by Dakota

After the reception for Tom and B'Elanna, Chakotay and Kathryn made their way to their quarters to change. As the turbolift door closed, he asked, "Your comment about the champagne intrigued me. What did you mean?"

"Nothing more than I said."

"No, I know when what you say has a hidden meaning."

The lift doors opened and they turned down the corridor toward their quarters.

"I really was just talking about the bubbles. Honest."

Chakotay stopped as they reached her door and stared her in the eyes. "Then look me in the eyes and tell me you didn't mean anything else."

Kathryn's eyes met his but then turned toward the door. She stepped close enough to trigger it and stepped through. She waited until it had closed behind them, then turned to face Chakotay but didn’t look at him.

"Before you came over, I'd been thinking about how my life was like the bubbles. Just like a bubble rising in the glass of champagne, I spent my life working to get my own ship only to have the bubble burst when I attained my goal. It happened before with Justin and again with Mark. Every time I reach a goal or think my life is finally settled, something happens and it all disappears.

"Now I'm like those bubbles at the bottom of the glass – unwilling to make the effort, unwilling to take the risk of having my bubble burst if I try to be happy again."

"So, you're one of the bubbles at the bottom of my glass?"

Kathryn nodded as she finally looked up at Chakotay. Chakotay leaned forward to kiss her gently.

"I told you, the bubbles at the bottom are the best but I didn't tell you they're the ones that don't burst." He smiled. "Ready to make that journey to the top yet?"

Kathryn nodded as she stretched to meet Chakotay's lips. As he pulled her closer, he murmured, "Mmm, even sweeter than champagne."