"The mist!" they spoke in unison.
"That's the only thing that we experienced that the rest didn't," Chakotay finished.
Kathryn was ready to call Tuvok but another question occurred to her. "Chakotay, what did we do? The crew says that we weren't acting like ourselves. I think we should keep remembering."
"I agree but maybe we should inform the doctor about the mist. No one but the Tannairb knows that we went into the garden."
She disconnected the comm to Chakotay and called the doctor, "Janeway to Sickbay."
"Are you all right, Captain?"
"Yes," she said quickly. "But I have some information that you may need to find a way to reverse whatever is wrong with Chakotay and me. We took a tour of a garden last night. A pinkish mist arose during our walk. I think you should ask Administrator Rynnij about it."
"Thank you, Captain, I'll let Commander Tuvok know what you told me. Sickbay out."
Kathryn hit her comm badge and sighed, "Chakotay, this is so frustrating. I don't think he believes we saw that mist."
"Maybe not." The tone of Chakotay's voice made Kathryn feel a like he was patting her hand in comfort. "But he will still act on what you told him. Our crew doesn't want us confined. They'll do everything possible to help us."
"Yes, they will." There was less irritation in her tone. "Well, let's review more of what happened."
The command pair sat in silence for a while. Kathryn felt as if she had clarity for the first time in ages. There was no place she wanted to be at this moment than with Chakotay. She slipped her small hand through his arm and laid her cheek on his shoulder.
Chakotay was a bit surprised at this intimate action, however he merely put his hand over hers. Duty stood in the way of his desire to kiss her. Glancing toward the room they had left, he could tell that Rynnij and Etep weren't watching them. The Tannairb were sitting with their backs to the glass. This moment of closeness would be theirs alone, without prying eyes or imposing protocols.
Moving back slightly, Kathryn lifted her free hand to touch Chakotay's cheek and to turn his face toward her. "I love you, Chakotay," she smiled and said in a voice as soft as the mist.
Her smile seemed brighter than the moonlight to Chakotay. His chest constricted as he gazed into her eyes, wondering if he had actually heard her correctly. However, he didn't have to wait long to find out, as she moved her hand to the back of his neck and pulled him toward her. When he was close enough, she kissed him. The caress was soft and tentative to begin with, but soon became hungry and demanding. Her arms wrapped tightly around his neck as he pulled her into his embrace.
Chakotay reluctantly broke the kiss. "We need to slow down a bit." He touched her lips with his thumb, as he saw the disappointment and confusion in her eyes, he quickly said, "I love you, too, Kathryn."
The phrase caressed Kathryn ears and caused her to tremble and lean her cheek against his chest. "Mmm, I love hearing that. What took you so long?"
"We've discussed this before. Protocols, rules against fraternizing." Guilt started to raise its ugly head.
"Oh yes," she sighed, as she cuddle in closer, "that!" After a quiet moment, Kathryn sighed again and straightened up. "I suppose we should be getting back. We wouldn't want Tuvok to come looking for us." Before she stood, she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek once more.
He nodded, took her hand, and led the way back inside.