Beauty and the Warrior

Author's Note: This idea came one night while I was listening to Beauty and the Beast by Celine Dion. But I don't think of Chakotay as a beast so I kinda changed it up a bit. But you get the point.

Kathryn Janeway sank deeper into the tub letting the water completely cover her. She used a breathing technique that she'd learned back in the academy to help relieve the tension that had accumulated throughout the day. She focused her breathing on the different parts of her body in an attempt to breath out the pain and tension. She stayed in the water until it started to get cold. She reluctantly got up from the tub and wrapped a towel around her body. She didn't bother drying off as she walked out of the bathroom and into her bedroom. She lied down on the bed. She was tired, but she knew she had no time to waste. Chakotay would be at her door in two hours. She had to get ready, and she still hadn't picked out what dress she would wear.

Kathryn's mind began to wonder back to when Chakotay first came on Voyager. She was torn between her duty to Star Fleet and the necessity of joining forces. She eventually came to the conclusion that it would be better to join forces with him instead of fighting. It wouldn't have mattered anyway. From the first moment she saw him she knew that he wasn't what others made him to be. She could tell that he was a gentle man underneath that hard Maquis exterior. It was that intuition that allowed her to make the decision to make him her first officer and it's a decision she's never regretted. It took some work, they had to fight there battles, but eventually she knew that she would be able to count on him no matter what. She knew that she wasn't alone as long as he was there. As the two crews began to meld they could see the change in Chakotay as well. He went to from this rigid angry warrior to a compassionate officer. Janeway was never more grateful for such a change under her leadership.

Janeway's mind came back to the present. Time was wasting away. She looked through the database to find an appropriate dress. Tonight was the night that she and Chakotay were going to inform the crew of their relationship. Janeway then started to think about the night that he proposed to her.

Chakotay was just about to light the last candle when the door chimed signaling a visitor. He lit it and then signaled for entrance. Kathryn stepped through the doors wearing a simple blue gown. It was strapless and clung tightly to her upper body and then began to flair quickly as it went to the bottom.

"Well it's nice to see you too Chakotay." Kathryn smiled as she watched him start to blush. He gave her a smile before walking to her and taking her into his arms.

"How are you tonight my Captain?" Chakotay leaned in to kiss her but stopped when she turned from him.

"I surely hope this isn't how you treat your Captain. One could be written up for…… insubordination." Kathryn's last words grew dimmer as she approached Chakotay for a long awaited kiss. Chakotay played along seeing as how she was in a good mood.

"Seems like someone's in a good mood."

"Well it looks like I have great reasons to be. I'm being held by the man that I love who has prepared a beautiful dinner for me. What's there to complain about?"

Chakotay stood there smiling at her. Her words somehow still managed to make his heart melt. It wasn't the first time she'd told him that she loved him, but it still was great to hear the words. Especially considering what he had planned for her tonight.

"In that case, dinner awaits my lady." Chakotay took her hand and led her to the table. He pulled out her chair and waited for her to sit down. Before she did she leaned over and placed a kiss on Chakotay's cheek. After she sat down Chakotay assisted her in pushing her chair in. He reached for the bottle of champagne that was on the table and opened it. After filling their glasses he went to the replicator and brought the meals to the table.

"Chakotay, this looks lovely. You're too good to me."

"The best for the best."

"I love you." Kathryn placed her hand on the table and Chakotay quickly covered it with his own as he sat down.

"Kathryn, I have a feeling that if we stay on this present line of verbal flattery we won't make it to dessert."

"Who says that I want to make it to dessert?" Kathryn gave him a seductive smile but took her hand back and picked up her fork.

Dinner passed slowly as the two discussed a variety of subjects. After they were finished with the food they took their glasses over to the couch. Chakotay placed his glass on the coffee table and took a seat. Janeway followed suit, sitting down on top of Chakotay.

"Comfy?" Chakotay asked her as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer to him.

"Very, I could stay like this forever. But this night, like so many others will end way too soon."

"It doesn't have to Kathryn."

"What do you mean? We can't ignore our responsibilities that we have. We both agreed upon that when we first started this relationship."

"I know, but we don't have to sneak out at night like we're common criminals. I think the crew would approve of our relationship. Maybe it's time we tell them. That way, our nights don't have to be so short."

"Chakotay, I've moved past the point of worrying about what crews' reaction. Right now I'm just enjoying what we have. I don't want to HAVE to share it with the crew. Does that make since?"

"Perfectly! What do you want to do about it?" Kathryn put her head down on his shoulder and let out a deep sigh."

"Well, how about this. After we dance the final dance at the ball Tom's having, you dip me and then we kiss. I think that will pretty much send the message to the crew. And those that don't witness it will most definitely hear about it from the rest of the crew before we even get back to our quarters. Do you like that plan?"

"Sounds like a great plan to me. You've obviously been doing some thinking. Are you sure about this?"

"Yeah, I'm sure. I agree with you. But what do you say we get in a little practice." Kathryn jumped up out of Chakotay's lap and grabbed his hand to pull him up.

"Practice what? Do you want to practice the dancing?" He pulled her close to him and assumed the dancing position. "Or would you rather practice the dipping?" He swiftly changed the position they were in leaving Kathryn leaned over his left arm. "Or would you rather we practice the kiss?" Just as quickly as he dipped her he lifted her up again and placed a kiss on her lips.

"It would seem that you are a master at them all, but if I had to choose I'd say the latter."

"And I would have to agree." Chakotay leaned in and started to kiss her again. It was that moment when he felt it was right to do it. He disengaged from their kiss and Kathryn whimpered at the lost of connection. He continued to hold Kathryn's hand as he started to sink towards the ground. Kathryn had a puzzled look in her face wondering what he was up too. When Chakotay was on the ground he took Kathryn's hands and kissed each of them.

"Kathryn, I've waited for this moment for a long time. To be honest, I never thought we would get here. After New Earth and the re-established parameters I thought I'd lost you forever. But the past few months have been amazing. I've grown and loved in ways that I never thought possible. You did that Kathryn, you allowed me to be more than Chakotay.

I love you, with every part of my being. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" With that he presented Kathryn with a ring. It was a simple gold band that Kathryn would be able to wear even while in uniform. He held the ring up for her to see.

"Chakotay." Kathryn closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When she opened them again the ring was still there. She couldn't believe it. He proposed. "I don't know what to say."

Chakotay smiled. "Well yes would be a great place to start."

"Yes! Yes! I'll marry you." Kathryn didn't even give Chakotay a chance to get back up. She fell into his arms and began to kiss him vigorously.

Kathryn smiled as she relived the moment. It was starting to look like the greatest moment of her life. She walked over to the replicator and gave it the criteria for the dress she decided to wear tonight. It was something that she'd found in the database from 20th century America. The dress was a classical ballroom gown. It was gold and glistened in the light. The moment she saw it she knew that it was the dress for the occasion. Once the computer replicated it she took it into her room and lied it down on the bed. She looked at the chronometer. She only had an hour to do her hair and makeup. She ran back to the replicator and replicated the shoes. She took them back into the room and put them on the bed next to the dress. She turned around and looked in the mirror. Her hair had begun to dry but it wasn't dry enough for her to do something with it. She decided it would be a lot faster to run down and get her hair done. They could transform it quicker than she could style it. She quickly dressed and hurried down the corridor. A little over thirty minutes later she came rushing back into her quarters. She looked in the mirror and smiled with satisfaction. There wasn't enough time to get ready.

"Oh well, Chakotay will just have to wait." With that she sat down in front of her mirror and began to apply her makeup. When she was done with that she began to put on her stockings. When she was done with one leg she heard her chime ringing.

"Come in." After a few seconds she called out Chakotay's name.

"Were you expecting someone else?" She could here him coming towards the room.

"I'll be out in a minute. I'm running a bit late." She heard him chuckle at that. It wasn't a rare occasion for Kathryn Janeway to be late getting ready for an event. Luckily there wasn't a specific time for them to get there. He took the hint and waited in the living room. In the bedroom Kathryn quickly stepped into the dress but before she zipped her dress up she leaned over and put her shoes on. With those on the only thing left to do was zip the dress up on the side. Once that was complete she took one last look in the mirror. She let out a little groan when saw her combadge sitting on the stand. She reached over and picked it up. She found an open spot on her gown and pinned it to her. With one final look over she turned towards the door. When she got to the door she saw that Chakotay was staring out the window.

"Chakotay, I don't think we'll get anywhere with you standing there all night." Chakotay turned around and looked at her. Her appearance rendered him speechless. There wasn't much that he felt that he could do except stare. The beauty that was radiating from her was more than he could handle.

"Kathryn, you look amazing. I'm glad I didn't go with the blue suit." He chuckled and made his way towards her.

"I'm glad you approve handsome. You look dashing yourself. Why don't we get this show on the road?" She stepped up to him closing the space between them. He took her hand and placed it on his arm.

"Kathryn what are you trying to do to me. Do you seriously expect me to last all night with you dressed like that."

"Hopefully this dress won't be on me all night." Kathryn laughed at Chakotay's growing discomfort as they made their way to the holodeck.

All eyes turned towards the couple as they entered the holodeck. As if they were the long awaited guest the crew slowly began to part as the command team made there way towards the tables, before they could reach it though they were intercepted by Tom and B'Elanna.

"Hey you guys, nice of you to join us." Tom said a little too enthusiastically.

"Tom, as usual, you've outdone yourself. This looks wonderful, it was a great idea."

"Well Captain, I couldn't have done it without your permission. Thanks for coming, you two enjoy the night." Tom and B'Elanna scurried of to join Harry and Seven.

As the night progressed Janeway was swept away into the arms of several different members of her crew. Finally, Tom announced that it would be the last dance of the night. Janeway made her way to Chakotay and they walked out to the dance floor together. It was a slower song so Chakotay pulled Kathryn close. But it wasn't enough for her; she leaned into his embrace even more and rested her head on his chest. They swayed together with the music, neither speaking, just listening to the words of the song.

Tale as old as time

True as it can be

Barely even friends

Then somebody bends

Unexpectedly

Just a little change

Small to say the least

Both a little scared

Neither one prepared

Beauty and the Beast

Ever just the same

Ever a surprise

Ever as before

Ever just as sure

As the sun will rise

Tale as old as time

Tune as old as song

Bittersweet and strange

Finding you can change

Learning you were wrong

Certain as the sun

Rising in the east

Tale as old as time

Song as old as rhyme

Beauty and the Beast

Tale as old as time

Song as old as rhyme

Beauty and the Beast

When the song came to and end Janeway looked up at Chakotay.

"Chakotay, that's our song."

"I was thinking the exact same thing. Except I hope you don't think of me as a beast."

"I don't, you're the most handsome gentleman I've ever met." She smiled at him as the swaying slowed indicating the end of the song.

"You're sure about this Kathryn; you don't have to do it." Kathryn smiled at him, always concerned about her, never pressuring. This was one of the things that attracted her to him.

"Chakotay, shut up and do what we practiced."

"Yes ma'am." He slowly dipped Kathryn over his left arm and held her there for a moment. On her slow accent he leaned over and kissed her while bringing her into a full upright position. The continued to kiss, allowing them to relish the feeling of each other. When the kiss ended Kathryn looked up at Chakotay smiled. She then looked around to see the rest of the crew staring at them in amazement. No one expected the show the command team put on tonight.

"What do you say we get out of here?" Chakotay whispered in her ear.

"I'm all for that, it's time you got rid of this dress remember." She held his hand as they headed for the exit. Chakotay winked at Tom on his way out.

"Great party, see you on the bridge tomorrow." Janeway threw his way as they continued past him. They left the holodeck leaving a very shocked crew in their wake.

……TBC…or maybe not. Tell me what you think. If it's worth pursuing then I will. Now it's time for you to respond and let me know what's up.