Author's Note: I am entirely new to the TNG fandom and although I'm quite rabid about it already, I may be off on some of my facts. I do apologize for this, I'm doing the best I can and do ask for any CONSTRUCTIVE criticism more knowledgeable folks might be able to give me. I'd love feedback on this as it's my first attempt at TNG fanfic.

All characters and basic plot ideas (ie relationship canon) are not my idea and are entirely the property of the creators. I'm just playing with them.

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Secrets and Changes

Chapter 2

Worf entered Ten Forward, the ship's social hub, looking around carefully. He knew that Riker was generally found here with some female companion or another during his off hours-when he hadn't retired to his quarters. He finally spotted him, sitting miraculously alone, at the bar. Taking a determined breath, Worf walked towards him.

"Commander," he said as he arrived at the other man's side. Riker looked up.

"Worf. Care to join me?" he offered.

"Actually, Commander, I need to discuss something with you. Something of a…sensitive nature. May I speak to you alone?" Worf asked, shooting a glance at Guinan, the ever-listening El-Aurian bartender of Ten Forward, who was standing behind the bar a few feet away, obviously trying to appear inconspicuous. A puzzled look crossed Riker's face for a moment before he smiled.

"Sure, Worf. How about that table there?" he suggested, pointing to an empty table in the back corner, surrounded by other empty tables and beginning to move towards it.

"That appears to be appropriate," Worf said as he followed the commander towards the table.

A few minutes later, once Riker had polished off the last of his drink and had it replaced, and Worf had silently accepted the prune juice brought to him-apparently on Guinan's recommendation to the server-the silence was broken.

"So, Worf," Will began. "What was it you needed to talk to me about?" He didn't know anything for sure, but based on a few things he'd seen in the recent past, he had a hunch he might know what was going on.

"Sir. I know that, many years ago, you and Counselor Troi were…involved," Worf said. Riker smiled.

"Yes, Worf, that is true. History, but true history. I assume there's more to that statement," Riker replied

"Yes. Yes, of course there is. I am…" he stopped and thought for a moment. "Recently, I have…considered pursuing a relationship with the counselor."

"Well, I certainly don't think you'll have much luck if you continue calling her 'the counselor', Worf!" Riker laughed.

"Commander, I am not joking around. I have found myself becoming very…attracted, to Deanna and I feel that it is my responsibility to ensure you do not take issue with my becoming involved with her. You are not only my commanding officer, sir, I also consider you my friend. The only honourable thing to do in this situation is to ensure you will not be offended or jealous should Deanna and I pursue this course."

Riker sat back in his chair and took a breath. "Well, Mr. Worf, I don't think I've ever heard quite such a speech from you before. And I do appreciate it but…it is really unnecessary. Deanna and I are just friends. Close friends, but nothing more and have been nothing more for many years. I want nothing more for her than happiness. And you, too, Worf, are my friend. If being together is what will bring you both happiness, then I have nothing to say about it."

"Thank you, sir," said Worf, quickly taking back the last of his prune juice and standing. "Then I suppose this is all I had to say for this evening. I believe I will return to my quarters now. I have…appreciated this discussion."

Riker smiled. "Good night, Worf," he said as the other man left the table and the room. The moment he was out of earshot, Will's glass came down with a hard smack on the table. The smile fell from his face and he stared at his glass moodily. His time was starting to run out, and there was nothing he could do about it.