Disclaimer: as I'm sure you all know Star Trek isn't mine.
Author's note: I'm completly disregarding any information given outside the TV-show, such as the name of Janeway's sister.

Three weeks after the party, Chakotay and Kathryn still had not spoken. They missed each other terribly, but Kathryn was still determined not to interfere with his relationship with Seven in any way, and Chakotay was afraid to force his company on her. He knew what the problem was, but he couldn't just dump the ex-Borg without a better reason. That would be truly unforgivable in Kathryn's eyes.

The middle-aged man was, however, becoming less and less sure that he would be able to provide Seven with all she needed in the long run, just as uncertain as he was becoming of her ability to make him happy. It had been exciting in the beginning to help her discover her romantic and feminine side. On Voyager she'd been dominating and extremely sure of herself in all aspects, except in that of personal relationships. This had fascinated him greatly. Regrettably, as time went on he'd discovered that Seven wasn't quite the woman he'd pictured her to be underneath her overt vulnerability and shyness.

He'd envisioned he'd teach her all about romance and sexuality, had thought it exciting that through her he might see things in new ways and really get in touch with his romantic side. There hadn't exactly been many opportunities for exploration in that field during their time in the Delta Quadrant. A few, he had to admit, but certainly not many, and none that had ever had any lasting possibilities. At his age, a kiss here and a fling there just wasn't satisfactory. Seven, unlike all the previous girls who'd shown interest in him, wasn't going anywhere – at least, not anywhere he wasn't going also. There just hadn't been any reason to decline the first invitation to have dinner with her.

Still, he couldn't stop thinking about his former captain: her natural authority and leadership, the way she walked, the way she talked - like an angel sometimes, how protective and caring she had been for her crew, as if they were her own children. She had even been more than willing to give her life for them, on several occasions. When someone came to her for help or guidance, she had always been there for them as best she could. His fondest memories were of the few times she'd been completely relaxed, for example when enjoying the etherial music of the Enarans, or when she'd made the jaw of every crewmember drop at her – until then – secret pool skills. But most of all, he remembered how, on New Earth, she'd been completely at ease. They both had…

Seven too had trouble relaxing on a daily basis. Seeing her eventually relax on that first date was one of the things that had attracted him to her, because of the fascinating contrast it was to the way she carried herself most of the time: so like Kathryn in so many ways. It was no surprise really; Kathryn had practically raised Seven. Which, by extension, practically makes me her father…

At the sound of the door chime, Chakotay sprang from the chair he'd been sitting in. Of course, dinner with Seven at eight.

"I'll be right there!" he shouted as he hurried across the room to recycle his mug of coffee and grab his coat. Opening the door, the tall, dark man greeted the equally tall but fair girl cordially with a flattering comment on her appearance. She smiled sweetly but didn't blush as she used to when he complimented her.

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Dinner went by uneventfully. Both had begun noticing how they no longer had as much to talk about. Mostly Seven would inquire as to how various ex-crewmembers from Voyager were doing and Chakotay would give her the latest updates. The only ones with whom she was still in contact were little Naomi, who wrote her every week, and the doctor, to whom she still went for guidance on non-romantic social matters. The doctor had suggested she let Chakotay take over completely, due to her new level of intimacy with said organic. However, Seven wished to continue her friendship with the hologram, and by continuing her lessons with him, she could ensure they would have at least one excuse to get together, despite their busy schedules.

Walking Seven back to her apartment at Starfleet Headquarters after dinner, Chakotay still had trouble finding a subject of conversation. It was as if they'd already said all there was to say between them.

"Well, good night," he said when his date was standing halfway through the door. He gave her a peck on the lips.

He was about to turn to walk away when she asked, "Would you like to come in?"

Chakotay stopped dead in his tracks. It wasn't that she'd never invited him in before – they were both restricted to HQ for the time being – just not late at night after a romantic dinner. Knowing he couldn't just stand there forever, he accepted politely, with his usual, charming smile.

"May I offer you something to drink? A glass of wine perhaps?"

"Ye…umm, no. Thank you." With all the confusion in his mind these days he deemed this the wrong time not to have as clear a mind as he possibly could.

"Some coffee, then?"

"I…a cup of tea would be nice." He had to wonder if she'd done it purpose. Chakotay had certainly not meant to let on how torn he was of late, between his constant thoughts of Kathryn and not wanting to hurt Seven's feelings. Of course, Seven was not easily deceived. Perhaps he was only deceiving himself.

With a nod and a smile, Seven went to the replicator to get the beverage. "Two cups of herbal tea." Chakotay sat down on the couch as the curvy blonde brought the steaming cups across the room.

"Thanks." Seven handed him his cup. They drank their tea in strained silence. Chakotay had the distinct impression that Seven was building up courage for something. Or maybe she was waiting for him to make a move…

It wasn't long ago she'd felt she could ask the commander anything, but he had been so peculiarly distant since their return to Earth, especially since the party. By now she was afraid of how he might react to certain questions of hers, not to mention some of the things she had begun wanting to do. It had been some time before she'd felt ready, and now it seemed too late.

As nothing more was said while they emptied their cups, Chakotay bid Seven goodnight and headed to his own apartment. The young woman was left lonely and frustrated. Desperately in need of friendly advice, she decided to call on the doctor first thing in the morning, before her scheduled interrogation by Starfleet.

xxxxxxx

"All I can say is that if this is something you feel you can't discuss with the commander, perhaps you need to re-evaluate your relationship with him," was the only guidance the doctor was comfortable giving on such a delicate matter.

"That is unsatisfactory advice," protested Seven. "I do not believe he would intentionally hurt me, yet I'm wary of his response. Time spent with him is no longer as comfortable and attractive as it used to be, yet I hesitate to break off our relationship. It is very confusing."

"Naturally. This is, however, not exactly my field of expertise. I really think you should speak with someone more…experienced on the matter. Counsellor Troi, for instance. I believe she happens to be in the vicinity of HQ next week."

"You are sure? I'm somewhat uncomfortable speaking about this with a complete stranger…though not as uncomfortable as with the thought of confronting Chakotay…"

"Trust me. Deanna is the best there is when it comes to emotional issues. I can't think of anyone more qualified with whom to discuss matters of the heart."

"Well, if you insist."

"Wonderful," the doctor concluded with a satisfied smile. "I'll ask her to meet with you at her earliest convenience."

xxxxxxx

"Hi, pleased to meet you. I'm Counsellor Deanna Troi. You must be Seven of Nine," the half-Betazoid greeted Seven at the café where they'd agreed to meet.

"Yes, but you may call me Seven. Thank you for meeting with me. The doctor spoke very highly of you."

"Aww, he's too kind," responded the dark haired woman with a modest laugh. "Please, sit down." Seven complied. "So, what did you wish to discuss? All the doctor said was that you're having difficulties with some emotional issues which are new to you."

"It's about my…boyfriend. I'm uncertain as to what extent he still cares for me, as well as my feelings for him. It is…unsettling." Seven's discomfort in discussing the matter was obvious.

"Well, the first thing I can tell you is that your problem is a very common one. Almost everyone goes through it sooner or later…though that is usually of little comfort," the counsellor admitted. "Now, I can sense your overwhelming confusion, but I promise to do my best in helping you sort your feelings. That way you can better judge what it is you really want. Don't be afraid. Everything you say is between us, unless you wish otherwise. So, just relax. Okay?"

Seven did her best to oblige, and as the session transpired, she discovered she was getting a better perspective of her feelings as well her relationship with Chakotay. Naturally, not much was accomplished in only one session, but it was just enough for Seven to be very grateful for the doctor's advice and Deanna's help.

She also concluded that Deanna was another great model of humanity and individuality. This made her think of her former captain. Janeway had distanced herself from her charge since their return to Earth – much like Chakotay, but to a greater extent. This saddened Seven in a way she had felt on only a few previous occasions. Now, more than ever, she knew how important Kathryn Janeway was to her. At times, though there was no concrete reason to, she had to wonder if her new relationship with the commander was the cause. Obviously, as Seven was constantly reminded, she still had a great deal to learn about the minds of individuals. And yet, thanks to the help of Deanna Troi, she regenerated a little more peacefully that night.

xxxxxxx

Weeks went by with everyone just going about their business: reports were being scrutinized, ex-crewmates questioned, the doctor, Seven and the modifications to Voyager studied down to the tiniest detail. Seven also continued her sessions with counsellor Troi, becoming more and more certain that there was little hope of a future with Chakotay. Despite that, she resisted telling him this. She hadn't even told him about her counselling sessions.

He could tell she was keeping something from him though, but being unsure of their relationship himself he dared not confront her, afraid he'd have to answer some difficult questions himself.

Feeling the need for fresh air to clear his mind, Chakotay decided to take a walk around the grounds of HQ. The weather was nothing but beautiful and the little birds twittering in the trees calmed his thoughts. Turning a corner around some rather tall hedges he was caught completely off-guard by the sight that met him. There was no mistaking the person deeply inhaling the sweet scent of the roses.

"Kathryn?" The woman in question stopped dead. Turning around, her face lit up in recognition, as if she'd just found a long-lost treasure. It took only a second, however, before reality hit and the light faded away. There was no reason to think he wasn't still with Seven.

"Chakotay." Her breath trembled with a slight feeling of déjà vu.

"It's been a while. How are you?" He was almost afraid to ask.

"Oh, just fine, thank you," she replied – as always when she was just the opposite. "You?"

"Can't complain." He lied just as much as she.

"And Seven?" Kathryn forced her body to remain still and her eyes to remain fixed upon Chakotay's stony face. However, she could not bring herself to meet his gaze.

"I wouldn't know." Suddenly he had her full attention, and her eyes locked again with his. "We…don't communicate very well these days." His dark, brown eyes were begging for a response. Kathryn's gaze became distant as she found herself lost in thought. A big part of her leapt with the joy of hope, while another felt guilty for having the former reaction. "Please, say something!" he pleaded.

"What's there to say?" she snapped, regaining focus. "So, you and Seven are having problems; that's none of my business."

"Well…maybe…I think…it is," Chakotay ventured.

Kathryn was lost for words again. "Excuse me. I've got work to do," was all she could muster before starting hurriedly towards one of the buildings.

That didn't go as well as I'd hoped, Chakotay thought to himself as he watched the beautiful woman disappear behind a tall row of thorny bushes.

xxxxxxx

Another two weeks came and went, and Chakotay was having yet another dinner with Seven, with yet more insignificant small talk. Suddenly, Chakotay's com-badge chirped. It was Kathryn's sister.

"Chakotay here." What could she possibly want with him? Had something happened to Kathryn?

"Have you seen my sister? I know she's been avoiding you lately, but neither mom nor I have seen or heard from her in over two weeks. Starfleet doesn't know anything, and she's not at her apartment." Loreen was clearly worried, and seemingly with good reason. Now Chakotay was too. He excused himself to Seven and went out in the hallway, where there was less noise and more privacy.

"No, I haven't. Have you spoken with Admiral Paris? Or Patterson?"

"Yes. All they know is she notified HQ that she'd be absent for a few days. They've tried contacting her too, but have had no success." A few moments of silence went by as Chakotay tried to sort his thoughts. Then he remembered something – something she'd mentioned over one of their many dinners in her quarters.

"I know where she might be. I'll leave immediately. You'll hear from me in an hour or two. I'm sure your sister is just fine."

"That's what she always says when she's not," Loreen said skeptically.

"I mean it; you'll have her back in no time."

"Okay, I hope you're right."

Only just remembering Seven, Chakotay returned to the dining room, quickly excusing himself again to his date. Seven was no longer confused, and now knew what she had to do the next time she had Chakotay alone.