Disclaimer: Voyager doesn't belong to me, just the hope that Kathryn and Chakotay would be together.

Chapter 7

Kathryn sat quietly beside Chakotay's beside, not wanting to do anything. Tom had brought her a padd from Tuvok, but it didn't interest her at the moment. There was nothing interesting about status reports when the man she most cared about was injured. The doors opened behind her, but she didn't turn to see who had entered.

"Good evening Captain," Tuvok greeted.

"Is it evening already?" she mused, not looking in his direction.

"Yes, you've been back for almost ten hours now."

Kathryn nodded and turned to face him. His hands were behind his back as he stood at attention and she could tell that he meant to speak with her. Kathryn slowly stood up, ignoring the slight spinning of the room. Her knees buckled and she began to fall, but Tuvok quickly caught her in his arms as the Doctor rushed over. The hologram scanned her, easily analyzing the results.

"Your blood sugar level is very low and your body needs nutrition," the EMH reported. "Have you eaten since you returned to Voyager?"

"No, I'm afraid I've been a little distracted. I had a cup of coffee… but that was several hours ago."

The Doctor guided her back to the chair, helping her sit down. Tuvok didn't speak as he observed the way that as the Doctor examined her; she didn't even look at him. Her gaze was fixed on Chakotay's face as if she worried that he would wake up and see her pain. There was something about the way that she looked at him that has changed. It wasn't just the Captain seeing Chakotay, it was a women glancing upon the face of the man that she had fallen for.

"I'll go get you something to eat from the Mess Hall before you pass out on us," the Doctor muttered, almost under his breath.

He paused, waiting for Kathryn to answer.

"Oh, thank you Doctor."

"I won't be long. The commander shouldn't awaken until late tomorrow morning. I gave him a strong sedative earlier."

The EMH nodded and exited sickbay, leaving his patient in the hands of Kathryn and Tuvok. The Vulcan followed Kathryn with his eyes as she rested in face in her hands for a moment. He stepped closer to her, placing a hand on her shoulder to comfort her.

"How are you doing, Captain?" Tuvok asked.

"I've definitely been better, Tuvok. It wasn't exactly a relaxing few days. Next time, you decide to give Chakotay and I some shore leave, please just put us in the holodeck, uninterrupted for a few days. It's easier to keep us close in case one of us gets hurt."

"Captain, you are not to blame for this."

"I keep telling myself that, but I don't believe that it's sunk in yet. I have never been this close to losing him as I was this time. Chakotay is…" Kathryn couldn't find herself able to finish that thought.

Tuvok pulled up a chair and sat down beside her, which seemed unusual for him. "Captain, there's nothing wrong with how you feel for Chakotay. I have been observing your behavior with him since you invited him onto our ship. At first, it was simply for security reasons, so he didn't have an opportunity for mutiny. As time passed, I began to notice the way that you two looked at each other and the gentle touches on his arm or shoulder. Something changed between you on the planet we left you on because of the illness. You were different with him. It brought you even closer."

"Tuvok…" Kathryn murmured.

"Over the years you have strengthened your relationship; though you had times of trial… you also had laughter and kept each other company through the tough times. Chakotay has always been honest with you and cared for you. He is an honorable man."

"I can't…"

"Kathryn, it is in my experience that we are given one person that will love us for all time, a pure and devoted love. Vulcans mate for life and even though you may think that doubt could cloud our thoughts, we focus on what our lives would be without the one we love. Love may be illogical, but it is the strongest emotion that you can have."

Kathryn put her hand on her cheek, resting it gently. "My duty is to this crew, to get them home safely. I can't be distracted from my obligation to return them home."

"Captain, I understand. Yet, at the same time you have a responsibility for yourself. I do not think you that you deserve anything less than the happiness that you grant to others." He stood up beside her. "You don't have to decide at this moment, but it is something that I suggest you consider."

"Thank you," Kathryn whispered, barely holding back her emotions and the tears that threatened to fall from her eyes.

"I will see you in the morning. Good night, Captain."

"Good night."

Tuvok silently left sickbay, leaving Kathryn alone with her thoughts. Before she could ponder much farther, the Doctor returned with a sandwich and a glass of cold water. He handed it to her as she wiped her eyes on the sleeve of her uniform. The Doctor didn't say anything, just waited for her to eat and quietly worked at his computer console. After Kathryn finished, she handed the plate to the EMH and the empty cup.

"You should get some rest, Captain. There's nothing more that can be done right now. I'll wake you up as soon as Chakotay regains consciousness. You can say good-night. I'll give you some privacy."

He went back into his office and sat down at his desk to get some work done. Kathryn looked at Chakotay's sleeping form. His hair was slightly ruffled and his lips were parted a little. She could hear him breathing softly and it was a comforting sound. She gently lifted her hand and touched his cheek, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. Chakotay looked so vulnerable and handsome. She didn't want to leave his side, but the Doctor was correct about her need to rest.

"Sweet dreams," Kathryn whispered. "I'll be back soon."

The captain leaned in close and placed a kiss on Chakotay's cheek. Then she left sickbay and headed back to her quarters. It was dim inside and she considered asking the computer to put the lights up, but decided against it. She went into her room and changed into her nightgown and let down her hair.

"Oh Kathy, you always look so wonderful," a familiar voice laughed.

Thanks for reading! Please review!

Emma