Chapter 7

"Umph." Was the sound made when two bodies collided on deck three.

"I'm so sorry, Captain. I didn't see you coming," Commander Chakotay explained with a sheepish smile all the while waving the pad which was the cause for distraction.

"That's quite alright, Commander. I must admit I was a bit distracted myself and wasn't paying too close attention to where I was going." 'I really need to stop thnking about Seven. This is getting out of hand.' "So what's your excuse? It must be some pretty interesting readings. Everytime I've seen you today, you have had your nose stuck in some pad."

"Well, I thought since I am the official moderator for this Sweetheart's party that I should know a thing or two about the holiday itself." 'Yeah, that and I'm looking for the perfect way to seduce you after the party,' Chakotay thought to himself as the time had finally come upon him. Now would be the perfect time to ask Kathryn to the party. In recent months, the captain had seemed less like the 'captain' and more like Kathryn. She began to open up more by being even more friendly towards her crew, spending more off duty time with her close friends, and even gettig involved with crew affairs like she was doing with B'Elanna and Tom. Kathryn Janeway was beginning to loosen up and ease back on some of the tight restraints she had placed on herself to seperate herself from her crew. Now would be the perfect time to begin a romantic endeavor with Kathryn as she finally seemed ready to be open to the idea. Now to get the ball rolling.

"Kathryn, I was wondering, if you would be so kind as to accompany me to the Sweetheart's party?" There, he said it and in such a gentlemanly way.

"I... I'm sorry, Chakotay, but I already have a date to the party. I truely am sorry." Kathryn suddenly felt guilty for the fact that even if she didn't already have a date, which she was extremely grateful to have, she still would have turned him down. Chakotay was a kind man and she knew he still harbored some feelings for her but she just didn't feel the same. She didn't want to end up hurting him.

"Oh, I.. didn't know. That's alright, Captain. Guess I was just a little late, that's all." The commander tried to play it off but he was really hurt by this news. Now his eyes were finally open. Never before had he even considered that, yes, Janeway may finally be open to love but just not with him. After all, while stranded on that planet together all those years before he thought that if things were different they may have actually excalated their relationship a long time ago. But duty got in the way and then the timing was not right but now he had finally thought that the last barriors had been removed. Kathryn no longer felt obligated to remain single, alone, and seperate from the crew. But yet a new obsticle had appeared. The fact that Kathryn Janeway may not love him back, that indeed she loved another and was ready and willing to act on that love.

"Well then, since you already have a date I think I had better step up my search for a new one. Good evening, Captain." Chakotay wanted to get out of that awkward situation as fast as he could. Not only was he hurting from the unrequited love and the embarrasment of being turned down but he was afraid that the captain might mention who she was bringing to the party as her date. The commander was not yet ready to face that much of the truth so soon. So he continued on his way down the corridor and towards his quarters. The 'research' was quickly forgotten as Chakotay tried to come to terms with this new development.

* * *

Arriving at his quarters, the Commander saw something he'd never thought he'd see. Standing outside his quarters was Seven of Nine pacing back and forth. Every once in a while she'd stop and consider ringing the chime to the door but as soon as her finger was close enough to do so she'd pull back thinking better of it.

"Seven? Was there something I could help you with?" Chakotay's previous woes sddenly took a back seat to a rise in concern as to the ex-drone's strange behavior. True when Seven had first come aboard Voyager, the Commander was dead set against severing her from the collective and allowing her safe refuge aboard the ship but things had certainly changed since then. At first Chakotay was afraid that Seven would betray the ship to the Borg but she never did. Instead, the blonde had managed to single-handledly save the ship more times then he had ever. He was afraid that the crew wouldn't accept her but now her worst enemy, B'Elanna Torres, even seemed to move past her difficulties to become friends with the stand-offish woman. He was even worred for Seven's sake that she would ot be able to adjust to life aboard Voyager and learn how to be human again. But this amazing woman had managed to prove him wrong against all odds. And because of his initial distrustful attitude, Chakotay felt even closer to the Borg. He not only wanted to right a wrong on his part but also to try and become friends with Seven. But for whatever reason, that did not happen. He may have respected and cared a great deal for the ex-drone but they lacked a closeness that she shared with others like Janeway or the Doctor or even little Naomi Wildman. So it was with great suprise that the Commander found her standing in front of his door.

"Commander, I... wish to speak with you. To... seek you counsel." The sentences came out in a rush but Chakotay got the meaning.

"Why don't we step inside and then we can talk."

Chakotay allowed Seven into his quarters and then directed her to make herself comfortable on the couch.

"If you do not mind, I would prefer to sit at the kitchen table. When sitting on a couch I never know what to do with my hands." It was said so casually that Chakotay almost lost the meaning behind the admission. It seems that Seven was testing herself and seeing just how comfortable she was with revealing truths about herself. If she was about to bare her soul, it's easier to start off with a small admission and then work your way up.

"Of course, Seven. Whatever makes you most comfortable." The two took their respective seats across the table from each other after the commander offered a drink to Seven. "So, you said you needed counseling. Am I to assume it's personal and not a matter of learning how to organize a duty roster?" That managed a small smile from the Borg.

"Yes, Commander. I have these feelings that I am no longer sure I can deal with. I wish to seek your advice on the matter. I do not think it appropriate to speak with the captain nor the doctor and I have also been told that you are a good listener."

Even though Chakotay had been told about Seven's problems with Gavens in engineering he still wanted Seven to tell him about it from her perspective. "So, what exactly are these feelings that we are talking about?"

"Love." Seven was now wearing the tea that the Commander was sipping just a minute ago.

"Oh my God, I am so sorry, Seven. I wasn't expecting that answer, not after what B'Elanna had told me." All movement to clean up the mess had suddenly stopped at Chakotay's slip of the tongue.

"What did she tell you?" 'Was that a sentence or a really long growl?'

"Oh geez. Alright. I'll tell you everthing. Yesterday, after the alpha shift was over, Lanna had come to me and asked a personal favor. She wanted to know everything and anything about Lt. Gavens. From his Starfleet record to his personal files. Of course I couldn't do that as that would be a breach of security and if there was a problem with Gavens I suggested that she take it up with Tuvok. That's when she said she couldn't and that got me all worried. It took me two full hours of hounding her and grilling her for her to finally cave in and tell me what was going on. She told me about your dream 'accident' and how Gavens was linked to your attempted murder and then how that was affecting how you reacted to him yeasterday in engineering. Please don't be mad at B'Elanna as I did have to pull out some heavy duty weaponary to get her to talk to me. She was just really concerned for you and worried about you. She told me to expect a visit from you last night or at the lastest early this morning bt you never came. I thought that you were never going to show up. Then here you are telling me you have trouble with certain feelings and I naturally assumed you were referring to Gavens. Never would I have guessed you were going to say love. When did this happen? and with who? If of course you still want to tell me about it."

"I must admit I am a little angry to have had my trust broken, but I can understand the situation. And as I have said before you are the only one I believe apropriate to speak to about this matter."

"Wait, you said you couldn't speak with the Doctor and I am going to assume that is because of the past experience of his guiding you in your failed attempt at dating." Seven nodded at that. "Okay, but then I don't understand why you can't go to the captain. You two are very close and she does care for you a great deal. I'm sure she'd be willing to help you out with your first love."

"You are correct. She does care for me but in this case I believe she cares 'too' much."

"What?!" This time it was only a napkin which got tea spit onto it. At this rate Chakotay just decided to put the tea away. "Are you saying that you think the Cpatain has romantic feelings for you?"

"Yes. She asked me to attend the party with her earlier this morning as a friend but I believe she has other intentions though I cannot be sure."

"Well, let's take one problem at a time." 'So that's who Janeway asked to the party. She's in love with Seven. I can't believe I didn't see it. It was so obvious, all the signs were there. The time spent together, the over protectiveness, the willingness to let Seven challenge her and even question her. Boy are we in for some problems if Seven doesn't love Kathryn back. My feelings aside.' "So who exactly do you have feelings for?"

"This will all remain confidential? Counselor - patient confidentiality?"

"Yes, of course. Nothing leaves this room. You have my word."

"B'Elanna Torres."

"Oh God, I think I need to lay down."

"Are you ill, Commander?"

"Not yet, Seven but if you keep this up I may just go into shock."

"Then I shall call the Doctor when that time comes."

"Thanks, I think."

"So you're sure you're in 'love' with Lanna?"

"Yes, I know what I feel. In fact I have been feeling this way for quite some time but only recently have I been able to understand it and experience it."

"Just making sure. When did you realize what you had felt for B'Elanna was love?"

"In my dream just after Lt. Gavens had attacked me." And so Seven went into the details surrounding her admission of love for the fiery Klingon and their subsequent short lived relationship. Details that had yet been told to anyone else.

"Wow. So you two actually had a relationship in your dream?"

"Yes and that is why it is so difficult to continue on as just friends. That is why I'm here. I wish to know how to 'move on'."

"You're giving up on Lanna and your love?!"

"No! Yes. Perhaps. She is married an although it pains me to be without her all I wish is for her to be happy. I will not disrupt her life or marriage with my declaration of love for her."

"But what if she isn't happy? She's obviously having problems with her marriage to Tom. What if she has fallen out of love with him? What if what she really wants is you? She was really worried when she souht after me to give her the information on Gavens and was willing to do anything to get it. She cares for you Seven, maybe more then the both of us realize."

"But what can I do? I refuse to break up their marriage and as we speak I am sure they are reconciling. At the urgance of Captain Janeway, B'Elanna is considering attending the party with Mr. Paris. That is why I accepted the Captain's invitation to escort her to the party."

"So that's why Janeway's been so inolved in tring to get the unhappy couple back together. You know I thought it was strange that all of a sudden, Kathryn would break her oath of never interfering in the crew's personal lives. She probably saw the chemisrty between you and B'Elanna and wanted to remove that obsticle before it became unmovable."

"But even so, the question remains. How am I going to go about being friends with the lieutenant when I love her?"

"Seven, there is no real answer for that. The best I could tell you is to take it one day at a time. Just be happy for her and allow her to live her life. But are you sure you don't want to fight for her love. I'm sure we could figure out a way of not killing Paris during your dual to the death," Chakotay said smiling.

"Yes, Commander, although as appealing as that may sound, I will allow Lanna's heart to guide her to her true love. After all, I believe I told Mr. Neelix that love takes time."

"Ah, yes, and I believe that you also mentioned that love also takes a bit of work to bare fruit."

"Indeed I did. Perhaps after I 'sleep on it' I shall decide to work on it after all. I will consider all that was said here tonight, Commander. And thank you for listening."

"You're wlecome Seven. And has anyone ever told you that you make a great romantic? How about staying for dinner and we could come up with possible ways in which you could help sway Lanna's heart after all?"

"Though that sounds appealing I do have one other person to meet with tonight. I have a message to deliver."

"Alright then, how about a raincheck, or postponement?"

"Accetable. Goodnight, Commander."

"Goodnight and good luck, Seven."

Seven left the room just as Chakotay remembered that one thing was still left unanswered. 'What does she want to do about Gavens? Guess we'll have to figure that out tommorrow.'

Chapter 8

As Seven of Nine walked through the quiet corridors during the end of the beta shift, she reflected on all that had transpired in her conversation with Chakotay. He really seemed eager to help her out or at least willing to listen to her when he couldn't do anything to help. And being able to talk about her feelings toward a certain Klingon engineer did help. She may have been no closer to a clear answer as to how forget she loved B'Elanna Torres but at least she drew comfort from the fact that the clear cut answer wasn't avoiding her, there just wasn't one. Really from the direction of her conversation with the Commander she surmised that there were only two options. One was to just give up on her love for the fiesty lieutenant and try her best to move on, perhaps even dating other people like the captain. That may be the easier of the two options but could it really be done. Seven knew in her heart that no matter how hard she tried she wouldn't be able to just give up or ignore love. And did she really want to? That would be without honor and without respect to both Lanna and her own feelings. But what if Lanna truely did not retur her feelings? Should she not just move on and allow the engineer her happiness with whom ever she has choosen? But again, could Seven really move on and date other people? She has already accepted a date with the captain to the Sweetheart's party. But they are just going as friends, nothing more. The fact of the matter is that Seven only loves B'Elanna and could not love anyone else. The only reason why she accepted the invite was because she could not go with Lanna. It was mandatory to go to the party and when Seven found out the likelihood of Torres going with Paris was very high, she just accepted the first invitation that came her way. It could have easily been Kim or Chapman or anyone else but the captain just proved to be a bit quicker. It was just a date, nothing more nothing less. Seven could not betray her love for Lanna by 'getting involved' no more then should could by ignoring her feelings.

So that then leaves option number two, fighting for her love. Chakotay suggested that she show the Klingon how she felt. Obviously, coming straight out and declaring her love for Torres was out of the question. Not only did Seven not want to interfer with her marriage but Lanna would not let her interfer. That woman was extremely loyal and honorable and if Seven came along to challenge her marriage, no matter how she felt towards the ex-borg, she would fight to keep her marriage and struggle to fix problems that may not even be fixable. Seven didn't want to push B'Elanna further away from her nor did she want to just abandon her love. There had to be some middle ground, some way for Seven to show Lanna her love for her without her knowing that that was what she was doing, allowing the lieutenant to come to that realization on her own.

And with that last thought, Seven made a note to continue thinking about her 'problem' as she had finally arrived at her destination.

She stepped into a now completely empty messhall. With it being late beta shift either everyone on board was asleep still or on duty. The sound of clamoring pots and pans was heard from behind the counter as Seven suspected Mr. Neelix to be cleaning up from serving the last of tonight's dinner.

"Mr. Neelix," Seven called out just as the said man was hanging a pot above his stove. That same pot fell out of his hands and bumped Neelix on the head as he was startled out of his reverie.

"Owwie, that smarts. Seven, what can I do for you at this time." Suddenly the bump now forming on top of his head was forgotten as Neelix became worried that something must be wrong for Seven to be visiting him this late at night. "Come let's sit down and then we can talk." On the way towards one of the tables, Neelix stopped at a replicator and replicated a glass of 7up for Seven and some warm milk for him.

"I am sorry, Neelix for startling you. I just came by to deliver a message. Thank you." Seven sat down and accepted the offered glass.

"Oh, in that case, what's the message?"

"I.... May I hold your glass for a moment?" Neelix obliged but with a curious expression on his face. "Just a precaution. I spoke with Samantha Wildman before and she would be honored to be escorted to the party by you. She wished for me to let you know that you may set the time for 'picking her up' and she would even be willing to show up at the party early as she knows you wll have to arrive early to help set up."

"Seven! You asked out Sam on my behalf?!"

"Yes, I knew that you were having trouble overcoming your shyness to ask Samantha to the party so I took it upon myself to help the process of love out. Did I not inform you to give love time but also that it needs work? Well, that is what you have done. You gave me time to work towards bringing the two of you together. Have I erred in doing so?" Seven wasn't sure if she had done the right thing by setting up both people as she had such little knowledge of human dating rituals but it had felt right to do it. Judging by the goofy smile plastered all over Neelix's face, she judged that it was after all a good thing.

"She said yes?"

"Indeed, she is willing to come to the party as your date."

"She really said yes?"

"I believe you are in shock Mr. Neelix, perhaps I should contact Chakotay for you as he has just had a similar experience."

"She really said yes." At ths point Neelix was beyond hearing anything the Borg was saying. So without another word, She handed him back his glass of warm milk, no longer in danger of being splashed again, and quietly got up and left the room. "She said yes. Oh my god, I have a date." Neelix finally realized as the panic soon set in.

* * *

Again Seven found herself walking down empty corridors, this time on her way to the cargo bay.

"Seven," Icheb called out as she passed by an intersecting hallway. Seven stopped her walk and waited for the young man to catch up.

"Icheb. Are you not suppose to be 'regenerating' at this time?" The two continued their walk.

"I have already slept my alotted eight hours and am now preparing for my gamma shift rotation."

"Are your quarters adequet?" Seven hadn't really had much time lately to discuss with Icheb his new living arrangements. Ever since that fateful day when the young man had given up his cortical impant to save Seven's life he no longer needed to regenerate, as he no longer had implants, so the captain assigned him quarters to sleep in. Icheb at first was very disturbed by this news wanting to stay in the cargo bay with Seven but it was Seven's logic that convinced him he now needed quarters of his own.

"Yes. I find that I am growing accustomed to having them. But that is not what I wished to speak with you about." Just like Seven, Icheb had a dislike for idle chit chat so he got right down to the point. "I have heard that for the senior staff it is not only mandatory for you to go to this Sweetheart's party but you must also bring a date. I wish to know if you have found such a date." Seven suddenly had the oddest feeling that if she said no to this question then the young man would offer to be her 'date' as an older brother might be prone to doing for his sister.

"Yes, I have been asked by the captain to be her date to the party."

"Indeed. Then shall I also attend as well? And shall I look for a date if I do attend?"

"Yes. You understand how important social functions like these are in order to better adapt to humanity and society therefore you should attend. If you wish you may bring a 'date' with you. This event's focus is on couples so it may be adviseable to at least try and acquire a date for the party."

"But who shall I ask? I have no romantic affiliation toward any crew members." Icheb, noticibly left out his very slight crush on Lt. Torres since she was married and didn't seem to return his feelings.

"This day is not only about romantic love, although that is a large part, but also about love found in friendships and companionships and family. Perhaps you may consider asking a friend to be your date."

"Thank you Seven. I shall consider it." And with that Icheb turned down another corridor leaving Seven alone standing in front of cargo bay two.

Walking into the bay, Seven went back to the internal dialog she had with herself before. She left off with the decision to show Lanna her love with out making it obvious or pushing it onto her. She couldn't just ignore her feelings nor did she want her love to have to choose between her marriage or her. But with Sweetheart's Day coming up soon she had to figure something out and quickly. So when all else fails, research it. And that's exactly what the woman did long past her own bedtime.

* * *

Meanwhile, another two were also up long past their bedtime.

"I know you're sorry Tom and quite frankly so am I. I'm tired of all the fighting and just want it to stop. I will go with you as your date to the party but I do have my conditions. For the next two nights until the party I want you to stay over at Harry's and I don't want to see or hear from you outside of work. Then you can come and pick me up for the party and treat it like a first date for us. I think that's what we need. We've been so busy fighting each other that I think we've forgotten to love each other. If we treat our date like a first time then maybe we can find what we seem to have lost."

'But I haven't lost anything, least of all my love for you,' Tom thought as he could only nod his head yes. He didn't want to ruin this reconciliation of sorts by voicing his thoughts. "I'll see you at the party then."

"Remember, no contact before then except for work related matters. I want to take this slow."

"Right, I'll be the perfect gentleman and the perfect date," Tom called out as he headed out the door to his former quarters hoping not to push things. He really was trying to give Lanna what she wanted and needed, as contrary to popular belief he really did love her.

'The perfect date, ha. Somehow, I think the captain's got that beat. She gets to take Seven. Not that I should care, but the captain did seem eager to push me and Tom back together even though she supposedly doesn't interfer in crew lives. And Seven seemed okay with it. But why does that bother me so much? Maybe, it's just because they think they know what's best for me when I don't and that just pisses me off. But I don't feel very pissed off, more like angry. Angry at the fact that Janeway and Seven are going to the party together. But why? I saw theway Janeway was looking at Seven, almost like she wanted to devore her right then and there. And Seven, she looked...... oh my god, she looked almost frightened of the fact. Seven doesn't return the captain's feelings. That has got to be it. I'm feeling a little overprotective of Seven and I don't want Janeway touching her at all especially if it's unwanted. But why? Argh!' Lanna finally just got feed up with all of the whys. Everytime she'd find an answer another question would pop up and none of this had to do with her current problems with Tom. So the Klingon decided it was time for bed and hoped that tommorrow things would clear up a little more.

Chapter 9

It was 0500 hours and B'Elanna Torres was awake, tossing and turning for two hours already. She couldn't sleep, not when she had first crawled into bed seven hours earlier bone tired, and certainly not now as today, or rather tonight, was the night that would change her life forever. She knew that her marriage was resting upon what would transpire tonight between her and her husband, Tom Paris. It was their last chance to try and get back that spark, that love which had slipped so easily out of sight. That love wasn't lost, it was just missing, hiding somewhere in the shadows and by going on a mock first date again, Lanna hoped that she would be able to find it again as she did the first time around. She knew that she still loved Tom with all her heart and he loved her but something was just missing. 'Or maybe something changed.' There was that timely pesky voice again but this time there was no argument. Something did seem off, different, changed, not like the chemistry was missing but rather altered. True she still did love Tom, but was she still in love with him? Tonight will be the end to all the questions and B'Elanna will finally see if there is anything in her marriage worth salvaging. Knowing that she wasn't going to be able to fall asleep at this time, the engineer dragged her tired butt out of bed and into the living area. At least with two hours to go before shift and she could have a nice leisurely big breakfast. But all thoughts of breakfast were derailed as Lanna stopped dead in her tracks. Sitting on her sofa was a small teddy bear and next to it a little note. 'I'm going to kill Tom. I thought he understood my conditions of no contact before our date including presents. I guess not.' Lanna looked at the small pink fluffy bear, which she did have to admit was kinda cute, but what really caught her attention was that on the bear's stomach was a design of a circle full of red shaped hearts. Still looking at the bear, the Klingon picked up the note which also happened to be hand-written on a piece of pink paper. On the top of the piece of paper were small red hearts drawn into the corners. Reading down the page, Lanna suddenly came to the realisation that this wasn't from Tom, so instead of skimming the note she read it over again.

B'Elanna felt tears gather in her eyes as she read the note over and over again. She never even noticed when she sat down and held onto the bear hoping to feel closer to this promised love. Never had such words evoked such strong feelings in her. Not with her family, not with past loves, not even with Tom, her husband. She didn't even know who this admirer was but nevertheless felt an immediate connection to him. She suddenly laughed mirthlessly as she realised that at that moment she too wished that her marriage would fail to be reconciled. For in the face of this true love could her love for Tom stand the test? Again just more questions and fewer answers. But Lanna did know that tonight would certainly tell all.

* * *

Sweetheart's Day - Midmorning

Considering that tonight a big party was scheduled the day became exceptionally dull and drab. Since the party was scheduled for late afternoon and into early evening the alpha shift was expected to carry out as normal. But no one could concentrate on their work, least of all Lt. Torres. Upon arriving in engineering at the beginning of her shift, she found another present from her secret admirer locked away in her office. Sitting upon her desk was a single yellow rose, Lanna's favorite color and flower. All the thorns had been removed and again a small note was lying next to the gift. This time the paper was yellow and had a distinct aroma to it. It smelled of roses, like a whole field of the flowers. Lanna read the note with shaking hands.

And yet again Lanna had been moved to tears. Who was this secret admirer? Did she even want to know? This was after all the promised last present, maybe she was better off not knowing. She could easily have tracked down the admirer by looking up transporter logs and continuing the search from there but she wouldn't. She still had Tom to think about and her marriage. Even if things didn't work out with Tom, this person and his true love for her deserved more then being a backup if her marriage failed. They deserved more then being second place and second rate. It was better that she didn't know and would never find out. So the day continued onward.

* * *

Sweetheart's Day - Afternoon

Seven stood waiting in the cargo bay for the captain to arrive. It was a few minutes to 1700 hours, the designated time for Captain Janeway to come and pick up Seven to escort her to the party. Seven looked down at her right wrist for what seemed like the hundredth time. Resting comfortably there was a flower corsage, a gift from Janeway in spirit of Sweetheart's Day. Kathryn had also sent her one single stemmed red rose and a box of chocolates which currently sat on top of her computer console along with other gifts. Naomi Wildman sent her a friendship heart made from paper, Ensign Kim gave her a small snow globe that 'snowed' small hearts, while her new friends (Kayla, Harris, and Keller) all chipped in to give her four pips all in the shape of a heart. That was her favourite gift. It showed that not only did they care for her but they cared enough to put so much thought into such an original gift.

And so it was with a huge smile that Seven turned around with to face the person who had just entered the bay. Captain Kathryn Janeway stood there slack jawed as she took in the most exquisite site she had ever seen. Seven stood there with her face aglow form the small yet radiant smile. Her hair was down and curled offering a most angelic picture while she wore a simple spaghetti strap dress the color of a cloudless light blue sky. The dress came to a stop just above her knees showing off legs that seemed to go on forever and to top it all off was a pair of high heeled light blue shoes. The only accessory Seven wore was the corsage on her right forearm and that was all that was needed. The captain herself was similarly dressed but her gown was a sleeveless backless black dress. Her dress however came to a stop mid-calf but allowed movement through two generously cut slips on either side of the dress, not leaving much to the imagination. This dress could definitely be considered a tool in the art of seduction, one that Janeway was fully prepared to use. She too had on high heels which brought her closer to Seven's height then she had ever been before. To accentuate the dress, Kathryn wore diamond studded earrings and a diamond studded necklace. Both women looked absolutely breathtaking.

"Seven, you look wonderful tonight." Kathryn merely whispered.

"As do you, Captain."

"Please, it's Kathryn tonight."

"As you wish, Kathryn." The name sounded odd coming from Seven but Janeway just thought that it was because this was the first time Seven had ever used her first name. 'Perhaps with time we can change that.'

"Shall we go then?" Kathryn held out her hand wanting Seven to take hold of it.

"We shall." Seven said with a very small smile as she reached out her own hand to hold Kathryn's. Seven may not be with the one she loved and knew that things with the captain may get complicated but for now the ex-borg was just willing to enjoy her first Sweetheart's Day experience.

* * *

Sweetheart's Day - Early Evening

The party was now in full swing. Most of the guests and party goers had arrived an hour earlier as did Janeway and Seven. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the music and food at least that's what Seven had gathered from her group of friends. Along with Seven and Janeway stood, Neelix and his date Samantha Wildman, Tuvok who choose to go solo after all in honour of his wife, and Chakotay and his date Susan Nicolette. Kathryn pulled Seven aside slightly to talk as the conversation around them carried on.

"I didn't know that Icheb was even going to show up to the party let alone bring a date. Naomi Wildman? Isn't she kinda young for a potential romantic partner?"

"Captain as you have suggested with our date, this party is not only for lovers but also friends and family. Icheb had asked me if he should attend this social gathering and I encouraged him to. I also suggested that he bring a 'date' since this party is about couples. I presume that he considers Naomi a good friend and wished to take her to the party." Okay, so Seven was just a little PO'ed at the fact that Janeway would consider Icheb to be 'robbing the cradle'.

"Seven, I was just curious as to if Icheb was aware of what this party was all about. I didn't mean to insinuate any wrong doing on Icheb's part, I just wanted to make sure that he wasn't as innocent as one might imagine. I also hear that you set up Neelix and Sam. Becoming a regular cupid I see." Janeway tried to change topics realising that she had once again stuck her foot in her mouth when Seven was concerned. She could talk a borg queen into negotiations and talk down numerous alien threats but when it came to her love, she couldn't see to say anything right.

"Yes, I did." When nothing else was forth coming Janeway continued.

"Oh my, I didn't expect that pairing." Janeway pointed over to where Jennifer Delany and Beth Kayla stood arm and arm.

"I always believed that Jennifer was the more sensible twin," Seven answered with a smile which managed to shock Janeway.

"You have?" Janeway questioned with an answering smile.

"Yes, but I am more surprised by that pairing." Seven nodded over to where Ben Harris stood with Davis Mitchell. She had seen them walk in together and had to use all of her borg conditioning not to let her eyes fall out of their sockets. That was certainly unexpected. As Janeway continued to point out unexpected pairings, Seven allowed her eyes to wander over to where Lanna and Tom stood. With them stood the Doctor and his date, Tal Celes, along with Harry and his date Megan Delany.

* * *

Sweetheart's Day - Late evening

The party was slowly grinding down as the alpha shift officers were leaving claiming tiredness, gamma shift officers leaving to start their shifts, as a few of the beta shift officers were now just getting off wanting to join the party for a little while at least. Tom had finally been able to get Lanna alone a few minutes earlier. Things were finally beginning to look up. There had not been any argument nor any fights since the night had begun and Tom could even feel things beginning to settle down between them. He could feel the friendship being rebuilt. He thought now would be the best time to do this. The best way to get his marriage back on track. Lanna seemed so attentive and that she really did want to fix what had become of their lives. Now was the time. Tom grabbed hold of both of Lanna's hands and looked deep into her eyes.

"Lanna, will you marry me, again?"

"What?!"

"I want us to renew our vows to each other, maybe even have a second wedding with a second honeymoon. Like you said, maybe we needed to start over again and this would be a perfect way for us to do that. Will you marry me?"

"I... I can't Tom." And with that answer came the answers to all of Lanna's questions. Being asked to marry Tom again made Lanna realise how much she had truly fallen out of love with the man. If they were still dating and Tom had asked her to marry him she would have ended the relationship knowing that she was no longer in love with him but already being married complicated things. She know knew that she had been confusing loving Tom with being in love with him. That's why she fought with him so much, she could express her loss of love in words but did express it in her actions. The only question left now was now what are they suppose to do. Before either could comment, the sound of shattering glass erupted in the fairly quiet room.

Upon seeing Lt. Gavens enter the room escorting Ensign Lila Brooks (an operations officer) Seven froze. It certainly didn't help matters much when Gavens turned and looked directly at Seven as if he could see right through her. That's when Seven had dropped the champagne glass she was holding.

"I, uh, I apologise for my clumsiness."

"That's okay, Seven. I'm sure it just slipped."

Chakotay was at Seven's side in a matter of seconds since he had seen Seven go stiff when Gavens walked in. He helped Seven pick up the broken pieces of glass as Neelix got everyone to continue on with the party. Soon Lanna was also by Seven's side after seeing what had happened leaving Tom standing alone in a corner. B'Elanna put her hand on Seven's shoulder and felt the woman under her touch shiver. Looking up she noticed the current cause of Seven's distress. Gavens had yet to take his eyes off of the ex-drone. It was a cool gaze but definitely unwarranted.

"Hey, it's okay. How about I take you out of here?" All three stood up once the mess was cleaned up.

"I'd like to talk with you Seven outside if you don't mind," Chakotay asked which Seven nodded yes to. "Kathryn, If you'll excuse us." Chakotay turned to leave but was stopped by an hand grabbing his arm.

"Fine. I'll excuse you for now, but I want to know what the hell is going on and soon." Janeway's protective streak was rearing it's ugly head again.

"Yes, Captain."

Meanwhile outside the messhall, Lanna was rubbing her hands up and down Seven's arms as she hugged herself, trying to offer the taller woman some form of comfort.

"Seven, this whole Gavens business is getting out of hand. You may not know if the man really hates you or not but the not knowing is what's got you worried. You are going to have to confront Gavens either way. I don't think things can go on for long like this. But first I want you to give me a few days to investigate, discretely, the situation."

"You didn't like the way he was looking at her either did you?"

"No. But like I said we can't be sure of anything yet. So give me a few days. Until then just go about you're business as usual. Why don't you go home and you go regenerate. I'll talk to the both of you tomorrow. That is of course if you both are done for the evening with the party." Both women nodded yes.

"But what about Kathryn?" Seven asked as Lanna tensed from the fact that Seven now seemed to be on a first name basis with the captain.

"Don't worry about her. Just because you came with her doesn't mean you have to leave with her." Chakotay winked at both women before heading back into the messhall.

"Come on, I'll walk you to the cargo bay."

"I believe that the Commander is in love with the Captain."

"No kidding. That's old news Seven."

"Yes but I believe that the captain may also hold feelings for the commander. I am uncertain if it is love but it could be."

"Really? So are you planning on playing matchmaker again for them like you did for Neelix?"

"Perhaps. What of your relationship? If you do not mind me asking. Have you been able to sort out your problems?"

"Tom's a great guy and yes I still love him but tonight when he asked me to marry him again I realised that I wasn't in love with him anymore. Does that make any sense?"

"Yes it does. So what do you plan to do?"

"I don't know. I just don't know yet." Seven and Lanna had arrived at the cargo bay before they even knew it. "I only hope that no matter what happens we can remain friends."

"I am glad that we were able to become friends, Lanna."

"As am I Seven. I'm so glad that we were able to get passed our differences and I hope that in the future we can become even closer."

"I would like that, Lanna. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Seven. Sweet dreams."