Disclaimer: Paramount, Viacom or whatever owns all things Trek. I am just borrowing two of their characters for my story.

Fruition

by Dee Price


Chakotay lay back on the cool green grass and adjusted his head to allow the sun to kiss his face. Closing his eyes he emitted a big sigh. The cool breeze coming off the Lake momentarily ruffled his hair. Brushing it back with his hand he tried willing himself to relax but as usual, that seemed an impossible task. He had arrived at Dorvan V a year ago after finding out the Cardassians had abruptly vacated the planet and that most of his people had returned. After finding a nice cabin to rent he attempted to settle down to life after Voyager.

A little over a year ago Voyager had arrived back at Earth and after the debriefings had finished, he and Kathryn had dinner together at her home. The evening seemed almost abstract. Kathryn had seemed very nervous during dinner and whenever a silence evolved, almost skittish. Finally deciding she was afraid of what he might say regarding the two of them, Chakotay had kept his intentions to himself. At last he excused himself. "Goodnight, Kathryn, sleep well," he said, using his old refrain from Voyager. She had given him a big smile on that.

That night, Chakotay spent a very restless night, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. Kathryn's actions seemed to indicate she was afraid he might express his feelings for her and that she couldn't, wouldn't or didn't want to reciprocate, so he rose at 0400 hours and left a note for her computer, saying simply "I'm leaving, Kathryn. Last night you seemed to indicate no interest in a possible relationship between us, so it's best I leave. You will always be a special friend to me and I will always cherish my seven years on Voyager. Take care of yourself."

He had not mentioned where he was going on purpose. If she were at all interested it would now have to come from her. He packed all his belongings, which actually wasn't much. When he had joined the Maquis he had gotten rid of all his possessions, not knowing if he would survive, let alone return. The only possessions he had were from seven years on Voyager and many of those held precious memories. He left at 0600 hours and caught the 06:30 Shuttle to Dorvan V wearing a disguise and under an assumed name, a very American name, and where he had now spent the past year.

After three months he started dating a woman named Norma, who obviously liked him a lot, but found he constantly compared her to Kathryn, much to her annoyance. By mutual agreement they had called the affair off. Four months later he started dating a woman named Kelsie. She made him laugh and appreciate life again, and he enjoyed being with her. The heartache and loneliness his heart had felt for Kathryn slowly began to ease.

About the time he started to feel he might actually be able to love Kelsie she abruptly ended the affair, saying only her ex-boyfriend had returned that night, she still loved him and they were getting back together. In retrospect, Chakotay thought it was just as well. Kelsie was a vivacious, lively person, always upbeat and smiling, and sometimes . . . well sometimes he just wanted to sit quietly but with her personality that was next to impossible. Chakotay had smiled and wished her well, but soon after, the thoughts, the memories, the ache and loneliness for Kathryn returned.

During the ensuing five months he dated sporadically if at all, considering these women only friends and knowing instinctively deep within his heart nothing could ever happen. Now he lay at the lake, contemplating what he was going to do with his life. With a grunt he rose, walked to the Boat Rental office, and after arranging a small canoe slid onto the water, sometimes rowing hard to exert energy, while gliding and resting other times. At last he lay back and closed his eyes, and as the boat started to silently drift, he started thinking.

He was getting restless, he had to admit, but didn't particularly want to return to Starfleet. They had dismissed charges against him, saying his seven years of exemplary service on Voyager while lost in the Delta Quadrant had served as his punishment, officially gave him back his Rank of Commander and asked him to serve Starfleet again after a three month Leave of Absence. However, he had turned it down, saying he needed to get away for awhile and think over his priorities. They had accepted, saying he would be welcome anytime he chose to return.

But he had been on Dorvan V now for a year and finally, yet not too reluctantly, he had admitted to himself that he would always love Kathryn. Nothing or no one could ever change that. She would creep into his thoughts every day and the gnawing ache would immediately return. He sighed and stretched his arms upward, frowning at his next thoughts. If he returned to Earth, to Starfleet, he might run into her and if she had a boyfriend or had married, he would be devastated. It would destroy him, he knew without hesitation, so returning to Starfleet now, after a year, was too great a risk and he ruled it out, at least for the present. So what are you going to do with your life he grumbled.

Sighing, he rose, took up the oars and headed for shore, where after turning in the boat he headed for his cabin and had lunch. Following that he picked up a book and started reading, but his mind, instead of being quiet after the lake excursion, was now a turmoil regarding not only Kathryn, but his future. Yawning, he placed the book on the table, lay back and soon was asleep.

Two hours later Chakotay stirred, opened his eyes and listened. Had he heard something? Deciding he hadn't he again closed his eyes and was just getting drowsy again when he heard a knock on his door. Giving a mighty stretch he debated answering it when the rapping, rather insistent this time, was heard again. With a slight grumble of "All right, all right," he rose and padded towards the door. Just as he was opening it he yawned, but his yawn stopped midway as he heard a familiar voice and found himself looking into the face of Kathryn Janeway.

"Hello Chakotay"

Chakotay stared at those crystal blue eyes, his mouth still open and obvious shock in his expression.

"Don't I get a greeting . . . at least a hello?" she asked impishly.

"Oh my gosh. I'm sorry, Kathryn. What a surprise, come in, come in."

Kathryn smiled and after stepping inside stopped in the middle of the room and turned to him as he shut the door and faced her.

Chakotay felt awkward and didn't know what to say, but Kathryn took care of that.

Her feet apart, she placed her hands on her hips and stared at him, her eyes indicating a gathering storm. Chakotay wanted to smile. He had seen that posture and expression so often on Voyager. Heeding his inner self, Chakotay just stood and looked at her.

"You left without telling me where you were going," she said softly, yet with a tinge of anger in her voice that he also remembered so well from Voyager when she was put off by something.

"I explained why in my message," he answered quietly, all the while staring at that beautiful face he thought he would never see again.

"And just how and why did you think you knew my feelings?" she asked. This time Chakotay was sure there was anger in her tone.

"The way you acted that night at dinner . . . I . . ."

Kathryn's blue eyes blazed as they bore into Chakotay's brown ones. "How dare you to presume to know my feelings!" she said sharply. "Did it ever occur to you that I might have been wait. . ." She stopped mid word and bit her lip Sighing she looked away for a moment then continued in a softer, yet firm voice. "Chakotay, we need to talk."

Chakotay, in discomfort at her tone, smiled, and Kathryn, upon seeing those Grand Canyon deep dimples, felt the familiar weak knees.

"Of course, Kathryn. Where would you like to sit? I'm afraid I'm not too good a housekeeper."

She ignored the last statement and headed for the kitchen table, sitting down in one of the chairs. Chakotay hesitated a moment, then followed and sat in the other chair.

"Do you know it has taken me all of this past year to find you? You deliberately used an alias to keep me from finding you."

"I'm sorry. I just felt it best to disappear for awhile, to clear my head and that seemed the logical thing to do."

"That wasn't very nice of you, or fair to me, Chakotay, after all we've been through together!" she said anger again rising in her voice. "You owed me more than that" she added in a softer tone.

He shrugged his shoulders while smiling in embarrassment, and again muttered he was sorry. Kathryn suddenly reached out and took hold of his hand. Her touch almost shattered his resolve to not show her any emotion. "Chakotay I . . ." She stopped and looked down at the table.

Chakotay looked at her. "What kind of parameters are you getting ready to set now Kathryn?" he asked with a mischievous smile.

Her head bobbed up sharply as she looked at him, then smiled and said, "No parameters, Chakotay, I just want to talk with you, openly, with nothing held back, about . . ."

Suddenly there was a rapping on the door. Chakotay frowned. He didn't want to be interrupted by anyone. He and Kathryn had to have this talk, a talk they had avoided for eight years now. He looked at her and smiled. "About what, Kathryn?"

"Aren't you going to open the door?"

"No, maybe who ever it is will go away."

"You should answer Chakotay. I promise we'll have this talk. I haven't spent a year looking for you and coming all this way to just walk away now."

"Promise?" he asked with a sincere expression.

"I promise."

Reluctantly Chakotay rose and went to the door. His face flushed when he saw it was Norma.

"Hi Chakotay. Just thought I would drop by and see if you are interested in dinner tonight," she said as she pushed her way past and stepped in. After two steps she saw Kathryn and bolted to a stop. "Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't realize you had company."

Chakotay closed the door and said, "It's alright, Norma. I'd like you to meet Captain Kathryn Janeway."

Chakotay couldn't read the expression that passed over Norma's face, but it seemed a combination of shock, resentment, and even jealousy.

"So you're the Captain Janeway I've heard so much about?" she finally muttered as Kathryn rose, smiled and extended her hand.

"Well, I'm Captain Janeway. What has Chakotay said about me? What a bad ogre I was," she said with a laugh.

"On the contrary, it was all glowing, Captain Janeway, I assure you. Well, look," she said turning to Chakotay. "I'm sorry to have interrupted and I take it you wont be accepting my invitation," she said with a sarcastic laugh.

Chakotay smiled. "I'm sorry Norma."

"That's okay. Guess I understand. Good luck. You deserve it." Turning to Kathryn she smiled, said she was glad to have met her, apologized again for the interruption and left. As Chakotay rejoined Kathryn at the table, he saw Kathryn's eyes seemed sad.

"Your girlfriend, Chakotay?" she asked quietly.

"No Kathryn. Oh, we dated for a couple of months, but it just wasn't going to work out so we called it off. . . ."

Chakotay's computer dinged, indicating an incoming message. Kathryn waved her hand toward it and Chakotay shrugged his shoulders in apology. Walking over to his console he tapped the Incoming button. The face of Kelsie appeared.

"Hi Sweets. Hey I was in town a bit ago and was told there is some lady asking about you. Didn't find out her name but Sam said she had Auburn hair and was very nice looking. I just thought you might like to know if you haven't heard, so you could go and seek her out."

Chakotay smiled. "Thanks Kelsie."

"Right. You doing okay?"

"I'm fine, Kelsie. How's Clay?"

"Great! Everything is just fine." Chakotay just smiled. Kelsie looked at him for a moment then said, "Okaaay" and dragging the word out, "and with that silence you want to get off the line. Take care, hon."

Chakotay's face was beet red as he moved back to the table and sat down.

"Another girlfriend, Chakotay?" asked Kathryn, but this time Chakotay was sure he saw not only worry, but fear in her eyes.

He absently nodded his head then looked up with a sheepish smile. "A woman named Kelsie. We dated for about 2-3 months." He smiled again and added, "She made me start to feel alive again, Kathryn, made me laugh, and I liked being with her." Suddenly he seemed to realize he had led Kathryn to believe Kelsie was his girlfriend and he shook his head. "But then her ex-boyfriend suddenly returned to town one day and she went back to him."

"I'm sorry. From the look on your face you loved her," Kathryn said as she lowered her voice.

"Not quite, but it could have happened I guess. I was finally getting over . . ." and he abruptly stopped and looked away.

Both remained silent for a few moments, broken when Kathryn suddenly reached out and again took hold of his hand. "Chakotay, be honest with me . . . do you have a girlfriend or are you with someone now, anyone?"

"No!" he said sharply, then added in a softer tone, "No, Kathryn, there is no one," only you my love he said to himself.

Kathryn gave a relieved smile as she squeezed his hand. "I'm glad," she said huskily, "Because I . . . to be truthful I would be terribly disappointed if after finally finding you I then found out you were in love with someone." Chakotay simply nodded his head, personally knowing very well that fear. Kathryn remained quite a moment and looked out the window. She seemed at a loss for words.

Glancing back at him she chuckled. "Look at me. As a Captain I can make immediate life threatening decisions, but right now, in the most important moment of my personal life, I'm having trouble finding the words."

Chakotay placed his other hand over hers and his brown eyes looked deep into her blue ones. "What are you trying to say, Kathryn?" he asked softly.

"You know, Chakotay," she muttered quietly as she stared down at the table.

"No, I don't. Tell me."

"Chakotay, I . . . Okay," she said taking a deep breath. "For a year I have looked for you and there is only one reason I did that. Not that you simply walked away without a personal goodbye. I was very hurt when I read that note, then I got very, very, angry that you could just leave me. After reflecting on it I knew why. I hadn't given you much reason to stay around, had I?"

"No, not really. Directly from New Earth you changed one hundred percent and it seemed to go downhill from there," he said with a wry smile.

"I know, and that was by design, Chakotay, you know that. Well anyway, after about two weeks of soul searching, talking to mother and other friends, including Mark, I knew I had to find you. I had to find you because . . ." and she stopped and took a deep breath. Looking straight into his eyes she suddenly blurted out, "I'm deeply in love with you, Chakotay, and I know if you say your feelings are all gone I can understand that after what I have done. I would deserve to be turned down if . . ."

Her words were cut off abruptly as Chakotay had risen when she had said she loved him, pulled her to her feet and placed his lips on hers. When the kiss finally ended, Chakotay said, "I love you, Kathryn. I have always loved you . . . I will always love you. There could never be anyone else for me. That's why I was glad when Kelsie broke it off and why I could never return to Earth. I was deathly afraid you might have found someone else, and it would break my heart to see that, but now . . . well, you will never get away from me again, my dearest Kathryn, never again," and he followed that with another kiss, but this time there was passion and commitment in that action by both of them, and their arms clung tightly to one another as they kissed again and again.

Finally Chakotay stepped back and just looked at Kathryn. "Tell me again, Kathryn."

Kathryn, her face flushed and her eyes glowing with a love that had long been suppressed, whispered huskily, "I love you Chakotay."

Placing his hand gently on her cheek, he said, "And I love you Kathryn Janeway." Smiling he pulled her to him in a tight hug. "I will never let you out my life now, you know that don't you?"

"Yes," she replied softly, "I know. And I will never let you leave me again . . . ever."

A knock was heard on the door and both smiled. "You are a very popular person, Chakotay," laughed Kathryn.

He grinned as he walked to the door and was surprised to see Kelsie standing there.

"Hey Chakotay, I found out that the woman is . . ." and she stopped as she saw Kathryn, and then broke into a chuckle. "Never mind, I see she found you."

Chakotay indicated for her to step in and introduced them. Kelsie smiled at Chakotay after the two ladies had exchanged pleasantries. "So this is Kathryn," said Kelsie as she stood looking, yet evaluating her. "No wonder you couldn't settle down, Chakotay."

"Yes, this is Kathryn," said Chakotay as he placed an arm around Kathryn's shoulders, receiving a warm smile from Kathryn in return.

Kelsie broke out into a delighted giggle and got a mischievous grin as she turned for the door. "Well, in that case, it's best I leave you two alone then. And Chakotay?"

"Yes, Kelsie?"

"That shade of lipstick looks real good on you," she said as broke out into raucous laughter. "Good luck and have fun tonight," she said with a leering smile. Oh! Speaking of tonight, you going to the Legends?"

"Maybe."

Kelsie looked over at Kathryn, smirked and then turned serious and said, "Good. Then I might see you two later. Take care," and she walked out the door.

"What is Legends Night?" asked Kathryn as they sat down on the couch.

"It's where the tribe gathers once a month and people stand and tell Legends. It helps keep fresh the memory and life of our tribe and also teaches the young children."

"I think it sounds wonderful. Let's go." After dinner, Chakotay got her a jacket and as he placed it over her shoulders, kissed her on the cheek and said "It gets chilly of an evening. You'll need this," he got one for himself and they walked out into the cool night, arms around each other's waist.

As they walked into the Square Kathryn noted many people there. Most nodded, not only to Chakotay, but herself and it seemed as if they knew her by the way they smiled and nodded their heads at one another. Kathryn noted Kelsie was there and smiled at her as Kelsie waved and smiled. Chakotay found a place and they both sat and waited. Soon the first speaker rose and recited a Legend. Many others followed and Kathryn found the stories not only delightful, but almost mesmerizing, as she learned the history of these people through these stories.

Suddenly a man turned to Chakotay. "Tell us your Legend, Chakotay," he said with a smile. Chakotay rose and walked to the front, silently facing the crowd for a few moments.

He briefly glanced over at Kathryn as he said, "You have all heard it many times before, but tonight it has special meaning. I will tell you The Angry Warrior Legend." Kathryn sat a little straighter.

Chakotay recited the Angry Warrior story he had told Kathryn on New Earth. The crowd sat silent, absorbing every word. Kathryn, listening intently, found her senses flooded with the memories of that time. When Chakotay said the words "And for the first time he knew the true meaning of peace," Kathryn smiled.

Chakotay suddenly turned to Kathryn and looking directly into her eyes continued. "At last the Tribe settled down on a planet called Earth, their battles over. But the Angry Warrior felt confused, feeling his Warrior Princess no longer had a need for him, so he left her tribe, leaving only a note saying he felt she no longer wanted him. This made the Warrior Princess very unhappy and also very angry, so she started hunting for her warrior. It took her twelve moons before she found him."

Kathryn rose, eyes locked with Chakotay's, and slowly started walking toward him, knowing only she had an uncontrollable desire to be at his side. Chakotay continued his story.

"When at last the Warrior Princess found him she expressed how angry, disappointed and hurt she had been by his leaving. The Angry Warrior, his heart bleeding because he had hurt her, apologized, saying he never ever wanted to hurt her." Kathryn walked up to Chakotay and he faced her, their eyes still locked with the other. He placed one hand on her shoulder and Kathryn, without knowing why, reciprocated by placing one of her hands on Chakotay's shoulder.

"The Warrior Princess and the Angry Warrior talked for a long time and at last acknowledged their true feelings and need for one another, and vowed to never leave each other's side again." As Chakotay said those words he placed his other hand gently on Kathryn's face for a moment.

Kathryn quietly raised one hand, fingers spread as they stood silently looking at one another. Chakotay smiled and raising his hand joined with hers, fingers interlacing the same as they did on New Earth. In a husky, firm voice Kathryn said, "And at last, at that enlightened moment, the Warrior Princess also discovered the true meaning of peace."

The audience sat silently, reverently absorbing what they had heard and were now seeing. After a moment, they all seemed to rise as one and started clapping. Chakotay and Kathryn turned and faced them, placing their arms around each other's waist and smiling at the tribute. At last, when the clapping ceased, the Tribe Leader rose and walked to them.

"It is most heartwarming to hear this Legend and see this union of two souls take place, to see the entwining of two hearts into one, especially in this place we can once again call home." Raising both arms to the sky he said, "Great Spirits, we call upon you to bless this union of Chakotay and his Kathryn with a love and peace that lasts forever and into the great beyond." He turned and placed his hands on their shoulders. "Your love for one another is as strong as the mighty oak. I can see it in your eyes and feel it in the air. The Great Eagle soars about the sky in great delight at this mating. Your struggle to find one another only makes this union, this bonding that much stronger. We congratulate you and welcome you to our tribe," he said as he looked directly at Kathryn.

Chakotay's face flushed. "Great Leader, we have only just found each other a few hours ago."

"Have you not been together for seven years -- been at her side, supporting her, helping her for seven years?"

"Yes, but," started Chakotay.

"Is that not what a man does for the woman he loves?"

"Yes, but," continued Chakotay.

"Is that not what a man does for his mate?"

"Yes, but . . ."

"Then why do you object? To join with this woman whom you love, to pledge your vows . . . The Great Spirit sees without a doubt that she is your Soul mate."

Kathryn suddenly turned to Chakotay, and placing her hands gently on his cheeks whispered, "Chakotay, it's all right."

Chakotay's eyes widened. "But Kathryn you don't understand. He's . . ."

"Yes I do, Chakotay, I do understand."

Chakotay's eyes filled with love. "Are you sure, Kathryn?"

"I'm very sure, my love."

Kathryn and Chakotay turned to the Leader and pledged their love for each other, and the Great Leader, in the Tribes words, proclaimed them as mates, and Legends Night ended with a celebration for the joining of two Souls.

When Kathryn and Chakotay returned to his cabin he placed his arms around her, his face radiating with love. "Kathryn, you have made me very happy, but I know this was very fast and unexpected for you. When we go back to Earth, we can have the marriage ceremony in Earth's tradition, and with your mother present."

"I'm very satisfied with tonight's ceremony, Chakotay. It was beautifully simple and so moving and heartfelt. It was very fitting to have your Leader perform the ceremony and I feel very proud and honored to be included in your tribe. I am your wife now, my dearest Chakotay, and that is what's important to me and makes me very, very happy." They kissed - a tender, yet passionate kiss and following that she grinned slyly. Glancing toward the bedroom she said in a seductive tone of voice, "All we have to do now, sweetheart, is consummate this marriage . . . if you're willing."

Chakotay grinned as he placed his arm around her waist and led her towards the room. "I've been willing for eight years my love."


FINIS
September 2000
Edited June 2006

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