Jean-Luc readied the bed as Beverly rinsed the brunette out of her hair in the sonic shower. They had ended up remaining in Ten Forward a while longer, sharing a tray of nibbles and dancing. One more… But as Jean-Luc had anticipated, both had tired quickly and returned to his quarters to sleep. Beverly's bags and his were both ready in the living area to take with them on their second attempt at a shore leave.

All ready, he informed her.

Thanks, she responded. I had a lovely time in Ten Forward, thank you for suggesting it.

Thank you for helping me actualize the idea. He changed into pajamas, then sat down with a pad to wait for her. Before he had finished his page, the door had hissed open and Beverly had stepped out.

Goodnight, she projected as he looked up. He tilted his head in confusion, wondering why she didn't take the side of the bed she had occupied on previous nights. No thanks, I'm going to sleep. Pleasant dreams, Jean-Luc. She calmly walked out before he sensed confusion coming from her, followed by a little annoyance and resilience.

Beverly? Jean-Luc slowly climbed out of bed, going to the living area. "What are you doing?" he asked aloud as he found her preparing a pillow and throw blanket on his sofa.

She looked up at him in mild surprise. "I told you last night, I'll sleep out here. Range isn't as much of a problem anymore…" Her voice drifted away as she sensed his dejectedness. Jean-Luc?

"No," he said softly. "It's alright. Probably for the best anyway." I was just… getting so used to waking up next to you each morning… you being the last thing I'd see before falling asleep and the first thing I'd wake to each day… I enjoyed it… "Good night." He stepped back into his bedroom.

"Oh," Beverly breathed. I'm sorry, I didn't realise…

Don't worry about it.

I always worry about you. She felt his pause. Oh great now I've put my foot in it. Beverly sighed.

Nightcap?

Alright.

He joined her back out in the lounge, both with a small glass of their chosen poison. Beverly's was an old Howard recipe, mixture of some varieties of alcohol ranging from Scottish liqueur to a few drops of American bourbon. Jean-Luc had a small sherry.

"I'm not sure this is such a good idea," Beverly admitted. Should we really be consuming alcohol?

"We were bound to try sooner or later," Jean-Luc pointed out. At least I know I would.

Well, your family are vintners. They clinked their glasses together and each took a small sip. I hope we don't regret this in the morning.

We're already psychically linked; how much worse could it be? "I guess we should discuss how we'll manage our shore leave."

Must we? After such a lovely night? Beverly pouted a little.

Would you prefer it in the morning when we're already on the way there? he queried.

She sighed. Alright! "I know there was that archaeological excavation you wanted to visit. We probably won't have the range for us to be spread across the planet…"

"The dig is in the middle of nowhere," he admitted. There wouldn't be anything for you to do.

"What kind of middle of nowhere?" Beverly pondered. You're forgetting, I grew up on Caldos, I can deal with the middle of nowhere.

"Sort of like a late spring countryside," he explained. Like home. Beverly nodded, contemplating this. I could forgo it if need be…

"How about we split it by weeks?" Beverly suggested. If you go on the dig in the second week, then I might be able to wander about on hikes within our range.

"Good idea," Jean-Luc admitted. Then paused. So for the first week we do what you want and the second we do what I want?

"We will have to change our accommodation bookings to work with it," Beverly reminded him. Don't worry, I won't be too horrible to you, she reassured him, then thought to add, actually, I think you might enjoy it.

He noted her mischievous grin as she sipped her nightcap. For some reason I doubt that.

And so it closes upon that night
They found each other with delight
Ten Forward showed a step further in their dance
Soon nothing would be left to chance
Together they'd be
For all eternity
Forever and ever with the stars as their guide
No longer having to be silent and hide
Their love for each other could soon show
As together they would grow

A/N: Thank you everyone who has read and reviewed! I hope you enjoyed sharing this journey with me! The sequel has begun! I have started posting Beverly's Choice!You're welcome to PM me, or find me on other social media (I have them listed on my profile) if you want to chat more about the story, Star Trek: The Next Generation, or life in general. Until then, live long and prosper!