Disclaimer: Paramount owns it all.

Synopsis: A small episode addition to Endgames. Some of the opening dialogue comes from the actual episode itself. No infringement was meant. It was only necessary to set the scene.

The End of Endgames

By: Anne T.M.

"Janeway to Pathfinder Base. Sorry to surprise you…next time we'll call ahead."

Admiral Paris smiled at his son who sat at the helm. "Welcome back, Captain. It's good to see you. It's good to see everyone." Although he spoke to the Captain his moist eyes remained glued to his long-lost son.

"It's good to be here, Admiral."

"How did you-"

"It'll all be in my report, sir."

"I'll look forward to it!"

Anything further was interrupted by the sound of the Doctor's voice. "Sickbay to Lieutenant Paris." The Doctor's voice was quickly drowned out by the cry of a newborn infant. "There's someone here who'd like to say hello."

Tom turned in his chair and looked at his Captain. She was beaming. "You'd better get down there, Tom. Mr. Chakotay, take the helm."

Commander Chakotay left the upper tier of the bridge to take the helm. Before he reached the seat in front of the view screen the Captain grabbed his arm and turned him around. "Seven, I'm sorry. I've waited years to do this!" With that said she reached up her hand and grabbed the back of his neck and pulled his face toward hers until their lips met.

If they had been able to hear they would have heard Tuvok mutter, "It's about time."

His lips were soft and warm just as she imagined. She knew she'd shocked him because he had yet to react but she didn't care. For seven years she'd put him off and she'd be damned if she would live the rest of her life wondering what it felt like to kiss him. As that thought past through her mind Chakotay finally responded. He wrapped his arms around her back and pulled her close to him. Once she was secure, he angled his head and deepened the kiss. He opened his mouth and invited her inside. She did not disappoint him. Years of pent up frustration exploded as she tasted him for the first time. They both savored the warmth and sweetness of each other. The fantasies they had had did not come close to the real thing. When he moved his head again the kiss became hotter. She felt the fire of his need radiating toward her. She wanted to lose herself in this man but she knew she couldn't. The ache she felt as his body pressed against hers would remain just that, an ache. He was not hers anymore and even if he was they were standing in the middle of the bridge. Slowly, she drew back and broke the kiss. She could still feel the heat of him as his eyes searched her face. They were dark and hungry. Could he really still want her, she wondered? Without looking away, she pulled herself out of his embrace. "If anyone wants me, I'll be in my ready room. Commander, you have the bridge."

The entire bridge crew stood in stunned silence and watched her go. Chakotay took his seat at the helm and waited for Tom's replacement to arrive. As soon as that happened he planned on going to her ready room and letting her know exactly who wanted her and for that matter he'd show her exactly how much.

The end