GENTLEMEN'S AGREEMENT

Title: Gentlemen's Agreement, 15/16 
Author: Jaye (Copyright July 2002) 
Codes: C/P NC-17

Disclaimer: Star Trek, Voyager and all related characters and
concepts are the property of Paramount. No infringement is
intended or profit made. This is NC-17 for m/m sex. If you
aren't interested (or aren't old enough), don't read it.

Archive: Drop me a note first so I know where it's going. Please
keep the text (especially the disclaimer) intact.

Feedback: Sure but be kind, or at least constructive. E-mail is
reader8901@fastmail.fm

Summary: An alien royal makes Chakotay an offer he can't refuse.

Note: Slightly AU, P/T never happened and I don't know how canon
Chakotay dresses off duty. Also, Tom's 30, Chakotay 39.

***************

PART FIFTEEN

/This is hopeless. Absolutely hopeless./ Kathryn felt the brush
of Ken's chest hair against her breasts as she lay on top of his
supine body on their bed. Her eyes narrowed in speculation.
"You're not going to say anything about it, are you?"

Ken grinned and tenderly stroked his fingertip along the lines
frowning on his beloved's face. "Nope."

"But you have to!" For a moment the mature captain of a
Federation starship looked like an outraged five-year-old. Her
bottom lip formed an impressive pout as small but formidable
fists pressed into Ken's shoulders as she loomed over him. "I've
been waiting patiently all evening. What *happened*? This
morning Tom Paris is his typical Flyboy self and the next thing
I know he's begging me to break protocols so he can prove
himself to Chakotay. This is driving me crazy, not knowing."

"Maybe, but you're so beautiful when you're angry." Ken grabbed
the unconsciously proffered lip in his teeth, lightly nibbling.
He began stroking the soft pale skin of Kathryn's back. He felt
the hands on his shoulders relax and start wandering his chest.
But one look at the half-closed blue-gray eyes told him he
wasn't off the hook yet.

"I'm not angry, just interested." The low voice was a husky purr
as Kathryn changed tactics. She initiated a full kiss, hot and
deep and wet, as her fingers began exploring more of her lover's
form. She could feel Ken's groans of appreciation, the
vibrations of his chest stimulating her nipples to hard points
of excitement. She rubbed them against his warm flesh, rough
hair over soft skin, moaning a little herself. Then she lifted
her head, gave a wicked grin and looked into dilated hazel eyes.

"I have ways of making you talk, you know." One slender hand
wandered south to demonstrate a favorite method of loving
torture, teasing Ken's erection to greater fullness and length.
She rocked her own center of pleasure against a strong thigh.

Ken groaned and thrust his hips. "You certainly do. Maybe that's
why I haven't said anything yet." He gazed once more at the
lovely woman braced on top of his body, and his expression
softened with the evening's reminder of how precious she was to
him. He lifted one hand to cradle her cheek, all teasing gone.
"I'm not sure what's going on with Tom or Chakotay. I know what
I hope for, but that's all."

Kathryn leaned into the touch, her eyes serious now as well. She
saw the love shining openly in Ken's face. It brought a lump to
her throat, that such a private, proud man would reveal himself
so. She leaned down and the two drew together for another kiss,
this one brief but tender. Kathryn turned her head and ran her
lips along Ken's palm. Then she looked at him, her eyes glowing
with emotion. After a moment she drew back with a teasing smile.
"And we *are* hoping for the same thing, right?"

Ken chuckled and shook his head in disbelief. "The Chief and Tom
Paris? That's not a Maquis-Starfleet pairing I'd have ever come
up with."

"You mean you don't think they have a chance?" Kathryn rested
her chin on her hand, brows drawn, concerned.

"Honestly, I don't know." Ken looked at his lover, worry clear.
"Chakotay never gave any indication of being bisexual before
now, but when it comes to love he's never cared too much about
the packaging. If he gives his heart to Tom it will be for
good."

She rose up in protest. "So you think Tom is going to hurt
*him*? But I was sure---"

"Easy, love, easy." Ken soothed his agitated lady, drawing her
down again to lie on his chest. "That's not what I said. For
some reason, Tom had a problem with the idea of loving Chakotay,
but he got over it. I just hope his feelings are strong enough
to survive the Regent. That Tom can accept what Chakotay has
promised to do."

Ken looked into Kathryn's face, "Believe me, it's not an easy
thing to come to grips with, the idea that you love someone
enough to let them cheat on you." He sighed, then gave an
embarrassed little smile and shrug. "But it seems I've become a
hopeless optimist. I'd like to see a happy ending to all this,
to find that love will prevail."

"A hopeless romantic, I think," Kathryn said, moving up again to
brush noses. "I knew there was a reason I loved you."

"Just one? Let me remind you of a few more," Ken said as he
embraced his soulmate, rolled them over, and declared his
feelings without words.

***************

Tom had lost track of time and space and place. Nothing existed
except the body before him and the lips on his own. He was lost
in the sensations, overwhelmed but unafraid.

He hadn't known what to expect as he'd waited, shaking, for
Chakotay to respond to his speech. Another rejection was still
possible, given the older man's determination to remain aloof.
He'd hoped for acceptance, perhaps being yanked into the strong
arms and claimed with an intensity to match their argument. But
what he'd gotten was so much more.

This kiss was like no other from his Titan, or anyone else in
his life. Soft lips caressed his own, starting at one corner of
his mouth, slowly traveling across to the other, leaving
tingling, yearning nerves in their wake. Then the very tip of
Chakotay's tongue made the same journey, outlining Tom's lips,
filling in the contours with delicate brushes. When the painting
was complete the mouth closed and resumed its gentle pressure,
fervently but chastely fusing with his own.

While Tom's hands had fallen to clutch broad shoulders,
Chakotay's had moved up to rest along the younger man's jaw. The
delicacy of the touch, not imprisoning but so tenderly cradling,
pressed tears behind Tom's closed lids. He could *feel*
Chakotay's love, offered but not forced upon him, surrounding
him with warmth the way the broad palms transferred their heat
to his own skin. The profound but simple contact lasted forever
and not nearly long enough. Eventually those lips drew away. Tom
resisted the urge to follow and instead opened his eyes. He
gasped.

Chakotay glowed with emotion. Sentiments that Tom had only
glimpsed hints of before were now shining forth in all their
glory. The single tear that flowed from the dark eyes in no way
quenched the fire burning within them. Serenity provided a
background for newly kindled hope and joy. Maturity and wisdom
nurtured the feelings, promising a lasting passion instead of
the brief, white-hot and gone urges of more shallow souls. And
the love...the love was so clear and true and real. Tom knew
that it existed only, and always, for him. He swallowed, unable
to speak.

Chakotay stared into blue eyes that were wide with a kind of
stunned wonder. Tom's face was the most beautiful sight in the
whole of his life. The gold of his beloved's hair and brows
glistened in the light. His handsome features were softened with
emotions Chakotay never expected to see. Their gentle influence
smoothed the faint lines that the cynicism of years past had
etched onto the pale skin. His lips, blush-pink and faintly
trembling, were opened in quick panting sighs. The Flyboy mask
had disappeared, burned away by feelings so clear and
overwhelming that Chakotay's soul shivered with awe. He met
Tom's eyes, to be drawn into the tear-washed windows to a soul
filled with love.

Chakotay's own smile was a little unsteady as he said clearly
but quietly, "I love you, Tom. And I'm sorry."

"For what?" Tom found that with effort, he could whisper.

"For yelling at you. Rejecting you. For doubting your motives."
He sighed and frowned a little. "For making my first declaration
of love an angry shout. I just couldn't---couldn't bear to
think---"

"You were right," Tom interrupted, dropping his gaze as he
admitted the truth. "I planned to tell you everything, but when
I got here I...panicked."

Chakotay shook his head and leaned in to catch the guilty eyes.
"But you came through when it counted." His voice reflected his
amazement. "And despite your fears, that you could love me---and
tell me so...that's a gift I dreamed of but couldn't let myself
hope for, Tom. One that I will treasure for the rest of my
days."

His expression clouded a little with uncertainty as he reached
to enfold Tom's hands. He opened his mouth to speak, then
changed his mind, turned and drew the taller man behind him.

Tom smiled as he trailed in Chakotay's wake. The older man had
immediately headed toward the fountain, paused, looked over his
shoulder at Tom's outfit and steered them over to a padded
bench. He knew his barely-clad bottom would appreciate the
change of venue, while his heart was touched at the sign of
Chakotay's concern for his comfort. They sat, the coppery
fingers retaining the clasp on their ivory counterparts.

Chakotay cleared his throat. Every cell of his being rebelled at
taking the chance of losing Tom, but he had to be sure of this
before they moved forward. He needed to hear the words. There
was simply too much at stake. "I *do* trust you. And I believe
you. But are you sure you want a relationship with me *now*,
Tom?" The dark brown eyes were worried. "I don't know what's
going to happen with Nedal. Or how I'll react. I---I might not
be the same person when it's all over. Maybe we should wait---"

"No." The response was quiet but emphatic. "I know why you're
asking, Chak, but I meant what I said. I love you. Nothing that
happens on Ruta will change the way I feel about you. I'm
certain the same will be true for you. And I want our life
together to start tonight." He took a deep breath. "I want you
to take me."

"No." Chakotay stopped Tom's protest with a squeeze of his
hands. "Not unless it's for the right reasons." He looked down,
stroked his index finger along the strong, narrow line of Tom's
knuckles. "In my mind, I used your...unwillingness to
reciprocate as proof that you didn't care about me, Tom. It was
a litmus test of your trust in me. And I decided that you failed
every time you tensed up at a wayward touch."

He bit his lip, then continued. "I also took it as a sign that
you couldn't be interested in me because you didn't want me as
an equal." He looked up. "But now I realize that your reluctance
has nothing to do with a lack of love or trust. It's just who
you are. And I don't want our relationship to change you into
someone you're not, some vision of who I expect you to be."

Chakotay smiled, very softly. "So I don't care anymore. The
mechanics aren't all that important as long we connect.
Besides---" he was swamped with a sense of resignation as his
face heated, right on cue---"I enjoy your touch. Inside and
out."

The blush filled Tom with delight. And the shy admission added
fuel to the fire of love and longing in him. He was right to
trust Chakotay. His Titan had shown by actions, and now with
words, that he didn't expect Tom to submit to him. Just to love
him. As a partner. A mate. He lifted their joined hands and
rose, taking a seat on Chakotay's thighs. He could feel the
older man's suddenly interested erection through the layers of
cloth. Tom shivered in want, his own flesh responding
immediately. He pressed a quick kiss on rose-petal lips.

"It's for the best reasons, Chak, I promise." He looked into
slightly dilated brown eyes. "Because I love you, and it feels
right." He sighed. "I spent most of my life afraid of committing
myself to another person. But no more. I want to *be* with you,
in a way I never could with anyone else. I need this. Please."
He searched the handsome features.

Chakotay released his worries, concerns, anything that would
detract from this moment and the ones to come. He smiled and
raised one hand to his beloved's face. "I would be honored."

His eyes grew serious, and he waited a moment for the younger
man to recognize the importance of his next words. "I'm going to
trust that you know what you want, Tom. But remember that I'm
also trusting you to tell me if I do something wrong or make you
uncomfortable." His expression turned rueful. "It looks like
we're both virgins this time around."

Tom chuckled. "Just don't swoon at an inappropriate moment." He
laid a hand over the one on his face. "You do *want* this too,
right Chak?"

Chakotay's response was a low sound in his throat as he slid his
hand along Tom's jaw, down the long line of his throat, and over
the gold-covered body from neck to knee. He noted the nipples
jutting against the netting as well as Tom's cock tenting the
material over his groin.

Chakotay's voice was husky with appreciation as he replied, "You
bet the britches you're not wearing I do. It was torture,
hearing your offer but knowing I couldn't accept it. You don't
know how much I wanted get a look at the back of your outfit.
You were nearly impossible to resist."

Tom stood and tugged the older man to his feet. "I think it's
time to change 'nearly impossible' to 'no longer possible'." He
looped his bare arms around Chakotay's neck. "I'd like to
request a bed, though."

Chakotay encircled the slim form and drew him closer. He hoped
Tom could feel the smile on his lips as he nuzzled along the top
edges of the gold cloth, planting kisses. "Your wish is my
command." He called up the Larat's bedroom, then guided Tom to
sit at the foot of the ruby-colored spread. "Wait here."

Slightly anxious eyes followed the dark-haired man until he
disappeared down the hallway. Tom shifted the bright cloth on
his thighs. He only had a moment with his unformed thoughts
before he was rejoined. He watched a towel-carrying Chakotay
re-enter the room. His Titan was naked but for the gleaming
gold-and-crystal seal.

Tom's uncertainty disappeared in a surge of lust as he surveyed
the muscles moving under the coppery skin, the powerful hands,
the dark cock rising against the smooth belly. He licked his
lips and husked, "I can't believe you're mine."

Chakotay looked up from the bedside table he'd crossed to. He
blushed again, but smiled. "I think that's my line." He returned
to stand in front of Tom and tossed a tube on the bed. Then he
reached again for the fine-boned hands. "Stand a moment, let me
look at you." He drew Tom a step or two away from the bed, then
slowly circled the still figure.

The fine mesh of the Rutali cloth drifted from shoulder to
mid-shin, glistening like the blond filaments on the exposed
limbs. Tom's chest and torso were a mix of ivory and gold,
aroused nipples showing clearly behind the mesh. Lower down, his
manhood was adorned with the fine bright threads and his own
curls of hair.

Chakotay breathed deeply, and moved on. He was enticed by the
narrow strip of flesh exposed between the panels, crossed only
by the gold braid fastening the pieces together at the slim
hips. The crystal buttons sparkled in invitation.

/I'm glad I didn't get such a good look earlier. I wouldn't have
dared to face this temptation./ The long line of Tom's back was
a flawless canvas gilded by the glittering covering. Twin pert
globes pushed the cloth out a little more as it glided over his
buttocks, then loosely draped the lean thighs. Chakotay stepped
up and lightly embraced Tom, dropping his chin on a broad
shoulder. He rubbed his naked body against the mesh panel,
pressing against the flesh underneath, his erection just
brushing the younger man's cleft. "Are you ready for the next
step?" he asked softly, blowing into one shell-pink ear.

Tom's body was drawn up, aroused and waiting. He'd felt the
heat, the weight of the dark gaze running along his flesh. It
skimmed over him, caressing. The silky skin, hard nipples and
harder cock behind him made him shudder with need. He clutched
at the hands clasped over his stomach. "Yes," was delivered in a
moan.

Chakotay winced slightly at the fingers digging into his hands,
but left them in place. Instead, he moved his mouth along the
exposed skin at the top of Tom's shoulders, working his way to
the right-hand set of buttons. He enveloped the fastener, using
his tongue and teeth to lift the looped braid from around the
crystal. He made a sound between a chuckle and groan when Tom
brushed against him, the slim body twisting a little at the wet,
tickling touches.

Tom felt the panels part and swing against his body, then a cool
stream of air against the flesh dampened by Chakotay's saliva.
The rough silk of his lover's tongue was tasting the newly
revealed area, traveling back along his shoulder and up his
neck. Teeth made their presence known again, tracing his ear,
working strongly at his nape. The soft lips returned as the
wicked mouth crossed to the left to follow a path to the other
set of buttons.

Small anxious sounds were coming from Tom's throat as Chakotay
repeated the undressing with the left set of buttons. Finally
the cloth peeled away under its own weight, held up now only by
their arms. Chakotay's hips thrust a little as he sucked the
salty skin under his mouth. Eventually he reached the center
again and pressed his forehead against the back of Tom's neck.
He took a deep breath, then stepped back and lifted his arms,
carrying Tom's with him. The cloth dropped to the floor.

Tom shuddered as the mesh fell from his body, catching briefly
on his penis before departing. He was surprised when Chakotay
crossed around to face him again. He blushed at the mix of
admiration and arousal in the gaze, suddenly feeling very much a
virgin.

Chakotay grinned and bussed the spots of flaming color on the
pale face. "Nice to see it's contagious," he chuckled, but
passion soon reasserted itself. He ran his hands down the other
man's sides and inward, tickling the jointure of the
hair-sprinkled thighs. He backed Tom toward the bed, resuming
his kisses to the handsome features as he continued to play with
his companion's groin, cupping the sac and rubbing behind it.

Tom ran his hands over the satiny skin of his lover's shoulders
and chest as they traveled. The mattress bumped the back of
Tom's knees, and he bent accordingly, sitting on the jewel-hued
spread, then lying back at Chakotay's small push. He watched the
sleek body descend, surprisingly moving beside him instead of
pinning him under its greater weight. Tom smiled, knowing that
his lover was doing all he could not to provoke Tom's
instinctive fears.

Chakotay's finger traced the curves of the wide mouth, as his
own offered a smile in return. Then his hand opened fully to
again stroke under the firm chin and along the slim throat. He
lifted his forearm slightly so his palm just barely brushed the
tops of the many small strands adorning his siren's chest,
bringing the same light touch to the pink nipples as well. He
was pleased to see Tom arch up into the strokes, trying for
greater contact.

Tom muttered something unintelligible but frustrated as he
lifted his torso once more, craving the warmth he could sense
hovering just above his skin. He moaned in relief when the hand
returned more strongly, nails lightly scratching and the palm
touching with real weight. His nipples felt like they'd been
waiting for days until dusky fingers circled them, then
scissored around the tiny excited points. Tom's eyes closed,
then snapped open the second a hot mouth made its presence known
by attaching itself to his hip and sucking. He looked down to
see Chakotay had changed position, half leaning over Tom's body,
dark head angling toward the aching center of desire.

Tom's legs shifted restlessly as he anticipated the feel of
Chakotay's lips and tongue on his painfully erect cock. He slid
his fingers through silky dark hair, trying to urge his lover to
hurry. Without success. He groaned and dropped both hands to the
mattress, twisting and pulling the red satin as that teasing
mouth made its infinitely slow journey.

Chakotay inhaled the musky smell of arousal as his tongue and
lips catalogued the different textures of hair found on Tom's
torso and legs. Despite the tugging of the impatient man beneath
him, he leisurely sampled the sweat-dewed skin around the long
cock before deigning to swirl his tongue around the base. He
nibbled delicately, and felt the needy thrust of Tom's body.
Chakotay couldn't see too much from his position, so he kept an
ear open to the emotions expressed in the younger man's moans.

He moved up to the regal crown of the throbbing member, lipping
the rim and lapping all of the salty fluid drooling with
enthusiasm from the slit. Then carefully covering his teeth with
his lips, he sank down onto Tom's cock, sucking strongly.

Tom gave a short, sharp scream and bucked up again, seeking to
bury himself in the warm, wet haven. He opened his eyes to watch
his manhood flow between the rosy lips that pressed tight,
forming a seal around his shaft. He began moving in earnest, too
aroused to do anything but welcome the fingers that began
teasing behind his balls and along the seam between his
buttocks.

Chakotay leaned farther forward, perpendicular to Tom's groin,
as he adjusted his angle to accept more of the silk-encased
length. One hand was cupping a flexing firm globe, the other was
between the long legs. His thumb kept pressing behind the taut
balls, while his fingertips danced around the unseen portal. He
let just the very edge of his teeth scrape lightly along Tom's
penis during the next thrust and was rewarded with a burst of
fluid at the back of his throat. He kept up his caresses and
sucks, his hands occasionally crushed by the pale body as it
thrashed in release. A long wail sounded above him, announcing
Tom's climax to the world.

Tom surged down and up, fucking Chakotay's mouth remorselessly
as pleasure buzzed along his nerves. He felt each pulse of semen
leave his body to coat the cavern encasing his cock. He became
aware of the warm hands stroking his skin as he collapsed onto
them. A blissful moan escaped his slack lips as all the tension
dissipated through his pores. He shimmied a little, wiggling
into the fingers that lightly teased places he didn't usually
think about. "Damn, have you been secretly practicing, Chak?"

The spent organ was released with a last lick. "Nah, I just had
one hell of a teacher." Chakotay backed off and sat up,
searching Tom's flushed face. He laid one hand on a long thigh.
"Open your legs for me, Tom. I want to start getting you ready."
The unspoken 'if you're sure' was tacked on by the brown eyes,
making Tom smile again in gratitude. He ran his hand down the
parts of Chakotay within reach and spread his legs. "Do it,
Chak. I'm waiting for you."

Chakotay groaned at Tom's unabashed offering and eager
expression. He moved to kiss the wanton creature his siren had
become, sweeping his tongue into the sweet mouth. One hand
clutched the tube of lube but the other cupped an ivory
shoulder, rubbing the sweaty flesh before wandering back down
into the blond fleece decorating Tom's chest.

Tom's hands reached up, one arm draping itself along Chakotay's
shoulders, the other encircling the curving waist. He pulled
down and over, giving a satisfied grunt as his Titan's solid
weight settled over his own body, pressing him into the
mattress. His tongue played with the avid, still-salty visitor
to its domain, while his legs parted even more to grasp and
center the coppery hips. A sound of approval rose from his chest
as he felt the heated rod of flesh digging into his belly. He
tore his mouth away to gasp, "Now, Chak."

The breathy request sparked a rush of desire along Chakotay's
veins, reminding him of his own arousal, heavy and pulsing. He
opened his eyes and searched Tom's. The dilated orbs answered
his question before he could ask it. Chakotay nodded, then
nipped the corner of Tom's jaw before kneeling between the long
legs. He adjusted the hair-roughened limbs, lifting them over
his own spread thighs.

His hands shook slightly as he opened the tube of lubricant and
coated his finger with the gel. He then returned to the area
he'd mapped before, tracing the puckered opening before daring
to breach it. He glided past a slight resistance, surprised at
the moist heat that surrounded his exploring digit.

Tom was watching Chakotay through half-closed eyes, loving the
careful, focused expression on the handsome face. He almost
grinned as he saw the swollen lower lip gripped between white
teeth. Then he drew a startled breath as he felt Chakotay's
finger enter his body. The sensation was...odd, a mixture of
sliding and firmness. The invader gently moved inside him,
drawing a circle as it thrust slowly in and out. Tom relaxed and
gave his nervous companion a quick smile of reassurance.

The little quirk of the pink lips relieved Chakotay. He slid his
finger out and added more lube, flashing a warning to Tom before
he pushed two fingers into the heated channel. It was so tight,
he wondered how much stretching he needed to do to avoid hurting
his trusting lover. He turned his hand, making sure he was
covering all of the territory he needed to. He pressed forward,
but froze at a choked scream from Tom. His eyes flew to the
younger man's face, horrified he had done some harm.

Tom was panting now, his cock firming and thickening once more
as blood rushed south in the wake of the jolt to his body.
"Wow," he said, then caught the guilt-filled expression on his
uncertain lover's face. "I never knew how it felt," he
explained, then wriggled forward a little, trying to get those
*very* capable fingers where he wanted them. "Again!" he
demanded.

Chakotay grinned and firmly stroked the same spot once more,
relieved and pleased with the yelp that earned him. "I need to
make a note of this," he said, thoroughly exploring the area in
question to Tom's increasingly loud sounds of approval. He
sobered though, when he drew out and smeared gel over his cock,
then one more finger. "I'm going to go with three now, Tom," he
warned.

Tom tensed instinctively at the thought, but was soothed when a
bronzed hand started rubbing circles on his belly and groin. He
arched into the external and internal strokes, groaning in
delight. /To think I denied myself this for so long./ He looked
at his Titan, flushed and glistening. Dark eyes burning with
love and his own arousal. /But I'm glad I waited for you./ He
felt the hands withdraw and move to his hips. "I'm ready, Chak,"
he said quietly.

"I love you Tom," Chakotay answered, then rose up slightly, just
easing the head of his cock into Tom's body. He groaned at the
tightness, the slick heat. He could never have imagined it would
feel this good. He looked into Tom's eyes. /That it would feel
this right./ He paused, trembling, waiting for the younger man
to absorb the sensations.

Tom felt a slight burning, but it was appropriate as he was
possessed by his fiery Titan. He relaxed his body, nodding in
agreement as he realized Chakotay was drawing closer, pushing
deeper into him.

Chakotay sensed Tom's internal muscles yielding to his movement,
bringing him farther into the virgin passage. He stopped when he
was fully encased in Tom's flesh, his hands moving from the
narrow hips to stroke soothingly along the slender thighs. He
was dazzled by the contrast between his siren's gilded
perfection and the ruby coverlet. "Everything all right, Tom?"
he asked.

Tom shifted his frame a little, pushing Chakotay a little
deeper. He felt the silky hairs of his lover's groin tickling
his backside. His reply was throaty with the blend of recent
satisfaction and returning need. "Yeah, Chak."

Chakotay found the trip back out indescribable, clinging heat
then shockingly cool air on his shaft. At the halfway point he
moved forward again, repeating his careful thrusts, each time
altering his angle a little. He shifted his hands back to cradle
Tom's hips. A strangled sound told him when he'd found Tom's
sweet spot again. He nodded to himself and began to relax his
control, speeding up.

The smooth thrusts against Tom's prostate were building the
excitement in his body, raising his tension again. But he wanted
more. He waited a few more beats, then gripped Chakotay's
wrists, using the leverage to pull himself higher onto the
muscular thighs. He also locked his ankles around his lover's
powerful, sweaty back, giving him even more ways to move. He
grunted in approval when the textured skin of the older man's
scrotum brushed at his crack. "Harder," he gritted.

Chakotay growled in acknowledgement and complied, plunging
forward to meet Tom's fierce counterthrusts. The need to spill
his seed rose with each breath as his balls drew up even closer
to Tom's buttocks. He was breathing heavily, eyes feasting on
the body stretched out before him, openly accepting his invasion
with primal delight.

He focused on his lover's dripping cock, which swayed each time
their bodies clashed. Chakotay brought one palm to his mouth and
licked it, slowly, enjoying the wild look on Tom's face at the
act. He moved the saliva-wet palm to enclose the engorged penis,
drawing up from the base with each withdrawal from the pale ass,
squeezing down with every lunge.

Tom lost control of his senses, his brain, his body. All he knew
was the drive to keep that rigid length pushing against his
gland, and the large hand wrapped around his turgid need. The
internal and external pressure forced him past the point of no
return. He breathed deep and let loose a scream, arching, his
movements jerky and limbs flailing as ecstasy blazed from his
core out along his nerves, burning through his veins and
tightening his muscles into an eternity of shuddering. He barely
noticed when he released his cum into the grasping hand.

Chakotay was seized in a fierce grip as Tom clenched around him.
The spasms squeezing his cock were too much after waiting so
long and he roared, holding the slim body in place as his hips
drove forward, shooting his semen into his lover's bowels in a
series of quick, heated bursts. He sank back, chest heaving,
searching Tom's face for any signs of distress.

Tom let out a last sated moan as his body relaxed onto its satin
background. The tone changed to disappointment as he felt
Chakotay's withdrawal. "Thank you," he said, gazing at his lover
through half-closed lashes.

"You're welcome." Chakotay could hear the gratitude in his own
reply. He slid off the bed and fetched the towels, shaking out a
moistened one and using it to wipe down Tom's glistening body.
He gently rolled the limp figure over and cleaned the slick
thighs, then worked his way carefully upward. He parted the pale
mounds and peered anxiously. "I only see a little redness. Do
you want me to check you out with a tricorder?"

Tom stretched in satisfaction. "Nope. I feel too good for there
to be a problem." He was surprised to sense quick soft kisses,
one on each buttock, before he was turned again and assisted to
a sitting position.

Once Tom was up, Chakotay quickly cleaned himself off and slid
one leg onto the bed, bending his knee and gathering Tom against
his chest and shoulder. He used one finger to lift Tom's chin
and kissed him. "Thank you," he said.

"I can't say the pleasure was *all* mine, but you're welcome."
Tom grinned and leaned his head farther back on its living
pillow. "I guess you've graduated, Cadet. I'll have to start
calling *you* Professor now."

Chakotay laughed and hugged the light of his life. "Does that
make us colleagues?"

Tom felt as though he were immersed in his Titan's loving
warmth, inside and out. He laid his hands on one of the arms
encircling his body. "Colleagues, compatriots, friends,
partners...equals."

Chakotay smiled and dipped his head for one more kiss. "Lovers,"
he replied. Then he shifted his grip on the pale body and rose
with Tom in his arms. "Bed or bath?"

"Bed now," Tom murmured and relaxed into the strong embrace.
"Bath tomorrow."

"It's a date. You know how much I like the idea of you and
suds," Chakotay said, grinning.

Tom felt his lips curve in response. "Right back at ya, Chak."

The two men laughed together as they turned down the covers and
crawled under them.

As they settled into bed, Tom arranged himself at Chakotay's
side, laying his head again on a smooth shoulder and draping an
arm around the muscled torso. He tossed one leg over a solid
thigh. The abrupt movement reminded him of the night's
activities as he felt the faintest twinge from his
no-longer-virgin ass.

He knew his smile was a blend of satisfaction and anticipation.
He was definitely looking forward to more sessions with
"Professor" Chakotay. Tom would have to do a lot of research as
both a bottom and a top before he decided which one he
preferred. Fortunately, he happened to have found the perfect
study partner in the man he loved. Blue eyes grew dreamy, then
steamy, as Tom's imagination played with images from the last
few days, switching the roles back and forth at random. /Oh yes,
a *lot* of research. In fact, I wonder.../

"Chakotay?" Tom started idly tracing patterns on the soft skin
under his hand.

"Hmmm?" The vibration of the hum echoed in Tom's own chest as
the older man responded.

"Um, I meant to ask you, um...what was it like to be chained? I
mean, did you enjoy it?"

Speculative brown eyes peered down as sable brows lowered. /I
wonder what you're up to, my seductive siren./ "A lot of it,
yes. Because I was with you." He tried to explain. "I couldn't
*do* anything except feel, and that somehow made the sensations
more intense. It also helped that you made me feel pretty damn
spectacular by the time you were done." He grinned. Even his
dimples looked wicked. "Why? Planning another round?"

"Well, actually, I was wondering if you ever pictured me, you
know, that way." Tom concentrated on his fingertips and tried to
control his expression. "You had some time by yourself before I
got to the Regent's room. And it's not like there weren't enough
props for your imagination. So...did you?"

"Yes, yes I did. But it was after, when you were washing up."
The dark eyes smoldered at the memory. "I was thinking that high
couch had real possibilities. The perfect height for all sorts
of interesting explorations." He fingered a lock of Tom's hair.
"And gold is *definitely* your color." His expression sobered as
he searched Tom's face. "You do know I wouldn't try anything
like that unless you were sure."

"Of course. But if I *were* sure?" His brows rose inquiringly as
his voice trailed off hopefully.

"You'd be in those cuffs so fast you wouldn't hear the clicks."
Chakotay confirmed, then brushed a tender kiss against the pink
lips. "But you'd be out of them again just as quickly if it
didn't feel right."

Tom's expression was fond as he moved his finger to his
partner's nose, running down the little bump. "That's a given
with you, Chak. Maybe we'll try it sometime," he sobered and his
hand moved to rest on the Rutali crystal, "after you get back."

"After I get back," Chakotay echoed.

The two men looked into each other's eyes, acknowledging the day
ahead, which would arrive much too soon. They kissed, a promise
for the future, then settled down to sleep, wrapped in each
other's arms.

************************************************************

"Sisryn!" Nedal's roar sent the Chief Consul bolting upright
from her pillow, wild eyes shooting to the massive silhouette
framing her bedroom door. The illumination streaming from the
living quarters was soon matched as Nedal called up the lights
and strode fully into the room. He stood, hands on hips, at the
foot of the Rutali woman's bed. She gulped and instinctively
pulled up the covers, even though she was attired in pajamas.
"Yes, my liege?" she asked, still shaky.

"You have sent the final arrangements to Voyager?" The question
snapped whip-crack sharp against her ears.

"Yes. The Larat will beam down to his rooms an hour after the
alien vessel achieves orbit around Ruta. His people are not to
communicate directly with him, or even approach the palace,
until after his term of service is completed. He will have some
time to change and prepare, then introductions to the remaining
pride leaders will begin."

Sisryn took a breath. Her voice strengthened as she continued
her report. "The formal presentation of the Larat will occur, in
accordance with custom, at sundown. All of the ministers, pride
leaders, and those who have won Privilege will be there for the
ceremony. From all reports, everything is ready and in place."

"I hope your people have not relaxed now that they think their
jobs are done, because I have some alterations to be
implemented." The Regent moved about the bedroom with a
nonchalant stride, toying with the personal items scattered on
the various pieces of furniture. "You will contact Voyager first
thing in the morning to invite the senior staff to the palace.
At sunset."

"But that's the time of the ritual!" came the automatic protest.

"Exactly. I wish Voyager's main bridge officers to attend. *All*
of them. Let the aliens know that they have fared well in trades
with our colony world, but that need not be the case on Ruta
itself." The air around Nedal was cloying as self-satisfaction
oozed from his every pore.

The Chief Consul scrambled out of bed, aghast. "What? You want
the crew at the palace when the full scope of the Larat's duties
is revealed? But secrecy is one of the main tenets of tradition.
No outsiders have been involved in generations. It's a violation
of the very nature of the agreement to serve."

"But it is not forbidden." The reply was a low, assured purr.
The Regent crossed to stand in front of Sisryn, who quailed at
the sudden rage blasting from her leader's golden eyes. The purr
became a menacing growl. "You had best remember, Consul, that
your oaths are to *me*. Not to the human you are so fond of. You
will do as I command, or suffer the consequences."

Sisryn slumped, defeated. She would check the records herself,
but she already knew Nedal would not have ordered his unorthodox
audience without being sure of the law. Chakotay would be the
first Larat in living memory to be denied privacy in the
ceremony that was already bound to be a source of shock and
discomfort to him. She bowed her head and blinked back tears.
"It will be as you say," she murmured.

Nedal merely nodded, accepting the obedience as his due.
"Excellent." His expression turned sly. "Voyager is such a
close-knit pride, I know they will be pleased to share in their
valued officer's moment of initiation." He crossed to Sisryn's
door, but paused at the threshold.

"By the way, I've been doing some research on the rights and
responsibilities of the seal-bearer and the evolving nature of
Privilege...in all of its forms. My results will have some
bearing on the ceremony itself. I believe the prides will be
very enthusiastic in their appreciation of the changes I'm going
to institute. They will reflect the most ancient foundations of
Rutali tradition."

His smile sent a chill down the woman's spine. "Sleep well,
Sisryn. Dream of your Chakotay. Of how he---and his
people---will react to the full truth of Larat." He left and the
door slid shut.

Sisryn hid her face in her shaking hands as she sank onto the
bed.

TBC