Disclaimer: I don't own the characters -- they're the property of Paramount.

Author's Note: This is based on a short Abby/Carter scene from the season finale of ER. But extremely loosely based! Thanks to my Sis, Lissa, for encouraging me to finish this one, and also, making me write when I was threatening to give up completely. Also, huge thanks to Loz, who is faithfully online every Wednesday night at 9 to "dissect" the latest ER episode. Feedback would be appreciated. :)

Dedication: Laura -- could you please tell Syla that this one's for her? Thanks, hon. ;)

Kathryn sipped tentatively at the small flask containing freshly brewed coffee. Small swirls of steam rose from the beverage, rising into the cool morning air. Shivering, Kathryn placed her half-empty flask on the bench, and pulled her well-padded jacket tighter around her, and huddled her shoulders closer together underneath the thick layer, before picking up the flask of coffee again.

Next to her, Chakotay watched, slightly concerned at her sensitivity to the chilly winter breeze. He knew only too well that he worried about her far too much. But after seven years on Voyager, Chakotay had grown accustomed to watching out for Kathryn constantly.

It was cold, even for autumn. They were seated on a small bench, alongside the river-front. Fresh waves of brown leaves fell every now and then, falling slowly to the floor with every new gust of wind. Small ducks braved the wind out on the river in front of them, bobbing on the water's rough surface.

Around them, the hustle and bustle of everyday life was evident, people going about their daily lives. Some were clearly in a great hurry, others strolling along without a care in the world. Many stopped at the small water-front café's for a late breakfast, or for a quick coffee, and lively chatter could be heard all the way alongside the river.

"I talked to Mark last night," Kathryn said finally, turning to face Chakotay. The wind whipped her hair back into her face, and she raised a hand to brush it aside.

"And…?" Chakotay probed.

Kathryn let out a huge sigh. "And nothing. I don't know what to do, Chakotay. I care about him… but sometimes we seem like such different people, from two very different worlds. I just don't know if we can make this work."

Chakotay thought for a moment. "But you managed to make it work before, Kathryn."

"That was before, though," Kathryn reminded him. "A lot changes in seven years, Chakotay. We've both changed… for the better, I think, but nevertheless, changed. We're not the same Kathryn and Mark who fell in love eight years ago."

"Have you tried telling him this?" Chakotay asked, causing Kathryn to sigh heavily again.

"I can't explain it to him," Kathryn said, shaking her head firmly. "He wouldn't understand, Chakotay." She let out a feeble laugh. "It's ridiculous… A man as intelligent as Mark, degrees in Philosophy, and yet, he couldn't understand what goes on in his former fiancee's head."

"A crime I'd imagine a lot of men are guilty of," Chakotay responded with a grin.

Kathryn laughed. "You understand, Chakotay… why doesn't he?" Her eyes closed for a second as she inhaled the aroma of the coffee, savouring the smell.

"He's not me," Chakotay said quietly.

Kathryn opened her eyes, and looked at him. "No, he's not," she agreed, in an equally quiet tone.

Chakotay looked away, over at the river. He had always found the flow of water particularly calming, and he was glad now for the sound of the lapping waves. "Kathryn, I don't think you should be telling me this."
Kathryn blinked. "Why not?"

"I'm not one of your female friends," he pointed out. "I'm not your sister, or B'Elanna, or your Mother."

"So?" Kathryn failed to see his point.

Chakotay sighed, and took a deep breath, realising he was going to have to be blunt. "I don't want to be your friend," he finally stated. "And I don't want to have to listen to you talk about him, while I secretly hope for the possibility that you might split up to become a reality. Kathryn, I…" He stood up, unsure of what to say.

Kathryn gazed into the distance, stunned at his confession. Her eyes fixed on the opposite riverbank, though she paid little attention to the scenery, still attempting to absorb this information.

Chakotay took a deep breath, shifting his weight nervously. He gazed at her beautiful red hair, her head bent over her coffee. Although it was impossible for him to see her facial expressions, he knew her well enough to have a fair idea of the thoughts that were rushing through her head.

He could have kicked himself for allowing him to voice his feelings now, of all times. For putting Kathryn -- his Kathryn -- in this awkward position. Chakotay knew all too well that he should have continued to keep his true feelings hidden. Or at least leave the words unspoken. He was aware that she knew -- she had to have had some idea of his feelings for her.

But he had come too far now. He had said too much to back out. Taking yet another deep breath, Chakotay finally managed to put his feelings into words.

"I love you."

For a moment, it appeared as though time had stopped for Kathryn. The harsh wind blowing against her face went unnoticed, and she was oblivious to any noise around her. Drawing in a shaky breath, she tightened her grip on the coffee cup, trying to take in and accept what Chakotay had just said.

There was no obvious reaction from Kathryn. To the casual observer, it might have appeared that she hadn't heard his words. But Chakotay knew her. He knew that she was allowing it to sink in.

"I'll give you some time," he mumbled, turning away quickly. Walking away as fast as he could, he hoped she would appreciate his attempts to give her some space, and time to think.

Walking faster, Chakotay knew he'd done the right thing. And he also knew that he'd be happy whatever her decision. Just so long as she was happy.

After all, he loved her.