Shaken

Beverly had had a tough day and decided that a long bath and a night with the bed all to herself was in order. So she went to her quarters that evening leaving Jean Luc a note. It was nothing unusual. Both of them had been living all by themselves for years and needed the extra space from time to time.

The next morning, she woke up with a strange feeling. Something bad would happen. She had been feeling quite some uneasiness and didn't know why. She had the feeling, that it was coming from Jean Luc. After her talk with Deanna she had been listening to her dreams and impressions when it came to Jean Luc more carefully, but never had been sure, whether she simply knew this man so well or whether she would really pick up some of his emotions and thoughts occasionally.

Still she was a doctor and a scientist after all and not an empath. She pushed away her uneasiness, got ready and headed for the Captains quarters to meet him for breakfast. Upon entering she awkwardness grew. She went in and instantly felt her feet nailed to the ground.

Sitting on her side of the table was a young and very attractive woman, obviously completely at ease with herself and the situation she was in. Jean Luc however was nowhere to be seen. When Beverly gained her courage again, she went in and introduced herself. She didn't know what to make of the situation until Jean Luc came in from the bedroom and made it even worse. She could see his nervousness and was about to turn around on her heels and leave.

Jean Luc grabbed her arm but didn't kiss her. Nor did he leave any other indication that he was romantically involved with her. She stepped back.

Beverly felt an immense portion of hurt rising within her. Who was that woman? And more important: who was that woman to him. She had never mistrusted him so far, but all of a sudden, she was not so sure anymore. They had kept their relationship private and right now she wondered why. All her self consciousness dropped to being a drop of water when it came to him. Did he not love her? She bit her lip and switched into her Doctor mode, completely ignoring him and turning towards the woman, he had introduced as Vash, talking to her.

Jean Luc was terrified. Nothing had happened during the night, in fact when Beverly had entered, he had just moved the cushion and blanket he had used when sleeping on the sofa that night into the bedroom. But that of course she didn't know. Why had he not kissed her? He wasn't ashamed of his relationship. He was just not used to kiss her in public.

Vash looked bemused form Jean Luc to Beverly and back. She managed to catch his eyes and raised her eyebrow mockingly. When she had arrived late in the Captain's quarters yesterday. She had been focused on seducing him, trying to fresh up their little affair, but needed to notice, that he showed no more interest in her.

He hadn't told her about Beverly, but as soon, as Beverly had entered the room, she knew. She was astonished that Jean Luc had not told Beverly about their affair. But she intended to find more about him and when when Beverly had suggested to show her the ship, she had willingly said yes. It would be interesting. And adventurous. And she loved that! Maybe even more interesting than sharing some intimate hours with Jean Luc.

"So, tell me Beverly", Vash started the conversation when the two were strolling along a corridor.

"Had Jean Luc not told anything about our adventure on Riesa?"

Beverly shook her head.

"Sorry, he hadn't mentioned you."

Vash looked slightly hurt, but more in a mocking way. Beverly noticed slowed down and touch her arm to secure her.

"He is a very private man", Beverly added trying to put Vash a little bit more at ease. But that was not the only reason she used that words. She had also tried to reassure herself with this words. Unfortunately it didn't work out. But she was no simpleton. She had her questions about the young lady and her relationship with Picard and was determined to get some answers.

"Yes, I guess he is."

"So how did you meet", Beverly asked, keeping the conversation going.

"Ah well. I was on Risa on a kind of antique treasure hunt and that is where we met!"

Beverly was amazed and didn't try to hide her astonishment. She let out a slight laugh. It didn't sound too real and Beverly warned herself to stay calm.

"A treasure hunt?" she exclaimed.

"Yes", Vash assured her smiling brightly.

"What is so astonishing about that?"

Beverly smiled at the young woman. Although she had been a bit jealous - and still was - she really liked the young woman. She reminded her of her younger self. Before things turned bad. But well. That was a different story.

"I didn't really figured him going on a treasure hunt."

Vash smiled and touched Beverly's arm in a conspiratorial manner.

"Neither did I at the first place, but I had some involuntary help from some strange time travelers and it helped that the Ferengi wasn't on my side."

Beverly nodded.

The two women kept on chatting. Beverly learned from Vash, that she had come to see, whether she could renew their sexual relationship, but was disappointed, that he had chosen to sleep on the sofa. Vash suspected another woman and when Beverly had entered the scene the next morning she instantly knew, that Beverly was that woman.

He had wanted to let her stay in some guest quarters, but she had insisted very much, staying in his quarters due to her late arrival.

Beverly involuntarily let out a sigh of relieve. Vash turned to her smiling.

"There is no need to be scared."

Beverly swallowed hard.

"But he didn't tell..."

"That he was involved with anyone? That he was involved with you?"

Beverly nodded.

Vash shook her head.

"No."

Beverly shook her head. It was one thing to find your lovers last lover in his bed, even if he was sleeping on the sofa, but it was another thing being ignored. Vash kneaded her chin. She really liked the red haired Doctor. They were not so different from each other, fiercely and full of life and had had shared a nice morning together. They entered Ten Forward and as soon as Will Riker, had "taken over" Beverly said her goodbye. She needed to get away and to think out this whole situation. Upon leaving Vash grabbed her arm and whispered.

"Don't be too hard on him."

Beverly sighed.

Beverly stayed out of Jean Luc's way the next days. With Q on board on the Enterprise it was not difficult to stay in Sickbay longer and turn in to her quarters in the night or have only a quick breakfast.

Deanna could tell that both of them were suffering from the strain in their relationship. She had tried to talk to Beverly, knowing she wouldn't get through to the captain and because it was mainly Beverly trying to keep a distance.

During the staff meetings she as usually claimed her seat next to the captain, but their small exchanges had been non existing. And when Beverly had not interfered, where she would have normally spoken up Deanna knew, something was very wrong between the two.