The Doctor examined the read-outs on his PADD closely, but to no avail. His
eyes kept straying around the room.  This isn't working. I just can't
concentrate!  He thought in frustration.

For the past 3 years and some months, the Doctor had been giving Seven of Nine
social lessons. But the latest one had had an unexpected effect on the Doctor.
He had realized that he cared deeply for Seven, and, at the moment, he couldn't
get her off his mind.

I'm just going to have to de-activate myself, or something; I have to tell her.
But how can I? It's not like she'd be interested in me or anything. I am a
hologram, after all  .He drummed his fingers impatiently on the table, thinking.
Just then, the doors to Sickbay swooshed open and in walked Lt. Paris.

"Ah, Lt. Paris, what can I do for you?", the Doctor said as he paced out into
the examining room.

"Well, I was helping, well, actually, trying to teach B'Elanna how to change a
tire on my '69 Camero. It went alright for the first 20 minutes, but then she
got angry because she thought it would be easy. And then-

"And then the jack slipped, right?" the Doctor interrupted, looking over Tom's
slight cuts and bruises.

  "Well, not exactly. She was doing really well, so I leaned over to kiss her,
and her hand slipped."

"Well, that certainly sounds exciting; but next time, try to be more careful."
The Doctor reached for the nearest hypospray and it hissed as he injected it
into Tom's neck.

"So, have you told her yet?" Tom asked teasingly.

"Told who what?" the Doctor asked, but knowing full well what Tom meant.

"Seven, of course. Did you tell her about your infatuation with her?"  There was
a slight pause, and then the Doctor answered.

"Well, yes and no." The Doctor lowered his voice. "I kind of lost nerve at the
last minute, and-"

"You? Lose nerve? You're a hologram!" Tom sounded incredulous. "That doesn't
mean anything," the Doctor retorted rather huffily.

"Actually, I need some more advice. " he continued. "I want to know what you
think would be a good idea or way to make her realize that I care for her and
want her to have the same feelings."

"Just tell her." Tom stated the obvious. "Just tell her how you feel and see
what she says."

"Well, I tried that, sort of; it's what I was trying to tell you just before you
interrupted me so rudely."

"Try it again. Just relax and pretend she's a holographic image, and it doesn't
matter what you say."  Hmmm. That gives me an idea. I wonder what would happen
if…Nah, that would be really mean; but fun. And the Doctor would get what he
wanted..

The Doctor's words broke into Tom's reverie. "-ank you for your advice. Maybe I
will try it again. "   I just hope I don't lose my nerve this time.

Tom swiftly jumped off the biobed. "Yeah, any time, Doc. See you 'round." The
doors swooshed close behind him.

Seven of Nine stepped out of her alcove. "Regeneration cycle complete." The
computer informed her.
"Seven of Nine, personal log - Today, after going to the mess hall and obtaining
my nutrient supplement for this morning, I will then report to Astrometrics and
finish my work there. After that, I will report to Sickbay and the Doctor will
give me my monthly examination. End log."

Seven of Nine made her way out of Cargo Bay 2 and down to the mess hall. Tom
Paris was already seated in the mess hall, eating his breakfast with B'Elanna
Torres. Where is Seven? I need to talk to her. Tom thought. Just then, the
mess hall doors opened and Seven walked in. Finally.

"Here, B'Elanna, finish this. I'm going to talk to Seven for a minute. I'll be
back." B'Elanna glanced up, surprised, but didn't say anything. Tom had informed
her of his plans earlier, and had enlisted her help.

Just as Seven was sitting down at a table and placing a mug in front of her, Tom
walked up.

"Mind if I join you, Seven?"

"I do not wish for human companionship at this time."

"But I need to talk to you. It's important. "

"Very well. What is it?"

"Well, the Doctor would like to have your presence at Holodeck 2 tonight." He
needs to confess his undying love for you.

"Very well. What time?"

"1900 hours."

"I wil be there. Thank you for informing me, Lt. Paris."

"Oh, by the way, Seven. Don't mention it to him if you see him today. It's kind
of a surprise. " Tom added.

"I will not forget." Seven informed him.

Seven had finished her mug and left for Astrometrics.

Tom and B'Elanna finished their breakfast and left also.  Now, I need to tell
the Doctor something. Hmmmm. What should it be? I know!
Tom grinned devilishly. B'Elanna, walking beside him, glanced up at him.
"Oh no, what are you thinking now?" B'Elanna inquired warily.
"Oh, nothing. Actually, I just thought of the story I'm going to tell the Doctor
to get him to come to Holodeck 2. "

"Oh. Mind elaborating?"

"Why not?" Then Tom told her the rest of his plan.
 

The Doctor had just finished with Seven's examination and was thinking once
again about her. I wish I could just get it over with. There has to be a way!
As if in answer to his plea, the Sickbay doors swooshed open yet again, and Tom
walked in.

"Yes, Mr. Paris?"

"I have an idea for you, about Seven. Why don't you create a simulation of her
and practice?"

"I tried that already. And then the real Seven came into the holodeck. That's
when I lost my nerve."

"Well, try a longer simulation this time. How about for 2 hours or something?
You could take the hologram to Chez Sandrine or some other place and tell her
how you feel." Only, this time….

"Well, I'm not sure…But if you think it will work, then there's nothing to lose.
When do you think would be a good time?"

Tom had to fight to hold back his grin. "Oh, say about 1900 hours?"

"Alright. But which simulation will it be?"

"What about Chez Sandrine? The French are always good and I'll add a few things
to make it extra-romantic. "

"It better not be too mushy, though. But I'll do it."

"Good, good. Oh, and, you'd better wear a suit. You don't want to look sloppy."

"Thank you, Mr. Paris."

Don't thank me quite yet…

"Now, B'Elanna, are you ready to help me?" Tom asked as he walked into her
quarters.

"It's almost 1900 hours. We don't have much time left, and I need some more
ideas. "

"Alright, alright. I'm coming. Just hang on. "

In a few moments, B'Elanna joined Tom in the front part of her quarters and they
left to go to Holodeck 2. B'Elanna stepped into the program and stared.

"Well, Tom, you certainly outdid yourself on this one! You said you need more
ideas; what else could you possibly add? I think it's perfect. "

Chez Sandrine was transformed from an average French bar into a quaint and
romantic looking French restaurant. White table clothes and candles were on each
table, and the waiters and waitresses were dressed in very formal clothes. The
only thing on the menu below 10 dollars was the tea, and a cut crystal
chandelier was suspended from the low ceiling, throwing faint light into every
corner of the room.

"I don't think there's anything else you need to add, besides the Doctor and
Seven." B'Elanna stated.

"Well, then. I guess that's the only thing I have to do."

"Okay, let's go, then."

They walked back out into the corridor and went their separate ways. B'Elanna to
inform the Doctor, and Tom to inform Seven. Tom walked into Cargo Bay 2.

"Seven, are you ready to go?"

"Yes."

"Alright. By the way, nice dress."

With that, Tom left Cargo Bay 2 and met B'Elanna in the hall.

"Well, I told Seven. But I don't know about her dress…"

The dress was a pale blue color, and had sequins sewn all over it so It
shimmered  when Seven moved. The material fell to just above knee length, and
was held up by spaghetti straps. Seven eyed herself skeptically once more, then
stepped out into the corridor and continued on her way to Holodeck 2.
 

  The Doctor, meanwhile, was also on his way to Holodeck 2, wearing a black
formal suit and bow tie. He stepped in to the simulation without hesitation and
made his way over to one of the white-topped tables in a corner. I wonder when
the holographic Seven will show up, he mused. As if reading his mind, the doors
to Chez Sandrine opened and in walked Seven. It was all the Doctor could do to
keep his jaw from dropping. Well, Tom certainly outdid himself this time. He
must have had to do a major overhaul on Seven's holographic image!  The former
Borg walked coolly over to his table and sat down.

"Seven, you certainly look nice tonight."

"Thank you."

After a slight pause, the EMH cleared his throat and inquired.

"Well, shall we order?" The Doctor smiled at her.

"Very well. But I do not think I will order the lobster again. It did not
cooperate very well with me the last time."

There was a short silence and then Seven continued.

"That was an attempt at humor. I see you aren't amused."

"That was quite good."  I see Mr. Paris missed nothing while re-programming
her.

"Now, let's see. I think I'll order l'escargot with white wine. How about you,
Seven?"

"I will order the same. It will be an interesting experience. I've never eaten
snail before."

"Well, I've heard that they don't taste like much of anything."

Captain Kathryn Janeway pushed her close-cropped hair out of her eyes and sighed
quietly.  It's been a long day. Maybe I'll take a break and go to the holodeck
for awhile.  It was almost 2300 hours, and she needed a break.

"Lt. Cromwell, you have the bridge. If there are any problems, report them to
Commander Chakotay. "

"Yes, Captain. I'll do my best."

With that, Captain Janeway got up out of the command chair and left the bridge.

The food had arrived, and Seven had started eating, but the Doctor found he had
no appetite. I can't even eat food, so why am I so upset? This is ridiculous. I
have to tell her.

Seven glanced up. "Are you alright, Doctor? You look a little paler than
normal."

"No, no I'm perfectly fine, thank you."

Trying to change the subject, he continued. "What do you think of the dish?"

"Rather bland and rubbery, but it will suffice. I am almost finished."

"Good." The Doctor smiled at her.

There was a pause while Seven finished eating.

"Would you care to dance?"

Seven looked up, momentarily startled. "Very well. Shall we?"

The Doctor stood up and took her hand, pulling her to her feet. They stepped out
onto the dance floor.

"Computer, start playing Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 5." The Doctor instructed
the computer.

Soothing piano music filled the room.

"Do you remember how to waltz?"

"Yes. It is a three beat rhythm and the dancers turn in continuous circles
slowly across the floor.  I place my right hand on your shoulder, and my left
hand goes in yours. Your left hand is placed on my waist, while the right is
clasped in my left. And the dancers stand farther or nearer together, depending
on their feelings towards each other."

"Very good!" The Doctor smiled encouragingly. "You remembered every detail
perfectly."

"I should. I am Borg."

After a slight pause, Seven spoke again. "That was another attempt at humor.
Were you not amused?"

"No, that was a perfectly good joke. I just thought you were serious for a
minute."

"Next time, I will try to be less subtle."

They slowly moved across the floor. The Doctor was relieved to be with Seven,
and Seven a little tense to be in such close contact, even with a hologram.  The
Doctor silently debated what he should do.  Should I tell her now? What better
time! another part of him argued. Yes, a perfect opportunity.  He cleared his
throat.

"Seven?"

"Yes?"

"Since, well, ever since that last dancing experience here at Chez Sandrine,
I've come to develop feelings for you…" His voice trailed off, he was unable to
go on.

"You mean friendship?" Seven queried.

"No. Well, yes, but I mean feelings more than that. Deeper feelings. I truly
care for you in a way greater then friendship can be."

"You wish to have an intimate relationship with me."

It was a statement, not a question, and the Doctor was unsure how to proceed.

"Well, it depends on you, actually. If you have similar feelings for me, then
perhaps we can work things out. If not, we will remain friends. "

After a pause. "What do you feel, Seven?"

" I am….unsure. I wish to continue to have a friendly relationship with you, but
I don't know if my feelings for you are quite as profound as yours are for me.
Perhaps, in time, these feelings will develop. I will need time to ponder this
new situation."

At hearing these words, the Doctor felt strangely relieved, yet saddened by this
outcome he hadn't predicted.  For a hologram, she is decidedly accurate in her
portrayal of Seven of Nine.

"Don't worry. I'll give you time to think things over. But before this ends,
could I take a certain liberty?"

Seven looked puzzled, not knowing exactly what he meant.  "Very well. Proceed."

As the Doctor pulled Seven closer to him, Seven hesitated. "It's alright, Seven.
I think you'll rather like this."

Seven relaxed a little ways, and allowed the Doctor to bring her all the way up
to him. Smiling, the Doctor leaned forward and kissed her fully on the lips. He
could feel Seven tense up, but then she relaxed after a few seconds. Feeling
that she was slightly uncomfortable with the situation, the Doctor reluctantly
slowly pulled away and smiled into her blue eyes.

"There. Was that so bad?" His voice was teasing.

"It would take getting used to. The sensation in my stomach was rather
disconcerting at first, but enjoyable.  I would like to experience it again."
Then she kissed him back.

Suddenly, Captain Janeway appeared in the doorway of Chez Sandrine's. Or so it
seemed to the Doctor. Guiltily, the Doctor hastily spoke.

"Computer, end program."

Chez Sandrine's quickly de-materialized, but Janeway, the Doctor, and Seven
remained in the room. The Doctor tried not to gap. Oh, no!

"Seven! But, I thought… I thought…"

" Yes. I am the real Seven of Nine."

Tom is really going to get it this time! But at least I told her how I feel.
Perhaps it was better for me this way.

 Before the Doctor could respond again, Janeway broke in.

 "I thought it was a little suspicious when I discovered you two missing and
Tom's Chez Sandrine program running. But that's your business." , she said with
a twinkle in her eye.

 "Seven, we've run into some sort of field, and I need you in Astrometrics. As
for you, Doctor, I think Mr. Paris will be in Sickbay shortly…"

 Janeway smiled and exited quietly after them out of the Holodeck.

                         THE END