Chakotay couldn't stop thinking about her. On his morning walk in the park, he kept clenching his fist, longing to feel Kathryn's hand in his. Back in his apartment, he cleaned every room and found himself absently wiping the same kitchen counter as he pictured her sitting at the table. Each time he neared his desk, his gaze automatically went to the comm and a deep sigh escaped him.
At only 1017, he was forced to admit that he had crossed that line between alone and lonely. He replicated tea, sat down in front of his comm, and stared at his reflection in the screen. He had spent most of his life on his own, and thought he should be used to it. But then, he had never spent years getting to know a woman quite like Kathryn. He punched in the code, thinking that he'd never met a woman like her before, either.
She answered on the fifth beep. "Chakotay!" Her smile crinkled the dirt streak on her jaw, and she blew a tangled wisp of hair off her nose.
"You were busy, weren't you? I'm sorry to bother you."
"You are not a bother, and I could use a break." She took off the gloves she was wearing and reached back to tighten her ponytail, which stretched her blue tank top across her breasts. "I'm sorry, I must look a mess."
"No, you look wonderful. What are you up to?"
"Gardening," she answered ruefully.
"Talaxian tomatoes?"
Just hearing her laugh pushed away his loneliness. "Not this time. It's a tradition in my family to plant a tree commemorating events. My mother and sister had planted a memorial for me when I was declared lost." She looked down shyly and added, "Mom insisted I help her plant another tree in honor of my coming home. We finished a few minutes ago."
"That's a nice sentiment. I'm sure it means a lot for her to get to plant a new one."
"Yes, I guess it does. What are you doing?"
"Nothing that compares to tree wrestling." He glanced down and rubbed one thumb over the other palm. "I wanted to hear your voice."
"I'm glad you did." She noticed that he spoke more quietly than usual and appeared tense. "Are you okay?"
He looked back up and gave a curt nod. "I'm fine."
"Why don't I believe you?"
He smoothed his hair back and shifted in his seat. "I can't seem to stop thinking of a certain someone."
"Is that so?"
"Yes." He leaned forward. "Petite red-head, brilliant, funny, adorable when she's messy - I'm sure you know her."
Her blue eyes twinkled. "I might, but last I heard, she's taken. There's a certain man who's been right beside her for seven years. The proverbial tall, dark, and handsome. I think it's serious."
"Is she happy?"
A bright smile lit her face. "Yes, I believe I am."
"Then that's all I needed to hear."
Silence stretched between them, and Chakotay felt lighter than he had in years. His question was almost a plea. "You'll be here tomorrow, won't you?"
"I will. You'll be at home tonight?"
"I'll be waiting for your call."