Disclaimer: See part one.
It had been over a week since Annie's birthday. The crew had thrown her a party, which had allowed her to meet everyone and for everyone to meet and get to know her. She had developed new friends in such a short space of time.
Annie sat in the dark, empty mess hall, facing the stars. She had barely spoken to anyone over the past few months, now on this ship she had opened up somewhat. There were still many things that had yet to be said, but she had a feeling she would have time for that.
"Penny for them ?"
Annie looked up to see Chakotay smiling down at her. She smiled back.
"I'll give them to you for free"
He chuckled
"May I?" he pointed to the seat opposite her.
"Be my guest"
Chakotay sat sensing Annie was going to tell him something.
"I could never stomach being on starships or shuttles, I always suffered from space sickness"
Chakotay raised his eyebrow, asking a silent question.
"I don't know, it must be my pregnancy" Annie shrugged and looked out towards the stars "I never fancied coming up here anyway. The stars were meant to be in the sky and I was meant to be on the ground " Annie paused "but I always wondered what was so fascinating up here, that she couldn't stay on the ground"
"You mean Kathryn?" Annie nodded "Have you worked that one out yet?" he asked quietly, yet he seemed loud in the dark silent mess hall.
Annie smiled and shook her head "No, but I can see the beauty and the thrill of flying through the stars" Chakotay sat and watched Annie, knowing she had more to say and that she wanted him to be the one to listen. "But with thrills and beauty, there comes danger " Annie smiled, but her eyes told him she was far from happy " as you well know Chakotay. Life is very full of dangers and it's unfortunate that we are placed in them so often or the ones we love are"
Annie paused, collecting her thought and trying to decide how to phrase the emotions she was feeling.
Chakotay silently watched her, understanding that she needed this to be heard. Annie needed that weight lifted off her shoulders.
Annie leant forward, resting her hand on her swollen belly and resting her elbow on the table and her chin on her hand.
Annie watched Chakotay and he watched her. She watched his eyes, noticing the colour, she smiled suddenly.
"He had your colour eyes"
"Who did?" Chakotay asked softly.
"Brian" she smiled "I would often drown in those eyes, to be quite honest I could drown in him" the star light reflected against her eyes, allowing Chakotay to see the unshed tears there.
Annie wet her lips before carrying on.
"We met the day after the Doctor made contact with Starfleet. Brian was our assigned liaison officer, he would give us updates and information on Voyager. He was very nervous, especially around me. You could say I was quite obnoxious and arrogant at times, plus I hadn't been in anyone's company other that my family's, in months" Annie smiled at the memory "but that obviously didn't put him off" Annie laughed "'cause he kept coming back" Chakotay laughed with her.
"He must have really liked you"
"Apparently so 'cause he eventually asked me out for dinner. I kept thinking that I couldn't and wouldn't do this, he represented an institution that I had rejected long ago"
Chakotay creased his brow in confusement. He then realised what she meant.
"You mean Starfleet?" Annie nodded
"I had lost my Grandfather, Justin and Kathryn, anyway I wanted to say no, but I said yes and I figured I couldn't go back on my word" Annie smiled again "everyday at 11am he would be at my door and he would take me for coffee at "
Annie raised an eyebrow "What's so funny?"
"Coffee must be habitual in your family, huh?"
"Oh that" Annie grinned "no, Kathryn and myself are the only two who like coffee in our family" Chakotay noticed something in Annie's eyes, something she wasn't telling.
Annie went back to telling her story.
"One day, he couldn't make it. He was so apologetic, but I understood. I therefore decided to surprise him. I transported from Indiana to San Francisco, went to his office to be told he was in the grounds. Fifteen minutes later I found him under a tree, surrounded by Padds, asleep. I knew in that moment I loved this man, that I was actually 'in love' with this man" Annie looked at Chakotay, they smiled at one another.
"I basically told him as much when he woke up. He was ecstatic to say the least. We soon found a place in San Francisco, it overlooks the bridge. We would either make love or sit and watch the sun down go down. Have you ever done that Chakotay?"
"What? Make love to the woman I love or watch the sun go down? Not yet and yes" Chakotay grinned, showing his dimples.
"I mean, have you ever watched the sun go down, while you were with the woman you love?"
Chakotay smiled at the memories that the question had provoked.
"Yes, several times, but she doesn't realise that I love her" they smiled at one another, each considering memories of different people, at different times.
Annie continued after their comfortable silence. "About six months ago " she smiled to herself again "I came home to find my living room covered in roses, dinner on the table and Brian, down on one knee in the middle of the room." Annie giggled "He said two little words 'marry me' and I said one 'yes'. We proceeded to skip the main course and have our dessert there on the living room floor" Chakotay watched Annie, he didn't think he had seen her this happy in the time he had spent with her.
Annie then grew serious.
"He was wonderful Chakotay, he would do anything for, he was the man of my dreams and I adored him. The following day, he had to go on a mission and that I would see him in a week. I missed him dearly, but I was extremely excited for him coming home."
"Thats understandable" Chakotay spoke quietly.
"The end of the week finally came, I had a knock on the door. A female Lieutenant and Admiral Paris stood there, that's when I knew something was wrong" Annie began chewing on the inside of her mouth. "The last time Owen paid me a visit was to tell me that Kathryn was missing " Annie now closed her eyes trying to prevent the tears from falling. "This time was to tell me that Brian had been killed on an away mission, when his shuttle crashed, they were killed instantly" she opened her eyes, the tears now falling freely, Annie was unable to stop them.
Chakotay stood up and came and sat beside her. He reached for her hand and gently squeezed it.
"I have cried myself to sleep every night since I found out, I've secluded myself for months. Several weeks after the accident I discovered I was pregnant."
She placed her other hand over her mouth and broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. Chakotay pulled her into his embrace, stroking her back.
"I loved him so much Chakotay" Annie sobbed.
Chakotay held her close trying to calm her, when he noticed a familiar figure move through the kitchen area and out the other door.
Chakotay made sure Annie was asleep before removing himself from Kathryn's bedroom. He walked into the living area to find Kathryn lying on the couch facing the ceiling.
"How much did you hear?" he asked quietly.
"I came in when she was telling you about her space sickness" she turned to face him, then sat up allowing him to sit next to her.
"You pretty much heard everything then"
"I guess so." Kathryn nodded her head slowly "When she was 4 years old, I made a promise to both her and myself that she would never have to go through the pain of losing someone you love"
"That was a big promise Kathryn" Kathryn nodded in agreement.
"I know, what that I didn't keep"
"You can't blame yourself for this, for what's happened"
"I know that to, it wouldn't do any of us any good" she paused "While I've been sitting here, I've been thinking"
"A dangerous pastime! What about?"
"Why you?" Kathryn held up her hand to prevent him speaking "then it came to me, why not? She sees you as a father figure and who could blame her for that. You're a wonderful man Chakotay" Kathryn placed her hand on his thigh "and I love you with all my heart and soul"
Chakotay sat there stunned. Kathryn began to rub his thigh.
"Do you know how long I have waited to hear you say that?"
"Too long. I know. But Annie had made me realise that life is immensely short, and if you love someone, there is nothing you can do but share that love with them"
"Does that mean you plan on sharing your love with me?" Chakotay's lips curled up slightly.
Kathryn gave a shy smile "Yeah, to begin with "
"You man you see a future in us, Kathryn?"
"Well of course, don't you?" Kathryn began to feel uneasy, maybe he didn't want to pursue this, and maybe last week was just a general sexual urge. Kathryn looked up at Chakotay, he was grinning at her.
Kathryn narrowed her eyes "You're teasing me aren't you?"
Chakotay nodded and moved his head closer to hers "And I intend to tease you some more"
Kathryn's heart began to race "Oh really?" he nodded and then kissed her. Kathryn moaned into him, he felt so good, he felt so masculine.
Kathryn moved from her position of sitting next to him, to straddling him, all the while continuing the kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck, moving her hands into his hair.
Chakotay's hands began to move over her body, they ended up at her front, trying to remove her jacket.
"Do you know how much I want you?" Chakotay quietly spoke into her kiss.
"I think I am beginning to find out. Our little friend is back and rearing his little head" she laughed softly
Chakotay laughed with her then spoke "Maybe you could help here?" he moved to the spot behind her ear and heard Kathryn moan with pleasure.
Chakotay removed Kathryn's jacket and shirt and left hr bra, then began trying to remove her trousers.
Kathryn kissed him, she moved round his face, paying special attention to his tattoo and his dimples.
"Do you know " kiss "how long " kiss "I have wanted to " kiss "kiss you?" she asked. He could feel her smile against his face.
His vantage point gave him a great view of her succulent breasts, god how he wanted her.
"You know, I am way over-dressed for this and struggling to get you out of your clothes"
"I had noticed" she pulled back and undid his jacket and removed his shirt, she then stood and removed her boots and trousers. With her off his lap, he quickly stood up and removed his own trousers.
They stood there, both in their underwear, staring at the other, both breathing heavily.
"Take down your boxers, Commander"
Chakotay grinned at the use of his title and gave his reply "Yes Ma'am!" he carefully manoeuvred his boxers over his erect penis and kicked them out of his way.
Kathryn watched Chakotay the whole time. There stood before her was the man she loved and he was in his birthday suit. Dreams do come true! She was pleased to see that he was still erect. Kathryn pushed Chakotay back onto her couch, she smirked.
Kathryn placed her hands behind her back and unclasped her bra, then slowly removed it. She watched Chakotay "Don't worry " Chakotay shifted his gaze upwards "you'll get them and more very soon" she smirked at him again.
"I look forward to it" he replied huskily
"So do I!" Kathryn giggled
"Did you just giggle?"
She giggled again "mmhmm!" she bent forward and removed her panties and flung them at Chakotay's face.
Chakotay held them to his face and inhaled her scent. She smelled of sweet roses, begging to be seen to. As he pulled them down from his face, Kathryn straddled him again.
She smiled at him as she began rubbing herself against his penis. He kissed her with ass the passion she evoked in him.
He began caressing her breast with one hand, while the other was tangled in her hair. They then pulled apart and looked at one another. Chakotay asking a silent question and Kathryn giving him her silent answer.
Chakotay placed his hands on her hips and gently lifted her up. For balance, Kathryn placed her hands on his shoulder.
They slowly became one, as he entered her. They could feel the warmth and passion of the other.
They continued to watch each other, as Kathryn began to rock her hips. Chakotay watched as his Kathryn made love to him and began to lick her lips, that's when he moved in to kiss her.
Annie rolled over and woke up. She lay there for several seconds trying to decide what had awoken her. Then she felt the pressure and realised that she was in dire need of the bathroom.
Annie dragged her body from the bed and made her way to the bathroom, she looked down to the floor.
"I remember the time I could see my feet and when I could go the whole night without visiting the bathroom" she whispered tiredly to herself.
Several minutes later Annie emerged from the bathroom and stared at the bed. She then decided that she craved some warm milk and cookies and made her way to the living area.
Kathryn continued to rock her hips slowly, she wanted this moment to last forever.
Their eyes remained locked as they made love to one another. Kathryn decided to up the pace somewhat, as she felt the fire within her grow to an intensity that she didn't recognise, not even when she was with Justin or Mark. With this Kathryn pulled Chakotay into an embrace, so his head was resting on her left shoulder.
Kathryn felt Chakotay up his pace to meet hers, then he stopped abruptly. Dread filled her. Kathryn pulled back fear evident on her face, she was about to speak when Chakotay clamped his hand over her mouth to prevent her from speaking.
Kathryn's eyes went wide 'What the hell is he doing?' he mind screamed.
Annie moved out of the bedroom and walked to the replicator. The living area was flooded with starlight, she was beginning to see why Kathryn enjoyed being up here. She smiled at the thought.
"One glass of cool milk and a plate of chocolate chip cookies" she watched as the things she ordered shimmered into view.
The baby kicked her as if hurrying her to eat and drink.
"It's coming, it's coming" she chuckled.
Annie picked up a cookie and dipped it in the milk, then ate it. She was still facing the replicator. The she took a large gulp of her milk, then picked up her cookies and turned to face the starlight. Annie blinked her eyes to adjust to the difference in light. That's when she noticed the figure sitting on the couch. It was Chakotay.
Annie smiled and was about to say 'hi' when she noticed something was different. Annie's eyes went wide and her mouth formed an 'O' as her focused.
"I'm I'm uhm " Annie didn't know what to say "so so very sorry " she wanted to laugh, but took a breath instead. "I just wanted some milk and cookies" she held up the items for emphasis "I didn't uhm know you were uhm out here." 'I have to get out of here, or I'm gonna explode' Tears of laughter were beginning to form in her eyes. Annie began slowly moving towards the door, unsure of where she would go.
Chakotay found his voice.
"Annie uhm it's not what "
"It's what I think?" She laughed "Please! I'm a pregnant woman, believe me you can't surprise me" she smiled, unsure if they could see her clearly.
"I'll go, take my milk and cookies and uhm leave you two to it"
"Annie, I'm sorry" Kathryn called over her shoulder.
Annie was confused "What for?"
"For this" Kathryn used her hands to show Annie what she meant.
"For this, hey, don't be sorry for making love to a handsome man, that you happen to adore" the smile was evident in her voice.
"I'll see you both later, hopefully with more clothes! Bye bye!" Annie left through the doors, moving quickly as not to leave them open for long.
Kathryn and Chakotay heard Annie's laughter through the doors. Kathryn placed her head on Chakotay's shoulder. Kathryn's shoulders began to move up and down.
"Kathryn, it's ok, don't cry" Chakotay began to stroke her bare back. "We'll get through this, we've been through worse" he smiled and kissed her hair.
She pulled back, she wasn't crying, well she was but with tears of laughter, not despair.
"You're laughing?" Chakotay asked
All Kathryn could do was nod. Chakotay began to laugh with her. They would calm down, look at each other and begin anew.
"I have never been so embarrassed in all my life and she takes it all in her stride!" Kathryn managed between bouts of hysteria.
"Like she said, she's a pregnant woman, she's done it all before"
They looked at one another, and then Kathryn kissed him.
"You adore me?" Chakotay asked, Kathryn kissed him again.
"Where were we before our lovemaking was interrupted?" Kathryn asked licking her lips.
"Here, let me refresh your memory, then you can answer my question!" Chakotay gave a deep laugh before resuming his ministrations to his beloved Kathryn.
Annie made her way to B'Elanna's quarters hoping she could bunk down there for the night. Her mind began to wander and she somehow ended up in the Mess Hall.
"Oh well might as well hang round here for a while"
Annie sat down on the couch by the window, placed her milk and cookies on the table, then carefully placed her feet on the table and leaned her back.
"Well, well, well who do we have here? It's one of the Janeway brood!"
Annie's head snapped up, her heart racing with fear. It soon dissipated when she guessed whom it was.
"You must be Q"
"I love the way you Janeway's are so perceptive"
Annie just looked at him and raised her eyebrows.
"Thank you Q!" Annie spoke quietly.
"For telling you, you're perceptive?" Q gave her a quizzical yet sarcastic look.
"No, for bringing me here"
"Well I like to see Kathy happy, otherwise the next time I pay her a visit, she'll be mean to me" Q began to pout.
Annie chuckled at Q
"Pouting does not suit you Q!"
Q's expression became serious and he sat opposite Annie.
"Nothings changed Annie"
Annie looked him in the eye.
"I know but I thank you for what you have changed we both do" Annie smiled and stroked her protruding bump.
Q smiled at her.
"Well I better be off, or the old 'ball and chain' will be after me"
"Q?" Annie asked quickly
"What about my family at home?"
"They know where you are, they know you're safe"
"Thanks Q, again"
"Oh your welcome" Q rolled his eyes and looked at Annie before clicking his fingers and disappearing.
Annie quietly looked around the Mess Hall, then picked up her milk to take a sip. Sleep wouldn't be arriving any time soon.
Kathryn awoke to a hand cupping her left breast and her back snuggled against a warm chest.
She smiled as she remembered what they and done the night before and how many times they had done it. She blushed when she recalled Annie finding them.
Kathryn's bladder then decided to let her know that she should pay a visit to her bathroom, pretty soon.
Kathryn quietly and gently lifted Chakotay's hand up and rolled away from him and stood. She turned to face him and smiled. He looked so peaceful and handsome.
"How the hell did I resist you for so long?" she whispered to herself.
Chakotay stirred as if searching for her, but he relaxed and rolled over on his other side.
Kathryn smiled once again and made her way to the bathroom.
When Kathryn came out of the bathroom twenty minutes later, after having had a sonic shower, she noticed that Chakotay was no longer in her bed. Kathryn could hear movement from the other room that's when she saw Chakotay wrapped in her pink robe. She smiled and leaned against the bedroom doorframe.
"My, my, my you look so much better in that than I do"
Chakotay turned round to face her, with a cup in each hand.
"Why thank you. It's the only thing I could find without putting my uniform on again" Chakotay kissed her good morning and gave her a cup.
"That's ok" she smiled "I could get used to this" Kathryn took a sip from her cup and allowed the liquid to glide down her throat.
"That's the general idea! I don't want you to have a doubts" he smiled at her.
They sat down side by side on the couch where they had first made love last night.
"I don't have any doubts whatsoever. Anyway, I've tasted the goods and I have no intention of getting rid of them!" Kathryn grinned at him and he brought out his dimples. They kissed one another, then Chakotay pulled back to ask her a question.
"Have you seen Annie yet?"
Kathryn smiled "No, not yet and as far as I know she didn't come back here last night"
"She seemed ok about it Kathryn"
"I know, but I plan on putting on my clothes and going to find her, just to make sure."
With that Kathryn kissed him, stood up and made her way to the bedroom with her coffee.
Chakotay sat there watching her go. She was deliberately teasing him with an exaggerated swing in her hips.
Chakotay groaned and flopped his head back.
Kathryn entered the Mess Hall to find Annie surrounded by Tom, Harry and B'Elanna, they were all laughing and eating breakfast. Annie was still in her nightwear.
Kathryn made her way to the counter where she found Neelix holding a coffee for her.
"Good morning Captain, here's your coffee. Can I get you anything for breakfast?"
"Morning Neelix, thank you" she took the coffee from him "What are you serving this morning?"
"Well we have leola root muffins and juice or "
"I'll stick with the coffee this morning Neelix, I'm not feeling that hungry" Kathryn smiled
"Are you sure Captain, because Breakfast is the "
Kathryn held up her free hand "I'm sure Neelix, thank you" she nodded at him and moved over to the table where Annie was seated.
"Good morning all, mind if I join you?"
They all looked up and smile at her
"Certainly Captain" Harry pulled out a seat for her.
"Thank you Harry. So what are we talking about?" she looked at Annie.
"Annie's baby" replied B'Elanna cheerily.
Kathryn took a sip of her coffee and looked round the table
"And sex!" said Annie
Kathryn nearly choked on her coffee. "What?"
"Yeah we were discussing what sex the baby might be" said Tom looking somewhat baffled by the Captain's behaviour
"Oh the sex of the baby, I thought you meant never mind" Kathryn smiled trying not to show her embarrassment.
Annie watched her with amusement.
"Good morning all!" They turned to see Chakotay standing by the table. "Mind if I join you for breakfast?"
"Pull up a seat Chakotay" said Tom
Annie decided to have some fun
"How's you Chakotay? Did you sleep well?" Annie smiled at him.
Kathryn could feel her whole body blush, she hoped no one noticed, she took another sip of coffee.
"I slept really well, thank you Annie, how about your self?"
Annie pursed her lips "I didn't"
Everyone turned to face her "What?" they asked in unison.
Annie laughed "I awoke in the middle of the night " she eyed Chakotay, then Kathryn "and I couldn't get back to sleep. I've been in here all night"
"What's the matter Annie?" Tom asked, "Did the Captain kick you out so she could have some privacy?" he laughed.
This time Chakotay nearly choked on his breakfast. Everyone turned to face him.
"Leola root" he gasped, pointing to his throat.
"You wanna watch that Chakotay, it'll kill ya!" said Tom laughing. Chakotay nodded and tried to smile
"No Tom, I just couldn't sleep and decided to take a little stroll and I ended up here" Annie smiled and looked at Kathryn.
Kathryn hid her sigh behind her coffee cup.
"Well I better get going, work to do and all that" B'Elanna stood and smiled.
"Yeah me to" said Harry.
Tom stood up with Harry and was about to move to the door.
"Tom, can I have a word with you some time, there's something I want to discuss with you?" Annie asked, noticing the look on Chakotay and Kathryn's faces.
"Sure, just let me know when" Tom smiled and left with B'Elanna and Harry.
Annie turned back to Kathryn and Chakotay, they were staring at her.
"What?" she asked
"What did you want to discuss with Tom?" asked Chakotay, taking a gulp of his juice.
"Not you two, if that's what you're worried about" Annie rolled her eyes, then leaned forward and whispered "I'm blanking everything from my mind, I'll sleep better that way" she smiled then sat back up. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go and get some rest." She smiled then stood and walked away.
They watched her walk away, then stop, look over her shoulder and wink at them. Annie laughed and walked away.
Kathryn and Chakotay looked at one another and laughed.