Betrayal and Turkey.

Chapter Ten.

By Hopping Hamster.

Paramount own Star Trek and its characters, I give them the fun they need to be real.

Chakotay stood and watched as the evening wore on, the doctors innocent words slipped into the conversion by the doctor kept going round and round in his mind. She had a miscarriage? She had lost their unborn child through natural means beyond her control. How could that be? How could it be he didn't know? Why was he so blind? Why was he hung up on her threat to abort their child that he was so blind to the truth? Chakotay stood keeping his eyes always glancing in Kathryn's direction. Her beauty still radiated from her broken body. He knew he loved her. He had never stopped loving her. She looked happy and contented where she sat. Was it fair to bring up that lost child with her? Was it fair to disturb the beautiful life she had built for herself out this brokenness. Chakotay couldn't help wonder if it wasn't just better to let things lie and let things stay as they are.

Every member of Voyagers crew went up to her to wish her well. Chakotay was amazed by the grace with which she greeted them. Each one she had a new and vibrant smile for. Each one she warmed with a touch and some laughter. Even as the evening wore on Chakotay could see she was getting tired and yet she still held the event with dignity and great elegance. Chakotay was in awe of her.

Realising he now was the only one having not gone to her he suddenly felt awkward, it seemed also his lack of emphasise hadn't gone unnoticed by those in the room.

He did feel some guilt relating to the way he had spoken to to her only earlier that day. Chakotay knew he wanted to apologise but didn't want to do it with Sam and B'Elanna or any of the others with her. They seriously needed to talk, alone but Chakotay doubted now if she would agree to it. As he watched her, his heart contemplated his next move until he decided he wouldn't least ask her to consider joining him for lunch the following day. One of them had to offer the first move and he decided to do it. He knew most of the crew had been ignoring him and let him stew in his own bitter pain, many of them knew it was towards Kathryn and as many of them admired at respected her they weren't very happy with Chakotay's obvious dislike in her.

Slowly he rose from his seat in the dark secluded corner of the large ball room and he made a definite striding walk towards where Kathryn and Sam sat engrossed in conversation.

It was Sam who saw him coming first. The smile drained instantly from her face as her eyes met with Chakotay's. Kathryn noticing the sudden change in her friend's facial expression followed her eye line twisting her body where she sat to face Chakotay behind her. As she realised he was purposely moving towards her she too let the smile drop from her features and yet still hold elegance as she jerkily stood to face him.

Upon realising what she was doing he shook his head and raised his hand as he said softly "please don't stand on my account" Sam and Chakotay had both been surprised by her response to his arrival, she hadn't stood for anyone yet that evening.

Kathryn's eyes met Chakotay's and really wished they hadn't for looking back at her was that old love, that compassion for her he held. "What can I do for you commander?" she asked with a soft gentle smile as she held his gaze. Her question had taken him completely by surprise as she looked at him with respect and reverence in her eyes.

Chakotay took a deep breath, it was now or never "would you join me for lunch tomorrow?" there he had said it. Kathryn had braced herself for his worst, his onslaught. She was sure his fury would come to her and call her a liar, but a dinner date, that she had not expected.

Kathryn lifted her left eyebrow and looked at him suspiciously. He knew that look, he knew what she was thinking. Letting out a breath he looked into her eyes "has B'Elanna talked to you then?" she asked him sure that would be the reason for his sudden attitude change.

Chakotay couldn't take his eyes from her as he shook his head "not since earlier but something tells me that is not what you're talking about. Please Kathryn, one dinner that and an open chat that's all I ask before I return to Trebus."

Kathryn knew he was sincere. She didn't know what brought this on but she knew it must have been big to force him to use her name again. She saw the suspense and worry in his eyes as he waited on her answer. She knew he wouldn't push her is she said no. She also could see he really with sincerity wanted her to say yes. She was torn. Looking at Sam she saw in her dear friend's eyes what the answer should be. It gave her the strength and courage to know what to say.