In Astrometrics, Seven of Nine was waiting for the captain to arrive. She was apprehensive to call the captain this late but she felt the need to speak to her. Since her cortical node was replaced, she hasn't spent much time in the presence of the crew. She still felt embarrassed from having to have the assistance with her health. If she was still a member of the collective the issue would have resolved itself. She didn't like relying on others for things that seem so…irrelevant.

Seven was brought out of her thoughts by the doors to the Astrometrics lab opening and closing. She turned around to see her Captain. She felt relieved that she came so quickly. Seven felt a small jump in her stomach at just the sight of Janeway.

"Captain." Seven said.

"What did you need to talk about Seven." Janeway replied.

"I-I needed….to…" Seven couldn't finish her sentence. She was embarrassed about her need for the help of the crew. They put a lot on the line to try to save her life and she didn't know how to repay them.

"Seven." Janeway said, coming closer to her. "What is it?" Janeway had concern in her voice. More than she intended to, but Seven never looked as vulnerable as she did now.

"I wanted to apologize." She said, looking at the floor, refusing to look into Janeways eyes.

"For what Seven?" Janeway was confused. What did Seven have to apologize for?

"I was damaged and….and I couldn't repair it myself. I put you and the crew in danger. It's my fault." Seven confessed. If Janeway didn't know better it looked as if Seven was starting to tear up a little in her human eye.

"Oh Seven." Janeway said. Her heart breaking for the borg. "You have no need to apologize for that. You have become a valuable member of this crew and I know I can speak for everyone when I say that they were all willing and ready to help a fellow crew mate in their time of need." Janeway closed the space between the two.

Seven still refused to look her Captain in the eye. "I don't understand." She finally managed.

"Seven." Janeway said. "This crew is willing to do just about anything for each other. We are a family, and when someone in that family needs help they do not hesitate to do so."

"But what about you?" Seven asked. "You risked your life on that cube for me. If anything had happened to you…." Seven choked on her last couple words.

"I wouldn't have done anything differently regardless of the crew member." Janeway said. She knew that wasn't true though.

Truth is that Janeway was noticing those 'off' stomach feelings every time she was near Seven. She dismissed it up until now though while they were talking. Why did she feel like this? She's never had these feelings with any other crew member. Why Seven?

Before they both knew it, the space between them closed within a few inches. Janeway looked at Seven, who still refused to look her in the eye. Then Janeway grabbed Seven's chin and lifted it up to make her look at her.

"Seven why wont you look at me?"Janeway asked, sounding slightly hurt.

"I…I don't deserve your kindness." She replied.

"Nonsense Seven. You are more to me then just my Astrometrics Officer." Janeway was staring right into Seven's eyes. "You are my friend, and my…" Janeway stopped. Slightly shocked at what she was about to say.

"Your what?" Seven asked, slightly confused.

"Nevermind Seven." Janeway replied. "It's nothing." Janeway removed her hand from Sevens face.

"Captain?" Seven tried to pull Janeway out of her own thoughts, but to no avail.

"I-I'm sorry Seven. I-I have to go…" Janeway stammered, and with that Janeway spun around and left a very confused Astometrics officer behind her.