Disclaimer: See previous chapter…
AN: Okay, so here's the second chapter that you guys have been asking for. Chakotay has just left her quarters and is heading back to his when he stops by the mess hall to have a drink. This is where he starts pondering where their relationship is heading.
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What's holding her back? Does she think that I can't see that raw look in her eye? The fear? That I don't understand what she it going through? She needs a friend desperately right now but all I can offer is love.
Maybe love is what she needs, said his conscience.
Then why does she keep pushing me away? Doesn't she know how much it kills me?
Why does this have to be about you? You KNOW the kind of pain she's in. You know the kind of person she is. She can hardly live with herself for stranding you all here and you just keeping adding to that pain.
Yes, and that kills me as well. I remember when I made that promise to her on New Earth. I promised to protect her. Well, look at the great job I'm doing.
Why don't you talk to her again? Convince her that you are right for each other.
I like the sound of that… "Hello Kathryn. Here are today's reports. And I wanted to talk about how I can't live without you." sigh That sounds like Q. He would do that. As a matter of fact, he did do that.
Oh, you know what I mean. Just bring it up when you are discussing ship's business or something. Weave it into the conversation and then start talking about it. You know she can't ignore it forever.
What if she chooses to? What if she doesn't want me? How can I deal with the rejection a second time?
Have you ever considered the fact that she does love you? Even for a split second?
Well, yes. At New Earth I felt that we were making progress, that we understood each other and were coming closer together to form a relationship.
I wish you would do something about it. I'm tired of having these little talks with you.
But what could I do? Every time I try to get closer, she pushes me away. There's no point—
Yes there is!! Be persistent! She'll come to her senses in time. As a matter of fact, you saw her face. You saw the struggle in her eyes, how she watches you every time you leave. It hurts her.
I don't want to cause her pain.
Then go to her. Console her. Be by her side.
I will.
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Okay, So I know that you want me to finish it. So, I will. :)
