Heyy again, y'all! Keep going, the first chapter was awkward, I know, but I have so much story in my head, I can't wait to get to it. Trust me and keep R&Ring...
Me
When she awoke the next morning, Crusher was gone. Worried, Deanna rolled over, finding a padd on the bed next to her.
Dee,
I had to have breakfast with the Captain… I'm going to tell him about us today… Wish me luck! I love you!
Love, Beverly.
Troi smiled and sat still for a moment sending a prayer to the Gods to help Crusher with her task. Then she got up to start her day, knowing she had to tell Will today as well.
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As they ate breakfast in silence, Picard noticed that Beverly seemed a bit more calm than usual, but at the same time she was very nervous about something. True to his musings, Crusher soon put down her food and took a deep breath.
"Jean-Luc, I… I have something to tell you." For a moment there was no sound as Crusher gathered her thoughts and emotions. "I moved in with Deanna last night. As in I'm living with her and I love her and if she accepts, we're going to get married and that we both want to spend the rest of our lives together." It all came out in one breath but when she paused, he interjected.
"Deanna?"
"Yes," Bev whispered, suddenly afraid. Picard stood and walked over to the viewport, standing silent for a few minutes.
"I always wanted you to find someone that would make you happy but… Deanna, well it's certainly surprising." His voice was soft but not angry and she felt a little of the tension slide off of her shoulders. He turned quickly and caught her gaze, searching for any hesitation, any sign that she had been forced or seduced by someone. But there was nothing but love, happiness, and some fear of his reaction to the news. So he smiled and walked towards her.
"Congratulations, Beverly, best wishes to you both." Crusher smiled completely for the first time that morning and jumped up to give her best friend a big hug.
"Thank you," she whispered in his ear before pulling away. "And when we do get married, since we're not having a ceremony, we're going to have a civil marriage, will you be my witness?"
"I'd be honored." He smiled as she again hugged him and then left after a quick goodbye.
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Rushing down the hall to Deanna's quarters, Beverly felt like she was riding on a cloud. Bursting in the door, Crusher called out and Troi appeared in the bedroom doorway.
"What happened?" Troi asked as Crusher walked over to grab her in a bear hug and press a kiss to her lips.
"Good morning. And he was fine with it! He said he just wanted me to be happy and then he agreed to be my witness for the marriage papers." Catching the look on Deanna's face, Bev amended her sentiment. "When we do get married, Dee."
"I know, and I'm sorry," Deanna replied returning the kiss with a deep one of her own.
"About what?"
"Feeling so… nervous about getting married. I know it's just silly." At this, Crusher stopped her, pressing a finger to her lips.
"First of all, your feelings aren't silly. Second of all, it's alright that you don't want to rush into anything. But, I would like to know what is bothering you so much about this." Beverly tugged on Deanna's hands and led them over to the couch where she pulled the younger women close. The Betazoid was quiet for a while before replying.
"I guess I'm just afraid of 'engagement' in itself. I… With Will… Well, it just hasn't worked out for me in the past and I don't want to go through that again. Especially since you mean so much more to me than anyone else has before. I don't want to lose you." At these declarations, Crusher pulled her in closer. She had her arms completely wrapped around the brunette's waist as they sat side by side, Deanna's head resting comfortably on her shoulder. Crusher turned and bent her head to kiss the top of Deana's.
"You will never lose me, Deanna. I know to you and to everyone else this may seem so rushed but I have loved you for a long time, and even longer as one of my best friends. Nothing will tear me away from you—not my son or your mother, not anyone that either of us has been with in the past, no one. Only death can keep me from being with you and even that can't keep me from loving you."
For a while there was silence as Deanna let her love's words sink in. She felt the truth in them, and the intense love behind them and it eased her fears greatly. She also recognized that she felt the same way about Beverly and decided at once to tell her. Relaxing and focusing in, she found the link—one that had been formed long ago and been growing stronger ever since. At first its presence had surprised and worried Deanna but now it served as a poignant reminder that they were and always had been soul mates. Clearing her mind, she sent a wave of love across the link before speaking.
"Sometimes you say something so perfect, so wonderful like that and I forget everything I was worried about. You are right, this is different than any other relationship I've been in and it's going to turn out differently as well. I mean, I've certainly never been married before, though I did come close a few times. And as soon as I talk to Will, and get his blessing, then it will be settled." By the end of her little speech, Beverly was beaming and looked down at the up-turned face of her "girlfriend" to speak, or say thanks or something! But before she could utter a word, Deanna's lips were on hers and every ounce of every breath she'd ever inhaled was stolen. It was settled. Soon, they would be linked forever, not only emotionally, but legally as well.