She felt almost ashamed as hot tears cascaded down her pale cheeks. She swore she would have crumpled to the ground if her head wasn't cradled against her first officers chest. Her chest felt tight as grief and anger washed over her in tsunami like waves.
"I just…" she whimpered
"I know" Chakotay soothed as he gently caressed her back. His light touch soothed her and reminded her she was still breathing after such a betrayal.
"Ho…how? How did I let this happen?" she groaned
"No one saw it coming." he replied, as he pressed her to him. She was engulfed by his warmth and she was grateful.
"He should have known better" she said coldly
"He did. But he didn't mean to hurt you" The former Maquis reminded his captain "Neelix adores you. He didn't mean it. Im sure you can forgive him in time."
"But this Chakotay…" Janeway said as she slowly turned to the cup on her desk "This infraction is almost unforgivable".
The two officers stared at the cup sitting on her desk, still steaming and inside that cup still sat that horrid dollop of cream Neelix had placed in the once precious black coffee.