Definite J/C story, gets a little naughty in the last couple of sentences but shouldn’t corrupt any innocent minds

By Leigh Ashgan & KittyKat

"…and the plasma manifolds are now working at peak efficiency." Kathryn looked up and smiled at her first officer,

"That’s good to hear Commander. In fact on that note I think I will leave work for today!" Chakotay smirked and remarked,

"What Captain, not working yourself too hard?" Janeway chuckled and retorted,

"Do you want to join me for dinner in the Mess Hall and make sure that I am eating properly these days?" The invitation was said jokingly, however there was a deeper meaning. So sure was Kathryn of getting a positive response, that she was already walking towards the door out onto the bridge.

"Ummm Captain could I get a raincheck on that. It’s just that I have already promised Seven that I would spend some time with her. She is interested in exploring her ‘spiritual’ side." Kathryn started in surprise before looking back at him.

"Seven?" She cleared her throat,

"Her spiritual side?" He grinned showing off his dimples

"I really think the episode with Kovin had a profound effect upon her that she still hasn’t resolved. I believe that her coming to me is a step forward." Kathryn had many thoughts flowing through her head but before she could stop herself she heard herself saying,

"When did you become ship counsellor!? I mean there was no-one else she could turn to you can’t be the only person on this ship who is spiritual!" Chakotay looked at her in bewilderment.

"Kathryn!? What’s the matter." Kathryn swallowed feeling embarrassed by her outburst and not wanting to examine the reasons.

"Nothing’s the matter. I…" She ran her hand through her hair and sighed.

"I just think that you have enough to do with out having to look after the ‘spiritual’ needs of a dysfunctional ex-Borg!" Chakotay’s face darkened with anger and he stood up.

"Kathryn, I don’t understand why you are having such a problem with this! After all it was you who let her stay aboard the ship. Against the wishes of your senior officers I might add! You were the one who wanted to help integrate her back into humanity and when she takes steps to do that herself you take this attitude! To be honest I never realised that you could be such a cold, callous, bitch! You obviously have been working too hard maybe you should take some time off and grow up a little." He strode out the door, his jaw set.

"Chakotay…" She gestured futilely, the doors where already sliding shut. She grabbed the nearest padd and threw if forcefully against the wall, where the normally resistant padd cracked. She flung herself on the long seat under the window and curled into a ball, closing her eyes against the feelings that assailed. "Why the hell did I have say that" she screamed silently. She thumped her fist into the cushioned seat. ‘I don’t want to feel this way, I can’t feel this way, I will not allow myself to feel this way." She said determinedly. But inside she knew it was useless, she did feel that way and there was nothing she could do to stop it. And now, because of her stupid, childish behaviour, she had probably ruined one the best relationships she ever had. She stood up and straightened her uniform. She needed to sort this, whatever ‘this’ was with Chakotay soon, before it was too late.

She quickly walked out of the bridge not noticing or not caring of the strange glances that she received from Tom and Harry who were still on duty.

"Deck 5." She leaned back against the wall of the turbolift and tried to decide what she was going to say to Chakotay. Why did she not want Seven spending time with Chakotay? She was usually better at controlling her feelings when they concerned Chakotay or at least while he was in her presence. Then again she was getting too tired these days of having to suppress her feelings she wasn’t a damn Vulcan. If she were she would have probably have paired off with Tuvok. Kathryn tried to stop herself from laughing out loud but failed. Oh how was she going to face her security and tactical officer next time without bursting out laughing? Oh well more important things to worry about now Kathryn she mused, time to go grovelling on your knees. Which she had never really done well, it usually ended with her fighting even more until the other person involved backed down and only then could she apologise without being insulting. Get control of your temper Kathryn, the one rule she had never really followed in the Academy. Her temper was never very far from the surface but she had become more adept at keeping under control in public. But like dynamite once lit was bloody difficult to put it out without it exploding!

But she found herself outside his quarters and her nervousness, which rarely appeared decided now, would be a good time to rear its ugly head.

"Chakotay?" she waited for a reply, none came. Kathryn could feel her nerves evaporate to be replaced with her temper again.

"Chakotay, answer the damn door! I know you are in there…" She didn’t get to finish her ranting before the door opened.

"Tell me Kathryn have you been drinking Tom’s special brew again?" His face however did not convey any humour in his remark.

"Not that I have been aware, I came here to apologise." He turned suddenly and stalked back into his quarters, she followed him in. He turned back to face her. They stared at each other for infinite seconds.

"Well?" He gestured with his hands. Kathryn looked at the ground briefly and then returned her eyes to his. She took a deep breath.

"I’m sorry alright. I had no reason to say what I did and I am embarrassed that I behaved like that." He studied her silently for a moment his eyes tracing up and down her face.

"Then why did you?" He asked quietly.

"What!" Kathryn was caught unawares.

"Why did you react that way. If I didn’t know any better I would have said you were jealous." Her jaw dropped.

"Jealous…! I am not jealous." She stuttered.

"How could you ever think that I was jealous, that’s ludicrous, I mean me and you." She was silenced abruptly as Chakotay grabbed the front of her tunic and felt herself pulled forward. She was about to yell out when she felt him quickly shift his arms to encircle her waist. She was lifted off her feet and the air forcefully pushed out of her.

"Commander what are you…" She was silenced when her lips was covered with his, she was too startled to react at first but then instinct and many lonely nights kicked in.

Very soon she was getting as much response from him as he was from her. Finally she was lowered to the ground and heard Chakotay growl,

"Captain you talk too much!" Kathryn smiled and slowly manoeuvred him into the position that she wanted. "Commander I do many things badly but I can do one thing very well!" With a grunt she pushed him against the bulkhead smiling,

"And I’m sure you will be very grateful of what I can do with my mouth when I put some thought into it." She lowered herself down his body and the last words gasped,

"Very grateful Captain!"

The End

This was written in the last dying moments of the 20^th Century literally, actually it has just struck midnight. We know we should have been partying but hey we had alcohol, food and very vivid imaginations. Welcome to the 21^st Century Love Leigh And KittyKat Here is hoping that this century is a hell of a lot more productive than the last one!! (J/C wise anyway)