Chapter Text
Peace . The tranquil nights, leisurely paced days and the soft curve of his lips when he greeted her with coffee in the morning, were as close to peace as she had ever known. But the peace he spoke of, was something deeper and more meaningful than she would initially allow herself to accept.
Chakotay told her he had found his balance long before their desertion on the planet, that she had given him new purpose and belief. But there was also so much more that he was trying to convey. She heard it in the unspoken meaning behind his ancient legend. In the delicate carvings of the bathtub and headboard. The food he filled her belly with. His solid presence and hold when she needed him. He had been trying to tell her all along, and now she was finally ready to listen.
He cared for her, and he was showing her the best way he knew how, through his actions and thoughtfulness.
The night he told her about an angry warrior, she had gone to bed with a heavy heart, tossing and turning as the implications of his words ran through her mind. The possibility of forming a physically intimate relationship hadn’t escaped her; given their situation and their compatibility, it was a rational conclusion.
However, with the legend he was also trying to tell her that he would be crossing that final boundary with his heart, and that wasn’t something she had anticipated. It was equally exhilarating as it was terrifying. But she had braved far worse enemies than her own hesitations.
Through their joined fingers she had made a silent promise to him, to keep her heart open. To consider all possibilities and embrace this future together.
It was a slow and subtle dance, but with each day they grew closer, carefully putting aside the boundaries command had forced between them. Casual touches lingered a little longer, they grew increasingly aware of one another, flirtatious smiles and comments became more intentional.
And then, one morning:
“Kathryn,” the soft timbre of his voice carried across the cabin. “I was wondering if you would join me for dinner tonight?”
She looked up from her console. Chakotay had a mischievous glint in his eye, which immediately piqued Kathryn’s interest. “We eat together most evenings Chakotay. Is this something special?”
Chakotay tilted his head slightly to one side. “We eat together, yes, whilst you work, or I rush. I wanted to do something more relaxed, take time out to enjoy each other’s company.”
Kathryn looked up at him through her lashes, flashing him the most brilliant smile, “like a date?” she gently baited.
He beamed with equal measure in return, “if that’s what you’d like to call it.”
They could call it whatever they liked, the intent was there. Her heart skipped a beat with a healthy combination of trepidation and excitement as he willingly raised the stakes. A date was an opportunity to test the boundaries, but something they could still walk away from if they needed to.
“What time are you picking me up?” She continued the game.
“7pm.”
She shot him a flirtatious look. “Don’t be late.”
-
She had been looking forward to the dinner for the better part of the day, curious as to what Chakotay had planned for their meal, and dare she admit, but perhaps she was also a little excited about the possibilities of what could happen after.
Kathryn teased him in the kitchen as he started to prepare dinner, pointing out that they still had another two hours until he was due to ‘collect’ her. Chakotay was quick to close down her interruptions, encouraging her to take a relaxing soak in the bath, or read a book… anything to keep her out of his way.
She laughed, but took on board his suggestion, finding a way to busy herself at the computer terminal, before leaving to take a sonic shower and ready herself for their ‘date’.
When she emerged a while later, dressed in a simple navy-blue dress, she was surprised to find the shelter deserted. Chakotay was missing, and the table hadn’t been set. The food was gone also. Just as she started to consider the possibilities, she heard a rap at the door.
Kathryn smiled to herself, at the thought her companion was possibly taking this a little too literally. However, the sight which greeted her as the door opened wiped any lingering smile from her face.
He was dressed in smart black slacks and open white shirt, with a beautifully embroidered maroon waistcoat. Even more surprising however, was the view over his shoulder: hundreds of lights decorating the landscape. Lamps hanging from trees, jar lights resting on his workbench and every flat surface he could find, as well as candles on a beautifully set table just a few yards from their home.
“Oh Chakotay, this is wonderful,” she told him, taking her fingertips to her mouth.
Chakotay watched her patiently as she absorbed the scene, staggered at how much her reaction meant to him. He had surprised her, which was rare, but he could tell he had also delighted her, which was something altogether more special to be part of.
He took a steadying breath as he discretely noticed the efforts she had gone to. Her dress, whilst simple, had the welcome impact of accentuating her curves. The heels she wore pushed back her hips. And her hair swept up into a loose clasp exposing her neck. She was beautiful under all circumstances, but in that moment she was breath-taking.
On Voyager he had been privy to tiny and tantalising snippets of the woman behind the uniform. When they’d first met, he’d felt an instant physical attraction to her, but he’d brushed it off as a crush; the lure of power and authority which she exuded. Trust. Respect. Loyalty. Those came easy with a woman like Kathryn in command. But over time it had developed into something more than that. Something deeper which he’d dared not admit to or push himself to explore. She was the Captain. She was engaged. She was completely out of his league.
New Earth was changing them. Shifting their parameters. Forcing his feelings for her to the surface. He wasn’t just making this a home because he had to, but because he wanted to. And whilst he would be content with her companionship alone for the rest of his life on this planet, or consider side benefits to find release with one another, he really hoped this could be more than that. He wanted more than a lover, he wanted a partner. He wanted everything that Kathryn Janeway had to offer.
Chakotay reminded himself to breathe, extending an arm to her, which she accepted as he led her across the grass to the table he had set.
Over dinner they quickly relaxed, enjoying a bottle of wine and the delicious mushroom wellington Chakotay had prepared. They kept the conversation light and easy, and the flirtation was casual and non-committal.
During a lull, she noticed him looking up at the night sky over her shoulder. Wondering what he was looking at, she turned her head slightly in the same direction.
"Two moons," he explained, as they each regarded the satellite crescents orbiting above them, disappearing behind the clouds. "Reminds me of the twin moons of Trebus."
"What are their names?"
The genuine intrigue in her tone and mannerism brought delight to his heart which he couldn't quantify; she really wanted to know him, and his world.
"Hunahpu and Xbalanque; brothers in ancient mythology from one of our cousin tribes. The moons were named in their honour, when the planet was chosen for our home."
Kathryn was fascinated. "That's a lovely background."
He grew thoughtful. "On a clear night I'd like to catalogue which parts of our solar system are visible from the planet."
Her smile widened at the idea. "We could start naming the moons and planets," she suggested. "Maybe even pick out constellations."
Chakotay regarded her fondly. Whilst the prospect of being pioneers on the planet could often feel overwhelming, there were plenty of reasons to find enjoyment in this new life. They were explorers in spirit, and although this wasn't quite a replacement for space travel, there was still something quaint and exciting about discovering the intricacies of this planet for themselves.
"What?" She asked, after a beat.
"Nothing," he tried to dismiss it, but quickly changed his mind at her disappointed frown. "It's just nice to see you happy."
She reached across to cover his hand with hers, gently squeezing his fingers, but she didn't comment.
Eventually the candles began to burn out, and one by one, the light faded around them as the hours drew out. Over a second bottle of wine, and in the warm evening air, they could have remained out there all night, until he caught her stifling a yawn, and suggested they retire for the evening.
As a final gesture, Chakotay stood from his chair, and extended a hand, “may I walk you home?” he asked with an obvious smirk.
Enjoying the pretence of a date, Kathryn accepted his hand, and used the momentum to rise.
“This has been… a very welcome distraction Chakotay. Thank you.”
He watched her from the corner of his eye as they crossed towards the front door, “I hope you’ll allow me to distract you more in the future.”
The coyness slipped from Kathryn’s face, as the weight of his implication hit. “I’d like that.”
They stopped at the door and turned to one another, both considering how far to push the game, and how best to accept their reality. Their next actions could dictate the very nature of their existence on the planet.
Chakotay raised a hand, to tuck a stray hair behind her ear. An innocent enough gesture, except when his fingertips rested just behind her neck, his hand coming up to cup her cheek.
Kathryn closed her lids momentarily at his touch, before snapping them open again, to look up challengingly into his eyes. There was a softness to his expression which she hadn’t expected, a hope without expectation. He was waiting. Waiting for a signal from her before he would continue.
It was subtle when it finally came. The permission he sought wasn’t granted overtly, but instead with the tiniest nod from the woman before him. At her cue, he leaned in, and pressed his lips gently to hers. A featherlight kiss which either of them could have pulled back from. Pretended that it had never happened. Woken the next morning and wondered if it had just been a dream. However, he felt a small hand sneak up the nape of his neck, fingers winding into his hair and she demanded more from him.
Chakotay was only too pleased to move at her faster pace. He deepened the kiss, sucking on her lower lip, and pushing his tongue in at her invitation. His hands dropped to her hips, pulling her body up, towards him. He felt her other arm wrap under his, her forearm pressing against his shoulder blade to close the gap between them even further.
Given the force they both exerted against each other, it was only a matter of time before one overwhelmed the other. They almost stumbled, and Kathryn took a step back to keep balance, their lips never parting as they quickly found themselves against the wall of their home.
She turned the situation to their advantage, using the wall as leverage as she lifted a leg to wrap around his waist, encouraging him to press his groin against her, giving a satisfactory sigh which vibrated against his chest.
It was with great effort that he finally broke off the kiss, pressing his forehead against hers to force some space between their lips as they both slowly regained some perspective.
He lowered her carefully back to the ground and drew back, instantly catching the disappointment in her eyes.
“What’s wrong?”
Chakotay shook his head slightly, “nothing. It’s just, we have plenty of time. We can take this slow.”
Kathryn reached out tenderly, pressing her palm to his chest. Instinctively, he reached up, and covered her hand. “I think we’ve waited long enough.”
His breath caught, and he found himself helpless to follow whichever path she next laid out for them. The smaller hand in his twisted, as she entwined their fingers. She stepped out from him, and led him to the door, through the threshold and across the living space they shared. His heart skipped a beat as he realised she was taking him to her sleeping alcove, to her bed.
This moment had been building between them for much longer than the two months they had spent alone on the planet. This was the culmination from their introduction two years ago. Inevitable from the moment she gave the order to destroy the array, the point at which their fates had been sealed together. She had abandoned any plans to capture him and his ship, and instead offered for them to join her crew, asking him to lead by her side as Voyager’s first officer. In those first few days she had quickly earned his trust, and his respect, and at some point, he had also found himself falling in love with her.
They reached the bed and stopped still, Kathryn dropped his hand and turned back to face him, her eyes searching his for reassurance. She had never looked more open and exposed, and the realisation both humbled and endeared him.
Chakotay grabbed her waist and leant forward to kiss her again, the passion of the exchange leaving neither of them under any illusions towards where their desires would lead.
Kathryn reached for the buttons of his waistcoat, undoing each one before moving to his shirt. Chakotay shrugged them off the moment the last button was undone, allowing her fingers to roam down his bare chest. He shuddered slightly as she reached his waistband, her fingers gliding across the material to find the fastening, which she made quick work of, sliding a hand beneath the fabric to find his erection.
His breath hitched at her touch, and their lips broke apart momentarily as he enjoyed the sensation of her palm sliding down his shaft.
Chakotay looked down to meet her gaze, gently pushing her hand aside, as he started to work on her clothing. Taking down the zip at the back of her dress, he watched as the dark blue fabric slipped down her body and pooled at her feet. The urge to run his hands over the softness of her skin was almost overwhelming. He cupped her breast through the bra, whilst his other hand reached for the clasp at the back. When she shivered, he took his mouth to her shoulder, following the path of one of the straps as he removed it completely.
They were flesh to flesh for the first time, sharing another erratic kiss as their hands explored the exposed skin.
Kathryn felt one of Chakotay’s hands snake around her hip to the hem of her panties, his teasing trail causing the wetness to pool between her legs. And suddenly his fingers were sliding down inside, a finger gently probing into her folds, spreading the moisture and finding her clit which she confirmed with a sharp intake of breath.
“There?” he breathed against the side of her neck.
“Yes,” she threw her head back when he circled the swollen flesh and slipped into her entrance. “Oh god.”
He shot her a satisfied grin, carefully removing her last article of clothing with his free hand, whilst maintaining the steady rhythm between her folds.
Chakotay encouraged her to move onto the bed, “lay down,” he instructed.
Kathryn didn’t need to be told twice as she shifted up onto the mattress. She’d expected him to join her, but he surprised her by lowering himself, a fluttering path of kisses down her belly, and the inside of her thigh, before quickly replacing his fingers with his mouth. Letting out a gasp, her back arched into his face. He grabbed hold of her hips to steady them both, as his tongue flicked and teased her, before ploughing into her entrance. Repeating the pattern as her moans became deeper and more urgent.
Her fingers clutched at his hair, gently encouraging him as he devoured her, lapping up the juices as he teased, sucked and probed her with his tongue and lips.
“Please,” she cried, “I want you inside of me.”
He hummed his reply with a soft shake of his head, and her excitement heighted when she realised he was intent on finishing her off this way. Kathryn was resigned to squirm beneath him, clutching the sheets, his shoulders, his hair, anything she could get hold of as he brought her increasingly closer to the edge.
The build-up caught her by surprise. He had inserted a couple of fingers into her entrance, then hit upon a spot and a rhythm which triggered her muscles to begin to spasm. She cried out as the orgasm took hold. Chakotay persisted with his pace, following her every wave until she was completely spent. It was only at that point, he surfaced, a smug grin spread deliberately across his features.
Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, he raised himself to lay alongside her on the narrow bed.
“That was…” she breathed heavily.
“Worth the wait?” he asked knowingly.
Kathryn offered him a lopsided grin, “most definitely.”
Running his fingers along her collarbone and down between the valley of her breasts, he looked suddenly serious. "You're incredible Kathryn. I very much enjoyed that."
They kissed. Softly this time. A tender exploration of each other’s mouths. She could taste and smell him on her, heightening her senses and raising her arousal again.
Her hand slipped down his torso, and when she met his gaze, she found him watching her carefully, heatedly. Just as her hand reached his pelvis, and her fingers teased the base of his erection, his hand snapped down to still her advance. She shot him a curious look.
“This will change everything,” his eyes dark, voice low, uneven. He wanted her so desperately, but he needed her to be sure.
The tenderness wrapped around his clear desire was almost overwhelming. It only made her more sure of her decision.
“I know,” her whisper controlled and certain.
Needing no further encouragement, he flipped their positions, raising himself above her whilst simultaneously dragging her body to the centre of the single mattress. A shiver of excitement and anticipation ran between them.
Chakotay kissed her again; hungrily. Lips brushing and sucking against hers. He held himself carefully above her, circling his hips to tease her wet folds with his tip. She let out an impatient sigh, and he shot her a wicked grin, knowing exactly what he was doing.
Two could play that game. She reached down between them, her palm sliding down his hard shaft, to give his balls a squeeze. He shuddered; that was enough to wipe the grin off his face. Satisfied, she took firm hold of him, and guided him to her entrance.
Unable to help himself, he thrusted forward, to Kathryn’s moan which was a little more pain than pleasure. He stopped and gave her a moment to adjust, admonishing himself for his impatience; this had likely been a while for her. He leant forward and pressed his lips back to hers, silently communicating patience and reverence and gratitude all at the same time.
Chakotay gently pulsed himself, listening for her cues, gradually increasing his movements, edging his full length in following each withdrawal. He filled her slowly, encouraged her walls apart, until he felt her deliberately tighten against him as she matched each of his thrusts.
“Oh Spirits, Kathryn,” he whispered her name, burying his face into the crook of her neck, sucking and biting at the soft flesh.
They found a steady pace together, a position which felt electric, currents of pleasure passing between each other. Her soft moans sent shivers down his spine. He enjoyed the way she threaded one hand through his hair, whilst her other pushed down on his ass cheek; a possession of him whilst she submitted her body to his. One leg wrapped around him to take him deeper, whilst another used the mattress as purchase to push against him. She was magnificent.
Lost in the feel and smell and sound of her, he started to feel his control slip. He was building far too quickly. “Kathryn, I-“ he tried to warn her.
“Shhh,” she increased her efforts, encouraging him to relinquish himself to the moment.
Determined not to let this be her first experience with him, he tested a couple of different angles, until one hit the spot, much to the surprised look on her face. He pursued it, followed her expressions, putting his focus on her pleasure whilst trying desperately to block out any other thoughts.
Kathryn felt a second orgasm begin to build. She hadn’t expected to come again, not after the intensity of the first time, but Chakotay clearly held talents which went far beyond his personnel file. Trusting in him, she gave herself to it, chasing down ripples until they grew to waves of pleasure washing over her.
And suddenly they were both coming. Her walls shuddering and shaking around him, as he filled her with hot spurts of seed. They cried out each other’s names, as they continued to crash together, following their passion to its natural conclusion until they were both completely spent.
He collapsed on top of her, crushing her with his weight, as she wrapped her arms around his neck, placing thankful kisses against his temple and cheek.
Eventually he lifted up a little, rolling them onto their sides, his cock slipping out of her with the movement. They wrapped together on the small bed. Content and sated, they fell asleep together like that.