A TRULY FAIR HAVEN
By: tayryn
March, 2000
DISCLAIMER: The usual B. S. applies here.
DEDICATION: this is story is dedicated to those fans like me who are just plain annoyed with this whole Fair Haven shit.
AUTHOR’S NOTE: Now, I know I’m not the only person who is kinda miffed at this whole Janeway being involved with a
hologram storyline. What the hell was
A TRULY FAIR HAVEN
Kathryn hummed to herself as she strolled into the mess hall, nodding hellos to various crew members as she made her way to Neelix’ counter. After grabbing some fruit and a coffee, she turned to look for a place to sit.
She smiled softly when she noticed Chakotay sitting alone in the far corner, gazing out the window, and decided to join him.
"Is it okay if I join my best friend for breakfast?"
Chakotay looked up at the sound of her voice and flashed her a smile, dimples and all.
"Of course." He replied, gesturing to the empty chair across from him.
"I’m not disturbing you am I?" She asked as she sat. "You looked like you were a million miles away."
"Well, not a million miles, just a few decks." He said. "And no, you’re not disturbing me. I’ve always got time for my best friend."
Kathryn smiled and began to eat.
"Those few decks you were away on wouldn’t happen to be the holodeck and a certain Irish program?" She asked between bites. "Not to mention a certain hologram."
"I have no idea what you’re talking about." He replied with mock innocence.
"Don’t give me that." She said with that crooked smile of hers. "I’ve met Colleen. She’s lovely."
Chakotay smiled.
"She’s new to Fair Haven isn’t she?"
"Yes she is." He said, stealing a strawberry off her plate and popping it in his mouth.
Kathryn placed her elbows on the table, propped her chin on her hands and looked at him questioningly.
"I’m sorry. Did you want that strawberry?" He asked.
"Chakotay." She said pointedly.
"All right. Yes. I created the character." He admitted. "I wanted someone I could relate to when I visit the program."
Kathryn nodded understandably.
"You did a thorough job." She said. "Filling in her background in case any of the characters decided to check and giving them vague memories of her as a child."
"That was rather ingenious of me wasn’t it?"
"Yes it was." Kathryn laughed. "And everyone seems quite taken with her."
"Well, I programmed her to be likable." He said and paused. "What do you think of her?"
"I like her." She replied quickly, taking a bite of a strawberry.
"But…" He urged, hearing the hesitance in her voice.
"But nothing." She said. "I think Colleen is quite charming."
Chakotay smiled.
"I’m glad." He said and then moved to stand up. "And as much as I’d like to stay and chat with my best friend all day, I’m afraid I have to get to work."
Kathryn smiled back at him
"Yes, me too." She stood up and then gestured towards the doors. "Shall we go to the bridge, Commander?"
"Absolutely, Captain."
She chuckled and together they left to start their duty shift.
=/\= =/\= =/\=
Kathryn walked into the tavern and was immediately set upon by Colleen.
"Katie! How are you, luv?" She asked clasping Kathryn’s hand. "You haven’t been in for a while."
"I’m fine, Colleen. How are you?"
She waved her hand in the air dismissively as she answered.
"I’d complain, but who’d listen." She led Kathryn to the bar. "And if you’re looking for Michael, I’m afraid you just missed him."
"Oh?" She asked, watching as Colleen moved behind the bar. "Where’d he go?"
"Oh he’s hopped the train to go to the city. He needed to meet with one of his suppliers."
"I see."
"He asked me to tell you that he’d miss you and that he’d be back before you had a chance to miss him."
Kathryn smiled.
"So, what’ll you have to drink?"
"A beer will be fine." She said and made herself comfortable on the barstool as Colleen got her drink. "So, when did you start working here?"
"Last week." Colleen replied.
"I didn’t realize Michael was that busy."
"Between you and me, I don’t think he is either. I think he was just being kind."
Kathryn smiled.
"And don’t you go worrying your head none, Katie." Colleen said. "I haven’t got eyes for your Michael."
"I know, Colleen." Kathryn said. "And he’s not my Michael. We’re just friends."
"Whatever you say, Katie." Colleen said in a way that indicated that didn’t believe her. She placed a tall glass in front of Kathryn. "Here you go."
"Thanks." Kathryn said and took a sip. "Mmm… so, what are you doing tonight when you’re done work?"
"I’m meeting Chakotay." She said her eyes sparkling. "We’re going for a moonlit walk."
"You like him a lot then?"
"Oh yes. What woman wouldn’t?" She answered. "He’s handsome, sensitive and has a great sense of humor. And let’s not forget that interesting tattoo he has on his forehead."
Kathryn nodded her agreement.
"You’re right, what woman wouldn’t find him attractive."
Colleen leaned over the bar towards Kathryn.
"Don’t tell anyone I told you this. Especially don’t say anything to Chakotay."
"You’ve got my word." Kathryn said.
"Even though Chakotay and I have been going about together for the last month and everyone assumes we’re courting," She paused. "We’re not. He and I are just friends."
"Really? I’ve seen you two together and from what Michael tells me, you seem quite close."
"Well, we have become close friends, but that’s all." She sighed. "I’d like more, but…"
"But what?" Kathryn urged.
"He’s in love with someone else."
"How do you know that?"
"He told me." Colleen said. "He’s been very honest with me since we met."
"Did he tell you who he’s in love with?" Kathryn asked, suddenly aware that her heart was pounding wildly in her chest and she didn’t know why.
"Well, he didna tell me her name." Colleen said. "But he told me a lot about her."
"Like what?"
Colleen looked around the tavern.
"I’m not busy at the moment, why don’t we go sit." She said gesturing to one of the tables.
Kathryn nodded and they moved to the table.
"Well, let’s see. What did Chakotay tell me?" Colleen began. "She’s my height and has the same build. She’s got shoulder length, auburn hair. And her eyes." She paused, tapping her finger against the table. "How did he describe her eyes? Oh yes! He said she’s got the most piercing blue eyes he’s ever seen."
"Did he say anything else?" Kathryn asked quietly, knowing already whom Colleen had just described.
"Just that she’s his best friend and that she’s involved with another man." Colleen said and sat back in the chair. "He’s happy that she’s happy, but wishes that it could have been him."
"He said that?"
"Oh yes." Colleen said. "And so much more. He’s always talking about her. I feel as if I know her already."
"I’m sure."
"But I’ll tell you this." Colleen said. "I plan on making him forget all about her."
Kathryn didn’t say a word. She just smiled.
"Well," Colleen said standing. "I should be getting back to work."
"I should be going as well." Kathryn said standing also and heading towards the door.
"Have a good day, Katie." Colleen called back.
"You too, Colleen." Kathryn responded and exited the tavern. "Computer, end program."
Fair Haven disappeared, leaving Kathryn standing in the empty holodeck, thinking about her conversation with colleen.
"Come on, Kathryn. Get your ego under control." She thought to herself. "There’s no guarantee she was talking about you."
But deep in her heart, she knew.
"Chakotay." She sighed.
=/\= =/\= =/\=
Kathryn leaned back against the tree, closing her eyes as the warm breeze washed over her.
"They make a cute couple, don’t you think?"
Kathryn opened her eyes and looked down at Michael.
"Who?"
"Who do you think?" He said, lifting his arm and waving his hand in a general direction before them. "Those two."
Kathryn looked up in time to Colleen throw her arms around Chakotay’s neck and kiss him as they spun around laughing.
She felt a surge of emotion pass through her at the sight of them, especially when he flashed her one of his dimpled smiles.
"Katie."
"That’s the smile he saves for me." She thought enviously.
"Katie!?"
"What?!" She turned to look at the man beside her.
"What’s wrong, Katie? You look mad enough to be spitting nails."
She shook her head and pasted a smile on her face before she turned back to him.
"Nothing’s wrong." She said. "Why do you ask?"
"Come now, Katie." Michael said sitting up. "I know you better than that. Don’t you like Colleen?"
"I like her." She said. "She’s very nice."
"But?"
"I don’t think she’s the right woman for Chakotay." She said evenly, despite the sudden rapid beating of her heart.
"Why’s that?" He asked. "They seem happy together."
The rest of their conversation was halted as the subjects of their talk jogged over.
"Oh, Chakotay, that was fun." Colleen laughed as she dropped to the blanket.
"Yes it was." He agreed, glancing at Kathryn as he settled down on the blanket across from her.
"Katie, Michael, you should try it!" Colleen enthused. "It’s exhilarating."
"No thanks lass. I’d much rather keep my feet on the ground then take my chances jumping off a cliff with naught but a sheet on my back."
"I’d like to try." Kathryn said quietly.
All three of them turned to look at her.
"Katie! You can’t be serious?" Michael said.
"Oh, Katie, you’ll love it!" Colleen insisted.
Chakotay just looked at her with a soft smile on his lips.
"I am serious." Kathryn said. "I’ve always wanted to try parachuting."
Michael gave her a look like she was crazy and Colleen just smiled.
Chakotay stood and offered Kathryn his hand.
"Shall we do it now then…" he paused. “Katie?"
She nodded and placed her hand in his.
"Be back shortly." She told Michael as Chakotay helped her to her feet.
Michael just nodded and reached for his book.
"Have fun." Colleen said.
She watched as Chakotay and Kathryn made their way across the field.
"You shouldn’t have encouraged her."
Colleen turned to look at Michael.
"Why on God’s green earth not?"
"She could get hurt. That’s why."
"Oh please. You know Chakotay won’t let anything happen to Katie."
"Aye. She is his best friend after all." Michael conceded. "He wouldn’t let anything happen to my Katie."
Colleen didn’t say a word as her head snapped up at the sound of Katie’s laughter drifted across the field. She watched as Chakotay suddenly broke into a run and Katie took after him with a laugh.
"His best friend." She repeated quietly.
=/\= =/\= =/\=
"Chakotay!" She called to him. "Wait up!"
Chakotay slowed down and allowed her to catch up to him.
"My legs aren’t as long as yours." She said, swatting his shoulder when she reached him.
"True. But they are better looking." He said with a smile.
She chuckled.
"You laugh, but it’s true. You have great legs."
She shook her head and chuckled again.
"So, how much longer till we get there?"
"Another fifteen minutes." He said. "Or we could cheat."
She glanced around.
"Let’s cheat."
Chakotay laughed and called out to the computer. Moments later they stood atop a high cliff that overlooked the valley.
"Oh it’s beautiful." Kathryn said, taking in the view.
"Yes, it is a lovely view." He said, crouching down to pick up the harness, while gazing at her.
She inhaled deeply and then turned to look at him.
"Okay, so what do I have to do?"
"Put this on." He said, handing her a harness and then slipped his on.
Kathryn held up the harness then looked down at her dress.
"Uh, Chakotay? How do I…?"
He chuckled.
"Very carefully." He said and stepped closer to her. "Let me help."
Once she was in her harness, Chakotay moved behind her.
"I’m going to hook us together now." He explained.
Kathryn nodded.
"Okay, so this is what’s going to happen." He said softly in her ear. "We’re going to inch our way to the edge and then jump off."
"What about the cliff, Chakotay?"
"Don’t worry. The computer’s been programmed to make sure we don’t crash into it."
"Okay." She nodded. "And when will you pull the ripcord?"
"Five minutes after we jump." He said and leaned in closer. "We don’t have to do this, Kathryn."
She tilted her head back to look at him and smiled.
"No. Let’s do it. I trust you."
"You sure?"
"Yes."
"Okay." He wrapped his arms around her. "Let’s go."
She felt a flutter travel down her spine to her toes then back up to settle in her stomach as his arms tightened around her.
"Yes." She echoed. "Let’s go."
Together they moved to the cliff’s edge and jumped.
=/\= =/\= =/\=
"Good night, Colleen." Kathryn called back as she and Chakotay left the tavern.
Colleen waved as she watched them from behind the bar.
"So, what’s bothering you lass?" Michael asked as he leaned on the bar in front of her.
"Not a thing." She replied.
"Don’t give me that. You were awfully quiet this evening. Even Katie noticed." He paused. "As a matter of fact, you’ve been like this since our picnic a couple of weeks ago."
"I’m fine, Michael." She said and turned away from him.
"Talk to me, Colleen." He said. "I thought we’d become the best of friends."
"Aye, we have." She said and then in a low voice. "But not like Katie and Chakotay are best friends."
"What do you mean by that?" Michael asked, hearing her clearly.
She turned to look at him.
"You don’t see it, do you?"
"See what? You’re not making much sense."
"What’s going on between Chakotay and Katie." Colleen said.
"There’s nothing going on between Chakotay and Katie." Michael stated. "I’m the one courting her, remember?"
"He’s not obvious about it, but Chakotay is courting her as well." Colleen said. "And she’s letting him."
"You’re daft lass." Michael said. "What you’re seeing is merely the close bond of friendship they share. That’s all."
"And what if I told you, that he’s told me, that he’s in love with her." She said.
"He said that?"
"He told me he was in love with his best friend." She said. "And I didn’t put it together until our picnic a while back."
Michael shook his head and waved her off.
"Means nothing. Katie doesn’t feel the same way about him."
"Are you sure?" Colleen asked. "I’ve been watching them since the picnic. And I see two people who are very much in love. One who realizes it and one who doesn’t."
"You’re seeing what you want to see lass." Michael said. "All because Chakotay isn’t as serious about you as you are about him."
"Watch them the next time we’re all together." She said. "Watch them and you’ll see it."
With that, she walked out from behind the bar and left the tavern.
=/\= =/\= =/\=
"Michael?"
Kathryn walked into the tavern and looked around.
"Michael? Are you here?"
"I’m here, Katie." He replied standing up behind the bar.
"How come no one’s here?" She asked gesturing to the empty room.
"Because I wanted to talk with you." He answered. "Alone."
Kathryn gave him a look.
"Sounds serious."
"It is." He replied moving out from behind the bar. He walked to her and grabbed her elbow, leading her to a table. "Come, let’s sit."
After they were seated, Kathryn waited for him to begin.
"What did you want to talk about, Michael?" She urged.
"You and Chakotay?"
"What about me and Chakotay?" She asked.
"How do you feel about him, Katie? And be honest." He said.
Kathryn sat back in her chair, a confused look on her face.
"I care about him very much." She answered. "He’s my best friend. You know that."
"Aye, I do." He said leaning back in his chair as well and steepling his fingers in front of him.
"Michael, what’s this all about?"
"I had a talk with Colleen a few days ago and…"
"And she told you Chakotay was in love with his best friend." She finished and he nodded. "Michael, Chakotay has lots of friends. I don’t think he was talking about me."
"I know he was." Michael said.
"And how do you know that?" She asked. "Did you ask him?"
"Yes." He said simply.
"I can’t believe you did that." She said as she stood and walked over to the bar.
"And what’s more, I think you’re in love with him."
Kathryn whirled around to look at him.
"I’ve been watching the two of you, Katie." He said before she could speak. "I see the looks you give him. That quirky half smile you have. You don’t share that smile with anyone else. Including me."
He paused as he stood and joined her at the bar.
"And then there’s all the touching." He said. "You’re constantly touching him. Your hand on his shoulder, a pat on his hand."
"I touch everyone, Michael." She said. "Ask my friends. I’m always putting my hands on their shoulders and arms."
"I’ve noticed." He said nodding. "But I’ve also noticed that your touch lingers when you touch Chakotay."
"I can’t believe this." She mumbled as she bit back a laugh.
Michael regarded her for a moment before continuing.
"Would you like to know what Chakotay told me?"
"No." She said, turning and walking over to the fireplace. Her heart pounded in her chest as she realized that she really did want to know.
"Well, I’m going to tell you anyway." Michael said. "When I asked him if he was in love with you, he said quite honestly that he was." He paused and then continued with a touch of admiration in his voice. "But what struck me, was when he told me that despite how he feels about you, your happiness is more important to him."
He walked over to her.
"He loves you so much that he’s willing to sacrifice his own happiness so that you can be happy with someone else. With me."
"I’ve always known that Chakotay cares about me." She said softly, staring at the flames. "I even knew at one point that his feelings went beyond that. But I thought he’d moved on."
"He hasn’t." Michael said. "He told me that he’s tried, but he can’t. So he’s become rather adept at hiding it from you."
"I’ll say." She murmured.
"So, now that you know how he feels about you, what are you going to do about it?"
She turned to finally look at him, tears in her eyes.
"Nothing."
"What do you mean nothing?" Michael asked. "You do love him don’t you? I’m not seeing things?"
Kathryn shook her head.
"I… I don’t know, Michael." She said. "I don’t know how I feel about him."
She paused and looked back at the flames.
"Besides, even if I were in love with him, I couldn’t do anything about it."
"Why not?"
"You’ve seen my ship." She said and he nodded. "Chakotay is my first officer, Michael. I’m his captain. That means nothing can ever happen between us. Despite what we may want."
"From what I’ve been told, the only reason Chakotay is your first officer is because he sacrificed his ship to save yours." Michael said. "Is this true?’
"Yes."
"Then that makes Chakotay a captain in his own right, doesn’t it?" He asked. "If he hadn’t lost his ship, he’d still be a captain right?’
She nodded reluctantly.
"But you’re arguing semantics." She said. "The fact is, I am his captain. And he is my first officer. There’s no changing that fact. And because of that, he and I can never be more than friends."
"I think you’re scared."
She opened her mouth to reply but he held up his hand.
"No. Don’t say another word." He said. "It’s late and I’m tired. So I’ll say this one last thing and then I’m going to bed." He paused. "You have a chance to be happy, Katie. Happier than, and I hate to admit this, happier than even I could make you. Chakotay loves you and you love him. And what it all boils down to, is, are you brave enough to go for it? Everyone and everything else be damned. Sometimes you just have to think of yourself first."
With that said, he turned and headed up the stairs that led to his room.
Kathryn remained standing in the tavern.
"Computer, is there any other crew members present in holodeck two?"
"Negative."
"End program."
Fair Haven shimmered out of existence as Kathryn slowly made her way to the door.
=/\= =/\= =/\=
She rolled over, punching her pillow as she went.
"Damn!" She swore as she rolled back onto her back. "Damn it all!"
She sat up.
"Computer, what is the time?"
"The time is oh-two-thirty hours."
"Wonderful." She muttered.
"Face it, Kathryn. What Michael said makes a lot of sense." Said a voice in her head. "And you know what you have to do."
She sighed.
"Computer, is Commander Chakotay in his quarters?"
"Negative. Commander Chakotay is in holodeck
two."
"What’s he doing in the holodeck at two thirty in the morning?" She asked quietly. Then in a louder voice she asked. "Is he alone?"
"Affirmative. There are no other
crewmembers in the holodeck at this time."
Her heart began to beat faster.
"Come on, Kathryn. You’ve fought the Kazon, Vidians, Hirogen and the Borg. How hard can it be to face your feelings for your first officer?" She asked herself as she slipped in her robe and climbed out of bed.
She quickly darted out of her quarters before she could change her mind and not caring that she was in her nightclothes.
"Let them think what they want." She thought as she rushed by various crewmembers.
=/\= =/\= =/\=
Chakotay sat at the bar nursing a holographic beer.
"Spirits what I wouldn’t give for a real beer right now." He said aloud.
"Rough night?"
He spun around to see Kathryn standing just inside the door, her robe still billowing around her legs.
"You could say that." He said, turning back to his beer. "I’m not running any of the characters, so if you’re here to see Michael…"
"I came to see you." She interrupted as she hopped up on the stool beside him. "Not Michael."
"Really?"
"Mmhmm." She replied, reaching over and grabbing his beer. "We need to talk."
"Must be important if you came in your pajamas." He commented as he watched her take a couple sips of his beer. "Have I done something wrong? Screw up the duty roster?"
"No. This has nothing to do with the ship." She said, taking another sip of his beer before handing him back the tankard.
"Then what?"
She didn’t answer and he watched as she brushed her fingers through her hair.
"She’s nervous." He realized.
"Talk to me, Kathryn." He said. "I’m your best friend remember? You can tell me anything."
She mumbled a reply.
"What? I didn’t catch that."
She took a deep shuddering breath.
"I said. How do I tell my best friend that I’m in love with him?"
Chakotay sat there stunned, his beer halfway to his mouth.
All of a sudden she heard the tankard crash to the floor and before she knew what was happening, she was in his arms, his mouth on hers.
She moaned and snaked her arms around his neck as his tongue ravaged her mouth. She found herself helpless but to respond as he probed every recess, his tongue dancing wildly with hers.
After what seemed like a lifetime, his forceful kiss grew more gentle, but still did not end as his hands began to move over her body.
Chakotay pulled and pushed at her robe, finally forcing her to lower her arms so he could remove the intrusive garment, letting it hang down over the stool.
Kathryn’s hands, as soon as they were free, moved to the buttons on his shirt and began to undo them. Finding them somewhat difficult to manage due to the shaking of her hands, she settled for grabbing the material and ripping his shirt open, the buttons flying all over the tavern.
Chakotay chuckled against her lips and began to kiss his way along her jaw to the sensitive skin just behind her ear.
"Chakotay!" She gasped, her hands pausing in their work of unbuckling his belt.
Chakotay smiled against her skin as he began to kiss his way back to her lips, his hands moving to push her nightgown up her thighs.
As his lips once again claimed hers, he slid his hands over her bare thighs to brush his fingers against her hot center. He let out a small groan as he found that she wasn’t wearing any panties.
Kathryn moaned into his mouth and began to work harder at undoing his pants as he slid a finger between her folds to caress her aroused flesh.
In short order she had his pants down around his knees and had slipped her hands inside his boxers to grasp his hard, throbbing member.
"Spirits, Kathryn!" He moaned as she started to stroke him.
He slipped his finger inside her, finding her to be wet and ready for him. He removed his finger, eliciting a groan from her and pulled her hands from his shorts.
"Chakotay?"
"Shhh!" He whispered, kissing her passionately, while pushing the straps of her nightgown off her shoulders and letting it fall to her waist, baring her breasts to his seeking hands.
Kathryn whimpered as he dipped his head to capture a rosy nipple between his teeth, teasing the tender peak with his tongue. She closed her eyes, letting the sensations wash over her and quickly opened them when she felt him lift her in the air and place her on the bar.
Suddenly, she was lying on her back looking up into Chakotay’s passion-filled eyes as he covered her body with his.
Her legs opened to him and she felt his engorged shaft press against her curls. She hooked a leg behind his knee and urged him on.
Chakotay grabbed her hands and stretched her arms above their heads, holding them with one hand and letting their bodies press more closely together.
He brushed a quick kiss against her lips as he slipped his other hand between their bodies to grasp his manhood and guide it to her waiting entrance.
"Chakotay!" She cried out as he plunged his hard shaft inside her, filling her completely.
Chakotay groaned and buried his face in her neck as he felt her inner muscles mold around him. He held still a moment longer to enjoy the sensation of finally being inside Kathryn.
He stretched his hand over their heads and once his hands were entangled with hers, he lifted his head to catch her mouth with his for a scorching kiss.
Kathryn moaned happily into his mouth as he slowly started to move his hips, sending ripples of sensations coursing through her body.
Chakotay released her hands as he ended the kiss, placing them on either side of her head as he raised his body. Gazing down and almost drowning in the blue depths of her passion glazed eyes, he began to thrust into her with long, sure strokes.
Kathryn arched her body under his, meeting his every thrust with a thrust of her own, clenching her inner muscles around him each time he pulled himself from her.
Her hands moved to his shoulders and her nails lightly scored their way down his back to grasp his ass, guiding his thrusts.
Chakotay steadied himself on one hand as he reached between them to stroke her aroused pearl of tender nerves, causing her to buck against him.
"Oh God!" She moaned as she felt all the sensations begin to converge between her thighs.
Chakotay, knowing he was close to his release, once again placed his hand on the bar and began to drive himself inside her.
Kathryn whimpered again as the feelings grew in intensity, her hands reaching above her head to lock about his wrists.
She let out a loud gasp as every muscle in her body went taught and then release, causing her to thrash wildly beneath him as her release rampaged through her body.
"CHAKOTAY!" She screamed, her nails biting into the flesh of his wrists.
Chakotay, not able to hold back any longer, thrust into her one last time. Groaning her name loudly, he spilled his seed inside her as he gave himself over to the delicious feelings coursing through his body.
His strength sapped, he collapsed on her, burying his face in her neck and together they soared on the clouds of sexual bliss.
A small while later, his heart beating somewhat normally and his breathing not as ragged, Chakotay raised his head and kissed her gently.
"I take it that means you feel the same way about me?" She asked softly, smiling lovingly up at him.
"Did I forget to mention that?" He asked with a grin.
"Yes." She answered and slid her leg up along his. "Not that I’m complaining."
He chuckled and dipped his head to kiss her again and when he raised his head to look at her, she saw a look of total contentment on his features. A look she’d seen only once before, a few years ago.
"I love you, Kathryn." He said softly. "I love you so much my heart aches."
Her eyes welled with ears.
"I love you too." She whispered. "I’m sorry it took so long for me to realize it. And I’m sorry that I’ve hurt you in the process."
"Sssh." He said, silencing her with a kiss. "It’s in the past. Just tell me that we’re going to be together from now on and you’ll make me the happiest man in the universe."
"If you think you’re going to find a way out of my bed now, you’re sorely mistaken." She chuckled.
He grinned at her and tried to shift so that she wasn’t bearing the full brunt of his weight.
"I promise to only keep trying to stay in your bed."
They laughed together.
"So, what are we going to do about our holographic friends?" She asked, tracing lazy circles on his back.
"I know just what to do." He said after thinking for a moment.
"I figured you would." She said. "So tell me."
"Not yet." He said. "I don’t know about you, and as much as I love being in this position with you, this bar is damned uncomfortable."
"I know what you mean." She said, shifting a little beneath him. "Why don’t we continue this, all of this, back in my quarters."
He grinned down at her and kissed her.
=/\= =/\= =/\=
"How do you think the captain’s going to react?" Harry asked as he and Tom sat at the bar in Sullivan’s tavern a few weeks later.
"She’s probably going to be pissed." Tom replied. "Especially when she finds out who’s responsible."
"Oh yeah." Harry agreed. "Wouldn’t want to be in his shoes when she finds out."
"Speak of the devil." Tom said. "Or should I say, devils."
Harry turned to see Kathryn enter the tavern, followed closely by Chakotay.
"Captain! Commander! Why don’t you join us?" Tom called out, then turned to Harry. "Not a word."
"Tom. Harry." Kathryn said, hopping up the barstool Chakotay pulled out for her. "I’m surprised to see the two of you just sitting here."
"Yes, shouldn’t you be out causing trouble?" Chakotay commented, sitting beside Kathryn.
"Well…uh…" Harry stammered.
"We thought we’d have a beer before venturing out." Tom said, giving Harry a look.
"Exactly." Harry agreed and turned when he heard a commotion by the doors. "Oh no!" He choked on a cough.
Tom turned to Harry and began thumping him on the back.
"Hey, you’re supposed to drink the beer, not choke on it." Tom said.
Harry shook his head and motioned with his eyes towards the door. Tom followed Harry’s eyes and groaned inwardly.
"Oh, there’s Colleen and Michael." Kathryn said happily and waved at them.
Colleen waved back and tugged on Michael’s arm, trying to pull him toward their friends. The crowd wouldn’t give him up so quickly so Colleen pushed her way through on her own.
"Well, well, well. Look who’s finally decided to grace us with their presence." Colleen remarked, a hint of humour in her voice. She gave them both hugs.
"How are you, Colleen?" Kathryn asked.
"Happy beyond words." Colleen replied with a huge smile. "And you?"
"I’d complain, but…"
"I’d be the one forced to listen to her." Chakotay interrupted with a grin. "So I don’t let her."
Tom and Harry exchanged, ‘This is not what I was expecting’ looks as Kathryn swatted Chakotay on the arm and the three of them laughed.
"What do you make of all this?" Harry silently asked Tom.
"Beats the hell out of me." Tom replied with a look and then his eyes widened. "Here’s where the fun begins."
Harry watched as Michael finally managed to get away from the crowd and join Colleen in talking to Chakotay and Kathryn.
"Katie. Chakotay." Michael nodded his head in greeting. "Things must be busy on that ship of yours. You haven’t been to visit us in near a month."
"It’s been fairly steady." Kathryn replied, glancing at Chakotay with a small smile.
Tom and Harry glanced at each other, both thinking the same thing.
"Fairly steady? It’s been so quiet
lately that listening to Tuvok recite Vulcan poetry
is considered high entertainment."
"I think we’re missing a piece of information." Tom whispered to Harry as he turned and reached for his beer. "Something’s happened that we’re not aware of."
"You can say that again." Harry replied quietly.
The two young men sat back and continued watching the two couples in front of them, drinking their beers and waiting for everything to unfold.
"So," Kathryn was saying to Michael, oblivious to the silent conversation between her junior officers. "You mentioned something about having some good news. What is it?"
Tom and Harry glanced at each other.
"This is it!"
Michael nodded and smiled as he turned towards Colleen and slipped his arm around her waist.
"Colleen and I are getting married." He announced.
Tom and harry held their breaths, as the waited for the Captain’s reaction.
A delighted smile lit up Kathryn’s face as she slipped off the stool to hug the happy couple.
"Oh that’s wonderful!" She exclaimed. "I’m so happy for you both."
Harry looked over at Tom.
"I don’t get it." He whispered. "I thought she was going to be pissed."
"You and me both." Tom commented turning back to see Chakotay moving to stand behind the captain to offer his congratulations.
"Congratulations, Michael." Chakotay said, shaking the other man’s hand. "You’re getting yourself a lovely woman."
"Don’t I know it." Michael said, his hand reaching out again to catch Colleen’s and give it a squeeze.
She turned to look up at him and smiled as she moved back to him, slipping her arms around him and giving him a hug.
"As much as I’d love to stay and celebrate with you both." Colleen said to Kathryn and Chakotay. "We need to be heading to the church and start making arrangements."
"She’s right." Michael said. "We don’t want to keep the father waiting."
They turned to leave, but Colleen stopped.
"Oh Katie, Chakotay." She said. "We’re having a little party tonight to celebrate. You two will be here right?"
Kathryn glanced up at Chakotay and then nodded.
"Great!" Colleen exclaimed and then she and Michael left.
Chakotay and Kathryn turned back to the bar and their junior officers and leaned against the bar.
"I don’t get it." Tom said.
"What don’t you get Mr. Paris?" Kathryn asked.
"I thought you and Michael were… well, a couple." Tom said.
"Yeah, and likewise you and Colleen." Harry said to Chakotay.
Kathryn and Chakotay shared a secret smile.
"Well Mr. Paris. Mr. Kim." She began straightening up. "Let’s just say that amazing and wonderful things happen in this bar."
"And on it." Chakotay said with a grin, slapping the top of the bar.
Kathryn turned back to look at him and couldn’t help the smile that came to her face.
"Definitely on it." She agreed with a chuckle and looped her arm through his. They moved to leave. "Have a good day, gentlemen."
With that, they made their way out of the tavern.
Harry looked down at the bar, up at Tom then back down at the bar.
"You don’t think that the Captain and… that they… on the bar?!" Harry stammered his face flustered. "Oh God!"
Tom shook his head.
"I doubt it, Harry." He said.
"Just the same," Harry said. "I think I’d like to go and sit at a table."
"Come off it, Harry." Tom said. "They were probably pulling our legs."
"Humour me, Tom." He said, grabbing his beer.
"Fine. Pick a table." Tom said as he picked up his beer and moved to follow. "But I still…hey!" He exclaimed, running into Harry who had suddenly stopped.
"Harry! I’ve got beer all over me now!" Tom complained. "Why’d you stop like that?"
Harry didn’t answer, but stood staring out the window.
Tom followed his gaze out the window just in time to see his Captain snake her arms around Chakotay’s neck and pull him down for a passionate kiss in the street.
"Whoa!" Tom said, not able to tear his gaze away even as he saw Chakotay’s hands wander down his captain’s back to cup her ass and pull her closer.
"Harry, my friend." He managed to say, clapping his hand on Harry’s shoulder, while still staring at his commanding officers, who had yet to come up for air. "I think from now on, we always use the tables."
Harry glanced at Tom, then back out at Chakotay and Janeway and nodded.
"Definitely the tables." He said moving to one and sitting down.
Outside the tavern, Chakotay finally broke off the kiss. With his arms still around her, he smiled down at her.
"Think they saw us?" She asked.
"Oh, most definitely." Chakotay said with a chuckle. "They’ll never look at that bar the same way again."
Kathryn laughed and pulled him down for another kiss.
-fin
there…my version of how this whole Fair Haven thing should go.