Chapter 5
A harsh, angry voice drew the attention of the two figures embracing in the garden. Inside, they could clearly hear the elevated booming sound of Commander Chakotay.
"Where is Seven of Nine?" They heard his voice like a trumpet.
Kathryn slowly rose to her feet. By the time she was standing, every inch of her petite form was pulsing with explosive command presence. Her face, solid stone as she strode to the French doors. "Stay here." She instructed Seven, who obligingly remained seated.
When Kathryn entered the room, everyone was silent. Every eye in the room fixated on the stumbling man at it's center. She strode with purpose to a very clearly drunk Commander and locked him with a force 10 glower. "What is wrong with you?" She spat her words like venom. Steely grey eyes boring holes in him and making him shrink from her. "You're making a complete Ass of yourself, and you're drunk!" She spoke so low there was a rumble in her chest.
300 people looked on in alarmed confusion. Captain Janeway may have only been 5 feet and 4 inches tall, but she towered over her former Commander like a giant as he slunk away. His eyes full of rage, fueled by the alcohol coursing through his system. "Where is she?" He tried to sound imposing. "You cannot keep her from me Kathryn."
"You will address me, as Captain." Her voice echoed loudly through the crowded ball room. "Only Friends and Family may call me Kathryn when not on duty!" She glared at him through hooded eyelashes. "You are neither anymore." She lowered her voice again to just above a menacing whisper. "Get out of here, and go sober up."
Turning on her heels, she caught the eye of her Mother and Sister almost looking proud. Gretchen winked as she stomped back out to the Garden.
"Seven?!" She barked hotly, immediately regretting her tone as the blonde jumped slightly and stared at her with questioning eyes. "Why would you want to associate with…" she gestured towards the ball room, "that P'Takh!?"
Seven slumped on her bench. Falling against the back with a clank as some implants contacted the metal.
"I did not mean for it to go as far as it did." She finally confessed. Her eyes frantically looking everywhere but at Kathryn. "I knew after our first date that I genuinely found him… repulsive. But my social experiences to date did not prepare me with adequate knowledge on how to 'break up' with someone. I thought, perhaps I'd figure it out myself." Pressing her hand to her forehead as she shook her head. "The day we got back, here… was the day i was planning to end it." She chanced a look at Kathryn who's features had softened. "I deeply regret hurting him. I was unaware he would respond in a manner so… undignified."
"I am curious," Janeway uttered as she reclaimed her seat beside the Seven. "What exactly made you realize it was a mistake?"
Seven glanced at the woman beside and saw nothing but compassion and curiosity. Kathryn never made her feel judged. Ever. About anything.
"He called me Annika." Her upper lip curling slightly at the memory. "It was presumptuous and arrogant. I had not given any indication I'd even like to be addressed as anything but Seven." Her jaw squared and she sat straight up. "He was rude." She paused to look towards the French doors leading to the Grand ball room. "I found his scent less than tantalizing, his hands were rough and hard when they touched me and I did not feel, Safe." She finished pointedly.
Kathryn stared at her with sorrowful eyes. "Why did you pursue the relationship in the first place?" She shook her head as she leaned forward.
Seven had known this question was coming, she just didn't quite know how to answer it. She was not well versed in deception, nor did she have much experience with metaphor. The plain and simple truth was her strong suit. It was efficient, and she felt comfortable with it. As comfortable as one can be when faced with speaking certain truths.
"I am in Love, and did not know how to handle it." Seven looked down, afraid to look at Kathryn.
A jealousy sprung up in Kathryns chest like a clap of thunder, but she managed to press it down.
"But not with Chakotay?" She probed lightly.
"No."
"Then who?"
Kathryn waited while Seven continued to look at the herringbone pattern in the bricks laid along the pathway. A small smile playing at her lips, unseen by the woman sitting beside her.
"Have you ever pondered the nature of Fate?" Seven suddenly asked, suddenly meeting Kathryns eyes with a force that almost knocked the other woman back.
Shocked at the question, Kathryn blinked, gathering her thoughts. "I supposed, yes…" she thought again. "Though, not specifically lately."
Seven nodded, smiling. "Well. I have." She turned to face Kathryn dead on. "I've thought on the matter quite a bit over the last week."
Kathryn stared, her curiosity peaked. "And…?" She urged on.
"Fate, though an antiquated fallacy, can be akin to Karma. Another fallacy, but that is beside the point. Fate has no influence beyond it predetermined course. It is the intuition of the universe." Sevens eyes were deep pools of azure as she spoke to Kathryn. "I am aware that I have claimed Intuition a fallacy as well, but that does not negate the fact that recent events have made me keenly aware that there is indeed a predestined plan at work in the lives of all beings."
Kathryn's smile was dazzling as she listened to Seven. Her heart ached at the thought of Seven being in Love with someone, but the way it was being described to her now, it was like a blossoming flower.
"Kathryn," Seven grabbed Kathryns hand suddenly and pulled it to her chest. Holding it there with such force, every knuckle was white with the strain. "Do not mistake these words I am telling you. In no why am i grateful to the Borg, or my parents, for the events leading to my assimilation." Kathryns face went pale. "However, i do believe it was necessary that we be separated long enough for sibling type bond we had as children to break."
Kathryns brow furrowed in confusion. "You're, GLAD we got separated for almost 20 years?"
Seven nodded. "It's the nature of Fate." The somber calm of her voice was almost entrancing. "She is indeed a cruel mistress. She is also effective. Most certainly not Irrelevant."
"Elaborate?" Kathryn was still confused.
"When we were children, we loved each other very much. You were the big sister I'd never had. I remember the feelings. I remember more and more as I look at the photo images and listen to the endless stories your mother tells. I remember how excited I would get when we were going to the Janeway's for a Bar-B-Q, or a birthday." Seven took a deep breath. "We shared a love, a bond, like that of siblings."
Kathryn nodded slowly. "Then it was ripped from us. Memories faded and we went on with our lives." Seven thought a moment, "well, You went on with YOUR life." The statement caused Kathryn to bite the inside of her cheek. "However, the love we had deep down, it remained. Dormant, if you will, but the sibling-like association broke. Leaving in its wake the possibility for a new kind of Love, with a foundation already set."
Kathryn's understanding hit her like a warp core explosion.
"You mean, it's Me?" Kathryn's lip quivered. "You love me?" She felt so small and not a little bit silly, but she had to be sure.
"When you risked you own life, and the lives of the crew to retrieve me from the Queen. I knew then."
For the first time, in her entire life, Kathryn found herself speechless.
"I Love you, Kathryn Janeway." Seven stated in her traditional Borg like tone, softening as she added, "I always will."
Kathryns long silence stretched out until Seven began shifting nervously. Slowly releasing the hand she'd been clutching to her heart, she stood and walked towards the door.
"Wait." Kathryn called out suddenly. Seven stopped but did not turn. "I love you, too." Her voice catching on lump in her throat. Seven visibly relaxed, still facing the French doors leading back to the party. Kathryn's voice was raw and gravely. "Why are you telling me now?" She stood and walked towards Seven until she was standing just behind her. "Why not before? It's been 4 years now and you never said anything." Reaching up to place her hand on Seven's bare shoulder.
Seven shuddered at the contact. "It would have not been wise. You were," Seven searched for the correct verbiage, "unavailable to accept the information." She felt the warm hand on her shoulder, urging her to turn around. She did so, and looked down into light grey eyes that were almost hazel. "You were Captain Kathryn Janeway. You were both emotionally, and mentally unavailable." Kathryn gave her an endearing side smile.
"You know me very well."
"Indeed." Seven agreed with a hint of humor. "Perhaps better than you know yourself."
"You really are a sweet talker aren't you." Kathryn purred, lowering her hand from Sevens shoulder, to her taught bicep. Squeezing to feel the rippling muscle beneath her fingers. She felt it flex slightly then relax. " I am no longer Captain Kathryn Janeway of the U.S.S Voyager."
"You are not." Seven choked out, having trouble keeping her composer as Kathryns fingers loosened and began trailing up her arm again, barely grazing the skin in a feather light caress. Closing her eyes at the onslaught of emotions, Seven tried to speak as those fingers languidly moved up her neck, and behind her head. She felt Kathryns fingers sweep into her hair and gently grab a fistful of her hair. "Kathr-"
Sevens words were halted as Kathryn pulled her forward, closing the space between them and pressing her warm lips to Sevens. Their lips moving together in a sensual but chaste kiss.
"You kissed me." Sevens breath was shallow as she pulled away.
"Was that ok?" Kathryn chucked, staring into Sevens eyes.
Seven nodded and grinned. Kathryn reached up and pressed her palm to Seven jaw. Her thumb stroking the chiseled cheek bone her found there. "Let's go back in." She pushed gently to usher Seven back to the party. "We can talk about this some more later."
Seven couldn't help the cheesy grin plastered on her face.
————————————————————————————
"You two ok?" Admiral Paris questioned as they approached their table. Kathryn pulling Sevens chair out for her to take her seat. The chivalrous act not unnoticed by B'elanna who eyed them suspiciously.
"Just find, Admiral. How's the Chocolate Soufflé?" She asked taking her own seat beside Seven and grabbing her fork.
"Delicious!" Tom spoke through a mouthful of the sweet desert. The boyish grin on his face made Seven Laugh. Tom raised his eyebrows, his forehead crinkled in astonishment.
"Seven!" B'elanna looked equally shocked, staring at the blonde. "You're laughing!"
Kathryn chuckled and shoved as much, if not more Soufflé into her mouth than Tom had. "She does that now." Her nonchalant tone gaining shocked expressions thrown her way as well.
"What?" She asked in feigned innocence.
"Well, I think its time for this old man to retire for the evening." The Admiral changed the subject. "Here." He said to B'elanna beside him, attempting to hand her the baby girl he still held in his arms.
"Nuh-uh." B'elanna held her hands out. "That way!" She pointed to Seven.
The Admiral winked at B'elanna as he turned and handed little Miral to Sevens already waiting arms.
"Hello, Love." Seven cooed, looking down into deep brown eyes. bouncing her up and down, a tiny giggle that sounded more like a gurgle filled the space around them.
"Good Evening, all." The Admiral stood, pushing his chair in. He placed a hand on B'elanna's shoulder and gave it a squeeze. "I'll see you and Tom next weekend!" Stepping away from the table he glanced at Janeway who was starting to stand herself. "At Ease, Captain." He laughed jovially. "I can see myself out."
She nodded and tipped her head towards him as he turned and slowly walked away, disappearing into the dwindling crowd.
"Oh," Kathryn moaned, drawing everyone's attention. "This is just Heavenly!" Shoving another fork full of soufflé in her mouth and swirling it slowly around with her tongue. Seven blushed as she stared openly at Kathryns mouth. "Seven. You've got to try it!"
Seven looked down at her preoccupied arms and shrugged. "It will have to wait, Kathryn."
"No. No no no." Kathryn gathered some of Sevens desert on her fork and leaned forward. Seven opened her mouth and Kathryn eased the Fork inside as Seven closed her lips around the utensil and Kathryn pulled it out slowly.
Sevens eyes widened as the chocolate toyed with her tastebuds. Mimicking Kathryns sentiments with a moan of her own.
"OK!" B'elanna barked, startling everyone at the table. "What is going on?" Her hands gesturing between her Captain and her friend.
"Nothing really," Kathryn grinned sideways at her, still leaning slightly towards Seven as she gathered more desert on her fork and offered it to Seven. "I am not the Captain anymore." Was all she offered and Seven opened her mouth and accepted the sweet concoction with amusement.
B'elanna looked at Tom, grinning from ear to ear. "What?" Tom asked her, blatantly confused.
"She's not the Captain, Anymore." She tried to will him to understand. Her eyes boring into him.
Tom sat slightly slumped, looking at the three women staring at him expectantly. "WHAT?!" He almost shouted
Kathryn chuckled and look at B'elanna. "I think a tangible explanation is in order."
B'elanna nodded in affirmation and shrugged. "I guess so." She teased him with most shame. "He's kind of dense sometimes." She winked at her husband who was staring at her with uncertainty.
Movement from the other end of the table grabbed his attention, noticing the Captain of Voyager slowly rise from her seat. Stepping over to stand behind Seven, who was looking up at her with the purest of expressions on her face. Reaching around the front of Seven, Kathryn pressed her thumb to the corner of Sevens mouth to swipe away a drop of Chocolate that had crippled there. Her Thumb, however, stayed on Sevens chin and pulled her face up as Kathryn leaned down and captured the full warm lips with her own once again. This time a small groan rumbled in Sevens chest. As Kathryn broke the kiss to stand back up, she watched as Sevens cheeks turned bright red in the most adorable blush.
"Oooohhhh!" Tom nodded enthusiastically. "I follow now." His laughter filled the room. "I must say, its about time!"
Kathryn and Seven both looked at Tom with Quizzical eyes.
"Samantha Wildman owes me 3 days of replicator rations." He stood quickly and almost ran around the table to embrace his Captain. "Congratulations." He whispered into her ear.
Fiercely hugging him back, she patted his shoulder. "Thank you, Tom." She pulled back. "Somehow, it doesn't surprise me there was a bet on this." She looked at Seven who quirked her human eyebrow.
"Well, it wasn't just Seven." He admitted. "There were Bets on multiple 'whos' and 'whens' and I came very close to winning the 'when', but I definitely win on the 'who'…" he nudged his Captain with his elbow as she rolled her eyes.
"That was a very small ship." She said to herself outloud as she shoved him kindly in the direction of his seat before moving to retake her own.
"So!" An angry voice cried out through the crowd which parted slightly to allow Chakotay to approach. "That's the story, is it?!" His eyes pinning Seven with animosity.
Kathryn Groaned and grabbed his arm in a vice grip. "Chakotay," she warned. "Go. Away. Nothing here concerns you."
"Is that so?" He bared his teeth as he spoke.
"Yes." Seven barked up at him. "That is so." She handed Kathryn the baby, keeping the spicy red head in her seat. "Your anger is irrelevant as you have no influence here. Cease this display and leave us alone." Her voice was dangerously low. "Do not make me force you." Standing quickly she took two steps towards him, almost nose to nose.
"Force me?" His laugh stirred something inside the ex-Borg and she grabbed his arms tight at the elbow.
"Yes." She stated simply as her right knee shot up and connected between his legs. He crumbled to the floor, clutching his wounded pride.
"FINE." He grunted as he stood to limp away.
"Seven?" Kathryn pulled her attention away from the comical sight of Chakotay slinking towards the exit. "That was efficient." She said through a throaty laugh.
"I had no idea he was such an idiot." B'elanna shook her head.
"Alls well that ends well." Kathryn softly spoke. Handing the baby back to Seven who bent down gathering her up.
"Well, this has been once hell of an evening." Tom yawned. "I think we should call it a night." As he stood, he took his wife's hand and lifted her with him.
"Yea, we gotta get this little one to bed." She approached Seven and held her arms out apologetically. "Sorry, Seven." She winked at the blonde.
Shrugging as she handed the baby to its mother, her arms dangling limply at her side. Kathryn reached for her hand and rubbed Sevens knuckled with her thumb. The sensation having the desired calming effect as Seven slowly sat down.
"Good night, Cap.." Tom paused and tried again, "Kathryn." he nodded respectfully. "Good night, Seven." He looked at both women affectionately. "It's been an honor."
Guiding his wife and daughter away from the table and through the crowd, he stopped only once to give Naomi Wildman a pat on the head.
"The honor was mine." Kathryn whispered towards them couple.
"Kathryn?" Seven broke through the emotional fog. "Where are your mother and Sister?"
Kathryn looked around, not spotting them anywhere. "I don't know."
"They have left to return home." A familiar emotion free voice grabbed their attention. Looking up in surprise, neither of them had noticed Tuvok's approach.
"My friend!" Kathryn breathed as she stood to embrace him. He returned the sentiment, with as much feeling as a Vulcan is able to.
"You're Mother and Sister vacated the premises approximately 22 minutes ago. 3 minutes before Seven and yourself returned from the garden."
"That's odd." Kathryn frowned.
"I believe their reasons were due to the fact they needed to make some preparations for something of a personal nature."
Kathryns frown deepened for a fraction of a second before she shrugged. "Well, i guess we'll find out when we get home." She looked down at Seven.
"Captain?" Tuvok spoke plainly. "I believe your Sister was spying on you." The revelation clearly making him uncomfortable.
"Oh?" She was trying not to laugh. It did not surprise her that Phoebe would pull such a stunt, and so openly.
"Indeed." He paused before continuing. "I observed her running to the window beside the French doors after you chastised Mr. Chakotay."
"I see." Kathryn glanced down at Seven, still seated beside her.
"T'pel advised me to inform you of my observations."
"Thank T'pel for me." Kathryn couldn't keep it in any longer and laughed cheerfully. "It's ok Tuvok. This doesn't surprise me."
"Nor, I" Seven chimed in.
Tuvok raised an eyebrow as he stepped back to allow Seven to stand.
"Goodnight, My friend." Kathryn touched the Vulcans shoulder and gave it a squeeze.
"Goodnight to you both." He dipped his head and back away gracefully.
Kathryn sighed as she linked her arm around Seven's, leaning into the warmth of body now pressed against her side. "I'm exhausted." Her words barely audible.
"I believe it is time we go home." Seven held the arm wrapped around her even a little bit tighter. "I am depleted as well." Smiling to herself as they wound their way around crew members, family and friends.
"Kathryn?"
"Hmm?" Came the sleepy reply.
"I would use a vacation."
Baffled, Kathryn stopped. "A vacation?"
"Yes." Seven tugged and continued walking out the door. "I have never experienced a Vacation, and I am fairly certain, I am owed one."
Kathryn nodded with a smirk. "Indeed you are."