Thank you for all the kind reviews-I'm surprised by how many people still go for this story. Here's an extra-long chapter. It's dirty at the end. :)

The next morning was hectic.

At 0730, Kathryn was semi-dressed, anxious and ungraciously chugging a mug of coffee Q had kindly replicated for her. She paced her living room while doing a last minute review of first contact protocols on a PADD. Q had offered to replicate some breakfast as well before taking his shower, but instead of accepting, she'd snapped at him that the coffee was sufficient—she couldn't possibly be expected to stomach food on a day like today. Q had taken her snipe in stride and strategically retreated to the bathroom to perform his daily ablutions, the ongoing nature of which was becoming a problem for Kathryn as she hadn't yet applied her make up or done a thing to her hair.

"Are you going to be much longer?" she called to Q from the living room. There was no response. He probably couldn't hear her. Annoyed that she could no longer simply walk into her own bathroom, regretting ever offering him a drawer, Kathryn stomped into the bedroom and called to Q again.

"Yes?" he queried, leaning through the doorway and into her sightline. He was wrapped in a towel, loading toothpaste into a sonic toothbrush.

"Can I get in there?" she said testily.

"Only if you don't hurt me," Q replied, eyeing her as one might eye a feral cat. Kathryn rolled her eyes and entered the bathroom. Q wisely did not attempt to block her access to the mirror over the sink.

"You seem nervous, Madam Captain," He commented as he ran the sonic bristles over his teeth ferociously. Kathryn glared back at him in the mirror. He seemed amused at her discomfort.

"We have a big day ahead of us," she growled. "I want it to go well."

"Me too," he said simply, and leaned in to spit into the sink. Somehow the sight of Q doing this very common act removed some of Kathryn's ire. She smiled.

He touched a hand towel to his mouth briefly, and hung it neatly back on its holder in an effort to impress her. Then he moved behind her and wrapped his arms around her torso.

"You're going to be brilliant," he told her reflection in the mirror. "Everything is going to go smoothly. Your crew will enjoy themselves, Voyager will get supplies and all the other joys of a first contact…and when all the work is done, I'm taking you to dinner on the planet's surface to celebrate."

"Oh? Just like that? Is that all?" she grinned back at him as she applied her lipstick.

"You also look very pretty today," he kissed the side of her neck, and then spun her around for his observation as she laughed. "I like your hair all mussed like this, Kathy…makes it look like you've been up to something fun," he winked at her.

"Well, thank you for the compliment," she sighed, turning back around and running a brush through her hair, shaping it into its usual copper bob. "Thank you also for the fun," she winked up at him cheekily through the mirror. Q chuckled and then ran his hand appreciatively down over her hip.

"My pleasure," he intoned salaciously. He pinched her playfully and then strutted out of the bathroom.

When she was finished, he convinced her to eat a two pieces of buttered toast, and wisely refrained from comment when she promptly washed them down with a third cup of black coffee-though Kathryn saw him shudder delicately out of the corner of her eye when he thought she wasn't looking. He absorbed himself in a PADD on the couch and waited patiently for her to finish her morning routine, leaping lightly to his feet when she entered the living area for the final time.

"Ready?" he queried cheerily, offering her his arm. Kathryn smiled, looking from his proffered arm up to his brown eyes and impulsively she leaned in and kissed him lightly, inhaling his clean scent and running her hands up the front of his starched shirt. Q's face broke into a smile.

"What was that for?" he murmured, pulling her against his chest.

"Thank you," she sighed with her cheek on his shoulder. "Thank you for arranging all of this, for helping Voyager, for helping me…I just want you know that I appreciate all that you've done here."

"Well, don't thank me quite yet," he chuckled. "You still have to go out there and actually make it happen."

"But still," she looked up at him. "It means a lot. I need you to know that."

He smiled down at her and his grin suddenly turned rueful.

"It's amazing," he muttered. "There I was, filling your Ready Room with roses, whisking you off to exotic locales, writing Trabeain Love Sonnets, and all I really needed to do was give you a few measly course corrections and some trade opportunities. The human heart is truly a mystery to me."

"I liked the roses," she smirked.

"You liked watching me squirm," he grumbled.

"That too."

He chuckled, then spun her rather ungraciously towards the door and gave her a push.

"Once more unto the breach, dear Captain!" he cried. "Time to earn your keep!"

They made their way towards the transporter room to oversee the exchange of their away team for a visiting team of dignitaries from the planet's surface. Chakotay, Tuvok and Seven would be investigating the planet below, researching and getting to know the Lursainian population, hammering out trade agreements, and arranging the crew's shore leave schedules. In the meantime, She, Q and Neelix would facilitate the traditional First Contact introduction to Voyager and Starfleet, as well as negotiate safe passage through Lursanian space. She wasn't anticipating a difficult negotiation process, as Q had assured them all of the genial nature of these people, but it couldn't hurt to be prepared. Lursainian space was vast and well-populated, not to mention, very well-armed.

In the transporter room, there was obvious tension between Chakotay and Seven; both were doing an excellent job of keeping Tuvok physically between them at all times and speaking to one another using only the flattest of inflections and minimum number of syllables. Kathryn grimaced mentally, knowing that Tuvok, though seeming oblivious to their conflict, was probably dreading this mission.

She offered him a sympathetic smile and an encouraging pat on the shoulder as the three of them mounted the transporter pad simultaneously.

"Captain, we'll be in communications and transporter range at all times," Chakotay reminded her as they took their positions. "And we'll be checking in every hour. Please, let us know if you need…" he looked over at Q, only slightly masking his distaste. "…assistance."

"I'm sure we'll be fine, Commander," Kathryn replied sweetly. "Enjoy your time planet-side." She turned to the Ensign manning the transporter controls. "Energize." She told him, and watched the away team begin to dematerialize. She caught a quick glimpse of Seven's expression as she faded from sight, and she looked miserable. Kathryn felt a pang in her heart, wondering what had made Seven look so wretched. Had she and Chakotay had a nasty fight? Split up? Did she need help or advice? Kathryn was chagrined to realize she purposefully hadn't spent any of her free time with Seven since she'd started dating Chakotay. She silently wondered if Seven had noticed her sudden departure…did Seven miss their friendship? Had she been unfair in her cool treatment of her Borg friend for the last month?

Neelix's sudden arrival pushed these musings from her mind. She focused on the task ahead. She glanced over at Q, who was greeting Neelix politely as Neelix was apologizing profusely for his tardiness. And after the Talaxian finished assuring the both of them that the special brunch he'd sent up for their visitors would more that make up for his lack of punctuality, Kathryn gave the signal for the Ensign to transport the waiting delegates up to the ship.

They presented an interesting tableau as they appeared on the transporter pad—a quadraplex of contrasting shapes and hues. They all shared the same brown skin and dark hair, but the irises of their eyes served as pops of impossibly golden color, and their clothes were reminiscent of the plumage of tropical birds—brightly colored and attractively draped over their drastically contrasting forms. The two males were tall, but one was slender as a reed while the other had retained a great deal of girth. The two females were of differing heights, and both had the generous curves of their sex. The female closer to the front of the transporter pad, the one Kathryn was assuming to be the leader based on the ornate talisman hanging around her neck, bore an expression of sweetness and genuine excitement.

"Welcome to Voyager," the Captain greeted them warmly, one hand on her heart, one hand on her head, bowing gently as was Lursa custom. "I'm Captain Kathryn Janeway. It's a pleasure to meet you all."

"Well met, Captain," the tall woman in the front. "I am Katlinah, Minister of Foreign Contact for the Lursainian People."

Katlinah approached the Captain with her hand formally extended for a handshake. Kathryn quickly obliged, clasping Katlinah's hand with both of hers and smiling.

"May I introduce Ambassador Neelix, and my associate, Q," Kathryn gestured for them both to come forward. Q's handshake was polite and perfunctory. Neelix, however, was true to form, and he enthusiastically took over the visit from that point.

Fortunately, Q was not nearly as notorious with the Lursainians as he was with several of the cultures they were slated to contact in the future. On this mission, he could engage with their guests freely, but he'd made it clear that this would not always be the case.

And that was a shame, because as Neelix guided their guests on tour of the ship, Kathryn took a moment to speak with Katlinah, and Q listened stoically, carefully. He occasionally stepped in to clarify or explain. He masterfully assumed the role of the perfect advisor. Today, Q was a consummate diplomat. He was impressive, and she noticed.

The tour ended in the Mess Hall with the majority of the crew present to meet the new people and enjoy Neelix's brunch.

"Our planet is a beautiful, hospitable place," Katlinah explained to them as she nibbled on a plate of Earth fruits. "Your crew will certainly find respite there. We were all intrigued by your story and the nature of your journey…it's so rare that we get visitors of a peaceful sort. There are many in this part of space who would like nothing more than to strip our sector of its many resources."

"We are most grateful for your hospitality," Q replied congenially. Kathryn noted, chagrined, how well he had blended into this environment. His behavior was polite and professiona—a far cry from the over-the-top gestures and antics she'd come to expect of him in the past. He'd been at her right hand all morning, the position of a trusted second in command. It dawned on Kathryn how bizarre it should be to look back and see Q there instead of Chakotay, but the change wasn't a jarring at all. It seemed that Q had officially integrated. She couldn't have asked for a better consultant.

She looked around the room, taking stock of who was engaged with whom. Tom, Harry and B'Elanna were in deep conversation with the two male delegates, whose names were Vernus and Magen. They were obviously debating something of value, and Kathryn could tell from Harry's satisfied expression that the conversation was going in their favor. The Doctor and Neelix were both chatting with Mora, the other shy female who seemed flattered slightly by their attention. The light jazz playing in the background only added to the festive mood of the event. When Katlinah made another trip to sample the refreshments, Kathryn shot Q a satisfied grin.

"This is going well," she smiled.

"What did I tell you?" he grinned in return. "It pays to have a Q at your service, does it not?"

"Indeed," she smirked, and placed an affectionate hand on his shoulder. "This is one of the easiest first contacts I've ever experienced." She released his shoulder and reached down to squeeze his hand for the briefest of seconds.

"I'm so very glad," he whispered fiercely, his eyes burning excited holes into hers.

She smiled at him foolishly, flushed with infatuation. When his gaze didn't leave hers right away, she blushed and looked down, suddenly conscious of their public location. Sure enough, when she looked up, she caught B'Elanna watching her with keen interest.

Kathryn locked eyes with her, challenging her Chief of Engineering, expecting B'Elanna to look away immediately. Instead B'Elanna glanced pointedly at Q and looked back to Kathryn with a raised eyebrow of inquiry and small knowing smile. Kathryn was at a loss for how to respond, and Q did not see the brief exchange.

Katlinah chose that moment to return with a fresh plate of food, and Kathryn refocused her efforts on the matter at hand with gusto. The Captain spent the afternoon negotiating, bartering to her extreme satisfaction, and then began the task of working out the rough drafts of the agreements to be signed the next day.

At some point along the way, Kathryn left Q with Neelix and the others to complete her draft work in the quiet and privacy of her Ready Room. She was about an hour into the task when her door chirruped.

"Come in," she called out, and was surprised to see B'Elanna there, PADD in hand, pregnant belly even more noticeable under the gold front panel of her dress uniform. Neither of them had changed since the reception in the Mess Hall.

"I have that list of requests from Engineering you asked for," she crossed the room to the Captain's desk and handed the PADD over. "Mostly basic items—dilithium and as many power relays as we can get…" she trailed off slightly, causing Kathryn to look up. "I just had Q take a look at what's there, and he says the Lursa technology is not as compatible with ours as some of the other cultures we'll be meeting soon. He recommended we hold off acquiring certain items until then."

"Sounds like a good strategy," Kathryn replied, noting the slightly hesitant way B'Elanna relayed this information.

"He's been very helpful…" she tried again.

"Has he?" Kathryn smiled down at the PADD.

"Captain," B'Elanna started, determined this time.

"Yes, Lieutenant?"

"Some of us have been wondering, I mean…Permission to speak freely?" B'Elanna was chewing the inside of her cheek now, and Kathryn decided to relent.

"What is it B'Elanna?" she asked knowingly, putting down the PADD, standing and motioning for the Klingon woman to join her on the couch under the windows. She put a hand on B'Elanna's shoulder and they crossed the room together, sitting next one another comfortably. "Can I get you something from the replicator?"

"Oh no, thank you," B'Elanna groaned. "I ate too much in the Mess Hall earlier."

"Me too," Kathryn smirked. "Neelix sure did outdo himself this time—oh, that macaroni and cheese!"

"Ah, yes! A traditional Terran favorite!" B'Elanna imitated the Talaxian.

"Commonly categorized as 'comfort food,'" Kathryn added reciting Neelix's presentation of the dish.

They laughed together for a moment.

"You had a question for me," Kathryn finally stated, bringing them both around to the matter at hand.

"Yes," B'Elanna's smile faltered. "Captain, I know it's none of our business, but some of us have been wondering…"

"Some of you?"

"Well, Tom and I," B'Elanna started. "Um, also Harry and Neelix…"

"Ah," Kathryn smirked. "Go on."

"It's just—in the conference room the other day, we got the sense that maybe you and Q were… close."

"Close?"

"More than friends," B'Elanna bit out.

"I see," Kathryn's poker face was impenetrable at first, but then she couldn't help but chuckle. "More than friends?"

B'Elanna scoffed and shook her head.

"Harry's words," she smirked. "Tom was much more vulgar."

"Of course," Kathryn shook her head.

"And I guess," B'Elanna continued, since Kathryn made no effort to confirm or deny. "We're…a little curious…maybe a little worried, even."

Kathryn had expected an accusation and instead B'Elanna was offering her a lifeline.

"Thank you, B'Elanna," she sighed, settling back into the couch, relaxing a bit. "To be honest, I've been worried about the crew's potential reaction—It didn't occur to me that you would be concerned."

"Of course we are, Captain," B'Elanna sank back into the couch as well. "Especially since we all know how far you'll go to get this crew home, how determined you are; you would think nothing of sacrificing yourself if you knew it would keep the crew safe and the ship well-supplied."

"Is that what you're worried I'm doing?" Kathryn laughed. "I assure you B'Elanna, I'm not trading sexual favors with Q for a decent course heading and some extra dilithium."

"No! That's not what I meant!" B'Elanna was aghast. "It's just that…it wouldn't be the first time he tried to bribe you or manipulate us."

"You're right," Kathryn nodded, pausing to think. "Do you think I've made a deal with the devil?" she sighed.

"No, that's the weird part," B'Elanna laughed, clutching Kathryn's arm. "Last time he was asking all of us what kinds of flowers and foods you like, and what characteristics you find most desirable in a man…"

"Oh dear," Kathryn chuckled, tucking her legs up casually as the tone of the conversation turned more lighthearted. "And now?"

"That's part of the reason why we're so surprised and little bit confused," B'Elanna went on, leaning in. "He's being so…sincere? This time."

"I believe he is," Kathryn responded.

"You think he's really in love with you?" B'Elanna murmured, watching Kathryn's expression carefully.

"Yes," Kathryn eventually replied. B'Elanna's eyes widened.

"Really?" her face broke into a smile. "But how can you trust…?" she veered off. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to be rude, but, wow…"

"Not at all," Kathryn was quick to reassure her. "I had the same doubts. I told him to go away, but he wouldn't. He's determined to prove himself, demanded I give him a chance," Kathryn shook her head at the memory. "So…I suppose that's what I'm doing."

"Really?" B'Elanna seemed a little stunned. And then her expression turned playfully inquisitive. "Do you like him?"

"Yes," Kathryn, much to her humiliation, felt her cheeks flush, but B'Elanna's girlish laugh at the Captain's answer made her smile. "He is—he has been—very pleasant to be around."

"That's it?" B'Elanna scoffed. "He's pleasant to be around? C'mon, Captain—the way the two of you were looking at each other yesterday, I'm surprised the fire suppression systems weren't activated."

They both laughed in acknowledgement and the tension was broken.

"The Continuum told him to stay away from me," Kathryn whispered almost conspiratorially.

"Really? What did he say? Obviously he didn't listen," B'Elanna smirked.

"They didn't think he was sincere. They accused him of trying to further torment humanity. So he told them he would live aboard Voyager as a human for a month, without his powers, and he would prove to them that he is honestly in love with me. Otherwise, it will be the last infraction they tolerate from him, and he will be expelled."

"And you agreed to this?" B'Elanna's jaw dropped.

"No, not at first, but his son came to see me, to beg me to allow Q to live here as a human so the Continuum wouldn't have to expel him at all."

"Seems like an awfully complicated ruse just to get under your uniform," B'Elanna reasoned.

"I agree," Kathryn smiled.

"Tom's never offered to stop being a human and become a Klingon for me, but I'm pretty sure he still loves me," she smirked.

Kathryn chuckled outright and covered her mouth.

"Klingon Tom Paris! Can you imagine?"

"I have—it's not good," B'Elanna laughed along with her.

"Thank you, B'Elanna," Kathryn eventually sighed when their laughter had died down. "I've needed to talk with another woman about all of this."

"It's a lot to consider," B'Elanna nodded. "And it's not like you have a lot of other female Captains around to be friends with out here."

"I could say the same for you as an almost new mother," Kathryn sighed. "How is the baby? Are you getting everything you need for her?"

"And then some," B'Elanna scoffed. "What I need is for her to come out."

"May I?" Kathryn asked, reaching her hand towards B'Elanna's stomach.

"She's over here today," the Klingon woman grinned and took Kathryn's hand, placing it on the lower right side of her belly. "Feel how hard that part is? Now feel over here…" B'Elanna took the Captain's other hand and placed it at the top of her belly on the other side. "See how much softer? Not nearly as dense?"

"Goodness!" Kathryn laughed. "She's lopsided!"

"Exactly, my whole center of gravity is off today," B'Elanna moaned. "The doctor says it's normal, she's moving down, positioning herself," she patted her stomach affectionately and added sotto voce, "but if she keeps hanging out over there, I'm going to be lopsided too!"

Kathryn snorted and they burst into laughter together.

"Oh don't! Don't make me laugh!" B'Elanna choked out. "She's right on top of my bladder, Captain—I can't!" She lay back against the pillows to relieve the pressure, still chuffing with mirth and trying to stop.

Eventually she calmed, and motioned for Kathryn to help her stand up.

"Listen," she grunted as the Captain pulled her to her feet. "At the end of the day, you seem happy with Q."

Kathryn smiled and nodded an acknowledgement.

"And he's been a lot less of a pain this time than he usually is—I must say I'm certainly looking forward to having a full cargo hold and all the dilithium we need."

"He's been very eager to help, it's true…" Kathryn trailed off. "But B'Elanna, how do you think the crew would react to my being in a relationship with Q?"

"It doesn't matter, Captain," B'Elanna sighed. "Will there be some talk? Of course. But that's to be expected. And quickly extinguished," she chuckled menacingly and Kathryn smirked. "The bottom line is that this entire crew is dedicated and loyal to you, and we want to see you be happy. And Q's winning major points with this Tour de Delta Quadrant—it might not go down as badly as you think."

"Thank you," Kathryn smiled gratefully. "Thank you, B'Elanna. For now, I'd like to keep this matter private, but please feel free to reassure Tom, Harry and Neelix that I am not under any undue constraint or influence."

"Of course. You're welcome," B'Elanna clasped the Captain's hands firmly. "Just make sure your new boyfriend holds up his end of the bargain and helps me find a replacement plasma manifold for the Delta Flyer," she teased.

"I'll see what I can do," Kathryn smirked.

"You know, I can see his appeal," B'Elanna arched an eyebrow as they meandered towards the door together. "He can be charming, he's attractive…"

"True, but he can also be…"

"Arrogant? So smug you don't know if you want to kiss him or slap him?" she smirked. "I'm familiar with that feeling," B'Elanna made a pointed glance towards the bridge. "Tom can be infuriating. But then again, so can I. Somehow, it still works."

Kathryn pulled B'Elanna into a brief hug and thanked her again for her counsel.

"Any time, Captain," she grinned. "I'll see you later."

Thankfully, once the agreements were drafted and finalized, the Captain's job was mostly done for the day. She made a quick tour of the ship to check in with her departments.

The away team returned and Chakotay caught up with her briefly to let her know he mission had gone well; he would have a full report to her in the morning. Kathryn responded in kind, relaying the events of the day with the onboard delegation. Chakotay kept the conversation brief, and she was grateful for it.

She tried not to rush back to her quarters, but the knowledge that Q was there, waiting for her, had her tapping impatient fingers in the turbolift. What a special pleasure it was to have someone to go home to, she mused. Not to mention, she was dying to hear how the rest of his day had gone with the delegation and the crew with their requests. B'Elanna said he was helpful. She smiled to herself, pleased with the good impression Q had made on her Chief Engineer.

When she finally made it through the doors of her quarters, Q was sitting on her couch, busily reading one PADD and typing into another, and consulting a third PADD on the coffee table. He looked up at her and his entire face brightened.

"Hello," he called.

"Hello," she intoned, suddenly conscious of her rumpled, day-worn uniform and the fact that there was now a man in her apartment. "You're here!"

"Yes, ah…welcome home," Q made a panicked show of clearing is work materials out of the way. "My apologies, this was not how I pictured this."

"What do you mean?" she grinned as he stood to embrace her, pulling her into his arms and sighing in what sounded like relief.

"I didn't expect you to catch me still working. I'd hoped to have this all squared away by the time you got here," he rumbled above her. He let go of her too soon and moved to finish putting his work tablets away.

"It's all right, I'm a little early," she smiled at the sight of his shoes haphazardly kicked off under the coffee table. "How was your day?"

"Excellent—but I meant to ask you that first!" Q groaned from behind her desk in the corner. He was hurriedly tapping a few things into the console there and stacking his tablets into a neat pile. She rolled her eyes and smirked. "I'm sorry-this is not at all the fantasy I promised you!" he teased and looked over her beseechingly.

"Eh, I'll take it," Kathryn deadpanned in response, but her eyes were dancing. He finished at the desk and moved back into the living area. She watched his movements the entire way. "Kiss me and make it all better?"

Q responded immediately, rushing to her, pressing his mouth to hers gently at first, then boldly, with greater heat and confidence. They were familiar with one another now, Kathryn realized foggily. They had reached that comfortable place where they no longer had to work at pleasing each other. She knew now what he liked and how he liked it, and he was so responsive, so encouraging—he made it so easy for her to enjoy herself.

"Oh, Kathy," he hummed, "I'm so…I had no idea it would be like this—that humans had such capacity to feel so much…" he broke off suddenly, tears in his eyes. "Goodness, excuse me," he pulled away from her wipe his face with his fingers, his expression perplexed. "I'm not sure what's wrong." He sighed deeply and put his face in his hands, then emitted a hysterical bark of laughter. "I seem to be overwhelmed."

"It's been a long day!" she soothed him. "And you were still working up until just a few minutes ago," she gestured to his neatly stacked pile of PADDs in the corner. "Humans do feel deeply, especially when they're overtired—especially when they've only been human for a week and a half. Sit down, relax."

"But I'm so glad to see you!" he attempted to reassure her as she led him back to the couch and motioned for him to sit. "I've missed you terribly—all day!" he chuckled, clasping her hand and placing a kiss there.

"I believe you," she smiled, cupping his face sweetly as she moved past him. "I'm going to replicate a bottle of wine. Do you want red?"

"Yes," he sighed. "Yes, please."

She replicated a Bordeaux—something she'd seen him favor before, and quietly asked the computer to play something fun and brassy from Tom's jazz database.

"I like this music," Q smiled as she approached with the wine bottle, corkscrew, and glasses for each of them.

"Good, I thought you might," she grinned back and set the bottle and glasses on the coffee table before him. "Open this?"

"Yes, of course," he moved immediately to comply, but she stepped into his path, leaned down, and wrapped her arms around him.

"I missed you too," she kissed the top of his head and hugged him against her. Q wrapped strong arms around her hips in response and buried his face in her stomach. "I couldn't wait to come home and see you." She kneaded his shoulders and he gazed up at her blissfully, his expression smitten.

"That is the nicest thing I've heard all day," he sighed. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," she cupped his face on either side affectionately, studying his expression. "Is that really the nicest thing you've heard today? Because I heard several compliments about you from various crew members, one of them being B'Elanna Torres herself," she grinned down at him and pushed one hand through the silk of his hair.

"You're joking!" he cried, eyes huge. "Do tell!"

Kathryn laughed and moved regretfully beyond his grasp to go replicate some cheese and crudité to go with their wine, regaling him all the while with B'Elanna's admissions that he had been helpful, that his plans and ideas had merit, that his instructions had been valuable, and his advice heeded.

"How wonderful!" Q reacted with ever-increasing astonishment and pleasure as he opened the bottle and poured them each a glass.

"And the best part," Kathryn brought the food over and Q helped her set it down on the table. "She asked about our relationship," She plopped down next to him on the couch and began to take off her boots.

"What?" Q looked at her sharply. "Because of yesterday?"

"Yep," she smirked, kicking her boots under the coffee table to join his and sighing. "We've been discovered!" She made a mock salute with her wine glass and took a sip.

"What did she say?" Q didn't share her levity.

"She said there would likely be rumors, but you were making a good impression on everyone, and if we decide to go public in the future—it just might work out," she paused and looked over at him. "Obviously not right away, I mean, but—what?"

"I'm just surprised," Q's mouth worked furiously for a moment in the following silence. Kathryn could see he was thinking intently. "You seem comfortable with the idea that your crew might know about us."

"Well not extremely comfortable," she snorted.

"But you're not angry with me?" he persisted.

"Why would I be angry with you?" she shook her head.

"And you're not breaking up with me?"

"What are you talking about?" she cried in disbelief.

"I'm simply observing," Q sighed as though she were the most tedious of people. "That you don't seem to mind my presence here on your ship as much as you had anticipated, hmm?"

"Well, no…"

"In fact, I'm fitting in rather well, aren't I?" he grinned delightedly, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her to his chest. "In fact, you seem to like having me here…"

Kathryn was trying not to smile.

"So much, in fact, that you are not ashamed of being linked with me, of your crew quietly speculating on the nature of our relationship…" he trailed off teasingly.

"Not that we are going to be giving them any fodder for speculation," Kathryn interjected. "We will practice the utmost discretion from now on…"

"Even so," Q interjected smoothly. "We will eventually have to confirm or deny, but by that time, your crew will have gotten used to the idea of us as a couple..."

"I'm hoping that's how it works out, Q, but what if…"

He tapped his finger against her lips politely.

"My point is, sweet Captain, I love you," he beamed at her. Kathryn looked at his earnest face, and felt something tug in her chest. She learned forward, and kissed him softly, sweetly. He responded in kind, with gentle pressure and caresses. Her heart swelled, and once again, she felt that same hot flash of pride and possessiveness she'd felt earlier. Mine.

"Do you want dinner?" he whispered.

"Later," she breathed into his ear, kissing her way down his neck. Her fingers found the hemline of his shirt, her lips found their way back to his mouth.

"Kathryn…"

"Shh…"

She ran her hands over and down the length of his chest, feeling his strength through the material of his shirt. Q reached up to reciprocate her touch, but Kathryn playfully grabbed his wrists and gently positioned his hands behind his head. Q obliged, looking intrigued. Kathryn reached up to trace the lines of his face, running her fingers over the lush pads of his lips, passing lightly up over the bridge of his nose and along the ridges of his cheekbones. Q watched her with adoration in his eyes. She kissed him again, deeply, trying to convey how she felt, running her fingers through his hair and eliciting a groan from the sexy man beneath her.

She reached down and began to pull up his shirt hem, kissing him deeply at the same time. She slid down the length of his body until she was kneeling on the floor between his legs. She pulled his shirt completely out of the waistband of his pants and started to undo their fastening. Q was practically twitching beneath her. She looked up into his face, smiled, and very deliberately placed her hand on his erection.

"Oh!" he hissed. Kathryn's smile turned wicked and she began to massage him through the fabric of his pants while Q writhed beneath her hand. She reached up, clasped the metal tab and slid the zipper down. Q was nearly hyperventilating. Kathryn playfully tugged his pants and undergarments down his hips, just barely freeing his erection to the open air. She gripped him immediately and placed a teasing kiss on the tip of his length "Kathryn!" Q cried as she stroked him. "Wait a minute!"

"What's wrong?" she murmured, placing tender kisses along his shaft and making him shudder.

"It's just that…while I know this is a common act," Q stammered. "I haven't, I mean…you don't have to do this…"

"Do what?" She used the tips of her nails to graze over sensitive flesh.

"Put your…um…put your mouth…on me," he stuttered. Kathryn looked up at him mischievously.

"You mean, like this?"

She ran her tongue up the length of him slowly, sensuously, just once, and Q made a deliciously tortured sound. She did it again, this time combining the pass of her tongue with a firm stroke of his shaft, and he groaned again in sheer pleasure.

"Help me get these off," she growled, pulling his pants all the way past his hips, down and off his legs as he moved almost mindlessly to accommodate her request.

She was back on him in an instant, kissing along his shaft and running her hands down his thighs, over his knees and back up. She continued to tease and tickle him mercilessly, driving him crazy, and enjoying it. He was so responsive, so encouraging, that when she finally took him into her mouth, he sighed her name in a combination of amazement and bliss that made her tingle all over. She swirled her tongue around him, sampling his taste and texture, and Q began to shiver. "Kathryn—Oh! So good!" He caught his hands up in her hair, massaging her scalp, neck, and shoulders in an effort to return some of the pleasure she was giving him while simultaneously begging her not to stop.

Q's erection was rigid under the ministrations of her mouth and tongue. She wrapped one hand around the base of his shaft and squeezed lightly in order to determine just how hard…and he was granite. Q chuckled with delight at her assessment and Kathryn slid her hand up and over his stomach affectionately. He clasped her hand tightly and pressed it to his heart.

She moved her mouth slowly and deliberately over him, again and again, watching him as he watched her devour him. She took him as deeply into the back of her throat as she could manage and suddenly Q grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her away from him and up the length of his body. He kissed her mouth briefly and clutched her against his chest, breathing hard.

"Kathryn!" He hissed her name like a prayer, fighting for control. "You have no idea what you do to me!"

"I think I do," Kathryn murmured into his chest. "let me finish!"

"I need to be inside of you," he grunted.

"Be inside my mouth," she hissed next to his ear, and she felt him shudder violently against her.

"Later," he growled. He jumped up suddenly, yanking her to her feet along with him. Q pulled her behind him as he strode towards the bedroom. Kathryn could barely keep up with him. He turned suddenly, and in one smooth movement, scooped her up over his shoulder.

"What are you doing?" Kathryn gasped.

"Carrying you to bed," he grunted.

From her upside down position, Kathryn was at an excellent vantage point to view the smooth round cheeks of Q's derriere. She smacked his right buttock playfully, wondering how the act would provoke him. To her delight, he moaned deliciously and practically threw her down onto the mattress. She sat up and looked up at him, surprised by his rough handling, but he was already focused on removing her uniform jacket, yanking its zipper down the front, and ripping it off her slender form.

"Q!" she gasped as he boldly cupped her breasts through her turtleneck and bra. He leaned in and buried his face in her neck while sliding his hands up under her shirt. In seconds, Q had unhooked her bra and was cupping her bare breasts, much to Kathryn's delight. His hands were firm. He squeezed where before he had merely caressed, and he rolled her nipples between his fingers with a pressure that was almost painful, though she cried out in pleasure. His kisses were bruising and thorough, and Kathryn reveled in them.

He straightened up and yanked her to her feet. Kathryn watched him to see what he would do. With nimble fingers, Q pulled her uniform shirt and undershirt smoothly up over her head, off her arms. He slid her bra straps off her shoulders and once they were free, he chucked the lacy garment to the ground and stared hungrily at Kathryn's bare breasts.

"Beautiful," he whispered. She smiled and kissed him tenderly. For a moment he broke his dominating character to kiss her back sweetly…and then fiercely again.

Kathryn squealed as Q spun her around to face the bed. He cupped her breasts from behind and pulled her back against his bare chest. She could feel his chest hair scratching between her shoulder blades, and sensation made her shudder pleasurably. Q's lips were at her earlobe, and they began moving slowly down the length of her neck. And as his lips moved, so did his hands—down over her stomach to the waistband of her pants. Q deftly undid the fastening and yanked the pants down over Kathryn's hips to the floor. He grazed her jugular with his teeth, making her quiver again before boldly sliding his right hand down into the front of her underwear.

She was so wet, swollen and slick under his fingertips, Q couldn't help but moan and press his erection against her.

"You drive me insane," he hissed, wrapping his other arm tight around her waist, clutching her savagely.

"Please…I need to feel you…" Kathryn groaned, his fingers driving her mad with rough circles of pressure. Q hesitated for a split second before bending her over the bed and pressing his erection to her fabric-covered entrance. He pulled the flimsy cloth down over her hips and thighs, letting it pool at her feet. He positioned himself at her entrance again, reveling in the fact that there were no more barriers between them.

Kathryn sent Q another wicked smile over her shoulder, daring him to take her from behind, aching for the feel of him inside of her. Q, shooting her a lustful look of his own, complied quickly. Grabbing her hips, Q impaled Kathryn, sliding into her tight channel with one long, smooth, hard stroke.

She cried out and writhed against him, relishing the feeling of being filled from behind, of being invaded and stretched with the sweet pleasure-pain of first penetration. Q groaned in response and pulled out to fill her again and again, claiming her as his, pushing into her as deeply as possible.

Kathryn moaned and pushed back against her lover, encouraging him to go faster, to give it to her harder.

"Trollop!" he growled playfully into her ear. Kathryn chuckled at his perversity, then cried out as Q began pumping into her in earnest, each thrust setting her on fire, made her wetter and more desperate for release. She writhed against him with reckless abandon, moaning with each movement he made. "I love doing this to you," he groaned and reached around her to cup one breast and pinch her nipple. "Tell me you love it too!" he demanded.

"Yes! Oh…Q, please!" She rasped into the darkness.

"I know you do Kathy—you're soaked," he informed her slyly and she moaned in helpless acknowledgement. "Don't worry, darling," he chuckled, running his hands over her back. "I'll give you what you need." He filled her again and again with strong, steady, deliberate thrusts that made her groan and grind back against him, meeting each one in time. He claimed her over and over, grabbing her hips and pulling her against him in time to penetrate her as deeply as possible with each stroke of his throbbing cock.

She pressed her own fingers against her clitoris and the first spasms of orgasm hit her hard. "Oh, Kathy…oh, yes, sweetheart, yes!" he whispered filthy encouragement directly into her ear as he felt the now-familiar twitches of her climax. Desperate for friction, she felt her inner muscles clench Q's erection tightly over and over, heard him moan behind her. She cried out as he covered her body with his own, one arm holding his weight, the other tight around her waist supporting her. He rode out every delicious wave with her, rocking into her firmly as she squeezed and shuddered underneath him.

Gasping, she reached blindly behind her to cup his face. Q leaned tenderly into the touch of her hand on his cheek and she pushed her fingers affectionately through his hair. He bent his head down to place heated kisses into the curve of her neck still filling her slowly, gently from behind. She'd never felt him so hard or swollen.

"How are you still going?" she teased, groaning and backing up against him with every thrust with increasing heat and urgency. He smirked.

"I'm a god, remember?" he withdrew from her heat and pulled her upright and against him playfully. "Tell me to cum, Kathryn…tell me how much you want it," he encouraged her as he dropped a kiss into the curve of her neck.

"You need to hear words tonight, hmm?" she kissed his mouth and smiled, then leaned in to whisper in his ear. "I want it!" She kissed his neck as she spoke. "I need to feel you, please!"

Q chuckled and encouraged her to crawl entirely up onto the bed. She complied, rolling onto her back dramatically. He followed and lowered himself on top of her. The only sound in the room was their combined heavy breathing and then Kathryn's moan as he spread her legs assertively and guided himself to her molten core, determined to give her all of him.

"Yes," she hissed as he slid home and filed her all over again in a new way. She wrapped her legs around him as he began to move, knowing by the way he jerked and twitched with each stroke that he wasn't going to last. "I want to feel you cum, feel you fill me up," Kathryn moaned as she moved with him sensuously, encouraging each thrust.

"Oh, my love!" he groaned so suddenly as he clutched her hips hard enough to leave marks and emptied himself into her in hot, hard spurts. "Kathryn, yes!" he grunted before he shuddered a final time and half-collapsed atop her.

She welcomed Q's weight, wrapped her arms around him and found his lips with her own for a quick kiss. "Come here."

He settled, face buried in her neck, and sighed. She relaxed and did the same

"You are a god," Kathryn gasped, smirking slightly.

"Stop," Q scoffed, burying his nose into her hair. She smirked, turned her head and fiercely captured his mouth with her own.

"I mean it; you're a wonderful lover," she grinned up at him, cupping his face as he pulled back from their kiss. "I'm so glad you're here."

"Thank you," he whispered in her ear. "You don't know how much it means to hear that, ma capitaine," he nuzzled his way into her neck.

"Delighted to say it," she wrapped herself around him sensuously, welcoming his weight on her. He relaxed and held her close. For a while they simply, blissfully, each other before drifting peacefully off to sleep.