A short little scene taking place after Endgame.
A Promise For Tomorrow
Kathryn sat on the bench watching the ducks swim on the huge lake that was at the edge of Starfleet property. She watched as they seemed to swim around and around in huge circles.
Suddenly she felt a hand on her shoulder. She jumped just slightly and turned to face the man standing behind the bench. When she saw who it was, she smiled.
"Won't you join me?"
"Of course, Admiral Janeway." He moved around to the front of the bench and sat down beside her.
"Well?"
"Well?"
"It's what you always wanted, Kathryn. But, I don't think you're happy."
She looked up into his dark brown eyes. She knew that of all people, he was one she certainly couldn't lie too. He would know in an instant that she was lying. He had always known of her feelings, sometimes before she did!
"Sometimes I wish we'd never made it home. That we could stay out there forever. But, I had to, for the crew."
"But, you left something of you out there. Am I right?"
"Yes, I did."
"You fell in love?"
"Yes, and we made a promise of tomorrow. But, for him, it never came. He'd left me a long time ago for some one young, beautiful and intelligent."
She looked at the pain in his eyes, pain for her…
"I had to let him go. I had nothing to offer except dreams of tomorrow. She had the 'now' if you know what I mean."
"I've seen them here. I don't think he loves her. They seemed uncomfortable together. I talked with him, but she kept butting in saying it was time to go. He looked annoyed."
"Maybe she was just in a hurry. Maybe they had somewhere they had to be."
"I don't think so. I think it was because he kept asking about you. He was wanting to talk with you."
"I don't want to talk to him."
"You should. He loves you."
"I don't think so. I think he did once. But, somewhere along the way his love for me died."
"Is that what you think?"
"Yes" she said quietly. "Or maybe it was never really there to begin with."
"Maybe you should ask him."
"I'll probably never see him again."
"Oh, I think you will. Soon, as in right now."
He stood as a man who had been standing behind them for some time said, "I still love you, Kathryn. I always will. I just got sidelined a bit."
Kathryn stood and turned around. Standing behind the bench was Chakotay. She was in shock.
Slowly, he walked around the bench and stood in front of her. "I didn't forget our promise for tomorrow." Chakotay took her in his arms and kissed her.
Boothby walked away smiling and to himself he said, "About time Chakotay. Don't you let my girl cry again!"