The lights in Janeway's quarters were dim, barely brighter than the stars Voyager was streaking by. At first glance the rooms appeared unoccupied, but they weren't. Kathryn sat quietly in her chair, feet propped on the matching stool. She had turned the chair toward the viewport so that she could gaze out at the stars. Normally the bright colors passing by at warp comforted her and represented light years left behind as they made their way home. But on this day all she felt was cold, alone and so very tired.

Kathryn had taken a personal day off, and although it was mid-afternoon, technically it was still Christmas Eve. Heaving a sigh she raised her mug and took a healthy slug. The whiskey in the eggnog heated her belly and she acknowledged that the drink certainly fit the season. With another Yuletide upon them, Kathryn sat pondering if her crew would ever spend another Christmas season with their families. She knew she wasn't the only one feeling depressed. The crew had been despondent and lethargic for the last few weeks. Neelix had suggested their usual holiday celebration on the holodeck, but this year the captain had vetoed that idea. She certainly wasn't going to prevent the crew from getting together if they wanted, but she wasn't going to make it mandatory as she had in the past. It seemed pointless when they were so far away from a quadrant where the holiday meant anything. It was at times like these that the captain desperately wished for a ship's counselor.

The only one that seemed unaffected was a young woman that had spent almost twenty years in the Borg collective. It was ironic that on Christmas Eve Seven was the only one Kathryn would want to spend any time with. She was the only one she could call on that wouldn't insist she put on a brave face and appear more cheerful than she really was.

Snorting at her desire to spend time with the young woman, she realized she had no idea what she would say to her. Hi, Seven. Would you like to come by my quarters and sit on the couch? I really don't feel like talking, but I thought I could just stare at you for a while. Yeah, right! How about, what I really want in my Christmas stocking is you? Yeah, that would go over well.

When she'd first begun developing feelings for the incredible young woman, she had fought them. Kathryn had tried convincing herself that it was against Starfleet protocols to become involved with a member of her crew. That and the fact that she thought Seven hadn't progressed to the point of desiring a romantic partnership with anyone were the only reasons she hadn't pursued the young woman. Time and their experiences while being lost in the Delta Quadrant had forced the captain to alter her views on certain things. She had come to realize that it wasn't actually against regulations to be involved with someone on her ship. It was more of a recommendation. And with everyone on her crew pairing up, and Tom and B'Elanna expecting a child, Kathryn had come to realize that she desperately longed to confess her love to the other woman. If it weren't for the fact that she still felt that Seven couldn't return her feelings, she would have done so long ago.

Downing the rest of her drink Kathryn stood and walked into her bedroom. Pushing away the futility of wishing Seven could return her feelings she stood staring at the nightstand.

Glancing down she saw the padd she had lain there earlier. She had forced herself to read it earlier and could recite the letter word for word. It was the Dear Jane letter she'd received from Mark in their fourth year lost in the Delta Quadrant. Reading it earlier had served only to remind her how everyone she had loved had eventually left her. She picked the padd up without reading it again, without really seeing it. After a moment she opened the drawer of the nightstand and shoved the padd inside. It was time to let go of the past. She couldn't change it, and she knew that they had never really belonged together. It was time to move on.

Deciding to take a nap, Kathryn lay on the bed and pulled a throw over her body before falling into a dream of turkey on the table, snow, a fireplace, and ice-blue eyes shining with love.

******

"Bridge to Captain Janeway."

Kathryn started abruptly as the hail pulled her from sleep. Reaching over groggily she slapped at her combadge where it rested on the nightstand. "Janeway here, Ensign Kim. What is it?" she asked in a sleep-thickened voice.

"Sorry to disturb you, Ma'am, but we're receiving a distress call. I thought you'd want to know."

There was just enough insecurity in the communications officer's voice to remind her of the young man that had come to her fresh out of the academy. Even after six years on the Intrepid class ship half way across the galaxy from home, he had changed very little. Smiling a little she said, "It's alright, Harry. You did the right thing. Make sure the rest of the senior staff is present, and I'll be right there."

Soon she was striding onto the bridge dressed in a fresh uniform and looking like she was ready for anything the Delta Quadrant could throw at her. Inside she was fighting a slight hangover. Kim, Paris and Tuvok were already at their posts while Seven was covering the aft science station. Commander Chakotay exited the turbo lift before Janeway had time to sit in her command chair.

"What have we got?" Kathryn asked, neatly crossing her legs.

Tuvok responded efficiently from tactical, "We are still too far from the coordinates Ensign Kim has supplied for visual, but I am reading no weapons or propulsion. I am not even reading hull signatures. There may be nothing there, Captain."

Tapping her fingernail against her armrest Janeway said rhetorically, "Please tell me you didn't interrupt my day off for a sensor echo, Harry."

Face burning in consternation the young man leaned against his console on the palms of his hands. "I'm telling you, Captain, there's something there. It's a steady harmonic pulse resonating on a fluctuating covariant band. It has a lot of similarities to an ancient Earth SOS."

After a moment, the auburn haired woman said slowly, "Okay, there's something there. Get us close enough to see what it is Mister Paris. Warp six,"

"Aye, Captain." The helmsman replied easily convinced that if his buddy Harry said there was a distress call, then he believed him. "ETA to visual range, four minutes."

"Steady as she goes," the captain ordered. Behind her she could practically feel Seven's presence. Remnants of the dream she had been having regarding her Astrometrics officer trickled through her mind and she hoped Seven wouldn't notice the flush creeping up the back of her neck.

She was rescued from her predicament a few minutes later when Paris announced; "We're in visual range."

Thrilled at the offered distraction Kathryn pushed to her feet. "Slow to impulse. On screen,"

The forward viewer suddenly projected a view of space with a tiny dot obscuring the vacuum. Kathryn squinted as she tried to make out the image.

"Magnify," she ordered.

The vision that abruptly leapt into view had Kathryn convinced that she was seeing things. Surely someone had slipped a powerful hallucinogen into her eggnog earlier. Closing her eyes, she shook her head to clear it then opened her eyes again. It was still there.

Sparing a quick glance around she realized that all of the bridge crew wore similar stunned expressions on their faces. Perhaps it was a hallucinogen that had been introduced into the ventilation systems.

"What is that?" she finally asked to anyone that would answer.

Kathryn was sure it was Seven's voice that responded. The tone was cool and calm, but didn't fit with what they were seeing. "Sensors are reading one humanoid of unknown species and nine rangifer tarandus."

Glancing up the young woman met the captain's cloudy gaze and helpfully clarified, "Reindeer, Captain,"

Turning to the viewer again, Kathryn couldn't deny it. In front of them in space flew nine reindeer harnessed to a ruby red sleigh. Holding the reins in white-gloved hands sat an overweight man dressed in red, sporting a white beard and pointy hat.

"Santa Claus?" she heard Paris squeak in disbelief.

Everyone stared at the vision floating in space in stunned disbelief. Then suddenly the jolly old man disappeared only to re-appear an instant later on the bridge. He was short and very round, coming only to Janeway's shoulder.

"Ho, ho, ho," he greeted with a merry twinkle in his eye. "And how is everyone here today?"

The hiss of the turbolift doors opening drew the captain's attention for a moment and she glanced back quickly to see Neelix, the ship's resident morale officer coming onto the bridge before looking back at the unexpected visitor.

After a moment of silence Kathryn gathered her wits enough to reply in a sharp command tone, "I don't know who the hell you are, sir, or what you're doing on my ship but you cannot honestly expect us to believe that you're Santa Claus."

His white head went back as though he'd been struck and his blue eyes widened, whether in outrage or disbelief that she would use that tone with him Janeway didn't know. But she was more than a little disconcerted by his reply.

"Why Kathryn Elizabeth Janeway, you used to believe in me."

"I was a child." The captain asserted, well aware of the amused expressions being directed at her from the bridge crew. Feeling the feathering tendrils of a headache coming on at the absurdity of arguing the existence of Santa Claus with someone that was obviously a Delta Quadrant species of some sort, she decided to try a different tack.

"Fine," she said raising a hand to stop a retort from the being. "If you say that you're Saint Nick, prove it. Tell me something that no one else would know."

Eyes twinkling again, the man quirked a small smile and opened his mouth to respond. Somehow Kathryn knew she should have done this in private, but it was too late now. "I know that when you were seven years old Phoebe had gotten some authentic 20^th century marbles for Christmas. You snuck downstairs before she awakened and took them. You went out to the back pasture and climbed a tree before opening the bag to look at them. Unfortunately, you dropped the bag and the marbles fell into the pond. You had no intention of keeping or losing the marbles; you only meant to see them and knew that Phoebe would never allow it. You felt guilty for years about the incident."

"Especially since Phoebe never let me forget it." She mumbled under her breath in a slightly embarrassed tone ignoring the amused snort that generated from the vicinity of the first officer's chair.

Adding a decidedly wicked wink, the jolly old elf added, "I also know what it is you really want for Christmas this year."

Ignoring the flush suddenly staining her cheeks, Kathryn realized she still had an audience and she said, "That doesn't prove anything. For all I know you're a telepathic species."

Throwing up his hands in disgust the little man retorted, "We could stand here forever in this endless debate."

Acknowledging the truth of the statement, the captain relented slightly. "Alright, for the sake of argument let's say you are Santa Claus. How did you get all the way out here in the Delta Quadrant?"

"Well if I can get all over the Earth in one night, why is it so hard to believe that I could be out here?" he returned in what he thought was a reasonable tone.

Kathryn didn't miss the sudden tension around the old gentleman's eyes or the way he couldn't quite meet her gaze. "Uh huh," she said obviously not buying it and quirking a brow at him.

After a tense moment Santa shrugged his shoulders and said, "Alright you got me. We got lost. Rudolph has a cold."

"Rudolph has a cold?" Kathryn questioned not following how that could possibly have any bearing on the situation.

"Rudolph has a cold." He insisted. "His nose won't glow because of the cold and we were moving so fast that when I finally reined him in we found ourselves here. That's when we started emitting a distress signal."

"Captain," Ensign Harry Kim suddenly interrupted urgently. "They're gone. The reindeer are gone."

A quick look to the forward viewer verified that indeed the reindeer and sleigh were no longer floating in the vacuum of space.

Waving an unconcerned hand Santa said, "Oh they're fine. They're in the cargo bay."

Captain Janeway wasn't very happy about that development and was prepared to argue it. Normally it was considered polite to wait for an invitation to board someone's ship, but this man had somehow transported onto her bridge and stabled his reindeer in the cargo bay without even asking. She was halted in launching an impressive tirade when the fat man suddenly said, "After Rudolph's cold has been treated by your doctor we'll be on our way."

A quick glance around at the gathered crewmembers prompted him to add, "Although I'd say that our appearance has already done a lot for crew morale."

Unable to remain quiet a moment longer Neelix blurted out, "Maybe we could have that Christmas celebration after all." Then remembering that the captain had been dead set against such a thing, he cast a worried glance her way.

But if he expected her to argue he was due to be disappointed. The incongruity of the situation was beginning to appeal to her puckish sense of humor and he was surprised at the amusement in her eyes.

"Fine," she said easily, "if it'll help the crew to meet Santa Claus then who am I to argue? Besides, if I go along with this maybe my headache won't get any worse."

"You still don't believe that I'm Santa do you, Kathryn?" the little man asked sadly.

Shrugging her shoulders the captain replied, "It doesn't matter does it? Besides I want to see these reindeer for myself. Tuvok, Seven you're with me."

Unsurprised that Neelix and Kris Kringle decided to troop along with them planning a celebration all the way, Kathryn stepped into the turbolift and directed it to deck eight. Then the small group walked with a sense of anticipation toward cargo bay two. When the doors parted, the site that greeted her enchanted Kathryn. Nine reindeer with soft doleful eyes turned their heads toward the group.

"Gorgeous," Kathryn breathed. She slowly approached the deer harnessed at the front of the sleigh with an outstretched hand as though she expected the animal to start in fright.

Rudolph calmly watched the approach of the human his darkly wet nose twitching curiously. When she began scratching by his ears, he leaned into the contact eagerly. The spread of his antlers was so wide that he had to be careful not to stab her with the points, but he did so enjoy being scratched in such a difficult to reach spot.

A sound of unmitigated disgust drew Kathryn's attention from the stroking of the animal's soft coat. She burst out laughing at the look of outrage on her Astrometrics officer's face. Seven had one foot lifted and was peering at the sole of her high-heeled boot. "This is revolting." She informed her captain pointedly. "I shall not regenerate in this cargo bay with these creatures."

Placing a hand over her nose and mouth, Kathryn fought down her amusement. The humor of the situation not withstanding, Seven had a very good point. The cargo bays were not built to house animals and definitely created an unsanitary environment. "We'll work out accommodations later, Seven."

Tapping her combadge, Janeway hailed the EMH and asked the photonic doctor to meet them in the cargo bay. A moment later the whine of a transport filled the air and the hologram shimmered into solidity.

"Please state the nature…of the…Captain, what is going on here?" the medical hologram asked curling his nose at the offensive aroma permeating the air.

Grinning at the doctor's outrage, she said, "Doctor, may I introduce Santa Claus and his reindeer."

"You have got to kidding me. Is this some kind of joke?"

Knowing the doctor's penchant for eavesdropping on ship's business, the captain didn't buy for one minute that he wasn't abreast of the situation. "No, that comes later on. Right now I would appreciate it if you could treat Rudolph's cold. It seems that they lost their way because his nose wouldn't light up."

"Nose wouldn't light up…" he returned in disbelief before blurting out, "Captain, this is an outrage. I am a physician, not a veterinarian."

The force of the captain's glare as well as Santa's muttered, "Someone is being a very bad boy," caused the doctor's mouth to close with a snap. Obviously he was going to lose the argument, and it would be much easier on him if he simply relented, but that didn't mean he had to like it.

"Very well, Captain. Since you insist," he began huffily, "I shall research the matter."

"Thank you, doctor." Kathryn returned charmingly before addressing the others present. "Tuvok, please show our guest to his temporary quarters. Seven, you're welcome to sack out on my couch until we can get this matter resolved. Now, if you all will excuse me, I think I'll enjoy the rest of my day off."

As the captain was exiting the cargo bay, Neelix stopped her. "Don't forget about the Christmas party in the messhall, Captain. 1900 hours,"

Stopping to look back at the unlikely sight of her crew surrounded by a jolly old elf and nine tiny reindeer, Kathryn grinned and said, "I wouldn't miss it." For the first time in days she actually meant it. This would definitely be one for the log.

*************

Santa covered his eyes as the glow from Rudolph's nose illuminated the cargo bay like a super nova. The reindeer was definitely feeling better he decided and since that was the case there was no reason to delay his trip any longer. He had left a large sack of goodies for Voyager's crew in the messhall and was confident that Neelix would happily distribute the treasures. It was unfortunate that he couldn't grant their fondest request, getting them home. But as he'd already explained to the captain, his means of navigating were magical. There was no way the Starship could travel at such a velocity. Besides which there was a reason Voyager had gotten stranded in the Delta Quadrant, and the journey wasn't finished yet. He could only hope that by telling Captain Janeway that fate had conspired to strand them in this quadrant, it would help alleviate her guilt even if only a little.

I'd better hustle my buns, Santa thought. He was already behind schedule and Mrs. Claus would have his hide if he didn't get home by morning. He'd already made his good-byes, and the party was in full swing. Now it was time to get moving.

He climbed onto the sleigh and picked up the reins. Giving them a flick, the reindeer rose nimbly into the air and flew right through the hull as though it didn't exist. As he flew into space, the invisible force shield around his sleigh and reindeer activated. Just before they took off at unimaginable speeds, he smiled and snapped his fingers. He would look in on Voyager's captain again in a couple of hours and leave her a final gift, but thought that she might enjoy the one he had just left for her and Seven in the captain's quarters.

Captain Kathryn Janeway of the USS Voyager was at that moment swaggering toward her quarters with a happy grin. The party had been a raging success with almost everyone in the crew receiving personal communiqués from their families as well as a few other trinkets. In fact, the large sack Santa had left behind appeared to be bottomless as his gifts were distributed. There was everything from a new clarinet for Harry Kim to upgraded gel packs, and equipment that would keep ship's systems optimal for years. The padd Kathryn clutched in her hands contained a message of love and prayers for a speedy return from her mother and her sister. Although she still wasn't sure what Gretchen's comment about Seven really meant. She could still hear the words echoing in her mind.

"I'm so glad to know that you have someone special, Kathryn." Gretchen had said with shining eyes. "I know that she'll take good care of you." It seemed that her mother had been misinformed, Kathryn thought smiling slightly. Not that she would mind if that were the case.

Approaching her quarters on deck three, she was suddenly nervous. Seven was staying the night in her quarters, and the young woman had left the party an hour ago. She could have rescinded her offer to let the former drone stay on her couch, but cargo bay hadn't been cleaned up yet. Seven could stay in the guest quarters now that Santa was gone, but it was standard procedure for maintenance to clean the rooms before someone else resided there.

Face it, Kathryn, she said to herself, you don't want her to stay anywhere else. Ever,

A query to the computer had confirmed that Seven of Nine was already present, and Kathryn took a deep breath to gather her courage before entering the rooms. The sight that greeted her took her breath away.

****************

Seven of Nine left the festivities after she felt she had made her appearance for a reasonable amount of time. She had appreciated the happiness her friends displayed, gratified that they no longer seemed so lonely. But the glowing eyes of her captain had affected her most of all. For so long it had appeared that the older woman would succumb to the depression she was known for, and the young woman had no idea how or if she even could draw the captain out of such a state. Now it would appear that the dilemma had been solved by the appearance of Santa Claus. Seven didn't know if the individual was who he professed to be, or if it was Q playing at some elaborate deception, but she honestly could have cared less if this was the outcome.

Entering the captain's quarters on deck three, she froze on the threshold. The living quarters had been lavishly decorated and she knew without question who had done it. A large tree sat in front of the viewport. It was decorated with tinsel, multi-colored bulbs, and brightly flashing lights. An angel topped the tree and colorfully wrapped gifts sat under the boughs. Clumps of mistletoe hung from various places throughout the room, and in the doorway leading to the captain's bedroom.

In awe, she entered the quarters conscious of the door closing behind her. Curiously Seven walked over to the tree and hefted one of the packages. A tag on it read, To: Kathryn From: Santa. Glancing down she saw that another gift was addressed to her. Then from the corner of her eye another object drew her attention. She looked over toward the sofa where the captain had placed a pillow and some blankets for her use and saw another wrapped gift. Putting the box she held back under the tree, Seven walked over to the sofa. Santa hadn't left this package. It was addressed to Seven, but the young woman was pleased to see that it was from the captain. Delighted by this unexpected gesture she picked it up and happily ripped the brightly wrapped package open.

Inside she found a note that was undoubtedly hand written sitting on top of some kind of soft fabric. Opening the paper, Seven read the message she found.

Carefully placing the note on the couch, Seven examined the unexpected bounty. Inside she found two sets of silk shorts and matching shirts. The soft fabric was appealing to her and without stopping to consider her actions she removed the biosuit and drew on the forest green set. There was no matching footwear, but it didn't unduly bother the Borg to do without. In fact if it weren't for the taboo humans had for being unclothed, it wouldn't bother her to be completely nude. With a small quirk of her cortical implant, she had to admit that such a thing would probably make the captain very uncomfortable.

The captain, she suddenly thought with a start. The captain had gotten her a Christmas gift, and she felt the need to return the gesture. But she would have to do so quickly before the woman returned from the celebration. Turning toward the replicator, she was surprised to see a data padd with a large red, looping bow sitting on the coffee table. Convinced that the padd hadn't been there when she entered the room, Seven picked it up and found a message addressed to her from Santa Claus.

Seven-If you're wondering what she would like for Christmas; you have only to look into a mirror. Her feelings reflect your own. She merely awaits a sign from you that you are ready. However if you'd like to get her something a little more practical, I think a home-cooked turkey dinner with all the trimmings would be just the thing.

The captain returns my feelings, she thought with a rush of panic and anticipation. She didn't wonder at the validity of the information, and she didn't have to wonder who the she in the message was. There was no question that it was the captain. The strange being had known many accurate things about the crew from things that had happened to them as children to how they had reacted emotionally. He had even told that story of the captain and the marbles, and if Janeway's reaction had been anything to go by he had been accurate. The question was what was Seven going to do about it?

A little more snooping under the tree revealed that the old gray gentleman had left Kathryn a similar padd. It wasn't much of a leap in logic to guess what message it contained. With a small smile Seven realized that Santa had given her as much help as he could. The rest would be up to her.

Moving quickly to the replicator in stocking feet she began her own preparations. When her gift materialized she wrapped it simply with an elegant bow. There was no way she could prepare a turkey dinner tonight. They had both eaten their fill during the party. But it was her hope that the captain would accept this in its place. Speaking of the captain, it had been some time since Seven had left the party and she didn't want the other woman to surprise her before she was ready.

"Computer, inform me when Captain Janeway leaves the messhall." She said briefly before turning back to the replicator. Seven didn't use her replicator rations as freely as the rest of the crew, and therefore had quite a few saved up. With the knowledge that the captain was affected by this holiday more than any other and that there were unacknowledged romantic feelings between them, she wanted to make this day special for the older woman.

Less than ten minutes later the computer chirped and said, "Captain Janeway has just left the messhall on deck two."

With the words so calmly spoken Seven felt hundreds of butterflies suddenly beating against the insides of her stomach. For a moment she considered calling the doctor, then realized the source for the unexpected emotions. "This is anticipation." She said wonderingly.

Then realizing that she had only a few minutes before the captain arrived, she rushed into the bathroom and took down her hair. Borrowing a hairbrush, she brushed out her long golden locks hoping that the captain would enjoy the site along with the green silk pajamas. She wanted everything to be perfect.

"Computer, locate Captain Janeway." She requested while rushing back into the living quarters.

"Captain Janeway has just exited the turbolift on deck three."

Knowing that she had only seconds left, Seven approached the replicator once again and keyed in a request for a hot beverage. She had observed the captain drink this particular creation when she was feeling relaxed and very good about things in the universe.

Just as she was turning back from the replicator with the drink in hand, the doors to the captain's quarters hissed open and Janeway strode a couple of steps into the room before coming to a surprised halt. For a moment she simply stared at the decorations in shock.

"Seven?" she finally managed, turning eyes shining with gratitude to the other woman. "Did you do all of this?"

Pleased with the captain's reaction she answered simply, "No. I did not. Apparently Santa Claus left you another gift before leaving."

"Us," Kathryn corrected. "He knew you would be staying here tonight. He left us this gift."

Unable to argue with the logic, Seven simply dipped her head and approached the smaller woman. "Here, Captain. I have prepared a beverage for you."

Touched by the gesture Kathryn took a sip from the mug before groaning in pleasure. The sound caused the hairs on Seven's neck to stand on end. "Mocha, double sweet," the captain announced unnecessarily. "That was very thoughtful of you. Thank you."

Then the captain became very quiet as she observed Seven's appearance. She was quiet for so long that the young woman began to wonder if she'd made a social error in some way. Had she disappointed the captain? But when eyes the color of a stormy sea suddenly met her own in a very soft gaze, she knew she had not.

"You look very beautiful." Janeway said. "I like you with your hair down. I've always wondered what it would…" she broke off as though she realized she'd gone too far and turned away to look for a distraction. "I can't believe he did all of this. It's marvelous, don't you…"

A gentle hand on her forearm stopped her, and Kathryn couldn't bring herself to look at the other woman.

"Were you going to say that you have always wondered what it would look like down?" Seven insisted softly, unwilling to allow the change in subject. Somehow she knew that this was a pivotal point in their interaction. If she allowed the captain to back away now, there might never be another chance.

Finally discovering a way to answer in an evasive manner Kathryn asked, "Does it matter?"

Two soft, but insistent fingers under her chin lifted Kathryn's gaze to Seven's. "Yes," the young woman answered. "It matters very much to me."

"Yes," Janeway said honestly. "I have wondered what it would look like. You are a very beautiful woman, Seven. I think it's only natural that I would consider such a thing."

Saddened that her captain would try to evade what was between them, the blonde requested, "Please, Captain. Do not try to minimize this. I think there is something that you should see before we continue. Will you sit on the sofa with me?"

The request to sit down coming from Seven was enough to surprise Janeway into a false sense of security. Nodding her head, she followed the young woman across the room and sat down. But when Seven pulled a data padd from under the tree and sat it on her lap, she could only stare at the younger woman in curiosity.

"It is from Santa. Please read it. I believe it will answer some of your questions."

Skeptical at what a message from Santa could possibly have to do with the situation, Kathryn activated the padd with her thumb. A plain text message, simply written popped onto the screen and for a moment the feisty woman couldn't believe what she was reading.

Staring at the padd, she wondered if she did have the courage. Here in this simple message all of her doubts and questions had been answered. If this was to be believed, and she did believe it, then Seven loved her. A myriad of last minute arguments ran through her head involving her command, perceived favoritism, protocols, and the very real fear of opening up completely to another. But in the end, she had to admit that all of her arguments involved her fear of the latter, and that they were all just excuses. Was she truly that much of a coward?

Finally looking up she could see what the man had meant. The look of undeniable longing was so pure in the soft blue eyes that it took her breath away. Last chance to bail, Katie, she told herself. What's it going to be?

"I think it would be a good start if you would call me Kathryn when we're alone like this."

The smile that lit up the normally stoic blonde's face was completely out of proportion to the simple comment, but chased away the last of the doubts in Kathryn's heart. She found herself returning the grin inanely, and felt a little silly. But the question that came out of Seven's mouth caused the smile to fade and her heart to begin racing frantically.

"Does this mean that I may kiss you now?" she asked innocently.

Swallowing against a dry throat Kathryn whispered, "I really wish you would."

Seven's first kiss was a little awkward as she learned how to move her lips, and when Kathryn's tongue requested entrance into her mouth she gasped at the sensations it caused in her stomach. Finally Kathryn drew away and placed another small kiss at the corner of the blonde's mouth.

"I think we should stop now while I still can." She said in a huskier voice than normal.

"Why?" Seven questioned reasonably. "If we do not wish to stop, why should we?"

Laughing a little at the blonde's enthusiasm Kathryn answered. "Its not that I'm not tempted, Darling. But I am tired, and I've had a little to drink. When we finally are together, I want everything to be perfect."

"I understand." Seven answered touched by the sentiment. Of course she didn't understand how being with Kathryn could be anything but perfect, but she did understand the other woman's need to wait. Now that they had at least acknowledged their feelings, and she knew Kathryn wouldn't change her mind, she could be patient. "In that case, I should give you your present."

"Present?" Kathryn asked sitting up straighter in anticipation as Seven reached over and picked up an object on the coffee table.

"It is not as wonderful as what you have given me," the blonde said stroking the silky material of the shorts she wore, "but I hope that you will enjoy it nonetheless."

"I'm sure it will be wonderful." Kathryn answered accepting the gift Seven presented her.

It appeared to be a writing tablet of some sort, similar to the papyrus parchment utilized by the ancient Egyptians on Earth. The paper had been rolled into a tube and was held in place by a thick red ribbon and matching bow. Sliding the ribbon off of the tube, Kathryn carefully unrolled the scroll and read the words.

"How did you know that's what I wanted?" Kathryn asked in amazement, holding the certificate like the most cherished of gifts.

"A little bird told me." Seven responded with a quirk of her brow. Although she didn't know exactly what such a statement meant, she'd heard Lieutenant Torres make a similar comment to Paris and understood that it meant she didn't want to tell him exactly how she knew. Seven hoped the captain would accept the statement in the same manner and not press her for the information. She was gratified a moment later when the captain merely laughed in delight.

"You're getting more human all the time, Seven."

"Is that a good thing?" the blonde asked sincerely.

For a moment, the captain regarded her contemplatively. "In a way. I'm glad that you understand our quirks a little better, but I also enjoy your fresh perspective. Just do me a favor? Don't change too much. I love you just as you are."

Janeway was surprised a moment later when long arms enveloped her and crushed her against Seven's generous breasts. Lips planted a kiss on the top of her auburn hair and she heard the other woman say, "I love you as well, Kathryn. I will always love you."

Content to stay in the other woman's arms Kathryn snuggled against her and listened to her heartbeat for a while. But when she felt herself drifting off, she pulled reluctantly away.

"We should get ready for bed." She said regretfully. "We have a full duty shift tomorrow."

"Agreed," Seven said then stood to begin spreading out the blankets Kathryn had left out for her use.

Watching her actions for a moment, it suddenly occurred to Kathryn that Seven had never slept before. She usually regenerated in the cargo bay. She didn't even know if the young woman could sleep.

"Will you be alright out here?" she asked in concern.

Understanding the real question Seven said, "The doctor tells me that my physiology has reasserted itself to the point where I should begin sleeping. Soon I shall only have to regenerate for a few hours a week to maintain my implants. Although this shall be the first time I have attempted such an endeavor, I believe that I shall be successful."

"Okay, whatever you think." Janeway relented, amused that Seven would approach this as some sort of test. "I'll be right in the other room if you need anything."

"All that I need is you, Kathryn." Seven said slipping her arms around Kathryn's waist and pulling the smaller woman gently to her.

They shared a few kisses that briefly threatened to get out of control before Kathryn eased away. "Goodnight, Darling." She said backing toward the bedroom.

"Goodnight, Kathryn." Seven returned with smoldering eyes.

Janeway lowered the cabin lights with a command to the computer and both women spent a while tossing and turning. Kathryn had been so tired she had almost fallen asleep in Seven's arms, but now that she was lying down with the object of her desire so close at hand sleep appeared to be an elusive quarry. Eventually fatigue overcame her and she slipped into a fitful doze.

Seven had lain quietly in the other room listening to Kathryn's restless movements, but when she finally quieted the blonde felt herself drifting off. Soon both of them slept.

In the Alpha Quadrant Santa was just making his last stop. As he drew the sleigh to rest on a rooftop, he activated his on board interface with the Delta Quadrant. The technology was a gift from the Q Continuum over a millennia ago and allowed him to look in on anyone at anytime. Honestly how else did people think he knew when someone had been naughty or nice. He was pleased to see that Seven and Kathryn had come to an understanding, but was not happy at the sleeping arrangement. Did he have to do everything for these women?

Shaking his head in amusement, Santa snapped his fingers one last time. Then pleased with his efforts continued on his way. He couldn't wait to see Mrs. Claus and after this last stop he was going straight home.

In the Delta Quadrant Kathryn distantly realized that the bed had dipped slightly with the weight of another person. The heady clean scent of the female body identified the presence to Kathryn's unconscious mind and without volition she curled up with the other woman. Seven snuggled against her partner, wrapping her arms around the slight form and drawing Kathryn tightly against her. After a moment of contented snuggling, they drifted into a deeper more restful sleep, and if anyone had seen them in that moment they would have been hard pressed to tell where one began and the other ended. It was the beginning of a lifetime of such an arrangement, and all it took was the interference of a magical entity to make it happen.

In their dreams they could almost hear Santa calling out into the night, "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night."