Lullaby
 

Kathryn returned to her quarters very late in the Beta shift, longing for a hot bath and a snuggle with Seven. Months had passed since the young woman had moved in and though Kathryn had had some trepidation over the arrangement, the benefits far outweighed the costs, in her mind.

As the doors to their suite hissed open, she was surprised to see the lights were on at low illumination in the living area. When she was late, it was Seven's habit to merely wait for her in the bedroom. She then heard the sweetest of melodies accompany tenderly sung words.

It is late and dreams call to you.
Run to them, go to them,
See what you can see.

Games and other children
Wait for you, want you to
See what you can see.

I will wait behind your dreams
Holding you, loving you.
See what you can see.

Kathryn's eyes welled with tears at the sight before her. Cradled in Seven's arms was the lanky, sleeping form of Metzoti, the young girl Voyager had rescued from an ailing Borg Sphere. She knew the three other boys also rescued from the sphere were important to Seven, but seeing Seven enveloped around the young girl made Kathryn certain that there was a special bond between them.

Kathryn moved quietly over to the pair. Reaching out and stroking Seven's hair, she whispered.

"Couldn't sleep?"

Seven merely shook her head. The love for the girl Seven revealed was testing Kathryn's emotional control. If she had ever questioned the depth of love and tenderness of the young woman, those doubts were as soundly put to rest, as was the girl.

Kathryn waved her hand toward the bedroom suggesting Seven put Metzoti in their bed. A questioning glance from Seven was answered.

"I'll just have another brought up from storage. It'll be smaller…but cozy." Kathryn smiled warmly.

Cradling her cargo, Seven stood. Leaning in toward Kathryn, she pressed her lips tenderly and quietly against Kathryn's. Then she leaned her forehead against the redhead's, whispering, "Thank you." Both knowing those small words spoke volumes for which to be thankful.

Watching Seven carry the young girl to bed, Kathryn felt her heart swell and not for the first time she counted herself so very lucky.