Chapter Text
A harassed Beverly Crusher called out an angry "Come in!" as the door chime woke the sleeping toddler who had just - Finally! - fallen asleep. Whoever coined the term "terrible two's" obviously hadn't experienced age three. If anything, Wesley was worse at age three than he had been at age two. Either that or since she had been completing her final year of her internship and Wesley had been in daycare for longer hours than Beverly was honestly alright with with, she hadn't experienced the full brunt of Wesley at age two. Now she was trying to balance her first posting alongside being a single parent to an inquisitive toddler. She wasn’t really a single parent, Wesley had a father and she was even married to him. But he had chosen to remain serving on board a starship when Wesley was born, so she might as well have been a single parent.
The door slid open and Beverly tried to plaster a smile on her face for her visitor. "Jean-Luc, I wasn't expecting you. Just let me get Wes back to sleep... make yourself comfortable. Are you staying here?"
"I can get a room on base if it's too much trouble." Beverly shook her head at her best friend. "Don't be silly. I always have a room for you. You know where it is." She smiled a genuine smile as she entered her son's room to check on him.
"Wesley....sweetheart, please go to sleep. You're so tired, baby." She smoothed down the hair on his brow and sat on the edge of the bed.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Beverly sighed. "Why not?"
"WANNA PLAY!"
"You can play later, but it's bedtime right now." Beverly watched as large tears rolled down Wesley's face and she drew him into her arms to pat his back gently. "Shhhh, shhhh, go back to sleep little love." Wesley clung to his mother's neck and cried until he hiccupped, and then fell silent as his arms went limp. Beverly gently laid him back on his bed, kissed his forehead, and backed out of the room.
As the door slid shut, she pinched the bridge of her nose and practically jumped when she felt a hand on her shoulder. "Everything alright?" She leaned into his touch.
"Just the terrible threes." She sighed. "And a headache." Jean-Luc frowned. "I suppose a glass of wine and the offer of dinner won't help? That is, if you haven't eaten yet?" She softly smiled and took the offered glass. "I haven't eaten yet. I can call for a sitter. Just let me change my clothes..." she glanced down at her shirt with the red blotch of tomato sauce on it from Wesley's dinner. He had been talking with his hands while holding a fork full of spaghetti and it landed on her shirt. They had laughed over it, but Beverly had to remind him to put down his fork before speaking.
"You look lovely." Beverly grimaced. "Don't." She held out her hand "Just be honest. I look like a harassed housewife." She gestured to her hair, tired up in a scarf. "Suppose I should do something about the hair, too."
Jean-Luc chuckled. "Take all the time you need. I asked Ensign Miks if she would babysit. She'll be here at 2000." Beverly grinned as she sipped her wine. "Is she the young blonde who has a crush on her dashing captain?" A blush crept up Jean-Luc's face. "Does she? I hadn't noticed...."
"Liar." Beverly headed for her bedroom. "I'm going to shower. Listen out for Wes?" He nodded. Beverly topped up her glass and carried it into her bathroom with a smile on her face. She knew Jack had been temporarily assigned to the Ealing to assist with their research into black holes, so she hadn't expected to see Jean-Luc. Surely it was out of the way to come to Starbase 32 and the crew must be getting tired of using the same recreational facilities over and over. Still, it was nice of her best friend to bring his ship here to see her.
When Beverly emerged twenty minutes later, she was wearing a simple green dress. She had pulled her hair back on one side and wore a pair of drop earrings Jean-Luc had given her as a graduation present. Ironically, her husband hadn't given her anything. She shook her negative thoughts about Jack away and twirled in front of her friend. "Do I look more presentable now?"
Jean-Luc's mouth went dry and his heart fluttered. Maybe it had been a bad idea to bring the ship here for the upgrade without Jack. He stood and kissed her cheek. "Beautiful." Beverly blushed. Ensign Miks piped up "Nice dress, Bev."
"Thanks Penny. And thanks for babysitting. No doubt you had a better offer than looking after Wes." Penny Miks shrugged. Truthfully, she jumped at the chance to do anything Captain Picard asked her, even if it was babysitting so he could take out another woman. On the other hand, Penny knew Beverly was just a friend of the captain's, and the wife of the second officer, so she knew it was just a dinner between friends. "It's no problem, Bev. Better than sitting in my quarters alone or watching the crew get drunk in the bar."
"You don't drink?"
"Not really. At least, not as much as my roommates when we're on shore leave. I'd rather use the recreational facilities. Go swimming, run in the arboretum. That kind of thing." Beverly nodded. She was the same before she had Wesley. Probably one of the reasons she got along with Jean-Luc so well. "I understand. Thanks again. He should stay sleeping, unless he needs the toilet. If he says he's thirsty, he can have milk or water and if he says he's hungry he can have a banana. He'll probably try to ask for chocolate milk. The answer is no." Beverly laughed. "Ever since he had a sleepover with his friend T'shan, he thinks he should have chocolate milk because Lieutenant Spaq gave him some."
Penny grinned. "Got it. Now go, have some adult time. It's a shame Commander Crusher isn't here, too."
"Yeah, shame." Beverly wistfully smiled. She hated that she was glad for an evening with Jean-Luc without her husband. She took Jean-Luc's offered arm. "We'll be back before midnight," Jean-Luc told the young Ensign and Beverly raised her eyebrows. What was Jean-Luc planning?
###
They went to one of the restaurants lining the promenade away from the bars most of the officers frequented on their time off. Beverly hadn't been to the restaurants on the station in six months, not since both the Stargazer and Ealing were docked for Jack to temporarily move. She told Jean-Luc this and he frowned.
"Hasn't Jack been to see you since?" Beverly shook her head. "He said they were too busy. It's alright, but Wes misses his dad." Jean-Luc reached across the table for Beverly’s hand and gave it a squeeze. "I'm sorry, if I had known..."
"What? You wouldn't have let Jack go?" She shook her head and didn't remove her hand from his. "This research is important to Jack."
"His family should be important." Beverly shrugged. "It's fine. I'm sure someday there will be a research project important to my career and our places will be reversed and he’ll be the one stuck looking after Wesley twenty-four seven." Jean-Luc chuckled.
"I suppose. But I'm still sorry. I'd have come to visit you sooner if I had known. Were you lonely?"
"A little. But it's ok. Thanks for your letters though. They cheered me up. Has Vigo recovered?"
"His pigment finally returned. We still don't know what happened. Greyhorse thinks an allergic reaction, but hasn't been able to determine what." Beverly furrowed her brow in thought. "Have Vigo come see me. I might have an idea."
"I will let him know." Jean-Luc squeezed her hand again. "How's Wes? Other than the terrible threes, I mean." Beverly grinned. "I have another picture for you. He told me it was for Uncle Jean." He grinned back.
"I will hang it in my ready room with the other one."
"You don't have to."
"I know, but I want to." She squeezed his hand. "Thanks." Their food arrived and she reluctantly let go of his hand. It was the first contact with another adult in six months, and she had relished the touch.
Over dinner, they chatted about their careers and mutual friends. Jean-Luc asked about Wesley again, but neither of them brought up Jack. After dinner, Jean-Luc extended his hand "would you like to dance?"
She blushed. "I haven't danced in a while...."
"So? I bet you're still fantastic," his eyes danced with mirth. “The dancing doctor.” She rolled her as she took his hand. "Alright. But you'll have to forgive me if I step on your feet."
"You won't." They danced, and Jean-Luc revelled in the feeling of Beverly in his arms. He knew it was risky, since he had feelings for his best friend, but he wanted her to have a good time. His breath hitched when she placed a hand on his chest. "Thank you."
"None needed. You’re my best friend and I just want you to have a nice evening." Beverly rested her head on his shoulder and he tilted his head to inhale the scent of her hair. "Well...I appreciate it."
They swayed through a few more songs and Jean-Luc's hand slid from her back to her waist to pull her closer. Beverly felt heat course through her body, but dismissed the feeling, deciding it was just a reaction to not having seen her husband in six months. On the other hand, Jack hadn't danced with her since their wedding. She fingered the fringe on the back of Jean-Luc's neck and he grinned. "Less than there was six months ago. It's receding fast."
She grinned back. "Bald can be sexy." She blushed at her boldness, but Jean-Luc laughed. "Thanks. But I know it's not."
"Well, I like it." She leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on his lips, then pulled away. "Sorry." Jean-Luc pulled her close again. "Don't be. You were comforting me...." He kissed her and sucked on her lower lip until she opened her mouth for a deeper kiss. They broke apart and she rested her head against his forehead. "And that?" He sheepishly grinned. "I was comforting you?"
Beverly rolled her eyes. "We should get back and let Penny leave. Did you bring another bottle of wine?" He nodded. "There's two more in my bag."
"Good. Let's go open one."
###
Back in Beverly’s quarters, Penny raised her eyebrows. "Captain? You have something red on your face." Beverly flushed when she looked over and saw her lipstick smeared across Jean-Luc's lips. She passed him a tissue and he wiped his mouth. "Er. Thank you, Ensign. I hope Wesley wasn't any trouble?"
"He was fine. He woke up to use the bathroom and asked for a drink, but changed his mind when I told him his options." Beverly laughed. "Sounds like my son. Thanks again. Now go, I'm sure you can still catch some friends to have some fun."
Penny turned to her Captain. "Can I walk with you, Sir?"
"That won't be necessary. I maintain a room in Beverly’s quarters. I daresay, Wesley will be disappointed if he doesn't get to wake his uncle in the morning." Penny's face fell, but she managed a smile back. "Have a good night. Goodnight, Captain. Night Beverly."
The door shut behind the Ensign and Beverly turned towards Jean-Luc, blushing. "I am soooo sorry. I didn't know my lipstick transferred...."
"It's no bother. I don't think she knew what it was." Beverly smirked. Penny knew exactly what had been smeared across his lips. She moved into her kitchen. "Wine?"
"I'll get the bottle." He moved down the hallway. "And I'll look in on Wes, too."
"Thanks."
Jean-Luc returned ten minutes later. "He woke up, hugged me, and fell back asleep." Beverly smiled. Wesley loved Jean-Luc, probably as much as he loved his own father.
They settled on the sofa, first sitting apart, but then Jean-Luc extended his arm and she curled into his side. He kissed the top of her head. "How are you really?"
Beverly sighed and twirled her wine glass. "I miss adult conversations. Don't get me wrong, I love my son and I'm proud of my husband, I just wish he...."
"Visited more?" She nodded. "I think Wesley and I have seen you more times than him. I know his research is important, but why was it more important than his family? You took a shuttle to see us when Wesley was born, and I still don't understand why he couldn't leave."
Jean-Luc shifted uncomfortably. "Strictly speaking, he could have. Lieutenant Wallace could have taken over the experiment and I even suggested it...but I wasn't going to make it an order. Should I have?" Beverly placed her glass down and reached for his hand. "No. I wouldn't have wanted him here by force. Did I...." She trailed off and Jean-Luc squeezed her hand. "Did I make a mistake? Not with Wesley. I love Wes and I don't regret having him, but did I make a mistake marrying his father?"
"I can't answer that for you. Only you know." Beverly sighed and turned her head to kiss his cheek. "You're a good friend."
"Oh?" She nodded vigorously. "You came to visit me, you hang my son's pictures in your office, you take me out to dinner....you danced with me and you let me kiss you...." He shook his head.
"I'm a bad friend."
"Why?"
"Because I want to kiss you again. I want to take you in my arms and carry you to my bedroom and make love to you."
"Oh." The friends sat in silence, drinking their wine until Beverly moved herself into Jean-Luc's lap. He raised his eyebrows at her but moved his arms to hold her around her waist. Beverly unbuttoned his shirt and slipped her hands inside. She traced slow circles on his chest with her fingertips, making him shiver. He closed his eyes but quickly opened them when he felt Beverly’s lips pressed against his. He let her deepen the kiss, and his fingers found the zip on her dress. He dragged it down and placed his warm hands against her back. She moaned into his lips and reached for his belt. He stilled her hands.
"Beverly, are we doing this?" She nodded.
"What about Jack?"
"I don't care. Jean-Luc, kiss me, carry me to your room, and make love to me?"
He kissed her before he rose and carried her into his bedroom. He laid her down on the bed and peeled off her dress before removing his shirt and trousers. He joined her on the bed and they kissed as their hands roamed over each other's bodies.
They removed their final barriers of clothing from each other and Jean-Luc gazed down at Beverly. "Beverly, are you sure you want this...want me?" She nodded and when they joined together, she cried out his name.
###
Wesley woke up, excited for the day. His Uncle Jean was visiting! He climbed out of his bed and padded to the guest room his uncle always used. He stood on his tip toes to press the button to open the door and he wandered to the bed. His mother was sleeping with her head on his uncle's chest. She looked comfortable, and he didn't want to wake her. Wesley carefully poked his uncle.
"Uncle Jean? Mommy sleep?"
"Yes, Wes. Mommy is sleeping...you should be too. Go back to bed."
"Kay. I have pancakes?"
"Later, Wes."
"Ok!" Wesley stage whispered and left the bedroom. Beverly shifted and opened her eyes. "Was that..."
"Wesley? Yes. I told him to go back to sleep."
"Mmm. Ok." She kissed Jean-Luc and moved to straddle him, then realisation took hold. "My son found me naked in your bed."
"Well, I don't think he knew we were naked if that's any consolation." He gave her a wry smile. "Not really!" Jean-Luc ran his hands down her sides and gripped her hips. "Shh, don't worry about it. What's the worst that will happen?” Jean-Luc threw caution to the wind and gazed at the woman in his arms. He swallowed and licked his lips before speaking. “I love you."
"He'll tell people."
"Like who?"
"His teachers, his babysitter, Doctor Quaice....hang on, did you just say you loved me?" He gripped her tighter as he sat up. "Yeah, I did. I do. Beverly... I've loved you for a long time."
"So...this wasn't a one time fling for you?" He shook his head. "No. Well, only if you want it to be." Beverly rested her head on his shoulder. "I don't want it to be. I love you too." She spoke quietly and her hands moved to caress his body. "But Jack. I'm married to Jack and I just cheated on him with his Captain. I'm a horrible wife!"
"You're not. I'm sorry. This whole thing was my fault. I'll leave...we can pretend it never happened or if you don't want to see me ever again...."
"No." Beverly took a deep breath. "I'll....figure something out." She leaned down and kissed him. "But that was a noble offer."
"What can I do?"
"Hold me for now." He nodded and they laid back down. Beverly rested her cheek over his heart and sighed. She knew what she needed to do....but could she?
###FIN###