By Special Invitation

It was difficult to tell who was more surprised when the doors to astrometrics swished open bright and early the next morning to reveal Commander Chakotay: Seven or Icheb.

Icheb practically jumped to attention. He was harboring private ambitions to apply for Starfleet and it was making him hyper aware of those Starfleet officers who held this potential fate in their hands.

Seven, however, merely raised a brow and took up the PADD containing her report. She wondered why he would be so inefficient as to personally collect the intelligences when they could easily be transmitted to the bridge or his office. It wasn't something new, but he was increasing the instances of this practice. She turned back to work as soon as he took it from her.

"Thanks." Chakotay glanced at the PADD, but he wasn't really interested. "The children are with Harry this morning?"

Seven nodded, but it hadn't really been a question. The Commander, as one of the children's regular instructors, knew their schedule as well as she did.

"We will be reconvening in the mess for a snack in an hour," said Icheb. He had somewhat missed the rhetorical nature of the Commander's remark.

"Very good." Chakotay smiled at the young man. "You enjoyed the hike yesterday?"

Icheb dipped his head. "It was a pleasant program."

"Are you planning on joining any more social groups?"

Icheb blinked, momentarily confused. "If you think it advisable, Commander, I will ensure my schedule accommodates more social functions."

Chakotay chuckled. "It's always good to make room for things you enjoy, Icheb, but I didn't mean to imply you need to change your routine if you don't want to."

Mollified, Icheb nodded, but there was now an awkwardness he could only attribute to the obvious fact that the Commander wished to speak to Seven, perhaps even wished Icheb gone to do so. He was not an unobservant person by any means and it had finally struck him just how often during this short interaction Commander Chakotay's eyes moved and lingered on Seven of Nine. Icheb had often noted that when in conversation, the Commander gave the speaker his full attention. It was a social nicety not everyone followed, which made his steadfast adherence to this polite gesture all the more appreciated, and it made his present deviation just that much more noticeable. In an attempt to give the Commander somewhat of the privacy he seemed to want, Icheb deliberately moved to a console at the far end of the lab, but he could not tune out the rest of the interaction.

"And you, Seven, any plans to continue with Tom's game nights or the hiking club?"

"I will think about it." Seven knew it was rude, but she kept her attention on the console, her usual method for discouraging Captain Janeway or the Doctor from pressuring her. She felt a stab of guilt as she heard the Commander sigh, but she was steadfast.

"Well, while you think about it, I come with a particular invitation." Realizing that she wasn't going to help him out at all in this conversation, Chakotay moved to lean against her station. The spot was in her line of sight, specifically chosen to provoke her as it was a distraction she couldn't ignore. He smiled as a slight frown crossed her lips.

"I'm sure I will be busy."

"You haven't even heard what the invitation is, or when it is."

"Commander –"

"Seven." It was mocking.

She sighed. "I do not understand your persistence in this."

"And I don't understand your aversion." His smile faded a little. He lowered his voice, hoping Icheb was ignoring them as well as he appeared to be. "If you really prefer to be alone, that's fine, but some socializing might help take your mind off Unimatrix Zero. That's why I'm persisting. That and because I'd like to think I'm your friend."

"I was unaware our brief social interactions would qualify as a particular friendship." It was a little cruel, but it was true. Besides, she was beginning to panic at this new attention and lashing out was the only way she knew to reassert the status quo with individuals.

"Fine. Then I'd like to rectify that mistake."

"I think most people would believe a lack of interaction with me to be a relief."

He took a deep breath, trying to maintain his good mood despite her stubbornness. "Well, it's not to me. You're actually quite pleasant once you let that Borg defence slip."

Seven's fingers finally stilled on her console as she looked at him. "Commander…"

"It's all right, Seven. Don't decide right away. Just think about it. B'Elanna and I are going to the holodeck tonight for some boxing. You're welcome to join us. 18:00 hours. Holodeck 1."

This time when she nodded, it was an agreement and Chakotay left with a satisfaction he hadn't expected. "Have a good day, Seven. I'll see you tonight."

As soon as the doors slid shut, Icheb returned to Seven's side. "I am unfamiliar with human dating rituals. Is a third party's presence normal?"

Seven's eyes widened. "Are you planning to ask someone on a date?"

"I was referring to you and the Commander."

Seven smiled, amused at the thought. "We are not dating. I have learned that on a ship this small social activities are often engaged in without any expectation of forming intimate relationships."

"But the Commander specifically asked you to go to the holodeck with him and he was very persistent. Isn't that a sign of wanting to form a more intimate relationship?"

"He no doubt also asked Lieutenant Torres as well, but she is clearly in a monogamous relationship with Lieutenant Paris."

"His eyes also remained on you for approximately 80% of the time he was here."

This required Seven to stretch a little for an explanation. "Likely due to the reason for his visit."

"He didn't say goodbye to me."

"Did he hurt your feelings?"

"No, but I believe rudeness towards others is the first sign of attraction between individuals."

"And what does trying to eject someone through an airlock indicate?"

"In this case?"

They each turned back to work, smirking at the other's stubbornness.

[Mess Hall]

Icheb, still holding strong to his theories about the Commander's intentions, offered to watch the younger children while Seven was out. She suggested some simple art projects, a pastime even Icheb begrudgingly enjoyed.

With some time before she had to meet the Commander and Lieutenant Torres, Seven had dinner in the mess with the children. She found no fault with the general meal Neelix prepared for the crew, but she had to pretend not to see the way he snuck them each a cookie when he thought she wasn't looking. Icheb offered her half of his, but she declined.

Chakotay spotted the group of former Borgs as soon as he entered the mess. He grabbed a plate and headed in their direction. There was no room for him to sit, but he wanted to say hello just the same. Like their guardian, he found the children were often unintentionally amusing.

"Commander." Icheb, acknowledged his commanding officer's presence first.

Seven gave him a slight nod, quickly returning her attention to the remnants of her meal. A faint blush faded after a moment.

"Fuelling up?"

Rebi answered, looking at Chakotay as though he were missing the obvious. "Yes, Commander. Consumption of nutrients is required on a regular basis to maintain biologic integrity."

"Of course. How silly of me."

"But cookies do not contain many nutritional qualities," said Mezoti, her childish face serious and challenging. Rebi frowned at her. "They're unhealthy and frivolous, right Seven?"

Seven smiled, amused since Mezoti had all but inhaled her own dessert with the same gusto as Rebi and Azan. "Yes, but they are also an important part of an individual's youth."

"Oh." She smiled happily at this information and continued eating her dinner.

Chakotay chuckled, turning to Seven. "I'll see you in an hour?"

Seven nodded.

As Chakotay found a seat a few tables away, Icheb glanced from one to the other with confused amusement. He thought it was painfully obvious they liked each other. It was a sudden and unexpected turn in their relationship to go from strictly professional to this dance around budding interest, but Icheb saw no reason for them not to pursue it. That they both appeared unaware of each other's feelings and even their own confused Icheb. He concluded that he didn't understand human mating rituals and doubted he ever would.

It was soon time for Seven to change. She stood and bid the children goodnight in the event they were regenerating by the time she was back. As they were busy asking Icheb what they were going to do that evening, Seven's disappearance was little more than a brief interruption in their attention.

The time between her changing and getting to the holodeck seemed to go both too fast and too slow, resulting in her arrival a minute later than anticipated.

Commander Chakotay was already there, putting commands into the wall display outside. He looked up to see who was approaching.

His face broke into a wide smile, the sight of which made Seven inexplicably miss a step, her heart likewise giving a quicker beat.

"Seven, glad you made it."

"Commander." She nodded, but couldn't think of anything to say that would adequately sum up her confused feelings at that moment and the usual small talk she so disliked felt inadequate.

Done programming, he turned to her fully. "Seven, I've been meaning to suggest something."

She quirked her head.

"Everyone calls me Chakotay… at least when we're off duty."

"This is a practice you wish me to adopt as well?"

Chakotay contemplated saying that it was her choice, that he wanted her to want to call him by his name, but that was all too complicated. "Yes, I do."

"I will comply, sir."

He would have explained that it wasn't an order, but her teasing smile left him without anything to say and somewhat struck by the moment. "You got me."

Seven smiled, pleased with herself.

And just like that, Chakotay was hooked. "I'll get you back for that."

"Do you possess skills I've yet to see?"

"Ouch." He laughed, enjoying their verbal game. When he stopped, she was smiling at him in a mild, teasing way that he'd never seen before. "You know, Seven, I—"

"Hey, you guys ready? Sorry I'm late. I had a meeting with the Captain." B'Elanna appeared in her gym gear, stopping Chakotay.

It was a timely interruption as Chakotay realized he might have been about to cross a line he didn't know had been drawn. It was all well and good to feel a little attraction, but to even think about acting on it was something else entirely.

What am I doing?

Seven nodded right away and stepped inside, but Chakotay took a quick moment to compose himself, taking a deep breath and reminding himself of some fundamental facts: Seven was the Captain's protégé, Seven was definitely off limits, Seven was definitely not his type, Seven would probably laugh in his face or punch him if he ever did show his interest, and Seven was the most complicated person to become romantically interested in.

His gaze, usually so disciplined and respectful, wandered down to Seven's posterior as she walked.

Off limits. He had to keep reminding himself of that. Not my type.

"So, Seven, have you boxed before?" B'Elanna stood next to a set of benches, already wrapping up her hands with a pair of gloves next her.

"No." She eyed B'Elanna's hands as they were swiftly hidden beneath the red gloves.

"Too crude for the Borg?" It was said without her usual fire, her excitement for the coming activity making her cheerful.

"Self-defence techniques are useful," she conceded, "but it has not been a hobby I've attempted." She rarely used the holodeck on her own, her work or watching the children consuming her unless someone invited her so they could have a partner in their chosen program.

"Well, don't worry. Boothby is programmed in here somewhere. He's a pain in the butt, but he'll teach you everything you need to know."

Chakotay, who listened as he too wrapped his knuckles in white tape, acted rather than thought about his next decision.

Still off limits…

"We don't need Boothby. B'Elanna why don't you start sparring. I'll get Seven started." In his hurry to enact his sudden desire, he spoke more intensely than intended.

"Sure." B'Elanna walked off, looking back with a raised brow as Chakotay moved closer to Seven. She'd never seen him so eager to spend time with the former drone. It would have been perplexing if B'Elanna weren't able to put two and two together so quickly.

"We'll start by wrapping your hands." He handed her the tape, trusting that she'd watched carefully enough to do it herself. His instinct to not micromanage was correct and she was soon ready.

"Commander, if you prefer to spar, the holographic instructor will be sufficient for me."

"Chakotay," he corrected, "and I want to. Come on, we'll use the punching bags before we go into the actual sparring."

Seven was not inexperienced with hand-to-hand combat, still perfectly able to remember her training from the Tsunkatse fights. However, there was a big difference between the two fighting styles and any desire she'd felt to practice her unsought lessons after being rescued by Voyager had been outweighed by her disgust for the gladiator battles. She found that distaste return to her as she followed Chakotay past the sparring ring to the punching bags and other practice equipment.

"We can spar after we go over the basics," said Chakotay, noticing her glance to the ring where B'Elanna fought a large human male. His words, however, had the opposite effect from what he expected. Seven frowned, stiffening just a bit at this statement. "Is something wrong?"

"The last time I participated in combat 'for fun' was on Norcadia."

Chakotay blanched, not having considered the trauma of being forced to fight to the death. "I'm sorry. I didn't even think…"

"It is all right, Commander. I didn't think of it until now either. It was a long time ago. If sparring is required to properly participate in this program, then I will comply."

Rather than take comfort from this, Chakotay realized her lapse into such a formal speech, along with the stiff squaring of her shoulders was indicative of how affected she really was. She was putting up walls, taking refuge in her Borg detachment again.

B'Elanna ducked a few swings and aimed her own punches, hitting well.

"If you don't want to spar, you don't have to." He cheered a little. "I'm sure I can come up with enough to show you to keep us busy and out of the ring."

"Commander –"

"Chakotay."

"I appreciate your concern, but I'd rather not force you to give up your time. This is, after all, your holodeck time."

He sighed deeply and decided to be honest. "Are you ever going to believe that I'm not offering my help because I have to but because I want to?"

Seven could think of no answer.

"Come on." Chakotay smiled and nodded to two punching bags hanging together. "I know a little kickboxing too. I think you'd like that."

"It was my favourite part of working in engineering."

Chakotay's surprised laugh caught them both off guard. "Should we be putting martial arts combat on the list of requirements for engineering recruits?"

"If Lieutenant Torres is expected to be their supervisor."

Chakotay continued to chuckle. "I'll make a note of it."

Seven smiled a bit easier this time.

Not my type. It sounded like a ridiculous lie even in his head.

[Cargo Bay Two]

Icheb was regenerating by the time Seven returned to the cargo bay herself so it wasn't until the next morning that he was able to ask her with a smirk, "How was your time with Commander Chakotay?"

"Boxing is good exercise. It was a pleasant evening."

"Do you have plans to see him tonight?"

Seven frowned at him, but any reply was interrupted by Mezoti, Rebi, and Azan exiting the refresher and standing at attention in front of them. She turned her attention to inspecting their grooming. Finding them acceptable, Seven led the way to the mess.

As though he planned to give credence to Icheb's remarks, Commander Chakotay met them just outside the mess. He greeted them all politely, smiling in particular at Seven, who tried to be both polite and cold. It wasn't so easy, making her stiff nod and half smile look rather forced.

"Would you care to sit together?" Chakotay gestured to a table.

"A good idea, Commander," said Icheb, quickly preventing Seven from declining as he knew she was ready to do. He led the three youngsters to their chairs and then to the counter to pick up their breakfasts.

As Icheb took over, Chakotay touched Seven's arm to hold her back out of earshot of the children. He was confused by the cold greeting. It was a shocking difference from the tired, but friendly goodnight's they'd exchanged outside the holodeck. All three adults had left the program with smiles. Now she could barely look at him. "Hey, is everything alright?"

"Everything is fine, Commander."

He almost smiled at that. "Seven, any time a woman says she's 'fine', it means she's just the opposite. Did I do something wrong?" Realizing he still held her arm, he let go and leaned back so he wasn't invading her space so much.

Seven shifted guiltily. "No, Commander. I apologize."

"Don't apologize, tell me what's wrong. I'll order you if I have to."

Seven smiled a little at the empty threat. "Nothing. I am merely thinking too much about something Icheb said." She sighed, straightening and taking some refuge in her usual stoicism. "It's irrelevant."

"All right. Keep your little secrets."

"Seven," Mezoti ran up and grabbed her hand, "can we play with Naomi this afternoon? She's going to the holodeck with Neelix."

"I will speak with Neelix," she said with a nod. This, however, wasn't enough for Mezoti, who pulled her hand until Seven was dragged to the kitchen. Chakotay followed, smiling with amusement at the sight. It was adorable.

"Neelix," Mezoti called to the busy Talaxian.

"Ah, Seven! Commander! How are you two on this fine morning?"

"Just fine Neelix, how are you?" Chakotay leaned against the counter. Neelix quickly gave him a plate of omelette and fruit. He took it and found his seat.

"So, are the children joining me and Naomi tonight?" He glanced down at Mezoti's expectant face.

Seven nodded. "If that is acceptable to you."

"Oh, of course! I wouldn't have suggested it otherwise."

"Do you require assistance supervising them?"

Neelix shook his head, handing her a plate identical to what he'd served Chakotay. "No, we should be fine. You enjoy your evening. I'm sure you could use some personal time."

"Then we will meet you at the holodeck."

Mezoti rushed back to the table, spreading her good news.

Seven sat down, sparing Icheb an exasperated frown; the only seat left was coincidentally next to Commander Chakotay. Icheb was suddenly too absorbed in eating to look at her.

Since he assumed Seven would be supervising the children in the holodeck, Chakotay satisfied himself with the thought that he could coerce her into attending Tom's next game night at least.

[Corridor]

The day had been long and Chakotay was glad it was over. He was looking forward to a quiet meal and evening alone. Maybe he would start a new book from Voyager's database.

He was walking along the corridor past the holodecks when he was greeted by Neelix.

"Commander!" The Talaxian was just outside the open doors of the holodeck, clearly about to go inside.

"Neelix." He glanced around, but the only other people in sight were the children, who were already inside. "Where's Seven?"

"Oh, I don't know. I would expect either the cargo bay or astrometrics." Neelix's confusion turned to suspicion. "Why? Did you expect her to be here?"

Gathering himself and trying to look unconcerned, Chakotay smiled and shook his head. "No, no, I just assumed she would be helping you supervise."

"Ah," Neelix nodded slowly. "Yes, of course. Well, I thought it would be nice for her to have some time to herself. It's not easy being the guardian of four youngsters, you know!"

"No, of course not. That was very thoughtful."

"Yes, well, speaking of which, I'd better get in there. Good night, Commander."

"Good night, Neelix."

Distracted with his options and uncertain what he ought to do, Chakotay walked with slow steps, not really sure where he was going.

I could ask her to have dinner with me.

She's off limits. You know that.

Friends. We're just friends. It would just be between friends.

Who are you trying to fool?

She's not my type anyway.

Liar. She's strong and smart, loyal, compassionate…

Axum. She's still thinking about him.

Doesn't mean she can't start thinking about someone else. Axum was, after all, well out of reach.

Off limits.

Why?

This brought his internal dialogue up short. She was his type. She was teasing without being coy, loyal without being a blind follower, intelligent and proud without being prejudiced, and she had a dry sense of humour that made him laugh.

Unbidden, a memory of Seska popped into his head. He felt cold. She had been his type as well… or he'd thought so for a long time. He'd never been more wrong about a person. The self-protecting part of his mind dredged up cautionary memories of Seska, which made him feel worse and worse and yet…

Seven's not like Seska. She couldn't be if she tried. Despite them both being stubborn and strong, there were no amazing similarities. Where Seska was manipulative, Seven was forthright. Seska had always played games, which made her exciting at first. Seven was hard to get, but she played at nothing. Seska would do whatever it took to further her own interests. Seven thought about Voyager first and herself last.

Without realizing it, he began to smile.

As for her being off limits, there was really no rule he'd be breaking. He was a little older than her, it was true, but he wasn't exactly robbing the cradle and if she didn't mind, then who cared? She was still somewhat new to her human individuality, but unlike the Doctor and Janeway, he saw her quirks more as an independent and often stubborn personality. True, she'd needed some tweaking initially to think outside the Collective's cookie cutter brainwashing, but besides that he saw a lot of her traits as her own.

She's Kathryn's protégé.

Indeed, this was the one point he had the most trouble getting around. He cringed to think of Captain Kathryn Janeway's reaction if she found out.

Why am I overthinking this? He hadn't even asked Seven out. She'd only barely agreed to join in on group excursions. For all he knew, his worry was a moot point and she'd turn down any romantic overtures. She was a difficult person to read sometimes and he really didn't want to try to guess what her thoughts were on this. General rumour was that she and the Doctor had something going. For all he knew, it could be true.

Only one way to find out.

"Computer." The customary beep acknowledged his command. "Where is Seven of Nine?"

"Seven of Nine is in astrometrics."

His stride became more confident, but they didn't head right to the lab.