A Beautiful Morning
Author: Theatrelady Disclaimer: Paramount owns them, of course, (and everything else in the Star Trek universe). I'm just borrowing them for a bit. Author's note: Feedback would be greatly appreciated. You can contact me at theatre.lady@home.com Kathryn's eyes fluttered open and a slight smile crossed her face. She could hear birds singing outside and she sensed the sun was shining. It was a beautiful morning on New Earth. She stretched lazily in her bed and snuggled under the covers. A slight twinge in her neck and shoulders caught her attention. She had certainly worked hard yesterday cleaning up after the plasma storm. She couldn't imagine how sore she'd be if she hadn't gotten that backrub from Chakotay. Chakotay. Her smile widened as she thought his name. Last night had certainly changed some things between them. Her thoughts went back to the previous evening when she had complained of her sore neck and he had offered to rub it for her. The way he had seemed to caress her hair when he moved it out of the way had focused her attention completely on him. But when he had touched her, that was when something inside her had become truly aware of him. His hands on her had been so sensual, softly caressing her skin. His scent had enveloped her. It felt like he was completely surrounding her. She had enjoyed the feelings his touch produced in her. Her skin had tingled from the warmth and strength of his hands. Her eyes drifted closed now, just as they had last night, as she relished the sensations he created in her. Just remembering what those strong, gentle hands had done to her with just a touch, caused her breathing to quicken. It had been so long since a man had touched her that way. Not since they had left the Alpha Quadrant two years ago and Mark . . . The thought of Mark had pulled her back from the pleasant haze Chakotay had enticed her into. She recalled how she had stiffened and pulled away from him. She also recalled the look in his eyes when she had finally forced herself to meet his gaze. There were so many things she thought she saw there. It had startled her and she had retreated to her bedroom. But she couldn't sleep. She couldn't get him out of her thoughts. Finally, she had risen and returned to where he was working in the main room. She had told him they needed to "define parameters.” She cringed now at the term. What a way to put it! But then Chakotay had told her his "ancient legend” of the angry warrior. She had melted. There was no other word for it. She had sat across the table from this attractive, handsome man who she trusted with her life, while he told her of his deep feelings for her hidden in a made up story of his people, and she had simply melted. She still remembered the delight, relief and love in his eyes as she had hesitantly raised her hand to him and he placed his against her. She wondered what he had seen in her face at that moment. They had stayed up talking late into the night, never letting go of the other's hand. They had sat there on opposite sides of that table, yet connected by their entwined hands, and discussed many things. Then they had said goodnight, and Chakotay had kissed her hand, an old fashioned gesture that had tugged on her heart, before heading off to their separate rooms. Now it was morning, and she had awakened with a smile on her face because it was a new day and the possibilities were endless. Kathryn snuggled deeper into the covers, relishing the feelings from last night. "Good morning, lazy bones.” Her eyes flew open at the deep voice, colored with a touch of amusement. Chakotay was standing in the doorway of her bedroom, with a steaming cup in his hands, and a beautiful smile on his face. "Lazy bones? It's not my fault my neighbors kept me up last night. They were rather noisy.” "Oh, so it's my fault we talked last night?” "Who said anything about talking? I meant the snoring I kept hearing from next door,” she teased him. "Okay, lady. I think I'll just see if the monkey would like this cup of coffee. Excuse me.” He turned as if to go. "Hold it right there, mister!” she ordered in her best command tone. "You come right back here with that cup.” She scooted backward to lean against the headboard Chakotay had made her. He turned in the doorway, a smile playing around his lips. I could get used to this sight every morning. The thought flashed through her mind. It startled her. He must have seen her reaction. "What?” he asked. "Nothing. I was just thinking this is a nice way to wake up.” "Do you mean me or the coffee? Never mind,” he said quickly. "I'm not sure my ego can take that answer.” She smiled and held out her hand imperiously. "Not so fast. There's something we need to discuss before I hand this over,” he said, leaning against the doorway. "You're being awfully brave to discuss something with me before I've had my coffee.” "I'll take my chances. Now, about that matter we need to discuss.” He paused. "I do not snore.” Kathryn snorted. "Right, and Tuvok doesn't use logic,” she threw back at him. He started to say something but she spoke first. "Actually, I don't mind your snoring. I think I've gotten used to it.” "So, you're getting used to me, huh? I think that deserves a reward.” He held out the cup and she leaned forward to take it from him. Their fingers brushed. Her eyes flew to his and they simple looked at each other for a moment. She couldn't believe she wasn't the least bit bothered by the fact she was sitting here, in her bed, wearing nothing but pajamas, while a handsome man flirted with her. Kathryn broke the spell by taking a sip of the steaming beverage. "Mmmmm. . .” she murmured, a look of pure bliss on her face. He smiled. "Well, it's good to know I can put that look on your face one way or another.” Kathryn blushed. "Chakotay. . .” "I know. I know. I'm pushing too hard.” There was a short silence. Then he continued in a lighter tone, "So, what's on your agenda today?” "I don't know. We got most of the debris cleaned up yesterday. What are you doing today?” "I have an idea for a new project. I'm going to head out and find some special wood to start it today.” Kathryn's eyes sparkled with curiosity and she leaned forward. "A new project? What are you up to now?” Chakotay just shook his head and smiled at her. "Oh no. I'm not telling. It wouldn't be a surprise.” "You just love making me curious, don't you? You know I can't stand it!” He laughed at her. "Yep,” he said smugly. She eyed him thoughtfully, a devilish gleam in her eye. "I bet I can find out what it is before you finish working on it,” she said thoughtfully. His eyes took on a glint similar to her own. "You don't know what you're saying. That sounded like a challenge.” "Maybe it was.” A grin broke out across his face, making his dimples appear. "Oh lady, you're on.” An answering grin swept across her features. "I even know what I want when I win this little bet.” "Oh? What's that?” She leaned luxuriously back against the headboard again. "I want you to serve me breakfast in bed for one month.” His eyes gleamed. "All right. And if I win?” "That hardly matters. You won't.” "You're awfully sure of yourself.” "Yep,” she said, echoing his earlier statement. "Be that as it may, I still think I should get to choose my reward if I win.” "Oh, all right, " she said with all the regal majesty of a queen bestowing favor on a subject. She sipped her coffee again. "What is it you want?” She looked up to see his hot gaze upon her and then realized how he might have interpreted her question. Dropping her eyes, she felt her cheeks grow warm. Damn. I haven't blushed this much in the last two years, she thought. When she glanced up again, the look was gone from his eyes to be replaced with one of tender amusement. "When I win,” he said, "I want you to give me a backrub every night for one month before I go to bed. You're not the only one who gets sore muscles around here.” Kathryn looked up quickly with concern. "You've had sore muscles? Oh, Chakotay, why didn't you say so?” "I didn't think it was appropriate before. Now, I think it might be okay,” he said simply, referring to their conversation of last night and the fact that she now knew how he felt. She nodded, not saying anything. He put them both at ease again, by asking her, "So what are you going to do today? You never did tell me.” "We worked so hard yesterday, I think I'll just be lazy today. Maybe I'll lounge around here or go for a swim.” "Sounds good. I'm going to head to the north and look for that wood I need. I should be back before dark.” "Okay.” She called as he returned to go, "Thanks for the coffee. It was a wonderful way to wake up.” "Good. I hope you enjoyed it. I'm afraid that will be your last breakfast in bed for a while,” he teased her. He shot her a quick smile, then headed outside.
Kathryn found herself smiling and realized how much she enjoyed
bantering with him. Not for the first time was she grateful that
the person she was stuck here with was Chakotay. She finished
her coffee and set down the cup. Jumping out of bed, she bounded
off to get dressed. It was going to be a beautiful day.
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