| No More Denying… Part 5 The Morning Disclaimer: See Previous Parts Rating: R…but some sexual references in the form of memories, but no smutty graphics. Chakotay’s eyes flickered open, blinking against the sunlight flooding through the open blinds. He briefly wondered where he was before remembering, a smile crossing his bronzed features. He listened to the soft sound of Kathryn’s breathing and knew she was still asleep. He turned gently, careful not to disturb her, resting his head in his hand, watching her. She was facing him, the sheet tangled around her, her leg straddling its whiteness, causing it to reveal a naked buttock. He grinned, his eyes lingering, relishing in the memory of how her legs had wrapped around him the previous night. He had spent years wondering how they would be together, but the reality of their lovemaking was better than he had ever imagined. Kathryn was a passionate lover, confident in both her body and her abilities. If, last night, he harboured any doubts regarding the depth of her feelings, she had certainly dispelled them. Her hunger for him, so long denied, culminated in the most intense experience he had ever had. She had taken him to levels he never thought possible. His eyes followed the line of her body, over the bareness of her arm, which was draped around her waist, continuing up to her shoulder, before following her smooth milky skin down to her breasts. Chakotay watched them rise with her breathing, the sheet just covering her nipples. He toyed with the idea of tugging the sheet away to release her pink tips into his waiting gaze. He remembered her reaction to his caresses, how she arched against him, groaning loudly as he had sucked and bitten her breasts. He tried not to groan himself as desire started to stir within him once more. He concentrated on her face; of course he had seen her asleep before, whilst on New Earth he had stood silently watching her sleeping in the early hours of the morning, so small and vulnerable; But today she looked different, peaceful, a slight smile etched on her lips, still swollen from their passionate kisses. Her hair was splayed over the pillow and her shoulders in total disarray. She had never looked more alluring. His heart swelled, he was here, in her bed, having had the most incredible night ever, finally realising his fantasies, knowing how she felt, looked, tasted, reacted. He could hold back temptation no longer, reaching his fingers out to remove the material denying him the sight of her. Her eyes flickered open, focusing on his face, which was flushed with embarrassment, his hand in the air between their two bodies. He smiled and dropped his hand back to the mattress. Her voice was rough and husky “Good morning…” “Hi…” They lapsed into silence, both feeling slightly awkward, silly grins on their faces. He chuckled, she reached out to playfully tap him “Ouch!” “What’s wrong Kathryn?” “Oh, it’s been a long time since I has a work out like that!” She rubbed at her lower back, causing the sheet to fall further away from her rear; an action that Chakotay watched intently, desire blazing in his eyes. “Mmm, as I seem to recall, you were the initiator! After all, at my age…” She looked at him in surprise, remembering his fervent advance on her in the early hours, his warm breath against her skin as his teeth grazed her breast, his fingers arousing her. “Oh, so I dreamt the part when you woke me up did I?” He smirked, then his expression changed, becoming serious. She could feel her alarm mounting. “There’s one thing I think we should discuss…” Her heart thumped in her chest. Was this the point when he explained he was already in another relationship? - God, I never thought to ask! She watched him, anxious to know what he was going to say - Is he just going to get up and leave? One night together and that’s it? Tears were beginning to sting her eyes as he raised his head to look at her “Kathryn…Just what was you thinking of yesterday when I was slicing the veg?” She spluttered and laughed, relief on her face “What was I?…” “You know, when I asked you, you blushed from here…” He touched her forehead, then trailed a finger slowly down her throat towards her breast, skimming along the edge of the sheet “…to here…” She gasped, edging herself forward. He watched her reaction, a twinkle in his eyes as his fingers continued to avoid the places she wanted him to touch. “I…was…watching your fingers…” She groaned “…peeling the mushrooms…” She pushed herself further towards his hand “…wondering…how…” She was too embarrassed to continue. He was not letting her off the hook that easily “Yes?” His eyes were full of mischief “Oh! How they would feel…against my skin…” Her face was deep red. He flashed her a wide grin, dimples out in full force, before eyeing her seductively “And did last night settle that query to your full satisfaction?” His finger brushed closer to her nipple and she caught her breath, her voice becoming husky “I’m a scientist, I never form an opinion…” She rose, leaning over him, her lips almost touching his, her voice barely a whisper “…without extensive investigation…” Their lips locked, their passion for each other once again igniting. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Later Chakotay became aware of Kathryn planting soft kisses on his chest. He murmured and held her tighter to him, enjoying the feeling of waking up with her snuggled against him, her head on his chest. He kissed the top of her red hair, breathing in its scent. “Is it still morning?” She giggled “Only just!” “I could get used to this…waking up every morning next to the woman I love…” “Mmm, who needs a shower!” They both laughed. She kissed him before wriggling out of his arms. “Hey, do you want to make the coffee while I’m in the shower?” He sat up and watched her walking to the bathroom “Did you get anything in for breakfast?” She paused and turned to face him, his smile teasing, his dimples prominent. She placed a hand on her hip “Really Chakotay, do you think I’m the kind of woman who invites a man for dinner and breakfast?” She winked at him and sauntered out of the room. He laughed as he got out of the bed, picking up his boxers and pants from where they had been thrown last night. He put them on, buttoning up the pants as he made his way to the kitchen, his grumbling stomach reminding him to check the contents of the fridge. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ “Computer, activate sonic shower.” The shower whirled into life. Kathryn would have preferred a bath, but for the sake of quickness, had settled for a shower. She leaned her back against the side and took in a deep breath, allowing her thoughts to stray to Chakotay. She smiled. No one had ever made her feel so beautiful and special before. She remembered the appreciative way he had viewed her body after he had removed her clothing, his eyes drinking in the sight of her, making her feel so desirable. He had taken his time to explore every part of her, stroking, kissing, finding the spots that drove her wild. She blushed scarlet thinking just how vocal she had been in her enthusiasm. She turned around, leaning her arms on the shower wall. Kathryn was grateful that their first night together had not been one of clumsy fumbling, but one of skilful and attentive lovemaking. Chakotay certainly knew how to please a lady, using Kathryn’s reactions to guide his ministrations. She was lost in these thoughts when she heard his voice. “Kathryn, where shall I put your coffee?” “Over by the mirror!” She rested her forehead against the sonic blue surface, unaware that Chakotay had decided to join her. She jumped slightly as his hand caressed her thigh, circling around her buttocks “Chakotay…” His mouth was close to her ear, sending shivers through out her “Ssh” His lips trailed a line of kisses up and down her spine, returning to her ear, nuzzling and nipping at the spot he had recently discovered. His other hand snaked slowly around her waist “Oh!” Her voice was weak - Gods! Why did I push him away for so long? ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Kathryn, fully showered and wearing a light yellow dress, stood in the doorway of the kitchen, her eyes fixed on Chakotay. He was standing at the hob cooking breakfast, his back to her. He was wearing only his pants, his chest and feet bare. “Looks like you seem to have made yourself at home in here!” He continued with what he was doing, not turning to answer “Someone has to! Breakfast in two minutes, okay? The coffee is on the table.” “Thanks.” She approached him, circling her arms around his waist and kissed the angry red scratch marks on his back. “I don’t think you can kiss them better Kathryn!” “No, I think you need a dermal regenerator. Sorry…” He crooked his head to catch sight of her “Don’t be, it was worth it!” She blushed and giggled. He thought how lovely she looked when she blushed. He felt her rest her head against his back, sighing. “I’m starving!” “Me too! I think we managed to work up a bit of an appetite!” “I’ve not finished with you yet sir!” He knew he would never tire of listening to her voice when it was so sultry. He groaned “My people have a saying, even the eagle knows when to sleep.” She lifted her head, nuzzling against his ear, whispering “Glad we’re not eagles!” She skirted to the side, avoiding Chakotay’s playful attempt to smack her bottom. “Missed Chakotay!” “I can bide my time Kathryn!” ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ They had finished breakfast and were in the process of clearing away the dishes when the com-link from the other room sounded. They exchanged a look of amusement and both spoke at the same time “Phoebe!” Chakotay laughed as Kathryn rolled her eyes and left the room. She sat down in the large chair in front of her desk before activating the monitor. As expected she was greeted by the image of a not-too-happy sister. “Good morning Phoebe, how are you?” “How am I? Like a cat on a hot tin roof! I’ve been waiting all morning for you to contact me!” “Sorry…” “How did last night go? Did you tell him how you feel?” Out of the corner of her eye, Kathryn could see Chakotay enter the room, carrying two mugs. “I believe I made my feelings quite clear…” Whatever it was Phoebe had meant to say got lost in her gasp as she saw a man’s naked torso standing next to Kathryn. Kathryn giggled at her sister’s reaction as she took the mug from Chakotay and placed it on the desk “Phoebe, meet Chakotay…” He bent into view “Chakotay, this is my sister Phoebe…” “Hello Phoebe…” He leant close to Kathryn, his warm voice vibrating against her ear, making her shudder. Kathryn could tell he was smiling, not just for Phoebe. He knew the effect he was having on her. Phoebe recovered well enough to manage a feeble acknowledgment “Er…hi!” Phoebe was lost for words. Kathryn revelled in her sister’s embarrassment, grinning at her “I do believe Phoebs, that you are lost for words!” Chakotay turned slightly, viewing Kathryn, watching the colour rise on her cheeks - Let’s see you lost for words yourself Kathryn! He mischievously started nibbling on her neck, smiling against her skin at her shocked gasp “Chakotay!” She squirmed, all to aware of the look of delight on Phoebe’s face as Chakotay continued, using his teeth to nip at the skin just below her ear. She let out a whimper as Phoebe spoke “Seems like I’m not the only one having difficulty speaking this morning Kath!” Kathryn mumbled, turning her head towards Chakotay, her lips eager for his “Phoebs…got…later…” He pressed his lips to hers. Phoebe giggled as Kathryn’s hand flapped wildly trying to terminate the com-link, before finally managing it. When the kiss ended Kathryn looked at him, her eyes intent “You realise that right now Phoebe and my mother are discussing what you just did!” “Kind of hoped they would!” He smiled maintaining eye contact as he picked up her mug, holding it between them, his voice low and smooth “Your coffee Captain…” She grinned taking the mug “I don’t recall you bringing me coffee into the ready room with…such finesse!” “I spent many a night thinking about it though!” She laughed. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The sunset cast an orange glow around the room, creating shadows from the furniture. Chakotay sat with his back against the arm of the sofa; Kathryn nestled between his legs, her head resting on his chest, their hands entwined. Kathryn was slowly studying his long fingers. She had been deep in thought for some time “So what happens now?” “Right now?” His tone revealed a hint of amusement. “No Chakotay…what happens now…to us?” “I’m not sure I…” He tensed. Surely she was not going to change her mind, tell him she was sorry, that she had made a mistake? “Do we carry on, you digging away on some planet, me on Voyager? Only seeing each other every few months? I’ve wasted so much time already…I’ll be damned if I’ll waste any more.” Chakotay was surprised at the determination in her voice “What are you proposing?” She took a deep breath and crooked her head, looking at him, momentarily losing herself in his dark orbs “I’m going to leave Voyager…” She could see his astonishment and waited for him to speak. “But…you can’t! I won’t let you! Kathryn, being a Captain is your life! I know how much it means to you, I can’t let you give that up…you love it, you thrive on it…that rush of adrenalin during red alert…out-witting an opponent, meeting new cultures…it’s in your blood Kathryn…nothing can change that…It’s who you are…and I wouldn’t have you any other way…” He rubbed his thumb lightly over her cheek, holding her gaze intently. The depth of his love took her breath away. She felt tears prick at the back of her eyes. “Kathryn, please think about this, don’t rush into anything…” “I have. I’m serious about this Chakotay. I’ve put Voyager first for the past nine years, she owes me…If I hadn’t been so completely dedicated to Voyager…maybe we could have…” She searched his face, hoping he understood what she was trying to say “Kathryn, it was that dedication of yours that got our crew home. Never forget that.” She dropped her head, biting her lip “But…if things had been different, if I had come to you earlier…we might have…” She swallowed hard “…We might have had children…” She had always wanted a child, but the years stranded in the Delta Quadrant, the years she had spent pushing Chakotay away had taken crept up on her and time had passed her by. It hurt. He lifted her chin; he needed to look at her, needed to make sure that she understood what it was he was going to say “You’re all I’ve ever wanted Kathryn…and yes it has taken time, but I would have waited forever for you to come to me. You’re my life, you always have been…It would have been nice to have had a child, but being able to hold you here in my arms…that’s more than I could ever have wished for…” His voice caught and he tightened his arms around her, kissing the top of her head. A tear slipped down her cheek “Oh…Chakotay…” “Kathryn, don’t resign your commission…” She started to object. He put his finger to her lips “No, let me finish…I’ve been offered a position at the academy, a professorship…” Her eyes opened wider, he had her full attention “Six months here in San Francisco, three months away on site, plus three months vacation. I’ve been contemplating whether to accept. It’s a tempting offer, especially now…” Her voice became breathless “But you left StarFleet…” “I don’t have to hide anymore Kathryn from the feelings I have for you. It would be good for me to settle down, make roots. Since leaving Voyager I’ve felt…without a home, a base.” She touched his face “Chakotay, don’t take this because…” “I’ve spent two years on my own, being miserable, I want to be near you…you’re not the only one who regrets wasting time.” “I’m sorry…” He looked bewildered “I was a fool to push you away for so long…” He smiled at her “And the beautiful woman warrior finally gave him her heart…” “I love you.” Chakotay stared at her. She had not said that to him up until now. She had shown her love, but not voiced it. It took him by surprise. He could get used to hearing those words from her lips. “I love you too.” She matched his smile with one of her own, before kissing him lightly and returning her head to his chest. He lowered his head nearer to hers and when he spoke she felt his breath on her hair. “I’m going to tell StarFleet tomorrow that I accept.” Kathryn was moved by his selflessness. Once again he was willing to make a sacrifice for her. She could not speak and squeezed his hands tighter in response. “Hey, want to leave me some bones intact?” She laughed, the tension breaking “Sorry!” “Okay, what are you doing this week?” “I’m on leave, why?” “Would you like to help me look for an apartment? Maybe somewhere nearby?” It only took her a second to think about what she was going to say. All her time with Mark, both before and after the Delta Quadrant, and not once had she felt this way. She turned in his arms, her legs draping his, her hands rested on his chest. “Stay here.” Her voice was quiet “Tonight?” His expression was questioning. She shook her head, fixing his dark brown eyes with her grey blue ones. “No, not just tonight.” “Kathryn, are you asking me to live…here with you?” She nodded “Are you sure?” “Yes.” One small word. She had never been more certain. She wanted him around, needed him in her life. She had finally met a man who she loved more than life itself, had finally admitted it, no more denying herself of his love |
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