Notes: So this is the chapter that I had the most difficult time writing. It is twice as long as it started out as because I kept thinking of things I wanted to say so some of it might end up sounding a bit redundant. I think if I read and try editing it one more time I'm gonna pull my eyes out although, I think I really like where it ended up. Thank you to those who have read, those who have reviewed, those who have added this story to their alerts and those who have added me to their alerts.
Chapter 11- Borg Dating
"Computer. Time."
~1851 hours~
B'Elanna flopped down on her couch with the blood wine she had just replicated after Seven had left her quarters. She made an exaggerated face to no one and blew out some air as if she were a balloon. "Kahless on a crutch, how am I going to survive... Borg dating?"
Of all the conversations she thought she might ever have with the usually infuriating woman, one on proper 'protocol' for breaking up with someone wasn't one of them.
They had left Sickbay together after Seven had mentioned that she would feel more comfortable talking in the privacy of B'Elanna's quarters.
The trip from Sickbay to Deck 9, Section 12 was fairly uneventful and quiet; somewhat awkwardly so, for both of them. B'Elanna was still getting used to being so much more aware of everything that was going on around her. She kept snapping her head around as if she were an owl on espresso each time she felt some new sensation or realization.
She could hear conversations down the halls and in closed rooms. She could smell and identify crew members walking around before seeing them as it seemed her brain had long ago associated certain smells with certain people- now it was simply more powerful and she was aware of it.
This close in the turbolift she could even hear Seven's heartbeat increase and decrease then increase again. If she focused, every inhale of breath sounded like a gale force wind in her ears and she could smell Seven's natural odour of lavender and metal mixed into a pleasing scent- more so than her old ability thanks to her Klingon heritage. B'Elanna found that she had to fight hard to keep the surprise of her own body's responses from becoming obvious. She'd been practically shaking.
After arriving at her quarters, B'Elanna invited Seven in and proceeded to remove her uniform top on her way to her bedroom to change. "Go ahead and make yourself comfortable Seven, I'm just going to change into some 'lazing around' clothing."
Seven simply nodded and attempted to get her thoughts in order as the brunette disappeared into her bedroom. While one might think that Seven would normally go to the Captain, Doctor or Sam Wildman for this kind of advice, Seven believed that it was B'Elanna who would actually give her the best advice. The shorter Chief of Engineering was nothing if not brutally honest with Seven- often very brutally, but honest none the less.
When B'Elanna emerged wearing only soft grey sports shorts and a navy tank top, she heard the tiny yet sharp inhale of breath and noticed Seven was simply standing ram-rod straight in the middle of her living room with her hands clasped behind her back.
"Kahless Seven, you look like you're about to face a firing squad." B'Elanna sat on her couch opposite the tall ex-Borg and craned up a moment before continuing. "I'd ask you to sit, but I know you prefer to stand so I'll just say that if my neck gets cramped, you're giving me a massage."
"Acceptable." was the only response. Seven was still trying to compose herself after cataloguing the many physiological responses her body went through upon seeing the small brunette emerge from her bedroom barefoot and showing more caramel-coloured skin than Seven had ever seen from the Chief Engineer. The new muscle tone rippled in her legs as she walked; her skin seemed to glow with a haze that pulled the ex-Borg in. She was about to speak when B'Elanna spoke up.
"Shit, where are my manners? Do you want something to drink? Eat? I'm surprisingly not hungry or thirsty myself," B'Elanna's brow furrowed as if she were confused at her own statement. She also wasn't used to having people in her quarters- especially Seven of Nine.
"No thank you Lieutenant, I will not feel the requirement for nutritional supplements for twenty-two hours." She looked down briefly before looking back to B'Elanna with another of her rare small smiles which had recently been escaping with increased frequency around the small brunette. "I am `glad' you are feeling better, if your use of foul language is any indication."
"Thanks- and shut up, you love it."
"I hardly think that I would find such constant use of expletives an attractive trait."
"And yet you constantly push my buttons knowing that I'll let fly with the curse words. I'm not a complete idiot you know."
Seven certainly wasn't about to admit that she did in fact enjoy pushing the fiery Klingon's `buttons' for no other reason then to watch her blow up. She secretly found it exhilarating. The fact that B'Elanna clearly knew she did it on purpose and let it continue was interesting.
"Perhaps on that last matter we can agree to disagree, I have come here for another purpose if you'll allow me to get to it?" The teasing tone was not lost on B'Elanna so she let it go with a wave of her hand.
"Yeah, yeah, what'd you want to ask me?" It was out before she even realized the implication of what Seven had just said. She might have burst out laughing if Seven didn't suddenly look very serious.
"Lieutenant, as I said in Sickbay, I was wondering if I could gain your advice on a personal issue." Seven was trying to hold B'Elanna's eyes, but her own eyes kept flicking over the brunette's body almost imperceptibly.
B'Elanna found herself trying not to smirk as she was now fully aware of Seven's responses to her appearance and the ensuing internal battle to maintain her composure. Ok Torres, let's just ignore all this. You're not even sure what your senses are telling you right now so let's just get this over with.
"Shoot."
At the look of confusion that flashed across Seven's face, B'Elanna let her off the hook but not without a smirk. "Colloquialism, Seven."
"I see... an indication to proceed."
B'Elanna was really having fun for the first time seeing all the tiny expressions flash across Seven's face. You really can read so much into what she is thinking and feeling if you take the time to notice... B'Elanna had decided to be more patient with the younger woman and found that it was already bearing fruit. Then a thought struck her.
"Wait a minute Seven, are you playing with me?" At the quirk of the Borg-enhanced eyebrow, she continued, smiling. "You are aren't you? You know more about casual conversation than you let on, don't you? Oh, I've got you figured out now, Miss 'I-do-not-see-how-murdering-a-pair-of-small-avian-creatures-with-a-stone-will-help-us-accomplish-our-tasks'- you have fun playing on our own ignorance, don't you?"
Watching Seven fight the growing smile was totally worth it in B'Elanna's mind. At first glance, it doesn't look like much changes, but at the same time, her whole face lights up. It's... beautiful.
"If crew members wish to continue to make assumptions about me, I might as well take some joy from it." The tiny self-satisfied smile said so much.
"So, for how long?" B'Elanna was admittedly very curious how long she'd been such a fool.
Seven seemed to relax ever so slightly before continuing. "During my first year aboard Voyager, I found myself in a number of situations where my ignorance of common communication often led to my being the 'butt' of the joke. Shortly thereafter, I read and studied a number of files detailing human sayings, expressions and colloquialisms. After that, I found that I had more fun playing on the expectations of the crew."
"Oh, aren't you are a nasty bitch. I think I like this side of you Seven. Nasty, very nasty." B'Elanna loved to see that Seven was in part just as 'human as the rest of us.' Even if she was one of the fools that kept thinking Seven didn't understand such simple things for the longest time.
Seven saw the smile and heard very little malice in the brunette's words. She found B'Elanna's use of 'bitch' to be something of an endearment as opposed to an insult and she liked it. "Well, some of us 'bitches' prefer a bit of subtlety from time to time." The pointed look made B'Elanna laugh.
"Ha! Fair enough. You've always given as good as you get. I've always liked that about you Seven. Now, before we get too sidetracked, why don't you tell me why you're here?" She could get lost in the blue eyes of the tall blonde if she wasn't careful. Seven paused a moment to compose herself before beginning.
"Lieutenant, as you know, I had observed your interactions with Lieutenant Paris while the two of you were engaged in an intimate relationship..."
Yeah, that was fun for everybody.
B'Elanna unconsciously clenched her jaw slightly to maintain her composure at the serious turn in the conversation.
"...and I was wondering how it was that you were able to extricate yourself from the relationship without enduring an emotional hardship or losing Mr. Paris' friendship." Seven stated flatly.
The surprise must have been evident on her face but B'Elanna had to make sure she was understanding what Seven was asking before she answered. "So, let me get this straight, are you asking me how to break up with Chakotay?"
"That is correct, Lieutenant. I wish to know the proper protocols for terminating a romantic affiliation. Specifically in this case, my current one with Commander Chakotay." It seemed that the more personal that the topics got, the more her Borg mannerisms manifested themselves.
B'Elanna instinctively sat back and spread both her arms out over the back of the couch and tried to taper the evil grin that was working its way on to her face. Oh, there is so much fun I could have with this...
Seven, in truth, had been extremely nervous regarding B'Elanna's response to her question and blanched upon seeing the look on the Lieutenant's face. She was immediately reconsidering this whole idea and allowed her fears to convince her that despite their amicable interactions over the past few days B'Elanna would no doubt find some way to use this information to make their interactions more difficult. She panicked.
"I apologize Lieutenant, I was in error coming here. I suspect you will wish to laugh at me and use this information to further ostracize me from the crew. I shall attempt to limit our interactions in the future accordingly. Good evening." She spun on her heel to leave but only managed one step before she was suddenly stopped by a hand restraining her arm not even aware the small hybrid had moved.
B'Elanna realized instantly her mistake as she saw the hurt and embarrassment flash across Seven's face before it froze up into her usual Borg mask of cold indifference. Before she could complete the thought, she had moved off the couch and covered the three metres separating the two women and grabbed Seven's arm. Kahless I've never moved so fast... focus Torres, this isn't about you and you're trying to help her, not hurt her.
Something inside her also reminded her that Seven was a woman who, in one act, had now made B'Elanna look back on all her interactions with the former Borg woman. B'Elanna now understood just how this incredible woman truly acted with nothing but honour in their interactions despite how volatile they had become. She never insulted B'Elanna's heritage and had only yesterday selflessly tackled a giant creature to protect B'Elanna. Honour demanded that B'Elanna make things between them right. Not just so they `get along', but rather so they become friends. She would settle for nothing less.
Seven paused and looked back at B'Elanna with her full cold Borg mask in place to see only softness in the hybrid's deep brown eyes. "Seven wait. I'm sorry, I'm not going to repeat anything said here that you don't want and I'm not going to make fun of you. I owe you that much. Please, come back and maybe sit down and we'll talk like two adults. Please."
The coldness retreated from the large blue orbs as Seven nodded quietly and allowed B'Elanna to lead her to sit on the couch beside her. She clamped down on her own fears and nervousness with a strength she seemed to gain from the hybrid's touch.
"Klingons do not apologize." It came out not much more than a mumble and only the small glint in her eyes gave away the fact that she was feeling somewhat better.
B'Elanna chuckled, "nor do they beg, have hear-to-hearts, or express sincere thanks but I'm only part Klingon and am beginning... to like that fact. Now, we've not talked about the away mission and we don't have to now," B'Elanna took in a short breath and raised her eyes to meet Seven's, "but I want you to know Seven that I'll always have your back, whenever you might need me. Always. Got it?" Seven could find no words. She could only nod.
B'Elanna let go of Seven's arm as they sat a short distance apart and tried to get the conversation back on track. "Good. Okay... so tell me why you wish to end your relationship with Chakotay and we'll go from there, ok?"
Seven nodded still feeling a little nervous. "Acceptable. As far as my relationship with the Commander, it is more the result of him being on a list of candidates that I had decided upon after doing extensive research into human relationships." Seven took a breath and B'Elanna decided quickly ask a question before she continued.
"I though you had told the Doctor that there were no suitable mates aboard Voyager back when you had... attempted dating Lieutenant Chapman?"
"At that time, I was unaware of several factors regarding the interactions of individuals, and the Doctor was... a poor teacher. I had determined that a 'relationship' was therefore irrelevant and discontinued my research. However, after Mizoti, Azan and Rebi left Voyager... I started to... long for closer social interaction."
B'Elanna had to shake her head. This woman who had little to no actual experience in interacting with humans or 'individuals' had no one but a photonic simulation with less than three years of actual sentient experience himself to teach her. The guilt B'Elanna started to feel welling up inside her did not help the situation.
She really needs help. Shit, she works so hard for all of us and we, myself especially, treat her like an emotionless tool to be used and left to be molded at the Doctor's whim. What was Janeway thinking? Time to help her understand these things.
B'Elanna let out a breath as she began speaking. "Kahless Seven, I feel like such an ass. None of us helped you learn what we all expected of you- me least of all. Instead, we left you in the less than capable hands of a sentient hologram who has less life experience than yourself. I promise to try and help you out here, my honour demands nothing less, you saved my life and I've got a lot of wrongs to make up for here."
Seven was again stunned at the response of her supposed former arch enemy. The sincerity in B'Elanna's voice along with the proclamation made Seven feel good in a way that she hadn't felt many times in her life.
"Lieutenant, I... you do not owe me anything, I-" Seven began looking down at her hands before B'Elanna cut her off.
"Can it, Seven. And call me B'Elanna. In fact, call me B'Elanna anytime we are off duty or simply working alone together. You're a decent person and I've been wantonly blind to it. After the way I have treated you since you came aboard Voyager, you could very easily have let that creature tear me apart, but you didn't. You've only shown me more honour and courage than I've ever shown you and it humbles me. Now, I'm getting uncomfortable with all this gushy stuff, so let's go back to solving your 'problem', ok?" B'Elanna took Seven's cybernetic hand in hers and gave it a squeeze of encouragement. She did not let go.
Seven was once again finding it difficult to find her voice in response to what B'Elanna had said as a rather large lump had seemed to settle in her throat, but decided that focusing on the task at hand would help her regain her composure. It was proving difficult as she couldn't help attempting to categorize and store the information she was also gathering from her enhanced hand being held in the Klingon hybrid's warm hand. Still, she found a surprising strength in the small gesture.
"Very... very well Lieu... B'Elanna. As I was saying, new research I have done by myself has indicated the practice of 'dating' as a way of testing new interactions with individuals without the commitment of a 'relationship'. This led me to realize that I need not simply find one 'perfect' match as defined by certain parameters, as all evidence indicates that relationships are rarely so defined... outside the Vulcan betrothal process."
B'Elanna was actually pleasantly surprised. "I'm impressed Seven, yes, dating is a way of simply getting to know other people and allows you to decide if you want to take things further on your own terms."
"Indeed, however, I believe that Commander Chakotay has come to the belief that I am 'his' now and recently I see what I can only describe as 'false sincerity' behind his eyes when he talks to me. I believe that he only wishes to engage in copulation. " There was no certain amount of mild disgust in Seven's words. If B'Elanna had been drinking at that moment, she'd have spit it all over Seven.
"...so, you haven't... engaged in a physical relationship with Chakotay then? I thought you might have been if you've been dating a while." B'Elanna tried to sound neutral, but found her hearts beginning to race in anticipation of the answer. This was not lost on Seven who was continuing to direct her nanoprobes to regulate her own heartbeat and body temperature with as much focus as possible.
"No we certainly have not. We have kissed four times at the end of our 'dates'. I do not find the act of kissing the Commander to be pleasurable and the thought of copulation with him even less appealing. This is where I require your assistance. I do not wish to continue 'dating' him and yet I find it difficult thinking I may hurt him emotionally by ending our 'relationship'."
B'Elanna let out the breath she didn't know she was holding and stifled the jealousy of even knowing Chakotay had kissed Seven while trying to think of some way to help her. She smiled briefly remembering a method one of her old Maquis buddies had told her one night while they were drinking. Oh, no, we'll not be telling her *that* method...
Shaking off unhelpful memories, B'Elanna took a moment to gather her thoughts as a multitude of new questions sprang to her mind. She brought her free hand to her chin and was tapping her mouth with one finger as she thought.
Seven waited patiently while occasionally sneaking a look down at the hand holding her own. B'Elanna was unconsciously rubbing her thumb over Seven's meshed hand.
"So, can I ask if it is the Commander himself that you find distasteful or the idea of being physically intimate with a man and if so, why date him in the first place? You don't have to answer if you want to."
Seven looked once more to their enjoined hands before looking B'Elanna in the eyes. "I believe that after extensive research, I have come to a conclusion on that matter. I find that while I can find a male attractive, even beautiful and have no issues saying this, I have not once found myself 'physically' attracted to a male in a sexual manner. I find the form pleasing and often impressive, but not sexually attractive. My reasons for initially dating the Commander were based on the fact that he has always displayed a measure of confidence that I believed might play a part in developing an attraction that was not solely based on appearance. Studies have shown that in humans, attraction is often a combination of acceptable aesthetics and personality compatibility. It was one of the reasons why despite finding Ensign Kim somewhat physically attractive, I find his timid personality lacking. I can never see him as more than a friend."
"But I thought you and... Axum... had something?" B'Elanna had to listen to the Doctor gossip about his 'findings' one day while she was getting a plasma burn on her arm healed. At Seven's widened eyes she added, "The Doctor. I-I never asked nor have I ever repeated what he told me." She raised her left hand in a placating gesture.
Seven's blue eyes got slightly colder and she briefly looked away from B'Elanna as she contemplated many ways to secretly 'modify' the Doctor's holomatrix. It was the soothing connection of B'Elanna's hand on hers that once again calmed her down.
"That... was not me. It was more an idea of me and it seems that the details were only known to Axum. I believe I was reacting to the idea that someone could love me and be in a relationship with me. Does that make sense?"
"I think so." Oh boy.
Seven suddenly developed a wicked grin- well, for her anyway. "Do you think the Doctor will enjoy being a foot shorter?"
B'Elanna laughed again, Seven's incredibly dry humour was hitting the right spot. "Be sure to remove the rest of his hair as well. I promise I'll never tell, Maquis honour." She smiled as she held up crossed fingers and tapped her chest.
"I think I prefer Torres honour." The softness in Seven's voice would have made B'Elanna's knees give out had she been standing. Seven's proximity was really starting to have an effect on her. She needed to change the subject before she shattered the tentative peace she was now enjoying with the ex-Borg by jumping on her. Oh... boy. I'm in trouble.
"So, are you giving up on the dating thing then after Chakotay?" B'Elanna tried to hide both the hope and disappointment in her voice.
"I do not believe so, there are many attractive female members of the crew." Seven's confidence had been growing the whole time their hands had been touching so decided to simply let B'Elanna interpret that on her own, she certainly wouldn't make things *that* easy on the Klingon hybrid.
B'Elanna was sure her hearts had momentarily stopped beating. *Gulp* Ok Torres, again, focus, geeze you're killing yourself here, get this conversation back on track. Look at it like an engineering problem- that's all.
"Ok Seven listen. There is no tried and true method for breaking up with someone. No 'protocols' and no step-by-step method to success. I've had some horrible break-ups in the past. Tom and I were at least good enough friends to realize quickly that an intimate relationship between us would ruin that friendship that we both enjoyed. It took a lot of pacing and summoning of courage, but I brought up my concerns first to him one night and we discussed it together. Broaching the subject is never easy as you invariably worry about the other person's feelings... if you care for them. As far as Chakotay goes, my best advice is to speak with him honestly, tell him that you enjoyed your dates, but you don't wish to go deeper into a relationship with him but would like to remain friends. To be honest, it already says so much about your integrity that you want to try and do this the 'right way', I'm impressed."
B'Elanna broke into Seven's thoughts as she was formulating a response by quickly adding, "Oh! And Seven, tact. Tact is so important and I know you find it 'inefficient' but we irrational emotional individuals respond to 'how' something is said as much as 'what' is said, know what I mean?"
Seven had been considering B'Elanna's advice very carefully and cross-referenced this new knowledge with everything that she had learned about human interaction so far.
"I... believe so, B'Elanna. Is it similar to a situation where I would discover a mistake in your calculations and say "your calculations are flawed" instead of perhaps saying "Lieutenant, I believe you may have made an error, can you show me how you achieved this solution?" ?"
Now B'Elanna had to laugh out loud at that. There was a time where she wouldn't have appreciated the analogy, but she was having too much fun with Seven now and the dry wit the woman possessed.
"Uh huh, seems like you've got a handle on it." With a gentle poke to the tall blonde's ribs she continued, "Of course, if you ever try that with me, I'll call Security and inform them that you've been kidnapped and an intruder has taken your place." She smiled at the surprised face Seven made and let herself take in a breath before continuing.
"In all seriousness, I think a tactful but firm approach is probably your best bet. Remember though, if you believe you are doing what is best for you and in a respectful manner, do not be intimidated or feel ashamed if by some chance he doesn't respond with the same respect. Often when you break-up with someone feelings will be hurt, but it is usually a testament to the individual if they can 'take it like a man'. I remember one guy I broke up with when I realized our interests were simply too different and he never really offered me the cerebral challenge I enjoy. He was crying and begging me to take him back. At the time, I allowed my anger to overcome me- ha ha I see that look, hold the snickering until I'm done- I ended up saying a lot of hurtful things to him instead of saying what I had to say and leaving. Learn from my experience- remember, you don't OWE him anything, relationships aren't about even 'scores'. There will be times when you will fail in this whole 'individuality' thing, but don't ever get discouraged and remember that the rest of us had our whole awkward child-through-adult phase to learn these things and we STILL make mistakes on a regular basis. For our part, we'll- I'LL make sure to remember that you didn't have that."
Seven could think of few words to truly express her appreciation to B'Elanna. She had listened intently to B'Elanna and found her words and expression to be more open, honest and beneficial than most of her 'philosophical discussions' with the Captain. In a rare moment of impulse, she pulled the smaller woman to her and wrapped her in a bone-crushing hug. B'Elanna, though shocked- and thankful of her 'new body' as it were- found herself enjoying the warmth and closeness of the taller woman so much that she closed her eyes and simply inhaled the wonderful sensory-overloading scent of Seven of Nine.
Seven had unconsciously done the same and the two women remained wrapped in each others arms for a long moment before they each began to reluctantly disengage. B'Elanna began picking imaginary lint off her tank top and looked briefly everywhere but at Seven.
"Um-well... yes... ahem..." It was awkward for B'Elanna, but the tall blonde seemed suddenly oblivious to her discomfort.
Seven was brimming with confidence and armed with new knowledge. She was the first to stand having felt like she had taken up enough of Lieutenant Torres' time.
I find that I do not wish to leave, yet I must. I have to break up with the Commander, see Naomi and Icheb and also prepare for more 'dating'. I will further examine these feelings at another time.
"B'Elanna, I wish to thank you for your time, understanding and wisdom. Perhaps in the next week, if I am not on a 'date' with the Captain, I can 'treat' you to dinner in thanks for this evening and your care yesterday."
"Well that would be- wait, what?" B'Elanna had finally gotten up and was walking Seven to her door when the words of the ex-drone sunk in.
Seven lifted her silver arch as if it were obvious. "I was under the impression that your hearing had been somewhat augmented B'Elanna, do you wish to go to the Doctor?" She wanted B'Elanna to ask. Something was brewing between the two of them and Seven wanted more information before she even thought of proceeding. This attempt at levity was lost on the half-Klingon.
B'Elanna, for her part, was trying not to see red. Either she was misinterpreting what she heard, or Seven was going to ask out the Captain.
No stupid. She was already asked out by the Captain and she just said earlier that she'd be open to dating women aboard Voyager.
It really bothered her on a level that she didn't want to deal with. However, after talking to Seven this evening, B'Elanna felt she had a bit more of an understanding of the woman's motivations. This was the Borg version of 'dating'. She would date one perspective partner until she knew if she wanted to continue or not, then break it off and move on to the next perspective partner- the fact that she had come to ask on the best way to 'break-up' with someone had spoken volumes to the earnestness of her endeavour.
There was likely not be a period of 'me time' spent with a tub of chocolate ice cream that usually goes into the dating cycle. No, Seven was too assertive for that. It just bothered her that it was the Captain. Of course she saw the signs in Sickbay like the rest of us. She just doesn't let on how much she really knows.
"Then you did see what was going on in Sickbay with the Captain, was that dinner invitation a date do you think?"
"Well, judging from her behaviour over the past several weeks, I believe so. I am willing to try 'dating' her as well. If I am to understand what it is that I want from a partner, I will need to explore several options. The Doctor had never mentioned that I could choose a female for a romantic relationship during his 'attempt' to help me date previously. I only wish to be thorough."
Seven was satisfied at B'Elanna's reaction, but again, she would file it for later analysis.
B'Elanna forced her hearts to beat slower, and her breathing to return to normal.
She really has no issue with dating a woman... breathe, Torres, breathe... Kahless, she caught all of that, I can see it in her eyes. Was she intentionally trying to provoke a reaction? I see no malice and her pheromones indicate no deception... wait, how can I tell that? Built in lie-detector? I really need to figure out just what I can do- but later.
"Seven, if there is one last piece of advice I can give, it's to be honest up front about your 'dating' intentions. I suspect that you didn't mention to Chakotay at the start that you merely wished to 'date' and see how things went?"
Seven hadn't.
Perhaps I should have sought out B'Elanna before approaching Commander Chakotay in the first place... Perhaps not, as we were not on such... comfortable terms previously.
B'Elanna cracked a smile at the puzzled face that looked back at her before Seven responded.
"Unfortunately I did not. I shall make use of your advice from now on. Thank you once again B'Elanna."
"You're welcome Seven. Anytime." Did I just say that? Do I want her here going over all the details of her love life? Kahless Torres, you need to be careful.
"Does... does this mean we are friends, B'Elanna?" B'Elanna Torres does not say things she does not mean. I hope I am interpreting her intent correctly.
The question was tentative and almost shy. B'Elanna also realized that it was true. They were friends. They didn't always get along, but there was so much more to this woman than B'Elanna had ever given her credit for even though they had been working towards... something... in recent years. Because you didn't want to see it. It was there. Make a difference now.
"Yes Seven, I think we are friends... now go tIq teq Daj porgh!*" B'Elanna tried to put a little levity into her words as she gently pushed the taller woman out the door with a wicked grin on her face before adding, "not literally!" to the retreating woman walking down the hall. Seven simply quirked her implanted eyebrow and grinned in response before getting on the turbolift.
"...I need a drink."
End Chapter 11
*** People have asked me if B'Elanna's 'turn' is too fast. I wrote this story with the idea that B'Elanna was kind of in her own world regarding her attitude towards Seven and didn't really consider how it would play out around the ship. I also think that the change in her body along with her experience in Chapter 4 have played a large part in her new attitude. Also that Klingon at the end is supposed to roughly mean "rip out his heart" but the translator I was using would basically only translate "remove heart his body"... so, yeah. I hope that I was able to successfully convey the change in the dynamic between the two over the course of the chapter.***