He watched Tom and B'Elanna exit the holodeck. They were smiling. She had been holding Tom at arm's length but ever since the mission to the Sakari things had changed. She was seen in his company quite a lot. Tom walked away toward the bridge and B'Elanna was headed toward at turbolift. Acting on an impulse he caught up with her. He was a little concerned about the two of them but wasn't sure how to calm his own misgivings without giving offense.

"Care to share the ride?" he asked. She smiled as she nodded her assent as they entered the lift together.

"So you and Tom have been seeing quite a bit of each other lately. I thought you said you didn't want to be just another name on his list."

"That's what I thought it was at first. Who could blame me but...the truth is…" She hesitated as if she wasn't sure if she would proceed. "Computer, Halt Turbolift." She turned to Chakotay and lowered her voice.

"You're my friend and I know why you are asking. You're concerned about me so I'm going to tell you something that I haven't shared with anyone. When I was crazy with that horrible Pon Farr, when we were alone in the caves I thought Tom would be an easy mark. Not be hard to get...but the thing is...he turned me down. Said no."

"He did?"

"Yes! Said he wasn't going to do this when my judgement was clearly impaired. He was interested in me but he wasn't going to take advantage of the situation. The only reason he finally agreed is when he thought I was going to die. That was when I realized...he truly is a good guy and if he is willing to give me a chance with all my problems then...I'll give him the same chance. I don't know what will happen and it's a bit scary but the truth is...I do like being with him. He really is a good guy Chakotay.' She said. She looked happy. "Computer. Resume."

"Thank you for letting me know." Chakotay said. "It seems you are going into this with your eyes wide open. I honestly hope it works out. "

She exited when they got to Engineering. He was honored that she felt close enough to him to share what was going on in her life with him but her story only affirmed something he had found out for himself over the time they had spent on Voyager. All the misconceptions and half-truths were scraped away to the core. He had long ago accepted the truth.

"I agree B'Elanna." He said to himself as the lift took off. "Tom is a good guy."