Voyager was home; landing on earth in San Francisco near Starfleet Headquarters. The crew would disembark in a few minutes. There would be a celebration where they would rejoin their families and loved ones. They would leave Voyager and would go on with their lives.

Kathryn wondered if anyone would be waiting for Seven. Admiral Janeway’s fateful words still rang in her ears. Seven will die ... in the arms of her husband ... Chakotay ... he will never will be the same ... neither will you. Why did the idea of Chakotay and Seven being together hurt so bad? She had feelings for Seven; she knew it well, perhaps to well. But had never taken the time to explorer them. She took more time avoiding them. But now wasn’t the time to think about it.

The airlock opened; her crew left Voyager. She was the last. She looked for her mother and her sister. Two redheads; one with more grey than red. Suddenly, she was standing in front of them. No words were spoken, and then she was in their arms. After a few moments, words began to tumble out. "Missed you so much”…”don't ever go away’…”love you..."

After a while Kathryn looked for Seven. She stood near Chakotay and his family; close, but separate. Chakotay did not appear to remember she was there, did not try to involve her in the talk with his family. She stood at his side like a trophy. Her face showed no trace of the emotions that surely swirled within her. She observed the whole scene. Then quietly, she turned around and went back to Voyager, the track of a single tear on her cheek.

Telling her mother and sister she would meet them at home shortly, she followed Seven. Instinctively, she knew where to look for the beautiful ex-drone. Cargo Bay two. Seven was sitting on the dais of her Borg alcove, crying. Kathryn sat next to Seven, gently wrapping her arm around Seven’s shoulder. Hesitantly Seven buried her head in Kathryn’s shoulder, wrapped her arms around Kathryn and clung to her. As her sobs eased, she began to speak.

"All he said was ‘this is Seven, my fiancée’. Then it was like I didn’t exist. He didn’t introduce his family to me, didn’t hold my hand. He acted like I wasn’t there."

Kathryn was shocked. She could not believe how foolish and self-centered her first officer had been. Even in the joy of reuniting with family, he should have remembered how unnerving their return to earth would be for Seven. She hugged Seven tightly and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

"I’ll be here for you. I’ll always be here for you.” Gently, she rubbed Seven’s back, soothing the young woman. The tension in Seven’s body slowly eased in the warmth of Kathryn’s arms. Seven raised her head and looked into the captain’s grey-blue eyes. Every emotion she had ever longed to see in the eyes of a lover was reflected in them.

"You once promised to take me to your home. May I go there with you now?” Kathryn’s crooked grin was all the answer she required.

A half hour later the transporter re-materialized them on street in front of Kathryn’s San Francisco home. Somehow, Gretchen and Phoebe had kept it ready and waiting for her return. They stood in front of the house, taking it all in.

"This is a nice place," Seven said, somewhat unsure of herself. Kathryn took her hand and led her inside the house where Gretchen and Phoebe Janeway waited.

“Mom, Phoebe…this is Seven of Nine. She’s going to be staying with us.”

Gretchen Janeway spoke first. "Kathryn wrote so much about you. We’re so very glad you were with her and helped her so much. Welcome home, Seven." She smiled the same smile Seven loved on Kathryn and wrapped Seven in a hug. Phoebe stepped up, grinning and joined her, wrapping her arms around them both. Seven felt her eyes tear up again; she had not expected this kind of welcome. Kathryn stood by and grinned, watching her mother and sister welcome Seven into the family.

Gretchen, ever the mother, moved first. “I’m so happy all my girls are home again. Come on, you three, it’s time for dinner.” They walked into the dining room together, and Seven was surprised to see the table set for four. How did they know?

Kathryn seemed to feel Sevens unspoken question. "My mother knows a lot of things about me, some of which I don't even realize."

They sat together and had dinner. They talked and shared Kathryn’s and Seven's adventures. There was laughter, understanding, sometimes tears, but all the time there was an ease and understanding. It seemed they were only separated for a couple of days and not seven years.

"Mom, I’m stuffed," Kathryn said finally, laying her fork down.

"The meal was acceptable," commented Seven.

"Thank you Seven. I know that’s a compliment." Gretchen Janeway smiled. "But I have some dessert. We can take it in the living room with some coffee."

Kathryn stood up to clear the table. "Oh no you don’t. I promised Mom that I’d clear tonight." Phoebe said.

"Okay, then I’ll show Seven the rest of the house."

Kathryn reached for Sevens hand and took her upstairs.

"I want to show you something," she said and pulled Seven onto the balcony off her bedroom. The view was breathtaking. They could see the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.

"I dreamt so often of this view.”

"It is beautiful, Kathryn. Are you sure you want to share this with me?" Seven asked.

"I want to share everything with you." Kathryn’s simple statement held deep meaning. She hoped that Seven would understand.

"Thank you." Seven could feel the heat of Kathryn’s nearness. She could hear Kathryn’s breathing. She looked her straight in the eyes and took her in her arms, reacting on instinct alone.

Kathryn wrapped herself in Seven; her body, her heat, her entire being. Lost herself in Seven’s arms. But only for a moment. A moment that seemed an eternity…an important moment. For it was in that moment that Kathryn Janeway realized for the first time how very much she loved Seven of Nine.