Being So Close
Saying your Sorry
Kathryn went over to where Chakotay was sitting. She leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I'm sorry my behavior has been awful. Can you forgive me?"
He smiled at her, "of course Kathryn, but what brought on this change?"
"Your cousin told me what happened. I am so sorry Chakotay I never meant to hurt you or Seven."
His face showed concern. "I never meant to hurt you either Kathryn. I told Seven it was over on several occasions and she just would not listen to me. I felt like a teenager again, trying to break up with my girlfriend."
Kathryn shrugged. "I remember the first time that I got dumped by a guy, it was a very traumatic experience. Pheobe came into the room and laughed lightly. She took a sip of her tea and looked at her sister. "I'd say it was more than traumatic it was tragic."
Kathryn gave her sister the look. "Don't even start Pheobe; I have more than enough stories to embarrass you with!"
"You may some Kathryn, but let's not forget the whole water balloon incident or my personal favorite the closet incident."
Kathryn blushed and Chakotay had to laugh. "Kathryn I do believe that you are blushing, I don't think I have seen you blush in the time that I have known you."
Pheobe sat on the couch with Greg. "That's only because she doesn't want to re-live the closet incident."
"Pheobe, I'm warning you don't go there."
Chakotay smiled. "Pheobe as former commander of the starship Voyager I am asking that you inform me of the closet incident."
Kathryn shot him a look. "Pheobe as your sister and as someone who knows where you sleep at night I am ordering you to stay quiet. As for you commander, I don't want to have to re-act the night you tried to make fire on that alien planet."
The threat made Chakotay stay quiet. Pheobe on the other hand was another story.
Gretchen came into the room for a second and said goodnight to the group. She was tired after a long night and decided it was time for bed.
Pheobe glared at her mom. "Mom you remember the time that Kathryn got stuck in the closet with that boy don't you?"
Gretchen let out a laugh. "Oh my yes. Kathryn's father found them. I think that boy got transferred to another school because he couldn't stand being in the same city or state as Kathryn's father."
At this point Kathryn was beet red. Chakotay was thoroughly amused at this point but remained quiet.
Greg cleared his throat. "Do tell Pheobe."
"Well it all started when Kathryn was about 14. She had begged dad to have an adult party in the basement. She was so excited. She invited a crush of hers to the party. Somewhere in the middle of the party she came upstairs to get some more drinks and chips."
She thought she was alone and she was practicing her kissing technique on the mirror on the door. Her crush came up just as she was puckering up. He snuck up behind the door pushed it out the way and Kathryn ended up kissing the guy. Just then, dad rounded the corner and caught the two. He was so scared he ran out of the house and never came back."
Chakotay nearly fell out of the chair laughing.
Kathryn who was now completely a red plush color waved her finger at her sister. "All right Pheobe this is war. You know Greg Pheobe is not the angel that she pretends to be. In fact, I remember the night she had her boyfriend snuck out for the night. As I recall Pheobe you came home a little under the weather." Greg eyed Pheobe for a moment. Even thou he did not really know her like Chakotay knew Kathryn he was completely smitten by her. Ever since the first moment he had saw her, he had wanted her. Moreover, by what Chakotay had told him about the first time he had laid eyes on Kathryn it was exactly the same feeling.
Pheobe shifted a little on the couch. "How was I supposed to know that party we went to was serving mixed alcoholic drinks or that my boyfriend couldn't hold his liquor and that he would end up sick in MY bed!."
Kathryn was laughing as hard as Chakotay now. Greg had a thought at that very moment a very devious thought.
"So Pheobe you think you can hold your liquor?"
"Yes Greg as a matter of fact I know I can."
Chakotay gave his cousin a don't go there glare. It was ignored. "I think I could out drink you Pheobe."
This time Kathryn chimed in. "Greg you really don't know what you're getting yourself into. I don't know how my sister does it but she can out drink anyone I have ever known."
"Would you like to out a wager on it Kathryn that I could out drink your sister?"
"What do I get if I win," asked Kathryn
"Anything that you like."
"And when I win I would like to go out on a date with your sister."
"Sounds good said Kathryn but you won't win."
Pheobe was already in the kitchen grabbing the glasses. Kathryn went to help her sister. In the other room, Greg whispered to his cousin. "When are you planning to ask Kathryn?" Chakotay smiled. "Before I go to bed tonight."
Pheobe and Kathryn returned to the living room glasses and bottles in hand.
Pheobe held up her glass. "Let the games begin." TBC