Thanks to the best beta reader in the world: BeachBum!

She tried to ask without sounding petulant. "Did it bother you when she addressed you?"

Kathryn could not meet her eyes. She was looking at some readout on the Astrometrics display that wasn’t really all that interesting. Finally she allowed, "I didn’t care for being interrupted."

Tal Celes had thoughtlessly interrupted their earlier conversation, but had left the Astrometrics lab some time ago. Now they were alone and Seven shivered at the tone of Kathryn’s voice… low, intimate. A personal tone not heard before but definitely meant to convey a private meaning. The words were careful, almost too careful.

"Does that mean you wished to speak with me?"

Kathryn knew what was being asked and sighed a little. Taking hold of her courage she said, "Yes, I wanted to know what you felt."

"I felt close to you, more than as my friend. I wanted to kiss you."

Kathryn’s face was tight with a frown. Lips were pursed and eyes troubled. When she looked up her blue-gray eyes were dark with inner turmoil and when she finally spoke it was not what was expected.

"She’s not here now."

Seven read promise in the words and dared not hope.

"No, she is not."

"Do you still want to? To kiss me?"

"Yes," breathlessly.

Kathryn took the initiative. Gently she reached up to touch both sides of the metal adorned face. Her hands were so soft, so warm. Heart pounding, breath harsh between parted lips, Seven never expected to be in this position or to be so aroused. Eyes focused on Kathryn’s lips, the color of burnt roses. Her captain slowly leaned closer. She took an eternity to close the distance leaving time for Seven to change her mind. But she had no intention of stopping this. She would finally know what she’d only dreamt of, how Kathryn’s lips tasted.

Sapphire eyes closed, lips met and pressed sweetly. Kathryn took the time to savor the contact, her lips moved slowly in a gentle dance. The newness of a first kiss as each learned the feel and taste of the other. Then Kathryn pressed Seven back on the console, snuggled tightly up against her with one knee pressed between her legs. Pale blue eyes opened slightly when she felt Kathryn’s strong hands clasp her shoulders. Their lips parted and Seven looked at the fine features, blurred by proximity.

Her stomach flip-flopped, arms wrapped around Kathryn’s slender waist. Their lips met again and she was lost in a world of humid heat, rough lingual caresses and sharp desire.

Seven awakened abruptly, rudely. Her breath burst from her as the sharp sting of arousal sang through her veins. Her thoughts were in chaos but her course was unclouded. The reasons for Captain Janeway’s strange behavior the past few weeks had become clear and coalesced into logic in the ethereal form of a dream. Now she would act. Kathryn could not pursue this; the reasons were evident. But Seven could.

"Computer, what is Captain Janeway’s location?"

"Computer, state the time."

Sufficient. Kathryn is not required on duty for five more hours. Seven left the cargo bay for deck three and the captain’s quarters. This time she would not be dissuaded. Tonight Kathryn Janeway would be hers. Resistance was futile.

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