Being So Close

Knowing What I know Today

A few days later.

Chakotay was still angry. He hadn't been this angry since he had learned the truth about Seska. His anger seemed to boil inside of him. Why was it that whenever he pursued a women it always ended up badly for him?

His cousin on the other hand, was completely different. He didn't blame Chakotay for Seven's unforgivable behavior. He instead took the news and began to start over. He was worried for Chakotay. He knew that he blamed himself for the fire and for the actions of Seven. He decided it was time for them to start over again.

"Chakotay, isn't Phoebe's party today?"

"I think so, why do you ask?"

"I think the two most eligible bachelors on Earth should make an appearance."

Chakotay turned to his cousin. He gave him a small grin. "You have to be joking. There is no way that I am going to the Janeway house today."

"Afraid that Kathryn might be there? I never pictured you a coward cousin."

"When it comes to Kathryn Janeway ALL men are cowards!"

His cousin laughed at his response. "Damn I sure hope her sister is nothing like her then, otherwise I'm going to be in trouble."

This time it was Chakotay's turn to laugh. "If you're interested in a Janeway women you are already beyond trouble."

Both man laughed. Chakotay sat next to his cousin. "So Chakotay shall we go shopping and get us some new threads?"

Chakotay laughed. "Threads, I don't want to sew my own clothes!"

"Nah it's a word that Tom Paris taught me, its slang for clothes."

"Oh brother just what we need, you and Paris hanging around together!"

Later that afternoon, the two of them stood outside of the Janeway's home. The house was cream white with black shutters. Flowers expanded the whole front yard. Just as they were about to knock the door opened.

An older woman stood in the doorway. "Hello are you here for the party?"

"Yes maim, my name is Chakotay and this is my cousin Greg."

The women's eyes grew wide. "You're Chakotay, good heavens; well you should be a nice surprise. Greg please make yourself at home while I chat with Chakotay a bit."

Greg went inside. "Let me introduce myself Chakotay. My name is Gretchen Janeway, I'm Kathryn's mother but please just call me mom."

"Chakotay I know you and Kathryn are quite fond of one another, and she loves you dearly. Regardless of what she says she wants to be with you. But it's going to take her some time."

"I understand maim, but I am fully committed to her."

"That's all I needed to hear, but please don't call me maim call me mom. That way we can tweak my daughters off a bit. And please tell your cousin to do the same." Both of them laughed as they reentered the house.

Chakotay saw his cousin and walked over and whispered something in his ear. His cousin turned a slight red and shook his head.

Gretchen shouted. "Attention everyone, my sister's car has been spotted coming up the drive. Everyone please hide and be quiet." Greg and Chakotay slide down behind the bar.

The door opened. Kathryn entered first then Pheobe followed her sister in.

Everyone jumped up and yelled surprise. Pheobe jumped at the surprise. Everyone was laughing and coming over to congratulate Pheobe.

Kathryn felt as if someone was watching her. She looked up and saw Chakotay. Chakotay knew that he was going to have to be fast. He corned her just as she was making her way out the back door.

"Kathryn we need to talk."

"I have nothing to say to you."

"Well that's good, then maybe for once we won't fight about something."

They both headed toward the backyard. "Look Chakotay I don't know who invited you but needless to say it wasn't me."

"Actually it was you a few days ago."

"Well in that case your invitation has been rescinded!"

Chakotay couldn't help but smile at her. "Ok, if you say so Kathryn." He walked back up the stairs and back to the party. Sensing that it was way to easy to get rid of him she followed him back inside.

He stood chatting with Greg. Kathryn came up behind him "I thought that I uninvited you Chakotay." He smiled at her. "You did but mom re-invited me."

"But your mom is dead Chakotay."

"Not my mom your mom."

As the party began to wind down, most of the guests began to leave. Greg was on the sofa with Pheobe, and Chakotay sat in the large armchair looking at some old photographs.

Kathryn hoped that soon Chakotay would leave.

"Greg and Chakotay what would you like to have for dinner?"

Kathryn hurried into the kitchen. "Mom they aren't going to stay for dinner Chakotay really needs to go home."

Gretchen swatted her daughter. "Kathryn, they are going to be staying here for a little while."

"What! WHY!"

Greg came through the hallway at that very moment. "Because Seven decided to go and torch my house because she saw you and Chakotay together!"

TBC