Standard Disclaimer's: Do I really have to say it?
PG Closure to Today
...And Forever
When Kathryn awoke several hours later, she was shocked to find she had fallen asleep, especially on top of Chakotay. She started to pull away but stopped herself as his grasp tightened reflexively around her. She raised herself slowly and smiled as she looked into his sleeping face. She realized then the reflex was simply his way of holding her, keeping her close, protecting her even in sleep. Something in her melted at the peaceful, contented expression on his face. She folded her hands on his chest and lay her head on top of then, studying the nuances of the sleeping man. Her hand crept up and swept away a lock of hair lying lazily against his brow. She was overwhelmed by a sense of tenderness. As she studied him, her thoughts drifted back. When had she actually fallen in love with him? It seemed she had loved him forever. She had been attracted to him from the moment she had seen him, but it hadn't been love. He had grown on her, much as Mark had, until she was completely in love with him, and denying it in her heart. Mark, she hadn't thought of him in a while. A good friend her Mark, much as Chakotay was now. She had loved him, loved him still, but with Chakotay there was more, so much more.
She focused back in on his face and smiled. Once more she raised her hand, this time trace the tattoo on his forehead. Her fingers traced the lines of his face, marveling at the strength and the texture. She never noticed as his eyes fluttered open. Her fingers settled on his lips, tracing the supple flesh.
She continued her caress, absently now, thinking again to all he gave her. Time, gentle understanding, love and devotion, never asking more than she could give. Friendship. All of these things worth their weight in gold. Why had she not noticed it before? When had she settled in accepting things the way she made them, refusing possibilities? She, who lived for possibilities. Her eyes closed, as she realized all she had mentioned she missed, was lying under her. She felt him shift, and glanced up, meeting his eyes. Her eyes widened briefly,
then she glanced down at her hand still stroking his lips. Her eyes met his over the curious digits and she sighed, suddenly afraid. Her voice came out in a whisper, but he heard enough to make his heart pound. "Do you still wish things were different between us?"
He glanced down at her hand and smiled. One of his came up to grasp hers, and he opened it and kissed her palm. "Always."
"Will you promise to love me when we're old and gray? Will you promise to always be my best friend and confidant? My lover? Will you always be mine?"
He eyes were filled with emotion as he kissed her palm again. "Yes… will you?"
She leaned in, her mouth meeting his in a tender kiss, one of promise. "Forever."
~Fin