New fic: Compass Rose, 6/7, Star Trek: Voyager, J/7
Title: Compass Rose
Author: chilly_flame
Fandom: Voyager
Pairing: J/7
Rating: M
Disclaimer: All the characters included herein are property of Paramount. Alas.
---
The next three days passed in a haze for Kathryn; it had been a good twenty years since she’d experienced so many simple pleasures. Swimming, snorkeling and diving became daily afternoon pastimes. But mornings were dedicated to sunning themselves on the deck of the boat. And making love. Kathryn had never considered herself an exhibitionist, but she decided she just didn’t care if anyone happened to be sailing by at an inopportune moment. Of course Seven had set a proximity detector to sound an alarm if that were the case, but Kathryn didn’t find that out till much later.
On their last night on the ship, Seven played chef, shooing Kathryn out of the galley early in the evening. “Please do not interrupt me, I must concentrate. Will you set a table on the deck?”
Kathryn nodded meekly, wondering what Seven could possibly need such intense concentration for. But no matter; she would do as she was told. She replicated a linen tablecloth and strung the deck with colorful lanterns she’d found in the small closet in their room. She wondered if Josiah had left them specifically for this purpose, and decided he had. Sneaking into the galley, she didn’t say a word to Seven, who glanced sharply in her direction. But instead of defending herself, she went straight for the storage facility where the wines were kept. Most were in stasis, having been aged to perfection by their vintners, but another was a special treat that was left for them by the crew. She popped the cork to let it breathe and promptly departed, feeling Seven’s approving smile on her back as she did so.
After completing the table setting, she changed into a silk ivory dress she’d replicated for the night. As she fastened earrings into her ears, she realized that she looked like an entirely different person than the woman who’d set foot on the boat only seven days prior. Her skin was brown, her eyes a bright blue, but more than that, the ennui had faded from her face. A while back Phoebe had told her she’d “checked out” of life, and only now did she realize how true those words were.
She thought to dab some perfume behind her ears before rejecting the idea. Seven said she liked her natural fragrance, and for once, she would take her at her word. Quickly she ran a brush through her hair, which curled gently from the salt water she’d emerged from a while before. It was blonder now, streaked with sun. She liked the effect; she might have to keep it this way.
Brushing a wisp of hair out of her eyes, she left the head and went up top, waiting for Seven. She leaned against the railing and laced her fingers together. The waxing moon cast mysterious shadows on the shimmering water, and the sound of the waves calmed her heart. Gazing around, Kathryn wondered if they could do this again, every year.
She was sorry the week had to come to an end, but as the harvest festival approached, she admitted to herself that she was looking forward to it. Being with Seven made everything more enjoyable. Swimming became an adventure, and sailing was more thrilling than ever before. They’d traveled a great distance the prior day, riding with the wind on a brisk afternoon. The exhilaration was intense, and seeing the beautiful face staring back at her… They were connected. It seemed ridiculous that she’d ever tried to deny it.
A few more minutes passed before Seven emerged from below, hauling two trays under stasis lids. Kathryn hurried to help, taking one and setting it next to the immaculate table. Seven’s small smile acknowledged her approval. “It’s lovely, Kathryn.” She still wore an apron spattered with flour and who knows what else, but briefly she leaned in for a kiss. Kathryn received it happily. “I will return momentarily,” Seven said. “Do not peek.”
Kathryn felt her mouth twisting in a frown. “Spoil sport.”
True to her word, Seven reappeared less than two minutes later wearing a midnight blue dress that clung to every curve. And the knowledge of what lay under the material set Kathryn’s blood to a slow boil.
“Nice dress,” she said, the sound coming from deep within her chest.
“So is yours,” Seven said, reaching out to adjust the halter strap on her shoulder. Kathryn shifted in her seat.
“So what are we having?”
“For the amuse bouche, we have a porcini mushroom stuffed with artichoke, garlic, tomato and dressed with olive oil,” Seven began. “Followed by lamb carpaccio on a bed of arugula with pecorino romano and a balsamic vinaigrette. The main course is lobster with saffron-infused butter, asparagus and whipped potato. Dessert is… a surprise.”
Kathryn stared as Seven lifted the first lid. The plate descended in front of her, the small mushroom appealing delightfully to her senses. The oil was drizzled in a perfect pattern on the plate; she didn't even want to touch it. "Seven, I think you might consider a second career as a chef… This is a work of art."
"Thank you, Kathryn." She poured half glasses of pinot gris to accompany the dish. Seven lifted hers for a toast. “To a wonderful week," she suggested.
"And a thousand more like it to come,” Kathryn added.
Seven’s cheeks blushed pink. “And a thousand after that.” Their glasses clinked together.
Kathryn savored the small amuse bouche, cooing over the flavor. The salad was next, its flavors blending perfectly. Then they took a break, leaning back in their chairs to digest and relax.
Seven sipped her wine carefully. “Do you think your mother will like me?” she asked.
Kathryn’s reaction was somewhat slower than usual; a little wine had dulled the sharpness of her mind pleasantly. She almost felt drugged with happiness. How could Seven believe that anyone wouldn’t like her? “Yes, darling,” she said simply. “I’m positive. You’re wonderful.”
“I am not what she expected.”
Kathryn blinked. "You're not what I expected either."
Seven tilted her head in agreement. "Will you be comfortable bringing me to your home?"
Narrowing her eyes, Kathryn considered. This was obviously a concern, and she wanted to answer honestly. "I may have been more hesitant if my mother hadn't reacted the way she did when I told her. But she seemed genuinely happy for both of us. And Phoebe's been on my case about you for years, so I know she's ecstatic." She sighed. "I may never live down the fact that she was right about us. I'm in for a brutal teasing. It could go on for years."
"A small price to pay," Seven said.
"Absolutely."
"Who will be at the festival?"
"Some of the people I grew up with from the neighborhood; some stayed and kept up their farms, and a lot of others come home this time of year for the harvest." She paused. "Mark may be there. I'd be surprised if he wasn't, honestly."
"Mark Johnson," Seven said, questioning. "Your former fiancé."
"Yes."
"Will that make you uncomfortable?"
Kathryn shook her head. "No, not anymore. He was… such a good friend to me, darling. He brought me through a dark time in my life. I loved him, and I think a part of me always will." She glanced at Seven, wanting to be as clear as possible. "But what we share is very different. I think if you'd been the one I left behind, I wouldn’t have considered a relationship with anyone. And if I found out you'd moved on, I'd have fallen apart."
Seven straightened in her seat. "That would not have occurred. I would wait forever for you, Kathryn. Even if I believed you to be dead, I could not love another."
The words tore at Kathryn's heart; if she died, she would never wish Seven to remain alone for the rest of her life. But deep inside, she felt very much the same. So much of the past nine years had been consumed by Seven, even in her absence. "I believe that. But Mark and I… It wasn't like this." Kathryn hardly had words to describe what it was between them.
"Everything, you mean," Seven said solemnly.
Kathryn released a great breath. "Yes. Everything." She swallowed back tears that burned the backs of her eyes. Shaking her head slightly, she asked, "Will seeing Mark make you uncomfortable?"
"Not in the way you may think," Seven said slowly. "My jealousy of him is only over the fact that he knew you as a child, and a young person."
"I didn't realize you knew so much of our relationship."
Seven shrugged. "There were very few secrets on Voyager, Kathryn. Even you must realize that."
"True."
"In any case, he had the privilege of watching you grow into the woman you are. I wish I had known you all your life, the way he has."
"That's very sweet."
"And… I may also be jealous that you have had sexual relations with him."
Kathryn sputtered into her wine glass. "Darling, don't even consider a comparison."
Seven raised a haughty eyebrow. "Do not misunderstand. I am certain I am a superior lover, and a better match for you, Kathryn. We are well-suited in the bedroom, don't you agree?"
Kathryn blushed unexpectedly. Considering what they'd been doing the past three days, it made little sense to suddenly feel shy. "Uh, yes."
"I simply mean that, 'he got there first.'"
With a chuckle, Kathryn said, "I could say the same about Chakotay."
"May I echo your own words: don't even consider a comparison."
Kathryn couldn't help but be curious. "I hope he treated you well in that respect."
Seven thought for a moment. "He was very…careful. Our physical relationship was somewhat inhibited; perhaps because he could sense my reticence. It was, as they say, fine, but 'nothing to write home about.'"
"I see."
"Whereas with you, I already have many things to write home about. Starting with the first time, and every time after that."
"Oh, I know, sweetheart. I was there too."
"And you'll be there again, tonight."
"You'd better believe I will." Kathryn smiled lazily, anticipating.
Seven's cheeks flushed. "Then I suggest we move on to the next course."
"Agreed."
---
Seven deposited the remnants of their dinner into the recycler before selecting their final beverage of the evening. It was a port that Captain Picard recommended. Typically she wouldn't take something so valuable from someone else's stock, but she was going to be paying Josiah the full price for two weeks despite their early departure. In this case, she was willing to make an exception. Besides, it would go well with what she was serving.
Minutes later Kathryn sipped at the port, an approving smile on her face. Her cheeks were rosy from the wine, the heat lamps, and judging by the look in her eyes, desire. But she had more important issues to consider: namely, the grand finale of her meal. Everything had gone off without a hitch. Especially the lobster, which she'd deliberately chosen as a reference to her "first date gone bad" so many years ago. As soon as she unveiled it, Kathryn had laughed. But this time, things ended differently, and she devoured her entire meal quite happily. Kathryn did as well, placing a buttery kiss on her lips at the end of it.
Quickly she placed the domed torte on the table, and Kathryn leaned over it to inhale. "Goody." She lifted her fork, but Seven waved her hand away.
"Not yet."
"Why?"
"It's not finished."
Kathryn pouted.
"It will only be a moment." From the final stasis tray, she retrieved a steaming hot pitcher of chocolate. "The torte is a blend of chocolate, vanilla and caramel swirled in a soft vanilla cake," she began, enjoying the way Kathryn's eyes widened. "Watch the crust." She hoped this worked. It had the first time. She poured the liquid into the center of the cake, pleased when the dome began to collapse in on itself. Kathryn gasped; it really was something to watch. Finally she spooned crème fraiche around the plate. "You may begin."
But Kathryn simply stared at her. "You are the most remarkable woman, darling."
She smiled and lifted her own fork.
Watching Kathryn enjoy the experience of eating her creation was far more rewarding than her own consumption. Kathryn moaned and groaned her way through it; Seven salivated at the erotic sounds coming out of Kathryn’s mouth. Unsteadily she rubbed her thighs together.
“I’m hogging it,” Kathryn said, pushing the plate in her direction.
Instead of refusing, Seven took a modest bite in the hopes Kathryn would return to the plate. She did so almost instantly. The woman had remarkable restraint in almost every arena in her life, but dessert was not one of them. Seven swirled her fork around in the concoction, more for show than anything else. This was far too rich for her to have more than a few bites, but she was proud nonetheless. It would go on the short list of items she could make for truly special occasions.
Finally, the plate was clean. Kathryn threw her fork to the deck, as though exhausted from running a marathon. She flopped back in her chair. “That was heaven.”
“I’m glad.”
Kathryn looked up. “Start to finish I think that was the best meal I’ve ever had.” As though she could sense Seven’s disbelief, she added, “Seriously. The only rival was a 7-course meal I had with mom and Phoebe in Italy four years ago for my birthday. But this… you made this. For me. For us. And I loved every second of it.”
“As did I,” Seven said. She leaned in and captured Kathryn’s lips in a soft kiss. She tasted chocolate, and Kathryn. Seven savored the flavors, drifting calmly in a cloud of contentment. There was no rush now; it was still early, and they had nothing to do but be together.
Not long after, Seven led Kathryn down to their room. Diffuse moonlight streamed in through the portals as she explored Kathryn’s neck and shoulders, kissing around the straps of her elegant dress. Hands smoothed down her sides, caressing her hips before moving up her back. Seven tilted her head when soft lips parted against her throat. Her limbs were warm and relaxed; this felt different than the other times they’d made love. A quiet settled over her as Kathryn slipped the blue dress from her shoulders. Seconds afterwards Kathryn’s ivory sheath pooled next to it on the floor, and their forms merged on the bed.
It was slow and steady, passion building gradually between them. Seven watched Kathryn’s eyes darken, imagining her own doing the same. When nimble fingers found their way between her legs, she mirrored the action, stretching to push inside Kathryn. Seven could hear only Kathryn’s labored breathing, and her own, and the sound of the waves urging them on.
“Oh, yes,” Kathryn whispered. “Yes, yes,” she repeated, and Seven felt flutters around the tips of her fingers. She thrust her own hips, choking out Kathryn’s name. It felt good, everything was so good, and finally she was there, Kathryn writhing beneath her, pushing her higher and higher till she saw stars behind her closed eyes.
Seven’s arms were damp and shaky when she came back to herself. Kathryn was staring up at her, but Seven couldn’t read the expression. She leaned down to kiss dry lips.
Kathryn swallowed. “Wow,” she said roughly.
Seven merely nodded and kissed her again. Slowly she rolled them over on their sides and pulled the blankets up off the floor where they’d kicked them. She wrapped herself up and Kathryn too, cuddling in tight amidst the mass of pillows. Kathryn’s skin was hot where hers was chilled, and she tangled their legs together. She was so tired. Her eyes were already closing when Kathryn said softly, “Love you.”
“I love you.”
---
Part VII
Author: chilly_flame
Fandom: Voyager
Pairing: J/7
Rating: M
Disclaimer: All the characters included herein are property of Paramount. Alas.
---
The next three days passed in a haze for Kathryn; it had been a good twenty years since she’d experienced so many simple pleasures. Swimming, snorkeling and diving became daily afternoon pastimes. But mornings were dedicated to sunning themselves on the deck of the boat. And making love. Kathryn had never considered herself an exhibitionist, but she decided she just didn’t care if anyone happened to be sailing by at an inopportune moment. Of course Seven had set a proximity detector to sound an alarm if that were the case, but Kathryn didn’t find that out till much later.
On their last night on the ship, Seven played chef, shooing Kathryn out of the galley early in the evening. “Please do not interrupt me, I must concentrate. Will you set a table on the deck?”
Kathryn nodded meekly, wondering what Seven could possibly need such intense concentration for. But no matter; she would do as she was told. She replicated a linen tablecloth and strung the deck with colorful lanterns she’d found in the small closet in their room. She wondered if Josiah had left them specifically for this purpose, and decided he had. Sneaking into the galley, she didn’t say a word to Seven, who glanced sharply in her direction. But instead of defending herself, she went straight for the storage facility where the wines were kept. Most were in stasis, having been aged to perfection by their vintners, but another was a special treat that was left for them by the crew. She popped the cork to let it breathe and promptly departed, feeling Seven’s approving smile on her back as she did so.
After completing the table setting, she changed into a silk ivory dress she’d replicated for the night. As she fastened earrings into her ears, she realized that she looked like an entirely different person than the woman who’d set foot on the boat only seven days prior. Her skin was brown, her eyes a bright blue, but more than that, the ennui had faded from her face. A while back Phoebe had told her she’d “checked out” of life, and only now did she realize how true those words were.
She thought to dab some perfume behind her ears before rejecting the idea. Seven said she liked her natural fragrance, and for once, she would take her at her word. Quickly she ran a brush through her hair, which curled gently from the salt water she’d emerged from a while before. It was blonder now, streaked with sun. She liked the effect; she might have to keep it this way.
Brushing a wisp of hair out of her eyes, she left the head and went up top, waiting for Seven. She leaned against the railing and laced her fingers together. The waxing moon cast mysterious shadows on the shimmering water, and the sound of the waves calmed her heart. Gazing around, Kathryn wondered if they could do this again, every year.
She was sorry the week had to come to an end, but as the harvest festival approached, she admitted to herself that she was looking forward to it. Being with Seven made everything more enjoyable. Swimming became an adventure, and sailing was more thrilling than ever before. They’d traveled a great distance the prior day, riding with the wind on a brisk afternoon. The exhilaration was intense, and seeing the beautiful face staring back at her… They were connected. It seemed ridiculous that she’d ever tried to deny it.
A few more minutes passed before Seven emerged from below, hauling two trays under stasis lids. Kathryn hurried to help, taking one and setting it next to the immaculate table. Seven’s small smile acknowledged her approval. “It’s lovely, Kathryn.” She still wore an apron spattered with flour and who knows what else, but briefly she leaned in for a kiss. Kathryn received it happily. “I will return momentarily,” Seven said. “Do not peek.”
Kathryn felt her mouth twisting in a frown. “Spoil sport.”
True to her word, Seven reappeared less than two minutes later wearing a midnight blue dress that clung to every curve. And the knowledge of what lay under the material set Kathryn’s blood to a slow boil.
“Nice dress,” she said, the sound coming from deep within her chest.
“So is yours,” Seven said, reaching out to adjust the halter strap on her shoulder. Kathryn shifted in her seat.
“So what are we having?”
“For the amuse bouche, we have a porcini mushroom stuffed with artichoke, garlic, tomato and dressed with olive oil,” Seven began. “Followed by lamb carpaccio on a bed of arugula with pecorino romano and a balsamic vinaigrette. The main course is lobster with saffron-infused butter, asparagus and whipped potato. Dessert is… a surprise.”
Kathryn stared as Seven lifted the first lid. The plate descended in front of her, the small mushroom appealing delightfully to her senses. The oil was drizzled in a perfect pattern on the plate; she didn't even want to touch it. "Seven, I think you might consider a second career as a chef… This is a work of art."
"Thank you, Kathryn." She poured half glasses of pinot gris to accompany the dish. Seven lifted hers for a toast. “To a wonderful week," she suggested.
"And a thousand more like it to come,” Kathryn added.
Seven’s cheeks blushed pink. “And a thousand after that.” Their glasses clinked together.
Kathryn savored the small amuse bouche, cooing over the flavor. The salad was next, its flavors blending perfectly. Then they took a break, leaning back in their chairs to digest and relax.
Seven sipped her wine carefully. “Do you think your mother will like me?” she asked.
Kathryn’s reaction was somewhat slower than usual; a little wine had dulled the sharpness of her mind pleasantly. She almost felt drugged with happiness. How could Seven believe that anyone wouldn’t like her? “Yes, darling,” she said simply. “I’m positive. You’re wonderful.”
“I am not what she expected.”
Kathryn blinked. "You're not what I expected either."
Seven tilted her head in agreement. "Will you be comfortable bringing me to your home?"
Narrowing her eyes, Kathryn considered. This was obviously a concern, and she wanted to answer honestly. "I may have been more hesitant if my mother hadn't reacted the way she did when I told her. But she seemed genuinely happy for both of us. And Phoebe's been on my case about you for years, so I know she's ecstatic." She sighed. "I may never live down the fact that she was right about us. I'm in for a brutal teasing. It could go on for years."
"A small price to pay," Seven said.
"Absolutely."
"Who will be at the festival?"
"Some of the people I grew up with from the neighborhood; some stayed and kept up their farms, and a lot of others come home this time of year for the harvest." She paused. "Mark may be there. I'd be surprised if he wasn't, honestly."
"Mark Johnson," Seven said, questioning. "Your former fiancé."
"Yes."
"Will that make you uncomfortable?"
Kathryn shook her head. "No, not anymore. He was… such a good friend to me, darling. He brought me through a dark time in my life. I loved him, and I think a part of me always will." She glanced at Seven, wanting to be as clear as possible. "But what we share is very different. I think if you'd been the one I left behind, I wouldn’t have considered a relationship with anyone. And if I found out you'd moved on, I'd have fallen apart."
Seven straightened in her seat. "That would not have occurred. I would wait forever for you, Kathryn. Even if I believed you to be dead, I could not love another."
The words tore at Kathryn's heart; if she died, she would never wish Seven to remain alone for the rest of her life. But deep inside, she felt very much the same. So much of the past nine years had been consumed by Seven, even in her absence. "I believe that. But Mark and I… It wasn't like this." Kathryn hardly had words to describe what it was between them.
"Everything, you mean," Seven said solemnly.
Kathryn released a great breath. "Yes. Everything." She swallowed back tears that burned the backs of her eyes. Shaking her head slightly, she asked, "Will seeing Mark make you uncomfortable?"
"Not in the way you may think," Seven said slowly. "My jealousy of him is only over the fact that he knew you as a child, and a young person."
"I didn't realize you knew so much of our relationship."
Seven shrugged. "There were very few secrets on Voyager, Kathryn. Even you must realize that."
"True."
"In any case, he had the privilege of watching you grow into the woman you are. I wish I had known you all your life, the way he has."
"That's very sweet."
"And… I may also be jealous that you have had sexual relations with him."
Kathryn sputtered into her wine glass. "Darling, don't even consider a comparison."
Seven raised a haughty eyebrow. "Do not misunderstand. I am certain I am a superior lover, and a better match for you, Kathryn. We are well-suited in the bedroom, don't you agree?"
Kathryn blushed unexpectedly. Considering what they'd been doing the past three days, it made little sense to suddenly feel shy. "Uh, yes."
"I simply mean that, 'he got there first.'"
With a chuckle, Kathryn said, "I could say the same about Chakotay."
"May I echo your own words: don't even consider a comparison."
Kathryn couldn't help but be curious. "I hope he treated you well in that respect."
Seven thought for a moment. "He was very…careful. Our physical relationship was somewhat inhibited; perhaps because he could sense my reticence. It was, as they say, fine, but 'nothing to write home about.'"
"I see."
"Whereas with you, I already have many things to write home about. Starting with the first time, and every time after that."
"Oh, I know, sweetheart. I was there too."
"And you'll be there again, tonight."
"You'd better believe I will." Kathryn smiled lazily, anticipating.
Seven's cheeks flushed. "Then I suggest we move on to the next course."
"Agreed."
---
Seven deposited the remnants of their dinner into the recycler before selecting their final beverage of the evening. It was a port that Captain Picard recommended. Typically she wouldn't take something so valuable from someone else's stock, but she was going to be paying Josiah the full price for two weeks despite their early departure. In this case, she was willing to make an exception. Besides, it would go well with what she was serving.
Minutes later Kathryn sipped at the port, an approving smile on her face. Her cheeks were rosy from the wine, the heat lamps, and judging by the look in her eyes, desire. But she had more important issues to consider: namely, the grand finale of her meal. Everything had gone off without a hitch. Especially the lobster, which she'd deliberately chosen as a reference to her "first date gone bad" so many years ago. As soon as she unveiled it, Kathryn had laughed. But this time, things ended differently, and she devoured her entire meal quite happily. Kathryn did as well, placing a buttery kiss on her lips at the end of it.
Quickly she placed the domed torte on the table, and Kathryn leaned over it to inhale. "Goody." She lifted her fork, but Seven waved her hand away.
"Not yet."
"Why?"
"It's not finished."
Kathryn pouted.
"It will only be a moment." From the final stasis tray, she retrieved a steaming hot pitcher of chocolate. "The torte is a blend of chocolate, vanilla and caramel swirled in a soft vanilla cake," she began, enjoying the way Kathryn's eyes widened. "Watch the crust." She hoped this worked. It had the first time. She poured the liquid into the center of the cake, pleased when the dome began to collapse in on itself. Kathryn gasped; it really was something to watch. Finally she spooned crème fraiche around the plate. "You may begin."
But Kathryn simply stared at her. "You are the most remarkable woman, darling."
She smiled and lifted her own fork.
Watching Kathryn enjoy the experience of eating her creation was far more rewarding than her own consumption. Kathryn moaned and groaned her way through it; Seven salivated at the erotic sounds coming out of Kathryn’s mouth. Unsteadily she rubbed her thighs together.
“I’m hogging it,” Kathryn said, pushing the plate in her direction.
Instead of refusing, Seven took a modest bite in the hopes Kathryn would return to the plate. She did so almost instantly. The woman had remarkable restraint in almost every arena in her life, but dessert was not one of them. Seven swirled her fork around in the concoction, more for show than anything else. This was far too rich for her to have more than a few bites, but she was proud nonetheless. It would go on the short list of items she could make for truly special occasions.
Finally, the plate was clean. Kathryn threw her fork to the deck, as though exhausted from running a marathon. She flopped back in her chair. “That was heaven.”
“I’m glad.”
Kathryn looked up. “Start to finish I think that was the best meal I’ve ever had.” As though she could sense Seven’s disbelief, she added, “Seriously. The only rival was a 7-course meal I had with mom and Phoebe in Italy four years ago for my birthday. But this… you made this. For me. For us. And I loved every second of it.”
“As did I,” Seven said. She leaned in and captured Kathryn’s lips in a soft kiss. She tasted chocolate, and Kathryn. Seven savored the flavors, drifting calmly in a cloud of contentment. There was no rush now; it was still early, and they had nothing to do but be together.
Not long after, Seven led Kathryn down to their room. Diffuse moonlight streamed in through the portals as she explored Kathryn’s neck and shoulders, kissing around the straps of her elegant dress. Hands smoothed down her sides, caressing her hips before moving up her back. Seven tilted her head when soft lips parted against her throat. Her limbs were warm and relaxed; this felt different than the other times they’d made love. A quiet settled over her as Kathryn slipped the blue dress from her shoulders. Seconds afterwards Kathryn’s ivory sheath pooled next to it on the floor, and their forms merged on the bed.
It was slow and steady, passion building gradually between them. Seven watched Kathryn’s eyes darken, imagining her own doing the same. When nimble fingers found their way between her legs, she mirrored the action, stretching to push inside Kathryn. Seven could hear only Kathryn’s labored breathing, and her own, and the sound of the waves urging them on.
“Oh, yes,” Kathryn whispered. “Yes, yes,” she repeated, and Seven felt flutters around the tips of her fingers. She thrust her own hips, choking out Kathryn’s name. It felt good, everything was so good, and finally she was there, Kathryn writhing beneath her, pushing her higher and higher till she saw stars behind her closed eyes.
Seven’s arms were damp and shaky when she came back to herself. Kathryn was staring up at her, but Seven couldn’t read the expression. She leaned down to kiss dry lips.
Kathryn swallowed. “Wow,” she said roughly.
Seven merely nodded and kissed her again. Slowly she rolled them over on their sides and pulled the blankets up off the floor where they’d kicked them. She wrapped herself up and Kathryn too, cuddling in tight amidst the mass of pillows. Kathryn’s skin was hot where hers was chilled, and she tangled their legs together. She was so tired. Her eyes were already closing when Kathryn said softly, “Love you.”
“I love you.”
---
Part VII