Dr. Beverly Crusher knew something was up as soon as she entered Will Riker's quarters. She caught the hastily hidden smirks as she raked her dazzling blue gaze around the room. The thought that her closest friends were plotting something she was not a party to really got her ire up.
Her flaming red hair mirrored the fiery temper she held in check as she took her seat at the poker table. She was angry, bordering on irate, and downright miffed that she hadn't been included in the fun.
Commander Riker's blue eyes gleamed as he glanced at Deanna Troi.
Troi, sensing the irritable red-head's ire, winked at her non-Betazoid-Imzadi-lover. Knowing, that as a red-head, Beverly was prone to bouts of quarrelsome and combative behaviour for no apparent reason, the two lovers assumed this was the case this evening; they could not know how wrong they were.
"So," Beverly tersely began. "How is everyone tonight?"
"I am functioning within acceptable parameters, Doctor," replied Data.
Smothering a smile, Geordi coughed before adding, "I'm fine too."
"The battle on the card table has not yet begun," intoned Worf. "It will be a glorious tale sung in Sto-Vo-Kor when I crush you weaklings under my boot."
Glancing at Riker, Worf belatedly growled, "Sir."
Deanna smiled at her best friend and began, "Beverly, I can sense some strong emotions…"
Kicking her friend under the table, Beverly interrupted, "Don't you dare go there, Deanna!" Spreading the heat of her gaze around the room, she pinned each person to the bulkhead. "I am not going to talk about it right now. This is something I have to work out on my own."
Rubbing her injured shin, Deanna smiled at the ease with which Beverly gave vent to her rage. Smiling back, Beverly added in whisper only Deanna could hear, "But if you meet me in Ten Forward after our shift tomorrow, I'll spill the beans over some ooey gooey chocolate."
Giggling, Deanna assured her friend she'd be there.