After the dance, Sarel guided Naomi toward a quieter part of the festival. Lanterns flickered overhead, casting warm golden light over the winding pathways. The air was thick with the scent of flowers and spices, and distant laughter blended with the soft hum of festival music.
"You are unlike anyone I have ever met," Sarel said smoothly.
Naomi blushed, caught off guard. "Well, I, uh, grew up on a starship, so I guess that makes me different."
"It is more than that," Sarel said, his gaze intent. "There is a fire in you."
Naomi's breath caught slightly at the way he said it, like it was something rare, something he admired. He hesitated for a fraction of a second, then extended his hand. "Would you take a walk with me?"
Naomi bit her lip. It wasn't like she hadn't talked to people before, but there was something about Sarel's confidence, his forwardness, that made her hesitate.
Suddenly she felt something behind her. Something very familiar, a presence she was connected to. She didn't even need to turn around to know that Ayala was standing somewhere near her.
The air seemed to shift. There was no sudden outburst, no raised voice, just a steady, unavoidable weight pressing against her like a force field. Slowly, she turned to find him standing there, arms crossed, his expression unreadable, but his eyes locked onto Sarel like he was considering whether or not to vaporize him.
"Naomi," Ayala said, his voice calm, measured. "Are you okay?"
Naomi groaned. "Tarik! Yes, I'm fine." She would have preferred to sink into the ground at that moment.
Sarel chuckled, the first flicker of amusement breaking through his otherwise charming demeanor. "Your father is protective."
"Very," Ayala confirmed, his tone polite but unyielding. He didn't smile, he didn't blink and he didn't move.
Naomi sighed, exasperated but used to this by now. "He's not my father…"
"Yes, I am," Ayala cut in smoothly. His voice was steady, but it held a weight that made Naomi stop. It wasn't a demand, nor was it a correction. It was a fact, spoken with certainty and finality.
She blinked.
It wasn't as if she hadn't thought of him that way. He had raised her, watched over her, been the one constant in her life since her mother and Neelix were gone, but she had never heard him say it before. And it felt good. It felt more than good. It meant the world to her.
A lump formed in her throat, and suddenly, whatever frustration she had melted away.
Ayala exhaled quietly, rolling his shoulders as though forcing himself to loosen up, but his gaze remained locked onto Sarel. Finally, after a long, assessing pause, he spoke again.
"One hour," he relented.
But he didn't step away just yet. He studied Sarel for another few seconds, his face unreadable. Then, in the same even, gentle tone, he added, "And if anything happens to her - anything; I will find you."
Sarel's smile didn't falter, but Naomi swore she saw him swallow.
Ayala gave one last look at Naomi, the protective father in him still bristling.
Naomi exhaled, not realizing until then how much tension had built up in her chest.
"Shall we?" Sarel asked, offering his arm.
She took it, completely unaware that Icheb was watching; and seething.
Ayala hadn't moved. His eyes were following the young couple. Did he really just threaten a member of the authorities?
Ayala sighed deeply. Strictly speaking, he had just done that, yes. But he hadn't been able to prevent it. His protective instinct had made him forget everything. The only thing that mattered to him was Naomi's well-being. And he was pretty sure that this Sarel wasn't contributing to his daughter's well-being. His daughter! He had actually said it out loud.
He was her father, and it felt incredibly good to say it.
Why the hell was he still standing here? He headed in the same direction like his daughter with that boy.
Icheb had retreated into the shadows of the festival, standing near one of the curved stone archways that framed the plaza. From his vantage point, he had a clear view of Naomi and Sarel. Not that he wanted to be watching them, at least, that's what he told himself, but his eyes refused to look away.
His chest felt tight as Naomi slipped her arm through Sarel's. He had never seen her do that before. Not with him. Not with anyone. It was such a simple gesture, but the sight of it made something coil in his stomach, something sharp, something wrong.
Ayala, however, had found them again.
He was standing just a few meters away, arms crossed, watching with the quiet patience of a man who could wait an eternity if necessary. He hadn't left as much as he had lingered, his gaze locked onto the pair like a hawk watching prey. His expression remained calm, unreadable, but his stance was very clear.
If Sarel so much as breathed incorrectly in Naomi's direction, Ayala would know.
And Icheb… Icheb wasn't sure if he wanted to punch the Edanian himself or let Ayala do it.
Naomi felt a strange mix of emotions as she walked through the softly lit garden paths with Sarel. The festival's energy still hummed in the distance, but here, away from the main plaza, everything felt quieter, more intimate.
"You are tense," Sarel observed, his voice smooth as ever.
Naomi let out a soft, nervous laugh. "I guess I'm just… not used to this."
"This?" He turned his head slightly, watching her.
She hesitated. "This," she repeated vaguely, gesturing between them, though she wasn't entirely sure what she meant herself.
Sarel smiled knowingly. "You are unique, Naomi Wildman. You carry yourself as someone older, yet your heart still holds wonder."
Naomi felt her face heat up. Was he flirting?
She wasn't sure how to respond, so she focused on the path ahead. The stone walkway curved around a small, bubbling fountain surrounded by glowing blue flowers. It was beautiful, just like everything else about this place.
Sarel slowed his pace, tilting his head toward her. "I imagine traveling among the stars makes one long for a place to belong."
Naomi frowned slightly, caught off guard by the depth in his words. "Voyager is my home," she said without hesitation.
Sarel studied her, intrigued. "And yet… would you ever consider staying somewhere else? If the right reason presented itself?"
Naomi stopped walking. That was flirting.
"I…" she started, but before she could form a response, she felt something again.
A presence. Not Ayala, this time.
Her gaze flickered to the edge of the garden, toward the shadowed archway.
Icheb.
He was standing there, half-hidden by the darkness, his expression unreadable, but something about the way he held himself, stiff, unmoving, made her chest tighten.
For the first time that night, she hesitated.
Naomi barely had time to register Icheb's presence before he turned and disappeared into the dark, vanishing like a shadow swallowed by the bushes.
Her breath caught. What was that? Why had he been standing there? And why had he left so suddenly? She felt a strange tug in her chest, an unease she didn't fully understand.
"Naomi?"
Sarel's voice brought her back to the present. She turned to see him watching her with quiet curiosity, his head tilted ever so slightly.
"Sorry," she said quickly, shaking off the lingering tension. "I just thought I saw something."
Sarel's gaze flickered in the direction she had been looking, but if he saw anything, or suspected anything, he didn't mention it. Instead, he smiled and extended a hand.
"Then perhaps," he said smoothly, "we should focus on the moment in front of us."
Naomi hesitated for half a second. Then she let herself smile again. "Yeah," she agreed, slipping her hand into his. "We should."
Ayala had not moved from his spot.
His dark eyes followed Naomi and Sarel as they wandered toward the edge of the garden, hands loosely clasped. His posture remained casual, arms crossed, expression neutral, but his focus was razor-sharp.
He had seen Icheb, of course. Had seen the boy stiffen, had seen the sharp way he turned on his heel and left without a word. Ayala exhaled slowly through his nose.
So that's how it is.
For a moment, he debated going after Icheb, maybe to give him the kind of subtle fatherly talk that involved intimidating stares and long, uncomfortable silences. But no, Icheb was not his priority right now. Naomi was. And she… was smiling.
Ayala sighed and his posture relaxed a bit. For the moment, he let it go.
The night air was cool against Naomi's skin as they wandered further through the festival gardens. Despite the confusion she had felt moments ago, the evening was still undeniably beautiful.
"You seem distracted," Sarel noted after a while.
Naomi exhaled a small laugh. "It's just, this is all kind of new for me."
Sarel turned to face her fully. "Then I am honored to be part of your first experience."
There was something about his confidence that made Naomi's stomach flip. He was smooth, charming, completely sure of himself. It was flattering, really. But… something about it still felt unfamiliar to her.
"Come," Sarel said, motioning toward a nearby overlook. The view from there stretched out over the glowing cityscape, lanterns dotting the skyline like fallen stars. "It is the best view of the festival."
Naomi followed him, allowing herself to be swept up in the moment. They stood there in silence for a while, just watching the city lights flicker below. "You seem at home here," Naomi admitted after a moment. Sarel smiled. "It is in my blood."
There was a pause before he asked, "And you? Where do you belong, Naomi Wildman?"
She smiled without hesitation. "Same answer as before. Voyager."
Sarel studied her. "You say that with conviction."
"Because it's true," she said. "That ship, those people, they're my family."
Sarel seemed to consider this before nodding. "Then you are very lucky."
Naomi let out a breath, feeling lighter all of a sudden. She was lucky, and she was happy.
Sarel reached for her hand again, and this time, Naomi let him.
They talked for a while longer, sharing stories, laughing, and learning about each other's worlds. Naomi, for all her initial nerves, was enjoying herself immensely.
She didn't know why Icheb had reacted the way he had earlier, but tonight, she wasn't going to dwell on it. She was going to enjoy this.
Later, Back on Voyager…
As Naomi stepped off the transporter pad, her face still aglow with excitement, Ayala was waiting for her.
"Well?" he asked. "Did you have fun?"
Naomi grinned. "It was amazing."
Ayala gave her a long, searching look, assessing, making sure she was truly okay.
Then, finally, he nodded. "Good."
Naomi stretched her arms over her head. "I'm exhausted. I'd like to go to bed. Are you coming?" She asked and Ayala nodded.
When they arrived in their quarters Naomi asked Tarik to help her out of the dress and so he did. He just had to open the laces on the back and Naomi could handle the rest undisturbed.
20 minutes later she was in her bed and Tarik sat down beside her. Somehow he looked a bit restless, Naomi thought, but she didn't have to wait long until he confessed.
Ayala let out a quiet breath, looking down at his hands for a moment. Then, finally, he spoke. "I know I was… intense tonight."
Naomi smirked at him. "You think?" she teased.
He huffed a small breath, shaking his head. But he wasn't really annoyed.
"You know why, don't you?" he asked, his voice quieter now.
Naomi felt the weight in those words. "Because of what happened two years ago," she said.
Ayala's jaw tightened for a second. He didn't need to say anything. They both knew. The fear. The pain. The helplessness. The near-loss that had almost shattered them both.
"That's part of it," he admitted. "But that's not the only reason."
Naomi frowned slightly. "Then what?"
Ayala looked at her then, his dark eyes steady. "Because I'm your father."
Naomi sucked in a breath. There it was again. He had said it out loud. For the second time.
Her chest tightened, and she had to swallow before speaking. "You… you've never said that before."
Ayala exhaled slowly, then nodded. "I should have. Because it's true." He turned slightly, resting a hand on the blanket near hers. "You lost your mom, Naomi. And I lost people I should've protected. I won't ever let that happen to you." His voice was steady, but there was something deeper there, something unshakable. "You're mine. And I'll always keep you safe." Naomi blinked, her vision blurring just a little.
She had always thought of him as her father. But hearing him claim her as his daughter, without hesitation, without condition, it meant everything to her.
Her lips trembled slightly before she whispered, "I'm proud to be your daughter, you know."
Ayala's eyes softened, and he reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I know, sweetie." His voice was lower now, warmer. "And I'm proud to be your father."
Naomi sniffled, smiling as she wiped her eyes. "You better be."
Ayala smirked. "Always."
He stood up and ruffled her hair gently. "Now get some sleep. Tomorrow's going to be an interesting day."
Naomi frowned. "Why?"
Ayala's smirk deepened. "Because Icheb has a lot to think about."
Naomi groaned and threw a pillow at him. "Tarik!"
Ayala laughed, dodging it easily. "Goodnight."
Naomi smiled as he left, the door sliding shut behind him.
Her heart felt full.
Naomi was still floating on a high from the festival when she stepped into Voyager's corridors. The experience had been magical, the lights, the music, the warmth of Sarel's presence. But above all, one moment stood out. Tarik had called himself her father.
She had never doubted his love for her, but hearing him say it so plainly, so definitively, had made her heart swell.
She wasn't looking for anyone in particular when she turned the corner, and nearly walked straight into Icheb.
"Oh!" she gasped, taking a step back. "Icheb!"
His hands had instinctively come up to steady her. They were warm, firm. He didn't let go right away.
"Naomi," he said, blinking as if he hadn't expected to see her.
Naomi grinned. "I was just thinking about last night. It was amazing."
Icheb's jaw tensed.
"Was it?" His voice was neutral, but his grip on her arms lingered for a second longer before he let go.
Naomi, oblivious to his turmoil, kept talking.
"Yeah! The music, the lights, the atmosphere, it was like stepping into another world." She laughed softly. "I don't think I've ever danced that much in my life."
Icheb's fingers curled slightly at his sides. "Yes," he said, his voice quieter now. "You seemed to enjoy yourself."
Naomi finally noticed his expression. He was standing perfectly still, his face carefully controlled, but something was simmering just beneath the surface.
She frowned. "Are you okay?"
Icheb exhaled sharply, looking away for a brief moment before fixing his gaze back on her. "I need to ask you something," he said, his voice a little too tight.
Naomi blinked. "Okay…"
His hands clenched, then released. "Did you…" He hesitated. Then shook his head. "Never mind."
Naomi raised an eyebrow. "No, what is it?"
Icheb exhaled, his frustration evident. "Are you going to see Sarel again?"
Naomi blinked, surprised by the question. "I… I don't know. Maybe? Why?"
Icheb took a sharp breath, then suddenly grabbed her shoulders. Not roughly, but firmly enough that Naomi's heart jumped.
"I don't want you to," he said, his voice tight.
Naomi froze. "What?"
"I don't want you to," he repeated, his dark eyes locking onto hers. "I…"
He faltered, struggling against something inside him, then suddenly pulled her close - and kissed her!
Naomi's breath caught in her throat. For half a second, her mind went completely blank.
Icheb was kissing her. His lips were warm, firm, hesitant, but full of something passionate, something urgent. It wasn't like Sarel's charming, practiced flirtations. This was different.
For a split second, she felt herself lean into it, then her brain caught up.
She shoved him away. "What the hell?!" she blurted, staring at him, wide-eyed. "Icheb, what was that?"
Icheb took half a step back, looking just as shocked as she was, as if he hadn't expected himself to do that.
"I…" he started, his usual calm completely gone. "I… don't know."
Naomi was still gaping at him when a very familiar voice cut through the air.
"What exactly is going on here?"
Naomi stiffened.
Oh turned her head, slowly, and found Ayala standing a few feet away, arms crossed, eyes locked onto Icheb with a look that could kill.
Her stomach dropped.
"Tarik," she said quickly, holding up her hands. "It's not…"
"Did I just see him kiss my daughter?" Ayala asked, his voice eerily calm.
Naomi groaned. "Oh, come on…"
Icheb, meanwhile, had straightened, though there was something almost nervous in the way he adjusted his posture. "Lieutenant," he said stiffly.
Ayala's gaze flicked to him. "Icheb," he said slowly. "Would you like to explain what you were just doing?"
Icheb opened his mouth. Then shut it.
Ayala took a step forward. "Because from where I was standing, it looked like you just kissed my daughter."
Naomi covered her face with her hands. "Tarik, please don't…"
"Naomi," Ayala said, not taking his eyes off Icheb. "Go back to our quarters."
Naomi's hands dropped. "What? No!"
Ayala's voice was gentle but firm. "Now."
"I am not a little kid you can just send away when things get uncomfortable!" Naomi snapped.
Ayala exhaled slowly, then turned his attention fully to her. His expression softened, just a little.
"Naomi," he said, his voice quieter now. "I need to talk to Icheb. Alone."
Naomi scowled. "Really? Well, I need to talk to Icheb, too." She turned to the ex-drone, folding her arms. "What the hell was that? Since when do you…" She stopped, suddenly unsure how to phrase it. "...do that?!"
Icheb still looked shaken. "I don't…" He hesitated, jaw clenching. "I don't know."
Ayala's expression darkened again. "That's not a good answer."
"Tarik!" Naomi shot him a glare.
Ayala sighed through his nose, then looked at Icheb again, eyes narrowing.
"We'll talk later," he said, voice edged with warning.
Icheb gave a sharp nod, visibly composing himself. "Understood."
Ayala turned to Naomi. "You…" His voice softened again. "Go home. Now."
Naomi let out an exasperated groan but finally threw her hands up. "Fine! Whatever." She spun around and stormed off.
Ayala watched her go, then turned back to Icheb, tilting his head slightly.
"You have about five seconds to explain yourself."
Icheb, still shaken, met his gaze.
"I don't have an explanation," he admitted, voice unusually quiet. "Only a realization."
Ayala's eyes narrowed. "And what, exactly, have you realized?"
Icheb swallowed. Then, quietly, he said, "That I don't want to lose her."
For once, Ayala had no immediate response.
Icheb hesitated, then added, "And… I don't know what to do about it."
Ayala exhaled slowly.
"Well," he muttered, rubbing his temple. "At least that makes two of us." For a long, heavy moment, Ayala just looked at Icheb.
It wasn't a death glare, not exactly. But it was the kind of stare that made a man rethink all his life choices, particularly the one where he'd decided, on impulse, to kiss Ayala's daughter.
Icheb stood stiffly, his hands behind his back, trying to maintain composure despite the mess of emotions swirling inside him.
Ayala exhaled through his nose, pinching the bridge of it before looking at Icheb again. "So," he said finally. "You don't want to lose her."
Icheb nodded once, tensely.
"Interesting," Ayala murmured. "You say you're scared of losing her… but the way you're acting might do just that."
Icheb's jaw tightened. "I…" He hesitated, the words failing him as the Lieutenant had been very straight.
Ayala tilted his head, his voice deceptively calm. "Tell me, Icheb. What was that?"
Icheb clenched his fists behind his back. "I don't know."
"Not an answer."
"I don't have an answer." Icheb's voice, usually measured, had a rare sharp edge to it. "I…" He exhaled, his control slipping. "I don't know what happened. I saw her with him, and I…" He stopped, struggling. "I reacted."
Ayala's brow lifted slightly. "You reacted?"
Icheb swallowed hard, forcing himself to meet Ayala's gaze. "I acted on emotions I was unprepared for." His voice was quieter now, almost strained. "Emotions I don't fully understand."
Ayala studied him. Icheb had been on Voyager for years now, but there were still parts of him that functioned like a machine. He analyzed, calculated, and made logical decisions. Impulsivity wasn't in his nature. And yet…
Ayala's gaze softened, just a little. "You care about her."
Icheb hesitated. Then nodded. "Yes."
"And that scared the hell out of you."
Another pause. Then, begrudgingly, "Yes."
Ayala sighed, rubbing his face. "Great. Fantastic." He let his hand drop and fixed Icheb with a look. "You realize that was her first kiss, right?"
Icheb stiffened. Ayala let that hang in the air for a moment. For a tiny moment he was tempted to say that this was also his first kiss, but somehow he felt that this wasn't the right time to mention it.
"She's been in love with you for years," Ayala continued, voice even. "And you just turned her world upside down."
Icheb swallowed hard. "I didn't know."
"No," Ayala muttered. "Of course you didn't."
Another silence stretched between them.
Ayala exhaled, then shook his head. "Look. Icheb." His voice was quieter now. "I like you. You're a good kid. But I am not going to let you break my daughter's heart because you're figuring yourself out now."
Icheb flinched slightly. "I don't want to hurt her."
"Then you better figure out what you do want," Ayala said firmly. "Because if you're just going to push her away again, do it now, before she gets her hopes up."
Icheb exhaled sharply, his mind racing. "And if I don't want to push her away?"
Ayala narrowed his eyes.
Icheb held his gaze. "If I want to understand what I feel for her? With her?"
Ayala's jaw tightened. "Then you do it the right way," he said. "No more confusing her, no more mixed signals. You treat her like she deserves to be treated."
Icheb nodded solemnly. "I will."
Ayala sighed and rubbed his temple. "Just… give her a minute to cool down," he said. "Then talk to her, properly. No more impulsive kissing."
Icheb nodded.
Ayala gave him one last long look, then muttered, "I just hope I won't regret this."
Then he turned on his heel and walked away.
Icheb stood there for a long time, the weight of the conversation settling over him.
Talk to her, had said. If Icheb just had a clue how he should do that.
That was easier said than done.
He had spent years seeing Naomi as someone younger, someone safe. Now, everything had changed, and it terrified him.
Naomi stormed into her quarters, her mind spinning, her lips still tingled.
He kissed me!
The thought hit her like a photon torpedo. Icheb had kissed her!
And then, nothing. Just awkward, stammered words and Ayala standing there, ready to kill him. Naomi groaned and flopped onto her bed, pressing a pillow over her face.
What did it mean? Was he just jealous? Just reacting? Or did he actually like her?
The thought sent a jolt through her chest.
Then she heard the doors open.
"Naomi?" Ayala stepped inside.
She sighed dramatically, rolling onto her side. "Let me guess. You killed him."
"No," Ayala muttered. "I let him live. For now."
Naomi snorted despite herself. "That's generous."
Ayala sat on the edge of the bed. For a moment, there was silence.
Then, softly, he said, "Are you okay?"
Naomi hesitated. Then sighed, sitting up.
"I don't know," she admitted. "I mean… he kissed me, Tarik." She stared at him. "Icheb kissed me."
Ayala's expression softened. "And how do you feel about that?"
Naomi swallowed. "Like my brain is melting."
Ayala chuckled. "Sounds about right."
Naomi exhaled slowly, then looked at him, more serious now. "Tarik… when you said you were my father..."
Ayala straightened slightly.
Naomi bit her lip. "You've always been there for me. But hearing you say it like that… it meant everything to me. And how your... let's say 'fatherly protection' surfaced with Sarel and especially Icheb earlier…"
Naomi desperately searched for words to explain this complete security she felt, this absolute protection and unconditional love he gave her, but she simply couldn't find the proper words. So she simply said, "You are and will always be my one and only. And I couldn't wish for a better father, even... if you might be exaggerating a bit sometimes." She winked at him, and swallowed. "I love you more than I can say. I am more than proud to be your daughter."
Ayala's throat bobbed slightly. He reached out, brushing her hair back. "You always will be, sweetie. You're my world. And I don't exaggerate - that's simply my job! No one is allowed to hurt you!"
Naomi had to laugh and Ayala stood up and moved toward the door, she held him back.
"Tarik?"
He turned.
She smirked. "If you do decide to break his legs, at least let me watch."
Ayala chuckled. "We'll see." Then he stepped out, leaving Naomi alone with her thoughts, and her still-racing heart.
Naomi wasn't looking for Icheb. Or at least, that's what she told herself as she paced Voyager's corridors, pretending to be on some sort of mission. She wasn't avoiding him, but she also wasn't seeking him. She was just… walking. Thinking.
Okay, fine. She was looking for him. And, as if the universe had heard her, she turned a corner and… there he was.
Icheb was standing near one of the viewports, staring out at the stars, hands clasped behind his back in that too-formal way of his.
Naomi's heart did something stupid in her chest. For a second, she considered turning around. Pretending she hadn't seen him. Maybe giving herself more time to think.
But then… No. She was not going to be the coward here. She squared her shoulders and walked straight toward him.
"Icheb."
He turned at the sound of her voice. For a moment, they just looked at each other.
Naomi's stomach twisted. He was tense, his expression neutral, but his posture too rigid. It was classic Icheb dealing with complicated emotions mode. And she wasn't going to let him get away with it.
"So," she started, arms crossed. "Are we going to talk about it?"
Icheb hesitated. Then, carefully, "Talk about what?"
Naomi narrowed her eyes. "Really? Really? That's what you're going with?"
Icheb exhaled sharply and turned fully to face her. "I assumed you might need time."
She scoffed. "Oh, I need time?" She pointed at him. "You kissed me, Icheb."
He flinched slightly. "Yes."
"Then you freaked out," she continued. "Then you shut down. Then Tarik nearly murdered you, and I had to go to my quarters wondering what the hell just happened."
Icheb exhaled, struggling for words. "It was… an impulsive action."
Naomi's stomach dropped. Impulsive. So that's all it was?
She swallowed hard, masking her hurt with frustration. "Wow. That's a real romantic way of putting it."
Icheb looked down for a moment, then back at her. His eyes were unreadable.
"I was… unprepared," he admitted.
Naomi folded her arms tighter, her chest tightening. "For what?"
"For my reaction to you."
That made her pause.
Icheb's expression shifted, something raw flickering behind his eyes. "I have always seen you a certain way, Naomi. And then, last night…" He exhaled, as if searching for the right words. "You were different. And I didn't know how to process that."
Naomi's heart pounded. "I've always been like this," she said quietly. "I've always been me, Icheb."
"I know," he murmured.
Another silence stretched between them.
Naomi bit her lip. "You still haven't answered my question."
Icheb looked at her warily. "Which question?"
"What did it mean?" Her voice was softer now, but insistent. "Was it just a reaction? Or do you…" She hesitated, forcing herself to push forward. "Do you feel something for me?"
Icheb inhaled sharply. Then, quietly he said, "I don't know what I feel."
Naomi swallowed hard. That hurt. But before she could step back, before she could shut down and walk away, Icheb continued.
"But I know I don't want to lose you."
Naomi blinked, her heart skipping.
"I know that seeing you with someone else made me feel…" He hesitated. "Wrong."
Naomi raised an eyebrow. "Wrong?"
Icheb sighed. "Jealous. Irritated. Possessive." His jaw tightened. "I don't know what to do with these emotions, Naomi. I was never taught how to handle them."
Naomi's frustration faltered. Because that was something she understood. Slowly, she uncrossed her arms. "You don't have to figure everything out right now," she said, softer this time.
Icheb exhaled. "I don't want to hurt you."
Naomi's chest ached. "Then don't."
He hesitated, then nodded slightly. They stood there, the tension between them still thick but no longer suffocating.
Finally, Naomi sighed and smirked slightly. "So. How's your survival rate after Tarik's interrogation?"
Icheb exhaled. "Low."
Naomi laughed. And suddenly, everything didn't feel quite as impossible. Maybe they weren't fully figured out yet. But they weren't broken, either. And for now, that was enough.