Disclaimers: This story is mine, but the characters are owned by you-know-who. No copyright infringement intended, inferred, or implied.

Series: Voyager

Codes: J/C

Written: August 1998

Rating: PG-13

by Saffron

Chakotay's mind was racing as he walked toward the turbolift. She had come to him, danced with him as if in a dream...and then...gone again. Maybe she'd suddenly changed her mind. He didn't think he could handle having her and losing practically at the same time. The turbolift doors opened. He stepped in, relieved that it was empty.

Kathryn made it back to her quarters, finally able to allow the flood of tears and emotions that had been held back for so long. The muscles in her legs lost their strength and she fell to her knees. Relief and fear washed over her as she cried. Suddenly she felt strong hands on her shoulders, lifting her to her feet. She hadn't heard him enter the room, but welcomed his embrace.

"Oh, Chakotay." She closed her eyes and buried her face in his chest, his shirt soaking up her tears.

He whispered, "Kathryn."

She spoke, her voice muffled against his neck, "Are you really here? Am I dreaming?" She felt him slowly shake his no. "It's no dream, Kathryn. I'm here...I always have been."

She moved back to get a good look at him, taking his hands in hers. She moved his hands toward her face and kissed each one. "I guess that's what made the difference, what makes holding your hands in my hands feel so natural. Even though I've held you at a distance, you were always... right here." Kathryn placed his hands over her heart, the warmth of his hands burning her skin, even through the fabric.

He moved his fingers into her hair, pulling her face towards his. She closed her eyes and felt his breath on her face. His lips hovered over hers, hesitating, as if to give her one last chance to back away. Sensing his apprehension, she moved to initiate...the first kiss. A gentle kiss. His lips comforting and familiar, his tongue soft and warm, she responded with a passion she'd thought vanished long ago. Her normal sure-footedness was lost, as her pulse quickened, rushing the blood from her brain to her heart. She reached up and snaked arms around his neck to keep her balance.

To Chaoktay, nothing tasted sweeter than her kiss, nothing was as intoxicating as she was, and nothing was as gentle as her touch... but the moment had to end, as he knew it had to. This was only the beginning. She still had a lot to work through...and he wanted to allow her the space to do it. He took her hands in his, kissing each of them, and reluctantly let them go as he backed away towards the door. As Chakotay turned to leave, Kathryn's quiet voice reached him an instant before the doors opened. "I love you." He paused in acknowledgement and slipped out of the room to his quarters, her words echoing in his head.

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Kathryn and Chakotay arrived on to bridge duty together; the camaraderie between them was very noticeable to the bridge crew. As Chakotay sat down, he caught a grinning Tom's eye. Chakotay smiled back at him, knowingly. He turned to Kathryn, who looked at him with curiosity. He just smiled at her, wondering what would have happened if Tom hadn't missed such an easy shot.

FINIS