A/N: Just a little something set after "Lineage", slight references to "Imperfection" and "Alice." I just thought it was a shame that we never really hear about the Borg children again and/or see Naomi's reaction to the birth of another child on Voyager.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

I'm Glad You Stayed

"Is it lunchtime already?" Naomi asked, looking up from her drawing to find Icheb standing beside the table with the kadis-kot board under one arm.

"We can reschedule if you're busy," he told her, looking uncertain as he regarded her art supplies.

Naomi shook her head, "I'm almost finished," she replied, making room for him to join her, "you can start setting up the board."

Icheb nodded and positioned the board on the table, "What are you drawing?" he asked conversationally.

"I just finished a card for the Doctor," she replied, a little distracted as she searched through her pencils, "Neelix said he had a glitch in his program, I thought it might make him feel better." She smiled as she found the colour she was after, "This one is for Tom and B'Elanna to congratulate them on their baby."

Icheb nodded absently, concentrating on setting up the board, "I'm sure they'll appreciate it."

"It'll be nice to have another child on board," Naomi commented after a moment.

"It will be several months – possibly years – before their child will be able to participate in any meaningful activities," Icheb observed.

Naomi rolled her eyes as she continued colouring, "I know that, but it will still be nice to have more children around."

Icheb raised an eyebrow, "I'm sorry my company is insufficient."

Naomi's head snapped up, "That's not what I meant."

Icheb's lips twitched in amusement, "I know."

"It's just…I never really had any friends until you all came aboard," she continued, returning to her colouring, "and I was worried about how things would change once they left." She glanced up at him, "I used to be scared of you, you know."

Hurt flashed across Icheb's face, "Because I was Borg?" he asked calmly, concentrating on adding the final touches to the kadis-kot board.

"Because you were so angry," Naomi corrected him as she finished her colouring and began to pack away her supplies.

Icheb turned to face her, "That frightened you?"

Naomi nodded as she moved her art supplies onto the spare chair, "A little."

"I'm sorry," he said sincerely.

"That's ok," Naomi assured him with a smile, "turns out, you're actually quite nice. If a little bossy," she added with a grin.

Icheb rolled his eyes in mock annoyance as he handed her the green pieces.

"I'm glad you stayed," Naomi added after a long moment.

Icheb turned back to face her, "Me too."

They shared a brief smile before beginning their game.