The cure for Janeway's cabin-fever comes in the form of a two-part prescription;

1. When your morale officer has a good idea, trust him.

2. When your first officer wants to lift you out of your funk, let him.

One

'A Day at the Races? No. Absolutely not.'

Neelix looked crestfallen. Yet another of his excellent ideas rebuffed by the captain. He was beginning to wonder why she even made him morale officer in the first place if she wasn't willing to implement any of his suggestions.

'Oh, I don't know, captain,' Chakotay disagreed from his place by the ready room window, his voice a little tired but still with the familiar hint of amusement playing in its tone. 'It could be a bit of fun for the crew, and god knows we could all use some entertainment right now.'

They'd been stuck in this nebula for more than three weeks, limping along at impulse power towards the nearest M-class planet. Morale had held up until the holodeck systems failed on day ten, and now many of the crew - Captain Janeway included - were struggling to cope.

'Commander Chakotay?' Neelix's head bobbed up, hope surging. 'You'd really support my idea? I know it's a little unconventional, but…'

Janeway shook her head, still unimpressed. 'I just can't see how you believe this is going to work, Mr Neelix. They won't consent. Tuvok? Seven? I won't force them into it and I sure as hell don't think you'll be able to convince them, so my answer is no.'

She knew Neelix was about to contest the matter further, so she pushed her chair back and stood up to indicate an end to their meeting.

'But, captain…,' the Talaxian's whiskers twitched with disappointment and indignation.

Kathryn was no longer listening, but Commander Chakotay stepped into the centre of the room, raising his hand to halt the wheedling tirade that Neelix was about to inflict upon them both.

'The captain is probably right, Neelix,' Chakotay was diplomatic as always, 'but perhaps there is some merit to the idea. It's certainly not the worst one we've considered lately.'

He turned to address his captain. 'Why don't we let Mr Neelix present his proposal at the senior staff meeting tomorrow morning... give the officers a chance to decide for themselves if they want to be involved?'

Kathryn blinked from her first officer to her cook, her eyes unyielding and her mouth pulled in a sarcastic curve.

'If you two really want this to happen then who am I to stop you? Just don't come complaining to me when everyone else refuses to join in on your little scheme. Dismissed, Mr Neelix.'

'Oh, captain… commander… thank you, thank you!' Neelix declared breathlessly as he bowed to each of them then scuttled towards the door. 'You won't regret this, I promise you!' he called over his shoulder, nearly getting trapped by the automated doors as he dithered excitedly on the threshold.

'You honestly think they'll go for it?' Janeway turned on her first officer as soon as they were alone. 'A Day at the Races? Paris might volunteer, Kim at a stretch, but the others? He'll never get them to agree.'

'Oh, I don't know, captain,' Chakotay wandered over to her side, leaning a hand casually on her desk so that his body angled closer to hers. 'If you and I lead by example and sign up for the pairs event, you might be surprised at how quickly the others fall into line.'

The unexpected delay to their journey home was making Kathryn feel cross and restless. She was certainly in no mood to be involved in one Neelix's ridiculous initiatives... but she made the mistake of looking into Chakotay's eyes just then, and the playful challenge in his expression made her will begin to crumble.

'And how do you think you're going to convince me to participate, commander?' she gave him a surly look, trying to deter his efforts to draw her out of herself.

Chakotay's face was sly. 'How about we start with dinner and we can negotiate terms from there. My place? Eight o'clock?'

Kathryn finally relented, her lips twitching reluctantly into a smile.

'Now, there's something I can agree to,' she patted his chest lightly, leaving her hand there for a little longer than necessary.

Something about the intensity of Chakotay's expression made her draw her hand away.

'Time to get back to work, commander,' Captain Janeway ordered, settling herself back down at her desk and pickup up a PADD. 'I've got a few more things to take care of here. The bridge is yours.'

'Yes, captain,' Chakotay inclined his head dutifully, then snatched a final glance at his superior officer.

The captain's eyes were down, concentrating on the PADD, but for a split-second she looked up and met his gaze.

They both smiled.

Author's Note:

Happy Mother's Day to those celebrating it today! My present was breakfast in bed and an uninterrupted morning to get Chapter 1 of this new story up for you.

This will be another short & sweet story in 5 chapters. J/C is always the focus, but I'm letting Neelix share the spotlight for a bit too!

Reviews & PM's are very welcome. I write fanfiction because I love the characters. I share it online because, ultimately, I'd like to hear back from you and get your reaction to the story. So remember to share the love and say hi!

Finally, a shout out to Captain Nora Jones, whose stories reminded me that there is always room for a little sweetness, light and fun on Voyager :)