"Happy Birthday, Kathryn."

At the quiet, smooth voice from behind, Phoebe watched a smile light her sister's face. Kathryn turned sideways in the coffee shop booth and looked up into the dark eyes of her former first officer.

"Chakotay!" She slid from her seat and took one step before throwing her arms around him.

He hugged her tightly, his eyes sliding closed for a brief moment, and whispered in her ear, "I've missed you."

"Me, too. I've missed you, too." She squeezed his ribs and then stepped back. "What are you doing here?"

"I haven't missed your birthday in seven years."

"You didn't come all the way from Dorvan just for my birthday."

He shrugged. "It seemed like a good time to come back. Two months away was long enough. Your mother told me I would find you here."

"Will you sit with us?"

"I'm sorry, but I have to be at Headquarters in fifteen minutes. I'm sure you have plans for this evening, but can you spare some time in an hour?"

"She doesn't have plans," Phoebe interjected.

Kathryn looked back at her sister. "Phoebe, your gallery showing is tonight. I am going to be there for you."

"You'll be by yourself a lot. I'll be busy with the art buyers."

Chakotay caught the questioning look Phoebe sent his way and took the hint. "I would love to tag along."

Kathryn eyed him with raised brow and a half-smile. "All right. Pick me up at 6:30."

"I'll be there. I had better get going." He reached out and clasped her hand. "It's great to see you again, Kathryn."

She nodded and watched him leave the cafe before sitting down heavily, still a little in shock. Phoebe told her, "We don't have much time. We should go."

"Time for what?"

"We only have four hours to find you something to wear. No offense, sis, but your wardrobe is seven years out of style."

Kathryn chuckled and glanced down at her coffee mug. After a pause, she mumbled, "Blue."

"What's that?"

"He once told me he liked me in blue."

Phoebe fired questions as she followed Kathryn onto the sidewalk. "Ice blue? Peacock? Royal Blue? Navy?"

Inside the coffee shop, the barista approached the vacated table. A PADD had been left behind, with lines of poetry visible on the screen.

He took her hand and tucked it close,
then stepped toward the open door.
Neither before, neither behind,
but side by side forever more.