Seven had had to promise Naomi they'd get together within a week of two before she'd allowed her mother to drag her down the boardwalk and across the sand to the waiting shuttle. Seven and Kathryn waved their friends off with a mixture of joy and sadness.
"Do you know what a Bar-B-Q is?" Kathryn had asked Naomi. The child shook her head and sniffled.
Kathryn reached down and wiped her wet cheeks and grinned wide.
"You'll find out soon." Kathryn kissed her chubby cheek and stepped back and watched as a s smile tickled her tiny mouth and she's laughed.
"See you soon, my friend." Seven dipped her head and wrapped her arms around a tiny waist at tinier arms flung around her long elegant neck.
"See you soon." She croaked as more tears threatened to fall.
"Naomi we HAVE to go." Samantha unpeeled the pair like a banana and gently pulled Naomi away.
Seven smiled kindly and waved.
"You do that a lot now." Kathryn was watching her sideways, her head cocked like a puppy listening to a strange sound.
"What?" Seven kept her eyes on Naomi until her and Sam had joined the rest of the group in the shuttle and the doors closed with a hiss.
"Smile."
Seven peeked at Kathryn and dipped her head.
"One tends to do so when one is happy." Seven shrugged, making light of her words. Kathryn turned to fully face her and reached out, taking Seven's left hand. They cool metal easing the heat of the morning against her hot palm.
"What should we do today?" Kathryn asked wryly, feeling seven squeeze her fingers after lacing them together.
Seven guided Kathryn to the edge of the shore where waves were lapping lazily agains pink sand. The shuttle lifted and almost noiselessly drifted away as the two women walked towards the boardwalk where their bungalow sat at the far end. Now alone. Even the attendant in the small thatch hut was gone for the next couple days.
"Kathryn?" Seven stopped walking and pulled the startled woman in a half spin and collided their bodies together. Kathryn let out a balk of laughter and held onto the trim waist in front of her.
"What, Love?" She looked up into curious eyes.
Seven didn't reply immediately, lost in the sensation of their bodies pressed tightly together. She wrapped her free hand around Kathryn's shoulders and pressed her palm to the sensitive space between chiseled shoulder blades. Pressing them even closer together until their lips were touching, open but not yet kissing. Seven felt a shudder radiate out from where her palm was pressed and smiled as she tilted her head just slightly and locked her mouth onto Kathryns, stifling a low moan. Seven ran her tongue along Kathryns bottom lip and felt the smaller woman fall slightly, her knees no longer able to hold her up. Seven held her in strong arms and let go of the hand she still held to wrap around Kathryns waist. She squeezed and stood tall, just enough for Kathryns feet to lift off the ground.
Kathryn felt weightless. Free. Unbridled. As if the weight of a thousand lives were no longer resting on her shoulders. She'd been so hard, so commanding, so 'larger-than-life' for so long. She allowed herself to be completely enveloped, cradled and loved by Seven of Nine. She pulled her arm from around Seven's waist and reached up with both arms to wrap them around the long leonine neck. With a quick shift she wrapped her legs around Seven's hips and felt an arm instinctively tighten around her own waist. Their mouths still moving together, tongues caressing and twisting.
"Seven!" Kathryn's breathed her name like a prayer into Seven's mouth before she sucked her bottom lip into her mouth and bit down. Seven whimpered and started walking towards the board walk, Kathryns fingernails raking inside the blondes messy bun, grabbing fist fulls of hair as she pulled the delicious mouth harder into her own.
They reached the boardwalk and Seven loosened her grip to allow Kathryn to hop down off her hips. When Kathryn found her footing, her hands were still lost in Seven's now haphazard hair.
"Did you sleep on it" Kathryn asked looking up into the cerulean blue irises gazing down at her.
Seven allowed a toothy grin to answer the question.
Kathryn let go of Seven's hair and grabber her elbow as she started trailing the woman behind as she walked the 500 yards to their bungalow over the water. She flung the door open and pulled Seven purposefully to the bed room, yanking Seven's arm. Seven smashed into Kathryn as they fell together onto the soft foam of the mattress. Seven caught herself on with each hand on either side of Kathryns shoulders, looking down wish a shocked expression.
Kathryn laughed in a sultry tone and reached up to put both hands on Seven's face, cradling the gentle beauty with reverence. One thumb tracing the starburst implant on one side, and her other thumb gliding lovingly over her ocular implant.
The sensation was so intense, Seven had never felt anything like it. She shut her eyes tight and tried to memorize the feeling. Kathryn knew what she was doing and called her name. When Seven didn't acknowledge, she tried again.
"Seven." Her voice was frazzled and husky. "SEVEN." She tried a little command in her inflection. "Open your eyes, Seven." She urged softly.
Sevens eyelids relaxed and she slowly slid them open.
"Watch me while you feel it." Kathryn looked up at her with unguarded emotion. Her slate grey eyes now a misty hazel. Her skin was flushed and hot making her cheeks almost glow with the blush was started there and ran down her neck. Kathryn slid her hands down Seven's face, trailing her fingertips down the sensitive skin of her neck and onto the strong shoulders. With a gentle tug, she pulled Seven down to rest on top of her and she hugged the shaking blonde.
"Why are you shaking?" She asked. Her breath making wispy blonde flyaways dance against a delicate ear.
"I.." Seven's voice faultered. She tried again, "I am not, I mean… I don't." Frustrations coloring her words. She rolled of of Kathryn enough to look at her and not worry about crushing her. "I have never wanted anything more, in my existence, than to be with you, Kathryn Janeway." She looked into Kathryns eyes with distinct and unwavering certainty. "But I cannot begin to know how." She felt tears start to spill down her face, she hadn't even realized she was starting to cry. "I ache for you!" She sobbed. "I desire your skin touching my skin. I long to feel every inch of you against me. I yearn to hear you speak my name with Passion." Seven dropped her head. "But I do not know how to accomplish that NEED." Emphasizing the last word with guttural groan. Her face buried in Kathryns neck. "I feel so lost and confused. I am torn between inexperience and Maturity. My chest feels like its being ripped open." Sobs started coming in gasps as Kathryn ran her hand up and down Sevens trembling arm.
"It's ok, My Seven." Kathryn murmured against Sevens forehead. "We will wait."
Seven pulled Kathryn tight around her waist and let the comforting hands smooth her frayed nerves. Her choking sobs subdued, becoming sniffles and sighs.
Kathryn rolled towards the long form pressed against her till they were facing each other.
"I am sorry, Kathryn. I do not know what is happening to me." A tear fell onto the ruffled sheets.
Kathryn smiled sweetly and reached up to brush the hair from Seven's glistening eyes.
"Your situation is unique. You are, in no uncertain terms, a vibrant, healthy, beautiful and emotionally intelligent woman." Kathryn pressed her palm to Sevens cheek. "However, you are also naive, inexperienced and innocent. We both have to navigate through uncharted waters here, and we are both just winging it."
Seven placed her hand over Kathryn's and pressed it harder to her cheek. Smiling through tears as she watched Kathryn lean forward and press her lips to Seven's temple. Three times in rapid succession, she kissed her there then leaned back and smiled her most charming smile.
"Thank you." Seven whispered.
"My literal pleasure." Kathryn cooed. "We both know how patient I can be." She laughed gently with a wink.
Seven smiled in return.
"C'mon." Kathryn pulled them both up with a surprising strength. "Let's go for a swim before lunch. I wanna get as much of that water as i can before we leave tomorrow morning."
—————————————————————————————————
"HELLO, Beebee." Seven shouted as she jumped out of the shuttle in front of the Janeway farmhouse, Hurling her suitcase towards the tall redhead who stumbled back from its heft.
"Jesus, Sev!" She huffed out before finally finding her footing. "What hell is in this thing?"
Seven froze mid stride just past Phoebe and slowly pivoted on one heel to face her.
"It's SevEN." She tilted her head with the last syllable for emphasis.
Phoebe took the bait and started chanting "Hey, SeV. How was your trip. SEV?"
Kathryn stepped off the shuttle just in time to see Seven tackle Phoebe, the pair hitting the ground in a fit of laughter as the suitcase tumbled away.
"Hi mom!" Kathryn called out as she passed the two women wrestling on the ground, half ignoring them.
"Hello, Sweetheart." Kathryn gathered her eldest daughter in her arms and squeezed, humming joyfully. "I think those two will need a shower." She inclined her head towards the extremely dusty and disheveled ladies picking themselves off the ground, still laughing.
Kathryn merely raised and eyebrow and headed up the large stairs leading up to the double door entrance.
"Not before me!" She shouted behind her as she dropped her luggage and sprang for the stairs.
Phoebe and Seven looked at each other before simultaneously bursting forward, past Gretchen and up the stairs. Seven quickly caught up to Kathryn and swept her off her feet just before she reached the bathroom door.
"HEY!" Kathryn shouted but allowed the gesture.
"What?" Seven gave her best puppy eyes and carried her the rest of the way to into the bathroom. Closing the door in Phoebe's face.
"No Fair!" She shouted at the door. "Borg speed AND strength." She mumbled as she stalked into the smaller bathroom down the corridor next to her own room.
2 hours later, Kathryn and Seven padded barefoot into the kitchen where Gretchen had just finished cooling a pie and making a fresh pot of coffee. Kathryn quickly grabbed a mug from the cabinet and sloshed the dark ebony liquid as she dumped it into the cool porcelain. Taking a huge gulp, she almost burned her tongue but her face only conveyed ecstasy.
Seven shot her a side grin and took the cup Gretchen offered her. She took a sip and her eyes flew wide open.
"Mint tea!" Her grin light up her face as she looked at Gretchen who winked and handed her a slice of pie and a fork. "And Apple pie?"
"Just taste it." Gretchen pushed her to the island and pulled out a chair for her to sit.
"Mom?" Kathryn called out from where she was still leaning against the counter next to the coffee pot. "Is that what i think it is?"
Gretchen just turned her head towards her daughter and winked again.
Seven took a large forkful and shoved it in her mouth. Her eyes rolled back in her head as her tastebuds exploded with the sticky sweetness swirling around her tongue. It was warm and comforting; and oddly familiar.
Powder blue eyes sprung wide with shock. Mid chew, Seven locked eye with Gretchen who was grinning like a Cheshire Cat.
"Did you make this?" Seven eyed her suspiciously. Slowly finishing the rest of the pie in her cheeks.
Gretchen nodded and pointed to the living room. Seven sat her plate down next to her mug of tea and crept to the doorway and peered into the living room. Kathryn was quick to make her way to Sevens side, knowing exactly what; no, who was waiting for Seven in the other room.
Seven noticed someone, an older woman about Gretchens age sitting in an armchair beside the fireplace. Squinting her eyes, she took slow steps forward till she could see better in the low light. She was tall, Seven could tell, even though she was sitting. Her long fingers interlocked and resting on her lap. She was wearing a black button up blouse and grey trousers that fit perfectly to her skinny frame. Her eyes danced with guarded anticipation as she watch Seven slowly approach. Eyes that almost matched Sevens in both color and shape. Similar nose just blow and full lips that curled into a kind smile.
Seven Gasped suddenly. "Aunt Irene?" Seven stopped and stared, mouth open as she felt Kathryn's hand between her shoulder blades, steadying her from behind.
"Hi Anni— Seven." The woman's smile broadened. "You remember my pie!" She was painfully delighted.
Seven took two more steps and fell to her knees in front of the woman who leaned forward and caught Seven by the shoulders. Kathryn close behind, watching with tears in her eyes.
Seven's watched in awe as Irene Hansen laughed and pulled her closer, enveloping her in a cradling hug.
Seven felt her arms fling around the thin frame of her aunt and she squeezed. Her heart pounding against her ribs, she absentmindedly knew Irene could feel it. She herself could feel Irene's matching both rhythm and fervor.
"Hi Irene." Kathryn said watching the scene before her with bated breath.
Irene glanced up at Kathryn and nodded, before closing her eyes, overwhelmed to be holding her very long lost niece.
"I remember you." Sevens voice was quiet but heavy with emotion.
"I remember you, too. Schatzi." Irene waited to see if Seven would understand. She did, and pulled back to look at the grinning older woman. Seven Laughed. Genuinely and freely. Laughed and whipped a few streaks of tears from Irenes cheeks.
"How…" Kathryn shook her head, "How did you get here? How did you know?" Kathryn pursed her lips and turn towards her own mother. "Did you do this?" She jokingly chided.
Gretchen threw her hands up in surrender and walked towards the couch, taking a seat on the far corner.
"She sent a message to starfleet when she heard Voyager had returned. She knew Seven was on board from previous Midas ray communications. Headquarters informed her of Seven's whereabouts and she showed up here last night." Gretchen watched Seven pull back and stand, Kathryn's hand slipping into her metal encased fingers and pulled her towards the couch to sit. Kathryn sat close, keeping their fingers locked and resting on Seven's thigh.
"I must say, It's an absolute joy to see you again, Seven. I never thought I would." Irene felt fresh tears fall. "And it's been so wonderful to see you all again too, Gretchen." She then looked at Kathryn. "And you! A hero these days in your own right! I am so proud of what you have done, and with such grace, too." Irene watched Kathryn blush as she nodded her thanks.
"How very fitting what you have both been through. Fate surely had its talons fixed on you both."
Seven looked at Irene, an unspoken question in her eye.
Irene reached over and patted her nieces knee. "Fate is not fluid, it is absolute and undeniable. The path it chooses Will always lead where it intends. You make your own choices, to be sure. Though every choice, every decision, and every situation demands Fate be reconciled. So, while the circumstances both of your lives fell into, you still found each other. Beings are rarely aware they're being pushed and influenced by forces outside their realm of understanding."
Kathryn and Seven stared at Irene as she spoke, like they were listening to an eternal sage.
"She right, you know." Gretchen interjected, causing everyone to look at her with intensity. "Your childhood friendship started a chain of events in motion that would eventually lead to your falling in Love. Every step. Every supposed wrong turn and life obstacle, lead you here. Now. Alternate timelines and everything. All of it."
Kathryn and Seven sat stiff for several breaths before Kathryn turned to look at Seven who was frowning.
"What is it, Love?" She asked, worriedly.
"Why was my path so much, harder?" Seven felt anger rising inside.
Kathryn leaned into her and pressed her lips to the flushed cheek. "Because, Darling, you are stronger than any of us, including you, have ever realized."
Seven's anger fizzle, replaced by acceptance. She nodded and flexed the muscle in her jaw.
"Irene, will you stay for Thanksgiving?"
Kathryn and Seven both perked up and begged her to consider the offer. Which she did.
"It's in 5 days!" Kathryn realized suddenly. "Seven, Get in touch with the Wildman's, The Paris's, Harry and Tuvok! Mom, have a talk with Phoebe about her appalling manners and …." Kathryn paused, unconsciously she had stood and started pacing around the room, doing her best impression of a Starfleet Captain. She laughed at the expressions of the women looking at her and threw her hands up. "Sorry."
Seven stood and pulled her into a crushing kiss. "Never be sorry for being Captain Janeway!"
————————————————————————————————
Seven had attended a few Thanksgiving celebrations aboard voyager. They were slightly tasking to her but she had indulged the pleading eyes of her Captain as she practically begged the cool headed borg to join the festivities. There was a stark contrast to her experience of this years holiday. She had many things to be thankful for this time, and she felt every moment clenching her swollen heart. The sights of all the people she loved milling around with various types of beverages and appetizers. She could pick out individuals laughter off and on and noted she mostly heard B'elanna's roaring guffaws.
Scanning the room, she caught a glimpse of Gretchen and Irene chatting delicately in the corner. Her eyes caught her Aunt's and she nodded with a smile. Irene beamed a toothy grin back to her and winked. Seven welcomed the warmth that spread through her body as she continued her survey.
Kathryn was sitting on the floor in front of a blazing fire, her knees tucked underneath and to the side as she chatted animatedly with an excited Naomi and Harry. Her thin glass of champagne held delicately at the stem with only one finger and her thumb.
"Having fun?" Phoebe wondered up beside the blonde and nudged her in the rib cage with a pointy elbow. "Ow." Phoebes rubbed her now sore elbow.
"Yes." Seven raised an amused eyebrow as the remembered back to a party on Voyager when the Captain had asked her the same question, only her response at that time was in the negative.
"When do we eat?" The Tall redhead asked.
"23 minutes and 30 seconds." Seven flashed a teasing smiled and was rewarded with a bark of laughter.
Seven looked out at the group of loved ones in front of her, lounging and relaxing and laughing and hugging. She'd never felt more at home; except maybe when Kathryn was holding her. Kissing her, touching her… Seven shuddered involuntarily and blushed. Shaking her head to clear the fog that had gathered in her mind, she looked at Gretchen who was making her way towards teh two women standing in the doorway to the kitchen. With a nod, they parted and allowed the strikingly beautiful slivery grey haired woman into her domain.
"Do you need any assistance?" Seven asked as Gretchen patted her on the shoulder in passing.
"Phoebe, you come with me." Phoebe pouted but followed her instruction. "Seven, would you mind gathering everyone around the dining room and filling everyone's glasses?"
Seven nodded and snickered at Phoebe's grimace at having to help with the food preparations.
"But mom…" Seven heard the protesting whine as she left the them and headed for the center of the living room.
Clearing her throat, Seven gently attempted to gain the crowds attention. It did not work, save for Kathryns sensitivity to any and all things Seven, who noticed her awkwardly trying to assess a better method. With a half grin on her lips, Kathryn stood in one elegant motion and took three steps to slip up beside the frazzled woman. Peeking up at Seven, she lifted her glass and tapped two fingernails against it until every eye in the room was on them, quietly waiting.
Seven cleared her throat again and smiled her appreciation at Kathryn who nodded back.
"If you would all please follow me," She gestured one handed towards the large dinning room. "Dinner is served." Everyone's eyes lit up as the stood, filing quickly into the room. Seven filled any empty or half empty glass as they all found their chairs and stood behind them.
Seven came to her own chair, situated between Kathryn, and Her aunt, and filled her own glass.
She felt a hand on her bicep and turned towards Kathryn, a bright smile on her face. Seven matched it and leaned in to kiss the corner of the upturned lips of her favorite person.
"Here we are!" Gretchen almost sang her words as they entered with a gigantic roast turkey on a bed of greens and tomatoes, followed by Phoebe, carrying an inordinate amount to side dishes, teetering and swaying but commendably not spilling one drop.
Gretchen laughed at the cheers and cat calls as she placed the turkey on the center of the table and quickly relieved phoebe of the side dish. She picked up Phoebe's drink and handed it to her all to eager daughter and filled both of their glasses as they stood behind their chairs, and pointedly looked at Kathryn.
Kathryn's eyes went wide at the insinuation that she provide the toast.
"I've made the toast the last 7 years in a row, can't I have a break?!" Kathryn wined, garnering chuckled from her former crew.
"How about you, Seven?" Irene interjected warmly and placed her hand on Seven's back.
Seven looked at her aunt and fell into an old habit of fidgeting and flicking her eye's about nervously.
"You got this." Irene whispered. Her hand still resting on the center of Sevens lean back.
Seven took a shaky breath and looked around at all the faces of her friends, her family. Everyone of them was her family. Her collective. Feeling a strength of character rise up inside her she tugged a smile onto her lips and raised her glass, pleased when all other glasses rose in unison.
"What is Success?" She looked around at every person and let herself feel her way through her task. "To laugh often and much; to win respect of intelligent people…" she looked at Kathryn, "and the affection of children," her eyes found Naomi and dipped her head in acknowledgment as Naomi's mile widened. "To earn the appreciation of honest critics," her gaze fell to B'elanna who chuckled warmly, "and endure the betrayal of false friends." She looked at the table full of food before her. "To appreciate the beauty; to find the best in others." She looked up at Tom who smiled, shaking his head. "To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or redeemed social condition." She met Gretchens eyes which sparkled. "To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived." She found Kathryn's eyes again, brimming with unshed tears. Joy evident on every wrinkle, freckle and dimple. "This is to have succeeded."
"Very well done." Irene removed her hand and moved her glass to cling with Sevens.
"Here. Here!" Admiral Paris bellowed, breaking the comfortable silence as he held his glass higher and shoved it towards Tom, prompting every to cheer and clink their glasses as with as many as they could reach.
Seven held her glass still in front of her, her other hand somehow had become enveloped by petite, long fingers that had tightly intertwined with her own. Her eyes still locked on Kathryn's, her tears now falling unchecked down roses cheeks. Seven moved her glass towards Kathryn as she turned to face the powerful being beside her.
"Happy Thanksgiving, Captain Kathryn Janeway, of the Federation Starship Voyager." She clinked their glasses as she leaned in and kissed the tears away, one by one.
"Hey you two, Get a room!" Tom's tipsy slurred words garnered him a force 10 Janeway glare as Admiral Paris kicked his ankle hard. "Sorry." He offered sheepishly, rubbing his ankle with his other foot.
"Shall we eat?" Irene broken the Ice again. "This looks Amazing, Gretchen! Thank you for having me."
"Oh, think nothing of it, you're family." Gretchen softly said as everyone took their seats.
Everyone ate in companionable silence, their mouths too full and busy with the delicious food.
"What's that?!" Naomi's voice drew everyone attention to find the child pointing at the window.
Kathryn Gasped, taking in the sight of gently falling, powder white balls of varying sizes outside the large picture window.
"SNOW!" Phoebe shouted.
"Snow?" Naomi turned to Phoebe, who nodded excitedly. "I've read about it, but its nothing like I'd ever pictured." Naomi turned back to the window.
"It's beautiful!" Samantha grinned, running her fingers through her daughters strawberry locks. Her eyes fixed on the floating ice outside.
"Let's finish dinner," Gretchen called everyone's attention back to their meal. "When we are done, perhaps Phoebe can show Naomi what makes snow so wonderful."
"You got it!" Phoebe winked at Naomi what was visibly trembling with excitement. Both of them redoubling their efforts to finish their plates. Which they did, long before anyone else.
"Don't be to rough!" Kathryn shouted at the retreating duo. Everyone laughing at the 5 year old and 35 year old who seemed to have absolutely no age gap at he moment.
Their shrieks and amazed yelps started drawing others to speed up their chewing, eager to join them.
————————————————————————————————
Kathryn fell backwards, a snowball having landed squarely on her forehead, straight as aboard into a plush pile of snow. Harry held his breath, unsure of himself until he heard a throaty laughter from somewhere deep inside the snow that had enveloped his Captain.
"Heads up!" Harry heard B'elanna shout as another snow ball impacted the back of his head and he fell forward.
"Serves ya right!" Kathryn chuckled as she stood up, shaking the snow off her jacket and pants. "Thanks, Lanna!" She called out, ducking just in time to avoid a poorly made, slow snowball. Kathryn put her hands on her hips and turned towards Naomi who was pouting. Kathryn raised an eye brow and strode towards the child with a commanding ere. Naomi looked a little concerned, but kept her gaze locked on the Captains.
"Naomi Wildman." The child swallowed. "Did you throw that at your Captains head?" Kathryn pointed at the small heap of snow loosely laying near where she had been standing. Naomi nodded.
When Naomi thought she couldn't stand the anticipation anymore, Kathryn smiled and knelt down in front of her. "Here!" She grabbed the child's hands and expertly showed her how to make the perfect snow ball. Naomi held the tightly packed, perfectly rounded, efficient ball in her mittened hand and beamed up at Kathryn. "Over there." Kathryn whispered and pointed to Tuvok who was standing on the porch, watching the group of giggling starfleet officers romping in the snow. With a wink and a nod from her captain, Naomi reared back and put all her force into heaving it towards the stoic Vulcan.
Tuvok felt a cold sting on his neck as the air around him exploded in a white confetti. Shocked, but showing no outward sign of anything resembling an emotion, he unclasped his hands from behind his back and calmly descended the steps towards the hysterical laughter of Naomi, and his oldest friend.
"You realize, of course, this means war." Before Kathryn or Naomi knew what happened, they found themself quickly bombarded by snowball after snowball. Their laughter only growing as they tried in vein to shield themselves from the Vulcans onslaught of fodder. between blows, Kathryn thought she saw the hint of a smile on his face, and mischief twinkled in his eyes.
Seven had been watching all the commotion from a distance, a little farther into the darkness of the night. She watched Kathryn laugh freely and those around her enjoying each other as loved ones, not just a crew and Captain. This was what she was thankful for. She noted Gretchen and Irene stranding at the large picture window in the dinning room, looking out and smiling. Sharing a comment or two with each other. Kathryn and Tuvok had ceased their war and gave each other a hug, and Naomi ran off towards Phoebe who was trying to teach Tom and B'elanna how to make snow angels. unsuccessfully.
Tuvok returned to his place of guard on the deck and Seven realized Kathryn was watching her. When their eyes locked, Seven froze. Unable to move under the careful study of the woman she love. The woman she'd always loved. It was becoming breathtakingly obvious to her now.
Kathryn bent down and made quick work of the white powder. She stood after a moment and bounced a small snowball 3 times in her hand.
Seven smirked. Accepting the challenge.
Kathryn pulled her arm back and hurled the small white ball towards Seven, who didn't move an inch. The ball flying past her temple with a slight whoosh and landing with a plop about 20 feet behind her. Kathryns mouth hung open before she ran forward with an elated laugh.
Leaping through the air, feeling strong arms wrap around her waist and holding her tight. Seven spun them around a few times and dropped her to her feet, but did not let go. Kathryns arms around her shoulders tugged gently until Seven leaned down just enough for capture soft, cold lips with her own. It was a chaste kiss, but loaded with meaning.
"Do you know what I am thankful for?" Seven asked as their lips parted slightly, still sharing the same breath.
"What?" Kathryn's eye meeting Seven's gaze in wonder.
"This." Seven look away from Kathryns eye long enough to indicate the scene before her. "Family. Belonging. Being loved… Loving."
Kathryn smiled and laid her forehead against Sevens. "Me too. My Seven. Me too."