Me Myself & B'Elanna

by VoyagerCat

"Lieutenant!" "I no, airlock city for me."

2. Me Myself & B'Elanna Chapter 2

"Me Myself * B'Elanna"

Chapter 2

"Paris to Torres." Janeway rolled over in frustration at the hail.

"Hi Tom, what's up?"

"Hey B'Elanna, I just miss you. Have you eaten dinner yet?"

"No, the captain is being stubborn, she won't feed me."

"For hell sakes B'Elanna, you can't possibly be hungry anyway."

"Well I am, and I want to have dinner with my husband, please!"

"I promise I'll be good Captain. I just want to see B'Elanna, and you." Tom added quickly.

"Fine Tom, but we stay here in my quarters, and no more kissing, understood."

"Yes Ma'am. I'll be there soon and I'll bring the wine. Paris out."

"This ought to be fun." Janeway rolled off the couch and headed to the bedroom to change.

"It will be fun, you'll see Captain." Janeway had gone to her closet and picked out an over sized gray sweatshirt and sweat pants to put on. "Hey, that's not what we are gong to wear is it? I haven't seen Tom for over two weeks, can't we put on something a little more, sexy?"

"No, we can not. I don't need you two flirting with each other using my body." Janeway pulled the sweatshirt over her head and looked in the mirror. "This will do just fine."

"Yuck, we look like a fat old lady."

"Deal with it."

"Can't we even have a bit of lipstick or comb your hair?" Tom had wasted not time in getting there. The door chime sounded.

"Nope." Janeway headed out to answer the door. "Come in Lieutenant." She left no doubt, as to who it was greeting him.

"Captain, you look…"

"Like an old fat cow."

"Not quite what I was going to say B'Elanna. It's just, kind of…"

"Ugly!" Once again, B'Elanna finished her husband's unspoken words.

"Are you going to stand in the doorway all night, or are you coming in Mr. Paris?" Tom walked through the threshold just as Chakotay passed by heading to his quarters. They were lucky they missed the profanity shot in their direction as the door hissed shut.

"Tom, is that the real thing?" Janeway was pointing to the bottle of wine he was holding. Tom was trying to judge what answer she was looking for before her responded. He didn't want to make the wrong move and get himself kicked out. He opted for the truth.

"It's the real thing Captain."

"Perfect." She grabbed the bottle and took it over to the table to open it. "I think we could all use a good drink after what we've been through."

"I can agree with that." Tom joined them at the table. Janeway was already pouring them both a glass of wine.

"Captain, be careful I don't handle alcohol very well."

"Don't worry Lieutenant, I'll do all the drinking and besides, I'm drinking for two tonight." Tom started laughing as they clinked their glasses in a toast.

"Ok, but I warned you. Tom, come and sit over here by me." Janeway gave Tom a don't come any closer look. He didn't move.

"Sorry kids, this is a strictly hands off dinner. You're just going to have to wait until you're alone."

"Yes Ma'am." Tom winked at his wife, but Janeway just rolled her eyes and took another sip of her wine.

"So Tom, tell us about the away mission." Husband and wife continued the conversation and Janeway was content to let them share this time together. She was just as content to sip at her wine and stay out of it.

"What the hell is he doing over there? Is he always this noisy Captain?"

"Only when he's throwing furniture around." Janeway just sat back with a smile on her face.

"Captain, how long are you going to make him suffer? The poor guy is hurting."

"I'm not doing anything, if he wants to he can come over here and apologize then maybe I'll talk to him."

"Now who is acting like kids Captain? Just go over there and tell him the truth, tell him how you feel."

"You have no idea how I feel Lieutenant so back off."

"That's where you are wrong Captain. I know every little detail of how you feel about Chakotay, and more than that, I know how hard this has been on you all these years not being able to tell him so. I'm not trying to hurt you or make you upset, but it's no secret how he feels about you too and you're both just too Starfleet to do anything about it." Tom was a little afraid for his wife at the moment. She was digging through a taboo subject and they all knew it.

"B'Elanna, I don't think this is the best time for this conversation."

"Tom, that's the smartest thing you've said all night." They all jumped at the sound of another loud crash coming from Chakotay's quarters. The entire subject was dropped and the meal continued in silence until the interruption of the com-link.

"Vorik to Lieutenant Torres."

"Torres here, what is it Vorik?"

"I'm sorry to bother you Lieutenant, um Captain. I talked to the Doctor and he said it would be alright."

"Just get on with Vorik, what's the problem?"

"We're still having problems with the thermal-reactors. We've been trying all day to stabilize the core temp and haven't gotten it down far enough. I was hoping you could give us a hand for just a few minutes. You always come up with a solution that we haven't thought of."

"I'll be there, or rather we'll be there in a few minutes. Just don't let the ship blow up before I get there."

"Understood Vorik out." Janeway and B'Elanna went to stand up to leave, but they were a bit wobbly on her feet.

"B'Elanna, Captain, are you sure this is such a good idea? I don't think you should over do it."

"Too late for that Tom, our captain has already overdone it with the wine." Tom helped them get steady on her feet.

"We'll be just fine Lieutenant. Come on, you've got a job to do. I don't want my ship to blow up."

"It's your body, who am I to argue, just don't throw-up on us."

"I'll do my best. Let's go."

***

Chakotay was still fuming, but had calmed down considerably, or it could be because he couldn't find anything else to throw. He was still pacing around in his quarters when the hail came.

"Doctor to Commander Chakotay."

"Doctor I'm busy right now, what is it?"

"I would doubt you're busy Commander, unless you count brooding as busy."

"Well it just so happens that I do, so if you'll excuse me."

"Please Commander, I would like to talk to you."

"About what?" The Doctor chose his words carefully he knew Chakotay would just cut the link if he said the wrong thing.

"It's about Lieutenant Torres." He didn't mention the captain. "Would you come to sickbay, please."

"Of course I'll come for B'Elanna. I'll be there shortly, Chakotay out."

Well the first hurdle is over, now for the hard part of convincing him of what happened. If the captain would do her job and tell him, I wouldn't be put in the position in the first place. Humans can be so pigheaded, especially our gracious command team. I just hope they appreciate all the trouble I go through for them. The Doctor was lost in his thoughts as he continued to work on B'Elanna's body. He was also very pleased with what he'd done so far. She's looking even better than before. He still had a smile on his face when he turned at the sound of Chakotay walking in the room.

"Commander thanks for coming so quickly. Come over here so we can talk while I work on Lieutenant Torres."

"Doctor, how is she doing? I heard about the accident, but not any of the details. Is she going to be alright?" To Chakotay's eyes, she just looked like she was sleeping. The Doctor had repaired all the visible damage to her face and arms. There was a force-field around B'Elanna so he couldn't touch her or he would know how cold and lifeless her body felt.

"Commander have a seat, I'd like to keep working while we talk." Chakotay pulled up a chair ready to listen.

***

"Lieutenant I think it's working. I don't know what you did but the temp is dropping. Great job Lieutenant." The Captain slid out from under the consol smiling at Vorik. She was covered in dirt and sweat and she had torn a hole in her big gray sweatshirt she still had on.

"Yes Lieutenant your captain does a great job. Thanks for the compliment."

"Yes Ma'am." Vorik looked a little embarrassed even for a Vulcan.

"Excuse me Captain, but I believe you are taking credit where credit is not due. It wasn't you who came up with the idea."

"So, it was my hands that did all the work. Besides, I was just about to mention it when you said something first."

"Yea right, you were not, I know what you're thinking."

"If you two will excuse me, I'll just leave you to work it out. Thanks again Lieutenant, Captain." Vorik nodded and left. Janeway was laughing.

"You're impossible Captain." B'Elanna tried to move Janeway's body, but found the captain wasn't about to help out. There was a distinct rumble in her stomach. "Oh no, you wouldn't."

"I would." Janeway closed her eyes hoping it would pass. "Just stay still Lieutenant. We're going to have to take this slowly."

"I told you we were going to regret all the wine."

"I only had two glasses B'Elanna. You sure don't drink like a Klingon do you?" The rumbling in Janeway's stomach intensified. "I'm definitely not feeling too good."

"Hang on Captain just take slow deep breaths. Do you think we can stand? I need to get to the replicator, I've got a cure programmed for just such an event."

"We can try, and what is this so called cure?" They slowly started to stand, which caused their world to spin.

"Damn, this is worse than the zero gravity training at the academy. I always hated that, now I remember why." B'Elanna could feel Janeway start to slip into oblivion. They were sliding back down the wall. "Hold on Captain, don't you dare pass out on me. I can't do this alone."

"I'm trying just give me a minute." Janeway just stood still with her eyes closed and stomach churning. "B'Elanna, why did you let me drink that wine? It's your fault we feel sick now."

"My fault! I told you not to, you just don't listen to anyone because you're the captain and you know it all."

"Well congratulations Lieutenant, you've proven me wrong. I don't know it all. Now, let's get that cure and fast." They made it to the replicator and B'Elanna ordered her strange concoction.

"Now, we have to drink this down in one gulp, ready?" Janeway brought the small cup of smelly liquid to her lips. She just about lost all contents in her stomach.

"Ah, this is horrible, what the hell is in it?"

"You don't want to know, just drink it, we'll feel much better." In one quick gulp, Janeway downed the disgusting stuff. It burned clear through to her toes and caused her eyes to water.

"B'Elanna, are you trying to kill me?" B'Elanna was laughing as Janeway struggled to even catch a breath.

You'll be alright, just breath normal and let it start to work. B'Elanna couldn't say the words aloud because Janeway was gasping and choking. Come on Captain take it easy, It's starting to work can you feel it? Janeway slowed her breathing and opened her eyes. The ship wasn't spinning as fast and she could feel her stomach start to settle. See that's better.

"B'Elanna you're a woman of many talents."

"Yes I am, and don't forget that the next time I do something, not so talented."

"I'm sure you'll remind me. Let's go, I'm getting very sleepy."

"Just an effect of the cure. We'll both sleep good tonight." They slowly made it to Janeway's quarters and had no sooner plopped on the bed than they were both fast asleep.

***

"Doctor, how is this possible? I've never heard of anything so crazy, and why the captain? Never mind, I already know that answer." The Doctor just smiled over at Chakotay. He had enjoyed watching the play of emotion cross the Commanders face during his tale of the impossible. He was becoming more proud of himself by the minute.

"It's possible Commander, because I am the best. I've read about a few other cases that were somewhat similar, but this is a first where both conscious minds are active in one body."

"Is this harming either one of them Doctor?"

"Nothing permanent although it's more of a strain on the captain's already overworked body, and they could end up killing each other before I get B'Elanna's body finished."

"How much longer will it be?"

"I'm not sure, but I hope I'll be able to transfer Lieutenant Torres back to her own body sometime tomorrow afternoon. Commander, now that you know, I hope you're going to be a bit more supportive to the captain. This has been just as hard on her as Lieutenant Torres."

"I know that, but it's too late to do anything about it right now. I'll try and talk to her in the morning, I'll think about it anyway." Chakotay had one of his mischievous smiles on his face.

"Commander, what are you planning? I only told you because I felt sorry for you and I thought you could help."

"Don't worry Doctor, I can and will help, when the time is right." Chakotay headed for the door. "Goodnight Doctor." Chakotay was in such a good mood now he almost skipped all the way to his quarters. He briefly paused at Kathryn's door and even thought about talking to her, but the desire for a bit of teasing was stronger. He'd tell her tomorrow after he had a little fun with it.

***

The time is 0530. The computer's voice broke into B'Elanna's nice dream she'd been having. The time is now 0531. B'Elanna had one eye open the other wouldn't cooperate.

Kathryn wakeup and tell that damn alarm to shut up. She didn't receive a response.

The time is now 0532.

"Captain! Wake up." Janeway's other eye opened.

"Computer, reset alarm." She closed both of her eyes and went back to sleep. B'Elanna did the same. Whatever that concoction was, it worked wonders.

***

"Good morning Harry, Tuvok." Chakotay strolled onto the bridge.

"Commander it's nice to have you back."

"Nice to be back Ensign." Just then, Tom walked off the turbo-lift. He glanced at Chakotay, but was afraid to meet his eyes. He wasn't quite sure if Chakotay would try to kill him or not. He quickly walked past them and sat at his station. "What, no acknowledgements this morning Mr. Paris?" Chakotay was going to enjoy this.

"Sorry Sir." He had no further reply. Chakotay walked to the command center.

"Where's the Captain, she's already five minutes late?"

"I'm sure she'll be here momentarily Commander." Clearly none of them knew that Chakotay knew the whole situation, and he wasn't about to spill the beans just yet. "Would you like me to contact her Commander?"

"No Tuvok, I'm sure Mr. Paris here can tell us why the Captain is late. So Lieutenant, just how late did you keep her up anyway?" Chakotay was doing his best to keep a straight face. Tom turned around in his seat to face him.

"I don't know what you're talking about, we didn't do anything, I didn't do anything. If you'd let me explain I…"

"Oh don't bother Lieutenant, I don't want to hear it. I'll just contact her myself." He tapped his com-badge. "Chakotay to Captain Janeway." They could all hear some slight rustling, but no voice. "Chakotay to Janeway." This time they all heard Janeway's voice, although slightly more low and raspy than usual.

"Go away." Chakotay just about blew his cover trying to suppress his building laughter.

"Excuse me Captain, could you repeat that, I didn't quite hear you?"

"I said, go…"

"Damnit! What time is it?" Chakotay couldn't have responded if he'd wanted to, Janeway had cut the link. Biting his tongue, he just glared at Tom.

"Maybe I should go see if the captain needs any help." Tom was dieing to get out from under Chakotay's glaring look.

"That might be a good idea Lieutenant. Why don't you just go give sleeping beauty a kiss to wake her?" Harry busted out laughing, while Tom ran for the turbo-lift. He didn't stop until the doors had closed.

"Ensign Kim, this situation is not that funny."

"Sorry Tuvok, but I haven't seen anything quite so funny in years." Poor Harry just couldn't help it.

"Commander Chakotay, there is something you need to know." Chakotay turned around in his seat to face Tuvok and at the same time, busted out laughing along with Harry.

"It's ok Commander, I already know."

"You knew, why didn't you say so in the first place?" Harry commented before Tuvok could say anything.

"And spoil all the fun, come on Harry, two can play at this game. The captain chose not to inform her first officer, I'm just returning the favor."

"I fail to see the logic in either one of you. This is a serious matter and the command team should treat it as such."

"There is no logic in it Tuvok. Sometimes when a situation is as serious as this, it's the best way for humans to deal with the pressure. Teasing is just part of life and in this case, I didn't start it, the captain did." Tuvok just raised both eyebrows and continued working at his station.

"So when are you going to tell them you know?" Harry was enjoying this indeed.

"I don't know yet, but you'd better keep quiet Ensign."

"Don't worry about me, I'm having too much fun watching all this." Chakotay was still looking at Tuvok.

"Tuvok, can I count on you?" Tuvok looked up from his work with not a hint of expression on his face. Chakotay was a little worried.

"While I don't agree with your tactics, it is most entertaining."

"Indeed Tuvok, indeed."

***

Janeway and B'Elanna drug Janeway's body to the door to answer the insistent chime.

"B'Elanna open the door, it's me Tom." The door swished open. "Captain, you look like hell. B'Elanna are you alright?"

"I'm fine. Good morning Sweetheart." B'Elanna advanced toward to her husband.

"Oh no B'Elanna, I'm not kissing you looking and smelling like that." Tom backed away from them. Janeway started laughing.

"Come on Tom, this is your last chance to kiss your Captain, you have my permission." Janeway and B'Elanna were both laughing now.

"No thank you Captain, I'll pass." He walked to the other side of the room. "No offence, but would you go and shower and brush your teeth? Commander Chakotay is in a bad mood, and why are you so late anyway?"

"It's not my fault. Your wife turned off the alarm."

"I did not, you did, I just told you to."

"Well you'd better get going before the Commander throws us all in the brig."

"He can't do that, I'm still the captain."

"Don't bet on it. You didn't see the mood he was in. Captain maybe I could take the rest of the day off, do something away from the bridge."

"Not a chance Mr. Paris. You're in this as deep as the rest of us. Now fix me some coffee and we'll be back in a jiffy."

"No more coffee Captain." Tom just laughed at the two of them as they headed to the shower.

***

The three of them were in the turbo-lift on their way to the bridge. "Captain, is that offer for one last kiss still open? You do look and smell much better."

"No, it was a one time offer." B'Elanna slugged him on the arm again.

"You're really enjoying this aren't you, you pig."

"Ouch, that's no way to treat the man who loves you."

"You two knock it off, I'm already in enough trouble."

"Captain you walk out first, just incase Chakotay decides to throw something."

"In that case, I'll be sure to duck Mr. Paris." The lift doors opened. Janeway walked onto the bridge and nodded a greeting to Harry and Tuvok. She quietly took her command chair as Tom took his seat at the helm, hoping that Chakotay wouldn't get him from behind.

"Nice of you to grace us with your presence Captain." Chakotay's icy tone struck a nerve with Janeway.

"Commander, back off. I'm still the captain of this ship and I expect to be treated with some respect." Chakotay was about to throw a verbal counter-punch when he saw that Janeway was looking rather strange. B'Elanna! Don't do it, I swear I'll through you out an airlock at the first opportunity.

I'm trying to hold it in, but it's not my fault. If you would take better care of yourself, I wouldn't have so much gas. Tom had turned back around to face his wife and captain. He was a bit concerned at the look on their face.

"Captain, maybe I should get you to sickbay, you don't look so well." Janeway's response wasn't what any of them expected. Once again, B'Elanna let out a disgusting belch. Janeway just buried her face in her hands.

Well you got to admit Captain you do feel better.

"A little too much late night partying with Mr. Paris, ha Captain?" Chakotay just couldn't help it. He knew he would probably never be forgiven, but the urge to get one more jibe in was too strong.

"Commander, this isn't what…" Janeway held out a hand to stop Tom from further comment.

Captain, don't be too hard on him.

"Shut the hell up Lieutenant." There was fire in her eyes and B'Elanna could feel she'd pushed too far.

"Excuse me Captain? I'm still a commander, unless you forgot to inform me otherwise." Janeway was glaring so intently at Chakotay that he was almost afraid he'd over done it himself.

"You son of a bitch." Janeway was practically spitting fire now. Chakotay was biting his lower lip to keep from laughing.

"Captain Janeway! That is highly inappropriate language for a Starfleet Captain." Tuvok was hoping that it was Lieutenant Torres who had made that comment, but feared it was not.

"Shut up Tuvok." It was the Captain, but wisely, Tuvok made no further comment. Harry and Tom just stared at the command team in shock. B'Elanna didn't dare even think let alone make a comment. "My ready room, now Commander." Janeway was out of her seat and in the ready room before Chakotay could have responded.

"It would seem you have pushed too far Commander." Tuvok wasn't happy with this situation.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of it." Chakotay walked toward the ready room.

"What do you mean you'll take care of it?" Tom called out. "You already know the truth don't you?" Chakotay just smiled as he left the bridge. That son of a bitch. Tom mumbled under his breath.

***

"Commander you are in serious danger of spending the rest of this journey home in the brig. What gives you the right to treat me like that? I'm still the captain of this ship, or have you forgotten?" Chakotay just stood silently letting her vent her frustration. He was trying to keep his dimples from popping out.

Captain, take it easy. I'm sure he wouldn't be acting like this if he knew the truth. It's partly your fault. Janeway put her hands over her ears as if that would block out B'Elanna's voice. Her head was really pounding now. Janeway walked to the replicator and ordered a glass of ice water. Chakotay had followed her and was standing right in front of her as the smile broke out on his face at last. The dimples were in full view.

"What in the hell are you smiling at Commander?"

"That was a good belch, but I know you can do better than that B'Elanna." Before he could even think to duck out of the way, he was rewarded with the glass of ice water in his face. "Hey! Which one of you was that?"

"Both."

"You really are a son of a bitch Chakotay. I can't believe you would do this. How long have you known the truth anyway?" Janeway was still too furious to respond. She was content to just let B'Elanna at him. Chakotay was wiping the water from his face.

"I wouldn't have had to do anything if you and the captain would have informed me in the first place. It would seem to me that I'm the one who deserves an apology."

"I owe you an apology Commander, I think not."

"I think so, Captain. After all, I'm the one who was left thinking you were having fun with B'Elanna's husband. How could you let me think that? Also, you called me a son of a bitch in front of the entire bridge crew."

"You are."

"B'Elanna, stay out of it." Janeway was pacing around now.

"Fine Commander, I do apologize for that rude comment."

"I don't."

"B'Elanna!" Janeway and Chakotay said together.

"Fine, I'll just take a nap or something." Janeway had her doubts about that.

"I'm sorry Kathryn, I may have gotten a bit carried away with the teasing, but you should have told me in the first place. I've been worried sick about both of you."

"I'm sorry, but you never gave me much of a chance to explain. You just happened to see the wrong things at the wrong time." Janeway had taken a seat on the couch and Chakotay joined her. She really did look tired and way over-stressed.

"Kathryn, B'Elanna, are you really alright? I can't imagine how hard this has been on both of you." Chakotay had taken Janeway's hand in his. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

Oh, he is so sweet he's melting your heart.

B'Elanna, I thought you were napping.

Can't sleep, say something to him, he looks like he's about to cry.

He is not.

"Kathryn, did you hear me, are you ok?" Chakotay really was concerned now.

You better say something or I will.

Keep your mouth shut Lieutenant. "We're fine Chakotay. It will all be over soon anyway, at least it better be."

Come on Kathryn get a little closer to him. He won't bite, and besides what would be wrong with that anyway?

B'Elanna!

"The Doctor said he should be done anytime now. I'm sure he'll be contacting you both soon." Janeway was trying to keep a straight face even though B'Elanna was driving her nuts with all the remarks in her head. She had also managed to move Janeway just a bit closer to Chakotay.

Kathryn, just ask him to have dinner with you tonight, I'm sure he wants to as much as you do.

"How do you know?" Janeway blurted out without thinking. Chakotay looked confused.

"How do I know what? Is that you Captain, or B'Elanna?"

"It was me yelling at B'Elanna, she's driving me crazy."

"Then just ask him and I'll be good."

"Ask me what?" Chakotay was starting to enjoy this again.

"Fine Lieutenant I'll ask him, just stay out of it."

"Aye Captain." Chakotay was laughing now. This really was comical watching Kathryn fight with B'Elanna as one person. He just waited patiently for the upcoming question.

"Chakotay."

"Yes."

"Would you stop with that silly grin? This isn't all that funny."

"I'm finding this most entertaining. Now what were you going to ask me Kathryn?"

"Will you have dinner with me tonight?"

"That's it, that's all you wanted to ask me? We have dinner all the time, of course I will."

"But tonight is going to be different." B'Elanna slid Janeway's hand across Chakotay's muscular thigh, slightly brushing her fingers along the inside of his leg. Janeway let out a gasp. Chakotay couldn't describe the sensation it caused in him and B'Elanna was laughing hysterically. When Janeway could finally get control over her own body, she jerked her hand from Chakotay's leg and jumped to her feet.

"THAT IS IT, I'VE HAD IT LIEUTENANT!" She smacked her com-badge. "Janeway to the Doctor."

"Yes Captain."

"I want B'Elanna out of me NOW, I don't care if you're finished with the repairs to her body or not. I mean NOW."

"Ok, don't bite my head off, I was just about to contact you anyway. I'll be ready for you two in about an hour. Do you think you can manage not to kill her for that much longer?" Janeway turned back at the sound of Chakotay laughing. He was sprawled out on the couch in a fit of laughter. He was next on her list to go out the airlock.

"I'll do my best. We'll be there in less than an hour, Janeway out." Without another word, Janeway stormed out of the ready room at warp speed. Chakotay, after catching his breath ran after her.

"Kathryn wait, I'm sorry." She just headed for the turbo-lift without slowing down. Tom had jumped to his feet as well and headed toward the turbo-lift also.

"B'Elanna stop, what's happening?" He followed Chakotay, who followed Janeway, with B'Elanna into the turbo-lift. The doors closed locking them all in there together.

Harry Kim let out a big sigh. "This is one scene I'm glad I won't be present for."

"You and me both Ensign." Tuvok gave Harry a nod and they continued their work in silence.

***

"Computer, halt turbo-lift." Chakotay turned to face Janeway. "I said I was sorry Kathryn, I didn't do anything anyway." Janeway wouldn't even look at either Chakotay or Tom. She just stood with her eyes closed and arms folded. "Come on Kathryn, talk to me?" He received no response.

"B'Elanna will you at lest talk to me? What happened in there?" B'Elanna, as much as she wanted to answer didn't dare. Tom reached out his hand and placed it on Janeway's shoulder. B'Elanna, I just want to help, talk to me."

"Mr. Paris, get you hands off of her." Chakotay wasn't playing games. He was still very upset about Tom kissing Janeway even though it wasn't Janeway, but it was. The whole thing was giving him a headache.

"Just who are you to tell me to keep my hands off? This is my wife and I'll touch her anytime I want." Tom was mad and didn't care if Chakotay tried to kill him or not.

"She is not your wife, she's your captain and I'm warning you to keep your hands off."

Captain: do something before they kill each other. B'Elanna was getting nervous.

"Oh you're warning me, just what are your going to do about it?" Tom tightened his hold on the Captain's arm.

Captain please! Janeway remained silent, but a smile was sneaking out on her face.

"Mr. Paris, I don't think you want to know what I'm going to do about it." Chakotay took a step toward Tom. Janeway stepped back releasing Tom's hold on her arm. She spoke in a soft calm voice.

"Computer, resume lift." The turbo-lift started moving again as Janeway stood with her arms folded and the smile on her face. Chakotay noticed from the corner of his eye that she was smiling. Both him and Tom looked back over at her, not sure what was going on now.

"B'Elanna would you please talk to me?"

"I can't, I'll get thrown out an airlock if I do."

"Kathryn, will you talk to me?" The turbo-lift stopped and the doors opened. Janeway pushed between the two of them and out the door.

"Sorry Commander, I don't want to. Goodbye." Janeway walked toward her quarters leaving the two attention deprived men to work it out on their own.

"Well that didn't work too well Lieutenant. I guess neither one of us is any good with women."

"I guess we're pretty pathetic aren't we," the two busted out laughing. "Chakotay, I'm sorry about what's happened. I didn't understand this whole thing at first myself. That kiss may have been the Captain's lips, but all I could feel was my wife. I wouldn't do anything like that and you know it."

"I know Tom, I guess I'm still trying to believe this whole crazy thing. I haven't had as much time to deal with it as you have."

"Speaking of time, how long have you known and why didn't you say something?"

"The Doctor just told me last night and I was going to say something, but I just couldn't pass up the chance to have some fun. I'm sorry, well sort of. It was fun, especially in the ready room."

"What happened in the ready room?" Now Tom was feeling a bit jealous.

"Nothing really, well nothing as good as that kiss you got. How about we drop the whole thing and I buy you a drink. I just happen to know where you keep the good stuff."

"Nothing gets past you and the captain does it, and if it's my stuff, how does that make it that you are buying the drink?" Chakotay slapped Tom on the back.

"Easy, I'll just owe you one." The two friends left to find the secret stash.

***

Janeway was stretched out on her sofa trying to relax before they went to sickbay. She was going to give the Doctor ten more minutes and that was it. "B'Elanna your thoughts are awfully quiet. I know you have something to say, so you might as well get it out, it will be your last chance to read my mind. What is it?"

"I'm just a little worried about the whole thing and I'm hoping you won't kill me when I'm me again for what I did to you and Chakotay."

"I won't say the thought didn't cross my mind, but I couldn't run this ship without you and I think I'd even miss you."

"Thanks, I'm going to miss you too. It's been fun, well for the most part anyway. You know, until living inside of you I never realized just how hard it is to be the captain. You have so much to worry about, and so many damn reports to do." They both started laughing over that. "I just wanted to thank you for being the best Captain and the best friend I've ever had. I'll never be able to repay you for what you've done for me."

"B'Elanna stop, you're going to make us cry."

"Sorry Captain, what was I thinking?"

"The same thing I've been thinking. That you are a dear friend, and as hard as this has been on both of us I'd do it again without question."

"All of it, even the hand on Chakotay's leg?"

"Most definitely not all of it, but my hand on Chakotay's leg would be an enjoyable repeat performance."

"Ha! I knew it. You did enjoy it."

"B'Elanna, if you say anything."

"I know, I know, airlock city for me."

"So you finally caught on to the way things are run around here, now that we are about to become two again."

"I'm just a bit slow I suppose."

"Well I think the Doctor has had enough time, what do say we get this over with."

"I'm as ready as I'll ever be, but I wish Tom would be there with me."

"Don't worry Lieutenant. I have a feeling that both of our crazy men will be pounding on the door to be with us." They left Janeway's quarters for the last time as one and walked to sickbay in silence.

***

The Doctor was just about ready to begin the procedure to reintegrate B'Elanna's conscious mind into her body. He was a little nervous, but would never admit to it. This was the second major obstacle of the whole thing. If this didn't work, B'Elanna would be lost to them forever. He could not let that happen.

Janeway had already been given a light sedative and was lying quietly on the bio-bed next to B'Elanna's body, which was still in stasis. Right on Que, they heard the pounding on the sickbay doors. The Doctor had sealed the doors so there would be no interruptions. The slightest mistake would be fatal for both of them.

See Lieutenant, I told you they would be here. "Doctor, would you please open the doors before they break my ship trying to get in."

"If I must, but they can only stay a minute. This is not going to be an observation room." He walked to the door and disengaged his security lock.

"Doctor, what did you lock us out for? That's my wife you're going to be putting back together."

"I'm well aware who it is Lieutenant, but you and the Commander are only staying a few minutes. I can't have any interruptions.

"Fine Doc we just want to wish them luck." Chakotay and Tom walked over to Janeway, the Doctor stepped into his office to give them some privacy.

"B'Elanna, are you aloud to talk to me yet?" Tom had walked around to the left side of the bio-bed and had taken Janeway's hand in his. She didn't try to pull away, which B'Elanna was grateful for.

"Yes I can talk to you. I'm just a little sleepy and a little scared." Chakotay had taken Janeway's other hand brushing his thumb over the soft skin of her fingers. Once again, she didn't try to pull away.

"How are you feeling Kathryn?"

"About the same as B'Elanna. The Doctor has a way with a hypo-spray." She started to giggle, evidence of her statement. Chakotay couldn't help the full force smile he let creep across his face.

"B'Elanna, I'll be right here when you wake up. I promise everything will be fine."

"Tom, you can't promise that. This could be the last time I ever see you and I can't even kiss you goodbye." Janeway's eyes were starting to fill with tears. B'Elanna used Janeway's hand to brush across Tom's cheek. "I love you Flyboy."

"I love you too B'Elanna, everything's going to be fine."

"Go ahead Tom, you'd better kiss your wife so we can get this over with." Janeway smiled at him.

"Yes Ma'am." Tom leaned down and placed a sweet and gentle kiss on Janeway's lips. Although it wasn't the frenzied passionate kiss he'd seen in the shuttle-bay, it still sent a surge of jealousy through Chakotay.

"Alright already Paris, that's enough." Chakotay's smile had vanished, but he hadn't let go of Janeway's hand, in fact, he was squeezing it even harder. Tom removed his lips from his wife and his captain. Janeway and B'Elanna were both smiling this time.

"Chakotay, you are so sexy when you're jealous."

"B'Elanna!" They all three yelled at once.

"Sorry, I just had to get the last word in."

"Sorry Lieutenant, but the last word always belongs to the captain." Janeway winked at Chakotay. "Commander," He leaned closer to Janeway who was starting to look rather dazed from the medication.

"Yes Captain."

"Let go of my hand, you're crushing my fingers." She had closed her eyes. The medication had taken full effect. Tom and Chakotay both let go of Janeway's hands and turned to leave sickbay.

"Well Commander, I guess the Captain really does get the last word in." Tom was snickering.

"No funny Lieutenant." Tom didn't dare make a comment, but inside he was still laughing.

***

Two and a half hours later, the Doctor had accomplished the impossible. His two patients were now two again. Both the Captain and B'Elanna's vital signs were normal and they were breathing on their own. Now to make sure their conscious minds were where they should be. The Doctor put the hypo to the Captain's neck first. He thought it safer to have the Captain fully awake, just in case he needed protection from B'Elanna if everything hadn't gone just right. There was really no way to know for sure until she was awake. Janeway started to stir. Her eyes fluttered a few times before she opened them all the way and tried to focus on his face.

"Doctor, did it work, is B'Elanna alright?" Her voice sounded a little slurred and weak but she was coming around.

"Everything went just fine Captain. B'Elanna is back in her own body but we won't know if her mind is intact until we wake her up. How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine, just a little lightheaded and kind of empty. It's really quiet too."

"The quiet I'm sure you're grateful for, the lightheadedness will pass soon." He helped Janeway to a sitting position and handed her a glass of water. Janeway looked over at B'Elanna. She looked so peaceful, like she'd just been taking a nap for the last few days. Janeway felt a sudden pang of regret. What if B'Elanna's mind was gone, what if it hadn't worked?" The Doctor could see the fear in Janeway's eyes. "We won't know until we wake her Captain." He went over to B'Elanna and placed the hypo to her neck. He quickly stepped back to Janeway's bio-bed. Janeway just smiled at him.

"Coward."

"Why do you think I woke you first?" B'Elanna started to stir. Neither the Doctor nor Janeway knew quite what to expect, but they weren't prepared for what happened next. B'Elanna shot up to a sitting position and started screaming wildly. The Doctor, to his credit had secured her to the bio-bed, just in case.

"Tom! Tom!"

"B'Elanna, calm down you're in sickbay, it's ok you're alright." Janeway tried her best but her words weren't sinking in. B'Elanna just kept screaming and calling for her husband. "Doctor, go unlock the door and get Tom in here." Janeway was starting to panic herself. The Doctor had already made it to the door and Tom burst through and ran to his wife.

"B'Elanna! Sweetheart, it's me it's ok, it's Tom I'm right here." He grabbed her by the shoulders and managed to get her attention. She stopped screaming and was taking a few gasping breath's. "You're going to be ok B'Elanna, I'm right here." Tom wrapped his arms around his wife. She sank into his arms and buried her head in his chest. "Just relax everything is ok, I'm not leaving you." Tom just continued to sooth his wife letting her conscious mind reintegrate its self into her body. It must have been just as big of a shock as when she woke up in Janeway's body. The Doctor walked over to them and ran his tricorder over B'Elanna. He answered Tom's unasked question.

"Everything's fine she just needs a little time to adjust." The Doctor put another hypo to her neck. "This will just help to calm her down."

"Thanks Doc." Tom just held his wife as she became completely quiet in his arms. For a moment, he thought she'd fallen asleep. Janeway was now standing next to them both with her hand on B'Elanna's back.

"B'Elanna, it's me Kathryn, you're going to be fine. We did it Lieutenant, we're both alive and you are you again." B'Elanna unburied her face from Tom's chest and looked up at her friend and captain with tears in her eyes.

"Thanks to my expert skills." The Doctor had cut in. B'Elanna then turned her gaze to the Doctor who was standing on the other side of the bio-bed. None of them had noticed the extra guest who had quietly slipped in. B'Elanna had untangled herself from her husband and threw her arms around the Doctor's neck placing a kiss on his lips.

"Doctor, thank you, I love you." B'Elanna was so overjoyed she just couldn't help it. When she let go of the Doctor, he had a grin from ear to ear plastered on his face. Janeway and Tom were laughing. B'Elanna turned her attention to her husband and gave him a very passionate kiss then whispered something in his ear that turned Tom a shade of blushing pink.

"I can't wait." He smiled at his wife as she turned her attention to Janeway. The tears were pooling in her eyes again and a lump had formed in her throat. B'Elanna couldn't think of words enough to thank Janeway for what she had done for her. B'Elanna just kissed Janeway as well then pulled her into a crushing bear-bug. The tears were freely running down both their faces.

"You know, there is just way too much kissing going on here." All three turned in surprise at the sound of Chakotay's voice. After the momentary shock wore off, they all busted out laughing. Janeway was trying to be dignified about it, but she was laughing the hardest.

"What's the matter Commander, are you jealous?" Janeway even winked at him again as he walked toward them.

"Come here Chakotay, I'll give you a kiss." B'Elanna was enjoying this. Tom was a bit surprised when Chakotay took her up on the offer and wrapped his arms around his wife kissing her soundly. B'Elanna didn't seem to mind in the least, but the look on Janeway's face made it all worth it. She was jealous and there was no denying it.

"Hey you two, I think that's about enough. Get away from my wife old man. Go find someone of your own." That brought the laughter back to all of them, although Janeway had put on her Captain's face letting Chakotay know she was slightly miffed. That realization just made him smile even more.

"I hate to break up this little family fun and games, but my patients need some rest and I've got to run a few test on Lieutenant Torres before I release her."

"Fine Doctor, when can I get out of here?" Janeway was already climbing the walls.

"In an hour or two, and you will be on light duty for the next twenty-four hours." He was grateful she didn't fight him on that one.

"Doc, are you sure B'Elanna's alright, she's been through a lot?" Tom had taken his wife's hand and was clearly still concerned.

"I believe so Lieutenant. That's why I'm going to do some more test and she will have to stay in sickbay for a day or two. Her body, as well as her mind has been through the ringer. We need to make sure everything is working right and back to normal before I release her." The Doctor was even more surprised when B'Elanna didn't argue with him. "Now, both of you get out of here so I can get back to work." Tom gave his wife's hand a squeeze.

"I'll be back later and I'm staying with you in sickbay tonight whether the Doc likes it or not." The Doctor just rolled his eyes and walked back to his office.

"Bye Tom, I'll be waiting. Bye Chakotay, thanks for the kiss." B'Elanna lay back on the bio-bed laughing quietly. Janeway was still standing by B'Elanna with her arms folded.

"Any time B'Elanna." He received a good slug on the arm from Tom. "Well maybe not." Janeway was laughing now.

"Serves you right Commander, you shouldn't go around kissing other peoples wives."

"No one else will kiss me." He smiled devilishly at Janeway.

"Poor baby, now get out of here and don't forget about dinner tonight. Your quarters and you're cooking, my place looks like a Klingon lives there." She smiled just as devilishly back at him.

"Hey, I'm not the slob. You are."

"I think I'll have to agree with B'Elanna on that one. My quarters it is." Chakotay and Tom walked out before Janeway could make another comment. She thought best to save it for later anyway.

"You know Captain, it's nice to know I had a hand in your relationship with Chakotay." B'Elanna was just smiling at Janeway.

"That was my hand Lieutenant, but thanks just the same." Janeway just smiled back at B'Elanna and sat back on her own bio-bed.

"So it was, but we do make a pretty good team don't you think? I know you quite well now." B'Elanna was still smiling but Janeway was not.

"I'm not sure I like that last part too well. I've always been a private person being able to keep some things a secret."

"Don't worry Kathryn, you only let me see the secrets that we already knew. How much you care about everyone on this ship, even Tom. How strong your desire to get this crew home really is, and most of all, how much you love Chakotay. Not much of a secret to anyone, unless you count yourself." Janeway just smiled slightly, but gave no reply so B'Elanna continued. "If anything, I have more respect and admiration for you than anyone on this ship and not just because you are the captain, but because you are my friend. I take that very seriously. It's not easy being my friend, ask anyone. I'm not easy to get along with."

"You can say that again. You're also not easy to live with."

"No, I guess not. Thanks for not killing me." Janeway was laughing now.

"You're welcome." They were both laughing when the Doctor came out of his office.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing Doctor, just girl talk." Janeway answered for both of them. Nothing more was said as the Doctor started on his test. Janeway and B'Elanna's mind's had both drifted to more important matters, and this time their thoughts were their own.

***

Janeway was right on time standing in front of Chakotay's door. She was nervous even though they had done this countless times before. Tonight was going to be different though, and she knew the next few hours would change their relationship, one way or the other. She took a deep breath and rang the door chime.

"Come in Kathryn." She had a smile on her face as she walked in.

"Something sure smells great. What's for dinner?"

"It's a new dish that Neelix helped me come up with. An old recipe of my mothers that we revised a bit. I hope you're hungry because there's a lot of food here. By the way, you look great." He flashed her a smile, which she couldn't help but return.

"Thanks, and I am hungry. I think B'Elanna left her appetite in me." They were both laughing as Chakotay handed her a glass of wine. "Remind me Commander that I only get one glass of wine. If B'Elanna left her appetite, she probably left her lack of tolerance for alcohol. Last time, two glasses about did me in and I'm not up for another one of her quick cures." Chakotay was laughing so hard he almost spilled the wine.

"Didn't B'Elanna tell you she couldn't handle much alcohol?"

"Yes, but I chose the 'I'm the Captain' approach thinking I knew it all." Chakotay was laughing even harder now.

"Well then it serves you right."

"Thanks for your compassion Commander. I'll know where to come when I need a shoulder to cry on."

"I'll always be here for you, unless I catch you kissing Mr. Paris again." Their laughter rang throughout the room as the command team of Voyager relaxed and enjoyed themselves. The conversation over dinner was lighthearted and stayed away from the topic of the last few days. After dinner, the two sat side by side on Chakotay's couch, Kathryn with her favorite beverage and Chakotay with another glass of wine.

"Chakotay, I would like to apologize for not telling you right away. I was really going to, but the situation just got out of hand and then I couldn't swallow my pride to tell you. The last few days have been a challenge to say the least."

"It's ok Kathryn, I do understand, besides my being such a…"

"Son of a bitch?" Chakotay just smiled.

"Not quite what I was going to say, but I guess I really was. I do feel bad about the way I acted, but at the time I just couldn't help it."

"You are a big tease Commander, but I wouldn't change a thing about you." Chakotay sat his glass down on the table and turned to face Kathryn. His look was very serious.

"All teasing aside Kathryn, are you really alright? I have been worried about you and B'Elanna. I can't imagine what that must have been like."

"It wasn't easy, but I'd do it again if need be, for anyone on this crew. The Doctor assures me that the headache and the sense of loss will go away in a few days. There's one thing I've learned from going through this."

"What's that?" Chakotay was still being very serious so he didn't see this one coming.

"Lieutenant Paris is a good kisser." Chakotay's mouth opened but nothing would come out. He was speechless. "Chakotay, I'm just kidding, B'Elanna kisses much better than he does." Now Chakotay started laughing.

"Don't I know it." He was rewarded with a pillow from the couch thrown at him. "Hey, you started it."

"Well I'm about to finish it too. I really am tired and it will be nice not to have B'Elanna snoring in my head all night.

"Are you sure it was her that was snoring?" He was still trying to have some last minute fun with the whole thing.

"Don't you start too, I do not snore, and how would you know anyway?"

"I live right next door, remember?" Janeway didn't answer she just kept that cute little half smile in place looking into his eyes. Chakotay was mesmerized. Janeway slowly, but accurately slid her hand over his thigh in a most familiar gesture, then leaned over and softly brushed her lips over his. Before Chakotay's mind could register all the sensations, she had stood up and was headed for the door.

"Good night Commander." She turned back to give him one last smile then disappeared. The doors to Chakotay's quarters swished closed behind her, leaving a very stunned Commander grinning from ear to ear.

The End