I loved 'The Eternal Tide' so much that I just had to write more of the JC reunion! Chakotay decides to take Kathryn to his home world in an attempt to ease her worries after the events of the previous year... and meet his mother! Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it :-) and apologies for any typos.

The Land I'm From

Despite it being her ready room for more years than she cared to remember Kathryn couldn't help but feel like a little bit of an imposter. This was Captain Chakotay's ready room now, and she was just 'borrowing the space', as he'd put it a few weeks earlier.

It was with mixed feelings that they had taken the current course, but like it or not they all needed a period of rest and Starfleet had ordered them home for just that. Re-evaluation of the mission they called it. Voyager needed some attention too, so it was with a heavy heart that Chakotay had made the decision to return to the Alpha Quadrant.

"Eight hours, we'll be orbiting Earth." He said as he entered the room.

"Mmm…"

"Kathryn," he moved to sit beside her, following her gaze out to the star field. "Care to share your concerns."

She slowly turned to him, "What makes you think I have any?"

"Many, many years of experience."

She allowed herself a small smile, slipping her hand down to rest on his knee.

"Trepidation, let's say. I'm wondering how many times my mother is going have to cope with losing me and having me remarkably return."

He sighed, "But you've been in contact with her, I think her joy at your being alive far outweighs anything that's gone before."

She glanced away again, resting her chin on her hand. He moved his atop of the hand she still had on his knee, "You look tired."

"Flatterer… I was just going to say how handsome you looked today."

He smiled, then let the silence fill the room, content to simply remain at her side for a while.

"Eight hours you say." She finally said.

"Yes. One day at a time Kathryn, remember."

She did, with painful rawness.

"Yes. I know."

"So, whilst we have the gift of time…" he said handing her over a padd.

She returned her attention to him, shifting her body slightly to face him and accepting the padd.

Her eyes widened as she read, "A trip?"

"If you're willing."

She swallowed, looking up at him, "To meet your mother?"

He grinned again, "About time don't you think. Not nervous are you Admiral?"

She dropped her eyes, "No. Should I be?"

"I have no reason to believe so."

"Fair enough," she handed him back the padd, "Guess I should get reading up on Trebus then."

She wanted to work. Yet there had been prolonged debriefings and enforced time with a councillor, sleepless nights trying to settle back into the San Francisco apartment, waking to Chakotay's strong arms and comforting words. Tears with her mother, awkwardly meeting with Mark and Carla again and being drawn into a tight hug with her former fiancé in view of her lover. No, her love.

The memorial to her had been taken down, the flame that burned at its head passed on to her, Chakotay and her sister Phoebe had gone to witness it taking place. She couldn't face it. Witnessing your own grave – it seemed far too macabre, even for her.

The days had been fraught and tiring, going over and over the events of the past year. As if she could fully explain what had happened to her, make sense of it. Somehow she'd held on to her Admiralship but they'd insisted she take time off, hence the trip to Trebus which was her current source of concern.

She was nervous and it was very unlike her to be so. She'd changed three times that morning already. How should one dress to meet your… what should she call him? Partner? Boyfriend? Love-of-her-life? Well, how should she dress to finally meet Chakotay's mother? Of course Gretchen adored Chakotay, as Kathryn knew she would, his easy-going manner, ability to make everybody feel important – she doubted she'd integrate into Chakotay's family with the same ease.

The chime to her apartment did nothing to alter her mood; he was early, she was running late.

"You're still wearing your robe." He stated as she opened the door.

"Don't start with me," she snapped, heading across the apartment and back to her bedroom. "I have no clothes."

He did his best to hide his smile as he followed her, sitting on the edge of the bed as he watched her fuss.

"How can getting dressed be so hard?"

"I wouldn't know," he said softly, "and does this mean you haven't packed any clothes – you know we're going to be away four or five days."

"Yes Chakotay, I do know," she said slowly, "but thank you so very much for the reminder."

"Alright. Tell me Kathryn, are you feeling slightly nervous?"

"Nervous, why should I feel nervous?"

"I have no idea."

"I mean, this is only a world with customs I have no familiarity with, customs that view me as… what, some kind of enemy?"

"Not quite," he reached for her hand as she passed him, "Kathryn, I love you, and they'll see that – she will – and love you too. She long since accepted my choice to join Starfleet, and look at Sekaya; you got on fine with her."

She paused, softening slightly and leaning into him, "That was one dinner, hardly a lifelong friendship."

"Yet."

She noted the change in tone and forced herself to stop, "I'm sorry, I don't know why I'm feeling such anxiety about it."

"A lot has happened in a short space of time, you can't be expected to move on so simply. Two days with my mother and then we'll have some time alone, I want to show you Trebus."

"I know."

"That okay?"

She smiled, folding her fingers with his, "Anything for you."

He drew her down for a kiss. "The dress you're wearing looks perfect."

She relaxed on the shuttle journey, it felt like old times, the two of them, alternating between companionable silence and joyous laughter.

She slept for a while, lulled by the passing stars and the familiar hum of a ship surrounding her.

When he woke her she felt heavy-headed, weighed down by her limbs. Her sleep patterns had been off since she 'returned'. Awake for most of the night, too much time on her hands to think things over, she kept waiting for Q to show up and tear everything away from her again. She felt fragile, and that was something she was most unaccustomed to.

"Is it a long walk?" She asked, blinking in the sunlight as she stood by the shuttle.

"Not too far from here."

She watched as he unpacked their bags, he already looked more relaxed, settled.

"What's wrong?" he asked, concerned by the look on her face, "You're not nervous again are you?"

She shook her head, "No, I think I'm going to like it here." She took her bags from him, hoisting one over her shoulder, "Did I tell you I love you?"

"Not today," he replied, trying his best to hide his grin.

She kissed him full on the mouth, holding him tight against her for few seconds, "Then I'm a fool, I should tell you every day."

"I won't argue at that."

She laughed, instantly feeling lighter and more relaxed than she had in weeks. "Well, shall we get going?"

"This way," he said striding out into the jungle.

It was Sekaya that greeted them first. Perched on a rock along their path awaiting their arrival. Chakotay's joy was evident as he dropped the bag he was carrying and pulled her into a hug.

"Good to see you two big brother," Sekaya whispered, returning the embrace.

Kathryn glanced away slightly, allowing them some small semblance of privacy; she'd forgotten it had been months since they'd seen each other. She'd only met her once, after their return to the Alpha Quadrant, and found her strikingly beautiful and very similar to Chakotay in manner, perhaps slightly more willing to give in to the childish joy that Chakotay managed to keep contained, most of the time.

"You remember…" she heard Chakotay say as he turned back to her and in seconds Sekaya had her in a hug too, crushing her against her chest.

"Of course I remember," she laughed, "I'm so glad this time he's sorted himself out and actually made a move."

"Sekky." Chakotay said grudgingly.

Kathryn smirked, raising her eyebrows at him in that Captain-like way she had, "Have I been discussed?"

"I tried to discuss you," Sekaya interrupted, taking Kathryn's bag from her, "but he was so stubborn and loyal, protective of you I guess, he'd never reveal details but I knew there was more to it than Captain and First Officer, or even friends." She had hold of Kathryn's hand and was leading her through the trees heading up towards a cleared area. "It's about time he found his soul."

Kathryn glanced over her shoulder back at a rather embarrassed Chakotay, smiling and teasing in equal measure, "Yes, it's about time." She mouthed at him.

"Me!" he responded, "I think we both know who held the strings there."

She shook her head at him before returning her attention to Sekaya.

"How are you anyway?"

She'd found over the past few weeks this was the go-to question for those who met her, but regardless she answered as she always did.

"Fine. I'm doing fine."

Sekaya stopped their walk and turned to face her directly. "And the truth?"

Kathryn smiled, she was as tuned in to her emotions as her brother was, "Getting there. Every day a little better. And I'm getting…" she glanced at Chakotay, "A lot of help."

"I should think so, tonight we'll cleanse your spirit."

She screwed up her face then quickly altered her expression; if life, and indeed death, had taught her anything it was that all species needed some kind of spiritual belief and connection. And who was she to judge? There was more out there than simply life and death. More than she'd ever imagined. Though the thought of the focus being on her wasn't entirely comfortable; she felt Chakotay's hand on her back and realised he'd never allow anything to take place that made her feel in the least uncomfortable.

They soon reached the village and Kathryn was taken aback by the effort that they'd gone to for her. Decorations, music, food, a monumental fire burning in the centre that seemed the heart of all life. Chakotay too seemed surprised by it all, he'd reached for Kathryn's hand as they approached and stroked her wrist tenderly, "I had no idea," he said gently.

She put on her brightest smile, the one she reserved for greeting new species, and watched as he was drawn into a fierce hug with an older woman. Her hair was white and long, hanging loose down her back, but her mouth was like Chakotay's and Kathryn could see he'd inherited more from his mother than simply looks.

"Mother, this is…"

"Kathryn Janeway." She moved closer to her, her old eyes examining the younger woman's face.

Kathryn held out her hand, "A pleasure to finally meet you. I'm only sorry it's taken us so long, I've heard so much about you and your entire family over the years."

"My son has also spoken of you most fondly," she dropped her gaze, scrutinising Kathryn's face, focussing on her eyes. "And I thank you for returning him to us."

"I couldn't have done it without him."

"You complement each other," she finally acknowledged, ignoring Kathryn's outstretched hand and instead placing a kiss on her cheek. Her touch felt as fine as paper. "You are tired my dear," she whispered by her ear, "You need to open your heart and let it go."

It had taken but a second to say the words that only the two of them could hear and then she had turned away, back to her son.

She felt Sekaya by her side, "That went well."

"How can you tell?" Kathryn whispered in response.

"I just know. Don't worry. Come on, let's eat."

"Oh my god!" Kathryn exclaimed as she bit into the bread Chakotay had handed to her. It was stuffed with fruits and nuts, some light spicing, something that tasted like coconut she thought. "How come you never made me this?" She asked, already taking a second bite.

"I can't do justice to my mother's recipe." He smiled.

"It's amazing, what else did you get me?" She asked, eyeing the plate of foods he'd brought to her. There were roasted fruits and vegetables, delicate pastries stuffed with exotic flavours, mushrooms and tomatoes cooked so simply but tasting divine. Kathryn was no vegetarian but not once did she miss meat.

"Goodness, I don't think I'll walk tomorrow," she laughed. "And I think I'm halfway drunk, you didn't tell me how strong this stuff was," she waved her beaker at him.

"You didn't ask," he kissed her forehead. "I'm glad you're enjoying it."

"As am I." Chakotay stepped aside at his mother's voice, feeling her hand warm on his back. He leant in to kiss her cheek.

"Thank you so much for the kind hospitality, you needn't have gone to all this trouble."

"Kathryn, in all the years my son has breathed he has never brought a woman home with him. Sekaya suspected there was more between you two than simply friendship and loyalty; I'm overjoyed the spirits finally brought you together."

Kathryn wasn't quite sure on the spirits part but she was thankful for the warmth the older woman was showing her.

"Now, time for dancing." She turned back to the fire, joining hands with others who were already enjoying the music.

Chakotay watched, his smile broad, heart light, he felt Kathryn's small hand slide into his and her fingers grip his. "You want to dance?" He asked, leaning back into her. She kissed the back of his neck and he closed his eyes.

"Yes," she whispered, "let's get drunk and dance, because nobody here knows me!"

He chuckled, twisting his head round to regard her, "thank you," he said gently, his face close to hers.

"Oh no, thank you, you were right, I needed this." She held his other hand, pulling him with her as she turned and moved out towards the fire, "Alright then, show me how I'm meant to dance to this."

"Hurry up," Kathryn chided, snuggling down beneath the mountain of blankets, it was November, and perhaps not the best time for choosing to camp. But when she accepted his invitation she was aware it meant outdoor living, not a hotel overlooking the beach.

"Bossy," he said, joining her in the bed.

"Force of habit," she cuddled up against him, her head on his chest, grateful for his arms around her. "I like your mother very much."

"I suspected you might."

"I like it here very much."

"Good, that means a lot. We're honoured guests, our own hut, despite it being a tad tight."

"I'm grateful for it," she twisted over, her head resting on his chest, pressed close to him, "incredibly grateful for it."

He brushed his hand over her hair, snickering along with her, like school children trying to laugh quietly.

She drew herself up so they were face to face, making out the shape of his face in the dim light before kissing him deeply, his hands skimming down her back, ruffling the shirt she wore, eager to feel her skin.

"It's too cold…" she whispered against his lips as he pushed the shirt up.

"Mmm," he kissed the top of her head, she could sense a hint of frustration but as always the patience he carried so easily.

"And I'm tired," she whispered again by his mouth. "I drank too much." She kissed him. "And danced too much." And kissed him again.

"I'll remember - no dancing tomorrow."

She smiled, lying down again, positioning her head so she could listen to the sounds that surrounded them. "I never realised how soothing it was."

"I know," he laced his fingers with hers, "when I returned here after all those years aboard Voyager it lulled me to sleep. The most refreshing and invigorating sleep I'd had in years. As a child I couldn't wait to leave, to explore, to travel, to prove myself. Now, being here, I realise it's part of me, it travels with me."

"I can understand that, a part of Indiana must travel with me too. Aboard the ship I often walked down the corridors and felt the brush of the corn against my legs, I remembered running, hiding, hearing Phoebe's delighted voice as she searched for me."

The image of a young Kathryn Janeway playing hide and seek in the fields filled him with delight.

"We can go there, before I have to leave," he said. "Show me these places I've heard of for years."

"Mmm, yes," she turned slightly, one leg snaking up over his, her mouth kissing his chest, "let's not discuss you having to leave just yet though."

"Alright." He stroked her hair. "Warm enough?"

"Perfectly so."

His hand rested on her back, soothingly stroking her skin beneath the sheets, "Can I ask what my mother said."

The words replayed in her mind, the texture of them turned over in her throat. Finally she said, "She told me I looked tired, and she was right, I am. So…I'm going to make the most of not having a combadge and sleep. Uninterrupted."

"Finally, a benefit of a technology free society."

He closed his eyes, his ears tuned in to the sounds of the jungle at night, and the sound of Kathryn at night too, he knew the precise moment when she drifted off into slumber. And it wasn't long before he did too.

Standing outside the make-shift structure Kathryn puzzled over it for a few minutes, the idea of showering outside in itself didn't bother her, it was the fact she wasn't far from the heart of the camp and the idea of there being no door to lock was more of a concern.

She opted for hanging her towel over the side of the structure and stepped inside. Undressing quickly in the small space she was surprised at how quickly she warmed beneath the water – the way they'd managed to utilise the river water was impressive and she found herself forming a whole new level of respect for their simple lives and ways.

Eyes closed she stood beneath the faucet letting the water drench her hair and wash away sleep. When she looked up she could see the blue of the sky, the early morning sun beginning to creep in and warm the land. It made her feel free.

The fingertips on her spine jolted her back to reality. Then she softened, recognising the lips on the nape of her neck, the hands moving to her hips.

"Good morning," Chakotay whispered by her ear.

"We already said good morning."

"Mmm, here it's customary," his words were punctuated by kisses along her shoulders, "to say good morning twice."

She smirked, "Really. And I suppose this is the customary way to say it."

"Absolutely." His mouth was moving further down her back.

"So, I should expect this treatment from other members of the tribe?"

This time he smirked, squeezing her hips for emphasis, "Notify me if you do."

She laughed which quickly turned into a groan as he reached a sensitive spot. She rested her hands along the cool tiled wall of the shelter, closing her eyes, lifting her face up to the water, arching her back into his embrace.

Chakotay's hands were far too good at this; he expertly turned her around, switching his mouth to her lower belly. His fingertips sliding up her left thigh, lifting her leg.

She rested her hand atop of his head, "Chakotay, somebody might hear," she said quickly.

"Then be quiet." He mumbled against her skin.

She smiled, her fingers unfurling in his thick hair, eyes closing, head tilted back. He lifted her leg up over his shoulder, shifting the angle of her body, his mouth easing its way up her thigh. Her face was being showered with warm, fresh water, mouth open as it dripped down her nose and onto her lips.

He moaned something against her skin as his tongue touched her and she bit down on her lip to suppress the groan. Her body responded of its own accord, her pelvis pressing forward, seeking more of his touch. The noises of the world around her disappeared, melting into one single heartbeat in her head, a sound that emanated from deep inside her. Her hips rolled back and forth, his hands – one on her lower back supporting, the other on her hip assisting her movements and his mouth… god his mouth.

She couldn't recall ever feeling such passion before, all the things she'd denied herself for so many years were suddenly beginning to unravel in her mind. All the times she'd imagined being with him. Touching him. Loving him.

It was liberating.

She covered her hand with her mouth when she climaxed, desperately trying to quell the noises forming in the back of her throat, the endless stream of affection she wanted to express to him, the bucking of her hips as her body slammed back against the wall of the shelter.

She felt almost weightless, her energy drained and gradually returning.

She squeezed his shoulders in an attempt to express how she felt, her thumbs stroking his skin. He lowered her leg, kissing her foot as he did so and she giggled at the tickle.

His kisses swept up and over her body, he was on his knees and he tilted his face up to receive the water as it slid down her skin. Finally she looked down at him, her hands on his face; his expression was of complete joy.

She slanted her head down, meeting his delicious mouth in a deep and loving kiss. He rose to stand with her, their arms around the other, bodies touching wherever they could, silently communicating.

"Kathryn! Are you in the shower?"

Sekaya!

Her head jerked backwards, banging against the wall, Chakotay suppressed a smile and she covered his mouth with her hand.

"Yes, sorry, I'm getting out now."

"Just checking, I'll make sure there's some breakfast left."

"Oh, thank you. I won't be long."

"Alright."

She listened for her footsteps leaving, the crunch of leaves beneath foot, her shoulders sagging when she realised she'd gone, her hand leaving Chakotay's mouth.

"And bring Chakotay with you!" Sekaya shouted playfully as she left.

Kathryn's eyes widened in both shock and devastation whilst Chakotay merely laughed.

"It's not funny, I can't go out there now, I'll die of embarrassment."

"Hardly. She won't tell anyone. Besides, we don't have such hang-ups."

"We were… in the shower." she gestured with her hand. "All your fault I might add."

He held her gently in his arms, a playful light in his eyes, "Oh really, that bad was it."

She allowed herself a small smile, warmed by his expression. "It was the nicest of hellos." She whispered against his mouth, leaning in for another kiss. "Possibly one of the most sensual experiences of my life."

"That's all that matters."

"You're incorrigible."

"All your fault." He kissed her nose. "Let's go have some breakfast, I'm rather hungry."

The festivities of the previous night were clearly forgotten and after breakfast had been cleared – Kathryn delighted that Chakotay had brought along coffee for her – she found herself being drawn into the day's work.

It was amusing to her how Chakotay was dragged off 'with the men' whilst she was left behind. Cooking and needlework were never strong points so it was a relief when Sekaya saved her and instead they'd assisted with more manual labour. She dug the earth, rid the beds of weeds, planted new seeds until her back ached and it was time for lunch. She ate with the women of the tribe, and it was surprising to her how much their company warmed her. She hadn't laughed so much in such a long time, she always seemed to get on better with men, but it was comforting to be with them, to laugh with them.

Later she painted new structures with some odd substance they'd mixed in front of her. It was pungent and for a while Kathryn found her head aching from the smell of it. But soon she grew used to the aroma and actually enjoyed the task. As always she viewed it in a scientific way – how big the structure was, how quickly she covered the first quarter, how long it would take to the do the remainder, whether she could beat her own time. By the third coat she was unquestionably faster, which in its way gave her some small sense of satisfaction.

"Well, Admiral Janeway, good to see you working hard."

"Hard! You have no idea. I haven't been this physically exhausted in a while." She looked up at him, squatting down beside her, the sun behind him framing his face. "And where have you been all day, and how come you're back?"

"We men have finished our tasks." He puffed his chest out and she couldn't help but splatter it with some of the 'paint' she was using.

"Hey!"

"Serves you right, finished indeed, typical men, half a day's work." She teased.

"Or perhaps we work faster."

"It certain regards…" she teased.

"Touché Kathryn."

"The truth is, I've rather enjoyed today, it's satisfying to work so hard and see the results. My mind is clearing."

"I hoped being here would help."

"It has. Did you notice – I slept last night."

"I did, all night."

Her smile was delightful.

"We better pack up, rain's coming."

She glanced up at the clear, blue sky, "How do you know?"

"I can smell it."

Sure enough the rain came, heavy and persistent. It brought with it its own fragrance, drawn from the river and the earth.

Kathryn dashed barefoot into the shelter, a coat held above her head as she ran, the rain splashing up her legs.

"A suggestion I would make," she panted once inside, "is they install lavatories so you don't have to go outside during a prolonged storm."

He laughed as she wiped at her feet with a towel.

"Generations of forward thinking haven't yet hooked on to that one, but I'll be happy to let you explain it to them over breakfast tomorrow."

She frowned at him, throwing the towel at his head, he looked far too comfortable, warm and happy as he sat propped up by many pillows reading.

"Don't drink so much coffee," he added, turning the page of his book.

"Next time I'll throw a shoe!"

He chuckled, "So predictable; how's the back?"

"Aching, I could use a neck rub about now."

He glanced over his book at her, "You haven't asked for one of those for years."

"I know," she slipped off her jacket, climbing onto the low bed. "Not since New Earth if I remember correctly."

His throat actually tightened at the memory, still, after all this time.

He snapped his book shut when she sat in front of him, cross legged on top of the thick blankets, and slipped her nightshirt up and over her head, throwing it to the floor of the shelter. Her hair loose against her back.

"Now," he swallowed, sitting up, "why the hell didn't you say so earlier?"

She smirked, "You didn't ask."

He reached forward, his mouth moving to meet hers, his hand already closing around her breast.

"Now, now Captain, I said a neck rub. No groping me."

He watched amused as she lay down on her stomach, her arms folded above her head. He wasn't surprised by Kathryn's passion, nor her playfulness when it came to sex, they'd flirted enough over the years for him to have some idea of what kind of lover she'd be – he just thanked the gods a thousand times over he was the one to finally be on the receiving end of it.

"I'm waiting," she snapped, twisting her head back to look at him, "and take your time, I don't want half a day's work."

He knelt over her, his hands on her shoulders, "You continue to amaze me," he whispered by her ear as he moved her hair aside. The silky weight of it in his fingers, the memory of that night, his confession – first confession – the magnitude of it all.

"I hope I continue to," she mumbled in response, her voice husky, eyes closed.

He skilfully worked his way along her shoulders, paying close attention to the sore spots, the aching muscles taut and tender. The way he had before. Only this time he got to feel her skin. Got to lean down every now and then and place his lips where his fingers had just been. Got to revel in the sound of her moans of pleasure and encouragement.

The rain pounded the roof of the shelter; the candlelight flickered, casting long shadows around the small room. The drumming of the rain seemed to be in rhythm with the beat of her heart and for the hundredth time since she'd returned to Voyager she wondered how she was going to bear being apart from him now.

"Chakotay," she murmured, twisting beneath his touch, content and yet hungry for more all at the same time.

He kissed down her spine, then back up again, his hands moving to her waist as she shifted and turned and he assisted her until they faced each other. His body easily moving between her legs, her warm thighs pressed against him, mouths fused, lips tasting and telling a thousand times over of love without using words.

"They'll hear," she said gently, aware of their structure not being far from others. But her hand was low on his back, pushing him forward, her other in his hair holding him close enough to kiss repeatedly.

"The rain's loud," he said against her lips, "and we'll be quiet."

She smiled. He smiled.

"I love you," she said, heart full, and he felt that same shiver of excitement and completeness at her words. It seemed to him he'd prayed for a lifetime for her to say those words to him and mean them. Now every time he heard her say it he just wanted it again.

"I love you too, so very much Kathryn."

She touched his face, "I know." And she truly did. She'd known for years. Perhaps even before New Earth. It was in his unwavering support, in his eyes when he caught her gaze at times, in the subtle ways he found to touch her. It was even there when they drifted apart, after that kiss in the holodeck simulation of Venice, when she'd backed away, when they'd argued, when she'd lost sight of who she was.

He still loved her. And she needed that. Selfishly. Stubbornly. She needed to know it was there, like a backbone, to carry on all those years the way she did.

And now, to really have his love, to love and be loved as thoroughly as she was, it was the only light guiding her forward after the horrors of the previous year.

And so, they made love slowly, with the sound of the rain on the tin roof, with the candlelight warming his back, with the stilted, muted sounds of the jungle surrounding them.

I really hope you enjoyed that - if you did, PLEASE leave me a review. It's encouraging to know someone's reading. x R