I was sort of upset that we never got to see Chakotay reveal the bathtub to Janeway so this short was created. Enjoy 🙂
Chakotay followed the familiar path he took every morning into the woods, his carving tools in hand. He found that working on this project helped keep his mind off of the reality that they were indeed stuck on this planet. He was deep in thought on his project until he heard a rustling behind him. Chakotay stopped momentarily, a small knowing smile on his lips. He continued walking but decided to take a detour, walking away from his daily path he picked up the pace and took a sharp left. Behind him he could hear the rustling increase in speed and he took another sharp left successfully shaking off his follower. He heard a small frustrated sigh nearby and quietly made his way behind the source.
Kathryn let out a yelp when she felt two arms wrap around her from behind.
“Caught you red handed” Chakotay said, his breath tickling her ear.. The feel of his body pressed against her back momentarily causing her to lose focus.
“I was just…uh…setting up more traps” Kathryn stuttered. She tried to hold up one of the traps that she held in her hand but his arms kept hers pinned down against her body.
“That’s the worse lie I may have ever heard from you. I thought captains were supposed to be good at bluffing.”
“Bluffing 101? I don’t think they teach that class at the Academy” Kathryn laughed.
Chakotay held her for a moment in silence. He relished the way her body felt in his arms, the scent of her hair, the soft ivory skin he desperately wanted to put his lips against. Chakotay released his embrace and took a step back allowing her to turn around and face him.
“You’re incorrigible Kathryn. It’s supposed to be a surprise.”
“Oh c’mon Chakotay. It’s been weeks. Maybe another hint?”
“No. You know the old saying about what curiosity did to the cat?”
“The one where the cat waited so long to find out what the surprise was it died of old age?”
Chakotay let a mock deep sigh. She was adorable when she was on a mission to get information and he had to admit he loved her constant guessing these last few weeks. “I don’t think that’s how it goes. But since i can’t have you following me out here every morning I’ll let you see it. It’s not done yet though”
Kathryn looked around, scanning the surrounding forest. “Okay, where is it?”
“Close your eyes” Chakotay chuckled at the speed Kathryn closed her eyes. He placed one of his hands over her eyes and she let out an appalled gasp that he wouldn’t trust her to not look. “You seem like you would be the type to peek.”
Slowly he guided her the short distance to where his project was. He positioned her in front of it.
“Ready?”
“Yes! Let me see!”
Chakotay removed his hand, and stepped a short distance away from Kathryn watching her reaction. She glanced around at the large wooden pieces, beautifully sculpted. “What is it?” dropping the traps she held in her hand she ran her fingers appreciatively over one large piece.
“A bathtub”
Kathryn turned towards Chakotay. Her mouth slightly open in shock, tears beginning to form in her eyes. For the first time in her life she felt at a loss for words. “For me?” she practically whispered.
“Yes. I know how much you like your baths and I know how hard it has been for you lately….I was hoping this could make you feel…” Chakotay stopped mid sentence when Kathryn ran over to him, throwing her arms around his neck. She squeezed him tightly, tears flowing freely, she buried her face into his neck. He held her as she sobbed, hot tears wetting his neck. When she pulled back, Chakotay ran his thumbs over her cheeks wiping away the tears, holding her face in his hands.
Kathryn smiled. “This is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me Chakotay. I don’t know what to say”
“You don’t have to say anything. I just want you to be happy”
Kathryn placed a gentle kiss on Chakotay’s lips, her actions surprising him. “Thank you” she whispered against his mouth.
Chakotay lightly kissed her lips back, restraining himself from taking it further knowing that now was not the right time. “You’re welcome.” He let go of her face and smiled despite the stirring in his mind, his arms aching to hold her, and his lips yearning to taste her mouth deeper. “In two weeks, you’ll be soaking in your new bathtub, that is if you let me finish.” he teased.
Kathryn chuckled, her lips still burning from when they touched his. She raised her hands in mock defense “I’ll stay out of your hair I promise. I’ll see you in a few hours for lunch?” she asked hopefully.
Chakotay picked up her traps from the floor and handed them to her. “I wouldn’t miss it” he said with a smile. Kathryn returned his smile and began to make her way back to the shelter feeling happier than she had in a long time.
Resolutions/The Bathtub
Published
bekjaneway 