Disclaimer:       See the very first part.

Rating:             Girl-talk parts…see for yourself no higher then PG in MHO.

Chapter Two: The Change of a Lifetime.

///She quickly got used to his presence during her breaks. Will had found out exactly when she would be free and made sure he was at the right place in the right time. She didn't know much about him, his name was Will Riker, he was a Starfleet Officer currently stationed at Betazed. She could sense when he was looking at her and, frankly, she liked it. Her friends sensed she was falling in love with him but she kept denying.

The first time they actually talked, even though it was very brief, began as a disaster. When they passed him Jashlyn pushed her against his back. He turned around and looked at her. She quickly said 'sorry' and hid her head for shame. In an attempt to make her laugh Sarah suggested with a face of steel

~Why his back? I would have picked a way better place to grab.~ Jashlyn bursted into laughs Deanna tried not to, but when he said

"It's all right." She couldn't help it anymore. Now Sarah as well had a fit of giggles. Unable to stop laughing they walked away. Confused he watched them leave. After that encounter she was convinced he would never talk to her again.

When she saw him again, the next day, her face turned red out of embarrassment. She sensed her friends were up to something and therefore decided to stay alert. By the time they headed back for collage she had forgotten. Two or three steps away from Will, she suddenly became aware of her friends' plan.

~Don't you dare!~ she warned them. But it was too late. They had tripped her over. Their little scheme worked; Will came rushing over to help her up. She was extremely embarrassed and wished she could vanish into nothing. She sensed he was quite happy with this opportunity though.

"Dee, are you all right?" Sarah asked her loudly. She apparently thought it was very funny, she didn't show but she thought it.

~Yes, I'm fine.~ Deanna responded telepathically.

~Thanks a lot.~ She sarcastically added.

"Well are you?" He asked. How foolish of her, he wasn't telepathic.

"Yes I'm fine." She said loudly now.

"We really have to go now, would you mind bringing her home? Just in case something is wrong."

"Sarah!"

"Of course not." He answered with a grin.

"Thank you. We'll see you tomorrow Dee." Jashlyn said.

~It's up to you know.~ Sarah added telepathically.

~Don't you leave me alone with him!~ Deanna responded telepathically as well, but her friends left, innerly laughing.

~Tomorrow we want to know what exactly happened.~ Not knowing where to look Deanna kept her eyes on the ground. She was nervous, thank god, so was he.

"Your friends care a lot about you." 'Yeah sure' she thought.

"Yes, they do." She answered.

"I'm Will Riker." When she didn't respond he did.

"You're Dee, right?"

"Actually it's Deanna." 'Dammit Deanna, you can at least_try_to be nice' she said to herself.

"Deanna Troi. Thank you for your help." They shook hands and she gave him the biggest smile she had.

"Don't mention it." For a while neither of them knew what to say. She felt he was shy and nervous and that he was excited about this chance to get to know her. It was amazing how easily she could read him.

"So, erm, where do you live?"

"I'm sorry?" She was a bit overwhelmed by this question.

"I promised your friends I'd bring you home, remember?" He looked deadly serious, but he was just kidding.

"That's right, but I'm not allowed to bring strangers home." She replied with a face of steel.

"Well, than we have no other choice but to learn about on another." she would like that, but she decided to tease him a bit more.

"Actually, I've got class now." "Than, aren't you too late?"

"Oh, it'll work out."

"I would still like to see you again." That was exactly what she was hoping for.

"Maybe we could see each other tonight." His insecurity brought a smile onto her face.

"I'd love to." His heart made a little jump, and so, did hers. They agreed on time and place and said goodbye. She couldn't wait to see him again.\\\

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In his quarters Will was waiting for Deanna. He wanted to talk to her that same night because he wouldn't be able to talk to her the next morning. So he waited, but the hours went by and Deanna didn't show. He figured she and Beverly could make it late once they started talking. He decided to wait another hour before going to bed.

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///Deanna changed her clothes for at least five times, she still wasn't happy about her looks but she had to hurry, otherwise she'd be late.

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After they had had a drink and danced they went to the park. There they sat down by one of the fountains and talked.

"I still have to apologize." She began.

"For what?"

"Remember when I pushed you yesterday?" Little twinkles emerged in his eyes.

"Yes, I do. But you have apologized for that."

"No, I meant to apologize for my behaviour after that."

"O, you mean the laughing." He said amused, knowing she was embarrassed by it.

"Yes." She said remorseful. He looked in those beautiful dark-brown eyes of her; they revealed how she felt, but they kept secrets as well. It intrigued him.

"Apologies excepted. While we're at it, what made you laugh?" She turned her head away; thinking about it almost made her laugh again.

"Oh, just a childish remark one of my friends made." He was surprised.

"I don't remember them saying something funny." She forgot, she hadn't told him she was Betazoid yet. In the past un-Betazoid friends had always been a bit setback by her empathic abilities.

"That's not that strange, she made it telepathically." She closely watched how he reacted to that confession.

"You're a Betazoid." He stated. He didn't seem upset or angry she hadn't told him sooner. He was a little amazed and surprised. Fortunately he didn't mind, at least, not yet.

"You didn't guess?" For a moment he thought about that.

"Now that you mention it...you_do_look like a typical Betazoid. Dark hair, dark eyes...there is one thing though..." She tipped her head and quizzically captured his gaze.

"You're far more beautiful than any Betazoid I've seen before." Her cheeks flushed and a smile curled around her lips.

"Half Betazoid actually."

"Half?"

"My mother is Betazoid, my father was human." They looked at each other for a few seconds.

"Is that why you and your friends talk aloud most of the time?" Slowly Deanna nodded and then laughed when she sensed him kicking himself mentally.

"So, are you reading my thoughts now?" She smiled, he could easily see the sparklings in her eyes.

"If I was, would you mind?"

"Well..." His cautious look made her laugh; something which immediately infected Will as well.

"To comfort you, I can only telepathically communicate with other telepaths. Unlike true Betazoids I can't read your thoughts."

"I can't say I'm sorry about that to be honest." He said with a big grin on his face. She was glad he spoke the truth instead of trying to lie.

"Aren't Betazoids empathic as well?"

"Yes they are. My empathic abilities are somewhat more enhanced than full Betazoids."

"But if your father is human, how can that be?" He couldn't place the look on her face.

"My mother is 'daughter of the Fifth House of Betazed'." Deanna rolled her eyes and shook her head desperately from one side to another. Her expression made Will laugh; she obviously wasn't too happy with that title. "All members of that heir line have enhanced abilities compared to other Betazoids."

"So you're some sort of princess?"

"Not quite." She answered laughing. Again they just looked at each other for a few moments.

"So, erm, did your parents met like this as well?" The smile on her face disappeared, so did the sparklings in her eyes. He realised he'd come to a sensitive subject.

"If you don't want to talk..." Normally she wouldn't but he made her feel safe and sound. Something inside her told her she could talk to him about it.

"It's alright. I don't know how they met. My mother doesn't want to talk about him."

"They are divorced?" The expression on her face now turned to sadness. Maybe he should change the subject.

"No, no, he died when I was seven." She looked away.

"I'm sorry." He laid his hand on her shoulder. She sensed his sincere compassion. Than she allowed him to do something she never had allowed anyone. She let him pull her against his him. Deanna laid her head against his chest. They sat like that for ten, maybe fifteen minutes. There was something about him that broke away her barriers; she had never felt it before. Suddenly she realised she had to go home. She pulled her head up and hit his chin. They bursted into laughs.

"I'm sorry, I have to go." She said when she had recaptured her breath. She would love to stay longer. Deanna sensed his disappointment.

"Why?"

"I promised my mother to be in before midnight. She's pretty overprotecting I'm afraid."

"Well you seem a mature woman to me." The twinkles in her eyes were back.

"Betazoids don't reach maturity until they pass their forties."

"In that case you're probably just a baby." She laughed.

"Hmm, not exactly. How old are you?"

"Twenty-five" he replied.

"Well, than I'm younger."

"How much younger?" She didn't say anything and just when he thought she wouldn't answer she asked:

"Honestly?"

"Always."

"In that case..." she lowered her voice now. "Thank you for tonight, I had a really great time."

"So did I." He replied a bit dazzled. They looked each other in the eyes and at that moment Deanna felt she knew him through and through. He bend towards her, bringing his face very close to hers. He softly kissed her on her cheek.

"Will I see you tomorrow?"

"Definitely." She answered. They started walking to her home, the temperature was dropping fast now. Deanna started to shiver. Will put his arm around her in an attempt to keep her warm. Suddenly she stopped.

"Okay, I'm home now." He looked around.

"But I don't see a house."

"That's right, it's about half a mile down the road."

"I can walk that part too you know." He only pretended being offended.

"I don't question it." She said with a big grin. "But it would be better for both of us if you didn't." He was surprised and a little worried. What was going on? Was there something she was embarrassed about, something she was afraid he'd find out? Deanna sensed his curiosity and his concern.

"Go on, I'll survive, don't worry." To seal her promise she kissed him, it was a long and passionate kiss, she felt it through her entire body. Knowing that if she didn't go now she wouldn't, she softly pushed him away.

"I'll see you tomorrow." She whispered in his ear before she turned around and walked away. Will watched her disappearing in the darkness of the night. On his way back he thought about Deanna, about the time they had spent together. He had been attracted to her since the first day he saw her. Her deep dark-brown eyes intrigued him, they revealed a lot, yet they also kept secrets. Her long, curly dark hair was beautiful and it smelled like spring. Her skin was smooth and soft. He felt at ease in her presence, which wasn't the case with telepaths or empaths in general. She had such a beautiful and charming smile and than the twinkles in her eyes. He was totally in love with her.

Deanna thought about Will as well. He was a very simple and big-hearted person; that's what attracted her. He had been so sweet and understanding, even though they only knew each other for less than a day she felt as if she knew him for much and much longer. He knew exactly what to say and when. She looked forward to the next day, when she'd see him again, she was desperately falling in love. Just a few metres from home now Deanna wondered if her mother would be very upset, she still treated her like a little child. Before she even touched the door the hassle began.

~Little One, why are you so late?~ ~It's not late mother and stop calling me 'Little One'.~

~You know I expect you home before midnight.~ Deanna walked into the living room.

~I can take care of myself.~ She said as she walked by her mother who was sitting in a chair.

~Deanna, lot's of things can happen out there.~ 'Yeah, I might get eaten by a really big mouse' Deanna thought sarcastically.

~Don't you behave like that to your mother Little One.~ She really wasn't in the mood to argue all night with her mother.

~Will you stop being so paranoia. I'm not a little girl anymore.~

~I can't allow anything to happen to you, I'd never forgive myself.~

~Mother stop protecting me like this, it's not fair you don't let me have my own life because of what happened to daddy!~ Deanna immediately regretted she said that. She could feel he mothers pain. She kneeled down in font of Lwaxana.

~Mom, I'm sorry, I didn't mean it that way.~ Lwaxana looked at her daughter.

~I know Little One, but I want to keep you safe as long as possible, you're all I got left. Maybe you'll understand when you're married and have kids of your own. Whenever that may happen.~

Deanna decided not to react on that. She smiled and gave her mother a kiss.

~I'm going to bed now, goodnight mother.~

~Goodnight Little One.~ Lwaxana was somewhat surprised about Deanna's behaviour. Normally she strongly object to her nickname 'Little One' and their arguments were hardly ever solved this quick. She wondered what her daughter had been doing tonight.

Deanna was in her bedroom, she undressed and brushed her hair. In bed she thought about Will, about what they would do the next day. Right before she fell asleep she looked at the picture off her father, she wondered how her parents had met and decided to ask her mother tomorrow.\\\

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Deanna stood up from her chair, her back hurt. How long had she been sitting there?

"Computer, what is the time?"

24.36 hours. She had been sitting there for almost three hours, no wonder her back hurt. She walked over to the replicator.

"Hot chocolate." She took the cup and walked to her closet; there she put her chocolate on a shelve. She slowly unclothed and put on a nightgown. She brushed her teeth and softly brushed her hair. After that she sat down on her bed and drank her hot chocolate. She dimmed the lights and lay down. Deanna tried not to think about Will, not about the present, future or past. For the first time that day she didn't feel any anger, she knew it was there but she didn't feel it. All she felt now was nostalgia, hurt and sadness. Once again she became lost in thought.

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///~Good morning mother.~ Deanna was in a good mood.

~Good morning Little One.~ Because of her good mood Deanna didn't object.

~Hmm, that smells good.~ She sat down.

~You're in quite a mood today. This wouldn't have anything to do with last night, would it?~ She looked at her mother, trying to figure out how much she knew.

~What do you mean.~ She would play ignorance itself.

~Like you don't know. So, when am I going to meet him?~

~What makes you think I wasn't with Sarah and Jashlyn?~ Deanna immediately regretted asking. Lwaxana smiled.

~Because Sarah contacted me last night to ask if you were home yet.~ She didn't want to tell her mother about Will, knowing she'd come up with a thousand reasons why he wouldn't be the right guy for her. Either that or Lwaxana would begin setting up the wedding ceremony; either way it would be a disaster.

~I'm going to be late for class.~ Deanna hoped she'd get away with that.

~Isn't talking to your mother more important than going to those boring classes?~ Well, she didn't get away with it.

~They won't kill you for missing one dear.~

~I have to go mother.~

~I wonder what it was that made you such a dull and brave little girl Little One.~ Deanna took a deep breath and sighed. ~Mother I'm not little anymore and stop calling me...!~

~Little One, yeah, yeah I know.~ Deanna kissed her mother goodbye and left before she could start another argument.

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At University Sarah and Jashlyn kept questioning about the night before, she told them as little as possible.

~So, when will you se him again?~

~During our break, at the park.~

~And tonight?~

~I don't know yet.~

~So, are you in love with him?~ They sensed she was, they just wanted her to admit it.

~Well, he is very sweet and good-hearted.~

~And...?~

~And... we had a great time last night.~

`So...?`

~So, I guess you could say I like him, a lot.~ They giggled.

"Miss Troi and friends would you mind paying attention to the class?"  They had to hold back their laughs, the professor caught them, thank God he wasn't telepathic.

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She caught up with Will in the park and introduced him to her friends. They didn't embarrass her much more than she had expected. Though their telepathic evaluations didn't stop for a singly second.

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That night they decided to stay in the park. They only knew each other for less than two days yet it seemed as if she had known him all her life and she knew he felt the same way. When they spend the evening together she even heard his thoughts occasionally.. That amazed her, it even frightened her a bit. Her mother had explained she wouldn't be able to read the minds of those who weren't telepathic. She wondered why she was able to read Will's. He suddenly had a naughty look in his eyes.

"Let's dance."

"Here?" She couldn't dance in the middle off the park; everyone would see them.

"Why not?"

"But... there's no music."

"You're afraid people will recognize you." His sudden statement startled both of them.

"How do you know?" That was indeed how she felt, but how could he know?

"I'm not sure, I, sort of, felt it." She knew he expected her to explain but she had no explanation.

"So, are we going to dance or what?" That was what she liked about him; he would jump over problems, not keep wondering about how things were possible. He sniffled.

"Alright, we'll dance." How could she refuse him anything? He stood up, made a bough and asked her for her hand. She laid her small, elegant hand in his and he guided her to an open spot in the park. He pulled her towards him and she laid her arms around his neck and looked at his face.  He looked at Deanna, she was so beautiful and the moonlight made her look even more gorgeous. He never thought there could be a woman whom he loved so much in such a short period of time, they only knew each other for two days. Suddenly he became aware of her feelings again. He felt her love for him was just as immense as his but, that for some reason, she tried to fight it. Her eyes were beautiful, they revealed exactly how she felt. He could see she was insecure, even a bit scared. He pulled her closer and she laid her head on his shoulder. 

She couldn't describe how she felt; she had never felt like this before. She remembered something her father had once told her, she had asked him if someone would ever love her the way he did.

"Deanna, I'm convinced that one day you'll meet someone who will sweep you of your feet, he will become very soon very special to you and that, no matter how much you resist or how hard you'll run away, you will fall in love with him and he will be more precious to you than the entire galaxy. And with a bit of luck he'll feel exactly the same about you."

"Who is he daddy, when will I meet him?" She had asked. Her question and enthusiasm had made him laugh.

"I don't know sweetheart. But when you meet him, you will know."

"How daddy, how?"

"You'll feel it, when you look him in his eyes you will know. Deanna, promise me that if you meet this person you will not run away, scared by your own feelings. Falling in love is always scary."

"I promise daddy." A tear rolled down Deanna's face. Will made a step backwards and saw the tear.

"Deanna." He whispered. She lifted her head up, looked at him with her big, sad looking, dark eyes, another tear welled up. Will softly wiped it away with the palm of his hand. She was beautiful. He kissed her, it was a soft and gentle kiss. At that moment Deanna let her self go, following her fathers advice. Hesitantly at first, later she threw away all her frights and doubts. Their kiss became more passionate, more uncontrollable. The amount of love overwhelmed her, frightened her. She stepped back, he could see the fear in her eyes, he felt her mixed emotions.

"I'm sorry." She said. Deanna turned around and ran away. On her way home she thought about the night. She was ashamed she had run away like that. But she had to, she couldn't stay a second longer. She loved him, she knew that. He loved her too, she knew that as well. But it all seemed too natural, it was too much and too easy for her to understand. Part of her wanted to see him again, part of her didn't.  Puzzled and scared by her own emotions she came home. Lwaxana immediately knew there was something wrong with her daughter.

~Little One, what happened?~ Deanna needed a few moments to catch her breath.

~Mother, was daddy able to read your mind? Could he sense your emotions?~ Lwaxana didn't respond.

~Mother answer me!~ Deanna needed to know, maybe than she could better comprehend her own feelings.

~I don't want to talk about him Little One.~

~You never want to, but I do! He was my father I have the right to talk about him!~ Lwaxana turned her back to Deanna.

~Don't do this darling.~

~Tell me!~ A long period of silence followed; the only sound Deanna heard was that of her own rapid breathing. Eventually a soft sigh proceeded her mothers answer

~Yes, he could.~ Deanna sighed, finally. Lwaxana slowly turned back.

~How did you meet.~ It took a moment before her mother answered.

~I was on Earth, for some incredibly boring congress or something like that. I was on my way to yet another dull lecture when your father bumped into me. He apologized and offered me a drink to make it up. I figured that drink would be more interesting than the stupid lecture. Now, why are you so upset?~ Deanna knew her mother was trying to change the subject but she had told her what she wanted to know so she didn't  mind.

~Remember you told me I can't read thoughts of not-telepathic species?~

~Yes, I do.~

~Than tell me why I'm able the read Will's thoughts.~

~Will? That wouldn't be the man you were with last night?~ Her mother sat down on the couch, slapping her hand besides her, indicating Deanna to sit down as well.

~Yes, that one.~ Deanna sat down.

~Who is he?~ Her mother curiously asked. There was another reason why she asked it, but Deanna could pin it down.

~He's a human Starfleet officer.~

~Tell me, can he read your thoughts as well?~ Deanna thought about that for a brief moment.

~I'm not sure, maybe. But he can feel my emotions.~ Lwaxana's face turned hard and embittered, she stood up.

~Deanna, I don't want you to see that human again.~

~Why not?~ Deanna was surprised by the urge in her mothers voice.

~Just because.~ There was that irritating habit of her mother again. She forbid her so many things without giving any explanation.

~'Just because' won't do this time. You have to come up with a better reason, because I do want to see him again.~ Her mother didn't say anything. Deanna tried to read her mind but as always Lwaxana shielded part of it.

~It has to do with you and dad right?~ She knew she was right.

~Mother, I'm not you, I'll never be. Just because something terribly to daddy doesn't mean it'll happen to me...or Will too.~ Deanna felt sorry for Lwaxana, but she had to know.

~Mother, how can he be able to read my emotions?~ Her mother took a deep breath and sat down again, refusing to answer in anyway.

"KaRa Mother!" Her daughter's verbal screaming startled the elder Troi.

"You'll either tell me or I swear I'll run away with him to where ever it is where you won't be able to find us!" For a painfull moment the Betazoid Ambasador regarded her daughter in disbelief.

~You wouldn't.~

"Oh, try me!" Lwaxana closed her eyes in dispair, mentally praying, 'please, don't let it be true. Don't put my Little One through that horror as well.' Demonstratically Deanna began to walk to the front door. Lwaxana quickly decided on the best course on action to take.

~Little O...Deanna, I'll explain, don't go.~

~Promise me you won't hide anything from me.~

~I promise.~ Only when Lwaxana had made that promise Deanna turned around and walked back to her mother.

"Betazoids believe there's a special link between two people who are 'meant to be' and that the love between such a couple has no boundaries." The Daughters of the Fifth House of Betazed talked practically the entire night about the concept of 'Imzadi'.

When Deanna was about to head off for University the next morning the door bleeped.

~Come in.~ Nothing happened.

"Come in." At least in this way they knew that the one who was about to enter wasn't a Betazoid. The doors opened and Will walked in.

"Will" she was surprised and happy to see him.

"Deanna, I was hoping to walk you to class, I want to talk to you." Lwaxana entered the room.

"So , this is the famous Will Riker." Deanna took a deep breath, Will squeezed his eyes wondering who Lwaxana was. She looked a lot like Deanna so he figured she was her mother. Deanna took a deep breath.

~Mother please, behave.~ "Will, I'd like to introduce my mother." Lwaxana held up her hand, expecting Will to kiss it. Fortunately he got the hint.

"Enchante, Madam." His politeness pleased her mother.

"Lwaxana Troi, daughter of the Fifth House of Betazed, heir to the Holy Rings of Betazed and holder of the Sacred Chalice of Rixx."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Troi." Will wanted to talk to Deanna, not to her mother.

"Well, well Mr. Will, am I not good enough for you?" Lwaxana insulted asked. A flush occurred on his cheeks.

"I, uhm, I actually came to see your daughter." He stammered.

"I see. So what is it scum like you want from my daughter?"

"Mother!" Deanna screamed out. How could she embarrass her like that? Luckily for him Will was able to hold his face.

"I wanted to speak with her for a minute."

"About what?"

"Mother, that's none of your business." Deanna mingled into the conversation.

"But Little One..." Lwaxana wanted to object but Deanna didn't give her a chance.

"Stop calling me Little One!" She turned to Will.

"We'll talk in my room, it's more..." She gave Lwaxana a sarcastic look. "...quiet, there." Lwaxana looked disapproving at her daughter.

~Ok, I got the message Little One, I'll go do some grossaries, what ever that may be.~ Insulted Lwaxana walked away to get her coat. ~I have to admit though, he's not a bad catch. No, not at all. His behind is certainly better than your last catch.~

"Mother!" Deanna shouted. Will looked at her, wondering what Lwaxana had told her daughter.

Her room was exactly how he had imagine, cleaned, order and with lots of pictures.

"Have a seat." They both sat down on the bed.

"I'm sorry about last night, I shouldn't have run away like that." He knew she felt guilty.

"Don't worry about it." He assured her.

"I guess I was scared, overwhelmed." She saw in his eyes she didn't have to explain. She wanted to apologize for her mothers behaviour but he was one step ahead.

"Apologies aren't necessary. All parents can be difficult."

"You read my mind." She stated.

"You can read mine." He replied. "Do you have an explanation for that." She didn't want to explain what her mother had told her, maybe she'd do that later.

"I know it's a good thing." They just looked at one another for a while, trying to figure out what the other felt or thought. "I don't know if I should say this, we only know each other for a few days, but I honestly believe I'm in love with you." Deanna knew he was telling the truth and was flattered.

"I think I'm in love with you as well." She whispered. She wouldn't run away anymore, she would give herself over to her feelings. Will stood up, assuming he wanted to leave she stood up as well. He gently waved a lock of hair behind her ear. He wanted to kiss her so badly but he wasn't sure it was the right time. Sensing his hesitation and insecurity Deanna took the first step and kissed him. She could feel the love in every part of her body. For a moment the galaxy seemed to exist of nothing but their emotions and their love for each other. Deanna knew it would never fade away.\\\

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Deanna's eyes were closed, yet a tear rolled down on each side of her face. It was impossible to tell whether she was a sleep or not.

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When Will woke up he turned over to kiss Deanna good morning. But she wasn't there, in fact, her side of the bed hadn't been slept in. He wondered where she could have spend the night. At Beverly's quarters? No, that was highly unlikely, Deanna never wanted to be a burden for someone. In her old quarters maybe? That was the most logical answer but why hadn't she come home? He was extremely worried about her, why did she avoid him? Unfortunately he had no time to find out, he had the Bridge Watch, besides knowing Deanna she would come to him when she was ready. He intended to talk with Beverly later on.

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Deanna slowly woke up. She felt better now, her anger had slipped away, she was rested. For half an hour she stayed in bed, than got out and dressed. She took some Velarian root tea and opened her counseling schedule. A message popped up.

Goodmorning Beauty. I missed you last night. How was your dinner last night, did you have fun?  It was strange to wake up without you by my side. His face turned serious now.

Deanna, I'm worried about you, I wish I could talk to you but I have the Bridge Watch. I hope I'll see you this afternoon. Love you. He gave her a handblown kiss and disappeared. She never thought he could be so hypocritical, she had to fight to keep her fury under controll. Looking at the schedule the monitor displayed, she realised that listening to other people whining was the last thing she wanted to do right now. Deanna tapped her CommBadge

"Troi to Picard" She would keep the conversation as short as possible.

Yes Counselor.

"Captain, I want permission to cancel my counseling sessions today." Jean-Luc could hear her fury in every word.

Permission approved. Deanna tapped her Badge out. It was strange the Captain hadn't asked for an explanation but she couldn't be bothered by it.

"Computer, cancel all counseling sessions for today."

All sessions are cancelled. Deanna lent back and took a sip of her tea. She tried to relax, using an ancient Betazoid exercise, but it didn't work. Restless as she was she decided to go to the Holodeck to loose some energy and anger.

~D~