Chapter Text
Kathryn sighed as she stood in her room, looking down at the dress on her bed. Chakotay and Tuvok had both insisted she take the night off, and when those two were determined, she had no chance. Chakotay had said the holodeck was booked for her and said there would be a surprise waiting for her. Her eyes then fell back on the ivory Victorian dress, the silk gown was littered with blue peonies, and she decided that the ship could do without her for one night.
As she walked through the holodeck door, she walked into a large Victorian ballroom. Leaving the harsh lights of Voyager for the warm candlelight was instantly relaxing; she felt her shoulders drop. She then looked over at the couch in the corner, and her shoulders went back to their tense self. It was automatic, anytime she could see anyone in the room, she had to be the captain.
"Last I checked, this was a private room. Sneaking away from work again?" Janeway spoke in her usual commanding tone, walking up to her self-proclaimed non-crew member, Nobody.
The walking cloud let out a small chuckle and stood up. She was wearing a green Victorian suit littered with vines, her long hair tied in a loose ponytail.
"Oh come on, Capt'n, if I was sneaking away from work, you would never know," Nobody joked, stopping when she was face to face with her, "Besides, I wanted to be the one to show the surprise."
Nobody walked into another room and came out with tiramisu with a small candle in it. Janeway tilted her head slightly before it hit her like an asteroid.
"Today is my birthday, I almost forgot..." Kathryn thought outloud as Nobody shrugged.
"I mean, you did forget, but that's fine. I know you don't like a big fuss, so I convinced Chakotay and-especially-Nelix that we'll do a crew celebration tomorrow. You have a quiet night in now, make appearances later."
"Wait, you planned all this?" Kathryn asked as she took the dessert from her.
"Well, yeah. You made me work with Nelix all the time, didn't you think his infectious empathy would rub off on me?" Nobody joked once more, before kicking herself mentally with how she kept joking, "In all seriousness, you've given me more grace than I deserved. So, while it's not a extravigent, I thought this would be something you'd like. Plus, I thought this could be a thank you for not throwing me out an airlock every time I cause a mess."
A smile grew on Kathryn's face as she blew out the candle. "Thank you, Nobody. I'm glad I took the night off."
"Well, the night isn't over yet. After your cake...coffee thing, the ball will take place. You'll be able to dance with the most handsome men this holodeck can make."
There was something beautiful about ancient Earth parties. The elegant live music, the big poofy dresses, and the structure of the whole thing were something Kathryn loved. She wouldn't trade Voyager for anything, but she often yearned for something simple like this. For a moment, no one was looking to her to answer every question ever, she was just another face in the crowd. Under the surface was a twinge of guilt to have fun, then she looked over at Nobody making fun of the snobby elites to their faces. She let out a small giggle at her brazen personality. She walked over and pulled the hothead to the dance floor.
"Aren't I supposed to get you a dance card or something?" Nobody asked, looking around at the dancing people.
"I think I can break the rules for you, besides, starting a fight will put a damper on your surprise," she responded.
"I wouldn't have started a fight...this time. Besides, he was trying to say someone had a better dress than you. I had to put him in his place."
"I don't need you fighting any battles for me."
"You don't need me to, but that doesn't mean I don't want to."
As they danced, both of them started to think about the other. Katheryn had noticed just how Nobody's hair curved around her face. Her blue eye was stunning in this light, and in a moment she didn't think twice about she moved her bangs to see her injured eye. How could someone so unapologetic be so scared to show herself off? It was something that Janeway envied at times. Nobody let her move her hair, and gently took hold of her hand. For the first time in a while, she wished she could feel something, while her cloud arms were good enough, it was the little things.
They both suddenly felt the music rise, and both leaned in for a kiss. It was only a moment, because when the music stopped, they pulled away.
Both of them stood in shock. Nobody was confused, her hands instantly disappeared from her lack of focus. Janeway was mortified, that line she'd never cross was completely gone. Both of them stood still, unsure of what to say. Janeway suddenly gripped her dress and hurried to the door. Before she left, she said:
"Computer, end program."
Nobody stood in the void of an empty holodeck, absolutely in awe of what happened. She sat down on the cold and hard floor before letting out a laugh. Once again, she had created a mess.