***Previously on "It's Mark is upon us forever"***
He hesitated for a moment, then quietly said "Goodbye, Imirika." And with that he left the holodeck, noticing as the doors started to close that Imirika had collapsed into a fit of loud sobs on the studio floor. But he kept walking, and he didn't look behind him.
***(And now Part 10)***
Captain's log, Stardate 5634.5 - Voyager is taking a much needed shore leave on the planet of Partica 4, which is best known for it's hospitality and lush greenery. Unfortunately, not everyone will be able to enjoy it. Imirika, who only joined our crew 3 months ago, will be leaving to a planet called Lohana'thu, in the Empire of Pattoney, in a shuttle we have provided for her. Her reasons for leaving Voyager are obvious. I am sure there are many on this ship that will miss her good nature. End log.
** Imirika watched as different crewmembers filtered through the shuttle bay. Some were checking to make sure the shuttlecraft was ready for departure; others were friends she had made in the last 3 months. But it wasn't like they were huddled in masses, all wanting to say goodbye to her. B'Elanna was there in two capacities, to oversee the shuttles preparation and to see her off. Tom was standing off to the side, holding a squirming toddler in his arms.
A couple of her other friends were there, the Wildmans, and Ensign T'eyla Minh was quietly talking to her two other friends. They had already wished her a safe trip, and now were passing the time until Imirika's shuttle took off.
She looked over the shoulders of the crew looking for one specific face. He wasn't there. It wasn't that she expected him to be there. But it would have been nice to see him one more time. To see if he was hurting just as much as she was. She sighed.
She looked over the shuttle bay entrance just as the doors swept open. She held her breath, hoping it was whom she was waiting for. But she was only mildly disappointed when it was Captain Janeway who strode in. She stepped forward to greet her. "Captain." She reached out to shake her hand.
The Captain raised her arms out of the way. Imirika looked slightly confused. "Typically, when one of my crewmembers leave, I prefer to do this." Kathryn wrapped her arms around Imirika and pulled her into a hug. "I'm so sorry everything had to turn out like this." She pulled back and looked her straight into the Trisian's eyes. "Are you alright? I mean, are you handling this okay?"
Imirika lifted up her chin and straightened her back, attempting to look persuasive. "I'm fine, Captain." She hoped she wouldn't notice her hands fidgeting behind her back, giving away her true emotional state.
"Well, even if you aren't, you have every right to be upset." She patted her on the shoulder. "Believe me, I have gone through my share of breakups." Imirika smiled weakly at this, knowing that this didn't help her feel any better. Janeway continued. "I hope you have a safe journey. Don't hesitate to visit us again sometime. It's been a pleasure having you with us."
Imirika nodded. "Yes Captain. It's been nice getting to know you." She knew that she had never actually talked to the Captain before this point, so what was coming out of her mouth was just formality. She watched as Kathryn patted her on the back and made her way to the back of the shuttle bay, stopping to quickly say something to Tom and to tousle the hair of Miral. She then disappeared behind the other people.
While Imirika was wondering what compelled the Captain to stop by and say goodbye to her when they had never even said hello, someone touched her on her back and caused her to jump in surprise. She whirled around to find B'Elanna holding a PADD. Tom had walked up to stand beside her, Miral walking in circles around his legs. "Well," B'Elanna started. "The safety procedures all came back clear on your shuttle, so you can leave at any moment. I've assigned Lieutenant Cameron to be your pilot. I hope you two get along."
Imirika shrugged her shoulders. "I've never met him."
Tom Paris spoke up. "He's nice enough. Just don't get him started on warp theories." He chuckled at his own joke, but stopped when he realized that Imirika didn't appreciate his humor.
B'Elanna broke the tension. "Are you okay?"
Imirika laughed bitterly at this. "You're not the only one to ask me that today." Do I really look that distraught? She thought.
"Look, I know you must feel pretty awful about all of this." Imirika didn't appear to be upset, but she knew just by looking into her steely eyes that everything wasn't all right on the inside. "I mean, I've known the Doctor ever since he was activated, but he has never made such a horrible choice like this. I don't know what's gotten into him." She ground her teeth, holding back a few choice Klingon words.
"Yeah," Tom added, starting to get a little fumed himself. "If you ask me, there should have been no reason for you two to break up." He crossed his arms. "He has some serious thinking to do."
B'Elanna swiftly shifted her eyes to see two figures coming in the door. "Speaking of which," she said, picking up Miral and encouraging Tom to start walking. "I hope you have a good trip. And that you will eventually feel better about all of this. We have to get going. I don't know if I'll be able to control my temper much longer."
Tom, being pushed by his wife, tried to finish what he had to say. "It's been lovely meeting you, Imirika. In different circumstances I am sure that we would have appreciated you staying on the ship longer than you did. And." He paused. "I'm so sorry about all of this." In some ways he felt that he was responsible for what was happening. The Doctor had wanted him to make up his mind for him, but instead he left it up to the Doctor's screwed up logic. "Goodbye. I hope you have a nice trip." He managed to finish before the impatient half-Klingon shoved him into motion and quickly led him out the shuttle bay doors.
B'Elanna really seemed to be anxious to leave. Imirika speculated on what the cause was, but soon she spotted who had just arrived and were now talking in the corner. It was the Doctor and that Borg Seven of Nine. Imirika's eyes flashed. Now she understood. She had recalled the Doctor talking about the problems he had with her back before she showed up. But now he seemed more than comfortable to talk to the tall blonde, and touch her, it seemed. She clenched her fists until they were a strained white color, watching as the Doctor laid a hand on Seven's shoulder. She had a sudden hate for this woman.
Out of Imirika's earshot, the Doctor was trying to explain something to Seven. She was frustrated at the Doctor's request to come to the departure. "Why are we here?" She said in a clipped tone. "You have nothing to do with her anymore." She bounced lightly on the balls of her feet, showing that she was not content to be in the shuttle bay.
The Doctor sighed, laying a hand on her shoulder. "Just because I am not seeing her anymore doesn't mean I shouldn't make sure she leaves in one piece." He lowered his voice in a whisper. "I at least owe her that after what I did to her."
Seven seemed to calm down. "Very well. You may proceed." In Seven's eyes it was apparent that Imirika no longer was a threat to her. What ever that girl did now wasn't going to change the Doctor's mind.
The Doctor nodded in acknowledgement and started to make his way through the sparse crowd. He noticed as he passed the group of chattering Ensigns that T'eyla gave him a deathly glare. However she looked around him and gave a reassuring smile to Seven. He looked the other way and feigned not to notice. At last he managed to walk up to Imirika, who greeted him half- heartedly.
"Hello, Imirika." He said coolly, acting like they hadn't once known each other as lovers, but as mere acquaintances. Not good ones at that. It made Imirika's heart sink even further, if that were possible.
"Doctor." She decided to play his game and pretend to be Vulcan. "I appreciate that you came to see me off." She folded her hands in front of her and tried to look serious, her head cocked back so she could eye him. He was a good head taller than she was.
"Least I could do." He said, waving it off. They sat there staring at each other, each one trying to guess the thoughts of the other. After a moment of awkward silence, the Doctor decided that the conversation was better than the quiet. "Where are you going?"
She replied immediately, also glad for the interruption of the staring contest. "A planet called Lohana'thu. It's in the Beta Quadrant." She said matter-of-factly. "Their culture is very acceptant of other peoples. They appreciate art and don't really care how you dress. Practically heaven to a person like me. I might actually live in the capital."
The Doctor processed this information and replied. "If my memory serves me right, it gets rather cold in the winters there. I suggest you replicate a heavy coat."
"It's already packed."
"Oh."
Once again they paused, at a loss of what else to say. Once again he broke the silence. "Imirika."
"Yes?" She said expectantly, hoping he would say what she wanted to hear. That he had made a terrible mistake and that he didn't want her to leave.
"I." He hesitated. "I hope you are happy there."
"Oh, I see." She let her disappointment show on her face. "In that case," she darted her eyes across the room to lay on evil look on Seven. "I hope you two will be very happy together. And that your relationship will be.efficient." She finished angrily.
The Doctor's eyes opened wide, realizing he made a mistake of bringing Seven with him. It was time to end this conversation. "Yes, well.have a safe journey. Goodbye." He started to lift up his hand to set on her shoulder, but thought the better of it and just turned around and hurried back to his corner with Seven.
Imirika's discovery infuriated her. She just couldn't believe him, that awful hologram! Whatever warm feelings she still harbored in her heart for him burned up in her fury. She spun around, deciding that now was a great time to leave. She swore under her breath in her own language. She spotted Lieutenant Cameron and yanked on his uniform sleeve, grabbing his attention. "I think that I shall like to leave now, Lieutenant." Without waiting for his answer, she hitched up the bottom of her white skirt and walked up the shuttle ramp. She only stopped long enough to look back over her shoulder, to see the two lovebirds exit the shuttle bay, hand in hand. She snarled in disgust as she took her seat and Lieutenant Cameron started up the shuttle's systems. She wrapped her arms around herself for comfort. The craft's engines powered and soon they on their way.
Only when they were a good light year away from Voyager did a solitary tear slide down her cheek.
**
"Deck Five" The Doctor commanded the turbolift, glad to be out of the shuttle bay. As the turbolift lurched into movement, the Doctor looked over to Seven of Nine. She was silently regarding him, trying to make up her mind about something. He wasn't quite sure what she was thinking about, but whatever it was gave her a contented look on her face. She at last opened her mouth. Her voice was soft, much unlike it had been days previous. "You chose me and let her leave, without a hint of regret." The Doctor listened intently. "You truly love me." She gave him one of her rare smiles, showing she was pleased.
The Doctor smiled back, relieved to know she was happy. He took one of her hands in his and lifted it to his mouth. He lightly kissed it, feeling the shudder moving down her arm. "Of course I do."
She glanced down at the hand he had kissed strangely, awed by the sensation he just gave her. The Doctor could just sense some strange idea conjuring up in her head. She was going to do something, but he didn't quite know what yet.
Without warning Seven yanked her hand out of his grasp and shoved him against the wall. He temporarily lost his balance and pushed himself up, only to be smashed against the wall again by Seven's body. She forcefully pinned him to the side of the turbolift. Slightly confused as to what she was doing, he asked her "Seven, what.?"
He didn't even have to finish his question for she answered him by kissing him full on the mouth. Seven pulled back and looked at him, surprise written over his face. She took her augmented hand and scraped it along the side of his jaw. He let out a shallow simulated breath, liking the contact between them. She fluttered her eyelashes in pleasure. She leaned in closer and whispered to him. "I love you, Doctor." She pressed to her lips to his once again.
Hearing those words come out of her mouth did him in. This time, instead of being in shock, he kissed her back hungrily. He used one hand to find the small of her back, urging her to come closer. His other hand flew up to the side of her face, stroking her cheek with his thumb. She sighed excitedly, tilting her head to tug on his lip.
In the midst of their fervor to consume one another, they failed to notice the turbolift coming to a stop. Only when the door opened did the Doctor have the sense to push Seven away. At first Seven looked at him strangely, not knowing the reason why he broke their kiss so abruptly. The she looked over at the door. Tom and B'Elanna stepped onto the turbolift, both very disconcerted at what they just saw. They had been heading up to the messhall for lunch, but B'Elanna decided what she saw was enough to kill her appetite. "Deck Two." She growled through clenched teeth.
As the door closed Tom crossed his arms, gazing at the ceiling, acting as if it was interesting. He could hear B'Elanna's short breaths, and he knew that she was trying her hardest not to say anything to the couple who were now standing awkwardly on the other side of the lift. He hoped to death B'Elanna wouldn't do anything rash, like attack the Doctor with her bare hands. Not that she could physically harm him, but she sure would try.
Seven went back to her stoic state, carefully pulling loose tendrils of hair back into her bun, as if nothing had happened. However, the Doctor didn't recover that easily. His eyes constantly zipped back and forth from Tom to B'Elanna. He hoped that Tom had enough strength to stop B'Elanna if she decided to harm him. He could sense her blood pressure going through the roof, being in close proximity to him he supposed. He was aware that the two did not approve of his choice. But that didn't sway him. As Tom said, only he himself could make the choice. And if they didn't like it, it was their own problem to deal with.
The turbolift finally stopped at deck 5 and the Doctor and Seven rushed off, sensing that their presence wasn't wanted for a second longer. When the door closed on them, B'Elanna took a deep breath. "P'taq." She growled loudly.
Tom nodded his head. "I'm going to have to agree with you."
**
The Doctor looked back over his shoulder to make sure the doors were safely closed before he made his comment. "That sure was nerve-wracking." They made their way down the corridor. The Doctor had to speed up to match Seven's pace.
"I agree." She kept walking, but turned her head to give him a smile. "But next time, let's make sure that we halt the turbolift, to decrease such, encounters."
"Next time?" He replied playfully. The corner of his mouth twitched up involuntarily in a smirk, the way it did whenever he was having one of his mischievous thoughts.
She stopped and observed him. She couldn't help but smirk also. "Yes, next time." She wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders. "I would like to see these, quarters, of yours." Her voice changed into a more suggestive tone.
His eyebrow lifted in the most amused manner. He slid his arms around her waist, pulling her in closer. "I would love to." He took her hand eagerly and led her down the hallway to where his quarters were located. She giggled most unnaturally, letting her more human side show.
So far, this relationship was starting off at high-speed.
*** (To be continued)
He hesitated for a moment, then quietly said "Goodbye, Imirika." And with that he left the holodeck, noticing as the doors started to close that Imirika had collapsed into a fit of loud sobs on the studio floor. But he kept walking, and he didn't look behind him.
***(And now Part 10)***
Captain's log, Stardate 5634.5 - Voyager is taking a much needed shore leave on the planet of Partica 4, which is best known for it's hospitality and lush greenery. Unfortunately, not everyone will be able to enjoy it. Imirika, who only joined our crew 3 months ago, will be leaving to a planet called Lohana'thu, in the Empire of Pattoney, in a shuttle we have provided for her. Her reasons for leaving Voyager are obvious. I am sure there are many on this ship that will miss her good nature. End log.
** Imirika watched as different crewmembers filtered through the shuttle bay. Some were checking to make sure the shuttlecraft was ready for departure; others were friends she had made in the last 3 months. But it wasn't like they were huddled in masses, all wanting to say goodbye to her. B'Elanna was there in two capacities, to oversee the shuttles preparation and to see her off. Tom was standing off to the side, holding a squirming toddler in his arms.
A couple of her other friends were there, the Wildmans, and Ensign T'eyla Minh was quietly talking to her two other friends. They had already wished her a safe trip, and now were passing the time until Imirika's shuttle took off.
She looked over the shoulders of the crew looking for one specific face. He wasn't there. It wasn't that she expected him to be there. But it would have been nice to see him one more time. To see if he was hurting just as much as she was. She sighed.
She looked over the shuttle bay entrance just as the doors swept open. She held her breath, hoping it was whom she was waiting for. But she was only mildly disappointed when it was Captain Janeway who strode in. She stepped forward to greet her. "Captain." She reached out to shake her hand.
The Captain raised her arms out of the way. Imirika looked slightly confused. "Typically, when one of my crewmembers leave, I prefer to do this." Kathryn wrapped her arms around Imirika and pulled her into a hug. "I'm so sorry everything had to turn out like this." She pulled back and looked her straight into the Trisian's eyes. "Are you alright? I mean, are you handling this okay?"
Imirika lifted up her chin and straightened her back, attempting to look persuasive. "I'm fine, Captain." She hoped she wouldn't notice her hands fidgeting behind her back, giving away her true emotional state.
"Well, even if you aren't, you have every right to be upset." She patted her on the shoulder. "Believe me, I have gone through my share of breakups." Imirika smiled weakly at this, knowing that this didn't help her feel any better. Janeway continued. "I hope you have a safe journey. Don't hesitate to visit us again sometime. It's been a pleasure having you with us."
Imirika nodded. "Yes Captain. It's been nice getting to know you." She knew that she had never actually talked to the Captain before this point, so what was coming out of her mouth was just formality. She watched as Kathryn patted her on the back and made her way to the back of the shuttle bay, stopping to quickly say something to Tom and to tousle the hair of Miral. She then disappeared behind the other people.
While Imirika was wondering what compelled the Captain to stop by and say goodbye to her when they had never even said hello, someone touched her on her back and caused her to jump in surprise. She whirled around to find B'Elanna holding a PADD. Tom had walked up to stand beside her, Miral walking in circles around his legs. "Well," B'Elanna started. "The safety procedures all came back clear on your shuttle, so you can leave at any moment. I've assigned Lieutenant Cameron to be your pilot. I hope you two get along."
Imirika shrugged her shoulders. "I've never met him."
Tom Paris spoke up. "He's nice enough. Just don't get him started on warp theories." He chuckled at his own joke, but stopped when he realized that Imirika didn't appreciate his humor.
B'Elanna broke the tension. "Are you okay?"
Imirika laughed bitterly at this. "You're not the only one to ask me that today." Do I really look that distraught? She thought.
"Look, I know you must feel pretty awful about all of this." Imirika didn't appear to be upset, but she knew just by looking into her steely eyes that everything wasn't all right on the inside. "I mean, I've known the Doctor ever since he was activated, but he has never made such a horrible choice like this. I don't know what's gotten into him." She ground her teeth, holding back a few choice Klingon words.
"Yeah," Tom added, starting to get a little fumed himself. "If you ask me, there should have been no reason for you two to break up." He crossed his arms. "He has some serious thinking to do."
B'Elanna swiftly shifted her eyes to see two figures coming in the door. "Speaking of which," she said, picking up Miral and encouraging Tom to start walking. "I hope you have a good trip. And that you will eventually feel better about all of this. We have to get going. I don't know if I'll be able to control my temper much longer."
Tom, being pushed by his wife, tried to finish what he had to say. "It's been lovely meeting you, Imirika. In different circumstances I am sure that we would have appreciated you staying on the ship longer than you did. And." He paused. "I'm so sorry about all of this." In some ways he felt that he was responsible for what was happening. The Doctor had wanted him to make up his mind for him, but instead he left it up to the Doctor's screwed up logic. "Goodbye. I hope you have a nice trip." He managed to finish before the impatient half-Klingon shoved him into motion and quickly led him out the shuttle bay doors.
B'Elanna really seemed to be anxious to leave. Imirika speculated on what the cause was, but soon she spotted who had just arrived and were now talking in the corner. It was the Doctor and that Borg Seven of Nine. Imirika's eyes flashed. Now she understood. She had recalled the Doctor talking about the problems he had with her back before she showed up. But now he seemed more than comfortable to talk to the tall blonde, and touch her, it seemed. She clenched her fists until they were a strained white color, watching as the Doctor laid a hand on Seven's shoulder. She had a sudden hate for this woman.
Out of Imirika's earshot, the Doctor was trying to explain something to Seven. She was frustrated at the Doctor's request to come to the departure. "Why are we here?" She said in a clipped tone. "You have nothing to do with her anymore." She bounced lightly on the balls of her feet, showing that she was not content to be in the shuttle bay.
The Doctor sighed, laying a hand on her shoulder. "Just because I am not seeing her anymore doesn't mean I shouldn't make sure she leaves in one piece." He lowered his voice in a whisper. "I at least owe her that after what I did to her."
Seven seemed to calm down. "Very well. You may proceed." In Seven's eyes it was apparent that Imirika no longer was a threat to her. What ever that girl did now wasn't going to change the Doctor's mind.
The Doctor nodded in acknowledgement and started to make his way through the sparse crowd. He noticed as he passed the group of chattering Ensigns that T'eyla gave him a deathly glare. However she looked around him and gave a reassuring smile to Seven. He looked the other way and feigned not to notice. At last he managed to walk up to Imirika, who greeted him half- heartedly.
"Hello, Imirika." He said coolly, acting like they hadn't once known each other as lovers, but as mere acquaintances. Not good ones at that. It made Imirika's heart sink even further, if that were possible.
"Doctor." She decided to play his game and pretend to be Vulcan. "I appreciate that you came to see me off." She folded her hands in front of her and tried to look serious, her head cocked back so she could eye him. He was a good head taller than she was.
"Least I could do." He said, waving it off. They sat there staring at each other, each one trying to guess the thoughts of the other. After a moment of awkward silence, the Doctor decided that the conversation was better than the quiet. "Where are you going?"
She replied immediately, also glad for the interruption of the staring contest. "A planet called Lohana'thu. It's in the Beta Quadrant." She said matter-of-factly. "Their culture is very acceptant of other peoples. They appreciate art and don't really care how you dress. Practically heaven to a person like me. I might actually live in the capital."
The Doctor processed this information and replied. "If my memory serves me right, it gets rather cold in the winters there. I suggest you replicate a heavy coat."
"It's already packed."
"Oh."
Once again they paused, at a loss of what else to say. Once again he broke the silence. "Imirika."
"Yes?" She said expectantly, hoping he would say what she wanted to hear. That he had made a terrible mistake and that he didn't want her to leave.
"I." He hesitated. "I hope you are happy there."
"Oh, I see." She let her disappointment show on her face. "In that case," she darted her eyes across the room to lay on evil look on Seven. "I hope you two will be very happy together. And that your relationship will be.efficient." She finished angrily.
The Doctor's eyes opened wide, realizing he made a mistake of bringing Seven with him. It was time to end this conversation. "Yes, well.have a safe journey. Goodbye." He started to lift up his hand to set on her shoulder, but thought the better of it and just turned around and hurried back to his corner with Seven.
Imirika's discovery infuriated her. She just couldn't believe him, that awful hologram! Whatever warm feelings she still harbored in her heart for him burned up in her fury. She spun around, deciding that now was a great time to leave. She swore under her breath in her own language. She spotted Lieutenant Cameron and yanked on his uniform sleeve, grabbing his attention. "I think that I shall like to leave now, Lieutenant." Without waiting for his answer, she hitched up the bottom of her white skirt and walked up the shuttle ramp. She only stopped long enough to look back over her shoulder, to see the two lovebirds exit the shuttle bay, hand in hand. She snarled in disgust as she took her seat and Lieutenant Cameron started up the shuttle's systems. She wrapped her arms around herself for comfort. The craft's engines powered and soon they on their way.
Only when they were a good light year away from Voyager did a solitary tear slide down her cheek.
**
"Deck Five" The Doctor commanded the turbolift, glad to be out of the shuttle bay. As the turbolift lurched into movement, the Doctor looked over to Seven of Nine. She was silently regarding him, trying to make up her mind about something. He wasn't quite sure what she was thinking about, but whatever it was gave her a contented look on her face. She at last opened her mouth. Her voice was soft, much unlike it had been days previous. "You chose me and let her leave, without a hint of regret." The Doctor listened intently. "You truly love me." She gave him one of her rare smiles, showing she was pleased.
The Doctor smiled back, relieved to know she was happy. He took one of her hands in his and lifted it to his mouth. He lightly kissed it, feeling the shudder moving down her arm. "Of course I do."
She glanced down at the hand he had kissed strangely, awed by the sensation he just gave her. The Doctor could just sense some strange idea conjuring up in her head. She was going to do something, but he didn't quite know what yet.
Without warning Seven yanked her hand out of his grasp and shoved him against the wall. He temporarily lost his balance and pushed himself up, only to be smashed against the wall again by Seven's body. She forcefully pinned him to the side of the turbolift. Slightly confused as to what she was doing, he asked her "Seven, what.?"
He didn't even have to finish his question for she answered him by kissing him full on the mouth. Seven pulled back and looked at him, surprise written over his face. She took her augmented hand and scraped it along the side of his jaw. He let out a shallow simulated breath, liking the contact between them. She fluttered her eyelashes in pleasure. She leaned in closer and whispered to him. "I love you, Doctor." She pressed to her lips to his once again.
Hearing those words come out of her mouth did him in. This time, instead of being in shock, he kissed her back hungrily. He used one hand to find the small of her back, urging her to come closer. His other hand flew up to the side of her face, stroking her cheek with his thumb. She sighed excitedly, tilting her head to tug on his lip.
In the midst of their fervor to consume one another, they failed to notice the turbolift coming to a stop. Only when the door opened did the Doctor have the sense to push Seven away. At first Seven looked at him strangely, not knowing the reason why he broke their kiss so abruptly. The she looked over at the door. Tom and B'Elanna stepped onto the turbolift, both very disconcerted at what they just saw. They had been heading up to the messhall for lunch, but B'Elanna decided what she saw was enough to kill her appetite. "Deck Two." She growled through clenched teeth.
As the door closed Tom crossed his arms, gazing at the ceiling, acting as if it was interesting. He could hear B'Elanna's short breaths, and he knew that she was trying her hardest not to say anything to the couple who were now standing awkwardly on the other side of the lift. He hoped to death B'Elanna wouldn't do anything rash, like attack the Doctor with her bare hands. Not that she could physically harm him, but she sure would try.
Seven went back to her stoic state, carefully pulling loose tendrils of hair back into her bun, as if nothing had happened. However, the Doctor didn't recover that easily. His eyes constantly zipped back and forth from Tom to B'Elanna. He hoped that Tom had enough strength to stop B'Elanna if she decided to harm him. He could sense her blood pressure going through the roof, being in close proximity to him he supposed. He was aware that the two did not approve of his choice. But that didn't sway him. As Tom said, only he himself could make the choice. And if they didn't like it, it was their own problem to deal with.
The turbolift finally stopped at deck 5 and the Doctor and Seven rushed off, sensing that their presence wasn't wanted for a second longer. When the door closed on them, B'Elanna took a deep breath. "P'taq." She growled loudly.
Tom nodded his head. "I'm going to have to agree with you."
**
The Doctor looked back over his shoulder to make sure the doors were safely closed before he made his comment. "That sure was nerve-wracking." They made their way down the corridor. The Doctor had to speed up to match Seven's pace.
"I agree." She kept walking, but turned her head to give him a smile. "But next time, let's make sure that we halt the turbolift, to decrease such, encounters."
"Next time?" He replied playfully. The corner of his mouth twitched up involuntarily in a smirk, the way it did whenever he was having one of his mischievous thoughts.
She stopped and observed him. She couldn't help but smirk also. "Yes, next time." She wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders. "I would like to see these, quarters, of yours." Her voice changed into a more suggestive tone.
His eyebrow lifted in the most amused manner. He slid his arms around her waist, pulling her in closer. "I would love to." He took her hand eagerly and led her down the hallway to where his quarters were located. She giggled most unnaturally, letting her more human side show.
So far, this relationship was starting off at high-speed.
*** (To be continued)