Chakotay led the way to the mess halland entered just before Kathryn. He stepped aside and as she entered, Harry, Tom, Neelix, Seven, B'Elanna, the Doctor, and even Tuvok greeted her warmly. Chakotay smiled and accepted two glasses of champagne from Neelix, offering one to her.
"What is this?" she asked, looking between her crew with piqued curiosity and confusion.
"I believe it's called Friendship Day," Neelix explained with a large smile. "Established… well, today actually." He shrugged and gestured to everyone gathered. "I hope you don't mind."
"Not at all," she murmured, a smile growing on her lips. "What is Friendship Day, then?"
"It's just a day to celebrate friendships. Between friends, family…"
"Significant others," Tom added and B'Elanna nudged him in the ribs.
"Is there any reason for the sudden celebration of this holiday?" Kathryn gave Neelix a look.
"None at all, Captain." He smiled and held up his champagne. "To friendship!"
"To friendship." Kathryn echoed and the rest of their little family echoed her.
Chakotay's arm found its way around her waist as they took their drinks, unable to help but notice how her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. She was smiling and pretending to be okay, and he wasn't sure if that was a good sign or not. He didn't mention it as he followed her around the room, watching as she thanked everyone present and slowly finished off her drink.
When they found themselves alone for the moment by the viewport, he gently pulled her against his side. She started to protest, but he shook his head and then nodded toward the company in the room.
"You know they don't care," he said softly. "They've explicitly said as much. Let's enjoy this moment while we can."
She sighed and nodded as she settled into his side, her glass abandoned on the table beside them.
"I found your thicker silver lining, by the way."
"What?" She looked up at him and raised an eyebrow.
"You weren't happy with the silver lining of this dark cloud being your survival. But what about having our family here?" He rubbed her back and offered a small smile. "We may have another year added to our journey, but we're here together. All of us. And they don't seem unhappy about what happened, so why should you?"
"You're stubborn, you know that?"
"I know. And it's only because I have to put up with you and your stubbornness." His smile widened and he kissed her softly.
Her arm wound around him so their sides were pressed together and her head could rest against his shoulder. She was quiet for a bit, to the point that Chakotay almost thought she had fallen asleep against him.
"I still had nightmares," she eventually murmured, "even with you there."
"I'm sure you'll have them for a while," he sighed, absently kissing her head. "I can help, but I can't make them go away."
"But you talk about a silver lining, about things being okay…"
He shook his head and pulled back just enough to look at her. "
"The silver lining is one thing to focus on, one good thing to anchor yourself when things get overwhelming. That's what this celebration is for you." He stroked her cheek and then kissed her softly. "To get to the silver lining, you still have to go through the dark cloud. Or around it."
"I love you, Chakotay."
"I love you, Kathryn."