Just the Conspiracy of Us

J/C 1/1 PG

"I heard the strangest rumor today," said Kathryn. "Really, what was

it about," asked Chakotay.

"Well it seems that the rumors were about the captain and the first

officer."

"Sounds like mutiny". "To be honest with you Kathryn, I don't

believe a word of it." He takes a deep breath and looks up at

her. "You know seven was malfunctioning, we don't have that excuse."

Kathryn looked up at him. "I know what you mean."

"I'm sorry" they say together. Then they both laugh.

Chakotay reaches for his coffee. "You didn't poison this did you?"

"Not more than usual."

Chakotay looks up at her again, and takes a sip of the

coffee. "Kathryn, we have known each other for a long time, so what

does it say about us it we crumble at the first sign of adversity?"

Kathryn sat silent. "Chakotay I". She stops.

"Kathryn I think we need to be honest with one another." He got up

and kneeled next to her chair. "I love you Kathryn, more that you can

understand." "I know all about the Protocol and the

regulations. " "But they don't change my feelings for you, those

feelings are here to stay." "Just like me, the one who will always be

by your side."

He kisses her hand and gets up and turns to leave.

"Wait, where are you going?" Chakotay turned around. Before he could

say another word, she was standing right next to him. She stood

staring into his deep brown eyes. A tear escaped from her eye and

careened down her cheek. Chakotay couldn't help it; he brushed it

away with his hand.

Before he knew it he had leaned over and gently kissed her lips. He

pulled away, and began to apologize. She stopped him. And she placed

her hand on his chest and looked up at him.

"I love you Chakotay."

That was all Chakotay needed to hear before he leaned over and kissed

her again.