Swing Time

Fanfiction
Title:	Swing Time
Author(s):	Kelly Chambliss
Date(s):	2002
Length:
Genre(s):
Fandom(s):
Relationship(s):
External Links:	Read at AO3
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Swing Time is a Star Trek: VOY Janeway/Paris story by Kelly Chambliss.

It was nominated for a 2002 ASC Award.

Reactions and Reviews

Some stories you read and enjoy and move on, and others you get to the end and you realize that you have a humongous smile on your face because the story was just that much fun. Swing Time is one of those stories and Kelly Chambliss had me humming along with the big band music and the lively dancing that I could see in my head as well as if it were on my screen. This is a wonderful story that evokes the best of Tom Paris, and shows how endearing and appealing he can be in his obsessions. And this features a wonderfully in character Kathryn Janeway, that still manages to fall under the spell. I can't wait for them to "Beguine" again.

Janeway was light and fluffy as promised, but Tom was in rare form in this story. The scheming, lying, biting off more than he can chew EveryTom with a heart of gold is my favorite helmsman incarnation, and he shines here in his zoot suit.

Stories like this make me appreciate the allure of J/P. Kelly is such a masterful storyteller I can actually hear the music, feel the thumping of the feet on the dance floor, and the rush of adrenaline and hormones hanging in the air. This is one powerful and sexy story.

The summary describes the story as "fluff" and "pure marshmallow crème." Maybe so, but it is very enjoyable, delicious delectable creme and you should certainly grab a spoon and enjoy. Sweet maybe, but not ever saccharine. Janeway's interactions with Paris were fun and her conversations with Neelix hilarious: "This level of formality from him usually meant that he was about to ask something he expected her to say no to. Something she *ought* to say no to. Something she *would* say no to if she listened to her better judgment." Bwwaaaahhhhaaaaaaaaaaa!!! She should have listened to that inner voice There was a *wide* smile on my face I tell you as I read of Paris' reaction to a certain "offending neckline." Loved Chakotay's parting shot--and the ending. "Swing Time" is a truly fun story that will leave you with a smile on your face. One of the most enjoyable stories I read this awards year. Delightful.

This fic is filled with so many wonderful moments. Tom in a zoot suit, the ever-enthusiastic Neelix, the suggestion that Janeway and Chakotay perform the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet (and btw, I would *really* love to see that fic, Kelly), the somersault flips. Kathryn's reactions to all of this are spot-on and Tom is very well done as well. A really fun and terrific fic all around.

I remember being entirely impressed by this story when I first read it, and being doubly impressed by it when I read it again recently. It had the most beautiful subtlety. There is a scene at the end which is crafted so well that you completely feel the tension between the two characters. It's done so simply and yet SO effectively. As a writer I am terribly envious. As a read, well, it's one of my favourite Voyager fics ever. A real classic and I don't think people should leave Voyager fic without reading it.

Swing! Kelly makes me actually believe in Janeway/Paris in this story. And it's fun to read, too! I've always wanted to learn the older dances, and this story just intensifies that longing