Part 5

Lt. Tuvok was beginning to realize he would not be able to handle this situation to his, and the Captain's,
satisfaction. The Ambassador of Kinaran System had been hailing Voyager for 10 minutes, insisting he
speak with Captain Janeway. Their most recent negotiations had been going on for the past 2 weeks off
and on. Back and forth. None of it hostile, the objectives just changing as different planets within the system
offered different things in exchange for technical assistance. Another planet needed their help. The Kinarians
were a highly emotional people and Tuvok's logical approach and manner were obviously causing some problems.

Tuvok very reluctantly hit his comm badge.

"Lt. Tuvok to the Captain." Silence. "Lt. Tuvok to the Captain." Again silence.

Tom turned around and looked at Harry and winked. Harry blushed. Tom then turned the other way to address Tuvok.

"Mr. Tuvok, I saw the Captain and the Commander earlier in the mess. So I know they were at least up and around at that point. Maybe they went for a walk and forgot their comms?" Yeah, a walk, I'm sure that's what they're doing, Tom chuckled to himself.

"Lt. Tuvok to the Captain." Still nothing. "Computer locate Captain Janeway."

"Captain Janeway is in her quarters."

"Lt. Tuvok to Commander Chakotay." Silence.

Duh, thought Tom.

"Computer locate Commander Chakotay."

"Commander Chakotay is in the Captain's quarters."

Double duh, Tom laughed to himself.

Tuvok sighed. He knew these negotiations were very important, as one of the planets had dilithium which Voyager would be receiving in the next few days, if all continued to go smoothly.

"Well, I see no alternative. Mr. Kim, hail the ambassador. On screen."

"Channel open."

The Ambassador appeared, looking frustrated. "My apologies for insisting, but it is vital that I speak with Captain Janeway!"

"Ambassador Piloor, we will have the Captain here for you within the half hour, if you would continue to be patient. Would that be acceptable?"

"Yes, yes! I'm willing to wait. Thankyou!"

The computer beeped as the channel closed again.

"Mr. Paris, I am going to the Captain's quarters. Mr. Kim, inform me of any changes."

Not Tuvok! thought Tom. "Mr. Tuvok, wait! Perhaps it would be better for Lt. Torres to ... find the Captain? No offense, but your presence might be a bit of an embarassment to her?"

Tuvok stopped and thought. "You do have a point there, Mr. Paris. Fine, contact the lieutenant and have her meet me in the ready room." He turned and left the bridge.

"Paris to Engineering. B'Elanna, you there?"

"Yes, Tom."

"Get up here, now. You're needed on an important mission."

Everyone could hear her sigh. "I'll be right there. Torres out."

When B'Elanna arrived on the bridge, Tom grinned at her enigmatically, directing her to Tuvok. She glanced at Harry, who was engrossed in something in front of him. He looked decidedly uncomfortable. What the hell, now? she thought.

Tuvok told her. Kah'les, this sounds like fun. It's one thing to imagine the Captain and Chakotay, but to have to walk in on them.... But better me than Tuvok...

"Okay, I'll do it. Hand me the padd." And Tuvok gave her the override code for the Captain's door, in case there was no answer. As she left for the lift, she met Tom's eyes. He was still grinning but at least it was a sympathetic one. She rolled her eyes in return. Harry was still engrossed.

She hit the door chime at Janeway's quarters. No answer. She tried again and still nothing. Jeesh - they really aren't coming up for air, are they? Gritting her teeth, she punched in the override code and the door opened.

The lights were very low and there was no sound. This surprised her, she at least expected some sort of noise. She walked slowly toward the open bedroom door, dreading every step. It was so quiet. She peered around the door and looked at the bed, almost wanting to close her eyes. She chuckled softly.

Kathryn and Chakotay were fast asleep. He was curled up behind, his arm protectively holding her. Thank God the sheets are pulled up, B'Elanna sighed. No wonder they didn't answer, they haven't slept in more than a week. She didn't have the heart to wake them, but tried to call Chakotay with a whisper. He didn't stir. Didn't surprise her, she'd had to waken him many times while on the Maquis ship. She tiptoed to the bed and gently moved his foot. He merely snuggled closer to Kathryn. Well, screw the Ambassador, I'm not disturbing them.

She left the bedroom and went to the far side of the main room. She tapped her comm.

"Lt. Torres to the bridge. And don't talk loudly!" She whispered.

"Tuvok here." He said softly.

"Look, you're going to have to find another way to deal with this. They're asleep and they haven't slept in more than a week and I don't have the heart to wake them." She hissed. Then nearly jumped a foot in the air as a hand touched her shoulder. She whirled to see Chakotay, hands on his hips. He had on only a pair of pants, not entirely fastened.

"What the hell is going on, B'Elanna?" He asked quietly.

"Torres out." She tapped her chest. "I'm sorry Chakotay, but there is a diplomatic crisis brewing and I was sent here to find the Captain. You two haven't answered your comm or the door."

He rubbed his head and his eyes and yawned. "What's the crisis?" She briefly explained. He sat down at the table and tried to wake up. "I've met the Ambassador, last month with Kathryn. I can give him some attention which is probably all he needs, smooth his feathers a bit and turn him over to Tuvok. I'll meet with him. Kathryn is not to be wakened. Period. I'll pull rank with Tuvok if I have to. Let me go get dressed. Call Tuvok for me, would you? And replicate me a glass of orange juice please?" And he walked back to the bedroom.

B'Elanna waited for him at the dining table after telling Tuvok the plan. He, thankfully, agreed. She could hear water running, saw Chakotay leave the bathroom for the closet, then was out of her sight. Uh oh, she heard voices murmuring. Damn. In a few minutes Chakotay was at the door.

"I love you, go back to sleep, don't worry."

"I love you, thank you honey. Hurry back...." She heard Kathryn sleepily answer.

Chakotay came up to her, he didn't have on his uniform, but a nice blue shirt and a pair of brown pants. His comm badge was afixed.

"Kathryn said that Tuvok should handle it, but I convinced her the Ambassador was missing her charms and would get mine instead. She relented." He chuckled, drinking the juice.

Walking out the door to the lift, B'Elanna told him that his charms were more than adequate and gave him an enigmatic grin. "You know, Chakotay, you don't know how glad I was you were asleep. I really didn't want to cause coitus interruptus!" They had a good laugh. He told her he was most grateful that Tuvok had been prevented from coming in. God, the thought!

Tuvok raised his eyebrow at the Commander out of uniform.

"Don't worry, Mr. Tuvok. The Ambassador is an informal person, he won't mind I'm sure. Harry, open a channel. On screen."

"Channel open."

Chakotay jumped in first.

"Hello Ambassador Piloor, I don't know if you remember me. I'm Commander Chakotay, first officer here on Voyager. The Captain is indisposed at the moment and I will meet with you in her stead. Perhaps you would care to be beamed over here and we can talk?" He gave his biggest smile.

"Commander! Of course I remember you. Thank you for the offer, yes I would be happy to meet with you."

"Harry?"

"Got him, Commander." And the Ambassador materialised on the bridge. Chakotay stepped forward, offering his hand and another smile. They shook. Chakotay then took his arm and led the Ambassador to the ready room.

After an offer of tea was accepted, the two men sat on the couches.

"Commander I'm sorry to hear Captain Janeway is not feeling well. She will be all right, won't she?"

"Yes, she just needs some rest, Doctor's orders. I apologize if it appeared she or the crew was unwilling. They are very protective of her and knew she wasn't to be disturbed."

"As are you I suspect?" He smiled at Chakotay.

He hesitated. "Yes, I am. I am second in charge here, as you know, and it is part of my duties to fill in for her when necessary." The Ambassador continued to smile at him. Chakotay was feeling a bit under the microscope. He was about to get the conversation on topic when Ambassador Piloor spoke first.

"I remember the two of you when we met last month. I could sense the connection you had, the unspoken communication. But I believe it has changed? You are her lover, are you not?"

Chakotay choked on his tea. "Pardon me?"

"Excuse me for being forward, Commander. I forget sometimes that our cultures are so different. In our culture, when two souls meet and become lovers, it is an occasion for public celebration. We believe that the main purpose in life is for destined couples to finally find each other and that this takes precedence over everything. All the rest follows. We don't think this is something that needs to be kept private. So again, I apologize for the intrusion. But I am correct I believe." He smiled again.

"I'm not sure whether to answer you. Why do you say that you are correct?" Chakotay's interest was piqued, despite himself.

"Well, we Kinarians are not only attuned to the higher emotions as empaths, but we also possess a keen sense of smell for pheromones and other natural body fragrances. Frankly, I can detect her scent on you."

Chakotay laughed, he couldn't help it. "I guess I should have taken a sonic shower before meeting with you."

Ambassador Piloor laughed with him. "You could've tried it, but it wouldn't have worked. So I take that as an affirmative. Well, I congratulate you both. That's simply marvelous news. You seem a very good match. But if you don't mind me asking, why is she under Doctor's orders for rest? Usually love gives one energy. Is there something else wrong with her?"

He considered what to tell the Ambassador. What Kathryn would be comfortable with. He somehow felt he could, and should, trust this man. He wasn't sure why, it was just one of his premonitions. "Well, Ambassador, actually we both are under orders for rest. The past week or so has been very trying for us. We didn't get very much sleep and we didn't eat well. Frankly, we hardly ate at all. We were distraught and more than a little lost. The Captain wore herself out. As did I. Thus the Doctor's orders. I agreed to meet with you so she could continue to sleep."

"I see. The va-oobri. I could tell something was terribly wrong with the Captain when I last saw her. So your intimate relationship is very new?"

"The va-oobri?" He ignored the question.

"Yes, what we call the period of trial, going into the void, in some cultures descending into the underworld. Very often, those destined couples whose paths toward each other have been ignored for too long reach a crisis point. The va-oobri. A force from the outside steps in between them and they separate harshly and are torn from one another. A seemingly irrevocable situation. The trial continues. If the couple finds their way back to each other, the Gods bless the union as truly destined. If they don't, their lives continue on a downward spiral deeper into the void. They have more chances to reunite. The outcome is up to them."

"Interesting. I've usually heard the descent into the underworld only in terms of an individual's spiritual growth, their path towards enlightenment."

"You have studied this?"

"Yes, one of my fields of interest is anthropology, which is an Earth term for the study of humanity and its origins, its classifications of race, its culture, its societies, how those societies view God. As well, my own people have a strong spiritual belief system."

"How fascinating! It is in some ways a shame that your ship is so far from home and working to return. I think you might find the planets in the Kinari System to be rich for study. But back to your point. It is true that the descent into the void is believed to be the way to one person's spiritual enlightenment. We, however, believe that finding one's destined partner is also the path to spiritual enlightenment."

Chakotay, of course, thought immediately of his sexual experiences with Kathryn over the past day. He wondered how she would react to this, on top of their conversation at breakfast with Tom....

"Commander, have I given you some enlightenment of your own? You are thinking of your love, sleeping somewhere on this ship, physically apart from you but not apart in the ways that count. I can see that you understand the meaning of what you two have been through. I trust that the Captain will understand as well. I believe she will. She is a remarkable woman."

"She certainly is that. Thank you, Ambassador, for talking with me. Yes, I believe I do understand what this past period means for me and Kathryn. I guess part of it all is that you and I had a chance to talk?" He smiled at Piloor. The Ambassador nodded and returned the smile. "So, are you ready to discuss your needs with Mr. Tuvok? He is up to speed on the details. For reasons I'm sure you understand I am not. Mr. Tuvok will take good care of you, I promise. His Vulcan ways can be difficult to communicate with, but he is the Captain's longest associate and she trusts him implicitly."

"Thank you, Commander. It has been enlightening for me as well to talk with you. I believe with the two of you in command of Voyager, we can continue a productive relationship. Please take good care of yourself, and pass along my very best wishes to the Captain. And of course, my congratulations. May you find joy and peace with each other in a long and happy life."

"Thank you Ambassador. I will definitely pass that along." And they stood and shook hands. Chakotay tapped his comm, "Lt. Tuvok to the ready room."

"I'm on my way."

He left the bridge a few minutes later, after stopping to speak to Tom.

"I just had a very interesting talk with the Ambassador there about destined couples, soulmates if you wish. I'd be happy to share it with you and B'Elanna some time."

"Thanks, Chakotay. I'd like to hear it. Maybe tonight?"

"Maybe. I think we're coming. If not then, we certainly have a lot of time to talk." He patted Tom on the shoulder and left, nodding to Harry.

Getting into bed with Kathryn, she woke slightly and rolled toward him. He pulled her close, she put her head on his shoulder, her arm around his waist, her leg over his. He wrapped her in his arms. And so as it began, there they were again. He fell blissfully back to sleep.

They woke around dinner time. For the first time they felt somewhat rested and decided to have a replicated meal there in the quarters. The food, of course, was absolutely delicious. As they ate, Chakotay told Kathryn about his talk with Piloor. She was fascinated by it all. She expressed her undying gratitude that he had handled the somewhat sticky diplomatic situation with grace and skill. She didn't even mind that something so personal as her intimate relations had been discussed though she wasn't really sure why she didn't care anymore about that.

"You know Chakotay, his comment about the sonic shower not working sort of goes along with what Tom said. About the organic changes. I kind of wish we could talk to the Doctor about this, I'd love to know what he could find out."

"Ever the scientist, my love. I guess it would be interesting."

"It's overwhelming, isn't it?"

"Uh huh. And in some ways not, too. I think just the fact that we got thrown out here together ought to say something. What are the odds of that?"

Kathryn got up, walked around the table and placed herself on his lap. She hugged him closely, he responded. They sat in their reverie for a short while. She pulled back to look at him in the eye.

"How are you doing? With your faith I mean, if you don't mind me asking. You haven't said anything..."

"I never mind you asking me personal questions, Kathryn. How am I doing.... Well, the talk with Piloor put some things into perspective for me. The pain in my heart is receding and I believe that things are settling back in their proper place. The holodeck program actually did help, particularly hearing the night animals... I miss those sounds I think more than anything being up here. I don't have a need for a meditation at the moment because all I want to do is be with you and let us take over for awhile. So a long answer to a short question. I think I'm doing just fine, thank you."

"Do you have any idea how much I love you?"

"I think so."

"Good. If you ever want a reminder, just let me know."

"Thank you, I certainly will. Now not to change the subject too drastically, but are you interested in Sandrine's?" Meeting her eyes, he couldn't read them. "I think it could be fun, Kathryn, and God knows I would like to be able to have fun there again. Put the past in the past."

"For you, I'm willing. I'd like to have fun there again, too. What time is it?"

"Goodness I have no idea. Time is still a bit of a foreign concept for me... Computer, the time."

"It is 1832 hours."

She made a move to get up. He distracted her by putting his mouth to hers, kissing her languidly, gently pushing his tongue past her lips. She gave an involuntary moan as his hands moved up and down her back and hips. He pulled away gently and cupped the side of her face.

"I love you, Kathryn. More than I ever thought possible."

She felt her throat constrict and their hearts pounding. "How did I ever deserve you?"

"Oh, believe me you do. And much much more. You just wait. We are going to have a hell of a life together. I promise." He smiled at her with both dimples.

"You just keep giving me that dimple treatment and I'll always believe you." She smiled fully at him.

"It's a deal. Shower?"

"Hm-m-m... You naked, under hot water, with me, naked. Are you kidding? Let's do it..." And off she headed, laughing, pulling him by the hand.

Gods above, he loved this woman...
 

Part 6

They managed to make it to Sandrine's about a half hour after it "opened". The place was in full swing.
There was a pool game between Tuvok and Harry, the Doctor was playing the piano for some crewmembers
dancing, and tables were filled with others as well as few of Sandrine's regulars. Sandrine herself was behind
the bar, flirting with some of the men while serving drinks. Tom came up to them.

"Good morning sleepyheads!" Kathryn shot him a look. Tom held up his hands, grinning, "Sorry! I just couldn't resist. We've saved you a couple of seats at our table if you'd like to join us... Or maybe you only need one chair?" Kathryn shot him a more lethal look.

"Mr. Paris, how much synthehol have you had? I had no idea it affected you in quite this way, helm-boy..." Tom's mouth fell open. Kathryn and Chakotay laughed out loud.

"Tom, you asked for it. Trust me, you don't want to find out just how wicked the Captain can be when her feathers are ruffled..."

"Nice try, big guy, I'm not falling into that one, thank you. It's awfully tempting, I admit, 'wicked' in association with the Captain's feathers ruffling.... Hm-m-m. Nope, I like my job."

"Good move, Tom." the Captain said. "Lead the way."

They joined B'Elanna at a table near the pool game.

"Good evening, Captain, Chakotay. Look, I'm really sorry about intruding..."

Kathryn interrupted her, leaning in to talk softly. "B'Elanna, no apologies are necessary. I believe I'm again in your debt. The thought of Tuvok coming into my quarters under those circumstances, well, I think I would have had a difficult time looking at him in the face afterwards."

"Well, it was Tom who actually saved you this time. He stopped Tuvok and offered me up as the sacrificial lamb."

Kathryn turned to Tom who was pretending to ignore their conversation. "So helm-boy, it's you I'm in debt to?" B'Elanna and Chakotay guffawed. Tom rolled his eyes.

"Captain, it's bad enough hearing that from B'El here, not to mention all the other crewmembers who give me shit about it when the mood strikes them, but now to have you join the ranks.... Well, I don't know, I just don't know." He shook his head.

B'Elanna put her hand up toward Kathryn to give her a high-five. Kathryn obliged. "Captain, I can't believe you actually stopped Tom from retorting! Very impressive."

Chakotay put his arm around Kathryn and squeezed hard, big grin on his face. "She's a wonder, isn't she?"

B'Elanna rolled her eyes at him. "Chakotay, my friend. Let me just say this nicely, because I love you. You - are a total goner. Total. Complete. Not that that's bad, mind you, just an observation."

"You bet, I'm a goner, and proud of it. Kathryn, you a goner?"

"Totally." She gazed at him, smiling.

B'Elanna poked Tom in the arm. "Bubble alert..." The other two looked at her with raised eyebrows. B'Elanna said, "Sorry, it's just that you tend to have this sort of bubble around you, where everyone else fades away. Not that that's bad, mind you, just another observation... Part of being goners."

Chakotay chuckled. "Well, we'll try and be careful of that tonight, I promise. It's mostly out of our control I'm afraid. So, Kathryn, would you like a drink?" He rose.

"Yes, make it a beer, pick me out a nice medium one, please. Thanks!" Chakotay had the urge to kiss her but squelched it, opting for a sweet kiss on her hand instead. He was rewarded by one of Kathryn's more radiant smiles. He winked at her and left for the bar.

B'Elanna poked Tom again. "Hey, how come you never kiss my hand like that?"

"Cause I'm not as romantic as Chakotay. He's a born softie."

"Softie is hardly a word I'd use about him. And I beg to differ, you are very romantic, you just don't want anyone to know about it. Ruin your macho woman-killer image, would it?" B'Elanna was rolling her eyes.

"Absolutely. Sandrine would never let me hear the end of it..." He winked at her.

"Argh, Tom, can't you give this place a new bartender, or change the name or something? She gets on my nerves..."

"B'El, we've been around and around about this. Again, the answer is no. You just have a very big Klingon jealous streak, that's all. It's all harmless fun. I got rid of the pig, didn't I? Huh, just for you?"

"Yes, you did. But..."

"No buts. Sandrine's it stays."

Kathryn's eyes wandered, as usual, to Chakotay. He was at the bar, chatting with some of the crew, looking maybe more gorgeous than usual because he was relaxed and happy. She saw Sandrine eyeing him, touching his arm suggestively as she handed him a drink. She felt her fist clench. She turned to B'Elanna.

"You know, Sandrine gets on my nerves, too..." B'Elanna looked past Kathryn to the bar, seeing the little show the bartender was putting on for Chakotay's benefit.

"Captain, let me put it to you bluntly. Sandrine has always had a thing for Chakotay. He puts up with it, being the gentleman that he is. She just can't keep her hands off most of the men, especially Tom and Chakotay. I say again, she is annoying..." This last remark made pointedly at Tom, who once more was pretending to ignore them.

Kathryn turned back to the bar. B'Elanna watched too. Sandrine was still making eyes at Chakotay. He appeared to be waiting for the rest of his drink order. She was smiling and pouting at him, then reached out and touched his face. Kathryn stood up, fist and jaw clenched. She began to walk toward the bar. Tom called out to her.

"Captain, she's only a hologram. She's just having some fun!" Kathryn ignored him. B'Elanna rose to follow the Captain. This is going to be good...

Kathryn sidled up to Chakotay at the bar.

"Ooo, Comman-der. Maybe you can just give me one little dance? Then I will give you your other drink, I pro-mise. Sandrine always keeps her promises..."

Kathryn slid her arm around his waist. He looked down at her and smiled. And sent her a "help me" look. She smiled back at him.

"Cap-tain, maybe you can tell your nice Commander to dance with me? He never dances with me, and he is looking ever so handsome tonight..."

B'Elanna cringed. Kathryn saw a flash of red. Chakotay waited, chuckling to himself.

"Sandrine." Kathryn said in her 'Captain as a gentle person' tone of voice. "Let me explain a little something to you. This handsome man here? This wonderful, kind, strong, loving man here? He is mine. Do you understand me? Mine. And if I ever see you touch him again, or make suggestive remarks to him again, I will have you and your establishment deleted."

"But what is this, de-le-ted?"

"It means you will cease to exist."

"Ooh, I see. He is yours." She turned to Chakotay. "And you are hers?"

"Completely, totally, head over heels. Yes, I am hers."

"Well, Sandrine never gets in the middle of two love-birds. Here, let me get you the other drink, Comman-der. Captain, this one will be on the house."

As Kathryn and Chakotay turned away from the bar, B'Elanna raised her hand again. Kathryn gave a resounding high-five. Chakotay laughed out loud. He spoke into her ear.

"Now who has the jealous streak, my love? I have to admit, that turned me on..."

She felt a rush of heat and a flush spreading across her cheeks. "Which part? Sandrine the sex kitten drooling over you?"

"No-o-o. You staking your claim on me. So forcefully, so ... Captain-like." His voice was getting huskier. Kathryn's knees were a little wobbly. She gazed at him and even in the low light could see the gold sparkling back at her. She gratefully sank into her chair, he pulled his closer and casually pushed his leg against hers. A burning sensation began at their point of contact and spread throughout her body again. Her heart did a flip-flop. She turned to him, he was flashing her that little grin, the one that had always melted her heart. She put one leg under her and her arm around his shoulders and leaned into his ear.

"You are the most desirable man I have ever known. I plan to continue to stake my claim on you, whenever necessary. And if I didn't want so much to have some fun with our friends tonight I would drag you down to the waterfront and have wild sex with you in the shadows..."

"Wicked, Kathryn, very wicked... You trying to drive me nuts?" He whispered.

She giggled. "Just keep you interested until later..." She breathed into his ear.

"You won't have to work very hard at that, trust me..." He chuckled, speaking a little louder than he intended.

Tom and B'Elanna were watching this with unabashed interest. Tom spoke directly to her, but loudly enough for the other two to hear. "I don't know about you B'El, but I think the term 'goners' isn't quite cutting it. We've got to find something a little more over the edge I think..."

Chakotay laughed. Kathryn turned her head and rested it on his shoulder so she could look at her friends, and smiled enigmatically. "So does anyone want to play with me?"

"Chakotay, don't even go there! Play what, Captain, if I may be so bold to ask?" Tom said.

"Why pool, of course, what did you think I meant?" She asked slyly.

B'Elanna grinned. Tom just shook his head at his commanding officers.

"Tom, I told you, wicked... You have no idea..." Chakotay looked down at the woman draped on his shoulder with pure lust in his heart. She lifted her head to meet his gaze and he fought the urge to devour her mouth right there in front of everyone. She was giving him come-on looks shamelessly. "Kath-ryn..."

"Oh, all right, I'll be good I guess. I'm sorry, Tom, did I embarrass you?" Acting not the least bit contrite.

"I'm just glad Harry isn't sitting here, man he'd be under the table by now..."

B'Elanna hit him in the shoulder, laughing. "Tom! Don't embarrass our friend, he can't help it."

"What can't he help?" Kathryn asked.

B'Elanna shot Tom a warning look. Tom shrugged his shoulders. "It's nothing Captain. He just .... He just gets a little uncomfortable at the thought of you two ... Well being together, if you know what I mean."

"Being together like being a couple, or being together as lovers?"

"I think Harry looks at it like ... thinking about your parents having sex, but you'd have to ask him." B'Elanna just shook her head. Chakotay was grinning and sipping his beer. He planned to stay way way out of this one. Kathryn looked thoughtful, but again not particularly contrite.

"Well, I think I can understand where he's coming from, and I'll try not to embarrass him too much. But ... Oh never mind. So who wants to play with me when those two are finished?" She thumbed toward the pool table, where Tuvok and Harry were still seriously engrossed in their game. Only a few balls were left on the table though.

B'Elanna raised her hand. Tom looked at her in surprise. "Since when do you play pool, B'El?"

"Since the Captain offered. Somehow I think she'll be more kind to a novice than any of you have been. You game, Captain?"

"Only if you'll try and call me Kathryn tonight. Just while we're in here. I don't want to be Captain right now." B'Elanna looked a little taken aback.

"I'll give it a shot."

"Do I get to call you that, too?" Tom asked her slyly.

"Only if I get to call you helm-boy at will...."

"Oh man, now she's resorting to blackmail! Okay, I'm willing, Kathryn." He grinned at her. She couldn't help it, she laughed out loud.

"Oh, Tom, you are way too easy..."

"God, tell me about it!" B'Elanna cried. She and Kathryn grinned at each other while Tom was pretending to look shocked at his lover...

Chakotay shifted his position a bit so he could put his arm around Kathryn's waist. He couldn't stand it any longer, not touching her back. Reminded him too much of the years gone by. She smiled at him with love in her eyes as he did it, and caressed his neck gently. He leaned over and kissed her hair, taking a moment to breathe in her scent. He thought 'goner' was totally appropriate. He daydreamed a bit about what he would do to her later...

"..... hey big guy, you still with us?" He focused on the people around him.

"Maybe." Harry and Tuvok had joined them. He was surprised to still feel Kathryn leaning on his shoulder, surprised and very very happy. She shifted and kissed his cheek.

"Well, B'Elanna and I have dibs on the pool table. Cheer me on?" She looked directly into his eyes. He wanted to wrap her in his arms, bury his face in her neck and kiss her until she was ....

"Always, Kathryn, always." He could see she understood exactly what he was saying. He saw a slight mistiness in her eyes as she smiled.

"Thank you" she said softly. After a quick squeeze to his shoulder she pulled herself away. He watched her as she walked.

"Don't mind him, guys, we've all decided he is a total goner over the Captain, but maybe now that she's left with B'Elanna we can find out what happened..." Tom was chuckling.

Chakotay turned back to the table, to his friends and co-workers. He smiled enigmatically at Tom. "Even if I was extraordinarily drunk, I wouldn't tell you anything except the obvious. Our Captain is a remarkable woman and I am head over heels in love with her which is no secret to any of you. I've always had a soft spot for wicked women." He winked at Tom, who chortled. Harry shook his head with his hand over his eyes. Which caused Chakotay to start laughing, he couldn't help it.

"Commander, you're use of the term 'wicked' could be interepreted in many different ways depending upon the context. I trust you are not making a slur against the Captain's character?" Tuvok asked seriously.

Chakotay and Tom looked at each other and laughed even harder. He tried to control himself.

"Mr. Tuvok, you can most certainly trust me that I am not saying anything about her character that she wouldn't accept willingly. It was just a joke, and I apologize, I guess I am feeling just a little bit giddy at the moment. It's a human thing..."

"Yes, a human thing. I have often observed that human's unfettered emotional response to coupling brings about uncontrolled behavior. I will interpret what you say in that context. My apologies, Commander."

"No apology neccessary, Tuvok. So, Harry, how are you tonight?"

"Just fine, Commander."

Goodness, Chakotay thought, Tom wasn't kidding. "Harry, could you do me a favor? Just for tonight, here in the bar? Could you call me Chakotay? I think Kathryn had a good idea with this. Tonight I'm not your commanding officer, I'm just Chakotay, sitting with some friends, drinking a beer, remember, I'm off duty?"

Harry smiled a little. "I'll try, Co... Chakotay."

"Good. Now, Tom, does this place have any playing cards? I'm in the mood for some poker, after the women are done with their pool game. Right now, I'm on cheer duty, and Tom I think you better join me."

"Got that right, Chakotay. B'El would have my head for breakfast and as for you ... Well I think I know what Kathryn would do to you..." And they started chuckling again. "Yeah, we can get some cards from Sandrine. Or maybe I should be the one to get them from her?" He poked Chakotay in the ribs as he came around to his side of the table.

"Harry, why don't you get them for us? Tuvok, you up for some poker?"

"I am always ready to engage in a game of cards with you, Commander. Remember though, I usually do win."

"Don't rub it in Tuvok, I'm too happy tonight. Tom, Harry, just don't bet your replicator rations, trust me on this one..."

Harry, laughing, rose to go to the bar. Tom and Chakotay watched, Tom leaning over to speak quietly with him, "Chakotay, you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"Depends. I'm thinking that Harry needs to loo-sen up in a very big way. Perhaps Sandrine can do the trick this time? Or perhaps she can set him up with someone, someone besides the women he's been trying it with!"

"I'll talk to her if Harry comes running back here. Sandrine usually has that effect on him."

The two men, keeping one eye on the bar, walked over to the pool table to see how their lovers were doing. Tuvok rose to refresh his drink.
 

Part 7

Kathryn and B'Elanna were enjoying themselves immensely. B'Elanna was grateful that she wasn't losing
too badly, and was beginning to get a better feel for the game. As well, they had had some time to talk girl
talk about Chakotay. Kathryn had missed this over these years. She missed her sister and her cousins. She
vowed to spend a little more time with B'Elanna and Tom off duty.

"Damn! You're turn, Kathryn."

"B'El, what's the score?"

"She's beating me, but only by a few balls. I'm getting the hang of this, Tom."

"I knew you could do it, hon."

Kathryn sized up her options. She was solids, and the three ball was tantalizing her. It was a tricky shot, but what the hell, she thought. She lined it up and smoothly hit the cue ball, which banked twice, sending the three into the corner pocket. She gave a sigh of satisfaction. And gasped when two strong hands grabbed her waist from behind, then sighed for real as a deep soft voice whispered in her ear.

"Nice shot." Two innocent words, her knees got wobbly again. She turned around, dying to lean into him and kiss him soundly. Please, Chakotay... He took her face in his hands and placed a light, feathery kiss on her mouth. She melted. He whispered "That will have to do for now, my love. Or I won't be able to control myself." They locked eyes and the room started fading...

"Tom! Do something with him would you? Or this game is never going to be finished!" B'Elanna shoved Tom in Chakotay's direction. The two lovers broke apart, smiling guiltily.

"Sorry, sorry!" Chakotay held up his hands. "See, no hands."

"Obviously, Chakotay, no hands are necessary for you two. Tom, watch that man." B'Elanna began to chortle. "Learn from him!" Tom, keeping his eye on Chakotay unsuccessfully, came up to B'Elanna and started talking in low tones to her, backing her up against the table, she was grinning. She finally said "Okay, okay, I take it back helm-boy... You don't have anything to learn. You win."

"That's better." And they looked across the table where Kathryn and Chakotay were gazing at each other again, leaning into each other, mouths gravitating together...

B'Elanna cracked her cue stick on the floor loudly. "Tom, I repeat - do something with him!" The four of them laughing, Tom walked around and took Chakotay by the arm who went somewhat willingly to the end of the table. Kathryn went back to her study of layout. The game proceeded. She won, but by only two balls. She and B'Elanna gave the high-five. The boys clapped and whistled softly. Kathryn turned to Chakotay with a large smile on her face. He walked up to her and swept her into his arms, hugging her tightly. Putting her back down, it was all he could do to bypass her lips, but he had to maintain at least a tiny bit of propriety with the crew around.

"Congratulations, Kathryn, good game. So is this a better reaction?"

"Oh, Chakotay, there wasn't anything wrong with your other one. It was all me. And yes, this is much better!" She gave him a beaming smile. His heart melted at the sight. Dimples flashing, he pulled away and took her by the hand, following their friends back to the table.

Sandrine had found some poker chips behind the bar. While the boys got the game started, Kathryn stopped by the piano to talk with the Doctor. They had a nice visit, he told her she was looking much better and reminded her it was almost time for another birth control hypo-spray, since it had been a year since her last. She confessed that at least she was taking the spray for a good reason this time and not just for protocols sake. He smiled at her and continued to play.

Heading for the bar for two refills, she had other crew members come up to her and say hi, chatting for a few minutes. She was enjoying herself, happy that  the crew could finally relax around her. Life was very very good at the moment, all things considered.

She met up with B'Elanna at the bar. They decided to play some more pool while the poker game was continuing, as the pool table was still empty. With a sultry look on her face, Sandrine walked toward them.

"Kathryn, I wish I had authority to de-lete this place, too. Then maybe I could get Sandrine to keep her grubby hands off Tom..." B'Elanna said under her breath.

"Well, would you like me to say something to her? I'd be more than happy to, trust me." She whispered.

"Tom would never forgive me, thanks anyway."

"Well, why don't we just put our formidible heads together while we play and see if there isn't something we can think of? Perhaps there is a way so that Tom won't know. Just get her to back off a bit."

B'Elanna smiled slyly at her captain. Kathryn smiled back. Sandrine arrived.

"Cap-tain, are you enjoying yourself this evening? I see that you are, the Comman-der is giving you much of his atten-cion. He does look, how did he say, head over heels, non?"

"I am enjoying myself immensely this evening, as is the commander. We've enjoyed the past 24 hours, actually. I'd like two more beers, please."

"Certainly, and for you lieutenant?"

"The same." Sandrine nodded and walked down to the other end of the bar to fill the order. "Kathryn, I'd say you and big guy have had a good 24 hours!" She chuckled.

"Oh, B'Elanna, you have no idea. I don't know what has gotten in to me. That man can move me like no one else I've ever known. His voice in my ear and..." She waved her hand in front of her face, rolling her eyes.

"You do have it bad! But honestly, what did you expect? I mean you and Chakotay have been dancing around each other for years and now.... well, the floodgates are opened."

Sandrine brought them their beers. They turned to head to the poker table.

"Well, I really hope it's more than just pent up sexual energy, B'Elanna. It feels so different..."

"Oh, I didn't mean it's just sexual frustration. More like intense love, I'd say, or at least that's how it looks from the outside. I for one, couldn't be happier for you both."

"Thank you. Me too!" Kathryn grinned, feeling like a giddy school girl.

The poker boys were deep into it. Kathryn pulled a chair up behind Chakotay's left side, putting his beer in front of him. He turned to her and gave her the most brilliant smile she almost couldn't stand it. As she smiled at him, she fantasized about what she would do to him later on that night, the feel of his skin, the way they fit together, how it felt to have his arms wrapped tightly around her... She shook her head and sipped her beer.

Chakotay was studying his hand, fiddling with the chips. He finally threw a few chips into the pot and raised with a few more. Harry folded, as did Tuvok. Tom was thinking, B'Elanna looking over his shoulder. He saw the bet and raised as well. Kathryn took a quick peek at Chakotay's hand. A pair of kings. She wondered what that meant. Chakotay countered Tom's bet, meeting it and raising it a larger amount than before. Tom immediately did the same. Back and forth twice more they went. Kathryn was mystified, she somehow thought she should understand poker from a tactical standpoint, but ...

Chakotay finally saw the bet but didn't raise it. They put their cards down. Tom had a pair of queens. "Thank you Tom for the bounty..." Chakotay said as he scooped the chips to his side of the table.

"Hey, isn't there something in the rules about one person owning another ..."

Chakotay chuckled that deep one of his, the one that always got under Kathryn's skin on the bridge. She had to get away from here before she embarrassed herself... She met B'Elanna's eyes and they rose together. She leaned over Chakotay and whispered, "Nice shot." And softly and quickly kissed his ear. He turned and beamed another dimpler at her. She returned it and left. She didn't see his eyes follow her to the pool table, staying on her while the table was set up, cues chalked, she and B'El laughing and talking.

She did hear, however, "Hey Chakotay, want to join us again!? See, I told you, 'goner' isn't strong enough..." She turned to the poker table to see him wink at her before returning his attention to the cards. She found herself blushing.

"So B'Elanna, do you understand poker? I mean all the betting business."

"Well, to me it seems like a lot of testosterone starts flying around when the betting starts. I mean, except for Tuvok, of course. And even though Chakotay won that hand, Tuvok usually wins. No one can figure out why."

"From the little I just saw, I'd concur with that analysis. Tom and Chakotay seemed like they were really into it, waiting to see who was going to cave. Strange game..."

"I just hope they're not betting replicator rations again, last time that happened Tom kept wheedling mine. Boys!" She shook her head as she set up for a shot. B'Elanna put the end of her cue stick on her left hand the way that Kathryn had shown her and smoothly hit the cue ball, just missing her intended target. "Damn. At least the cue feels more natural to me now. Your way of holding it works better. Thanks for the lesson..."

Kathryn was looking the table over. "No problem. My father taught me that..." She said wistfully. She picked her target and set up. Nailed it. "So, how should we take care of the little Sandrine problem?" She continued to play.

"I could reprogram her to have flippers instead of hands?"

"Or maybe tone down her ample physique a bit..."

"Change her into a man and name her Spike."

"With leather vest and a lot of tattoos, but not on the forehead please..."

"Chakotay as a biker! There's a picture..."

They began to laugh long and hard. Their lovers looked up from the poker game at them. Tom met Chakotay's eyes and shook his head.

"I don't know about you, but I have a feeling we're in for some interesting times ahead. Those two bonding even more than they were is a bit of a scary thing to see, my man. Don't get me wrong, I want the captain to have some closer friends, but I have this distinct feeling they are cooking up something..." He studied the two women, who were done laughing but were still talking intently.

"Well, they've already ganged up on me and it turned out just fine, Tom." he beamed.

"Yeah, well I don't know if I can exactly trust your judgement at the moment. Anything that Kathryn does is going to be wonderful to you. I only hope you don't lose your edge in the Commander's chair."

"Don't worry about that. I plan to keep a close watch on her decisions, just like I always do. And besides, Tuvok here will keep an eye on us both, I have no doubt. Isn't that right, Mr. Tuvok?"

"Indeed." The dealer raised his eyebrow.

Chakotay nodded to Tom. "Indeed." Harry grinned, trying not to look up at the Vulcan sitting across the table. He had to admit, he liked this Chakotay better than the Chakotay of the past year. He was more like the man he had admired so. He vowed to try and get used to the pictures in his head...

Tom continued to watch B'Elanna. The pool game was proceeding. Then stopped, though he could see there were still balls on the felt. B'Elanna and Kathryn walked over to the bar. Had a small chat with Sandrine. Uh oh. Grinning and chortling, they walked back to their game and resumed. Double uh oh. "I told you so, Chakotay. They've done something and somehow I don't think I'm going to like it..."

Chakotay turned around to look. Each time the women met each other's eyes, they started to laugh again. He looked at Tom. "I'd say you're right this time, Tom. Good luck!" He grinned at him.

"Good luck?! Here I thought you'd be in my corner, Maquis! You're the one who is attached to them both, won't you go over there and see what you can find out? You have them both wrapped around your little finger..."

Chakotay chortled. "Like hell I do! Since when is Kathryn going to do anything she doesn't want to do? And somehow I don't think she is going to want to tell me."

"And somehow I think you have ways of making her want to, if you know what I mean." Tom snorted.

Chakotay got a dreamy look on his face. "Well, I concede you may have a valid point there...." He muttered something under his breath. All they could hear was "after shave".

"Excuse me, gentlemen. Are you wishing to proceed with this hand? I believe my accrual of chips is exceeding your own. Are you in, or out?" Tuvok asked..

Tom looked beseechingly at Chakotay, who shook his head in return. Tom stared at him harder, "Well, is this how you repay the man who saved you from plunging to your death?"

Chakotay threw up his hands and chortled. "Tom! Haven't we evened out on that yet? No? Okay, then if I attempt to find out something, I only do it under the agreement that you will never use that one again. Agreed?!"

Tom thought for a minute, looking at Harry. "O-kay, I'll agree to that..." Chakotay said fine and rose to stomp over to the pool game. "But I also saved your life a couple more times after the first time, so I still have those cards to play..." He said to no one in particular, looking pleased with himself. Harry just shook his head at his old friend.

Tuvok intoned. "Three handed, gentlemen? Five card stud I think..."

Chakotay approached the pool game, watching Kathryn study the table. He went straight for B'Elanna.

"So, B'Elanna, helmboy over there believes you have cooked up some plot. Anything to it?"

"Nope."

"Okay, thanks." He walked up to Kathryn, who was about ready to shoot. He waited, admiring her from behind, daydreaming about what he would like to do to her from that angle later on...

"Shoot. Your turn."

"Oooh, Kathryn, I'm closing in on you..." B'Elanna looked at her options and saw that she could actually win. Cool....

Kathryn turned around. "Hi" she smiled.

"Hi back." He grinned. He opened his arms and she very gratefully stepped into his embrace. Chakotay kissed the top of her head. She burrowed against his chest, sighing contentedly.

"So Kathryn, I've been sent over here to dig out the deep secret that you and B'El are harboring. Tom thinks you two did something that he's going to regret. He seems to believe that I can make you want to tell me. That I have some pursuasive powers in this situation. What do you think?"

She giggled. "Well, I think your ways are very pursuasive and I would be more than a willing participant in the interrogation..."

"I see. So would you like to begin here, or should we step outside?"

"Oooh, outside I think." She tickled his chest. He grinned down at her.

"I won! Pay up, Kathryn!"

Kathryn turned around to face a beaming friend. "Congratulations! Okay, you get two hours off your duty shift tomorrow, barring any unforseen disasters, space anomalies, warp core breaches, etc." She held up her hand and B'Elanna smacked it.

"Aye captain! Another round?"

"Well, it appears that Chakotay here has been sent to interrogate me. We've put quite the scare into Tom it seems, I wonder why?" She smiled enigmatically. "So I'm off to be pursuaded to give up our secrets. We'll be back in awhile." She winked at B'Elanna.

"Probably a long while since there's no secret to divulge. Tom has such an imagination, doesn't he?" She grinned back at Kathryn. "Well, I think I'll go sit by him and make him squirm." To which both women chortled softly.

Chakotay, watching this with interest, took Kathryn by the hand to lead her out of the bar, saying good bye to B'El, and waving to Tom, who gave him a thumbs up.
 

Part 8

Chakotay led Kathryn around the side of the bar, down one of the cobblestone streets. They walked arm
in arm for a block or two until he saw a secluded doorway and pulled her in. Leaning his back against the
wall, he wrapped his arms tightly around his lover who melted into his embrace with a sigh. He buried his
face in her neck, savoring the smell of her, the softness of her skin and the shiver she gave as he kissed her
most sensitive spot just below the ear. Chakotay felt her fingers stroking his chest and unbuttoning his shirt.
He gave an involuntary gasp in her ear when she slid her hand past the fabric. Kathryn's fingertips moved in
circles over his skin, followed by her lips gently kissing, traveling up to the base of his neck.

He pulled his hands away from stroking her back and gently placed them on either side of her head. She stopped her ministrations and he tipped her head back to gaze into her eyes. Even in the low light he could see the blue swirling. He brushed his lips over hers, softly kissing her face, moving back to her slightly open mouth with the same light kisses. He could taste her desire even though barely touching her lips with his. He spoke to her softly, never moving his mouth away from hers.

"So, my love..." her lips gently pressed against the corner of his mouth.. "it looks to me..." he lightly kissed her ... "like Tom is right..." again his lips brushed hers...she slipped her tongue out and softly licked his lower lip... "you and B'El definitely have a plan..." he put his lips fully on hers, kissing still lightly but touching her tongue with his... "one he isn't going to like, is he?" he pressed a bit harder against her mouth, their tongues meeting a bit more urgently, their breathing a bit more ragged...

Kathryn moved her hands up around Chakotay's neck while he dropped his to stroke her sides and back. Their mouths moved ever more intensely together, lips parted, tongues languidly touching. Neither were the least bit sure they could continue standing. Kathryn was moaning softly into his mouth and Chakotay felt his control dissipating. In an effort to calm himself, he tried to continue with his mission, though still unable to move his mouth away from hers as he spoke.

"You haven't answered my question, and I'm afraid I am about to put us in an extremely compromising position here..." But Kathryn was not cooperating, interrupting his talk with her mouth on his, pulling his head down, sliding her tongue back in. He was the one moaning now. "Kathryn... this was a bad idea on my part....  don't do that...." She moved her hands back down to his chest and pulled his shirt out of his pants, lightly running her fingertips around to his back where they slipped under his waistband and tickled one of his most sensitive spots at the base of his spine. Chakotay gasped and bent his head over hers, finally devouring her mouth completely. She fully gave in to him, breathing heavily and sliding her hand further inside his pants toward the top of his legs. Kathryn felt his hardness pressing against her and she moaned with desire.

"Please, Chakotay..." she breathed into his mouth. "I want you.... please, inside of me..." and she began to unfasten her pants as he moaned and slid his tongue back into her mouth. His hands discovered what she was doing with her clothing as he felt the skin of her hips. "Kathryn, we can't... not here ..." he protested softly.

"I can't wait any longer...no one will find us..." She moved away from him, pulling his hand toward the back of the vestibule, behind the stairs. There she pulled him toward her with a hand on the back of his head, putting her mouth to his, working her tongue around, panting softly. He was unable to resist. She slipped off her shoes and began to pull her pants and panties off, he gave a small groan and helped her remove them. She unfastened his pants and as he slid his shoes off she pulled his pants down, pausing to stroke and manipulate him. His breath was getting very ragged as he stepped out of his clothes. He pulled her back up and gently pushed her until her back hit the wall. Their mouths met again with intensity.

Chakotay slid his hand down her front and he cupped her, slipping his fingers in to her wet hair, moving one around her clitoris, tasting her desire rushing from her mouth into his. Kathryn was groaning, her hands around his neck, knees buckling. He stopped and slid his hands around back, and grabbing her buttocks he lifted her up. She wrapped her legs around his waist and he entered her, sliding her down until he was fully inside. They both gasped and locked glassy eyes together, smiles spreading over their faces. Chakotay closed in on her face and pressed his mouth to hers, to which she gave no resistance, their passion darting back and forth tongue to tongue.

He started to thrust into her, gently at first, but soon they were both unable to contain themselves. Harder and faster he moved and she groaned with pleasure, feeling her climax coming. "Oh... God, Chakotay..." she panted in his ear. This sent him into a near frenzy and he attached his mouth to her neck, kissing and sucking her skin. Kathryn arched her back as her orgasm took her flying , and as she contracted, Chakotay exploded inside of her, holding her tightly, "Kathryn..." moaning in her ear.

Kathryn found his mouth and kissed him over and over. Chakotay, with what little strength he had left, pulled her off of him and gently placed her back on her feet, then caught her as she swayed, her legs buckling. They held each other tightly, softly giggling.

They got dressed again, feeling quite giddy from their experience. Chakotay went to sit on the steps to put on his shoes and as Kathryn did the same he noticed the back of her blouse was very dirty, holographic dirt, but dirt that would show in the bar.

"Kathryn, we better get you back to your quarters before we return to the bar. Your blouse is a mess in the back. Oh, dear, it looks as though I left a mark on your neck, too. I'm sorry about that..."

"So you've staked your claim on me, huh? I don't care, I might not even use the dermal regenerator to fix it, just let everyone see... I don't mind going back to my quarters, I need to go to the bathroom anyway." She was grinning from ear to ear as was he. He leaned over her and gave her the most delicious afterglow kiss which she responded to by wrapping her arms around his neck, kissing him intensely. "I love you, Chakotay." She whispered in his ear.

"Oh, gods above, Kathryn, I love you too. I can't believe we just did that, but frankly I wouldn't have missed it for the world." Their lips gravitated together, kissing each other deeply...

"Lt. Paris to Commander Chakotay. Hey big guy, you there?"

"I'm here, Tom."

"So can you talk?"

"Sure." He grinned at Kathryn. "You waiting for a progress report?"

"Well, I was wondering... B'El, she's over on the other side of the bar... She's acting really strange. So where's Kathryn?"

"Oh, she's gone back to her quarters for ... something. But I'm afraid I don't have much to report. I think that maybe it really was just your imagination, Tom. Sorry I can't help you more. I'll give my powers of pursuasion another try."

"Thanks anyway."

"We'll be back in a few minutes. Chakotay out."

"Ooo, Chakotay, you are bad, playing both sides. That's a Maquis trick isn't it? And here I thought boys all stuck together."

"And maybe I just haven't really let you off the hook my love." He said huskily.

"Interrogate away..."

A short time later they walked back into the bar hand in hand. Looking the same, except Kathryn had on a different blouse, a detail that wasn't lost on B'Elanna. They sat with their friends, wishing they were back in her quarters.

"Well, folks, I think that we're heading out soon." Kathryn said to everyone.

B'Elanna met her eyes. "Um, Kathryn, do you think I could talk to you for a minute, in private?" Kathryn nodded and they walked to the far side of the bar.

"Look, I've got to know - did you fess up anything ?"

"No, we got a little distracted for real, though he tells me he's going to try in earnest  later. He actually told Tom that it was just his imagination, but I think he hasn't given up yet."

"Distracted, huh? I noticed your new blouse, although I can't imagine why you would need to change just your blouse, unless perhaps a dirty Paris wall was responsible..." She grinned at the captain.

"Chakotay warned me about you, B'Elanna... Always wanting details. Well, you can make the assumption that perhaps a Paris wall may have dirtied up the back of my blouse if you'd like." She grinned back.

"You two made love here on the holodeck?! Just down the 'street'?!" She hissed.

"I'm not saying anything more, except that I feel quite... happy at the moment. Content, if you will. Well maybe one more thing - B'Elanna, that man is good, very very good."

B'Elanna smiled and shook her head, amazed at her commanding officers. She knew they were risk takers, but this was beyond even her fertile imagination. "Well back to Tom. I guess I'll just let him sweat for a few days. Might do him some good, don't you think?"

"Well, that's certainly your call, but I for one wouldn't mind seeing Tom sweat for a bit. I promise I'll keep the secret. I may be head over heels in love and lust for that man over there, but he can't make me talk if I don't want to. He can make me do other things... but talking isn't one of them." She grinned enigmatically at her friend. B'Elanna merely grinned back and the two women headed back to the rest of the group.

Chakotay and Tom were deep in a muted conversation standing away from the table. Uh oh, Kathryn thought, they really aren't giving up, no matter what type of distraction she had handed Chakotay in the vestibule. She looked over at B'Elanna who saw the same thing. Maybe it was time to push the envelope and not wait for Tom to sweat it out.

Kathryn motioned B'Elanna to follow her and they walked towards the bar and Sandrine. The bartender tore herself away from one of the male crewmembers and sauntered up to them.

"Sandrine, we were wondering if you would be willing to serve the table over there, you know the one with Tommy and our friends? Just bring over a bunch of beer, maybe even a pitcher?" Kathryn smiled her best Captain's smile.

"Mais oui, Captain. Just give Sandrine a few minutes..."

"Merci, Sandrine. And thank you again for giving the lieutenant here that doctor's name, you know, you never can be too careful..."

"Non, one never can. I hope that Tommy recovers soon." She gave a little pout. B'Elanna wanted to slap her mouth, but smiled instead.

"Well, Sandrine, don't you worry about Tommy. If he ever does recover, I promise I'll let you know." And B'Elanna winked at Sandrine, who took it at face value not noticing the Klingon sneer playing on her mouth.

The table once again was lively with talk and laughter. The talk mostly about various harrowing experiences, Kathryn realizing not for the first time this was Voyager's substitute for counseling. Making light of things when they could, telling and re-telling tales, twisting them into funny stories sometimes, letting their true feelings show other times. It was the best they all could do and it seemed to work for the most part.

Sandrine glided up to them with a tray in hand, glasses of beer and wine. She was greeted jovially and the glasses were handed out. Tom stood up to thank her personally, deliberately looking at B'Elanna as he did so. He wanted to give his lover a little something to think about, too, something innately devilish spurring him on. He didn't really notice that B'El wasn't taking the bait, content to merely sip her drink and watch him with a small grin.

"Sandrine, I haven't had a chance to be alone with you all evening..." Tom said under his breath. Sandrine looked at him from under her brow and moved away from him smoothly. Tom looked a bit taken back but with his ego now involved he pressed the issue. "Maybe I could give you a hand behind the bar? Or maybe two?"

"Tommy, dear. I think it would be best to stay on your own side of the bar, non? I do not want to become, how can I say this in company, unable to have pleasure?"

Tom was stunned. Kathryn and B'Elanna were desperately trying to contain their giggles, their teeth clamped down on the edge of their glasses. Chakotay was watching them with renewed respect. He had to hand it to them, whatever they had done, it definitely worked. And perhaps Tom was right all along, the combined force of the captain and the chief engineer was a bit scary.

"Sandrine, what in the world are you talking about?" Tom demanded, recovering his wits somewhat.

"Ooo, does Tommy really want me to say in front of all of his friends? I don't think so. You just enjoy your beer, dear boy, and let the lovely lieutenant here take care of you. I think she is just perfect for you, so caring and considerate." She smiled enigmatically at B'Elanna who attempted to return the sentiment.

Tom looked at his lover through slits. "Yes, Sandrine, that's B'Elanna all right. Caring and considerate all the way..." At this B'Elanna did break out a very large smile for Tom. They both chuckled, seeing the stand-off for what it was. Sandrine went sashaying back to the bar, stopping to chat with more male crewmembers along the way.

There was silence at the table, each of the four main players waiting for someone else to speak first. It was Chakotay who broke the quiet, standing up he took Kathryn's hand in his.

"Would you like to dance?" He said silkily.

"Love to." Rising to join him, she winked at B'Elanna.

Chakotay led her to the piano where the Doctor was still blissfully playing and singing softly for those few couples who were dancing. Chakotay took Kathryn in his arms and she put her head against his shoulder, feeling the strength of his back under her hand. He pulled their joined hands up to his mouth and languidly kissed her fingers, holding her tightly to him as they swayed to the lovely music.

"Chakotay, can we just stay like this for a few years?"

"Anything you want my love, anything."

"I love you..."

"I love you Kathryn..."

The Doctor, watching the commanding officers with his purely sentimental heart, began to sing softly.

It's very clear, our love is here to stay
Not for a year, but ever and a day
In time, the Rockies may crumble
Gibraltar may tumble
They're only made of clay, but
Our love is here to stay....

The two lovers turned to meet his twinkling eyes with their own.

"Thank you Doctor" Kathryn softly said.

"I have a million more love songs, care to hear?" They both nodded contentedly. The Doctor serenaded the dancing couple for a half an hour or so, while they allowed themselves the bliss of it, bubble securely in place.

"Let's go home, Kathryn..."

"Home?"

"Your quarters. I need to lay down with you."

"Yes, home it is. Maybe you should pick up some more things, for tomorrow?" She looked up at him and smiled.

"I think that would be wise, I at least need to bring a robe over. That towel just isn't quite effective..."

"Oh, I would beg to differ there. The towel is just fine."

"Maybe we could just put a door in the joining wall?"

"Or maybe we could just take the wall down all together..." She said wistfully.

Chakotay gently tipped her head up with his finger under her chin. "Kathryn, I believe the wall is down already. And for that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

And as deep sable with gold specks met liquid azure, the planets outside the hull shifted again. One more alignment. The man leaned his head toward the woman and they kissed tenderly, unaware of the collective sigh coming from their friends and crewmembers who watched. They left a short time later, bubble still firmly surrounding them, one journey home already completed, the other waiting for their attention which would come soon enough.

End.

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