Tom was pretty happy, if he was honest with himself, this was probably one of the top moments of his life. After finding out that Chakotay was in the Captain's hotel room everyone had basically hunkered down and waited for what they assumed was going to be a long night of waiting.

Seven had finally woken up and told them that she was no longer marrying Chakotay; and while a few had been remorseful for what Vorik had done, those few were in the minority, as most felt she deserved it after what she had done to the Captain. She then theorized that Chakotay was probably proposing to the Captain right at that moment.

They had opened bottles of champagne and wine and started taking down the decorations for Chakotay and Seven's non-wedding. No one wanted to jinx the moment so they didn't talk about it. But you could see it in the expressions on the crews faces. They all agreed that this was it, the Captain and Commander were finally going to get their happily ever after.

Yup, Tom was pretty happy, he could blame it on the champagne but he knew like so many others that this was the welcome home that they had been waiting for since getting back to the Alpha Quadrant. The elation he was feeling was felt throughout the ball room. Now they would sit and wait.

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Chakatoy was both nervous and anxious at what Kathryn and him were about to encounter behind the closed doors of the ballroom. Their crews' reaction would weigh heavily on Kathryn even if she said she was not going to let it dictate her life it would hurt her. Chakotay knew her well enough to know that she would be hurt by their judgment and rejection. It would be just one more thing she would have to carry around feeling guilty about.

He turned to look at her and was once again mesmerized by how beautiful she was. He looked down at their joined hands and gave her a reassuring squeeze, which caused her to turn and look at him. She grace him with a luminous smile that she only ever shared with him.

"You ready for this" he asked her trying to gauge her anxiety level.

She nodded her head and stepped up to the door's sensor causing it to slid open.

The moment they stepped into the room they felt the air heavy with anticipation. He felt Kathryn unconsciously tighten her hold on him making his heart constrict with the love he felt for the strong, loving, gentle women at his side. He looked at the crew, keeping eye contact with some longer than others. Finally, his eyes landed on Tuvok who was standing at the head of the aisle with B'lanna and Tom to the side. He stared at Tuvok the longest knowing that if anyone was going to be able to talk Kathryn out of marrying him it would be Tuvok.

Kathryn was more nervous then she had ever been in her life. She was never a person who liked to display her emotions in front of people and in a moment she knew she was going to have to tell her crew how much she loved the man next to her. His hand felt strong and big holding her smaller one. Just having his strong presence next to her made her feel safe.

She looked up at Chakotay and then up the aisle where Tuvok was standing, staring at her. She knew that many thought that Vulcans had no emotions, because they were so good at keeping them under control. But she could see the emotions bubbling just under the surface of his calm demeanor. She wrapped her other hand around Chakotay's arm needing his strength as she faced her crew. She straighten her back and schooled her features to prepare for any reaction she might receive from the crew.

Chakotay could not sense any of the hostility he had been receiving from the crew recently but he put that down to the fact that Kathryn was at his side and Seven was no where to be seen. He hated the way Kathryn had tensed up the moment she walked into the room preparing herself for the crews reaction. He blamed himself for the stupidity of his actions, which had led to this moment. He heard a soft melody begin and he turned towards it and saw Harry Kim playing his clarinet, his smile in full display behind his clarinet. The soft melody was both lovely and haunting.

Kathryn being much shorter and unable to see over people's heads was confused when the music started playing in the background as the two of them made their way up to the front. She saw little Naomi standing by her parents as Sam tried to tie a white piece of ribbon to her hair. Her father was carrying a small basket of flowers that the little girl kept trying to reach for. She quirked a smile at the beautiful, happy family in front of her, even as the she wonder when Naomi had changed her mind and decided to be a flower girl for Seven and Chakotay's wedding. Even as she cringed at what she was about to do, the thought that soon enough her and Chakotay where going to have their own little family made her resolve to get this over with stronger.

They had made it halfway up the aisle when Naomi, Sam unable to contain her any longer, ran up to Kathryn and wrapped her arms around Kathryn's waist. "Captain, congratulations" the little girl's smile making Kathryn produced one of her own.

"Congratulations, for what, sweetie" she asked confused.

"For marrying Chakotay" the little girl chirped out innocently. She continued to chat about her duties as flower girl as Kathryn looked to see the crews attention riveted on her. She saw as Seven and the Doctor came into her line of sight, Seven smiled a small smile and nodded her head to indicate that she was okay.

"Captain" the little girl sensing the confusion from the Captain looked at Chakotay for support. "Commander, is it okay that I'm the flower girl" she asked nervous for the first time, thinking that maybe the Captain or Commander would not want her to be their flower girl.

When Chakotay saw the little girl pout he laughed. It helped release some of the tension that had been building in him since he and Kathryn had left her hotel room. He bent down to Naomi's eye level his arm wrapping around Kathryn's waist possessively. "Of course it's okay sweetheart" he let go of Kathryn long enough to hug the little girl to him. He had been sad when Naomi had stopped talking to him, when his relationship with Seven had gone public. And now the crew was letting them know that they didn't need an explanation or apologies, they accepted it for what it was and were supportive of the commanding officers' relationship. He felt Kathryn kneel next to him and also hug the little girl.

Naomi closed her eyes as she whispered "I love you Captain". She wrapped her little arms around Kathryn's neck and softly whispered "I am so happy you and the Commander are getting married" she pulled backed and gave her a kiss before turning away and digging into her basket.

As Kathryn and Chakotay straightening up the wedding march music started and everyone turned, at attention as the two senior officers made there way to the front. Tom reached down to help the Captain up, taking everyone by surprise, he hugged the Captain tightly. "Thank you" he whispered making Kathryn tear up. He pulled away and made a show of looking her up and down, leering a her "And you make a beautiful bride" he kissed her cheek softly "Congratulations on finally marrying the big guy. You both deserve to be happy."

B'lanna couldn't help herself she reached for Chakotay and hugged him to her "Congratulations for finally getting your head out of your" he squeezed her tightly causing her to laugh "I am so happy for you and the Captain" she paused trying to dislodge the lumped that had suddenly lodged itself in her throat "I can't wait to see all the little Chakotay's running around" she whispered as she pulled away tears in her eyes at finally seeing her friend on the brink on happiness with the women he loved.

Tuvok stepped down drawing everyone's attention "Captain, Commander it is time." he said solemnly. The couple looked at each and then their crew where they were greeted by smiles finally they turned back to Tuvok nodding that they were ready.

"We are gathered"