Portrait Chapter 1

Pairing: J/7 (über)

Rating: NC-17, containing depictions of a loving and sexual relationship between two women. If that is not your cup of tea, don't drink it. Leave now.

Summary: Singer Anika Hansen shares a house with artist Kathryn Janeway. Things heat up when she poses for a portrait. [Any similarities to certain actresses and characters are purely on purpose!]

Notes: Started before 2002 and continued 2011!

* * *

Damn, this window is tricky, Anika silently cursed as she finally jimmied it open. I am never forgetting my key again!

Hoping she wouldn’t wake her housemate, the tall blonde tiptoed through the living room and up the stairs to her bedroom. As she passed Kathryn’s studio she noticed a light was still shining from beneath the closed door. Knocking lightly and receiving no answer, she quietly entered, about to announce her presence when she took in the scene before her.

There was a half-finished sketch lying on the floor, knocked off its easel, someone’s clothing in a neat pile near the couch where people usually posed…and then, a very naked woman pressing Kathryn against the wall, kissing her passionately, hands roaming all over the auburn haired artist’s body. She was about to beat a hasty retreat when Kathryn’s eyes focused on her. She felt her cheeks go flaming red.

“I’m sorry, I should have knocked harder,” she mumbled, turning around and making a beeline for her room. She didn’t stop until she was safely ensconced behind a closed door, leaning against the wooden panel and breathing heavily. The shock starting to wear off, she moved and sunk down on the side of her bed. She could hear muffled voices, one of them the other woman’s, quite upset…then movement from the studio, someone going down the stairs, the front door being slammed and a car gunning down the driveway. Shit, shit, shit, how embarrassing! she chastised herself, images of the passionate encounter she’d just witnessed filling her mind. She pulled a pillow over her head and gave a muffled groan, then flung it half way across the room in surprised reflex when her door opened.

“Anika?” a husky voice called.

Would her lips be all swollen? Would her hair be tousled? Would her eyes be drugged with desire? Anika forced herself to sit up and open her eyes.

“Well,” Kathryn cleared her throat and came to sit down beside her. “That was certainly … embarrassing … for both of us.” She shot out an agitated hand and ran it through her hair. “God! I don’t know what got into Jessica!”

She stood up and started pacing. “One minute I’m working on a sketch for her portrait, the next thing I know I’m backed up against my studio wall having the living daylights kissed out of me.”

“Well, you are a very attractive woman, Kathryn,” Anika finally found her voice. “What is so strange about her being attracted to you?” Oh, brilliant, Anika!

Incredulous, Kathryn turned around to gape at her.

Belligerently sticking to her guns she continued, “Well it’s true!”.

Giving a half-groan, half-laugh, the auburn haired woman wished Anika goodnight. “I’m just going to try to forget this night ever happened. Sweet dreams.”

Watching her leave the room, Anika wished it would be that simple. Sleep would not come easy this night and she didn’t think her dreams would be... sweet.

* * *

Nearly dropping her coffee mug when a startled yelp came from the first floor, Anika raced up the stairs and burst into the bathroom. “Kathryn? What happen--- Oh!”

“My hand slipped and I turned on the cold tap full blast. I wouldn’t recommend it.”

When her housemate just stood there, she cleared her throat. “Mind handing me the towel?”

“Oh yes. Sorry!” Anika dutifully passed her a fluffy white towel, trying not to stare at the shivering, naked, goose-bump covered body of her housemate.

“Well, uh, I’ll let you get back to your shower,” she mumbled, then turned and left the bathroom, closing the door behind her. All the way down the stairs she argued with herself. What’s wrong with you? You’ve seen naked women before, for goodness sake. Why is this having such an effect on you? Well, did you SEE that body? a malicious voice taunted.

Pouring a fresh hot cup of coffee in the kitchen, Anika managed to get her raging hormones under control. A few scalding gulps later she’d almost put the incident out of her mind. Then a damp, freshly showered Kathryn, wrapped in a red satin robe, appeared. Anika gave an internal moan. Was she torturing her on purpose?

“Any more coffee left?” the auburn haired artist begged.

“Of course. You, without coffee, this time of the morning is something I have no desire to witness.”

A mock outraged pout, then a crooked smile. “You know me too well.”

“Let me pour you some.”

Kathryn accepted the mug, leaning back against the counter. “Oh that’s good.” She took a few more sips then tured to her housemate. “I could use your advice.”

Intrigued, Anika nodded at her to continue.

“I’ve got to phone Jessica today and find out if she still wants to finish that portrait I started yesterday before she decided she was, uh, more interested in me than in the painting.” A feint blush bloomed on her cheeks.

Smothering a grin, the blonde stated, “I take it the feelings aren’t mutual.”

“Anika! No! She’s married for goodness sake,” Kathryn snorted, then her eyes widened slightly at her own silent admission. She hadn’t mentioned anything about her being a woman, just that she was unavailable. But if Anika noticed, she didn’t let on.

“Do you want to continue with the portrait? Is it an important commission?”

“Yes, it’s important. It is part of the Sten Johnson book signing/science fiction exhibition and I really would prefer not to work with Jessica again. So, I was thinking..”

“That was Jessica Johnson? Sten Johnson’s wife?”

A slight flush re-appeared under Anika’s incredulous expression. “Yes,” she hastily cleared her throat. “You now understand my dilemma. “So, as I said, I was thinking… you’re on a break now from your singing lessons, aren’t you? How would you feel about posing for me?”

“YOU are one of the artists participating in An Evening with Sten Johnson?!”

The older woman nodded absentmindedly. “I would really prefer not to work with Jessica again. So, would you consider it?”

Anika didn’t know quite what to say. Obviously Kathryn was doing a nude if Jessica's dress code had been anything to go by. An involuntary shiver raced down her spine.

“Are you going to make me beg,” a husky voice teased.

Resolutely pushing away the vision the word nude had inspired, Anika nodded. “Yes.”

“Yes?” Kathryn’s eyes twinkled.

“No! I mean, you don’t have to beg. I’d be honoured to pose for you. You have an amazing talent!” Anika stuttered and blushed at Kathryn’s amused chuckle.

“Wonderful!” The artist finished her coffee. “Now, if you don’t mind, can we start today? At Anika’s nod a brilliant smile lit up her face.

“Excellent. I’ll go change and meet you in the studio in a few minutes.”

The nervous blonde washed out their coffee mugs and tried to control the butterflies that had just taken off in her stomach. You can do this! When she'd answered the ad for a housemate, she'd known who Kathryn was of course. She’d seen some of her fantastic paintings in the media. The older woman had wanted some company as she felt she tended to isolate herself when painting. She just wanted another body in the house. Anika had needed a new place to stay and hadn't bargained on finding her new landlady/housemate sexy as hell. She had a feeling she’d gotten herself into more than she bargained for by her consent to pose.

* * *

Kathryn had pulled on an old pair of jeans, a paint splattered t-shirt and started thinking about the kind of portrait she would like to do. Maybe a few sketches first?

“Where do you want me?” the precise voice of Anika came from behind.

Preoccupied with her thoughts, she waved in the direction of the couch. “O just get comfortable. I’ll be right with you, I just have to set up a fresh canvas. There, now I …” Kathryn froze as she turned around. Anika was on the couch all right, naked. Long legs, the curve of a hip…tiny waist. She swallowed hard. Dear Lord, she’s gorgeous! Gorgeous and naked.

“Well,” she croaked out. Clearing her throat the artist called on all her self-discipline to address Anika with strictly professional interest. “I was actually thinking of just doing some preliminary sketches today, so there’s no need to unclothe yet. You may not have to at all. Jessica jumped the gun on that a little bit. You can use one of the robes over there for today and then I will start sketching?

Anika felt her skin go pink with mortification as she hastily donned one of the robes Kathryn kept in the studio. Kathryn could see the other woman’s discomfort and started a conversation to take her mind off of her embarrassment. Not that it was easy, not in the least. Seeing that perfect voluptuous body au natural caused feelings. Feelings she’d rather not inspect too closely. She had no business being attracted to a straight, much younger beautiful woman. She felt her full 50 years after having seen Anika naked. This had to be artistic admiration...Yeah. Right.

Avoiding eye contact Kathryn kept the conversation going. “So, when does the club open again? The singing lessons going well?” She busied herself with getting her pencils ready,

Anika gratefully seized at the change of topic. “Bob plans to open in about a 3 weeks’ time. And yes, the lessons are going quite well, thanks. It helps to add that little bit of extra confidence to know you are using the correct technique and timing, besides just hitting the right note.”

Kathryn’s hand started moving over the blank page in front of her as they talked. “I can only imagine. And I do mean that literally. I must have been absent the day when singing talent was being handed out.

“But you have such an incredibly sexy voice!” What the hell! Can you embarrass yourself any further today she seethed at herself?

A surprised face popped up from the sketch pad. “I do? I’ve always wished I sounded different. More like.. well..” A puzzled look came over Kathryn’s face. “You know, I’ve never once heard you sing! And you’ve been staying her for how many months now? Six?”

“That’s true!” an equally surprised Anika confirmed. “Well, would you like to come see me audition at the club sometime?”

“That would be lovely, thank you Anika,” another one of the artist’s brilliant smiles lighting up her face. “Now, where was I she murmured to herself,” and resumed drawing.

* * *

Kathryn looked up at the new sign. Club Voyager. Then she knocked on the door. It swung open and a balding man gaped in surprise. “Yes, how can we help?”

“Hello. I’m Kathryn. Anika Hansen invited me to come listen to her audition today. Am I too early?”

“Oh! No, no, she mentioned that a friend would be stopping by. Please come in. The stage is this way.”

A bemused Bob watched Kathryn stride inside, looking around at the decor in various stages of completion. As soon as a sultry voice started singing “Let's do it, let’s fall in love” her attention zoomed in on the stage. It was Anika. That voice belonged to Anika…

The blonde had felt the force of Kathryn’s focused attention as soon as she started singing. She’d nearly gasped out loud mid song. It took all of her willpower to continue singing and if her voice sounded lower than usual, well, she really couldn’t be to blame. Her gaze moved over the imaginary audience and she spotted an intrigued Bob looking on. He was going to have questions..

“You have an amazing voice!” the husky voice of Kathryn arrested her as she reached the bottom of the stage. The red headed artist continued warmly, “In fact, hearing you sing sparked an idea and I have a favour to ask of you. Would you consent to singing 2-3 songs at a dinner party I’m hosting Friday night?" Taking advantage of Anika's stunned silence she continued. "It will just be a few of my friends and Mandy’s a great piano player.”

The blond singer still looked a bit stunned. “I..,” she swallowed nervously. “That’s not Mandy as in Mandy Patinkin, is it?” Her eyes widened at the affirmative nod.

An elegant small hand touched her shoulder, seeming to burn a hole straight through her blouse. “Please, say yes,” she implored in that deliciously husky voice. The woman could be very persuasive.

“I.. all right. Yes. Okay.. I may not meet Mandy Patinkin’s standards though, but if he wouldn’t mind..”

“Oh nonsense, I may not be able to sing myself, but I can certainly appreciate talent when I hear it! He'd be delighted to sing with you.” Anika blushed. She seemed to be doing that a lot around this woman lately.

“See you later, at home then?” Anika only managed to nod.

A curious and alert Bob wandered over after Kathryn had left. “So sweetie, a friend, huh? Just who exactly is that elegant woman that has the ice queen all tongue tied and stuttering?”

Anika shot Bob a dirty look. “Will you desist from calling me that? If you must know, she is my landlady, as well as the acclaimed artist Kathryn Janeway. Who, by the way, has just offered me the opportunity of singing with MANDY PATINKIN, at a dinner party. You would be tongue tied too! Now if you’ll excuse me I really must go. See you next week.”

Bob chuckled as his favourite singer made a hasty escape. Had someone finally managed to melt a little of that frosty exterior?

* * *

Anika sat back, watching the interplay between Kathryn and her guests. She was the consummate hostess.. charming, warm, entertaining, and a surprisingly good cook too.

She sat up straight when she heard the artist make an announcement.

“Now I have a little surprise for everyone here tonight. Anika, my housemate and Mandy has graciously agreed to do a few songs for us.” Delighted ooh and aahs followed them as they made their way to the piano.

Thank God they had had an opportunity to practice earlier, before the guests had arrived, Anika thought. Swallowing her nerves, she nodded at the accomplished pianist who just then gave her a saucy wink.

“Wrong,

would it be wrong to kiss....

seeing I feel like this,

would it be wrong?

Would it be wrong to try…”

Kathryn was riveted. That voice, so low and sultry, coupled with a dress so tight she didn’t know how Anika managed to breath, mesmerized her. She couldn’t seem to tear her eyes away from her, but then again it seemed as if Anika was singing straight to her tonight. Surely she was imagining it? Anika had never given any indication of being attracted to her before, and now she was giving her heated looks each time her eyes grazed over her. She could feel her cheeks colouring and hoped no one else had noticed.

“Anything you want to share with your oldest pal in the world?” Roberto whispered in Kathryn’s ear, nudging her in the ribs. Her head whipped around to stare at the handsome gray haired man.

“What?” she whispered back.

“That girl is practically ravishing you with her eyes and voice, Kathryn,’ he elaborated. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath she muttered “So it is that obvious.”

“It’s true?! You and she..”

“No! I mean, she’s gorgeous I won’t deny it, but there’s nothing between us. I don’t know what’s gotten into her tonight. She’s FIFTEEN years younger than me for goodness sake! And straight as far as I can tell.” Roberto still had that silly smirk plastered on his face and Kathryn felt like slapping it off. “Stop that!”

“My darling Kathy, straight or not, that girl has a serious case of hot lust and it’s directed squarely at you.” Kathryn grabbed her glass of wine and took a gulp. Roberto smirked.

Two songs and enthusiastic applause later, Anika took her seat, right next to Kathryn. The auburn haired artist jumped a little and had to take a few deep breaths to calm her nerves. She unobtrusively tried to tug her black mini skirt down a little over her thighs. They suddenly felt over exposed.

“Well, when Kathryn said her new housemate was a singer we never would have guessed it was someone with so much talent!” Jennifer complimented Anika. Thankfully her comment diffused the heat of the moment and conversation resumed. Kathryn did her best to ignore Roberto’s amused glances. Anika's continued presence next to her however, coupled with the many 'accidental' touches that seemed to set her skin on fire, had her steadily drinking more and more wine.

By the time the last guest had left, Kathryn was decidedly tipsy. She closed the front door and proceeded to bump right into Anika.

“Whoops, sorry, I didn’t hear you come up behind me” she tried to go past her stunning housemate.

“Kathryn”

The artist swallowed hard at the way her name was rolling off of Anika’s tongue. Taking a deep breath she looked up and got lost in blue eyes.

“You looked beautiful tonight. The mini, paired with the tights and long boots had me staring at your legs every time you shifted in your seat.” Anika gave a feral smile as Kathryn unsteadily backed up one step, trying to put some distance between them.

“What’s gotten into you?” Kathryn managed to husk, her tongue darting out to moisten her suddenly dry lips.

Anika took a step forward again, trapping Kathryn against the inside of her front door.

“What, what are you doing?”

“Oh, I think you’ve figured it out by now?” she grinned and then leaned forward to kiss Kathryn as she had wanted to kiss the older woman for the past few months.

When they kiss finally ended, both women were flushed and breathing heavily. Dredging up every last ounce of willpower, the alcohol in her system making it very hard to regain her self-control, Kathryn uttered a cold “excuse me” and rushed up the stairs to her bedroom leaving a bewildered Anika staring after her.

Leaning against her closed bedroom door, Kathryn tried to catch her breath. Propelling herself into the room, she started pacing up and down. “The nerve of that woman! Someone must have said something tonight and she figured out I’m gay. Well, I’m not going to be the one to satisfy her curious..” The last word died on her lips as her bedroom door flew open.

“Why did you run away?”

“Get out of my room. Now.” The words were enunciated with painstaking precision.

Anika faltered a little at the low menacing tone of voice. Starting over, she tried reasoning with the other woman. “What’s wrong? It was only a kiss?" Bravely she forged ahead. "You can't deny the attraction between us, surely?. Even if Mandy had not mentioned it, I could feel it. And God knows I am attracted to you. I have been for months now.”

Closing her eyes, Kathryn silently cursed her pianist friend, then focused again on the woman before her. “He told you what exactly? Oh never mind! Mandy means well but that still doesn’t give you any right to just.. to just..”

“Kiss the living daylights out of you?” Anika helpfully finished her sentence.

“Yes. That. Now I’m flattered that you believe yourself to be attracted to me,” Kathryn continued despite the disbelieving snort from the blond woman in front of her, “but this is not a good idea.”

Eyes narrowed, Anika uttered one word, “Why?”

“Because..” Come on brain, work! “Because..” Her eyes widened in alarm as Anika started moving towards her again.

“Stay where you are!” she glared.

Anika knew that it was because the other woman was bordering on being drunk, coupled with her attraction that was making it so difficult for her to formulate her objections clearly. She also knew this was probably her only chance to get under her skin before she let reason and self-control take over again.

Disobeying the order, Anika pulled Kathryn back into her arms, the older woman stumbling and coming to land with her body pressed against the voluptuous blonde. She opened her mouth in vain to protest as Anika’s luscious lips covered hers again, the insolent woman taking advantage of her opened mouth to slip her tongue inside. She felt soft hands roaming her back, pulling her even closer against her and a traitorous low moan escaped Kathryn’s mouth at the feel of those curves pressed so tightly against hers.

“Let me make love to you,” Anika whispered against her lips. Stormy blue grey eyes looked up at her and seemed to get hypnotised with the desire she found staring back. The older woman couldn't find her voice. "You don't know how long I've wanted to do this. You are one of the sexiest, most beautiful women I've ever seen. These last couple of months have been torture, imagining what it would feel like to kiss you, to hold you."