Author's Note: Thanks for reading and reviewing! This is a short chapter, but real life has been unbelievably busy! I appreciate your patience and understanding!

Kathryn watched, through half-closed eyes, as Chakotay got ready for bed. She was so tired - the events of the day catching up with her – but she didn't want to sleep until he was beside her. She smiled as he pulled off his shirt and stepped out of his pants, leaving them where they dropped on the bedroom floor.

"Recycler," she reminded softly.

And he grinned over at her, scooping up the clothing and pushing it into the wall unit. He moved to the dresser to get his sweatpants, pulled them on over his boxers, then found an old grey t-shirt, arms pushing into the sleeves, head disappearing for a moment. When he reappeared, his hair was standing on end. He started toward the bed.

"Teeth." Another reminder.

And he turned, went back into the bathroom.

Kathryn let her eyes close fully only to open them a few moments later when the bed shook slightly.

"That's not your side," she observed, scooting over to give Chakotay room.

"I don't wanna hurt your arm," he explained, pushing his feet under the covers and lying down in the space beside her. He curled closer to her, his body molding to her left side.

Carefully, she settled down into the bed so that she was lying next to him, his head resting on her pillow.

She gazed into his eyes. "I'm sorry, Chakotay."

He blinked at her. "For what?"

"For getting hurt. Making you worry – and wait."

He chewed hesitantly on his lower lip.

She continued. "I love you so much. I never want you to be scared."

And Chakotay reached out, gently traced his fingers over the side of her face. "I love you, Kathryn. And I… don't want you to be scared either. But… sometimes… bad things happen. People get… hurt."

"I know." She knew he was talking about himself.

"But as long… as we love each other…" he breathed.

"Then we'll be all right." And she softly pressed her lips to his.

~vVv~

"Absolutely not."

The Doctor glared at her. "Absolutely yes."

She glared back. "I do not need to take a day off from work. I feel fine."

"Regardless, I've prescribed a day off and you will take a day off. You can't countermand my professional judgment."

"Doctor, I need to oversee the final trade negotiations, and I was going to meet with the Prime Director to discuss shore leave for the crew. I have responsibilities that must be taken care of."

"I believe you have responsibilities here as well," he returned, glancing toward the table where Chakotay sat, his eyes darting back and forth between them, observing their exchange like a tennis match, his breakfast half eaten.

And Kathryn bit back the comment she'd been about to make, realizing with a rush that the Doctor was right. Even if she did feel fine, there were others who could deal with trade negotiations and shore leave; Chakotay needed her.

"Point taken," she sighed. "I'm sure Neelix can finalize the trade details, and Tuvok can arrange shore leave privileges." She gazed over at Chakotay. "A visit to the holodeck might be nice this morning." And she felt herself relax at the smile that lit his face. Time together is what they needed.

"And I suggest that you take advantage of some shore leave yourself – perhaps tomorrow," the Doctor proposed.

She started to shake her head at the suggestion of another day off, but she restrained her immediate inclination. An outing on the holodeck would be nice today, but the idea of real time spent on a real planet was inviting. And she knew Chakotay would love the adventure.

"Well, we'll see," she conceded, earning a smile from the Doctor and a look of anticipation from Chakotay. "But I can't make any promises."

"An assurance of consideration will suffice for now," the Doctor said, reaching over and adjusting the sling around her right arm. "Keep this on for the rest of the day, and then you can discontinue using it. But if you feel the slightest discomfort, contact me immediately."

"I will," she smiled at him, appreciating his concern.

"Now," and he pointed toward the table, "finish your breakfast and enjoy yourselves. Both of you. I think therapy can be postponed for a few days. I'll let Mister Paris know."

"Thank you," Kathryn offered, taking his hand in her left one and squeezing it.

"Yes, well…" He looked a bit flustered by the contact.

And her smile broadened. She loved seeing him at a loss for words. She wondered what a kiss on his cheek would do, but she didn't act on the thought. Perhaps she'd save that for another day.

~vVv~