Oh my goodness! I apologize for the length of time between the last update and now. However during that time, I got married and had a beautiful little baby! Between that and work, life has been beautifully hectic! :) I have the outline of many more stories (all the way up to season 7), however they are still drafts. I'm not promising quick updates, but there will be updates. Thank you for those people who have stuck with me and the story!

This chapter, although it is short, is taken place after the episode Transfigurations. It might seem weird, however, it is need for a future story.

Transfigurations:

Shuffling into his quarters, Jean Luc barely made it to his couch before surrendering to it from pure exhaustion. Seeing a species evolve was one thing he will never forget, but the process to get there was a long and dangerous one. The way John's body changed into a golden ethereal like being was just astounding and worth the little, yet volatile conflict with Sunad.

Opening his eyes, he allowed his true thoughts to bubble to the top. Seeing Beverly react towards John was… difficult; especially after their encounter with each other after the Enterprise saved Lwaxanna Troi from the Ferengi. She had cared for him like no other patient. He had wondered if anything had happened between them but immediately dismissed that thought. Other than being a talented doctor, he knew that Beverly was very professional to the patients.

However, the way that they looked at eachother…

Shaking his head, he knew nothing happened and that was that.

Jean Luc, whatever you do, don't let her get away. Her feelings are buried so deep inside, but they are there and they are strong.

Ever since that night, he has tried to make his presence known around her and to show that he is no longer afraid to be with her. He invited her to dinner, to plays, made sure to be in the same area when she was getting off duty and worst yet, showing up at her quarters unannounced. The first and only time he did that, he was greeted at the door by Wesley. To say that he was shocked and embarrassed was an understatement. And what was worse, was that she wasn't even there. His decision to go was quick and unplanned. After that disaster, he crawled back into his tiny little hole, not wanting to further embarrass himself or Beverly.

However, with their busy schedules, they could never meet together for dinner or for a play.

Not being able to reach her was a setback, but looking back at the past year, they have had many setbacks; their encounter with Rick Chechney, Rutia IV and their inevitable fight after his doppelganger was discovered.

Nonetheless, these setbacks are nothing compared to his determination to get her back within his arms. If it takes a little longer to do so, then so be it. He is nothing but stubborn when it comes to the things that he cares for the most.

Standing up from his couch, Jean Luc decided to make his way to his bedroom in order to at least get a decent night sleep. Just as he was about to turn off the lights, he saw a package on his desk. It wasn't there this morning when he left, so it was placed there during his shift. There are only a handful of people who can gain access into his quarters; Lt. Worf, Commander Riker, Counselor Troi and Dr. Crusher.

He thought of calling for security, but quickly dismissed that idea.

Walking over to his desk, he sat down in his seat and picked up the package. Looking at it cautiously, he noticed that the sender did not sign their name on the brown paper. Feeling it within his hands, he noted that it was heavy and thin and shaped like a book. Carefully, he took off the brown wrapping.

His assumption was correct; turning the book to the front, he read the title, "'Romeo and Juliet' Written by William Shakespeare."

Opening the cover of the book, he was surprised to see a note written to him in very neat penmanship. Smiling to himself, he read aloud the words, "Don't give up on us." And it was signed with one letter, "B."

Grinning from ear to ear, Jean Luc tucked the book under his arm and made his way to his bedroom. Propping up his pillow, Jean Luc sat in his bed and opened his new book to the first page. Although it was not his favorite play, he enjoyed it all the same knowing who it came from.

Please review if you have the time!