Title: "How Long."

Author: A.M. Glass

E-Mail: glasswrks@yahoo.com

Copyright: May 10th, 2001.

Revised Copy: August 30, 2001.

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: All characters from "Star Trek: Voyager" belong to Paramount Studios, et al. No copyright infringement is intended, but as they don't belong to me, oops, sorry I'm using them for a little while. I promise to return them none the worse for wear.

Song Alert: The song I using in this story is called, "How Long" it's sung by Bryan White and composed by Andrew and David Williams.

Distribution: If you'd like it, feel free. Just drop me a quick note as to where I might be able to visit it every once in a while.

Author's Note: This is the fourth song story I've written, "Wishing…" being the first, "Sittin' On Go," the second, and "The Right Place" being the third story in this arc you might say. You'll need to read the other three in order for this to make sense, as I make references to things that happened, although somewhat vaguely from the other two stories. Well, I'm not sure on this one, I know I've said that before… and I've actually gone back and re-read the other stories and lo and behold, they work. But, I'm not really 100 percent satisfied with this one. Any mistakes are mine and mine alone.

Story Disclaimer: Very PG-13. No graphic language, sex or anything else that might disturb some readers. This story DOES portray a loving relationship between 'Voyager' Captain and its Astrometrics officer. So, if this is not your cup of 'coffee, black,' then I suggest that you find a different story to read.

Special Thanks: To Stacey for taking the time to go over the stories and to Shadow for adding the song clips.

Feedback: Would be nice.

Sound Clip


(You say you need
some one to love…

But when will you learn.)

"I don't believe this," Kathryn Janeway muttered to herself as she walked over to the replicator in her Ready Room. So far, her budding relationship with Voyager's Astrometrics officer, Seven of Nine, had been everything she ever dreamt of and more.

But, and there was always a but, she wasn't sure how long it would last.

(Whatever's done in this world…

It's still gonna turn.)

It had taken her a long time to finally admit that she had feelings for the statuesque blonde. And once she realized that she did, she had hidden behind her pips…

Until that fateful night on that grassy hillside.

She had explained the meaning of 'wishing on a star' to Seven and had made her own wish. She wanted this one, more than any other wish she might have made during her time in the Delta quadrant.

This one was purely selfish.

Which had given her pause. Could she live with herself being content, while many members of her ship weren't?

"Coffee black," she said as she reached the replicator. Grabbing the mug, she carefully walked over to the couch and sat down, crossing her legs. Generally, this should have been the happiest time in her life; she loved Seven, and she was sure that Seven indeed loved her in return.

(Oh down comes a night, just
another forever…

How long.)

But, instead of being in the comforting arms of her love, she sat alone in her Ready Room, contemplating.

(How long 'til you see that
we're in this together

How long…

How long.)

She wanted nothing more than to inquire of the computer Seven's whereabouts. She knew that she only had to request her presence and Seven would comply without hesitation. But… and there was that word again, did Seven have the same right?

Would she grant her the same devotion?

(If you weren't so far away
so far from here.)

"Damn it," she cried out as she put the cup down, spilling the untouched coffee over the table. Shaking her head, disgusted in herself, she got up and cleaned up the mess she'd made.

Resting her head against the replicator panel, Janeway sighed deeply. She sincerely hoped that she wouldn't do anything to ruin what was beginning to shape up into something exceptionally special. They had only been together for a while now.

However, Kathryn couldn't deny her hopes that it would last for a very long time.

As it was the entire situation was completely different from any of her previous relationships. Her eyebrow arched as she thought about the differences. She sighed.

Justin

Dear Justin.

She didn't doubt her feelings for him.

Their time together was cut too short.

Kathryn smiled as his face came into view and she patted her chest briefly at the bittersweet memory. She would always have a spot in her heart for him.

Then she thought about Mark, she knew now that her feelings were…

More familiar than anything else, they had known each other for years and she supposed that she had simply taken the affection she felt for him and made it into more than it was.

Kathryn knew the moment she kissed Seven…

It was different.

It was…

Alive.

'Don't mess this up,' she told herself as she walked out of her Ready Room and back onto the bridge.

~~~

(I'd make your tears go away
and make you see clear.)

"Seven… is there something wrong?" B'Elanna asked as they worked on increasing the warp core output.

"No, Lieutenant. Why do you ask?"

"Dunno you seem kinda distracted."

(Oh you'd see a night when two
hearts would surrender…

How long.)

"B'Elanna Torres, I would like to ask you a question of a personal matter," she said, staring at the Chief Engineer.

B'Elanna looked around the department, to ensure everyone was busy with their duties. "Okay," she answered somewhat warily.

(I don't want you to
be the one I remember…)

"When did you first realize that…Tom was the one you wanted to be with?"

(How long…

How long.)

B'Elanna's eyebrows arched, this was the first time she had ever heard Seven call her husband by his first name.

(Oh, time goes by in the blink
of the eye, it's past over you…)

"That's not an easy question to answer, Seven," B'Elanna began.

"I see," Seven replied and turned around and started entering data.

"Why do you ask?"

(There's no time to hide,
won't you stand by my side…

I'm asking you…)

"I… I have feelings for someone, and this person also reciprocates…"

Seven's natural posture slumped, once again making B'Elanna's eyebrows reach the top of her Klingon cranial ridges. B'Elanna leaned closer, or as close as her pregnancy would allow her. "So, this person cares for you too?"

"Very much so… I believe. But, there are times when I wonder."

(Oh down comes a night, just
another forever…

How long)

"Seven, I'm no expert, but I think most relationships go through this. It's a time to adjust, and to get to know each other better. You know the good and the bad. Hey Seven," B'Elanna whispered as a thought came to her. "Does the Captain know?" she asked conspiratorially.

Now it was time for Seven's left eyebrow to arch. "Why would the Captain need to know about my personal affairs?" she asked. She and Kathryn had discussed their relationship, they had pointed out the pros and cons about letting the crew know about them. And they decided that at the next ship-wide function, they would go as a couple. Until that time, they would keep their personal business just that, personal.

"Well, you know. She'd probably want to check the guy out," B'Elanna replied. "She cares about you Seven, and she wouldn't want you to get hurt."

"Janeway to Seven of Nine."

"Yes, Captain," she replied.

"Report to my Ready Room."

Seven smiled, allowing the Human-Klingon hybrid to be amazed at the sudden transformation. Gone was the cool-calculating ex-Borg drone, and in its place stood a beautiful young woman…

A young woman in love.

"Acknowledged," she said, ending communications. "If you will excuse me, Lieutenant Torres." Seven handed her the data padd containing the calculations for the warp core, and left engineering, unaware that her face had softened when she heard the Captain's voice.

"Nah," B'Elanna told herself as Seven left. "You're imagining things Torres. Must be the damn hormones," she muttered under her breath.

(How long 'til you see that
we're in this together…

How long…

How long…)

~~~

Kathryn paced nervously, she knew it would take Seven only a few minutes to get to the Bridge, but she couldn't help feeling… anxious.

~~~

Seven knew it was senseless of her to urge the turbo-lift to move faster. But silently did so anyway.

~~~

"Come," Janeway said as she heard the chime.

"You requested my presence, Captain?" Seven said as she stepped through the door, letting it close behind her.

(You say you need
someone to love…

But when will you learn.)

"That I did," Kathryn responded as she moved closer to the other woman.

"What can I assist you with," Seven asked, her voice lowering, her eyes taking in Janeway's body, possessing it.

Kathryn shivered, "Oh… I'm not sure, but… I'm certain something will pop up," she said, letting her hands drift up Seven's arms slowly. "Seven…"

"Yes, Kathryn."

"I love you."

Seven smiled, and took Kathryn into her arms and held her tightly. "I love you, Kathryn."

(You say you need
someone to love…)

Whatever doubts Kathryn had, disappeared. She knew that she would most likely have to face them again, yet for now, she needed nothing else but the woman holding on to her.

The End.


Section 5 A. M. Glass Star Trek Main Index