Disclaimer: ST: VOY is not mine.

Author's Note: I'm pissed and in pain. Grr... stupid nose job.

Festina Lente

By mistress amethyst une

"Let's take it slow," she said, as she rested a hand on his shoulder.

They were both seated on his couch. She'd just polished off her third cup of coffee. It was a decaffeinated blend he'd forced on her. She'd decided to substitute quantity for quality, to no avail. He'd observed her stifling several yawns. Her hand would go up to gently pinch the bridge of her nose. Her head bowed down a little to hide the tension in her jaw as she tried to keep the yawn from escaping her lips. He caught her each time though.

"Slow?" he replied. "It took seven years for us to confess how we felt about each other. How much slower can we get?"

She sighed. "I know. But I don't think we should exactly be traveling at warp when it comes to this. Just a little... discretion?"

It was his turn to sigh. "Our little secret."

"Exactly."

"But... will you promise me something?"

"What?"

"When we let them know... will you let me openly show how I feel about you?"

"Like how?"

"What normal couples do. Dance with you at parties, kiss you in public, just hold you for no reason..."

She chortled. "Public displays of affection? Commander, feel free to stake your claim when we let them know."

"Seriously?"

"Of course. But for now..."

"We take it slow." The disappointment was palpable in his voice.

"No need to sound like I've sentenced you to the brig."

"You might as well have. It's not going to be easy to act normally around you now that we've transcended friendship."

"You'll manage. If you play the part well enough, I just might have something for you at the end of the day."

Her eyes were sultry, and her smile had a devilish edge.

"Really, now?" he said, returning her grin. She tried to keep her expression seductive, but it was difficult. A yawn soon contorted her face. He burst out laughing.

"Stupid decaf," she said, her voice heavy with a desire to rest.

"So, I guess you'll be going back to you quarters now..."

"Eager to get me out of here?"

"Not at all. But since we're taking it slow, it wouldn't exactly be advisable to have the captain snoozing in her first officer's quarters. They might assume things..."

That devilish smile returned to her face. "Let them assume away. It'll make it easier to confess to them when the time is right."

"Kathryn?"

"Good night, Chakotay. Consider this your punishment for serving me decaf."

She leaned into him and whispered huskily into his ear. "Now, if you hadn't given me decaf..."

She didn't finish the statement. She left a kiss on his cheek as she rose from the couch. Before he knew it, she was in his bedroom and had locked the door. Damn it, they weren't even an official couple yet, and she was already forcing him to sleep on the couch. So much for taking it slow...

-END

Festina Lente: hurry slowly. :) Dunno why angst didn't come out. xD (yelps in pain) Well, it was a good fluffy distraction from the pain in my nose. :(