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Man it's a hot one
Like seven inches from the midday sun
I hear your whispers and the words melt everyone
But you stay so cool
The debriefings were finally over, and Tom, in his infinite wisdom, had organised one hell of a party. The crew- the family- were all there, except Neelix of course, along with members of the extended family.
Kathryn Janeway watched the dancers. Tom and B'Elanna were doing their best to be absolutely tasteless, while Harry and both Delaney sisters tried to keep up. The song playing now had a definite Latino feel to it, and she itched to dance, but there was only one man she'd dance with to a song like this. The Seduction and movement of the music, the unresolved feelings, the betrayal she felt towards them both drew her eyes to the table where they were sitting. Her heart clenched when she saw him take her hand. Sitting by herself in the corner of the room- Owen Paris had just left to speak with his wife, who held baby Miral- she was free to observe the couple seated by the other side of the dance floor.
He looked incredible; he'd obviously been working out. Almost seven years in the artificial gravity of a Starship does nothing for one's physique. He wore a charcoal turtleneck under a black suit, and she noticed, not for the first time, the flecks of grey at his temples, lending him sense of accomplishment.
They were speaking- almost arguing- as far as Kathryn could tell.
Chakotay was obviously trying to get Seven to dance, and she was just as obviously refusing. Well, Kathryn thought, this is a situation I can take advantage of.
Rising gracefully, feeling the hem of her dress slide down her calves as she stood, she made her way around the open centre of the room.
My Munequita, my Spanish Harlem Mona Lisa
You're my reason for reason
The step in my groove
"C'mon, Seven. Dance with me, please?"
Chakotay felt humiliated. He was practically begging her to dance with him. Seven. Who couldn't dance if her cortical node depended on it.
He wished he could ask Kathryn, but somehow he didn't think that would be appropriate. She'd barely spoken to him since they'd been home, and even when she had, it had only been in the context of the debriefings, when she hadn't had much choice. He didn't blame her. He knew he'd hurt her by giving up. Hell, he'd hurt himself; let himself down. He still loved her, and he had realised tonight, watching her walk in, that he'd always love her. Spirits, she looked fantastic. Literally. He'd fantasised about her in a dress like that. The colour of gunmetal, shot through with crimson (bringing out the highlights in her hair), it shimmered with every movement. Cut low, but not low enough to expose those delicious freckles, and backless to the waist, it fell to the floor on the bias, whispering around her ankles. He pulled himself back to the woman in ice blue beside him.
"I will not dance tonight, Comm-" she stopped herself. "Chakotay. I simply wish to observe"
Chakotay had the distinct impression with Seven that he was a test subject. She was only interested in participating in anything with him if she could assimilate new information. Sighing, he turned to look for Kathryn. She wasn't at her table, and he couldn't see her on the dance floor.
Voyager's former executive officer felt a hand settle on his shoulder.
And if you said this life ain't good enough
I'd give my world to lift you up
I'd change my life to better suit your mood
'Cause you're so smooth
She felt him tense slightly under her hand. Still a Marquis Warrior. She didn't blame him. She was just thankful that all the Marquis- former Marquis- had been pardoned. The anxiety she'd felt over that for so long was finally lifted.
Sliding her hand around the back of his neck, across his other shoulder and down his arm, she leant over him from behind. "Care to dance, Chakotay?"
And it's just like the ocean under the moon
Well that's the same as the emotion
That I get from you
'Care to dance'? Was she kidding? Of course he wanted to dance with her. Standing slowly, utterly oblivious to the tiny smile playing around the seated blonde woman's face, he took Kathryn's hand.
"With you?" he smiled, dimples out full force. "Absolutely"
They moved out onto the crowded floor, missing the knowing look passed between the helmsman, chief engineer and ops officer.
Chakotay pulled her close, revelling in the feel of her body pressed along his. Swaying to the music, they let the flowing beat guide them. Kathryn moved her hips seductively against his, then turned her back to him and performed a few expert body slides, keeping her hands above her head, around his neck. She was driving him crazy. Chakotay took her hands, and with one on her waist, spun her out, then pulled her back in- hard.
You got the kind of lovin' that could be so smooth
Give me your heart, make it real
Or else forget about it
"Can you see them?" Tom asked B'Elanna urgently.
"Yes… Kahless! You should see what she's doing!"
"What?" he turned them quickly so he was facing the other couple. "Wow"
"I bet Seven could never do that!" Bella giggled.
"I'll say… Damn, that woman can move!"
They watched as the Commander pulled the Captain back to him, then felt their jaws hit the floor as Kathryn nibbled on Chakotay's earlobe. The older couple seemed totally unaware anyone else was in the room, continuing their game of public bump-and-grind. Moving closer, Tom and B'E managed to make out the words the Captain whispered in her partner's ear.
Well I'll tell you one thing
If you would leave it'd be a crying shame
In every breath and every word
I hear your name, calling me out
"I want you"
Kathryn wondered briefly what the hell had gotten in to her. She wasn't a 'smouldering temptress'; she was a Starfleet Captain for Christ's sake! But then she was beyond caring when large tanned hands slid down her back to rest on the round of her derriere.
"Kathryn," Chakotay breathed. "Are you sure?"
What did he think she was doing, playing a game? She'd never been more sure of anything in her life. But, she realised, he does have a right to be cautious. All those times I pushed him away. No wonder he's asking. She looked up at him then, locking his deep brown eyes with hers.
Out from the barrio, you hear my rhythm on your radio
You feel the turning of the world, so soft and slow
Turning you 'round and 'round.
"Oh I'm sure, Chakotay", she said huskily, pulling his head down to her. "Very, very sure" was whispered against his mouth before she pressed her lips to his. Her tongue skimmed his bottom lip, imploring him open. He did, deepening the kiss, sucking her tongue into his mouth, and they duelled for a moment. Kathryn pulled back, opening her eyes.
"I love you, my angry warrior", she whispered, and kissed him again.
Just that voice, like fine whisky, was enough to send him mad; but this, this was heaven.
And if you said this life ain't good enough
I'd give my world to lift you up
I'd change my life to better suit your mood
'Cause you're so smooth
"Holy Shit!" Tom exclaimed quietly. A thought hit him. "B'E, can Seven see them?" he looked in the direction her table was.
"I think so… she's standing. Damn, Tom, she's smiling!"
"Smiling?" Tom was incredulous. Seven was pleased that the Captain and Commander were making out on the dance floor? "Are you sure?"
"Tom, she has a grin from ear to ear… and she's leaving. Wait-", she stood on tip toes. "She's leaving with the Doctor!"
And it's just like the ocean under the moon
Well that's the same as the emotion
That I get from you
You got the kind of lovin' that could be so smooth
Give me your heart, make it real
Or else forget about it
Kathryn listened intently as they moved together. Seems she picked the right song. For this situation anyway. He'd always had her heart; she just had to make sure he knew that. The gravely voice of the singer continued, laying her spirit bare for her love to hear.
And it's just like the ocean under the moon
Well that's the same as the emotion
That I get from you
Chakotay listened to the lyrics intently. Seems they'd picked the right song- it laid his feelings bare. Kathryn was nothing if not 'Smooth'- her voice, her movements, her commanding presence. She'd always held his heart, and now he was eternally grateful she'd finally decided to do something with it.
You got the kind of lovin' that could be so smooth
Give me your heart, make it real
Or else forget about it
"You hear those words, Kathryn?"
"Don't worry my love. We'll make it real"
Forget about it
Forget about it
Give me your heart, make it real
Or else forget about it
Fini
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Smooth
