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Bookstores weren't very common in the 24th century. PADDs and replicators rendered them obsolete. Still, there were a few, generally frequented by people who loved the old-fashioned aspect of literature. It seemed Kathryn was one of those people.
The alien bookstore was massive. The shelves towered so high even the unusually tall race of the planet needed ladders to reach the highest books. The room itself was large and airy. Comfortable reading nooks were scattered around every corner.
Kathryn wandered through the store in open amazement. She slowly made her way between the shelves, admiring the ornately bound books. It didn't seem to matter to her that she couldn't read the spiky script on the spines.
Chakotay watched her with a small smile on his face. He loved seeing her like this, so in awe of something new. The rapped look on her face was wonderful to see.
As she studied the books, he studied her. Her usually perfectly styled hair was tousled, the ends curling more than usual due to the planet's humidity. It was late in the day, and her make up had begun to wear off, letting her freckles peek through.
She was beautiful.
Her eyes flickered towards him, lighting up with her smile when she saw he was looking at her.
Knowing he was caught, he offered her a sheepish smile. He wondered if she could see his heart beating on his sleeve. He didn't think he was capable of hiding how much he adored her—how much he loved her.
Her grin widened, and she reached over to give his hand a quick squeeze before resuming her stroll through the towering shelves. He followed after her happily, relishing the ghost of her fingers around his. He might not be able to say anything, but he felt confident she knew.
And so did he.