"Would you care to dance?"
"Why yes, Chakotay, I'd love to."
It was yet another of Neelix's monthly parties. This one had an opera theme. Mostly because the Doc had done some really nice work on an old scar of Neelix's, and was therefore allowed, though a bit grudgingly, to choose the theme. Luckily, the Doc had had enough sense to take his list of songs to Tom and B'Elanna, to make sure the crew wouldn't run screaming from the room.
Anyways, Tom had always liked "The Phantom of the Opera", so nearly every song from it had been played. The last one one Doc's list had just started, "All I Ask of You". The words flowed over Kathryn and Chakotay as they danced. Chakotay began to hum.
No more talk of darkness, forget these wide-eyed fears,
I'm here: nothing can harm you --
my words will warm and calm you...
Let me be your freedom,
let daylight dry your tears.
I'm here, with you, beside you,
to guard you and to guide you...
And Kathryn picked up the tune, now beginning to soar.
Say you'll love me every waking moment,
turn my head with talk of summertime...
Say you need me with you, now and aways...
promise me that all you say is true --
that's all I ask of you...
The crew was starting to notice, but neither cared as the they began to slip out in twos and threes.... And Chakotay began again. She could feel his chest rise and fall with each breath.
Let me be your shelter,
let me be your light.
You're safe: no one will find you --
your fears are far behind you...
Funny, that it had taken her this long to realize this song was yet another that was so perfect for them. Kathryn and Chakotay had begun a little competition, who could come up with the best song, poem, story, etc. Chakotay still said he had the lead with the "Angry Warrior" tale, but she discounted it since he had made it up. And she took her turn....
All I want is freedom,
a world with no more night...
and you, always beside me,
to hold me and to hide me...
And Chakotay took his as the song soared again....
Then say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime...
let me lead you from your solitude...
Say you need me with you here, beside you...
anywhere you go let me go too --
Kathryn straightened up a bit. She knew what was coming. What he would do. And she was ready. And he sang...
Kathryn, that's all I ask of you...?
She didn't even miss a beat.
Say you'll share with me, one love, one lifetime...
Say the word, and I will follow you...
Chakotay's face broke into a wide grin, and they sank back into each other's arms, neither having the voice to finish the song, though both continued to hum.
Share each day with me, each night, each morning...
Say you love me...
You know I do...
Love me --
that's all I ask of you...
Anywhere you go let me go too...
Love me --
that's all I ask of you...
They broke from their reverie somewhat sheepishly, and only then noticed they were alone.
...
...
Chakotay smiled to himself, though Kathryn didn't see. It had gone just as he had planned.