Disclaimer: Only the story is mine. Everything else belongs to Paramount. As much as I'd like to say Seven and B'Elanna are mine, 'twould be a falsehood. (sigh) This story contains femslash (yup, women love women here, get used to it) so if that offends you, then read something else. Although if you've read Ghosts, the story before this one, then you're probably not offended by it if you're still reading. And if you haven't read Ghosts—go read it!

Author Notes: Sequel to Ghosts.

Code: T7
Rating: R
Genre: Romance/Drama
Original post date: Feb, 2001
PLEASE REVIEW!

Family, Chapter 12

Seven woke up the next morning and sat up abruptly, searching for B'Elanna. When she saw that the half-Klingon was sound asleep next to her, she calmed and laid down, watching B'Elanna sleep.

"I love you, Lanna," she whispered.

"Love you, too, Seven." B'Elanna whispered back without opening her eyes.

"Are you awake?' Seven asked.

"Nope, sound asleep. Don't tell the beautiful woman sharing my bed, though." A smile twitched at the corner of her mouth and Seven snatched her up, holding her close. B'Elanna snuggled and made small happy noises, at which Seven laughed joyously. B'Elanna opened her eyes and peered through her lashes at Seven. "I never get tired of hearing you laugh." Seven hugged B'Elanna, who wiggled as close as she could, while Seven wrapped one long leg around hers.

"And I never tire of waking up beside you," Seven replied.

"Thank you, Seven."

"For what?"

"For making us a family. For coming aboard Voyager. For just being your wonderful self, you take your pick. I just feel like thanking you. I feel this sense of peace now that I've never felt before. It's something I've been looking for my entire life."

"And you have given me the sense of unity I have always searched for. Does this mean that everything is ending? Since we have found what we have always endeavored to discover?"

"No, Seven. This is just the beginning. We have our whole lives ahead of us. We've just ended this chapter of our lives; put together a piece of the puzzle."

"So what happens next?"

"Next," B'Elanna said, looking up at Seven, mischief in her eyes. "I'm going to make you say my name." Seven raised her eyebrow.

"Or perhaps, you shall inform everyone of mine," Seven declared, picking up on the mood. B'Elanna was more than willing to answer that challenge, as many of the officers passing by the new Torres-Hansen quarters could attest to. And so began the first day of the rest of their lives. But that's another story...

The End.