Chapters 8 to 9 added on 21 Mar 2001
Disclaimers are in part 1.
Rating: PG13
Chapter Eight
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 feisty 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 truly did not return her feelings? Should she not just move on and allow the engineer her happiness with whom ever she has chosen? 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 interfere with her marriage but Lanna would not let her interfere. 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 mess-hall. 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 will 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 this 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 allotted eight hours and am now preparing for my gamma shift rotation."
"Are your quarters adequate?" 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 implant 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 advisable 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, noticeably 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 companionship 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 interfere 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 the way Janeway was looking at Seven, almost like she wanted to devour 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 over protective of Seven and I don't want Janeway touching her at all especially if it's unwanted. But why? Argh!' Lanna finally just got fed up with all of the whys. Every time 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 tomorrow things would clear up a little more.
Chapter Nine
Sweetheart's Day - Morning
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 handwritten 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.
My Dearest Lanna,
I have heard of the troubles you and your husband are having. I am sorry to hear of them yet I am happy to know that I may still have a chance to one day have you reciprocate my love for you. I am not writing this letter to you in order to convince you to leave your husband, but rather to let you know that no matter what happens in this life I have and will continue to love you. Since there is a possibility of you reconciling with your husband and also a possibility that you may never return my feelings, the odds of me ever holding you in my arms the way I desire to are against me. So in my place I wish you to have this Teddy bear. It was once called a Care Bear. When you feel alone, lost, or unhappy, sad, confused or unloved please hold this bear in your arms and think of the love I have for you. You will always have a friend, always be found, and although you may experience unhappy times there will also be happy times, you may become sad and even confused but you will also be happy and know the answers when the times are right. And you shall never be unloved, not as long as I still breath. Although in my heart I can not wish for you to repair your marriage I do wish for your happiness and if that is with your husband then I shall not stand in your way by revealing my name. If it is not to be, then I can only hope that your heart will lead you to mine.
Love Always Your Secret Admirer
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.
My love,
I could not resist sending you a second and final Sweetheart's Day present. You must be filled with even more questions now then ever before and I wished to tell you that you are not the alone. Ever since I have realised the true nature of my feelings for you, I too have been bombarded with questions and although I may not be a poet I have tired to put my thought to words.
What Is Love?* Love is strange. Love is weird. What is love? Is love really real? How will one know if they are in love? Will this sign be in the shape of a dove? Love has no limits. Love has no face. Love could be wonderful if you use grace. All I'm sure of is that love is not hate. but will hate be love's endless fate? After all my research I'm still not sure why this has to effect him or her. I've come to my conclusion that life is a show and love is a part that we all know.
Love Your Secret Admirer
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 Nicoletti. 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 seem 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 Delaney 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 Delaney.
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 mess-hall, 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 mess-hall.
"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. Good night."
"Good night, Seven. Sweet dreams."
The End