Best Future Forever Love and Story Award Voyager Central
 
 

      RATED:  NC17
 
 
 
 
 

        They walked silently, hand in hand, down the winding path, through the pine trees across the small footbridge to the spot -- their spot -- near the  edge of the river.  It was so beautiful here in the spring--oh it was beautiful in any season, but spring -spring was her favorite.  The ground  was soft and moist and everything was fresh and green, the air was  fragrant and clean.  They came into the clearing and he spread the blanket, sitting down, he reached up to help her down.
 
"I think it gets more beautiful every year."  She sighed as she leaned against him.
 
"Just like you."  He kissed her hair--no more auburn locks.  It was silver now, but long and loose just the way he liked it.

"You never give up."  She shook her head and patted his leg.

"That's why you love me."  He smiled --the dimples still effected her.

"Well, one reason."  She smiled and began to unpack the picnic basket.  "And you can cook --I'm hungry."
 
"Me too..."  He stopped and waited for her to look at him.  "But I guess you were talking about dinner."
 
"Old man ---what am I gonna do with you?!"  She laughed at him.

"I have an idea.."  He grabbed her and kissed her.

"I'll bet you do!"  She sat up and began to dish out their food.  "Better have dinner ---- you'll need your strength."
 
"Well in that case, pass the food, woman." He reached out for the plate she offered, bending to kiss her fingers before taking it.

           They ate a leisurely dinner, then spent some quiet time just holding each other and watching the river. It was warm and peaceful, quiet with only the sound of the river rushing by and they longed to stay longer, but packed up and headed back to the cabin.  They wanted to be clear of the woods before dark, the path was twisted and rocky and they weren't as young as they used to be.  They reached the cabin before dark and sat on the swing on the pouch sharing a wine, as they watched the sunset. They sat, his arm around her, her head resting on his shoulder, long after dark --until the night air started to chill them.
 
"Chakotay."  She watched his face --he was dozing, she knew he would deny it -- it made her smile.  "Chakotay, we should go inside."
 
"Humm?  Yes --we should."  He smiled at her.  "I wasn't sleeping."

"I know--I know--just resting your eyes."  She looked at him with that sparkle in her eyes-the one that said --I love you -no matter what.  They both laughed.  "Come on."  She stood and offered him a hand.
 
"Like the old days."  He kissed her palm, then let her help him up.  "You were always were the boss."
 
 The 'cabin' as they called it was made of logs-but that was it's only resemblance to a cabin.  It had  a kitchen to rival any restaurant, a large dinning room, four bedrooms, three bathrooms--plus one in the master suite that had a huge bath tub--the main room was large with a fireplace that covered one wall.  The front porch was covered but open on the sides, the back one was enclosed with screening and it had every modern convenience possible, as well as some old fashion ones.  There were sonic showers and bathtubs,  replicators and a stove, complete environmental controls and old fashion fans, they could communicate with sub space transmitters, beam to any location or come in the way they usually did by horse back.
 
  When Voyager returned home, they had sought out a quiet place and this was it. They lived here for their first year on earth and then moved to San Francisco to return to work.  Most of every summer was spent here, especially when the kids were small.  Many weekends the house was filled with former crewmembers and their children, they still got everyone together here once or twice a year.  Now that they were both retired, they spent alot of quiet time here, but maintained an apartment in San Francisco to be near the children and of course, the grandchildren.  They had a good life and were as much in love as they had been  in the delta quadrant.
 
"Tea?"

"Yea, I'm just gonna change."  She headed up stairs and he went to make the tea.
 
"Put on something sexy."  He called after her with a chuckle.

"You don't think I own anything that isn't."  She laughed at him, but she silently thanked the gods for him--for their life, health and family.    She rummaged through the drawer to find a night gown and saw it in
the bottom.  It was long and silky blue, low cut and slit on the sides all the way to her hip.  She laughed as she pulled it out -- she remembered when he bought it for her.
 
 They were taking shore leave on a well developed planet.  They had separate rooms, but they were adjoining --- must have been Tom's doing, he had booked the rooms.  The four of them had dinner and Tom and B'Elanna left early -anxious to be alone.  They were moving slowly into a relationship--well the relationship was solid, just not physical--they  walked the side streets admiring the crafts and exotic clothing offered for sale.  He wanted to buy her everything, she needed none of it and talked him out of most -- this he bought when she wasn't looking and he wouldn't  show her what it was -- later he told her and so she waited -- not patiently, but she waited.
 
           Finally they headed back to the hotel, stopping to purchase a bottle of wine.   They went to her room and shared most of the wine before he gave her the package.  Before he gave it to her, he made her promise to put it on and model it for him -- why she ever agreed to that, she never knew -- maybe it was the wine--or maybe it was the dimples---maybe it was the burning need for him she just couldn't ignore any longer.  She took it into the bathroom to change, she stood in front of the mirror --- gods this didn't leave much to the imagination--when she moved -- no imagination needed --the slits took care of that.  She took a really long time, he waited patiently and finally the door opened.
 
 He had lowered the lights and was seated on the couch facing her as she stood framed in the backlight of the bathroom. She turned out the light and stepped toward him and she heard him suck in his breath.   He stood and came forward and took her hands.  She could feel her color rise, at the hunger in his eyes -- she hoped he couldn't see it, in the low light.   He noticed and it only served to deepen his desire for her.

"Kathryn, you are so beautiful."  He whispered as he took her face in his hand and brought her close to kiss her.
 
  It was a gentle kiss, but the passion it promised was clear.  He held her close--he wanted to go slowly, but he wasn't sure he could.  He had waited so long for this moment --he wasn't sure it was real.  He stepped back to look at her, when she flushed, he looked away, taking her hand he led her back to the couch.  He sat on the end, putting one leg on the couch and drawing her down to sit between his legs and rest her head back on his chest.  She lay her hands on her stomach and he placed his over hers.  They sat  a while without talking, she listened to his heartbeat, he breathed in the soft scent of her hair.
 
"Kathryn?"  He kissed the top of her head.

"Humm."

"I won't push you---if you're not.."

"Chakotay, I love you--I-I'm --just --a little nervous, I guess."

"I know -- I've waited so long --------- I just want it to be perfect -- I don't want to mess up now."  He began to move his hands, tracing light patterns over her nightgown.
 
"No pressure there."  She laughed.

"I didn't mean it like that."

"I know---Chakotay--we have a life time to achieve perfect."

"And think of all the fun we can have practicing."  They laughed, more themselves now---more relaxed
 
 He moved her hands resting them on his thighs, allowing him freer access.  His hands gently roamed her body, bringing one hand up to cup her breast, the other brushing lightly over her lower stomach.  His thumb rubbed over her nipple through the light material, he felt it stiffen.  Her fingers traced over his thighs, her head back, eyes closed she concentrated on the sensations he was creating.   He reached inside the gown, rolling her erect nipple between thumb and fingers, than gently squeezing, she gasped digging her nails into his legs.
 
 She sat up, rolling over, she capture his mouth in a passionate kiss while her fingers worked to free him from his clothes.  Opening his shirt she spread moist kisses down his neck and chest, stopping to suckle his nipple as her fingers worked the fasteners on his pants.  She reached inside to free him, he gasped as her breath crossed him and she looked up to watch his face as her tongue circled the tip.
 
"Kath----godd--come here."  He reached for her, needing to redirect her attention- quickly. "I can't"  He drew her back to him kissing her.
 
"Too-- many-- clothes."  She  choked out between kisses, rolling off him, standing and  offering him a hand.
 
 She led him back to the bed.  Standing on her toes to reach up and locked her lips with his, she pushed his shirt over his shoulders and down  his arms. His hands had found the side slits, sliding beneath cupping her buttocks, before she slipped away.  She worked wet kisses down his neck, nipped and licked down his chest and stomach as her hands pushed his trousers and boxers past his hips and down his legs.
 
He moved back from her, stepping out of his clothes and watching her watch him.  Her eyes raked over his body before her smoky eyes returned to his.  He  smiled and she blushed again. He moved forward and lifted the gown over her head, then stepped back and gazed at her.  She new she was blushing again, but she watched him as he studied her -- never had she felt more beautiful -more desired.   His eyes returned to hers, dark with desire -- he smiled, stepping forward and lowering her gently to the bed.
 
He lay beside her, bending to brush his lips to hers, he hands spreading warmth throughout her body-- those hand - she had watched them often- how had she ever forgotten how wonderful they felt.  She remembered now the sensation of his hand massaging her shoulders -- but now -- the lightest of touches--the intensity of feeling--god how had she lived without this. She moaned into his mouth as his hands covered every inch of  her body.
 
He moved across her jaw, kissing, sucking, causing her to groan when his tongue reached that sensitive spot behind her ear.  Soft moans escaped her as his hands brushed over her curls and his mouth devoured her breast.  Instinctively she spread her thighs as a trail of hot moist kisses worked it's way toward her throbbing center.  His fingers gently spread her lips and his tongue reached out to caress her aching bundle of nerves.

"Ahhh ---godd--Cha--Ahh"  She writhed beneath this delicious assault, crying out, twisting her fingers painfully in his hair.
 
His hands pressed her thighs wider, his tongue swirling, lapping, pressing--she thrust against him- Two fingers entered her --she almost screamed as she bucked her hips.  One hand reaching up to squeeze a
 nipple, mouth kissing, sucking, licking, fingers thrusting---she twisted and writhed, moaning and gasping, digging her nails into  his scalp.

"Yesss-pleassseeeeee---godds"  She ground her hips against him---his mouth clamped down, fingers faster, harder--he felt her stiffen and contract---suddenly she thrashed wildly beneath him, screaming.  "Cha--koooo--taaaay"
 
He continued until her body stilled, then moved up beside her.   Her eyes opened and she smiled at him, reaching to bring his face to her.  She kissed him, then licked her own juices from his face.  He gently stoked her body, till she tugged at him, pulling him down to cover her.
 
He positioned himself between her spread legs, watching her shiver as he slid his length along her swollen lips.  He bent to kiss her lips and she reached --arms and legs to bring him to her.
 
"Please, Chakotay"  She pleaded, pushing her hips at him.

"I love you"  He whisper in her ear, before he rose above her to position himself.  He watched her face, as he entered her slowly--just a little then withdrew--and again.  She wrapped her legs around his hips trying to force their joining, but he held back.  Oh god he needed her --but suddenly as he looked down at this delicate woman he was afraid--.  She smiled up at him, seeing his hesitation.
 
"Chakotay---please, I need you."  It was a hoarse whisper as she tightened her legs to pull him closer.
 
He tried to be gentle, to move slowly--it came upon him in a rush and he could wait no more--he plunged into her.  She cried out and he saw her face grimace for only a second--he held still.
 
“Kath.."

"Shh.. It's OK..."  She held him still, then slowly began to move against him, he joined her, establishing a rhythm.
 
She groaned and he watched her face--there was only pleasure there  now--he quickened his pace, she met him thrust for thrust, grinding her hips- gasping.   She  clenched around him, causing him to groan.
 
"God--Kath-ryn"  He gasped as she ground against him, clenching, gasping.  He was moving faster. quick short strokes,  "Goddd.."
 
"Ohh --ahhhhhh"  She bucked  up gasping, clutching digging her nails into his back.  "Chakooo-- ahh" She stiffened, then exploded beneath him--thrashing wildly, screaming his name with every breath.
 
 Grabbing her hips and thrusting deeply, he joined her in release--crying out her name and collapsing onto her.   Heaving, sweating, gasping bodies, joined --murmuring love -- together-forever.
 
It was a while before they regained control, he rolled off her and she could breath.  She remembered the look on his face---there was nothing she  wouldn't do -then or now, to see that look again.  Yes, that was a night and she remember --it had only just begun.  They made love more times, more
ways than she had though humanly possible and she laughed to herself when she remembered how sore they both were the next day--or rather night, which was when they finally got out of bed.
 
She looked at the gown in her hands and smiled, moving across the room, she shed her clothes and slipped it on.  Well, it still fit--that was something.  She moved to the mirror--much older--many years and four children later, she didn't look bad--not as young and firm--not bad.  She smiled at her reflection, he wouldn't care if she was a flabby old cow.    She thought again about how lucky she was.
 
"Kath, You OK?"  He called up the stairs

"Fine--be right there."  She smiled at the mirror again --she was indeed a lucky lady.  She grabbed a bathrobe--not her best and covered the gown.   She chuckled as she headed down stairs.
 
"There you are -- what took you so long?"  He smiled but she knew he was  really concerned.
 
"Oh--I just got lost in thought--you know me."  She moved to the couch to join him.

"Yes--thank the gods--I know you."  He gave her her tea and looked over the bathrobe.  "Call that sexy?"
 
"I don't want to be cold."  She teased him.

"I'll keep you warm."  He tried to look lecherous, but the dimples were too cute.
 
"You are a dirty old man."

“And you love every minute of it."

"Yes--I have to admit--guilty as charge."  She leaned over and kiss him.

           They finished their tea and settled back on the couch, in a comfortable silence they could always share--the only difference now was that one of them might fall asleep.  It wasn't long before she heard his
gentle snores ---music after all this time.  She listened and enjoyed for a while, then got up and cleared the dishes.
 
She knew he would wake when she left him--he always did.  With the dishes cleared, she returned to find him sitting up waiting for her.

"Shall we go to bed."  She offered him a hand.

"Is that an invitation?"  He raised an eyebrow.

"Oh --took a little nap and now you're ready to go?"  She shook her head and laughed, he joined her.
 
"Can't blame a guy for trying."  He took her hand and walked with her up the stairs.
 
"I never did"

"And I never stopped trying."

"Thank you."  They had reached the top of the stairs and she turned and placed a soft kiss on his lips. "I love you, my angry warrior"
 
"And I will always love you, my beautiful woman warrior."  He pulled her close to him and they locked eyes.

         She took his hand and led him into their bedroom.  She left him standing by the bed and went to the window, gazing out at the stars.

"Remember when the stars were all we could watch out the view port?"  She  said as he came quietly to stand behind her.
 
"Yes, I remember it all--every minute."  He wrapped her in his arms and she leaned back against him.
 
"They are still beautiful.  Do you miss it--space travel?"

"Not much-- I could live any where with you.   We had some good times on Voyager."

"Yes, and off Voyager."  She stepped out of his arms and turned to him with a gleam in her eyes.
 
"Yes--but --I know that look --what is it you're remembering?"

"It's what I was thinking about earlier--when it took me so long to come back down."  She smiled.
 
"What--do I get to know or are you gonna tease me all night."

"Yes."

"Yes ---What?"

"Just Yes."  She laughed and untie her robe. "Remember this?"  She let the robe fall to the floor.  She watched his eyes widen and she knew he remembered as vividly as she.
 
"I remember---god you are still as beautiful."  He stepped forward and took her in his arms. "And I want you now as much as I did then."  He kissed her and then he laughed.  "Somewhere through the years --this was supposed to get old---it never has."  When he look at her she could see the passion of a man half his age.
 
"Think we got it perfect yet?" She leaned back and smiled at him.

"Maybe----but maybe we should practice some more--- just in case."  There was a twinkle in his eyes, when he turned the dimples on her full force.

"Come with me."  She laughed, taking his hand and bringing him to their bed.

"Sounds about right."  He put his arms around her and she shook her head laughing.
 
"That's not what I meant."  Than she reached up to touch his face. "I'm not complaining, however."
 
        A young couple walked up the path from the stable.  They were in no rush, holding hands and stopping to appreciate the beauty that surrounded them.   It was really beautiful here and they were grateful to have this place to get away and spent some quiet time together.  They walked slowly to the cabin, entering  and noting the door wasn't locked.  She looked around to see evidence of who was there.
 
"Someone's here?"  He questioned.  "I thought it was empty."

"Family are always coming and going here---it's OK"  She went to the kitchen.  "I'm getting a drink, want one?"

"Sure--whatever is cold."

            He sat on the couch, gazing around the cabin.  They had been  together almost a year and this was the first time she had taken him here.   It was a special place to her--he knew it was a good sign that she
brought him.  No one was supposed to be here--but it didn't bother her that someone was and he guessed that was good also.  There were no horses in the stable but theirs so whoever it was must have beamed in.  He heard a noise --it was upstairs.
 
"Here."  She came back and handed him a cold drink.  "What do you think--lovely isn't it?"  She sat next to him on the couch.  Then she heard noises upstairs --a soft moan--the creak of the old bed--she looked at him--he pretended not to notice.  "I'll give you a tour in the morning ---- I don't want to disturb them."
 
"Who?"  He knew she was referring to the couple upstairs -- but who were they.  There was a gasp and a deep groan, the creaking was stronger and then a cry no one could pretend no to hear.  He looked at her-- she just smiled.
 
"That would be my grandparents."  She watched his expression of shock.

"Your grandparents?"  There was another cry, a loud thump as the old headboard crashed against the wall, another groan and then quiet.  He looked at her--she smiled --he blushed.
 
"Yes, grandparents--aren't they wonderful?"  She took his hand.  "I hope we're as lucky as them."  She rested her head on his shoulder.
 
"Katie-- maybe we should go--they might not like our being here."

"No --they won't mind.  I want you to meet them--they really are wonderful people."  She watched the color rise in his cheeks again.  "Don't be embarrassed ---they are not ashamed of their love and won't be bother by the fact that we heard them."
 
"Even so --won't they mind that I'm here with you?"

"Greg--relax--not my grandparents."  She locked her eyes with his.  "They  will know how important you are to me just by the fact that I brought you here.  "If you can make me happy --they won't ask you for more."
 
"I don't know if I'm ready for them."

"Nothing to be afraid of---they are just people."

"Yea--famous--the most famous "Command Couple"  Starfleet has ever seen.  Legendary in fact--some how I don't feel worthy of their  granddaughter ----especially here in their house."
 
"Silly."  She stood and grabbed her bag.  "Come on --don't worry our room is at the other end of the house."
 
"OK."  He didn't look sure but he took his bag and followed her.

           The following morning, Kathryn found a padd on the counter in the kitchen. She smiled as she read the contents, then brought the coffee out on the back porch to join Chakotay.
 
"Thanks."  He took it from her.  "Another beautiful morning."

"Humm --after another beautiful night?"

"Always.  Someone else here?  I hear horses."

"Yes, Katie."  She smiled and winked at him.  "She brought her Greg up here--must be serious."
 
"Good --I want to meet him."  He looked serious.

"You old goat--behave yourself -- she's a big girl -- don't start thinking you can run her life."

"Run the life of any female in this family?  Please Kathryn--I have learned a few things over the years---and the fact that you all can take care of yourselves -- definitely number one."  He laughed.  "Just
concerned."

"I know -- but she is a smart girl -- don't worry."  She sat next to him on the swing and he put his arm around her.  "Hope she's as lucky as me."
 
They finished their coffee and he went to check the horses, while Kathryn went to make more coffee.
 
"I'll be back in half an hour and make breakfast."   He kissed her cheek and headed to the stable.
 
She was in the kitchen fixing the coffee when she heard footsteps behind her.  She turned to find a very handsome, but very nervous young man.
 
"Hello, I'm Kathryn--you must be Greg."  She smiled and motioned for him to take a seat.  "Coffee--I just made a fresh pot."
 
"Yes, thank you ma'am."   He blushed, as she poured them both coffee and joined him at the table.
 
"First thing--Greg, please call me Kathryn---I do hate being called Ma'am."  She laughed "Makes me feel old."
 
"Sorry, Ma--Kathryn, I don't.."

"Greg--relax--It was a joke--but do call me Kathryn."  She shook her head and leaned in and whispered "I know-- I'm old, but I don't feel like it --- so I pretend I'm not."  When he said nothing she tried to make
conversation.  "Katie still sleeping?"

"She--I---Yea."  He blushed furiously.

"Greg, it's OK--- Katie is a grown woman---I'm not her to judge her behavior or yours"  She watched him-- it didn't help.  "OK, I'll leave it I make you uncomfortable."
 
"No--I'm sorry --  I guess I'm just a little nervous--You being who you are and Katie's grandmother too--a little much all at once."

"Well just relax---we trust Katie's judgment and if you're OK with her  --that's enough."  He seemed to relax a little then and the conversation was easier.
 
"We noticed the horses--did you enjoy the ride in?"

"Yes--it's really beautiful up here--although it was a little dark for riding."
 
"The trail is quite safe--even in the dark.  Did you arrive late?"

"No, not very, but you were already in bed."

"Yes, well --there's old age for you--it was late for us.  We didn't hear  you come in."
 
"You were a little---busy..."  He knew he was blushing again as he stumbled across the words. She looked up and their eyes met---than she laughed.
 
"I see."  She smiled as his blush deepened.  "I hope we didn't embarrass you."  She knew she had. "It's a wonderful thing about my husband and I  ---we still make love like it's our honeymoon.  Oh we haven't the energy or stamina we had when we were younger--but old age hasn't dampened our  enthusiasm."  When she looked up now he was watching her--his cheeks still red but his look was more wistful than embarrassed.
 
"I think it's wonderful--how long have you been married?"

"Forty three years---next month."

"I hope Katie and I are as happy as you-- after forty-three years.  What's the secret?"
 
"I wish I knew---I think I'm incredibly lucky to have a man like him."

"It couldn't have been easy--all those years in the delta quadrant--your life must have been hard."
 
"Not really --Oh there were times --with the ship, the crew, the unknown -- times that were difficult, but we managed.  And the relationship -- it had it's problems too.   Don't misunderstand, I wouldn't  trade a minute of my life --I wouldn't trade him for anything in the universe---but it wasn't always good.  The part you don't see --the arguments ---well let's just say we fight as passionately as we make love --- always have."
 
 The back door opened and they turned to face Chakotay.  He smiled and bent to kiss her cheek before he even spoke.

"Hello."  As Chakotay spoke, Greg jumped to his feet and shook the offered hand.
 
"Hello, Sir"

"Chakotay this is Greg." Kathryn offered. "Greg this is my husband--Chakotay--Please, Sir just makes.."
 
"Yea, I know --it makes you feel old."  He relaxed a little and smiled at Kathryn.

“Coffee?"  She offered around the table.  "Greg and I have been getting aquatinted."
 
"Well, young man be careful---I may have to relinquish my granddaughter---but watch yourself around my wife."
 
"I certainly do understand why you would want to be careful, Si---Chakotay.  You have a most intriguing wife."
 
"One who is starving---how about that breakfast you promised me?"

"You see Greg she's an amazing woman---I'm sure you read about her at the academy."  Chakotay spoke as he began to prepare their food.  "She is a brilliant scientist, a demanding--but fair- Captain, she can command her crew, she can fly her ship, navigate it and even repair it and she's one hell of a kisser--but--she can't cook--can't even boil water."  He shook  his head as he continued cooking and they all laughed.
 
"That's what I have you for, dear."  She walked back to the stove to put down the coffee pot, and he put his arms around her waist and pulled her close.
 
"Is that the only reason you married me?  Isn't there some other service I can provide?"
 
"Old man--stop this and fix my breakfast."  She shook her head.  "What am I going to do with you?"
 
"Kath.."

"It was a rhetorical question---no need to embarrass our guest."  They both looked to Greg.
 
"Won't embarrass me--go right ahead."  He grinned at them.

"Men!  You are all the same." She freed her self and went back to the table.
 
"Don't let her fool you Greg---If I stopped --she would be chasing after me in no time."  He turned back to his cooking.
 
"He's right" She whispered. "But don't ever tell him I said so." She winked and just as she did Katie came into the kitchen. "Good morning sweety."
 
"Good morning, Grandma." She kissed Kathryn's cheek and went to her grandfather.  "Good morning, grandpa.  How are you both?"

"We're find dear--How are you?"  Chakotay raised an eyebrow and glanced toward Greg.

"I'm fine grandpa--I see you met Greg."  She poured herself a coffee and joined the others giving Greg a kiss as she took a seat.  "So --I see you survived them."
 
"Yea they didn't bite or anything---at least they didn't bite me."  He looked around.  "They did however think about biting each other..."

"Among other things ---I'm sure."  She turned back to Chakotay.  "When's breakfast grandpa?"
 
"Now."  He delivered their food and sat down.  "Can you cook, Greg?"

"No, didn't know it was required."

"Well stick around --I'll teach you."  He nodded his head at Katie.  "This one --she's too much like her grandmother--great at almost everything--but -boy--believe me don't ever let her cook."
 
"Grandpa!  That's not nice."  She stood now with her hands on her hips and her blue eyes flashing---- and that crooked smile.  He shook his head--yep just like her grandmother.
 
"Did I lie, Girl?"  He stared back at her.

"Well"  She cocked her head and smiled again. "Well --no--but it wasn't nice."
 
           They all laughed and the conversation flowed throughout their meal and long afterwards.  For anyone outside listening, who didn't know them--it would seem like any four friends enjoying a meal and
conversation --you would never realize one couple was over sixty years older than the other.  Katie was indeed like her grandmother and as the conversation drifted toward quantum mechanics and the latest developments in starfleet technology, the men excused themselves and went outside. The ladies cleaned up the kitchen as they finished their discussion, then Katie had to know.
 
"Grandma..."

"Yes, dear?"

"So?  What do you think?"

"Katie-- I like him very much, but that's not the important part---What do you think--no don't think too much-It made trouble for me---What do you feel?"
 
"I feel."  She came over and stood close, almost whispering.  "I feel complete-- like he is the part of me that needed to be filled ---I feel like I never want to face another day without him."
 
"I know--I see it in your eyes when you look at him."

"But grandma ---sometimes --I don't know--I get so angry---if I had a phaser, I think I'd shoot him."

"And?"

"And what?"

"What happens --what do you do ---what does he do?"

"Well--sometimes he gets mad too --we fight --throw things-well I do --Yell and scream --well I do.  He gets calm and it makes me crazy -- then I think the whole world is over ---it's all gonna end.  Then..." She turned away  and blushed.
 
"Then?"

"Then I don't know ---I hate him and I'm miserable and somehow ----somehow I wind up in his arms and everything is OK again."  Kathryn laughed and her granddaughter just looked at her   "Grandma?"
 
"Sorry honey--sounds just like a couple I know well."  She put her arm around Katie  "Hold on tight honey --it may be a rough ride --but it's sure  worth it."

          They walked outside to join the guys, who were sitting on a bench out under a tree.   They were deep in conversation and both women speculated on it's content as they approached.
 
"What's so interesting?"   Katie asked as they got closer.

"Nothing--just talking."  Greg evaded her.

"Don't be filling his head with your nonsense, old man."  Kathryn teased.
 
"Woman mind your business."  He winked at Greg.  "We were just swapping recipes."
 
Kathryn laughed as she came behind him, wrapping her arms around his neck and bending to kiss the top of his head. The younger couple watched them smiled at each other.  They shared some quiet time under the tree--two couples, generations apart-yet almost the same. Before they knew it,  it was afternoon.  Kathryn got up and stretched, she tugged on his hand.
 
"Come on, let them have some time alone."  He stood somewhat uncertainly. "Come take a nap with me --- Greg will wake us when dinner is ready."

"Guess, it's my turn to cook."  Greg smiled feeling very much a part of  this group.

"Have a good rest Grandma, Grandpa. We'll let you know when dinner is ready."  She smiled as she sat leaning on Greg's shoulder, as they watched  the older couple walk toward the house.
 
"Kathryn, you don't really want to sleep ---do you?"  Chakotay whispered in her ear --loud enough for all to hear.  She just tugged on his hand and kept walking, smiling at the laughter behind her.
 
"Thank you, Katie."  Greg wrapped his arms around her.

"Huh?"

"Thank you for sharing this with me."

"I wanted you to know..."

"What you expect?"  He raised an eyebrow

"What I---well --yes what I expect our life to be." She searched his face.

"What do you think?'

"I think I'm a lucky man."  He pulled her close and breathed in the fragrance of her beautiful auburn hair.
 
 Another couple made their way to the twisted path.  It had been  blazed well and they were certain they could follow it--- adding to it their own turns along the way.
 
 The End
 

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