Here is the third part of this story and most likely the last. I might be enticed to write an epilogue, but I'm not sure about that yet. I am very pleased with the feedback for this story, be it a review or fav/fallow, and want to say thank you again for the encouragement.

**Chakotay's POV**

Walking back to his quarters, Chakotay tried to guess how much brig time he would get if he kept up this impertinent behavior. It was worth it though, to remind Captain Janeway that she is still human.

He entered his rooms and walked to the replicator requesting, "Scissors."

The replicator produced something that looked like scissors a child would use. They were pink and the ends were blunt. Perfect, and not easily used as a weapon.

He was glad that the replicator hadn't required additional information. He wasn't well versed in different types of scissors, and frankly he hadn't replicated any in years.

Grabbing the pink scissors, he returned to find Kathryn Janeway still attacked to the replicator.

"Thank you Commander," she said as she took the scissors. "This was the only option?" she asked indicating the scissors.

Not waiting another seemingly witty comments, she dived right in. Using the scissors, she stabbed at her tangled hair gracelessly until Chakotay interrupted by grabbing the scissors out of her hand

Up until now he just stood there watching the usually very graceful Captain ruthlessly stab at the tangles that she couldn't even see. He wasn't sure he could do any better, but didn't want to have to write up a report about how the captain injured herself with those ridiculous scissors while he watched.

Quickly explaining, he said, "You will end up in sick bay if you continue this way."

"Just do it then, and get me out of here." Janeway ordered without argument.

Sitting on the edge of the table, Chakotay leaned over and started cutting away the tangled hair. He had very little opportunity over the years to touch her hair, and this opportunity was not lost on him. For a long time he had wondered what it would be like to run his hands through her long beautiful hair, It wasn't quite the situation he imagined, but maybe it was close enough.

Deliberately taking his time, Chakotay worked through her hair by cutting a piece free and combing through it as he slowly leaned closer to her until his chest brushed against her side.

While pretending his actions were necessary and not specifically designed for a more interesting outcome, he closely monitored her reactions.

**Janeway's POV**

Kathryn wasn't sure what was going on here. Chakotay was trying to free her from the replicator, but he was doing so very slowly.

She couldn't see much, but she knew exactly where he was and where his hands were. Things were getting a little too personal, but his hands combing through her hair just felt really nice. After constant blinding headaches, this was exactly what she needed, and even better than coffee.

She might have had her eyes closed but she was far from asleep. How could she fall asleep with Chakotay so close? He was leaning really close now, and the oxygen supply must be decreasing as it was getting harder to breath.

She should have ordered him to stop, to stop what he was doing. What exactly was he doing?

"Kathryn," Chakotay asked

"Yes," she answered turning to look at him and realizing that she was free. "Oh."

Chakotay took her hand and helped her off the table.

Looking up at Chakotay, she realized she must look crazy. She slowly lifted her other hand up to smooth her hair, and found quite a mess.

Guessing from the smile on Chakotay's face, she probably made a strange face.

Quickly walking to the bathroom, she looked in the mirror. Her hair-or perhaps mane was a better description-was standing up all over and looked pretty rough.

Chakotay, who was standing behind her now, commented, "I don't think I was meant to be a hair stylist. Although, if the look you were going for was male lion, then I think its pretty spot on."

Smiling back at him in the mirror, she realized that she always wanted to be with Chakotay. He always knew exactly what to say. He always walked that line perfectly, offering his heart, but letting her decide what to do with it. He may give her a little nudge now and again, but she always made the choice for herself.

Turning to look at the real Chakotay, she realized that he was a lot closer than she expected.

He raised his hand to tuck a piece of hair back behind her ear. "It makes you look fierce, and," Then running his fingertips along her jaw finished with "beautiful."

"Chakotay," she started, and then fumbling for the right words finished with a simple "Thank you,"

No words could describe exactly what she felt then. It was more than simple gratitude. Chakotay must have understood as he leaned in closer wrapping one arm around her waist and leaving mere millimeters between them.

It was her choice and this time the answer was yes. She closed the distance with a kiss, sharing all those years of attraction, friendship, longing, and now dare she say it love.

No it wasn't a happily ever after kind of kiss, but one of promise. She still couldn't participate in a relationship aboard Voyager with so many lives at stake, but she couldn't bear to lose him either.

It will be hard for both of them to continue with their daily lives after they have had a glimpse at what a romantic relationship could be like. Who knows what the future may bring, and perhaps some day