Summary: This is another of my collections of alternatives to the ending of an episode. More to come soon! The rating will be K for now...

Disclaimer: I don't own them. I'm just playing.

After Jean-Luc blew out the candles, he continued to stare out the viewport for what seemed like an eternity. This couldn't be all Beverly wanted from him. He felt disappointment from her on the planet when he told her he no longer loved her.

'Or perhaps we should be afraid.' Her words echoed in his mind. He furrowed his brow. He couldn't accept that was it. Her words and actions kept nagging him. He took a deep breath then left his quarters.

The door chime interrupted her thoughts. She had been resting against the bathroom vanity staring at the reflection of her hands on the vanity. She took a breath then returned to the living area.

"Come." She wasn't sure who she expected it to be but she didn't expect him. He walked in and stood in front of her.

"Jean-Luc. What are you doing here? Is something wrong?"

"Yes, I think something is wrong." He paused. "Why did you say we should be afraid?" His tone was quiet and light but his eyes were pleading.

"I said it because I don't want to lose your friendship." She responded carefully.

"And?"

"And what?" she said with a hint of irritation.

"I think there's more to it than that Beverly. What aren't you telling me?"

"I…" she began but paused and looked in his eyes. She could see how hurt he was at being rejected and now being refused the answer to his question after everything they had been through. "On the planet you said you weren't in love with me anymore. Then, this evening you propositioned me." He looked deadpan at her with wide eyes. If his jaw wasn't clenched shut in anticipation of her opening up to him, his jaw would have dropped.

"Y – you think I just want sex from you?" he stumbled. She swallowed hard.

"Well, what was I to think? Your thoughts, not just in your sleep, weren't exactly mission-focused on the planet." She paused. "After dinner, when I said maybe we should be afraid, you didn't protest. You didn't come after me…" She trailed off.

"Beverly, we were on a foreign planet being pursued by hostile forces. When they weren't on our heels and my mind had time to think of something other than escape, I tried to think of other things but…" He said matter of factly then continued earnestly, "…you are the most beautiful woman I've ever known. Sweat and dirt isn't going to change that but lust isn't the only thing I feel for you. We were linked when I told you I didn't love you anymore. We reminised about good times you, Jack, and I had before I told you, my closest friend, I was in love with you while you were married to the man who was my best friend, who died under my command. Calling it a delicate situation couldn't begin to cover it for me. Are you telling me you couldn't tell I was lying?"

"I felt so many things from you at that moment. It was difficult to absorb and separate all of it." She stared at his chest as she thought of that moment then looked in his eyes. Something caught her eyes: he held his hands out between them. She put her hands in his then looked at him again.

"My feelings for you have never been simple. They'll never be simple." He said as he leaned in and kissed her. It was only a matter of seconds but the kiss reinforced his words. "Take your time." He said gently then smiled before leaving her quarters.