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

The next morning, Naomi Wildman was not at all a happy camper.

It was horrible, really, feeling so bad when she was finally back home and on such an amazing day! Today was the day that the ship would be 'christened' and launched out to the mission destination from drydock since its massive upgrade. Today she would get to know her supervisor and understand her role during this important mission for the Federation. She should feel excited, look forward to it! And she did, but no matter how hard she tried to focus on that, all she could think of was the endless torment she had put herself through the previous night, doing everything to feel relief after the intense dream she had. Sleep escaped her and now she feared not even a hypo-spray of pure caffeine would help.

Naomi hesitated at the turbo-lift, looking at it warily. As it opened, she breathed in relief when it was mercifully empty. She had just begun to relax, thinking of what her duties would be like and if she might possibly impress her supervisor, when the worst thing that could happen to her that morning, happened. By some cruel galactic coincidence, or fate yanking at her chains, laughing gleefully at her misery, the next time the lift doors opened, exactly the person she had prayed would not step in, did. He looked completely composed, even cheerful, looking as amazing as always in his sharp, black and red tactical officer uniform. How was it possible that the uniform looked ordinary on anyone else, but it seemed to hug his impressive frame at just the right angles?

"Naomi Wildman," Icheb greeted with a friendly smile as he stepped next to her on the turbo-lift. It was immediate, the feeling that something was completely off, and he frowned in confusion.

The memory of the dream fresh on her mind, Naomi did everything she could think of to calm down and not let her eyes wander on him. "Captain," she mumbled quietly, her tone completely subdued, monotone even.

"Naomi? Something wrong?" Icheb asked in concern, turning to look at her.

Intense deja vu made the half Ktarian's mental capabilities grind to a halt. Pulse in her throat, Naomi stared at the turbo-lift doors, desperately willing them to open. She had to get out, now, before she started to hyperventilate and brought attention to herself. This was far too frighteningly similar to the dream she had last night, though with ironically reversed roles.

Naomi knew Icheb was giving her weird looks, but she just couldn't control her memory and imagination going rampant in her mind. That stupid dream had been the final straw that ruined how she looked at Icheb, having seen in it the raw sexual passion between them. Naomi knew that it had been a reflection of her own inner desires, vindictively exploding at her from being bottled up.

"Just preoccupied with the mission," Naomi answered mostly untruthfully, glad at least that she wasn't verbally showing her strain. "I hope nothing happens and we get stranded."

Icheb studied her for a moment, seeing her flushed skin and stiff posture. They were standing close enough for him to be able to pick up on her rapidly beating heart and slightly irregular breathing thanks to his remaining tech. He knew she was lying through her teeth, and he wasn't foolish enough to not know what was wrong with her. They were both so wired up from avoiding their feelings that it was causing adverse effects for them. Still, he would humor her, try to at least ease her stress. "Don't worry, we're taking every precaution to make sure the wormhole is stable, remember? That's why we're here."

Naomi almost visibly sighed in relief, catching herself at the last second, and inwardly thanked Icheb for giving her this peace at least. "Right, of course," she nodded, chewing her lip while she glared at the door.

"I... was actually coming over to see if you had any questions before you went up to Astrometrics?" Icheb asked, trying to nudge through the wall Naomi had put up in her defenses.

"That's okay, thank you though," Naomi ventured a tentative little smile.

"Alright. If you need me however, you know how to reach me." Icheb's hand had almost reached out on its own, intended on caressing her soft cheek, but he held himself back, giving her the space she clearly needed at the moment, and instead left without another word. Naomi finally relaxed, feeling more than a little bit guilty for being so evasive with him. She needed to focus though, and having him around her would not help her do that.

Finally reaching her floor, she made her way to the lab, deliberately running through every bit of material she had ever studied on Astrometrics through her mind as she walked. Fortunately that helped clear her mind, and when she got there she was able to properly introduce herself to her supervisor with the poise and confidence she was often known for. Her supervisor was a human man of dark skin, average height and build, a strong chin, and judgmental eyes. "It's good to meet you, Cadet Wildman," he greeted her. "I am Lieutenant Gary Jeremiah. I will be monitoring your progress during the length of the mission," he said without preamble.

Naomi was a little put off by his clipped tone, as though he was annoyed that he had been given this assignment over more 'fulfilling' ones. She tried not to let it get to her. "I look forward to working with you, sir," Naomi said as politely as she could. The Lieutenant merely grunted in response and began instructing her on what he expected of her during the mission. While Lieutenant Jeremiah would be in charge of the major part of the research, Naomi would assist him and monitor the equipment. She would be in charge of reporting most of the rudimentary findings while he took the more complicated ones in his 'more experienced' hands, as he put it.

In other words, she was relegated to acting as his assistant, someone who didn't know anything, who needed to be corrected often. Naomi tried not to bristle under the man's presumptuous attitude, and tell him off; she had to make a good impression, after all. The only good thing she got out of it was her familiarization of her work space and thankful distraction.

A little later, Voyager underwent the christening ceremony. Everyone dressed in their formal uniform and most of the higher authorities in Starfleet went on the view-screen to formally declare the ship active once again. They cheered and more than one bottle of champagne was opened throughout Starfleet. Tom took the honor of taxiing the newly enhanced ship out of drydock, declaring that the ship felt different than she had before, smoother, newer, as though the ship anticipated his commands. Icheb stood next to Kathryn, smirking a little at his 'new' first officer's enthusiasm while the Admiral rolled her eyes fondly.

The day was over finally and Naomi could relax. It was a lot of fun, despite her initial start to the day. She was very proud of being a part of such a big moment in Starfleet history, eternally grateful to Icheb for allowing her this opportunity. Even so, she was so tired from the long day and little sleep, that when her shift ended that day, she went directly to bed. Naomi had been asked to join with a few of the senior staff for another little celebration, but she had to decline, feeling too fatigued and vulnerable to joined them.

Naomi would get no peace that night either however, as her merciless mind conjured up new images and scenarios with the man she was in love with, flaunting her deep longing for her more than close friend at her. Though this dream was not as potent and visual as the previous, it still held powerful feelings, intense reactions and cries for release that echoed in her head. Naomi flew up from bed again, her covers twisted around her as she panted to catch her breath. She fell back against the bed and hid her face in her pillow, muffling her groan of dismay. Even in her sleep she couldn't find relief. Something had to be done about this, but Naomi wasn't sure what.

Arriving at their destination the next day, the whole of Voyager set off to begin their analysis before the preliminary trail runs of the wormhole generator. The location chosen for the wormhole was none other than the spot Starfleet had used to communicate with Voyager the first time years earlier. It had initiated project Pathfinder for the then still Lieutenant Barclay and in a matter of speaking opened the way back home to Voyager. The wormhole had since collapsed in the Alpha Quadrant, but they felt confident in the fact that it had a vestigial presence in the Delta Quadrant, no matter how small, and their technology would allow them to reignite it there. It was common knowledge that for a wormhole to open, there had to be somewhere on the other side for it to lead to, another opening.

Every member of the crew worked diligently on their research, doing everything they could to analyze the success of the re-ignition. Naomi tried not to let her sleep deprivation get in the way of her work, honestly loving the opportunity and working hard to make as much of an impact in it as she could. It was tough, but it was rewarding. The only time during that day that caused her to pause was whenever she had to report her findings to the senior staff, specifically Icheb. It was by some miracle that he had seemed to understand what she was going through that week, and kept things professional and calm. Naomi and Icheb had come to an unspoken agreement early on to keep their feelings for each other in check, at least until after the mission... but it was becoming unbearable to keep that up.

That night, Naomi lay in bed, wondering what she would do about her lack of sleep. Part of her told her that she needed to talk to someone about it, but the only counselor on the ship was the doctor, and she would not tell him about her 'relationship' with Icheb... or lack there of. She was certain that the hologram still saw her as his little assistant and Icheb as the young former Borg, shy and unsure of himself. It was silly to think that way, she knew, but she would still prefer to keep it from him.

It wasn't like her dreams completely handicapped her anyway; she could still focus on her assignments and carry on with her work... it was just very inconvenient and irritated her. Naomi was very much focused on her work, doing everything she knew to help with the success of the mission, and at the same time try to impress her supervisor. Naomi turned in bed, staring at her lamp without seeing it. Was Icheb handling it better than she was?

Icheb meanwhile sat on the edge of his bed in a familiar pose that night, his face covered by his hands, his own dreams haunting him. He struggled with himself, tried to remain detached, but he didn't know how to handle keeping himself to himself around her anymore. He could practically feel her intense need for him, mirroring his own pull for her and it was making him crazy.

Icheb's body betrayed him, forcing him to employ some of the more unconventional physical controls he had his Borg enhancements to thank. Funny how unintentionally convenient some of the horrible changes to his body they had made were. Part of him fleetingly thanked his lucky stars that they hadn't removed important parts of his anatomy, no matter how inconvenient it was to him at the moment.

Icheb thought that being somewhere familiar, surrounded by familiar faces would help them adjust, would help them drift back to how they had been in the past. Instead, the closeness of the ship, the relaxed environment, eased regulations, and fact that Icheb and Naomi worked together closely pretty regularly was making it so much worse. He had been doing everything he could to remain distant from her, give her the space they both needed, but Icheb knew that it was only a matter of time before he snapped. What worried him was that he knew that when he did, she would do nothing to stop him.

Scrubbing his face in irritation, Icheb was beginning to wonder why he struggled to hold himself back so hard. If they succeeded in this mission, he would become a proper Captain and Naomi would only have a year to complete in the academy. He was certain that her performance- that she was already striving to prove -would impress their superiors and she would be promoted to Ensign. After that, regulations were a lot more relaxed when it came to fraternizing. They would only have to be careful of favoritism and not be able to work as closely together, but they could be together. Icheb dug his fingers in his hair, attempting to soothe himself, knowing he was losing this inner war.

But why?

Why was he fighting it?

Five days had gone by since they began their efforts to assess the probability of stabilizing the wormhole. Naomi had been having on and off periods of restful sleep and distracting dreams. It had gotten to the point where she had caved in and gone to the doctor, telling him that she was having insomnia, worry and stress over the mission she said. It was partially true, she did have a very small bit of worry over not just the success, but the possibilities of something going wrong. The doctor had given her a sedative two nights in a row already, but was beginning to become concerned over it. Naomi had assured him that once she got used to the mission, she wouldn't need the extra help anymore... it appeased him, for the time being.

Naomi had fallen behind in her work slightly that day anyway, her mind having drifted a few times, so she worked hard after her shift ended to make up for it. It wasn't like she daydreamed or anything, but working closely with all her old friends and specifically her Captain sometimes made her think of after the mission. At the moment she stood at her console, reviewing a report she had been meaning to turn in earlier that day. She felt like something was missing with her analysis, but couldn't figure out what.

When the door opened, she didn't need to turn around to know who it was, having expected him to wonder why she was working overtime. Icheb stood behind Naomi as he looked over the analysis she was working on... entirely too closely in her opinion. "Problem," Icheb pointed out, immediately finding the elusive issue Naomi had been struggling with, leaning in slightly more to look at the console.

Naomi should have known he would have caught it, part of her irritated by his ability while the other rebelled at his usual collected attitude. "I don't see anything?" Naomi said, turning her head ever-so slightly to glance at him. He was so close, that she could see the beautiful, subtle, blue twist in his irises, feel his heated breath on her cheek. Feeling her body flush in response to their nearness, Naomi twisted her head back to the console, releasing a deep breath. She focused on the console with the sharpness of a hawk... but it wasn't enough, and it was obvious he was doing everything he could to distract her.

"You didn't account for spatial temporal lapses in the event horizon," the Brunali Captain murmured by her ear, making her feel his breath against it, reaching around her to point out the corrections she needed to make. "Here, and here," he said in a low, husky voice. Naomi tensed involuntarily as his arm all but wrapped around her body with the movement, making him have to lean in further, his body pressing against her back.

Naomi bit her lip, wondering what his intentions really were. "Icheb?"

"Yes?" he mumbled, seemingly not paying attention.

"...You're distracting me from my work..." she muttered halfheartedly. Icheb didn't move away, in fact moved in closer. She felt one of his hands rest upon her back, seemingly to steady him so he could lean in more, peer over her shoulder, but the hand slowly traveled up. Naomi let her eyes shut with desire, very quickly losing the battle with her concentration once again. Damn him and his ability to completely render her at his mercy.

"So, do you see your mistake yet?" Icheb asked instead, pushing into her a little harder, his hips pushing into hers suggestively as he leaned over to 'check on her work'. He knew well that he was being inappropriate, knew he should be professional, but he had given up fighting his need for her to stop now. It was everything he could do to keep his hands at respectable areas on her, to not give in and take her right then and there. Not only would that be barbaric, but he was certain she would be upset with him. Still, he was male and he would be lying if he denied having fantasies like that.

Naomi's jaw tightened. "I... I think so," her throat constricted. "There is... there is a slight fluctuation... here," Naomi told him, forcing her voice to remain as steady as she could get it while her finger pointing shakily.

"What is your conclusion?" Icheb asked quietly, his lips right by her ear, hot breath tickling her.

Naomi cleared her throat, cursing him for being so teasing and cursing herself for reacting so strongly to him. "It's a... It's a minor quantum-... Icheb-" Naomi's own words escaped her as he completely threw her off guard.

Before Naomi knew what had happened, Icheb had pushed her hair aside and very deliberately took his time to kiss her on the delicate bend between her shoulder and neck. He pressed his lips against her very slowly as he nudged the collar of her uniform aside, slipping a few of his fingers below the collar. The feel of his hand almost burned Naomi and she struggled to breathe. Was she dreaming again? ...No, the feeling of his soft, warm lips and long fingers on her were definitely real.

"Go on," Icheb ordered in a low murmur, his soft voice muffled against her skin.

This couldn't be happening, right? What happened to trying to stay professional? Avoid their feelings for the duration of the mission? What happened to taking things slow? Apparently working so closely together this week after having had those moments back at the academy, completely broke his resolve... and was rapidly and alarmingly tearing hers apart as well. Naomi did her best not to squirm where she stood as their position tortuously made her mind crawl with stimulating images. "You're making it difficult to go on..." she protested, her voice barely registering as a whisper.

"Are you really complaining?" He asked softly, his tone both teasing and serious as he wrapped his arm fully around her from behind.

'If this is another dream, please don't let me wake up this time,' Naomi mentally begged the cosmos. "M-Maybe just a little..." she responded weakly. She shuddered and bit back a gasp as he latched onto her skin again, his hot tongue on her heated flesh driving her wild. Oh what she wouldn't give to feel those sensual lips against hers. Icheb held her loosely, as though giving her the opportunity to move if she chose to.

Naomi chose to.

Pulling away sharply, Naomi was unable to take it any longer, unable to keep her need for him bottled up any longer, unable to ignore his obvious advances. Icheb had clearly given up fighting it, decided to take the risk. If they were careful, maybe, just maybe, they could do this. Deciding then that he was worth the risk, Naomi turned to him. Icheb made no move of stopping her, audibly sighing in relief as she spun around to face him. She reached for him, sliding her hand up to cup the back of his hair, running her fingers through it, tugging at him, beckoning him closer.

Icheb was all too happy to oblige; he braced himself on the console behind her, his hands on the machine while his arms trapped her there. Leaning in slowly, their chins brushed again, lips parting, their breaths mingling. But... before they could get any further again, a very familiar POP sounded right next to then, surprising them enough to pull apart before anything further happened. It seemed the heavens were conspiring against them.

Q2 stood in front of them, not looking any differently than he had half a year ago. The young Q even sported his customary Starfleet uniform and cocky smile. "Ichy! Naomi! It's been a while!" Q2 grinned at them. His brow had shot up in interest at having caught them in a compromising position, but decided not to comment on it... at least, not now.

"Q-Ball..." Icheb all but growled in irritation.

"Whoa," Q2 lifted his hands up. "Down boy! Icheb you sound like a rabid dog," the young Q smirked.

"What's the occasion, ...Q-Ball?" Naomi questioned, hoping he didn't mind the use of Icheb's nickname for him. By the friendly smile he gave her, it seemed he didn't.

"You, of course!" Q2 announced happily. Icheb's frown, if possible, deepened.

"Me?" Naomi frowned in confusion, trying not to notice how Icheb tensed where he stood beside her. "What are you talking about?"

"Our date! Remember? Come on, no time like the present! See you around, Ichy!" Q2 didn't give either of them any time to think, let alone argue, as he snapped his finger and he and Naomi disappeared.

"Q-Ball...!" Icheb gritted his teeth, clenching his fists where he stood. He could try calling the young Q's father, but decided against adding yet another unpredictable element. So instead, forced himself to calm down. Over the years of knowing his friend, Icheb knew Q2 would never do anything to harm or upset Naomi, trusting him to be a gentleman... he was just upset that he'd interrupt them like that, knowing he had most likely done so on purpose. He sighed in defeat and made his way to his quarters, figuring he'd get an early start on sleep, hoping she'd return some time soon that night. He didn't want to have to doubt Q2's honor if he kept her through the night!

Naomi blinked to adjust to the abrupt change in scenery and looked around. She sat in a diner and from the looks of it she was in the 1950's. She and Q2 were dressed in appropriate clothing for the time period. No one seemed to notice them though, so Naomi relaxed a little. "I hope you're hungry," Q2 mentioned amiable. Naomi then noticed the contents on the table. Before her, sitting on a plate was a delicious looking burger, fries, and a chocolate milkshake. Q2 had certainly gone all out.

Naomi wasn't exactly that hungry at the moment, not for that at least, but she didn't want to offend him. "Thanks, Q-Ball... I hadn't had the chance to eat tonight. This looks great!" she said, trying to sound as friendly as she could, despite how frustrated and now annoyed she was. "I thought you were joking about this though," she mentioned.

"Oh I was serious! Sometimes Icheb needs a kick in the pants, but you needed a bit of time apart from him apparently," the young Q smirked again knowingly.

"I didn't... I don't..." Naomi felt herself flush in embarrassment.

"Your mission is important to you, isn't it?" He questioned. "I figured I'd help you with the distraction to your mission."

Naomi blushed again and shook her head. "The mission is important to me, yes, but it's my decision whether I want to be distracted or not. I'm an adult and can handle my own problems. Thank you for trying though," she added, hoping he didn't take offense.

Fortunately, Q2 seemed a lot more reasonable than she heard his father being. "I get it," he smiled.

"So will you take me back?" Naomi asked in a hopeful tone.

"After Icheb has cooled down, sure," Q2 grinned. "Besides, I wanted to a have friendly chat with you! Get to know you! I promise I'll be a perfect date," he smiled. Naomi settled and decided she probably wouldn't be able to change his mind anyway. They sat and had a nice talk. While Naomi still felt uncomfortable, after having such an intense encounter with Icheb, she forced herself to relax.

While they talked about their upbringings, their adventures – Naomi hardly believing some of the things Q2 told her about – they also spoke about their memories of Icheb and how they related with him. Figuring he probably knew everything anyway, Naomi confided in him her feelings for Icheb, telling him how they reunited, fought, and made up. Q2 thanked her for trusting him with her struggles and promised her that he wouldn't tell anyone if she didn't want him to.

After a lengthy chat, Naomi chewed on her lip, trying to decide whether or not to say what she wanted to say, but in the end knew that he already knew about it anyway. "You know you interrupted something back there..." she mumbled.

"Oh, I know," Q2 grinned impishly. "I think I've kept you long enough though. Naomi, I hope you can count me as one of your friends. I'll tell you what I told Icheb, if you ever need me, just call me, okay? It may take me a little bit, but I'll always answer," he told her kindly.

"Thank you, Q-Ball, I appreciate that and I do count you as a friend," Naomi replied, touched by his sentiment.

"Of course, Naomi," he smiled.

Once Q2 returned her to Voyager, she found herself back in the Astrometrics lab. Icheb was no longer there and figured he had gone to bed. Risking it, she tried to contact him on a private channel. "...I'm back," she told him simply.

"...Good," was Icheb's strained reply. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Naomi bit her lip, wondering if he was upset with her. "Good night?" she said softly.

"Good night, Naomi," he replied, his tone softer than before.

Naomi relaxed and finished her earlier work, trying not to think of how her little problem with her analysis had been solved. When she was finished, she wrote her report, intending on delivering it in the morning. Naomi was too overwhelmed that night to stop by Sickbay and went straight to bed, hoping her she wouldn't need another sedative to sleep peacefully that night.

TBC...

End A/N: Poor Icheb and Naomi just can't catch a break! Obvious parts of this chapter was influenced by song "The Chase" by SOHN.