Conversations

Conversations

A short time later, Seven joined Chakotay on the couch. They said nothing for a while just enjoying the other's presence. Finally Chakotay took her hand in his to get her attention.

"You still nervous about being on Earth?" She thought for a moment.

"I will adapt." He smiled just as a timer beeped in the kitchen.

"I'll get it," he said, standing up. She watched him walk into the other room and let out a breath. Seven still wasn't entirely sure what to make of their relationship. She would need to conduct more research.

"It's ready," Chakotay called, pulling Seven from her thoughts. She went to join him at the table and flashed a small smirk in his direction.

"So…how was your meeting with Starfleet Command?" Seven tensed up at his question.

"I do not wish to discuss it."

"That well huh?" Seven let out a frustrated breath.

"The Admiral and his colleagues were less than accommodating. I believe a fair assessment would be rude and condescending. For all intents it was an interrogation," she explained. Chakotay looked shocked.

"That doesn't sound like any of the officers I know."

"They were…overly obvious in their distrust. They questioned my loyalty to Starfleet and the Federation."

"That's crap."

"The Captain would agree with your assessment," Seven said with a half smile.

They fell into silence enjoying their meal together. Seven did like his companionship and felt at ease. An hour later, they sat nestled together on the couch, glasses of wine in hand. Chakotay worked his hand up her neck and pulled the clip from her hair. The soft locks fell loose and Seven looked surprised when several wisps floated into her eyes.

"You are certainly persistent, Commander," she laughed. He joined in and before long had managed to capture her lips in a kiss. She allowed herself to succumb to the warm feeling in her chest. Chakotay slid one hand through her hair while the other began to make its way up her arm. Slowly, Seven slid her free arm around his neck. After a few moments more, they pulled apart.

"I believe I am improving," she said, somewhat breathless.

"Definitely much better than the first time," Chakotay teased. Seven raised an eyebrow.

"Are you implying that my initial attempt was less than adequate?" Her tone was serious.

"No…of course not. I was joking. You're wonderful," he tried to apologize. Seven leaned against the arm of the couch, sipping her wine.

"I know that," she laughed. They both looked surprised at the sound. Chakotay leaned in and whispered in her ear.

"Enjoying your emotions, I take it?"

"That was not my intended reaction," she admitted.

"It's a good start." She nodded and set her wine glass down.

"Perhaps you should teach me more?"

"Maybe I will." He stood and pulled her to her feet. He picked up a small remote and pressed a button. Chopin began to play and he extended his hand to her. She took it, slowly beginning to dance. Seven rested her head on his should and let out a breath.

"You know, I don't think I've ever told you how glad I am you came to Voyager," he murmured against her hair.

"As I recall, you were not entirely pleased with the Captain's decision to allow me to stay."

"Well a lot can change in four years."

"I concur."

They danced to another few songs and finished off the bottle of wine. They had lost track of time and were surprised to find it was almost 23:00 hours.

"I should go," Seven said quietly as she walked towards the door. Chakotay reached for her hand to stop her.

"Where are you going to go?" Her brow began to furrow. She wasn't certain where she would go. Even if she returned t voyager, she had no quarters there. She'd had her first night's sleep in a bed in Sickbay.

"I…I do not know. However, it would be rude and discourteous to impose upon you."

"You could never impose, Seven. I'd like you to stay tonight. I can help you secure your own quarters in the morning." She to face him and slid her hand into hiss.

"That would be acceptable."

"I'm glad you agree." He led her back into the room. Seven surveyed his bedroom and then looked down at her clothing. It was inefficient for sleep purposes.

"I require a garment for sleeping."

"I think I can manage that." He walked to the replicator and created a comfortable yet revealing nightgown. He handed it to her and stood there as if waiting for something to happen.

"Thank you. I do not require your assistance."

"Right, Of course," he said, clearing his throat. He turned his back so she could change in privacy.

Back on Voyager, Tom and B'Elanna lay in bed, both thankful that Miral was finally asleep. B'Elanna rested her head on Tom's shoulder.

"We have to leave Voyager don't we?" she sighed.

"Yep. I know Voyager feels like home but I think Starfleet would get a little mad if we stayed."

"You mean your father."

"Yeah…we'll probably have to see him. He's going to be unavoidable," Tom groaned.

"Maybe to will give you a chance to rethink your relationship. You're hardly the screw up you were seven years ago," B'Elanna commented.

"Thank you, honey. That makes me feel so much better."

"I still love you."

The following morning, Tom and B'Elanna packed up the rest of their quarters before returning to the base. They saw fellow crew members wandering around. They looked like they were having just as much trouble getting their land legs as Tom and B'Elanna.

"It just feels so strange to be back," she murmured, shifting the baby in her arms.

"But it's what we've wanted since we got to the Delta Quadrant," he reminded her. The pair reached their temporary quarters and B'Elanna looked around.

"It's only temporary."

"Right. I know that. Let's just get this stuff unpacked."

"Yes, dear."

In Chakotay's quarters, Seven was beginning to stir. She rolled out of Chakotay's arms and stretched. As quietly as she could, she climbed out of bed and replicated a robe. Seven looked at the large window to the see the sun still on the rise. It was strange not to see space and stars all around them. She was so entranced by the view that she didn't hear Chakotay get up. He slid his arms around her waist and rested his chin on her shoulder.

"I do not recall the last time I saw a sunrise," Sven said.

"I'd have to say seven years ago." She smiled a little.

"It has a certain aesthetic quality."

"It's beautiful." He paused for a moment.

"How did you sleep?"

"A bed is certainly more comfortable than a regeneration alcove." He turned his head and placed a gentle kiss on her neck.

"How about breakfast?" he suggested. She nodded in agreement and they headed for the kitchen.

Some time later, Chakotay and Seven were out on the base, looking for suitable quarters. Seven was impressed by the sheer size of the facility.

"The ship's database is inaccurate in the description of this facility. It should be corrected."

"It's been a while. I'm sure Voyager's databases could use an update."

Several corridors away, Tom was wandering around. B'Elanna was lying down with Miral and he'd needed to stretch his legs. He was happy to be back on Earth, even if it didn't quite feel like home yet. Just as he turned a corner, someone called his name.

"Tom." It was a familiar voice and it made Tom cringe. He turned back around to face his father. Tom forced a smile and extended his hand to his father. The older Paris mirrored the gesture.

"Hi, Dad."

"Glad to have you back, Tom."

"Not sure I'm ready to be back," tom admitted.

"What are you talking about? You were lost in space for seven years."

"Yes, but Voyager really felt like home. B'Elanna and I were sort of ready to raise our baby on the ship.'

"Well all that matters is you got home in one piece. It looks like you've actually learned a thing or tow while you were gone." Tom stopped walking and faced his father, looking him directly in the eye.

"Look, Dad. I know you never thought I cared much about being the son of an Admiral but I did. And I didn't join the Maquis to piss you off. I just didn't want to be a carbon copy."

Admiral Paris looked shocked at his son's words. He stood in the middle of the hallway just gaping at Tom. After another awkward moment, he cleared his throat to speak.

"I…I never knew that's how you felt."

"You never took the time to ask." The Admiral nodded and clapped Tom on the shoulder.

"I'm sorry, Tom."

"Why don't we go see B'Elanna and the baby," Tom suggested. His father followed after him back the way they had come. Father and son walked in to find B'Elanna rocking Miral in her cradle.

"Is she sleeping?" Tom whispered.

"She just woke up." She looked up at Tom's father and gave him a small smile. Admiral Paris bent over the cradle. He peered down at the infant and couldn't keep a smile from his lips.

"Well aren't you just precious," he cooed. He picked the baby and cradled her against his chest.

"I haven't held someone this small since your Daddy was a baby." Tom and B'Elanna stood by and watched as grandfather and granddaughter bonded.