A/n: Thanks to lisac1965 for updating "Finding One's Heart" and to TheFoundersDaughter for updating "Amy". I LOVE these fics! :D

"Well, it's certainly minimalist…" A hologram of Neelix commented carefully as he looked around Seven of Nine's new quarters. Chakotay, the silent observer in this scene, couldn't help but nod in agreement. Seven certainly hadn't been overly ambitious in the design of her holographic quarters; they were just as empty as any of the unoccupied sets of quarters on the real ship and decorated in the same uniform grey carpets and walls he recognised from his own.

"Yes." Seven agreed, standing proudly in the centre of the room in her new Starfleet uniform, which Chakotay acknowledged she pulled off wearing better than most. She gave the Neelix hologram a flash of a knowing smile, "I am inexperienced in interior decoration, I was hoping you would be able to assist me."

Neelix beamed at her, immediately taking in the space again with the new light of inspiration in his amber eyes. "Of course! You'll need a desk to be able to work comfortably…" He paused to catch Seven's accepting nod, then began to pace the size of the room, "Yes, a good sized table would fit there…" He grinned at his friend infectiously, "Then when you've got the basic furnishings arranged, you can start putting up art and sprinkling around some knick-knacks…"

Seven's brow furrowed questioningly in the way Chakotay had known it would. "Knick-knacks?" she queried inquisitively.

"Oh…" Neelix took a deep breath as he visibly struggled to find a way to explain the concept, "Knick-knacks are things that have sentimental value or they just like to look at. They help personalise a space. Think of the wood carvings in Harry Kim's quarters."

"I have never been in Ensign Kim's quarters." Seven informed him honestly, making Chakotay flinch as he wondered if she'd ever been in anyone's quarters. Did everyone really keep her at such a distance, intentionally or not? He was pulled out of these unsettling thoughts by Seven continuing on thoughtfully, "There is a photograph of my parents' in the ship's database, perhaps I should replicate a copy and frame it…" To Chakotay's ears her voice sounded uncertain and the glance she gave Neelix, almost one of seeking permission, saddened him. He knew Seven's feelings about her parents were complex and he was glad to hear her speak of them affectionately, but her nearly apologetic tone worried him. She was probably too used to the Doctor and the Captain's undercurrent of animosity when the Hansens were brought up, Seven's guardians hadn't forgiven them for the assimilation, that she was apprehensive over expressing herself about them.

The Neelix hologram's reply however, to Chakotay's relief, was warm and encouraging. "That's exactly what I mean." He told her emphatically before frowning up at the bare walls around them, "You'll need something up on these walls too…"

Seven studied the wall for a moment. "A star chart may be aesthetically pleasing…"

Neelix cringed slightly, "I was thinking of paintings…" He suggested diplomatically.

Seven looked at the Talaxian with an endearing mix of eagerness and incredulity, "A painting of a star chart?"

"Perhaps, but I was thinking more along the lines of injecting some colour. Blue and orange striped rugs would look great in here…" Chakotay let himself chuckle loudly when he saw Seven's dubious expression, she'd certainly programmed Neelix's character to perfection. In fact, when he'd checked with the Computer earlier he'd found that Seven had based her holograms entirely on the crew's real psychological profiles, if he hadn't known he was in the holodeck he knew he wouldn't have been able to tell the difference in anyone but Seven, who was more relaxed here than he'd ever seen her before. On one hand he was pleased she was discovering that part of herself, but on the other he remained upset that she felt she needed the holodeck to do it.

The sudden ring of the doorbell interrupted Chakotay's musings and saved Seven from having to distract Neelix's attention from his more radical décor ideas. "Come in!" Seven called politely.

Chakotay wasn't sure what he found more disconcerting, the actual entrance of his own hologram or the affect his arrival had on Seven, surprised happiness was radiating from her as the hologram spoke with a warm smile, "Hey, I thought I'd come and see how moving day is getting along." He explained, not specifically addressing either Seven or Neelix but with all his focus obviously on the former.

Seven's face was rosy and smiling as met the hologram's gaze. "I think its progressing well, Mr Neelix has been advising me on décor."

"Then you might like this." The Chakotay hologram replied, gently handing her a small round object wrapped in tissue paper. His lips twitched upwards bashfully as she looked up at him questioningly, "It's traditional to bring a gift when visiting someone's new home for the first time." He explained softly.

Seven just gazed up at him in a mesmerised fashion, which made the real Chakotay's heart inexplicably speed up for a moment before Neelix curiously spoke up, "A housewarming gift I think they're called Seven." He prodded her gently on the arm, "Well, open it up!"

"Oh yes, of course." Seven agreed distractedly, a small blush tingeing her cheeks as she carefully unwrapped the parcel, keeping her eyes trained on the task instead of on the giver.

Chakotay instantly recognised what lay in Seven's hands as she discarded the paper, but Neelix did not share his knowledge, "What is it?"

The Chakotay hologram opened his mouth to answer but Seven's own awestruck reply stopped him. "A dreamcatcher. They are hung in order to prevent nightmares." She murmured softly, flushing as if she could not only feel the two holograms surprised eyes on her but also the real Chakotay's burning gaze. "I have taken the liberty of researching your culture Commander." She explained hurriedly, her eyes averted in embarrassment. "It's a beautiful example, thank you."

Holographic Chakotay touched her shoulder reassuringly, "You're welcome." His voice was barely above a murmur.

Neelix cleared his throat and stepped pointedly back from the other two. "Well, I'd better be getting back to the Mess Hall so I'll leave the two alone to hang it up…" He raised a mildly teasing eyebrow at them, "May I suggest above the bed?"

Seven and the other hologram laughed softly in reply but Chakotay felt his chest tighten as his sense of awkwardness and wrong-doing increased. Neelix's tiny innuendo had hit a nerve; he could sense the strong mutual attraction between Seven and…himself. It wafted from them like smoke from a smouldering fire and was proving impossible for him to ignore. "Thank you for your assistance Mr Neelix." Seven told the Talaxian as he departed and then turned back to her Chakotay, bracing up her confidence with a deep breath, "As you are my inaugural guest, I should offer you something…" She began, searching for inspiration, "Tea?"

"Thanks." Chakotay agreed with an indulgent smile, but then pulled her back to face him as she turned away, "You were great at the baby shower. You've come a really long way."

Yes, the real Chakotay thought sadly, if that was real she'd have come an amazingly long way. The same thought seemed to pass through Seven's mind, her lips pressing together guiltily before she summoned up a sincere reply, "Thank you Commander."

"It's Chakotay when we're off duty." He reminded her firmly.

Seven's head gave its characteristic bob even as she smiled at him sweetly but she quickly became stiff with nerves as she built up the courage to respond. "I've been trying to widen my culinary expertise and am going to practice tonight…" The real Chakotay's face unconsciously mirrored the hologram's fond smile at this turn of phrase; he'd never been one who liked to correct her speech in favour of human norms and clichés. "Would you like to attend? I'd appreciate your evaluation…"

Chakotay gently interrupted her shaky explanation, "I'd love to Seven." He assured her before pausing to glance around the empty room, "We might have a little problem though…" He winced guiltily at her instantly stricken face, "You don't have a replicator." He clarified with a chuckle.

Seven's breath hitched in relief before she arched an eyebrow at the empty room. "Another flaw in the décor." She conceded wryly.

The Chakotay hologram laughed. "I'll requisition one for you."

Seven cracked an amused smile, "That would be helpful." She admitted.

"Okay, so you'll get the food and I'll bring the replicator…and the furniture."

Seven giggled at his teasing, and then fell serious again, "1900 hours?"

"It's a date." He confirmed warmly with a wide grin as he left.

The word "date" hit the flesh and blood Chakotay like a kick to the chest, although the rational part of him had know it was coming, his logic had been deadened by shock as he tried to sort through the tumult of emotions. He had to admit that he was flattered, and relieved, more than anything else. The relief stemmed from the fact that he'd always feared that Seven had never forgiven him for his attempt on her life while she'd still been a drone or his invasion into her mind to free her from the Collective. Really they had a lot of difficult history; it was strangely a weight off his shoulders to know that she was attracted to him rather than afraid of him, awkward though it was proving to be. He found himself swallowing hard as he looked at Seven standing alone in the room, holding the dreamcatcher dreamily. They were both digging themselves into quite the hole by doing what they were doing, much deeper than he'd anticipated…

A/n: PLEASE REVIEW! :D I've been amazed by the response to this story so far, thanks everyone! :)