Star Trek is not mine.
Riker was speechless.
"Wait, so you-" I nodded, "-and you?" Hugh nodded.
"Aaaawwww, I think it's sweet." Geordi said, "Surprising, but sweet."
"Well this explains a lot," Riker said, "You guys didn't want anybody to find out."
"We were afraid they wouldn't like it." Hugh admitted, "I didn't want Jean-Luc to get hurt because of me. Because I'm...you know."
"A Borg?" Worf asked, "So what? Honor is not limited to only one species. You are already a better man than those petaqs I threw out of the bar."
"Er, I think what Worf is trying to say is that we don't care. We know you, and we can all see past your species to who you really are." Geordi said.
"I'm just surprised. A Borg, Captain?" Riker raised an eyebrow, "You are known for hating all Borg."
"This one's different," I replied, "This one is MY Borg."
"Aaaawww." That was Geordi, of course.
Guinan was right again. Now that we had come out, we didn't have to sneak around crew members anymore. Many people were actually happy for us. Now, when I took the captain's chair on the bridge, I had Riker on one side and Hugh on the other. The Borg earned a promotion to Lieutenant Commander, and became co-chief engineer. Now we could have one chief engineer in the engine room and one on the bridge, which made things run a lot smoother. I also got to see Hugh more during the day, and be closer to him. Right now, he sat at the engineering station, bent over the console. I walked up and hugged him from behind. He smiled when he saw me.
"Hello, Jean-Luc."
"What are you working on?" I asked.
"Fuel rations," he replied, "and trying to even out the wearing of the warp coils in each nacelle. Basically, engine maintenance. What I did in the Collective."
"Except here it means something." I said.
"Except here, I have something to look forward to when I'm finished, Captain."
"Have I ever told you you're cute when you smile?"
"Yes, but I don't mind hearing it again." he answered. I leaned over and kissed his cheek. The medical department had done wonders with him. His face looked like he'd never been in the bar fight. Even his tooth had been put back in place.
"What would you say to dinner tonight? Just you and I."
"I would say you have a date, Jean-Luc."
"Excellent. I'll see you on the observation deck at 1900 hours."
Hugh's POV
He was already there when I arrived at the observation lounge, our table already set. His eyes lit up as he waved me over.
"Hello, Jean-Luc."
"Evening, Hugh." He'd gotten us a private table, set out on a balcony away from the others, so it looked like we were floating amongst the stars, which the huge window let us see.
"It's beautiful." I said, "I never realized it before"
"I thought you'd like it," Jean-Luc said. He pulled out the other chair for me, and I took my seat.
We spent the evening just talking to each other, enjoying each other's company. When we finished, the captain took my hand and led me back to my quarters. We talked a little longer, then he hugged me close.
"I love you, Hugh."
"I love you, too, Jean-Luc." I hugged his neck and laid my head on his shoulder, "In that respect, resistance is futile."
"When it comes to you, I have to agree. For once, I am glad to be assimilated."
"Ohhh..." I felt my cheeks burning. He gently lifted my chin with his hand and kissed me. Right on the lips. I had never had that done before, but I felt warm pleasure burning my cheeks even more. He laughed.
"You're so cute, Hugh."
"Thank you, sir. I mean, Jean-Luc." He smiled and turned to leave, but suddenly came back as though he forgot something.
"We'll be arriving at the starbase tomorrow, and I'm taking shore leave for the duration of our stay. I'd love it if you join me."
"I wouldn't miss it." I answered, "I'll go pack now."
"See you in the morning, then. I'd best go and do the same" I smiled and waved as he left. Now that we had gone public with our love, I might actually enjoy shore leave this time. What was I saying? I'd be with Picard! Of course I'd enjoy it! I always enjoyed being with him. A yawn reminded me that I needed to regenerate and also pack my power converter in case we spent the night somewhere.
Picard's POV
Contrary to what I'd told Hugh, I didn't go and start packing right away. Instead, I had a bit of research to do first. There was something I needed to buy, something very special. I pulled up a list of merchants who would be at the starbase while we were there. Then I had to search through product and price lists, until I found one who had what I needed. I quickly pulled some information from the ship's computer and sent them what they needed. I wired my Federation credits to them to pay for it. The price was high, but I was certain it would be worth it. The merchant sent me a receipt, saying my order would be ready when I arrived at the starbase. With that done, I gathered my things, forming a plan in my head all the while. If it went how I hoped it would, this would be the most unforgettable shore leave ever.
Yeah, I know it's short. Something big happens in the next one. This was just a bit of a filler toward the end. Anyway, please read and review.