You Show that Lobster
The day progressed quickly and before long, Seven's date with Chakotay was a mere fifteen minutes away. She was busy finishing up her duties In the cargo bay when the Doctor walked in.
"Seven, why aren't you ready? You're meeting him in fifteen minutes."
"My appearance is sufficient." He gave a huff.
"Lesson eight! Dress for success." She let out a breath of her own and turned to face him.
"What do you suggest then?"
"Well…let's start with your hair." He reached up and undid the claps keeping it up and out of her face.
"I don't have much experience with this but…try shaking your head around a little." She shook her head a little. He couldn't help but smile at her.
"Is that more acceptable?"
"Yes. Now…let's find you something to wear." He began to walk over to the console. She stayed where she was for a moment before following her over.
"When I designed your dermaplastic garment, I took the liberty of creating a few more…casual outfits. Here, have a look." She watched him scroll through the other garments.
"How am I to choose?" He cleared his throat.
"Well…I think you'd look very nice in…" he scrolled back up. 'This one." She looked at it for a moment before replying.
"I am uncertain how to wear such a garment." He tried to give her a reassuring smile as she set her data pad down.
"Assist me." He took a giant step backwards.
"I think you can handle it from here. I'll go set up the holodeck." He was nearly out the door by now.
"Remember, the goal of tonight is to have fun!" He was gone in a matter of seconds. She went about replicating the dress and stared at it for a few minutes before finally figuring out how to put it on. It was slightly more complicated than she'd anticipated. But she had to admit, she felt comfortable in it. With a deep breath she made her way to the holodeck.
Inside, Chakotay sat at the bar, talking with the bartender. He asked for the time and just as the bartender turned to check, the doors opened and a figure walked slowly down the stairs.
"Never mind," Chakotay muttered to the hologram. He stood up and met Seven halfway.
'Wow…you look stunning." She averted her gaze and blushed.
"Thank you." She wasn't sure what else to say. As discreetly as he could, Chakotay gave her the once over. He hadn't really taken notice of how attractive she was.
"Would you like to sit down?"
"Where is our designated station?"
"Right down there by the piano. I'm told it's the best table in the place." He offered his arm and she looked hesitant. She looked around the establishment and her eyes fell on the pianist; the Doctor. He nodded to her and she gently took Chakotay's arm.
"I was a little surprised you asked me here tonight."
"Why?" They had reached the table and taken seats.
"Well, I didn't know you were interested." She blushed again. They sat in silence for a moment or two before Chakotay noticed the bottle of champagne in the ice bucket.
"Would you like some?"
"Synthehol impairs my motor cortex. Water will suffice."
"I'm not much of a drinking man myself. I like to stay in control." Another silence.
"I apologize for my lack of conversation. It's been a while since I've been on a date. My last relationship didn't end on a very good note"
"I have never been on a date. As such, I am experiencing anxiety."
"Well you're doing just fine by my book."
"So how are things in astrometrics?"
"Fine. I have been working to increase the scanning frequency of the long range sensors. It will allow us to scan almost one and a half light-years farther."
"Impressive. I'm sure the Captain will be pleased." Seven nodded, trying to remember what she'd learned about making small talk. Chakotay noticed her hesitation and gave her a reassuring smile.
"You know," he began, tracing the edge of his water glass. "I think it's great what you're doing…getting to know people on the ship on more intimate terms."
"Explain."
"Well a lot of people are a little…unsure of themselves around you. You're very confident in what you do. I like that."
"Thank you." He turned to try and get the waiter's attention but was having no luck. Seven stood up.
"Server, report this station immediately." The waiter turned and looked at her. He was a bit startled but wound his way around the other tables.
"See, confident, decisive. I like that."
"Can we get some more water? And dinner would be great too." The waiter bowed and walked off at a brisk pace to do as he'd asked.
"So I heard about the incident in the Mess Hall the other day."
"I believe everyone on board has heard about it."
"Well, I can't fault you for being curious. Though it's generally a bad idea to make a Klingon mad."
"I agree."
Just then the waiter returned with two large plates. They each bore a full lobster. The waiter set them down and with another bow walked away. Seven eyed the meal with confusion.
"This creature has an exoskeleton."
"It's a lobster. It's a delicacy on Earth." She raised an eyebrow and glanced over her shoulder at the Doctor. He stopped playing and motion ed for her to crack it. She picked the creature up around the middle and deftly broke it in half; spraying bits of shell all over the table. She looked absolutely mortified as Chakotay picked a few bits of shell off his shirt.
"I will replicate you a new garment."
"Don't worry about it. I've been attacked by worse. Here let me show you it's done." He stood up and walked around the table to stand behind her. She stood slightly to her left and placed his hands atop hers. She tensed at his touched.
"Relax." It was a gentle whisper against her cheek.
"See, like this." He guided her hands to tenderly separate shell from meet on one of the claws. She glanced up at him and couldn't help but smile a little. He was doing his best to pay attention to the crustacean on the plate and not take an aerial view of her dress. He helped her crack most of the lobster before sitting down to enjoy his. The meal finished in companionable silence until the Doctor changed what he was playing.
"Would you like to dance?"
"That is covered in lesson thirty-five. I haven't gotten to it yet."
"It's not hard." He stood and offered his hand. She looked apprehensive for a moment but took it and joined him on the dance floor. They began moving and Seven kept rigid, staying in sync with the beat.
"Try and relax a little. Let the music move through you." He was leaning n so that his breath tickled her neck. She tried to relax and found it was a more enjoyable activity if she wasn't so worried about perfection. He held her close, clearly enjoying himself as well. Out of the corner of hr eye she caught a holographic couple dancing and the woman did a graceful spin. Chakotay caught the movement too and offered to try the move. He watched Seven spin away from him and he couldn't help notice how graceful her body was as it cut through the air. He pulled her back to him just as the song ended.
"I think we just covered lesson thirty-five." She nodded as they moved off the dance floor.
"Would you like dessert?" She agreed and they shared lemon meringue pie. The Doctor watched contentedly as his pupil passed her first test with flying colors. He would be very eager to inform Tom of the evening. A while later, Seven and Chakotay left Sandrine's and returned to Cargo Bay 2.
"I had a great time tonight."
"As did I." He looked around them, as if making sure they were alone. Satisfied there was no one else around, he leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. It lasted for less than 30 seconds but it left Seven slightly dazed. He cleared his throat.
"It's customary to part with a kiss."
"Good night." She turned and entered the Cargo bay. Chakotay stood there for a minute before returning to his own quarters.
