by Bazza
Bazza925@aol.com
Warning: * NC-17 *

They had finally managed to get home after so many years in the Delta Quadrant. It didn’t take long for the crew to realize the damage The Dominion had caused to the Alpha Quadrant, especially to one member in particular. Commander Chakotay had decided to go to his home world to find any survivors no matter how slim the chances would be. B’Elanna wanted to go as well but with Tom Paris tagging along she didn’t think it would be a good idea. So, Kathryn Janeway had been roped into the distinct pleasure of making sure he didn’t cause any mischief while he was there.

Upon walking through the undergrowth, Kathryn caught sight of movement from beside her and called out to Chakotay. "There’s something here, watching us Chakotay"

"Yes Kathryn, the animals and wildlife," Chakotay sighed before giving Kathryn a side on look. Kathryn swatted him playfully.

Later they came across a clearing with a few small huts. As they moved further into the encampment they saw a small haggard woman taking down some washing. Upon hearing their arrival the woman turned her attention towards them. She stared at both as anger spread across her face at the sight of Chakotay. On placing her washing basket down, she crossed her arms in front of her chest and tapped her foot on the ground impatiently. "Well you some nerve coming here brother," was the frosty welcome. Her gaze then fell on Kathryn and her eyes narrowed. "A routine mission, you said. I’ll be back to babysit, you said. This time I’ll remember, you said," the woman ranted. "Of all the excuses for not babysitting, it better be good this time, Chakotay."

This was not the welcome he had expected from his sister but no doubt he required it at some point in his life. As the dressing down continued he could hear a few smothered attempts of giggles and sniggers. He turned his attention to Kathryn giving her a stern look and a silent plea ‘to quit it’. It was the final straw as Kathryn Janeway erupted into laughter to the scene in front of her.

"And who is this brother another harlot you have bedded?"

Chakotay coughed at the insinuation his sister had just made and thanked the Gods that Kathryn had not brought her translator. Or did she? Maybe she had by the look on her face.

"Madam, I am merely a friend to your brother," Kathryn piped up.

"Yes, I’ve met his friends before. However, as you have noticed it’s the type of friendship I am concerned about." Retorted the woman as she disdainfully glanced over Janeway.

Ooops, thought Chakotay as he saw her fiery blue eyes turn stormy.

"I assure you, Madam, that the relationship between your brother and I is of a business nature."

"That’s what I thought." The woman spat out. Turning on her heals she walked into her hut. Chakotay caught Kathryn before she could maim the woman who was Chakotay’s sister.

"I’m sorry Kathryn, but maybe it’s best if I sort this out by myself and you return to Earth."

At his soft words Kathryn calmed down. "No Chakotay, I promised B’Elanna I would keep you out of trouble and that is what I’m going to do. If it kills me or not, but I would like to…"

"No Kathryn…"

"…contact B’Elanna and find out how she dealt with your sister, she has a more volatile temper than me."

"Now that is debatable."

"I promise, the next time I come across your sister, I’ll be civil at least."

"And no bodily damage."

"mmh. And no permanent bodily damage."

Chakotay sighed and returned to his sister who could still be heard ranting inside the hut. On taking another breath he entered the dragon’s lair.

Kathryn smiled at the picture and then walked back to their shuttle.

When speaking to B’Elanna much later, she had calmed down at the comforting face in front of her.

"I would have loved to have seen your face Kathryn when Marie made that comment," giggled B’Elanna.

"If you had been there B’Elanna, I would have maimed her already and Chakotay wouldn’t have been able to stop me in time. So what are you doing?" Kathryn smiled at the young woman.

"Not having as much fun as you are by the look of things. Met Paris senior and co. and well basically celebrating Harry finally getting somewhere with Seven. You would’ve loved it Kathryn. He managed to…"

"No I don’t think I want to hear about it. No matter how much it would cheer me up. So how did you put up with this… woman?" Kathryn grimaced. "After all I’m a tramp now."

B’Elanna laughed heartily at the picture Kathryn had portrayed of herself. "Kathryn just go with it. She isn’t angry with you; it’s Chakotay she wishes to debowel. You just happened to get in the way. Oh and expect a few more jibes like that one. The last close female he took home was Seska, the Maquis and me. Before that it was… what’s her name..."

"Truly helpful, what’s her name? Narrows it down to 50% of the population in the known universe," Kathryn smiled fondly as the woman stuck her tongue out at her.

"As I was saying, before I was rudely interrupted, Tara Jameson. Know her Captain? I heard she was in Starfleet. Well actually rumor has it that the guys in Starfleet were in her, but lets not quibble with semantics."

"B’Elanna, she’s… she’s a well respect Admiral. You can’t say that about her."

"Kathryn, how do you think she got her position? I’ve been told it’s all in the hips." B’Elanna wiggled her eyebrows at the snipes for extra meaning.

Kathryn spluttered over the last comment. "Anyway, what’s that got to do with me and his bad taste in women?"

"Well, I would say his taste has just improved over the years. So, come on Kathryn, you can tell me. When did you bag the old man?"

"Excuse me?" Kathryn looked stunned, "What are you talking about? B’Elanna?"

"Come on, you two were and still are practically joined at the hip. I’ve got an extravagant amount of rations running on you. So I want details. When? Who instigated it? What was it like? Spill it, Kathryn."

Kathryn leaned back stunned before actually offering a reply in her best command voice. "I don’t think it’s appropriate to hold bets on your commanding officers, Lieutenant. Anyway, there isn’t anything between Chakotay and me of that nature."

"No Kathryn, just enough sexual energy and frustration to power the USS Voyager to the Delta Quadrant and back again with a little spare for a detour. You’re not fooling anyone."

Later after Kathryn wrapped up the conversation, she began to think about Chakotay, Marie and what B’Elanna had said earlier. Where was he anyway? Shouldn’t he have been back by now?

Deep into the night Chakotay made his way back to the shuttle to find Kathryn asleep on one of the bunks with all her blanks in a jumble, showing her lithe body to his hungry eyes. He walked up to her tucking her in gently before placing a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"Ah Chakotay," Kathryn sighed as she turned over onto her side and continued to sleep.

Chakotay stared at her for a few more minutes before getting ready to sleep.

Kathryn was the first to rise the next morning. She looked over at Chakotay’s bunk and watched as he slept. In her sleepy mind she wished she could wrap her arms around him and wake up to him every morning. Whoa, where did that thought come from? she thought as she slowly rose and began to get dressed.

Not feeling hungry, Kathryn went outside into the forest as the sun slowly filtered through the tree branches. God, the last time I woke like this must have been… New Earth, she thought fondly as the warm memories of that time washed over her. She broke from her reverie with the breaking of twigs from behind. She spun around to see a flash of a little girls’ form disappear into the forest again. Kathryn began to follow but then thought better of it. It was okay to saunter off if you knew the terrain but not when you can easily get lost.

She returned to the shuttle to find Chakotay up searching for her. "Where were you?"

Kathryn looked into the dark pools of his eyes, mirroring his concern "I thought I saw a young girl, but she ran before I could speak to her."

"Oh that will be Sarah. Six or seven years old, about this height?" waving his hand to about his thigh, at Kathryn’s nod. "Yep, that’s Sarah."

"So do tell, who’s Sarah?" Kathryn asked as curiosity got the better of her again.

Chakotay chuckled at the look on her face. One of the few times he saw that impish look, the other is when she was asleep. "Well Sarah, is my niece, the youngest of the brood. Actually she was born the day we went missing. Of course I was supposed to be baby sitting the other kids while Marie went into hospital but instead I decided to take a 5 and a half year detour past the Delta Quadrant to get out of it, or so my dear sister believes."

"Oh Chakotay, you’re kidding right…" She looked into his serious face. "You’re not kidding."

"It took all of last night to convince her that I was actually not in the alpha quadrant and so I couldn’t possibly get here anyway."

Kathryn sniggered at that last comment. "And of course Starfleet couldn’t find her to tell her."

"No they found her alright but did she believe them… Don’t ask Kathryn."

This brought another bout of laughing at the problem that Chakotay had landed himself into with his family.

"She’s more stubborn than you. You know what she’s done. She’s made me, her irresponsible brother, Sarah’s soul guardian. If anything happens to Marie, Sarah automatically becomes my responsibility. How’s that to make sure that I do my share of babysitting."

Kathryn laughed so much she started to hyperventilate. Chakotay came up beside her and took her in his arms and to soothe her into a reasonable state of mind. The circles he drew on her back did nothing to soothe her mind. In fact quite the opposite as the fire began to rage in her veins and pool between her legs.

Suddenly Kathryn jumped away. "Well, so when do I get to meet her?"

It was mid morning before they got back to the encampment to meet little Sarah. She was small, with dark long hair and the same shade of soulful dark eyes as her uncle. She seemed shy compared to the babble of her elder cousins. Marie prodded her youngest in the back to meet her uncle.

"This is your Uncle Chakotay, my brother, and the most useless male I’ve ever come across. I pity any woman that would consider marrying him." The children behind her began giggling at Marie's comments. "So you’ll be in good company, a dreamer within the company of other dreamers."

The child looked up to her mother in shock as she realized what was happening. This unknown man was to be her guardian and protector when Mama dies. What of this woman, in the shadows? Will she look after me too? Her thoughts were disrupted when the man and woman came closer to inspect her. She felt like one of the objects on sale, from the local market down river.

"You may ruin your life Chakotay, but spirits sake don’t ruin hers." The dark eyes of Marie rested on Chakotay. She popped a hand on Sarah’s shoulder as she whispered into her ear. "Sarah, get to know your uncle." The child tensed under her hands. "Please child, before my time runs out. I want to make sure I haven’t made the wrong choice" Tears began to fall from the child’s face as she slowly walked up to Chakotay and put out her hand.

Kathryn stayed with Marie as Chakotay got to know his niece. She turned her head towards Marie and saw the woman sit gingerly on a nearby chair all the while staring after her daughter.

"Why are you so desperate to get rid of your daughter?" Kathryn asked softly.

"Was it that obvious?" Marie raised a tired eyebrow before watching over Sarah again.

"He will not harm her, you know?" Kathryn continued.

"I know, and this will be for the best." Marie smiled at her decision and tried to get up when she was overcome with a rack of coughing. Kathryn noticed the silence from the rest of the children as well as the looks of concern.

"Then what is wrong with you?"

Marie remained silent.

"Doesn’t Chakotay have a right to know?"

"Yes, but what has it got to do with you?" Marie’s eyes pierced through Kathryn’s soul. "For a mere business friend you sure take a lot of interest in his affairs."

"I came instead of B’Elanna, so he wouldn’t get into any trouble, but it seems trouble comes looking for Chakotay." At the mention of B’Elanna’s name a dawn of recognition came over the woman’s face. "Ah, that would explain a few things."

Kathryn who had been staring at the sky whipped round to face Marie. "And just what are you implying this time."

"Well most married couples in this day and age don’t sleep in different beds."

Kathryn stared at Marie in shock. "How the hell could you possibly know our sleeping arrangements."

Marie pointed to the older of the boys. "I found the kids to be very resourceful when they are curious about something, and you my dear with my dear brother have been at the top of their list." She then raised her voice so the two in question could hear this piece of the conversation. "When they should being doing their chores."

Both boys seemed to work a lot faster and with less talking after the rebuke.

"So, out of curiosity, what is your relationship with my brother?" Marie asked from her previous volume from the conversation.

"I was his Captain on the USS Voyager and the one that was to capture and bring him to Starfleet."

"And?"

"What?"

"And, did you capture him? Or did he capture you?" Marie turned into an interrogator as she tried to pry as much information out of her possible.

Kathryn turned her full death glare on the woman and the conversation came to an abrupt stop. Marie just smiled at Kathryn’s discomfort.

Later that night as both Chakotay and Kathryn sat in the shuttle discussing what happened that day. "So, how did it go between you and Sarah?" Kathryn spoke up.

"Something is bothering her, Kathryn. I can’t quite put my finger on it. I know we have never met but then she is still very quiet for her age, and solemn." Looking into Kathryn’s face he saw her eyes becoming serious and decided to lighten the mood. "Actually, she’s a lot like you really."

Kathryn nodded before her mind caught up with what he said. Her attention snapped and she caught the sparkle in his eyes and the silly grin including dimples running across his face.

"Why you…" Kathryn stutters as she picks up a nearby cushion and bashes him over the head with it.

Chakotay dodged Kathryn’s blows and picked up another cushion and a pillow fight insured until Chakotay caught Kathryn by the waist as both fell to the ground. The tension between them mounted around as they both looked into each other’s eyes. Nose to nose, both shared the same breath.

"Chakotay..." Kathryn whispered breathlessly.

Chakotay moved slowly closer and would’ve kissed her if not for a giggle could be heard from outside.

The moment was lost as both immediately broke away from each other and stood up. Kathryn sorted her clothes all the while trying not to make eye contact while Chakotay watched her for a few seconds before running outside to see what the fuss was about.

Kathryn got her breathing back to it’s normal and her composure steadied as she realized what could’ve happened on the floor of that cabin.

God’s Chakotay, Do you realize what you do to me? Kathryn thought as she slowly edged closer to the door to see Chakotay speaking to one of the older boys.

Chakotay turned towards Kathryn and then returned to asking more questions. The young boy shrugged but seemed adamant that Chakotay should go back to Marie’s home, now. Chakotay nodded and came closer to Kathryn.

"I have to speak to Marie, you may come if you wish. Maybe you’ll have better luck with Sarah than I did." Chakotay whispered.

"Is something wrong?" Kathryn grew worried more Chakotay.

"I don’t know, but I think we’ll soon find out."

On returning from Marie’s home both walked solemnly and quietly through the dense vegetation. They now knew, what had been going on with Chakotay. Had it really been only a few days ago that Kathryn met Chakotay’s sister? But that was all Kathryn would receive from the woman it would seem.

Nobody knew how ill Marie really was. Yes, the boys did chores for her but that was nothing unusual. But as the night drew it came abundantly clear that this would be Marie’s last night on Dorvan V.

So Marie had played out her last ace and got Chakotay to look after her youngest, on her deathbed. There were many tears shed that night as Marie drew her last breath and said goodbye to her family.

It had taken all of Chakotay’s strength to separate Sarah from her dead mother’s body. Nothing it would seem would pacify the child at the loss of her mother. Even her older cousins didn’t know what to do. And so Kathryn pulled the child into her arms and waited until she cried herself to sleep.

A few days later after the funeral, Chakotay found himself a small apartment on Earth. Nothing fancy, just enough room for him and his new responsibility. News had got round among the old crew, which led to a few strange babysitters to fill the girl’s mind with exotic dreams but nothing could bring back her mother. The most intriguing constant was Kathryn. The way she and Sarah had managed to hit it off and the most popular babysitter while he tried to sort out his career and life around Sarah.

The days became weeks and slowly Sarah managed to adapt to her new life with all her Aunts and Uncles, but she couldn’t quite get the hang of Uncle Neelix. He reminded her too much of the animals her elder brothers used to snare for food back home in the rain forest.

Chakotay opened the door as quietly as he could and slipped inside the dark apartment. Leaving his travel case by the couch he went towards the faint glow that came from the bedroom. Was she still awake? Perhaps she had fallen asleep while reading. No… It was just the nightlight. The small bedroom felt crowded, though it held only the bunk beds, a dresser, a bookshelf, and toys. Since his niece's arrival there were always a few toys and games and children's books sprinkled everywhere. Chakotay thought that it made a pleasant change of decor. Sarah did try to keep them mostly in her bedroom where they filled the bookshelf and spilled over on to the floor.

There were familiar clothes folded on the wooden chair. Grey slacks and a plaid flannel shirt... the one that fitted her loosely, giving occasional glimpses of a bra strap, or the seductive hollow between her breasts. The bra was there, Lacy and delicate. Cotton panties. Sarah's clothes would be in her drawers, neatly laid away for tomorrow, or in the laundry basket in the tiny closet.

Chakotay felt a pang of conscience. He knew how much she liked to be home in her own place with her own things. Since their work took them through countless away missions impersonal of the ship, it was a treat to stay at home. Yet here she was, uncomplaining, camped out like a gypsy in his niece's bedroom, again. His eyes went eagerly to where her red hair glowed in the shadows... but first he had to check on Sarah.

The child was in the top bunk. Chakotay stepped up to the second rung of the ladder so that he could look down on her. She had been tossing and turning in her sleep again; thank goodness there was a sturdy rail on the bed. Chakotay untangled the covers and laid them gently over her. Her long dark hair was in a loose braid. It was Kathryn's idea. Much less of a tangle to deal with in the mornings, but he missed the unruly waves that used to flow over the pillow. Sarah drew a deep breath and turned on her side. Chakotay watched her angelic face until her breathing returned to a slow steady rhythm.

She was not an angel. She had her good days and her bad days, like any normal child. He kissed his fingertips and placed the kiss on her forehead. Then he turned his attention to the lower bunk.

On previous occasions, when he had come in late at night to check on his niece, Kathryn had been lying so that he could see her face... softened by sleep, but still full of her character... easily recognizable as the woman he worked with. Tonight she had her back to him. He smiled, and the warmth he had been feeling towards her all day increased. How small she was. Her shoulders were hardly wider than Sarah's. The strength of her personality made him forget how physically diminutive she really was. His eyes followed the covers as they dipped down at her waist then went in a sensuous swell up and over her full hips. The blanket hugged her bottom, curving away from him, and as his eyes lingered on where that tempting curve went out of sight, the warmth of his affection leapt into a flame of sexual desire. He struggled with the urge to place his hand just there, where his palm would feel the firm rounded cheeks, and his fingers would be able to press intimately against the yielding elasticity of that exciting place.

He stepped back. He dared not touch her. She'd wake up fighting, and he'd only gain a black eye. Instead he stood and feasted visually upon her very feminine shape, enjoying this feeling of lust. Not that it was new... but he hadn't experienced it for a while. Couldn't remember the last time he had had to psychologically deflate a threatening erection as he played verbal games with his captain. Why hadn't he felt that way lately? She was just as beautiful and sexy as ever.

Sarah. That was the reason. He had been totally wrapped up in Sarah since returning home from the Delta Quadrant. Kathryn had been around... more than usual... constantly helpful and generous with her time, but not as a sexual presence. With the child listening, they had not indulged in the flirtatious double entendres, and the teasingly suggestive vocabulary with which they had spiced their conversations previously. Kathryn had not flashed those blue devil eyes at him, or brazenly taunted him with her siren's smile. By unspoken agreement, their slow and subtle romance had been put on hold while they coped with Sarah.

Now it was back. Chakotay didn't know why, but during the last few days, while he had been in San Francisco debriefing superiors on a latest mission, he had felt a reawakening of his sexual desire for Kathryn. He had thought of her constantly; had even had a wet dream about her. He flushed as he remembered it... steamy and erotic as a teenager's fantasy. Coming home on the shuttle, he had looked forward to seeing her, had hoped against all logic that she might still be awake at three in the morning. For the first time since Sarah's arrival, his thoughts had been of Kathryn first, and his niece second.

He took another step back. As much as he wanted to wake her, to make love to her sleepy, warm and fragrant body, he knew that it could wait another day. One had to do these things in the right order, after all. He thought that it might be more appropriate to tell her that he loved her before he ravished her.

Kathryn rolled over in the narrow bed and sighed. What time was it? She reached behind her head and fumbled for her little travel alarm clock. After four thirty. Yawning, she tried to do the mental arithmetic. Chakotay should have come in by now, but surely she would have heard him. She listened. Was it her imagination, or did she hear the faint murmur of the holovid?

As soon as she came out of the bedroom she knew that he was home. There was a light on in the kitchen, and the vid was rolling the closing credits of an insomniac's movie. He was stretched full length on the old leather couch, wearing jeans and a tee shirt, snoring gently. Situation normal. She went first to turn off the holovid, slipping the remote out of his limp fingers. Then took the blanket from the back of the couch and spread it over him. He was so long. It was always a debate whether to cover his shoulders or his feet, and for a while now she had been meaning to replicate him a longer blanket. She let her hand brush gently against his chest as she smoothed the cover, and was a little disappointed when he slept peacefully on. Never mind. It was good to have him home again.

Home. Kathryn shook her head as she went towards the kitchen. Where exactly was home these days? If this apartment wasn't so far away from technology, she thought that she might just as well bring her stuff over to Chakotay's. She already had a shelf in the bathroom and a drawer in Sarah's bureau. More than a babysitter, but less than a mother. More than a close friend, yet not a lover. The ambiguity of her status was starting to bother her. Sooner or later they were going to have to deal with it.

Chakotay had left the juice out. She put it away and turned out the light, then walked back through the living room, passing close to the couch again just to hear him breathing...

The closing of the refrigerator door had tugged him into wakefulness. He turned his head, and just had time to register the presence of the blanket and the silence of the vid before he saw her dim outline coming closer... her black satin pajamas reflecting the light from the street like moving water reflecting moonlight. She paused over him. Could she see that his eyes were open? He reached out and took her hand. She didn't startle; she had realized that he was awake. He lifted the blanket aside and pulled gently downward.

She came, sliding her legs down besides his, lying on her side with her head against his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around her to keep her from rolling off the edge and covered her with the blanket. Was this the time to tell her that he loved her? No… He'd rather experience the thrill of her physical presence uncomplicated by words. He relaxed and closed his eyes again, enjoying all her soft warm curves. This was good.

When he made no further moves, she settled in for sleep, stretching her free arm across his chest and snuggling her face into a more comfortable position beside his chin. Finally, she drew her knee up so that her leg lay over him, changing her center of balance so that she was more securely on the couch. Chakotay debated letting his free hand move to where the heat of her thigh pressed down on him, and decided against it. This was enough for now. He gave her a little squeeze. She echoed it, briefly tightening her arm about his ribs, and he was reassured; this was what she wanted, too. He let his cheek rest against her sweet smelling hair. This felt very right.

At six forty-five the alarm sounded in the bedroom. Kathryn reluctantly lifted herself away from Chakotay's warmth. Normally a cheerful morning person, this was one time that she really didn't want to get out of bed.

"Auntie Kath’wyn?" Sarah's young voice carried clearly over the buzzing alarm clock. Kathryn was standing in the bedroom doorway by the time the little girl had climbed down the ladder.

"Where were you?" She looked curiously up at Kathryn, a slight frown on her small face.

"In the living room, talking to your uncle."

"Uncle ‘kotay's back?" Sarah was successfully distracted. Unmindful of Kathryn's embarrassment she was out the door like a shot, giving a cry of joy as she ran to Chakotay.

Kathryn turned off the alarm, and went into the bathroom where she looked at her flushed face in the mirror. She felt as flustered as if her father had caught her necking in the driveway. If things were about to escalate between her and Chakotay... and she was pretty sure that they were... how did they explain it to Sarah?

Face washed, hair combed, dressing gown securely tied Kathryn ventured a little nervously back into the living room. Sarah was cozily settled into the space at Chakotay's side that Kathryn had occupied only minutes before. As she walked towards the kitchen to start the coffee, Kathryn couldn't help but smile. The two faces that looked up at her from the couch were so warm and happy... and she was a part of that happiness. They formed a circle; each loving the other two. So what was she worrying about? What was there to explain? No one knew better, than a child, that love equated with touching.

No longer nervous, Kathryn bent and kissed the two people she loved most in the world. Her family.

"Morning, Sarah," as she kissed the child's satin cheek.

"Welcome home, Chakotay," as she kissed him warmly on the mouth. Then she went serenely into the kitchen, knowing that Chakotay was grinning after her with surprise and delight.

Events conspired to keep Kathryn and Chakotay apart for the next few days... a new mission for Starfleet, previous family commitments, Sarah's piano lessons... but the distance between them was once again highly charged by their mutual attraction. Stronger than ever, it leaked out in small caresses, private smiles, soft words unnecessary to their work.

It wasn't until Saturday, nearly two weeks later, that they found time to relax together, just the three of them. Kathryn had invited Chakotay and Sarah to her place for a change, where she replicated dinner for them while they played with the old fashioned computer games from Uncle Tom that he had given to Kathryn for her Christmas. After dinner they watched "Bambi". Chakotay and Sarah had already seen it... Sarah many times... but it was a movie that Kathryn had wanted to see, after hearing about it from Tom. They sat together on the couch, Sarah in the middle, all three of them in rapt attention as its artistry unfolded.

"That's it, sweetheart. Time to get ready for bed." Chakotay put the holovid into rewind.

"No, Uncle ‘kotay. Not yet. I want to play `Lemmings' some more, please? I'm not tired and we never come to Auntie Kath’wyn’s. I won't ever get a chance to play it again."

"Never?" Chakotay raised his eyebrows.

"Never," she said vehemently, her big eyes dark and serious. "Please, Uncle ‘kotay?"

He looked at the old fashioned clock. "I'm sorry, Sarah, but it's already an hour past your bedtime. Maybe Kathryn will lend us the chip and you can play it at home." He looked towards Kathryn.

"That's okay with me." Kathryn smiled at Sarah. "I don't have much time to play it anyway. We can keep it at your place."

Sarah was satisfied. She ran and got the chip out of the computer, and carefully placed it in its case. Then she put it into Chakotay's sports bag and pulled out her pajamas and her bathroom kit.

"I put out a glass and a towel for you, Sarah," Kathryn called after her as she went towards the bathroom. "The green glass and the yellow towel."

With the closing of the bathroom door, they found themselves alone. His hand moved down from the back of the couch to lightly touch her cheek. After a quiet moment she turned her face and placed a kiss in his palm. The kiss was very gentle, but he felt its impact deep inside him. He wanted to return that kiss... and her soft eyes were encouraging him to do just that. He slid his hand behind her neck and drew her towards him as he leaned closer.

Sarah opened the bathroom door. "Auntie Kath’wyn? I can't reach the toothpaste."

Kathryn was on her feet moving towards the little girl. "Didn't you bring your own toothpaste and toothbrush?" she asked calmly.

"Yes, but I want to try your toothpaste." Sarah was already in her pajamas. "Is that all right, Auntie Kath’wyn? Can I?" When she saw Kathryn's ready nod she continued. "I can't reach it. I don't have my step. What does that say? G... E... L… Does that mean the same as girl? Is it toothpaste just for girls?"

Kathryn had the tube down and was squeezing it on to Sarah's small brush as she smiled. "Gel. It means this toothpaste is like a jelly. See... it's colored and shiny, and you can almost see through it. It's not thick and white like other toothpaste’s."

Kathryn leaned over Sarah and carefully brushed her teeth for her, as she had seen Chakotay do on occasion. "Do you like it?"

Sarah nodded and spit into the sink. "It's so pretty. Does it have floor eyes in it? Uncle ‘kotay says our toothpaste has floor eyes, and that's what keeps my teeth strong and healthy." Sarah took a big swig of water from the glass that Kathryn handed her.

Kathryn heard a sputter of amusement from the living room, but she kept a straight face. "I think the word you mean is fluoride, honey. Yes, it has fluoride in it."

"I'm going to ask Uncle ‘kotay to get me some then. It's pretty enough to eat." She scrubbed her chin dry with the towel.

"Oh, no, Sarah." Kathryn crouched down to look directly into her velvety brown eyes. "You mustn't ever eat toothpaste. It will make you very sick."

"That's okay. I won't really eat it. It just looks like jelly."

"That's right. Tell you what. I'll trade you my tube of gel, for your tube of regular toothpaste." Kathryn put the toothbrush and the gel into the kit and took out the hairbrush that was there. Smiling at Sarah in the mirror she smoothed her long hair and expertly braided it, fastening it with the elastic that was on the brush handle. "There. Is that too tight?" Sarah shook her head.

"Good. I think you're all set then. Let's fold your clothes. Did you use the toilet?"

"Yep." Sarah reached for Kathryn’s hand and followed her into the spare bedroom. Kathryn placed the kit on top of the pile of neatly folded clothes and looked up at Sarah. The innocent look was just the same as Naomi when she babysat on a few rare occasions. And "Auntie Kath’wyn" was so much nicer than "Captain"

Chakotay came to the door of the spare room to see what was happening between the two ladies of his life. Kathryn was tucking Sarah into bed while Sarah was trying to coerce Kathryn into telling her a bedtime story. In the end Chakotay stood in and volunteered for the mission. They both made themselves comfortable with Sarah in the middle of the single bed, while Chakotay’s voice soothed the child into a peaceful slumber.

They hadn't gone more than three steps out of the spare room before Chakotay took hold of her shoulder and swung her around into his embrace. "You had this in mind all along didn't you? This is why you invited us over to your place today." He held her close, her arms pinned down by her sides, his voice rough and warm in her ear.

She turned her face towards his and laid her cheek against his chest, saying softly, reasonably, "I had no idea that we were going to get freezing rain when I invited you, Chakotay." He smelled wonderful.

"I'm not convinced that this freezing rain isn't a figment of your imagination."

"You can read the weather report for yourself." She heard him smile above her. She lifted her face slightly and pressed her nose against his chin. Warm. Whiskers like sandpaper. He brought his head down further and kissed the tip of her nose.

"And how do you explain the sheets on your guest bed, Captain Janeway? Looks to me like you were planning on a young guest staying overnight." He kissed her nose again, lingering, his lower lip dragging lightly against that patrician curve.

"My niece and nephew..."

"...are in Indiana with your mother." Now it was his nose against hers, gently nudging her, encouraging her to raise her face just a little higher.

"They were here at Thanksgiving... " His mouth found hers. So soft, so sweet and warm. Her hands came up to steady herself against him.

"...just for one night..." He kissed her again. Deeper. Longer. Her fingers clutched two handfuls of his shirt, hanging on for safety as she floated on the waves of heat and emotion. A shaky sigh as she wrapped her arms around him and laid her head against his chest again. If Minnie Mouse on the guest bed was incriminating, she wondered what he would make of the scented satin sheets on her bed.

The warmth of his body was pressed all down her front. She stayed very still, letting him soak in. He kissed the top of her head.

"I've been wanting to kiss you for so long," he murmured into her hair. "I'm kind of surprised that there are no bells and whistles, or thunder and lightning."

"I can't hear you through all this din, Chakotay."

He laughed and came down seeking her mouth again. Her face lifted towards his, a flower reaching for the sun. Basking. Fever. Combustion. Her bones were melting.

"I can hear them now," he whispered hoarsely.

She could not speak right away; when she did her voice was unfamiliar to her... weak and tremulous. "If you go too close to the sun, your wings melt off."

His big gentle hands had been stroking her back. Now they took hold of her shoulders and backed her up against the wall where he could look into her eyes. "You're not making any sense, Kathryn."

She felt blurry, like she'd had a little too much to drink. "I don't feel like being sensible." His eyes were beautiful. Rich, lush hazel. Alive. Like the spring. When the snow melted.

He leaned his hips into her, pinning her against the wall with his weight. As if she wanted to get away. As if she had the strength to get away. Now his hands were free to fumble with the buttons down the front of her sweater.

One. "This is a serious step we're taking here."

"I know."

Two. "Nothing will ever be quite the same."

"I know."

Three. "It's not something that can be undone."

"I know."

Four. His knuckles brushing against her breasts set her whole body humming. With shaking hands she grabbed the hem of the sweater and in one smooth movement pulled it off over her head. An unequivocal declaration of reckless intent. Chakotay's face went down to kiss her breasts where the lace left them exposed. Her fingers wound themselves into his hair, holding his head there, where she wanted it. "Chakotay..."

"I'm busy." His tongue, hot and silky, was patiently teasing one nipple out of the skimpy bra. His hands encircled her bare midriff, making her skin sing.

"I just..." Once he started sucking on her breasts she would be lost. "I just think we should move this into the bedroom. We don't want to wake Sarah... mmhh... " He had succeeded. A few seconds of sweet heaven before he relinquished his prize.

"Okay. Good idea." He used one finger to bring the lace back up over the rosy nipple, to tuck it away safely for later.

As he pulled away from her she felt herself in danger of slipping down the wall. "Chakotay..." She grabbed hold of his shirt again and buried her face in his chest. "My legs don't seem to be working very well."

He gave a deep, throaty chuckle as he swept her roughly up into his arms. "That's no problem," he purred. "I like my women helpless."

She laughed drunkenly. She was so happy. They had waited so long for this. Relinquishing the last traces of her civilized control, she started to wash his ear with her tongue. Chakotay only staggered a little as he carried her into her bedroom and shouldered the door shut.

Kathryn woke slowly. The first thing she was aware of was the cool smoothness was very sensual against her bare skin when she shifted her legs. When her foot came upon Chakotay's furry leg behind her, there was an instant of blank surprise... then the night before, and all its significance, came rushing joyfully back to her. Smiling, she ran her foot along his calf. He neither moved nor spoke. His breathing confirmed that he was still asleep.

Content to let him sleep, she opened her eyes to the early morning light. Sea green satin sheets. She had bought them on whim with B’Elanna. She remembered B’Elanna eyeing her up and badgering her on when she would just do it with Chakotay. And for once, everything had gone right. He had stayed and they had made love on the sea green satin sheets and it had been magical. She was glad she had bought them.

The door latch clicked. "Auntie Kath’wyn?" a small voice queried.

Chakotay had jerked awake with the click of the door. "Hush, Sarah," he whispered. "She's still asleep."

"Uncle ‘kotay? Uncle... what are you doing in Auntie Kath’wyn's bed?" The bed rocked as Sarah climbed in with Chakotay.

Kathryn held her tongue. She couldn't resist waiting to hear how Chakotay was going to answer that question.

"Sarah, you know that I love you, and because I love you, I like to hug you and kiss you and spend time close to you. Just like we are doing now."

"I love you, too, Uncle ‘kotay."

"I'm glad, sweetheart." Sounds of hugs being exchanged. "You know what? I love Kathryn, too. Last night after you went to sleep Kathryn and I decided that we loved each other so much that we wanted to sleep together, so that we could kiss and hug and be close to each other."

"Did you put your penis inside her?"

Silence. Kathryn wondered if it was time to declare her presence.

"Yes, I did. When a man and a woman love each other, that's one of the special ways that they like to touch."

"Did you start a baby inside Kath’wyn? Are we going to have a baby? We could call her Kataya."

"No, I don't think we made a baby this time."

"Could you make a baby tonight?"

"Well... I think we should discuss that with Kathryn first. Maybe she doesn't want a baby right now. Usually the man and the woman get married before they have a baby."

"Are you and Kath’wyn going to get married?"

"That's something else Kathryn and I have to talk about. I think it might be nice if we got married. What do you think?"

"Can I be a flower girl and have flowers in my hair? Debbie was a flower girl when her sister got married and she got to wear real flowers in her hair. Then after, you can make a baby and we can call her Kataya grey feather."

Chakotay laughed. "Not so fast. These things all take time. I just wanted to know if you thought it would be okay, because if I marry Kathryn, that would make her your Aunt and your legal guardian like me."

"Then I could stay with you and Auntie Kath’wyn on your ship in the stars."

"We’ll see."

"Uncle ‘kotay, can I go watch the holovid from Auntie B’Elanna and Uncle Tom now?"

Another chuckle, "I'll take that as consent. Yes, you may go and watch the holovid now." The bed rocked again. "Put your dressing gown on to keep warm." Small feet pattered away, totally unconcerned about the cataclysmic events of the night before.

Kathryn rolled over to face Chakotay.

He gave her a look. "How long have you been listening?"

"Long enough to know that your sister was doing a good job of teaching Sarah about sex. Simple, accurate information without emotional overload."

"Somehow `putting my penis inside you' doesn't sound nearly as good as it actually feels."

"Thank you."

They lay facing each other, smiling, remembering the night before.

Chakotay reached across the narrow gap and stroked the curve of her breast through the satin sheets. "Sleep well?"

To his surprise, she blushed. "What?"

Chakotay chuckled at her lack of concentration "Sleep well?"

"Like a log." Kathryn groaned, as Chakotay’s fingers became more adventurous.

"So, when did you decide to change your mind, Kathryn?"

"Only since you gave me this." She slipped a finger under the gold chain at her neck and pulled the heart shaped pendant out from beneath the sheet. The little diamonds glowed against the green satin sheets. "And when you let me curl up to you on the couch. How very romantic."

He launched himself at her. Tickling her underneath her breasts before attacking her neck with his mouth. She began to squirm and squeal under his ministrations.

"Shh, Sarah will come in and want to join in." Kathryn continued to giggle but less loudly. He then kissed her long and passionately until both were breathless.

When he had his voice under control, as well as other things, he asked casually, "So... Kathryn. Would you consider marrying me?"

"I'll definitely consider it."

"Is there a `but' coming?"

"No. I'm very happy with this latest turn of events. I'd like to stay at this stage for a little while before committing to the next step." She could see a cloud forming on his face. She squeezed his hand. "Is that okay, Chakotay? I just think it's wiser to take things one step at a time."

"I can hardly complain when I think of how long it's taken us to get this far." But he was disappointed.

She slid closer and put her arms around him. "I'm sorry. I just want to be very sure. I'm Catholic enough that I don't believe in divorce, Chakotay. I'm only planning on marrying once."

He told himself he was being silly. "What do I tell Sarah?"

"The truth. Tell her that you asked me, and I'm going to take a little while to think about it before I give you an answer."

"You're not one of those women, that Tom talks about, who use a product for the thirty day free trial and then send it back, are you?"

She laughed, and her eyes danced. "I can't deny that your performance over the next few weeks may have an effect on my answer."

"In that case... " He rolled her under him, silencing her half hearted protests with a kiss.

*** FINIS ***