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He had always known, deep down, that Raffi was not meant for one person but many. Rios had to admit that. He had to admit he had been fearful that she would crack, crumble, when she was left with only Seven, that she would find herself mournful for who she had been. He had seen that happen before.
Now he watched Raffi with Seven and Kathryn Janeway, Admiral and friend. Raffi had been nervous at first, when Seven introduced her to Kathryn, but Kathryn had surprised them both and befriended Raffi in minutes. He had known then that he was beat, not only was Kathryn close with Seven, a friend maybe more, but Raffi too had beaten him when it came to being the charmer.
Still, as he watched, smirking as Seven introduces Laris to Kathryn too, noting the way Laris tenses when B’Elanna joins them before relaxing at Raffi’s hand covering her own. She knew, he realised, what was happening, a polycule was forming and forming fast, but Laris had always been shy. Then he heard it.
Wolf-whistling echoing. Someone, predictably, trying to horn in on the women, and he sighed. Now he rose and came closer, herding the man away with firm words ‘Woman on woman is hot when I get to watch’ had long been an issue Raffi faced and this time Rios was determined she would have peace.
Later he’d watch Raffi laugh heartily, leaning into Laris’ shoulder as she did so, Kathryn’s answering smile making him glow a little. People had periodically been shuffled away, Riker surprising him by joining him. The man tended to stay on Nepenthe now but clearly he had heard what was going on and JL, JL had been angry, had seen how nervous Raffi was about risking her love again by meeting Seven’s old friends and lovers.
Now, as he watched them and talked, he found he was laughing at the way Riker glanced across at them.
“Deanna will be delighted…”
“Mhm.”
Rios smirks, then leans into Riker a little.
“How is your wife by the way?”
“Oh she’s fine… mostly worrying that Kestra misses Soji so much.”
“Soji will be home soon. She misses Kestra.”
Rios’ smile is soft as he adds.
“She’s very fond of Kestra, calls her ‘little sister’ when she’s not really thinking….”
“What about you, going to join us?”
“I might. Been a long time since I had any decent home-cooked food…. Or company that isn’t the xB and her girls.”
“You’d be welcome…”
Riker paused then smirked.
“Ready to face some more sexual bystanders?”
“Born ready.”
The two moved away to block the men one more time, Rios smiling and sighing when Raffi finally suggested the group head home. He knew that between them they could have fought the men off, he just didn’t see why they should have to.
Later, almost a day later, he would open the door to a delivery of food and wine, a note attached to the bag.
“Thanks for being a friend – Raff…. Like I’d ever be anything else.”