A/N: This is a sequel to my fic "Time Dilation". I highly recommend reading that one first. However, since I don't know the likelihood of people doing that, all you really need to know from it is Beverly and Jean-Luc were in a bizarre shuttle accident which resulted in them both being de-aged (Beverly looks similar to how she did around 30 years old, Jean-Luc to around 40 - he still has some hair on the top of his head - their memories are still intact though) AND their telepathy is back. Okay, have fun! 3

Beverly woke where she had for several days now. It was getting to the point where it didn't feel all that wrong waking in Jean-Luc's bed… and that concerned her. Of course she didn't want to feel uncomfortable being there, but this level of familiarity wasn't something for which she was ready.

Yet.

She looked around, a little puzzled. The sheets beside her were cold. Where is Jean-Luc? Sitting up, she ordered the lights on in the room. It unsettled her being there alone.

Her answer came in a soft wash of feelings, a gentle ripple through their psychic link. Following it, she found him still peacefully asleep on the sofa. He slept out here all night? she marvelled in bewilderment, taking a spot on the chair, tucking her feet beneath her legs. Silently watching, she pondered over the events of the night prior. While being psychically linked while consuming alcohol did give a different sensation to what she was accustomed, it wasn't displeasing. There was a sense of company which, even on occasions when she drank with friends, was exceedingly rare. Neither of them had consumed a great deal, just a small thimbleful, it still proved a worthwhile experiment and a reassurance going into their shore leave that they could still let their hair down – they would just require a little more caution.

Cold. Dark. Alone. The feelings brushed against her, slimy, squelching as a chill ran through her.

What was that?! She thought in horror, wrapping her arms around herself. The room suddenly felt chilly, and dark…

Gone… everyone…

"Jean-Luc!" Beverly gasped, realising the source of the sensations. Jolting from the chair, she rushed to his side, his face now furrowed, frowning through his nightmare. "Jean-Luc, it's a nightmare, wake up!" she told him, taking his shoulder. Please, please, wake up! She fought to keep her eyes open as images surfaced of her friends dying, the Enterprise being destroyed, Jean-Luc's despairing hopelessness amidst it all. Please wake up. She laid her forehead against his arm as she let out the silent plea.

Beverly. She heard it clearer than it could have come through a dream. I cannot lose Beverly.

"It's a dream, wake up!" Beverly repeated in urgent utterance.

Jean-Luc's eyes cracked open. Beverly? he repeated, his face softening. She drew back to look into his eyes.

Thank god! She threw her arms around him, holding him close.

His frown returned as he recalled snippets of the night terror. I'm sorry, it hasn't happened for a while… Just forget about it, please?

Does Deanna know you still have nightmares about it? About when you were Borg? He hesitated. "Jean-Luc?"

Like I said, it hasn't happened for a while… but she was aware that I have had them. "Let's look on the bright side, hey? We finally get to go on our shore leave!" He put on a smile, sitting up and drawing Beverly up with him, onto the sofa beside him.

Alright, as long as you talk to her about it when we come back, Beverly ceded, letting the matter drop for the time being.

Thank you. "How about breakfast?"

A/N: yeah, because staring at him sleeping is totally not creepy at all Bev. Totally. Good of her to wake him though. I doubt I'd want to stay asleep if I was dreaming of Borg. Waking up to a hug from Beverly would be nice, I think. What do you all think? Would you mind being awoken to a hug from Beverly? Please do review, and I hope you all have a lovely day!