| No More Denying… The Conclusion Disclaimer: See previous parts Rating: R Author’s Note: I kind of thought that this rounds things up nicely. I hope that you forgive the introduction of a familiar character at the end! Summary: This is set eight months after part 5. One year on from the start of this story. It was the third anniversary of Voyager’s homecoming, and like previous years, it was held in the Sandrine’s simulation on Voyager’s holodeck. The atmosphere was lively, everyone taking full advantage of catching up with the people that they no longer saw on a day-to-day basis. Chakotay looked around. From his position at the bar he could virtually see the entire room. He watched the laughter on the faces of his former crew and smiled. Chakotay couldn’t help but compare his mood to that of last year; so much had changed for him in the last twelve months. He looked over to where Kathryn was standing with B’Elanna, observing the animated discussion they were engrossed in. His mind cast back to last year when Kathryn had been there with Mark. When just seeing them together had left him with a dull ache inside that wouldn’t budge. He remembered mentally saying goodbye to Kathryn as he had stood with B’Elanna and watched Mark leading her away from him. Chakotay seriously doubted whether he would have ever seen her again. Kathryn looked over to him and smiled, rousing Chakotay from his thoughts. She mouthed to him, asking if he was alright, concern crossing her features. “I’m fine,” he mouthed back, giving her a full smile. Relief spread over her face and she smiled back. Chakotay still had difficulty believing that she was in his life in the way he had dreamt of so often. Kathryn was like no-other woman he had ever met before. No woman before her had ever managed to evoke so many emotions within him, love, desire, passion, protectiveness, annoyance, anger. Living with Kathryn, all these emotions were experienced to the maximum. Some days she could still infuriate him as badly as when he was her First Officer. Those times usually resulted in heated arguments, leading ultimately, to passionate lovemaking, the anger fuelling their desire for one another. He smirked recalling the amount of clothing they had ruined, how they frantically ripped it away from each other in moments of intense passion. Chakotay made a mental note, whilst eyeing her, not to rip the gown she was wearing tonight. She looked fabulous. Last year she had looked beautiful, but this … Kathryn was wearing a bright red backless dress. The single strap of which fastened around the back of her neck, leaving her shoulders deliciously exposed. It fitted snugly against her trim sides, falling delicately over her hips to the floor. He had been over-whelmed when she stepped out of the bedroom in it earlier. She looked sensational; a comment Chakotay had heard others murmur tonight. Spirits, he loved that dress! Loved the way it revealed a glimpse of Kathryn’s thigh as she walked. Chakotay once again thanked the spirits for his good fortune in being with her. Kathryn, aware of Chakotay’s eyes upon her, turned her gaze towards him, locking her eyes with his. She flushed at the obvious desire that was burning within those dark orbs. Chakotay grinned as he watched the colour rise in Kathryn’s face. He found it so endearing when she blushed. Even her shoulders were colouring. He wasn’t prepared for what she was about to do. Under the cover of her glass, Kathryn seductively flicked her tongue over her lips, moistening them. Chakotay almost chocked on his drink, as he felt his collar tightening - Spirits woman! You’re driving me crazy! Her eyes twinkled mischievously - You started this Chakotay! Payback is hell, isn’t it? He recovered his composure - You just wait Kathryn! A shiver of excitement coursed through her and she struggled to concentrate on what it was that B’Elanna had been telling her. Chakotay watched with amusement as she tried to appear calm, chuckling to himself. He finished the last of his drink and signalled to Kathryn, asking if she wanted another. She shook her head, moving her left hand to cover the top of her glass. The movement caused the light to reflect off the gold band encasing her third finger. The band that matched the one Chakotay wore. They had married six months ago, not long after she had admitted her feelings towards him. Some might have been surprised by the suddenness of the marriage, but they had talked it through, there had seemed no point in wasting more time. The ceremony had been small and personal. Only Kathryn’s family and their closest friends from Voyager had attended. He treasured the memory of that day. The way her eyes had misted as he had pledged his love for her, binding their souls together with the vows he had written himself. Chakotay remembered the single tear that had rolled down her cheek when he placed the ring upon her finger, before she in turn pledged her love for him, giving him the ring that was a symbol of her love. He suppressed a laugh when as he recalled the moment he was told to kiss the bride. Instead of a chaste kiss on the lips, Chakotay had been surprised when Kathryn had parted hers, running her tongue over his, cupping his nape, deepening the kiss. Of course he had responded pulling her to him, kissing her back with a passion that hinted at the pleasure she would receive later. If Tom hadn’t made a comment … Chakotay smiled thinking what may have happened. Chakotay made his way to the bar, accepting the congratulations of the crew as he passed. Everyone was pleased by the news of the marriage. Most joked about the length of time it had taken them to get there. He received the comments with his usual good humour, taking time to chat to a few of the crew he had commanded with Kathryn. Chakotay had always liked the opportunity to be amongst the crew, to catch up on the gossip, even if this time it was him and Kathryn who were the top topic of conversation. After a while he returned to where it was he had been previously standing. Kathryn was still talking to B’Elanna, her hands gesturing as she spoke. He loved to watch her like that, finding her enthusiasm so infectious. He hadn’t noticed Tom joining him, much less heard what it was Tom had said. “Hey there big man …” Tom waved a hand in front of Chakotay’s face. Chakotay jolted, “Er … Sorry Tom, I was miles away,” he admitted. Tom glanced in the direction the Chakotay had been looking. “Aren’t you meant to be over the honeymoon period now Chakotay?” he teased. Chakotay grinned sheepishly, “Well, I guess we do have a lot of time to catch up on Tom,” he joked. “Never understood what took you two so long anyway,” Tom remarked. “I’m just glad the two of you finally stopped all that pussy-footing around!” Chakotay smiled and looked back towards his wife. “You know, if you had told me last year that I would be the one she married and not Mark …” He turned his attention to Tom, startling the other man with the intensity of his eyes, and paused before continuing, “ I’d have never believed you. I honestly thought I had lost her …” “Lost who?” Neither man had noticed Kathryn walking over to them. Her expression was one of intrigue. Both Tom and Chakotay turned to look at her standing by Chakotay’s side. He slipped an arm around her, “You,” he replied simply. Their eyes locked and she placed a comforting arm around Chakotay’s waist, her other hand rested against his broad chest, “Never,” she stated, her voice husky. “Er … if you folks will excuse me, I think I’ll go and check on B’Elanna,” Tom grinned awkwardly at them and retreated. “What was that all about?” Kathryn asked, watching Tom make his way over to B’Elanna. “Oh, Tom was just telling me how we should be over the honeymoon period by now!” Kathryn faced Chakotay, her hand snaking up from his chest to cup his nape, pressing herself closer to him, “Do you agree?” She was almost purring now, her lips close to his. He shook his head as she kissed him, astounding him with the force of it. Chakotay couldn’t believe that she would be so open in front of the crew. “Did I shock you Chakotay?” she teased. “I told you, I would no longer deny how I felt about you,” she stated. “I want everyone here to know just how happy you have made me,” she smiled at him, a smile full of love. Chakotay wrapped both his arms around her, tracing tiny circles on her bare back. His touch was light, teasing, his voice low and seductive, a culmination that sent chills down Kathryn’s spine. “Would you like them to know how happy I intend to make you later?” he said as his head dipped towards hers. He groaned as he continued, “This dress of yours is driving me crazy. When we get home …” he murmured, “I intend to slowly slide it off you, covering you with kisses as it falls to the floor,” his breathing was becoming heavy. “I am going to tease you Kathryn …” he whispered, “… until you beg me not to …” Kathryn groaned softly, “Just how much longer until we can leave?” Her breathing was now as heavy as his. He kissed her again, flicking his tongue over her lips, pulling away before she could draw him in. “Not yet Kathryn …” “Oh,” it was more of a moan than an actual word. A slight cough alerted the couple to the presence of two men standing nearby. Chakotay kept an arm around Kathryn’s waist as he viewed the officers before him. The taller of the two men appeared slightly flustered, his uniform rumpled. Chakotay did not recognise him. The officer had dark hair, with deep brown eyes, and although he must have been older, his face had a certain boyish charm. “My apologies …” the officer began. Kathryn waved her hand, “There’s no need to apologise …” “I got caught up with reports … you know how it is,” he offered. “I do indeed,” Kathryn replied. “I know only too well how quickly time flies when you’ve a stack of reports to get through.” The officer smiled, his nerves dissipating. “I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude in your decision to allow this party to take place onboard Voyager once more …” “It’s my pleasure Admiral,” the officer interrupted, “I’m only too happy to oblige. I hope the tradition continues,” he smiled warmly. Kathryn returned the smile and gestured at Chakotay, “I’d like to introduce you to my husband, Chakotay,” she said catching Chakotay’s eyes with a tender look. Chakotay held out his hand as Kathryn continued in her introductions, “Chakotay, this is Voyager’s new Captain, Wesley Crusher,” she concluded as the two men shook hands. Chakotay smiled at Captain Crusher, “Didn’t you serve on the Enterprise with Admiral Picard?” he asked. “Yes sir,” Crusher answered. “Voyager is my first command.” “You couldn’t have wished for a finer ship or crew Captain Crusher,” Kathryn’s voice was filled with pride. “This ship looked after us for seven years, she carried us home,” she paused, looking around her, before fixing Crusher with her gaze, “I am confident that you will grow to love her as much as I do …” she finished, her voice betraying the emotions she was feeling. Only Chakotay noticed the change in her voice and he reassuringly tightened his arm around his wife. The group fell silent. Wesley Crusher was in awe of being in the presence of Voyager’s legendary command team. He shook himself, remembering that he had not introduced the man at his side, “Please forgive me,” he stammered, “I haven’t yet introduced you to my number one …” he indicted to the Vulcan by his side. “This is Commander Varrik …” Kathryn smiled, recognizing Jean-Luc Picard’s influence over the man in front of her, as she regarded the Vulcan in front of her warmly. Crusher continued, “Commander, this is Voyager’s former First Officer, Commander Chakotay …” Wesley grimaced at his mistake, referring to Chakotay by his former title. “…And the newly appointed Admiral Janeway.” Both of Voyager’s former officers shook hands with Commander Varrik. As she did so, Kathryn mused at the strangeness of being referred to as “Admiral”. She had accepted the promotion shortly after her marriage to Chakotay. She no longer had the desire to be Captain of Voyager, exploring space. Her heart belonged with Chakotay, with the life they had created for themselves here on Earth and being stationed at headquarters meant that she got to spend every night with him. On their wedding day she vowed to him that she would put their needs first and in doing so, the beautiful woman warrior finally knew the true meaning of peace. THE END Forgive the Crusher bit? |
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