Disclaimer: Paramount owns the farm, the equipment, the crops and all the livestock, I just rotate, harvest (but do not sell the produce) and herd the cows into the barn. Not my characters, just my imagination (limited as that is!).
The captain and chief medical officer of the Federation flagship, USS Enterprise had been lovers for a few weeks when Dr. Crusher was called away to assist in a medical disaster on a terraforming planet. The doctor took her faithful nurse, Alyssa Ogawa, and was gone for two weeks. Beverly called Captain Picard whenever possible, but those times were few and far between, totaling three actual transmissions during which they had face-to-face conversations.
Upon returning to her ship, Dr. Crusher was informed by Commander Riker that Captain Picard had been called away to mediate an important trade negotiation between two recently aligned planets. Picard took his second officer, Mr. Data, along and expected to be gone another three weeks.
Beverly was sorely disappointed at Jean Luc's absence, but knew that duty took precedence over their love life. Returning to her empty cabin, the doctor discovered a small, beautifully wrapped gift on her pillow, with a computer chip attached to the ribbon. Opening the package, Dr. Crusher was thrilled to see a gorgeous, antique broach inside the small box. It was an exquisite piece of jewelry that seemed to be some sort of family crest. Taking the chip to her desk, Beverly inserted it into the terminal and punched the playback button.
The well-loved face of Jean Luc Picard filled the screen and Dr. Crusher smiled, unable to stop her hand from brushing the cheek of his image.
"Welcome back, Lovely. I wish I could be there to greet you properly," the captain said with a wicked grin. Beverly laughed at his mischievous manner. Jean Luc had definitely loosened up a bit lately.
"I don't think I've ever hated my job as much as I do at this moment," Picard continued with a small frown. "But, duty calls and I'll just have to think of a way to make it up to you when I return." The lascivious grin was back, accompanied by his thick eyebrows shifting up and down in a rather ridiculous manner. Dr. Crusher giggled at her lover's antics. She watched Jean Luc lower his head momentarily then raise it again along with his hand in which rested one of Beverly's silk scarves.
"I hope you don't mind my borrowing this to take with me," the captain said as he pulled the fabric to his face and closed his eyes, inhaling deeply. "I suppose I just need a tangible reminder of you, my love." Suddenly his expression turned quite serious and Jean Luc leaned forward to say, "You MUST tell me if you are ever in danger of running out of this fragrance, Beverly. I will divert our course immediately to Rigel IV."
Dr. Crusher laughed again. She could just imagine Captain Picard explaining to Commander Riker the desperate need for the Enterprise to warp at maximum speed to the peaceful planet. Beverly had created the fragrance herself and had it manufactured on Rigel during one of her leaves. Apparently Jean Luc liked it so much he was not willing to risk his lover needing a refill.
The captain continued with his 'letter,' "I will miss you desperately and have missed you terribly since you left, my love." The frown returned as he proceeded, "I should be back in a few weeks, hopefully sooner. Oh, by the way, the gift is my family's coat of arms. It was my great grandmother's and I would like you to have it.....to have some part of me.....my family. I can't really explain, but I would be very pleased if you consented to wear it." Jean Luc paused, then looked intently at the screen, "I love you with all my heart and soul, Beverly Crusher, never forget that. I'll call whenever I can." Finishing his farewell, the captain placed two fingers to his lips, kissed them and touched the screen before ending the transmission.
Seeing his beloved face made Beverly ache for him even more. She felt a tear roll down her cheek and angrily wiped it away. 'Damn Starfleet! Why couldn't they send someone else occasionally? Is he the ONLY diplomat they have?' What the doctor wanted was to wrap her arms around the man she loved, but would have to settle for the best substitute available.
Sneaking into the captain's quarters, Dr. Crusher pilfered his pillow as well as a black uniform undershirt Jean Luc had inadvertently forgotten to put in the recycler. It smelled like him and she wanted it. Beverly felt mildly ashamed at cadging Picard's used clothing, but pushed the thought out of her mind. 'It's not like I'm stealing his briefs! It's just got his scent and makes me feel closer to him. It's no worse than his taking my scarf.' With that justification, the doctor stealthily went back to her own cabin. She had momentarily considered sleeping in Jean Luc's bed, but thought better of it since she could be called at any moment and might have to explain what she was doing in the captain's quarters without the captain. The couple had not made their more intimate relationship known and Dr. Crusher did not want anyone to find out before Jean Luc was ready.
When Captain Picard and Commander Data returned to the Enterprise three and a half weeks later, the senior staff was in the transporter room to greet them. The CMO wanted desperately to welcome Jean Luc alone, but could not very well ask the rest of the officers to leave without telling them why. The public salute wouldn't have been too difficult to bear if the doctor knew she could be alone with her partner afterwards, but Deanna and Will had decided a little reception was in order to celebrate the return of Picard, Data AND Dr. Crusher from their various missions.
The captain was no less frustrated than Beverly about the social event, but did not decline the invitation. He was not prepared to make their relationship public yet and Will would certainly be suspicious if both his commanding officer and the CMO did not show up to their own welcome home party. Little did Picard and Crusher know that the entire crew was already aware of their altered relationship and, for the most part, heartily approved. They respected the couple's wish for privacy, however, and refrained from mentioning the situation in their presence.
As the reception progressed, the captain and doctor drifted into separate conversations. It was too easy to slip in public if they were very close to each other. More than five weeks without touching was not an easy temptation to overcome, even when the entire senior staff and a small portion of the crew were watching. After an hour, Jean Luc finally decided they'd made enough of an appearance and moved towards Beverly to convey his wish to leave.
Gliding silently behind the doctor, Picard ran his fingers discretely down the back of her arm. Beverly turned and smiled brilliantly at him. The captain indicated his desire silently and nodded slightly as his companion asked him to give her a moment to finish the discussion with one raised finger. Dr. Crusher was speaking with Drs. Selar and Hill as well as Alyssa Ogawa about a recently discovered drug and its effects on a rather virulent, but non-fatal disease. Captain Picard listened quietly until he became rather impatient with waiting. It mildly irritated him that Beverly was obviously not as desperate to see him alone as he was her.
At some point Picard's brain digested what was being said by the CMO about the side affects and risk factors of this new pharmaceutical. The drug was not completely benign while destroying the virus; it created problems of its own. Although the illness was severely debilitating, it was not deadly. The treatment, however, could be if one's reaction to it varied from the norm. This was nothing new in medical science. There were always adverse reactions to any drug if a patient was severely allergic. Although with this particular treatment one did not have to possess a serious allergy to produce an alarmingly negative reaction.
Captain Picard jumped into the conversation at this point, offering his own opinion that the benefits of treatment did not seem to outweigh the disadvantages of the disease. Dr. Crusher countered that since Jean Luc was not privy to all the information available, his comment was not valid. The captain stiffened at Beverly's dismissal and pointed out that it was unnecessary to know every single detail to realize that the detrimental effects of the drug could be more devastating than the illness. Picard had seen victims of both the virus and its 'cure' and was under the impression that neither was preferable. His CMO was wrong, in the captain's opinion and he told her so.
Dr. Crusher was incensed that Jean Luc would question her medical expertise. Drs. Selar and Hill as well as Lt. Ogawa were stunned by the challenge to their boss's considerable knowledge even by her own commanding officer. The captain could dispute her on any other subject, but not when it came to her profession. To provoke her on this subject was more than Beverly was willing to tolerate.
"Thank you for your opinion, Captain. I'm sure the medical community will be most grateful for your assistance in their considerable research. If you will excuse me." With that, the CMO turned and left in a rage.
Jean Luc closed his eyes slowly, finally realizing the hideous error he'd just made. 'But, dammit! I will NOT apologize for expressing my own thoughts!' He knew, however, that it would be a very long, very lonely, very frustrating night.
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Dr. Crusher paced her quarters in ever increasing wrath. 'How DARE he question my medical knowledge!?!' Beverly was furious with Jean Luc not just for insinuating himself into her professional discussion and dismissing her opinion, she was pissed off that he had chosen TONIGHT of all nights to make her so angry. Angry enough to not be in his bed.
Beverly considered going to the captain's quarters and finishing the row, but held back. She did not wish to compound the animosity by making it worse and her Howard temper was in full blown fury right now.
The captain, on the other hand, was sitting at his desk in his quarters rerunning the scene in Ten Forward repeatedly. Yes, he had been imprudent to challenge his CMO in front of her staff. Jean Luc also firmly believed his argument had merit and should not have been summarily dismissed by the doctor. He also did not wish to intensify Beverly's anger and stayed where he was. Picard was in enough trouble, he could easily amplify that by making another foolish remark right now.
Neither slept well that night or the following week. The captain would not apologize and Dr. Crusher would not forgive Jean Luc until he did. She avoided him as much as possible, knowing her lover merely had to touch her and she would give in.
Riker and Troi were perplexed by the situation between their captain and CMO. Neither had been privy to the tiff, but soon discovered the cause of the separation from Lt. Ogawa. The first officer and counselor attempted to bring their friends back together but both combatants were far too stubborn.
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One week after Captain Picard's return, the senior staff found themselves on Starbase 27, their presence requested at a formal function. Admiral Kirtland was retiring and invited the officers of the USS Enterprise to attend the festivities since their ship would be well within range of the station. It was always a coup to get Jean Luc Picard to attend one's retirement gala. His hatred of such events was legendary.
Jean Luc reluctantly agreed and sent a message to Beverly asking her to accompany him to the reception. He was astonished when Dr. Crusher replied that she already had a date to the party. The pain that shot through Picard was almost superseded by his anger at her refusal. He knew she was simply punishing him. Beverly was not in love with someone else regardless of her date. 'Well,' he thought, 'two can play that game, Doctor.'
Knowing the USS Glenn was also docked at the Starbase, Captain Picard contacted an old friend on board. This friend, Commander Caren Shenoya, was someone whom Jean Luc had known for fifteen years. They met during an archaeological conference at Starfleet and had enjoyed each other's company immensely. Picard had been delighted by Caren's wit, charm, and intelligence. She also happened to be quite attractive. The commander was moreover not inordinately impressed by the great Jean Luc Picard, being the daughter of a former Federation Council President and having spent her formative years meeting every VIP in the galaxy. She handled any situation with diplomatic grace and ease.
Contacting Commander Shenoya and requesting her company at the reception, Jean Luc was relieved by her affirmative response. He hesitated, however, to answer her rather forward question of why he would not be escorting the lovely Dr. Crusher. Caren knew of Jean Luc's passion for his red-headed CMO, as did most of Starfleet, and fully endorsed any action that brought the two Enterprise officers together. The commander was an astute woman and knew her friend well enough to have discerned his petulance and apprehension when proffering the invitation. She wanted to know what was going on.
Captain Picard reluctantly told Caren of the spat and winced when she chuckled and told him he was a fool. Ending her reprimand with that statement, Commander Shenoya told Jean Luc to pick her up at 1900 hours and signed off.
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Beverly Crusher had also taken advantage of another Starfleet vessel docked at Starbase 27. Her friend, Doctor David McCormack was the Chief Medical Officer aboard the USS Intrepid and an old companion from her days as head of Starfleet Medical. David was an extremely handsome, intelligent, charming, humorous man who was not remotely interested in Beverly Crusher as anything but a friend. David preferred men but was not averse to escorting his lovely colleague to the admiral's retirement party.
Commander McCormack also knew of Jean Luc and Beverly's relationship and asked for an update on the situation. Dr. Crusher told him about her captain's inexcusable behavior and David listened patiently.
When she finished speaking he leaned into the screen and said quietly, "You know, Bev, everyone puts their foot in it once in a while. You really need to lighten up and cut Jean Luc some slack. Don't be as hard assed as I know you can be. Let the Ice Queen thaw out a bit. You love him. Are you going to hold your breath until you pass out?" David knew he did not have to tell his friend she was being childish. His last statement said it all. Shaking his head at Beverly's blushing silence, he finally consented to accompany her.
"All right, Bev, I won't reprimand you anymore. Meet me on the base at 1900 and we'll go to this bloody thing. I hope you know I wouldn't do this for just anyone!" With that, he terminated the conversation.
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Beverly chose to forego wearing her dress uniform. It wasn't required and she had a gorgeous new dress she was dying to wear. The fabric was stretchy velvet-like material that hugged her torso in all the right places. It was deep blue, but shimmered with an almost undetectable iridescence when the skirt moved. The flowing lower half of the dress folded softly around her legs to the ankles and gave the illusion of having much more fabric than was actually there. This deception was amplified by a small strap that could be attached to the hem, lifting part of the skirt as if there was a train when the loop of the strap was wrapped around her wrist. Beverly loved the new addition to her wardrobe and was very interested to see Jean Luc's reaction to the fact that although the front was draped quite high up the neck, it plunged to just below her waist in the back leaving an immense amount of her ivory skin bare. The doctor felt very alluring when she wore it.
David whistled wolfishly when Dr. Crusher appeared. Smiling his approval, he took a slow tour around his date and said, "Very nice, Bev. They'll have to give all those poor old admirals bibs. You'll have them drooling in seconds. You ARE wicked!"
"Why thank you, Doctor. It's very kind of you to flatter me so." Beverly was reveling in the compliment. She wanted Jean Luc to be VERY aware of what he was missing.
Dr. McCormack leaned close to his date's ear and murmured, "You know perfectly well it's true and I'm sure you will have the captain panting with lust in two seconds flat."
Beverly had the good sense to blush at the accuracy of her friend's statement. "Behave yourself, David!"
"I don't believe I am the one trying to seduce the illustrious Jean Luc Picard, Dr. Crusher. Not that I wouldn't if I thought it might work." Commander McCormack was not going to allow his friend to think he was fooled.
"David!" Beverly feigned shock. She already knew her friend was partial to her lover.
"Oh please, Bev. You know perfectly well he's just my type. Don't pretend surprise with me. We know each other too well. Now let's go begin this charade. I don't want to be here all damn night." Offering his arm to Dr. Crusher, the two commanders walked to the reception room and made their dramatic entrance.
All eyes turned to the stunning couple as they walked through the doors. David's dark hair, gray eyes and height complimented Beverly's fiery beauty perfectly and the sight was breathtaking.
Captain Picard and his date had entered a few minutes earlier and Caren heard the sharp intake of breath from her companion at the vision of his lover and her escort.
"Whoa! Jean Luc, I think you're in some serious trouble!" Caren could see her friend's eyes bulge as Beverly turned to speak to someone behind her revealing the back, or lack thereof, to her dress. Commander Shenoya watched as Picard swallowed hard. She chuckled at his obvious desire and jealousy.
"It's a good thing I'm not remotely in love with you, Captain, or I'd probably have to slap you," Caren whispered to her date as she gently turned him away from the paralyzing sight.
He needed a drink and the commander guided the stunned captain to the bar and ordered. Perhaps if she gave him enough to drink he'd loosen up and apologize to Dr. Crusher and Caren could go back to her ship. Shenoya recognized Beverly's date. She'd met David McCormack a few times before and knew his inclinations so she was not worried that Jean Luc's love had found someone else. The commander played these little games herself on occasion and knew Dr. Crusher's tactics would probably work brilliantly, but Caren was there to support Jean Luc and did not wish to see him make a complete fool of himself.
"Jean Luc, calm down. Relax and have a drink," she said, placing a glass in his hand.
Forcing himself to look at his date, Jean Luc took a long sip and was pleased to note it was real scotch, not synthehol. Admiral Kirtland apparently spared no expense to entertain his guests.
Captain Picard and Dr. Crusher sat at separate tables during dinner but were positioned so they could easily gaze at each other. Beverly would stare at him, wondering if he'd noticed her dress yet. She had pushed the envy out of her mind when David told her who Captain Picard's date was and explained that Commander Shenoya had her eye on a certain Deltan admiral and was not interested in the captain of the Enterprise. Dr. McCormack assured Beverly that Caren was a formidable woman and would very probably capture the sought after admiral soon.
Dr. Crusher was relieved at the information since Commander Shenoya was quite beautiful. Caren had lovely honey blond hair styled attractively around her face, accenting the deep green eyes. She wore a gorgeous emerald color dress that hugged every well-toned curve and the commander had the bearing of someone used to these kinds of social functions. It was obvious that she felt at ease in this situation.
Beverly was not, however, able to keep the twinges of jealousy from her heart whenever Jean Luc or his date touched each other familiarly. Dr. Crusher would remind herself the two were just friends and try to calm her racing pulse. Dinner was almost impossible to consume and she noticed Jean Luc's plate was practically full as well when the waiter removed it.
Once the ceremonial, and congratulatory speeches were over, David asked his date if she would like to dance. Beverly quickly agreed and remained in the commander's arms through several pieces until he led her off the floor. Seeing mutual friends, the two doctors made their way to the other side of the room.
Jean Luc watched every move his CMO and her companion made. The captain heard his own date's running commentary softly expounded in his ear but did not acknowledge it.
"Good God Picard, settle down! Here, have another drink. I'm certainly glad you're not a REAL date or I'd have to injure you severely right now. Jean Luc! Try NOT to stare at them CONSTANTLY! At least blink once in a while!" Caren finally gave up and chuckled at her friend. She'd never seen anyone so smitten, unless it was Beverly Crusher herself. The two lovers had gazed at each other throughout dinner. If their eyes had been phasers, several people who inadvertently crossed their eyeline would have been vaporized.
Jean Luc watched Beverly as she chatted with her friends and noticed McCormack's arm lightly draped around her waist. The captain waited until the commander moved his hands to emphasize a point, then practically leapt out of his seat, crossing the dance floor in a flash and coming to a silent halt behind the love of his life.
Dr. Crusher had not heard or noticed Captain Picard's approach and jumped violently as his hand trailed down her bare back. She knew instantly who it was, but did not turn. Leaning back into his touch, Beverly smiled nervously, but made no other acknowledgment of Jean Luc's presence. She could feel his breath on her neck and wondered what he might do next.
The captain kept his fingers stroking her lovely skin until the doctor finished speaking. Leaning in and speaking quietly in her ear, he asked, "Will you dance with me, Beverly?"
God, how she missed his baritone voice murmuring to her like that! It was not, however, apologizing, so she simply stood there in silence. Dr. Crusher saw David roll his eyes at her stubbornness and glance behind her discretely to see the captain's reaction to her snub.
Jean Luc was not going to be denied any longer. He had spent the last six weeks desperately missing this exquisite woman and was not about to allow the agony to be prolonged further. Taking Beverly's hand and twirling her to the dance floor, he deftly pulled her into his firm embrace before she could protest. If Dr. Crusher wished to get away from him, she would have to make a scene and he knew that was not an option Beverly would consider.
"Jean Luc, let go of me," the CMO protested unconvincingly in a quiet voice.
"No." The captain replied succinctly, pressing their bodies closer together. He placed his cheek on hers and savored the fragrance of her perfume. He felt Beverly tense and began to move his hand seductively on her bare back. Jean Luc was rewarded with a gasp from his partner at the unexpected caress. He smiled and pressed his thumb into the sensitive spot just above Beverly's waist to the right of her spine. She moaned softly and turned her face to his neck, kissing it discretely.
Bringing her mouth to his ear, she whimpered, "Jean Luc, that's not fair!"
"All's fair in love and war, Dr. Crusher and this is both." He would not allow his companion to pull away one centimeter. The captain continued his sensuous assault until Beverly moaned again and was breathing heavily in an effort to control her body's reactions to his touch. She had missed him so much that the mere brush of his hand was enough to arouse her completely. The doctor had dreamt of that touch, those hands doing such things to her and she was totally lost in the sensations surging through her to care where she was any longer.
"Jean Luc," Beverly gasped, "please, stop. I can't take much more."
The captain could feel his lover trembling but did not let up. He whispered to her, "I will never release you, my love, but I will take you out of here if you agree to accept a humble apology for my grievous offense. I am truly sorry, Beverly. My behavior was inappropriate and I apologize profusely for embarrassing you in front of your staff."
As he spoke, Jean Luc felt his partner relax a tiny bit and knew she would forgive him. He kept his arms around her while still sending electric bolts through Beverly's system with his fingers on her bare flesh. The pressure of his touch and the rumble of his deep voice were enough to excite the doctor completely. They swayed slowly in this manner, with Beverly's lips to his neck and his face buried in her hair until Jean Luc felt her shudder and clutch his back tightly. Her gasp and labored breathing surprised him greatly until he realized his caresses had sent Beverly crashing over the edge into ecstasy. It amazed him that he could render her insensible by simply touching her strategically while both were fully clothed.
The couple had almost completely stopped moving and he felt the doctor press herself hard against his thigh that was positioned between her legs as she tried to control her breathing. Jean Luc held Beverly close and murmured in her ear how much he loved her until she recovered her composure. Quickly escorting his lover from the banquet hall, it took a monumental effort for the captain to subdue his own physical reactions until they returned to his cabin.
The discarded dates were not remotely surprised or offended by the sudden departure of their companions. Commanders Shenoya and McCormack had watched the couple dance and knew they would be abandoned soon. Caren made hushed comments to David about the captain and McCormack reciprocated with information about Dr. Crusher. When their two dates left quickly together they looked at each other and sighed with relief.
"Thank God that's over!" Caren had quite enough of being completely ignored for one evening.
"I concur, Commander. Care to dance?" David offered his appropriately positioned arms to initiate a turn around the floor.
"Why, thank you, Doctor. I'd be delighted." Caren stepped into his embrace as they moved together in a graceful waltz.
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Finally inside the captain's quarters, the lovers wasted no time talking. Jean Luc swept Beverly off her feet before the doors had completely closed. Their lips met in a searing kiss and did not part until the two hit the bed.
The silence was only broken by moans, gasps and shouts of joy until their urgent release was achieved.
Lying wrapped around each other, the couple still did not speak for several long minutes. At length, he nudged his lips to her ear and whispered, "Do you forgive me, my love?"
Beverly pulled back enough to gaze into his hazel eyes and murmured, "Yes, my darling. Will you forgive me?"
"Of course, ma belle Beverly." Kissing her nose and smiling, the captain was audibly reminded that his dinner had gone practically untouched. Jumping up to remedy the situation, he returned a few minutes later with a large bowl of pasta, two glasses, and a bottle of wine.
Beverly grinned enormously at the sight of a naked Captain Picard bringing her dinner in bed. She helped him arrange their feast on the sheets and tucked the linen around him while he expertly uncorked the wine.
"This is perfect, Jean Luc," the doctor said after the first few mouthfuls of pasta.
"I thought you might appreciate a good meal since we both missed our dinner this evening." The captain gave his lover a knowing look and watched her blush. Beverly did not realize Jean Luc noticed her lack of appetite at the reception.
Changing the subject, Dr. Crusher asked the question she had wondered about all evening. "Tell me about that lovely blonde on your arm tonight, Captain."
Jean Luc heard the teasing in Beverly's voice, but also heard the seriousness of the question. He would tell her about Caren, but taunted his lover with a request of his own first. "Only if you tell me about the dashing commander YOU were with, Dr. Crusher."
"You first, Captain," Beverly replied with a teasing grin.
"Very well, Doctor." Jean Luc leaned back making his companion move to be able to see his face. "Caren Shenoya is the Chief Engineer aboard the USS Glenn. I met her at an archaeological conference fifteen years ago and was captivated." He paused to let the word sink in and was pleased to see Beverly scowl slightly. "Captivated by her beauty, wit, intelligence, and charm." Jean Luc finished and waited for a response.
"So, she's charming AND witty? Well, one wonders how you ever allowed such a prize to escape, Captain." Beverly's use of his title was a bit more terse now and Jean Luc knew she was working herself up intentionally.
"Yes, one does wonder, doesn't one," he answered with a smirk. "But then, I allowed YOU to elude me for more than twenty-five years, didn't I?"
"Are you planning to wait that long before attempting to seduce Commander Shenoya?"
"Not at all. I did that fifteen years ago." Jean Luc did not elaborate and watched the wheels turn in Beverly's mind trying to decide if she should ask or not. Apparently the curiosity was too much.
"And? Were you successful?" Dr. Crusher wasn't absolutely sure she wanted to know the answer, but asked anyway.
"I'm not going to tell you, Doctor." Jean Luc was actually enjoying this little game. Until it took an unexpected turn.
"Why not? Too embarrassed by having your devastating charm resisted, Jean Luc?" Beverly was only teasing, fairly sure most women and not a few men she knew would jump at the chance to bed the irresistible captain. She was astonished when he blushed and his smile disappeared at her highly accurate jibe. Beverly's eyes widened in surprise and delight at the inadvertent discovery.
"She turned you down, didn't she?" It was no longer necessary for him to answer, but she wanted to hear him say it.
Jean Luc had no intention of responding. He crossed his arms and looked away, pushing his glass minutely back on the bedside table.
"Didn't she," Beverly insisted softly, shifting to her knees and placing the food and drink on the other bedside table. Leaning in to duck her head in front of Jean Luc's face, she smiled wickedly but did not push him further. This was far too good to let go, however, and she placed a finger under his chin, lifting his head. Jean Luc closed his eyes as his face rose, Beverly was having far too much fun at his expense. He knew she wouldn't drop the issue now until he answered the question.
"Yes," the captain replied quietly, keeping his eyes closed. He felt his lover's arms wrap around him in a tender embrace. Jean Luc also felt her stifled giggles at his admission of failure.
Whispering in his ear, "My poor baby! Would you like me to make it all better," Beverly kissed his ear and waited for a response to her offer.
Jean Luc nodded slightly and encircled her waist with his arms, pulling her closer. He would gladly endure Beverly's verbal torture if her physical comfort followed.
Once the doctor healed her captain's wounded ego, she lay in his arms and sighed with contentment. Jean Luc kissed her head and softly said, "Thank you, my love. Now it's your turn. Tell me about Dr. McCormack." Picard did not reveal his knowledge of David's preference. He wanted Beverly to tell him she deliberately chose a 'safe' date to the admiral's retirement party.
Dr. Crusher quickly complied with his request. "I met David while I was head of Starfleet Medical. He is decidedly good looking; all that gorgeous hair!" She couldn't help teasing and felt his arms squeeze her at the joke while he murmured 'behave!'
"Well, we just hit it off immediately. That's about it," Beverly finished her brief explanation and kissed his chest.
"That's all? No being chased around the lab? No midnight research, no illicit rendezvous in the surgical suites?" Jean Luc would not let her off so easily.
"Nope. That's all." Beverly was not going to give him the satisfaction of catching her.
"Don't tell me your temper drove him away," Jean Luc probed further. Dr. Crusher slapped his arm gently and now told HIM to behave.
The captain decided to try a different tack. "So you were never really attracted to the dashing Dr. McCormack? Thoughts of your forsaken captain held you captive, admit it." Jean Luc knew she would never confess anything of the sort, but felt it would get a rise out of her.
"Not at all, CAPTAIN," Beverly replied hastily. "I was quite attracted to David. I even...." she halted abruptly, realizing her slip too late.
"Even what, Doctor?" Jean Luc would not let her back down now. The blush on her face told him the truth. "That you even asked him out before discovering you played for the wrong team?" The remark made Beverly's head snap up with an angry, humiliated look. The captain howled with laughter.
"You are EVIL, Jean Luc Picard and I will not sit her and take this!" She climbed out of bed and grabbed her clothes heading for the bathroom. Beverly Crusher wasn't going to be the butt of HIS jokes!
Before she could reach the door, however, the good captain blocked her way. "Now, my love, fair is fair. You had your little amusement at my expense and I have returned the favor. Let's not spoil our evening. I'm sorry if I offended you, Beverly. I was only teasing." He emphasized his words with a contrite smile while his hands caressed her arms. He also placed a soft kiss to her furrowed brow as a peace offering.
It was terribly difficult to resist the naked man in front of her, especially when he was being so apologetic. Beverly's arms dropped the bundle and snaked around Jean Luc's waist. She apologized for teasing him as well and he carried his lover back to bed.
After another hour spent physically apologizing, Beverly sat up suddenly, exclaiming, "Oh my God!"
Jean Luc was startled and rose as well. "What? What's wrong?"
"We left them there!" The doctor turned to her companion with an astonished and stricken face.
"Who?" Jean Luc still hadn't caught on.
"Our dates, Captain!" Beverly didn't know if he was being obtuse on purpose or just not quick to come out of their sated stupor.
"Oh, merde!" Jean Luc dropped his head in his hands and realized they'd left the commanders without so much as a word of apology or good-bye.
The captain jumped out of bed, grabbed a robe and sent a message to his discarded friend apologizing for his lack of manners and begging forgiveness. Jean Luc also ordered a bouquet of replicated orchids beamed to Commander Shenoya with the message chip attached. He saw Beverly enter the room dressed in his other robe. She smiled and kissed his head while nudging him to move.
Taking the seat he vacated, Dr. Crusher sent basically the same message to Dr. McCormack along with a promise to make him dinner, not replicated, the next time they met. Moving to sit next to her lover on the sofa, Beverly put her head on his shoulder and felt his arms enclose her.
"I can't believe we did that to them!" The captain was mortified at his behavior. "You always do make me forget everything, you have completely bewitched me." He squeezed his lover to emphasize his basic liking of the absence of sense when she was near.
"ME? What about you making me lose complete control in PUBLIC! My God, Jean Luc, do you realize how potentially embarrassing that was?" Beverly was not about to tell him how thoroughly she'd enjoyed her climax on the dance floor, it shook her too much that he could arouse her so thoroughly by simply touching her with his magnificent hands.
"Yes, my love, but I was so utterly distracted by not having touched you in SIX WEEKS that I could no longer think of anything but holding you pressed against me. I don't think I even remembered we were IN public until you began to gasp and moan in my ear and I was suddenly brought back to my senses." Jean Luc was still astounded at Beverly's reaction to his caresses while holding her tightly on the dance floor. It thrilled him to know he could do that to the woman he loved with every fiber of his being. The captain did not wish to humiliate her in front of Starfleet associates, but he was quite honest with her about how he felt tonight. Jean Luc HAD been out of control himself and it frightened him to know Beverly could push him to such a state of mind.
"I did NOT gasp and moan!" Dr. Crusher would certainly never admit that anyway.
"Yes, my dearest love, you did," Jean Luc chuckled and gave her a very pleased, triumphant smile to emphasize his pleasure at her exclamations. "And I must tell you it was quite stimulating to hear. I had no idea I could have such an effect on you." He underscored this comment with a deep, passionate kiss.
"Well," Beverly replied breathlessly, "Just don't attempt that little maneuver again, at least not unless we're alone." She kissed him again, hoping he WOULD try it, now.
"Would you care to dance, Doctor?" Jean Luc was no fool, he knew when he was being ordered.
"Yes, please, Captain." Beverly was already breathing heavily at the very thought of those sensations rushing through her again. The captain didn't have to be gone six weeks for her to respond to his expert touch. This time the moans and gasps were not stifled and Jean Luc reveled in her joy. He no longer had to suppress his reactions either and they were both naked on the floor in no time.
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The wedding was held in Ten Forward on the USS Enterprise. Captain Picard made sure the USS Glenn and USS Intrepid were close enough for their Chief Engineer and Chief Medical Officer, respectively, to attend.
Jean Luc and Beverly discovered that Caren had, indeed, captured her Deltan admiral and was thoroughly enjoying the relationship. Commander Shenoya was not prepared to get married, she enjoyed the chase and the fruits of victory. She also liked her job more than settling down to be some admiral's wife. That was not in her plans for the future. Caren did not, however, begrudge her friend and his love their happiness. She was quite pleased with the admiral for the moment and content to bask in his attentions for the time being.
David McCormack had found a new love interest of his own and shared the details with Beverly and Jean Luc. Apparently his new paramour was very much like Captain Picard, which made Dr. Crusher laugh. The captain was not as amused, but certainly did not begrudge the commander his happiness.
Will Riker and Deanna Troi were beaming like proud parents and had managed to contact Wesley Crusher so he could give his mother away to his mentor and father figure. Wes was very pleased that the two people he loved most had finally gotten past their barriers with each other.
The couple honeymooned on Rigel IV and Jean Luc made sure Beverly had enough of her fragrance to last a lifetime. She wasn't sure what she'd do with a liter of it, but her husband insisted. They danced, in their room, and smiled more than either had ever imagined possible.
Jean Luc Picard vowed never to allow this glorious woman out of his sight again. Beverly Howard-Picard made the same promise about her beloved husband. They made every effort to not upset the other and blissfully returned to duty on the USS Enterprise three weeks later.
THE END