AN: Here's Chapter 12, and I'm already working on chapter 13.
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Chakotay made quick work of escaping the ready room, drawing to him the attention of one Tom Paris.
"It's not like you to run out of the ready room, Commander," Paris stated. "The Captain taking her coffee ban out on you?"
"For whatever reason that I left the ready room is no one's business, other than our discussion had been completed," Chakotay levelled an even look at the pilot.
Tom offered his signature cocky grin towards the commander. "Aye, Sir," he offered, just as the turbolift doors opened, revealing Beta Shift. The newest bridge occupants stepped just to the side of the lift, awaiting their orders.
Shortly afterwards the Captain stepped onto the bridge and gave an acknowledging nod to beta Shift. "Alpha Shift, stand down," she ordered, causing Alpha Shift to secure their stations, and beta shift to take over.
Once Beta Shift was ready to go, after the senior officers had left the bridge, Kathryn finally stepped onto the turbolift. Giving the deck of her quarters to the computer she leaned against the back of the cylindrical room.
It took little time for Janeway to reach her quarters, where she promptly drew herself a bath. While she waited for the tub to fill she elected to prepare her dinner attire, so as not to have to worry about it later.
Both tasks now accomplished, Kathryn sank into the tub, setting to computer to warn her thirty minutes before dinner. She then let her eyes slip closed, knowing the computer would awaken her if she fell asleep.
Awaken her it did, at exactly 1730 hours. Kathryn sat upright upon hearing the voice and shook her head, stifling a yawn. She then stood, towel draped about her, and drained the tub before trekking to her room.
After pulling on her cram coloured pantsuit she pulled a brush through her chin length hair. She then put on a minimal amount of make up. A time check was done, revealing that she had five minutes to cross to the quarters just on the other side of the bulkhead from hers. Upon hearing that she smiled a bit before smoothing invisible wrinkles from her outfit. That done she proceeded to step out of her quarters and make those few steps to the Commanders quarters.
The chime rang within Chakotay's quarters, barely audible to the woman outside. Within moments the door swooshed open, permitting Kathryn entrance.
"Good evening, Commander," Janeway greeted, only to receive a 'look' from Chakotay.
"Kathryn, you know the rules," he said with a serious expression.
"I know, I know, leave the rank at the door," she responded with a smirk, receiving a nod from Chakotay. "For being off-duty, Chakotay, you tend to stick to the rules a lot."
"I know, Kathryn, that's why you love me so much…" he paused, back pedalling to consider what he said, "…as your first officer, that is," he added, hastily, a slight flush reddening his brown skin.
A similar flush noticeably coloured Kathryn's cheeks as she nodded. "Indeed, you're a good first officer."
An awkward silence having settled between the two, Chakotay motioned towards the table, indicating that Janeway should sit. Meanwhile he finished preparing the previously forgotten meal and set the plates in front of their seats.
"It looks delicious, Chakotay," Kathryn gave as she caught a whiff of the meal.
"Thank you, I learned of it while I was doing some research on ancient Earth. They called it fettuccini alfredo," he responded with his trademark grin.
The remainder of their meal continued with small talk taking place between bites. After the finished their fettuccini the pair retired to the couch.
"Are you going to Tom's party tomorrow, Kathryn?"
She nodded at the enquiry. "I'll at least make the obligatory rounds," was her response, which only served to earn a frown from Chakotay.
"Come on, Kath, Tom's parties are always worth the effort. Besides, this time it's a formal theme, it'll give you the opportunity to get all dressed up, and to see your crew in suits and gowns," Chakotay pointed out, secretly hoping she'd get dressed up for the occasion.
"I'll think about it, Chakotay," she conceded, knowing full well that he wouldn't stop until she gave him that much.
The Commander nodded. "Just remember, Tom asked us to leave our ranks at the door, so if you do join us, leave the Captain with the uniform. You'll get to see her lots tomorrow, anyway, when we get to the next, and last, planet."
Kathryn raised a hand in an attempt to stop Chakotay's speech. "I can leave 'The Captain' at the door, Chakotay. And I'll get plenty of 'Captain' time before Tom's celebration, and maybe some word on a planet," she gave with a crooked smile.
Chakotay offered a laugh before making note of the time. "It's getting late, we should probably retire. Besides, if we don't show up on time tomorrow, who knows what the bridge crew will do," he noted, standing and offering his arm to Kathryn.
Janeway stood and took her first officers arm, allowing him to escort her to her quarters. Stepping just inside the door she turned on the spot. "Good night, Chakotay, sleep well," she gave.
Chakotay nodded at this before taking her hand in his and placing a gentlemanly kiss across her knuckles. "Pleasant dreams, Kath," he said, before returning to his own quarters, Kathryn's door shutting behind him.
The doors to both the Captain's and Commander's quarters had closed when a red uniformed officer came slinking through the hall, a knowing smirk etched across their features.
TBC
AN: Also, if anyone has any thoughts on what should happen in upcoming chapters, I'd love you're input.