Author's Note: Here it is the final chapter, sorry it took so long! Thanks for all the reviews :D This chapter is short but in my opinion sweet, soI hope you enjoy it :D

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Thanks

x

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The environment around didn't exist, everything else was unimportant compared to this rare bond that is very nearly visible between them. The air is filled with a tension that is edible, crackling with apprehension. Chakotay's eyes bore into her very soul, leaving nothing untouched or searched thoroughly. It was so intense that Kathryn just had to turn away, if she didn't she would be powerless to stop herself falling into his arms.

Kathryn was sure she felt a physical pain when she broke the eye contact, but she had to stand her ground, this sort of intimacy and dare she say love was just to dangerous to deal with. All of her concentration needed to be on her ship and crew not on a relationship that she was sure would be the most intense she had ever dealt with. She knew that if she lost him that she wouldn't be able to cope. All the other excuses she had used were just that, excuses. The reality of the situation is that she was scared.

As if he was reading her mind Chakotay asked, "What are you so afraid of Kathryn?" his tone was resigned and sounded defeated. "Now you're not even on speaking terms with me. Does anger make the situation easier to deal with?" Completely astounded by how correct he was Kathryn folded her arms across her chest and glared at him; basically proving his point but at this particular moment she didn't care she was to busy trying to keep all her defensive barriers up and stable.

Noticing her defensive position and her Captain's façade slipping back into place Chakotay resorted to extreme measures. He wanted to talk to Kathryn not the Captain and knowing that she wouldn't allow herself to back down he took three steps towards her so she could feel the heat of his body and he could feel hers. Like he predicted she didn't step back, but instead met his challenge. However he noticed that her hard eyes faulted slightly giving him a glimpse of the emotion inside.

"Chakotay I have given you my reasons and that's all there is to it." Kathryn stated with a slight waver in her voice, which caused her to inwardly curse herself. "I don't think we have anything else to talk about." She stepped passed him and took a step towards her bedroom, effectively ending the discussion.

Kathryn was able to make a few more steps before she felt his hands grab her shoulders and twist her around. She felt her anger boil through her and tried to struggle out of his grasp.

"Chakotay let me go!" She demanded weakly. Before she realised it she felt her back hit the wall, trapping her. She let out her breath to try and calm her turbulent emotions and refused to meet his eyes.

"Kathryn, you don't have to be afraid. We can do this, I know we can.I can make you happy if you just let me." He loosened his grip on her arms and lifted his hand to caress her cheek. Instead of pulling away Kathryn turned into his touch, her eyes still tightly closed. "Just give us a chance." He whispered.

Slowly Kathryn opened her eyes, as she did water spilled from the corners. Chakotay brought his other hand to her face and used his thumbs to wipe her cheeks. As she gazed into his eyes he allowed all of his emotions, every bit of love, devotion, respect and admiration to show. Kathryn lifted her hand to stroke his face, tracing his bottom lip with her thumb. She let her hand drop at the same time as her head bowed a soft cry escaping her lips. Her shoulders shook clearly indicating that she was crying.

"Kathryn…" Chakotay question quietly. As he watched he saw her head nod slightly, it was barely noticeable, but Chakotay always noticed everything about her.

"Okay." She whispered, Chakotay heard her take a shaky breath before she lifted her head slowly wearing a watery smile. "Okay."

Joy radiated from Chakotay's face forcing Kathryn to match his brilliant smile with one of her own. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer, with her hands resting against his chest.

"This isn't going to be easy." She whispered.

"I know."

"I'm really stubborn."

"I know." He chuckled, whilst rubbing his hand up and down her back gently. Kathryn slowly moved her arms to wrap around his neck, joining him in laughter. She became serious drawing her eyes to his.

"I do love you." She said so softly that he barely heard her. As a reply he placed his lips mere millimetres from hers. Before he claimed her lips in a tender kiss he whispered simply,

"I know."

The End

Please review and tell me what you think.:D

I am thinking about doing a sequel of sorts for this story, by writing my own versions of certain eps. Basics would be the next one. Please say if you think I should and if you have any other ideas for what eps i could use :D