"So Naomi, what will it cost you to never tell anyone about this at all?"

"A weeks worth of replicator rations." Naomi answered promptly. She coked her head to one side. " Do you love her?"

"What?" Tom asked, caught somewhat off guard.

"Do you love B'Elanna?"

"Yes." Tom composed himself. "More than anything."

"More than flying?"

"Yes. More than all the stars in the sky."

Naomi giggled and hugged him tightly. "I'm sure she loves you too."

"Yeah well she won't if I don't manage to convince you to keep your mouth shut." Tom grinned inwardly. He could still remember in perfect detail when B'Elanna had admitted her feelings to him. He had been so happy when she had said it. Then he spent days worrying that she had only said it because they were seconds from dying. But then she had confirmed that she had really meant it. And then they had kissed, sweetly and gloriously in the corridor outside the mess hall. It was Tom's happiest moment.

"I won't tell. I promise. As long as I get my extra rations."

"Thanks. Now I think B'Elanna wants to show you the magnetic coils. So scoot."


"So anyway, if you press that button they begin to release and then you can"

"He said he loves you more than all the stars in the sky."

"Excuse me?" B'Elanna raised her eyebrows.

"Do you love him too? More than you love the warp core?"

"Yes I do." As much as B'Elanna was embarrassed by being questioned by someone so young, it was actually a relief to be able to discuss her relationship at all. "And I wish I didn't have to keep it a secret. I really do."

"So why do you?"

"It's complicated. Really." B'Elanna could tell Naomi was hoping for a more detailed explanation so she continued. "It would be… frowned upon by some people. And neither of us wants to be judged like that. Plus it isn't very professional of us. Not on a ship this small."

"Just because Tuvok wouldn't like it doesn't mean it's a bad thing" B'Elanna grinned at Naomi's instant understanding of just who would disapprove. Naomi continued, "Do you want some of my replicator rations? I have more than anyone else and I already have Tom's replicator rations. You guys could do something nice. And no one would be able to see you."

"Wow, thanks Naomi. That's really nice of you. Tom's right, you are a sweet kid."

"That's ok," Naomi said, grinning. "I'm always ready to help a fellow crew member. It will be very important when I'm an officer. Besides I'm sure Flotter and his friends would love to meet you."

"Maybe we won't run Flotter."

Naomi looked puzzled. "What else would you run?"

B'Elanna grinned coyly. "I've got a few ideas."