Work Text:
Wesley let out a scream as he fell out of the tree during recess. His teacher ran towards him and pulled out the communicator she carried with her. “Medical emergency, Year Four. A child has fallen out of a tree.”
“Response team on its way.”
Mrs Mazdern arrived and nearly screamed. The child, Wesley Crusher, was lying on the ground and his leg was bent at an unnatural angle. All the children were crowded around him and she had to clear her head as she gently ushered the children back to their classrooms and watched as the medics arrived and loaded Wesley onto a stretcher to take him to the infirmary. He might even have to be sent to a hospital if it was a bad break. Someone would have to inform his parents, but that was up to the medics and not her. Her job done, she entered her classroom once more.
###
“I want Uncle Jean-Luc!”
“Shh, Wesley, we’ll call one of your parents.” Wesley was now crying. “No! I want Uncle Jean-Luc!” The medic pulled up the emergency contact file for Wesley Crusher, and noticed that his second emergency contact was a Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Under normal circumstances, the school medic would inform the first contact and if they were unavailable, move on to the second, but since the child was insisting on having his uncle called, the medic was left with no choice.
He sat at his console and tapped in the sequence to reach Starfleet HQ. Silly, as his mother worked at the Medical center and they were going to have to take him there, but maybe his mother was on a shift and sleeping. “Starfleet Headquarters. How may I direct you?”
“Captain Picard, please.”
“One moment...” The spinning Starfleet logo on the monitor was replaced with a balding man. “Picard here.”
“Hello, Captain Picard?”
“Yes?”
“My name is Lieutenant Parter. I’m the medic assigned to Archer Elementary School...ah...”
“Wesley? What happened? Where’s Beverly...his mother?”
“Well, Sir, Wesley asked us to call you.”
“ What happened?”
“Wesley has fallen out of a tree and his leg is broken. We’re going to have to take him to the Medical Center, but we need parental permission.”
“So then, wouldn’t you need to speak with his mother?”
“Well, Sir...you are listed as his second guardian.”
“Please take him to the hospital. I will meet you there and inform his mother. Picard out.”
Jean-Luc sat back in his chair. Beverly was on her cycle of nightshift at Starfleet Medical, and Jean-Luc had been sleeping in her quarters so Wesley wasn’t alone at night. It wasn’t surprising that Wesley had asked for him to be called since Beverly should be sleeping, but what had surprised him was being told he was listed as Wesley’s second guardian with the school. He grinned to himself as he stood and straightened his uniform and headed to the transporter room. It was a short walk to the medical facility, but he didn’t want Wesley to be alone for long.
Jean -Luc beamed to the medical center and was directed to paediatrics. Jean-Luc found Wesley on a biobed, with his leg encased in a regen unit. Wesley was overly cheerful for someone who had just broken his leg and exclaimed, “Hi Uncle Jean-Luc!”
“Hello, yourself, Wes. What have you done?”
“I fell out of a tree!” Wesley grinned at Jean-Luc, who shook his head. “I see. And why were you in the tree?”
“Malcorn dared me to climb it.” Jean-Luc rolled his eyes at the nine-year-old. “And what have you learned?”
“To hold on better next time?”
“Wesley.”
“Not to climb the tree.” Jean-Luc sat on the edge of the bio bed and patted Wesley’s uninjured leg. “Now, why didn’t you want them to call your mother?”
“Mom’s sleeping.” Jean-Luc levelled a gaze at the boy. “Is that the only reason?”
“Mom will yell at me.” Jean-Luc nodded sagely. “I see. And you don’t think I will? Wesley, you have to be careful! What if you had landed on your head? That’s not as easily fixed as a leg!”
“Yeah, but my leg will be better in an hour. The nurse said.”
“Not the point, Wes. Look, I’m going to have to tell your mother about this. We can’t just hide the fact that you broke your leg.” Wesley’s face fell.
“But—“
“No buts, young man.” Wesley continued to pout.
“But you don’t want to wake up mom!” Jean-Luc checked the clock on the wall.
“You’re in luck, she would have just woken up.” Wesley frowned as Jean-Luc tapped his communicator. “Picard to Crusher.” Beverly’s sleepy voice came over the comms.
“Good morning, Jean-Luc.”
“Morning, Bev. Sleep well?”
“Yes, thank you. Thanks for getting Wesley off to school this morning so I could go straight to bed. I don’t know what I would do without you.” Jean-Luc grinned.
“Actually, it was Wesley I was calling you about. It seems, our Wesley has been in an accident at school.”
“An accident? Is he alright?”
“Broken leg. But apparently, the regen will be finished in an hour and they think he’ll be alright.” He could hear Beverly sighing.
“Do you want me to come in?”
“No, I don’t mind taking the afternoon off to stay with him. I’ll bring him home when he’s ready. I just wanted you to know what had happened. And, ah, I didn’t know you had me listed as his guardian.”
“I just thought it was easier since you were helping me out on my night weeks. It’s not like the school could ring Nana on Caldos if something happened and forget about his grandparents in Iowa. We haven’t heard from them in...well, it’s not important. I’m sorry. I should have asked you first.”
“No, it’s fine, Bev. It just surprised me. Anyway, I’ll bring Wesley home as soon as he’s released. Picard out.” Jean-Luc sat back down on the edge of the bed and he and Wesley chatted about school and played a few rounds of noughts and crosses on Wesley’s PADD before the nurse came back in.
“We’ll just get this unit off you and take a quick x-ray and then Dad can take you home.” Jean-Luc expected Wesley to pipe up that he wasn’t his father, but he didn’t, and Jean-Luc felt it was too late to speak up so he let it slide.
The doctor came and looked at the read-outs. “Right then, young man, we have healed the break, but you have to take it easy for the next five days while it firms up a bit.”
“Can he still go to school?” The doctor turned towards Jean-Luc.
“Perhaps not tomorrow, but then I don’t see why not provided he can promise to stay off his leg. We’ll give him some crutches.”
“But Mom has to sleep during the day.” Jean-Luc ruffled Wesley’s hair.
“Well then, I guess we’ll just have to be quiet.” He turned to the doctor. “Thank you, Doctor. Could you send your report to his mother? No doubt she’ll want to look it over herself.”
“Yes, of course.” Jean-Luc turned to Wesley.
“Right, Tiger, looks like you’ve been released. Do you have your schoolbag?” Wesley nodded.
“Uh huh. One of the bigger kids brought it to the infirmary.”
“Great. Let’s go home.” The nurse passed Wesley a pair of crutches and he was instructed how to use them for the next few days when he needed to move around, otherwise, he was expected to let his leg rest. Jean-Luc had laughed. “You realise he’s nine, right? Staying still isn’t exactly his forte.”
“Just try to keep him resting it. No bike riding, running, or sports for a few days at least. Is his bedroom up stairs?” Jean-Luc nodded. “Make sure he uses the crutches on the stairs, but try to limit the number of times he needs the stairs for the next few days.”
“Got it. Alright, Wes. Ready? Might get to see your Mom before she has to leave for her shift tonight.” Wesley nodded and wobbled a bit on his crutches. Jean-Luc waited for Wesley to walk in front of him, and then he grabbed Wesley’s schoolbag and followed behind, offering encouraging words. The nurse placed her hand over her heart as she watched them walk away.
“Such a good father. You know, he didn’t even raise his voice when he was reprimanding his son.”
###
“Bev? We’re home.” Beverly came out of her bedroom and saw Wesley with his crutches and frowned.
“I’m guessing it was a bad break?” Jean-Luc kissed her cheek.
“The doctor is sending you the report to look over, but I was told Wes needs to stay off it for a few days. Probably should stay home from school tomorrow and then if he can stay off of it at school, he can go back the following day.” Beverly frowned.
“Oh, that’s going to be fun. I have to sleep during the day!” Jean-Luc held up his hand.
“Not a problem. I’ll take the day off and Wesley and I can go to my quarters tonight so we don’t keep you awake tomorrow, and I’ll make dinner tomorrow night so you don’t have to. Well, I suppose it’s breakfast for you.” He grinned.
“Are you sure?”
“Of course I am. Beverly, I meant what I said when I told you I wanted to help you with whatever you needed.”
“Thanks.” Beverly glanced at Wesley who was settling in on the sofa. “Right young man. I should lecture you, but I have a feeling Jean-Luc already has.” Wesley nodded. “Don’t try to milk attention from Jean-Luc tonight or tomorrow. If you need help, ask for it, but don’t expect Jean-Luc to wait on you hand and foot.”
“Mom, since I don’t have to go to school tomorrow, can I stay up late tonight?” Beverly pursed her lips.
“Hmm. No. Usual bedtime.”
“Aw, man.” Beverly rolled her eyes.
“And you,” Beverly turned her eyes to her best friend. “No giving in to his demands. Wesley isn’t on his deathbed.”
“Yes, dear.” Beverly grinned. She and Jean-Luc had a very domestic arrangement, despite not being involved with each other. She leaned over and gave him a chaste kiss.
“Have I mentioned you’re the best?”
“Hmm. Not lately.”
###
Beverly used her codes to enter Jean-Luc's quarters the following afternoon, still amused by what she was told as she had arrive for work the previous night. One of the nurses she had passed as she arrived at the hospital for her shift had gushed over how wonderful Wesley's father was, and Beverly was so shocked she hadn’t corrected her. She saw the same day nurse as she was leaving to go home to sleep, and the nurse had given her a big wink about going home to her family. Beverly had struggled to fall asleep, wanting to talk to Jean-Luc right away, but not wanting to wreck her sleep as she still had two nightshifts. She hoped to find some time to talk to him alone this evening before she left for her shift. She looked around his surprisingly quiet quarters and covered her mouth in amusement.
The pair was sitting on the sofa. Wesley had his broken leg on Jean-Luc’s lap and was fast asleep and glance at Jean-Luc’s face showed the older man had fallen asleep as well. So much for Jean-Luc having dinner ready.
To her surprise, the table was set and there was a pitcher of orange juice on the table and a teacosy covering a teapot. She could smell recently cooked bacon and a quick look in the oven showed that Jean-Luc had decided to make Breakfast for dinner. She turned on a warming cycle on the oven and jumped when arms circled her waist.
“Hey,” he stifled a yawn. “I told you I’d make dinner.”
“Hmm. It appears that someone fell asleep.” Beverly turned around and gave him a quick peck on the lips. He grinned.
“Wesley was....”
“Rambunctious?”
“Something like that. Despite the broken leg, he didn’t seem to let it slow him down.” Beverly glanced over at the corner of his living room area, where there had been an obvious pillow and blanket fort created. Jean-Luc grinned. “Yeah...I’lll ah...clean that up.”
“It’s your quarters. It doesn’t bother me.” Jean-Luc realised he still had his hands on her waist and he dropped them suddenly.
“How was your day? Night?” Beverly’s eyes twinkled with mirth.
“Well, apparently my son has gained a father. Nice of you to tell me.” Jean-Luc rubbed the back of his neck.
“I’m sorry. The nurse yesterday assumed and Wes didn’t correct her...”
“I see.” Jean-Luc glanced up at her pursed lips.
“Are you....mad?” She shook her head.
“No, I’m not mad. I....” she trailed off for a moment and glanced into the living room, glad to see her son was still asleep. “I think we need to talk.”
“Now?” She nodded started walking towards his bedroom. “In...in there?” Beverly nodded again and Jean-Luc swallowed. Was he in trouble?
The bedroom door slid shut behind him and Jean-Luc was surprised when Beverly threw herself at him and kissed him passionately. “Not that I’m complaining, Bev. But what?” She flushed slightly.
“I think it’s time we move our relationship from just friends, don’t you?” Jean-Luc flushed.
“I’d be lying if I never thought about it....about you...us....but now?” Beverly strained her ears and she could hear her son struggling to get up and use his crutches, no doubt to come looking for his uncle. Beverly pressed another kiss to Jean-Luc’s lips.
“Two more nights, then I’m off for three. Do you want to spend the night? I can ask one of Wesley’s friend’s parents to have him over for the night....” Jean-Luc grinned and nodded and this time he pressed a kiss to her lips.
“Let’s see what that boy of ours is up to.”
“Ours?”
“Well....” Beverly grinned.
“I like ours.”
###FIN###