Author's Note: This is my first fanfic. It's rather fluffy. I honestly don't even know where half the things I write come from. It's still a WIP. The first couple of chapters are on the shorter side but do get longer. I'm about half way done and will continue to publish chapters until I am finished. I promise to be done by Christmas (even if it means losing sleep).

Also, this was lovingly written for my buddy intrepidclass as a Christmas gift. I don't think I would have written fanfic otherwise. She has provided me with many suggestions/inspiration and pointed out typos and what not. However, any other errors are mine.

As of right now the story is rated T. It may be rated more than that later, but I haven't decided yet.

As for dates, I'm using a guide from trekguide (if you want the direct link, please message me). According to them, Voyager arrived in the Alpha Quadrant May 2378. The dates aren't really important. Just go with it.

Just You, Just Me

Prologue

December 2379

A chilly breeze caressed Chakotay's face as he sat on the patio of his backyard. It felt wonderful against his skin, even if it was rather cold. After all those years breathing recycled air on Voyager, Chakotay no longer took those simple things for granted and made an effort to enjoy the minor aspects of life.

It was Christmas Eve and a lot of former Voyager crewmembers had gathered to celebrate the occasion. It was the second Christmas holiday since their unexpected return to the Alpha Quadrant. Most of the crew had new assignments within Starfleet, or at the Academy, and some were working on independent projects, but no matter what they were currently doing with their lives, they had managed to make time to gather on this cool, yet sunny, afternoon.

Chakotay casually observed his surroundings as he sat away from most of the excitement. There was a time, while still on Voyager, he felt they were never going to make it back to Earth. Every time the ship endured an attack, either from the Kazon, the Hirogen, or the Borg, Chakotay felt their end was near. Those weren't the ideal thoughts to have as a First Officer, but there were times when optimism was hard to come by. However, he was always glad he had Kathryn's friendship throughout their voyage. They kept each other balanced and in control. They had been a perfect match from the get-go, even if they had some stumbles along the way.

Chakotay took a deep breath and closed his eyes. There was a time he was certain he would never have Kathryn's friendship again. He was sure their return to Earth was the end of their camaraderie. He pushed those troubled thoughts away as soon as they began to sneak into his mind. He didn't need to have negative feelings creeping around on this joyous day.

As he reopened his eyes he noticed Kathryn observing him from a distance. She looked stunning. He smiled at her and she returned the gesture. She was standing in the yard while having a conversation with B'Elanna. But from Chakotay's perspective, it didn't seem as if B'Elanna was even aware of Kathryn's distraction, since she was pretty distracted herself. Miral, who was now over a year and half old, was pulling her mother's arm in the opposite direction. B'Elanna was trying to keep the toddler from hoisting her away. She eventually gave up and let go of the child's hand. Chakotay couldn't help but chuckle as he watched Miral clumsily run toward her father and grab onto his leg. Tom, who was talking to Harry and Michael Ayala, looked startled at first, but picked the little girl up and cradled her in his arms.

Chakotay continued glancing around from one group of people to the next. The Doctor was talking to Reg Barclay. Reg wasn't exactly a former member of Voyager, but the crew had given him the title of honorary member. He was somewhat responsible for their arrival home anyhow. Tal Celes and Billy Telfer were gazing in each other's eyes and whispering to one another while laughing. The young couple looked quite content, Chakotay noticed. Dalby and Chell were having some sort of intense conversation because there were very drastic hand gestures being thrown about. Chell was always such a…distinct character, he noted.

Chakotay finally returned his gaze toward Kathryn. He couldn't help but think how lucky he was to have her in his life. He was happy. They were happy. Everything he had ever wanted had now been realized. There were days he honestly thought it was all a dream. Like the time they had trapped inside the telepathic pitcher plant. He would always shake those memories quickly away. Not even that entity could get it this perfect, he thought.

As Chakotay continued to let his mind wander, he couldn't help but let his thoughts travel to the moment they returned to Earth. So much had happened in the months since then. So many things could have occurred differently. If they had, he was certain his life would not be as perfect as it currently was.