A/N: Something I wrote a little while ago that I've finally gotten around to posting. Just a little J/C moment set after "Natural Law". Hope you enjoy it :)

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Just Enough

Chakotay took a seat in the chair opposite the couch in Kathryn's quarters, watching as she returned from the replicator with two drinks in hand. He smiled his thanks as he accepted one of the cups and she moved to sit on the couch, tucking her feet up underneath her.

"Sounds like you and Seven had quite an experience," Kathryn commented after a moment, attempting to be nonchalant as she took a sip of her coffee.

Chakotay regarded her over the rim of his tea cup, he'd been wondering when she was going to bring up his time stranded on the planet with Seven.

"It was an incredible opportunity," he agreed, "the Ventu are a fascinating culture," he added, taking a sip of his tea.

Chakotay hid a smile as he watched Kathryn shift slightly in her seat, he had a pretty good idea of what she'd meant by her comment and he knew she wasn't satisfied with his response.

"It wasn't the same," he said quietly after a long moment, taking pity on her.

Kathryn looked at him in surprise, "I'm sorry?"

"It wasn't the same," he repeated seriously, looking her in the eye, "I never once considered staying there. It didn't feel like home," he admitted with a small shrug.

Kathryn looked away, "You don't owe me an explanation," she said softly.

"I know."

"I shouldn't even be asking," she continued as though he hadn't spoken, looking down at her coffee cup.

"You didn't ask," he reminded her, "I told you."

Kathryn looked up with a self-deprecating smile, "I think we both know what I meant. You don't owe me anything."

Chakotay gave her a half-smile, "I think we both know that I owe you everything."

"Chakotay…"

"I promised you once that I wouldn't add to your burdens," he continued, ignoring her warning tone, "and I'm sorry if I do so now, but it's important to me that you understand. No matter how similar the situations appear on the surface, there's no comparison."

He paused as he considered whether or not he should continue, he caught sight of Kathryn's face in the starlight and decided to risk it. "There's only one woman in the galaxy who brings me peace and she is not Seven of Nine."

As the silence stretched on, Chakotay began to worry that perhaps he'd said too much but then Kathryn extended her hand with a watery smile; looking very much as she had on New Earth all those years ago.

He smiled as he took her hand, running his thumb lightly over her knuckles as they continued to regard each other in silence.

Perhaps, he'd said just enough.