The Laughter of Lovers
morgan
The twin moons bathed the beach in a milky glow, adding to the feel of calm and serenity that this place seemed to weave around those who took the time to visit. Lt. Commander Tuvok paused, feeling aesthetically satisfied by the path of the moons. So at peace was he feeling that he bore with forbearance the approach of the one person most likely to disturb his composure and merely raised an eyebrow when Neelix addressed him,
'Mr Vulcan.'
'Neelix.'
Whatever topic of conversation the Talaxian might have unleashed upon Tuvok was mercifully forgotten when another voice, a rich, deep voice filled with laughter carried across the beach.
‘Kathryn, for the very last time...' They both turned in the direction of the voice, recognising it as they recognised the two figures up to their ankles in the water. Commander Chakotay had been splashed, if his wet shirt was anything to go by, the culprit appearing anything but repentant, in fact it seemed likely that she was threatening to repeat the offence. 'I'm warning you..'
He may well have been, but it made very little difference. The Captain of Voyager, wearing a surprisingly childish but gleeful expression, scooped up two handfuls of water and flung them in the direction of her First Officer, effectively soaking him. She was altogether too pleased by what she had done to do anything more than stand and look at him for a couple of precious seconds. In fact he awoke from the spell first, lunging to grab her even as she shrieked and sprinted for the shore. Chakotay caught up with her easily, grabbing her around the waist and swinging her off the ground as her laughter filled the warm air and Neelix and Tuvok looked on with bemused affection.
She fidgeted in his arms, but he held her easily and her laughter turned to shrieks again as he carried her back into the water and appeared to be threatening to dunk her. 'No Chakotay, please, I promise I won't do it again!'
'I don't believe you!' He dipped, bringing her bottom perilously close to the waves that lapped around them.
'Chakotay!'
'Say sorry and I'll take you back to the beach.'
'I'm sorry. I'm very sorry.' Whatever else she said was lost to the spectators, but her movements were very clear as she wrapped her arms around Chakotay's neck and pulled his lips down to hers.
When they parted Chakotay carried her back to the shore, setting her back down on the beach and pulling her to him once again. They made an attractive picture, two lovers embracing in the moonlight. But to the two men watching them who knew of the trials and troubles the couple faced everyday, the moment was far more poignant.
They parted again, with soft whispers and touches and then holding hands they continued their walk along the beach, their path inevitably bringing them up to Neelix and Tuvok. The greetings they shared were muted but affectionate, polite enquiries were made about each others well being and Tuvok took the opportunity to examine a woman who bore little resemblance to the Captain he had seen up to a few months ago. Her eyes were alert and shining, her skin had a pink flush to it which was eminently more healthy than the pallor he had become accustomed to.
She looked well, very well. He glanced up from his scrutiny of her to find the Commander watching him with eyes which saw too much and understood too easily.
He allowed himself a slight nod to Chakotay, an admission of the difference he had managed to bring about in a short time.'There's going to be a party at the lodge later.' Neelix was enthusiastically informing the Captain, 'I'm sure the crew would love to see you.'
'That's a nice thought Neelix, but Chakotay and I were just about to turn in for the night, perhaps tomorrow.'
Smiling and calling out their goodnights the Captain and the Commander continued their progress along the beach with Neelix and Tuvok watching them go, until they reached the small, isolated cabin they were sharing and slipped inside, away from prying eyes. Tuvok turned away, a little disturbed by how much it mattered to him that they were happy.
Neelix looked as though he were going to say something a prospect he did not contemplate with much enthusiasm, but then the sound of a woman's laughter drifted towards them on a soft summer breeze, a lilting, triumphant laugh that was filled with suppressed joy. Tuvok decided, on the face of things, that minor irritants were not that important when compared to the laughter of lovers.
The End
