Change One Thing: Lifetime Worth of Memories

Chapter Ten: Culture

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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Will and Deanna saw a lot of Rem Larax over the next several years. He took Kali to dances, dinner, and parties. He was often seen at the Fifth House Manor, until Kali moved out, onto the college campus. Then he was at her dorm often, and every time Kali came home he was there.

Six years after Will first met him, Rem asked Kali to marry him.

The Matriarchal Council was less then thrilled because of Rem's lack of stature, but Deanna gently reminded them that both she and her mother married humans of low stature.

The Council caved because they were all so fond of Will.

Kali and Rem got married in a tradition Betazoid ceremony. All of Will and Deanna's friends from the old Enterprise-D were invited. –Jason Chambers was right, it was easier the second time.

The reception was a ball. Rem's three younger sisters, all in the early years of womanhood, dragged Admiral Picard, Captain Worf, and Captain Data out onto the dance floor.

Seven years and two children's weddings later: Deanna was through the Phase. Will had been feeling a little anxious all day, but couldn't figure out why.

Deanna got home and went straight into her office. Will could feel her restlessness, but couldn't put his finer on it. He walked to her office and knocked before entering. "Deanna? Are you alright?"

Deanna sat at her desk. She didn't look focused. "That depends on who you talk to."

"That's the most cryptic answer I've ever heard." He watched her for a second. "If I ask you?"

"Terrible."

"If I ask me?" he asked inching into her office.

"Irresistible."

Will smiled. "That's not fair, Imzadi. I always think you're irresistible." Deanna sighed and tried not to look up at him. "Deanna? Imzadi, are you going through the phase?"

Deanna nodded and dropped her head.

"See, you are fun on the inside."

Deanna threw a PADD at him

For about a week and a half Deanna barely touched Will. They both felt anxious all the time. Will just tried to shield his mind from her.

He wasn't very successful. One long day at work and he was ready to go home and have his wife for dinner. Will was just about to tell his secretary that he'd be leaving when her voice came over the COMM system.

"Sir, your wife is here to see you," she said.

"Thank you, Erma. Send her in, please."

Deanna walked in and stared at Will with a fire in her eyes he was certain he'd never seen. He stood and rounded the desk in his office. He steeled his own hunger with a deep breath.

"Hello, Dear," he leaned in to kiss her cheek.

Deanna pressed herself against him and kissed him. Her nimble fingers unzipped his jacket before he realized what was happening.

"Deanna! We can't do this now. I have a meeting at 1600."

She slipped her fingers inside his open jacket and caressed his back. "We can do this now. 1600 can wait."

"Erma, can you hold my calls and leave me undisturbed?"

"Yes, Captain."

Deanna smiled and continued to remove Will's uniform.

A short time later, about 1600, Erma's voice came over the speakers in his office.

Will looked up from his wife's chest. He caught his breath for a second before responding. "Can I get back to you, Erma?"

"Captain, Admiral Trumpour is here."

"Already?" he asked, shifting his position. Deanna was motionless beneath him.

"Sir, it's just after 1600."

"Five me a few minutes to finish up here, then I'll be out."

"Yes, Sir."

Deanna cocked an eyebrow. "'Finish up here?'"

"What would you have me say, Imzadi? 'Let me finish having sex with my wife?'"

Deanna laughed.

From that day on, Deanna was good at not going to Will's office in the middle of the day; she got her fill at home. One night, their anniversary, she walked into their bedroom to be greeted by Will. He was wearing nothing but a smile, and dripping in chocolate.

She dropped whatever she had been holding, she forgot what it was. Deanna removed her shirt and licked some of the chocolate off Will's collar bone. "Mmm," she said, licking her lips, "chocolate."

Will lick off some of the chocolate she's gotten on her shoulder. "Mmm, wife."

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