Double Date
B'Elanna took a bite of her steak. "So. How are the two of you doing?"
The Doctor frowned. "What do you mean?"
Tom sipped his cactus cooler before continuing to eat. "Six months into your relationship? It's a big milestone."
Seven replied, deadpan, "I have discovered that my sole reason for existing is to be a constant vibe check to the Doctor's arrogance."
Tom and B'Elanna nearly spit out their drinks in unison.
The Doctor pouted for an instant, then grinned smugly. "Well. It does take one inflated ego to recognize another, my dear."
This time B'Elanna and Tom had to cough to avoid choking on their food.
Seven squinted.
Tom and B'Elanna exchanged a worried glance, wondering if they would have to flee.
The Doctor was still grinning. He took a bite of holographic meatloaf. "I hope you also realize that you just implied you're always thinking of me. That's very sweet, Seven."
Seven blushed. Visibly.
B'Elanna stabbed at her steak. "I'm sure glad our relationship isn't this much of a roller coaster."
Tom let out a definitive "HA!" before returning to his food under the weight of B'Elanna's glare.
…
A few tables away, hidden from view, Chakotay stifled a laugh. "The four of them seem to be having a good time."
Janeway shook her head, fascinated, listening to the drama unfold. "And suddenly so many things make sense. It's like they're all living on the brink of a warp core breach!"
Chakotay raised an eyebrow, unashamed smirk on his face. "Nothing at all like us, right Kathryn?"
Janeway rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help smiling too.
Chakotay chuckled. "More wine?"
"Please."