Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek Voyager, I do however own this plot and the original characters.

Before they knew it, another two months had gone by and the extended Spring Break was finally upon them.

Leading up to the many weeks until their break, Naomi and Icheb met only once a week for breakfast, never going further than having a friendly conversation or helping each other out academically. Even so, without either realizing it, they had become closer than they had expected during this time. They both longed for more at the very same time however, although neither of them brought it up, it often times led them to uneasy silences, elevating the frustration between them for a moment.

Four months had gone by since they reunited, four months for them- two people who continually orbited each other like twin suns, the heat of their yearning to be with each other burning them but the gravity keeping them apart. It was a bittersweet torture that they allowed with a great deal of masochism.

During that time, Icheb would pour himself into his work and even took on research from Starfleet to help the effort into getting their man-made wormhole established. It helped to distract him, thinking of how his research and techniques would allow a wider use of the Astrometrics labs on ships. He rapidly became aware at the same time how adept Naomi was becoming in the subject, grasping the finer points in stellar cartography and grid mapping. What further impressed him was her increasing grasp on spatial anomalies, knowledge into the mechanics of sensors, and a proficiency in advanced analytics.

As a result, Icheb was very tempted to offer her a position as a TA for next semester if he chose to stay as an instructor next semester. He couldn't do that though, Icheb knew that having to work together so closely would only exacerbate their efforts to keeping things simple, at least for now. All the same, he was impressed by her progress and it made it a little difficult for him to not call on her in class often, the outcome being she was never far from his attention, despite trying to distract himself.

Naomi had been having a similar problem. She had taken extra steps in progressing in her classes, specifically Astrometrics, hoping it would aid her in her plans of getting back on a science vessel, such as Voyager or even Intrepid. Unfortunately, her increase in effort made it so Icheb took close notice of her. The funny thing was that she hadn't actually been trying to get him to notice her! Not at all, she honestly really just wanted to be the best she could be in her classes to expedite her goals.

While others went on shopping sprees, to parties, or simply vegetated, Naomi threw herself into her studies. A future Captain had to be knowledgeable in more than just one subject, so she took on extra classes, got extra help, and worked hard at accomplishing what she sought at. It wasn't just one time that she cracked and broke down from her self established harsh study plan. She began to rely on her supportive roommates after they had insisted, getting the extra sense kicking into her and encouragement to go on. The reason she allowed this was that she did not want to allow herself to show her struggles to Icheb.

Naomi knew that if Icheb understood how hard she was working, he would try to help her... and she couldn't afford to be distracted by him. Still, the result was that they often drifted unintentionally toward each other, making their concentration slip on many occasions. It was difficult, taking things slow, but they knew that delayed gratification would only make however they chose to enhance their friendship in the future all the sweeter.

Finally though, Naomi had managed to pass her midterms and could truly rest during her break. While she waited for her shuttle to arrive to take her to her mother's house, the first stop until their trip to Ktaris, Naomi said her temporary good byes to T'Chea and Hannah. The girls, as most students, were off to visit their families. Remembering that Icheb had told her he would be staying at the academy that Spring made Naomi wonder if she should invite her to Ktaris with her and her family. She knew though how bad an idea that was for many reason.

One in particular though.

Naomi couldn't even imagine how awkward it would be for both of them if he showed up with her and she had to formally introduce him to her father. She could just picture it now! 'Hi dad, this is Icheb, he was once Borg, he's my instructor at the academy, and I'm hopelessly in love with him! Can he come?' Oh that'd just go down splendidly! She could imagine her farther going from purple directly to ultraviolet. Snorting humorlessly, Naomi reluctantly remained silent about it, simply wishing the Brunali professor a pleasant Spring break instead.

Icheb, on the other hand, wondered what he would do. Seven was off world, on her research assignment, and as he mentioned to Naomi, he didn't really know the other former Borg's aunt too well to just drop by. He had mentioned staying, but he wondered if it'd be a good idea to visit old friends? People from Voyager maybe? In the end though, he stuck to his original idea of remaining. He'd benefit from the solitude to work on his own research, put in some extra help to Project Delta Quadrant, prepare for his classes after Spring break, and of course, think of his renewed 'friendship' with Naomi when time allowed. Like, all the time. The past months he and Naomi hadn't exactly interacted as closely as that first week, but there was a significant improvement to their relation with each other.

They finally got past being strangers and begun to bond more, probably closer than advisable. They were on much friendlier terms, meeting each other every week to 'catch up' and went back to greeting each other a bit friendlier than simple instructor and students probably should. Still... he pined for his friend in more ways than he cared to admit, and would miss her company dearly. He still felt guilty for what they had gone through, and knew he needed to make it up to her. He decided then that when she returned, he would strive to be an even better friend.

During most of the break, Naomi had had a fantastic time with her parents. They had stayed at her dad's family lodge on Ktaris, doing the Ktarian equivalent of skiing and mountain climbing. Naomi hadn't felt as sore as she did during that month in her life! Far greater than even in basic training! Still, it was exhilarating and excellent work out. She had marveled at her toned figure, though had gotten caught checking her improved figure out in the mirror by her dad, which had embarrassed the living daylights out of her. As usual, her dad had simply patted her on the arm and told her he was proud of her progress. Gah, parents! Even so, it was a very nice bonding experience for all of them.

Unfortunately, her father had been called back to Deep Space Nine a little over a week before Naomi's break was to end, so they had to make their trek back to Earth to drop her off. Her mom had offered for Naomi to stay with her for the remainder of the time, since she too was on leave for about the same amount of time, but in the end Naomi wanted to get back for an early start at her assignments.

Arriving back at the academy, Naomi thanked the shuttle operator and hefted her bag over her shoulder. She had refused her parents aid in helping her settled back in, and made her way back to her dorm on her own. As she walked into her room, her mind drifted to Icheb, wondering if he had stayed after all or had gone away for the break. Brushing him out of her mind- or attempting to- Naomi set off to unpacking and diving right back into her studies. It became clear to her after two hours with little progress though that she was simply too distracted to get into it at the moment. Maybe it was jetlag, maybe it was her body's refusal to end the break so soon, whatever it was made Naomi set her PADDS down and get up. Maybe a walk through the campus gardens would help her unwind?

Making her way out, she breathed in the fresh air and smiled at the peaceful tranquility of the quiet courtyard. Stepping into a familiar path led her to an interesting, though completely predictable discovery. She had once again crossed paths with Icheb. Out of every possible path she could have chosen to walk on, she had inadvertently chosen the same one he had decided to relax at and work on whatever he was working on currently. Resigning herself to her fate, and at the same time very happy to see him, Naomi walked over to him. She noticed then that what he had in his hands was an old fashion book and had to wonder if this was another gift from Kathryn. "You seem to have a lot of old timey items," she decided to say as a greeting.

Icheb almost literally jumped where he sat on the bench and snapped his head over to her. "Naomi Wildman!" he greeted her in surprise and stood from his bench quickly. He had taken a few quick steps toward her but stopped abruptly. It almost seemed like he had wanted to hug her for a moment, but refrained from doing so.

Naomi found this annoying. She had missed him a lot over the break and thought that a hug between friends was completely appropriate! Taking that in mind, Naomi closed the distance and slipped her arms around his middle, hugging herself close to him. "I missed you," she said softly. The intensely sudden closeness of his strong, warm body was enough to lull Naomi into a state of nirvana. It almost felt like she was a drug addict on withdrawal, and he was her relief.

As always whenever they made contact, Icheb's response was immediate. His arms went around her quickly and pulled her close, resting his head against hers. "I've missed you as well," he murmured just as tenderly.

They remained like that for a little longer than they probably should have, conveying how the time apart had effected them. After their fight they hadn't just been emotionally and verbally distant, but physically as well. While they hadn't exactly hugged each other that much, they had been literally close to each other on many occasions. They had kept the physical distance since then, afraid of what they would do if they happened to touch again. Holding her close now, Icheb was almost worried he wouldn't be able to let her go again.

Feeling their arms around each other was electrifying, but after a bit they reluctantly separated, taking a respectable step back from each other. The urge to keep holding on was enough to leave them breathless, but settled for at least being near each other again. "I hope I didn't intrude on anything?" Naomi asked, her tone still soft as she and Icheb sat on the bench together.

Icheb noted that she was closer to him than usual and felt his heart race at the implications. He wouldn't let his hopes get too high however. "Not at all. I was taking a break from my research," Icheb explained then. He regained his composure after a pause and decided he would bring up his plans to her. "I'm glad you're here actually."

"Why's that?" Naomi titled her head to the side in question.

"I was hoping we could... expand the paradigm of our friendship a little more?"

Naomi felt her own heart race at what he could possibly mean by that, but she wasn't sure. Knowing Icheb it could simply mean saying hello to each other more often. "What did you have in mind?" she asked, trying to keep the tremble of anticipation from her voice.

"Since you've returned a week early, this would give us time to spend some more time together, 'catch up' as it were." Icheb went on to explain how he had planned to be a better friend to her, and that this time together would give them the perfect opportunity to bond a little closer. Naomi wasn't sure if bonding was something they needed to be focusing on at the moment, but as always it was very difficult to say no to him.

"What is your grand plan then?" Naomi finally asked, relenting to him.

Icheb told her of the places he had discovered while exploring the surrounding areas of San Francisco. Instead of revealing it all to her, he decided showing her was best. And so, they spent the week together, making up for lost time. Icheb took her to beautiful lakes, to dense forests with enormous trees that put the ones on Ktaris to shame, and pointed out a walking trail he had discovered near the campus. They went on hikes, scoured the surrounding landscape around the academy, and generally spent nearly every waking moment together. Of course, they separated at night and fought to concentrate on their respected projects. Many times their efforts in remaining close but at the same time respectably distant slipped and they almost gave into their impulses. Lingering looks, innocent brushes, each time making it harder for them to stop themselves.

On the last afternoon before their week alone was over and everyone returned, Icheb had an idea. "Naomi," he began as they walked the familiar path through the campus gardens. This was probably a bad idea, but Icheb stubbornly believed they could pull it off without anything happening. When she turned to look at him curiously, he spoke his thought. "Will you have dinner with me tonight?" he asked quietly.

"Don't we often eat dinner at the diner together?" Naomi reminded him, though the way he asked the question made her feel warm all over. Surely he couldn't mean that.

"I mean, dinner at my apartment," he amended.

"Icheb..." Naomi bit her lip, staring intently at her boots. Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, Naomi fell back to jokes once again, hopefully dispelling her wild imagination. She had to be misunderstanding him. "Are you asking me on a date?" was her weak reply. Probably not the best joke, but funny how the mind and the heart sometimes switched spots. Obviously her brain wasn't working at the moment.

Icheb took entirely too long to respond to her joke, which only made Naomi's heart trip over itself. "You can call it what you wish," he finally said.

"I..." Naomi was at a loss for words. She knew what she had to do though, no matter how much it killed her to do so. "I... don't think that's a good idea..." she said at last.

Icheb again paused before answering, though he looked regretful. "Forgive me. You're probably right," he agreed sadly. "Still, I'd like to cook for you, if that's okay?"

"Icheb, I'm not sure," Naomi shook her head. It wasn't like she didn't trust him or anything... it was that she didn't trust herself.

"I insist. A friendly dinner between friends, nothing more," Icheb stubbornly persisted.

Naomi let out a sigh of defeat, once again completely unable to refuse him. If they ever got closer than they were, that could become a bit of a problem! A good problem, but still a problem. And now was not the time to be thinking of that. "Okay, but just tonight," she told him after mulling it over, trying not to think of how suggestive that response sounded. They both knew that classes started again the next day, so at least it left them a safety net to fall to if things got... complicated.

The walk to Icheb's apartment was silent for the most part, though thankfully it was a comfortable silence. The coil between them, that enigmatic electrical field that tugged at them was still very present, but it only served to make their need to be beside each other so much stronger now. Reaching the door, Icheb stepped aside and motioned for her to step in first, ever the gentleman. Naomi smiled affectionately and stepped in, trying not to let the memory of the last time she was here cloud the happy memories she was now making with him. After she set her bag down on the couch, she turned to find him standing with a box in his hands, inclined toward her as an offering.

"What's this?" Naomi asked, taking the small colorful box.

"I believe it's tradition in most cultures to give gifts during birthdays. I missed yours during the break, but I hope this gift makes up for my lack of message to you?"

"What a surprise! So that's why you wanted to cook for me so much," Naomi grinned, holding the little box close.

"I thought it'd be an appropriate birthday celebration?"

"It is!" Naomi agreed. "Can I open it?" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"Of course," Icheb smiled tenderly.

Naomi opened her gift and her eyes widened in surprise. "Thank you, Icheb! It's beautiful!" Her grin widened as she unfolded the delicate scarf. The quality was impressive, having many kinds of fabrics woven in, giving it a wide arrange of pattern and texture. "Oh Icheb, I don't even know when your birthday is! I feel like such a horrible friend!"

"It's not until later in the year, don't worry," he said gently. "Come, I've prepared a stew earlier today in my hopes that you would agree. It's just about finished."

"You had high hopes, didn't you?" Naomi teased.

"I knew you wouldn't be able to 'resist my charms'" he teased right back.

Naomi laughed, ignoring the flush in her cheeks at the flirt. "You're certainly sure of yourself!"

"And why shouldn't I be? An attractive guy like myself," he threw back playfully, imitating Tom Paris.

"That sounds so much like Tom!" Naomi giggled, surprised at herself for letting such a girly laugh out.

"That was the intention. I'm glad I managed to pull it off," Icheb grinned.

"First you offer to cook for me, then get me a present, now you're entertaining me! How could this day get any better?" Naomi's smile almost hurt her cheeks.

"I could always bake a cake for you?" Icheb offered. "We could make it a project?"

Naomi laughed and shook her head. "No, Icheb, please, you've already done so much! Maybe next time." Naomi did everything she could to push away memories of scenes from every romantic novel she had ever read with the mention of baking together, blushing as a result. She didn't usually read romantic novels, but had on occasion, and in many of them frosting or whip cream seemed to entice the characters into... interesting outcomes.

True to his word, Icheb's 'birthday stew' was finished within the hour, surprising Naomi again with an old, nostalgic favorite. Talaxian Surprise. The stew was Neelix's own recipe for her when she was a little girl, saying that the surprise was in the ingredient each time. On her first birthday with Icheb there on Voyager, Neelix had prepared his best Talaxian Surprise yet. Everyone had enjoyed the thick soup, even the still adjusting young Icheb.

"I attempted to approximate the flavor of the stew to the one Neelix has prepared the last time. My memory may be very good, but it may still taste a little different than you remember it," Icheb explained.

"Oh... Icheb..." Naomi was again at a loss for words. Tears of ache at how much she missed Neelix threatened to spill from her eyes. "Thank you," she said warmly, her eyes shining with tenderness. They sat down to eat and Icheb had to smile at the look of euphoria that crossed Naomi with the first bite. "Icheb, I had no idea your had such culinary skills," she told him.

"I believe Seven had mentioned once that cooking is as much a science as anything else. All it took was careful measuring and approximation of taste according to memory," he explained.

"You're brilliant, you know that?" Naomi said truthfully, sincerely believing he was one of the most brilliant people in Starfleet.

"I keep telling people that but they just don't seem to believe me," Icheb joked.

"Oh I'm sure they do. I always have, always," she said softly. They smiled sweetly at each other for a moment. Soon enough though, the steady gaze expressed more than just affection for each other, and they had to look away to try to calm down.

After their pleasant meal together, Naomi offered to help, despite knowing Icheb would attempt to refuse it in an effort to be gallant for her birthday dinner. "You don't have to," Icheb told her as predicted. "It's your birthday dinner. Besides, you're my guest. Is it not customary for the guest to relax?"

"All very true, but you've been so wonderful to me, I want to help," Naomi smiled. "It'd be rude to refuse someone of a generous offer."

Icheb knew that he wasn't the only stubborn creature in Starfleet and relented, knowing when not to argue with her. "...Very well," he nodded. "If you insist."

"I insist!"

As they moved through the kitchen in unison, as many times before, a few key things became very clear to them. They were in a very confined area. Naomi was not used to Icheb's set up of his kitchen, so she had to move around a lot more in order to find where to put anything away. Icheb was very large and took up most of their already limited space there. And finally, the more they bumped into each other, the harder it became for them to concentrate on being blissfully innocent that night.

As it happened, it seemed to be in Naomi's nature to trip... at least, around him it tended to happen a lot more frequently. Gasping, Naomi felt herself stumble back, right into Icheb. The ex Borg spun around and caught her, but lost his balance at the same moment, pressing Naomi against the counter as his hands shot to stabilize himself against it behind her. They stood very still for a moment, catching their breaths and staring at each other in surprise.

Naomi was effectively pinned between him and the counter.

After a little while, Icheb was the first to relax, though he made no effort to move away this time. "You seem to fall a lot around me," he observed with amused inflection. Naomi didn't know what to say, didn't know how to react. Icheb's apt accusation was right on way too many levels. Their position brought a rush of longing to both of them, but neither of them knew what to do about it.

Naomi needed to step away, needed to breathe, needed to collect herself; she was very rapidly losing the fight with her self control around him. Icheb seemed to understand and reluctantly stepped back, helping to righten her posture when she tried to pull herself off the counter too quickly. Unfortunately, that meant she had to use him as support while he placed his hands on her hips to steady her, in effect pulling her that much closer to him.

As before, when he had caught her, Icheb had yet to let go... but this time, Naomi wasn't sure if she wanted him to. She bit her lip, her heart rushing erratically against her chest. The look in his eyes was intense, dark, and completely pulling her in. Something had changed between them again, though this time neither of them cared a single bit. Icheb's heat swirled around Naomi like an inferno, the magnitude of a breaching warp core threatening to envelop her, consume her.

Naomi could only imagine what was going through his mind right now, could see his gears working. His jaw had set, as though with determination. For what, Naomi didn't know, but she was caught by his smoldering gaze, unable to look away. Her focus on him was so strong that she failed to realize he had moved forward, leaning in, not until she felt his hot breath on her cheek. Naomi's throat went dry, her lungs becoming more strained with her difficulty breathing. Their cheeks brushed against each other as he stepped closer, pressing her against the counter once more and all but eliminating her personal space.

But then he stopped.

Naomi silently screamed in her mind at him for being such a tease.

Icheb was torn between wanting to kiss her very badly, but knowing it would completely ruin things again, destroy their resolve to focus on their work, their goals. But it was incredibly difficult to resist his almost painful desires. He would have to do his best to try though, if not for himself, than for Naomi. As much as he was struggling to contain himself, at least this time, Naomi had seemed to decide that enough was enough.

Naomi was sick of holding back, at least in that second she was, and her normally rational judgment was currently an inconvenience. His closeness was intoxicating, their mutual need overwhelming. She slipped her hand up from his arm, past his wide shoulder and to the back of his head, running her fingers through his short, previously neat hair. For just a second, Naomi studied the change in this adult version of her old friend as she caressed him.

She noted for the first time that his hair was a little shorter than it had been years ago, though a few silky strands still managed to brush over his forehead rebelliously. His eyes were every bit as intense as they had ever been, subtle lines of maturity beside them. Along Icheb's chiseled cheeks, Naomi noted he had a very fine shadow, giving him that much more of a matured look. It was as though his inward rebellion to protocol was reflected in his style. Naomi was not a stranger to his good looks, but now that she had a chance to admire him up close, she felt herself flush deeply.

The cute boy had certainly gone and grown into a gorgeous man.

Icheb's eyes fluttered, giving him a half-lidded, pleased expression and making her shiver from the effect of her ministrations. Naomi shifted closer, pushing herself against his chest and could feel his wildly beating heart. His previous attempts to keep his control was slipping with her obvious intentions. "Naomi..." he murmured, his hold on her tightening.

Their bodies seemed to gravitate toward each other on their own accord. All the heightened tension that had been mounting for nearly half a year threatened to swallow them whole. Their mouths parted slightly, breaths ragged on each others lips, so close, so tantalizingly close. All they had to do was move just little, reach for each other and submit to their need for each other.

Oh how they ached for each other, how they yearned to give in and let go. They knew at the very moment before they finally succumbed to their self-inflicted torture, that if they let themselves do this, it would be all but impossible to carry on in the academy. Concentration would be irrecoverably shattered. Risk of being discovered exponentially increased. They hovered, centimeters from their goal, eyes half-lidded, their bodies trembling with the effort to hold back, but not willing to risk everything to reach it. They pulled away at the last second, at the same time.

"I... I'm sorry," Naomi said, slipping from under his arm quickly, escaping his embrace lest her weak resolve break again.

"You're not the only one at fault," Icheb responded breathlessly, bracing himself on the counter.

It took them a little while to get themselves together. When they did, they decided it was time to end their little get together early, quickly before things go out of hand again, though whether or not that was a bad thing was up for debate. "I'm going to walk you to your dorm," Icheb announced, stubbornly refusing room for argument. Naomi, like Icheb had earlier, knew better than to argue with him when he got that persistent. Besides, she had missed him too much and could not bear the thought of parting with him on unfriendly terms again.

"Alright," she agreed, only the littlest bit of reluctance present. Getting her things and her beautiful gift, they made their way back to the academy. The air was thick with the coiled springs of tension, ready to snap at any moment. They walked silently, as though not remembering how their tongues worked... besides the way they so desperately wanted them to work at the moment.

Once they reached Naomi's dorm door, Naomi had intended on turning to him, smiling as best as she could, and saying good night... however, his hand on her arm made her pause. As was the cardio for the day, it seemed, Naomi's heart leapt to her throat, beating a mile a second as Icheb stepped close once more. The world seemed to disappear around them, their attention sharply focused on each other.

As he leaned down again, tilting his head to an angle slightly, Naomi could swear she was about to hyperventilate, her breathing ragged and heart raging. Icheb's eyes were once again half closed as he cupped her cheek, but then he tilted her head down, to the side slightly, fingers caressing her with the movement. Completing the motion, Icheb moved forward and rested a soft, slow kiss on the side of her head, just shy of her horns, putting in all his tremulous feelings for her in that single action. Naomi remained perfectly still, feeling a warm, tingling sensation spread through her body at such a tender act.

Icheb pulled away only a little, enough for his lips to brush by her ear. "I hope this night was as unbelievable to you as it has been for me," he whispered. "Good night, Naomi Wildman. I hope you have a pleasant night," he said, pulling away and smiling gently. Naomi could only nod, not trusting herself to speak. She watched him leave, the feel of his kiss still warming her. That night, Naomi tossed in bed again, her heart refusing to still. Deep, aching longing was making it impossibly challenging to sleep, more so than usual.

Getting back to classes was going to be incredibly difficult for them tomorrow. Neither of them could deny that something happened this time. This time, everything was different, deeper, more complicated.

What would they do now?

TBC...

End A/N: I got inspiration from Renegades to update my mental image of Icheb, having his hair style change a little to reflect the older Icheb from that "time line". I figured if that Icheb would look a little different, especially under the circumstances, this one with similar rebellious situations would mirror his other self a little. After all, the hair style Icheb had in Voyager was the doctor's style he gave him, not Icheb's own preference. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

Most of this particular chapter was influenced by the ambient music "Heart Release (Mirrors From Mars Remix)" by Neon Indian. It has no lyrics, but the rhythm and melody fit the theme of this chapter very well. The kitchen scene was influenced by "Pulse" by Beacon.