Title: Hope
Author: SaRa
Rating: G

Disclaimer: On a day like today, does it really matter that Paramount owns them?
Author's note: For everyone -- we all need a little fluff and a little hope today. May those innocent people who were killed in today's attack rest in peace. (9/11/01)



In the darkness of the captain's quarters, Kathryn and Chakotay were snuggling on the couch, content to be alive.

Mere days ago, the Borg had attacked Voyager, seriously crippling the ship and injuring many crew members. Fortunately, there had been no fatalities. Excluding Janeway's command facade, that is.

At the bleakest moment, when all hope seemed lost, Kathryn had broken down and cried on Chakotay's shoulder. In between sobs, she had confessed her love to Chakotay. He had wrapped his arms around Kathryn and said, "Shhh. I love you, too. Everything is going to be all right, Kathryn, I promise you."

True to his promise, everything had turned out well. The ship was still in pieces, but not beyond repair. The crew was recovering quickly, and the command team's relationship had strengthened during the horrific days following the attack. Not only that, but it had become the beginnings of a romance. Kathryn now knew that dying without telling Chakotay of her love for him would be worse than any punishment Starfleet could inflict upon her.

As they sat on the couch, pressed closely together, Kathryn realized it was what she always wanted. Someone who she could trust and count on to love her and be there for her, no matter what the circumstances. Yes, this was true happiness, she decided.

Chakotay toyed with Kathryn's hair, knowing how relaxing it could be to feel fingers entangle themselves in one's hair. Occasionally he would braid several strands together, but always undid them, unhappy with the finished plait.

Kathryn's eyes slowly drifted closed and she relaxed more and more. She felt more content than she had ever felt before as she rested in Chakotay's arms.

"Kathryn, I think I should go. You're obviously tired and need sleep. These past days have been hell for you," Chakotay said, starting to stand.

Kathryn moaned. "No, Chakotay. Stay here tonight. Right here, on the couch. I don't want to lose this moment," she said, her voice heavy with sleep. As if this sentence had drained all of her remaining energy, Kathryn let her eyes close and her body go limp.

"All right, Kathryn, I'll stay with you," Chakotay replied, settling back into the cushions. If we could move forward in our relationship, Chakotay thought as he drifted off to sleep, for the crew and the ship, there is still hope.

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