Janeway woke up the next morning happier than she had felt in years. Seven was already coming out of the bathroom, wearing a fresh biosuit and her hair impeccably tied again in her usual up-do. She looked back to her normal, cold, remote and logical self – a tiny bit more relaxed, maybe.

Was the young woman intending to act as if nothing had happened between them? But then, Seven noticed that the Captain was awake and gave her one of those amazing smiles that lit up her face and suddenly made her look like a radiant teenage girl.

― Good morning, Kathryn.

Seven sat on the bed next to her with that look of fierce devotion that she had so often seen on her face but failed to interpret correctly until now.

― Good morning, darling. Did you sleep well?

Seven frowned and considered the question seriously, as she always did.

― I have only experienced this activity once, I require more data. Sleeping seems messy. I am not as regenerated as I would be after a full cycle in my alcove and my body requires a lot more grooming afterwards. But I experienced some dreams and also your physical closeness, which made it quite pleasurable.

Janeway smiled at the former drone's unshakable level-headed approach. Having answered her question, Seven walked to the replicator and ordered:

― One coffee, black.

ooo

The senior officers had a briefing with Starfleet command at oh nine hundred hours.

Janeway and Seven had decided to keep their new relationship private until Starfleet command had delivered the leaves of absence. Janeway had put her Captain mask firmly back on and Seven was back to her usual Borg stiffness, walking quietly next to her but not too close, not touching her. Janeway was quite confident that they looked fairly inconspicuous.

But when they met Commander Chakotay on their way to the conference room, he stared at them for a few moments then broke into a knowing smile.

― You did it, Kathryn, he said, walking the fine line between hierarchy and friendship. I knew it wasn't too late!

― I beg your pardon? What the hell are you talking about, Chakotay?

He seemed a bit nostalgic but also unreasonably cheerful for a man who had just spent the night without his girlfriend.

― You and Seven, he whispered. Congratulations, Kathryn. I hope you'll be very happy together!

Janeway stopped in her track and glanced at Seven, whose ocular implant quirked in puzzlement. The Captain stared at Chakotay. He looked genuinely happy for them. How the hell could he already know? And how come he was taking things so well?

She had been in love with Seven for so long, she probably shouldn't be so surprised that Chakotay had figured it out, he knew her well enough. Tuvok had known after all, even if his Vulcan temper had prevented him from making more than a few discreet allusions to his Captain's secret torch.

― I can't make sense of what you're saying, Chakotay. Yesterday you were flirting shamelessly with Seven on my bridge right under my nose, and today… You're happy for me? What makes you think anything happened between me and Seven in the first place?

Chakotay's face took a rueful expression. He looked like a boy who had been up to no good but couldn't help being proud of his mischief. He shrugged.

― No offence, Seven. You're gorgeous and any man would consider himself incredibly lucky to date you. But everybody on board could see that you were in love with Kathryn. I knew I never had a chance.

Janeway was more puzzled by the minute.

― Is it why you dated her anyway? I know you're not a Vulcan, but your logic seems a bit…

Seven's cool voice interrupted her.

― He loves you too, Captain. It is the reason why I chose him. If I could not be with you…

Seven's confession took Janeway completely by surprise. Since the Captain couldn't love anyone back, Chakotay and Seven who both loved her had decided to date each other instead? As a way to – what? Comfort each other? Also, Seven had just said in so many words that she loved her. She was stunned.

Chakotay's eyes were warm. Coming closer to Janeway, he said in a heartfelt tone:

― I would never have taken Seven from you, Kathryn. I just thought you two needed a nudge before it was too late.

The truth finally started to dawn on Janeway's mind.

― Oh, so you thought that making me jealous was a good idea!

As it turned out, it had worked quite well actually. She looked at Chakotay, who was walking next to her, a satisfied smile creasing his face tattoo, not seeming jealous at all.

― I've always considered you a good friend and a gentleman, Chakotay. But after what we shared, I must say I never thought you would go that far to ensure my happiness regardless of yours.

Slightly embarrassed, he confessed:

― I love you Kathryn and I always will. But I've made my peace a long time ago with what didn't happen between us. I need to know that you're happy so I can move on with my life.

Amazed, Janeway squeezed Chakotay's shoulder. What man would have declined the opportunity to sleep with Seven, given half a chance? He was a loyal friend.

― Thank you, Chakotay. I hope you find someone too.

ooo

When Seven and Janeway came back to her private quarters that night, the Captain looked around her, thinking about the packing she had to do since they were going to get their leaves soon. After a well-deserved vacation, she would have to decide what she wanted to do with the rest of her life. Until now, she had always thought she would want to go back to active duty and, if possible, remain in command of Voyager.

Yesterday, she could have sworn that she would miss Voyager terribly if she ever had to leave it for good, along with the seven years of her life spent in the Delta Quadrant. It was her ship. They had fought relentlessly for it, struggled to keep it in good shape, boosted its systems, and in return it had kept the crew alive for all these years and brought them home.

Seven, her tall and curvy body quickly losing all of its Borg stiffness, was watching her with the rapt attention of a big cat just about to pounce on its prey, epitomizing more than ever the famous Borg motto – with her, resistance was futile indeed. Janeway marvelled at the unlikely fact that of all people, the young woman really did want her. But there was another miracle yet and it was that new, unfamiliar look of happiness on Seven's face.

Janeway had always considered herself an explorer and she loved traveling in deep space. But Starfleet protocols stated that spouses of different ranks couldn't serve aboard the same ship. Seven was not a Starfleet officer, but if flying kept them apart, Janeway would do something else. Train Starfleet cadets, teach at the University. Raise children of their own with Seven, maybe. They would figure it out together.

She loved Voyager. But the ship didn't really matter anymore. Seven was her home now.

― Most of the crew should get their leaves today, she said. Everybody will be free to take some time off and go wherever they please. Will you come with me to Indiana, darling? I'd like to show you my home town. And you could meet my family if you want.

As Seven considered the question with her usual seriousness, Janeway's heartbeat suddenly picked up. What if Seven refused? What if she had other plans? She didn't want to imagine her future without her. What was the point of going home after a seven-year mission if all she had to show for it was a broken heart?

But Seven, the corners of her mouth slightly turned up in one of her almost-smiles, just said:

― Acceptable.

THE END