by Marleena
also seemed to glow whenever he walked onto the Bridge or the
Mess Hall. He even visited Sandrine's again. He was also
sometimes seen in the company of one B'Elanna Torres. The rumor
mill went wild with that. Everything was covered from a three-way
relationship with Harry Kim to Paris having an affair with
Torres. Some even believed he stole her from Kim. But no one
really knew the whole story.
* * * * * * *
In the midst of all the wild rumors, Tom treasured each time he
and B'Elanna made love, and all the other moments they spent in
between, whether it was simply talking to each other about their
day or just holding her while she slept.
Tom Paris for a change was a happy man. He was realistic though
and knew that her pregnancy wasn't forever. He also knew that he
had to prepare himself for the end when she would no longer need
what he could provide. But, he was also resolved that these
thoughts wouldn't interfere with his current happiness. He was
determined to relish every moment he spent with B'Elanna right
until the end, and after -- after there would be the child --
their child. Even if B'Elanna wouldn't let him be part of *her*
life after their baby was born, he was bound and determined to be
part of the *child's* life.
* * * * * * * * *
B'Elanna's needs, though didn't always occur when it was
convenient, sometimes despite the cream the Doctor had prescribed
the only thing to quell the itching was Tom Paris, which she
greatly preferred anyway. The two of them worked out a rather
ingenious system to accomplish mid-day cravings.
Tom was just about ready to leave the bridge to go to lunch one
day, when a message flashed across his terminal: <
INPUT WITH THE NAVIGATIONAL RELAYS, LT. TORRES>>
Which if anyone saw it, would assume that there was indeed a problem in
Engineering that required his attention, but what it really meant
was: "I'm itching like crazy and need *it* bad, meet you in my
office as soon as you are available."
Tom had no more stepped foot in Engineering when B'Elanna called
out from her office. "Paris, is that you? Come in here and see
this. I don't know what you've been doing to the helm controls,
but there's going to be hell to pay if you do it again!"
Paris glanced at the couple of engineers, who still hadn't gone
to lunch, and gave them a shrug of his shoulders as if saying
'What's got into her?' Their only reply was to distance themselves
further from their Chief's office not wanting to catch her eye
and her wrath, they'd leave that to the pilot. Lately, it seemed
as if he had done nothing, but upset the half-Klingon.
"What's the matter with you, Torres . . ." he bellowed on cue as
he entered her domain, slammed the soundproof door, and carefully
locked it.
No sooner then the door was shut and locked, B'Elanna launched
herself at the pilot, frantically undoing the fasteners on his
uniform, so she could pull off his uniform top, bottom, and
finally his briefs in between desperate wet kisses. Tom, at the
same time, was performing the same service for B'Elanna, until
both were still kissing, but completely nude.
"I need you so bad, Tom. The itching has been driving me crazy
all morning," she pleaded. With a throaty growl, she pushed him down
on the deck. "Please Tom, I can't wait, please . . . please."
"You're wish is my command, milady," Tom whispered in her ear. He
then flipped her over, and thrust into her.
"Aaaah, oh yes, oh yes!" B'Elanna joined him in the age old
rhythm, her nostrils flaring as she instinctively deeply inhaled
his scent. "Oh Tom, don't stop, please don't stop."
Tom simply answered her by increasing his tempo until finally
with one last mighty thrust, they climaxed together, and he
collapsed upon her. B'Elanna ran her fingers through his golden
hair, and murmured her thanks. While it wasn't the words of love
he longed to hear, it still made him feel needed, and at least
for a short while, that was enough to make a difference.
"Better now, 'Lanna?" he asked finally, his cerulean eyes seeking
the rich chocolate eyes of the lady beneath him.
"Ummm, much. If it wasn't for you, I swear I'd go insane.
Simply insane," she purred. "Much better, it was wonderful."
think you had better clean up, and grab at bite to eat or you'll
be late for the start of the afternoon shift. I replicated you a
sandwich and a cup of coffee it's over on the table."
"Thanks. After last night, I hope you asked for extra caffeine
in the coffee," he replied, remembered a few similar experiences
they shared the night before. He arose from the floor and helped
her up. She handed him a wet cloth and a dry towel, and took a
set for herself, so they could clean up before they dressed.
"And next time you think you want to fiddle with the navigation
controls, you had better check with me first!!!" B'Elanna
screamed at him as he hightailed it out of her office a few minutes later,
trying to give his best sheepish impression to the engineers who
had just returned from their lunch.
Yes, it took a little bit of ingenuity, but so far this
arrangement was working out very well. Tonight, all he had to do
was to make sure no one saw him and he'd just slip into her room and she'd
welcome him into her bed and he would happily satisfy her needs
until she had achieved enough relief to fall asleep for the
night. The next morning, they would have another passionate union
combined with a liberal does of the cortisone cream which would
generally keep the itching under control until the evening.
Occasionally, like today, when the hormones raged, she would call
him and request his company. A request that he never refused.
* * * * * *
Alera Lerise entered Harry Kim's quarters only to stop short. The
lights were dim, and on the coffee table was dinner with two
candles.
Alera smiled and went over to the couch. She sat down, and saw
the meal laid out before her. It was Chinese food, something they
both loved. She leaned over and smelled the aroma drifting up
into the air.
"I see you like it," Kim's voice came to her ears.
She jumped and looked at the Ensign. She smiled and nodded at his
statement.
"What's with the lighting, Harry?" She asked, innocently, but her
eyes held an impish sparkle.
Kim smiled and went to sit beside her on the couch. He looked at
the food and answered, "Oh, just something Tom advised me once.
He said if you want to tell a girl something big to make sure you
have the right lighting. I thought I'd follow his advise."
Alera smiled and began to eat. Harry watched her a bit then ate
his own meal. They ate in silence for awhile before Harry spoke.
"How long do you think Tom has been in love with B'Elanna?"
Alera shrugged, "For awhile I suppose. He probably didn't think
> she felt the same, so he never said anything."
Kim stared at his food. He shook his head in dismay, "It must be
terrible to love someone, and see them with someone else."
Alera nodded, "Tom's with her now, Harry. He probably has told
her he loves her by now."
Harry smiled and looked at her, "She *is* carrying his child."
Alera's eyes widened, "You're kidding? When did this happen?!"
"Apparently while we were on the away mission. B'Elanna's Klingon
side asserted itself, and the thing she wanted most was sex. He
seemed to satisfy her more than I could."
Alera frowned, and took his hand, "I'm sorry, Harry. I know how
much you loved her."
Harry shook his head, "If I truly loved her, I wouldn't have
tried to change her by suppressing her Klingon side. Tom even knew
better, and he tried to tell me that! He loves her more than I
ever could. Klingon side and all. B'Elanna deserves him."
Alera squeezed his hand, "Don't berate yourself, Harry. You
didn't know. Tom should have told B'Elanna sooner that he loved
her. Even if she didn't believe him, it would have given her
something to consider."
Harry nodded and looked at her. He smiled and she returned it.
"Well, I don't want to wait as long as Tom did. I have fallen in
love with you, Alera."
Alera's sparkled, "I know. I'm Betazoid after all. I love you
too, Harry."
Kim smiled. He then went into his pocket of his tan pants, and
brought out a small box. He got down on one knee, and took her
left hand in his. He opened the box and heard Alera gasp.
"Harry, it's beautiful!"
harry grinned, "Alera Lerise, will you marry me?"
Alera stared into Kim's eyes. They were filled with love and
wonder. She smiled and nodded.
"Great!" harry said, ecstatic. He placed the ring on her finger.
He then stood up and kissed her.
"I hope you won't wear red leather to the wedding," he said.
Alera laughed, "That's for Klingons, Harry. Betazoids perform
their weddings in the nude."
His eyes bulged and she laughed hysterically.
* * * * *
Sandrine's was crowded that night, though people weren't talking
about rumors. They were all discussing the party Lerise and Kim
were hosting. They were all wondering the reason for such a
gathering. A few, though knew the reason.
Tom and B'Elanna, for instance. They were the first people Harry
and Alera told. The two were thrilled for their friends. The two
promised to be present for the engagement party.
The two were standing together, though not close enough for
anyone to speculate about their relationship. They talked quietly
as they waited for Kim and Lerise to announce their engagement.
Tom stared around the room, thinking back to another engagement
party six months ago. He remembered standing in the same place he
was now, looking across the room at the one he loved. He
remembered how he felt as he watched Kim kiss B'Elanna. He shook
his head at the memory, and looked at the woman, who stood next
to him. B'Elanna was standing next to him now, while another woman
was next to Harry. He never seemed happier until now.
"I can't believe it's been six months since Harry and I announced
our engagement."
Tom winced at that and looked away. It still hurt to know that
he almost lost the love of his life to someone else. He still
didn't really know where he stood with her, though.
B'Elanna seemed to sense the pilot's discomfort, "I'm sorry, Tom.
It was cruel of me to bring that up."
Tom looked at her and shook his head, "It's alright, 'Lanna. It
was just a slip of the tongue."
B'Elanna smiled, "Speaking of slipping of the tongue..."
Tom grinned when he saw the fire in her dark eyes, and the
meaning of her words. He moved his head slightly to indicate that
they were not alone.
"What would people say?"
She shook her head, smiling, "I meant later, Tom. Not now."
He winked at her, and sipped his champagne. B'Elanna smiled. It
was a complete contrast to what happened six months ago. She
rather liked the change.
At that point, there was a slight echo of a spoon hitting a
glass. Everyone turned toward the noise to see Kim tapping on
his glass. He smiled and spoke:
"Thank you all for coming. I will make this brief, so you can get
back to partying."
Laughter went through the crowd. It died down when Janeway
cleared her throat. Kim then continued.
"Tonight, I want you all to meet my bride-to-be" Ensign Alera
Lerise."
The shy blonde stepped up next to Kim. She looked around the room
as cheers went up. Her eyes then fell on one person. A deep
warmth went through her as she met the blue eyes of Tom Paris. He
was standing next to B'Elanna Torres, who was smiling.
Alera smiled at Tom, who smiled back, raising his glass in her
direction.
has found what he lost.>
* * * * * *
One day a couple of months later, someone in Engineering noticed
that B'Elanna's stomach was a bit more pronounced than before,
and correctly assumed that she was pregnant. Soon everyone on the
ship were buzzing with the news.
The news finally reached the Chief Engineer's ears and she
angrily hunted for the person who told the ship. Though she
snarled at the guilty ensign and threatened her, B'Elanna
admitted that she was pregnant, but she refused to say by who.
The rumors went flying again and bets were made. A few believed
that it was Harry's which somehow led to the break up. Others
believed it was someone else's. No one was clear on who, so bets
were placed on just about every male on the ship. A small few
believed it was by artificial insemination.
Chakotay was quite interested in all this. He visited Sandrine's
often which was where most of the rumors started and were kept
going. He was sitting at a table listening to one particular
rumor about who the father of B'Elanna's' baby was. He almost
wanted to laugh.
"Come on, Terre. She did have a crush on him before."
Terre snorted, "Dan, that was all it was, a crush. Besides, he's
too old for her. He's more of a father or older brother to her."
"Then if it's not Chakotay, who?"
"I don't know. One thing's for sure it's not Harry. Also, I think
she's picky about who she sleeps with. She's very Klingon when it
comes to who she chooses."
"Then it's someone who is honorable and can handle her in bed. So
who's that beside Chakotay and Kim?"
"Well, it's not Tom Paris. He might be able to handle her
Klingoness, but honorable?"
Chakotay stifled a laugh. If they only knew. *Paris is quite
honorable,* he thought, *He's saved this ship many times. He's
saved our lives many times over. *
He shook his head, and stood up. He needed to talk to Paris. If
anyone knew who the father was, he would.
>
* * * * * * * *
Tom Paris walked down the corridor to Sandrine's. He just
finished another back-scratching session with B'Elanna, and he
wanted to take a breather. Not that he minded at all. In fact, he
quite enjoyed it. The only bad part was that he was tired after
only a few days.
Tom was deep in thought, and he didn't noticed the Commander
walking up to him until Chakotay grabbed his arm. He spun around
to stare at Chakotay.
"Tom, I want to talk to you."
The pilot folded his arms and nodded, "All right."
Chakotay smiled, "Relax, Tom, I just want to know how you're
feeling. How are you taking the break-up of Harry and B'Elanna."
Tom smiled, "The break-up was mutual, Commander. As to how I'm
feeling; I'm feeling much better. Actually, better than ever."
Chakotay nodded, "Have you heard the latest rumors about
B'Elanna?"
Tom's' eyes darkened, "I have nothing to do about those."
"I know, Tom. I just wanted to know if you can tell me who the
real father of the baby is."
Tom smiled smugly. He shook his head, and went back toward the
holodeck.