Title: Another Brick from the Wall
Note: Part II of the Stone Heart Series
Author: Kim Riley aka MYSTIC / MysticMcknight
Pairing: C/P
Rated: R
Summary: sequel to Behind the Wall. Chakotay doesn't want to tell
anyone about his condition, but sooner or later he'll have to face the
music and the crew.
Disclaimer: Everything but the idea and the talent that went into this
is Paramonts, the rest is all mine.
Feedback: Please!
*****
"Stop playing googly eyes and get over here," B'Elanna said as she
grabbed Tom and Chak by the arm and brought them inside. "Okay,
everyone! They're here, so shut it!" she shouted.
Chakotay looked at Tom, his resolve fading. Tom moved up to him and
held his hand. Then looked out over the crowd, "If you haven't
guessed, you owe us five rations each," he teased as he leaned in and
gave Chak a small kiss on the cheek.
The crowed cheered as B'Elanna shouted, "Harry, you owe me ten, as
does the rest of you suckers," she smiled.
Tom gave a glowing smile to his love and leaned over to whisper, "See,
they love us. Go on, it'll be okay. They'll be a bit shocked, but
don't worry."
Chakotay, still holding tightly to Tom's hand, cleared his throat.
"Ah, there's more," he said.
"Wow! A wedding so soon?" Megan Delaney shouted.
Chakotay blinked as if the idea had never even occurred to him. Tom
and him were together, the idea of a wedding seemed foreign, as if it
had already taken place. He looked at Tom who was smiling ear to ear,
"I didn't."
"We'll talk later, go on," he softly encouraged.
"Um, no," he replied to the crowd. That got some folks to be quite.
They had almost taken it as a given. He waited till the rest were
quiet, still feeling the fear in his stomach, or was it the twins
pushing against it? He wasn't sure. He closed his eyes, took a deep
breath while holding Tom's hand tightly. "We're expecting," he stated
quickly. He opened his eyes to see the stunned looks before him.
Then, as if time remembered itself, cheers and congratulations filled
the bar. This wasn't what he was expecting, but he was pleased to
hear it. //Not too bad,// he thought as he smiled at Tom, who was
beaming with pride.
"Congratulations!" Harry said, as he walked up and shook their hands.
He then looked over at Tom, "So when's the baby due?"
"Six months," Tom responded with pride.
"Wow! You don't look it," Harry observed while staring at Tom.
"You don't show a bit," B'Elanna said as she came up to Tom. "Think
you can handle being all beached out?" She teased. "Get too big and
you won't be able to reach the helm controls," she laughed.
Tom paled, then looked at Chakotay who was stunned. He then turned
back to his friends, "What makes you think I'm carrying the children?"
he asked.
"Children?" Megan asked as she moved in to give her blessing with her
sister Jenny, not far behind.
"Yeah, twins. One boy and one girl," Chakotay managed to say, his
voice tight.
"That's wonderful, Commander," Neelix chimed in with pure delight.
"You best be taking good care of our Tom, here," he playfully chided.
"Again, what makes you think I'm the one carrying them? Why not
Chakotay?" Tom asked in disbelief at the conclusions his 'friends' had
jumped to. Hearing his questions, everyone roared in laugher as if he
had said the funniest thing in the galaxy.
"What's so funny?" Tom asked, trying to keep his temper under control.
"Oh, Tom!" B'Elanna laughed. "Chakotay.pregnant?" She curled up
laughing.
"Come on, Tom. We all know that between the two of you, it'd be you.
Puh-lease," Harry laughed.
"Commander Chakotay with child? Now that 'is' funny," Neelix giggled.
As the rest of the room got wind of the joke, they too started
laughing. Everyone, but Janeway and Tuvok.
"Yeah, Tom. Chakotay, pregnant. That 'is' funny," Chakotay said
between clenched teeth. He then let go of Tom's hand and stormed out
of the bar.
"Knock it off!" Tom shouted. "This isn't funny!" He fumed.
Tom's reaction and Chakotay taking off, made everyone slowly come to
their senses. Janeway and Tuvok made their way to stand next to Tom as
he shook with anger. She laid a hand onto the young man's shoulder,
only to have it shrugged off. "Tom," she began quietly, trying to
sooth him.
"I would like to think that everyone here is now becoming aware of the
serious mistake you all have committed," Tuvok stated to the crowd.
Silence filled the room as they all took in Tuvok's words and Tom's
fury. It was Harry who put two and two together for them. "Oh, my
word! That day on the bridge was morning sickness!" he exclaimed in
total shock. He then looked over at Tom with total remorse for his
foolishness.
"The health issues, the cut back in schedule," B'Elanna said, too
stunned by how obvious it should have been.
"That's right!" Tom finally snapped. "It took me three months to
convince him to tell you. I told him it would be okay, that you would
understand and not lose respect for him. Well, I hope you're happy
with yourselves, because now he's 'never' going to believe me again!"
Tom shouted as he pushed passed everyone to go after his upset lover.
"Tom! We.we're sorry!" Harry tried saying, but Tom didn't bother to
stop as he continued his charge out the door. Harry looked towards
B'Elanna then to the Captain, who was royally pissed off.
"'Sorry' isn't going to be good enough, Ensign Kim," she glared at the
crowd. "Yes, Commander Chakotay is carrying the children...twins.
He's gone through a lot already and the circumstances are noone's
business, but theirs. I want all of you to know, it took a great deal
of courage for him to follow through with this. He has earned our
respect and our admiration. I don't think for one minute this should
change anything, but if you do have a problem."
"Forgive me, Captain," Neelix interrupted. "I don't think anyone here
has a problem. All of us here respect and admire the Commander,
it's.well, we."
"Never even considered it," B'Elanna finished softly. "We've always
seen him as the alpha male type and Tom.well, you know?" she stated,
looking over at the Captain in hopes she did indeed know what she
meant.
"Your assumptions of their roles are not without some merit, however,
fate has deemed that these typical roles be some what reversed. Thus
making this situation even more strenuous on someone like the
Commander," Tuvok stated.
"Oh, brother. What can we do to make it up to them?" Harry asked.
"First, you can all apologize, but beyond that, the best thing you can
do is treat him the same way you always have, because if he thinks
you're feeling sorry for him, he'll slap you sideways. Figuratively
speaking, of course."
"Does that mean a baby shower is out?" Jenny asked.
"Oh. Perhaps not now, but in a few months, I'm sure it would be a
welcomed thing. But for now, he's a strong man with a lot of pride
and before anyone of you forgets that, you try putting yourselves in
his shoes. And if that's not enough, I'm sure either he or Tom will
remind you. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a feeling this evening
is over, good night," Janeway said as she made her way out of the bar,
followed by Tuvok.
"They have made an error, but their hearts are in the right place.
I'm sure the Commander will come to see this in time," Tuvok stated,
his hands behind his back as they walked down the hall. "I too would
have made a similar error had I not witnessed the Commander's illness
a month back. Curious, Captain. How did this happen?"
Kathryn smiled at her long-term friend, "It happened back on the
planet, that much I think you have deduced. But, exactly what
happened, they really don't know and Chakotay was beside himself
insisting we didn't go back there to find out. He didn't want to
know, didn't see the point and so I made the decision to let it go. I
am glad to see him and Tom so happy though, so whatever happened
couldn't have been all that bad, if unexpected."
"Well, the Commander has seemed very happy regardless of tonight's
misunderstanding," the Vulcan stated.
"That would be true," Kathryn sighed. "As does Tom. I hope they can
get past this. I mean, if it were to have happened to me..."
"I am sure you would have handled it just as well," Tuvok replied.
She smiled, "Well, I'd handle it, but not anywhere near as well,
that's for sure." They entered the lift.
***************
Tom entered their quarters. He had never slept in his own bed or even
used it hardly, since that first night three months ago. He could see
Chakotay sitting in the dark, by the sofa, blanket around him, staring
out into the stars. This time, he didn't hesitate. He walked right
up and hugged the man he loved. He was glad to feel Chak ease into
his arms, but was upset to feel the trembling of the man's body as he
quietly sobbed.
"I'm so sorry," Tom whispered. "I.I didn't think they." Tom couldn't
hold his own tears back, he let them flow as he hugged Chakotay
tightly. "I love you so much. Just believe that and we'll get
through this. I promise," he vowed. "I won't let anyone hurt you
ever again," he said, anger in his tone.
"It wasn't your fault, Tom," Chak sobbed out. "The truth is, I'm not
the man they expected me to be," he said, moving back so he could use
the starlight to see into his love's eyes. He saw Tom about to
protest. "It's true, I'm not. I'm not even the man 'I' expected and
you know what, I think I finally figured out that that is a good
thing." He gave a small smile.
"How so?"
"If I was the man I expected of me, I would have first never attempted
to carry the children, which only women in my culture do, nor would I
be so happy about it. But, the truth is, I do and I am and even
though I feel hurt about what happened, I don't want to change
anything."
"Uh, Hon. I think you showed just how much of a strong man you really
are. Right here, right now," Tom smiled. "For as much as they pegged
me for being the child barer, if it were up to me, we wouldn't be
having them. I don't have your strength or courage to do it. I know
I don't."
"Tom, it's not nice to lie."
"Chak, I would never lie to you."
"It's not me you're lying to, it's yourself. You have lots of
strength and courage, we've both seen it, you're just still in
denial."
Tom smiled and kissed his lover soundly on the lips. "I guess I'm not
the only one who has gotten to see behind the wall, huh?"
"I guess tonight I just dropped another one," he smiled.
Just then, the door chimed.
Tom got up, "I'll tell whoever it is to go away," he said softly as he
moved to the door. As soon as it opened, he was bowled over by dozens
of people walking into the room.
"Hey? Why's it so dark in here?" B'Elanna asked, trying to sound
light, but not wanting to turn the lights on just incase.
Chakotay wiped his face. "Lights." He saw everyone from the bar
cramming his or her way into his quarters. "What is the meaning of
this?" he asked in a stunned tone.
Harry moved upto Chakotay and handed him a box. "We.um.we kind of made
you leave the party, so we thought we'd bring it to you. We also
wanted to tell you we're sorry and congratulations," he said
sincerely.
Chakotay looked at all the happy, beaming faces, looking for a hint of
pity, but as much as he tried he couldn't. "Um.thank you," he said
taking the box.
"Open it," Neelix said with anticipation.
"Just so you know. If you don't like it, it was my idea," B'Elanna
said as she watched Chakotay open the box. He pulled out a large,
comfortable dark brown shirt and just stared at it. Then to
everyone's surprise, he started laughing.
"What's so funny?" Tom asked of his love.
Chakotay turned the shirt around. All down the front of it, it read,
'Full capacity has been reached,' an arrow pointed downward, then
'Twins'. "Thank you, B'Elanna. I don't see myself wearing it, but
thank you."
"Ah, come here," she said and hugged him, but not too tightly.
Everyone gave Chakotay their warmest wishes and left the couple alone
to enjoy the rest of their evening.
"I'm learning so much on this journey," Chakotay said as he got ready
for bed.
"You and me both, love. You and me both." Tom walked over and hugged
his lover. "I can only think of one thing that would make this night
even better," he said with a loving grin.
"Great sex?" Chak quipped.
"Okay, two things," Tom smirked.
"Well, what's the first one?"
Tom's eyes got serious, "I meant every word I've said to you since we
began this journey, you know that right?"
"Yes," Chak replied, seeing Tom was completely sincere.
"Then know, that in my heart, I know what I want without a doubt and
that is you and our children. Marry me, Chakotay. Marry me and make
me the most happiest man alive," he asked.
Chakotay smiled, his eyes misting over. "If I marry you, you'd have to
share that title. Because I'd be just as happy," he replied.
"Is that a 'yes'?"
"Yes!"
They passionately kissed while Tom maneuvered his future husband over
towards the bed, grabbing up the box with the shirt in it. He looked
down at his Chakotay, "What should I do with this?" he asked
"Toss it aside for now, I'll stick it somewhere later," he replied,
pulling Tom down onto the bed. "It's not like I'm going to be wearing
it," he smiled and lost himself in loving his saving grace.
**************
Two months later and Chakotay could barely sit still in his chair. It
took more discipline than he thought he had ever possessed, for no
matter how much he tried, he just couldn't get comfortable. It also
didn't help that the replicators where offline again, so here he was
First Officer of the starship Voyager, five months pregnant, big as a
large beach ball due to having twins, wearing the shirt B'Elanna gave
him as a joke. To him, this was a joke. If it were not for the fact
that everyone treated him practically the same, although he did have
to take into account he was a five month pregnant XO, he probably
would have crawled under a rock and stayed there.
The wedding had been postponed. It was to have been this week, but
with the replicators down and all the unexpected break downs, he and
Tom thought it best to wait till things got up and running again.
But, as far as they were concerned, Tom had moved out of his quarters
all ready and the Captain was working on seeing to a family sized one
just before the babies were born. Things were going fairly smoothly
for both him and Voyager. They were both waddling along, but doing
fine. He felt almost connected to the ship. It was leaking plasma,
he was leaking.well, he had to make a lot of pit stops. The ship was
slow, he was slow. She was old, he felt old. Though everyone
commented on how he glowed and Tom said he never saw him look more
beautiful in his life. //Ah, my angel. If not for you, I'd have crash
and burned a long time ago,// he thought, thinking of his fiancé as he
watched the sexy pilot dance his fingers over Voyager's controls and
make her purr, just like they did for him. Yep, he and the old gal had
a lot in common.
Suddenly, the ship rocked. "What was that?" Chakotay asked.
"Unknown at this time, Commander," Tuvok replied.
Then the ship rocked again. "Red alert!"
"Commander, I'm picking up Kazon energy signatures, but not their
ships," Tuvok stated.
"Seska!" he swore. "Shields up at maximum. Tom, get us the hell out
of here. Harry, do a sensor sweep, she may have been able to pull off
that cloaking device after all, but to do it she'd have to use a
maximum power output, look for it!"
"Aye, sir," Harry replied as his went to work.
The ship rocked once again, but not as hard. "That was behind us," Tom
said, pushing up Voyager's speed.
Janeway walked in. "Report!"
"Kazon vessel, though only through energy signatures. Tom has us
ahead of them, but they're still in pursuit. Harry is looking for a
maximum power output, to see if he can get a trace of where the Kazon
and Seska are."
"You think she's behind this?" Janeway asked as she took her seat.
"Definately," he replied as the ship rocked once more.
"Commander, I hate to do this, but sickbay, now," Janeway ordered.
She knew he would want to stay, but the bridge was too dangerous for
him right now and they did agree, he could stay as long as it wasn't
dangerous.
Chakotay was about to protest, then looked at Tom and saw he was being
distracted from his duty, which couldn't be allowed, now. "All
right," he said, moving towards the 'lift and entering it.
"Captain! I'm getting a transporter signal," Harry yelped.
"In or out?"
"Out!"
"Block it!"
"Damn, too late! They beamed someone off of the ship," Harry said
with frustration.
"Who?"
"Can't tell yet."
Tom felt a sudden sense of panic, "Computer, location of Commander
Chakotay?"
Janeway was about to chide the young man.
"Commander Chakotay is no longer on board."
THE END