Disclaimer: I don't own the characters, the Enterprise, or Star Trek.
Missed You
Beverly yawned, she was exhausted. She had been away with a med team on Fengar VIII for over a week. Another new strain of Rigellian fever had broken out among the Fengarians, the latest new member of the Federation. They were humanoid, avian, covered in red or purple feathers, and had strong, muscular legs. They were a peaceful people, who had joined for protection and trade. From them the Federation received new medical and scientific information, as well as new styles of art, music, and literature. Despite their vast medical knowledge, there hadn't been enough time to update them on the latest diseases of Federation origin.
She looked around the cargo bay. They had beamed back with new Fengarian cadets for the academy as well as their foods, belongings, and pets. She grimaced as she saw Data leading an animal that looked like a cross between a dog and a lizard. He probably found it 'intriguing' and wished to study and keep one. Beverly winced as she imagined cat/dog/lizard creatures running amok. She shuddered involuntarily.
Her gaze wandered again, this time to Deanna; who was conferring with Will on some poor anxious student or another. She sighed, she just wished those two would get back together again; they deserved each other. If there was ever a better couple... speaking of couples... her heart leaped into her throat. There he was.
She stopped dead in her tracks s his gaze met hers. The intensity surprised her a bit, although she guessed it shouldn't. Not since Kesprytt. She wasn't ready for a relationship yet, but just knowing how he felt was enough. He smiled at her, she could see it in his eyes. She smiled back. Something flashed in his eyes, something only she would detect.
I missed you, it seemed to say.
I missed you too Jean, she thought. It must have shown, because his grin grew wider.
You alright?
All right I guess, I'm not dying. The crew noticed the exchange and quickly quieted down.
Good. A pause. I love you.
She inhaled sharply. Had she imagined that? Warmth spread down from her head to her toes. No, she knew that look, she was sure.
I love you too.
Now the smile threatened to break his face in two. He nodded to her and left.
She let out a breath she hadn't known she had been holding. The rest of the crew, clearly disappointed that nothing had happened, started the chatter up once more.
Data headed her way. "Doctor," he said, puzzled. "You and the captain appeared to have been communicating, however, neither of you were speaking."
She thought carefully about her response before telling him. "Data, some things don't need to be spoken to be understood." With that last comment, she turned and left; leaving several amused senior officers and a very confused android behind.