Disclaimer: Paramount...the characters belong to you, I know. But I just want to borrow them for a little romp now and then. I PROMISE TO BE CAREFUL ;o)

Summary: This story is kinda sorta a challenge response. Someone from one of my lists mentioned a new product from Hard Candy...Caffeinated Lipstick. Yes, I kid you not! Can you imagine how KJ would like those...or how much *others* will like them?!?

 

Good To The Last Drop

"Good morning," Kathryn spouted, racing for the turbolift. Tom, B'Elanna and Chakotay nodded their greetings as she breezed past them in the corridor.

"In a hurry?" Tom joked, earning him a brief, but harsh death glare.

"Just have a few reports to finish up this morning," she answered, tapping the controls. They couldn't help but notice that she seemed to be bouncing up and down on the balls of her feet while waiting for the lift to arrive. Tom began to snicker.

"Looks like somebody's had a few too many cups of coffee this morning," he murmured.

"I heard that, Mr. Paris," Kathryn fired, a smile tugging at her lips. "What trouble are you three going to get in?"

"We are on a mission to seek out new and interesting foods down at the mess hall...would you care to join us?" Chakotay offered, much to the surprise of his companions. More so when he added, "I'll help you with those reports when we're done, if you'd like."

Kathryn shook her head as the doors swished open. "Thanks, but perhaps some other time." She stepped inside, then quickly popped her head back out. "Oh, B'Elanna?"

"Yes, Captain?"

"I *truly* want to thank you for the caffeinated lipsticks. Not only do they help me save up my replicator rations for the real thing, but..." Kathryn began to rub her lips together, then made a smacking sound. "...they're delicious!"

She began to giggle as the doors shut, and B'Elanna couldn't help but to laugh with her. "Well, that certainly explains a lot!"

Tom was puzzled. "Did she say *caffeinated* lipstick?"

"That she did. I'd wondered if she would ever try them."

"I don't think I want to know where you *found* them," Tom added, catching an elbow in his side.

Chakotay smirked. "Definitely an *appropriate* gift."

"Who else would enjoy them as much? But I have to admit...I personally prefer the Cafe O Lip", she responded.

Tom smiled. "You're using them, too? No wonder I get a caffeine high every morning!"

"Very funny...although, they *do* tend to give you a slight buzz. Not as much as a full cup of coffee, but it will pull you out of the 'after-lunch' drowsiness."

"Sometimes, I don't think even the Doc could pull us out of *that*, not with all the 'enticing' dishes Neelix serves us."

"Very true!!" B'Elanna laughed, lifting her eyes towards the ceiling in a thought. "I wonder which flavor she was using today. It almost looked like Cafe O Lip."

No one responded, and they walked in silence for a few moments, before Tom began nudging her side. B'Elanna looked at him, wondering what his problem was, until he began motioning toward Chakotay. She glanced over and saw what had her husband so spellbound.

Chakotay was mimicking the Captain's earlier actions, slowly rubbing his lips together. He flickered his tongue out over his top lip, then around his bottom lip, pulling it back in as if to catch a taste.

"Lipachino," he whispered, then licked his lips once more. "Yeah...definitely Lipachino. It's her favorite."

Chakotay returned their gaze, casting them a devilish grin before he stepped inside the mess hall.

Leaving behind him two bewildered crewmen.

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