A/N: The first part of the story could stand on its own, but this is just a little coda to follow up with the co-conspirators after the game. Enjoy :)

She was tempted to slip her hand into the crook of Jean-Luc's arm as they strolled the short distance back to her quarters, but they shared an unspoken understanding that that wouldn't quite do. Yet. Beverly smiled to herself, then leaned briefly, casually against him as they walked. It was an innocent action, common enough between them, and until last week it could easily have been written off as an accidental contact—or harmless flirtation—between friends. But now? Now, it was amazing how the slightest touch could spark a flash of desire in her.

A knowing gleam lit his eyes, and he in turn pressed a hand lightly at the small of her back as they turned the corner, then withdrew it again before it could be remarked upon by any passing crewman. She sucked in a quick breath, but managed to keep her eyes fixed in front of her until they reached her door and slowed. Unlike last week, there was no hesitation in her invitation as she turned to him now. "Would you like to come in for a drink?" she asked, pleased that her voice sounded steady.

When he nodded, though, the controlled intensity in his gaze melted her restraint faster than ice on Vulcan. She waited only until the doors closed behind them before turning and slipping her arms around his neck, but he was almost quicker in gripping her waist, pulling her towards him. He kissed her hard, thoroughly, and she gasped as his hands slid up her back, through her hair. They'd been doing this a lot over the past week, and she continued to be amazed at how utterly electric their attraction was every time they connected. How they had spent so many years sublimating it already seemed a mystery lost to time. She was definitely all in now.

Beverly pulled back after a moment, her pulse pounding, and flashed a smile at him with a mischievous look in her eyes. "Well. This has certainly been a fun evening so far."

Controlling his breathing with a determined effort, Picard traced a line down her back, felt her slight arch against him, and kissed her again before murmuring a reply. "Indeed."

She extricated herself gracefully from his embrace and smoothed her hair. There would be time enough for more...amorous...activities later, but she didn't want to be an ungracious hostess. "Have a seat and I'll get us something to drink. What will you have?"

He had to force himself to look up from the curve of her hips as she turned away, but he replied in his usual composed voice. "Just Earl Grey for me, thank you."

Beverly replicated a small flute of dessert wine for herself and brought it over with his tea to nestle beside him on the couch. "Jean-Luc, I don't know how you ever sleep drinking this so late at night," she chided affectionately as she handed over the mug.

He shifted to fit her more comfortably against him, then raised an amused eyebrow at her. "I'd think you wouldn't mind if I can't sleep."

"Why, Captain." She grinned and shook her head. "This really is a whole new side of you. Not that I mind, of course." His legendary self-restraint was so perfect that if she hadn't once been able to read his thoughts—and gotten that glimpse into the deeply and creatively passionate ways he felt about her, however subconsciously—she might never have guessed what lay behind it. She was so glad she'd finally given him license to express those feelings openly to her.

"Hmm. I trust not." If pressed, he would have to admit he was a bit surprised himself at how completely natural this new closeness between them seemed to be—and how much joy he derived from it. It was something he'd never fully anticipated, having carefully guarded his feelings for so long. But then, over the past week he'd discovered that there was a great deal he'd never anticipated about having his best friend return the love he'd long felt for her.

Of course, one thing he hadn't been surprised by was her propensity for teasing, as that was a quality he was quite well acquainted with. Unable to resist the opportunity to needle her a bit more now in return, he spoke again with apparent seriousness. "You know, Beverly, there is one thing that concerns me."

"What's that?" She pushed her hair back over one shoulder and sat up a little, looking at him expectantly.

"We are new to this relationship, after all. And I wonder if I should be concerned at your immediate willingness to use me for your own nefarious purposes."

Surprised, Beverly laughed out loud. "Jean-Luc, humbling your first officer is hardly nefarious," she protested, entirely unapologetic.

"Well, perhaps not," he allowed, hiding his own smile as he sipped his tea.

"Besides, I thought you were a willing participant," she continued, pointing an accusatory finger at his chest.

He met her gaze with mock severity. "Are you certain there was no coercion involved, Doctor?"

She pretended to recall, a lively twinkle in her blue eyes. "All right, maybe just a little," she conceded. "But Captain, I have to admit you're a much better poker player than I am—and the only one who could really challenge Will." She grinned again and took a drink from her glass. "I had to do it. He barely knew what hit him."

Picard shook his head wryly. She was really quite incorrigible sometimes, but then again, he'd always known that. "Well, it was largely thanks to all of the background you provided on his playing style."

"I'd like to think five years of observation is worth something," she shrugged with an innocent look. Then she reached out to set down her glass on the coffee table, shifted back towards him and slipped an arm up around his neck, smiling sweetly. "But in any event. I promise not to use you for any nefarious purposes in the future, Jean-Luc. Unless they're particularly good ones," she immediately qualified, and he laughed. "Thanks for going along with me this time."

His breath caught as she pressed in closer, and his arm dropped to encircle her waist. "You're quite welcome," he managed. "I thought we made a good team."

"Very," she agreed, leaning in and pausing a hair's breadth away from his lips. "And you know, since they were so successful, I would like to continue these after-hours sessions. If you have no objections?"

"No objections," he murmured, closing the distance to kiss her again.

FIN