| I’m at the beach resort. It’s one of those rare occasions when I let my hair down - literally - to be just Kathryn. At least, a little bit. I can never completely let go of the Captain, not even here with Chakotay and Tom and B’Elanna and those fruity concoctions someone programmed in. Especially not here.
Tom has his arm around B’Elanna’s waist. They look happy. Well, B’Elanna looks happy. Tom’s looking in my direction - is that a wistful look on his face? Could it be? Don’t even think it, Kathryn.
Our eyes meet. His are so blue - I know, I think that every time I see them, but they’re beautiful, entrancing. He flashes me a typical Tom Paris smile. "Having a good time, Captain?"
Call me Kathryn, just once. Throw protocol to the winds and kiss me in the bright sunlight. "Yes, thank you." Love me. Stroke my hair and tell me she means nothing to you. I know that she does.
Chakotay, virtually hanging off my shoulder, raises his drink. "The food’s almost palatable."
We all laugh. We always laugh at his jokes. Even when he’s talking about Tuvok, desperately trying to feel like he’s earned his place in the command structure. We are all so alike, out here, needing to think we belong.
B’Elanna snuggles into Tom and leans her head on his shoulder. Showing anyone who cares to see that the shoulder’s hers to lean on. Not realising anyone does care. I do. "Don’t let Neelix hear you say that," she teases.
"I won’t."
Snappy comeback, I think irritably. Be fair, Kathryn. "You’ll have to excuse me," I smile pleasantly. I can’t keep running from this. "I have reports waiting…" But I can try.
"The burdens of command," Tom teases.
Burdens. Oh, Tom, more than you know. I make a noncommittal noise, smile again. "Have fun."
I’m forgotten before I’m even up the steps. He pulls B’Elanna closer and she snuggles again. Yeah. Have fun. |
