Close Encounters of the First-Date Kind
The doorbell to Kathryn's quarters chimed the next night as she was reading her book. Her first day back on the job had been exhausting and she was just happy to be off her feet.
"Come in," she said, wondering who it could be. Her face broke out into a grin as her first officer entered her quarters and made his way towards her.
"Hello," she said, standing up and giving him a kiss.
"Hello," he said, sitting down with her and wrapping his arm around her shoulders. Snuggling into his side and laying her head on his shoulder she sighed with contentment.
"Rough day?" he asked, looking down at her.
"You have no idea. I'm still exhausted from the virus. How did you hold up?"
"Horribly," he replied with a straight face.
"Really?" she asked with some alarm. If he was still sick…
"Of course...sitting two feet away from you and not being able to hold your hand or anything was torture!" he replied with a smile.
She laughed and swatted at him playfully. "You are so full of it."
"You didn't know this?" he laughed.
"I suppose I did. Anyways, what are you doing here?"
"Does a guy need an excuse to visit the woman he loves?"
"No...but I can't believe this is just a social call."
"Well, you're right. I came to ask you on a date."
"A date?" she said, confused," what do you think we're doing right now?"
"All right, this could technically be considered a date," he said," but I wanted to do this the right way and officially ask you out."
"Well then, I accept. What did you have in mind?"
"Well, I thought we might start with dinner in my quarters. I'll replicate you some authentic earth cuisine."
"Wonderful! What then?"
"Well, that part will be a surprise. But I can tell you we'll then go back to my quarters and have coffee."
"Mmmm...coffee. But why the surprise? Can't you just give me a little hint?"
"Nope, I'm afraid you're just going to have to wait and see. Tomorrow at 1700.
"Sounds perfect!" she said, smiling.
"Wonderful! Be sure to dress up...this is a black tie event."
"Wow! Now you've made me curious. Won't you please tell me what we're going to do?" she said, kissing him.
"You're good, but no," he smiled, "my lips are sealed."
"Oh really," she said, giving him an arch look, leaning in, and kissing him passionately.
…
The next night Chakotay walked to Kathryn's quarters, heart beating. Dressed in his tuxedo and carrying a bouquet of roses, he was ready for their date and he had never been so nervous. Ringing the doorbell he heard her voice say, "Coming," and a few seconds later the door opened and there she was. She was so gorgeous it took his breath away. Her hair was hanging loosely around her shoulders; her dress was a sleeveless, olive green, satin; wearing diamonds, she sparked in the light.
"Hello," she said, smiling.
"Hi," he said, drinking her in, "you look amazing!"
"Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself."
Reveling in her beauty he couldn't say anything. Finally, after several awkward seconds Kathryn asked," are those for me?" pointing to the roses.
"Oh...yes! Sorry...I guess I kind of nervous…" he stammered, looking down and blushing.
Laughing, she said, "That's quite alright. I'm nervous too." Handing her the roses and offering her his arm they strolled down the halls to his quarters, making sure no one saw them together.
…
"Dinner was lovely Chakotay," Kathryn said, leading back on the couch with her champagne glass, "I can't remember the last time I had real spaghetti."
"Now come on," he said, "Nelix's hair pasta isn't bad at all."
The two laughed, enjoying each others company and sipping champagne.
"So, what are we going to do now?" she asked, "you wouldn't tell me before."
"You'll have to wait a little bit longer." Standing up and offering her his arm he asked, "follow me?"
"Always," she said, taking her arm and allowing him to lead her out the door and to the doors of the Holodeck.
"The Holodeck? What are we going to do here?"
"You'll see," he said, Computer. Run program Chakotay/Janeway 1."
"Program ready. You may enter the Holodeck." The doors opened and Chakotay led her into a beautiful ballroom with dozens of couples waltzing around. The music was coming from a small orchestra at the far end of the room. The bright dresses rustled and wine classes clinked. The chandelier above glistened in the light.
"Oh Chakotay!" she breathed, "this is wonderful!"
"I thought we could go dancing for our first date."
Looking down and blushing, Kathryn just nodded her head.
"What," he said worried, "what's wrong?"
"It's just that...I don't know how to dance," she said, embarrassed.
Relief flooding through him, Chakotay began laughing and couldn't stop himself.
"What's so funny?" she asked, somewhat annoyed.
"I thought that maybe you hated dancing and just didn't want to tell me. I thought I had failed at picking our date."
"No, not at all," she said, "I love to watch people dance and have always wanted to learn. I just never took the time to know how."
"Well, that's no problem. I'll help you." Standing up straight and offering his hand he said, "May I have this dance?"
Laughing, Kathryn allowed him to lead her onto the floor.
"Alright, what do I do?" she asked him.
"Put your right hand in mine and your other hand on my shoulder." A little shiver went through her spine as he then put his arm around her waist and drew her close to him.
"Now just follow me," he whispered in her ear and away they went, waltzing around the floor.
Eyes shining, whirling around Kathryn couldn't believe she was dancing! She felt so right and comfortable in Chakotay's arms. She couldn't remember a time she had ever been happier. Looking up at him she smiled and he smiled back.
"Are you sure you haven't done this before," he asked her.
"Never!" she laughed.
"Well, you're a natural!"
The song ended and he spun her out and she gave a little curtsy.
"I can't believe I just did that!" she said, her cheeks flushed and eyes shining.
"You were great! I can't believe you've never done this before."
Another song began and he took her in his arms again and away they went.
…
Several hours later the songs had slowed down and Kathryn and Chakotay were still dancing. She lay her head on his shoulder as they swayed back and forth to the beat.
"Are you happy Kathryn?" he asked her.
"Perfectly," she said, leaning up and kissing him. "And you?"
"I couldn't be happier."
As the song ended, he asked her, "should we go?"
"If you're ready, I'm ready."
Taking her arm through his they walked through the dark halls back to his quarters and a nice cup of coffee.
"Thank you Chakotay," she said as they were sitting together on the couch, "I had a fabulous time."
Stroking her cheek he said, "I love you Kathryn," and kissed her. After several minutes they broke apart and she said, "I love you too Chakotay."
