Seven of Nine walked purposefully down the corridors of Voyager en route to the captain's ready room. With her regeneration complete, logically she needed a place to sleep. Cargo Bay 2 wasn't exactly private. She went to discuss it with Captain Janeway, but personal space wasn't the only thing on her mind.

"Come in." Janeway called out as she heard the chimes. Secretly, she'd been expecting Seven's arrival.

"Good morning, Captain. I have a request--" Before she could launch into her compilation of convincing arguments, Janeway handed her a PADD. Seven stopped and examined the text.

"Is this what you wanted to ask me about?" It was a manifest of crew's quarters. "A little bird told me you'd outgrown your alcove." She smiled warmly.

"Yes, it's true." Seven puzzled for a moment. "A little bird?"

"Just an expression. I was already informed and thought it would be a nice surprise. You're all set."

"I see. Thank you, Captain." She was indeed grateful, but the sudden gesture caught her off guard. She stood silent for a moment staring at the PADD.

"Is there something wrong, Seven?" She asked pausing before sipping her coffee.

Seven looked up abruptly. "No. This is sufficient." She turned to go but stopped short. She'd been wanting to ask the captain about something. "Captain," then she said in a softer tone, "may I ask a personal question?"

"Go ahead," she said with slight reservation.

"Why do we find it necessary to be in love in order to mate?" Her jaw tightened and her eyes cast down. She'd come to a mental deadlock on the matter. She couldn't decide the reason one needed the other.

Janeway chewed on that one for a moment and replied, "It isn't necessary for the act to take place. Fact of the matter is that many people do it just for gratification. It's innate for humans to love, be it a spouse or child or friend." A thought occurred to her.

"You know I hope to have this same talk with my daughter, if I ever have one. It's important for you to understand what love is more than it's purpose in procreation. When you find someone that you want to be with for the rest of your life it's more than a contract to mate. It's finding a companion, a person you want to raise those children with and someone who'll be with you after those children have grown up. When you're truly in love, life becomes...better than what it was before you met them. You can't imagine life before or without them."

Seven was enthralled with interest. "How does one know when they're in love?"

Smiling, the captain said, "That's the hard part. Falling in love is easy but determining if it's the real thing may take getting hurt--emotionally--to find out. It happens to all of us at one time or another, so I'm sure you'll find out soon enough."

"It seems detrimental to have these feelings if one can only hope that it's real." Seven said not feeling any better.

"It's a part of life to go through it and truly worth every minute. I don't have the definitive answer, but I've been in love enough times to know how it's supposed to work. I only wish I understood it myself. Getting back to your original question, making love to the person you are in love with is far better. Otherwise, it's an empty act."

Seven nodded and considered these things for a moment. She started out the door and suddenly remembered her manners. "Thank you, Captain."

The captain nodded and returned to her work. She paused sadly, wondering if she'd ever have a chance to have a daughter to have that conversation with. They might all be family on Voyager, but sometimes she wished for the real thing back home. Soon enough, she told herself sharply.

* * *

Seven quickly found her new quarters. Looking around she saw that it was normal Starfleet regulation décor, monochromatic and sparse at best.

"This is sufficient," she thought to herself.

She ordered a cup of tea from the replicator. It was a beverage that Neelix had introduced to her and she'd discovered it wasn't unpleasant. She sat down to contemplate her new living space.

"Sonic shower, bathroom components, clothing apparatus, bed, chairs, table, computer console,..." she mentally catalogued.

Seven finished her tea and prepared to rest. Removing the clasp that secured her hair and removing her boots, she lay down on the bed.

She soon decided that this was not comfortable. Tossing and turning, Seven tried to relax. She tried every possible sleeping position to no avail.

"This is bothersome," she complained aloud. Perhaps her clothing was inappropriate, she thought, searching the database for sleepwear. She decided upon a gown and had it replicated.

Seven changed apparel and tried again. She lay there and stared at the ceiling for what seemed like hours. Finally giving up on sleep she went to her display and did research. Before she knew it her alarm signal went off, she was to get ready for her shift. Still unrested and frustrated, she showered and dressed in a new suit.

After resecuring her hair, she put on her customary cosmetics and frowned at herself in the mirror. She'd failed at sleeping. Since humans often failed it was only natural that it would happen to her on occasion and she tried to except that fact. Nonetheless, she hated it. So much for perfection, she thought and left for her shift.

* * *

"Computer, activate Emergency Medical Program. Doctor, I request to speak to you." Seven of Nine said as she entered sickbay.

"State the--Hello, Seven, what can I do for you?" He was genuinely pleased to see her.

"In the event that my regeneration process no longer requires extended periods, the captain has granted my request for quarters."

"Good for you, Seven" he said. "My request has been ignored as usual" the doctor muttered to himself. He had a desk, why shouldn't he have a place to retire? He turned his attention back to her.

"And there is a problem?" he suggested. He noticed a weary and uncomfortable look in her eyes.

"I am yet to attain a state of repose." She paused and added, "I have tried on numerous occasions and failed. I request to be sedated."

"Having trouble sleeping..." he mused.

"I have never slept before." she added blankly.

"I see. I would like to refrain from using sedatives right now as you might become dependent. Perhaps a more natural remedy would suffice. The captain once told me of an old earth remedy, warm milk."

She wrinkled her nose at the thought. "Couldn't I resume regenerating in my alcove?"

"I'm afraid not. It wouldn't have any effect after we've deactivated your uplink. Reinitializing it would be detrimental to your health." Sensing her wavering patience he continued with suggestions.

"There are other remedies, of course. I'm glad you came to me instead of Mr. Neelix. He would no doubt have you ingesting some concoction that would have you right back here, and worse for wear."

"What ever you suggest, Doctor." she said feeling slightly annoyed at the delayed-gratification aspect.

He went to stir up something while she looked on nervously.

* * *

The next day...

Chief Medical Officer's Log (Supplemental)

Seven of Nine remains to have a condition of insomnia to which I have tried every recourse and countermeasure. None of my treatments have had any favorable results. I am uneager to admit it, but I am at an ends with my database.

"Doctor, are you here?" Seven said as she walked into sickbay.

"Why, Seven, what a pleasant surprise. How are you feeling?" he said standing up from his desk chair.

"Doctor, what is the reason for your change in personality? You are aware of the problems with making alterations to your program?" She looked skeptical. The Doctor seemed uncharacteristically cheerful.

The Doctor frowned in defeat. Obviously his change in demeanor was too noticeable. That wasn't the response he'd been looking for.

"The captain has said my bedside manner is still...lacking. So, I have uploaded some files on the subject and I am trying to connect to the patient on a personal level. I have to admit it is a struggle." he smiled, "And I'm glad it's you and not a more difficult crewmember."

"Thank you, Doctor" she said. "Have you determined an efficient solution to my problem?"

"Not yet. It's odd that the simplest of things like insomnia have plagued mankind for millennia and no one has found a sufficient cure. I'm sure there's no cause for concern yet. I plan to talk to the other crewmembers and find a remedy that works rather than looks good on file. I've discovered that many of my patients respond to more...metaphysical treatments." He saw the defeated look on her face and took a step closer. Putting his hand on her shoulder, he caught her eyes and said, "I promise to help you. What my main concern is your ability to carry out your duties without doing any harm. You are in a compromised state."

"Do not concern yourself with my work performance. I am quite able to manage my duties." He looked unconvinced. "It is true that I am weakened, but I am aware of my limitations. I will not put myself in any dangerous situations."

"Alright, but I want you to check in with me periodically so I can monitor your progress. I wouldn't want you to pass out in engineering and damage yourself. I didn't want to have to do this, but for now I will sedate you in order to let your body rejuvenate. Now that it's helping itself it is of the utmost importance that you have a regular REM sleep regiment." He reached for his hypospray. "I will have to accompany you to your quarters to administer the sedative," he cocked a sarcastic eyebrow at her, "unless you'd rather sleep here in a biobed?"

"Fine. Follow me, I am on Deck 6." She was ready to get rid of this sluggish feeling. It was effecting her functions, concentrating, and at the very least was disturbing.

The Doctor grabbed his holoemitter and followed her out the door to the lift. When they arrived at her quarters, she immediately prepared like she had before, removing her boots and letting down her hair. She got into bed and looked up at the Doctor.

"When shall I return for sedation?" She noticed he was distracted for a moment, but when she spoke quickly returned to her attention.

"I am still hoping for a less addictive solution. I will keep trying and you will see me in sickbay tomorrow evening." he leaned over to inject her.

"Good night, Doctor." she said, her lids becoming heavy.

"Sweet dreams." he said quietly. He noticed how peaceful she was as she drifted to sleep. And elegant, he thought to himself.

He breathed a sigh and returned to sickbay a shade more depressed.

* * *

"Mr. Tuvok." a voice piped up on the Vulcan's display screen.

"Yes, Doctor?" he said mentally wondering if the doctor knew how annoying it was popping in like he did. Not unlike Mr. Neelix and his insistent chitchat.

"I have a patient with a problem with insomnia. I was wondering if you had a relaxation technique that would help. I have exhausted my own resources, which I assure you is a feat in itself." The Doctor had reservations on contacting Tuvok in the first place.

"There is a Vulcan mental exercise in which one visualizes the reason for unrest, such as stress or a problem, in a physical state and then imagines it dispersing. Soon the mind is relaxed and the anxiety is lost."

"Stress displacement? I'm not sure I agreed with the psychology of it, but I will take your suggestion under experimentation. Thank you." he said before popping out again.

Tuvok shook his head. There's never any peace.

* * *

The next day, Seven of Nine visited the Doctor precisely at 18:00hrs.

"Doctor, have you discovered a solution?" she said upon seeing him at his desk.

"Hello, Seven. No, I have not for certain, but I have a lead on several possibilities."

"Then, I am here for sedation." she said half as a question and half as a statement.

He frowned and paced the floor with his PADD. "I had hoped we wouldn't have need for a sedative again." He thought for a moment.

"Would you consider an alternative treatment? Mr. Tuvok has suggested a relaxation exercise that may help." He believed the source of her difficulty lay in stress and other mental burdens. "And I've added a few of my own provisions."

"And you believe this will help me to achieve sleep?"

"It's worth a trial." The Doctor was determined to find a solution. "Let's get started."

* * *

Seven of Nine Personal Log

The Doctor has been attempting to correct my sleep disorder. It has been necessary for him to join me in my quarters to practice the relaxation exercises. The exercises have helped in the initial stages of sleep. There are some side effects, with sleep come the nightmares. My mind is filled of the cries of the victims of the Borg. They cry out in terror and I am among them, helpless. In my regaining of my human tendencies, helplessness has been a hindrance. My primary struggle is with my own mind. The Doctor has confidence that this practice will help. His presence has also helped to alleviate the stress that disturbs my slumber.

"Your assistance is most appreciated, Doctor," she said as they completed the exercises.

"You are quite welcome. Do you wish me to stay further or shall I go?" he said, slightly nervous for a reason unknown to him.

"Stay until I lose consciousness." she said sliding beneath her sheets. Something within her needed his presence.

"Alright." He watched as she breathed precisely and deeply. He had been overseeing her sleep for a week now and it had become routine. On occasion, he would linger and watch her sleep. He saw the frowns and the anguish of night terrors on her face, but felt helpless to do anything about it.

He'd mentioned it to her and suggested a holodeck therapy program, but she refused. He suspected that she bore the weight of guilt and she felt it was her duty to do so. But still, he hated to see her suffer.

On one particular night and an especially torrent dream, he felt compelled to go to her side and he held her, not restraining her, but gently embracing her. He smoothed her hair and cradled her in his arms. Never uttering a word he rocked her and her terrors seemed to subside. That night he didn't leave her side except when he feared she would wake.

When he returned to sickbay, he felt strangely empty and heavy. But then he smiled bittersweetly at giving her a minute of peace.

He pinched the bridge of his nose where his tension seemed to reside.

Ever since he'd held her in his arms the Doctor had felt that feeling, that small adaptation to his program he'd tried to push away not so long ago. Now, every time he would see her his simulated heart would pound and he only wanted to spend just one more minute with her.

He felt a silent anguish that she did not feel the same way. He had no right to wish that she did. After all, she was flesh and blood; he was photons and force fields what future could they have?

But still, she amazed him like no one else. She was so much like a child and so much like a woman. Outside she was powerful and commanded respect not unlike the captain, but inside she was vulnerable and innocent. He lived to be her mentor. It was an unmentioned honor he held. No one had ever looked to him as she did now. But no, he couldn't acknowledge those feelings. He felt lost.

How do you love someone who doesn't know what love means? He wanted to give her the world but could give her nothing. He wanted to protect her but he could not. He could only guide her and hope to help her attain the things she needed. She needed a mate, a companion, a lover...

He would just have to find a way to give her those things even if it meant breaking his own heart. "Computer, end program." Was this all his existence would contain?

* * *

"Doctor?" Seven of Nine queried into sickbay. Not seeing him, she called to the computer, "Computer, activate Emergency Medical Program."

"That program is currently running," a static voice replied.

She looked around again, "Computer, locate the Emergency Medical Hologram." She was puzzled.

"The Doctor is in Holodeck 1".

Curious, she thought to herself. Why was the Doctor in the holodeck during such unusual hours?

She made her way to the turbolift and headed for the holodecks. She had learned the holodeck was a popular place for the members of the crew.

"Computer, what program is running in Holodeck 1?" she asked as she reached the arch.

"Doctor, Omega 9, access restricted".

Seven didn't recall seeing this particular program and wondered why the Doctor had need for privacy. Most curious, she mused.

Her reverie was interrupted by the computer's response.

"Program ended" the computer stated.

When he didn't exit the holodeck she guessed he must've transferred himself back to sickbay. She headed for the turbolift. Once again she went to sickbay and entered, this time finding the Doctor working as if he'd never been gone.

"Seven, nice to see you. To what do I owe this visit?" He smiled.

"I had hoped we might resume my social lessons on dating," she said matter-of-factly.

"Oh? May I ask why? I assume it's not just for the pleasure of my company." He deadpanned attempting to cover his disappointment. Dating meant competition he couldn't win against.

"I wish to resume my search for a suitable mate." She'd thought about what the captain said and realized it was the natural course of action. Originally, she hadn't been looking for love, merely compatibility. With a new set of criteria, she would try again. She had to admit she had other reasons for resuming the search. It was like an unquenchable frustration she'd been feeling.

"Have anyone in mind?" He said, turning away to pretend to look at his monitor.

"Not yet, but it has come to my attention that my body wishes to procreate." She said in her perfect bluntness.

"Your body does?" He asked surprised and wondering exactly what she meant.

"Yes, I have noticed...inclinations toward the opposite sex."

"Ah, yes. Those unruly human hormones." He tried to appear cheerful. "We can begin immediately, tomorrow--"

"Would this evening be acceptable?" she interrupted.

"I don't see why not. Tonight it is."

Seven nodded and left. He noted to check his subroutines for a glitch. He was feeling like a jealous idiot.

"That reminds me." He tapped his combadge. "Mr. Neelix, you had a check-up scheduled thirty minutes ago."

* * *

He didn't know why he felt so uneasy. He'd met Seven at Sandrine's before and tonight was no different. The French tavern was empty now except a few holocharacters. He absently drummed his fingers on the table and turned his glass, still full of whatever the barkeep had set in front of him. Strange, he wasn't programmed to fidget. He'd decided to dress for the occasion, a subtle but attractive suit. It wasn't very often he had the opportunity to be casual.

As she walked in all processes left him. She was dressed in her usual date-style, flattering dress, hair falling loosely at her shoulders, and she was stunning. He had it all cataloged in his memory.

"Good evening, Seven," he said as he stood to pull out her chair.

"Good evening, Doctor. I approve of the setting. I would like to discuss some things with you that would be more suited to a private area." Her expression didn't give him a clue to what she might mean. He found her very difficult to read sometimes, unlike he was accustomed to doing with patients in sickbay.

"What do you need to speak to me about?" He put on his best detached face and voice.

"I have a number of questions. It has come to my attention that human males will engage in intercourse without emotional attachment, but upon further study I find that most humans wait for love. How do I initiate love?"

Her question took him by surprise, but it was bound to come up eventually. Not exactly the birds and the bees, he euphemized.

"One does not initiate love, Seven. It just happens. A friendship is usually the basis for a relationship. The relationship becomes a coexistence that involves..." he shook his head at his own analytical thinking "you start to need the other person to be with you and when they aren't there is a unique void. When you are together you aren't sure what to do or what to say." He faded off into her eyes for a moment and then quickly brought himself back. "Then the relationship becomes exclusive and finally results in marriage."

"When is mating initiated?" She asked.

He paused. "In past traditions, humans waited until after the marriage to have intercourse, but I'm sure you know that this is not always the case. Most humans wait for love, and when they do love that other person, they make love."

She had been watching him speak and almost lost the meaning of what he was saying. Seven found herself wondering if the Doctor fit the description. They had a friendship and one could say a close relationship.

"Have you experienced love, Doctor?" She rested her chin on her hand.

He wondered if he should tell her about Denara. Of course, for instructional purposes.

"Yes, indeed I have. Before you joined us on Voyager." He proceeded to tell her about Dr. Pel and the short time they'd had together. She listened attentively and asked questions. He felt better telling someone about his feelings something he hadn't been able to do in a long time. They talked about other things and soon it was time to end their "date".

He walked her to her quarters. He didn't know if she wanted him to join her to continue with their nightly regiment of relaxation exercises or leave. She seemed not to notice his apprehension when she reached the door. By not saying good-night and immediately entering, he felt confident she expected him to stay. He walked in hesitantly.

Normally she would sleep in one of her suits, but tonight she was wearing a dress. She proceeded to undo her dress in full view of the unsuspecting doctor. He turned away and reminded himself that he was a gentlemen. He spoke over his shoulder.

"Wouldn't you be more comfortable sleeping in different attire? I find that most of the crew prefer to sleep in something...loose."

"I have researched the subject and I have acquired this sleepwear. It seems sufficient."

The Doctor turned around, mentally chiding himself that he was a doctor and shouldn't be effected by such things, to find her clad in a rose-colored slip gown.

"Is it satisfactory?" she asked stepping closer to him.

"It's...lovely." he said not quite looking directly at her.

"I don't believe my exercises will be necessary tonight, Doctor. I am relaxed. But I do wish for you to remain until I have fallen asleep...please." she turned towards the bed but turned back. "Have you no need for regeneration?"

"I require only a brief program refresh if that is what you are referring to, but the need is minimal."

She nodded. "Thank you for a pleasant evening, Doctor." she said and leaned in to kiss him on the cheek. Not expecting the kiss, he turned his head slightly and her lips made brief contact with his. She drew back for a brief second and kissed him again, this time on the lips. It was a chaste kiss, but it still crackled with electricity. They broke the soft contact and stared for a moment.

"Good-night," she said quietly and retreated to her bed. He sat upon the chair beside her bed and watched her until her eyes moved beneath their lids. All the while, he contemplated this recent turn of events.

* * *

Seven of Nine Personal Log (Supplemental)

The Doctor and I have resumed my social lessons regarding my personal curiosity on the subject of mating. Subsequently, I have begun to form a new opinion of an ideal mate. I have reevaluated the possible candidates and have gotten similar results, no one seems to be suitable. Something is missing.

Also, I have asked the Doctor to continue his visits to my quarters as an aide in my sleep encounters. The need for relaxation exercises varies inversely with the visits from the Doctor. He has said that humans often have need for an object to bring comfort, he termed a security blanket. Perhaps, I have need of such because of the young age at which I was assimilated. But he is not an object, I have come to regard him as a friend.

I am troubled. On the night of our reinstatement of my lessons he saw me home and through certain events I kissed him. He did not respond or pull away. I believe him to be oblivious to me. I cannot explain why this troubles me, yet it does.

He insists on helping me decide upon a suitable mate. I am uneasy at his doing so.

* * *

The Doctor sat at his desk wondering what to do. Seven had kissed him but he was sure it was just for experimentation. She was just curious. He had been as well. He had so many conflicting thoughts he didn't know what to think. He knew he didn't like it, the confusion not the kiss, because he always knew one way or another. Right now he didn't know what to think.

Then the doors opened and Harry Kim was brought in limping on the shoulder of Tom Paris.

"Doc?" Paris called out while placing Harry on a biobed.

"What happened here?" The Doctor asked knowing where these two were involved it often meant a daring stunt that had backfired.

"He took a tumble while we were on the holodeck." Tom offered still not saying exactly what they'd been doing.

"And?" The Doctor asked waiting for a plausible explanation, after all he'd have to write up the report. Why was it that when Kim and Paris went into the holodeck, one of them came out hurt and usually it was Ensign Kim? The thrill of not using the program's safety features eluded him.

"I...fell off my surf board." Harry said, embarrassed.

"Surfing, the Earth sport of riding a wave on a flimsy piece of fiberglass? I'm surprised I didn't see you both in here with lungs full of salt water." The Doctor shook his head. "That still doesn't explain how you broke your leg?" He said revealing his diagnosis.

"When I fell off the board slammed into me," he explained, "we've been practicing with some pretty strong waves."

"I see. Well, you're going to have to be careful with your leg. When I mend the bone it will still be brittle afterwards. No more dangerous holoprograms. Mr. Paris, is that understood, it goes for you as well?" He said looking at the other waterlogged surfer.

"Yes, crystal," he then added under his breath, "Mother."

Harry heard him and held back a snort. "Oh, man. Tom, did you end the program?"

"Aww, it's still running. I'll be back." He said and turned on his heel out to the corridor.

The Doctor shook his head. He liked Paris in spite of his brash and careless nature, although he'd never admit it to himself.

"Doctor, have you ever done anything to impress a woman?" Harry asked after a moment of silence.

"I suppose I have." He said not volunteering any concrete information.

"That's what all of this was about. I'm not just in it for the thrill of danger. I hate surfing, I--" he was stopped by the Doctor's interruption.

"Mr. Kim, did the woman think you were more of a man for doing this? Or did you look like an idiot and Mr. Paris looked like the hero?"

"I guess you're right. I'm just not all that great with women." He said off-handed.

"Believe it or not, other people have problems with the opposite sex. Women don't understand men and men certainly don't understand women. But sufficed to say, killing yourself does not help." The Doctor said grimly as he repaired the broken limb.

"That sounds like it comes from experience. Have you ever had problems with a woman?" Harry turned a quizzical eye on the Doc.

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I have." He looked at the door expecting Mr. Paris to come back at any moment. At one time Paris gave him advice on this very matter and if he knew he'd never let the matter rest. "What does it mean if a woman kisses you and then acts like it never happened?"

"Uh-oh. Sounds like she was just playing you, Doc."

"Really, but what if this was a friend?" The Doctor said testing Harry's reflexes after the setting.

"Well, I'm no expert with women but it could be she was scared."

"Of me? What is there to be afraid of?" He couldn't think why his appearance or actions would frighten anyone, let alone Seven.

"Not you exactly, but more of what a real kiss could mean. In your case, she could be afraid that a relationship wasn't possible. Did you kiss her or did she kiss you?"

"She kissed me. First she meant to kiss me good-night and I turned my head, but then she kissed me again. It was a fully conscious act." He was enthralled with the prospect of finding a solution.

"There you go. She doesn't know if you feel anything for her. Do you?"

He thought a moment, of course he had feelings for Seven, but he was trying to find her a mate. Could she really have feelings for him?

At that moment Paris came barreling in. "Sorry it took me so long. I ran into B'Elana in the turbolift and I walked her to Engineering. What's going on?"

The Doctor didn't want to pursue this any further. "Mr. Kim, you are ready to go. Now if you will excuse me, I have some work to do." With that he turned and went to the back of the sickbay.

Harry picked up on the vibe that the Doc didn't want to discuss his problem in front of Tom and he respected that. Even when he told Tom his problems they somehow got blabbed to at least one person. They left sickbay and Harry was left wondering who it was that the Doc had a thing for. He had a pretty good idea who.

* * *

That night when the Doctor went to Seven's quarters he took special precautions that he wasn't seen. The last thing he wanted was rumors flying around the ship. He pushed the alert at her door.

"Come in." Seven called. She was certain it was the Doctor, no one else visited her at this hour. She was wearing a blue silk nightgown with a robe; she found it a great deal more comfortable than her daywear. She saw him step in and felt a pleasant sensation that crept over her shoulders.

"Good evening, Seven. How are you?" He smiled at her warmly.

She replied, "I am well, thank you, Doctor". She felt his eyes linger on her for a minute more than usual.

"Seven, you smiled." He said, surprised. It wasn't the usual smirk she gave him.

"Yes, I believe I did. Is that odd?" She asked in earnest.

"No, but...it's just that I haven't seen you smile in some time. Smiling suits you. It's quite lovely." He said with satisfaction.

It must have been his imagination (or a slight aberration in his program), but he could swear he saw the faintest tinge of a blush in her cheeks.

"Thank you." Seven didn't know how to take his compliment. She wrung her fingers behind her back and cast her eyes away from his. She didn't completely understand the concept, but it gave her a pleasant feeling. She turned and asked over her shoulder.

"Doctor, do you object to coming here every night?"

"Of course not. I am a physician and you are in need of my services. Besides that, you are my friend and I would like to think of this as more of a friend helping a friend."

That pleased her. She did not want the Doctor to feel obligated to her since all they did presently was talk until she felt tired and he left after she had fallen asleep. Even the nightmares had diminished greatly.

The Doctor still hadn't told her that he occasionally comforted her during her nightmares. He was afraid she'd see it as an intrusion.

"I am grateful." She said looking to his eyes.

He held her gaze for a moment and then suggested she retire. She shrugged off her robe and climbed into the bed. He sat down in his usual chair.

She proceeded to tell him about what she was working on and other trials of the day. He loved to listen to her talk, it was seldom that anyone discussed other things besides medical problems. As much as he lived for medicine, as it was his program, he still tired of it sometimes. She gave him a distraction and he was eternally grateful.

She asked him questions and listened to his answers. Seven also liked to listen to him talk about patients and the life of a EMH. He gave her honest answers and completely listened to hers. He told her he'd come to a decision about something.

"I've decided on a name for myself. It has come to my attention that people don't see me as a real person because they only see me as an authority figure, a doctor. And so I have chosen a name to be used informally and I'd like for you to be the first to use it."

He smiled proudly, but failed to mention the name.

"What name have you chosen?" She asked wondering what kind of name he would want as an informal address.

"Daniel."

"Daniel. It has a nice sound. Will it be Doctor Daniel?" She inquired.

"No, no it's just to be used in place of the 'Doctor' when situation calls for it."

"I see. Daniel." She let the corners of her mouth turn up slightly.

"I've been meaning to ask you, Seven. Will you be Seven of Nine all your life or will you choose a new name? Not that Seven of Nine isn't a nice name...I just wondered if you've ever thought about it." He worried that he'd offended her.

"I have thought about it, Doc--Daniel," she corrected herself, "and I have been Seven of Nine all my adult life, but true I am not Borg any longer. Perhaps I will choose a new name someday."

"It took me this long to decide on a name to keep. It's a difficult decision."

Her eyes drooped and she suppressed a yawn. He knew it was time she rested. There was always tomorrow for them to continue their talk.

"You should sleep now."

"Yes, you're right. Good-night, Daniel."

"Good-night."

Seven pulled the covers over her. He watched as she began to drift off to sleep. Not more than a few minutes passed and she was sleeping soundly. He prepared to leave when he heard her whimpers. She began wrestling with the blankets and he walked back over to her.

He watched, hopeful that her fears would work themselves out. Her cries became more panicked and unrelenting. The Doctor went to her side. She looked so small and helpless. Actual tears melted down her face as she sobbed into her pillow. This one had come over her quickly eclipsing the calm she'd gone to sleep with.

He reached out a hand and put it on her shoulder, whispering assurances. When the tears kept coming he pulled her up gently into his arms, cradling her in the crook of his elbow. He held her to him and lightly rocked. This had worked many times before without her sleep ever being disturbed.

Unlike ever other time, her crying stopped abruptly to the point where he thought she had woken, but she still lay there sound asleep. A small smile graced her lips and her hands came up to cup his face. Panic swept over him as she pulled his face to hers. He couldn't explain this if she woke up, but when she kissed his lips all reason abandoned him. This was no chaste kiss like before. He could feel her mouth and taste her flesh.

Her hands were stroking his neck and in his hair. His hands went along her back and slipped through her hair. He felt like a wave had crashed over him. He was caught up in the sea of her kiss. And like a wave the realization that she was indeed still asleep and dreaming swept him back into reality. He carefully broke the kiss and untangled himself from her arms.

Feeling guilt like a yoke around his neck, he turned to leave. For a moment he looked back at her sleeping peacefully, her hair cascading around her face, and a smile gracing her lips. He made a silent promise to himself to tell her how he felt. It was the only rational thing to do.

* * *

The following morning the Doctor anxiously awaited the social lesson he had planned for Seven. Time passed and she didn't arrive. He became more anxious.

"Doctor to Seven of Nine." He waited for her to acknowledge, but she didn't.

"Computer, locate Seven of Nine." Perhaps she was experiencing a malfunction with her combadge.

"Seven of Nine is in her quarters."

He debated with himself for a moment and then activated his mobile emitter. He took a fast pace out of sickbay. What could be the matter? A dozen things went through his mind and were batted away, so he could just tell himself nothing was wrong, and he was probably over-reacting.

He arrived at her quarters and rang the door signal. No answer. He put in his access code and entered. The Doctor was going to call out, but he was stopped when he saw her. She was face down in the middle of the floor.

He was quickly at her side and checked for a pulse. It was weak and she was breathing unnaturally shallow. He slapped gently at her paled cheek but had no luck at reviving her. She was still dressed in her nightclothes. Not thinking it safe to move her, he called to the Transporter Room to beam them to sickbay. Upon arriving he realized he needed assistance. He reached for an instrument to try and revive her.

"Sickbay to Paris." He saw a hematoma emerging on her chin.

"Paris here." Tom had just sat down to breakfast in the mess hall with Harry. Harry looked on curiously.

"I require your assistance in sickbay, this is an emergency." The Doctor needed someone to fetch things while he tried to discover the problem.

"On my way," He shrugged his shoulders at Harry and left. He wondered what the Doc needed him for; Seven had been helping him lately.

The Doctor placed her limp body under the scan and activated it. He reached for his tricorder, the present she'd given to him some time ago.

When Tom arrived, he was getting the diagnosis from all of his instruments. Tom looked and when he saw who the patient was he understood his place.

"What can I do, Doc?" He said with all seriousness in his tone.

"From what I've gathered here, her implants located in the cerebral cortex have...malfunctioned. Her brain has shut itself down to try and repair the situation. She's in a coma." The Doctor lingered on the last sentence as he looked over at her.

"She'll be okay, right?" Tom asked cautiously.

"I have no way of knowing that until I can determine what caused the malfunction in the first place. I'm afraid I called you for no reason, Mr. Paris. All I can do right now is wait and keep an eye on her synaptic responses." He was speaking to Tom, but all the while his eyes where on Seven, his brow furrowed in concentration.

"Are you sure there's nothing else I can do to help?" Tom knew that the Doc was more worried than he let on.

"No, I need to give my report to the captain. So if you'll excuse me..." He reached for a PADD and made it clear he no longer needed Paris's presence.

"Okay, hey--let me know if you need me again."

"I'm sure I will have more to report later, Mr. Paris." The Doctor said his back still turned.

Tom left to rejoin Harry, but before he was almost out the door he looked back and saw the Doc at Seven's side holding her hand.

* * *

"Yeah, he was really upset." Tom told Harry after recanting the tale of events.

"Boy, I guess I'd feel the same way." Harry secretly envied the Doc, at one time he'd been infatuated with Seven as well.

"Poor, Doc. And this makes it even worse being her doctor and all. He's got it bad." Tom shook his head.

"Well, he has been spending all that time with her, they've gotten close, I guess. Is there anything we can do to help him?" Harry looked at Tom with concern.

"He says that all we can do is wait. I'm sure he'd doing everything possible. I'm going to check back later and see if her condition's improved."

"I'll go with you."

"Okay." Tom looked at his watch and jumped up. "Come on. We're going to be late."

Meanwhile, Neelix was contemplating the new tidbit of gossip he'd overheard. He never eavesdropped, at least not on purpose. He'd have to drop by and see how the patient was doing. It seemed like a tense situation. He was rather concerned for Seven, but his main thoughts lay with the Doctor. His friend the hologram could use some of his special counseling. Perhaps his daily viewers would be interested in this budding romance with such a dramatic turn.

* * *

The Doctor stood beside Seven her hand lightly in his, his thumb tracing circles over the unmarred flesh.

"I don't know if you can hear me in this state but just in case you can, there are some things I'd like to discuss." He paused as if to wait for a response. "Well, I've come to see that our friendship is very important to me. Take today for example, you didn't show up for a lesson and I come barging into your quarters." He laughed a dry laugh.

"I've been trying to tell this you for a long time now. When we're apart I feel incomplete. I can't wait until I have another moment to spend with you. Last night when I held you in my arms I felt a whole world open up. When you kissed me it was like breathing for the first time--although my breathing is simulated and you were asleep." He frowned at himself for his usual pessimism.

"I need you, Seven. Please come out of this."

Just then the doors opened and the captain came in. He tried to look as if he'd been examining the scan as she walked over.

"How is she?" Janeway asked softly.

"From what I can determine, her implants have now reactivated. The concerning matter is what damage has been done, and that I can't determine until her cells have finished regenerating. I have a neurocortical-stimulator relaying her synapses for her." He checked the configurations as he spoke.

"It sounds like you've done everything to help her." Janeway suggested, hoping he had more to say on the situation.

"Of course, I have. I've checked all of the scans twice and displaced every error that could occur."

"Then why are you still so concerned?" She asked. He didn't have an answer for her. "What is this I hear about something going on between the two of you?" She said dropping the proverbial bomb on him.

"Captain, I assure you nothing is 'going on' with Seven of Nine and myself." He was utterly confused.

"Then I should have to talk to Neelix about where he gets his topics."

"Mr. Neelix?! How does he kn--where would he get such an idea?" The Doctor's mind raced as the situation grew worse. Mr. Neelix's topics? "What topics, Captain?"

"The ones he uses for his program. I'm sure you're aware of it."

"Yes, but I was not aware that I was the topic of discussion. And I still don't know where he could have come up with this."

"So, it's not true then? You don't have feelings for Seven?" Janeway waited for his response, he was being quite defensive.

"I'm her doctor, I have feelings of concern and as her friend I have the feelings of one friend to another--"

"Romantic feelings, Doctor?" She was aware she was baiting him, but he was the one squirming. She had nothing better to do than to get to the bottom of this little rumor.

"I...I...what does it matter if I do?" then upon realizing he was still addressing the captain added quickly, "sir?"

"There's nothing wrong with having feelings for her, Doctor, she is after all your friend, that's how most relationships begin. Weren't you telling her these same things in her lessons?" She spoke with a more supporting tone. "Have you told her?"

"I was going to do so this morning, but as you can see I was unable to comply."

"I see. Would it help if I talked to Neelix? I'm sure he'd retract the statement."

"Yes, I wouldn't want the crew to think their doctor is a lovesick fool. I still don't know how this all got around."

"We'll deal with one thing at a time. Good day, Doctor."

"Yes, good bye, Captain." The Doctor returned to his work station to check on the progress of her synopses. Everything looked fine. He now felt confident that she would recover with no permanent damage. She could wake in the next day or so. He breathed a sigh of relief.

Now the hard part, he thought to himself, referring to the task of explaining his feelings to her without losing his best friend.

* * *

Up until the minute that Seven opened her eyes the Doctor was at her side leaving her only to tend to the occasional patient. He tried to distract himself with more work, but he'd done it all everything in order everything noted. All that was left was the work that her own body had to do for her.

The entire staff of senior officers came down at least once a day to check on her all filled with concern. Tom and Harry were the most frequent visitors next to the captain. Captain Janeway was also concerned with the Doctor's well being since he hadn't deactivated his program at all in three days. She considered both of them valuable parts of her crew and it was now especially that she saw their humanity, one caring and one vulnerable. Neelix offered his services to the Doctor almost to the point of annoyance. But this time the Doctor was bereft of arrogant quips and sarcastic remarks, it was almost disturbing to the crew that knew him.

Finally, she awoke and the diagnosis had been made that she was indeed in good health. The Doctor was the first person she saw.

"Well, I'm glad someone decided to wake up and rejoin the world." His eyes betrayed more softness than his words. "You shouldn't try to speak yet to give your vocal chords a chance to regain pliancy."

Of course, she ignored his advice. "That is fine, but I want to know what happened." Her voice was raspy and squeaked a little. She tried to sit up.

"Wait," he adjusted the bed to support her, "if you must know right now, your implants suffered a synaptic malfunction and it effected your neural tissues. In effect, your brain shut itself down to deal with the problem. I fixed it and now you're here."

She took a minute to process and then looked up. "Thank you, Doctor."

He mentally winced at the word 'doctor'. Before he could reply or think anything else the captain entered sickbay.

She smiled at the now awake Seven. "How's the patient this morning?"

"She is doing quite well, Captain, but she ignores my advice on saving her voice."

"We were all very worried about you." Janeway said with maternal warmth. "How do you feel, Seven?"

"I feel sufficient given the circumstances. When shall I return for duty?" She said with her usual tenacity.

The captain raised her eyebrows and glanced toward the doctor.

"My prescription is a week of rest and rehabilitation. Then we shall see."

"Well, then keep me abreast of your progress and we'll get you back in Astrometrics in no time. I'm afraid I have to get back to the bridge. Take care, Seven."

She nodded and the captain was out the door.

The doctor cleared his throat and readdressed the matter at hand. He wondered how much damage her memory had suffered.

"What is the last thing you remember, Seven?"

"I recall my alert going off and I was getting up for duty. That is all I remember."

"Hmmm...your memory seems intact but I'll run another neuro-scan to make sure." He tried to be methodical, but he couldn't shove away the fear that she'd forgotten their friendship.

"Thank you." She said looking at him, his back to her.

"What for? I typically run these scans at any instance of trauma." He turned to see her smiling at him.

"For taking care of me. Daniel." She no longer looked pale. Her face was coming back to life. She reached out for his hand. Her voice took a serious tone. "I had a nightmare. I dreamt that I was captured and alone. You were the one who found me. You rescued me and I am grateful."

He guessed that under the state of unconsciousness her mind had still been playing out scenes. She was still in recovery. He'd lost his will to tell her again. It just wasn't the right time, she'd just come out of a coma. There was always later.

"You're welcome, Seven, though it was a dream. Would you like someone to escort you back to your quarters?" He had hoped to escort her himself, but he'd let her determine that. The thought of being without her again darkened his mood but he had done all there was to do for her.

"Would you be available to escort me?" She asked her voice still scratchy and hoarse.

It was like she could read his thoughts. Still cautious he answered her.

"Certainly. I'll get your clothes, unless you'd rather wear that biogown. It isn't very flattering." He smirked.

"Yes, my clothes." The Doctor went off to fetch them while she stayed seated on the biobed. She still felt weakened and a little disoriented.

He returned with her clothes neatly folded. "The changing room is all yours."

She slipped down from the bed and took the clothes. Stumbling a bit at first, the Doctor caught her by the arm.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm slightly unsteady. It will pass."

He watched her leave and enter the small room off to the side. He was slightly disappointed. Now it was very doubtful he'd ever get to tell her how he felt, but perhaps it was for the best.

She emerged dressed. Seven took the Doctor's arm and leaned on him for support. She was still very weak.

There wasn't much conversation during the walk to the turbolift nor to her quarters. The tension hung thick with things unsaid. She sensed his apprehension and began asking him questions about the ship while she'd been unconscious. He answered her questions but ventured forth no more. He was close to her physically but his thoughts were miles away.

They entered Seven's quarters and she walked to a chair under her own power. He stood with his gaze cast downward and she sat down.

"Is there something bothering you, Daniel?"

"No, it's nothing. I can I get you anything?"

"I want to ask you something about the Alpha Quadrant." That finally made him look at her.

"What do you want to know?" It was an odd question.

"What will happen to you when we return to Earth?"

Oh that. He hated to think about it sometimes. "Well, I suppose they will run tests on me to figure out how to duplicate my program. Then, who knows?" His gaze had lingered out the window and suddenly returned to her, "Why do you ask?"

She paused for a moment and took a deep breath. "Daniel. You are my friend, appropriately my best friend." She looked up to make sure he was still with her. "Would it be possible for your program to be downloaded and made...portable?"

"I'm not sure I understand what you mean." He was quite puzzled.

"When we return to Earth it is most likely that I too will be tested and experimented with. And when that is done, I will be alone. As I told you about my dream the thought occurred to me that you will be alone as well. Would you consent to being alone together?"

This was the first time he knew of that Seven hadn't made perfect sense.

"You are a sentient being so your wishes as to where you are to go are your own. You can do anything you want, go anywhere you want. I'm asking if you will be with me."

Be with her? How? As a friend? A colleague? Whatever way she wanted him, he knew he wanted to be with her.

"Yes." He answered so softly she wouldn't have known he'd really spoken except for the movement of his lips.

"Good. It is settled then."

Not hardly. His mind raced with a million different ideas. He had not thought about that part of his life with anticipation until now. But what if she did settle down...and had a family? He took a deep breath and decided whatever happened he'd take it.

"You should rest." He gestured toward her bedroom. Then he took a lighter tone, "Doctor's orders."

She nodded and walked carefully to the room. He waited outside as usual until she'd undressed and got into bed. He went in when she called. She was sitting up in bed wearing a teal chemise and her hair draped loosely over her shoulders. She also had a look on her face that he couldn't identify.

"Aren't you tired, Seven?" He noticed her rubbing her neck. "Is your neck bothering you?" She had been in the reclining position for several days.

"Yes." He sat down next to her and began kneading her neck muscles. He found the knot and worked with it. Urging the muscle to relax, he dragged his thumbs along until it let go. He repeated the process on various muscles until they loosened up.

Her eyes were closed and she breathed deeply as he continued his work. Next he rubbed the sore muscles commanding flexibility. They complied slowly.

She could feel the tensions leaving her body and the massage becoming more enjoyable. His hands were strong and warm on her cooled flesh. He began taking in more area with his strokes becoming more broad scaping. He ran his palms up and down her spine generating small shivers from Seven.

He heard a few sighs as she rolled her neck in time with his hands. The Doctor changed positions to be directly behind her and rubbed her shoulders. She was enjoying the sensations immensely.

Suddenly out of the quiet, she spoke. "Do you find me attractive?" She said it as if it were a statement rather than a question.

He stopped his manipulations. "You are a beautiful woman, Seven." He said deeply so his voice wouldn't quiver, his hands still on her shoulders.

"Then why havn't you made any advances toward me?"

He swiftly removed his hands. She had him in a corner. "You are my student, it would not be prudent. Oh dear, what am I saying?" He shook his head and grimaced. "You're my friend."

"Didn't you say that most relationships begin with friendship? We are well beyond that." She smiled innocently. She turned around to look him in the eye.

"Yes, but--" She cut him off with a kiss. Grabbing him by the cheeks she dragged him into the kiss and he could do nothing to resist.

Quickly he gained composure enough to kiss her back. He couldn't tear himself away from her, she was fiery and alive and he needed her. His tongue sought hers and his hands found flesh. She moved closer to him and he inadvertently held one perfect breast in his hand. She gasped at the contact and nearly bit his lip.

He couldn't believe what was happening. And as usual his mind got in the way. He broke the kiss and held her face in his hands.

"Wait. You know that you can't procreate with me, are you sure you know what you're giving up?"

"Daniel, what's the most important thing to humans?" She looked confident and not unsure in the least.

"Well, that's a very complex question--some want success or a family or--"

"Love?"

"Yes, that's certainly one of them." He shrugged his shoulders. "Seven," this was as good a time as any, "I do love you. I just don't think that we could have a future together. I can't give you anything." He said sadly.

She was surprised at his honesty. She hadn't expected him to admit to his feelings so readily. It was hard for her to put her own feelings into words. His last words sparked a passion in her. He had already given her everything what else did he lack?

"Daniel, that is far from the truth." She put her hand on his. "You have given me everything I have, you gave me humanity and friendship and now love. Everything." She paused and said, "And in case I have not been clear, I'm saying I love you, too." And she sealed it with a kiss.

If he didn't have her in his arms he would've jumped for joy.

She spoke again, "Can you stay?"

A dark cloud that threatened to mar the moment. "I want to stay with you, but I'm always on call. If anyone needed medical attention I'd have to leave. I don't think I could handle that, and I don't want to leave you alone."

"No, if you had to leave I would understand, it's your job. I would also be asleep. And I know you would come back."

He couldn't flaw her logic. He just hoped no one asked where he was. He would just have to order the computer to alert him to any presence in sickbay, that way he could leave immediately. The Doctor grimaced, he didn't want to leave her as much as he didn't want her to be alone. But it was his job.

"Very well. I will stay as long as I can."

"That is enough for me, but I expect to see you directly afterward." She said in a mock commanding tone.

He smiled as he lay down beside her and she curled up on his chest. He put his arms around her and she exhaled contently. He thought to himself, "I feel sorry for the next person that walks into sickbay." He smiled down at the woman sleeping next to him, amazed that such a wonderful thing could happen to him.

* * *

Later that week...

Sandrine's was buzzing with rumors about this and that as usual but the most popular one was of a romance between the ex-Borg and the EMH. No one had actually seen them together but there were reports of the Doctor missing at late hours of the morning. Tom and Harry stood around the pool table as usual chatting with a few attractive female ensigns. A number of the voices quieted and Tom looked up to see why. Harry was concentrating on the would-be winning shot.

"Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle." Tom said as he saw the Doctor enter with Seven on his arm. He grinned in their direction and the Doctor nodded his hello.

"What?" Harry said looking up from the missed eight ball. His eyes followed Tom's grin to the quiet table where the couple was seated. "Oh, I see. Cool."

"Do you think it was a mistake coming here?"

"You suggested it, remember?" She smiled at him teasing.

"We seem to be drawing attention."

"They are our friends and merely processing the facts. Whose attention is more important to you, mine or theirs?" Again she smiled reassuringly.

He relaxed visibly, "Of course, you're right. I'm just a bit nervous. As much as I'd rather we be alone, I do want us to be comfortable interacting socially. It's a major step in our development as a couple."

"I promise that it will be over soon enough, and we can go back to the quarters."

The Doctor, not having any space of his own outside of sickbay, had been joining Seven in her quarters on more and more frequent occasions.

"It's strange having you reassure me for a change." He said giving her hand a squeeze.

Tom and Harry walked up from where they'd been watching although not too secretly.

"Hey, Doc, Seven. How's it going?" He was still smiling.

"Fine thank you, Mr. Paris. You know, excessive smiling has been proved to cause wrinkles." The Doctor was teasing.

She nodded acknowledgement and smirked at the Doctor's joke.

Harry was silent for a moment. "Congratulations, to both of you."

"Thank you." Seven said. It was the first recognition anyone had made to their relationship.

Tom was being called back into a game from the pool table and Harry was apt to follow. Tom said something about a double-date over his shoulder but it fell on deaf ears. The two had fallen into a conversation of their own. They were happy.

One might have suspected a hint of jealousy in Sandrine's that night, but mostly there was approval of their happiness. And soon everyone else melted into the obscurity that is a public place, both noisy and quiet, but mostly friendly.

It was a nice place to be.