Chapter 13

Seven stood with her shoulders slumped, staring down at the console she was leaning against. Icheb had left astrometrics only a few moments ago, leaving Seven with plenty of time to think, by herself. While the computer ran the scans which Icheb had programmed it to do, Seven had little else to do but think. And think she did. She thought about her malfunction, she thought about Lanna, she thought about Gavens, but most of all she thought about her actions over the past few days. Captain Janeway was right when she brought up Seven's lack of duty and responsibility. She was also right in that Seven now spent more time on the holodeck than 'sleeping'.

"I have become addicted to the holodeck." Seven's head snapped up when she came to that realization. 'I have done something I swore I would never do after witnessing the humilation Captain Janeway went through when she had an affair with a hologram. Yet I have done the same thing.' And that last thought disturbed Seven. Seven was always one who thought logically and in a straight foward manner yet having an affair with a hologram, a hologram that you truely had no feelings for, disregarded logic. Even if it was an experiment, she didn't have to get involved in that manner. There were other ways. But when Seven truely did think about this, she found that there was logic behind it after all. Whether Seven realized it or not, she felt loved when playing herself in the fantasy world of the holodeck. It was a feeling she enjoyed and wished to continue to feel as would any outcast who finally finds their niche. But one problem, it wasn't real and because it wasn't real it wreaked havoc on her real life, taking up too much time, energy, and resources. Even for the experiment, this wasn't worth that price.

"I must end it. Now." And with that last thought, Seven had made up her mind. The experiment was over, she had enough data. Turning on her heels, the blonde headed out of the room with determined steps towards the holodeck.

* * *

"What do you mean this cannot continue?" Chakotay nearly screamed. Seven was breaking up with him and he had no idea why.

Seven had entered the holodeck for the last time but instead of deleting the program like planned she found herself continuing it. Needing closure, Seven decided to end it with Chakotay face to face. But now she was seriously reconsidering that. For the past five minutes now the commander went on about how she was running away from her feelings yet again. But she wasn't, this wasn't real, she didn't love him, she was using him, she couldn't have who she really wanted, she was damaged, defective, hated, unloved, she had been running away but now she was facing that again, facing her fear, the hatred, the scorn, the loneliness.....

"I am not running away!" Seven screamed at the top of her lungs, tears pulling at her eyes, the buzzing noise overwhelming, the headache intense. She let her friends down, she is the one who endangered her collective. Yet she was ending this happy fantasy, IT WASN'T REAL.

Suddenly, Seven became very dizzy and couldn't hold herself upright nor could she see straight as her vision became blurry.

"Seven to sickbay, medical emergency..." Was all the ex-drone could manage to say before everything went black.

* * *

"Doctor to Seven of Nine, Seven please respond."

"Computer medical emergency, transport Seven of Nine to sickbay."

"Unable to get a lock."

* * *

Within minutes of the hail, the Doctor materialized in holodeck 1. At first he had asked the Commander what had happened but all he got back was some explanation about a lovers quarrel, what ever that meant. But what had tipped the Doctor off was the missing implants on the prone woman's body.

"Computer end program." The Doctor called as the quarters and Commander vanished while Seven's implants reappeared. Suddenly the Doc realized that he and Seven had a lot to talk about.

* * *

"Easy now, you've just gone through some extreme trauma." The Doctor said as he helped ease Seven into a sitting position on the biobed.

"What happened?"

"I was just about to ask you that. From a medical stand point, your synaptic relays overloaded in your cortical node causing a complete cascade failure of the node, or would have if I hadn't got to you in time. You're life signs had become so erratic that even the computer had trouble getting a transporter lock on you. Now, care to tell me what you were doing down in the holodeck and what caused this overload?"

"It was as I have said Doctor, when I experience strong emotions I experience these malfunctions."

"Okay, well I just took some more readings, this time while the 'attack' was occurring and it should shed some light on what the problem is. But that still doesn't explain why you created holograms of the crew and were seemingly involved with the Commander."

"I do not wish to discuss it."

"But Seven this is unusual behavior coming from you. Something's wrong here."

"It is personal." Seven growled.

"Sorry, I didn't know you had a personal life." The Doc whispered as Seven stormed out of the room, so having no patient left he went to work on solving the newest medical mystery.

Tom, who had been on medic duty that afternoon, had been there when Seven's call had come in and there when Seven and the Doc talked. Putting pieces together, Tom suddenly realized that Seven was in desperate need of a friend regardless of what was going on. Tom may not have known what exactly was wrong with the ex-drone but he knew enough that this was something Lanna knew nothing about.

* * *

"Hey Seven, wait up." Tom called after the blonde.

Once he did manage to catch up to her, Tom looked around and then pulled Seven into an unoccupied biolab.

"Okay, what's going on?"

"Clarify."

"Cut the bull Seven you know what I mean. Look, I may be the ship's biggest child/goof off as well as immature but every once in a while I can act like an adult. I know that something is wrong, I also know that you haven't told anyone about it except maybe the Doc but he doesn't count as he is your physician and can't be your friend at the same time."

"I have told Sam."

"But does she know the whole truth, the extent of what's wrong? And what about Lanna? Does she know?"

"No."

"Because it involves her?"

"Yes."

"Because you love her."

"Ye....." Seven suddenly and sharply looked up, surprised at the question and who it came from.

"Hey, I did say that I can be an adult sometimes. I can also see things as well. Like the fact that you love her and she loves you."

"What!?!"

"Yes, you heard me correctly. She loves you too and I think she should know about what is going on with you."

"She really loves me?"

"Yes and I think she has for a long time though she wouldn't admit it. When we broke up I knew there was another person who had captured Lanna's heart. Problem was that neither of us knew who, until now that is. You need to talk to her, Seven."

"I realize that now but I can not tell her what I do not know. I must wait for the Doctor to analyze my tests and then give me the results. Thank you Tom."

"For what?"

"Caring."

"My pleasure, but I must warn you, if you hurt Lanna, you'll have me to answer to. All I ask is that you make her happy."

"I will try."

"Good cause you'd be surprised what damage a helmrat like me can cause."

"Duly noted.... helmrat." Not only had Tom managed to get Seven to consider talking with Lanna but also managed to get her to smile. 'Hey, I'm getting pretty good at causing that rarity.' And so both officers left the room heading to their respective destinations each feeling better then before.

Chapter 14

Seven stood over her workstation in Cargo Bay 2 inputting some data. It was like any other day one would surmise if they walked into Seven's 'home'. But it wasn't just any other day. If you were someone who paid very close attention to details then you could have easily seen that something was off. Seven wasn't standing in her usual spot to work. Instead she stood off to the right with her back facing her alcove. Perhaps that's just the way thing worked out or maybe on some level, Seven was putting her back, shunning borg technology. After her little escapade yesterday, fainting and then being brought to sickbay, Seven now had even more reason to curse her borg heritage. Here was yet another way in which she was different, faulty, defective.

Seven was still awaiting the Doctor's latest test results but she knew already that it had something to do with her borg technology. After all, none of the other crew members had problems with 'feeling'. Seven sighed and tried her hardest to focus on her work. She didn't want to think of her problem, nor what aftereffects it was going to create. She just didn't want to deal with this now. But now just didn't want to give her a break.

<swish>

"Doctor. I presume you have the results?"

"Yes, Seven, I do." Already Seven knew it was bad news, just by the tone of her friend's voice. The Doc continued after receiving an upturned eyebrow indicating he should elaborate. "It seems that you have some sort of emotional inhibitor device within your cortical implant. From what I can tell by my scans is that this device or virus, was programed into your cortical implant by the borg in order to preserve a drone's function. It's purpose is to cause the cortical node to overload and fail as a result of feeling or experiencing strong emotions. Just another example of the queen's desire to control her drones and if she can't then she'll destroy them. I didn't pick up the virus/program the first time you came to me because I wasn't looking for a program as the cause of your discomfort. It wasn't until I scanned you while the virus was activated that I noticed it. It was very well hidden in your node."

"Am I in any danger from this 'virus'?"

"No, unless of course you experience strong emotion. If not then the virus remains inactive. But I've been doing some research and I think that I can repair this through several surgeries. Why don't you stop by sickbay later and we can schedule some times for the surgeries, the sooner the better......"

"I will not be scheduling the surgeries, Doctor."

"What?!"

"I believe I have had enough of humanity for now." Throughout the entire conversation, Seven never looked up from her workstation yet the Doctor knew that the ex-borg had already made up her mind. Something was going on here that he knew nothing about but he had to abide by his patient's wishes none the less. So with a silent nod of his head the Doc took his leave, letting Seven have a few moments alone.

<swish>

As soon as the Doctor left, Seven backed away from her console and dropped down to the dais. Curling her legs up under her and wrapping her arms tight around herself, Seven allowed one lonely tear to slide down her cheek. A tear of regret for not being able to 'feel' and work at the same time, not being able to balance out a personal life with that of a work life. A tear of loneliness for yet again being different and alone thanks to the borg. A tear of mourning for all that she will never get to feel, experience, for her life yet again being stolen from her by the borg. And a tear of hopelessness for when she thought she was in love with Lanna at least she had that love to cling onto but now there was nothing. Did she ever love Lanna, was she even capable of loving Lanna?

Without realizing it, Seven was now rocking back and forth, in a subconscious way, trying to keep the emptiness at bay.

* * *

"Lanna, trust me will you. You need to speak with Seven and you need to speak with her now."

"What's the rush? I mean I don't mind speaking with Seven but why right now?"

"Cause, Lanna, she's in trouble."

"What?!" B'Elanna stopped both hers and Tom's progress down the hall.

"Look, it's nothing life threatening but it is a problem. I'm not at liberty to say cuz the Doc warned me not to. But Seven can tell you herself, not to mention other things and I also believe that you have some things to tell her as well."

"Then what are we waiting for. And you had better wipe that smirk off your face even if you are right."

"Yes ma'am."

* * *

Seven never noticed the two officers that had walked into the room, never heard the door swish open, or the footfalls getting nearer, the buzzing was just too loud and her eyes squeezed shut. So it was with great surprise for all involved that Seven jumped when arms wrapped around her upper body.

"Hey, shush, Seven, it's me, Lanna."

"Lanna?" Seven questioned in disbelief even as she looked up into the eyes of the woman who not only held her body but her heart as well.

Torres may not have seen the tell tale signs of crying, missing were the tear tracks, missing were the red puffy eyes. Instead, looking deep into those clear blue orbs, Lanna could see Seven's soul crying out. A sadness so deep and hurtful had filled the eyes of her angel.

"What happened? What's wrong honey?" The strong-willed half Klingon whispered.

"I can not feel." Seven whimpered out.

"But you're feeling now. I can see it in those beautiful eyes, you're feeling sad."

"But I am not suppose to. I will damage myself further." At the confused look Torres continued to give Seven, the blonde elaborated, telling both friends of her plight. "I am damaged. Though I can not feel, I still do; though I wish to stop feeling negative emotions, I want to continue to feel, even those emotions. I had told the Doctor that I did not want the surgery. That I had had enough of humanity. I was tired of feeling lonely, an outcast, hated, disliked, uncomfortable, afraid. Yet without those emotions I would not be able to feel connected, together, loved, liked, comfortable, and safe. I would not be able to love you." Seven whispered at last.

"You love me?" Lanna asked as she brought Seven's eyes up to meet hers. Tears were streaming down her face after hearing Seven's speech but she had to know.

Seven squinted he eyes shut as she tried to reign in her emotions, keeping at bay the dizziness and noise. "Yes."

It was a simple answer yet it answered it all for Lanna. "I love you too. I probably have ever since we first met. No matter how much I hated you, I was always drawn to you. I even loved to fight with you. I'm just sorry it took me this long to finally be able to realize how much you really mean to me. I love you Seven of Nine." And that did manage to send tears sliding down the borg's face but this time they were accompanied by a smile.

In hopes of quelling the building emotions, Seven tried to focus on something else, it just so happened that Seven's focus was what she was currently staring at.

"You are damaged!" Seven said completely shocked that she had yet to notice all the bruises on the engineer's face and body.

"Oh, yeah, well you see, the Captain and I....."

"I will terminate her life span now."

"Oh no you don't." Lanna yanked Seven back to the floor. "The Captain and I sorta came to an understanding. After we had woken up from knocking each other unconscious, we talked about you. We came to an understanding of sorts. I had come flat out and told her that I loved you and would continue to fight for you. I also informed her, not so nicely, that you did not love her that way and that she was only hurting you by pursuing this. That seemed to get through to her. She finally admitted that although she still loves you she had lost you. The last thing she ever wanted was to hurt you. She admitted to getting carried away with her 'fight' for you, but I could understand as you seem to be well worth getting carried away with. So no more worrying about Janey. And as for the bruises both the Captain and I agreed to stay out of sickbay so that no reports would be filed. Now, what is this business that you don't want the surgeries?"

"I believe I have reconsidered."

"And that's why people say you're the smartest person on board. I do have one request though. You should tell Janeway about this, she does deserve to know."

"Agreed. Lanna? Where is Lt. Paris?"

"I don't know, he must have slipped out while we weren't paying him any mind. Guess his job here was done. Come on, we have a Captain to talk to and then surgeries to schedule."

Both women stood up with Lanna helping Seven up. Leaning down slightly, Seven brushed her lips over her chief's lips. It wasn't a very passionate kiss but just the feel of having Seven's body pressed to hers and the feather touch of a sweet caress of lips had Lanna swooning. Unfortunately, it ended all too soon, Seven afraid of doing further damage to herself if she kept that up.

"Come on love, let's get you repaired. I didn't just find you to lose you again."

And so both women left the cargo bay hand in hand ready and willing to face down the borg queen herself if she was in the way of their loving each other.

* * *

Standing in the Doctor's office, Lanna, Tom, Kathryn, and the Doctor all watched as Seven paced the floor. Only a few moments ago Tom had asked an innocent question which sparked off all this pacing. The three women had arrived earlier, after Seven update the Captain on her 'condition' explaining her real reason's for spending so much time on the holodeck. Now all five had been going over treatment procedures and schedules when Tom asked,

"Seven, if you know ALL about the borg due to your eidetic memory and the information stored in your node, then it stands to reason that you should know all about borg physiology right?"

"Yes, I do."

"Then why didn't you know about this inhibitor?" That stumped even Seven's logical mind. She should have known about it.

"And if this thing really does stop you from feeling and when you do feel you hear this buzzing then why did it 'choose' now to go online. After 4 long years, I'm sure there were times you felt. When One died, when Icheb was willing to give his life for you, being afraid of Gavens. Why didn't you hear the buzzing then?" Torres asked further adding to Seven's suspicion.

"Seven exactly when did this start?" The captain wanted to know.

Click

"Doctor, I believe I will need a days time to do some research before we begin the surgeries."

"Sure thing Seven, but mind sharing what you're thinking?"

"Sabotage."

Chapter 15

Several weeks later, back in sickbay.

"So this was the last surgery?"

"Yes B'Elanna, how many more times would you like me to answer that? Perhaps, I should try another language, Si. In any case, this was her last surgery."

"Look Doc, I only wanted to make sure, no need to get snappy."

"And there's no need for you to worry, yet you do anyway. This was the last surgery and as far as I can tell, it was a success. I still have to run a few more scans on Seven when she wakes up, to make sure everything is in working order, but either way the emotional inhibitor has been removed. Though if it wasn't for Seven's research and subsequent discovery, it might have been a different story."

"What do you mean? The surgeries still would have been the same wouldn't they?"

"Actually no they wouldn't. At first, when discovering this problem I had thought, along with everyone else, that this inhibitor was designed by the borg as a part of the drone's cortical node. But when Seven mentioned sabotage, it changed the whole layout of the problem."

"I still can't believe that Deeks would have done something like this let alone be capable of it."

"Well, I myself am having trouble with her motives but she was capable. She was always assigned to work on borg projects with Harry as an assistant so it was only a matter of time before she gained enough knowledge of borg systems to be able to insert a virus into Seven's cortical node, the emotional inhibitor, and then disguise it as being created by the borg."

"Yeah but don't forget, she didn't act alone. Gavens must have somehow coerced her into doing this. So she might not even have a true motive. But that doesn't erase the fact that she still did the deed, along with Gavens, who from what I hear came up with the whole scheme as a way to prove to everyone that Seven was after all an emotionless drone. But that's only what I've heard. The Captain won't let me within three decks of the brig."

"Yeah well, the Captain's a smart woman. From what I heard, when Seven kindly informed you of what she had discovered about the sabotage given one extra minute and you would be the one in the brig now, not them."

"Yeah, well, so. I mean not only does Seven 'inform' us that her systems were violated and tampered with but she then tells me when this happened. While she was asleep, regenerating. Can you believe the nerve of those two? The don't have an ounce of courage or honor between them to attack Seven while she's at her most vulnerable. It was that day when Seven woke from regeneration and felt dizzy, or so Sam filled me in. She said that the morning after the party, she had gone to see Seven and when she awoke from regeneration Seven nearly collapsed. It was that night that those two must have implanted the virus."

"Indeed, as Ensign Harris has also informed me, he can place seeing the two of them exiting the cargo that night. The evidence is all there. But as I said before thanks to Seven's investigation, the surgeries went well. The difference was that I was now looking at a program created by humans compared to one created by the borg. There is an immense difference in design and flow. Come on, I think it's time to wake sleeping beauty."

"Do I get to kiss her awake?"

"No." And so Lanna followed the Doc out of his office with the cutest little pout on her face.

Kneeling over the biobed, the Doc pressed a hypo spray to Seven's neck.

<hiss>

Slowly Seven's eyes fluttered open and the first thing she saw was a way too up close and personal view of the Doctor. Her eyes then quickly slammed shut, too late for the image was forever burned into her corneas.

"How are you feeling Seven?" Now there was the voice of an angel if she had ever heard one.

"Lanna?" Seven croaked, her voice raw from not speaking in several hours.

"Shush, here drink this." Lanna helped Seven sit up and then scooted in behind her to give Seven a back rest. Once settled, Lanna picked up the glass of water she had set down and brought it to Seven's lips. After taking a few healthy chugs, Seven tried again to speak.

"The surgery?"

"A success. I have finally been able to remove all of the virus from your node, reconnected all of your neural pathways, and corrected any damage done by your previous attacks. And according to these new scans, you should be as good as new. Fortunate for me because now I finally get to get rid of the two of you. For two people who hate to spend any time in sickbay you sure racked up your frequent flyer miles here. Never mind, don't ask."

"So how do you feel?" Lanna asked of Seven.

"I feel,.... the same." Seven looked confused while Torres just glared at the Doc.

"I thought you said it worked."

"It did. Look, Seven wasn't meant to feel any different, she was just suppose to be 'able' to feel without suffering any ill side effects." Still seeing the dubious looks he got from the two women he decided a suggestion was in order. "Oh just kiss her for crying out loud." This time Seven and Lanna looked at each other before looking back to the Doc, both adorned with raised eyebrows. "Oh, gees, fine I'll turn around. Better?" And so with the Doctor's back to them, Lanna turned to Seven.

"I have been wanting to do this every since that day in the cargo bay, more so after we began dating."

"As have I. It was extremely difficult to have to leave you after our 'dates' with only a chaste kiss considering we have already done much more in my dream." Seven suddenly had a smirk covering her lips making Lanna turn an even redder shade after letting the implications sink in.

"Well, um then, guess you'll have to help me catch up on what I've missed."

"Perhaps I shall just show you what you missed." And with that said, Seven turned slightly in Lanna's arms, pressing lips to lips, tongues caressing tongues. Seven finally let herself feel and experience, letting herself go, expressing all the love she felt for this woman. The kiss lasted quite some time and only broke at the incessant coughing the Doc was doing.

"Feel anything?"

"Only love, Lanna, only love."

"Knock, knock. May I interrupt?" Janeway cautiously asked as she crept into sickbay.

"Ah, Captain. Just the woman I wanted to speak to. I'm just about ready to release Seven from sickbay as the surgeries were a complete success. However, I won't be allowing Seven back on duty for at least 5 days. I not only want her to recuperate from this ordeal but also from her previous ordeal. She only needs to see me once, in three days time for a check up, and barring any complications, she'll return to duty after two more days rest. Consider this a paid vacation." The Doc said the last part to Seven.

"Glad to hear it. So how are you feeling Seven?" Though the sight of Seven in another woman's arms turned Kathryn's stomach, the pain was some what quelled by the fact that Seven was happy and that in turn made Janeway happy.

"Fine Captain."

"Good cause I believe there are a few people who need to speak with you. Doctor?" The Doc nodded his accent. And Janeway went out into the corridor to bring in Seven's guests.

And in walked, Chakotay, Harry, Tom, Neelix, Tuvok, Sam, Naomi, Icheb, Harris, Kayla, Keller, and Davis.

"We all just wanted to stop by, see how you were doing, and wish you a bunch of get well soons." Chakotay stated the obvious.

A lone tear slid down Seven's cheek but before it could fall Lanna wiped it off with the pad of her thumb.

"Was the surgery a failure?" Icheb asked in alarm.

"No Icheb, Seven's crying because she's happy. The surgeries were a success and Seven can now feel all of her emotions, the good, the bad, and the ugly. But right now, she's just so happy to see all of you here as her closest friends wishing her well."

"Thank you Lanna." Seven said with a wry grin which caused everyone to burst out laughing. Lanna was so in love that now she was even answering for Seven even though she was capable of answering for herself. "And thank all of you for coming to see me. It is because of all of your friendships and support that I was willing and able to go through this surgery. Thank you."

"Yeah, I want to thank all of you, too. But I guess it's up to me now to be the party pooper but the Doc did say Seven needed to rest. Is it okay if I take her to my quarters to sleep?" Everyone smirked at that last question aimed at the Doc but all Lanna did was roll her eyes. She really did mean sleep. After all, tomorrow was going to big a big day for her and Seven, their first 'real' date, and she wanted the ex- drone all rested up for that.

"Yes, it would be fine if Seven slept instead of regenerating, in fact I think it's wise considering I don't want to risk the slim chance of her node being overloaded with the energy intake."

"Alright guys, I believe that is our cue to leave." Janeway announced. Each friend then said their good-byes and gave their well wishes to Seven right before leaving the room. Soon to be followed by Seven and Torres themselves. Stepping onto the turbolift, before Lanna could announce their destination Seven interrupted and asked for their destination herself.

"Brig."

"Sevennnn. Why do I get this feeling that this is a big nono?"

"Probably because, deja vu dictates as much."

"What?"

"Because this IS a big 'nono'. But this time I am prepared."

"Oh boy. Here we go again?"

"Indeed."

* * *

Seven stood directly in front of Gavens' cell just like the last time. Only this time, the circumstances were different. Seven had bypassed Deeks cell altogether not having a care either way about the woman. She may have actually committed the crime but it was Gavens who hated her and aided in her ailment.

"This time, you will not speak, you will listen. You have made it quite clear that you do not like me as well as the reasons behind your dislike of me. I do not care. You see, despite YOUR attempt at making me into the emotionless drone you believe me to be, all you have succeeded in doing is proving the opposite. I do not care about you or your hatred, not because I can not feel but rather because I choose not to feel anything in regards to you. But I do feel, Crewman. I love B'Elanna Torres, I am happy with friends and sad without them. I can become jealous, angry, happy, sad, giddy, depressed. I can feel alone or I can feel wanted, desired, loved. I can love and express that love in ways even you can not fathom. You are too consumed with hate. Perhaps I do feel something in regards to you, pity. You can not see past your hate to see me, an individual who feels and makes mistakes not because she is imperfect but rather because she is human. And for that I pity you. You no longer concern me, I am no longer afraid of you or your hatred for me."

"Why you bitch! How dare you say you pity me, I don't want your pity. You can't feel pity........" The screams began to diminish once Seven and Lanna turned to leave and they all together died down once the doors shut. Though the poor security guard would probably hear them for quite a while neither woman cared. It was a part of their lives that was now over and done with never to be looked at again.

"Well, that was interesting. Hey are you sure you're fine?" Lanna noticed that Seven was shaking slightly so she wrapped her arm around the slender waist.

"I am now." Seven sighed, contentedly as she snuggled into the warmth radiating next to her as both women got back on the lift.

"Good, cause it's time you got some rest. Deck 3." Lanna ordered as the lift's doors slid shut as yet another chapter of their lives closed.

Chapter 16

"Must I continue to wear this, lieutenant?"

'Uhoh she's using the rank. She must really be getting annoyed.' "Yes, Seven, you must. Darling, I know that your borg curiosity is legendary but for now you'll just have to suffer. I am not removing the blindfold." Lanna said even as she was running her hands up and down the borg's arms, doing her best to calm the irritated woman down.

"Very well, but can you at least tell me where we are going?" Seven asked hoping to at least have part of her curiosity quenched. She and her love had been walking through corridor after corridor for almost an hour now.

"Nope. Why do you think that we rode the turbolift five times, went around in circles on several decks, and had the computer transport us twice to two different locations? Just so that I can spoil part of the surprise by telling you where we are heading? And don't even think about putting on that innocent look, I know you were counting steps and decks and doors just to figure out where we were going." So Seven put on her pouty look instead. Which was one thing that B'Elanna had learned early on in their budding relationship that she could not refuse.

"Argh! You are so damned cute when you pout." Lanna had stopped the progress of the two women and placed a light but very sensual kiss on the lips of the blinded woman. "Too bad we're already here."

Seven couldn't see the smirk that covered Lanna's lips but she knew it was there none the less. Seven could also hear some buttons being pressed in the background but couldn't make out more then that.

"After you my love." Lanna turned Seven toward the right direction and gave her a light slap on the butt to encourage the woman to move forward. 'God how I love calling Seven my love. She is so much apart of my hearts.' Lanna followed Seven into the room (?), there was a light breeze coming from somewhere, it smelled of flowers, and if she wasn't mistaken, Seven could almost feel the sun warming her skin. But before she could ask any one of the million questions she had, Lanna pulled off the blindfold.

No longer did it seem that both women were on Voyager but rather in some sort of forest. Scanning her surrounding, Seven surmised that this was indeed a forest, missing were the heavy growths of underbrush that usually lined a forest but there were trees, flowers, and even the occasional little forest 'critter' as Neelix would call them. Of course it was all an illusion done by holoemitters on the holodeck onboard Voyager but it still nearly brought Seven to tears.

"I do not remember seeing this program in the catalog of holodeck programs B'Elanna Torres. Did you create this?"

"Yes." Torres croaked out before clearing her throat and starting again. "Yes, I did. I want to show you something very important to me and none of the original holoprograms had what I was looking for. So I spent a little bit of rations on this. I think, I hope it's well worth it."

"You wanted to show me a forest?" Seven was only slightly confused.

"No silly not the forest, but what's in the forest." Only then did Seven notice the path that led to what appeared to be a less denser part of the forest and behind the two did she finally notice the dirt road connecting to the path. "Besides, it's also our first real date since the emotional inhibitor was taken out. I wanted it to be special."

"It already is." Seven stroked Lanna's cheek proving that all she needed was her love and it was special. "So how long do we have on the holodeck?"

"Um, well, the next two days." A blush suddenly crept up Lanna's face at the implication that provided. "Well, the Doc did say you needed rest and if I know you then come tomorrow you'll be bored with nothing to do. So I thought that even if we didn't run this program we'd have time to run other programs."

"We?"

"Well, um, yeah. I did sorta ask the Captain for the next few days off to spend with you. She readily agreed. I think she's really sorry for causing so much trouble between the three of us and gave me an entire week off as a semi-apology. I guess maybe she really is coming around after all. Come on, let's start walking." And so both women began their trek through the forest following the path.

"The Captain also apologized to me as well, though she did so through words. Before my first surgery, Kathryn had called me to her ready room and apologized for her behavior over the past few weeks. I had explained that although I was not particularly injured by her behavior, that you were and that was what hurt the most. I could understand her behavior towards me and have for years, as she displayed over protectiveness as well as possessiveness when it came to me, but when she irrationally struck out at you I became very angry with her. She had claimed many times before that she only wanted to see me happy yet it was she who was standing in the way of that happiness. I do believe that she now understands this and truly regrets her actions. I have forgiven her and she in turn wishes us 'the best of luck'." Seven suddenly stopped short having come to the end of the path.

Directly in front of the pair was a two story house built within a small clearing in the forest. It reminded Seven of a house she had read about in Little Red Riding hood, a children's story she once read to Naomi. It was beautifully painted in a redish/brown color that went well with the surroundings. No fences circled the house, a small vegetable garden lie off to the left of the house and a small river leading into a small pond off to the right. There was a porch with a swinging bench built on and flower pots adoring the windowsills. Obviously a lot of work went into the construction of such a detailed program.

"It is beautiful." Seven only managed a whisper.

"And this is just the outside." Lanna smiled as she grabbed Seven's hand and began to pull her inside.

Walking up into the porch and through the front door, Seven was brought into the living area, a sunken living area. On the far right wall was a fairly large fireplace and in front of that was a small coffee table. The room had a couch and a love seat facing the fireplace along with two end tables at each end of the couch. Lamps adored the end tables while a large knitted rug adorned the wooden floors. To the left of the sunken room was a staircase leading up to the second floor and presumably the bedrooms and bathrooms. Underneath the staircase, Seven could see a small study room complete with desk and chair. Farther into the house was a small dining room separating the front of the house, the living room, with the back of the house, the kitchen. The dining room had in it a small dining table which could seat six people, ideal for having guests over. From what Seven could make out the kitchen was complete with all the proper appliances needed to cook, stove, refrigerator, countertop, drawers, sink, closets, etc. Something Seven was grateful for since her new favorite past time now seems to be cooking. Passed the kitchen was a backdoor leading out onto a backyard patio and then out into the rest of the forest.

Seven for the first time in her life was absolutely, completely speechless. The house and setting were spectacular and if she wasn't careful, she just might find herself addicted to the holodeck again. But looking at Lanna next to her Seven thought, 'But only if she is here with me.'

"So?" Torres prodded unable to take the silence any more.

Seven turned to face her love, took her in her arms, and kissed her soundly on the lips showing her what she couldn't say in words. Though a few did come to mind, like..... "When can we move in?" Lanna let a bubble of laughter filter up and out through her lips.

"I'm so glad you said that. Come there's two more things I want to show you." The engineer led Seven over to the dining room table in which a few large papers were strewn about.

"It took me nearly a week to construct this program just right but when I did I asked the computer to make these." Torres pointed to the papers.

Looking closely at them, Seven realized they were blue prints for the house they were currently standing in. All she could manage was raising her eyebrow in question, fearing yet wanting the answer to the unasked question.

"I thought it would be a good idea to print out a copy for the design of this house so that when we return to the alpha quadrant I can finally be able to build our home some where in a forest not too far from town but far enough to be able to give us some privacy."

"Our home?" Seven gulped out.

"Yes 'our' home." Lanna then reached under the pile of papers and pulled out a small black velvet box. "Seven, over the past few weeks I have been given the pleasure of getting to know you better, the real you. The woman behind the borg mask. And what I found was an extremely kind, caring, intelligent, fun, witty, beautiful woman that I could no longer stop falling in love with then I could get out and stop Voyager from moving with my bare hands. The more time we spent together the more I began to realize how much alike we were and yet how much we complemented each other. It was so easy to be around you and I can no longer picture a day that will go by that I will not ache to be with you. I love you Seven of Nine and I always will, as I always have done." This was the time Lanna got down on bended knee. "On our first formal date I, B'Elanna Torres wish to ask you, Seven of Nine, will you marry me and spend eternity in my arms because I don't think I could ever let you go?"

By this time, Seven had tears streaming down her face while looking at the box Lanna had just opened up. Inside was a real diamond studded ring. It was shaped in a heart form but what really caught the eye were the small miniature sapphire stones (an almost exact match to Seven's eye color) shaped in the design of the omega symbol. Seven reached out a shaky hand which the kneeling Klingon caught and held in her sweaty but sturdy hands as she placed the ring on Seven's finger.

"You are my perfection, Seven of Nine."

"As you are mine B'Elanna Torres. I love you and would be honored to be your wife." Seven's voice was harsh from all the emotions she was feeling but to Lanna it sounded like an angel's. Suddenly a twinkle found it's way into Seven's now darkened blue eyes. They looked almost like the color of a dark and stormy night, they were beautiful. "Two nights?" Seven asked with her eyebrow raised.

"What? Oh, yeah, we have, um, two days holodeck time." <gulp>

"Indeed. How fortunate." And with that Seven grabbed B'Elanna and quickly scooped her into her arms. "I believe you have yet to show me the bedroom." Before waiting for any reply that might have been forthcoming, Seven took off for the staircase.

And so the foreplay began. Lanna was not about to let Seven get the upper hand. So while she didn't mind being in the arms of her love, she had to show just who had the power here. And being so close to such a delectable ear proved to be the perfect place to start make her point. Ever so lightly, B'Elanna leaned forward and ran just the tip of her moist tongue around the ear lobe. And then she grinned right before she began to place little nibbles on that same ear. 'It seems that not only Ferengi are highly sensitive when it comes to their ears.' Twice on their trip upstairs Seven had to stop and regain her balance. But soon Lanna had discovered a new spot, this time Seven's neck. Licking and placing ever so light butterfly kisses the half-Klingon not only managed to drive her love crazy with desire but herself as well. Feeling the pulse point under the baby soft skin beating rapidly fueled the Klingon bloodlust even higher.

Reaching the bedroom, Seven thought it was about time she took control again. Placing her care-package on the bed, Seven quickly climbed on top of the smaller woman and pressed her advantage. Leaning on her hands and knees, Seven leaned further down to bring her lips just within reach of Lanna's lips. It wasn't a kiss but rather more of a gentle graze, ever so lightly teasing the other woman. But the grazes soon became more. Slight pressure, then a kiss. Lightly sucking on the pouty bottom lip. And soon a tongue found it's way passed the lips, exploring new territory, enjoying the warmth that mouth provided.

Soon hands began to want to play too. Rubbing up and down the expanse of a well muscled and firm back, Lanna couldn't help but want to feel the skin that was underneath that damned biosuit. Pulling her lips away from Seven's, Lanna took in a gulp of air and stared into eternity.

"Are you sure you're ready for this?

"Yes." It was no more then just a breath but it answered all the questions Torres had about this happening now.

"Good cause I don't want to stop. I want you so bad. And I want this off, now."

Seven merely smiled as she straightened up and unhooked a latch in the back of her biosuit. Ever so slowly she pulled down the suit noticing that she had her love's full attention. Seven had to remind herself that although in her mind she and Torres were already lovers this was all new for the other woman.

Lanna could not tear her eyes off of the scene that was now unfolding before her even if she wanted to, which she didn't. Once the suit was down to the borg's torso, B'Elanna couldn't take the slow pace anymore so she decided that things needed to be switched. Flipping Seven over onto her back, Lanna then began her own assault, one that was of pure hunger and desire-filled. Starting at the now puffy, red lips, Lanna plundered the open and inviting mouth of her soon to be lover. Tongues meeting and dueling yet again. But soon Torres wanted more, to taste the skin beneath her. Trailing her tongue down the nape of Seven's neck the half Klingon stopped at the small starburst implant, spending some time to kiss and cherish it as yet another part of Seven's body.

Moving further down, the engineer trailed wet open mouthed kisses down the valley between two voluptuous breasts whose peaks were already straining to be touched. In a fit of frustration, Lanna tore off her jacket and shirt wanting, needing to be even closer to Seven but stopped at the bra when she felt Seven's hands cover hers. So she allowed the prone woman to disrobe her of her bra and then tossing it to the side. Next came the belt and then the zipper as Seven then disrobed Lanna of her pants as well, taking along with them her panties, boots, and socks.

"So much for borg efficiency."

And now it was Lanna's turn to finish Seven's disrobing finally pulling the rest of the biosuit off and tossing it to the pile of clothes.

"You are so beautiful." Torres breath out while slowly tracing her fingers over scars and implants left by the Borg. Those implants did anything but detract from the beautiful woman she was now covering with her body.

Bending her head slightly, Lanna brought her lips down to encircle a taut nipple. Flicking her tongue around the peak, her left hand came up to lavish similar treatment to the neglected breast. Seven arched up into the touch and moaned in pleasure when Lanna lightly bit down. Noticing that the younger less experienced woman was nearing her peak quite quickly, the engineer began to move further down the body laying beneath hers.

Reaching the apex of Seven's sex, Lanna twirled her fingers around the small blonde curls causing Seven to twitch in delight. Being so far down, however, Lanna could smell even stronger the scent of her lover's arousal, fueling her desire to taste that sweet smell. Brining her lips down again, Torres ran her tongue directly over the engorged lips, causing Seven to nearly buck her off the bed. Placing an arm across Seven's waist. Lanna brought her mouth down again this time parting the lips and finding that bundle of nerves that drives every woman crazy. Licking and pulling ever so slightly Lanna quickly brought Seven to that precipice only to bring her back down a notch.

Seven groaned out her frustration but that soon turned to a moan of pleasure as Lanna inserted two of her fingers deep inside Seven. By now Seven's hips were rocking wildly but some how managed to find rhythm with B'Elanna's pumping fingers. Seven was so close by now but somehow the half-Klingon managed to bring her even higher. Again Lanna brought her mouth down to the bundle of nerves and sucked as if this was her favorite lollipop. That did it. Seven screamed out Lanna's name, bucked uncontrollably, and then collapsed in heap on the bed.

Torres made her way up the still quivering body placing light calming kisses as she went along, until she reached the prone woman. Placing a kiss on each closed eyelid, Lanna urged Seven to open her eyes, which she did albeit reluctantly.

"I love you Seven."

"I love you Lanna. Now let me show you." Seven managed to somehow flip Lanna when she wasn't looking because all of a sudden she was now on her back.

"My you recover quickly."

"Indeed." Seven said no more as it was her turn to launch a provocative assault on the other woman's body.

* * *

Two month's later, back in the holodeck the same program of the 'dream' house was running. This time a slight addition was made, a small white gazebo now also stood on the back patio along with rows of chairs filled with fellow crew members. B'Elanna Torres stood in the gazebo along with Tom Paris off to her left and Captain Janeway off to her right towards the center of the gazebo. All were dressed in their dress whites looking out to the backdoor of the house waiting. Janeway had a small gold book in her hands and tears in her eyes as she saw Seven step from the doorway proceeded by Naomi and Icheb and accompanied by Tuvok. She too was dressed all in white but hers was a silk dress that seemed to just flow down her body, her hair was down and curled, and she looked absolutely gorgeous. B'Elanna's jaw dropped at the sight and even when Tom tried to close it, it just fell again.

The rest of the ceremony was a blur to most until the two most important words came up.

"I do."

"I do."

And so when the holodeck doors finally closed after the ceremony had finished yet another chapter in their life had ended, but this story was only just getting started.