Change One Thing: Lifetime Worth of Memories

Chapter Three: Enterprise

Disclaimer: Nope, not claiming any ownership here. They're different events, but the same people and we all know how Star Trek loves their "Alternate Universe(s)"

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Deanna vividly remembered the day he contacted her with the news that would change both their lives forever. She had activated the message to see his grinning face.

"Imzadi! I have wonderful news!" he exclaimed, hardly holding in his excitement.

"Well, 'hello' to you too, Imzadi," she let out with a laugh.

"I'm getting promoted! They're transferring me to the new Enterprise! Isn't that-" he stopped abruptly when he saw tears streaming down her face. He furrowed his brow. "What's wrong, Imzadi? Is everything okay?"

She smiled through her tears. "Everything's just perfect Imzadi. I was transferred to the Enterprise-D too. We can be together again."

Will's eyes expanded and his jaw dropped. "Enterprise? Truly, my love?"

Her dainty fingertips gently touched the screen. "It's true, Imzadi. We can finally be together again."

His fingertips met hers, and over the light years between them, it was almost as if they were touching.

They met again six weeks later on the Bridge of the Enterprise. He told her that they could ride out their shifts then they had a bed in his quarters to christen. She joked to him with a lascivious smile that she might not able to wait that long.

He was sitting on the Bridge when he felt her arrive. He turned to face the Turbo Lift as it opened to reveal his Imzadi. His beautiful Imzadi.

She circled the railing, walked in front of Will at an agonizingly close proximity. She walked by him and stood in front of Captain Picard; at the appropriate attention. "Counselor Troi, reported for duty."

Captain Picard stood, so Will stood with him. "Counselor, it is good to have you aboard. This is Commander William Riker, my First Officer. Counselor Deanna Troi."

Will smiled at Deanna. He sent her images of them making love and he watched her blush slightly.

"Be good, Imzadi," she scolded softly. "We've already met, Sir."

"Really?" Picard shifted his gaze, realizing from the looks on their faces, that there was something more between these two officers.

"Yes, Sir," Will nodded. His lustful eyes locked Deanna's calm, professional eyes. He sent a few more explicit images to her. "Actually, we're engaged to be married."

The looked on Picard's face had been priceless. They spent the rest of their shift filling Captain Picard in--as much as they cared to recall for him--about their engagement. They also spoke through their bond.

When they spoke of the past, Will made Deanna blush.

When they spoke of the present, Will made Deanna blush.

When they spoke of the future, Will made Deanna blush.

When their shift was over, they took the Turbo Lift down together. The doors to the lift closed and they were alone.

Will pushed Deanna up against the wall and covered her lips with his. Deanna pushed him back long enough to gasp their destination for the Turbo Lift to begin moving.

"Imzadi!" his voice strongly entered her mind.

"Imzadi!" her soul screamed in reply.

A short eternity later, she replaced her lips on his with her finger. "Wait, my love. Wait until we are truly alone." She pushed him back and adjusted her uniform. They managed to calmly walk to his quarters, but once they reached them and the door sealed a torrent of passion was unleashed between them.

Will carried her into the bedroom; theirs now. He set her on her feet and began to relieve her of her uniform; as she did the same to him. He pulled her nude body flush against his. "I've missed you so much, Deanna."

She kissed him, once. "Imzadi."

After they 'christened' their quarters, Will held her tightly: afraid of what would happen if he let go. He dreamt of her-as he so often did-that night as well. It was so real he couldn't tell what was real and what was the dream.

He awoke with a smile, but the smile fled when he realized he was alone. Terrified that what happened the previous night was a dream, he reached out with his mind.

The bathroom door slid open and she was an angel bathed in glorious light, illuminating her soft skin. Her long dark hair drip-dried on her shoulders. She held a white, standard issue towel to her breast. She smiled a heavenly smile. "Good morning, Imzadi."

Will pulled the blankets back and got out of bed. He advanced on Deanna, feeling drawn to her. With eyes slightly glazed over, he pulled her into his arms. "Morning," he mumbled as his mouth connected with the bare flesh at her collar bone in a warm, wet kiss.

Deanna stifled a laugh and pushed his shoulders back; freeing her skin from his warm, sensuous lips. "Not now, love." She placed a gentle kiss on his lips. "We both need to be on the Bridge at zero-nine-hundred."

With a frown, he released her and stepped by her to take a shower. "You're lucky you're so damned irresistible, because you are absolutely no fun."

She laughed. "Go get that cute butt of your in that sonic shower," she said with false authority.

He smiled and raised his eyebrow suggestively. "Yes, Ma'am."

When he turned around she gently slapped his rear.

Will turned back to her and pulled her back into his embrace. "That, Counselor, is harassment. You could get in a lot of trouble for that sort of behavior. But, perhaps, I could let it slide in exchange for something." He flashed his famous Riker grin.

"What did you have in mind, Sir?" she asked coyly.

He whispered in her ear and she gasped, hitting his chest with her fists; quite gently of course.

"That, Commander, is completely unacceptable to ask of a subordinate," she challenged.

"What about asking my fiancé?"

Deanna smiled. "That could be arranged, but only if you don't make us late."

"Learn to have a little fun, Deanna." He took her hand and led her into the bathroom. "We've got plenty of time, Imzadi."

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