"I still can't believe we fell asleep and were late for duty. I've never done that before in my life!"

Kathryn said with a slight edge of anger in her voice. "And to think they actually thought that we let something happen!"

They were in her ready room discussing the day's events.

"Kath don't be mad at them. They had a right to assume we did something. We were both in your quarters, we weren't answering our com. badges and we were an hour late for duty. I would have been surprised if they hadn't started assuming things."

He cupped her chin so she would look at him.

"Hey it's ok all right. Nothing happened, and so what if they thought something did happen. Anyway it's none of their business or their concern."

"I know but I never expected myself to allow myself to fall asleep in your arms. I remember it was me who did it. I was the one who cuddled up to you. Since when do I do that!"

"Kath, don't be so hard on yourself. You were tired and probably only half conscious. It's fine all right." He pulled her into a friendly hug and was surprised when she didn't protest.

Kathryn laid her head on his shoulder and put her arms around his neck, as Chakotay stroked her hair and held her close.

"You know what?" She said still not moving.

"What?" He replied.

"I think I know why I was mad about them thinking something happened between you and I."

"Mmm."

"Chakotay, I just want to be happy. I'm tired of being alone. We won't be getting back to theAlpha Quandrant any time soon and I want to find happiness. The thing is, I think I have. But I've been fighting it. I wouldn't let you in. I was scared to. I was scared about what the outcome would be. But waking up in your arms this morning was the best feeling I've felt in so long and I loved it. And I want to feel it more often. I don't want to fight it anymore. I just want to let it happen. I don't know if you feel the same way or not Chakotay but. . ."

"If love is what you need to be happy, don't fight it. Let it happen. Let us happen Kath. I always wondered if you had feelings for me and now I know. And just to clear things up for you, yes, I do feel the same way. I love you Kathryn."

She was speechless. He loved her! She pulled his face to hers and their lips touched. It was a romantic and tender kiss, full of love and passion. She broke the kiss and said what she has been longing to say for so long,

"I love you Chakotay."

They both broke into grins he leaned down to kiss her again.

She broke the kiss and said, "You know, we are still on duty."

"You're right. We probably should get back to the bridge. But let me tell you, if it was up to me, the bridge would be the last place we would be right now."

She give him a smile and they walked out of her ready room hand in hand.

As they sat down in their chairs, they noticed crewman on the bridge were all wide eyed.

"I knew something happened!" Tom exclaimed.

"Whatever you say Tom." Kathryn said mysteriously with a grin on her face.

Tom's eyes looked like they would pop out of their sockets. "Wait, you mean, you . . ." He didn't bother to finish his sentence. Instead he just turned back around at his station, pondering what his Captain just said.

"Keep them guessing." Kathryn whispered to Chakotay beside her.

He smiled and then gave her a quick kiss on the lips.

With cheers irrupting throughout the bridge, Voyager continued her way on her long journey home.

+The End+

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