The view from the lodge's patio deck was lovely, and Kathryn gladly breathed in the crisp winter air … a reminder of home.

Kohlin was one of the most hospitable planets they'd found in the quadrant. Friendly and welcoming to visitors, their officials were more than happy to negotiate trade. They were meeting at a lodge in a quaint mountain resort town … reminiscent of old Switzerland, or perhaps one of the ski towns in the North American Rockies.

It was a wonderful respite, with only one problem. The person she most wanted to share it with wasn't here.

She'd hoped the week away would help her sort out her deepening feelings for Tom. That kiss they'd shared in the holodeck had left her exhilarated … until she got that nudge from her inner Captain, reminding her of protocol.

But this turned out to be the longest week of her life. She missed him terribly, and it took every ounce of willpower not to hit her comm badge every time she saw or heard something he'd enjoy.

Talking to him at night wasn't an option, either. Even private comms from the planet were logged; someone might wonder just why she she needed a nightly chat with her helmsman.

Funny thing, she mused. She could use protocol to keep Chakotay at arm's length, but Tom …

"Who knew you could fall for someone over 20th century mini golf and TV?" she mused. "Damn you Tom Paris, you snuck up on me."

XXX

Finally, a break from Sick Bay duty, and Tom was heading down to the planet for an evening visit.

He'd been restless all week, and not just because he wasn't at the helm; the other pilots could keep the ship in geosynchronous orbit without his help. On what little off time he'd had, he'd tried the holodeck, tried watching TV. Nothing worked.

He knew why: Kathryn was away, and he was slowly going crazy. He wanted to hear her voice; he wanted to feel her touch; hell, what he really wanted was to kiss her senseless, just like he had on the holodeck.

He tried to find a way to comm her "off the logs," but had no luck. Besides, he didn't know her schedule: She'd be beyond pissed if he interrupted a meeting.

He saw Tuvok leaving the transporter room. This was a good sign: negotiations must have ended early. Kathryn may be free for the evening.

"Not staying to see the sights, Tuvok?" he called.

"No, while I appreciate the landscape, the climate does not suit my physiology," he said. "The Captain, however, has indicated that she will 'see the sights' tonight."

He got the idea that the Vulcan was trying to tell him something. "Is that a problem?"

"From a security standpoint, I am always concerned when a senior officer is off the ship unaccompanied. Particularly when that officer is the Captain."

He was beginning to get the picture. Chakotay wasn't available: according to the rumor mill, he'd found a blonde, perhaps two, to enjoy the scenery with.

"Well, I'm going down for dinner; I'll keep an eye out for her," he offered, not mentioning that was his plan all along.

Something in Tuvok's eyes relaxed. "Thank you, Mr. Paris."

XXX

Fortunately, the transporter deposited him just off the main street; a discreet check of his tricorder showed that Kathryn was indeed nearby. He found her near the entrance of an art gallery, looking over some small paintings. He just watched as she perused them, a slight frown marking her concentration.

She must have sensed she was being watched. She looked up warily, her gaze shifting quickly until it fell on him. She beamed, obviously delighted to see him; seeing that unguarded look filled his heart. He was grinning as he went to her side.

"Hello there," she said, lightly touching his arm; it felt warm, even through his coat. He stepped close and unobtrusively spread his hand across the small of her back. She shifted slightly into his touch.

"Hello yourself. Buying something for the Ready Room?"

"Actually, it's for my sister. I think she'd appreciate the technique, and the composition of the paint is unusual, too. Which one do you like?"

He swallowed; once again, her unwavering belief that they'd get home left him humbled. He pointed to a scene that he liked and she chuckled in approval.

They strolled, her package in hand. "So, what have you been doing?"

"Setting bones in Sick Bay. I finally got a full evening off, so I came down to find you."

"I'm glad you did," she said as she looped her arm through his and pulled him close. They chatted — mostly about the accident rate among those who had tried the Kohlins' version of snowboarding.

"Sounds dangerous."

He shrugged. "From what I've heard, the folks who got hurt started on the steeper runs."

They found a small restaurant and took a table toward the back. He helped with her coat, noting that her black trousers and soft, rust-colored tunic sweater certainly complemented her figure.

She noticed and raised an eyebrow. "Shopping?" he asked innocently.

"I don't have a lot of winter clothing; and the uniform is conspicuous. The lodge has a nice clothing store, so I treated myself."

"You should do that more often," he teased.

She looped her arm through his again as they left. "The Kohlins are very fond of live music," she remarked. "The Doctor and I found a bar the other night that has performers. Want to stop by?"

"Sounds good," he agreed. Actually, she could have suggested an opera performance by trained seals; he'd of gone just to be with her.

Kathryn was just about to open the door when he caught a glimpse inside. She gave him a dirty look as he pulled her back; he nodded toward the window. Inside was Voyager's first officer, looking very, very cozy with two blondes.

"Oops," Kathryn murmured as they beat a retreat. "That could have been awkward."

As they looked for another bar, he wondered if she was at all distressed about seeing Chakotay with … well, two other women. But to his relief, it didn't seem to faze her. They found another place … rather crowded, but they squeezed into a cozy corner table, so close that she was practically sitting on his lap, and enjoyed a drink and some music … and he finally managed to get in a few quick kisses.

Afterward, there was an awkward moment when they looked at each other; he could tell she was weighing a particular decision, and he held his breath.

"Is there a specific transport site?" she finally asked.

He shook his head. "Barton said to just hail him; he'd find me."

She gave him that grin. "Let's go to the lodge then; there's a lovely view from the back balcony."

Once there, she led him to a quiet spot behind some potted foliage, away from the main room. The valley below was beautiful, with the night sky contrasted against the lights below.

"These are the things that make up for all the hell we go though," she said.

"It's beautiful," he whispered, "and so are you."

He wasn't sure who started it, but they began to kiss each other hungrily. His coat was open, and he managed to undo hers so he could pull her close against him. She arched into him, moaning a bit as his hands slid down her body. He was about to suggest going to her room when a beep sounded from his coat pocket.

"Damn!" he swore as she pulled back and looked at him, puzzled. "Alarm. Curfew in 20 minutes."

She threw her head back and laughed, and he joined her. "Well aren't we are a couple of teenagers," she said when she could catch her breath. "I suspect Tuvok is looking for a porch light to turn on."

He laughed, and they kissed again. "Let's do something about your shore leave," she said. "If you don't have other plans ..." he gave her an Are you kidding? look, and she laughed. "I'd like to try that snowboarding … among other things."

He leaned in and gave her a lingering kiss. "As much as I'd like to keep you tonight, I can't," she murmured as she quickly wiped traces of lipstick off his face and neck. "Now, go before you're late," she said, squeezing his hands before she stepped back.

He looked at her with regret. "I'll see you tomorrow night."

Back on Voyager, he queried the computer as to Tuvok's whereabouts, then tapped his com badge.

"I thought you'd like to know that I did see the captain this evening, and that she's safely back at the lodge."

"I am gratified to hear that; thank you again, Lieutenant."

XXX

She looked rather chipper on the vid during the morning staff meeting. Tuvok was with her.

"We wrap negotiations today; supplies will be delivered tonight through tomorrow morning."

"We should be ready to leave by the end of tomorrow," Chakotay replied.

"Make that Sunday afternoon," she said to Chakotay's puzzled frown. "I am taking my shore leave. Tuvok has volunteered to help you oversee the movement of supplies."

"Oh, of course," he replied.

"Has everyone had full shore leave who wants it?"

"I believe so."

"Er, actually, I haven't," Tom interrupted. He shrugged at Chakotay's dirty look. "Too busy with broken legs."

Janeway raised an eyebrow at her first officer. "Let's make sure Mr. Paris gets a chance to break a leg if he wishes, starting at end of Alpha shift today. And check the rotation to make sure that no one else has been left out; we don't get many of these opportunities."

Chakotay swallowed. "Should we allow crew down for evening visits this weekend?"

"No. You're going to be busy; we did very well with trading. I also suspect everyone is out of credits by now."

XXX

"Janeway to Paris." The sound of her voice nearly made him drop that tray of instruments.

"Paris here," he replied, trying not to sound too eager.

"How's Sick Bay today?"

Hmm … must be on the private channel, he decided.

"Quiet. The Doc's deactivated himself for a bit, so it's just me," he said.

"Good," she said, her voice warming. "I have about two minutes before my last meeting. I'll be at the transporter site at 1700, so we can discuss our plans for Saturday."

"And plans for tonight?"

She chuckled. "We can discuss those, too. Need to go. Janeway out."

XXX

Tom nodded appreciatively at Ensign Barton's tips about finding a cheap room at the lodge. If last night was any indication, he knew where he'd be staying; still, having a plausible cover story wouldn't hurt.

"Mr. Paris ..." Tuvok's call interrupted Barton's monologue. "I apologize for delaying your departure," he began. Tom quickly mouthed, "That's all right."

Tuvok just raised an eyebrow. "If I might ask: during your visit, would you, as you say, keep an eye out?"

"Actually, I'll see her tonight," he said quietly. "She wants to make plans to go snowboarding." An edited version, but still the truth.

Tuvok raised an eyebrow again. "Indeed. Well, I wish you a pleasant, and safe, shore leave, Lieutenant."

Tom grabbed his bag and bounded up on the transport pad, "Time's a wasting, Tim. See you Sunday."

XXX

She was waiting for him, casually leaning against a tree, just out of sight of anyone on the street. He dropped his bag and picked her up for a quick spin, ending with a searing kiss.

"I wondered if you were ever going to get here; someone keeping you on the ship?" she finally asked when they came up for air.

"Barton had some lodging tips," which brought a smirk in response. "And Tuvok asked if I would keep an eye out for you."

"Good thing he can't deal with the cold; otherwise he'd be spoiling my evening," she remarked as she took his hand.

"He seems very concerned for your safety."

"Technically, I shouldn't be alone here. But I've not had any trouble, and I do take precautions."

"Well, caution is a good thing," Tom allowed. "But not to worry, Captain Proton will protect you," he said teasingly, bringing a snort from her.

"So, do you want to get dinner?" he asked hopefully.

The answering gleam in her eye was positively wicked. "I think you might want to drop off your bag," she murmured as she squeezed his hand. "And actually, room service is pretty good … and always available."