Chapter 4
0300, Sevens internal chronometer indicated as she woke with a start. She felt cold, and wet. Her night gown was sticking to her skin in the most uncomfortable manner and her hair clung to her face. Her dreams had been unsettling and dark, memories of her parents she'd never recalled before. They caused a turmoil inside her she was not accustomed to. Her mind began to race with numerous emotions she was sure only half of which she'd experienced until this evening. Taking a ragged breath, she slid her slender arm from the tiny waist it was holding and reached up to hold Kathryns head as she extricated her arm from beneath the auburn tresses. Slowly lowering the petite head onto the cool comfort of the pillows. Standing up slowly, so as not to wake the still unmoving form of the sleeping Captain, Seven quickly exited the room pulling the door closed with a soft click.
The hard wood floor was cool to her sensitive feet making her feel a bit more at ease. She gripped at it with her long toes and sighed. After a few moments, she gathered herself and made her way down the hallway only to be halted at the top of the stairs by the smell of Camomile tea.
Slowly, she descended the stair, careful not to make a sound. A feat which she quickly found impossible as each step caused a creaking.
Peering around the entrance to the kitchen, She saw Gretchen Janeway sitting at the island in the middle of the kitchen, staring right at her. "Hello, Seven." Her smile, Seven noted, seemed to smooth her to her very core, each time it happened.
"Good Morning, Gretchen." Sevens voice was heavy with sleep as she entered the kitchen. Taking a seat beside Gretchen, facing her, but side saddled on the stool.
"Could you not sleep?" Gretchen asked sweetly. Her tone concerned.
"I slept fine." Seven clenched her jaw and looked away. "It was the dreams I could not face any longer."
Gretchen reached over and put her hand on top of Sevens which was resting on the cool counter. "If you'd like, we can talk about them." Her grey eyes full of such unadulterated tenderness.
When Seven looked at her, a flash of another memory shocked her system. Seven was much smaller, sitting in the same spot she was now, blood pooling down her arm. She closed her eyes to concentrate on getting the full effect of the memory.
"Not to worry, sweetheart, we can take care of this." A younger Gretchen Janeway's words visibly soothing her. Dabbing at the sound on her hand with a cloth, she wrapped it with some bandages and kissed the tiny bundled wound.
Sevens eye opened wide and caught grey ones looking back with concern.
"You're getting memory flashes." It was a statement. Seven only nodded.
Sitting quietly for many seconds; 37.4 Seven counted, to be exact. Gretchen removed her hand from atop Sevens and stood slowly. "Would you like some tea?"
Seven didn't answer, but accepted the cup offered her after Gretchen poured her some.
"I Do not requi…" Seven paused, smelling the hot beverage in her hand. "Thank you." She nodded and pressed both palms against the warm ceramic cylinder.
"So," Gretchen sat back down. "Tell me about these dreams."
Seven inhaled deeply, her nose just above the rim of her cup. Closing her eyes involuntarily she took a sip. The camomile having the desired effect of calming her frayed nerves.
"If you do not mind. I would appreciate it…" she paused to take another sip. "If you could tell me about my parents?" Looking up at Gretchen, she saw sadness, and sorrow. "I only know most of my knowledge of them from the reports and information available on the Starfleet database. I have few actual memories." She was beginning to think she'd asked too much, Gretchen shifted uncomfortably on her stool. "If the subject is uncomfortable, I understand. I was just hoping." She paused again before continuing with a shaky voice, "I've never met anyone who actually knew them."
Gretchens smile was genuine, but with a hint pain. "Of course, I can tell you many things about them." She took Sevens cup and stood up to walk towards the living room. "Come with me, we should get comfortable."
Seven followed, an urgency in her step.
Gretchen sat on the couch, and Seven sat in the chair directly across from her. Knees together, hands clasped anxiously on top of them. Gretchen sat their mugs on the table just to her right and pulled her knees up beside her, mirroring the way Kathryn tended to do. They knowledge causing Seven to smile unwittingly.
"Where to start," Gretchens gaze was distant, like she was searching through files inside her mind.
"I've always found the best direction, is start at the beginning." Seven smiled at Gretchens soothing laugh.
"Yes, you are right." She nodded. "The beginning it is!"
Seven felt herself relax into the large arm chair. With her complete focus on Gretchen, she never noticed the other women sitting at the top of the stairs, intently listening in the quiet darkness.
"Your father and my husband met at an symposium on alien races in 2344." Her eyes locked on Seven intent expression, she smiled again. "They became fast friends, both of them having gone to the event to learn about the Borg. Very little was known about them at the time, and they both shared a deep curiosity of the unknown."
Seven shifted and leaned against the arm of her chair.
"You were 1, when we first met you." Grey eyes turning almost purple at the memory. "You were so small, Already sporting long hair that Katie used to say made you the golden child." She laughed to herself. "Katie was 10, and she took a shine to you immediately."
Seven felt tears prickling the corner of her eye.
"She used to carry you around everywhere she went. When you turned 2, she insisted on having a party for you. She planned the whole event and you thought it was the most amazing day ever." Gretchen felt a twinge in her heart. "That was the first day you told her you loved her." Gretchen laughed, "In toddler words, that is." Her forehead wrinkled in thought. "I believe your exact words were, 'Lub yews Kit-Kat.'"
Seven exploded in tearful laughter.
"Your parents helped you open your gifts," Gretchen continued. "They love you so much."
Sevens expression sobered. "I have conflicting emotions about them."
"Yes, I'm sure you would…." Grey eyes blinking back the moisture that kept gathering in them. "But they love you more than you could ever know. Your mother was like a sister to me. We would talk endlessly about our girls and how close they'd become too. She would go on and on about her beautiful baby girl and how proud she was of how smart you were."
Seven smiled, despite herself. "She was proud of me?" Her voice childlike and fanciful.
Gretchen nodded. "But your father, however was the apple of your eye, and you were his." Gretchen laughed through her words as she continued, "he would toss you around like a doll and your delightful squeals only egged him on."
"I remember."
"You do?" Gretchens guise became hopeful.
"I do. I seem to be able to recall more and more as time passes."
"Wonderful." Gretchen Janeway yawned. "I apologize, I seem to be getting tired again."
"You should return to bed. I will be fine by myself." Seven stood and offered a Borg enhanced hand to Gretchen which was taken without hesitation. "Have a good sleep" Seven said as she lifted the old woman with extreme ease.
"Good night, Seven."
Seven watch Gretchen as she climbed the stairs, noticing a momentary pause before she continued up and out of view.
Gretchen spotted her daughter sitting on the top stair, out of view of living room. Slightly pausing she continued towards her Katie, reaching out and taking her hand, she lifted the formidable captain up and pulled her down the hall and to her bedroom. Once inside, she sat Kathryn on the bed and lowered herself to the floor in front of her. Pressing her palms to Kathryns knees.
"How long?" Gretchen whispered.
A quizzical look passed over Kathryns features. "How long?" Her voice barely a whisper.
"How long, have you been in love with Seven?"
Kathryn froze. Eyes widened but slowly closed as shoulders relaxed under the loving gaze of her mother.
"A long time." She whispered huskily.
Gretchen watched her daughters face for what seemed like an eternity before she stood and gently took the small face in her palms. "My dear, Katie." She bent down to kiss Kathryns forehead. "You have no idea how much that woman loves you back."
With a sigh, She slowly stepped back and winked at her stunned daughter. "Get some sleep." She said over her shoulder as she left the room.
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Celebrate a journey's end
October 31st 2077
1700 hours
Join the crew of the U.S.S Voyager as they celebrate a triumphant return form the longest, and farthest mission ever recorded.
Cocktails to be served before dinner.
"You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor."
-Aristotle
The invitation read in bright red letters on Kathryns PADD. She loved a good party, but there was something about this invitation that set her teeth on edge. She wondered if is was perhaps due to the finality of its sentiments. There was profound joy upon return so quickly from what they believed to be a lifetimes journey; and at the same time, a deep sadness. Most of the crew, herself included had made Voyager a home to be proud of. They were a close knit family and she'd truly loved them all so dearly. The shock of their accelerated return still had not worn off.
"What is that?" She heard Seven ask as she came into the Kitchen, Barefoot and clad in her puppy pajamas.
Kathryn took a sip of her coffee and set it down with a bit more force than intended, making a loud clang.
"An invitation!" She thrust the PADD to Seven, who took it with fluid motions. "For Voyager."
A smile playing at the corner of her lips as she eyed Sevens growing discomfort. Seven hated parties.
"I will attend." She sighed deeply. "But only if you go as well."
"Of course I am going, Seven." She balked in mock shock. "A Captains duty!" She stated with a curt nod. Seven merely quirked her ocular implant in amusement.
"Indeed." She smirked.
Crossing the kitchen, Seven pulled a mug from the cabinet and poured herself some coffee.
"Seven?" Kathryn wondered. "What are you going to wear?"
Seven froze, her mind pondering the question with great anxiety. She froze for so long, her mug began to overflow, spilling coffee into the old fashioned sink. "Wear?" She asked, righting the coffee pot and setting it down. She grabbed a towel to mop up the sides of her mug.
"Yes." Kathryn could not contain her amusement. "Wear." Her words were almost sultry.
Sevens temple twitched as she considered herself. "I believe I need to go Shopping."
Kathryns smile was wide. "Excellent!" She barked. "MOM! Seven and I have to go into town for a bit. Be back in a few hours."
Sevens cheeks warmed with her blush.
"Come on! Get changed and we can get going. We'll have a nice lunch out and get you a wonderful outfit!" Kathryn was almost giddy. Calm yourself, Katie! She thought idly as Seven all but rush out of the kitchen.
It was only ten minutes after leaving the farm house, the two were walking the streets of Bloomington's down town market.
"There are considerably less people here than the last time we came." Seven offhandedly remarked, looking around relieved.
"Well, it is a Friday afternoon." Kathryn watched her out of the corner of her eye. "Weekends are usually much more congested around here than a week day."
"I see." Seven adjusted her direction to move closer to Kathryn.
"So, What kind of dress do you think you'd like." Her voice trembling slightly with Seven closer proximity.
Seven pondered the question and stopped. "Red." She stated firmly. "Red. Strapless. Long. With a slit up the side to here." She pointed to her thigh about 4 inches above her knee.
Kathryn swallowed the lump in her throat three times before she trusted her voice again. "Ok" Was all she could squeak.
Seven smiled and began walking again. "What will YOU wear?" Seven asked the woman who was not yet following her. Her feet seemingly stuck to the cobbled ground.
"Me?" She asked, again her voice too meek for her own comfort.
"Yes." Seven turned gracefully on her heels. "You." She pointed at Kathryn.
Kathryn swallowed some more until a mischievous grin played at her lips. "It's a surprise." She wiggled one eyebrow.
Sevens confident stance faltered as her knees went weak.
Laughing loudly, Kathryn walked passed Seven. Two can play at this game. She thought, looking back as Seven took a shaky step following her.
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Seven agreed to arrive at the festivities without Kathryn, but with the stipulation that Gretchen and Phoebe accompany her. Kathryn wanted to surprise Seven, even knowing Sevens dislike of surprises. She had acquiesced, when Kathryn stuck her bottom lip out. A bolt move, taking advantage of the affections Kathryn knew Seven had for her.
"Fine." Seven slumped. "But your mother and sister will accompany me."
Knowing the ex-Borg was still uneasy in social gatherings, the demand was quickly affirmed.
Seven walked up the steps to the San Francisco grand ball room on quivering legs. Outside she was the picture of elegance. Inside she was a puddle of melted plasma conduits. With Gretchen on one arm, and Phoebe on the other she did feel a hint of confidence even through her haze of discomfort.
"We're going to have to pick everyone's jaws off the floor when we get in there." Phoebe teased Seven, jabbing her ribs with a pointed elbow.
"Good." Seven smirked. Surprising herself with her own humor.
The three women pushed the doors open to find a grand room full of gold and red decorations. Golden chandeliers handling every 10 feet, at least 30 feet above them. "Wow." Gretchen breathed the word almost as a prayer. "This is something!" She laughed to herself.
"Indeed." Sevens focus was more on the individual's surrounding them. Offhandedly, she'd noted she knew approximately 85 percent of the crowd personally, allowing for the occasional surprise anomalous factor.
"SEVEN!" A mans voice shouted over all the others mingling noise. "WOW! SEVEN!" Harry Kim came awkwardly running at them from the left.
"Ensign." She greeted happily. "It is very good to see you." She gave him a toothy grin because she really meant it.
"IT's Lieutenant, now!" His chest puffed out proudly and Sevens grin widened.
"Congratulations, Lt.!" Letting go of the two women she actually took 2 steps toward him and engulfed the shocked Lieutenant with a warm embrace.
"Thanks Seven." He coughed out. "I've missed you!" He said as she pulled away.
"As I, You." She replied genuinely.
"Who are these lovely ladies?" He asked noticing the other two women all of a sudden.
"My apologies," Seven turned to the grinning women. "This is Phoebe, and Gretchen Janeway."
Lt. Harry Kim's eyes widened in barely contained delight. "Wow!" He rushed towards them. "It's a true Honor!" He exclaimed as he shook their hands vigorously.
"The pleasure is ours, Mr. Kim, My daughter is very fond of you, young man." Gretchen nodded slightly. Making Harry blush to an almost burgundy shade of red.
"She means a great deal to me, too, Ma'am."
"Please, she waved her hand, Call me Gretchen."
Harry Kim smiled as the memory of Captain Janeway refusing to be called Ma'am when they first met, 7 years ago.
"As you wish, Gretchen." Suddenly realizing the Captain was no where in sight, she looked around curious. "Where IS Captain Janeway anyway?"
He didn't have to wait long before the doors to the ballroom opened to reveal a the very person everyone in the room was waiting for. Captain Kathryn Janeway wore a form fitting, black velvet floor length evening gown with laced straps that lead down to modest but plunging neck line. There was a slit in the side up to her knee on each side and her hair was pulled half back on one side. Silver earrings hung with a delicate sparkle and danced like starlight around her neck.
Sevens mouth went dry. "Oh my." She whispered so low only Harry Kim could hear her. He looked at her and smiled.
Blinking several times, and quelling the growing tornado in her tummy, Seven finally found her footing and glided to Kathryn's side. Facing the doors the Captain had just enter through, Seven leaned over to her and quietly whispered something in her ear, visibly knocking the red head off balance for the smallest of moments. A shy grin tugging at one corner of her lips.
Gretchen beamed with pride as Kathryn and Seven approached them. Her daughter really was something.
"Harry!!" Kathryn scooped the new Lieutenant into her arms. He circled her shoulders with his own and gave her a crushing hug. "I hear you've finally gotten that pip you've been longing for!" She laughed.
He wordlessly nodded and again turned a very bright red.
"So where's the Booze?" Phoebe almost shouted. Causing Kathryn to roll her eyes and kick her sister gently.
"Over there," she pointed to a corner of the room where she noted Tom Paris having a drink with B'elanna. "And mind your manners." She lovingly but firmly chided.
Kathryn watched as Phoebe took off, followed closely by Gretchen. Most likely in order to keep an eye on her younger, and less charming daughter.
"She is a handful." Harry Laughed, delighted when the two women joined in his delight.
"You don't know the half of it" the Captain waved her hand in the air.
"OH!" Harry Exclaimed. "You both look amazing!" He seemed to have only just noticed their attire.
"Thank you!" They replied in unison, then broke out in laughter.
"So," Captain Janeway wiped her cheek, "Who all is here?"
"Well Everyone!" She grinned and stepped aside for his Captain to survey the room.
"Oh my goodness." Her voice barely audible as she felt a familiar constriction in her chest. "How wonderful."
Feeling suddenly uncomfortable, Harry Excused himself and left the two women alone standing side by side, arms touching delicately.
Looking around, both women were overcome with emotions. The most prudent of which was joy. Silently moving her hand towards Seven, Kathryn linked a few fingers around Sevens metal tipped pinky. Drawing a gasp, followed by a delicious shudder from the other woman.
"Let's go mingle." Kathryn tugged on Seven gently and dropped her grasp, immediately missing the contact.
"As you wish, Captain."
Kathryn spun around and stopped Seven in her tracks. "Kathryn." Always Kathryn." Her grey eyes resembled a thunderstorm, and elicited a thunderstorm of emotions deep inside Seven.
Seven blue eyes became fixated. Unable to look away.
"Ok." She felt a shyness creeping into her consciousness again. "Kathryn." She felt the name on her tongue with delighted bliss.
Kathryn tilted her head to side and gave Seven a side smile.
Seven felt Kathryn take her hand again, and pull her into the crowd. She willingly allowed the support.
They spent the better part of an hour greeting old friends, family and crew members. Reliving old times and making plans to keep in touch. Naomi Wildman had almost tripped on her dress, running towards them, only to be caught mid fall and hoisted high in Sevens arms.
"SEVEN!" She shouted with overflowing delight.
"Hello, Naomi" Seven cooed as she hugged the small half Katarian. "How have you been?"
Setting the child down, Naomi launched into a long narrative of all her experiences and exploits over the last week. Her animated gestures eliciting laughter from both Seven, and Voyagers Captain. Kathryn glanced at Seven as the blonde listened with acute interest.
Golden hair was pulled back in her traditional French twist, but with a twist of its own. Spiraled tendrils tickled the pale skin of Sevens cheeks and neck. A long, elegantly exposed neck. Kathryn felt herself reach over, unbidden and touched the hairline near Sevens temple. Sevens eyes closed and leaned into the touch slightly. Imperceptibly to anyone but Kathryn.
Naomi's wild ranting drew the women back to reality as the child jumped into a hug at the Captains waist. Returning the embrace with fervor, she leaned down and kissed the top of the child's head before she ran off into the crowd, called by her mother and a man who Kathryn wondered must be her father.
"Can I get you a drink?" Seven hear Kathryn offer, though it was hard to concentrate.
"Hm?" Seven uncharacteristically stammered, "I… it is.. that's a ve…." She paused and gathered her wits. "Yes. Thank you." She finally managed.
Rooted in place, Seven watched as Kathryn winked and sauntered to the other end of the ball room towards the bar.
"Hello Seven." Blood thundered in her ears as she turned to come face to face with Chakotay.
"Hello, Commander." She deadpanned. Her lips pursed tightly. "How have you been?"
His eye flashed with rage but her kept his tone even. "Good." His clipped reply making Seven extremely anxious. "And you?"
"Wonderful." Seven could feel her nerves literally fraying. Her hands began to shake as she watched his eyes carefully. All she saw was anger and hurt. She felt herself feeling sorry for him. Sorry for how she'd let her experiment get out of hand and how it had effected this usually gentle soul. "Commander? May I offer you my deepest apology for how things transpired between us."
His shoulders slumped in defeat and he dropped his head slightly. "That does mean a lot, Thank you Seven." The rage had dwindled from his expression but the hurt remained.
Attempting to push through, Seven tried a smile. It was faint but had the desired effect in easing the Commander even more.
"Good Evening, Chakotay." Kathryns voice was warning and cautious as she approached the pair, idly handing Seven a glass of Champagne.
Chakotay nodded and smiled sadly. "Captain, you look lovely, as always."
"Thank you." She eyed him carefully. "How is everything?" She directed her question to Seven who chose only to smiled.
"Everything is…" Chakotay searched for right words. "Going to be just fine." He finished. Garnering a nod and half smile from his Captain.
"Well, I believe B'elanna would like a word with us," she grabbed Sevens elbow, pulling her away. "If you'll excuse us, Commander. Delighted to see you."
Chakotay nodded and stepped back, watching the two women leave. His heart tugged in his chest as he relinquished any hope of anything ever happening between himself, and either woman.
"He was a good friend and an exemplary first officer, but i just feel awkward around him now." Kathryn whispered to Seven as they approached a table consisting of B'elanna and Tom, and Miral, cuddled in a blanket it Admiral Paris' arms.
The later of which drew Sevens undecided attention as she took a seat beside the slightly plump Admiral. Stretching her neck to see the babies face, B'elanna nudged her father-in-law.
"Let her hold the baby." She chided him.
Reluctantly, they proud grandfather gently handed the sleeping infant to Seven, who took her with such reverence. Cuddling little Miral to her chest, Kathryn leaned over and tucked a piece of blanket to the side for a better view. "She's gorgeous, B'elanna." Kathryn beamed at her ex-chief engineer.
"Yes." Sevens voice was like a lullaby. "Extraordinary."
B'elanna and Tom watched Seven admiring their child. It was Tom's turn to be ribbed by pushy half Klingon. "Ow!" He protested through a laugh. "I know, i know." He threw his hands up in defeat. "We have something to ask both of you." He motioned for the Captain to Sit beside Seven, who was still looking only at the baby in her arms.
"What is it, Tom?" Her voice husky as she eyed his carefully.
"Well," B'elanna feeling the rush of excitement, "We'd wanted to ask you both to be her Godmothers.
Kathryns mouth dropped and her eyes flooded with unshed tears. "It would be an honor!" Was all she could manage to say.
Seven did not look up when she spoke. "An honor and a joy." Her words were deep with emotion.
"Who knew the Borg were so sentimental!" Tom Laughed, earning himself another elbow to the ribs.
Seven looked up at him. "I am not Borg." She said, not unkindly. "I am human, and I shall protect this child with my life."
Tom sobered fast and Kathryn grinned proudly, placing her hand on Seven's arm.
"Well, enough with the mushy mush." B'elanna changing the mood quickly. "How about a toast!"
everyone raised their glasses, except for Seven who still had her arms full of fragile infant.
"To, the Journey." B'elanna said firmly.
"The family that makes it worth while." Kathryn finished.
Everyone nodded and took a sip of their drinks.
"So Dad here says there's some information you two might want to share?" Tom had been waiting for days to find out what his father had told him he'd have to ask the Captain and Seven about.
Kathryn looked at Seven who looked up from Miral and smiled.
"He's going to, how do you say it… 'flip out', will he not?" The twinkle in Sevens eye elicited a laugh from both the Captain and the Admiral.
"What is it?!" He practically begged.
With out saying a word, the Captain pulled a PADD from her small purse. Keying in a few commands she handed it to Tom.
"What is this?" He was looking at a Photo image of a young teen girl and a smaller child who was maybe 5. Closer to 6 than 4. Their hands each coming together to make half a heart each. "I don't get it." Tom looked confused, handing the PADD to B'elanna who considered it closely for a few moments.
"Oh my God!" She finally exclaimed. Her eyes pinning Kathryn first, Then Seven. Both women wearing matching grins.
"WHAT?!" Tom asked again. Grabbing the PADD back. He studied it closely for several more seconds, still coming up empty. "Who are they?" he asked dumbfounded.
"It's the Captain and Seven, you adorable idiot." B'elanna squeezed his arm affectionately.
Tom looked at B'elanna, Then at the PADD, then back to B'elanna. "I'm confused."
Laughing boisterously, The Admiral went into the whole story he'd given Kathryn and Seven a few days prior. His son's jaw falling open as he gawked at the photo image again.
"Well," he said after a long pause of thoughtfulness, "I get it now!"
Kathryn as Seven knew exactly what he meant.
The festivities continued and Gretchen and Phoebe joined them at the table. Everyone enamored with delight at meeting their Captains family. Gretchen was ever the charmer and Phoebe made more than her share of social faux pas, to Kathryns chagrin.
After dinner, Seven excused herself from the table and made her way to the far corner where a pair of frosted glass French doors lead to a garden lite with twinkle lights. Kathryn watched her retreat and couldn't help herself as she followed not long after. Pushing through the doors quietly, she looked around, not immediately finding Seven. She walked further out into the garden and was met with the most heavenly aroma. Lilies. She knew the fragrance well. Taking a deep breath, she almost choked when Seven appeared beside her.
"Are you alright?" Seven eyed her cautiously. Placing a hand on Kathryns bicep.
"Fine. Fine." Kathryn coughed a few more times before collecting herself completely. "You just startled me is all." She half laughed, half coughed once more. "What are you doing out here? I mean, it certainly is Lovely." She chanced a glance at the blonde, unsure herself whether she was talking about the scenery, or the woman beside her.
"I needed some space." Seven offered as she walked ahead to a bench with vines weaving through its bars.
"What is it, Seven?" Kathryn sat beside her, angling her self towards the younger woman. Their knees barely touching.
"I am troubled." Sevens frown tugged at Kathryn's insides. "I am unsure what to do with my life now. I am unsure where to go. Where will I live? Will I have a job? Who will I spend my time with?" Seven Paused. "These questions have been.. Hurting me." Sevens words cut like a knife to Kathryns soul.
"Oh, Darling." Oops. Kathryns voice was ragged with emotion. "I hope you'll stay with me. Live with me. See me every day." Her heart was in her throat as she spoke. "I cannot imagine a day going by without you in it." Blue eyes holding her gaze intently. An unreadable expression behind them. "Seven, Please. Don't leave me."
After what felt like minutes, Sevens eyes pooled with water. Her lips tweaked upwards and she exhaled in a ragged release.
Relief surged through Kathryn as Seven lurched forward and wrapped her arms round her shoulders. Gasping, Kathryn quickly reciprocated, tucking her arms around Sevens waist and pulling her into herself. Fitting together like puzzle pieces locking into place. "I will." Sevens voice deep and comforting in Kathryns Ear.