Simmons and Manner had wanted a strict Federation style wedding--full dress uniforms for all.  Torres and Paris went in for a combined style, having both the Captain -for the legal part and Chakotay -for the spiritual part- offciate at their wedding.  B'Elanna wore a traditional terrain white wedding gown and Tom a tux.  There was, as always, a reception on the holodeck and everyone seemed to go in for the old earth customs such as throwing the bouquet and garter.  At B'Elanna and Tom's wedding the bouquet went to the Captain and it was no surprise that the Commander caught the garter.   The younger couple denied having planned it that way--no one believed them.  It was in fact, not uncommon at any of the weddings for this combination to find themselves in the same situation---never planned by any of the crew (of course) and always they were good sports and provided the crew with a much appreciated show. 

     It was common knowledge that the command team spent almost all their time together--on and off duty.  They were the most unofficial couple on the ship.  They were not dating--just working, eating, playing and everything but sleeping together.  If they were to be truthful, they did on occasion sleep together---but they truly did sleep--this relationship had never been consummated.  They planned this wedding, as they had all the others, over dinner in her quarters. 

"Have you seen the plans yet?---just what is a flower child?"  Kathryn was truly puzzled by the crew's fascination with twentieth century earth. 

"Back to the twentieth century again---the 1960's, I believe."  He turned on her view screen and called up images of that time.  "Peace and Love generation." 

"Well that sounds good---I'm all for peace and love."  She smiled as she moved to look over his shoulder. "Patricia has costumes for us to wear--no uniforms." 

"You can get by with some flowers in your hair---but no way am I gonna have hair longer than yours!"  He laughed as he paged through the pictures on the screen.  "Looks harmless enough---the holoprogram  is finished according to Tom.  So we plan the ceremony and wear what we're told to and it should be fine." 

"I don't have much to plan--just to fit the legal stuff in---they are writing their own vows."  She brought him a glass of wine and sat next to him. 

"They want very little from me---just a spiritual blessing of some kind.  Looks like an easy one this time." 

"Until we do our mandatory bouquet and garter routine."  She rolled her eyes. 

"It is becoming a custom isn't it.  Maybe we should really give them a show----how about I put it on with my teeth?"  He ducked as she swatted at him. 

"Better idea---How about I put it on you this time!"  They laughed as they retired to a more comfortable position on the couch.  "What are we coming to ---Harry is giving away the bride!" 

"Yes, mother our young'ns are growing up."  He put his arm around her and she leaned back resting her head on his chest.  " 'Spect we'll be grandparents soon." 

"Gods one more thing to worry about---what are we going to do with children?"  She suddenly sat up and looked at him.  "You don't know something you're not telling me---do you?" 

"Relax, Kathryn---I know nothing--I'm sure we have time to plan."  He settled her back down against him.  "It is something to consider though." 

"Yea, it could get very crowded around here." 

"Maybe we should move in together and make more room. "  He suggested dryly. 

"Smooth, Chakotay--really smooth."  She patted his leg and snuggled back and closed her eyes. 

     Most of their evenings went this way, dinner, a little shop talk and relaxation--just being together and then a kiss goodnight.  It was something that just developed--the kiss, but it too had become a nightly ritual.  A ritual they both looked forward to with increasing interest.  Most nights he went back to his quarters around 2400, occasionally he stayed later or maybe even the night, but always the kiss---growing in intensity almost nightly---still only one kiss. 

     This night was no different then the others.  She walked him to the door and stopped just short of the sensor which would have opened it.  She was saying goodnight and something vague about tomorrow's meeting and he was nodding in agreement--neither cared about the conversation.  When she stopped he took her shoulders and turned her toward him.  She looked up and smiled that crooked smile as she reached one hand to trace his tattoo and placed the other around his neck.  Moving his hands down her back, he bent to meet her lips and he pulled her closer, lifting her off her feet.  Moist warm lips gently touching, rapidly became urgent and demanding, parting to allow mutual exploration by inquisitive tongues.  The kiss was long and deep, neither wanting to be the one to break it, both holding on almost desperately until the need for oxygen overcame them.  He set her back on her feet and she stepped back allowing him to reach the door.  It opened, they whispered their goodnights and he was gone. 

     She crossed to the view port staring out at the passing stars.  Why, she wondered, did she still resist---why didn't she just give in to the emotions raging within her?  If he pushed her she would probably give in to both their needs---he never would.  She had set the boundaries and he would continue to respect them and play by her rules until she changed them.  She went into the bedroom and changed into a peach satin nightgown, it was long-to the floor-but it had slits on both sides almost up to her hips-it has thin straps and a vee in the front which allowed the swell of her breasts to be seen above it.  She turned down the covers and sat on the edge of the bed.  Who was she kidding---she hadn't put this on to sleep---she rose and wrapping herself in the matching robe she exited the room. 

"Computer. Are there any crewmen in the corridor outside this room?" 

"NO CREW MEMBERS IN THE CORRIDOR DECK THREE" 

     She entered the hallway, quickly taking the few steps to his quarters-she keyed in her override and inside of a minute she was in his darkened quarters.  She heard him in the shower, as she waited  for her eyes to adjust to the darkness of the room, she went to his bedroom and turned down the bed.  She could still hear the shower so she replicated two glasses of wine, which she placed on the table next to the bed. 

"Computer lights 1/4 --music selection Janeway alpha 737 volume setting 2" 

     The computer complied giving her soft lights and music, as she placed herself in a darkened corner of the room so he wouldn't see her upon entering.  The shower stopped and she held her breath in anticipation. 

     Chakotay quickly dried himself and wrapped the towel around his waist before exiting the bathroom.  As he walked to the bedroom he noticed the music and the lighting----he hadn't ordered either.  He stood looking down at the opened bed and two glasses of wine when he felt someone move behind him.  She slipped satin covered arms around him pulling him to her and running her hand up across his chest as she nuzzled into his back spreading soft kisses across his shoulders.   He turned in her arms to face her. 

"Kathryn?"  She knew he wasn't questioning who she was--but rather what she was doing. 

"I love you."  She whispered as she reached up to bring his lips to hers.  Their eyes locked and in that minute she allowed him to see all the passion and desire she normally kept so deeply buried. 

"Kathryn."  When he spoke this time it wasn't a question, but almost a prayer.  He drew her to him and kissed her with all the penned up passion of five years of waiting. 

     She stepped back from him, letting her robe slip to the floor.  Handing him a glass she sipped her wine and took a deep breath.  He reached for her and she stepped away again. 

"Chakotay, if this is not what you want..." 

"Kathryn, always the Captain."  He chuckled, cutting her off.  "I know you must ask, but I don't care what your rank is---I am not being intimidated, coerced or in any way pressured---frustrated YES, but not forced.  OK?"  He held out his arms and she came to him. 

"Just checking."  She smiled up at him.  "You're sure -now?"  He took both glasses and placed them back on the table.  Returning to her, he enfolded her in his arms, lifting her off the floor and trailing a line of open moist kisses down her neck and along the vee of her gown.  "I'll take that as a yes."  She gasped, arching her back to allow him access. 

     When her feet again touched the carpet she slid her hands between them, running her palms up his chest and dragging her nails down his back.  Her kisses went from his mouth along his jaw to nibble on his ear.  Her fingers moved to release the knot in his towel while her mouth blazed a path down his neck seeking the dark erect knot of his nipples.  The towel fell away exposing him to her exploring fingers. Her hands slowly caressed their way along his waist down over his hips to his well muscled thighs.  Her mouth worked it's way down his stomach licking, nipping, seeking to feel and taste all of him.  She sank to her knees, running her fingers up inside his thighs and down the length of him.  She looked up at him, eyes shining, as she licked the small drop of fluid, smiling as she tasted him, swirling her tongue around the tip.   Running her tongue down the underside, fingers reaching between to cradle him, she came back to take him fully into her mouth eliciting a deep groan.  Her warm breath washed over him, as she fondled him with her tongue,  His muscles tensed, teeth clenched as she once again encased him in the velvety moistness of her mouth.  The exquisite torture inflicted by lips, tongue and teeth all working in unison drove him gasping to the brink.   He disengaged her, bringing her mouth up to meet his, slipping the straps from her shoulders and letting the gown slip to the floor, before turning  and lowering them to his bed. 

  He lay beside her, head propped up on one arm, he gazed down at her as his hand gently drifted down the length of her side---drinking in the sight of her.   She smiled reaching up to trace the dark blue lines above his eye.  He bent placing a soft kiss on her lips, tracing them with his tongue before parting them and tasting himself in her mouth.  She moaned against his mouth, as he brought his hand up to cup her breast, fingers manipulating the taut dimpled surface of her nipples.  His mouth claimed hers, then her neck, her breasts, her mouth again.  His hands began a slow decent leaving her breasts to trail across her belly, her hips, and  press open her thighs.  Lips and tongue following in the wake, stopping to graze then suckle her nipples, nipping and licking down her belly.  The sensation caused by his warm breath as it crossed her hot center caused her to arch her hips toward him- gasping.  His fingers spread her as his tongue slipped into her moist folds, licking, sucking, executing excruciating torture.  Gasping and moaning, she writhed helplessly beneath his mouth.  His tongue penetrated her then his fingers---one then two-as his tongue continued to manipulate her into a frenzy.  Her body stiffened then convulsed, a sharp intake of breath followed by a deep groan as wave after wave washed over her.  His hands held her open as his tongue lapped at her juices, until her body stilled and he moved up beside her. 
 
     She reached for him, bringing his face to hers, her tongue licking her own juices from his lips.  Lips and tongue meeting , breathe exchanged as their hands explored, teasing and tantalizing.  His lips were again seeking her breasts, his hands pinning hers to the bed.  She arched toward him, spreading her legs, begging for him.  He released her hands as his tongue traveled to her slick throbbing center, hands pressing her thighs wide, his tongue teasing her, sucking,  licking penetrating her. she writhed helplessly, gasping, groaning, clutching at him.  He licked his way up her body-reclaiming her mouth, his hand manipulating her breasts as he lowered himself over her. 

     He was kneeling between her legs, playing his length along her moist folds.  She arched herself to him and he held himself in place above her.  She breath deeply willing herself to relax, she wanted this, needed this, she was way beyond ready, but it had been a long time and she was well aware of his size.  He eased himself lower, penetrating only the tip and easing back.  He bent to kiss her, sucking her lips as he penetrated deeper, slowly, carefully working back and forth, in and out, deeper and deeper with each gentle thrust until, at last, he had buried all of him in her deep warmth.  He held there- kissing her lips, her neck then slowly-at first, began to develop a rhythm.  She matched him as their pace quickened.  He reached between them, just above their joining, caressing her, teasing, bringing her to another frenzied release. 

     Thrashing, arching her body, writhing beneath him, nails gouging, she screamed her release as his thrusts quickened, becoming shorter, faster, more urgent.  His own guttural sounds blending with hers, his body stiffened, muscles clenched as he allowed himself a long awaited release.  One final powerful thrust left him spasming deep within her.  Exhausted and trembling he collapsed, covering her quaking body with his own.  She took him in her arms, spreading gentle kisses across his neck and chest, running her hands lightly down his back.  He moved his weight off of her---she reluctantly let him go. 

     Lying beside her, he cupped her face and kissed her lips lightly.  He brushed a strand of hair from her face, running his fingers through it, across her shoulder and down her arm.  She touched his face, smiled and snuggled into his chest.  Together they slept. 

     He awoke amazed to find her in his arms.  This time it wasn't a dream---he kissed the top of her head lightly and she stirred. 

"Hi"  Her voice was thick with sleep, and the look of love and complete contentment on her face took his breath away. 

"Good morning"  He smiled at her, love shining in his eyes.  "Sleep well?" 

"Better than I have in years."  She ran her hands over his shoulders and kissed him.  Suddenly she pulled back-sitting up-inspecting his back.  "Gods---I'm sorry."  She kissed the deep gashes from her fingernails. 

"You are quiet the little tiger."  He chuckled. "Maybe I'll call you Kat from now on." 

"Not me--You--you sir are amazing!"  If I'd only known."  She bent to kiss him.  "You may call me anything you like."  She kissed him again, then pulled back and looked at him.  "Just..." 

"Not on the bridge."  He finished for her, pulling her down on top of him, kissing her. 

"COMMANDER THE TIME IS 0600---COMMANDER THE TIME IS 0600" 

"Damn computer---reset 24 hours."  He grumbled breaking the kiss, sorry they had no time for more. 

"We could call Tuvok---no I guess that would be a bad start."  She laughed as she slipped off the bed in search of her clothes. 

"Both on the same comm. link---from my bed?  Bet he would like that!"  He smiled, sitting up watching her slip on her night gown.  "May I ask --How are you planning on getting home unnoticed  in that?" 

"Red alert---all hands to battle stations?"  She laughed so hard she had to sit on the bed.  "How about a shipwide announcement making all corridors off limits?"  She rolled on the bed. 

"You're crazy!"  He took her in his arms. "I love you."  He kissed her before she could respond. 

"I love you too."  She slipped off the bed. "I'm leaving--before I don't--computer are there any crewmen in the corridor outside these quarters?" 

"LIEUTENANT TORRES IS IN THE CORRIDOR DECK THREE-OUTSIDE COMMANDER CHAKOTAY'S QUARTERS." 

"Computer let me know when the corridor is empty."  She looked at Chakotay. "I hope she isn't coming here." 

"Afraid of getting caught?"  He was out of bed now and ordered coffee from the replicator. 

"By B'Elanna?  She's so in tune with you --she probably knows already!"  She had her hand on her hips in the best Janeway fashion. 

"Jealous?"  He handed her the coffee. 

"Should I be?"  She took the coffee and stepped very close to him. 

"Never."  He wrapped his free arm around her and bent to place a gentle kiss on her head. 

"CORRIDOR DECK THREE IS NOW EMPTY." 

"Better go while I can---breakfast when you're dressed?" 

"I'll be over."  He called to her as she slipped out the door. 

     They had breakfast in the mess hall and if anyone noticed anything different they hadn't said.   Their bridge duty was completed without difficulty or obvious incident.  So far the change in their relationship wasn't noticed---no hope of keeping it that way.  The wedding was only two days away so everyone was kept very busy with that.  The Captain and Commander continued to eat and work together, taking care of the ship and  planning their parts in the wedding and everything seemed normal. 

     The big day arrived, holodeck was ready and guests had arrived.  Chakotay stood outside  Kathryn's door waiting for her to answer, feeling a little foolish.  He was dressed in the costume Patricia had sent him.  He wore tight blue jeans and a flowered shirt open at the neck and a beaded necklace with what he was told was a peace symbol.  Fortunately, Patricia had decided they didn't need to have long hair or beards.  The door opened and he entered- stopping at the sight of Kathryn in her costume.  She wore a light blue flowered dress, that complimented her eyes and made them shine even bluer.  The neck line was scooped allowing just the slightest hint of her breasts to show.  It was gathered  just under the bust and fell straight from there to mid calf, she wore no shoes. Her hair had two small braids on either side which were pulled back and secured with a matching ribbon over the remaining loose hair, which was now long enough to cover her shoulders.  She had several small flowers pinned in her hair. 

"Wow---I think I like the 1960's---You're beautiful."  He gathered her in his arms and kissed her. 

"Thank you."  She stepped back surveying him, obviously enjoying what she saw.  "Like those pants." 

"Tight and getting tighter---we better go or we'll be late."  He stepped back and looked at her again.  "Very late."  He escorted her out the door. 

     They entered holodeck two to a swirl of people all dressed in similar costumes.  The scent of incense was heavy in the air and the music a little strange, but the scene before them was breathtaking.  They were in a meadow surrounded by wild flowers, a small stream flowed to the right, the center of the meadow was cut short providing room for the ceremony and dancing.  The sky was a brilliant blue with a few fluffy white clouds, there was a light breeze and an arch of flowers marked the place for the ceremony.  Chakotay guided Kathryn through the crowd, his arm around her, his hand resting at her waist, to their proper places for the ceremony.  They  greeted several crew members on the way including a very nervous groom whom they were able to reassure just in time for the bride's entrance to music provided by some kind of ancient stringed instrument. 

     Harry escorted the bride, the Captain and the Commander did their small parts, but most of the ceremony was filled with the words of love and optimism provided by the bride and groom.  The Captain pronounced them husband and wife and the party began.  Nelix provided a delicious meal and the champagne  was real thanks to the seemly never ending stores of Tom Paris, most of the music required dance steps far too complicated for the command team, but the younger crew had taken lessons and were well prepared for twentieth century dance steps.  Every now and then a slow song was played and Kathryn was sure it was only for their benefit, but took advantage of the opportunity to feel his arms around her anyway. 

     The time finally arrived for the bride to throw her bouquet, Chakotay winked at Kathryn wishing her luck, as she rose to take her place among the single ladies.  She just laughed knowing his turn would come and that it was just a formality anyway.  Everyone knew who would catch the flowers and who was destined to grab the garter---it was the part of the wedding the crew got the biggest kick out of---and they would not be disappointed.  Flowers in hand. Kathryn took her seat in the center of a large circle of her crew.  Chakotay brought the garter over and knelt down in front of her. 

"Shall I use my teeth?"  He whispered as he took his place.  She shook her finger at him and the crowd, left to imagine what was said, cheered. 

     The show went well as usual.  The crowd cheered and jeered as Chakotay slipped the garter higher and higher and Kathryn gave him warning looks and even once slapped the hand beneath her skirt.  Once it was in place, the group shouted until he removed it and replaced it on the other leg.  Someone in the crowd suggested Chakotay use his teeth and promptly recieved a Janeway death glare in return----the crowd roared.  Everyone  cheered when, task completed Chakotay offered Kathryn his hand and brought her to her feet. 

     Kathryn turned and offered Chakotay the chair---surprising everyone.  Silence overtook them as the entire group waited for what fun this turn of events would bring.   She stood looking down at him for a long moment in silence, then took a deep breath and locked her eyes with his. 

"For the past five years, while we wandered the delta quadrant, you have stood by my side."  She took both of his hands in hers.  "You have been my first officer, my sounding board, confident and  my best friend,  You remained by my side when I was wrong, as well as when I was right, you were there when I was weak and when I was strong.  You are my wisdom and my sanity, my life, my breath and my soul.  Without you I can never be complete----I love you."  She dropped to one knee, looking up at him.  "Chakotay, will you marry me?"  She smiled that crooked smile as everyone waited quietly for his reply. 

He stood bringing her up with him, taking her in his arms.  "I thought you'd never ask."  He lifted her off her feet as his lips claimed hers and the crew went wild. 

Finally breaking the kiss, she leaned back to see his face and the crew quieted again.  "I'll take that as a yes?" 

"Yes."  He whispered before covering her lips again. 
 

The End. 

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