Originally I was a Janeway Chakotay shipper, then I read some pretty good Janeway Paris fic and swayed between the two ships. But was always uncomfortable with a foot in each camp. I realize now those J/P ships painted Chakotay in a bad light; as boring and lacking in taking action with Janeway, and thus a coward. This story has righted my Voyager Universe back to all my original observations of Chakotay’s character. He was complex and layered, angry warrior aside he was an excellent XO, a devoted friend and a man certain of his own beliefs rooted in his own morality. This better ending of the story brings us all back to the beginning of Voyager’s journey and settles down all the missteps of plot and character along the way (Chakotay and Seven never ever made any sense to me). This gently woven story is by far my favorite Voyager fanfic ever. Thank you for understand the depths of the characters and their relationship and rendering them so beautifully embracing a new future— together. I saw there is a sequel which I will eventually read, but for now I just want to soak in this story’s goodness for a while. (And now I’m going to have to go read Elliot. I have never been one for poetry but darn it you may have changed my mind on that. Maybe I’ve been missing some really good writing and I never knew it until now, until this.)
This story is beautifully written; pacing, perspective, longing, restraint, always advancing through action and dialog, and not just telling. In writing we create so much better when we “show, don’t tell.”
Well done, well done, well done. Thank you.

Excellent! This was wonderful!

Of the hundreds of fanfics I have read over the years - this is my favorite. Elegant original plot, perfect characterization, flow pacing - the works. Laura W. - whoever you are - “Thank you,” this story is a treasure.

This is lovely. This should have happened! Thank you for writing it.

This fic is EVERYTHING I needed! I did watch Endgame and was completely distraught. I loved how this story had Chakotay really talk about his emotional journey, realizing he and 7 didn't fit together...and then he was the one who took the reins and righted the wrong by asking Janeway to marry him.

Nice story...I could just keep reading and reading this and enjoy it a lot. Hope there is more, want to know what happens next...

This may just be my favorite thing on this whole darn website. Thank you so much for sharing the story with us!

Still the most exquisite Voyager piece ever written. Elegant, concise, perfect pacing, poignant and full of all the complexity, humor and love we came to expect of these two. Thank you.

Didn't expect the proposal, but it worked so brilliantly! And I'm happy with the way you portrayed Chakotay's thought process, especially the whole "a younger man" comparison. He knows Captain Janeway so well.

I just loved pretty much everything about this story! I loved the realisation they needed to go back to voyager, I adored the walk around voyager and I cheered at his realisation and proposal.
Perfection.

That was brilliant! The subplots were perfect and the way you so smoothly wove them together was truly inspired. An exquisite story, gentle and full of enduring love and passion. A story worthy of seven years of build-up, and worthy of these two extraordinary people. "Thanks, thanks, and ever thanks!"

I love this story!
You write so beautifully, it's amazing!

Lovely. Beautifully done.

I absolutely loved this story. Great Endgame-fixer (which are so desperately needed, haha). The interactions between Janeway and Chakotay were perfect, and I loved Andrew and Clarence. Totally perfect ending, too. Great job!

Head canon accepted.

This was beautiful and perfect and I would love to see how the next 24 hours play out... or an epilogue... But maybe this fic was the epilogue. I love the way you write. It's beautiful!