tom's mouth was on his again, and Harry gasped against Tom's lips when he felt Tom's body, hot skin almost burning into his own.

Tom was moving restlessly against him, searching for friction, and Harry parted his legs slightly, pushing up at the heavy weight above him.

"Ah, yes," Tom murmured against his mouth. "We'll do it like that, okay?"

"Mmmm," Harry agreed, thrusting his tongue into Tom's mouth, as he thrust his body upward. Then Tom was pushing down into him, his cock pressing against Harry's, and Harry could not believe how amazing it felt.

After that, they rocked against each other, forcing each new burst of incredible pleasure, gasping for air, and gripping each other tightly as the pressure tightened and tightened. Finally, Harry did not think he would be able to stand much more, his body was straining on a precipice so high, but then Tom gave one more violent thrust against him and at the feeling of wet warmth spreading around his cock, Harry exploded into an orgasm so powerful that he forgot to breathe. Just as the darkness gathered around his eyes, Tom shifted against him, and Harry sucked in a great, shuddering lungful of air. When he finally regained enough control to open his eyes, Tom was looking down at him, a rueful look in his blue eyes.

"Harry," there was a breathless quality to Tom's voice, which Harry decided he really liked. "If we keep doing this, I may not survive."

For a moment Harry blinked at him, and then laughter bubbled up in him and he discovered how difficult it was to laugh with someone lying on top of him.

"Neither of us will," he wheezed, and then pulled Tom's head down for a long, luxurious kiss.

Chakotay silently paced his quarters waiting for Tuvok to arrive. It had been a strange day and he wasn't entirely sure how it was going to end. He knew he had been avoiding the issue of his bond with the Vulcan, and now he felt that slight sense of urgency he always felt when he knew that the time had come to deal with something.

The only problem was, he still didn't know exactly what he was going to say. Chakotay knew that at first, Tuvok had been as cautious about the bond as he was himself, but it seemed that in the last couple of days the Vulcan had made some sort of inner decision, and it was fairly obvious to Chakotay that Tuvok was now comfortable with their situation, and Chakotay finally wanted to know why.

Of course, the problem remained, how did he himself feel? Chakotay was self aware enough to realize that Tuvok would be able to fulfil his… needs… beyond anything he had dreamed possible. But did he really want them fulfilled? Chakotay thought back over the time they had made love on the holodeck, and trembled slightly with uncoiling desire. The issue, he decided was about trust. Did he trust Tuvok, and did he trust himself? He remembered how he'd felt in Tuvok's arms, then and at other times. Even with the superior strength he could sense in Tuvok's body, Chakotay had always felt safe and secure. He shivered again, as he realized that he'd also felt… possessed, and he'd needed to feel that at every level. He hadn't really lost control of himself, he'd just let himself hand that control over to Tuvok and trusted that the Vulcan would not take things too far. And Tuvok hadn't.

So it seemed his questions were answered, but one more remained. If they continued with their relationship and Tuvok went into the Pon Farr, would Chakotay really want to end up in a life bond with the Vulcan? Tuvok had said that all bonds could be broken, but Chakotay instinctively sensed that the process of breaking a life bond, particularly at such close quarters to each other, would be a long and painful process. Was it worth the risk?

The door to his quarters slid open and the object of his thoughts entered Chakotay's quarters and stood watching Chakotay thoughtfully.

"You have been thinking."

Chakotay smiled at the quiet statement. "I tend to do that," he replied.

Tuvok nodded, and waited.

"Very well," Chakotay continued. "I need to ask you something."

Tuvok nodded, and waited.

Chakotay firmly squashed his rising irritation and took a deep breath. "I have sensed that you have accepted this…" he waved his hand futilely in the air, strangely reluctantly to find the words he needed, "… situation…"

"The bond," Tuvok's voice was calm and firm. "Yes, I have accepted the bond, and you wish me to explain why. I will try to do this." He paused for a moment, deep in thought. "My bond with T'Pel was strong and as sure as the rocks and sands of Vulcan. It was safe. I believe there are some Vulcans that do not require complete safety. These are the Vulcans who explore the worlds around them, take risks, perhaps even join Starfleet. It is obvious that I am one of these."

The Vulcan approached Chakotay and reached up to rest a warm hand against Chakotay's throat.

"Some of these choose also to bond with humans, and until I bonded with you I had never really considered why. Humans are full of paradoxes, they strive for peace but are full of passion, desire courage but often feel fear. They can be puzzling…and powerful, and always fascinating." He paused for a moment and Chakotay saw the Vulcan's eyes searching his face and wondered if his own sudden fear was visible there. In the next moment he was answered.

"To be the calm eye in the storm of emotion is intoxicating for many Vulcan's and I am one of them," Tuvok's voice was almost a whisper, "but this does not mean that I could bond with any human, my mate. It must be the right human. You are the right human."

"How can you be so sure?" Chakotay murmured through the sudden obstruction in his throat.

"Simply because the bond exists."

Chakotay blinked. "What?"

"Think about it, Chakotay, though I must confess that it took me a long time to see it myself. There is always a choice with bonds. How could either of us have allowed this bond to form, if neither of us had wanted it?"

Could it really be as easy as that? Chakotay frowned, perplexed. "That's so… practical," he faltered, and then a smile dawned on his face as understanding came to him. "But strangely romantic."

"Romantic." Tuvok's eyebrow had risen and his voice was flat.

"Very romantic," Chakotay could feel the laughter bubbling up inside him, and knew that it wasn't just the words that had caused it. He felt so extraordinarily happy that it was almost frightening. "My Vulcan, the romantic," he gushed.

Tuvok's eyebrow had now risen impossibly higher. "Your Vulcan?"

Chakotay sensed the wealth of meaning behind the question and his laughter died. "My Vulcan," he stated, raising his hand to Tuvok's face.

"Ah, in that case, I will continue to be romantic," Tuvok responded in the driest voice Chakotay had ever heard in his life.

He collapsed in hysterics, while his Vulcan watched him patiently.

Eventually Tuvok handed him a regulation handkerchief, and Chakotay dried his streaming eyes. He knew that his hysterics had been more than simple amusement; they had been a mixture of relief and release of fear as well. He also knew that Tuvok understood this.

Now he felt calm and relaxed, happy, definitely contented, and ready for anything. As if sensing this, Tuvok spoke.

"I have released Lieutenant Paris and Ensign Kim from the brig."

"Oh?" Chakotay queried.

"They were not responsible for the incidents of the past few days."

"Oh?" Chakotay repeated. "Who was?"

Tuvok gazed at him passively as an uncomfortable suspicion began to rise in Chakotay.

"You can't possibly think it was me?" He spluttered in astonishment.

For a moment Chakotay was sure that Tuvok was surprised, but the Vulcan only continued to gaze at him, his expression calm.

"Oh spirits," Chakotay breathed. "I don't believe it. It was you."

Tuvok inclined his head.

For a long minute Chakotay was speechless with amazement. When he could finally think again he noted, with a slight sense of shame, that instead of the anger and disappointment he suspected he should be feeling, all he really wanted to do was collapse once more into hysterical laughter. This day of strangeness was only getting stranger.

"What on earth possessed you?" he finally managed to gasp out.

"I felt that I was partially responsible for the situation by having counselled you to delay in dealing with Lieutenant Torres, the Doctor, Kes and Neelix. I also felt a debt towards Lieutenant Paris, for without his involvement it is possible that I would never have approached you regarding our bonding."

"Tom Paris?" Chakotay was startled.

"The Lieutenant was, of course, unaware of his participation in our relationship," Tuvok assured him, quickly.

"I'm glad to hear it." Chakotay's eyes narrowed in sudden realization. "Those weren't the main reasons though, were they?"

Tuvok gazed at him in seeming blankness but Chakotay wasn't fooled.

"You wanted to get even." Chakotay stated firmly.

"Commander Chakotay, I assure you that a Vulcan would never…"

"Oh shut it," Chakotay interrupted, waving a hand and Tuvok wisely fell silent.

"Well, I'm shocked," Chakotay mused. "And of course, you do know that I'm going to have to send you to the brig, don't you?"

"I have placed myself in your hands, Commander Chakotay."

Chakotay snorted.

"I could offer an alternative suggestion however."

"Yes?"

"Perhaps you may feel that it would be more appropriate to personally supervise my incarceration, at some later date, at a more appropriate location, for example, the holodeck."

"That's an interesting suggestion, Lieutenant Tuvok," Chakotay replied seriously. "I will certainly take it under advisement."

"Perhaps I should also mention that I have recently acquired a very intriguing holographic program incorporating an extremely interesting culture with some very unique customs."

Chakotay could feel a slow burn beginning to flush his cheeks. He cleared his throat. "Oh?"

Tuvok stepped closer and leaned over, his lips hovering over Chakotay's. "I know how to replicate those pants, my mate," he murmured. "I am certain that you will find them a most comfortable fit."

Chakotay shivered.

EPILOGUE

Captain Janeway sat back in her chair and gazed around her bridge with great satisfaction. Even with B'Elanna's brief interruption she had really enjoyed her shore leave. She felt calm and relaxed and ready for anything.

And it certainly helped that the behaviour on Voyager seemed to have settled down. Kes, Neelix, the Doctor, and definitely B'Elanna were all very subdued, but she found she rather liked that. It was… restful.

There was no more mention of squirrels, no strange jokes, and everybody else seemed calm and relaxed as well, particularly Tom Paris and Harry Kim. Captain Janeway was certainly glad of that, she'd always had a bit of a soft spot for Tom Paris she had to admit, and also a sort of motherly concern for Harry Kim.

Commander Chakotay had definitely done a good job of sorting out things while she was gone, she decided, and while it was true that he had never actually caught the person responsible for the strange events on Voyager, he had assured her the problem was solved, and she'd felt thoroughly confident in his assurances. Yes, all in all, he'd done a fine job and she'd been only too pleased to grant him the extra shore leave he'd requested for himself and Lieutenant Tuvok.

Actually, Captain Janeway mused, she had only one slight regret about the whole business.

She had never figured out a way to incorporate Harry Kim's spectacular pants into the Starfleet regulation uniform.

THE END