They talked and danced and drank for hours, sharing stories of times far gone. When Hannay reminisced of her Academy time with Beverly, Jean-Luc at first sensed deep rooted embarrassment and unease from his friend, that was until she remembered her company. Jean-Luc knew her just a few years less than Hannay did, and Marta was Hannay's wife so she had probably heard many of the stories before, Beverly deduced. It had been a very long time since Beverly had worried about what Hannay thought – since the week after they first met, to be precise. The bond they shared was so unique, despite all the years they had been apart, she felt like family.
The jug of water they had been sharing ran dry, so Marta enlisted Jean-Luc's help to procure another.
"It's so good to see you, Bev," Hannay murmured up as she half lay against Beverly on the seat.
"You have no idea," Beverly whispered, kissing her forehead tenderly. Thank goodness you reached out to me, or I never would have come here. Who knows how long it would have been for us to get back in touch? She thought to herself.
Over by the bar, waiting for the replacement jug, Marta turned on Jean-Luc. "You're still smitten with her," she accused.
Jean-Luc glanced back to the table, seeing Beverly kiss Hannay's head, blushing. "Guilty as charged," he whispered, sensing Beverly's deep well of emotions for Hannay stir.
"So when the hell are you going to do something about it?" Marta demanded, rounding on him, crossing her arms stubbornly.
He meekly turned back to her. "I… we… she and I…" His shoulders slumped in a sigh. "It's complicated." Very complicated.
"But you are going to tell her?" Marta said, insistently.
I've tried! I don't have the words! I can't do this! He fretted.
"Send me a message once you're back on the Enterprise. I expect either a wedding invitation or the same pleas you made to help find you a girlfriend every few weeks at the Academy." Smartly grabbing the now full jug, she marched back to the table, her head held high.
I don't need any help finding her. I just need… What do I need? He paused, watching. Marta gestured for Beverly and Hannay to squeeze up on the bench, both happily complying. Plonking herself down, Marta lay against Hannay, her head against Beverly's arm. She says when we're back on the Enterprise, but for all we know Starfleet may decommission us. What then? Or if they send us apart? I couldn't bear another ten-year separation! 2365 was bad enough! I need – He stopped himself short, blinking, turning away to stare through the floorboards. I need Beverly.
Jean-Luc?
Merde! He whirled around to find Beverly's head raised looking at him curiously.
What's the matter? She tilted her head.
Nothing. He briskly walked back to the table. Damn how much of that did she hear?
What are you going on about? What was Marta saying to you? He sat down opposite them, Beverly's eyes locked on his.
Just something I have to think about. He poured himself a glass of water, avoiding meeting her gaze.
We're on shore leave, remember? Leave the hard thinking for when we're back on the Enterprise.
A/N: Thanks sash queen of the jungle for the review to the last chapter! Please do leave reviews! I hope you all have a wonderful day!
