Chapter 9

He came down the stairs still slightly damp from his shower. She heard him before she saw him. As she walked from the kitchen to the living room she began to yell, "I hope you left me …" She stopped dead in her tracks the moment she saw him. He was wearing a thin white pair of pajama pants with no shirt. He kept a towel wrapped around his neck. As he stepped off the final step he rubbed the towel through his hair shaking away the final drops of water. The only coherent thought she could muster was that he was magnificent. He looked like a god.

"What were you saying? I couldn't hear you."

She stammered a little before she actually got the sentence out. "I said that I hoped that you left me some hot water."

"Oh I did. Don't worry." He was still drying his hair and she was still staring.

She started to walk toward the steps. "I guess I better get up there. I am pretty cold. I left your tea on the counter in the kitchen." For some reason she couldn't take her eyes off of him. She even watched him as she disappeared up the stairs.

Chakotay couldn't help but smile. He knew he had rattled her just as he had intended. He went to the kitchen to get his tea. He brought it into the living room and sat down on the couch. As he sipped his tea he planned the night's events, a slow and memorable seduction. He began to wonder what kinds of sexual experiences she had had. All he knew was that she had been with that jerk Cheb. Then there had been Justin and finally Mark. They had never really discussed anything about the intimacies of either of their past relationships. That would have been a very dangerous conversation to have had on board Voyager. He chuckled a little as he pictured it in his mind. "Did you like it when Mark did that?" He could see a blush creeping up her face as she thought about it. In this imaginary conversation he still wanted her to say no, she didn't enjoy anything with Mark. The conversation was interrupted by the doorbell. Chakotay looked from the door to the steps. He heard the shower running so he decided to answer the door.

He opened the door to find a man of medium height. He had sandy blonde hair and glasses. The man standing there was obviously shocked. Chakotay stood, still in just his pajama bottoms, and waited. The man tried to speak but the words seemed to be tripping on his tongue. Finally he managed. "I'm sorry" he said. "I was looking for Kathy. Is she here?"

Chakotay looked him up and down. He had a sneaky suspicion that he knew who this was and he didn't like him. "Who are you?"

Put on the defensive he replied sharply, "A better question might be who are you and why are you dressed like that?"

"That's easy. None of your business and I just took a shower."

"Well, is Kathy here?"

They were both standing their ground, Chakotay with both hands above his head holding onto the doorframe. This position seemed to increase his height significantly. He filled the entire area, effectively blocking any view the stranger might have had of the inside of the house. The other man stood not four feet from Chakotay looking and feeling very small. "You still didn't tell me who you are."

"I am an old friend."

"Could you be more specific?" Chakotay leaned out of the door just slightly. Anyone who had been battle trained would have recognized it for what it was, a threat. Unfortunately for his own sake the man was not a fighter he was a scholar and continued to push the issue.

"I don't think I need to answer any of your questions. I am an old friend of Kathy's and I am always welcome here. Now please tell her that I am here!" He said the last sentence in what he hoped would be perceived as a forceful manner.

Chakotay would have liked nothing better than to punch him in the face but he knew Kathryn wouldn't like it. "Kathryn (he spoke her name slowly pointing out the childishness of his calling her Kathy) is in the shower right now. When she is finished we will sit down and drink our tea and talk. Then when we are done I will lead her upstairs where I will make love to her all night long. As for you being welcome here I believe you gave up that right years ago when you wrote Kathryn that letter."

The man on the porch blanched. "Who the hell are you? You have no right to talk to me like that. You know nothing about KATHY and me!" He was now moving closer to Chakotay.

Chakotay countered his move. They now stood on the porch almost face to face. One small man with an overcoat to keep him warm. One large man in his pajamas with his anger to keep him warm.

Chakotay raised his voice. "I'll tell you who the hell I am. I am the man who will marry her. The man who will stand by her side for the rest of our lives. The man who will not turn tail and run when things get inconvenient for me! That's who I am!"

Kathryn had finished her shower and had just entered the living room when she heard voices on the porch. She didn't know who Chakotay was talking to. Had her mother changed her mind? No it couldn't be her. She would have just come into the house. She walked to the door and saw Chakotay's back. She couldn't see who was there so she slide around him and stepped onto the porch in her robe. Standing about two inches apart looking like they were about to fight were Chakotay and Mark. 'Oh my gosh.' She took Chakotay's hand in hers trying to calm him. He finally noticed her arrival. He placed his arm passively on her shoulder. "Hello Mark what brings you here?"

Still staring intently at the Neanderthal man standing next to Kathy, Mark answered her. "I just came by to bring you the dog dish. I forgot to bring it the other day. Your mother said she would give it to Phoebe for me." He finally looked at Kathy. "I am sorry if I came at a bad time."

Chakotay continued to give him a hard stare. Kathryn asked him, "Would you like to come in for some tea?"

Mark looked at the man and then back at Kathy. "Tea! I guess some things are bound to change in seven years."

Chakotay spoke his first words since Kathryn had come out to find them. His eyes got colder. "Lots of things change but then again you already knew that. Didn't you Mark?"

Mark ignored him. He addressed only Kathy. "No, thanks. I'll be on my way." With that he turned and left.

Chakotay and Kathryn walked arm and arm into the house. She knew something had transpired between the two men but she didn't know what. She could feel the tension radiating from Chakotay's body. The strength of his grip on her had not lessened Trying to broach the subject carefully she said, "I never introduced you two."

"Don't worry, he knows exactly who I am."

Not wanting to discuss Mark with her at this moment he directed her toward the kitchen. "Come on," he said, "let's go into the kitchen for a snack."

"I can't." She broke away from him and began to walk past the couch and toward the stairs.

He was afraid that she was mad at him because of the way he treated Mark. He wasn't sure how much she had heard. But he wouldn't apologize. He hoped she had not heard his declaration that he would marry her. He wanted to bring that up in his own time. Actually Mark was just lucky he didn't punch him! "Why not?"

"I need to dry my hair." She had almost reached the top when he started to follow her.

"I'll come with you."

Kathryn stopped and looked down at him. "I don't need your help."

"I don't plan on helping. I plan on doing it for you." He took the steps two at a time catching up to her as she reached the landing at the top. Together they went to her room.

She sat down at the chair in front of her vanity. He sat on the edge of the bed. Kathryn was wrapped tightly in her robe while Chakotay remained in his pajama pants. She handed him her brush and her blow dryer. He began by slowly brushing her wet hair way from her face. He turn on the dryer and set it to warm. He moved the dryer around her head as he used his other hand to comb through her hair. He ran his fingers up the back of her head fanning her hair out as he dried it. The length, just barely below her shoulders, gave him just enough to stroke through. As he passed his hand through each section he very casually brushed his hands across her neck. From years of standing behind her he knew how this would affect her. He turned off the dryer and returned to the brush. He pulled the brush through her hair inch by inch. Her scalp was tingling and her neck was on fire. He put the brush down and used all of his fingers to massage her scalp. Kathryn's head fell back on reflex. His hands felt so good. He was watching her in the mirror. Her eyes had closed and her head was back cocked slightly to the left. Soon he would see that face clench as the waves of release approached.

She was already lost. He had moved his hands to the back of her neck. Memories of New Earth flooded her. This time there would be no retreat. He pulled the collar of her robe just slightly so he could reach the tight muscles that joined her shoulder and neck. He rolled his thumbs up and down as the muscles began to loosen. He could feel her body weakening. He wanted it trembling. He needed to see her. His hand reached down over her shoulder and touched her hand. He made a motion to pull her to her feet. She stood and turned and faced him. Slowly she untied the knot that secured her robe. Seductively she disrobed and let the garment fall to the floor in a pool around her feet revealing a satin light blue gown. The neckline was just high enough to be descent and just low enough to be inviting. Chakotay was transfixed. She was gorgeous. The long satin material clung to her hips giving him an outline of her body. Tentatively he reached out his right hand and placed it tenderly on her hip. He carefully inched toward her and brought his mouth to hers. The contact of their lips instinctively drew their bodies closer together. The sensuous feel of her gown rubbed against Chakotay's bare chest. He couldn't contain the groan the had formed in his throat. Overcome with desire he spun her in his arms and landed her on the bed. He followed her down and rolled on his side facing her. They both laid still savoring the decision to surrender. In their minds they replayed all the times they had backed away and they both knew in their hearts that tonight was the beginning of forever.

Chakotay wrapped her in his arms and pulled her to him. Bodies flush they kissed a long lingering kiss. He was far too close to exploding. He felt like a virgin. He shifted positions so Kathryn was on her back. He locked eyes with her as his hands began to caress her. He began with her neck. Using his fingertips to draw swirls across her collar bone. The tip of his index finger descended down her neckline. Still watching her eyes he saw her pupils dilate as her breath quickened. He continued his slow movements as his hand changed direction and moved to the right of her cleavage. He began by slowly rubbing his palm back and forth across the fabric. Her body stiffened more with each pass. This was exquisite torture. She had never been with anyone who had taken this much time and he had yet to move below her chest. Her thoughts were interrupted by his mouth. He had pulled his body up and began kissing her through the material. His mouth found the spot it sought and sucked gently. Kathryn's body rocked. Her hips pushed up into the air and her head pushed back into the pillow. If it was possible to smile while doing what he was doing Chakotay was. Knowing that he was pleasing her only increased his desire. Without removing his mouth he slide the strap down her shoulder until he was forced to let go. Now with no barrier he used his tongue. Slowly licking circles. Kathryn was moaning. He moved to the other side and repeated his assault. Unable to withstand anymore she wrapped hers arms under his arm and flipped him over. She was successful only because she caught him off guard. Now he was laying on the bed and she was on top of him.

Both of them could feel each other's heart pounding. Chakotay's arousal was pressing against her thigh. Her breathing was ragged. He looked up at her inquisitively. He knew she was enjoying what he had been doing so this change surprised him. As if she had read his mind she said, "I just need a minute to catch me breath." She laid her head softly on his chest. He reached up and stroked her hair.

"Take all the time you need."

Kathryn wanted him to understand. "Chakotay it's just… it's just…I have never been with anyone so attentive before. I feel like…"

He finished her thought, "a virgin?" She didn't respond so he continued. "I feel the same way. Kathryn look at me or rather feel me, I am almost fifty years old and my body is acting like it's eighteen!"

She raised her head to see his face then she laughed. He continued sweeping his hand through her hair. This time it was he who did the turning. In one motion he had her on her back with his powerful arms supporting him leaning on each side of her of her shoulder. He looked deeply into her eyes and saw the same desire in hers that he felt shining from his. "Kathryn we might not be virgins, but everyone and everything that went before were nothing. This is my first time with my Imzadi and nothing can ever compare to that." Chakotay descending onto her and kissed her deeply relishing the thought that this would be the first of many nights together. His destiny was in his arms.

He slid down her body taking her gown with him. He lifted her up slightly and removed it completely. Kneeling between her slightly parted legs he looked at her. Kathryn began to get embarrassed. She wanted to cover herself with the sheet but he just knelt there and stared. "You are so beautiful," he whispered. "You are everything I imagined and more. His hands were skimming up and down her legs. She was enjoying this but he could sense that she was getting nervous. "Relax Kathryn let me love you." As he said those words his fingers found her. He teased her by brushing his fingers across her hair repeatedly. Even though there was much more in store for her, this was almost enough to send her over the edge. When she thought she could take no more he used his fingers to part her and began to stroke the inner area. As his fingers flicked across her core her body sky rocketed. He continued rubbing her flesh with his thumb as he used his other finger to delve inside. He wanted her completely ready for him. It had been a long time for her and he didn't want to hurt her. Alternating his rhythms in and out he could see her reaching the plateau but she was fighting it. "Come on Kathryn let go. Give me the joy of pleasing you." As his hands continued his mouth reached up and took her peak into his mouth. That did it. Her body locked for a second as she called his name. Then she thrashed side to side. He did not stop his fingers. He only slowed down riding her wave as he did. Slowly he brought her down until they both collapsed on the bed. Chakotay was overcome with emotion. He had waited years to hear her cry out his name in passion and final it was real. Tears rolled down his face.

Kathryn noticed and was alarmed. She gave him a bewildered look. He pulled her close and kissed her head. "It is just joy my love, years of bent up joy." She understood. She also wanted him to feel what she had so she reached down and slide her fingers down the hip of his pajama. With his help he was soon naked. It was her turn to look. He was not embarrassed at all but then again he had nothing to be embarrassed about. He was amazing. The statue of David was the only comparison that would come to mind. Her trembling hands reached out and touched his manhood. His gasped loudly. A little more boldly Kathryn explored him. It wasn't long before he grabbed her hand and made her stop. He rolled her over and once again knelt between her knees. Afraid that she had lost some her arousal he began to work his magic once again. This time he used his mouth. Before she could protest he began licking and sucking. Within a few minutes she was screaming his name. Once she calmed a little he positioned himself just above her. He slowly slide in just barely entering. They locked eyes as they made their union complete. Inch by inch he moved. It took every ounce of control that the spirits would give him to go this carefully. When he reached what felt like a barrier he stopped. He stayed perfectly still relishing the joining. Once her body adjusted to his size and the act itself Kathryn moved her hips up slightly. As she moved, more and more of him disappeared. After a few more moves the joining was complete. When she was ready Kathryn wiggled to let Chakotay know that it was okay. He started to slide in and out at a slow pace. He maintained his motions until Kathryn raised her hips to meet him and quickened the pace. After a few second he found himself forgetting his control and he began to thrust in and out filled with the desire to leave a part of himself with her. Like an animal in the wild her was claiming what was his. He vaguely remembered hearing his name but it was drowned out with the sound offKathryn coming from his lips.

They both collapsed exhausted in the aftermath of their love making. Several minutes later Chakotay got up. Kathryn grabbed him. "Where are you going?'

"To the bathroom." He leaned down and kissed her nose. She didn't need to worry he was never leaving again.

Kathryn stood up and pulled the covers down on her bed. Even though she was a mature woman there was something wicked about him sleeping in the same bed that she slept in as a girl. Before she settled under the covers she wanted to go to the bathroom also. She felt like she needed to wash up a little. She knew that she would be sore tomorrow.

Chakotay returned and Kathryn started to get up. He motioned her to lay back down. He brought a wash cloth, towel and some warm water. He then proceeded to clean her up himself. He too knew she would be sore tomorrow and wanted to do everything in his power to make her comfortable.

Kathryn ran her hand through his hair and she cried. The tenderness of this man was incredible. She once again thought that she did not deserve him but she thanked her lucky stars that she finally had him.

After returning everything to the bathroom Chakotay climbed in bed. "You know I always fantasized about making love to you in your bed. I just never thought it would be this one." They both found a comfortable position in each others arms and settled. Just before drifting off to sleep Chakotay revealed his deepest desire. "Kathryn?"

She answered sleepily in the voice you still have just before you sleep. "Yes."

"I want to sleep like this every night for the rest of my life."

He was behind her with his back against hers and his arm across her stomach. She snuggled closer to him and pulled his arm tighter. "Me too."

"Kathryn?"

"Yes."

"Will you marry me?"

"Yes."

Chakotay hoped that she had really heard the question and was not just answering yes over and over. Well he would know tomorrow when they woke.