Tom strode confidently down to engineering, smiling and thinking about what he and B'Elanna would do that night. A pool tournament was being held that night at Sandrine's, but he'd gladly forfeit if she'd go out with him.

The door to engineering slid open, revealing the engineering staff bustling about attending to various duties. Tom spotted B'Elanna talking to Jared in a corner by a console. As he got closer, Tom saw Jared say something to B'Elanna, causing her to blush and nod her head. He stopped and watched Jared walk away, out the main engineering doors.

*Well, here goes nothing…* thought Tom as he approached B'Elanna. "Hey 'Lanna. Busy?" not even bothering to look up at him from the console she was hunched over, B'Elanna replied "Yes. Very. I wish I could just whisk all this work away with the push of a button, so I could relax for a change."

"Well, I can't make the work disappear, but I could whisk the Chief Engineer away for a nice, relaxing evening." Suggested Tom, ginning charmingly. "Nope, sorry Helmboy. I'm busy right now." She replied, absently brushing off the invitation. "How about after your shift?" he countered, not willing to give up.

"Look Tom, I…" she started, looking up at him annoyance all over her face. As she saw his hopeful gaze, her look softened. "Sorry. I've got plans." B'Elanna said softly, looking down as she saw the momentary flash of hurt across his face.

"Oh. Okay then. Maybe some other time?" asked Tom, still hopeful. "Maybe." Answered B'Elanna. "See you around then." Called Tom over his shoulder as he left engineering. *Looks like I'll be playing pool tonight after all.* thought Tom wistfully.

*Well that was nice.* a voice in her head mocked as she watched Tom leave. . *Well, what am I supposed to say? "Sorry Tom, I've got a date with Jared?* she thought at it *Besides, I know what his motives are. Right?* but, somehow, she was a bit unsure.

****

Meanwhile, on the bridge...

*It's sickening. I can't believe I'm sitting here watching this.* thought Kathryn as she watched Chakotay show Analora how to navigate with the controls for the first time. They'd only done simulations before. Analora was smiling up at him, hand on his thigh as he crouched beside her. And what was worse was that he was smiling back, his hand on her other one, guiding it across the controls.

*She's all over him! I can't believe he's allowing this! I can't stand it anymore.* Rising, she spoke. "I'll be in my ready room." Tuvok nodded in response, but Chakotay didn't even turn. Kathryn felt her chest constrict as she hurried into her ready room.

Once inside, she started to pace, yelling all the while. "I can't believe this! What was he doing touching her like that!!?? How could he! And he didn't even turn around when I said I'd be in my ready room. He's never done that before! And the way he was smiling at her! It was the way that he…that he…" she trailed off.

*That he used to smile at you. Not anymore. How long has it been since you two have had dinner together? Just sat and talked? I bet you can't even remember. He was just keeping you around until some one else came along! Like her.* a voice in her head taunted.

"I don't believe you." She said firmly to herself. "He's still my friend, nothing more. He can do what he likes with his time, I'm not his keeper!"

But, for some reason, she could not convince her self.

****

BTW: I don't own ANY of the people in the story (except for Analora and Jared) because Paramount does. No infringement intended, just some good 'ol fun! But I do own the story! SO THERE!!!