With how long their day had been, Beverly expected to be out like a light the moment her head hit the pillow. She could already sense Jean-Luc was slumbering peacefully. Tossing and turning, she dozed intermittently, distracted with thoughts, catching bits and pieces of Jean-Luc's dreams. At one point she went on the balcony, laying upon the bench there in the cool early morning. As his dreams grew worse into nightmares, she opened her eyes to the sky lighting into a grey. Turning her head to the tall buildings and mountains, the sky was beginning to light for dawn.
A new day on another world. She went inside for her camera, before heading out again. Setting the camera on automatic, she placed it on the railing and lay back on the bench to watch the first rays of sunshine peek over the horizon.
The golden light ran down from the tops of buildings, reaching lower as the sun grew higher. Beverly headed back inside to doze for another two hours. Jean-Luc's dreams had quietened. She wasn't quite sure if that was good or bad, frowning at the memory of waking him the morning prior.
Jean-Luc stirred, his mouth stale, full of last night. It was hot, or at least warmer than on the Enterprise. He groaned, turning over atop his bed. What happened? He thought, running his hands over his face. They dropped to his chest with a sigh and found he was still wearing his clothes.
You passed out pretty quick, Beverly's mind jibed him.
Grumbling softly, Of course she'd be awake, and listening, he got up and headed out to find her already dressed in loose pants and shirt, stretching on the floor. He paused, a mildly confused.
"Good morning, sleepy head," Beverly chorused cheerfully with a grin. No word from Hannay or Marta yet about brunch, we should probably have something small in case it ends up being late. "Hungry?"
"I think I'd better clean myself up first," he said in a croaky voice, looking down at himself. Dishevelled wasn't how he wanted to appear, but that was how it was.
Gracefully jumping up, Beverly glanced him up and down. You'd better. "There should be a market a few blocks away. There was a very good crêpe maker. I wonder if she's still there…" That was all the incentive Jean-Luc needed. Less than twenty minutes and he was showered, clean shaven and dressed ready to head out.
Beverly by his side, they wandered blissfully, following the noises of the street. It was a further walk than Beverly had remembered, which was in their favour, giving both an appetite. There was a lot of enticing fresh produce around, but Jean-Luc's heart was set upon fresh crêpes. They walked on.
At the other end of the markets, preparing to give up hope, a familiar tongue found his ear. Beverly could feel his glee as hand in hand they walked around a corner and found the caravan of the crêpe maker. A little old lady, her face wizened with her years, ran it herself. They joined the queue – it seemed she was quiet popular. Despite the crowd, the line moved swiftly. As their turn came, Jean-Luc already had in mind what he would order, but ever the gentleman turned to Beverly.
"What'll you have?" he asked her, with the intention of ordering on her behalf.
Beverly glanced over the list by the caravan, and proceeded to order in French. Jean-Luc's jaw dropped. The lady's face curled up, beaming at Beverly and responding in the same language, then turned to Jean-Luc expectantly. He cleared his throat before making his order. They stood to the side to wait as she prepared their food.
I didn't know you spoke French. He projected, watching her ladle the mixture onto hot crêpe pans, spreading it with mastered flair. She sang in French as she worked - the sound Jean-Luc had heard from around the corner. It felt like home, maybe too much like home...
You never thought I could be so full of surprises, did you? Beverly raised a mischievous eyebrow at him, coyly grinning.
To be honest, after all these years, no, he admitted.
Their meals in hand, they left the caravan to find seats so they could eat. "Where did you learn it?" Jean-Luc inquired between mouthfuls, savouring the fresh summer strawberries.
"Here and there," Beverly said vaguely, reaching over and wiping his chin before chocolate sauce dripped off it.
Thank you. That doesn't answer my question, Beverly, he projected with a sigh, biting into another mouthful.
She glanced up at him, but her eyes returned to focus on her food before she responded. I had to… when I was a child… There was a sadness and vulnerability she tried to disguise. "Not all colonies had functioning universal translators."
It took a moment for him to think to what she alluded to before it clicked. Arvada. "Sorry."
"Don't be. It was a long time ago," she said. "I haven't practiced it much since I left Caldos."
"If you want a practice partner, I'd be happy to help," he offered. Her mouth twitched in a smile.
A/N: Thanks sash queen of the jungle for the reviews! If there is anything to make Jean-Luc nostalgic for home, my guess would be fresh crêpes. I didn't pull the idea of Beverly speaking French from the show, but rather from Gates herself since she speaks French. She also sometimes posts some beautiful photographs from the French countryside on her twitter - definitely check them out! I hope you all have a wonderful day!
