Disclaimer: No infringement on Paramount's copyright intended. 'Night', 'Counterpoint', and Star Trek and it’s characters are not mine, but Ana Vor and R’mor are my creation and so is the rest of the story. The story revolves around a relationship between women beyond friendship. If this bothers you, please look elsewhere for your fan fiction.

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 © 1999 by Saffron

Ana stood in R’mor’s doorway staring at him, her chin raised with a defiant air. It was all she could do to contain her anger and hurt. He had expected this, but she was angrier that he had anticipated. R'mor could almost see steam coming out of her ears.

"You talked to Kathryn about me, didn’t you?" said Ana, accusingly.

R’mor didn’t answer. His silence told her all she needed to know.

Ana’s voice was strangely calm, considering how angry she was. "How could you? You said you would drop this and now, you might have damaged a relationship that’s barely begun."

R’mor just stared at Ana. He didn’t know what to say.

"We’ve discussed this. You’ve been my friend for almost 3 years. I thought I knew you. I thought…" Ana stared at R’mor incredulously. She couldn’t believe he wasn’t trying to defend himself. "Mori! Say something!"

R’mor shrugged. "I’m sorry. I only did it because I…," he seemed to struggled for the next word. "because I care about you."

Ana sighed, frustrated by R’mor’s calm demeanor. "You have really damaged the trust we have. You are my best friend. I tell you practically everything. If I can’t trust you…"

R’mor was noticeably upset by Ana’s last statement, interrupted, "Ana, I…" Raw emotion flashed in his eyes, but was gone in a second. "I’m sorry. I don’t know what else to say."

Ana was certain that he was going to say something else, but let it go. "Mori, I love you for caring enough to try and look out for me, but you have crossed a line this time. Don’t do it again." R’mor nods and Ana continued, "I know we were supposed to eat together, but I really not in the mood now." Ana heads for the door, but give R’mor a pointed look, "You hurt me and it’s gonna take a while for me to get over it, ok?"

He nods again then watched Ana as she exits then stared at the doors as they closed behind her. Suddenly drained, he sank into a chair, wondering how he had let things get so far out of control.

Ana leaned against the wall next to R’mor’s quarters, suddenly exhausted. Her emotions torn between the joy of a new relationship with the woman of her dreams and the pain of possible damage to a relationship she’d come to count on a great deal.

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Ana was working in the Hydroponics bay. Ever since Kes had left, Ana had been assigned to be part of the team to keep things going. Among all her duties, this was Ana’s favorite. There was no need for more that one person to work there at time, so it allowed Ana time each day to be alone.

Engrossed in her work, Ana did not hear the bay doors open.

"Hi."

Ana jumped at the sound of Kathryn’s voice, then smiled when she saw her. "Captain."

Already smiling, Kathryn brought a daisy from behind her back and held it out to Ana.

The gesture greatly touched Ana. Her fingers brushed against Kathryn’s as she took the flower from Kathryn's hand. She looked at the flower then back at Kathryn. Those few seconds of silence said more than words ever could.

Ana finally spoke, " Thank you." She held the flower under her nose then brushed it’s soft petals across cheek as she continued to look at Kathryn. Once again, Kathryn’s emotions momentarily coursed through Ana. It was stronger this time, just as her feelings for Kathryn were.

Kathryn stepped a little closer to Ana before she spoke. "I came to ask you if you’d like to join me for coffee," she said coyly.

Ana nodded. "I’d love to, but you should know that I don’t drink coffee."

Kathryn rolled her eyes in playful annoyance and her lips curled into a playful half-smile. "I think I can overlook that," she said. "How about Friday at 1900 hours?"

"I’m there. May I ask what we’re going to do?"

Kathryn’s eyes still had that playful glint. "You don’t know, do you?" she teased. "Just meet me at Holodeck One and dress casual." Kathryn flashed Ana another heart-melting smile and turned to leave before Ana could respond.

Kathryn returned to the bridge, still smiling. Chakotay watched her for a moment before he spoke, "You look like the cat that swallowed the canary."

Kathryn gave him a knowing glance. "Do I?" she said with a coy smile then faced the viewscreen once again, ending the conversation before it got started. She wasn't ready to explain herself just yet.

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Ana was dressed in a flowing, blue navy skirt that hung to her ankles and a long sleeve tunic speckled with different shades of blue. After an hour of arranging and re-arranging her hair, Ana finally left it down and let it’s soft waves cascade to the middle of her back like a silky brunette waterfall. When Ana met Kathryn inside the holodeck, the butterflies in her stomach doubled. Kathryn was dressed in a lavender, sleeveless pantsuit that was loose, but revealed more of Kathryn’s softer feminine qualities.

The instant Kathryn saw Ana, she had to resist the impulse to reach out and stroke her hair. Instead she just smiled. "Computer, activate Janeway Alpha One Two." she said.

Ana watched as they were suddenly standing in the middle of a small coffee
shop.

"This," said Kathryn, gesturing to their surroundings, "is the Night Owl. It was one of my favorite places to go when I was at the academy. Did you ever go there?"

Ana shook her head, her face coloring with embarrassment. "I didn’t get out much."

At that moment, they were greeted by the hostess, who actually looked more like a maitre ’de. "Welcome to The Night Owl. My name is Shannon." She gestured for them to follow her. As they did, Ana surveyed the room. To her far left was a stage, with musicians setting up for performance. In the center of the room they passed about a dozen round tables, most of them taken by various couples engaged in intimate conversation. Along the back wall, to her right were booths, all of which were occupied…except the one in the far corner, which was exactly where they were headed.

Kathryn gestured for Ana to sit down then sat down herself. "This was my favorite place to sit. I’d drink a cup of coffee and study all night." Ana attentively watched Kathryn as she spoke. "but sometimes, I came to listen to the music." Kathryn smiled and Ana felt herself blush in the brightness of the smile.

Ana turned her head to the stage as the musicians began to play. The ensemble consisted of a pianist, a vocalist, a violinist and a bass. She turned back to face Kathryn and was startled to find Kathryn’s blue-grey eyes steadily fixed on her.

Ana smiled nervously. "What’s wrong?"

"Nothing. I’m trying to figure out why, after being out here for almost five years, I connect with somebody now."

"What about….the commander," asked Ana hesitantly.

Kathryn shrugged. "We… connected, but….. I always felt that something was missing, even when we were alone on that planet, ‘New Earth’." Kathryn noticed that Ana’s expression changed at the mention of New Earth but before she could ask what’s wrong, the waiter came to take their order.

When the waiter left, Kathryn started a new topic. "I noticed you ordered Lemon Tea. Is that your drink of choice?"

Ana smiled. "Well, I find almost any herbal tea to be relaxing, but my favorite is Orange-Mandarin tea. Sometimes, to pamper myself, I add a cinnamon stick. "

Ana stopped talking as Kathryn reached across the table and placed her hand on Ana’s. "Do you know how beautiful you look tonight?"

Ana’s mouth gaped open then she smiled, embarrassed. "Thank you."

They were both saved from a further awkward moment when their drinks arrived.

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Ana watched Kathryn take her first sip of the coffee. She knew that Kathryn had let her guard down considerably and it showed.

They drank their beverages slowly and sat quietly listening to the music and watching the couples dancing on the dance floor. The energy Ana felt from Kathryn changed. Ana looked down at her almost empty cup, unsure of what to do next.

"Would you like to dance?" Kathryn asked almost shyly.

Ana looked up at Kathryn, gave her a timid smile and nodded.

Kathryn stood up and held her hand out to Ana, which Ana took. They walked out on to the dance floor and stood facing each other.

Kathryn looked up into Ana’s eyes as she placed her right hand around Ana’s waist and grasped Ana’s right hand in hand in her left hand. Ana was about a three inches taller than Kathryn, but neither of them seemed to notice the difference in height. They began to move slowly to the music. Ana winced as Kathryn stepped on her foot. "You’ll have to forgive me. I’m not used to leading," apologized Kathryn.

Ana timidly moved her hand from Kathryn’s right shoulder to the back of her neck as Kathryn pulled her closer. Ana could feel Kathryn’s body press closer to hers. She closed her eyes and struggled to keep her breath steady. Every second, seemed to bring with it a new sensation. She felt Kathryn’s affection for her course through her as she let go of Kathryn’s hand to pull Kathryn’s head toward her, both hands playing in Kathryn’s hair. Ana knew she should tell Kathryn about the bond she felt growing between them, but the timing wasn't right. She returned her attention to Kathryn as she kissed the top of her head.

Kathryn moved both hands around Ana’s waist and nuzzled Ana’s neck. The softness of Ana’s body was so comforting. Kathryn began to feel lightheaded. She pulled back just enough to look at Ana’s face. Ana’s eyes were closed, her shallow breathing passing through her barely parted lips. Kathryn raised up and kissed her gently. Ana’s eyes flew open, surprised.

Kathryn kissed her again, this time Kathryn felt Ana’s lips move against hers. Instinctively and tentatively, she pushed her tongue between Ana’s lips, sighing as she felt Ana’s fingers moving through her hair.

Ana felt Kathryn’s arms tighten around her waist, as if it were possible they could be any closer.

They stood like that for what seemed to be an eternity, but eventually, hey, almost simultaneously broke of the kiss, knowing it couldn’t go any further…at least not yet.

They stood in each other’s arms, foreheads resting on each other, allowing their breathing to return to normal.

"Wow," said Kathryn.

Ana chuckled, "Is that all you’re ever gonna say after we kiss."

Kathryn raised her head and looked at Ana, "I thought that was pretty good, considering how at a loss for words I am. Thanks for tonight. It was…nice."

Ana smiled. ‘Nice’, to anyone else might have seemed such a simple word, but coming from Kathryn, it was truly a wonderful sentiment.

 When Ana arrived inside her quarters she let out a big sigh. This was one of the moments she was glad that she didn't have to share quarters with anyone. She fell asleep that night more content and relaxed that she'd had been in a long time.