Howl
Part Ten of Ten
*

Kathryn spent the next few days thinking of what on Earth- so to speak- she would do with the information she now possessed.

She had some concern regarding Seven’s new single status. Would she be feeling tender? Were there wounds where Caela was concerned? Being broken up with almost always hurt, whether you were in love with someone else or not. Egos were easily bruised, was Seven feeling that way right now? Was it too soon to be thinking of Seven like this again? And the main thing Kathryn must remember; Seven had not yet told her that she and Caela were no longer a couple. To her knowledge, Seven hadn’t told anyone, nor had Caela.

It was a small ship when it came to gossip. Soon enough, people would notice they weren’t holding hands or kissing in the corridors.
 
Kathryn had thought about going right up to Seven, and confessing her own feelings. No, too confrontational. She thought about asking Seven to a little bistro in the holodeck. No, too many people around- even holograms- would be a less than desirable setting for Kathryn.

Finally, Kathryn decided she’d ask Seven to dinner. In her own quarters, where they could share a simple evening, and Kathryn could test the waters, feel out where Seven was at. She’d go into it without expectations and allow the evening to reveal the best course of action.

So now, she stood outside Astrometrics, staring at the door, still not sure how to go about her most frightening and perilous mission yet; asking Seven in to dinner.
 
I can’t count the number of hostile vessels I’ve blown to bits. I have faced down dozens of enemies, numerous dangerous species, and I’m standing here like-

The doors opened, and Seven stopped herself just before stepping right into Kathryn. Their eyes met in surprise, the small distance between them terribly obvious, and the heat of each other’s body apparent.

Each stepped back to give the other berth.

Kathryn smiled nervously, “Seven.”

“Captain.”

Kathryn immediately put on her casual approach, and stepped past Seven into Astrometrics. “May I see you inside, Seven?”

“Of course, Captain.” Seven followed Kathryn back inside. She stood at attention, while Kathryn took a glance at the latest data.

“I see you’ve been hard at work.”

“Yes, Captain.” Seven waited, unsure yet why Kathryn had asked her back into Astrometrics. “Is this why you came to Astrometrics? To see the data?”

Kathryn turned to her, leaned back on the main console, hands behind her. “Now, Seven, when did I ever need a reason to come to Astrometrics?”

Seven had no answer. She saw the gleam in the Captain’s Eye, and came up with one. “This is your ship. You need no reason.”

Kathryn had to turn away. She thought her face would be turning red, somehow. She feigned interest in the rust colored planet on the main imaging display. She turned attention to the data display, and scrolled through the data. “I’m sorry we haven’t had the opportunity to see each other much lately.”

Seven had moved to stand next to Kathryn. “I am sorry I haven’t been available.”

“It’s understandable.” Kathryn faced her, concerned she would push too far.

Seven seemed to know what Kathryn was thinking. “Caela and I are no longer seeing each other in an intimate capacity.” She turned to the console now. “I will have more time to pursue our friendship, Kathryn.”

“Oh-“ Kathryn pretended to not have known. “I’m sorry about you and Caela. Are you all right?”

Seven nodded.

“Please let me know if you’d like to talk about it.”

Seven nodded again.

Obviously, Seven didn’t want to talk about Caela. “Seven, I’d really like to make up for lost time. Would you like to come to my quarters tonight?”

Seven paused in her work, looked at Kathryn.

Kathryn spat out, “For dinner!” She knew her face was red this time.

Seven answered, “I would love to, Kathryn.”

“Great.” Kathryn dismissed herself quickly, and made her way to the door. “Eight o’clock? See you then!”

Seven stood in place after the doors closed. She couldn’t remember having ever seen Kathryn so nervous. It was really quite endearing, but why was she so nervous about having dinner in her quarters?

A date? Suddenly Seven felt a flutter in her stomach.

No. It was just dinner, between two friends. It seemed she was incorrect in the assumption that her relationship with Kathryn had been damaged. She was grateful for that. She had been on the way to the mess hall when she’s nearly run into Kathryn. Suddenly, she wasn’t feeling hungry.

*
 
Caela sat on the small sofa in her quarters, legs pulled up next to her, as Seven described the brief conversation, word for word. When Seven finished, Caela managed to smile.

“I’m very happy for you.” She said it, and it was the truth. “You’re very nervous.”

Seven nodded. “I do not know what to expect.” She paced to the opposite side of the small room. “I have not successfully dated anyone. And this is Kathryn.”

“Use your instinct.” Caela stood, and went to Seven. Her hand went to Seven’s face, in habit. She
stopped and pulled it back. “Relax, talk and laugh with Kathryn. Nature will take its course.”

Seven had expected Caela’s fingers to go to her cheek, stroke her skin. She was disappointed when Caela pulled her hand away. It occurred to her that this might be emotionally difficult for Caela. It was Caela who had severed the relationship, yet was exhibiting signs of unease. Seven would inquire.
 
“Are you uncomfortable with my being here now? And asking you about this?”

Caela didn’t answer at first. But she wouldn’t allow her sadness to ruin Seven’s evening. “I’m very glad you could come to me about this, Seven.”

Seven was relieved, and felt she could go on to the next inquiry. “Then, if I may ask…”

Caela waited, and when Seven had only stared down at the floor, she asked. “Yes?”

Seven’s big blue eyes were innocent, “I wish to be appealing to Kathryn.”
 
“Oh, I don’t think you could help that.” Caela smiled.

Seven looked down at herself. “She has seen me in all my suits. I wish to wear something different. Eye catching.”

“Ah.” Caela understood. “I see.”

“I have been looking at replicator patterns. Dresses.” Seven shyly asked, “Will you help me choose one?”

“Yes.” Caela answered, “I would be happy to.”

“I have only three hours to prepare.” Seven said, her eyes anxious but reserved. “Only three hours.”
 
“That will be more than enough time.” Caela said, “But we must be careful.”

Seven’s brow tensed. “Careful?”

This time Caela’s hand did touch Seven’s cheek, just for a moment. “You are already so beautiful. We don’t want to overwhelm the Captain.”

Seven’s cheek flushed a little. “Thank you, Caela.”

“Shall we have a look at those patterns now?”

*
 
Kathryn spent the hour before the date preparing her room and dressing. She had a small but simply elegant black dining table set out. In its center, two burgundy candles anointed with oil of rose and patchouli; she’d replicated the oil just for tonight. She had Neelix prepare a special meal including replicated lobster tail, and a desert of fruit sorbet with fresh strawberries as garnish.

With everything prepared, Kathryn dressed. She chose a black suit of velvet slacks with a snug camisole and a blouse of sheer black silk, worn open. Her shoes were basic black heels. She chose to wear her hair up, in a fashion similar to the way Seven wore hers. She opened a bottle of white wine to let it breathe.
 
The final touches would be in the ambiance. “Computer, dim lights by twenty percent.” The lights came down, and she chose her music. “Music selection, Delibes. Lakme, Sous le dôme Épais.  Reduce volume by twenty percent.”

The opera played, the women’s voices in harmony. Kathryn, pleased with the results of her preparation, sat at the table and waited.

In a moment, the door chime sounded and Kathryn grabbed the wine bottle. She took a quick swig, and dabbed at her lips with her fingers. She replaced the bottle on the table, gathered herself, and went to the door.

“Enter.”

The doors opened, and Seven stepped just inside the door frame.

Janeway’s mouth would have dropped had she been a woman of less self-control.

Seven stood at the entrance. She wore a sheer burgundy wrap over her shoulders. Her body hugging burgundy gown was floor length; spaghetti straps held it up, and it stretched tightly across the very ample cleavage that Seven now proudly displayed. Her shoes were a matching satin, and the pointy toes of the spiked high heels peeked out from beneath the gown, which flared out in a 1950’s style circlet. She wore a three string pearl choker around her throat; her hair was down, and hung in curls over her shoulders, softly, partially hanging over the brow implant.

A moment of silence, Kathryn thought. For the beauty before me, I am in awe.

Seven arched her natural brow. “Kathryn? Are you going to invite me in?”

“Oh, yes, of course!” Kathryn stepped aside, “Thanks for coming, Seven.”

She turned and watched as the blond beauty’s hips swayed beneath the revealing shimmer of her gown. Seven eyed Kathryn’s outfit. “A lovely ensemble, Kathryn.” She turned and nonchalantly removed her wrap. “Where may I put this?”

“Let me.” Kathryn took the wrap from Seven, and went to the closet. “Please, have a seat. Get comfortable.”

As Kathryn hung the wrap in a small closet, she laughed inside. And I was going to test the waters. I think the waters are testing me.

She turned back to Seven. Dinner was ready to be eaten. Seven was looking radiant and ravishing. Why did Kathryn suddenly have nothing to say?

*
 
“So, they’re together right now?” Chakotay sat on the opposite end of Caela’s sofa. “You seem to be handling it very well.”

Caela nodded, her hands wrapping around one knee. “I want her to be happy.” She gestured toward the bowl of seeds on the table in front of them. “Please indulge.”

Chakotay wouldn’t have thought of eating seeds as indulging, but sure. “What kind of seeds are these?”

“They’re a hybrid.” Caela said, “I crossed an Earth plant; sunflower, and a Talaxian pod vine.”

Chakotay popped a few of the sweet green seeds into his mouth. “You’re amazing.” They tasted like chocolate, with a touch of mint. “Wow. You really are.”

“How so?”

“I don’t think I need to spell it out.” Chakotay smiled, and rested back into the cushions, and let his eyes linger in the vast green of Caela’s. “You look nice tonight.”

She feigned nonchalance. “I’m wearing the same thing I wear everyday. Same hair, same everything.”

He could see she was teasing. “He threw a seed at her and it bounced off her cheekbone.

“Not fair!” She grabbed a handful of seeds and poised to toss them at Chakotay. “Close your eyes, my lovely shaman, or you shall surely be blinded!”

He raised his hands, “NO…. Don’t even!”

A dozen seeds bounced off his face.

*
 
At the table, Seven and Kathryn sat across from each other, and made small talk about the ship’s systems. Kathryn wanted to talk about something else, but there was a small tension in the room. As if they each felt some kind of pressure to have a good time.

The food was delicious, and they’d settled into the main course.

Seven finished her lobster, and set her fork down next to her plate. She looked at the empty plate, seemingly exacerbated. “This is inefficient.”

Kathryn set her fork down. “What is?”

Seven gathered the napkin from her lap, folded it neatly and set it on the table. Her eyes met Kathryn’s. “Kathryn, do you desire me?”

Kathryn was pleasantly shocked at how the question had not taken her off guard. Somewhere inside she’d been waiting for it. “Yes, Seven, I do.” Kathryn let the smoldering blue eyes hold her gaze.

Seven nodded, stood. “And I desire you. I would like to make love to you. Now.”

Now that did shock her. Kathryn’s eyes traveled up the voluptuous form before her, and knew she had to resist this, or she would not forgive herself.

“Wait, Seven-“

Seven’s brow quirked. “You desire me, yet you hesitate?”

Kathryn motioned to Seven. “Please, sit.”

Seven did so, and Kathryn almost had to smile at the adorably perplexed expression on Seven’s face.

“Seven.” Kathryn’s hand reached across the small table, and Seven’s hand met it in the center. “There is almost nothing I would like more than to make love with you.” The mere thought was taking her breath.
“But the one thing I want more than that is you.”

“Explain, please.”

Kathryn would take the chance, “I want to share things with you. Thoughts, words. I want to share time with you and all that entails.” She paused. “I would like to attempt a relationship. Take the next step beyond friendship.”

“And you wish it to be void of sex?”

“No.” Kathryn  answered. “But for me, sex comes after other intimacies have been established. I learned a long time ago not to rush into sex. Do you understand?”

Seven thought about it for a moment. “Yes.” She released Kathryn’s hand and laid her napkin back in her lap. “Then the evening is not inefficient.’ Seven said, “It is a date?”

“A date.” Kathryn said. “I hope one of many?”

“I would like that.” She inquired, “What comes next on our date? All the data I have analyzed does not give me the advantage. I have found, when it comes to human relationships, experience is the best teacher.”

“We talk.” Kathryn offered, “About many things. And there’s dessert.”

Seven eyed the strawberries. “I would have enjoyed using the berries. Sexually.” She looked at Kathryn. “Another time, perhaps?” Seven’s face was serious, but her eyes glinted mischievously.

Kathryn cleared her throat nervously, and smiled. “Humor?”

Seven smiled back. “Humor.”

Kathryn released the breath she held; she went about clearing the dishes, and set the deserts in their proper places. Just when I thought it was safe to go back in the water…
 
Chakotay had pinned Caela to the floor after a short wrestling match. She was laughing so hard she couldn’t speak.

“I win!” He shouted, straddling her, his arms in the air.

“Only- because-“ She tried to catch her breath, still laughing. “I let you!” She moved quickly, and soon he was beneath her.

“Not fair!” Chakotay laughed, “You have supernatural strength!”

“And super regenerative powers. According to the Doctor.” Caela said, pinning his arms above his head, straddling his hips. She looked down at his face. “You knew going in!”

Their laughter died down a little.

“Uncle.” He said, his eyes locked on hers.

“Uncle?” She knew the word, but didn’t know why he used it now.

“It means I give in.” Chakotay said. He could smell the sweet natural fragrance of her hair as it hung
down near his face.

“I am the victor!” Caela said, throwing her arms in the air. She laughed, and felt the surge of desire that he had failed to hold back. She looked down at him, and sheepishly she grinned, moving aside so that she was no longer sitting on him. “Sorry.”

“It’s okay.” He said, staring up at the ceiling, his arms still above his head. “It’s okay.”

She held her hand out. “Here, I’ll help you stand.”

“No, that’s all right.” He waved his hand, chuckled. “Just give me a moment.”

Realizing what he’d meant, Caela’s hands slapped over her face. She turned bright red.
They both burst out laughing.

*
 
Seven and Kathryn had moved to the sofa, each with a glass of wine. The desert had been delicious fare, but as Kathryn ate her berries, her mind ran wild with images of what Seven could do with one….

Now, they sat close enough to each other so that their hands clasped across the back of the sofa, and Kathryn finished the story she had been telling Seven. “And then he asked me to marry him.”

“And you consented.”

“As you know.” Kathryn sipped her wine.

“Were you hurt by the loss of that relationship?”

“Yes”, Kathryn said, loving the feel of Seven’s hand in hers. “But I was also relieved.”

Seven set her wine glass on the table, and brought Kathryn’s hand down between both of her own. “Relieved?”

Kathryn didn’t dare say it. Not yet. “It released me from a promise I couldn’t keep.”

“Of course.” Seven said. “Because of the distance between Voyager and Earth. He could not have expected you to keep a vow of engagement.”

“Nor I him.” Kathryn said, her fingers warm and safe in Seven’s hands. She paused for a moment in the feel of it. She was here, in her quarters with Seven of Nine. Finally, they had come together. At least this far.

Seven enjoyed the silence now as well. She watched Kathryn’s steel blue eyes, wondered what Kathryn was thinking.

Kathryn looked up to find Seven smiling pleasantly at her. “What?”

Seven blinked, her hands brought Kathryn’s fingers to her mouth. She very lightly kissed them, and held them against her face, her eyes closed. “I have waited so long to be here with you.”

Kathryn steadied herself, and set her wine glass next to Seven’s. “Me, too. Seven.” She let her free hand reach up and touch the blond curls at Seven’s shoulder. “You look so lovely tonight. I don’t think I told you.”

“No, you did not.” Seven said, “But I thought, by the look on your face, that I pleased you.”

“Oh, yes.” Kathryn said, as Seven brought her hand back into her lap. “You always do.”
Borg hands had both of Kathryn’s now, and Seven shyly gazed up at Kathryn. “May I be candid?”

Kathryn nodded. “Always.”

She would never tire of the new longing and lingering looks she and Seven now freely exchanged.
Seven spoke quietly. “I thought perhaps my relationship with Caela had damaged our friendship. Yet, it is because of her that I am here now.”

“How’s that?”

“She gave me the confidence to do this.” Seven looked into Kathryn’s eyes for just a moment. She gently pressed her lips to Kathryn’s, eyes closing, as their lips gently brushed; at first, tentatively.

Kathryn closed her eyes, meeting the kiss, and letting Seven’s tongue gently part her lips as its tip played along Kathryn’s mouth. Seven kissed her again, this time more firmly, her hands still in Kathryn’s, and the feel of Kathryn’s tongue meeting hers causing her heart to race.

Seven kissed her lightly again, brushing Kathryn’s lips a few more times before she pulled away. She remained close, her hands on Kathryn’s again, and she breathed in her own arousal. She shyly asked, “Was that acceptable?”

Kathryn was speechless. Nothing like that had ever… no one had ever… She swallowed her bliss, could only nod and move closer to Seven. She reached her hands up to hold Seven’s face as she pressed her lips to Seven’s this time.

This was everything she dreamed it would be. This was everything she’d wanted that Mark could never give her.

*
 
“You okay?”

Chakotay, still on the floor, propped himself on his side. He watched Caela as she lay on the floor with one arm draped over her eyes.

She nodded, “Yes, it’s all right… it will pass.”

“Is it the change?” Chakotay peeked at her sensor. Nothing.

She sighed, brought her arm down over her stomach. “No. Seven is-“ Caela stopped. “Nothing. I don’t
want to talk about it, I should try not to think about it.”

“You can feel what she’s feeling right now, can’t you?” Chakotay asked. “Caela… that’s terrible. I can’t imagine how you must feel.”

“It’s all right, Chakotay.” Caela said, “I’m very aware of her, that’s all. The awareness will fade… I think.”

“Let’s get your mind off it.” He said, while she propped herself onto her side to face him. “You know. I bet Tuvok could help you learn to control and develop your empathic abilities.”

“You think so?” Caela considered it. “I should ask him… but he intimidates me like crazy.”

Chakotay chuckled, “Spending time with Naomi lately?”

Caela smiled. ”Yes.” She bit her lower lip in thought. “Chakotay, I have a problem.” She moved her long hair so that it would all hang behind her. “When I told Seven I had to find a mate… that lie was a bad idea. I didn’t see any other way, but now… soon she’ll begin to wonder who I’ve asked. I don’t want to lie to her anymore, but I can’t tell her the truth.”

“So, ask someone.”

“And they’ll turn me down, and I can tell her they did?” Caela thought about it. “Can you imagine Harry’s face? If I asked him?” She laughed. “I really have no interest…. That’s the problem.”

“You have no desire for anyone else, but does that mean you have to be alone? Does that mean you can’t allow desire to be aroused?” Chakotay paused. “You said that among your people, friends enjoyed each other’s bodies. Maybe you can find someone on the ship. You might never love them the way you love Seven. But you can still enjoy yourself, and have good times with another.”

Caela was impressed that he wasn’t referring to himself. Chakotay just wanted to make the suggestion.
He went on. “This isn’t your tribe, maybe things will be different here.”

Caela saw the genuine respect and concern in Chakotay’s face. “Maybe. Maybe they will.”

*
 
Seven had leaned over Kathryn, kissing her against the arm of the sofa, one hand behind Kathryn’s head, the other on the outside of Kathryn’s camisole.  She squeezed and stroked Kathryn’s breasts, and

Kathryn allowed this much contact. The dress she’d chosen made the maneuver difficult, but she persevered.

Kathryn was lost in the kisses, her leg wrapping around Seven who was incredibly well versed in the fine art of making out. Kathryn had wanted to talk more… and quickly left that idea behind.

Seven pulled back to kiss Kathryn’s neck now and then, to take in her scent, to see the look of arousal on her face. This was gratifying. Waiting for sex had its benefits, Seven realized. The building of tension over time would surely serve to create a more satisfying sexual event.

Some time had passed, the candles had burned down, and Kathryn and Seven lay in each other’s arms on the sofa, still fully clothed. They were quiet now, knowing they’d have to end the evening soon. It was late, they each had work in the morning.

Seven kissed Kathryn’s cheek. “I don’t wish to leave.” She said.

“You don’t have to.” Kathryn said, “You can sleep with me tonight, just sleep. It would be nice.”

Seven closed her eyes, rested her head on Kathryn’s. “I will.” She could feel Kathryn’s heart beating. “Kathryn. May I be candid once more?”

Kathryn nodded, her eyes closed as she listened.

Seven held her lips close to Kathryn’s ear, and she whispered. “I love you Kathryn Janeway.”

A smile spread across Kathryn’s face. She looked into Seven’s eyes. “I love you. Seven of Nine.”

*

End Ten of Ten.