Hello friends! Well, now that NaNoWriMo is over and I've written tons of things...I now have to edit/beta them. I have lots of additions to several stories to reread and edit, and a few new ones in the works too, so bear with me while I get everything polished and posted. Thanks for following along, and I hope you like it. Let me know if you get a chance! xoxo

=/\=

After they had decided to stay together in their shared hotel room, Kathryn sent a quick text message to Tom, letting him know that she and Chakotay would meet the group for lunch instead of breakfast. Tom responded with a 'wink' emoji and that was it. Kathryn grimaced for a moment to herself before laying her phone back on the nightstand, settling easily back into Chakotay's arms. Letting out a sigh, she closed her eyes, smiling gently as she burrowed deeper into his side.

Chakotay lay propped up on the pillows, feeling the warmth of sleep tempting him back to unconsciousness, but he fought it, wanting nothing more than to enjoy every second he could with this woman in his arms. He could tell that though perhaps Kathryn hadn't fallen completely back to sleep, she was hovering somewhere between sleep and waking, also enjoying the closeness that they both shared. Though the weather channel still played softly on the television, Chakotay paid it little attention. His entire being was focused on the woman in his arms.

She'd lain down beside him, her arm around his middle, her cheek still resting on his chest. He'd spent some time letting his fingers drift up and down her back over the fabric of her t-shirt until his hand finally stilled between her shoulder blades, holding her with just enough pressure to keep her body against his. He nearly ached with how right it felt.

He imagined waking up like this, day after day; lazing in bed with Kathryn in his arms. On weekends they could lounge around, watching tv in bed, talking about anything or nothing. He imagined pulling her close to him after they made love, reveling in her warm and pliant body against his own. Even as he thought of it, he marveled at how his life had changed in the few days since he'd met this woman.

Before her, women had always been a means to an end; a fun romp and a wonderful way to relieve stress. He never hurt for attention from women, even in highschool and college. When he'd joined the army, he'd certainly focused more on work and the task at hand, but that didn't stop several dalliances with women through the years, though he kept work and play separate. When he'd joined the Maquis, he'd let his inhibitions go a bit; the work was dangerous and it was certainly an atmosphere of 'work hard, play hard'. Sex then was a release; a stress reliever that many of them needed.

But no matter the women he was with, he'd never imagined a future with them. Even at a young age, he'd never pictured himself marrying or settling down with anyone; partly because he'd never met a woman that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, and partly because he was never in a position in life where it was even close to a possibility.

But now, as he lay here, with Kathryn asleep in his arms...those long abandoned thoughts were moving quickly back to the forefront of his mind...and it was not at all an unpleasant prospect.

He also knew that he didn't want to rush things with her. For as much as he wanted to know what her body was like as it moved with his, even more he wanted to know her; the continued feel of her fingers laced with his. He wanted to hear her laugh until she cried. He wanted to know her favorite movie, her favorite color, her favorite everything. Smiling to himself, he settled back into the pillows and finally let sleep pull him under once again.

=/\=

Kathryn woke again, later in the morning, to the smell of coffee. Not at all sure what time it was, she looked around to find Chakotay by the small kitchenette, pouring coffee into a coffee mug. The suite provided mugs and to-go cups, as well as an assortment of blends. Kathryn could tell that Chakotay had chosen one of the more potent. He was in profile as he moved about, and Kathryn took a moment to take in his appearance. He'd put his jeans back on, though he was still barefoot. He looked the epitome of casual, and Kathryn marveled at the fact that he was so very much not her usual taste in a man. Though she'd only been in a few serious relationships in her life, they were all very much the same...comfortable, non-threatening...predictable. The men she'd dated in the past were all very...bland...if she was being honest with herself. She'd never responded to a man in such a visceral way as she did to Chakotay, but she'd never met a man like him before. She still didn't know that much about him...but she wanted to. She wanted to know everything about him. What was his favorite vacation spot? Did he have siblings? What made him want to join the Army? Had he ever broken a bone or been injured before? She smiled to herself at the idea that he seemed to want the same thing; to spend time with each other, just getting to know one another.

At that moment Chakotay turned, noticing movement on the bed and his lips lifted into a smile that lit up his eyes. "Good morning again," he padded over to the bed, handing Kathryn a mug of coffee. She took it with a grateful smile.

"Thank you, and good morning," she glanced down at her watch, shocked to see that it was eleven thirty. She couldn't believe she'd slept so long. Hopefully the jet lag would be fully behind her now. "Sorry I slept so long," her cheeks pinked at her admission.

"It's alright. I only woke up about fifteen minutes ago. I figured you'd want some coffee before we left to meet everyone," he moved back to the kitchenette to get his own cup, taking a sip.

"Mmm, you figured correctly. I appreciate it," she glanced around the room, glad for their shared time together and wishing that it could last a bit longer. Though she was still eager to spend more time with their traveling companions, now that their burgeoning feelings were out in the open, she had an even stronger desire to spend more alone time with Chakotay, but also marveled at the fact that she had plenty of time. Though she wasn't sure what would happen once they all made it back to San Francisco, she knew that she wanted Chakotay in her life. She'd never felt such a strong pull towards another human being before. Shaking her head at the strength of that feeling, she couldn't help but smile at him when he gave her a questioning look.

"What is it?" Chakotay pulled on his socks and shoes before coming back over, sitting down on the edge of the bed beside her.

"It's just...I've never felt like this before, and with someone I still barely know. It's just an odd feeling, and more powerful than I would have expected. It's sort of overwhelming...but not at all in a bad way. We are still practically strangers, but part of me feels like I've known you for years," she chuckled into her mug as she took another sip of coffee, "Please tell me I'm not crazy." Her eyes finally lifted and met his.

"You're not crazy, Kathryn. I feel it too. I've spent the whole morning and most of yesterday trying to reason it out in my mind, but I can't." He brushed his thumb across her cheekbone again, smiling lightly when she leaned into his touch, "I think we should both just stop trying to analyze it and just enjoy it for what it is," he pinched her chin lightly between his thumb and forefinger, "So, what would you like to do today? Anything in particular you want to see?"

Kathryn shook her head, "Not really. I suppose a walk through the park might be nice. I heard you and B'Elanna discussing the art museum. I wouldn't mind that, if you don't mind me tagging along."

"Of course not," he smiled again before getting up, going back into the bathroom to brush his teeth. Kathryn got up out of bed, glancing down at her engagement ring on the nightstand. She picked it up, not at all sure what to do with it. She didn't want to keep it,and figured the best thing to do would be to send it back to Mark, since she had no desire to see him in person. With a sigh, she set it back down, moving to the chair where she'd folded her clothes from the day before. When Chakotay was finished in the bathroom, she took his place, brushing her teeth and getting dressed. Not sure what to do with her hair, she took it out of the braid and twisted it into a low knot at the back of her head. She wanted to get a fresh change of clothes, but figured she could after they met everyone for lunch. When she came back out, she put her ring in the pocket of her jeans to deal with it later.

They left the sanctuary of their room just before noon, and, as they made their way for the elevator, Kathryn grinned to herself as Chakotay's arm snaked around her, his hand resting on her waist as they walked.

While Kathryn signed the final paperwork and got the receipt for the room, Chakotay sent B'Elanna a message to see where everyone was. She, Tom, Harry and Tuvok were currently in the middle of a tour of the Empire State Building, so Kathryn requested they make a trip back to the RV for a change of clothes, and then they could all meet somewhere for a late lunch. Tom suggested a restaurant he'd seen near their RV park; The Captain's Galley. It boasted cuisine that was 'out of this world' and though Kathryn was leery, she wanted everyone to be able to make choices about what they did on this road trip, so she and Chakotay agreed to meet everyone there at two o'clock.

They took the number seven train from the 42nd street station, and after a changeover in Queens, they were back in Brooklyn, walking back to the RV park. Chakotay pulled both of their bags from beneath the vehicle, carrying them inside so they could change. Kathryn opted for a light blue blouse and a fresh pair of jeans. She grinned to herself as she chose an ivory bra and matching lace panties; she knew it was only a matter of time before she and Chakotay finally slept together, but the thrill of not knowing when exactly it would happen caused her to bite her lip to keep the giddy smile off her face. She hadn't chosen her lingerie for the benefit of a man in a long time, and knowing that Chakotay might see these garments on her set her heart beating faster. She moved into the bedroom to change while Chakotay simply pulled off his grey t-shirt, opting for a black one instead.

When she came back out, she could tell he'd put on a bit of his cologne; the scent of sandalwood hit her as she approached, and she didn't hide the deep breath that she took as she came to stand before him, "Mmm, you smell good." She pressed herself against him, wrapping her arms around his body. He chuckled, reciprocating the hug.

"Thank you. So do you," he rested his chin on the top of her head, taking a deep breath through his nose. She laughed softly.

"I smell like hotel shampoo," she spoke, pulling back to look up at him. Chakotay gently shook his head, leaning forward to press a kiss to her forehead.

"Maybe, but I smell you. I can smell your perfume, coffee, toothpaste, and everything that makes you...you. I like it." She grinned, shaking her head.

"We have a little time before we have to meet everyone. Do you want to watch tv? Or we could take a walk." Kathryn glanced at her watch.

"Well, the restaurant is about a mile away. We could walk there, and still probably get there before everyone else. I wouldn't mind getting a table and having time to peruse the menu." Chakotay nodded, pulling away and holding out his arm.

"Lead the way, Captain."

=/\=

They arrived at The Captain's Galley at a quarter to two, and Kathryn was surprised at the building. It was an eclectic mix of modern, folksy and new age, and the food choices were as well. They stood outside for a few minutes, looking at the menu board and their options.

"I've never even heard of some of these dishes before, or some of their ingredients," Kathryn spoke as she glanced at the soup and sandwich menu. "Tom sure knows how to find interesting places."

"I'll say," Chakotay looked around. There was indoor and outdoor seating. "It's a nice day. Should we get a table outside?" Kathryn nodded and they went inside to find the hostess.

They were both shocked to see the small pixie of a woman from the night before behind the hostess desk. She recognized them as well, her face lighting up, "Good afternoon. It's wonderful to see you both again," her voice, though excited, was still soothing, and Kathryn couldn't help but smile.

"You as well...Kes, isn't it?" The young woman nodded, picking up two menus.

"Yes. Will it just be the two of you for lunch today?"

"The rest of our group will actually be here soon. There will be six of us again," Chakotay answered.

"Fantastic. Would you prefer to sit inside or out? I have a lovely table in a small alcove outside, with a wonderful view of the river."

"That sounds great, Kes. Thank you."

They followed the small woman as she wove them through the bizarre hodge podge of tables and decor inside the restaurant. There were strange pieces of art on the walls, and at least a dozen water fountains of varying sizes adorning every possible free space. It looked as though a thrift store exploded inside, but it all seemed to fit somehow. Kathryn chuckled to herself as Kes led them through a large archway to the tables outside, "So does your friend Neelix work here as well?" Kathryn spoke as Kes stopped beside a large, round table.

"He's the owner and head chef," Kes spoke with a smile, her eyes sparkling at the mention of him. "He will be thrilled to know that you are here," she moved back so they could both sit down, "Can I get you started with something to drink?"

"I'll just have a water, please," Kathryn spoke and Chakotay agreed. Kes left them with another smile before disappearing back into the restaurant. They both took a moment to take in their surroundings. "This is such an odd restaurant, but the view is amazing," Kathryn said as they both looked across the river at the city. Chakotay rested his hand on Kathryn's knee beneath the table as he turned to see more of the Manhattan skyline.

"It is. I've only been to the city a few times, but there's just something special about it," his eyes moved back to Kathryn's face, taking in her profile as she too looked on the buildings across the river.

"It really is, I'm very-," she was cut off when the doors to the patio burst open and Neelix approached, wearing a gaudy shirt in hues of purple and green, his hair, if possible, even floofier than it was the night before.

"What a wonderful surprise to see the two of you again," he spoke as he approached, a large tray in hand. "I had a feeling last night that our paths would cross again. Who knew it would be in my restaurant?!" He set the tray down, revealing a plate of tortilla chips and an unknown purple-ish brown dip in a bowl in the middle. Kes came out after him with a large pitcher of ice water and two glasses.

"Wow, what is this?" Chakotay asked, taking a sniff of the appetizer before them. The smell was oddly alluring and off putting at the same time.

"It's one of my specialties," Neelix spoke proudly as Kes poured glasses of water, "Fermented Leola Root Guacamole. I guarantee you've never tasted anything quite like it."

"Leola root?" Kathryn's brow furrowed, "I've never heard of it before."

"And it's likely that you never will again," Neelix boasted, "It's a root vegetable native to a small island where my people come from. I guarantee you've never heard of the Talaxian Islands, have you?" Both Kathryn and Chakotay shook their heads. "Go on...try it!"

Not wanting to offend their chef, they both took a chip and dipped it in the hummus like dip. It was heavier than Kathryn expected, but she and Chakotay both tried it at the same time.

As soon as it hit her tongue, she took a breath and held it, hoping to stave off the taste as much as possible. Though the smell wasn't entirely unpleasant, the flavor absolutely was; a mix of rotten egg and black pepper and what she could only imagine mildew would taste like. She gave Neelix a smile, noticing Chakotay chewing equally quickly, already reaching for his water to wash it down.

"Very interesting," Kathryn spoke when she was finally able to draw breath without pulling a face. "You're right, I've never tasted anything quite like it."

"Very unique," Chakotay spoke, taking another long swallow of water.

"Ah, so glad you like it. It's on the house. I've made sure to leave enough for you and all of your friends." Neelix's smile looked as though it would break his face, but he wished them a pleasant meal before scurrying back into the restaurant, followed by Kes. As soon as the doors were shut, Kathryn and Chakotay both pulled a face at the same time.

"That's the worst thing I've ever tasted," Kathryn took another long sip of water, wishing now she had something stronger to mask the flavor.

"Truly," Chakotay added, pouring himself more water, topping off Kathryn's glass as well. They joked about it for another moment while deciding what they wanted to eat. It was only a few more minutes before the rest of their friends joined them.

"Oh, you've started without us," Tom spoke, looking wounded as he sat down on Kathryn's other side. B'Elanna sat beside him, looking nonchalantly but positively smitten with the blonde man beside her. Harry and Tuvok were in a conversation about the tour they'd just taken, but turned when the smell of the dip finally reached them.

"This was a gift from Neelix," Kathryn glanced quickly to make sure they were alone, "And I suggest you don't try it if you know what's good for you.

Everyone chuckled, but Tom leaned forward, picking up a chip. "Tom, I really wouldn't if I were you," Chakotay spoke, and Tom gave the dip a sniff. Pulling a face, he dropped the chip back on the plate. Everyone laughed but turned serious when Kes came back out to take everyone's order. Before long, everyone had their lunch and the odd guacamole was left forgotten on the center of the table.

"I'd like to check out the Central Park Zoo," Harry spoke as they all tried to decide what they wanted to do with the rest of the day. They were going to spend the entire day in the city and hit the road again tomorrow morning. "Or maybe check out Coney Island."

"I wouldn't mind seeing the art museum, like we talked about before," B'Elanna spoke.

"What do the two love birds want to do?" Tom asked, his blue eyes sparkling as they slid over to Kathryn and Chakotay. Kathryn blushed and Chakotay smiled, giving his earlobe a tug.

"Thomas Eugene Paris!" Kathryn spoke and everyone at the table shrunk back from her. She glared at him, though she couldn't find the malice in her to make it really convincing.

"Uh, I'm sorry. What would the Captain and Commander like to do today?" Tom grimaced, hoping that was all the wrath that Kathryn would muster. Chakotay nudged her knee under the table and Kathryn couldn't help but chuckle, shaking her head at her friend.

"Chakotay and I were probably going to go to the art museum too, maybe take a walk around Soho." Tom nodded, not saying anything more, but the twinkle still lived obvious in his eyes.

The rest of the meal proceeded easily; everyone stuffed themselves to the gills, and Kathryn noted that all the plates and dishes were empty, save for the dish that held Neelix's mystery chip dip. "We should get rid of that somehow. I would hate for Neelix to think we weren't grateful."

"Throw it over the railing into the river. I'm sure the fish or seagulls will eat it," B'Elanna spoke, looking over the railing at the rock breakwall below.

"You wanna bet?" Chakotay smirked.

Glancing back at the restaurant, Kathryn scooped up the majority of the dip on her spoon and gave it a fling over the railing, hearing it splat sickeningly on the rocks below. With a grimace she scooped up the rest of the dip, just about to throw it over when

"How are we all doing? Everything taste to your liking?" Neelix burst out of the double doors out onto the balcony. Without knowing what else to do, Kathryn spooned the remaining dip into her mouth, stifling a groan behind the spoon as she worked to swallow the large glob. B'Elanna bit back a laugh and Chakotay let out a low groan, placing a hand on Kathryn's back as she silently gagged before finally swallowing as she pulled the spoon from her mouth. "Ah, I told you you'd enjoy the Leola Root. Would you like some more?" Neelix's face was filled with delight.

Kathryn gave him a grimacing smile, her eyes watering a bit from her efforts, "Oh no, I think we're all stuffed. The entire meal was wonderful, Neelix. You are an exemplary chef." And it wasn't really a lie; the rest of the dishes were superb. Neelix's smile grew, his cheeks flushing slightly.

"You all are too kind. I am thrilled that you came to dine with us today. And if I can't get you anything else, I wish you a pleasant day, and good luck with the rest of your journey." They all bid their farewells, and once they were alone again, Kathryn quickly reached for her water glass, taking several large swallows in an attempt to rinse the foul taste from her mouth.

"Kathryn, are you alright?" Chakotay spoke, knowing how awful that must have been for her.

She pulled a face, wiping her mouth with her napkin before dropping it back to her lap, "Yes," she frowned, "Ugh, that was terrible." She wasn't sure if she was imagining it, but she almost thought she could feel the dip churning in her stomach. She took another sip of water, willing the feeling to go away.

Kes came out soon after with their bill, their meal having been heavily discounted by the proprietor. After they paid, they bid Kes a fond goodbye and made their way out of the restaurant. They chatted happily as they made their way back to the subway station to go back into the city. Kathryn was feeling a bit seasick from the movement of the train, and closed her eyes several times, willing the motion sickness to go away. Once back in Manhattan, Tuvok and Harry headed towards Central Park while Tom, B'Elanna, Chakotay and Kathryn made their way towards the Museum of Modern Art.

The museum was a half dozen blocks away, but they decided to walk; the weather was warm, and it was nice to be out in the fresh air, even in the city. As they set out, Chakotay slid his fingers down Kathryn's arm, lacing them with hers, thrilling when she did not pull away, instead folding her fingers against his, letting her thumb slide against his palm. Several times as they walked they caught each other staring, and neither could help from chuckling.

Kathryn walked a bit slower than she would have liked, since her stomach was still roiling a bit from the end of her meal. Chakotay commented that he felt like his was as well, though he'd eaten much less of the Talaxian concoction than she had.

By the time they reached the museum, Kathryn was feeling a bit flush, her neck and cheeks were uncomfortably warm and a light sheen of sweat coated her brow. She urged the three of them to go ahead of her, opting to first find a drinking fountain or vending machine. As she moved through the lobby, she quickly came to realize that she was in need of a restroom instead of a water fountain, and fast. Spotting the sign down the corridor, she moved at a near run, pushing through the door, grateful that she was alone as she entered the first stall, losing the contents of her stomach in violent heaves.

Her stomach spasmed, revolting at the food she'd so recently put in it, and as she vomited, she knew it was the leola root that was most likely to blame. Her abdominal muscles continued to clench until she was spitting bile into the toilet. Dropping to her knees, she let out a wavering sigh, closing her eyes as she flushed the toilet, not at all sure if she was done being sick. She pressed the back of her hand to her forehead. It was cold and clammy, though her entire being felt far too hot.

With a sigh, she finally opened her eyes, wiping tears of exertion from them as she got up on suddenly shaky legs. Moving out of the stall she went to the sink, turning on the cold water to rinse out her mouth, though she didn't dare take a drink, too afraid that her stomach would revolt once again. She was nervous that her stomach still felt just as unsettled as it had before she'd thrown up. Her muscles were still cramping and she felt awful. Not at all in the mood for walking around the museum now, all she wanted to do was go back to the RV and lay down...preferably near the bathroom.

After splashing some cold water on her face she dried her skin and washed her hands, wishing she had a mint or gum of some kind but also realizing that her stomach felt too queasy even for that. With a sigh she walked slowly out of the bathroom to find everyone and tell them that she was going to have to leave.

She came out of the bathroom to see Chakotay standing there, looking a tad green himself. He was leaning against the wall outside the bathroom. "Kathryn, are you alright?" She cringed, wishing more than anything that he wasn't seeing her like this.

"No, I'm afraid not. I'm pretty sure that leola root was rotten...or spoiled or something," she pressed her hand to her stomach.

Chakotay frowned and nodded, "I agree. I feel like I could throw up," he swallowed hard, willing the contents of his stomach to stay where they were.

"I just did," Kathryn spoke with a sigh, closing her eyes as she herself leaned against the cool tile of the wall beside Chakotay. "And I feel like I could again," she frowned, feeling her stomach begin to churn again. Without a word, she dashed away from Chakotay and back into the restroom. Chakotay stood outside, grimacing as he listened to Kathryn dry heave; her stomach devoid of anything left to throw up. His own stomach churned at the thought and fate finally got the better of him. He ran across the lobby to the men's room. Dropping to his knees in the first empty stall, he too lost the contents of his stomach, much to the dismay of the other three men in the restroom. Chakotay groaned out a muffled apology between his vomiting, but heard nothing but the quick moving of feet as the other men exited the restroom.

When Chakotay emerged several minutes later, he found Kathryn right outside the bathroom, leaning heavily against the wall once again. His stomach felt a bit better than it had, and he had hoped that whatever was in the toxic chip dip was now out of his system. Poor Kathryn had eaten much more than he had, but he hoped that she too was now rid of the foul food. Coming to stand beside her, he rested his hand gently on her stomach, "Are you okay?"

"I feel like our RV ran over me, and I still feel like I could be sick," she frowned heavily, "I just want to get back and lay down."

"It must be some kind of food poisoning," Chakotay spoke, trying not to breathe in Kathryn's direction. She nodded in agreement.

"I have to go. I'm sorry I ruined our afternoon." She pushed off from the wall but her steps were slow and labored. Chakotay could tell she was in pain.

"I'm only sorry that you don't feel well. I wish there was something I could do to help you." She gave him a watery smile.

"You don't feel well either. I'm sorry for that. How did you know I was in the bathroom?"

"I was waiting for you to get a drink," he grinned sheepishly, "I was watching you, and then when you made a beeline for the bathroom, I just figured…"

Kathryn nodded with a cringe, "Well I'm going to head back and hope I can make it without incident. Will you tell Tom and B'Elanna?"

Chakotay shook his head gently, "No. I mean yes I will, but I'll come with you. I still don't feel great myself, and I don't want you to be alone. I'll send B'Elanna a text and let her know. Hopefully by tomorrow we will be feeling better."

Kathryn nodded, but before she could start walking her stomach began to churn again and her mouth began to water. With a groan of frustration she pulled away from Chakotay and went back into the bathroom, dry heaves wracking her body once again.

Chakotay cringed at the sound, wishing they hadn't eaten the damned leola root. He quickly pulled his phone out of his pocket to message B'Elanna. She responded that she hoped they both felt better, and that she and Tom felt fine. It for sure must have been the leola root. Chakotay said he'd stay in touch and asked them to get a hold of Tuvok and Harry. B'Elanna said they would.

Knowing that Kathryn probably wouldn't make it all the way back to Brooklyn and to their RV, he did a quick search on his phone for nearby hotels that would be an acceptable place for her to rest. He felt like he was probably one more round of throwing up and a few antacids away from feeling much better, but Kathryn had eaten much more of the dip than he did. He wasn't sure if one of the ingredients didn't agree with them or if it was some type of food poisoning, but she was liable to feel worse before she felt better. Finding a suitable hotel only a few blocks away, he quickly made a reservation online, getting a room that would suit them both for at least the rest of today and tonight. Kathryn was just coming out of the bathroom again when he'd gotten a confirmation. Putting his arm around her gently, without a word, he steered her towards the door of the museum. When they got outside, he turned in the opposite direction she'd expected. "Where are we going?"

"I found a hotel nearby and booked a room. You'll never make it all the way back to Brooklyn, and I'm sure you don't want to be vomiting on the subway or in a taxi," she frowned, shaking her head in agreement, "It's only a couple blocks."

She leaned into him heavily as they walked, and at one point had to stop behind a dumpster to be sick again. Chakotay went with her that time, rubbing her back to offer some modicum of comfort. The sounds she was making made his own stomach churn, but he was able to keep his own gag reflex in check, and aside from his roiling gut and a pounding headache, he wasn't nearly as bad off as Kathryn.

Finally standing back up, she covered her mouth with her shaking hand, tears in her eyes again, "I didn't want you to have to see that. I'm sorry," she cringed, moving them away from where she'd just been sick, though by now it was basically just her body going through the motions; there was nothing left in her stomach to be lost.

"Kathryn, it's fine. I'm just worried about you. You're going to get dehydrated. We need to get you into bed and get some water in you."

"I'll never keep it down," she spoke softly as they moved on down the block.

"Well then at least you'll have something to throw up instead of just dry heaving. Your body must be so sore." He pressed a kiss into her hair as they turned the corner. He could see their destination. "We're almost there."