| No More Denying… Part 4 The Dinner Disclaimer: Paramount own Star Trek, but I just wanted to borrow the characters for a while Rating: 13 Author’s note: This story belongs to me… Summary: It’s been two years since Voyager returned to Earth via an artificial wormhole provided by StarFleet. In part one Kathryn and fiancé Mark attended the 2nd celebratory party onboard Voyager in the Sandrine’s simulation. Kathryn danced with Chakotay, whilst Mark watched. Chakotay told B’Elanna that he still loved Kathryn. In part 2 Mark and Kathryn argued about the nature of her relationship with Chakotay, Mark finally realised that him and Kathryn just wouldn’t work. Part 3 is set four months later and finds Kathryn seeking out Chakotay, inviting him for lunch, then later for dinner. Chakotay received unexpected romantic advice from Boothby. This is set later the same day… Unlike Chakotay, who had spent the afternoon either in a cold shower, or planning the next, Kathryn had enjoyed her afternoon in the sunshine. Walking leisurely around the market, picking out the freshest fruit and vegetables for their evening meal. Back in her apartment she had spoken with her mother, left a message for Phoebe and made contact with Voyager, checking the progress of the maintenance work that was being conducted. Once she had finished speaking with the duty engineer, Kathryn ran herself a deep bath, drizzling camomile into it, inhaling the sweet scent as it rose with the steam. She checked the chronometer; she had plenty of time before Chakotay was due to enjoy a long soak, before getting herself ready. Fifteen minutes before his arrival, she stood back admiring herself in the full-length mirror of her bedroom. She had chosen a light cream pair of trousers and a sand coloured sleeveless top, the scooping neckline of which was a little daring for her ordinarily; but tonight was no ordinary night. Kathryn bent over a smile on her lips, as she observed that the view was, even for her, ample, inviting even. Standing tall she turned slightly, studying her reflection from every angle. She prided herself on not having one pound of fat on her body. The trousers skimmed her rear and hips, the wider cut of the leg, falling gracefully down to her ankles. She finished the look with a pair of low-heeled cream shoes. Kathryn ran her fingers through her hair, tucking a strand behind her ear. She still debated her choice of styling, abandoning her usual sleek bob for a looser style, allowing the soft curls to drape onto her shoulders. She put in the earrings that Chakotay had given her for her birthday three years ago. The door chime sounded just as she dabbed perfume onto her pulse points. Kathryn walked to the door, greeting Chakotay as he entered carrying two bottles of wine in one hand the other hidden behind his back. He was wearing a mid-green shirt and stone pants. He looked gorgeous, causing a whole host of ideas to flash through Kathryn’s mind and she hoped she wasn’t blushing. “I didn’t know whether to bring red or white, so I brought both!” He smiled, showing those lovely dimples, making Kathryn’s heart pound, rendering her helpless to reply. He presented her with the rose that had been concealed behind his back “Courtesy of Boothby…” He watched as she smiled that lovely full smile of hers, the one he told himself she saved just for him “…he told me to give it to someone special…” His voice betrayed his uncertainty and his fear of rejection. He searched her eyes for reassurance. She blushed at the intensity and the feelings it was stirring within her. She took the rose from him and smelled it’s soft fragrance, before softly speaking “Thank you Chakotay…” Chakotay knew he was staring at her. She looked enchanting. He liked her hair that way, softer, he wanted to touch it, run his fingers through it, feel it on his chest. - Gods, this is going to be a long night if I carry on thinking like this. Even after all these years, his aching for her was as strong as ever. Kathryn could feel his eyes as they looked over every inch of her body, enjoying the sensations racing within her. - Oh, it’s been a long time since I’ve felt like this! Her eyes rose to meet his, locking with them, laying her thoughts open, hiding nothing and revealing a taster of the desire coursing through her. Chakotay felt he was drowning within her smoky blue depths, unable to believe what he was seeing there. - Kathryn, don’t look at me like that, I know you don’t realise it, but you’ve no idea what you’re doing to me! He could feel himself colouring and in danger of dropping the wine. He had to look away, think clearly, control his thoughts. He coughed “What’s for dinner?” She continued looking at him through her lashes - Oh, you I hope! Her voice was low and husky as she answered him “That’s up to you…” He glanced at her again, confusion within his dark orbs. Kathryn smiled as she clarified “You’re the cook!” With that she turned, heading for the kitchen. He followed. The room was small, but immaculately planned and spotless - Of course it’s spotless she never does any cooking! A counter in the middle of the room displayed a variety of vegetables. He looked through them as she placed the wine on the worktop, returning to stand by his side. Close enough for him to catch a mere whiff of her perfume. “Well?” He looked at her smiling face, pushed up close to his, trying to ignore her proximity to him “Well what?” “What are you cooking for us?” “You are still one impatient woman Kathryn Janeway! You always have to know everything!” She pouted “Only when I’m hungry!” “Kathryn, stop pouting, it doesn’t suit you!” “Funny, I always thought I was very good at it!” He joined her in her smiling, noticing the giggle which escaped from her. “How does vegetable chilli, fresh salsa and nachos sound to you?” “Sound better with chicken in it!” “Hmm, still a carnivore Kathryn?” “Where I grew up we were encouraged to eat all foods Chakotay!” He flashed those dimples again as he started to work on dinner, expertly wielding the knife. “Would you like an apron?” There was a teasing tilt to her voice. “I think I can manage without one thanks!” “Shame, I bet you’d look quite good in one!” She was openly flirting with him. Two can play at that, he thought, wiggling the knife in front of her “That, is something you will never know!” “Pity!” She pulled up a stool and perched herself on it, watching him slice the tomatoes and peppers. “Pay attention, you might even learn something!” She leant forward picking up a piece of tomato “What’s that old saying? Something about an old dog and new tricks?” He tapped her hand with the knife, grinning “Leave alone!” “Is that an order?” “Yes!” “Aye, aye sir!” She gave a mock salute before popping the tomato into her mouth. “Anyway, why should I bother cooking when I’ve got you to do it for me?” “Because I can’t always be here to do it for you!” Chakotay stopped slicing as he heard Kathryn catch her breath. He hadn’t meant it to come out the way it had. The atmosphere changed. He knew she was looking at him, but he didn’t want to meet her gaze. Her thoughts were tumbling - But I want you to be! Why should he bother now after the way I’ve treated him? Since when did I have the right to make any demands? Oh, but I have changed my mind, look at me Chakotay! “Could you pass me a pan?” - What? Kathryn tried to focus, as she slowly understood what he was asking and fetched a pan, pausing before sitting on the stool again. The next few minutes were spent in silence. Chakotay was mentally kicking himself as he set to work peeling the mushrooms. Kathryn watched his fingers gently removing the outer layer, imaging how those fingers would feel on her, peeling away the layers of her clothing, stroking her skin…She didn’t hear what he had said “Are you okay Kathryn?” He was concerned about her. She jolted, her face flushed, guilt written all over it “Sorry…” “Anything you want to share?” He watched her fidget, enjoying her obvious discomfort at his pursuit of the topic. He wondered what it had been that she was thinking of. “Er…maybe later…” He made a mental note to hold her to that as he scooped the ingredients into the pan and turned the stove on. “There! That will take about forty minutes. Do you want me to open the wine?” She nodded, fetching the bottle opener and two glasses as he selected which one to drink first. He poured for both of them, his mind wondering again just what had made her look so guilty. He caught her eye and smiled. “It’s getting warm in here Chakotay, shall we take our drinks and sit out on the balcony?” Outside Chakotay chose the chair furthest from the door. He looked out at the view. The evening was still warm and the setting sun created a hazy glow against the backdrop of the surrounding buildings. He watched as Kathryn placed the wine on the table and settled herself into the remaining chair, tucking her feet up underneath her. He could tell something was on her mind, but knew her well enough not to force the issue, knowing that she would tell him in her own time. “What’s so funny?” Chakotay hadn’t realised until then that he had been grinning. “I was just thinking of how many times you sat like that on the bridge, feet curled up underneath you, except back then it was coffee you were drinking not wine!” “For your information, I no longer sit like this on the bridge. My new first officer doesn’t approve of slouching!” There was a hint of sadness to her voice and neither one knew what to say. She took another sip from her glass, trying to think of a way of expressing the thoughts in her mind. Chakotay topped her up her drink. “Are you trying to get me drunk?” “Would it encourage you to tell me what’s on your mind?” Kathryn gave him a slight smile and resumed staring at the horizon. Chakotay waited a moment, then gave up and also focused his eyes on the distance. It was another minute before he heard her speak, her voice barely a whisper “Why did you leave Chakotay?” He turned, facing her inquisitive eyes, taken by surprise at the question. His mind whirled with the possible answers. He couldn’t lie to her, but he couldn’t tell her the truth either. She knew he was struggling to answer, trying to decide which of the two options to take. “We’ve never lied to each other Chakotay…I think I at least deserve the truth…” - If I do that, this evening will be over before you know it, maybe our friendship too… He searched her eyes, taking a deep breath…At that moment a beeping sound came from inside. It was her communications monitor; someone was trying to contact her. She sighed, giving him a final look before rising to answer it. Chakotay let out the breath he had been holding, remembering the look of hurt in her eyes, deciding that he at least owed her the truth. In the living area, Kathryn opened the com link and was greeted by the sight of her sister. She rolled her eyes and let out a breath “Phoebe!” “I’ve just got your message, what’s up?” “Nothing…” “Have you spoken to him yet?” Phoebe’s voice was filled with excitement. “He’s here now…” “Oh, sorry! How’s it going?” Kathryn used her best Captain’s voice “Phoebe, I’ll call you tomorrow.” Not put off, Phoebe continued “Have you kissed him?” - Not yet! “Goodnight!” She terminated the link and walked back into the kitchen. Chakotay was serving up dinner. “Do you want to eat outside Kathryn?” “Yeah, fine!” “Everything okay?” “Mmm, just Phoebe checking up on me!” She took a plate from him and picked up the bowl of nachos, leading the way. His gaze fell to the swing of her hips, noticing the white lace panties covering her pert bottom, fully appreciating the transparency of her trousers. For the second time that evening he was afraid of dropping what he was carrying. Kathryn didn’t seem to notice Chakotay’s admiring glances as they sat back down. Chakotay began eating as Kathryn stood “I’ll get some more wine…” She returned carrying the other bottle. She leant over the table to pour a glass for Chakotay. Her top gapped, leaving him unable to resist a peep. He silently praised the sight of her generous cleavage, still firm and invitingly curvaceous, Spirits it was inviting! The soft lace of the cups emphasised the roundness of her breasts. He shifted in his seat, his pants becoming tight, glad that Kathryn hadn’t seemed aware of his discomfort as she tucked into the chilli. “Mmm, this is wonderful!” “I’m glad you like it.” He was genuinely pleased at her response and continued eating himself. They ate quietly. Chakotay became aware that Kathryn had stopped eating and was looking at him. “Kathryn?” “You never answered my question earlier…” He put down his fork “I remember you once telling me about the Angry Warrior…you told me he’d always stay…by…her side…” Chakotay could see the tears glistening in her eyes and as they both remembered their time together on New Earth. “I’m sorry….I never meant to hurt you, Kathryn….” “Why did you leave me?” Her voice was cracked, full of emotion, afraid of his answer. Chakotay had never seen her looking so vulnerable. His heart ached “When I told you the Angry Warrior legend…I didn’t mention how badly he hoped that…one day…when both of their tribes were safe…the beautiful woman warrior would finally give him her heart…” He held her gaze, allowing himself to let his pain show. His voice dropped as he continued “I had to get away Kathryn, put some distance between us…Those last few months on Voyager nearly destroyed me…I watched your excitement grow with every letter from Mark…Watched as your love for him resurfaced…And all the time I was dying inside, my spirit shattering into many small pieces…” A tear escaped and trickled down her face, followed by another. “That’s the reason I left…When we got back, I watched you go to him…I stood there realising that I would never know what it felt like to hold you…I had hoped for years that you would one day return my love…I just couldn’t bear the thought of sitting by your side on the bridge again, knowing your happiness was because of another…I had to go and heal my spirit…” He looked down at his plate “I went to Admiral Paris, told him I was finished with StarFleet, that I wanted out…I even thought for a moment he was buying my reasons…I couldn’t tell you that I was leaving…one look at you and I would have wanted to stay…” He looked up, tears swelling in those dark eyes, made so much darker by his raw emotions. Kathryn let out a groan, followed by a sob “Oh Chakotay…” Her words were coming between the sobs, the tears rolling down her cheeks “You never knew!” Her voice was scratchy, full of anguish. Chakotay just stared at her unable to comprehend her reaction. “Did you really think that I…didn’t have those same…feelings? That I hadn’t thought about…us…being more than…” Her hands flapped in the air trying to illustrate the nature of their relationship “…Those seven years by your side were torture for me too! Thinking about you…Wanting you constantly…Always having to push you away…I thought…when we got back…when you wouldn’t speak to me…that you didn’t want me any more…” “No…” Kathryn was still sobbing, the floodgates to her deepest feelings had been opened and she had no intention of shutting them. “…I drifted back with Mark…because…because…I’d lost you…I thought I was happy with Mark…until the night of the party…until I saw you again…” She took a deep breath recalling that night in her mind “Mark knew I loved you…that’s…why he left…” Chakotay’s mind was reeling, had he just heard her right? Did she just say that she loved him? The truth was beginning to dawn on them both as they faced each other. “I once told you Chakotay…that we needed to define some parameters…” Her voice became low and unsure “…is it too late to re-define them?” Chakotay rose slowly, unsure whether his shaky legs would hold his weight and crossed the few steps between them. He held out his hand, the tears in his eyes matching hers, as he pulled her to her feet. He could hardly believe this was happening. He looked into her face, seeing her hope and fear. Too choked to speak he pulled her into his embrace, holding her tight against his chest, relishing the feel of her body against his, the smell of her hair under his nose, the warmth of her breathing against his chest. She pulled back slightly, making eye contact, slipping one hand between them up to trace the lines of his tattoo, memorising it’s pattern with her fingers. She had wanted to do that for so long. His skin was soft as her hand drifted down his cheek, moving through his black hair to cup his nape, pulling him closer until their lips touched in the lightest of kisses. He felt her shudder against him as he increased the pressure of his lips on hers, running his tongue over them as they opened, allowing his tongue to meet hers in a frenzied dance. He groaned into her mouth, his hands roamed passionately up and down her body, settling in her hair, holding her tighter to him, until the need for oxygen forced them apart. “Gods Kathryn…you…don’t…know…how…long…I’ve…wanted…to…do…that” He punctuated his words with light kisses along her jaw, over her neck, finding the sensitive area below her ear. He smiled against her skin as she pressed herself closer against him, one hand holding his head to her, the other wildly stroking circles over his back. His head dipped lower, kissing as much of her chest that was open to him, nuzzling against the soft material of her blouse. Her body arched backwards, a low moan escaping from her throat. She tried to speak “Cha…” His lips claimed hers again; losing whatever it was that she was going to say. Her mind fuzzy with desire, her whole body alight with the fire he had started, the fire that he was damn well going to quench. - Oh Gods! She reluctantly pulled away, breathing against his lips, one hand cupping his neck, the other on his chest “Lets go inside…” His voice was husky with desire as he replied, teasing her “What about dinner?” Her hand ran down his chest to the waistband of his pants, pulling him forward as she backed into the apartment “I’ll make it up to you…” |
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