Chapter Three

The Mess Hall seemed to quiet down when Kathryn entered with Chakotay. She ignored it though. She even ignored the whispers and stares. However, one of those stares seemed to worry her.

Tom was looking at her from where he stood with B'Elanna and Harry. He didn't seem to be keen on her walking in with Chakotay. Especially since he had his arm around her.

Kathryn smiled kindly at the first officer as she removed his arm from her waist. She always hated how possessive he was of her. Even now since she practically "mated" with the young pilot.

She ended up drawing her attention to the music player sitting on the counter. Tom had something similar to an IPOD hooked up to it. It was actually a gift from Kathryn. She was surprised to know that he still had it or that he was able to get it before they left for the badlands.

"Tom?" Kathryn asked as she held up the IPOD.

Tom shrugged. "Go right ahead. Just nothing too slow."

"So she gets to pick something, but I don't." Harry said, a little annoyed.

"She's the Captain." Tom said.

"It's alright, Mister Kim. I will pick something that you might like too." Kathryn said.

She then scrolled through the music options. Of course Tom would have a lot of options. He loves the music of the past. Mainly Rock and Roll. However, Kathryn found one of her favorite songs from the 90's era. Tom picked up on it.

"Baby I am missing you." Tom sang.

"I want you by my side." Kathryn sang.

To the surprise of the crew, Kathryn lost herself in the music. (And Tom's blue eyes.) She let Tom lead her out on the makeshift dance floor. Some more members of the crew followed them. Including B'Elanna and Chakotay. Chakotay kept his eyes focused on the two of them.

It got worse when Kathryn stood on her tippy toes to whisper something in Tom's ear. It caused him to smile. He then whispered something back to her which caused her to giggle like a schoolgirl.

At one point, Kathryn led Tom away from the dance floor so they could go through the music choices. They were laughing and reminiscing about the past.

"You know Chakotay keeps staring at us, Kat." Tom said low enough so Kathryn heard.

Kathryn sighed. "I know. He scares me at times. He is just so obsessed with me."

Tom couldn't stop himself from placing a hand on her shoulder. "You know I won't hurt you."

Kathryn smiled. "I know that Mister Paris."

Tom was a little stunned to see that Kathryn switched back to her Captain persona. He understood why she was doing it. She was his Captain. Not his girlfriend anymore.

"I better see what song Harry wants so he can stop asking me, excuse me Captain."

Sighing, Kathryn watched as Tom went over to Harry. Her heart really hurt for the poor boy. She wanted nothing more than to pull him away so they could find a secluded room where they could talk about their relationship. And maybe rekindle it as well.

"Is everything alright, Kathryn?" Chakotay asked.

"Yes Commander." Kathryn sighed. "I think I am going to turn in early."

"Let me walk you back to your quarters." Chakotay offered.

Smiling, she shook her head. "That's quite alright. I have some things to think about."

Chakotay watched as she left the Mess Hall. His emotions were all over the place. He would be lying if he didn't want to go to Tom and hit him so hard he would forget who he was. Instead he went over to the pilot so they could talk.

"Mister Paris, could I borrow you for a moment?"

Tom raised an eyebrow. He wanted to decline, but Chakotay was the first officer. All he did was nod his head. He followed him out of the Mess Hall. So they could talk privately.

"I understand that it is none of my business about this thing going on between you and the Captain, but if you hurt her-"

"Whoa! Hold on! What makes you think there is something going on between us?"

"It isn't like it is a secret, Mister Paris."

Sighing, Tom rubbed his forehead. "I guess she never told you."

"Told me what?"

"Kat and I grew up together. Our dads were best friends. I am the same age as her younger sister. I actually went to school with her sister. The three of us hung out all of the time." Tom explained.

"Kat?"

Tom smiled. "It was the nickname I gave her."

Chakotay clenched his hands. He did his best to keep himself from hurting Tom. Kathryn would never forgive him. Nor would she let him stay as her first officer. Instead he apologized before he walked back into the Mess Hall.

Tom thought about heading back in. However, he began walking away. Heading to the nearest turbolift.

Why did his feet bring him here? He needed to go back to the party. The crew were probably messing with his music. Changing it to whatever they wanted. He ended up pushing the button waiting for entry.

Kathryn was sitting in her quarters. She still had her party outfit on. Black overalls, white tee, and white sneakers. She had her hair pulled back in a scrunchy. A picture of her and Tom while they were dating was in her hands.

The chime rang. She rested the photo upside down against her chest.

"Yes?"

Her heart fluttered when Tom entered. He was in typical 80's Rock and Roll fashion. A graphic tee under a black leather jacket, ripped blue jeans, studded belt, and cowboyish style boots. The outfit must have cost him a week's worth of replicator rations. She wanted nothing more to shred the outfit off of him.

"You remember this?" Kathryn asked, holding up the photo.

"You still have it?" Tom asked, joining Kathryn on the couch.

The photo was taken at the park. They thought they were alone, but it was Kathryn's sister who snapped the photo. Kathryn's arms were around his neck while his hands were on her waist. She had a headphone in her ear while he had one in his. They were listening to music while looking into one another's eyes.

"I remember you almost killed Phoebe for snapping the photo." Tom smiled.

"She deserved it! I hated how she always butted in on our relationship. Telling mom about what we were doing." Kathryn said.

"Speaking of butting in." Tom looked at Kathryn. "Chakotay is scaring me. He asked me if there was something going on between us."

Kathryn sighed as she stood. She folded her arms across her chest.

"Tom, nothing can happen between us. It's not appropriate for me to have a relationship with a member of my crew."

"That's not what your heart says. Is it?"

Kathryn turned to look at the hottie sitting on her couch.

"It doesn't matter what my heart says, Tommy. It just can't happen."

Tom placed the photo beside him before standing. He walked up to Kathryn. She lifted her head to look up into his eyes. Tom took her chin.

"Kat, I am not going to force you to get back with me. You are right, you are my Captain. However, we did have to end our relationship because of what my father wanted. My father isn't here though. And we are far away from Starfleet."

"Tom please." Kathryn pleaded.

Tom kissed Kathryn on the forehead before pulling her into a hug. Kathryn needed to pull away, but she couldn't. She always loved how Tom comforted her. Her and Tom just seemed to fit together.

"I love you, Kat." Tom blurted before he could stop himself.

Kathryn smiled. She pulled back just enough to look into Tom's eyes. Tom used his thumb to wipe the tears from her eyes.

"I love you too Tommy." Kathryn said.

At that moment. They couldn't hold back anymore. Tom backed her up against her desk. He kissed her and Kathryn kissed him back.