Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, nor the universe, nor the musical form I am emulating.
VARIATION FOUR: MASSEUR
Chapter Rating: K+
Kathryn groaned as she futilely attempted to find a comfortable sleeping position. After some time, she finally resigned herself to another sleepless night of paperwork as she assessed that sitting up would be less painful than lying down.
Chakotay noted the unusually high frequency with which the captain squirmed, kneading her own muscles as she reached around herself at odd angles when she thought nobody was looking. He worried the relaxation she needed was not something she was able to provide herself, no matter how valiantly she tried; her failed efforts were apparent in her pale, drawn face and the exhausted manner in which she interacted with her crew.
Her hand over her shoulder, Captain Janeway caught her first officer eyeing her and quickly dropped her arm, wondering how much of her discomfort had been visible before she'd noticed his scrutiny. Suppressing a groan, she made her way to the captain's chair and sat down, hoping he'd leave her be; unfortunately, he sat down beside her.
"Captain," the commander started, "we need to talk, in private. Ready Room now, or your quarters later."
Dreading the interaction, the captain's usual procrastination on such matters kicked in as she selected the latter option. It didn't occur to her that she would be affording him the unique opportunity to corner her without ready means of escape.
Once alone with her in her room, he bade her sit, and reluctantly, she agreed. Carefully, he sat beside her, turned to face her, and as once before, a long time ago, reached behind and began his skillful ministrations.
Caught only partially by surprise, Kathryn leaned back towards him and let herself enjoy the sensation of his fingers digging into her shoulders; she'd thought many times about the previous occasion on which he'd tried this, and often regretted having stopped him. Leaning further and further back, it wasn't long before she was resting on his chest, her eyelids drooping sleepily, and he was trying to tell her something which she lazily attempted to ask him to repeat.
He chuckled to himself as he observed her mumbling in her half-asleep state; he'd attempted to warn her that he couldn't be as effective with her practically on his lap, but at her incoherent reply, opted instead to continue as best he could until he was sure she wouldn't resist. Then he gently reached under her legs, stood up with her limp form in his arms, and tucked her into bed.