Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Deanna was standing by she and Will’s favorite table towards the back of Ten-Forward. These days when they walked in to the bar, the table was just about always available. Like it unofficially belonged to them now. Tonight was no exception. She smiled when she walked through the doors that evening. All the surrounding tables were taken, but theirs was empty.

She was looking out into deep space, losing herself in the beauty of the unknown. For almost fifteen years she had called the Enterprise her home. She thought about how incredibly grateful she was for the opportunities, adventures, and experiences this Starfleet life has afforded her. She loved her career. She loved her friendships. She knew she would not have the future she so looked forward to with the man she adored if it were not for this ship.

Deanna sensed him and smiled. She didn’t turn around knowing that he was probably just steps away from her. Instead, she wanted to be surprised, at least as surprised as two lovers with an Imzadi bond can be when one sneaks up on the other. She saw his reflection in the glass, but pretended not to notice. Suddenly, he was close enough that she could smell him. That mix of cedar, musky sage, and citrus. Deanna could eat him right up; still, she didn’t react to his presence. She held in wait for him to do something, what exactly she did not know. The anticipation was palpable, but yet she held still. She closed her eyes as to not see his reflection. She was desperate for his touch, yet her desire to be surprised by him was overwhelming. The hairs on her arms stood on end. A heat started to rise from her center. The cause of that heat emanated from directly behind her.

Will was mere millimeters from her. He understood the game she was playing and he was here for it. Her back was to him, and he admired her perfect form. He wanted so desperately to wrap his arms around her. He could kiss her all night in the glow from the stars just on the other side of the glass. But instead he played it cool. He had a reputation to uphold. He smiled at the thought of her hiding her own smile; thinking she could get away with it.

Will knew she sensed him the minute he walked in to the bar. He felt that tingling sensation he always felt when she was near him. He thought it was cute how she wanted to be surprised by him. As he moved closer towards her he thought about what his next move should be. He wanted to be as unpredictable as possible. At least as unpredictable as one could be with their Imzadi. He was close enough that he could smell her. That mix of sweet floral that is native to her home planet. He loved it. It brought back memories from their time together on Betazed, long before the Enterprise. A time when they were so young, so impulsive, so in love. He smiled to himself knowing that not much has changed, except maybe the bit about their age.

Now he was in fact just barely touching her. Their bodies were hot from their close proximity as well as their desire of one another. He bent his head down so his lips were just behind her ear. He sensed her tense ever so slightly from not really knowing what he would do to fully make his presence known. His breath was warm on her skin, and that heat that was rising from her center now moved down to her core. The anticipation was high and she was barely able to contain herself.

Will’s lips began to part. His voice was soft and deep and so sexy. He whispered, “Tell me, my Betazoid goddess,” she was very warm now in certain places, “do you look both ways when you cross my mind?” Oh gods she was aching for him. He traced a finger from her shoulder down her arm. “Because there really is no need; you are the only person who occupies the space.” Deanna melted into him. Her eyes were still closed. She was biting into her lower lip otherwise she would have let out a low moan of desire. “And when I close my eyes, I only see you.” He finally wrapped his strong arms around her. He was firm, but gentle. His grip sent a very clear message that he did not intend for he and Deanna to stay there too much longer. He pressed soft lips to her skin, just below the ear he whispered into. Now the fine hairs on her neck stood on end. When she opened her eyes she stared at his reflection in the glass. He was so sexy, and he was all hers.

Deanna leaned her head back so that her lips were only slightly away from Will’s ear. “Tell me, Commander,” oh how he loved when she addressed him by his rank, “am I wearing anything while I’m meandering in that headspace of yours?” If he wasn’t smiling before, he definitely was now. She whispered, “Because I would be so impressed knowing how you could possibly get any work done, when all you are thinking about is working on me.” He was done. 

Chapter Text

Ensign Matthew Cross sat in Ten-Forward with his lower deck bunk mates. Cross was new to the Enterprise; he had been there for only a few months. Prior to this prestigious assignment, he was stationed on the USS Titan. He had finished a rotation in Engineering for his Academy studies and was invited to stay on. When the opportunity on the Enterprise came about he put in for the transfer not thinking for even a minute he would get it. However, while he was still finishing his Academy obligations, he spearheaded research for a study regarding the methodology of mining deuterium in deep space. He made some rather impressive contributions to the study, and his efforts caught the attention of none other than Geordi LaForge.

Cross’ work ethic was impeccable, and he had already started making a name for himself in the Engineering circle on board. He loved working with Mr. LaForge and Mr. Data when he was able. Individually, their knowledge base and understanding of the sovereign class vessel was astounding, but collectively they were an intergalactic force of nature and their knowledge knew no bounds, it seemed. He couldn’t help but laugh sometimes when a small learning group would be discussing a matter, for example warp core physics, and the conversation would quickly turn into one between just the two of them. It was a special bond, for sure.

As far as Ensign Cross was concerned, he did not have any problems forging new friendships since joining the Enterprise crew, especially as it related to his lower deck bunk mates. They all identified as male, and they all had a sincere appreciation for the opposite gender. The lower deck lifestyle was not especially discreet. Trying to have any sort of relationship was a challenge, and there were plenty of relationship opportunities to be had on the ship - with the exception of one - and his bunk mates made that very clear to him when he first came aboard.

When Cross was brand new to the Enterprise, the first official hang out spot his bunk mates, Burgess, Crowley, and Hannibal, took him was Ten-Forward. "She’s very much taken.” Burgess noticed the way Cross was staring at her. The bar was pretty full that night because everyone had come to listen to the jazz band. The ship’s First Officer had recently returned from shore leave and was encouraged to play, as the crew had missed the live music. Cross was introduced to Commander William Riker earlier that same day when he visited Engineering to discuss a matter with Mr. LaForge. Riker was a legend at the Academy and beyond. His leadership style, his influence on away missions and his daredevil approach to diplomacy, along with his reputation with the ladies, made him the envy, and desire, of many young Starfleet officers. “Nice to meet you, Ensign.” The grip from his handshake was enough to make Cross realize he wasn't a man to piss off - ever. Riker was definitely a presence. Cross was a good looking man to be certain, but the way the Commander carried himself was not a trait the young ensign had yet learned. “Hope to see you later tonight in Ten-Forward. There will be live music. I will be playing with the band.” He said with a kind smile which Cross returned. Riker left Engineering, and he got back to work.

Later that night when they were sitting at a table together in Ten-Forward, Cross inquired about the stunning woman he saw sitting with another woman he recognized as Dr. Beverly Crusher, the ship's CMO. That's when Burgess offered his word of caution. Hannibal chimed in, "Not only is she taken, but she is way out of your league, Cross. That's the ship's counselor, Commander Deanna Troi." Cross frowned at his new friends. He totally got the fact that she outranked him, but what could possibly make her so unattainable? He'd managed to seduce a few beautiful women before. Of course he acknowledged she was probably the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. Crowley quickly offered up the crucial bit of information that was missing, "The Counselor is engaged to the ship's first officer, Commander Will Riker." It all made sense then.

A month or so had passed, and the men along with quite a few others from the lower decks, found themselves in awe of a rather drunk Counselor Troi one very late evening in Ten-Forward. Rumor had it that she and the Commander had a huge argument that some passing through Deck 9 had actually witnessed. Gossip had already circulated that Riker had made the terrible decision to take up an offer from the ship's masseuse; however, what's not clear is how far that offer was taken. Perhaps this was Cross' opportunity to make his name known to the gorgeous woman he had been pining for since he first laid eyes on her. She was very drunk. He had no intention of taking advantage of her; he simply was not that guy. But he thought he could maybe plant a seed of interest. "If I had a girlfriend as hot as you," he said to her, staring into her dark, hypnotic eyes, "I wouldn't even think of looking at another woman." He was sitting next to her, and she was leaning towards him now with her chin in her hand propped up by her elbow on the table. Cross could sense the envy of the other men. He could also see that she was not wearing a bra under the incredibly sexy, off-the-shoulder, turquoise dress she was wearing. It was getting him pretty hot. 'Was she not wearing anything under the dress?' he thought to himself. Just then Deanna ran her fingers through his hair.

"What's your name, Ensign?" she asked in the most dead sexy tone of voice. He was starting to sweat.

"My name is Matthew Cross, Counselor. And can I just say it is an absolute pleasure to meet you." He wasn't quite sure where this new found confidence was coming from, but he was going with it.

"Please, Love, call me Deanna." He swallowed hard. "Well, Matthew...Matty...perhaps you can tell me a little more about what you like about me." She said in a low tone. 'Holy shit!' he thought to himself. Someone from the back of the crowd yelled "Damn, son!" and the crowd around them whooped and hollered. She stood just then, and some of the men around her were helping to keep her steady. She appeared as if she was about to sit in his lap. He prayed that wouldn't happen for fear she might feel a bump that he simply couldn't control.

Suddenly, the scene was broken up as Commander Riker pushed his way through the crowd. Cross and some of the other men quickly got up and left the table to stand on the outskirts of the group. A few of the crew who were a bit more brazen had stuck around, Crowley being one of them. He was sitting in the seat next to where Cross was, and just so happened to be directly across from the Counselor. Riker looked down at him and said something, Cross couldn't tell what, but Crowley immediately vacated the seat and Riker took his place swinging a leg over the top and settling in. Not a minute later, Cross heard his name.

"Where's Matty?" he popped up rather unassumingly from the back of the crowd, “Come here, Matty.” He cautiously walked back over to the table. “Please sit down next to me, Love.” He did as she asked. “Tell Commander Riker what you told me when you learned about the whole masseuse thing.” Ensign Cross was silent sitting in front of the Commander, his face turned a pale shade. He knew the Commander recognized him from their meeting in Engineering just a few months ago. “No? It’s ok, Love, I’ll tell him.” Deanna slurred. “Sweet Matthew said that if he had a girlfriend who was as hot as me, no way he would even look at another woman.” She ran her fingers through his hair again, and Riker clearly was not happy. 

"Is that so?” Riker looked at the handsome, young man who was obviously scared shitless of him. "You're excused, Ensign." He said. Cross got up, turned toward the exit and walked right the hell out of Ten-Forward. Burgess, Crowley and Hannibal ran out of the bar shortly after Riker broke up the shenanigans. They were all patting him on the back, praising him, and telling him what a badass he was. Cross didn't feel that way at all. He actually felt a little sick to his stomach.

Fast forward to the present, just a week or so after the incident in Ten-Forward with the Counselor. He was sitting with his lower deck mates and staring at her again from across the room, but this time she was in the arms of her fiancé. Very much sober and very much in love. '...call me Deanna' he could hear her voice so clear in his head. He watched as they left the bar together. He was definitely out of her league.

Chapter Text

Data watched from the table as his friend stopped to chat with Ensign Cross before making his way over from the bar. Data noticed that while he seemed cordial interacting with Geordi, the young ensign was also a bit distracted. Geordi sat down with drinks for both he and his friend. “Would you mind if I asked you a question, Geordi?” Data inquired.

”Shoot, Data.” Geordi replied. He knew his friend did not mean the term in the literal sense.

”Is it just me, or did Ensign Cross seem a bit distracted when he was speaking with you?” Data asked.

”Oh yeah! He’s got it bad, and unfortunately for him, he needs to get over it real quick.” Geordi laughed as he took a sip from his glass of the amber colored beverage on ice.

Data had a confused look on his face. He accessed his diction annals, looked off into nowhere in particular, and said, “Ah! ‘Got it bad’ is a slang term meaning: to have extreme feelings about something or someone.“ Data looked back at Geordi, “Does Ensign Cross ‘got it bad’ for you, Geordi?”

Geordi nearly spit out his drink from the last sip he took. “Hell no, Data!” He laughed out loud. “Follow his eyes to where he is staring.”

Data followed the stare of Ensign Cross to Counselor Troi who was standing towards the back of Ten-Forward by the table where she and Commander Riker normally sit. “Ah!” Data made the connection. “Ensign Cross has ‘got it bad’ for Counselor Troi.” He said. “I see how this is quite the predicament. There is no possibility a relationship between Counselor Troi and Ensign Cross could ever work because she is currently in a relationship, and engaged, to Commander Riker.” Data deduced.

”That’s precisely it, Data.”

”I do not believe I will ever understand the nature of human sexual attraction and how it impedes the logical judgment and development of rational thought. It is not at all logical for Ensign Cross to anguish over Counselor Troi when it is not possible for him to have a relationship with her.” Data said.

Geordi shook his head and took another sip of his drink. He sympathized with Data’s reasoning. Of course he made complete sense. But this was something that can never be resolved or explained. “Data, sometimes the heart just wants what it wants.” 

Data nodded; resigned to let it lie. “Would you like to talk about the temperature fluctuations we have been experiencing in the warp nacelles?”

Geordi stared his friend down, “Absolutely not, Data. But I sure as hell don’t want to keep talking about this nonsense.” Just then Christine Vale walked up to the table.

“Hey there, mind if I join you?”

”Not at all, Chris.” Geordi replied as Christine took a seat. “As a matter of fact, Data and I were just about to discuss plans for our next poker night.”

”We were?” Data was confused once again. Then his understanding of conversation segue kicked in, “Oh, yes. We were.” He replied.

Geordi rubbed his hands together, “Right! Now, let’s get back to business.”

Chapter Text

Beverly and Guinan bid goodbye to Geordi as he walked his drinks back to his table. Guinan nodded towards Deanna who was standing towards the back of Ten-Forward by her and Will’s usual table. “I was pretty worried about her a little over a week ago.” 

“Oh, gosh!” Beverly replied, “Me too. I was ready to knock Will out. And I don’t mean with a hypospray. Honestly, what the hell was he thinking?”

Guinan smiled, “I am just glad they worked it all out.” Just then Will walked into Ten-Forward. He looked over at the bar and flashed them a smile, but his eyes scanned over to their usual spot when he didn’t see Deanna with them. Beverly noticed Will shiver, as if a chill ran right through him. She knew that feeling all too well.

”Yeah, me too.” Beverly watched as Will slowly approached her best friend as if to surprise her, but then she turned away. It was a moment that she wanted her sweet friends to have. “Also, I live vicariously through those two!” The two women laughed.

”Oh Doctor,” Guinan quickly replied, “I have a feeling you do well enough on your own in that department.” Beverly’s eyes were wide, and her cheeks turned a shade of pink. She wasn’t sure if she should giggle or be completely mortified.

”Oh, please.” She tried to cover up the obvious, but she knew that was almost impossible to do with Guinan. She was just so intuitive. Beverly paused rather awkwardly. She couldn’t look Guinan in the eye for a moment. Finally she glanced up from the glass she had been staring at, “Oh gods, is it really that obvious?”

Guinan, with her old soul vibe and grounded sensibility, flashed Bev a bright, toothy grin. “No, at least not to anyone besides me and, of course, Counselor Troi. I will venture a guess; however, that the Counselor is already well aware.” Beverly nodded a bit submissively. “It’s ok, Doctor. Your secret is safe with me. Nobody needs to know.”

In almost a whisper, Beverly asked “How long have you known?”

”Do you mean before or after the Q incident?” Guinan quipped.

”Oh gods.” Now Beverly was mortified.

”Beverly, look,” Guinan said in a calming tone, “the Captain and I have a long, friendly history. Despite his subtle and discrete nature, there are few things he is able to keep from me. A secret relationship is not one of them.” She smiled to herself. “He needs you. I would bet he’s already pledged that to you, but I am here to tell you, that I have never seen this man so calm, so relaxed, so in control as I have this past year. Aside from that time he insisted you both put on the brakes.” She rolled her eyes. “Just like you said of Will earlier, I almost did knock him out.

Beverly’s brow furrowed, ”That was a pretty awful time.” She said.

Guinan shifted the subject back to something happier, “Surely you aren’t hanging around here all evening?” 

Beverly smiled, “No, as a matter of fact I have plans and should probably get going.” She drank the last sip of wine from her glass. “Thank you, Guinan.” She smiled and turned to leave.

She watched the Doctor glide towards the exit as if she were floating. ”Good evening, what can I get for you?” Guinan said as she greeted a crew member approaching the bar.

Chapter Text

Beverly Crusher thanked Guinan for the wine and the talk. She smiled at the Enterprise-E’s favorite El-Aurian bartender. She didn’t realize how badly she needed to hear Guinean’s reassuring words about her current “situationship.” At least that’s how the good Doctor was feeling about her and the Captain lately.

They had gotten very good at sneaking around. They still had their breakfasts together. They even had the occasional dinner in the other’s quarters that conveniently turned into breakfast the next morning. When they were feeling a bit daring they would sneak off to the holodeck together, or share a dance in the middle of Ten-Forward. They had even shared a few kisses in her office when no one was looking. Of course, there were the occasional lingering stares. The shared smiles that might have lasted a skosh too long. The too close for comfort proximity from one another when discussing a matter on the bridge or in Sickbay. But the beauty of it was that no one seemed to care. 

A half an hour ago she was sitting alone at the bar in Ten-Forward. She had walked in with Deanna, but soon parted, as she and Will were meeting for dinner. Deanna asked her to stay for a drink until Will arrived, but she sensed that Beverly wasn’t much for talking that evening. She didn’t push when Bev politely declined the offer. Beverly just wanted some alone time.

She took a seat at the end of the bar, away from the other crew members. She sat in deep thought. She shook her head as if to scold herself. She recalled the conversation she had with Deanna five months ago. She and Jean-Luc had spent some time apart at Jean-Luc’s behest, and it about destroyed her. She admitted to Deanna that she had resolved to being with him anyway she could have him. If that meant sneaking around the ship, and having a secret love affair, so be it. But she was concerned that she was losing the best parts of her. Had she let her love for Jean-Luc change her in that sense? She was the CMO of the flagship vessel of Starfleet. She battled through so much adversity - the death of a husband, having to say goodbye to a son whom she never knew when or if she’d see again, she was a survivor of anaphasic alien violation - yet she lowered her standards to submit to a secret affair with the Captain of the ship. All because she was so desperately in love with him. If she was being honest, she was feeling pretty vulnerable.

Suddenly, Guinan appeared from behind the bar, “Penny for your thoughts, Doctor?”

”Isn’t that my line?” Beverly quipped.

“Perhaps, but this job goes beyond simply pouring a few drinks.” Guinan smiled brightly. Everyone on the ship knew that Deanna officially served as the ship’s counselor. But unofficially, Guinan did her part to serve a similar role on the ship. “Can I pour you a glass of wine? A white, maybe? Beverly smiled and nodded. Guinan was very good at this. Then again, she’s had a couple hundred years of practice. “So tell me, how’s Ry Acheron doing?” Guinan was referring to the handsome ambassador from Dorrag IV. Their recent status as a Federation member afforded the planet regular visits from the Enterprise. On a couple of occasions now, the Enterprise had hosted the Ambassador and his delegates, and Ryrad Acheron made clear to everyone his obvious attraction to the Doctor. He was desperate to get her alone, much to the Captain’s annoyance. This most recent visit was no exception.

A few weeks ago the Enterprise had a scheduled visit to the planet, and Jean-Luc was not looking forward to hosting Acheron after their last meeting. While at dinner one evening, Jean-Luc addressed the elephant in the room. “So, we are set to arrive at Dorrag IV in the morning.” He said, seemingly out of nowhere. “Do you have any strategies on how to deal with Minister Acheron’s advances?” 

Beverly felt a tiny bit guilty for the satisfaction she got from watching Jean-Luc agonize over Ry Acheron. He came on particularly strong his last visit, and they were both certain Ry would try like hell again to seduce the Doctor. Beverly didn’t know which she liked more: the attention she received from Ry, or how jealous Jean-Luc was from her receiving said attention. “Well, first I think I will accept his inevitable dinner invite.” Jean-Luc’s eyes widened. “Then perhaps we can go back to his guest quarters and he can demonstrate how the Dorrag people worship one’s body like a temple.”

”My Dear, that is not at all amusing.” He said in a deadpan tone. His eyes hardly blinking. She laughed at his adorable uncomfortableness. 

“Darling, please.” Beverly reasoned, “You know I have absolutely no intention of doing anything of the sort.” His shoulders eased a bit. “But it would make sense that I at least pretend to be slightly interested in Ry.” Jean-Luc tensed up again, “It takes attention away from us, after all. Certainly the crew have suspicions, so when an opportunity such as this arises, it might be a good distraction.”

”Beverly, I understand your concern but I really don’t think that is necessary.” Jean-Luc was posturing. Of course a distraction was necessary, but he couldn’t stand the thought of another man’s hands on her, or worse. “We’ve been very careful. No one is suspicious of our relationship.” He took a sip of water, perhaps to prepare for the response he was about to get from her after this next bit, “I think it would be completely acceptable for you to simply let him down easy.”

Bev was the one annoyed now. “So let me get this straight,” he knew he was in for it, “you just want me to ‘let him down easy.’ You make it sound so simple, Darling. You have met the man, correct? Also, perhaps I am worth the chase?”

Jean-Luc was not going to win this battle, “Now, my Dear, I never said you weren’t. And yes, I have met him and I acknowledge that he is a rather persistent pain in my arse.” He needed her to understand his position. He put down his fork, wiped his mouth with his napkin, and tore into her icy blue eyes. His face softened, his baritone was smooth, “What will it take to win you over, Doctor?”

Beverly just smiled at him, “Why don’t you just trust that I know how to handle myself.” She said flatly.

”Oh that I do know very well, mon cher.”

Guinan finished pouring Bev’s wine when Geordi came over to say hello and order drinks for he and Data. “Good evening, Doctor Crusher, Guinan.” They chatted for a minute before Geordi said he was going to check in on one of his young Engineering crew members.

Bev continued her conversation with Guinan and once she finished her wine decided it was time she have another conversation. One she planned on dominating in the best possible ways. “Thank you, Guinan.” She stood to leave when she noticed a table of young officers staring at her. They all turned their heads quickly when she looked their way, except for one adorable Lieutenant with blonde hair and green eyes. He smiled at her and nodded. She smiled back, and turned to leave the bar. ‘Nope, no change here;’ she thought to herself, ‘I absolutely still got it.’