Disclaimer: The Powers that Be own it all, I'm just correcting what
they did wrong
And the first paragraph was taken from Gateways. I thought it would
Be interesting to take a scene where Janeway was most comfortable
With Chakotay and develop it into something else. Authors Note: Er, Hallo, this is my first fic, so please excuse me for any small mistakes regarding J/C. I'm a J/Cer all the way! I've been reading fics for a long time, but decided to take a shot at writing my own today. Anyway, please comment not only on the story, but my writing skills. I will only continue if you guys think it's any good.
"I'm afraid to say it, but it doesn't look good," said Chakotay. "In fact, it doesn't look good at all."
Kathryn Janeway studied Chakotay's face before turning back to what she thought had been a work of art only until seconds ago. "I see what you mean," she said, studying the picture closely this time. "I guess abstracts not for me."
"It wasn't for DaVinci either," said Chakotay solemnly.
As she put the canvas in the recycler, she recalled having this conversation with him years ago. It was after a macro virus had tried to take over this ship and Chakotay had come back from skiing with Tom Paris and the new B'Elanna Paris. "Coffee?" she asked as she replicated herself a cup of her much adored drink.
"No thanks," said Chakotay shaking his head. "How are the repairs in engineering coming along?" Kathryn asked motioning for Chakotay to join her on the upper level sofa.
"Not to good I'm afraid," said Chakotay.
Kathryn winced. The ship had been dead in the water after the last attacks by the Samaria. Kathryn was only thankful that they had managed to leave their part of space before the warp core had decided to fail on them.
"B'Elanna and Seven just can't see eye to eye on anything. Seven thinks that B'Elanna should realign the plasma array before attempting to bring the warp core online, but B'Elanna thinks that getting on the move should be our main priority."
"Maybe I should go down there and."
"I don't think that's a good idea," said Chakotay.
"Oh," said Kathryn, slightly taken aback, "You don't."
She raised a quizzical eyebrow and stared at him, deciding not to jump to conclusions until she had an explanation.
Chakotay sensed this and hastily replied, "I don't really think you breathing down B'Elanna's neck causing her to worry about living up to your standards and doing the right thing is going to help B'Elanna get on any better."
"You're right," said Kathryn, sighing. He always was. "Why wasn't Seven in astrometrics?"
"B'Elanna needed an extra pair of hands. Besides there's nothing on sensors in this area of space and since we're not going anywhere, there won't be for a couple of days to come."
"Let's hope it's a couple of days," said Kathryn, crossing her fingers in an old Earthan tradition. She closed her eyes as she gently massaged the bridge of her nose.
"You need some rest, Kathryn," reprimanded Chakotay, gently.
"I don't need another you're not eating enough talk Chakotay," she snapped, exhaustion clearly written in her voice. Immediately she regretted the tone of voice she had used. Chakotay had leaned backwards and his eyes had glossed over.
"I'm sorry," she said, gently placing her hand on his shoulder.
"That's alright," he said, leaning forward again. "Dinner tonight?" he asked.
She nodded eagerly. She always looked forward to their dinners together, but of course, she had never told him this. Maybe now was the time. "I always look forward to our dinners together," she smiled.
He grinned and flashed her, his boyish dimples, causing her to melt to her feet.
"Holodeck 2, I'll pick you up and eight. I'm off duty now and I think I'm going to get a little much deserved shut eye, you should too," he instructed.
"I will," she agreed.
He nodded happily and exited her ready room.
Kathryn sighed as she excited her ready room, via the other exit and made her way to her quarters. A little 'shut eye' was exactly what she needed, if she wanted to look good for Chakotay later that night.
As she walked into her quarters, she ordered another cup of coffee from the replicators.
She sipped it slowly as she walked to her bedroom and changed into her nightgown. She smiled comfortably as she slipped between her sheets. She heard the bed in the room next to hers creak and blushed as the thought of Chakotay getting into bed crept into her mind. She shouldn't be thinking those things, she reminded herself. She was the captain.
She tried going to sleep, but she usually wasn't one to sleep in the middle of the day. She picked up the latest novel she had been reading and was soon lost in the middle of Scarlet O'Hara's latest love. However, half an hour later she was brought out of her reverie when she heard the bed in the quarters next to her creak again. She heard muffled sounds, which stopped as soon as they had started. Guiltily, she leaned against the hard bulkhead to try to hear what he was saying. She remembered doing the same thing when she was eighteen and has just asked her parents if she could move out of her house and into Starfleet Academy Dorms. Her parents had discussed it in their bedroom, which was right next to Kathryn's room. Indiana walls were not thick and Kathryn had known long before they had told her that she would be living in the same quarters as her best friend.
As the murmurings started again, Kathryn was brought out of her reverie. She listened clearly, but only heard one word. That one word made her heart jolt.
"Kathryn," he murmured again. She leaned away from the bulkhead. From the tone of Chakotay's voice he had obviously not been having a nightmare. She sighed, she knew that she loved Chakotay and she assumed he knew it too. Hadn't she made one gesture too much already to show him that? The words of her first year quantum mechanics teacher came flooding back to her. Admiral Nair had said that a Science Officer, especially a good Science Officer, never made assumptions.
Chakotay had sounded so loving, so sweet that Kathryn scolded herself for not telling him. She silently asked herself what she had given up for so many years, happiness, comfort and love, most of all love. She hadn't felt like this about Justin nor Mark. She had given up the love that she felt deeply, true love, and she regretted that now. Why? She asked herself. Why had she run from her feelings? Was it because she thought the crew might disapprove? She asked herself. No, they had been holding a betting pool on them. Tuvok had informed her of their 'frivolous activities', and had confessed to even taking part, until he had been overridden with guilt, or at least the Vulcan version of guilt. No, she knew now, that she had been afraid that she might lose him just as she had lost Justin and Mark. Would you be happy if you lost him, but had never given yourself a chance with him? She asked. No, she decided, she wouldn't be. In the end she concluded that he obviously didn't know that she loved him, or he would have acted earlier. Maybe, Kathryn thought, maybe this was the time. She was going to have dinner with him, maybe tonight; she would be able to wrong some rights.
*****************************
Kathryn smoothed down imaginary wrinkles on her dress as her door chime rang. "I'll be right there," shouted Kathryn. Chakotay was early, she thought as she glanced at the chronometer. She took a last glance at herself in the mirror. Her hair was placed on her head in an elegant bun; a few lose strands of hair fell from the bun, casing her face in little ringlets. Her blood red dress enhanced her curves and her pale skin shown under Starfleet issue lights.
She opened the door manually, disappointed to see Tom Paris happy face greeting her.
"Whoa, Captain," he said when he saw her.
Kathryn couldn't help but blush. Seconds later, she glanced at her helm officer sternly, "How can I help you Mr. Paris?" she asked.
"I've plotted a new shorted course home," he said, handing her a PADD. "It should cut three months off out trip. I could make it shorted, but then we'd lost our communication link with Starfleet."
"That's alright Mr. Paris, to get to speak with our loved ones every now and then, it worth a couple of months."
When he stood there, gaping, Kathryn was forced to ask him, "Is there anything more Lieutenant?"
"No Captain," stuttered Tom. "But if you don't mind me asking, who's the lucky man?"
Kathryn blushed as a firm voice said, "The Captain's personal life is her own business Paris."
Kathryn turned to look at Chakotay's dark figure. He looked stunning. Kathryn had never seen him in a tux before.
Chakotay studied her as well, thinking that she could never have looked better. If only she gave him the chance, he would make her life so much happier. Oh, he was going to have trouble sleeping tonight.
Tom, sensing something, quickly excused himself, but he didn't get a response. He ran to engineering, boy would B'Elanna be please with this new gossip.
Chakotay waited until Tom Paris had rounded the corner, before he made his way to Kathryn.
"You look. beautiful," he said.
Kathryn blushed, "You don't look to bad yourself."
"Would a pretty lady like yourself be willing to accompany me to the Holodeck for a meal?"
"Just a meal?" Kathryn couldn't help but ask.
Chakotay looked a little taken a back, but replied without missing a beat, "We could do more if you like."
Kathryn grinned; who would have known flirting with Chakotay would be so much fun.
As they made their way to the Holodeck, talking, many of the crew stopped to look at them, but the 'couple' were oblivious to their stares. Chakotay sensed something was about to happen that night, and Kathryn just wanted to tell him how much she loved him, that she began to feel very fidgety.
"Chakotay," she gasped, when the door to the Holodeck opened showing a beautifully decorated ball, with a dining table for two in the middle. She glanced at the candles on the table and thought of William Shakespeare's poem from Macbeth. Life's Brief Candle it was called. She recalled that the character had been depressed at that time, but at this moment, Kathryn was far from depressed.
They ate in silence, making small talk every now and then. Kathryn was so nervous that she could hardly taste the delicious meal.
When they finished, Chakotay leaned over and grabbed Kathryn's hand. "What's bother you?" he asked softly.
Kathryn didn't say anything; she had been stunned by the spark of electricity when he had touched her hand.
"I'm sorry," he said, hesitantly removing his hand.
Kathryn leaned forward and touched his face, "Don't be," she whispered.
He looked up into her eyes and was stunned by the love he saw there. He had seen glimpses of the love before, during New Earth, but he had never seen it whole before.
Before they knew what was happening, the distance between them was bridged and their lips lightly brushed over each other's. Then, the deepened the kiss.
"Took you long enough," said Chakotay happily.
"And what's that supposed to mean, Commander?" she teased, as she traced the pattern of his tattoo, something she had been dying to do for years.
"Exactly what it sounds like," he said as he kissed her again. The first kiss had been gentle as if they were testing each other, trying each other out, stepping on dangerous ground, but now all care had been thrown to the wind. Kathryn lost herself as the kiss deepened.
Eventually they pulled apart for air. "I love you Kathryn Janeway," said Chakotay, brushing a stray tear that had rolled down her cheeks.
"And I love you Chakotay," she said. "Oh, Chakotay," she said as she clung on to him, her body racking with sobs.
"Kathryn, Kathryn?" asked Chakotay, "What's wrong?"
"I'm sorry it took me so long," she said, between sobs.
"It doesn't matter, all the matters is that we're here now," he said.
She nodded as he brushed her tears away. She felt foolish for a moment, before realising he was right.
"So when did you realise you loved me?"
"I always knew I loved you, I just decided to tell you today."
"Why?" he asked.
Kathryn related the events which had taken place earlier that day and Chakotay blushed when he heard about his dream.
"I'm sorry, I eavesdropped," apologized Kathryn.
"I'm glad you did, if it led to this."
"Think about it," laughed Kathryn, "They won't be dreams anymore."
Chakotay laughed as he led to a balcony and down a set of stairs to a beach. They spent the rest of the day getting to know each other better, whilst strolling down the beach. It was more than Kathryn could have ever asked for.
"I'm glad you had that dream," she told Chakotay as they walked back to HER quarters.
"So am I Kay, so am I."
"Kay?" she asked with a smile.
"I thought the nickname suited you," he said, with a smile. "I won't use it if you don't like it."
"No," Kathryn said decidedly gripped his hand she was holding firmly, "I like it."
As they walked past engineering, Kathryn heard the doors swish open and B'Elanna and Tom Paris walk out hand in hand, just as herself and Chakotay were. She turned and smiled at them as they gaped, she wouldn't have to worry about telling the crew, she told herself as they entered her quarters, B'Elanna and Tom would help her with that.
Sure enough as the command team rounded the corner; B'Elanna grabbed a passing Ensigns arm and whispered something in her ear. The Ensign nodded eagerly and rushed off. Tom grabbed B'Elanna's hand and dragged her to the Mess Hall. That night was an eventful one as the crew of Voyager raised their glasses in the Mess Hall and let out cheers, which could be heard from the quarters of the ship's Captain. Kathryn smiled at Chakotay as she lay snuggled in his arms staring out at the stars.
TO BE CONTINUED. TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK.
And the first paragraph was taken from Gateways. I thought it would
Be interesting to take a scene where Janeway was most comfortable
With Chakotay and develop it into something else. Authors Note: Er, Hallo, this is my first fic, so please excuse me for any small mistakes regarding J/C. I'm a J/Cer all the way! I've been reading fics for a long time, but decided to take a shot at writing my own today. Anyway, please comment not only on the story, but my writing skills. I will only continue if you guys think it's any good.
"I'm afraid to say it, but it doesn't look good," said Chakotay. "In fact, it doesn't look good at all."
Kathryn Janeway studied Chakotay's face before turning back to what she thought had been a work of art only until seconds ago. "I see what you mean," she said, studying the picture closely this time. "I guess abstracts not for me."
"It wasn't for DaVinci either," said Chakotay solemnly.
As she put the canvas in the recycler, she recalled having this conversation with him years ago. It was after a macro virus had tried to take over this ship and Chakotay had come back from skiing with Tom Paris and the new B'Elanna Paris. "Coffee?" she asked as she replicated herself a cup of her much adored drink.
"No thanks," said Chakotay shaking his head. "How are the repairs in engineering coming along?" Kathryn asked motioning for Chakotay to join her on the upper level sofa.
"Not to good I'm afraid," said Chakotay.
Kathryn winced. The ship had been dead in the water after the last attacks by the Samaria. Kathryn was only thankful that they had managed to leave their part of space before the warp core had decided to fail on them.
"B'Elanna and Seven just can't see eye to eye on anything. Seven thinks that B'Elanna should realign the plasma array before attempting to bring the warp core online, but B'Elanna thinks that getting on the move should be our main priority."
"Maybe I should go down there and."
"I don't think that's a good idea," said Chakotay.
"Oh," said Kathryn, slightly taken aback, "You don't."
She raised a quizzical eyebrow and stared at him, deciding not to jump to conclusions until she had an explanation.
Chakotay sensed this and hastily replied, "I don't really think you breathing down B'Elanna's neck causing her to worry about living up to your standards and doing the right thing is going to help B'Elanna get on any better."
"You're right," said Kathryn, sighing. He always was. "Why wasn't Seven in astrometrics?"
"B'Elanna needed an extra pair of hands. Besides there's nothing on sensors in this area of space and since we're not going anywhere, there won't be for a couple of days to come."
"Let's hope it's a couple of days," said Kathryn, crossing her fingers in an old Earthan tradition. She closed her eyes as she gently massaged the bridge of her nose.
"You need some rest, Kathryn," reprimanded Chakotay, gently.
"I don't need another you're not eating enough talk Chakotay," she snapped, exhaustion clearly written in her voice. Immediately she regretted the tone of voice she had used. Chakotay had leaned backwards and his eyes had glossed over.
"I'm sorry," she said, gently placing her hand on his shoulder.
"That's alright," he said, leaning forward again. "Dinner tonight?" he asked.
She nodded eagerly. She always looked forward to their dinners together, but of course, she had never told him this. Maybe now was the time. "I always look forward to our dinners together," she smiled.
He grinned and flashed her, his boyish dimples, causing her to melt to her feet.
"Holodeck 2, I'll pick you up and eight. I'm off duty now and I think I'm going to get a little much deserved shut eye, you should too," he instructed.
"I will," she agreed.
He nodded happily and exited her ready room.
Kathryn sighed as she excited her ready room, via the other exit and made her way to her quarters. A little 'shut eye' was exactly what she needed, if she wanted to look good for Chakotay later that night.
As she walked into her quarters, she ordered another cup of coffee from the replicators.
She sipped it slowly as she walked to her bedroom and changed into her nightgown. She smiled comfortably as she slipped between her sheets. She heard the bed in the room next to hers creak and blushed as the thought of Chakotay getting into bed crept into her mind. She shouldn't be thinking those things, she reminded herself. She was the captain.
She tried going to sleep, but she usually wasn't one to sleep in the middle of the day. She picked up the latest novel she had been reading and was soon lost in the middle of Scarlet O'Hara's latest love. However, half an hour later she was brought out of her reverie when she heard the bed in the quarters next to her creak again. She heard muffled sounds, which stopped as soon as they had started. Guiltily, she leaned against the hard bulkhead to try to hear what he was saying. She remembered doing the same thing when she was eighteen and has just asked her parents if she could move out of her house and into Starfleet Academy Dorms. Her parents had discussed it in their bedroom, which was right next to Kathryn's room. Indiana walls were not thick and Kathryn had known long before they had told her that she would be living in the same quarters as her best friend.
As the murmurings started again, Kathryn was brought out of her reverie. She listened clearly, but only heard one word. That one word made her heart jolt.
"Kathryn," he murmured again. She leaned away from the bulkhead. From the tone of Chakotay's voice he had obviously not been having a nightmare. She sighed, she knew that she loved Chakotay and she assumed he knew it too. Hadn't she made one gesture too much already to show him that? The words of her first year quantum mechanics teacher came flooding back to her. Admiral Nair had said that a Science Officer, especially a good Science Officer, never made assumptions.
Chakotay had sounded so loving, so sweet that Kathryn scolded herself for not telling him. She silently asked herself what she had given up for so many years, happiness, comfort and love, most of all love. She hadn't felt like this about Justin nor Mark. She had given up the love that she felt deeply, true love, and she regretted that now. Why? She asked herself. Why had she run from her feelings? Was it because she thought the crew might disapprove? She asked herself. No, they had been holding a betting pool on them. Tuvok had informed her of their 'frivolous activities', and had confessed to even taking part, until he had been overridden with guilt, or at least the Vulcan version of guilt. No, she knew now, that she had been afraid that she might lose him just as she had lost Justin and Mark. Would you be happy if you lost him, but had never given yourself a chance with him? She asked. No, she decided, she wouldn't be. In the end she concluded that he obviously didn't know that she loved him, or he would have acted earlier. Maybe, Kathryn thought, maybe this was the time. She was going to have dinner with him, maybe tonight; she would be able to wrong some rights.
*****************************
Kathryn smoothed down imaginary wrinkles on her dress as her door chime rang. "I'll be right there," shouted Kathryn. Chakotay was early, she thought as she glanced at the chronometer. She took a last glance at herself in the mirror. Her hair was placed on her head in an elegant bun; a few lose strands of hair fell from the bun, casing her face in little ringlets. Her blood red dress enhanced her curves and her pale skin shown under Starfleet issue lights.
She opened the door manually, disappointed to see Tom Paris happy face greeting her.
"Whoa, Captain," he said when he saw her.
Kathryn couldn't help but blush. Seconds later, she glanced at her helm officer sternly, "How can I help you Mr. Paris?" she asked.
"I've plotted a new shorted course home," he said, handing her a PADD. "It should cut three months off out trip. I could make it shorted, but then we'd lost our communication link with Starfleet."
"That's alright Mr. Paris, to get to speak with our loved ones every now and then, it worth a couple of months."
When he stood there, gaping, Kathryn was forced to ask him, "Is there anything more Lieutenant?"
"No Captain," stuttered Tom. "But if you don't mind me asking, who's the lucky man?"
Kathryn blushed as a firm voice said, "The Captain's personal life is her own business Paris."
Kathryn turned to look at Chakotay's dark figure. He looked stunning. Kathryn had never seen him in a tux before.
Chakotay studied her as well, thinking that she could never have looked better. If only she gave him the chance, he would make her life so much happier. Oh, he was going to have trouble sleeping tonight.
Tom, sensing something, quickly excused himself, but he didn't get a response. He ran to engineering, boy would B'Elanna be please with this new gossip.
Chakotay waited until Tom Paris had rounded the corner, before he made his way to Kathryn.
"You look. beautiful," he said.
Kathryn blushed, "You don't look to bad yourself."
"Would a pretty lady like yourself be willing to accompany me to the Holodeck for a meal?"
"Just a meal?" Kathryn couldn't help but ask.
Chakotay looked a little taken a back, but replied without missing a beat, "We could do more if you like."
Kathryn grinned; who would have known flirting with Chakotay would be so much fun.
As they made their way to the Holodeck, talking, many of the crew stopped to look at them, but the 'couple' were oblivious to their stares. Chakotay sensed something was about to happen that night, and Kathryn just wanted to tell him how much she loved him, that she began to feel very fidgety.
"Chakotay," she gasped, when the door to the Holodeck opened showing a beautifully decorated ball, with a dining table for two in the middle. She glanced at the candles on the table and thought of William Shakespeare's poem from Macbeth. Life's Brief Candle it was called. She recalled that the character had been depressed at that time, but at this moment, Kathryn was far from depressed.
They ate in silence, making small talk every now and then. Kathryn was so nervous that she could hardly taste the delicious meal.
When they finished, Chakotay leaned over and grabbed Kathryn's hand. "What's bother you?" he asked softly.
Kathryn didn't say anything; she had been stunned by the spark of electricity when he had touched her hand.
"I'm sorry," he said, hesitantly removing his hand.
Kathryn leaned forward and touched his face, "Don't be," she whispered.
He looked up into her eyes and was stunned by the love he saw there. He had seen glimpses of the love before, during New Earth, but he had never seen it whole before.
Before they knew what was happening, the distance between them was bridged and their lips lightly brushed over each other's. Then, the deepened the kiss.
"Took you long enough," said Chakotay happily.
"And what's that supposed to mean, Commander?" she teased, as she traced the pattern of his tattoo, something she had been dying to do for years.
"Exactly what it sounds like," he said as he kissed her again. The first kiss had been gentle as if they were testing each other, trying each other out, stepping on dangerous ground, but now all care had been thrown to the wind. Kathryn lost herself as the kiss deepened.
Eventually they pulled apart for air. "I love you Kathryn Janeway," said Chakotay, brushing a stray tear that had rolled down her cheeks.
"And I love you Chakotay," she said. "Oh, Chakotay," she said as she clung on to him, her body racking with sobs.
"Kathryn, Kathryn?" asked Chakotay, "What's wrong?"
"I'm sorry it took me so long," she said, between sobs.
"It doesn't matter, all the matters is that we're here now," he said.
She nodded as he brushed her tears away. She felt foolish for a moment, before realising he was right.
"So when did you realise you loved me?"
"I always knew I loved you, I just decided to tell you today."
"Why?" he asked.
Kathryn related the events which had taken place earlier that day and Chakotay blushed when he heard about his dream.
"I'm sorry, I eavesdropped," apologized Kathryn.
"I'm glad you did, if it led to this."
"Think about it," laughed Kathryn, "They won't be dreams anymore."
Chakotay laughed as he led to a balcony and down a set of stairs to a beach. They spent the rest of the day getting to know each other better, whilst strolling down the beach. It was more than Kathryn could have ever asked for.
"I'm glad you had that dream," she told Chakotay as they walked back to HER quarters.
"So am I Kay, so am I."
"Kay?" she asked with a smile.
"I thought the nickname suited you," he said, with a smile. "I won't use it if you don't like it."
"No," Kathryn said decidedly gripped his hand she was holding firmly, "I like it."
As they walked past engineering, Kathryn heard the doors swish open and B'Elanna and Tom Paris walk out hand in hand, just as herself and Chakotay were. She turned and smiled at them as they gaped, she wouldn't have to worry about telling the crew, she told herself as they entered her quarters, B'Elanna and Tom would help her with that.
Sure enough as the command team rounded the corner; B'Elanna grabbed a passing Ensigns arm and whispered something in her ear. The Ensign nodded eagerly and rushed off. Tom grabbed B'Elanna's hand and dragged her to the Mess Hall. That night was an eventful one as the crew of Voyager raised their glasses in the Mess Hall and let out cheers, which could be heard from the quarters of the ship's Captain. Kathryn smiled at Chakotay as she lay snuggled in his arms staring out at the stars.
TO BE CONTINUED. TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK.