A New Year's Outing

Janeway strolled through the corridors of the ship, almost bouncing on the balls of her feet. She whistled one Christmas carol after another, smiling and speaking to everyone she saw. What an absolutely wonderful day. Brunch, presents, sledding. Nothing can top the day I've had, she thought.

She entered her quarters, tossing her coat on a chair. The rooms were lit as they had been the night before – low and intimate. Janeway carefully looked around the room, trying to spot any unopened gifts. I wonder where she put my present? she pondered

"Seven?" she called out tentatively.

"In here, Kathryn."

She cautiously walked into her bedroom. The only illumination was strings of lights hung on the windows. Seven lay on the bed wearing her red nightshirt. Unlike the night before, she had provocatively unbuttoned the top few buttons, displaying more than a hint of cleavage.

"One last present to unwrap, Kathryn."

Seven's voice was low – lower and huskier than Janeway had ever heard. A shiver ran down her spine, settling with warmth between her legs.

"Seven..."

"Kathryn, last night you informed me that we would make love soon. I have deemed tonight... soon enough."

"Seven, are you absolutely sure about this?" Please say 'yes', Janeway silently pleaded. I don't think I have the strength to say 'no' one more night.

"Based upon everything I have read and observed, it would seem that the logical progression for two people in love would be to... make love."

Janeway's agreement was silent as she sat on the bed, holding out her hand. Seven took it, slid across the covers and rose up to sit beside her.

"Do you have any idea how hard it was for me to keep my hands off of you today?" Janeway murmured, kissing Seven's neck, her hands slipping about the tiny waist.

"But you did not, Kathryn." Janeway backed off and raised an eyebrow. "On several occasions, you touched my arm. And when we were... sledding, you had your arms about my waist four times." She continued. "Also, twice your hands were on my back when you propelled me down the hill."

"Then let me correct myself," Janeway replied, a wry smile on her face. "Do you know hard it was for me not to kiss you or hold you close like this?"

She pulled Seven tight against her body and kissed her as passionately as she could, leaving them both gasping for air a few minutes later.

"How hard was it?" Seven asked.

"Damn near impossible," Janeway growled, and she drew Seven close for yet another kiss.

She gradually moved one hand up from Seven's hip to the swell of her breast. Slowly, she cautioned herself. Slowly. Just because you haven't touched anyone in five years doesn't mean you can just jump right in. This is Seven's first time. You don't want to scare her off.

She gently cupped her hand about Seven's breast, relishing the way it filled her palm. Seven inhaled sharply, but her lips remained pressed to Janeway's. How long have I wanted this... how long have I wanted to touch her, Janeway thought.

"Do you know what we're about to do, what's going to happen, Seven?" she whispered, nibbling at Seven's throat.

"I am familiar with the mating habits of... many species." Seven was astonished that she could not be precise, but the action of Janeway's hand was increasingly distracting. "But I find myself... unprepared for the experience..."

"I'm sure you'll be fine," she assured Seven.

She eased Seven backward onto the bed, then paused. The younger woman's eyes widened as Janeway quickly shed her clothes. She sat back on her heels, facing Seven.

"Do you like what you see, Seven?"

"You are beautiful, Kathryn... you are... perfection."

"I wouldn't go that far," she smiled, shifting her body so that she was stretched out beside Seven. "But thank you all the same."

As she returned to kissing Seven's full lips, she further unbuttoned Seven's nightshirt. Once she had it opened to Seven's waist, she slipped her hand inside the soft material and began to caress Seven's breasts once again. Beautiful. Just magnificent, she thought.

"Kathryn... that is..."

"Do you like it when I touch you there, Seven?"

"Very much," she blurted out, then she relaxed. "Your touch... is very... pleasurable..."

"Good, good. I'm glad. I want you to be... pleased by my touches."

And a few other things I'd like to do, she thought. She left a trail of kisses and short nips along Seven's neck and collarbone as she worked her way downward. Oh, yes, she sighed as her lips closed over a stiff, pinkish brown nipple. She felt Seven's body arch slightly up as she combined a gentle suckling with a flick of her tongue. So beautiful, so soft, so exciting, Janeway thought as her body responded. How could I have waited so long?

She dropped a hand to Seven's thigh. As it crept upward underneath the red flannel nightshirt, it brushed against a Borg implant. She lightened her touch until it was feathery soft when it reached the small thatch of dark blond hair.

Seven suddenly sat up, her legs pressed tight together. She almost looked embarrassed as she pushed Janeway's hand away.

"What is happening to me?" she exclaimed, shoving a startled Janeway aside.

"Seven, what's wrong?"

"I... I am malfunctioning, Captain... I must go..."

Seven rose from the bed, pulling her nightshirt together. She was as close to panicking as Janeway had ever seen her.

"Seven!"

Janeway's voice was sharp, grabbing the young woman's scattered thoughts and helping her focus. Her grip on Seven's arm was firm. Seven stopped in mid-flight from the bed.

"Seven," she repeated, but her voice was gentler, loving. "You're not malfunctioning. It's normal. Your body is just responding to its arousal."

"I am aroused?"

"I certainly hope so," Janeway said with a throaty chuckle.

"And this... my body's response... it is normal?"

"Yes."

"And do you... does your body respond similarly?"

Janeway's reply was to take Seven's hand and guide it between her legs. "See for yourself, darling," she said.

Seven's touch was hesitant, almost shy, as her fingers found the moisture between Janeway's legs.

"You became aroused... before I even touched you..." she stated.

"Touching you, Seven, gives me pleasure, excites me..." she whispered against Seven's neck. "How does it feel, how do you feel, when you touch me?"

"I feel... love... desire..."

Seven's explorations became bolder, causing sweet torture for Janeway. The Borg part of her brain observed and noted her actions and her partner's responses. The human part of her brain and body responded to Janeway's erratic breathing, the rise and fall of her small breasts, the way she looked up at Seven through half-lidded eyes.

"Kathryn..."

She silenced Seven with a deep kiss, her hips moving against Seven's fingers. Her grip tightened around Seven's wrist.

"Inside..." Janeway groaned into Seven's mouth. "Put your fingers inside..."

Seven could not refuse this order from the Captain. As she slowly slid her fingers inside, Janeway's hips rose to meet them.

"Oh, yes," she exhaled, her arms about Seven's back. "Yes, Seven..."

Instinct, or possibly some small piece of forgotten assimilated data guided Seven. Somehow she just knew how and where to touch the smaller woman. And her partner's responses, both loud and soft, intelligible and guttural only served to inflame Seven's desire.

"I love you, Kathryn..." she whispered, the pace of her fingers quickening.

"Seven..." She gasped, a leg wrapped around Seven. Her hips bucked up against the younger woman.

It's happening too fast, I can't stop it, Janeway thought. But it's been so long... and she feels so good. Suddenly all thoughts vanished and she was overcome by the passion and love she felt. The strength of them overwhelmed her and she sobbed once, clutching Seven tightly.

Seven slowly stilled the motion of her fingers, letting Janeway's responses lead her. Her intuition told her to wait, to be gentle. She leaned over and tenderly kissed the tears that coursed down Janeway's cheeks.

Once she felt she had returned to the land of the living, Janeway finally opened her tear filled eyes and was caught directly in Seven's concerned gaze.

"I loved you," Seven said softly, her face and voice filled with wonder.

"Yes, you did," Janeway replied, "and very well, I might add." She smiled and drew Seven's face down for gentle, loving kiss. "I love you," she said.

"I love you as well, Kathryn."

Janeway noticed the unasked question in Seven's eyes. "Seven?"

"You will love me now?" Seven asked, her voice unexpectedly hoarse.

"Oh, yes, Seven... I want so very much to love you now..." she replied, rolling them both over so that she lay on top of Seven. "But first..."

She finished unbuttoning Seven's nightshirt, pulling it open.

"You're beautiful, Seven... all of you..." she whispered.

She began with soft, deep kisses designed to take Seven's breath away. Her hand roamed over Seven's torso, spending equal time touching skin and implants. When she returned to Seven's breast, she cupped it, raising it up as she lowered her face to it.

"Oh..." Seven sighed, unable to find the right word to express what she was feeling.

Her hand slid down Seven's abdomen, stopping when she reached the soft, sparse hair. She hesitated only briefly before continuing.

Seven fought the urge to jerk away when she felt the first light touch of Janeway's fingers. Her mind was flooded with unfamiliar feelings. It was as if every nerve in her body were converging between her legs.

"Kathryn..."

"Are you okay, Seven? Do you want me to stop?" Janeway asked gently, her fingers still caressing Seven.

"No... no, do not stop..."

Seven's legs instinctively drew up and she spread her legs further. She moaned loudly when Janeway's fingers slipped inside, penetrating her deeply. Her body spasmed once, then again and she reached up to connect somehow with Janeway. The older woman took Seven's hand and squeezed it.

"Relax, Seven... let it happen," she urged.

Janeway's thrusts were slow and gentle until she felt Seven begin to further respond, her hips moving uncontrollably. Seven seized the body above hers, holding on as she cried out loudly and incoherently.

"I'm here, Seven..." Janeway said, her voice filled with love and tenderness. "It's all right, darling..."

Seven's body trembled, then gradually stilled. She wrapped her arms around the smaller body above, her eyes shut tight. She felt the gentle kisses on her face and she was reassured, calmed. She opened her eyes and smiled.

"Was it... did you enjoy yourself, Seven?" Janeway asked, her fingertips caressing Seven's face. She searched the deep blue eyes below.

"Yes, Kathryn... it was... I cannot adequately explain how I feel."

"I know what you're feeling. Sometimes words are truly inadequate."

Seven smiled. "Then may we make love again?"

"Oh, Seven," Janeway laughed. "We can make love for as long as you want."

* * * * * * * * * *

Nearly eight hours later, both exhausted and sated, Janeway checked the small clock on her nightstand. She was amazed that they'd had the stamina to make love for as long as they had. No, I'm more amazed that I have, she corrected herself. I expected Seven to have the strength to go all night. It's just – where did the time go? It's so late. But it was worth it. Truly. It just kept getting better and better each time we made love.

She curled her body around Seven's lanky form, her head on Seven's soft chest. She affectionately rubbed her hand up and down the Borg's leanly muscled and now utterly familiar nude body. She traced a star-shaped implant at the top of her hip.

"Seven, you know I love you, and I'm not ashamed of loving you," she finally said, reluctant but knowing it had to be this way.

"Yes."

"It's... I'm just not ready to let the rest of the ship know about us, not yet."

"What are you trying to tell me, Kathryn?"

"Much as I want you to stay the whole night and wake up beside me, you have to leave."

Seven remained silent for a few moments, as if contemplating what Janeway had said. "Perhaps you are correct. I find I'm somewhat tired and in need of regeneration. I cannot do that here."

"I haven't hurt your feelings, have I, Seven?"

"No. I find your thought process logical and accurate." She got up from the bed and put on her biosuit.

"You don't have to leave yet, Seven."

"Kathryn, you are tired as well. You will not acquire the necessary sleep if I remain."

Janeway couldn't see it, but she could hear the smile in Seven's voice. She allowed herself a little sigh of relief before she got out of bed and put on her robe. Holding Seven's hand, she walked her to the door.

"Computer, scan the corridor on Deck three near the Captain's quarters for any personnel," Seven ordered.

"No personnel detected at this time," the computer replied.

Seven leaned over and kissed Janeway hard, almost bruising her lips. Her fingers traced the curve of Janeway's breasts, and she fondled the nipples until she was stopped.

"Go," Janeway said, stepping back reluctantly.

"If that is what you wish."

"It isn't, but it's what must be for now." She squeezed Seven's hand once. "I'll see you at the staff meeting."

"Very well."

* * * * * * * * * *

For three consecutive nights, Seven joined Janeway in her quarters. Every night she was promptly there at 1900 hours and every night they were promptly in Janeway's bed by 1910. And each morning after, when she was alone in her Ready room and had time for private thoughts, Janeway found herself lost in her memories of the previous night. We're insatiable. We can't get enough of one another. I think I've made love more in the past four days than I did in the four years before I took command of Voyager, she grinned.

And she was surprised by the passion that kept growing between them.

Not just passion, she amended. Love. The way it was meant to be; the way I never experienced it before. That all encompassing feeling that permeates everything I do, everything I feel. I can't get enough of Seven, but it's not just a physical, sexual desire. I need her; need her beside me, with me.

The muted chime, announcing the presence of someone outside her Ready Room, interrupted her thoughts.

"Come."

Her first officer stepped into the Ready Room, a small stack of padds in his hand. Chakotay noted Janeway's tired, almost haggard appearance. But despite her appearance, she seemed relaxed and her mood was calm, content, even happy. Unlike the past when a lack of sleep made her somewhat short and curt, she now just yawned and gave him an embarrassed smile.

"The latest departmental updates, Captain."

"Thank you, I think," she said with a smile.

"Neelix is hosting another party in three nights," he said.

"Another party? Why so soon?"

"Apparently the Christmas party was such a success that he did a little further research into traditional Earth holidays and discovered his next excuse for a party."

"What?"

"New Year's Eve," Chakotay grinned. "He's already got a program arranged for the holodeck."

"It's a good thing that we've come into a uneventful sector of the quadrant."

"Then he can proceed with the plans?"

"Why not?" Janeway smiled back. "It's been a tough few months for the crew. We certainly deserve a party or two. If we had a nearby class M planet, I'd setup shore leave. This will be a good diversion."

"I agree. I'll tell him to send out the invitations." He suppressed a laugh when Janeway yawned again. "Having a trouble sleeping, Kathryn?"

"Just not getting enough sleep," she corrected, then she blushed, hoping he didn't see it.

"I can cover for you if you'd like to cut your shift short," he offered.

"While your offer is most generous, Commander," she replied, her tone of voice lightly sarcastic, "I think I can manage to stay awake for the remaining two hours of the alpha shift."

* * * * * * * * * *

"Neelix is hosting a New Year's Eve bash in holodeck two," Janeway said later that same night.

She laid her head on Seven's shoulder, her fingers absentmindedly stroking Seven's chest. Late night had become her favorite time, long after the hurried, almost frenzied moments of their initial lovemaking. It was a time when she felt least like Voyager's captain, and more like a woman. It was a time when they could lay together and share their day, their thoughts.

"A New Year's bash?" Seven asked.

"Another traditional Earth holiday, when they used a Julian calendar instead of stardates."

"I am continually amazed that Earth was able to ever achieve space travel. It seems unlikely that they found the time to work with all of the holidays that were celebrated."

Janeway laughed. "I agree, but holidays did, and still do, serve a purpose."

"Indeed. If we had not had a Christmas celebration on Voyager, we would not be in your bed right now."

"True." Janeway lifted her head up and kissed Seven lightly on the mouth. "I do have to go to the party, you know."

"Why?"

"Because I'm the Captain. I'm expected to, and I expect you to be there as well."

"I will go," Seven conceded, "but only because you have asked me to."

"Actually, Seven, I'd like you to go to the party with me."

"Of course I will go with you, Kathryn."

"No, Seven, I'd like you to go as my date."

"Date?" Seven tilted her head slightly and thought about what Janeway had said. "If I am understanding you correctly, Kathryn, then the crew of Voyager will know about... our relationship."

"Does that bother you?"

"No. I thought you would be the one... bothered by it."

"It's time for the crew to know. It's only been a few days and already I'm tired of sneaking around, acting like we should be ashamed of what we share."

"I find it unacceptable that I must leave your quarters in the middle of the night."

"So do I, Seven. I want to be able to wake up in the morning and find you with your arms around me."

Seven tightened her arms about the older woman.

"So what is required of me at this party?" she asked.

"Neelix said it was formal. A 'black-tie affair' I think he called it. I'm certain this is more of Tom's influence once again."

"Why is that?"

"If I'm remembering my history, and history was not one of my stronger subjects mind you, I believe a 'black-tie affair' is a twentieth, or maybe a twenty-first century Earth custom. If that's the case, then Tom's thumbprints are definitely all over this party."

"What is a 'black-tie affair'?"

"Tuxedos for the men and some of the women, formal dresses for some of the women."

"And what will you wear?"

"Good question. I hadn't really thought about it. What do you want to wear?"

"I am uncertain as to what I want to wear. It will require more thought."

"I guess I'll wear a tuxedo. Seems more appropriate for me anyway."

Seven gave her lover another long kiss. She debated whether or not to instigate another session of lovemaking, but decided against it when she realized the lateness of the hour.

"I must go," she said, ceasing her kisses. "It is late."

"I know, I know," Janeway agreed, but inwardly she cursed herself for having set the limits. Only two more days, she thought.

* * * * * * * * * *

Seven strode into the Engineering Department. B'Elanna looked up and stiffened when she saw the ex-Borg. Now what, she thought, irritated.

"Lt. Torres." Seven stood in front of B'Elanna, her hands clasped behind her back.

"Yes, Seven, what is it?" the engineer said with a sigh.

"I require your assistance."

"You need my help?"

"Yes, regarding a… personal matter."

Oh, now this could be interesting. B'Elanna thought to herself. Seven needs my help with a personal matter?

"How can I help you, Seven," B'Elanna asked, setting down her spanner.

"Are you attending the... New Year's party?"

"Yes. Tom and I are going together. Why?"

"What are you wearing?"

"Tom's wearing a tuxedo and I'm wearing a dress." And it's quite the dress. A short, tight black thing that I just know Tom will love. It was worth all of the rations it cost me. Besides, a basic black dress is a handy thing to have in my closet. One never knows when I'll need it again.

"I would like to wear something suitable for the occasion instead of my biosuit. Would you help me replicate something?"

B'Elanna was surprised and more than a little curious. "Sure, Seven, but why the sudden interest?"

"I have a date and I would like to dress appropriately."

If B'Elanna was surprised earlier, she was floored with this piece of news. "A date? Who with?"

"You will find out at the party. I am meeting my... date then."

"Why don't you stop by my quarters at the end of the shift and I'll help you find something to wear."

"That would be acceptable. I can regenerate after that. Thank you, Lt. Torres."

Seven turned and left the open-mouthed engineer standing in her wake. I can't wait to tell Tom this. I wonder if he knows who it is? Could it be Harry? Who's got the nerve to ask Seven? I can't imagine Seven even accepting another date with anyone. Maybe it's the Doctor. Yeah, that's probably who it is.

* * * * * * * * * *

"Still not going to tell me who your date is?" B'Elanna asked, as she waited for Seven to model the latest dress she'd replicated.

"No. I made a promise to... not to reveal my date's identity until the party," Seven answered from the ensuite in B'Elanna's quarters.

She stepped into the room wearing a sleeveless, silvery blue dress, backless and cut low in the front. B'Elanna whistled under her breath. Kahless, if I wasn't straight and already dating Tom...

"Well, if this dress doesn't work for you, then I don't know what will."

"What do you mean, Lt. Torres?"

"Your date will really like the dress, Seven. Trust me."

"What about my implants? Don't you think they should be covered up?"

"Trust me, Seven," she repeated. "Your 'date' won't be looking at your Borg implants."

"Very well, Lieutenant."

"Now all we have to left is to figure out what to do with your hair."

"What is the matter with my hair?"

"Nothing. I just think it'll look better if you wear if down."

* * * * * * * * * *

Seven changed into her new dress while she waited for Naomi. She was just beginning to take down her hair when Naomi appeared.

Naomi circled Seven, noticing that Seven was not in her customary biosuit. She began to see Seven in a totally different light. Seven no longer looked like a toy Borg, her playmate and her friend. She looked more like the rest of the ship's crew now.

"You're going to the party tonight, Seven?"

"Yes, I am."

"My mom is, too. She even replicated herself a new dress."

Seven felt Naomi's eyes on her as she unclipped her hair and began to brush it out.

"Are you going with anyone?" she asked curiously, her fingers playing with hair clips in the bowl.

"Ensign Paris and Lt. Torres are meeting me here and we will go to the party together."

"So why did you need to see me?"

"I have summoned you to... run an errand for me." Seven handed Naomi the small box. "You will deliver this to the Captain, Naomi Wildman."

"What is it?"

Seven told her, but failed to see the question in Naomi's eyes. She was finding herself somewhat apprehensive about attending the party. The fact that she even felt anxious about the party disturbed her, and in turn, contributed to her unease.

"That's a really pretty dress, Seven."

"I'm glad you approve."

"And the Captain will like it, too."

"Why do you say that?" Seven asked carefully.

"I don't know," she said with a shrug. "I just think she will."

"Perhaps. I must hurry. Ensign Paris and Lt. Torres will be here soon."

"Have a good time tonight, Seven. Happy New Year."

"Happy New Year, Naomi Wildman."

* * * * * * * * * *

Why did I ever let myself get talked into this, Janeway thought as she fiddled with the suspenders. Now I know why no one ever wears these anymore. Then again, Starfleet has had some pretty strange dress uniforms over the years.

Her door chimed and she tossed the black cummerbund on the couch.

"Who is it?"

"Naomi Wildman."

"Come."

Naomi timidly walked into the Captain's quarters. She looked around the room slowly and a little awe-struck. Her eyes fell on Janeway, who was clad in a pair of black trousers, a starched white shirt and white suspenders. An untied black bowtie dangled from her collar.

Naomi quickly looked down and stared at the Captain's feet. She wasn't wearing any shoes or socks. Janeway followed Naomi's gaze. Grinning, she wiggled her toes, and Naomi giggled.

"What can I do for you, Miss Wildman?" Janeway asked gently.

"Seven asked me to bring this to you," she said, handing the Captain the small box.

"Do you know what's in it?"

"I think Seven called it a 'button ear', whatever that is."

Janeway laughed and opened the box. A small blue flower was inside. She showed it to Naomi. "It's a boutonniere. It's a flower for me to wear in my lapel," she explained.

"It's the same color as Seven's outfit," Naomi blurted.

Seven must be wearing her blue biosuit, Janeway thought, somewhat disappointed. I was hoping she'd wear something else. Still, I do like the color of her blue outfit. It matches those beautiful blue eyes of hers.

Naomi looked around one last time. "Well, I'd better get back to my quarters. Mom wanted to see me before she left for the party. Happy New Year, Captain."

"Happy New Year, Naomi."

Once Naomi left, Janeway finished dressing, though she wasn't pleased with how the bowtie looked, even after re-tying it several times. I give up, she sighed. This will have to do.

* * * * * * * * * *

Although the holographic band was playing loudly, there was no missing the drop in the conversation when Seven arrived with Tom and B'Elanna. Word had spread through the ship of Seven's date (courtesy of a few well-placed remarks by B'Elanna) and all eyes were now upon her, waiting to see who it was meeting Seven. And her dress drew more than just a few glances, too.

Where's her date? B'Elanna thought. If I was dating Seven, I'd be standing right here by the door, waiting for her. I hope someone isn't playing some cruel practical joke.

"You didn't get stood up, did you?" B'Elanna asked as the three of them stood by the door.

"'Stood up'?" Seven inquired, her head tilted slightly to the left.

"Did your date not show up?"

"No, my date is here," Seven replied, spotting Janeway wending her way through the crowd.

B'Elanna and Tom continued to scan the crowd, looking to see who was making their way to Seven. Both of them completely disregarded the Captain as an option.

"Tom, B'Elanna," Janeway said pleasantly.

"Good evening, Captain. Happy New Year." B'Elanna kept looking past the Captain, trying to see if anyone was approaching them.

"Happy New Year, Captain," Tom replied, also somewhat distractedly.

"Are you looking for someone?" Janeway asked, a twinkle in her eye.

"Um, well, we were wondering who Seven's date is," Tom mumbled.

"Keep looking. I'm sure you'll find out very soon." She turned to Seven and held out her arm. "Seven?"

"Yes, Kathryn."

Seven gently grasped the proffered arm and they walked off together. Tom and B'Elanna were dumbstruck, as were the rest of the crew.

"The Captain is Seven's date?" Tom was incredulous.

"Oh, Kahless, what was I thinking," B'Elanna moaned.

"What's the matter?" Tom asked, grabbing two glasses of champagne from one of the holographic waiters.

"Do you really think I would've picked that dress out for Seven if I'd known that the Captain was going to be escorting her around? I thought it was Harry, or some other guy. A real date."

"And you think the Captain isn't a real date?"

"You're kidding, right? The Captain's just escorting Seven around to keep her company."

"I don't know," Tom said thoughtfully. "They seemed pretty close Christmas day."

"That was nothing. The Captain was just grateful to Seven for giving her such a great gift."

"Whatever you say, B'Elanna, but my money's on the 'date', and not the 'escort'."

* * * * * * * * * *

"That's some dress," Janeway whispered as they walked across the room.

"Do you like it?"

"Very much."

"Lt. Torres helped me replicate it. She said she was certain that it would 'work', whatever that means."

Janeway laughed aloud. "No doubt." She leaned closer to Seven and said in a low voice, "There's only one thing I'd like better than seeing you in that dress."

"What?"

"Seeing you out of it," Janeway said with a smirk.

"No doubt," Seven replied with a smirk of her own.

Janeway picked up a glass of champagne and handed it to Seven.

"Kathryn, you know that I can't drink champagne. It interferes with my cortical implants."

"Don't drink it all at once. Just nurse it all night."

The implant over Seven's eye quirked upward and she smiled. "Indeed. And how would I 'nurse' my drink as opposed to what I was doing last night with my breasts?"

Janeway flushed a deep red and almost spit out her drink. Bubbles of carbonation went up her nose and she began to choke.

"Are you all right, Kathryn?" Seven asked, concerned, settling her hand on Janeway's arm.

"I'm fine," she sputtered. "I just had some champagne go up my nose." Janeway picked a napkin off the table and wiped her eyes. "Honestly, Seven... are you always going to do that to me?"

"Do what, Kathryn?" she asked innocently.

"Never mind." She swallowed her drink down quickly. "Let's dance."

"You wish to dance with me?"

"Of course, Seven. That's what happens at these type of parties."

"Indeed. And I thought it was an excuse for the crew to become inebriated."

"That, too," Janeway agreed, taking Seven's hand and leading her out onto the dance floor.

Janeway was aware that all eyes were on them. Better to start out slowly, Janeway mused. It's better for all of us if they gradually get used to seeing Seven and I together. Let them figure it out. No sense in throwing it in their faces.

She placed her right hand on Seven's hip and grasped Seven's right hand with her left hand. Seven shyly put her mesh-covered hand on the smaller woman's shoulder.

"I am somewhat nervous, Kathryn. My last experience with dancing... ended unpleasantly."

"Just relax, Seven. Just pretend we're the only ones on the dance floor."

"That is somewhat difficult since it appears that the entire crew is watching us."

"Forget about them. Just look at me."

"I will gladly look at you... forever, if I can..." Seven said, her gaze returning to the Captain.

The crew was somewhat disappointed in how Seven and their Captain were dancing. The Captain was holding Seven like she would any other dance partner. The watchful eyes of the crew slowly turned away, eager to return to their companions.

The Captain felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to see the Doctor. "May I cut in, Captain?"

"Seven?" Janeway asked, wanting Seven to know that the decision was hers.

"It is acceptable, Kathryn."

"Enjoy your dance, Doctor," Janeway said, stepping aside.

She watched Seven cross the floor with the Doctor holding her at a respectable distance. B'Elanna took the opportunity to approach the Captain.

"Would you like to dance, Captain?" she asked, her courage fueled by the several glasses of champagne she'd already imbibed.

"All right, B'Elanna. As Seven would say, I find your offer acceptable."

Janeway grinned and began to guide B'Elanna across the floor.

"I understand we have you to thank for Seven's choice in attire tonight," Janeway said mischievously.

B'Elanna blanched, truly embarrassed.

"Captain, if I'd known that it was you... I mean, I thought Seven was... "

"Are you in the habit of trying to promote sexual relationships for Seven and fellow crewmembers?"

"No... I mean, if I thought... Captain, I thought that the dress would be... it seemed appropriate at the time... I never thought... if her date had been anyone but you..."

Janeway chuckled softly. "And you don't think I can appreciate Seven's dress?"

B'Elanna was caught off-guard by the Captain's question. She looked carefully at the older woman.

"You and Seven are... dating?"

"Yes, we are." She spun B'Elanna once, grateful to have a smaller dance partner that she could easily maneuver around the dance floor.

"Since when?" B'Elanna sputtered.

"Since a short time ago," she answered vaguely.

"Must be serious if you've decided to be public about your... dating."

"We are."

Once again B'Elanna found herself studying her dance partner's face. She does look happier, more at ease, than I've ever seen her, B'Elanna thought. I never thought I'd be happy about the Captain and the Borg – Seven, she corrected herself – in a relationship. But Kahless, the Captain deserves some happiness. Why should she deny herself? Who knows how long we'll truly be in the Delta quadrant? I can't begrudge her a little happiness, and I don't think the crew will either.

"Guess that explains all the yawning in the morning staff meetings," she teased.

Janeway felt her face flush with embarrassment, but she was also pleased that B'Elanna was comfortable enough with the relationship to tease her.

"Then I guess Seven and I will have to spend more time… sleeping," she fired back, a grin on her face.

Before B'Elanna could reply, The Doctor and Seven danced over to them.

"I believe your date would like to resume dancing with you, Captain," he said.

"Do you mind, B'Elanna?"

"No, I'll finish the dance with the Doctor."

* * * * * * * * * *

As the evening progressed, Janeway's command mask slipped further and further away. She found herself truly relaxed among her crew for the first time. No one seemed to question her choice of Seven as a date. No one even seemed to have given it a second thought. With their lack of discomfort, she felt comfortable enough to gradually display more of her affection for Seven. It started with small touches on her arm, then her shoulder. She soon found herself unable to even stand beside Seven without touching her, either by putting her arm around her waist or a hand on the small of her back.

"How about another dance, Seven?" she asked as the midnight hour approached.

"Yes, I would enjoy that, Kathryn."

Seven allowed Janeway to lead her back out onto the now crowded dance floor. She took a short, deep breath when she felt the small soft hand on her bare back. Janeway drew her closer than she had for any of their previous dances and Seven settled into the embrace. She slid her hand up from Janeway's narrow shoulders to the back of her neck and she leaned her cheek against the auburn hair. She was startled, then aroused, when she felt warm breath against her neck, followed by tiny quick kisses.

"How much longer must we stay?" Seven asked.

"Only a few more minutes. Why?"

"I find it increasingly difficult to touch you and… not touch you."

"Well, we do have to stay until the stroke of midnight."

"Why that appointed time?"

"Tradition dictates that the New Year's revelers count down the last ten seconds of the year, and welcome in the New Year."

"How... quaint," Seven replied dryly.

Janeway chuckled softly. "And the other tradition dictates that you kiss the one you're with," Janeway added, seeing a glimmer of interest return to Seven's eyes.

"Indeed. In front of everyone else?"

"Yes."

"And after we kiss, may we leave?"

"I was planning on it."

"That is... acceptable," Seven said with a smile.

"Attention everybody!" Neelix said, standing in front of the now quiet band. "Just a few minutes until midnight. Make sure you've got your noisemakers and hats."

Holographic waiters appeared, passing out hats, streamers, noisemakers and confetti to the partygoers. Janeway laughed when she saw the look of confusion on Seven's face.

"It's a hat for you to wear, Seven," she explained, putting on her own hat, a one-size-fits-all black top hat. She tipped it rakishly to one side. "Let me help you, Seven," she offered.

She took the small tiara and placed it atop Seven's head. "You look like a princess in one of Naomi's holo-books," she smiled.

"Thirty seconds, everyone."

"What do I do, Kathryn?"

"At midnight, throw your streamers and confetti up into the air, and blow on your noisemaker."

"Twenty seconds!"

"And when do I get to kiss you?"

"Right after that."

"Ten... nine... eight... " Neelix led the revelers in the countdown

"Seven…" Janeway grinned as she shouted her favorite number.

"Six... five... four... three... two... one!"

"Happy New Year!" everyone yelled.

Seven watched the Captain throw her streamers in the air and then toot the small horn before she did the same with hers. As the confetti and streamers showered down on them, Janeway grabbed Seven and pulled her into a tight embrace.

"Happy New Year, Seven," she whispered, "And may we share many more together." She then gave Seven a deep and passionate kiss, the kind that made them both weak in the knees.

Seven wrapped her arms around her lover and returned the kiss with equal enthusiasm.

"I love you, Seven of Nine," Janeway said as she ended the kiss, hugging Seven close to her body.

"And I love you, Kathryn Janeway."

Their friends and crewmembers waited until the couple parted before approaching to offer their good wishes. If anyone had thought it odd to see the Captain and an ex-Borg drone sharing the kind of a kiss that only lovers share, they didn't say anything.

Janeway released Seven from her embrace, but still kept an arm possessively about her waist. She turned to greet the crew.

"Happy New Year, Captain, Seven," Harry said.

"Happy New Year, Harry," the Captain replied, kissing him on the cheek.

The rest of the senior crew circled them, offering their greetings with hugs and kisses. Their acceptance of Seven was now evident and they each wished her a separate 'Happy New Year'. Janeway was touched and relieved by their actions.

After they left Seven and the Captain, Seven turned to the Captain.

"Now may we retire to your quarters?"

Seven's look was knowing, and Janeway laughed.

"Yes."

Janeway took Seven's hand, and with not a small amount of pride, led her across the room. They were stopped several times by other crewmembers, but Janeway never once relinquished her hold of Seven's hand. Seven was oddly touched by the Captain's action and she couldn't stop the small smile that crept to her face.

"What a nice party," Janeway said as they finally exited the holodeck.

"Yes. I don't believe I've ever enjoyed myself more at one of Voyager's parties."

Janeway continued to hold Seven's hand as they strolled down the corridors of the ship, further surprising, and pleasing, Seven.

"Let's go ring the New Year in properly, Seven," she said suggestively.

"That would be… agreeable to me, Kathryn."

The End