Title: Maxwell House

Series: TNG

Part: 1/1

Rating: [PG]

Codes: P/C, Jack Crusher

Summary: Jean-Luc and Beverly share a morning cup of coffee.

Author's Note: This story was written in response to a challenge to use a
current advertising logo in a P/C story. It was inspired by "Coke" by
Mariel.

Disclaimer: Paramount, the great and powerful, owns all of Star
Trek. I merely claim this story.

Maxwell House

Jean-Luc Picard knocked on the door of the small apartment.

"Good morning, Jean-Luc. Thanks for coming over on such short notice."
Jack Crusher greeted his friend with a smile and handshake.

"It's no bother, really. I was headed towards headquarters anyway. It's
not that far out of my way."

"Well, you don't know how much I appreciate this. I really don't like her
taking public transportation when she has Wesley with her. I would have
taken her myself, but when the guys on the ship called about the meeting in
engineering this morning, I knew I wouldn't have time."

"It's no problem, really Jack. I'm glad to help."

"Great. Come on in and have a seat in the kitchen. We don't have any tea,
but Bev did make some coffee this morning." He leaned over and whispered to
his friend. "It might be a little strong, but there's some milk in the
refrigerator if you'd like."

After Jack left the room, Jean-Luc found a cup and poured himself some of
the jet-black liquid from the pot on the stove. Taking a whiff, he realized
that perhaps Jack was right. Some milk might be in order to cut through the
strong smelling brew. He found a small jar on the top shelf of the
refrigerator and poured a healthy dose into the blackness before setting the
container back in it's original spot.

After he was seated at the kitchen table, Beverly breezed into the room.
"Oh Hi, Jean-Luc, I'll be ready in a minute. I really appreciate you
dropping me by class today."

Jean-Luc smiled and nodded casually as he took his first sip of coffee. It
was indeed strong, but not too bad really, he thought. He couldn't quite
identify the blend. It was quite different than anything he had ever
tasted.

Beverly called back to her husband as poured herself some coffee. "Jack,
I've got to finish getting ready. Could you finish packing Wesley's bag?"

"Sure, honey. I'll take care of it," came Jack's reply from another room.

She smiled at Jean-Luc before leaving the kitchen. Jean-Luc returned the
smile politely. She has a beautiful smile, he thought. For a brief moment,
his mind drifted to what it would be like each morning, waking up to such a
wonderful smile. Shaking himself from a fantasy he knew would never come
true, he took another sip of the coffee just as Jack re-entered the room.

Reaching into the refrigerator, Jack pulled out the jar of milk and
proceeded fill a bottle for Wesley.

Trying to act as nonchalant as possible to hide his earlier fantasy,
Jean-Luc focused his attention on what Jack was doing. "I thought you said
Beverly didn't believe in bottle feeding?"

"Well, she normally doesn't, but she's got a late class today and I don't
think he'll be willing to wait."

"I always thought children noticed the difference in that 'sort of thing'?"
he asked uncomfortably.

Jack grinned. "Well, he might notice a difference in the container, but the
formula is the same. Beverly, uh... 'fixed it' early this morning," he
added with a wink before placing the bottle in the bag and walking toward
the door. "See you later Jean-Luc. Thanks again."

Jean-Luc's eyes widened. *Merde*.

After Jack had left, Jean-Luc sat staring at his coffee. Gradually, his
stunned expression was overtaken by an uncontrollable grin.

Beverly breezed into the kitchen, Wesley on her hip, and grabbed up the bag
from the counter.

"Okay, ready to go, Jean-Luc?"

He cleared his throat, trying to cover his smile. "Yes. Ready. Ready to
go."

"Great. Oh, by the way, how was the coffee?"

"What?" he said, nearly choking on the word and clearing his throat again.
"Oh, it was... it was wonderful. The best I've ever had."

Beverly stared at him in surprise. "Really? I thought you always preferred
tea in the morning. You really liked it? Jack says I always make it too
strong."

"Oh no. It was excellent." He took a last sip from the cup, savoring the
flavor. "Absolutely perfect. Good to the last drop."