A/N: Firstly, thank you to everyone who has PMed me or reviewed! I am very grateful that the response to this fic has been so positive!
It seems that some people were a bit confused with what was going on (e.g. how Jean-Luc and Beverly's relationship would develop, whether it would become romantic). I do not intend for Beverly to become heteroromantic because I don't think that would happen. Also, I wanted to give an example of an arospec character who can stay arospec while being in an intimate, mostly platonic relationship with another person.
As for the question of what does Beverly want? I don't really know. But what I am very surprised is no one asking what Jean-Luc might want. Afterall, a qpr (queerplatonic or quasiplatonic relationship) has to work for both people. Considering he didn't tell her for so long that he has feelings for her could be an indication of him being lith/akoiromantic. I don't know if that's how I'll write it. Let's see how the story goes...
(also, if anyone wants to chat with me or has questions about being aromantic, feel free to PM me or check out my contact info on my profile and find me one of those routes. I am aroace (aromantic asexual: no romantic attraction, no sexual attraction))
Deanna smiled wickedly when Beverly showed up five minutes late to their morning exercise session. "Sorry," Beverly told her as she hurriedly put her things down and joined her friend.
"You seem happier than usual. Is the captain well?" Deanna asked casually as they stretched. If she wasn't already frequently made aware of her friend's empath skills, Beverly would have gasped. As she was, she merely straightened, placing her fists firmly on her hips.
"Have you been looking at the computer logs?" she accused. Deanna feigned wide-eyed innocence.
"I merely asked the computer where you were since you were running late," Deanna replied. "Is he well?"
"You're the empath, you tell me," Beverly remarked. She turned, intending to resume stretching.
"You're the doctor, you tell me," Deanna scoffed. "In your expert physician's opinion?"
Beverly sighed and stood straight again. "Deanna, can we just... talk about something else today?"
Deanna could see she'd have to be more gentle to pry any information from Beverly. It was blindingly obvious Beverly wanted to talk, perhaps she just needed a little nudge to find the right words. "Alright," Deanna ceded. "Can I ask you about something else? It's about Will."
"What about him?" Beverly was curious and concerned why Deanna would be raising him in conversation between them. It seemed like they'd been getting used to being friends, but the events of that poker game had caused some confusion.
"Well, Worf and I have both decided to leave our relationship as friends," Deanna started. Now she was the one feeling awkward and embarrassed. "Did Will say something before I arrived at the poker game?"
"I'm not sure I know what you mean," Beverly tried to be delicate. She didn't want to tread on Will's toes, they were good friends, but she could never lie to Deanna. Even before her year at Medical, Beverly had started looking at Deanna almost as a younger sister.
"I think Will might be regretting ending the relationship we had years ago," Deanna voiced.
"He'd be a fool not to," Beverly said lightly, but Deanna could tell she meant the compliment genuinely. Their eyes met and a flicker of understanding shifted between them. "Will did say something, yes."
"Ah," Deanna breathed, pursing her lips in thought. "Do you think he wants us to get back together?"
Beverly thought about this severely. "I think the first question is do you want to get back together with him?"
"I don't know," Deanna admitted.
"Unless it's what you want, don't even consider it," Beverly said. Deanna frowned in confusion. "He left you. You don't owe him anything."
"You're being very harsh today," Deanna commented.
"Harsh, but right," Beverly nodded.
Deanna wasn't sure whether to agree or argue, so she let the statement slide. They carried on with their exercise routine.
"Same time next time," Beverly laughed, about to leave.
"Beverly," Deanna called out before she reached the door. Beverly paused, her guards rising. "I just wanted to say, I know it isn't any of my business why, but today... you do seem happier, more comfortable with yourself, closer to peace than you usually are. I can sense you're still a little confused, but I'm glad. I'm glad you can be happy."
Deanna felt the surge of relief and joy before Beverly turned back and wrapped her in a big hug. "Thanks, Dee," Beverly murmured into her bushy hair. She might be about to navigate some unknown waters with Jean-Luc, but at least she wasn't totally alone.