Disclaimer : I don't own the characters. If I did, I wouldn't need to write this.

Authors Note : I don't know where this came from. Just a crazy idea I had at 11pm, and it was either do this, or revise. And considering that it was me we're talking about -- I wrote. Feedback would be nice.

Dedication : To my Cyber Sissa Lissa. Luv you, hon!

"Kathryn?"

His soft yet questioning tone indicates that he needs an answer. The bridge crew are all staring at me, urging me to speak. Harry's mouth is gaping open -- he never seems to see anything coming. On the viewscreen, Owen Paris is holding his breath.

I gaze deep into his eyes. I scarcely know what to say… This was so unexpected. All my life, I've planned everything. I'm not good at improvisation and living in the moment.

Of course, having been stranded in the Delta Quadrant for the past seven years, I've had to adapt. I've learnt to take whatever life throws at me as it comes. But now I'm out of my depth.

Naturally, I know what my answer will be. I knew it from the very second he spoke. But can I ever convey as much emotion, as much love, and as much feeling into one word as I wish I could?

I wish he knew what I was feeling right now. Sometimes I wonder if he really can read my mind. I've lost count of the number of times his perception has astounded me.

But I wish he knew just what I am feeling as this moment. So we could just forget about words. He'd require no words, because he'd already know my answer.

I feel torn. Part of me feels like I'm in way over my head, spiralling out of control at warp speed. But the other part feels completely in control, because I know that with just one word, he can be mine forever.

I should be thinking rationally. Maybe this isn't right? And what will Mom say when she finds out he's a former criminal -- uh… Rebel, Kathryn, Rebel is the word.

No. No! Kathryn, you're not going to give in to your stupid, stupid doubts! For once, you're going to be selfish, and you're going to indulge. You're going to give the answer that you want to give. Don't worry about what your Mother will say -- she'll cope. Hell, she'll probably be too excited at the possibility of Grandchildren to worry about a small thing like a record.

Grandchildren? Grandchildren?! Kathryn, you're getting a bit ahead of yourself, aren't you? I mean, you haven't even given that poor man his answer yet, and your mind has already jumped to Grandchildren?

Kathryn, you're turning into your Mother.

Hmm, he's starting to look a little worried now. Maybe he's really nervous as to what I'm going to say. Or maybe he really can read my mind, and overheard that bit about Grandchildren.

Or maybe he just started to consider the fact that he'll have to deal with my caffeine addiction for the rest of our lives. And that's before you even get onto the rest of my faults, like my love of artefacts to clutter up my quarters with. Or my general untidiness.

I can see why he might be looking a little nervous. I can understand why he might not want to spend the rest of his life with me, considering that. Hell, I wouldn't want to spend the rest of my life with me!

Ah well, it's too late. He's now stuck with me for good, because I know exactly what my answer will be. Okay. I must give this man his answer! I mean, he's waited 7-years already. It's hardly fair to make him wait any longer. I'm trying to sum up the courage to say it, I really am, but I can't quite say that word.

One word. That's all I have to say -- one word. And yet, I'm afraid. Well, not afraid. I love him… I trust him… I can see a future for us. A real future. But I just can't quite bring myself to say the word. One word… just one word will secure my happiness… just one word.
And I can't say it.

I wonder what he's thinking about. It's funny -- but they say that you can always tell what a person is thinking by their eyes. But he has the deepest, most expressive eyes that I have ever seen. And yet, I never know what he is thinking.

I wonder if he's doubting my ability to give the answer he wants. Or if he's thinking the same things as I am right now. I wonder if he's wondering if I'm thinking the same things he is right now. Heck, this is getting confusing.

Or maybe he's just reading my damn mind again.

I'm taking a deep breath. I spot a faint glimmer of hope on his face.

I feel myself smile as I finally say the word.

"Yes."

The bridge crew begin to cheer, and I feel my eyes fill with tears as he slips the ring gently onto the fourth finger of my left hand.

And for some reason, as Chakotay kisses me tenderly, I'm not thinking anymore.