"Seven... I'm so sorry..." she began

"...You have deceived me." Seven interrupted, hurt, "You do not return my feelings."

If Kathryn had trouble deciding what to do about this situation before, then Seven had just decided for her. She couldn't hold back any longer, Captain or not. Rushing towards the younger woman in a surge of emotion, she cupped her face with both hands and caught her gaze head on.

"Seven, I would never deceive you. I never wanted to hurt you, but please, understand..." she searched Seven's eyes as she spoke, unsure of what she was looking for, "I never for a second believed that you might feel this way! I was... I am... confused, but I handled it badly."

Seven's lips parted slowly, and a new expression crossed her face.

Relief.

"Please, Captain," Seven begged, leaning into her touch, "love me..."

Kathryn smiled, a tear escaping her tired eyes. She pulled Seven into a tight embrace, once again resting her head on the blonde woman's shoulder. She began mentally recording this moment, savouring the feel of Seven's arms enveloping her.

"I will comply." she whispered.

Kathryn shifted position, a little awkwardly, and brought herself face to face with Seven. Closing her eyes, she gingerly traced the outline of her lips, applying only the slightest pressure, before parting them with the tip of her tongue, and probing softly. Seven responded tentatively, surprised at how sweet Kathryn tasted, the delicate softness of her skin. She parted her lips further, allowing her access to push her tongue slightly deeper, to explore her mouth with short, sharp flicks. Seven placed her hands at the small of her back, before trailing her fingertips over the curve of her spine, feeling the smoothness of her shoulders beneath her starfleet uniform. Finally she pushed her fingers into Kathryn's thick, auburn mane, grasping the hair in her hands. Kathryn gasped, responding passionately. She covered Seven's mouth with her own, crushing their lips together almost painfully, as Seven took her lower lip between her teeth, biting, pulling at it, hard enough to feel, not enough to hurt.

Kathryn pulled back slightly, breaking off the kiss, but not the embrace. Breathing heavily into, and against the younger woman's mouth, she looked at her, and smiled. Seven gazed back at her, taking in the sultry expression her Captain wore through half-lidded eyes. She leaned in, devouring Kathryn' s mouth, pressing her body against her as she felt heat rising at her core. Feeling her knees weaken, Kathryn clutched at her shoulders, hoping to God that she didn't fall, that nothing would end this moment...

"Bridge to the Captain," came Chakotay's familiar burr, "You're late for duty. Anything wrong?"

"Dammit!" Kathryn yelled, pulling back, before tapping the commbadge on her chest, "On my way, Commander."

"Acknowledged."

"Seven, I have to go, but um... would you, maybe..."

"I am also late reporting for duty, Captain. This will look... suspicious, to the other crewmembers."

Kathryn quickly crossed over to her bathroom as she spoke, and proceeded to splash water onto her face, tidying her hair as she did so.

"Oh, I'm sure they won't think too much of it this once... but we can talk about this later, perhaps... over dinner?"

"I will report back at 1800 hours."

Kathryn laughed as she dried her face. Walking back over to Seven, she grabbed her meshed hand and gave it an affectionate squeeze.

"It's not an order, Seven. I'd just like to spend this evening in your company, if you would like to."

"Then... I accept your invitation. Gladly."

"But, now this is an order, Seven. And I want you to abide by it."

"Yes, Captain?"

"When we are off duty, you are to call me 'Kathryn'."

Seven gave her usual half smile, once again raising her cortical implant as she considered the Captain's words.

"Yes... Kathryn."

"Okay then, let's get to work!"

She leaned up and gave Seven a quick peck on the cheek, before the doors to her quarters opened and both women filed out to their respective posts. As they parted ways, Seven raised a hand to her face, touching the area that Kathryn had kissed. Smiling softly, she made her way to Astrometrics.

Kathryn rushed to the bridge, quickly crossing over to the Captain's chair.

"Captain on the bridge" called Ensign Kim.

"As you were." Kathryn replied, before anyone had really had chance to stand to attention.

As she sat down, Chakotay eyed her quizzically.

"So," he smiled, "It's been a while since you were late for duty. As I remember, last time this happened, it was down to a certain holodeck program."

"Chakotay!" she laughed, blushing crimson, "I can assure you that 'Katy O' Claire' had no hand in this... not that I should have to tell you the ins and outs of my personal life."

"True, but you do have to give me a good excuse for being late," he teased, leaning forwards on the arm of his chair, "plus, I want to know why you're glowing like that. So... go ahead!"

Still laughing, she raised a hand and lightly wagged a finger at her second-in-command.

"Ah, well, Chakotay... this is one of the benefits of being Captain. No-one to have to answer to!"

Chakotay giggled, and she flashed a wicked smile in his direction.

"Okay, okay, I submit!" he grinned, "but whatever it is, I'm certainly glad of it. With all due respect, Captain, it's about time you had a little fun!"

(It certainly is...)

"Maybe you're right, Commander."

Smiling, she settled herself comfortably, and looked up at the viewscreen.