After  flying down that chute toting a phaser rifle and determined to
blast her men out of that Akritirian prison if she had to, Janeway
accompanied Tom and Harry to sickbay.  When she finally returned to the
bridge, the First Officer couldn't help but notice how she would not
meet his eyes.  His worse fears were confirmed.

"They are in pretty bad shape, Chakotay," she softly told him.  "You're
going to have to give him time."  Then, she gently added, "Take the
rest of the day off."

Chakotay was only half aware of thanking the Captain as he left the
bridge as quickly as decorum would allow.  He found Tom in his quarters
alone and in seconds he had the younger man in his arms.  Tom melted
into those strong bronze arms, eyes closed firmly, surrendering to
their strength and love and Chakotay wished they could stand just so
forever.

A gentle push from Tom caused Chakotay to loosen his embrace but he did
not release the younger man.  As he looked into Tom's eyes, Chakotay
realized that the throbbing of every nerve in his own body was fear.

"We need to talk, Cha."

"Not now.  Not until you're ready.  You need to rest."

"No.  Now." 

As Chakotay stood there patiently, fighting the urge to hug Tom
fiercely, Tom continued, "In that prison....  You can't imagine what it
was like.  I thought I was going to die.  If it hadn't been for
Harry.... 

"Before I was stabbed, well, we made a damn good team.  We didn't know
we were on a space station, had already started planning an escape."

Tom fell silent and Chakotay didn't dare breathe, didn't dare move.

"He's my best friend. We have always loved each other in a way but
now....   I think I only understand now just what Harry means to me."

"Tom, you need to rest, give yourself time.  These feelings are only
natural after an ordeal like this..."  he cursed the desperation he
heard in his own voice and could not surpress the panic as Tom shook
his head.

"I think it's more than that,"  Tom began and he pushed Chakotay a
little harder, escaping the embrace that threatened to tighten again.


Tom looked out on the stars moving lazily by and softly said,  "You're
probably right that I need some time.   Maybe I do need to work out
exactly what I feel for Harry.  But I think I know and I think he has
the same feelings for me."

Were his lungs still working?  How was it that his heart was still
beating?  Tom, Chakotay saw, expected a response but thought was
impossible through the pain that wrapped itself around his soul. 

He whispered, "Tom, you know I...."

"I know."

When he heard the doors close behind the Commander, Tom sobbed quietly
and in the  corridors that led to his quarters, the few crew members
Chakotay passed thought  perhaps it was fatigue which left its mark on
the First Officer's normally composed features.
*****

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