Chapter 16

After the vision quest, Kathryn was still not sure if she was ready to "follow her heart" as the gecko had urged her to do. She knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that she loved Chakotay with all of her heart and soul. Could she move beyond the parameters and give him her heart despite all of the risks it entailed.

After carefully putting her medicine bundle away, Kathryn stretched out on her couch and started reading more off the PADD on pregnancy. She found she could not keep her mind focused on the text. After having to reread the passage for the third time, she set the PADD aside.

If only things weren't so complicated; every fiber of her being longed to be with Chakotay. The gecko had told her to follow her heart. Did she dare risk loving again? Out here where there was no certainty of surviving from one day to the next.

She walked over to the replicator; it was time for her afternoon snack. She replicated some applesauce and a glass of milk. She took it back to the couch and sat down to eat it as she considered what she should do.

When his shift ended, Chakotay left for his quarters. He had not heard from Kathryn all afternoon. Hopefully, she was getting some rest. He was going to continue to follow his father's advice and use actions to show her just how much she meant to him.

An entry request chirp at her door drew Kathryn out of her musings. "Come," she said standing up slowly.

Chakotay entered with one hand behind his back. "Did you enjoy your afternoon off?" he asked with a bright smile.

"Yes I did," she replied as she tried to catch a glimpse of what might be behind his back.

He turned slightly, and then held out a red rose to her. "A rose for a lovely lady," he said warmly.

She reached out and took the rose, letting her fingers linger on his hand for a few seconds. "Thank you, Chakotay," she replied with a bright smile. Her stomach chose that moment to rumble loudly causing them both to laugh.

"Sounds like someone's hungry," chuckled Chakotay. "May I escort you to the Mess Hall to get some supper?"

She shifted the rose to her left hand and slipped her right hand through his arm. "Lead the way, I'm starving and so is our little one."

Chakotay's hearted soared as she keep hold of his arm as they strolled down the corridor to the turbolift. This was the first time since their return from New Earth that she had touched him outside of quarters or sickbay. Hope stirred in his innermost being that things would work out for both of them.

Kathryn felt happier than she had in weeks. Chakotay had not tried to disengage once they got in the corridor. This was a good sign, a very good sign.

They entered the mess hall and walked up to the serving area. Members of the crew smiled and went on eating. Now that it appeared that the command team was dropping barriers, they were determined not to do anything that impede this progress.

"Captain, Commander," began Neelix in his usual cheery manner. "I have a splendid selection of salads tonight along with 3 main dishes to choose from. I hope you enjoy you meal. I also have arrowberry pie for desert."

"Thank you, Neelix," they replied as they made their selections. Once their trays were ready, Kathryn released Chakotay's arm after giving it a quick squeeze. They picked their trays up and walked over to an empty table.

As soon as she was seated, Kathryn picked up her coffee and inhaled steam that was wafting up from the hot liquid as Chakotay watched in amusement. She took a long drink and sat the mug back down. "That hits the spot." she said with a contented sigh. "I was thinking it would be nice to go to Sandrine's tonight and play a little pool." She let her eyes twinkle at him. "Feel like getting beaten tonight?"

He gave her a wicked grin. "Don't be too sure of yourself, I've improved my game."

"You're on," she said with a chuckle. She turned toward where Tom, B'Elanna, and Harry sat a few tables away. "I'll take on anyone who's up the challenge."

Tom flashed a smile at both of them. "We'll be there." The three friends smiled at each other. They knew her statement meant she wanted everyone to feel welcome to join them on the holodeck. Things were looking very good indeed.

Later that evening, Chakotay walked Kathryn back to her quarters. They had truly enjoyed themselves tonight. The crew members that had joined them in Sandrine's had shown their complete support by their actions. He had not seen Kathryn this happy or relaxed in weeks. They paused at her door. He could tell she was really sleepy.

"I can see that you're sleepy. Maybe you should go ahead and go to bed," he suggested gently.

"You have a good point, Chakotay. As much as I'd love to visit a bit more, I'm afraid I'd fall asleep on your shoulder again before we even had a chance to talk five minutes. As comfortable as those shoulders are…" she trailed off, letting her sparkling eyes and teasing grin convey whatever message he chose to interpret.

"My shoulders are always glad to serve as your pillow when the need arises." He placed a hand on her shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. She moved her hand to cover his ever so briefly then keyed in the code to open her door.

"Want to pick me up for breakfast in the morning," she asked.

"I wouldn't miss it," he answered. "Sleep well; I'll see you at 0700."

In her quarters, Kathryn felt quite content as she got ready for bed. She had let her barriers down a bit with wonderful results. They could and would make this work out.

In his quarters Chakotay felt totally at peace. Kathryn's actions tonight convinced him they were on the right track and would soon come together as they had been on New Earth. His Woman Warrior would be his mate.