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**
The old Janeway farmhouse creaked and rattled in the wind as a February storm rolled across Indiana. While Earth's weather control matrix kept more severe weather like tornadoes and hurricanes at bay, regular storms were allowed free reign.
Setting her coffee aside, Kathryn carefully piled the firewood in the fireplace and lit it, smiling as the kindling ignited. A few strong breaths, and a blazing warm fire was soon roaring away. Closing the grate, Kathryn stood up, wincing as her aged joints protested the act. Glancing at the clock, she wonder if Seven had beamed back from France yet.
As if summoned, the front door suddenly opened, a slightly wet Seven of Nine entering.
"A 'mild downpour' they said," she snarled "that is not in any definition 'mild'." she added, shutting the door and brushing her wet hair back as she shook out her leather jacket.
"Well, even now, weather prediction isn't an exact science," Kathryn chuckled, swiftly grabbing a towel and handing it to her wife "how is Jean-Luc?"
"Good," Seven nodded "Beverly sends her regards," she added, hanging up her jacket to dry "oh," she held up a wine bottle "they gave us this,"
Grinning, Kathryn took it from her, examining the label.
"Good year?" Seven asked.
"Very good year," Kathryn grinned "want some?"
"I don't like wine," Seven reminded her. She looked around, taking note of the empty plate on the coffee table "have you eaten anything since breakfast?"
"I had a sandwich" Kathryn replied.
Seven frowned disapprovingly.
"I'm going to take a shower and then I'm going to make you a proper meal" she declared.
"I won't stop you," Kathryn chuckled "care for some company in the shower?" she grinned, winking.
Seven laughed.
"Maybe later"
**
A few minutes later, freshly showered, Seven was manning the stove, delicious smells wafting through the house.
"You're spoiling me, darling" Kathryn chuckled as Seven handed her a plate as they both settled down on the couch.
"Good" Seven grinned.
"Oh, Tom and B'Elanna invited us for dinner tomorrow" Kathryn said as she uncorked the wine from Chateau Picard with a muted pop, taking a sniff with a pleased smile.
"That's nice," Seven smiled, having already finished her meal. Leaning back, she grabbed the old knit throw draped over the back of the couch and wrapping it around both of them, leaning against Kathryn to tuck her head against the older woman's side as Kathryn poured herself a glass of the wine, taking a sip with a soft sigh.
"Good?" Seven asked.
"Mhmm, very nice," Kathryn nodded, pulling her closer as a distant rumble of thunder rolled across the plains, the light outside fading as the darkening skies mixed with the setting sun. Leaning back, Kathryn absently ran her fingers through long blonde tresses "I really missed this kind of weather on Voyager" she remarked absently.
"Did you really?" Seven asked surprised.
"I did. One thing I never liked about living or working in space is the lack of weather" Kathryn remarked.
"Oh, so is that why you've retired?" Seven teased "rain deprivation?"
Snorting, Kathryn laughed.
"No. All told, I wouldn't mind going back out there sometime. But for now, I want to enjoy this" she explained.
"I see. Any particular reason as to why?"
"Well," Kathryn grinned down at her "there is one or two reasons" she laughed as she leaned back, easing Seven down with her, softly stroking her cheek as the younger woman settled down between her legs to rest her head against her abdomen.
"Mhmm....me?" Seven asked quietly, her voice soft and drowsy.
"You, darling," Kathryn smiled "how did we ever get here?" she mused softly, more to herself than to Seven.
"I don't know," Seven yawned "but, if you give me a few days, I could figure it out" she chuckled.
"Tempting, but no. I don't really care one way or another"
"No, neither do I," Seven nodded. Blinking, she looked up at Kathryn with a shy smile "I love you" she breathed.
"I love you too, darling" Kathryn smiled, pulling her up to capture her lips in a soft, open-mouthed kiss...
END