I apologize for taking so long to get this chapter up. Life decided to throw me some curve balls the last few months or else I would have had this up sooner. Thanks to all that have been patient.

"Why? After everything I've put you through these last few months and…" Before Kathryn could continue Chakotay stopped her with a kiss. He pulled back and looked into her eyes, "because I love you that's why." Kathryn leaned in as Chakotay took her into his arms. He knew it would take some time for her to say the same words back to him again, but deep down he could feel she felt the same way. He was just going to have to reassure her. After a few minutes, Chakotay tapped his commbadge, "Chakotay to Kes."

"Kes here Commander."

"Kes, I think the Captain and I are ready for you to bring the baby back to her quarters."

"I'll be there in a few minutes Commander."

Kathryn sat up and looked at Chakotay. "You had Kes in on this too!"

"Kes and the Doctor were concerned and wanted to help any way they could. I knew they would take care of her while I spoke to you." Kathryn just smiled and leaned back into Chakotay. Neither said a word as they waited for Kes's arrival. Chakotay rubbed soothing circles on Kathryn's back and she took comfort in it. The quiet moment was broken when door chime sounded. Chakotay got up and answered. He spoke quietly to Kes before turning around and walking back into the room with the baby. Moving in front of Kathryn he brought his arms out. "Why don't you hold your baby Kathryn?"

She slowly moved her arms out, a bit hesitant at first, and then took the baby into her own. She brought her close to her body and rubbed a finger against her soft cheek. Chakotay sat down beside Kathryn and brought his arm around her. Kathryn leaned in, but didn't take her eyes off the sleeping baby. Chakotay saw her say something, but didn't quite hear her.

"What did you say Kathryn?"

"Kira…" She turned her to look at him. "Kira Nicole." A smile came across Chakotay's face. "It's a start Kathryn, it's a start." He leaned in and gave her a kiss on the forehead.

The weeks passed and Chakotay saw a definite improvement in Kathryn. A party had been thrown in honor of the new arrival and Kathryn had also returned to bridge duty, but working a limited schedule. Evenings were spent with Chakotay, mostly with dinners in her quarters. He could see that she was much happier now, but when it came to him there was still some apprehension. Some evenings they would cuddle on the couch and this would occasionally lead to some heavy kissing. Kathryn would eventually pull away, telling him she was sorry. It would frustrate him, but he tried not to show it. This was usually when the evening would end and Chakotay returned to his quarters.

A few days went by before the same scenario played out again…cuddling, then kissing, which eventually led to Kathryn pulling back. "Damnit Kathryn!" Frustrated Chakotay got up from the couch and moved to the viewport.

"I'm…"

"Don't say it Kathryn. I know you're sorry. You say it every time." Kathryn could hear the hint of anger in his voice. She got up from the couch and moved beside him. He didn't turn to look at her, but saw her reflection in the viewport.

"What do you want me to do Chakotay?"

Chakotay sighed and turned around to look at her. "I want you to trust me. I don't want to see the fear in your eyes anymore." Kathryn started to turn her head away, but Chakotay softly grabbed her chin and brought her face back to him. "It's there right now, whether you want to admit it or not, I can see it. I don't want to push you, but at the same time I want to be with you. I love you." Kathryn didn't say anything. She just moved forward and let Chakotay take her into his arms. He lightly kissed the top of her head. "You know, its getting late. Why don't I go? We can talk more another time." He lifted her chin up, kissed her softly on the lips, and left her quarters.

Over the next few days, Kathryn and Chakotay barely spoke. She worked to catch up on reading some reports and he decided to give her some space. At the end of the week, he decided he would have another talk with Kathryn. He stopped by her quarters after his shift to find her reading a book while Kira was asleep in her crib. "Kathryn, I've reserved some Holodeck time and would like you to spend it there with me."

"What about Kira?"

"I contacted Kes and she will be here shortly to look after her. I would very much like you to join me." Kathryn didn't say anything, only nodded. A few minutes later Kes arrived and they set off for Holodeck One. When they arrived, Chakotay accessed the program he wanted and they both walked in. Kathryn let out a gasp when she saw what was before her.

"New Earth."

Chakotay walked up beside her, "I started working on it shortly after we returned. This place brought us such happiness that I didn't want to forget. I hope you don't mind."

She was afraid to speak. He had every detail down…just as she remembered. She saw the shelter out of the corner of her and walked to it. Chakotay followed, but kept himself some distance away. Walking in the door, Kathryn closed her eyes and the memories flooded her…the ancient legend…when she admitted she loved him…when they made love.

"Kathryn?" She jumped slightly, not having realized that he was behind her. "Are you ok?"

Turning around, he could see that her eyes were filled with tears. "I didn't mean to upset you with all this. That was the last thing I wanted to do. I've been concerned." He took a deep breath before continuing. "I know things have changed since we left here. A lot has happened…between the pregnancy and the attack on Voyager…" He saw her flinch at the last part. "but I love you …I just hope you still feel the same."

Kathryn looked into his eyes. She knew she felt the same way, but was afraid to open her heart again. Chakotay took hold of her hand, "why don't we go take a walk."

They walked in silence along the stream that flowed near the shelter. Finally they stopped at their favorite spot and Kathryn leaned against the huge boulder. Chakotay moved closer and took her hands into his own.

"Thank you for bringing me here Chakotay. This…" she bit her lower lip, "this has made me realize that I have to stop running. Since the attack on Voyager I've been running…running from what has brought me so much happiness…you and Kira. I love you Chakotay…I haven't stopped." Before she could say another word Chakotay pulled her close to him and kissed her. Kathryn wrapped her arms around him and welcomed it. When they pulled apart, she rested her head against him.

"I've been such a fool for putting you through all this. I'm so sorry." Chakotay slowly pulled her away from him and looked at her with a mixture of sadness and anger.

"Don't ever be sorry for how you feel Kathryn. That's what makes you who you are. You've been through enough in your life and this was the only way you knew how to deal with it. I just want you to learn to not let your past dictate your future…ok?"

Kathryn smiled as a few stray tears fell. She leaned in and tightly hugged Chakotay as she felt him kiss the top of her head. "What do you say we head back to your quarters and spend some time with our daughter?" He felt Kathryn nod against his chest. They made their back to her quarters…Chakotay spent time with Kira until it was time to put her down for the night…and then he and Kathryn talked for awhile. When Chakotay was ready to head back to his quarters, Kathryn took hold of his hand and stopped him.

"Stay?"

Chakotay brought his hand to her cheek and rubbed it softly. "Are you sure?"

"This is where you should be. Not next door….separated from me or your daughter."

Chakotay leaned down and softly kissed Kathryn's neck. He heard her moan slightly as he continued. "I love you Kathryn."

Kathryn took his hand and led him to the bedroom. Just as they entered the doorway, she turned and looked at him. "I love you too!"

FIN