Post Script
Summary: While going through Joe Carey's belongings, Kathryn finds herself the recipient of some unexpected advice.
Characters: Janeway, Chakotay
Codes: Janeway/Chakotay
Disclaimer: Characters are Paramount's. No infringement intended.
Notes: From @ariella884’s prompt: “Pick one character and have them call out JC on their feelings/attraction for one another.” See what other writers have come up with at the Outside Perspectives collection on AO3.
Rated K
“What’s that?”
He speaks quietly, as befitting the occasion; still, it startles me. I shove the padd guiltily into a drawer.
Chakotay’s smile brings warmth to haunted eyes. “Now I’m curious.”
Reluctant, I hand him the padd. “I suppose you should read it, too. It’s addressed to both of us.”
I watch his face change as he scans the words.
Don’t take what you have for granted.
Joe’s final words.
“Kathryn,” says Chakotay, eyes guarded. “You don’t have to –”
“I want to,” I blurt. “Joe was right. Life’s too short –”
His kiss is the best kind of interruption.