Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek Voyager, I do however own this plot and the original characters.

After a long day diligently pouring herself into her studies, Naomi lay on her side one night feeling completely drained. As she let herself begin to doze off, she gazed into the dark, empty room, thinking about how the last couple weeks had gone by since coming to a tentative truce with her reclusive Astrometrics professor. Maybe it wasn't fair to call him reclusive, it had been her idea to limit contact with each other, after all.

While they were no longer angry at each other, they went by greeting each other as any polite instructor and student would, though pretty regularly. They no longer went out of their way to spend time with each other though. No more breakfasts and no more stopping to spend any amount of 'unnecessary' time with each other outside of class... even though there had been a few more accidental 'bumps', some few occasions where they had the opportunity to... well, to just be friends!

They had tried once, greeted each other and asked about their day, but one wrong move or one lingering gaze that was a little more than just friendly had brought the tension back. They were trying to be friendly, really, but something had changed and it was very difficult to go back to how they were before.

Naomi turned, watching the lights of a craft fly by through her slightly cracked blinds, painting the dark room blue. Did they want to go back to how they were? Somehow it didn't feel like either of them did, felt almost like they continued to fight the system, wanting more. Naomi could not let herself believe that... if she did... she shut her eyes, hoping her truce with him would eventually bear fruit anyway.

It was on a quiet rainy night that something changed.

Naomi was spending the evening watching an old movie with her roommates after their plans of going out had been disrupted by the weather. The movie had put the other two girls asleep but Naomi had found the intense familial interactions of the characters, despite not being related, very familiar and very comforting. It was only after the movie shut off that Naomi noticed a light on her computer flashing. Turning the lights on to not trip over her friends in the dark, Naomi quietly padded her way over to the bed where the computer rested and sat down. To her surprise, it was from Icheb. Naomi tried not to get over excited, tried not to notice how her heart sped up instantly, instead she carefully settled more comfortably over the bed and opened the message.

"Naomi Wildman," was the standard start it seemed to Icheb's emails. Sure he could have gone with Cadet Wildman, Ms. Wildman, or anything else more professional, but he had started in what she suspected was his usual friendly way of greeting her. The thought relieved her and made her smile. She looked over to see that her friends were still napping on the couch and made herself comfortable with her computer on her lap.

"I know what I need to say is a little late, but I hope you'll hear me out all the same. I have to apologize, not just for being so forceful at trying to get information out of you, but for getting us to the point where we would shout at each other." Naomi frowned in confusion. What was he talking about? Getting them to that point? She didn't remember him doing anything to set anything off? Sure he had been a bit more... audacious than she remembered him ever being, a bit more forthcoming, but it was just a natural way any man would have reacted to a girl he- now very obviously -found attractive. Naomi flushed, finally coming to terms that he did in fact find her attractive, but still finding it unexpected, startling.

"I value our friendship. I value our memories of how well we got along in the past. I value my goals, and I value your dreams. I value you and I hope my exaggerated need to get what you may or may not feel for me in return or not out has not completely destroyed everything." Naomi shifted in her bed, taken by surprise by the strength in his convictions, the intensity of what he must be feeling. Even through an email, Icheb manged to make Naomi feel lightheaded.

"My apology is not just for my past actions, however. I must apologize for recent infractions. I neglected to tell you that I had a visit from Seven about a month ago. She arrived with news that they recently received good news over Project Delta Quadrant. That is the name they are using for the mission to stabilize a wormhole to that part of the galaxy. She said that results of the project looked promising and that Neelix agreed that if they could stabilize one, he would be willing to crossing over to visit us. To visit you." Naomi felt the excitement over the prospect of seeing her godfather again tempered by his next words.

"I withheld the information from you for a month out of spite. I realize that now. I feel terrible for how I have treated you and appalled by my behavior. Not only is it unbecoming of a Starfleet Officer, but also as a friend. Naomi, please forgive me. I eagerly awaiting your response.

Your hopeful and repentant friend,

-Icheb."

Naomi stared at the letter for a moment longer, a wide range of emotions battling in her heart. She was confused, sad, happy, excited, and longing, all at once. She wiped the errant tears that escaped her eyes and immediately set to email him back, not wanting him to take all the blame and wanting to get her thoughts across to him. She just still couldn't tell him how she felt. It was just... too difficult.

What if he didn't feel the same? What if things got bad again if she said anything? She couldn't risk it, no matter how much her heart ached to tell him. Swallowing thickly, attempting to dislodge the emotional turmoil from her throat, Naomi shook her head and forcibly cleared it. No, she would focus on apologizing, focus on getting back to a good place with him.

"Icheb,

I'm not sure I understand why you think all of this is your fault, it's not. I was the one to suggest meeting regularly. I was the one to push you away when you started showing interest in me. I was the one that refused to admit anything to you. And I was the one to suggest we stay apart. If anyone should feel apologetic, it's me. However... I can agree that we're both to blame in part for all of this. I just want you to know again that I miss you and shouldn't have pushed you away. I miss you now more than I had when we were apart for ten years! And yes, you're probably wondering, I am blushing like a full blooded Ktarian at admitting such a thing. Nosy."

Naomi paused and tried to shake away the irritating blush.

"I was overly sensitive before and maybe we got off on the wrong hand. We're nearly strangers and we tried to act like we've been pals for years. Could we start over? Would that be alright?" Naomi hesitated in writing what she was about it, knowing the suggestion she had in mind was what started it all to begin with. But one more couldn't hurt, right? Just one?

If you're not opposed to it, could we meet up again one of these days? For old times sake? Just so we can try and get past whatever happened between us and move on?

Your equally to blame friend,

-Naomi Wildman."

Naomi hesitated a second before finally hitting the send key and waited impatiently for his reply. She bit her lip, shifting where she sat. Two minutes. Nothing. Naomi looked over to her friends, wondering if she should wake them so they could go to their beds. They seemed comfortable enough though so why bother? Eight minutes. Nothing. She let out a breath of impatience and decided just sitting here wasn't working. She went back to her computer, trying to distract herself with games at least.

Naomi wasn't really the type to play silly computer games, finding holodeck simulations much more stimulating, but if it could distract her from her impatience for only a moment, she would play anything. She was just getting into one of her mystery games when she was alerted to a message. Shutting the game off without even bothering to save her progress, Naomi opened the message and smiled happily when it was a reply.

"Naomi," said girl blinked in surprise that he hadn't added her last name, but grinned all the same. It just meant he was relaxed, and that was just fine with her.

"You probably don't realize how relieved your prompt reply made me. I apologize for the delay, I was indisposed and could not answer." Naomi had to wonder why he meant by that. Indisposed as in naked in the shower or indisposed as in simply in another room doing something? Bad Naomi, now was not the time to picture him in the shower! Naomi physically shook the images again once more and returned to the message.

"Your suggestion is agreeable. Tomorrow I will be busy in the morning, but if you're amendable, the next day I am free. If it's 'old times' then I hope the same place and time works for you.

Until then,

-Icheb."

Naomi lay back over her bed with a relieved sigh. He had agreed! She had been worried he'd disagree, figuring meeting up like that would be a bad idea, as she had mentioned it has all started with it. Naomi resolved to putting it out of her mind and try to get some rest. She didn't know how things would be the next morning, after they both revealed so much to each other that night. Setting her computer on her desk by her bed, Naomi pulled her clothes off and settled in bed. She shut her eyes and attempted to count sheep, as her mother had suggested she do many times when she had been little. Try as she may though, the exciting prospect of fixing her friendship with Icheb, or at least attempting a new one, was much too stimulating for her to sleep. After an hour with no positive results, Naomi decided to get up and prepare some tea.

As she made her way to the kitchen, she hoped she wouldn't disturb her slumbering friends. They were still knocked out from the movie. T'Chea was quietly and calmly leaned back, her Romulan features relaxed in her sleep. Hannah was half slid off the couch, her body twisted slightly to cushion her head against the couch while her arms were half-hazardly flung about her. Naomi rolled her eyes fondly at her friends once again and went back to preparing her tea. Once she had it, she sat at the common area dining table and sipped it quietly. What was it going to be like? Would she and Icheb just pick up where they left off before it all got too weird? Or would they start completely over? Hi my name is Naomi Wildman, remember me- sort of thing? Maybe something in between? Whatever it was, one thing was certain, Naomi eagerly anticipated it.

That next day, after getting in a solid three hours of sleep, Naomi paused at the entrance to the class room, her heart fluttering annoyingly at seeing him standing there, smiling and nodding at what one of his students was excitedly telling him. Maybe it was the lack of sleep, or maybe that she was allowing herself to finally see him like a man, rather than the awkward teen he used to be, rather than someone she had been upset with. Whatever the reason, he looked especially handsome that morning, hair neat, back straight, presence strong. His relaxed expression and familiar stance was so soothing, and at the same time, so much more. Naomi pursed her lips, imagining herself taking a flyswatter and swatting away her distracting thoughts, before adjusting her bag and making her way to her seat.

If Icheb noticed her looking at him that morning, he made no show of it. Naomi settled in her seat and listened to his lesson. It didn't seem like he was avoiding looking at her that morning, but he wasn't looking at her. Could she have misunderstood him in the email? Maybe she was just being obsessive and hyper aware of his every move. Damn her and her silly female reactions.

After class, Icheb finally did look her way and smiled lightly. "See you tomorrow, Naomi Wildman," he said simply as she walked by him.

Naomi gave him a subdued, yet still tentatively playful smile. "Likewise, professor Hansen," she murmured. The worry in her heart slowly eased away.

T'Chea and Hannah had noticed the change in their roommate that morning. It was odd, how drastic her demeanor had shifted, but at least it shifted into the right direction. All the same, once they were all back at the dorm, Hannah's loud curiosity got the better of her. "You seem really happy lately," the girl smiled cheerfully.

Naomi was seated on her bed, PADDS in hand and scattered about her. "Have I?" Naomi questioned innocently, not even glancing up from her studies.

Hannah tilted her head to the side, trying to figure out what was so different. "All smiles and back to joking. What's with the change?" she asked curiously, moving to sit with Naomi on her bed. The girl's body weight shifted her PADDS around, successfully disrupting Naomi's order.

Naomi shook her head but didn't complain. "Not sure I know what you mean!" she teased, peeking up through her lashes playfully.

"Oh come on, Naomi, what is it?" T'Chea asked then. She had been in their small kitchenette preparing tea, listening to the girls talk, or rather Hannah question Naomi and the half Ktarian avoiding answering.

Naomi smiled and turned to her friends. "Alright alright," she set her PADDS down. "Icheb agreed to start over with me," she told them, trying to keep her voice level.

"That's fantastic!" Hannah all but squealed, being the sappy romantic type.

"Don't get too excited, it's just as friends," Naomi told her. "He agreed to meet up with me tomorrow for breakfast, to catch up and try to fix things," she added, again trying not to let her excitement bubble forth.

"Be careful, Naomi. Don't let your eagerness get ahead of you, escalate things too far and let what happened to you two happen again," T'Chea warned gently.

"I know," Naomi nodded. "I know, but I'm still excited."

"And you should be!" Hannah agreed, sappy grin splitting her face.

"I missed him," Naomi sighed. She felt like she could go as far as say her heart ached for him, but didn't want to make herself too over the clouds. She had a reputation as a collected and rational woman to keep, after all! Hannah leaned over and hugged her, the girl all but sighed dreamily at how romantic it was, which T'Chea simply shook her head at. The Romulan might have now understood the extent of Naomi's feelings, but she still didn't understand the recklessness humans and half humans alike displayed when it came to matters of the heart. Naomi all but paced herself to sleep that night, figuring if she was going to have trouble sleeping, she could at least get in a little cardio?

So much for rational or collected.

The next morning, Naomi resisted childishly throwing the covers off of her and running to get ready. She wasn't some kid anymore, excited to see some crush or whatever he was to her. Instead, she took a breath and carefully got up like a reasonable adult. The only reason she was moving across the room quickly was because the floor was cold. Right.

Very precisely, she took her time to get ready, knowing there was no real need to rush. It was still early, the sun just barely peeking over the horizon. Delaying her excitement, Naomi took her shower and neatly prepared her clothes and usual amount of makeup. She would not dress special, not wear any unnecessary amount of glamour. This was a meeting between friends, this was a normal morning and there was no need to make any sort of special efforts. She would not let herself get carried away, damn it!

As she made her way through the familiar streets, smiling as friendly as she could, so early in the morning, to passer-biers, she finally made it to the familiar diner. Once again, she halted at the entrance and bit her lip. Regaining her slipped composure, she forced herself to take the necessary steps that would lead her in. She found him sitting in his usual spot and calmly walked over. "Good morning, Icheb," she greeted him warmly.

Icheb turned to her and stood from his seat. "Naomi Wildman," Icheb greeted her with his own smile. They stood there for a moment and Naomi had to fight the urge to go over and hug him.

"I thought we went over this already, no need to stand to greet me. That's too formal," Naomi ventured to tease.

"Yes, but I figured new beginnings and all, I could stand to show a little chivalry," Icheb responded, his lips peeking up. "Would the Lady care to join me?" he asked playfully.

Naomi calmed down and relaxed her shoulders from how tightly she had held herself since he stood to greet her. He really was trying though. "The Lady would," she agreed, walking over and sitting in her spot. The waitress was over before they knew it and they ordered their drinks and meals. Despite wanting to start over, the tension between them was as strong as it had ever been.

At first, neither really knew what to say. Should they bring up what they had revealed in their emails? Too soon? Should they talk about whatever was new to them those days? It was evident how rusty they were with each other. "Um," Naomi shifted uneasily, trying to find a way to break the awkwardness. In the end, she decided looking to the future was the best route to take. "So do you have any plans for Spring break?" she finally asked, honestly curious. "It's going to be a month long, right?"

Icheb visibly relaxed and leaned back in his seat. "Yes. A bit unusual, but it is going to be extended in order for over due maintenance of the academy. I honestly hadn't thought about it actually," he told her. Naomi tried not to react to how good it felt to hear so much of his voice again.

The waitress then chose to bring them their coffees and they slipped into silence again. "What did you usually do during your breaks?" She asked then, shifting her cup of coffee in her hands.

"I spent them either with Seven, helping her in her research or at her aunt's house with her, or simply remained here." Icheb had thought of maybe visiting Seven's aunt, but felt the idea of going there without his adopted mother kind of strange. It wasn't like he didn't get along with the woman, it was just that he hadn't ever really gone over there without Seven. Showing up suddenly might be a bit awkward. He told her as much. Then again, he was beginning to be intimately familiar with the feeling. "What about you? What are your plans?"

Naomi's face split into an excited smile. "I'm going with my mom and dad to Ktaris!" she told him, the earlier unease fading in favor of her excitement to see her father's home planet again. Ktaris was very similar to Earth in many ways. They both had large continents surrounded by blue oceans, full of vegetation and wildlife. They were both around the same size, and both orbited their sun at the same distance. That made sleep cycles much easier. The added bonus was that Ktaris was in a system with one sun, like Earth, making the planet's temperature pleasant in most places.

What was different about the planet made it exciting. The plants were alien looking compared to most of the ones on Earth, some being enormous mushroom like trees, some being bio-luminescent flowers, fields of them that shone brightly in the night. On top of that, it had vastly different animal species. Some of them were terrifying looking, others beautiful, and still others beautiful in their frightening appearance. It was exciting to explore. Naomi explained all of her adventures discovering new things with her dad while there the first time, and how his family had a house up in the snowy mountains. The house was built to resist the storms and hail that frequented the landscape.

"That sounds a like a lot of fun," Icheb smiled fondly.

Having successfully broken the glacier between them, the two began to talk about their plans for the Spring, for the end of the term, and for their future careers. They tactfully avoided talk about plans for them, knowing it was too early to bring that up. Through their thankfully friendly chat, they realized a number of things. The first was that they were beginning to relax and truly move one. The second was that their interactions were not as they were before, at the beginning of the term. The third was that they discovered that the way things seemed to be heading, they didn't really care how things were at the start. Hopefully this time things would go by easier, smoother, things would be better than before.

They ended their morning on a lighter tone, agreeing that they could put their dispute behind them and carry on as friends. Even so, as they quietly made their trek back, they felt the tug of something between them, like a physical electrical field of energy pulling them close while at the same time shocking them. The lingering feeling of longing reigned supreme, un-tempered by their efforts to ease things between them. They knew this was something that they would have to deal with, but for now, they were simply relieved to be on such cordial terms once again.

What the future held now was a mystery to them both, but one thing was for sure, they would make it work this time.

TBC...

End A/N: This chapter was influenced a little by the song "All These Things" by MMOTHS. By the way, I just saw Star Trek Renegades. It was kind of... well, okay for a fan film it had some pretty neat effects.

Also, let's just say I'm a pretty big fan of Icheb now haha, they made his character pretty badass. Not to mention I have a better appreciation for the actor. In the film, Icheb has gone through some pretty terrible things, turning him into a mercenary-like space pirate with anger issues and pretty wicked toys to threaten his enemies with. At least the image of an older Icheb is a lot easier to deal with, since there now IS an older Icheb to make very nice mental references to.