Kathryn thought about her trek back to Chakotay's quarters, though Tom knew nothing of it -- thank god. "What it resulted in," she swallowed, "was my First Officer being drunk and --" she couldn't tell him the rest! Only the doctor knew. "Mr. Paris," she regained some of her composure, "on this ship we still have certain rules and --"
"--and regulations," he finished for her. "Captain, I know that. But once in a while we all have to hang loose or else we're going to turn *ourselves* over to the Borg. Besides, you enjoyed what you saw -- admit it . . ."
Enjoyed what she saw? Or what she felt? She had to ponder that by herself.
ONE YEAR AGO, CHAKOTAY'S QUARTERS:
"Tom Paris is responsible for this," Kathryn groaned from under Chakotay. "I'm going to lock him in the warp core -- tomorrow," she pushed at the Commander.
"I love T-tom right now," he stated and rolled off Kathryn.
"I'm sure you do," Kathryn stood up and was pulling on Chakotay to try and get him to stand. She gasped as he pulled her down close to his chest, her nose inches from his.
"And I lovez you tzoo right now Kathryn," he smiled dreamily. "It's that warm n fuzzy feelin' . . ."
"You're going to regret this in the morning, Commander," she glared.
"Kiss me Kate," he chuckled.
"Commander," she warned as he pulled her down closer.
"Comeon, Kisssss me Kate," he leaned forward and her lips brushed his.
"Captain . . . Commander," an anonymous Lieutenant stated as her footsteps passed them by and Kathryn groaned at being caught in the act . . . again.
BACK TO THE PRESENT - THE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM ::hiccup:: AGAIN:
"Not to mention," Kathryn stood up and walked around Tom Paris, "half the crew had hangovers the next day. And a few were caught --" she paused not knowing how to state it.
"Uh, those are fresh memories, Captain," Tom blanched remembering Jeffries Tube 9 and Tuvok tapping him on the shoulder -- interrupting him in the middle of a personal act -- which was dangerous stuff when your girlfriend was a Klingon.
"So, Mr. Paris," she stood in front of him, "you and I have to come to some sort of agreement on the punch this year. . . don't we."
TURBOLIFT FIVE - NIGHT OF THE PARTY:
Kathryn was standing by Chakotay in turbolift two. She scratched her arm silently and then reached up to pat at the hair she had turned up in a french twist.
"Computer, halt turbolift," Chakotay stated and was greeted with a questioning glance from Kathryn. "Where to start--" he began. "I never did apologize for last year -- I was too embarrass--"
She held up her hand and smiled, "Already taken care of. And don't worry about it. I know I'm not. I actually enjoyed you in that state!"
"Are you sure you--" he started to ask.
"Positive," Kathryn nodded. "Computer, resume lift."
