Chapter Nine

Del's eyes widened in surprise when she stepped into her quarters, apparently Maintenance had not wasted any time. The Chief Maintenance Engineer had contacted her shortly after she and Seven arrived in Astrometrics that morning for the security code to her door and to ask how she wanted the quarters reconfigured.

Janeway had kept her word that she would get the ball rolling immediately. Del had tried to get Seven involved in the reconfiguration of what was to be their quarters but she had deferred to Del.

Del walked around checking out all the changes. The large dining room table and chairs were gone. In their place was a much smaller two person table with two chairs tucked in a corner near the replicator. The size of the living room had been reduced; where there had been a couch and a side chair with ottoman now only the couch remained.

A second desk with a terminal inset in it's top had been added near the first desk so they sat back to back. Stepping into her bedroom she noticed the large walk-in closet was gone and had been replaced by a standard model. Opening the door to the ensuite, she saw a second door on the other side, leading to what would be Seven's bedroom. Walking through the ensuite, she entered Seven's bedroom. It was smaller than hers but sported the same queen size bed she had. The only other furnishing in the room was a small nightstand next to the bed. There was a small closet in the far wall but no replicator. Del wondered if Seven would like it. Yawning hugely, she made her way back out to the living room.

Del flopped down on the couch with a groan. She was beat. After being up all night in the cargo bay then working a full shift in Astrometrics she was about asleep on her feet. Seven had chosen to remain in Astrometrics working on the survey of the planet they were now orbiting. It was the planet she had been scanning with long distance sensors that was hoped would provide the ship with much needed supplies.

Janeway had ordered extended sensor scans before making the decision to send down an away team. Her experience in the Delta quadrant had made her very cautious about beaming down to an unknown planet. With the incidents Del had read about in the mission logs, she couldn't say she blamed her.

Del closed her eyes hoping to catch a nap before Seven arrived. Though she was nearing exhaustion she could not help worrying about the blond. Seven had been especially subdued today and when Del had suggested they get some lunch, Seven had refused despite repeated requests.

Finally unable to ignore her growling stomach Del had gone to lunch alone. The mess hall was abuzz with speculation about the events in the cargo bay and Daniels and Philips imprisonment in the brig. After fending off repeated questions Del made her escape. She couldn't fault Seven for her decision not to join her. Despite her worry she eventually dosed off.

The chiming of her door jerked Del upright. She grimaced. She'd fallen asleep on the couch and now along with being exhausted, her neck was killing her. Stumbling over to the door still groggy, she hit the com panel.

"Yes, what is it?" she growled irritably.

She was met with momentary silence then a hesitant voice answered. "It's Seven of Nine."

Del immediately hit the door release and beckoned Seven inside. "You don't have to signal at the door Seven. That's why I gave you the security code."

"I did not wish to intrude if you were busy."

"You're not intruding. You live here now; these are your quarters too. You can come and go as you please," Del explained patiently. "Come on, I'll show you your bedroom."

Seven allowed Del to lead her across the cabin to the new door set in the far wall. She looked around the room with interest but with none of the excitement Del expected.

"What's wrong, don't you like it?" For the first time she was having a hard time reading Seven's emotions. It happened sometimes when she was overly tired; her abilities just did not seem to work as well.

Seven didn't answer Del's question nor would she meet her eyes. "It is very nice, thank you," Seven said finally, obviously parroting one of the doctor's stock polite phrases.

Del took hold of Seven's arm, "Come on," she said, leading her over to the couch. She sat down and pulled Seven down right next to her. "What's going on, Seven?"

"Going on?" Seven repeated as if she didn't understand the phrase.

Del knew different. "You know what I mean," Del said sternly, calling Seven on her evasion. Seven still had not met her eyes. Del reached out and gently lifted her chin. She was surprised by the uncertainty she saw in Seven's eyes. "Whatever it is, Seven, you know you can trust me."

Seven took a deep breath and seemed to come to a decision. "Do you think I made Daniels do what he did?"

"WHAT!" Of course not!" Del replied adamantly. "What would make you think such a thing?" Seven looked down, refusing to reply. "Seven?"

"I heard several crewmen talking this afternoon. One of them said it was my fault what Daniels did, because of the way I display myself. He said, 'of course people are going to react, who wouldn't, when someone flaunts themselves like that?'" Seven looked down at the tight biosuit she customarily wore. "The doctor designed my biosuit to support my implants after he removed my exo-plating. I do not understand… do I do that…flaunt myself? I do not mean to," Seven said worriedly.

Del ground her teeth together in anger at the ignorance displayed by some of the crew. Forcing herself to be calm she again lifted Seven's chin and waited until she made eye contact.

"You did absolutely nothing to encourage Daniels. What he did was a crime, that's why he's in the brig. The crewman you overheard were probably friends of Daniels or Philips. They were making up excuses trying to justify and defend what their friend had done. There's no justification for what he did. It was wrong and it had nothing to do with how you dress or act."

Seven looked over at Del, her expression open and vulnerable. Del reached out and wrapped her arms around Seven. She was surprised and concerned to find her trembling.

"Everything is going to be fine, I promise," Del assured her.

"Do you still wish to date me?" Seven asked unsurely.

"Of course I do, Seven. Have you changed your mind?" Del asked, trying not to show her own sudden concern.

"NO!" Seven declared adamantly making Del smile. "I did not know if you would wish to continue after what happened in the cargo bay."

Del pulled back from Seven until she could meet her eyes. "What would make you think that? I told you nothing that happened in the bay was your fault."

Seven stared into Del's eyes then finally looked down before replying. "I did not think you would wish to touch me after he…"

Del was truly shocked; she couldn't believe what she was hearing. Now she realized what had been bothering Seven all day.

Del's lack of response just confirmed Seven's suspicions. She pulled away from Del and attempted to stand.

Del's arms tightened around her drawing her back into her arms and refusing to let go.
"Listen to me, Seven. I love you! I'm furious about what Daniels and Philips did to you in the cargo bay but it in no way changes the way I feel about you."

Del pulled back slightly and again met Seven's eyes. Deciding that sometimes actions spoke louder than words she slowly leaned forward giving Seven plenty of time to refuse. She gently brought their lips together and kissed Seven with all the feelings she had for her. The kiss was gentle and filled with love. When Seven started to respond Del let the kiss escalate, softly licking Seven's lip asking for entrance. Seven's mouth opened and she whimpered when Del's tongue slipped inside and entwined with hers. The lack of air eventually forced them apart. Both women were breathing heavily and Del could feel her heart pounding in her chest as well as Seven's beating rapidly against her breast. Del couldn't help smiling when Seven's eyes remained closed for several moments after the kiss broke.

Seven's eyes slowly fluttered open and a contented smile graced her face. She turned pressing herself against Del and pushing her back against the couch cushions. Tightening her arms around her, she pressed their upper bodies tightly together, burying her face in Del's neck. Del tightened her arms around Seven returning the heartfelt hug.

"Okay now?"

Seven seemed overcome by her emotions; she simply nodded her head against Del's shoulder but made no move to break the embrace.

Del was more than happy to hold Seven for as long as she needed. She shifted slightly drawing Seven further onto the couch and into a more comfortable position against her. Del stroked Seven's hair then unable to resist, released it from its customary tight bun, allowing it to flow over Seven's shoulders. Seven unconsciously groaned in pleasure, leaning harder into Del as she ran her fingers through her hair. The sound sent a shot of arousal straight between Del's legs. Knowing she couldn't let this turn sexual she gently eased Seven away from her.

"Ready for some dinner?"

Seven's response was to bury her face back in Del's neck.

Del laughed good-naturedly and urged Seven off the couch.