Seven cast an irritated eye over the pile of data pads strewn about the cargo bay, two hours of research and still she had no idea what to propose for her and Chakotay's third date. Her own lack of efficiency astounded her. Although the nerves had diminished somewhat, her eagerness to please had increased, to the point where her normal decisiveness had deserted her. Nothing suggested in her research had seemed right, nothing she could pull off with perfection. Her active brainstorming temporally ceased when her comm. badge signal broke the still air. It was Icheb, "Seven, Neelix has come through the Astrometrics comm. system for your daily kadiskot game. Do you want me to tell him you're busy?"

"No, I will be there imminently." Seven said as coolly as possible, considering she had completely forgotten in her preoccupation with her personal life.

She hurriedly entered Astrometrics and sat down in front of the large screen showing Neelix's smiling face, a kadiskot board set out for her by a helpful Icheb who now addressed her "Seven, may I attend my history lesson with the Commander now?"

"Yes, go ahead."

After several minutes of concentrated play in which in spite of looking distracted, Seven was beating Neelix resoundingly, Neelix spoke up. "So Seven, what's happening in your life today? You're not normally late."

Seven debated within herself whether to give her usual noncommittal response or to seek advice from him. She had after all known him for years and had confidence in his knowledge; it wasn't as if she could ask the Doctor. She decided on the latter course of action. "Actually, my personal life is…developing somewhat…"

Neelix interrupted her. "With a certain first officer."

Seven's blush confirmed his suspicions. "How did you know?"

"Seven! I've been around long enough to know when there's a budding romance afoot. I was in the mess hall that night, you know, and Naomi and Icheb are very observant youngsters." He smiled as he remembered Naomi's exuberant report to him.

Seven couldn't help but reveal a sheepish smile as she responded "Yes they certainly are. May I ask you a question?"

"Go ahead."

"What in your opinion is a suitable activity for a third date?"

Neelix was thankfully successful in hiding his astonishment. "Well, I always liked picnics, informal yet intimate."

"A picnic…" said Seven, mulling it over in what Neelix perceived as a dreamy tone.

Just then a shout from Neelix's end broke their privacy and Neelix, genuinely disappointed that he couldn't delve deeper, said "I'm sorry, Seven. I have to go, we'll talk tomorrow?"

"1600 hours as per usual."

"Ok, good luck!"

As he was disconnected, Seven thought over his idea. A picnic sounded achievable.

Chakotay entered Astrometrics, visiting Seven under the pretence of accompanying Icheb back. Icheb, of course saw through this and tactfully allowed the excuse, even though he didn't see the need for it.

Mercifully his nerves were gone, but it was still a nervous thrill to see her, although he immediately observed her apprehensive demeanour with concern.

The reason for Seven's apprehension soon became clear as she made him a proposal. "Chakotay, please come to Cargo Bay 2 at 1300 hours tomorrow and don't eat a meal beforehand."

Her bravery was instantly rewarded with the most heart warming smile she had ever seen. "Of course I will…"

Their conversation was interrupted by Chakotay being called to Engineering by B'Elanna. He uttered frustrated sigh before reassuring an anxious looking Seven by touching her arm and speaking in a confidential soft whisper "I look forward to it" before leaving her with a smile.

When he had gone, Icheb turned to Seven with a "Well done." In response she shot him a look which told him without words to return to work.

The next day, Seven was kneeling on the floor of the cargo bay attempting to smooth out her Ventu blanket on the floor before sitting on it. She cast a critical eye over the basket of food and as yet unlit candles, she wasn't sure why the food had to be in a basket but according to her research it was traditional. Just as she was leaning over to light the candles, the doors opened with a swish.

Chakotay had been trying to keep his excitement hidden from the crew all day but he had a feeling he was failing when he saw the Captain raise her eyebrows at him when he told her he already had lunch plans. His exit from her ready room was so rapid it made the bridge crew wonder what was wrong with him, but he was blind to their stares. In his haste, he was at the cargo bay doors before he remembered that he had nothing to give her, not even flowers. Seems like I'll need to start reading Seven's social guides he thought wryly. She looked up at him as he entered and their eyes met. God, she's so beautiful and she doesn't even realise it. What he saw before him dragged him from his contemplative thoughts and back into reality, a meticulously laid out and delicious looking meal with candles and wine glasses. If she was trying to create a romantic ambiance she had certainly been successful.

"What's all this?"

"A picnic." Seven had picked up on his astounded tone and lost her confidence, "If this makes you uncomfortable, I can prepare a less elaborate meal."

Feeling guilty that his pleased amazement had been misinterpreted, Chakotay immediately responded. "Don't change a thing." He lowered himself down onto the blanket to look her directly in the face. "It's perfection."

Seven gave him a grateful smile which warmed his heart, feeling the tension drain away from her as quickly as it had come.

A/n: Short chapter for me I know, but I just felt it came to natural end here considering what I have next. Don't worry as soon as I publish this, I'll start typing the next bit.