AN: After the season-ender of "Prodigy," my muse wondered: What if KJ had someone waiting at home while she was searching for Chakotay? (And I couldn't resist some gratuitous Chakotay bashing.) Wondering about some of the references? Check out the "O Christmas Tree' chapter of "Christmas Tales."
As usual, this is for entertainment purposes only. I certainly make no money from this. Thanks for reading, and comments are always welcome ...
000
"You don't know what you're getting into," Tom joked as he helped Chakotay with his jacket. "But B'El and I are glad that you're staying with us — kids, dogs, targ and all."
"I appreciate it," Chakotay said as he shrugged into the jacket. The doctors had assured him of a full recovery from his ordeal, but his body was still protesting.
B'Elanna arrived with a handful of PADDS. "I have your discharge papers and instructions," she announced. "Medications, physical therapy orders, counseling schedule … The Doctor was more than thorough," she said, finishing with an eye roll.
"Your sister sent the schedule for her shuttle flight," Tom added. "And we've heard from folks who want to visit. We've told them to stand by: We'll let them know when you're ready."
Chakotay nodded. He knew Seven wasn't one of those asking to visit; Kathryn said there had been no response to her message.
"Has Kathryn been by?" B'Elanna asked. "She said something about going to Indiana for a few days."
"She and Admiral Hudson were here last night," he replied, and there was no missing the edge in his voice. "She mentioned that."
Tom, who was standing near the door, rolled his eyes as B'Elanna bit back the urge to snap. "Oh, here we go," she thought. Chakotay always referred to Kathryn and "Admiral Hudson," as if the words "her husband" were poisonous.
Chakotay's behavior was no secret in the Voyager family, especially after Harry's wedding. It was the first time most folks had seen their former captain since she eloped, so everyone wanted to offer congratulations. All seemed well until Tom suddenly whispered, "Crap … Chakotay looks like he's about to blow his top."
She didn't pick it up immediately: Kathryn and Charlie were on the dance floor, obviously enjoying themselves and each other. Then she saw Chakotay off to the side, scowling at them. Tom swore under his breath as he joined Mike Ayala, who'd appeared at Chakotay's side. They walked him out of the room; outside of some murmurs among the crew, no one seemed to notice.
"He's pouting," Mike explained later. "He'd hoped she'd forgive him for being stupid, or at least let him try to make it up to her. He didn't expect her to get a life that didn't include him," he said with a shrug.
And that was the truth of the matter, B'Elanna decided. Those two had a cordial professional relationship; after all, she did recommend him to captain Protostar. But privately, Kathryn Janeway kept her family and friends close, and Chakotay … well, let's say he wasn't a regular guest at the Hudsons' holiday party.
Then again, Kathryn probably wasn't above a bit of revenge: Did no one mention to Chakotay that Protostar used a holographic version of Janeway?
No matter; a four-year pout was enough. He needed a good shake, B'Elanna decided. And now was a good time ...
She looked over at Tom. "They're sending a power chair so we can get out of here. Could you …?" Tom gave her a small smile, then nodded knowingly and went off to get a hovercar.
She stood, arms folded, and stared at Chakotay until he got annoyed. "Out with it!" he mock-commanded.
She shrugged. "You're still hung up on her, aren't you?"
"On who?" he asked, causing B'Elanna to snort.
"Don't deny it, Old Man," she warned.
"It's complicated," he countered.
"No, it's just obvious," she shot back.
They looked at each other defiantly until Chakotay caved. "And is this the part where you remind me that I sabotaged myself?"
B'Elanna chuckled. "No, this is the reminder that you're a lucky petaQ. She was going to find you, even if it meant tearing the Delta Quadrant apart. And that she didn't have to go. She could have sent another ship." She wasn't going to speculate on what existential guilt or obligation drove Kathryn to go out there, let alone what Charlie thought about it.
"I know that," Chakotay replied, "and I'm grateful." He looked at her for a long moment. "So, what are you trying to tell me?
She shrugged. "Just this: She cared enough to risk her ass to save you but it doesn't change anything. It's obvious that she's happy with her family. "
"Believe me, I know that," he said evenly.
ooo
And he did. When he was rescued, she was there, with that broad, warm smile he loved. When she laid her hand on his chest, he felt the old warmth course through him. "I was afraid we'd lost you," she whispered.
But it was only a moment ... Afterward, she would drop by Sick Bay most mornings, but didn't stay long. There was always a meeting: her first officer, Starfleet Command, the kids who found the Protostar, the other rescued crew members — even her holographic self.
He'd brought up the hologram one morning, just to start a conversation. She smiled wryly and rolled her eyes. "Hard to believe I was that young once," she began, only to be interrupted by a hail to her com badge. "By the way, when you're up to it, we'll need a report," she called as she headed for the door.
He'd gone for broke one afternoon. "We haven't had dinner in ages," he said, giving her his best, dimpled smile. "The atmosphere isn't grand, but I bet I could find an unused corner with a table."
Apparently, the dimples no longer had an effect. "Sorry, I can't," she said somewhat apologetically. "Chris's robotics team made the tournament finals; we're finally close enough that I can watch it live. I think they have a shot at winning the whole thing."
The final gut punch came when they docked. She'd dropped by Sick Bay with Hudson in tow. They waited near the door while the doctor took one last set of readings, but he could hear the conversation.
"Sam's been very diligent about watering the garden; he'll likely present you with a bill," Hudson teased.
Kathryn's laugh rang across the room. "I imagine he will. He's set on buying that Ranger Raj thing … what is it, a space station?"
"Yep, Ranger Raj's Super Space Station. He's going to be disappointed; it's not all that big."
"Learning experience," Kathryn said. "Want to bet it will end up in one of Chris's robots?"
Hudson just chuckled. "You know them too well," he teased. They fell quiet, and for a moment he thought they'd left. Finally, "We've missed you, Kate," Hudson said so softly that Chakotay barely heard it.
Kathryn's voice dropped to a whisper, and he couldn't catch the reply. But he knew …
ooo
B'Elanna's voice interrupted his reverie. "Glad that we agree. So, since you're going to counseling anyway, maybe you could discuss how to move on. Though when you do, I suggest finding someone a bit closer to your emotional age."
Chakotay just shook his head. "Not pulling any punches today, are you? Am I going to be scolded all during my stay?"
"I never pull punches, remember?" B'Elanna shot back. "But don't worry, I've said all I'm going to say on the matter." Well, maybe not quite, but she was interrupted by the arrival of an orderly with the power chair.
They were quiet as they headed for the lift. Perhaps she should let it go, B'Elanna decided. Chakotay had to come to terms with this, not her. If he wanted to hang onto a ghost, well …. at least she tried.
"By the way," she said, breaking the silence as the orderly guided Chakotay's chair to the lobby. "I suggest keeping your bedroom door closed at night."
"Why? Worried that the kids might bother me?"
"It's not the kids I'd be worried about," she said as they reached the front door. "Something far worse … Unless you really want a full-grown targ hogging your bed."