Anniversary on New Earth

"Chakotay, where are you taking me this time?"

"I just thought we could go somewhere special for our one year anniversary," he replied, "After the year we've had, I figured we could use a break."

"I couldn't agree more, I just wish I knew where this special place is," she said, grabbing his hand.

"Oh, you know where it is," he said, giving her a challenging smirk.

"Oh I do, do I?" she asked with raised eyebrows, "Well, can I guess?"

"Of course," he said, "do you worst."

"Alright then, Talax?"

"Nope, guess again."

"Somewhere on Earth? Ancient England?"

"Wrong again," he said laughing, "give up?"

"Never! The beaches on Banea?

"No, although that is a good idea...I'd love to see you in a bikini," he said, giving her a kiss.

"Oh you're so full of it," she smiled, slapping him playfully.

Laughing the couple found themselves at the door of the holo-deck.

"Computer, begin program Chakotay/Janeway 2" he said.

"New Earth!" Kathryn said, smiling and kissing him. "Thank you my dearest love," she said, "I could not have gotten through this year without you."

"No, thank you Kathryn," he said, stroking her cheek, "you've given me everything. I can never repay you enough. I love you."

"And I you," she said, tracing the outline of his tattoo with her finger. "Now, what do you say we get this anniversary started?" she said with a smile.

"I say lead the way Captain," he laughed, gesturing for her to enter. He waited for her to take a few steps before he swept her in his arms and carried her through the doors. Laughing, they kissed and she lay her head on his shoulder as he carried her to their house.

Kathryn was soaking in her bathtub, enjoying the bubbles and the beautiful night sky. Chakotay left the house, pausing in the doorway to spend a minute staring at his wife. After a year of marriage and all they'd gone through his love for her had only grown deeper and more intense. Kathryn looked over to him and they smiled. He walked over and kissed her deeply.

"Your coffee," he said, handing her the mug in his hand.

"Mmm...black. My favorite," she said, taking a sip. He started rubbing her shoulders and she just melted.

"I must have died and gone to heaven," she said, eyes closed, "a bath, coffee, shoulder rub...and you."

Smiling he kissed her again, enjoying their moment together.

Early the next morning they were sitting with each other in their bed. Kathryn was sitting up tracing Chakotay's tattoo as he was sleeping with his head in her lap.

Oh how she loved this man! She couldn't have gotten through everything without his strength and support. Every day the love she had for him grew deeper and deeper. She couldn't imagine a day without him. As he stirred and woke up she smiled down at him, "Good morning sleepy head." Leaning down she kissed him.

"Mmmm...now that's how I like to wake up," he said, smiling, stroking her long auburn hair. "You're so beautiful…" he whispered.

Blushing she smiled, "You're not so bad looking yourself."

"How did I get so lucky to win you?" he asked, sitting up and drawing her close to him.

"Well, it's a small crew, there weren't exactly a lot of options," she said, smiling at him mischievously.

Seeing his hurt look she cupped his face in her hands, "I'm kidding. Your kindness, your strength, your loyalty...you made me fall in love with you," and then, to emphasize her point, she kissed him more tenderly then she ever had before.

Before she knew it, their week on New Earth was over and they were back to work.

"I hate when vacation ends and work begins," she said to Chakotay, as they walked arm in arm to the bridge the morning after they left new earth.

"Agreed," he said, "maybe we should just leave Tuvok in charge and run off to New Earth together."

"Oh, could we!" she said, grabbing his hands and looking at him with a hopeful look.

"I'm all for it, but could you really abandon the crew like that?"

"I suppose not," she said with a sigh.

"Hey," he said, stopping and lifting up her chin, "I promise you we'll go back every year for our anniversary."

Smiling she kissed him, and soon his arms were around her waist and he was kissing her back passionately. Suddenly they were interrupted by Tom Paris and B'Lana running into the corridor, hand in hand. Right before their very eyes, Tom wrapped B'Lana in his arms and they started making out as well. Smiling up at Chakotay, she shifted so that his arms were still around her but she was facing Tom and B'Lana. Jumping to attention at the sight of their Captain and First Officer, B'Lana was blushing furiously. Tom, on the other hand, was trying very hard not to laugh.

"I assume you two are off duty," she said, trying to present the picture of an angry captain.

"Yes sir," said B'Lana.

"We're sorry captain," said Tom, smiling and giving her a knowing wink, "We thought this corridor was unoccupied."

Smiling she said, "Yes, well, carry on," and wrapping her arm through Chakotay's they began heading towards the bridge. After a few turns, when they were sure they were out of earshot, they turned to each other and burst out laughing.

"I never thought I'd see the day," Kathryn finally said when she'd finished and could finally speak again.

"Me neither. Those two have been eying each other from the moment they met," Chakotay agreed.

"It's about time is all I can say," said Kathryn, wrapping her arm back through his.

"Some people said that about us you know."

"Oh I know. It looks like we all need a little time when it comes to love."

"I couldn't agree more," said Chakotay, giving her one more kiss before they entered the bridge and went back to work.