“That’s a lovely shade of purple, Chakotay, but I think it clashes with your uniform.” Chakotay knew that voice anywhere and he could already see the smile on her face before he turned around. Facing Kathryn he chuckled as he rearranged the yards of sparkly purple garland that hung over his shoulder.

“Let me guess, you dared to pass through the mess hall and Neelix recruited you to help with the decorating for tonight’s party?”

“Yes, unfortunately I was one of the first recruits. You may want to make your escape now before Neelix returns, unless you want to be the next victim.”

“I have no intention of that happening” she replied as she removed the purple garland from Chakotay’s shoulder. “I’m here to help you escape! As I recall you offered to be my escort tonight.” They quickly stole out of the mess hall and made their way to deck three. As they reached Kathryn’s quarters she paused and gently cupping Chakotay’s cheek in her hand she slowly brushed her thumb across his lips “I’ll be ready by 1800, don’t be late” she husked then disappeared into her quarters.

Chakotay stood outside her door, momentarily dumbfounded, before heading to his quarters. His heart began to pound, as myriad thoughts were swirling through his mind. Kathryn had flirted with him many times over the years, but never had she touched him in such an intimate way. His chest swelled as hope began to fill him once again.

Leaning against the wall just inside her quarters with her cheeks flushed, Kathryn slowly exhaled. She saw the look in his eyes as her thumb touched his lips. His pupils had dilated, quickly turning those brown, smiling eyes of his to dark ones filled with want. There was no mistake in her heart now that Chakotay still desired her, still wanted her, after all these years. She smiled; B‘Elanna had been right after all.

~~~***~~~

Her thoughts took her back over the past two days, so much had happened, and she still felt the need to pinch herself to believe it was real. Everyone’s hopes had been raised and dashed so many times over the past seven years that it was too painful to allow herself to be hopeful anymore. And when they had discovered a wormhole that led back to the Alpha Quadrant she refused to believe it. Yet here they were, in the Alpha Quadrant, they were finally home!

After sending a hail to Starfleet Command, she had retired to her ready room, instructing Harry to route the call through to her when it arrived. It didn’t take long for that response to arrive, and she recalled seeing the face of Admiral Owen Paris fill her screen. She had quickly filled him in on their arrival to the Alpha Quadrant and then Owen had filled her in on Starfleet’s decisions. She was so shocked by what she heard that she’d asked Owen to repeat what he’d just said. The rest felt like a dream as she strode out onto the bridge asking Harry to open a ship wide channel. She announced to the crew of Voyager that the Maquis and Equinox crews would not be prosecuted, all field commissions would be upheld, back pay and bonuses were awaiting them all, and a years paid leave to do as they wished. They still needed to go through the formalities of debriefings, however she was assured it would take no longer than a week.

It was only an hour later that B’Elanna had stopped by Kathryn’s quarters, with the pretext of sharing a cup of Raktajino. Over the years they had become close friends, and as they sat drinking their Raktajino’s, B’Elanna told her that Chakotay still had strong feelings for her. The clincher was that Kathryn would have to make the first move. Even now that they were home, B’Elanna feared that he was too much of a gentleman to breach protocol. Kathryn hugged her and thanked her for the advice. And that was when she had decided it was time to take action, protocols be damned, and headed off looking for Chakotay finding him in the mess hall.

~~~***~~~

Taking a deep cleansing breath she pushed herself off the wall, and with a smile on her face she headed off for a long soak in the tub before getting ready for the party that night.

Chakotay arrived promptly at 1800 and rang for entry. He was totally unprepared for what he saw when he entered her quarters. Kathryn stood before him wearing an ankle length satin sleeveless dress in a stunning emerald green color, with matching three inch pumps. The dress had a slit up one side that stopped at mid thigh. Her hair was swept up with a few curling tendrils hanging down, drawing his eyes to her neckline that plunged down between her breasts showing just enough cleavage to make his knees go weak. Just when he thought he’d seen it all she turned to pick up her clutch purse off the table. Two thin spaghetti straps crossed her upper back. The rest of the dress was backless, scooping all they way down to just below the small of her back. To say he was aroused was the understatement of the century.

Quickly composing himself as she turned back he crooked his elbow and she slid her arm through his. “Kathryn you look absolutely beautiful and I’m honored to be your escort this evening.”

Kathryn’s eyes sparkled as she quickly looked him over and replied “and you’re looking mighty fine this evening as well.” she gently tugged his arm “let’s go enjoy this party, shall we?”

As they entered the holodeck a glass of champagne was handed to each of them as the crowd of people split apart forming a circle around Voyagers command team. Everyone was dressed to the nines for tonight’s celebration. A hushed silence quickly ensued and Tom Paris stepped forward and raised his glass. “To Captain Kathryn Janeway, we thank you for your selfless dedication, perseverance, loyalty, and plain old stubborn determination to get us back home. We salute you!”

The room suddenly exploded with deafening cheers that went on for a few minutes before Tom could quiet them down again. Kathryn now held up her glass “Thank you, thank you all. I couldn’t have done this alone, however, I was blessed with the finest crew that any Captain could wish for, and I’m honored to have served as your Captain. I salute each and every one of you. Now let’s get this party started! More cheers and laughter filled the room and the music began playing as Kathryn and Chakotay mingled with the crew.

Hours later the party was still going at warp speed. Everyone had noticed how Kathryn kept close to Chakotay’s side the whole time, and it was impossible to miss the open affection and love she felt for him. As they were making their way around the room Kathryn pulled Chakotay through the doors that led to an outdoor patio. With the moonlight overhead she pressed her body against his as she cupped his cheek in her hand, running her thumb over his lips. “Chakotay” she said looking into his eyes “no more duty, no more excuses, no more damned protocols. I love you.”

Chakotay groaned “Oh spirits Kathryn, I love you too.” He leaned in and feathered a soft kiss on her lips that quickly became a tongue dueling exploration. Finally breaking the kiss to breathe, Chakotay kissed her forehead. Looking up at him she husked “my quarters, now” and they quickly and quietly left the party.

~~~***~~~

The crew departed Voyager the following afternoon. Starfleet accommodations had been provided for them if needed. Chakotay was ecstatic to discover that his sister Sekaya was still alive. She was due to give birth to her third child any day, so travel for her wasn’t an option. Kathryn had insisted that he should plan to visit his sister as soon as debriefings were over.

Kathryn kissed Chakotay soundly, then hugging him tight she whispered in his ear “I’ll see you in a few weeks my love.” and watched as he boarded the shuttle. She only had to wait twenty minutes for her shuttle to arrive, and before she knew it she was walking up the dirt road to her Mother’s house in Indiana.

Much to her surprise the time flew by fast. Gretchen had doted over her day and night that first week, filling her with home cooked meals, real coffee, and all the caramel brownies she could ever want. She began to notice the weight gain, but shrugged it off to actually eating more than one meal a day.

Gretchen began to worry though when Kathryn began sleeping in later and taking a few naps throughout the day. The final straw was when Kathryn finally crawled out of bed one morning, just before noon, and plopped herself down at the kitchen table. Gretchen poured her a cup of coffee and had no sooner set it in front of her when Kathryn jumped up, hand over her mouth, and bolted for the bathroom. When Gretchen heard sounds of retching she quickly grabbed a wet cloth and headed to take care of her daughter. After getting Kathryn settled back in bed, she called the Doctor, and he instantly beamed over to tend to his Captain.

As the Doctor was running the medical tricorder over Kathryn he paused.

Kathryn groaned “please tell me I’m not going to be sick for the holidays.”

Smiling the Doctor replied “you won’t be, however what you do have will be with you through the holidays and then some.” Pressing a hypospray to her neck he continued “that was some vitamins, you’ll need that once a day, and this one will help with the nausea.”

“Doctor, you still haven’t told me what’s wrong!”

“There’s nothing wrong with you Captain, but you are 6 weeks pregnant.”

“Oh my… I’m… pregnant?” You’re sure?”

“Without a doubt, and both you and the fetus are quite healthy. I expect to see you after the holidays for your monthly follow up. If you have any questions you know where to reach me.” he patted her arm and smiled as he left.

~~~***~~~

Chakotay arrived home two days later. She wasn’t sure how he would react to the news of her pregnancy. Kathryn was outside nervously waiting for him, while inside the rest of the senior staff were gathered. Seeing movement around the bend, she jumped up and ran into Chakotay’s arms, practically knocking him off his feet. No words were needed as they kissed fiercely, feasting upon the love each offered.

She hugged him tightly “Oh Chakotay, I’ve missed you so much, I don‘t want to be apart from you like that again.”

“I missed you too Kathryn. I love you with all my heart and more.” he kissed the tip of her nose “can I ask you a question?”

Giggling she said “ask away.”

Taking a step back and holding her hands in his he bent down on one knee as he pulled a small velvet box from his pocket; opening it he said “Kathryn, will you marry me?”

Tears welled up in her eyes as she began nodding, finally finding her voice “Oh yes, I’ll marry you.”

Chakotay slipped the ring on her finger, then stood and pulled his soon to be wife into a passionate kiss.

“I have a present for you as well, but I can’t give it to you just yet. However, I can show you where it‘s hidden.” she took his hand and held it over her lower belly and said “it’s in here.”

Realizing what she was telling him, he caressed her belly and said “Kathryn, this is the best gift you could ever give me.”

They heard the cheers of their senior staff coming from inside the house and smiled. Life was just as it should be.