Chapter 6
"Where are we going?" Seven almost yelped as Kathryn pulled her out of the farmhouse door.
"You'll see!" Kathryn was almost giddy as she brought Seven up to the transport ship waiting in the old fashioned driveway.
Out of breath, they hopped in, Kathryn taking the helm. Seven sat beside her completely flummoxed.
"I have been beginning to enjoy your, surprises…" she glared at Kathryn playfully. "I'd just have preferred to prepare accordingly."
"No need." Was all the Redhead offered in reply.
Punching in a few commands, Kathryn relaxed in her chair as the small shuttle lifted noiselessly off the ground, made a loop and flew off in the opposite direction.
"Kathryn," Seven couldn't help the apprehension in her voice. "I do not find this amusing."
"Don't worry, Darling." She closed her eyes and lifted her feet up onto the console, crossing her ankles. "Everything is taken care of. Just relax."
Seven tried to comply, but the unknown had always unnerved her. Sitting back in her chair, she's watched as the ground grew further away. Clouds began to encircle and swirl around the hull as they picked up speed entering the stratosphere.
"Kathryn?" Seven tried again. "Please?"
Kathryn smiled, her eyes still closed. "You said you were owed a vacation." She twisted her neck to face Seven and opened her eyes. "You're going to get the best vacation a starship Captain can offer you."
Sevens face beamed with excitement. "Acceptable." She stated a little louder than she intended causing Kathryns smile to widen.
"Just south of the continent of India, in the Indian Ocean, is a place called Patina in an island chain called the Maldives." Kathryn scooted to then edge of her seat, dropping her feet to the floor of the shuttle.
"I am aware of such a place." Seven was intrigued.
"Thats where we are going." Kathryn shrugged. "And there's more."
"More?" Sevens brow wrinkled in surprise.
"Yes. I am aware you value your collective and I know it has been hard on you to be away from everyone from Voyager. So," Kathryn licked her lips. "Not only are you and I going to spend 2 weeks in a bungalow hut on the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean, but Tom, B'elanna, the Wildmans, Harry and Libby, Tuvok and T'pel, and Icheb will all be staying in huts along the same access board walk."
The shining silver of Sevens ocular implant tweaked up and she grinned. "Sounds like Perfect."
"Good." Kathryn affirmed. "No hold on, we will be there in 3 minutes, and the descent can be bumpy."
Just as she spoke the words, Seven felt a hefty jolt as the shuttle pitched forward and rocked to the side.
"Bumpy, Indeed." Seven stated as she caught herself form tumbling out of her seat. Kathryn, having been on the edge of her seat, slipped and landed with a thud on the floor.
"That's gonna bruise." She squinted, rubbing her hip as she stood on shaky legs.
Seven looked amused as she helped Kathryn to her seat and buckled her safety harness for her just in time for another rocking motion. "This is most irritating." Seven winced as she banged her elbow attempting to fasten her own harness.
"30 more seconds." Kathryn called out as the shuttle dropped suddenly then reinitialized dampeners.
"Might I suggest utilizing a transporter upon our return." Seven held her breath as the Landing struts lowered and she shuttle hissed, systems automatically shutting off in succession.
"Agreed." Kathryn laughed, tucking some lose hair behind her ear. "We should warn the others before they arrive."
"When do they arrive, Kathryn?" Seven asked, quickly standing and heading to the exit hatch.
"3 days." Kathryn was close on her heels.
"3 days?"
"Mhmm"
"Why 3 days?" Seven was bewildered.
Kathryn just winked and pushed Seven out the opening into the bright sun. Hot sand met her feet, and she sank almost to her ankle. Looking down, she frowned. "It is very soft." She noted outloud to herself.
"Yes." Kathryn laughed. "You've been to the beach before. I remember." She winked again. "I was there."
"Yes," Seven's head tilted. "My body mass was considerably smaller at the time."
Laughing, Kathryn pulled her by her elbow towards a small structure made with archaic logs, twigs and palm fronds. A tall, thin man greeted them and gave them their access information and dinning schedule when Kathryn announced their designation. Still pulling Seven by the elbow, they trudged through the hot sand.
"Bet your regretting those boots about now." Kathryn looked over her shoulder at the annoyed face a former drone.
"Indeed." Pursing her lips tightly.
"There." Kathryn stopped them. Looking in the distance she saw a long boardwalk stretching out into the bluest waters in 20 parsecs. Smaller pathways jutting off each side leading to larger huts similar to the one the tall thin man had occupied. "Seven, isn't it beautiful?"
"Very close to perfection." She smiled, despite her sore ankles.
"High praise, coming from you." Kathryn nudged her in the ribs.
"While it is aesthetically pleasing to see, I can think of something even more perfect."
"What's that?" Kathryn caught the wily look in Sevens eye.
"You." Seven stated bluntly and walked passed the gawking woman.
"She really is a sweet talker." Kathryn chuckled, quickly following the nimble form walking swiftly towards the board walk.
Knocking her boots hard once she reached the wooden planking, the sand fell easily from her boots.
"Better?" Kathryn asked, trying hard to catch her breath.
"Much." Seven took Kathryns hand and tugged her closer. Wrapping her free arm around the slim waist and dipped her backwards, eliciting an audible gasp which was immediately silenced by Seven pressing their lips together with a surprising passion.
"Wow." Kathryn was breathless when Seven pulled away just enough to look into hazel grey eyes.
"You're eyes turn almost Hazel when you are happy." Seven stated with a grin.
"Yours turn indigo." Kathryn reached up with her free hand and cupped Sevens jaw near her ear. Her thumb smoothing over the heated lips that had just been attached to her own.
The sudden rumbling of an empty stomach broke though the moment and Seven pulled Kathryn upright.
"Well that's embarrassing," Kathryn tried to laugh shyly. "Guess Im hungry."
"What shall we eat?" Seven asked as they slowly made their way along the walkway.
"Fish!" Kathryn exclaimed. "Obviously…" gesturing around to the ocean surrounding them.
"I do not believe I have ever ingested vertebrata." Consternation coloring her words.
"No worries, Seven." Kathryn stopped walking and pulled Sevens attention to her. "If you don't like it, we can replicate anything you want. Plus, I had a team of engineers retrofit a regeneration unit for you."
Visibly uneasy, Kathryn realized Seven was anxious about the Borg technology detracting from their relaxation.
"Come here." She urged Seven to continue until they reached the bungalow farthest from the shore. Nothing ahead of them but open ocean and seagulls screaming far above their heads. Keying in the code, Kathryn entered the larger than perceived living space. Seven took a deep breath and followed suit.
The room was enormous, opening up to a gigantic wall of windows that's opened up to an expansive wooden deck. There was a small pool, and just beyond that, a large mesh of rope and net hanging from 4 large posts over the water. There was a a room to the left with a king size bed and sonic shower leading to another deck with privacy walls on each side. To the right was a small traditional kitchen, and a replicator.
"I thought you said there was a regeneration unit." Seven asked confused.
Kathryn smile at her, tilting her head and pulled a small 1x3 metal box from her pocket. Extending it to Seven, who took the box still confused.
"It's portable." She offered. "You charge is for 1 hour and it carries 6 full hours of regeneration. Plus, 2 additional hours back up power for in an emergency."
Seven looked shocked, opening the box to examine the device. "How is this possible?" She exclaimed.
"Admiral Paris had the project commissioned upon our arrival. B'elanna headed the project and had it completed in 3 days! " Smiling warmly. "For a goofy old bloke, he sure has a soft spot for Voyagers crew, and a keen eye for forethought."
Seven fiddled with the contraption, "Fascinating."
"I'm sure you wont have any trouble figuring out how to use it." Kathryn approached her unnoticed. "This way you can regenerate, and sleep, in a bed." Seven still preoccupied with the portable unit. "Seven." Kathryn pulled her focus. "Can we eat?" She asked feeling silly as her stomach turned over on itself again, demanding its fill.
"Apologies, Kathryn." Seven sat the contraption on the bar as she keyed the operations buttons on the replicator. Two plates of Salmon on a bed of rice, drizzled with raspberry balsamic glaze appeared in the receptacle. Seven took them gently and turn to place them on the dining table. "Dinner is served."
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"What is that?" Seven gestured with a nod of her head towards the large open wall. Her mouth full of rice and Salmon.
"What's what?" Kathryn asked slightly unsure.
"That… Mesh suspended over the water."
"Ohhh." Kathryn sat back in her chair, taking another bite. "Thats a hammock."
"A Hammock?" Sevens pressed her lips together to one side. "I do not believe I am aware of its purpose."
Kathryn Laughed. "It's only purpose is relaxation."
"Explain." Seven gently demanded. She tended to resort to old speech habits when unsure of herself.
"You lay in it." Kathryn just shrugged and took her plate to the replicator for recycling, grabbing Seven's plate along the way. "I'll show you." Seven stood and followed Kathryn onto the decking and past the pool.
Without warning, Seven felt a slight but forceful push on her lower back and felt herself tumble onto the netting. Her surprised shriek turned to gentle giggles as she bounced a few times and finally lay flat on her back, staring up a sky that was was turning hundreds of shades of orange and purple as the sun lowered far out over the water.
"See?" Kathryns climbed down gracefully until she was laying side by side with Seven. Her auburn fanned out and resting on an outstretched Borg enhanced limb.
The pair lay in silence as the sky grew darker and star began to pop into view in the heavens.
"It's different." Seven whispered.
"What's that?" Kathryn asked shifting to lay on her side, facing Seven.
"The stars." She lifted her human hand up towards them, like she was trying to touch them. "They seem dimmer."
Kathryn half smiled curled her body in to Sevens side. Smiling as seven wrapped her up in that Borg enhanced arm seemingly by reflex. "The atmosphere distorts the light waves. The photons scatter and create the dimming effect."
"How sad." Sevens breathing evened out. She was relaxing finally. "And how beautiful."
"How so?" Kathryn stayed curled against Seven but looked up, following her gaze upward.
"I came to appreciate the brilliant luster of the stars that surrounded Voyager on our journey. They made me feel secure. Connected to the universe." She thought for a moment before continuing, "but here. Hazy and dim, it feels natural. Like everything is right with the world."
"Why do you sound sad?" Kathryn probed gently. "That is very lovely sentiment. Quite endearing even."
Seven tensed slightly. "I find at times like this, when i begin to appreciate they gift of a second chance which you and voyagers crew afforded me, that it is difficult to fully enjoy because of the thousands of innocent lives I stole, who will not get the same chance I did."
Kathryn sat up and stared down at Seven. Her bottom lip quivering ever so slightly. "Seven, you know what I'm going to say." She was allowing just a sliver of command intonation inflect her voice. "You had absolutely no control over your actions. You did not harm those individuals. The collective and the queen did. A queen that Admiral Janeway destroyed, and possible freed most of the collective in the process."
Seven shut her eyes tight and allowed one single tear to fall down her temple. Kathryn tenderly wiped it away and leaned down to kiss the damp skin.
"It breaks my heart." Seven admitted.
"I know."Kathryn pulled her into a sitting position, which was slightly awkward given her long legs. "It's been a long day of travel, and I, for one am dead tired."
"An odd analogy." Seven raised her eyebrows.
"Yes. Well. Come on." Kathryn helped Seven stand in the haphazard netting, making their way to the deck and into the bungalow. "Sleep will help."
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"Seven?" Kathryn padded barefoot out onto the deck. "Seven, where are you?"
"Down here!"
Kathryn took a few steps and leaned over the railing. Seven was sitting on the steps leading to the swirling blues and whites of the Indian Ocean. Deep consternation coloring her features.
"What are you doing?" Kathryn tried to keep the amusement out of her voice.
"I am trying to decide if I can swim."
Kathryn's squinted her eyes. "What do you mean by Can?" She asked cautiously.
"Borg do not float." Seven looked up at the woman laughing above her. "What is so funny?"
"Seven, That water is only 4 feet Deep." Rounded the banister and walked down the stairs to sit just above Seven. "You're 5 feet and 10 inches tall. You can stand up in it."
"Oh." Seven frowned. "I hadn't realized." She felt mildly embarrassed but Kathryn's soft expression charmed it away.
"Wanna get in?" Kathryn asked after a few moments of staring into each others eyes. Her voice seemingly far off and uncertain.
"Yes." Seven stood and made it down two steps before Kathryn grabber her hand.
"Whoa! You need to change into your suit." She laughed again.
"Do I have a suit?" Seven looked back at her, her foot frozen inches from the waters surface.
"You do. Come with me."
Kathryn brought Seven inside and replicated a pre designed swim suit for Seven to put on.
"Red." She looked at the suit in her hand and played with the fabric. Rolling it between her fingers. "Interesting texture."
"Put it on." Kathryn urged, pushing her towards the bedroom.
"What about you?" Seven asked, still manipulating the fabric of her suit.
"I'm already wearing mine." Seven turned in time to see Kathryn drop her robe to reveal a traditional black one piece swimsuit. It came up high on her hips and dipped modestly but low at her chest. Every muscle in her arms twitched at the blue eyes boring into her. She felt self conscious but appreciated. Shrugging, she tried to keep her hands by her side, and not cover herself. "You like it?"
Seven could only nod, wide eyed. Her mouth suddenly dry, sweaty palms and a rapidly rising heart beat made it difficult to form a cohesive thought.
"I'll be right back." She finally croaked. Taking one more moment before spinning on one heel and almost running into the bedroom.
The material was very stretchy but tight as she pulled it up her long legs. She noticed it had a cooling on her very heated skin. Pulling the straps over her shoulders, she turned to the mirror and smoothed her palms down her sides, resting them on her thighs. Conflicting thoughts churning in her head. She reached up to feel the implant on her bicep, touching its smooth edges. Staring at her reflection, squeezed the soft skin. Moving her hand to her stomach to feel they ripples of thoracic implants pebbling down the front of her ribs. She felt disgusted. She felt rage. She felt self pity. She may have had Legs for days and a face that would make the angels themselves jealous, but she was marred with scars and defiled with metal protruding from her body. She felt her chest tighten as a sobs wracked her body and she crumpled to the floor.
"Seven?!" Kathryn threw the door open to find Seven in a hysterical heap on the floor in front of the mirror. She knew immediately what had triggered the display. Falling to the floor herself, she gathered Seven in her arms and rocked her calmly. Sevens head resting on her shoulder, her nose buried in Kathryns neck. After what felt like hours, Seven's tears slowed and she sat up.
"I am sorry." Seven shook her head trying to clear her foggy mind.
"Don't be sorry, Seven." Kathryn ran her fingers through Sevens hair, down to her shoulder and finally resting her palm on Seven's bicep implant.
Jumping at the contact, Seven half winced but relaxed and allowed the contact.
"You're so beautiful, Seven." Kathryns gaze pinning her own with such earnest force. "These…" her finger traced the skin surrounding the metal, "are part of that beauty." Her voice was almost ethereal. Reverent as she spoke to Seven. "I wouldn't change a single thing about you. What makes you so special. What makes you unique, and entirely human."
Seven smiled through the tears still flowing slowly down her cheeks. "Thank you." She nodded and closed her eyes, willing her emotions to ebb.
"Let's go swimming." Kathryn stood and held out a hand to Seven who took it immediately and found herself effortlessly lifted up.
"I was unaware of your strength!" Seven exclaimed in moderate surprise.
"Tiny but mighty!" She lowered her voice for effect and Seven finally laughed.
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"COME ON!" Kathryn called out to Seven, floating on her back a few yards out from where the blonde was hesitantly eyeing the water.
Carefully, she stepped down into the cool liquid. It felt like a memory surrounding her as she continued to lower herself down and pushed off the stairs with gentle smoothness. Gliding through the water towards Kathryn with her hands stretched out in front of her. As if by instinct alone, she began pushing herself forward by cupping her hands and drawing them behind to her hips, repeating the motion a few times before reaching Kathryn and standing up. The water was indeed shallow enough and came only as high as just above her waist.
"Fascinating!" She stated plainly.
"What's that, Darling?" Kathryn's remained floating with her eyes closed.
"The Water," she picked her Borg enhanced hand up and stared at it before slowly lowering it back under the surface of the water. "It elicits a cooling effect on my skin, and in contrast a warming effect on my implants. It is a curious, but pleasing sensation." Her voice filling with delight. "I like it!" She almost shouted as her excitement continued to grow.
"I'm glad you like it." Kathryn laughed, shifting to stand up. "Race ya!"
Kathryn took off towards open ocean, swimming with precise ease and making good distance until she noticed Seven passing her at almost twice the speed.
Seven stopped about 20 yards ahead and turned to watch Kathryn bobbing in place, laughing.
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They swam all around the bungalows all morning until the sun was directly overhead and Kathryns stomach growled in protest to being empty.
Seven laughed lightly, "we should have lunch." Kathryn eagerly followed as Seven led her towards their bungalow.
Climbing the stairs and handing the woman behind her a towel before grabbing her own, she quickly went inside to replicate some chicken Caesar Salad and grapes. Kathryn had stayed on the deck, sitting with her legs dangling childlike over the edge. Looking out over the cloudless sky which was possibly even bluer than the water.
"Here." Seven handed a plate to Kathryn as she sat beside her somewhat awkwardly. Folding her legs Indian style and popping grape into her mouth.
They ate in companionable silence for a few minutes until something in the distance caught Kathryns eye. About 500 yards out, a triangular shape gliding just above the water. Her eyes widened as she realized what it was. Seven paused her mastication and followed Kathryn's line of sight.
"What is that?" Seven squinted in the bright light.
"Shark." Kathryn deadpanned. Her face slightly paled around her mild sunburn.
"Selachimorpha?" Seven Cooley clarified, raising both eyebrows.
Kathryn nodded. Anxiety tugging at her expressions. "Maybe we shouldn't swim anymore today." She looked at Seven who nodded in agreement.
When they'd finished eating, all the while keeping an eye on their menacing lunch companion, they both stretched and shook on wobbly legs. Drained from their swimming, and the way they'd been sitting.
Entering their bungalow, Seven recycled their plates and continued to the front entrance leading to the main boardwalk.
"Would you like to come sit out here with me?" Seven turned to find Kathryn directly behind her, almost knocking the red head over.
"Yes." She chuckled grabbing Seven's hand and allowing herself to be led around once again.
The end of the boardwalk had a half circle of 9 deck chairs surrounding a fire pit the faced the open waters of the Indian Ocean. Seven chose two chairs and sat comfortable. Kathryn sitting beside her and pulling her knees up to rest her feet on the seat.
"So Beautiful!" She sighed, laying her head back, looking out over the waters.
Seven mumbled something about the seagulls overhead as Kathryn slowly closed her eyes, completely releasing all tension from her body. She heard a gentle laugh from somewhere to her left as a soothing sleep overtook her.
"Kathryn!" Sevens voice pulled at her consciousness. "Kathryn wake up."
Seven gently ran her hand down a dainty cheek as grey eyes fluttered open.
"Seven?" She said through a yawn. "Im sorry I fell asl —"
Her words were cut off by an elated squeal and hurried footsteps.
"SEVEN!" Kathryn gasped as Seven stood quickly and caught the 65 pounds of flying half Ktarian. Naomi's arms wrapped around Sevens neck as she giggled and bounced in the arms of her best friend.
"Hello Naomi!" Seven whispered happily as Kathryn stood and placed her hand on Naomi's back, rubbing gently.
"Hi Naomi!" Kathryn laughed as the child let go of Seven and leaned down to hug her favorite Captain.
"Hi, Captain!" She laughed, falling into Kathryns arms.
"You should call me Kathryn," She squeezed the small girl. "I've missed you!"
Naomi pulled back, tightening her legs around Kathryns waist. "Kathryn?" Speaking the name with curiosity. "Nope." She shook her head.
"How about, Kit-Kat." Seven teased taking her seat again.
Naomi beamed. Her eyes wide with excitement. "KIT-KAT!" She sang as she lurched forward again, wrapping her tiny around around strong shoulders.
Kathryn laughed and happily accepted the nickname, again.
Seven looked up at the softly and winked at Kathryn. Seven Winked?! Kathryn mused as she set the child down to greet Samantha. Samantha dropped a duffle bag and let out a hefty sigh.
"Some turbulence!"
Seven laughed. "That is an understatement."
"Naomi," Sam tried to attract her daughters attention. "Come here."
Naomi pouted but left her friends side and stomped her feet to her mother. Samantha reached for the hem of Naomi's dress and pulled it off in one swift motion revealing a light blue, tiny swimsuit with ruffles all around the shoulder straps and hip line.
"What a beautiful Swimsuit, Naomi!" Kathryn offered. "Why don't you go for a swim in the pool. You're bungalow is right here, across from mine and Sevens."
"Can I mom?! Can I, Can I, Can I?" The child was hopping back and fourth on her tip toes.
"Of course, but put on the sunscreen first."
Sam handed the tiny jumping bean a bottle before she took off.
"She's excited!" Seven watched the child as she leaped into the air to cross the threshold.
"All she has been talking about for 3 days is seeing her family." Sam took a seat beside Seven.
"I"ve miss her. And you, my friend." Seven smiled at the slightly disheveled woman beside her.
"Can i get you a drink?" Kathryn asked, moving to make her way inside her own bungalow.
"Yes! Please!" She sighed again.
"You got it." Kathryn disappeared for only a moment before returning with a colorful concoction with a red umbrella poking out the top.
"What is that?" Seven asked as Samantha took the drink and promptly downed a few gulps.
"It's good, whatever it is."
Kathryn laughed and took her seat on the other side of Seven.
"It's called a Rainbow Paradise." Kathryn pointed her finger at Sam. "You'll only need one!" She laughed
"Sam." Seven suddenly serious, and frowning. "You should know earlier this afternoon, Kathryn and I witnessed a Selachimorpha swimming to the east, about 500 yards in distance."
Sam looked at Seven, then at Kathryn.
"Shark." Kathryn mouthed.
"OH!" Sam exclaimed in alarm.
"We have decided to refrain from entering the ocean until tomorrow."
"I would have to concur, that's a good plan!" Sam felt a chill as she took 3 more large gulps of her cocktail.
"Easy, tiger!" Kathryn Laughed.
Sam just stared ahead and pointed. Kathryn and Seven looked in the offered direction and spotted the Shark about 300 yards away.
"It's huge." Kathryn stood and walked to the edge of the boardwalk. "I wonder if there's a way to make it leave."
"I believe we only need to leave it alone." Seven stated from her chair. "Hunting patterns of Selachimorpha indicate they stay in constant motion until they find a source of food. There is very little for them around here. I predict it was move on within the next few hours."
Kathryn relaxed slightly until she heard an exuberant shout from behind her. Spinning around in time to catch the slightly glimpse of a blue blur, she heard Naomi's voice shout; "DOLPHIN!"
With a splash, Naomi landed in the water below and started towards the menacing shadow which in turn was headed straight for the child.
"NAOMI! NO!" Sam screamed and tried to leap in to retrieve her daughter, only to be stopped by Kathryn grabbing her arm.
Seven's senses went into overdrive as she shot out of her chair and ran passed Kathryn and Sam. Diving into the water, she cut through the surface like a knife, she arms and legs moving with such speed she quickly caught up to Naomi and picked her up. Noting the distance between themselves and she Shark, she estimated 9.4 seconds until it reached their locations. Watching it approach, she calmly counted as Naomi started to scream in fear. She could hear Sam matching her daughters cries. Sevens mind was in hyperdrive as she continued her countdown. 4… 3.. 2. With 1.5 seconds till contact, Seven effortlessly tossed Naomi behind her several yards and threw her fists in front of her.
The sharks mouth opened and everything was suddenly slowed. Seven watched as her Borg enhanced fingers made contact with the sharp scales of its nose, pushing it back. Her human hand grabbed onto its gills, ripping them open. The shark suddenly rolled and tried to escape, causing Seven to roll with it. Now underwater, Seven squeezed her metal tipped fingers into the sharks sensitive nose and felt the skin give way. Blood surrounded them as they tumbled in tandem.
Swirling around until the shark stopped moving.
On the boardwalk, Sam was pulling Naomi up out of the water, both of them crying.
Kathryn stared in abject horror at the growing red stain against the blues of the water.
"Seven?" She whispered, tears forming in her dark grey eyes. "Seven, please.." she pleaded. Her whole body trembling.
Kathryns heart leaped into her throat as Seven slowly emerged from the dissipating maroon haze. She looked towards the trio on the boardwalk and slumped her shoulders. She took a few deep breaths before moving towards them. Her cheek stung but the wound was superficial. Her nano probes already working to heal the small gash.
She reached the boardwalk and jumped up to catch the hand Kathryn offered as she was lifted up onto the deck. Her bathing suit had a rip on her left side, exposing a series of rib implants, but no damage.
Kathryn reached up and gently touched two fingers to Seven's Jaw, reverently soothing the wet skin. Cautiously trailing her finger tips upward to the 2 inch long opening on her chiseled cheek.
"Seven." Kathryn released the breath she had been holding and pressed her body into the warmth of the woman she loved. Her heart pounding in her chest, she felt long arms wrap around her shoulders and waist and pull her impossibly closer.
"Thank you, so much!" They heard Sam choke through sobs. "Seven, I don't know…" She couldn't finish. The reality too overwhelming.
Naomi wriggled from her mothers embrace, tears streaming down her face as she grabbed onto Seven and Kathryns hips. Kathryn reached down and held onto the child as the three stood meshed together.
Seven pulled away just slightly to look down at the top of Naomi's head. Strawberry blonde locks sticking to her shoulders.
"I love you, Seven." Her timid voice muffled from her face being pressed into Kathryns side.
"I love you, too, Naomi."