Part 15

Seven's eyes remained closed as she groggily woke in satisfying warmth and soft loving arms. She had a pleasant sense of things actually feeling right for the first time in her life. She was finally with the person she knew deep down in her heart she was always meant to be with. From the first moment she went nose to nose with this fiery redhead she felt something deep inside, she just didn't know what it meant at the time. Even when Kathryn pushed her away, she still longed for it, but she never thought she would have it again. This all felt like a dream, but even in her dreams it never felt this good. Inhaling deeply, she slightly stretched, then blinked and snuggled closer to the woman next to her as she softly moaned with contentment.

Kathryn was wide awake in the early morning light, watching this woman who she had loved so long as she slept in her arms. She reached up a hand to gently touch Seven's cheek, then trailed her fingers down to her neck before shifting to stroke long blonde hair. Her heart soared at being able to do this, and just when she thought it couldn't possibly get any better, Seven cuddled in even closer. The feeling of warm breath on her neck began to make other parts of her soar so high, she knew it would be extremely difficult to bring them back down.

Kathryn inhaled an aroused breath and smiled as she bestowed a soft kiss to Seven's brow. "Good morning, Darling," she said, her voice raspy and deep.

"Morning, Captain," Seven teased kissing the neck that she was now cuddled against.

Janeway continued to trace patterns over Seven's exposed skin. "I have a confession to make."

Seven immediately went rigid and fear spiked up her spine. This is it. Once again, I'm going to get the brunt of what happened between us last night, just like before. "Um," she murmured and went to move away from Kathryn's embrace.

Kathryn's forehead furrowed at the abruptness in the other woman, and she wondered what she might have possibly said or done to warrant such a response. All of a sudden, it hit her.

"Oh, Seven, no," she said, then paused and shook her head as she immediately put her arms back around the blonde, pulling her back against her. "I get how that might have sounded, but trust me, it's nothing bad."

Seven inhaled a breath of relief and eventually nodded. "I am sorry, I still worry I suppose."

"I understand, but Seven, please, you have to know that you're my heart. Also, if you leave, I am determined to find you and bring you home not matter what."

Seven offered her a tender smile then leaned in and brushed her lips against the smaller woman's. "I'm not planning on going anywhere," she said after they parted, but then her brow hung heavily once more and Janeway knew something was troubling her.

"What is it?"

"I just remembered, I was supposed to do an evaluation on my slip stream device this morning," Seven informed, her eyes shining with the knowledge that she had missed doing that and came here instead. It was so unlike her, and that in and of itself bothered her.

"Oh," Kathryn nodded somewhat as only to acknowledge what she was telling her. "And I take it that this is a bad thing?"

Seven shook her head and sighed, but still had this faraway look. "Hey, I understand if you need to go," Kathryn told her, her voice hesitant.

"I do not," Seven interjected, then finally looked right at her. She knew she had missed it, but this, being here with Kathryn, this was much more important.

"Seven," Kathryn growled, her hand drifting to Seven's butt cheek. She lightly gave it a squeeze, playfully teasing her. "You don't have to tell me that just so I…."

"I am not keeping anything from you," Seven said, her eyes flashing heatedly, reaching down to interlace their fingers together. She tried to keep her mind straight from Kathryn's hand distracting her. "You are more important."

"I just feel like something is bothering you."

"Are you now a telepath, Kathryn?" Seven played, her eyebrow rising somewhat as she pulled the older woman back into her arms, their breasts now flushed together.

"No," Kathryn said and drew back just enough so she could maintain eye contact. "But I've known you a long time Seven, and even with this time we had apart, I can still read you."

"I was required to be there, but it's clear that I am not. I can only hope that they will understand. I will have to inform them…." she paused, her blue eyes shining with a hint of delight as she leaned in and kissed Kathryn's jaw. "Later…. mmmm…. much later."

Kathryn tenderly smiled as her neck arched back, enjoying the play of lips that were now kissing her throat. "Are you sure? I've had my fair share of dealings with Starfleet protocols, and I would hate to see anything negative on your record."

"This is not Starfleet," she nonchalantly offered as she continued to bestow kisses against the smaller woman's skin.

Janeway blinked. "What?" She drew back so she could gaze into the other woman's eyes.

"Starfleet is working as a liaison, but this is through the Stellar Drive Institute."

Surprised, Kathryn scooted back even farther. "You were on Betazed this entire time?" she huffed. "I didn't even think of that."

"Not the entire time," Seven told her, then puzzlement filled her features. "Wait did you…try to find me?" she faded off as she tried to absorb what she just heard.

"Yes, I did," Kathryn nodded. "I was on Vulcan, and apparently right after you just left. Then I went to star-ports and other planets and every time I came up empty. I eventually had to go back home."

Tears filled Seven's eyes. "You came after me," her voice was rough. "Again." Her heart warmed at the idea that this woman actually went after her, even when she told her that they were through. She should have known she would, after all, she did it so many times when they were on Voyager.

The tears in the younger woman's eyes tore at Kathryn's heart and she didn't want that. So she tenderly cupped Seven's cheeks. "I did, and I always will."

"Yes, I do recall how often you did that."

"Oh?"

"I often think about how close you came to be assimilated."

The gleam in Janeway's eyes didn't go unnoticed by the former drone and she smiled. "Actually, I was assimilated."

"You were?" Seven lightly commented, shaking her head knowing how that really went down.

"Yes," Kathryn said directly. A teasing smile graced her lips even if she was desperately trying to keep it hidden. "I was assimilated by you, Darling," she said evenly, as a slow smirk fell over her lips before she slipped them over the other woman's.

As she continued to kiss her, Kathryn gently maneuvered her body over Seven's until it was once more completely covering the younger woman's.

"What are you attempting Captain?" the former Borg bantered, as she slid her arms up under Kathryn's and moved her hands down across her back. Naturally their legs tangled together, drawing them closer.

Kathryn grinned. "I think you know," she husked, then dipped her head and continued to kiss her, their tongues sliding together.

Seven felt as if this woman would pull every ounce of oxygen from her body and she had to suck in a huge breath as Kathryn's lips moved briefly away from her own and began to taste her neck, then lower to her chest.

Seven moaned as her head tossed back.

"Kathryn." The voice loomed just outside the bedroom door. "I think you should come down to breakfast. Selene is up and is asking for you and Seven," Gretchen told them, breaking them out of their lust and causing Kathryn to bolt up and remove herself off of Seven, just in case her mother decided to walk in.

She cleared her throat. "We will be right down," she managed to squeak out, then eyed Seven, who had the most adorable face, and in that moment she felt like a teenager sneaking around. She couldn't help it, she giggled, and Seven couldn't help but join in.

Gretchen smirked. She wasn't born yesterday; she knew exactly what was happening on the other side of the door. "Make sure you two wash up first," she added, softly laughing to herself as she went back to the kitchen, where her granddaughter was waiting on her.

"Are they coming?"

Gretchen's brow rose with that certain wording and now she laughed harder. "Well," she cleared her throat. "Not now," she said under her breath, then nodded to the little girl. "But I believe they will be down here very soon."

….

"Mommy," Selene greeted her mother as soon as she noticed her walk in, with Kathryn. "Good morning," she smiled eagerly. "We are making breakfast."

Kathryn and Seven meandered over to Selene, and that's where they noticed the wink they got from Gretchen. Janeway's face immediately flushed and she rolled her eyes.

"You look like you need coffee," Gretchen pointed out, then offered her daughter a mug. "Would you like a cup?" she asked Seven, now looking at her guest.

"Mom doesn't drink it, but I'll take one," Selene piped in. She smiled cutely, ignoring the look she was getting from her mother.

"I think you should stick to juice," Seven told her sternly.

Selene pouted and it look so downright adoringly cute that Kathryn wanted to relent and give her some, but knew she shouldn't. So instead, she changed the subject. "What's for breakfast?"

"It's bread stuff," Selene said with a confident nod, standing on a stool as she helped the oldest Janeway.

Gretchen smirked. "French toast," she amended.

"Ahh," Selene exhaled. "Yes, I knew that," she fretted with a tiny eye role.

Hearing that made Kathryn chuckle into her coffee, then she noticed Seven's demeanor had changed and how closely she watched the scene before them. Once they locked eyes, Kathryn knew exactly what she was thinking.

Kathryn swallowed as her heart leapt up in her chest and she knew she couldn't put it off any longer. She blew out a nervous breath and eventually nodded her agreement.

Seven swallowed, then inched closer to her daughter and Gretchen. "Honey, I know you are having fun here with Gretchen, but could you come with me and Kathryn to the other room for a minute? We would like to tell you something."

Gretchen's eyes went wide with the realization of what Seven was about to do and her own heart sped up. She drew in a long breath and smiled down at the little girl. "Breakfast is almost done here, Sweetie. You go with them and I'll have everything ready when you come back," she said, her voice shaking just a little. "And thank you very much for your help," she added.

Selene hopped down off the stool. "What do you want to talk to me about?"

Seven reached out her hand and Selene took it without hesitation as they walked into the other room with Kathryn right behind them.

"Here, takes a seat." Seven pointed to the sofa, and followed Selene, then indicated with her eyes for Kathryn to sit across from them.

Anxiety radiated off Janeway as she took a seat, but as soon as she looked into her daughter's eyes, it faded away. She didn't quite understand it, but she had a daughter and was determined to face motherhood like she did with everything else in her life…. head on.

"Am I in trouble?" Selene asked timidly.

"No," Seven quickly voiced. "But this is very important, and it is something I should have told you sooner." The blonde's chest rose and fell as she sucked in a deep breath. "Selene," she began, "do you recall that time when you asked me if you had a father?"

Selene squished her lips, and it was clear that she was deep in thought for a moment, then she nodded. "I do, and you said I didn't."

"That is correct, you do not. Do you remember what you asked me right after that?"

Selene placed a finger to her lips, then smiled. "I asked if I had another mother, since some of my friends have both."

Kathryn's heart soared with anticipation and the knowledge that this was really happening. She was ready for it, however she suddenly felt fear sink through her that this little girl might reject her. She must have recoiled or something, because suddenly Seven's hand was squeezing hers.

She glanced in her direction and her soft blue eyes told her that this was going to be okay.

Selene watched the scene before her and blinked. "You okay Kathryn?" Her little voice broke through.

"I am," she breathed. "I just hope you will be okay."

Seven watched Selene's face draw down in wonderment. "She means after what I am about to tell you," the blonde informed her daughter, which just gave her more of a skeptical face.

"What?" Her voice sounded somewhat distraught and it broke both their mother's heart from hearing it.

"Remember when you asked if you had two mothers and I never really answered?"

Selene slowly nodded. "I didn't answer because I didn't want to lie to you, and I still don't. So, do you want to ask me that again?"

Selene eyed her mother then shrugged, but she eventually asked. "Mommy, do I have two mommies?"

Now this time Seven nodded. "You do, Sweetheart."

Selene gasped. "I do?"

Kathryn found herself shaking and she couldn't contain it. She also couldn't hold back the tears that found their way to her eyes. "You do. As a matter of fact, you share your middle name with her."

Selene's forehead creased in puzzlement, then her eyes shot over to Kathryn then back to her mother. "I do?" she drawled quietly, then her gaze returned to Kathryn and remained.

Seven looked at Kathryn too, and the Captain knew it was now her turn. She finally pulled herself together and cleared her throat. "Yes, you do share it, you share it with me. And I am so proud to say this," she inhaled a breath to settle herself. "Selene, I am your other mother," she managed to say, her voice somewhat choked up. "Sorry I'm not taller," she added, trying to keep the moment light, but her heart lurched all the same, even more at seeing the blank face on her little girl.

Selene stayed quiet as her face filtered with a few emotions, and it worried both Seven and Kathryn, and the former Borg wondered if maybe she didn't understand, or even worse, she didn't approve. Just as she was about to ask, Selene suddenly blew off the couch and jumped right into Kathryn's arms, hugging her tightly.

"I hoped it was you," she cried into the redhead's shoulder, and Kathryn exhaled a long breath of relief as she shook with a happiness she never knew was possible.

Relief spread through Seven as well, and tears of joy trickled down her cheeks as she watched the two most important people in her life cry happy tears. After a moment, Selene pulled back and then slipped a tiny arm toward her. "We can't leave Mommy out, can we Mom?" she said evenly, her eyes shining.

Kathryn cried harder at hearing that, and she nodded through her tears she moved an arm around Seven, pulling her into her side. "No, we can't," she agreed, her voice rough as she hugged the most precious people in her life and swore she would never ever let either one of them go.

After few more moments passed, they all pulled away, smiles evident on their faces that were red and blotchy. Selene sniffed. "May we eat now? I'm sooooo hungry," she said with exasperation.

Kathryn was amused and gratified that this went so smoothly. Truth be told, she never expected it, and deep down maybe she should have. "Yes, I am hungry too," she said then gazed over at Seven, and the look on her face was one she couldn't put a finger on.

"What is it?"

Seven blinked out of her thoughts. "I just…" she swallowed. "I regret so many things."

Kathryn exhaled, then nodded and laced their fingers together. "I understand, Seven, I do. Because I have regretted so many things in my life, but this right here…." she acknowledged, still holding her hand and Selene's and pulling them up as if to emphasize them. "This is one thing I will never regret, and I know you won't either," she said, smiling at them. "I love you both so much." It was so freeing to finally say that.

Selene's eyes brightened. "We love you too…don't we Mommy?"

Seven grinned. "Of course we do." The intensity of her gaze sizzled right into Kathryn's heart. She was feeling so much she just couldn't help herself as she pulled the taller woman closer and lightly kissed her.

Selene giggled, then turned toward the kitchen, her eyes suddenly going wide. "I have a grandma!" she announced loudly, and suddenly bolted in that direction. "Grandma!" she yelled again.

"Selene, what did I tell you about running inside and yelling?"

"Not to," she hollered back, but then all Seven could hear was joyous laughter from both her daughter and Kathryn's mother.

Seven inhaled a breath then a huge smile split her lips as she gazed down at the smaller woman. Seeing her looking so blissful made her own chest burst with happiness. She just couldn't help herself as she pulled Kathryn into her arms and this time, she kissed her with all the love and passion she had felt for this woman.

"Gezzz do I have to get the hose out?" Phoebe bantered.

The two women broke apart, but Phoebe just winked. "Rumor has it I have a niece somewhere." She bantered, then turned to head towards the kitchen.

"Aunt Phoebe!" They heard loudly.

Seven grimaced. "Well so much for her inside voice."

Kathryn chuckled. "Eh let's let it slide for now."

An eyebrow arched at the smaller woman. "Oh, so this is how it's going to be now?" she sighed. "I'll tell her one thing, only to be out ranked by her other mother?"

Kathryn just looped her arms around Seven's neck. "No, never." She nipped at Seven's pouty lips. "Besides, right now I believe you may out rank me."

Seven gave her a questioning glare. "You…. huh," she began, but Kathryn interrupted her.

"Remember I'm on leave, and who knows if they will reinstate me. But I have heard rumors of a new starship, and if I am lucky, I'll be given the chance to take command of it."

Seven inwardly cringed. She knew all about the vessel Kathryn was referring to, and that it would be equipped with a certain slip stream device. Her heart sank and knotted up in her stomach. She had no idea that Kathryn was interested in taking command of the new starship, and now that she was so happy and hopeful, Seven did not have the heart to tell her that she was also being considered to take the helm of Starfleet's newest vessel.