"It's what friendship's all about Kathryn" came the reply. They both left the holodeck. But it could become so much more she thought to herself…

This is not happening…

It had been three weeks since the Borg 'incident'. After the events that followed, and the 'Warp Core' episode where a group of so-called 'needy' aliens had used the core to bargain with, life on Voyager was slowly returning to normal. The Borg drone, Seven of Nine had began to adjust to a human lifestyle. The majority of her Borg implants had been removed and she visibly looked human, apart from her optical implant above her right eye. Kathryn had made a decision to help Seven adjust as much as possible. Seven was Kathryn's protégée.

The Gamma Shift had just ended as Tom Paris strode onto the bridge that morning, looking pleased with himself as usual. He relieved the Ensign on the conn and logged in on his console. A message was waiting for him, probably Harry he thought to himself. He was mesmerised to find it was from B'Elanna.

Hey Flyboy, meet you in holodeck 2, 1930 hours. Be there... B'Elanna...

He took it into his head that she must be inviting him out on a date and suddenly felt a lot happier than he has two minutes ago. As he concentrated on the conn, the rest of the Alpha Shift entered the bridge.

"I see you're early this morning Mr. Paris" said Kathryn, a smile donning her face.

"Yes ma'am. Glad you noticed" replied Tom, cheerfully as another message flashed up on his console, this time it was from Harry, who had just taken his post at Operations.

Early on the job Tom? Who are you and what have you done with Tom Paris?

Tom retaliated with; it's me Harry, I just decided that being early for once would be a good idea. He turned to see Harry with an expression of shock, and grinned at him.

Kathryn had just received a report from Tuvok when she suddenly felt the need to get away from the bridge. At first she'd thought nothing of it, but her sudden desire to retreat to her ready room didn't go unnoticed. Chakotay had seen the look on her face, he hadn't pretended not to either. His concern over Kathryn's behaviour over the past few weeks was increasing. He'd waited almost half an hour to see whether she came back to the bridge. When she didn't appear, he decided to go and see her.
When he entered the ready room, he was greeted with the sight of a sleeping Captain slumped on the sofa underneath the window. *So that's the reason why she's been acting strangely, not getting enough sleep* he'd said to himself, but then realised the truth, it all lead back to the Borg. He approached her and sat beside her sleeping form. He stayed, watching her sleep. She looked so peaceful and content with herself. When she began to stir, he carefully stood.

"Chakotay" she mumbled, groggily, "How long?" she asked,

"Almost half an hour...I think. I only just came in here. Are you alright Kathryn?" he replied.

Kathryn stood up and stretched wearily. She yawned.

"I'm...I'm fine Chakotay, really. I'm just tired" she said.

"I don't think that's all that's wrong Kathryn, is it? If you wanna talk, then I'm right here. I know something's been bothering you over the past few weeks. A lot has happened, I know, but I'm worried about you" explained Chakotay.

"Nothing is wrong with me!" argued Kathryn, her voice raised and agitated. This wasn't her at all. *Why can't he leave me alone? He's your friend, that's why...*

"Look Chakotay, I've got work to do-" she began to make her way to the door, but Chakotay stopped her.

"Kathryn! You can't keep straying from your feelings, something's bothering you and I want to know what it is" argued Chakotay, "Please, tell me. That way, we'll both feel better" he added, his voice toned down.

Kathryn thought for a moment, and then decided that Chakotay had won.

"Okay, if you think its necessary" she said, moving toward the replicator, "Want anything?" She was answered with a "no" from Chakotay.
"Coffee, black" was her order. Once that had materialised, she proceeded to sit with Chakotay on the sofa.

"So..." she said, taking a sip out of her 'holy grail' that was her mug of coffee, "Where do we start then?" she added.

"Why have you been acting so...difficultly lately? It's like you've changed somehow"

"And you wonder why I've changed? I'll tell you something Chakotay, I have changed, and as far as I'm concerned I've changed for the worst. Everything that happens during our journey changes me, but this time, it's for the worst" she explained. There was a pause of silence. "You've heard what you want to hear, now just leave me alone"

What else could he do? Kathryn was obviously in no mood to tell the truth, or was she telling him the truth. He did what she wanted, and left her alone.

Kathryn felt so alone. She felt so angry with herself; she picked up the empty coffee cup and threw it against the wall, shattering it into tiny pieces. She collapsed in a heap of tears on the floor. Obviously hearing the impact of the cup on the wall, Chakotay had come rushing back to find her on the floor.

"Kathryn? What's wrong?" he asked, as he went over to her.

"Nothing! Just leave me alone!" she protested in between sobs, "I'm sorry Chakotay" she then said, "I'm so sorry"

"Why are you apologising Kathryn? You've done nothing wrong" asked Chakotay, smiling slightly.

"I've done so much wrong Chakotay" she kept saying. It was rapidly confusing Chakotay.

"What? What have you done that's so wrong Kathryn?" he asked, as she sat up and faced him. She got closer to him.

"This" she said her voice almost a whisper. She moved her lips toward his own, and kissed him lightly. He responded by deepening the kiss.

"This is not happening" were Chakotay's words