The Pursuit of Happiness

The tall, cool-looking blonde Borg stood with phaser in her hand, pointing it down at the ground, as she contemplated her prey kneeling before her. Species 5618, Human, did not appear to be a formidable foe being physically frailer than the Borg and many other species. This particular example of the species only confirmed that assessment as Seven of Nine watched her; gasping for breath, sweat pouring down her face from exertion, her hair in wild disarray as she kneeled there on one knee, her forearm resting across it and her head down trying to recover from the physical effort she'd just put forth.

Seven contrasted sharply with the appearance of the heavily breathing woman; her breathing normal, no sweat on her brow, and virtually not a hair out of place. She was the complete opposite of the disarrayed woman she glared, at almost peevishly.

The exhausted woman abruptly threw her head, her hair flying away from her face and blue-gray eyes met ice blue. The downed woman smirked.

"Full impact. Final round to Janeway. Winner: Janeway."

"Good game, Seven. You almost had me."

Captain Kathryn Janeway smiled up into the face of the glowering ex-drone. She tried not to grin, knowing that Seven was perturbed to have lost once again.

"Almost is irrelevant."

This was said almost absentmindedly as Seven tried to analyse why she failed to win. It was illogical and she could not grasp how a being smaller, slower, and frailer than her, continued to beat her at this particular exercise every time.

"And unacceptable too," quipped Janeway.

"Indeed," a brow rose in agreement and Seven's eyes rolled a bit to acknowledge that she recognized the words as being her own and being used to tease her by her opponent.

Janeway held out her empty hand and flicked an eyebrow at the towering woman to indicate she should assist her in getting up from the floor. Seven hesitated for a moment, slowed by her own thoughts, and then grasped the proffered hand. Perhaps it was because she was so busy with her own thoughts that Seven failed to remember how small and light the Captain was and how very strong the former Borg was in comparison.

Janeway flew up off the floor and was propelled into Seven's body hard enough to knock the wind out of both of them. As quickly as Janeway had risen from the floor it was nothing compared to how fast she found herself back on it once again. Only this time she had a safety net, Seven.

What little wind Seven managed to retain from the initial contact of the smaller but sturdy body was promptly lost as the Captain landed on top of her as Seven hit the floor herself. They found themselves lying there, stunned, face to face. Neither of them spoke as they waited for their ability to speak and move gradually return.

Lying on the bottom of the unexpected two person pileup, Seven looked up into the face that was only inches from her own. As she began to breath once more she consciously noted the clean, warm scent of the woman whos body covered her own. The sweat on her body only served to enhance her natural scent that Seven inhaled once more in appreciation. The weight on top of her was creating unfamiliar sensations.

Janeway, fortunate to be on top in the mishap, looked down at Seven with concern as she finally managed to take in some air. The startled and then bemused look on Seven's face made Janeway almost stop breathing once more as she looked down and watched these most human reactions cross what was usually a stoic countenance.

"My apologies, Captain."

Seven was the first to speak although she did not attempt to move out from under the weight that pinned her down. Seven's soft breath moved Janeway's hair as it wafted across her face when she spoke.

"I'm fine. Are you alright?"

Janeway's voice and face looked concerned but she didn't move, still caught up in the emotions she enjoyed watching. It was rare to see any purely unconscious reactions from Seven and she wasn't willing to let the moment go yet.

Seven lay there patiently, assuming the Captain was not yet recovered from the fall. Then she felt an emotion sort itself out from all the others that ran in a wild rush through her and recognized it. Pleasure. Perplexed, she tried to focus on it. It did not appear appropriate for for the situation but there it was. Unconsciously, Seven smiled a bit as the feeling enveloped her.

Janeway's eyes widened perceptibly as she saw this. Seven had not answered the question but Janeway had already forgotten she asked it. She was becoming conscious of the warm body she layed sprawled across, soft in all the right places and hard in ones she wouldn't have guessed it would be. It made her think about what was hidden under the black Velocity outfit Seven was wearing.

Uncomfortable with where her thoughts were going, the Captain tried to move a bit in order to pull herself off Seven without further injuring the prostrate blonde. She tried to slide down Seven's longer body causing a soft warm heat against their breasts. The unexpected sensuousness of the sensation startled Kathryn and her leg slipped between Seven's, coming to rest on the floor between them and her thigh pressing tightly against Seven's mound. Awash with new sensations Kathryn froze as she watched Seven's blue eyes deepen in color.

Certain parts of Seven's body were suddenly and blatantly announcing themselves as the Captain moved. Seven's sharp intake of breath was involuntary as hot new feelings seared through her body and centered down in her groin. She tried to understand the look that crossed Janeway's face as she observed the gray disappear completely from the Captain's eyes. Instinctively she moved her body against the thigh pressed up against her so nicely.

And then she found herself lying on the floor by herself as Janeway scrambled up off of Seven and stood. She was breathing oddly and wouldn't look Seven in the eye. Bewildered, Seven lay there feeling cold and somehow lonely as the warmth faded to an already distant memory.

Seven half sat up, leaning back on her hands and looked up at the standing woman. Still feeling and looking bemused, Seven caught Janeway's eye at last. A faint, rosy color appeared in the Captain's cheeks and then she cleared her throat sharply.

"Are you alright, Seven?"

Janeway finally remembered the earlier, unanswered question.

"I am undamaged," was the belated rejoinder.

Seven did not feel damaged but nor did she feel normal. Janeway then held her hand out to Seven, offering her assistance. Seven contemplated the hand for a moment and then shook her head in the negative.

"That would be highly inadvisable since that action precipitated our initial fall."

Seven gathered her feet under her and leapt up in one graceful motion until she stood over the Captain who watched the elegant move in appreciation. An awkward silence ensued as they both stood there, one trying to push the earlier feelings away and the other trying to comprehend their meaning.

"Congratulations, Captain. It was an excellent game. As always."

Seven knew it was important to be gracious whether you won or lost. She only hoped that some day she might have the opportunity to practice her graciousness as a winner.

"Thank you. I enjoyed it. You will beat me, Seven. It's only a matter of time. My experience and cunning still outwits your youth and strength but it won't last forever."

"I agree."

On the surface the statement sounded arrogant but Janeway knew it was not intended that way. Seven simply viewed it as an inevitable fact and therefore should be acknowledged as such.

"Shall we give it another go next week then?"

"Acceptable. Same day and time?"

"Acceptable," Janeway echoed Seven's response.

**************************************************

As Beta shift faded into Gamma Seven should have been in her regeneration alcove but instead found herself reliving the events of the day and trying to decipher her feelings. Long ago, she acknowledged to herself that Janeway was important to her, more important than anyone else in her life. Somehow her well-being was linked to the well-being of the attractive redhead, becoming more significant than her own.

She could not identify the moment when those emotions developed a physical component. She'd never experienced it before but was slowly coming to recognize it for what it was. Lately the need to be near the Captain and the desire to just touch her even for a second had become overwhelming and harder to suppress.

When Kathryn convinced Seven to return with her from the Delta Flyer, Seven knew that Kathryn was her destiny. She just didn't understand what that destiny was or how it was to unfold. Now Seven spent the waning hours of the morning searching within herself and the ship's database for clues. By morning she was certain. She was in love with Kathryn Janeway.

While Seven searched her heart and the ship's files through the night, Kathryn lay on her bed unable to sleep and watched the stars pass overhead through the curved window. Her mind replayed the events on the Holodeck over and over again as she castigated herself for letting things get out of hand so easily. She was the Captain, the one who was supposed to be in charge and to lead by example.

From the first moment she'd brought Seven on board she felt drawn to the young woman. As time progressed and Seven became an individual those feelings grew and changed. The emotions that the Velocity fiasco evinced were no suprise to Kathryn, she'd known for a long time that she loved the former drone. What scared her was how swiftly she'd lost control of them. Another minute and she would have kissed Seven, to hell with the consequences.

And Janeway believed there would be consequences. As the Captain she had no right to get involved with anyone, the ship must be her one and only concern. She could not get involved with someone within her command even if she felt she could handle both relationships responsibly. And if one wanted to argue that Seven didn't fall into that category there was the young woman herself. New to individuality and still trying to make her place on the ship, the last thing Seven needed was to get involved with an obsessed starship Captain alone out here in the Delta Quadrant.

For these reasons Kathryn long ago decided that her feelings must be quashed at all costs. Admittedly it was becoming harder to do, particularly since the time she'd revealed more of her heart than she ever intended to in order to bring back Seven from her suicidal mission on the Delta Flyer. She'd never felt quite in control of herself around the Borg since then and had worked hard to try bring back some of the emotional distance she formerly had.

She'd felt any remaining distance shatter in that second when, as she lay prostrate across Seven's lush body, she saw in Seven's eyes that her feelings of love were returned. How could she continue to fight this soul wrenching battle not to give in knowing that with just one small act she could have her heart's desire.

Curling up into a tight ball of misery, Kathryn closed her eyes to the stars and cried quietly. Eventually, as her tears dried, she began the slow, agonizing process of rebuilding the crushed walls around her heart. Determined to do what was best for Seven and Voyager, Captain Janeway's resolve grew once more.

**************************************************

Bleary-eyed and exhausted from lack of sleep and an emotional night Kathryn sipped her coffee as she contemplated the pips in her other hand. Her fist closed tightly around them as she looked herself in the mirror to assure herself the command face was back in place. The door to her quarters chimed.

"Enter," she said bruskly as swallowed more of her coffee and turned to see who it was.

Seven of Nine entered and strode confidently into the room wearing her plum biosuit. Kathryn choked on her coffee, unprepared for facing Seven already. When things were quiet on the ship she could often get through the entire shift without seeing her Astrometrics officer...unless she deliberately did so because she missed the sight of her. She'd hoped today would be one of those days and that with some time she would start to feel as though she'd gotten her equilibrium back.

She coughed slightly, trying to clear the hot liquid from her lungs.

"Are you alright, Captain?"

Seven enquired in a voice tinged with concern.

"Yes, fine. You startled me for a second."

"You did grant me entrance, did you not?"

Seven was perplexed as to how her presence could suprise the woman since Seven could not have entered without Janeway's knowledge.

"Yes, of course. I, uh, just wasn't expecting you."

Janeway sighed mentally as she dug her hole a little deeper.

"The fact that you were not expecting me and that I have appeared is startling?"

Seven's brow knitted together as she tried to comprehend Janeway's explanation.

Recognizing the futility of trying to climb out of the pit that magically appeared beneath her with just a few words Janeway tried to change the subject.

"Seven, you wanted to see me about something?"

Since it was Seven's habit to get directly to the point in all her interactions she allowed the sharp left turn in the conversation because it suited her purpose.

"Yes, Captain, I have. I wish to discuss what happened yesterday on the Holodeck."

This piece of information redefined Kathryn's understanding of what a pit really was. Trapped in a conversation she wasn't ready to have, Kathryn wheeled away from Seven and slapped her coffee cup down on the table. She moved towards the mirror and began to put her pips on her uniform.

"I don't have time for this, Seven. I'm supposed to be on the bridge."

Seven's image appeared in the mirror as she stepped behind the nervous woman who couldn't steady her hand enough to get the first pip in evenly. Kathryn's eyes met Seven's in the mirror as she watched Seven swallow convulsively several times before speaking again.

"When we were on the Delta Flyer you reminded me of the bond that exists between us."

Kathryn stood frozen, mesmorized as Seven continued to speak.

"Yet you did not specify what that bond was."

"Seven, I-I meant."

Kathryn turned and faced Seven, startled to find that she was closer than she'd estimated when looking in the mirror. She stood within arm's length and looked up into the clear blue eyes that waited for her explanation.

An explanation that was not forthcoming. Kathryn didn't know what to say. She could not admit the truth but nor was she willing to lie to Seven. On the Flyer she'd told Seven she had never lied to her before and Kathryn couldn't bring herself to do it now even to preserve the promise she'd made to herself last night.

Seven forged ahead when she saw that Kathryn would not.

"I believe the bond is love."

The statement was just as direct as Seven always was. So why was she shocked to hear it, Kathryn asked herself. She reeled slightly from the words as they slammed around her heart. Kathryn was silent as she listened apprehensively.

"I love you, Kathryn," the name rolled off Seven's tongue for the first time and exploded like emotional dynamite.

Kathryn closed her eyes tightly trying to shut out the sight of the love shining brightly from the ice blue eyes. She felt a hand touch her cheek and jerked away from the touch as though burned and fell away from Seven and walked swiftly across the room, trying to create a space between them.

"No, Seven," she argued.

"I do. And I believe you love me as well."

This statement panicked Kathryn completely. She took the offensive immediately.

"How do you know that it's love? You're still so new to emotions and being human. You could be mistaking gratitude for love."

"Gratitude?"

"Yes, for making you sever your connection to the Collective. You resisted the idea at the time but now you've come to appreciate your individuality so you feel gratitude towards me for making this all happen."

Kathryn explained this to Seven in a calm voice trying to marshal her inner forces at the same time.

"You are correct, I do feel gratitude. You were also correct when you said that I was unable to make the proper decision at the time. You made this life possible. But my gratitude is a distinct feeling. Separate from the love I feel for you," Seven countered.

"It's natural for you to l-love me. I care for you as well. But let's not confuse the nature of that love for anything that what it must be. You love me as your mentor or perhaps even a surrogate mother not as a .....lover"

Kathryn's words trailed off as the words wandered into uncertain territory.

Seven's implanted brow rose sharply at this and a tiny smile appeared on her full lips.

"Indeed. I find it interesting that you are already telling me what kind of love it is that I am NOT feeling even before I have declared to you what I kind of love I believe it to be."

Kathryn blushed sharply as she realized she'd jumped the verbal gun on her argument and revealed more than she intended.

"This confirms what I already believe to be true. And it tells me that you believe it as well. I do not love you as my mentor or mother. I have done extensive research on these types of feelings and believe that I understand them throughly. They are feelings of warmth and comfort. That is not what I feel."

Kathryn was compelled to ask and did so in a small whisper, "What do you feel?"

"The love I feel is sharp, wanting even demanding. My entire being is infused with the need to be near you, to touch you and to be touched by you. When I am near you I can feel a physical connection binding you to me and me to you. When you are far the connection continues to exist though it is more tenuous with the distance. I am incomplete as an individual without you."

The words came unbidden. Seven did not know where they came from but could feel their truth as tears welled up in her eyes.

Kathryn, overwhelmed by the emotional and unblinking honesty of the answer, clutched her arms tightly around her middle as though in agony. The silence was fraught with painful emotions from both of them.

"I wish to know if you feel the same, Kathryn."

Seven's faint demand for an answer did nothing to obfuscate the fear of rejection behind it. Kathryn hovered on the brink of desperation and disaster, wanting so dearly to admit her feelings for the frightened ex-drone but battling to retain her determination to put her responsibilities first.

"Seven. I can't..... this can't happen," she stammered.

"Do you not love me then?"

Seven's demand was shrill. Kathryn said nothing. She still could not bring herself to lie. Seven stared at her face intently, attempting to interpret the emotions she saw as Kathryn fought for control.

Seven trusted her instincts and declared, "You do love me. I can see it."

Seven read the truth on Kathryn's face and felt the pain inside her ease, believing that this was all that was necessary and they could proceed now and act on their feelings. Then her heart sank as Kathryn's face altered once more, transforming back to the Captain's mask she knew so well.

"I'm sorry, Seven. What you're asking of me isn't possible."

"But you love me," whispered Seven.

Kathryn took her courage in both hands and looked Seven directly in the eye as she spoke.

"I do love you, Seven. With all my heart. But that's not enough. As much as I would like to be....with you, I cannot."

"You will not," corrected Seven, sensing where this conversation was going.

"Alright. I will not. I'm the Captain and I can't afford to get involved with anyone. I'm not allowed to do so."

"There is no Starfleet regulation against such a relationship. I checked," Seven argued.

She had anticipated this argument from Janeway and researched it extensively late last night.

"No, not a regulation. But it is considered...bad form. An officer should not get involved with subordinates...."

"I am not your subordinate. I function outside the command structure," Seven stated flatly.

"Technically, yes. But you do report to me. That can't be ignored," explained Janeway.

"Voyager's database lists numerous accounts of officers who are involved, even married to others of differing ranks."

"But not a starfleet captain," Janeway knew it was true, she'd checked that one herself.

"True. But our situation is not a standard operating Starfleet organzation."

"All the more reason to be cautious in deviations from protocols and regulations."

"Yet you have a crew made up of Maquis outlaws and aliens who have never even seen Starfleet. Your past behavior does not indicate that you are one to 'go by the book.' Why are you choosing to do so now?"

"I must, Seven. For the sake of everyone on board including you."

"Explain."

"The members of this crew are my first and foremost responsibility. I can let nothing stand in my way of getting them home safely."

"Our being together will not prevent you from completing your task."

"I cannot afford to be distracted by my feelings for you."

"It is too late. You already love me. Not acting on that love will ultimately be more destructive than accepting it."

Kathryn tried another tact because she knew that while she could continue this line of discussion, that in the end she would lose because Seven was right. The other she could be more certain of.

"Then there's you, Seven."

"The person whom you love. The one who loves you."

Seven tried to make her see how simple it really was.

"I do. And I believe that you do too. But you're young, Seven, and new to your individuality. Too new to be making choices like this that could effect your growth now and have far reaching consequences in your life."

"I have no choice. I love you."

"But you have the choice of whether or not to act on it. As humans we always have a choice and we cannot act on every impulse or feeling just because it exists."

"And if I choose to act on it anyway? Cannot I not do so?"

Seven demanded angrily.

"And if I had let you choose to go back to the Collective? Would I have been right to allow you to do that?" She paused and then continued, "You must believe me when I say that this choice is like that. You are not in a position to see what is best for you but I am. And because I care for you I will do what is best and not allow us to get involved."

Seven could hear the faint echo of the words spoken so long ago when she was first severed from the Hive Mind underlying the words Kathryn spoke now. She knew Kathryn was wrong in her beliefs but could not grasp how to counter them.

Her head came up sharply at a tilt as she responded, "Your analysis of this situation is incorrect."

"Be that as it may, I stand by it," Janeway spoke resolutely.

"And I do not," replied Seven with a great deal of asperity.

"What can you do?" Janeway believed she had the upper hand.

"I will change your mind," Seven said smoothly.

"I don't see how you can," denied Janeway.

"Nevertheless. I shall," and Seven turned and headed for the door.

She turned for one last final comment.

"One day you will accept that I am qualified to make my own choices and that I have the right, as any other individual does, to do so. And on that same day you will also accept that we love one another and that we are meant to be together."

Kathyn felt a shiver run through her at those final words as she stood there alone, Seven exiting immediately, and wondered briefly what her chances were against the Borg. She tried to ignore the small voice in her head that repeated the phrase 'resistance is futile' over and over again.

**************************************************

When Seven's behavior towards her remained unchanged over the course of the next few days, Kathryn could begin to feel herself relax around the young Borg. No one on the senior staff seemed to notice any change between them and that went a long ways to reassuring Janeway that the status quo of their relationship would be maintained. Therefore she never considered canceling her Velocity match date with Seven and when the day arrived Janeway didn't hesitate to keep it.

They started their match off with the usual pleasantries they exchanged concerning their respective days and then quickly got down to the business of competition. Kathryn couldn't deny that seeing Seven out of her biosuit was always a pleasure and that she particularly loved the black outfit the pale blonde wore to play. If she was more distracted by this pleasure than usual she discounted it quickly without dwelling on it.

Velocity was a physical sport and there was no question that the competitiveness of the two players involved only emphasized that physicality. Due to Seven's superior size and strength it was mostly Kathryn who found herself picking herself up off the floor but she knew how to hold her own and it wasn't that uncommon for Seven to find herself supine on the hard floor as the disc whizzed by unchallenged.

However today's game was different and while Kathryn sensed it she couldn't put her finger on why it wasn't the same. After several rounds she realized what it was, she hadn't fallen once in the entire match. At first she wondered if Seven was holding back for some misguided reason but as the game progressed she found that wasn't precisely it.

The body contact was still there but it was different. In a game that moved at blinding speed and abrupt unexpected turns of direction, Seven somehow managed to make each contact between their bodies a caress. Her albaster skin brushed across Kathryn's, grazing it with an electric touch as she gently nudged Kathryn out of her way. The woman's taller body seemed to wrap around her repeatedly as she sought out her shot.

Once Kathryn lost a round as she found herself face to face with a warm breast as Seven stepped in front of her and circled her long arms around Kathryn's head and completed her move. Caught up in the nearness and temptation of the body before her the disc zinged away with no attempt on Kathryn's part to shoot at it.

At this point, Kathryn looked keenly at Seven as she realized what the Borg was doing. Reading the knowledge on her face, Seven did not deny it. She raised her implanted brow, daring Kathryn to speak aloud what they both knew. She did not, and turned away to open the next round.

The moves were well within the rules of the game and the computer would not stop Seven from what she was doing. Strategically it had the same effect as knocking Kathryn to the ground did, throwing her and her game off balance. Just for different reasons was all.

Seven was relentless and cut her no slack even when it was clear to both of them how much Kathryn was being affected. Each turn Kathryn could feel her concentration slipping as feelings of longing washed over her. At the end of each point it became more difficult to regain her focus and she took her time between each point to do so. Seven waited patiently, acting as though nothing was amiss and that she was unaffected by what was happening.

And finally the inevitable occurred, Seven won for the first time. Seven rounds to three. Kathryn mustered a smile and congratulated her.

"A good game, Seven. You finally won. You deserved it."

"I am determined to win," was the rejoinder.

The sentence was not a mistake. Kathryn knew Seven wasn't referring to the game she'd just won.

"Yes, well it was an interesting strategy you used," Kathryn felt compelled to acknowledge what had gone on out on the floor between them.

"It was....effective," was the dry answer.

They stared at one another for what seemed days until finally Kathryn shook her head abruptly and stepped away from the other woman with a shaky breath. Trying to act casual she walked over to her towel and began to wipe down her sweaty body.

Seven followed and watched her, her eyes following the motion of the towel as it moved about the Captain's body freely. For an instant, Seven felt an irrational jealousy of the inanimate object that was allowed to roam where she was not. Kathryn stopped moving as she became aware of Seven's watchful gaze.

She reached for the water bottle that sat on the bench and drank deeply to replenish the liquid she'd lost. Seven watched avidly as the fine muscles in the drinking woman's necked flexed and moved with the motion of the water. She could feel her own thirst mount.

Kathryn pulled the water bottle away from her mouth abruptly, splashing some of it on herself.

"Stop it, Seven."

Kathryn was thankful that Seven did not demand an explanation of the order. She didn't know what she would have said. Instead Seven asked a question.

"Will we meet again next week at this time?"

Kathryn tried to imagine playing another match like the one today. In spite of the fact that the match didn't seem as physically exerting as usual, Kathryn was more exhausted and wrung out than she'd ever been before. She didn't think she could face it. She opened her mouth to make a vague excuse thinking mentally that she could just plead too much work with a clear conscience.

Before she spoke she caught the look on Seven's face. Seven was waiting for the excuse, wanting Kathryn to admit that she wasn't up to facing her again. To refuse to play would be to acknowledge that Seven was right, that Kathryn couldn't control her feelings and that Seven had the power to influence her enough physically to change her mind. It didn't matter how hard that game would be, Janeway wasn't about to admit anything of the sort.

Sensing that agreeing to a rematch was about as foolhardy as putting her bare hand into a cup of anti-matter, Kathryn acquiesed.

"Next week it is."

**************************************************

Janeway was a hands-on kind of person. This was true of how she worked as well as how she handled her crew. She was constantly in their personal space with a hand on their shoulder, elbow, or forearm. Her only intention with these touches was to let them know she was there and that she cared.

In spite of this, no one ever returned these touches. She was the Captain. No one, not even her closest friends Tuvok and Chakotay were comfortable or willing to reciprocate this type of interaction. Somewhere in the six lonely years that Janeway found herself on Voyager she'd forgotten how powerful the simple touch of another living being could be. Until Seven.

After the unforgettable Velocity match Seven stepped up her campaign to change Kathryn's mind. Seven found every opportunity she could to be in Kathryn's presence. She brought reports, questions, and ideas one at a time in order to stretch out the amount and number of times she would see her intended. Inefficient behavior on the surface but not when you considered her goals.

The frequency of those visits was enhanced by another change in Seven's behavior. Seven began to touch her, constantly. Never before had Seven attempted to touch her while they were on duty. And what could Janeway say? Her touches were no different from the ones Kathryn meted out herself. They were not in themselves sexual in nature, just thoughtful.

Both of these changes in behavior were immediately noted by the crew but nothing was said since Janeway acted as though nothing was going on out of the ordinary. They took their cue from her assuming that if Janeway thought nothing of it then they shouldn't either.

The effect of those touches was every bit as powerful as Seven intended them. At first they startled Kathryn with their unexpectedness and the sensations that would course wildly through her body from the point of contact.

As the contact continued Kathryn found she no longer jumped when they happened but settled into them, accepted them. The pleasure no longer sharp so much as it was deep. Seven recognized that her reactions had shifted and continued her pursuit.

Kathryn didn't know when Seven's touches became anticipated, needed. She didn't realize she unconsciously moved in towards Seven whenever she was present, looking for her touch, wanting it. And when they occurred, participating in it by instinctively moving her body to facilitate each caress.

Still the crew said nothing although by now they knew that something was going on. They saw, as Seven did, that the touches had altered in meaning for Seven as well as their Captain. They recognized the meaning for what it was and they were happy for Janeway. Many were eager to pair up as the long journey appeared to have no end in the foreseeable future. But they weren't willing to do so unless their Captain approved. And if the Captain got involved herself? What better blessing could they have?

While many expressed surprise at the pairing of Janeway with Seven they did not disapprove of that either. They'd watched the bond that slowly grown between the two and many, if not all, had come to accept the Borg's place on the ship. Frankly, they were all rooting for Seven and not one of them was going to say a word for fear of ruining her plans.

And so Seven's plan progressed as with each touch the need and love within Janeway's heart grew in magnitude, pushing painfully against the walls she'd built around her heart.

**************************************************

After finishing her report to the Captain while in her Ready Room one morning Seven continued to stand before the seated woman. Noting the lack of departure, Janeway leaned back into her chair and looked up at her with a look of enquiry.

"Yes, Seven. Is there something else?"

She braced herself for the answer. Heaven knew what it would be and Kathryn was finding it harder to muster the strength necessary to counter Seven's every strategic move.

Seven rolled back slightly up on her feet and her hands went behind her back as she replied.

"It has come to my attention while researching various Starfleet databases that it is customary with many races to perform a ritual observance founded on a specific period of cycles for an event of particular significance. I wish to perform this commemoration with you as your presence is relevant to its occurence."

Kathryn ran that one through her 'Seven translator' quickly and a look of comprehension crossed her face.

"I see. And what event would we be celebrating the anniversary of?"

Kathryn was terrible at converting Stardates to anything else so these sort of things often escaped her.

"I was severed from the Collective on Stardate 51030, three Earth years ago today. As you were responsible for this action, I am requesting that you join me this evening for dinner to honor the occasion."

Seven's explanation was almost formal in its deposition but then her voice softened.

"There is no date of more significance in my life."

"Well, there's always the date of your birth, your birthday. That's certainly more notable."

Kathryn answered lightly, trying ease the seriousness of the moment.

"It is not as important. I was born on that date but I did not begin to live until..."

Seven's voice broke slightly and she cut off what she was trying to say. Kathryn turned her head to hide what she was feeling, it felt too vulnerable to let Seven know what effect her words were having.

She could feel Seven waiting anxiously for her answer. She knew she should refuse, that she was in enough trouble as it was but as she looked back up at the hopeful former Borg she could not find it in her heart to say no. Even if she only admitted it to herself, she knew that it was the most important day of her life too.

"Very well, I accept."

She cocked her head to one side a bit and gave a lopsided grin to the extremely pleased Borg. Certainly no one would describe the look on Seven's face as an ear splitting grin but Kathryn couldn't remember ever seeing Seven look so happy. Kathryn prayed she wouldn't regret it.

**************************************************

Kathryn knew immediately she was in trouble when the doors to her quarters opened to reveal Seven on the other side. Wearing black slacks, a blue silk tank top that matched her eyes and dipped down nicely to reveal her cleavage and a black jacket over that, Seven looked good enough to eat. Kathryn blushed furiously as the phrase passed through her mind and tried to convince herself it happened because it was dinner time but she knew that wasn't it at all.

Seven's brow raised imperceptably and she stepped toward the reddening woman, noting the rise of color with some satisfaction.

"Is something wrong, Captain?"

A quick smile flashed across her features for only a nanosecond to indicate her amusement.

"No, of course not. You look go.....lovely."

With horror Kathryn realised she'd almost said what was on her mind. She gave herself a firm mental shake and told herself to get a grip. And to be quick about it.

As Seven accepted the compliment she took a moment to absorb Kathryn's appearance as well. Kathryn's wine colored pants contrasted beautifully with the pale rose v-necked blouse she wore. Seven found herself fascinated with the rise and fall of that blouse as her mind wandered quickly to imagining what lie underneath. The Captain so rarely was seen out of uniform she found it jarring and found she needed to regain her own emotional balance.

Kathryn noted where Seven's eyes wandered and turned around sharply as she felt her nipples react to the intense gaze by rising inopportunely. Kathryn couldn't find enough swear words in enough languages to express to herself how she was feeling this second. What had she been thinking? She chastised herself for making the rash decision to agree to dinner.

Too late now, she reminded herself. She couldn't very well back out. She'd never been a coward. She turned around to face Seven once more, her arms crossed over her chest, and smiled cheerfully.

"Well shall we?"

And she indicated the door. They were supposed to go the Holodeck for dinner as part of their celebration.

"Very well."

Seven turned around and headed back for the door. As the door swished opened she stepped into the doorway and then swung around to face Kathryn again. Kathryn who'd been following close behind, found herself virtually nose to nose with the tall blonde.

Only not so tall, Kathryn noticed. She peeked down at Seven's feet and saw that while her black shoes were quite elegant looking, they were flats. Since Kathryn had chosen to wear heels she found herself closer to Seven's features than she expected. She liked it. Very much.

She tossed Seven a look to ask why she'd stopped. When Seven spoke her voice was low and the words were said slowly as she looked almost directly into the gray eyes that examined her.

"I find your appearance quite pleasing as well."

Seven rested her hand briefly on the exposed forearm and her fingers trailed down its length and then the touch was over. Kathryn shuddered visibly and became mute. Seven pretended that nothing was the matter and turned to walk away. After a brief hesitation, Kathryn followed.

Dinner in the crowded Sandrine's eased Kathryn's nerves considerably. Conversation was awkward at first but the two women had always enjoyed their talks together and they soon found themselves deep in discussion.

Kathryn leaned back into her chair, comfortably full from the dinner she'd just consumed.

With a satisified smile on her face she asked, "So, Seven is it fair to say that you no longer disagree with the decision I made three years ago today?"

"That is correct. Your prediction that I would come to appreciate my individuality has come to fruition."

Kathryn leaned forward and looked at Seven earnestly.

"Shortly after I freed you from the Hive Mind I promised you that once you had a chance to learn about your humanity that if you still wished to be returned to the Borg that I would find a way to do so. It was a promise I made with great reluctance."

"I do not know why. When you set your mind to a task you are very likely to complete it. You are a formidable power, surely you realise that. The chance of failure was neglible. The promise merely a formality," Seven replied.

"Oh, no Seven. I meant what I said," Kathryn waved her hand through the air. "I had no idea if I would succeed at convincing you to retain your humanity. I just knew I had to try."

Kathryn's face looked bleak as she thought about those early days, the struggle to help Seven and the number of times she almost lost this young woman to the Borg. She could only hope those days were over now.

"If you were uncertain as to your success then why did you attempt to help me?"

Seven asked this question curiously, she'd always been certain that the Captain had acted out of assurance that her idea would work.

"I did it because I had to," Kathryn didn't know how to explain it.

"Had to?" Seven tried to imagine what force was at work.

"I had to because I knew......I knew in my heart that it was the right thing to do."

Kathryn tried to find the words.

"Sometimes Seven, even when you study all the facts, analyse the data, and come to the most logical of conclusions based on them the answer isn't always what you think. Sometimes you have to trust your gut instinct....your heart to find the right answer. To hell with the evidence before you."

Seven did not answer. She thought about this for a long time, her brow furrowed as she considered the idea. Kathryn watched the puzzled features as Seven's focus seem to go deeper inward.

Tuvok would say it's completely illogical," laughed Kathryn.

"Perhaps. And I would have agreed with him....before."

Seven looked deeply into Kathryn's eyes, feeling the love for the beautiful and intelligent woman that filled her utterly.

Her eyes darkened with emotion as she concluded, "But I believe I understand what you are saying. And I must concur. I have experienced it as well."

Kathryn knew instantly what she was referring to, her determination to win Kathryn over had not waivered in the slightest no matter how much Kathryn did to dissuade her. She laughed softly to herself, if Seven saw her as formidable then what was Seven? Implacable? Immovable? Whatever you called it, Kathryn had a faint sense of doom. Resistance is futile indeed, she thought.

"Nevertheless, that time has passed. I release you from your promise. It is no longer necessary."

Seven announced this matter of factly, she smiled briefly in assurance to the somewhat frowning redhead.

Kathryn's smile was much larger and more prolonged, "I'm glad to hear that. I don't think I could keep it now anyway."

"Really?"

"Well, I guess we'll never have to find out, will we?" Kathryn said this with a great deal of relief.

She picked up her wine glass and held it up.

"I'd like to propose a toast."

Seven raised her head slightly in a questioning way and then acknowledged the proposal by picking up her glass as well. She cocked her head and waited to hear what would be said.

"To the last three years of your humanity. You've grown to be an incredible woman, far exceeding my wildest hopes. May you continue to embrace your individuality and live a happy and fulfilling life with us. You're a part of us, Seven."

"To the bond that exists between us," was Seven's response, repeating the words the Captain once said to her on the Delta Flyer.

Kathryn paused before she drank upon hearing the words and then took a careful sip.

Conversation grew lighter after that with a great deal of reminiscing going on between them. Both were amused to find how often they'd functioned at cross purposes in the early days due to lack of communication and Seven's insufficient knowledge of how to function in her new world. While it had been a struggle to get to where they were, neither of them regretted a day of it.

Seven accompanied Kathryn back to her quarters. They strolled slowly down the corridors, both women reluctant to have the evening draw to a close. As they reached the door to the Captain's quarters, Seven spoke.

"It is late and I know we must retire for the evening. However, I would like to request that you allow me to come in for a short period. I....I have something I wish to give you."

Apprehensive about doing so, Kathryn was still curious.

"Of course. Come in."

"Thank you."

They walked into the room and stood there awkwardly. Finally Kathryn pointed to the couch and waved Seven towards it. Seven sat down uncomfortably. Kathryn headed towards the replicator and asked Seven over her shoulder.

"Can I get you anything?"

"No," and then belatedly, "Thank you."

Kathrynn smiled as she always seemed to when she watched Seven trying so hard to observe the proper pleasantries. She wondered if they would ever come naturally or if they would always seem so delightfully clumsy.

Before Kathryn could decide what to order, Seven jumped off the couch and rushed to her side. Pulling a tastefully wrapped small box seemingly from out of nowhere, Seven thrust the package towards Kathryn.

"I wish to give this to you. It is a token of my appreciation for all that you have done for me. A remembrance for this occasion and for three years ago."

Kathryn smiled warmly up into the anxious face that beheld hers. Her voice was deep, almost choked with emotion.

"Thank you, Seven. Certainly I don't need anything to help me remember.... everything but I think it's wonderful that you've done this."

"It is customary to open the gift at the time of recipience?" quizzed Seven.

"It is indeed. And that's what I'm going to do right now!" Kathryn declared exuberantly.

Ripping the paper off the package, Kathryn found a long jewelry box inside. Fumbling with the clasp, feeling all thumbs, she pried the box open at last. Her eyes filled with tears when she saw its contents.

The long gold filgreed chain was so delicate looking that it seemed to float in its container. The pale gold links ended in a teardropped shape sapphire-blue stone that shone brightly even in the ship's lighting. Overwhelmed by its beauty Kathryn stared at it, vaguely becoming aware that somehow the necklace reminded her of something else. Looking up at the expectant former drone she realized what it was.

The gold of the necklace was almost precisely the color of the beautiful hair that wound around Seven's head and came up in a elegant knot in the back. And the blue eyes that looked down on her with such adoration sparkled more fiercely than the stone it represented.

Kathryn whispered, "I don't know what to say, Seven. It's wonderful." She looked into the shining eyes, "I love....it."

She turned her attention back to the necklace, blinking rapidly and trying to collect herself.

"Would you like to try it on?" suggested Seven.

"Yes, of course." answered Kathryn eagerly.

She lifted it gently from the box and held it up in the air to admire it further. Seven removed it from her hand carefully.

"Allow me to assist you."

Seven undid the clasp efficiently, leaned forward and encircled Kathryn's head with her arms as she reached behind her to put the necklace on.

"Sh-shouldn't I turn around so you can see what you are doing," asked the nervous woman.

"Unnecessary. I do not require visual access to complete the task," was the smooth reply.

The necklace settled into place as Seven closed the clasp and the stone, somewhat chillier than Kathryn's body temperature, settled coolly on her chest above the starting point of the cleavage peeking from the pink blouse. Seven looked down at the fortunate gem without removing her hands from around Kathryn's neck and Kathryn studied her visage.

Seven's glance inched upward from the stone until their eyes locked. Holding her gaze, Seven's hands trailed down the lines of the necklace on either side of Kathryn's neck, tracing the skin that lay beneath, rising slightly over the collarbone and then unerringly following the necklace's path to its end.

Seven changed course, her hands splitting in opposite directions to smooth back the folds of the blouse from where they met at the first button. She curled her fingers underneath the material and Kathryn gave out a sharp gasp as her circulation kicked in once more.

"Seven," she moaned.

Seven dropped her head the short distance required to meet Kathryn's lips with her own. Her first kiss was tentative, unsure if she was truly welcome there. Feeling the lips move beneath her own she felt emboldened to deepen the pressure. Her eyes closed with the exquisite rush she felt from this intimate contact.

Mindlessly, her hands moved up still under the material of the blouse, to find Kathryn's shoulders and to pull her closer. Kathryn did not resist, raising her own arms to place the palms of her hands on the flesh exposed by Seven's tank top. Moving her hands up and down, the tips of her fingers as well as the flat of her hand luxuriated in the feel of the satin soft skin beneath it.

The kiss deepened further as both women let loose the emotions they'd been holding on to for so long. Seven's cry when their tongues first met in opened mouths was matched by the growl that forced its way out of Kathryn. They pulled closer together, their bodies merging as one.

Seven stumbled and almost fell to the floor when Kathryn thrust the bigger woman away from her. Kathryn stepped back, her eyes wide, and her hand pressed hard against her mouth. She gasped for breath.

"K-Kathryn?" Seven's voice quavered.

"I'm sorry, Seven. I-I shouldn't have allowed that to happen."

Kathryn's explanation was stammered and unsure.

"Please," implored Seven as she took a step towards the shaking woman.

Kathryn took a number of quick steps backward.

"No! I'm sorry but this is the way it has to be."

Kathryn sounded firmer this time and she drew herself up sharply to let Seven know she meant it.

"But why? I know you love me. And I love you," exhorted Seven.

"Nothing has changed. The reasons I gave you have not changed. We will not do this."

Kathryn waved her hand in a chopping motion to emphasize her words.

"But..."

Kathryn cut her off, "We will not discuss this any further."

Seven was stunned by this remark, Kathryn had always been willing to take the time to explain things to her, to talk to her. But Kathryn didn't trust herself. She could still feel Seven's hands on her shoulders and her lips on her mouth. She had to end this quickly or she'd be lost.

"You have to leave now, Seven."

"I do not want to," she said stubbornly.

"You must," Kathryn's tone was the one that no one dared disobey.

Yet Seven did not move. Kathryn's desperation was great enough for her to play her trump card.

I'm ordering you to leave."

Seven flinched at that. She'd disobeyed many orders in the past but this was different. She sensed that disobedience in this instance would probably cause irreparable damage in their relationship. She could not chance it.

"Now."

Seven nodded reluctantly, the tears that filled her eyes fell down her alabaster face as she left. Kathryn could feel her heart breaking but she did not stop the fleeing woman.

Slowly she sank down on to the couch and stared out at the stars that rushed past her window. She clutched the necklace in her hand, her eyes closed tightly as she relived those precious seconds in her beloved's arms. Her head bowed with anguish as tears leaked slowly from her beneath her clenched eyelids.

**************************************************

The Captain's usual way to tackle a problem was to face it head on, but in this case she couldn't do that, because she was the problem. She no longer trusted herself around Seven. It was no longer Seven against her, it was Seven and herself against her. These were odds she knew she couldn't beat. So she began to work in her quarters instead of her Ready Room, knowing that Seven would respect her right to privacy and leave her alone.

What the Captain didn't realize, although she should have, was that Seven never recognized protocols or rules. Least of all rules of etiquette. The sole reason that Seven never breached the sanctity of the Captain's quarters without permission was because it had never been necessary. The Captain had always made herself accessible to Seven and if Seven needed to speak to her she could.

But now access was denied and that changed matters completely. After a number of days went by with Janeway making rare appearances in public and none alone with Seven, Seven went by the Captain's quarters and requested entrance as she'd done so many times in the past. But this time she was not invited in. When she was informed by the computer that permission to enter was denied and that the Captain was busy she stood staring at the door for a long time and then slowly walked away.

She tried again the next day and was once more refused. And on the third day when she was refused again she took matters into her own hands. Starfleet security codes were good but not as good as an ex-drone. In minutes she overrode the codes that blocked her access to what she desired and the door swished open.

Seven brashly stepped inside. Kathryn's head jerked up with a look of indignation on her face.

She growled, "What the hell do you think you're doing, Seven?"

Seven ignored the question.

"You are attempting to avoid me," she challenged.

Kathryn feebly denied it by waving at the pile of padds before her and explained, "I'm working. Shouldn't you be?"

She threw the accusation of dereliction of duty in Seven's face hoping it would force her to back down and leave Kathryn alone. No such luck.

"You are using your work as an instrument to aid you in avoiding me."

Seven was more explicit in her accusation in this time. This time Janeway could not refute it without lying. Kathryn sighed and nodded.

"Look, Seven, this game you're playing..."

Seven interupted her, "This is not a form of recreational pursuit."

"No, it's not. You're right. I apologize."

Kathryn conceded that she'd chosen the wrong words and looked for a better way to convey what she meant.

Janeway started again, "Seven, I can't keep fighting you and do my job the way I need to."

"Then cease your resistance."

Seven's solution was simple.

"No," was the flat answer.

"Your resistance serves no purpose," pointed out Seven. "We love one another and we will be together."

Kathryn looked up into the burning eyes of the Borg, noting the darkened hollows underneath them and wondered if Seven was having difficulty with her regeneration cycle. Looking more closely she saw the finely drawn lines of tension in the blonde's face and realized the effect all this was having on her. Kathryn's heart swelled with pain and pushed against the tight walls that engulfed it still.

"I must Seven," she whispered as she closed her eyes tightly.

"Why?" insisted Seven.

Kathryn's mouth opened to speak but then she realized she couldn't remember why. All she could think was that the days she'd spent hiding from Seven hadn't helped at all. In fact, they had the opposite effect and seeing Seven now she knew that the situation had worsened significantly. She could hardly stop herself from reaching out to comfort the hurting woman she loved. Her control was slipping at warp speed.

Kathryn leaped up from her chair and began to pace energetically in the space before the couch trying to get herself under control. Seven intercepted her, grabbing her by the shoulders with her hands and swung Kathryn around to face her.

"Why?" she asked once more. "Why must we be apart?"

The intensity of her question and the heated look on Seven's face was too much for Kathryn, her knees weakened and she sank slowly onto the couch. Seven followed her motion, closely sitting next to her. Seven continued to look into the bewildered face, waiting for an answer.

Kathryn's thoughts whirled through her head like maelstrom and she was unable to find the answer for Seven or even for herself. Chaotic feelings filled her up, took her over and flowed out on to her countenance.

"Please, love me, Kathryn."

Seven whispered these heartbreaking words in Kathryn's ear in an aching voice.

Kathryn felt something snap within, she was tired of being in control and maintaining this righteous self-restraint that prevented her from taking what she wanted with all her heart and soul. Before Seven could move her lips away from the ear she whispered in, she found that Kathryn had turned her head and locked her lips on to hers in a demanding kiss.

As Seven lifted her head and moved her lips away from Kathryn's for a moment to draw in air she felt her head become captured between two small hands that refused to let her withdraw any further.

Startled by the restraint, Seven opened her eyes and looked into Kathryn's face with a question on her lips that never fell. The hooded blue eyes that gleamed back at her darkened with a predatory look that stopped Seven's heart cold and heated her to the very soles of her feet. She felt her mouth pulled back inexorbably towards the now eager mouth that awaited her.

These new kisses were unlike any others as Seven learned what the difference was between kissing someone and having someone return that kiss without restraint. Kathryn kept nothing from Seven, letting her know with ravishing, searing kisses how much she wanted her.

Kathryn pushed Seven back on the armrest of the couch until she was semi-reclining and the smaller woman lay across her overpowering her as their kisses deepened. Kathryn's tongue insisted on entrance into Seven's sweet mouth, forcing her way in before Seven understood what was demanded of her. The intimate taste of their tongues entwining and exploring one another allayed Seven's brief moment of faint fear as she tried to understand what was happening.

Kathryn sensed she was out of control but didn't care. She'd waited so long and fought so hard against this that she had nothing left to fight with. She only knew that she didn't want to stop, that she couldn't get close enough to Seven to satisfy her need for the achingly beautiful woman who haunted her every waking and sleeping moment. She would not stop until she was utterly satisfied.

The power of Kathryn's kisses bordered on the edge of punishing Seven's mouth as though Kathryn sought to teach Seven a lesson for pushing Kathryn past her limit of self control. To let Seven know that there were dire consequences for her actions and that it was time to pay for her deeds. Seven accepted the responsibility willingly, even eagerly. Seven succombed to the feelings that overwhelmed her and that she'd waited for, for so long.

Although Kathryn was still clearly the aggressor in their embrace Seven was not passive. Completely at the mercy of Kathryn's mouth she did not attempt to make her stand there but used her hands instead to explore the soft contours and curves of the body that lay across hers. Her hands slid down the long, firm back of the Captain and stopped briefly at the undulating hips above her to pull Kathryn tighter against her in their embrace. Then they continued their journey down to the small, tight buttocks, grasping tightly to the mounded flesh they found there and laying claiming to it fiercely.

Kathryn moaned deeply into Seven's mouth at the assailing motion that held her captive on top of the ex-Borg's yielding form. Hearing the sound, Seven felt a faint moisture begin to form between her legs and whimpered slightly as her need began to soar ever higher.

Hearing Seven's cries, Kathryn's own hands began their quest across Seven's body. Lifting her upper body slightly so she can reach the soft protrustions that pushed against her own, smaller breasts so sweetly. As her fingers brushed across the nipples covered by the intrusive biosuit she could feel them rise in answer to her search. Seven felt an electric charge race from the swollen tips of her chest to the now incredibly wet center between her legs.

Her legs parted involuntarily and Kathryn's knee returned to where it had been only once before during that unforgettable Velocity match. Kathryn increased the pressure against Seven's burning labia and began to rub her leg up and down slightly. Seven surged up against her, almost rising from the couch, as she cried out incoherently.

Clothes disappeared quickly in the next few minutes, finding their way to the floor almost like magic as the two women sought to get closer to one another. The feel of Seven's nipples against her own made Kathryn's come alert in an instant. Seven's first caress of Kathryn's breast almost made them climax simultaneously.

In a passionate haze, Kathryn noted the implants that lay scattered across Seven's abdomen in broad bands that started below her breasts and tapered down to above her pubis. Another ran up the inner thigh of her left leg from kneecap to where her leg joined at the hip. Curious, Kathryn tentatively stroked the band that ran closest to Seven's breasts. A sharp, hiss of breath from Seven confirmed what Kathryn suspected and with her eyes half-closed she looked down at the writhing Borg with lascivious satisfaction.

Seven's eyes opened and were once again captured by the salacious look in Kathryn's and the half smile smirk that appeared as Kathryn began to lower her head, without breaking eye contact, to those hyper-sensitive bands. The gasp of breath from Seven was almost immediate as she watched the tip of Kathryn's tongue appear between her wine-colored lips and realized her intention.

Seven's eye closed tightly as the sensation of Kathryn's tongue roared through her to collide with the thrill of Kathryn's small hands squeezing and releasing her full breasts. Seven could feel Kathryn's hair trail down her body as the woman's tongue wound down each band, lower and lower.

Kathryn could smell Seven long before she got to the tantalizing juncture between her legs, a clean musky odor that drew her down eagerly. The sound of Seven's pleasure rose higher as Kathryn's tongue parted the sweet lips below. The copious wetness trickled into her mouth as she delved deeper into the soft regions of Seven's precious center until she found what sought. Running her tongue over the desired prize Kathryn soon brought Seven to a crashing peak.

Seven's final hoarse cry as she came was wrenched from her very soul as she clutched the sides of the head that lay between her legs and the woman who that sent her to impossible heights.

**************************************************

The two women lay there a long time afterwards with Seven's body curled up against Kathryn's and her arms wrapped around the smaller woman as though to prevent her from disappearing suddenly. Seven suspected the battle wasn't over yet and so it was no surprise when Kathryn twisted around in her arms and looked up into her face, only centimeters away.

"Was that what you wanted?" the question was harshly asked in Kathryn's smoky voice.

"Yes," was the faint but firm answer that drifted from Seven's bruised mouth.

Kathryn looked at the sated features of the young woman and her heart broke completely free of the prison that Kathryn buried it in.

"Oh, Seven." And this time the kiss was soft but no less demanding.

"I'm just not sure...." she began.

"I am," Seven firmly cut off Kathryn's protestations and then returned the gentle kiss with all her desire and love coursing through it.

Kathryn's fears were lost in the sensation of those full lips caressing and exploring hers. Seven, half lying across the petite woman, pressed Kathryn down on to the bed as she announced her intentions to enter the other woman's mouth with a tender touch of her tongue against the pliant lips that kept her out. A low purr welcomed Seven in as the receptive mouth opened beneath her own.

Seven's lips traveled along Kathryn's jaw, slipped over her brow, trailing down her neck and followed the lines of her collarbones. But they always returned to the lure of the fervent lips that welcomed her return home and their kiss deepened with every recursion.

Seven filled her hands with the swells of Kathryn's breast seeking out and finding the tips as they rose between her fingers when she pulled on them. Kathryn rose from the bed to press against the contact demanding more. Seven complied with alacrity pushing her back down into the bed with the force of her response.

Seven's mouth joined her hands in the task of exploring the Captain's bosom, taking a nipple between her lips and sucking in it against her teeth and out again with a slow rhythmic beat. An involuntary cry, almost a groan, ripped forth from Kathryn as she rode the wave of unending pleasure that captured her. Seven's mouth moved to Kathryn's other breast as her hands moved down.

She used her Borg-implanted hand to nudge Kathryn's thighs apart. Her other hand trailed slowly behind, tangling briefly in the dark, curly hair of the warm, wet mound. As her hand came to rest against Kathryn's opening the frenetic woman eagerly spread her legs wider to facilitate what she wanted Seven to do.

Cautiously Seven slid a finger into the warm opening, feeling the warm, wet interior as it welcomed her intrusion by grasping tightly around the invader. Both women gasped from the sensations that ran through them with the contact. Edging her finger back out again, she re-entered this time with two. Kathryn grasped Seven's shoulders tightly as she felt herself fill up with Borg's caressing digits.

As Seven began an easy motion in and out, aided by the flood of liquid that pooled around her fingers, she remembered the sensation of Kathryn's tongue in a slightly different location. Without breaking the rhythm of her movements she used her thumb to search out the same small piece of sensitive flesh. She knew she achieved her goal when her thumb brushed against a small nodule and Kathryn bucked up against her with no control.

Instinctively Seven began to increase the rhythm of her strokes and the pressure of her thumb as the severity and level of Kathryn's cries rose. Seven's name was the only coherent word, everything else mindless cries that echoed the pleasure that soared through Kathryn as she came in Seven's arms.

Stunned by the power of what she'd done, Seven stared into the vulnerable face of the woman she loved with all her being. Gently she wiped away the tears that trickled down the side of Kathryn's face, stroking the soft skin they marked until Kathryn convulsively grabbed her hand and pressed it hard against the flesh that lay there. Kathryn moved the hand, now curled into a light fist, down to her mouth and kissed it fiercely as she stared up into the wondering azure eyes.

"I love you," the husky voice of the redhead reverberated deeply.

Seven's head bent down for a moment as she closed her eyes, overwhelmed by the impact of it all, and then raised her head once more to gaze into warm, blue eyes. The shining, wet look that Seven returned answered her without words.

**************************************************

Kathryn awoke to find Seven watching her intently. She gave a warm, half smile and raised her hand to brush the soft cheek of the blonde woman who did not deviate from her appointed task.

Finally Kathryn asked, "What are you doing, Seven?"

"I am watching you sleep."

"Why?" she asked curiously.

"Why do you watch me regenerate?" Seven countered.

Kathryn gave a rueful laugh, "Ah, you know about that."

"Yes." A brow raised as though to chastise Kathryn for even thinking for a moment that she could ever pull anything over on the ever observant Borg.

Kathryn did not flinch, "Well then, since we've both done it, I don't think there is any need for me to explain why. You already know why I do it."

"Because you love me," Seven's answers would always be direct, loving Kathryn would not change that.

"Yes," the simple word was charged with feeling as the two looked at one another.

"Good. Then we are agreed that this issue has been settled. We will continue to love one another and be together."

The course of action was clear to Seven. Her eyes narrowed when Kathryn did not respond right away.

"Seven, being together isn't going to be easy," Kathryn spoke slowly.

"To date, none of 'this' has been easy," was the rejoinder.

Kathryn gave a small laugh, "I know. I'm sorry."

She took a deep breath and continued, "I'm sorry for a lot of things, Seven. I'm sorry that I put us both through these last few weeks and I'm sorry for the pain I've caused you. But what I'm sorry for the most is that I didn't trust you nor allow you to make your own choice. I got caught up in trying to protect you from making mistakes, forgetting that making mistakes is part of being human."

"When I make a mistake I will be prepared to face it. I am not afraid," explained Seven.

"Mistakes aren't always easy to recognize, Seven. Often we don't find out about them until long after they have occurred and the damage they cause can be great," cautioned Kathryn.

Seven considered this and then understood what Kathryn was implying.

"You are still not convinced that our involvement is not a mistake," she said plainly.

"No, no I'm not," Kathryn conceded. She spoke again quickly to reassure her, "I know we love one another but only time will tell if our love is right for one another."

"It is," Seven's tone brooked no argument.

"You don't know," Kathryn could be as stubborn as her.

"I know that I have the right to make my own choices and that in this instance I have made the right choice," Seven wasn't backing down.

"Seven," Kathryn ground out the name between clenched teeth as she became exasperated at the unbending Borg.

"You have already conceded that I was correct in our feelings for one another and that we should now be together. Why do you continue to argue instead of complying to my clearly superior knowledge in this matter?"

Kathryn's brow lowered at this statement and as she opened her mouth for a sharp retort she noted the sparkle of laughter that tinted the ice blue eyes. Her mouth snapped shut again. Seven finished.

"In time, you will see that I am correct. As always," the imperiousness of that statement was countered by the continued twinkle in her eye.

"If you plan on being this arrogantly correct for the rest of our lives this relationship is going to be a helluva of a lot tougher than even I ever imagined it," answered Kathryn in mock complaint.

"You will adapt," explained Seven as she bent her head to kiss the woman who owned her heart.