I apologize for being so late in getting this new chapter up. I have been extremely busy and have not been home as much as I would like. Please keep the reviews coming so I know whether to continue. Thanks to those faithful readers and enjoy!!

"Commander, try and calm yourself. I assure you the Captain is doing as well as can be expected. She is just having a difficult time dealing with the situation." The Doctor paused before continuing. "The Captain spent three weeks here, never leaving your side unless she went to her quarters to gather a change of clothing. I finally saw how everything was affecting her and suggested she spend some time away from sickbay. She hasn't been back since."

"Where has she been this whole time?" Chakotay was growing even more concerned.

"According to the computer, she has been in her quarters. She has isolated herself from the crew. Kes has been checking on her and I had Lieutenant Torres speak to her the other day. From what I have gathered from the Lieutenant's conversation, she has let fear take over, as to what fear I don't know."

"I think I do Doctor." Chakotay tried to sit up, but dizziness forced him to lie back down.

"I'm afraid that it will be a few days before you are able to leave sickbay Commander. I would like to run some more scans just to be sure there isn't any permanent damage."

"Will you be contacting Kathryn to let her know that I'm awake?"

"I told her I would do so once there was any change, but given her current state..." Chakotay looked at the Doctor and knew exactly what he was getting at.

"I suggest you rest. I promise to contact the Captain shortly."

"Thanks Doc." The Doctor nodded with acknowledgement and returned to his office. Chakotay laid there, his thoughts clearly on Kathryn. Please don't let this destroy what we have.

In his office, the Doctor contacted the Captain to let her know that Chakotay had come out of his coma. The Captain thanked him for letting her know and then closed the link. She never answered him when he asked if she would be coming by to see the Commander.

The next day came and went with no sign of Kathryn. All Chakotay could do was lie on the biobed and worry. The Doctor would not be releasing him until the next day. All scans showed everything to be fine, but the Doctor wanted to observe him for another day just to be sure.

On the following day, the Doctor released Chakotay with strict orders that he would not be returning to duty for at least a week. Once he left sickbay, he returned to his quarters. He wasn't sure if he should visit Kathryn. Requesting her location from the computer, Chakotay found her to be in her quarters. He decided to take a sonic shower and once finished, he requested her location again...still in her quarters. Chakotay put on some comfortable clothing and headed next door, unsure of what he would find.

Kathryn sat quietly in her dimly lit quarters. Since having been sent there by the Doctor, she had never left. She was afraid to visit Chakotay after the Doctor informed her he was awake. She was startled from her thoughts when she heard the chime. Knowing the Doctor would be releasing him today, she had know doubt who would be on the other side of her door.

She closed her eyes, "Come."

The light from the hall broke through the darkness of her quarters and she could make out his figure as it stood in the doorway. He remained rooted in his spot, not sure whether to enter. Her voice broke the silence, "Well, are you going to just stand there?"

Chakotay quietly walked in and as the door closed behind him, the room went dark again. He could barely see her sitting on the couch. "How are you feeling Commander?"

Chakotay couldn't help but notice her use of his rank. Could things have changed that much between them since the accident? "Aside from a mild headache I'm doing fine. The Doctor said that should go away in a few days, but I'm to remain off duty for at least a week." Kathryn didn't say anything and the awkwardness continued between them. "Kathryn, do you mind if I increase the lighting? It would be easier to see you better."

Kathryn sighed deeply, "Computer, increase lighting by 20."

For the first time, Chakotay was able to get a really good look at her. She looked as though she had obviously lost some weight and hadn't been sleeping much either. He moved to sit down beside her on the couch, wanting to hold her so badly. He placed his hand on hers, which was resting on her swelled abdomen. His touch, how she missed his touch. She wanted him to hold her, but she knew she couldn't. She quickly moved her hand away from his and got up from the couch, walking over to the viewport. Kathryn knew when he was behind her and then felt him run his hands up and down her arms, like so many times before.

"Talk to me Kathryn." He was worried about her...worried how the accident had affected her.

She was afraid to speak. Afraid she wouldn't be able to keep her emotions intact. The tears were already starting to form. Keeping her eyes glued to the stars as they passed by, Kathryn quietly began to speak. "When I woke up in sickbay after the accident, I wasn't sure what had happened at first. Everything began to come back to me as the Doctor was explaining your condition. I sat by your side for weeks...talking to you, but..." she was cut short as a sob escaped. Kathryn brought her hands up to her face and tried to calm herself as tears began to fall. Chakotay stepped in closer and tried to comfort her, but she only shrugged him off. "You remained in a coma for weeks. The Doctor could see it was taking its toll on me and he finally ordered me out of sickbay." She stopped and turned around to face him. She could see the worry on his face, but it didn't matter. She had made up her mind. Quietly she spoke again, "we can't do this anymore Chakotay...this just won't work." Kathryn began to move away from him, but was stopped when she felt him grab her arm.

"What do you mean this is over Kathryn? You can't shut me out of your life. You're carrying my child if you haven't forgotten."

The last comment seemed to anger Kathryn and she quickly turned around to look at Chakotay, her eyes filled with rage. "I'm very much aware that I am carrying your child! You will be able to see your child whenever you wish." She paused before continuing and Chakotay let go of her arm. "There can't be an 'us' anymore." She turned her eyes away from his, not wanting to see his reaction.

"Kathryn, you can't mean that..."

"I do!" Her fists clenched as she tried to control her emotions. "After all these years I finally let someone back into my life. The fears of the past slowly started to go away. Then...then the attack on Voyager and everything changed."

Chakotay tried to take hold of her hand, but she wouldn't let him. "I'm fine now Kathryn. I'm still here."

"What about later? What if you aren't so lucky next time? I let my heart feel love again and almost lost it in the process. I can't do this anymore...ever. Now, please, leave me alone...just leave me alone!"

Chakotay backed off with great reluctance. "Alright, I won't press the subject any further. I'll leave." As he reached the door, he stopped, but didn't look at her. "I want us to talk again. Don't shut me out." And with that Chakotay left her quarters.