The BLTS Archive- Rain by Trexphile (trxphile@cox.net) --- DISCLAIMER: Why does Paramount and the TNG Powers That Be have to dampen our spirits and rain on our P/C parade? I've borrowed The Couple and subjected them to a little shower of my own. One that's a little warmer, a little steamier... and a lot more fun. Authors comments at the end. June 1999 --- Beverly pulled the neck of her tank top away from her body and blew down across the tops of her breasts. "It is way too hot..." "I agree." Deanna plopped down beside her and lay back on the grass. "And this work is about to kill me. This body wasn't meant for menial labor." Riker settled in beside her, grinning. "Ah, the little Betazoid princess. I'm so sorry your entourage isn't here to attend to you." "Shut up, Will," she sighed, eyes shut, her hand fanning her face briskly. "I just want to rest." Beverly shaded her eyes as she looked around. The building project was coming along nicely and the other workers were settling down around the worksite, beginning their midday break. She could see several young Ilrrthay making the rounds with large baskets, apparently handing out food and drink. Her stomach rumbled in response. "You know," she said as she settled back on her elbows, "you'd think that they'd let us have lunch over in the trees instead of out here in the sun. It would be a nice break from the heat." "I heard the trees were off-limits during the construction of the monument," Deanna replied, her words muffled. Beverly turned to look at her. Deanna was now lying on her stomach, her face buried in her forearms while Will blew softly across her neck and stroked lightly down her back. Beverly turned back, a bit embarrassed. Will and Deanna made no efforts to hide the intimacy of their relationship. Not that they should... It just made Beverly long even more for the physical in her own life. "Why would the trees be off-limits?" Beverly muttered to herself. "Because," Deanna answered as she sat up again, "it seems that the Ilrrthay tend to get 'distracted' in the woods... they wouldn't get the building finished." "What?" Will asked. Deanna grinned at him. "There's some sort of tradition associated with the trees. Sort of a fertility rite that's been observed for millennia. They only go into the woods for two reasons -- to collect foodstuffs and to 'become one with nature and each other.'" Will's eyebrow rose and the grin began to grow. "I'm serious, Will. It's a very solemn tradition for the Ilrrthay." He chuckled. "Somehow I find it hard to picture the Ilrrthay being *solemn* about anything." Beverly had to smile at his comment as she continued watching the small crowd. It was very true -- she'd never seen a race of people that seemed to enjoy life as much as the Ilrrthay. Serving as an official Federation representative for the past week had seemed more like a vacation than a job. Ilrrth was a beautiful planet, the people animated and joyous and full of song and laughter. And that laughter was contagious, it seemed. Beverly had laughed more in the past week than she could remember doing for the past six months. She had enjoyed herself immensely and was actually sorry to be leaving the next day. She would miss everything about Ilrrth... except for the heat. Unlike Deanna, she was actually enjoying the physical labor. It felt good to actually *build* something with her hands, something that would last for years to come and be cherished by the Ilrrthay. She had never built a structure before and she'd discovered that she had a talent for it, something she would have never imagined. It was very rewarding. She'd worked with different partners throughout the morning but for the last two hours had ended up working alongside Jean-Luc. They worked well together, anticipating each other's needs with few words. It was a rare occasion where they could work for a common goal as friends without the barrier of their official roles to get in the way. She could see the food bearers coming their way with baskets in hand and some oddly-shaped pouches hanging around their necks. "Looks like our lunch is here," she said, rising to greet the two Ilrrthay. "Perfect timing, Captain," Will said. She turned and saw that Jean-Luc was trudging up the slight incline toward them. Beverly glanced at him, then at Deanna, who stifled a giggle and turned a more serious face toward the two teens who were unloading their offerings. Beverly took her food with a word of thanks, avoiding looking at Jean-Luc. She still couldn't look at him and keep a straight face. According to tradition, they were all wearing summer Ilrrthan work clothes, which was much less than they were accustomed to wearing. Each wore a simple white tank top and white shorts, made of something resembling cotton. Very comfortable and cool, although Beverly had made sure that they all had plenty of sunscreen. With simple white moccasins, their ensembles were complete -- except for Jean-Luc. Baldness in men (and some women) was not uncommon on Ilrrth, and since the summers were so hot, it was the tradition for the "follically-challenged" to wear a tlangu on their heads for protection from the elements. Basically, a tlangu was a white turban. The first time she'd seen him in his get-up, she'd solemnly addressed him as "sahib." He hadn't been amused. She'd refrained from saying anything more. She settled down and focused her attention on the large bowl of food. It was some sort of cool salad mixed with an appetizing blend of native vegetables and spices. As she took a bite, she stole a look at Jean-Luc. He sat cross-legged and ramrod straight, forking in his salad regally... with the tlangu wrapped around his head. She looked away quickly just as Will plopped something beside her. "What is this?" She picked up the large greenish pouch, which sloshed and shifted in her grasp. She squinted up at Will. "Water?" "Yep. It's a... pyudina, I believe. Made from one leaf of the dina tree. They've been using it for generations to carry water." "A leaf?" "Yes," Jean-Luc added, speaking for the first time since he'd joined them. "It works like a wineskin. And seeing as the Ilrrthay are vegetarians, it's only natural that they would use the native plant life in this fashion." Beverly studied the pyudina. "That's gotta be one helluva tree..." She unscrewed the lid and hoisted the bag up. "Okay. How do I do this?" Jean-Luc set his bowl aside and moved closer. "Hold it above your head... yes, now tilt the opening toward you... good..." Beverly felt awkward holding the heavy bag above her. "Now what?" "Now give it a good but gentle squeeze." "What?? It's gonna go all over me!" Jean-Luc smiled. "Not if you do it correctly. Do it like this." He lifted his own pyudina above his head, squeezed, and a stream of water shot out and into his open mouth. He swallowed and regarded his officers. "See?" Beverly looked at Deanna and Will with an upraised brow. Deanna shrugged while Will just grinned bigger. Beverly sighed. "Can't I just suck on it?" Will guffawed and turned back to his food. Jean-Luc allowed her a small smile. "It's not that difficult, Beverly. It just takes a little practice." And he shot more water into his mouth. "I'm better at sucking. I've practiced that," she murmured under her breath. Deanna made a choking sound beside her. Beverly lifted the pyudina up. "Okay, here goes." She aimed as best she could determine and squeezed. A fountain of water shot out and right up her nose. When she'd recovered from her coughing and snorting fit, she glared at Will and Deanna, who were recovering from fits of their own. "Let's just see you two do any better!" she said. They didn't. After ten minutes, the three of them were soaked from the waist up and still thirsty, and their sides were aching from laughing. At least they were cooler. Throughout it all, Jean-Luc just sat and watched. Finally they settled down to relax before getting back to work. Beverly looked out over the half-finished structure. "Do you think we'll get finished before sundown?" "I think so," Will answered. "It's not all that complicated, after all. Just hammering dowels into wood." "Oh right!" Deanna exclaimed. "It's 'not all that complicated'! I think you're over-simplifying this project. This is one of the hardest things I've ever done!" Will winked at his love. "No woodshop classes on Betazed, huh?" "It's interesting, though, isn't it?" Beverly mused. "How the Ilrrthay have this tradition. I mean, I understand erecting a monument to commemorate an important occasion -- and Ilrrth joining the Federation is definitely an important occasion to us all. But having those responsible for the event actually *build* the monument from the ground up? This is a new one." "Yes, it is." Deanna had her head pillowed on her arms again. "And next time I'm asked to represent the Federation like this again, I'm doing my research first. And if it's required that I have to do something more physical than sit at a table and smile, then I'm planning on coming down with Maruvian Flu." "Prima donna." Will kicked at her foot playfully. "Leave me alone, Will. I'm planning." "Planning what?" "How to get out of having to get back on that scaffold." Beverly sat back and watched the two bantering back and forth, all the while very aware of Jean-Luc beside her. She wished that he would, for once, let down his guard enough to really enjoy himself. Here they all were on a beautiful planet of gracious, fun-loving people, guiding them into a new era of growth and discovery, working with them to commemorate this accomplishment for generations to see... and all he would allow himself was the occasional brief smile. He was cordial, of course, when dealing with the Ilrrthan officials -- he was always the perfect diplomat. But he was still so aloof, not allowing the real Ilrrth to seep through his façade. Water splashed on her leg, snapping her out of her musings. "Aha!" Will laughed. "It *does* work!" He was standing over Deanna, pyudina in hand and pointing the spout at her head. "Stop it, Will!" Deanna hollered as she scrambled away, grabbing for her own waterbag. She stood and pointed it at him, water dripping from her face. "I warn you! I'm armed!" Beverly started laughing. Apparently there was more than one use for the pyudina. Will advanced toward Deanna, who stood her ground. "I'm warning you, Will. I've got a pyudina and I'm not afraid to use it!" Beverly wisely moved away from the two officers who were circling each other, daring the other to squirt the first squirt. A couple of Ilrrthay had crept over and were watching, laughing between themselves. Beverly stood back, hopefully out of range, giggling. A cool breeze suddenly ruffled her hair and she turned her head toward it, welcoming the unexpected respite from the heat. Finally Will couldn't hold back anymore and Deanna was hit square in the chest with a cold blast. "Oh, you're dead now, Commander!" And the war commenced. They squirted and ducked and sprayed and rolled across the grass. Beverly could only stand and laugh, along with the other Ilrrthay who had gathered. Suddenly she heard a voice booming above the laughter and applause. "Commander! Counselor!" Will jumped up from where he had Deanna pinned and automatically tugged at his tank top. With great dignity, he approached his captain, Deanna following quickly to stand at his side. "Yes, sir?" he said, a grin tugging at his lips, water dripping from his face. Beverly held her breath, waiting for Jean-Luc's response. *Come on, Jean-Luc* she thought. *Please don't disappoint me...* Jean-Luc spoke softly and firmly. "Commander, Counselor -- you seem to have forgotten that you are representatives of the Federation and Starfleet officers. Please conduct yourselves accordingly." Will's eyes darkened. "Yes, sir," he said simply. "Yes, sir," Deanna echoed. "Damn you, Jean-Luc," Beverly whispered. Jean-Luc turned away, heading toward an Ilrrthay official who was approaching. Beverly bent and picked up her pyudina. She aimed and squeezed. Hard. The blast hit Jean-Luc square in the back of his head. His tlangu flew off and smacked the official wetly in the face. Jean-Luc whirled around, mouth agape. "Beverly!!" The official began chuckling. "I see you've found the other use for the pyudina." Beverly tucked her weapon under her arm and marched away. --- They were almost finished with the monument. Beverly stood back while her partner, an Ilrrthay named Ble hammered in the last dowel. Her searching eyes found Jean-Luc standing to the side, nodding in conversation with one of the officials. He glanced up, catching her eye. She turned away quickly. "I will *not* regret my actions," she whispered to herself. "He deserved it..." She noticed that Jean-Luc had not donned the tlangu again after she'd shot it off his head so expertly. She hoped his head was fried. Well, actually she didn't hope that. She'd just have to deal with his stubborn pride while trying to convince him to let her treat him. And she was *not* in the mood to wrangle with more Stick-Up-His-Butt Picard. "Well, Beverly, it appears that we're finished." She turned to see Ble smiling at her. She stepped back and inspected their handiwork. "Yes, it does, Ble," she answered warmly. Impulsively she reached out and hugged him to her. He responded with a tight embrace. They pulled apart and laughed. "This is such a momentous occasion for us all. And I'm so very pleased to have been able to share it, with you most especially. You're very good with your hands..." His violet eyes twinkled. He still had his arms around her and Beverly felt a shiver ripple through her. He was a very handsome man with his dark skin and long magenta-tinted hair. And his white outfit showed off his impressive physique quite well... Her gaze flickered to the trees for a fleeting moment. She knew from their shared conversations that Ble was unattached romantically, and that it was common for two consenting adults to form casual liaisons when the mood struck them. The look on Ble's face was unmistakable -- he was definitely thinking the same thing. She was very tempted... She smiled at Ble and leaned in toward him. "Dr. Crusher?" Jean-Luc's voice shattered the moment. Ble stepped back and deferred to the captain who was suddenly standing right beside them. Beverly turned to him, her smile fading. "Yes, captain?" "I require your presence at the dedication ceremony." "Yes, of course, captain." She smiled at Ble. "Duty calls." He answered by kissing her most soundly on the mouth, the Ilrrthan custom when parting. "I've greatly enjoyed the time we've spent together." Beverly watched Jean-Luc's frown as he watched Ble depart. Beverly almost chuckled out loud. She shouldn't be enjoying this so much. "How do you want me, Captain?" He started. "Excuse me, Beverly?" She bit back her grin. "For the dedication? What do I need to do?" "Oh. I just need you to stand with me. As a Federation representative." "Of course." She followed him over to the entrance of the new building. It was a simple structure -- all of wood with a peaked roof. The interior was unfinished, of course, and dark from the lack of windows. There was still no floor -- just hard-packed earth. The Ilrrthay would add everything later. She stood quietly while the others gathered. President Drubtha took his place before them. Beverly zoned out during the speech. The sun was almost to the horizon but the heat hadn't lessened. There were some clouds forming, however, and she wondered if it would actually rain. She noticed Ble standing amidst the group of Ilrrthay and smiled at him when he looked at her. He was *very* attractive... Applause broke her reverie and she joined in. The formal gathering dissolved and Beverly joined with the others in their embraces and kisses. Will raised an eyebrow at her after Ble bestowed a rather enthusiastic kiss, one which she returned with equal fervor. As Ble walked away, Will bent his head down to hers. "Is there, uh, something you're not telling us, Bev?" "None of your business, Commander," she answered. "I happen to enjoy the Ilrrthan customs." "Yes, I can see that. Too bad our captain doesn't seem to be quite as open to it." Beverly sighed. "Yes, I know. I'm still waiting for him to come down on me for that little stunt I pulled earlier. I'm sure that once the formalities are concluded, he'll be 'having a word' with me." Deanna entered the conversation. "Don't let it bother you too much, Beverly. You know as well as we that the captain's never been comfortable with public displays of emotion." The three of them watched their captain as he concluded his conversation with the President. Beverly shook her head as Jean-Luc returned the President's embrace stiffly. Jean-Luc turned toward them and strode over, his eyes pinned on Beverly. Will leaned in. "I think Deanna and I will go join the party in the village." He glanced up. "Looks like there's a storm brewing." The pair hustled away as Jean-Luc reached them. "Beverly, may I have a word with you?" Jean-Luc said. Beverly glanced up at the clouds. "Of course, Captain. But it looks like it's about to rain. Perhaps we'd better join the others." "No. I wanted a word in private. It won't take long." Beverly steeled herself for his reprimand. He looked away as if preparing his thoughts. "About the... incident this afternoon. With the pyudina." Beverly took a deep breath, already planning her defense. "I just want to say that... I'm sorry." Her mouth actually dropped open. "*You're* sorry? For what? I'm the one who shot you." Jean-Luc met her eyes. "Yes. Well, I'll admit that I was angered by your... unprovoked attack... or rather, what I considered at the moment 'unprovoked.' But after some thought, I realized that I was failing in my duty to... accept the Ilrrthay customs." He sighed and looked up as the sky rumbled above them. "I admit that I have some difficulty in setting aside my own disposition when confronted with a culture that is so different from my own. When I'm performing my diplomatic functions, I *am* the Federation, and I've always tried to represent the Federation's ideals as best I can. But I have to admit that these proceedings might not have gone as well if I hadn't had you and Will and Deanna here with me." Beverly held her breath as he continued. "I'm afraid that, when the Ilrrthay see me, they see a stuffy old man who doesn't know how to have a good time, who doesn't appreciate that which they treasure the most. That's why I'm so thankful that I had you three here. You showed them that as diverse as the Federation may be, we still have a commonality. That there are many among us that treasure life's simple pleasures just as they do." His gaze bored into hers. "I thank you for allowing them to know that. Despite my own shortcomings." Beverly sighed out her held breath. "Oh, Jean-Luc. I have to say that I never expected to hear you say that. Thank you." He smiled slightly. "And there's something more. I had the opportunity this week to see a side of you that I've so rarely seen. You seemed so... happy. So relaxed. Your smile, your laughter..." He paused for a long moment. "It brought back memories of when we first met. We used to laugh a lot back then. And it reminded me of just why I fell in love with you." She didn't know what to say. Her heart was pounding and her knees felt suddenly too weak to hold her up. "Oh, Jean-Luc..." she whispered. She reached for him and wrapped her arms around him, intending no more than a friendly embrace. He hesitated for only a second, and then he was responding, pressing her to him just as tightly. She pressed her face into his neck, breathing in his robust manly scent. She felt his breath hot in her hair. "You're so beautiful when you smile, Beverly." She could feel much more than just platonic friendship in his touch and his words. And the thought of it thrilled through her. Something splashed her cheek once, then twice. They both looked up, the mood quickly dissipating. "It's raining," she said, turning a bit to look out over the clearing. "Yes, it is." His voice was low and sounded... different. She turned back in his arms. He was looking at her, his gaze so intense that she caught her breath. She shifted a bit in his arms, trying to pull away. "Jean-Luc... we're getting wet." "Yes," he answered and tightened his grip even more. "It feels nice, doesn't it, after all that heat." "Yes, but it's still hot," Beverly murmured as her hands began to move of their own accord across his back. She couldn't help herself -- his pull was so very strong. "I believe the rain will cool everything down soon, though, don't you?" His hands began moving across her back as well. She tilted her head back, feeling the rain on her face. She was soaked through already, her skin cooling down -- except for where her body was pressed against his. "Yes... it's getting cooler..." Like hell. She was burning up inside. "Beverly." She looked at him. "I saw you earlier today standing with an Ilrrthan man. Just like this. Tell me -- were you performing your ambassadorial duties? Or was there something else you were trying to perform?" "Captain, I would like to assure you that I was merely representing the Federation in the manner that was most beneficial for promoting relations between us and the Ilrrthay." "I see." He leaned in and pressed his lips to her throat, and she gasped. "So I assume that you would not have allowed him to do that to you?" She recovered quickly. "Certainly not. I would have offered an embrace and a friendly kiss, as is the custom. I don't remember reading that anymore would be required under those circumstances." She moaned slightly as his lips moved across her neck again. He lifted his head. "A friendly kiss. Yes, I've had to bestow my share of those during this assignment. I must say that I've never been comfortable doing so. I was wondering -- have you managed to return these 'friendly kisses' satisfactorily?" She was a bit breathless. "Yes, I believe I have, Captain." "Really..." His voice rumbled through her, spreading deliciously down her body. "Yes, sir." His arms were still encircling her and she trailed her fingers up and across the back of his neck. The rain fell softly still, whispering across them. She pressed against him and felt him hard against her. She leaned in and whispered against his lips. "Would you like me to demonstrate my technique?" She felt his quick intake of breath, and then his hands move down to the small of her back. "Please, Doctor. I would love a demonstration." He stood there, looking at her and waiting, the rain running down his face and neck. She was almost overcome with a wave of nervousness as she leaned closer and brushed her lips across his. She paused, her lips almost touching his, then touched them again, this time more insistently. He responded instantly, overcoming any trepidation she was feeling. His fingers curled into her hair as his mouth opened over hers. She tilted her head, seeking even deeper contact, and he responded in kind. And then there was nothing but him. The building, the darkening sky, even the rain was forgotten. She could feel nothing else as the kiss went on and on. They broke finally. She felt weak and was glad for the support of his arms. "So that's how it's done," he said softly. "I should have tried that earlier." Her mind was whirling. "Jean-Luc," she whispered. "What's happening here?" He didn't reply. He simply stepped back and said, "Just let me look at you." She stood there mutely while his eyes roamed her body. She glanced down at herself. The white material was clinging to every curve, hiding nothing. She was wearing nothing beneath the white top and she could see with some chagrin that the cool rain and the kiss had had the expected results. Jean-Luc looked anything but chagrined. His eyes were practically caressing her body and she could hear him murmuring something over and over. She took a step toward him. "Beautiful... so beautiful." He was repeating it over and over. She shivered. She'd never had a man look at her like this before. She focused on his chest where the tank top dipped down to reveal the beginnings of his soft hair. His top was clinging just as tightly to him, and she felt her mouth water as she followed the lines of his shapely chest down to his flat abdomen... and even farther down. Oh yes... His shorts clung to his upper thighs and she could just see the curve of his ass from her angle. And the front of the shorts... She knew her mouth was hanging open but she just didn't care. There it was, in its full male glory, outlined by the wet fabric. It was beautiful. She heard herself say it, echoing Jean-Luc's words. She raised her eyes finally and had no doubt of what was about to happen. His answer was obvious on his face. She didn't even have to ask the question. Once again they were in each other's arms. All self-control had fled, and they kissed and suckled and fondled, oblivious to their surroundings. "Jean-Luc," she managed to gasp. "We've got to... go... do something..." "Yes," he murmured, his mouth at her neck and his hand at her breast. "Where?" She managed to pull away and grab his hand. Stumbling slightly, she tugged him toward the trees. The woods were dark but fairly dry. She could hear the rain pattering against the canopy of leaves overhead, but few were making their way to the ground below. Jean-Luc pushed her against the trunk of a giant dina tree and pressed against her. She wrapped a leg around his hips, bringing him even closer as their mouths locked together again. She tilted her hips, bringing her heat against his and ground against him. "Oh God, Beverly..." he moaned. "Do you have any idea how good you feel? How long I've been wanting this?" She pressed against him even harder, rolling her hips, feeling the sensations pounding through her. He lifted her top and began trailing his tongue along her collarbone, then moved down, licking the rain from her body. He circled her breast, moving in ever decreasing circles until he reached her nipple. She moaned as gently, then more quickly, he lapped up the moisture. He tilted his head to look up at her. "You taste so good. I wonder -- do you taste that good everywhere?" She was way past being able to respond coherently. He knelt before her and kissed his way down her belly, down to the waistband of her shorts. A slight tug, and then he was traveling lower. She arched back against the smooth tree trunk and cried out when his tongue found her hot and ready. She gripped his head with both hands as he suckled and stroked, trying to stay upright and afraid that she would fail. Her orgasm overtook her quickly, and she almost sobbed with surprise and pleasure. His strong hands holding her hips were the only things keeping her on her feet. As the spasms subsided, she managed to look down and into his eyes. "Yes," he said, "I was right. In fact, you taste even better." She knelt down, pushing him back until he was lying on the soft wet grass. She could feel her life force pulsing through her, throbbing from deep within, spreading out to the very tips of her fingers and toes. She hadn't felt this alive in a long, long time. With quick, efficient movements, she kicked off her shorts and threw off her top, then just as quickly divested Jean-Luc of his clothing. She paused as she knelt over him, entwining her fingers through his. He was truly magnificent. Of all her former lovers, none could match Jean-Luc in sheer physical beauty. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she was recounting all his other qualities as well. That voice, however, was being drowned out by the screaming of the one that was demanding that she learn this man's attributes on a much more carnal level. She ran her fingers along the tops of his thighs. "Oh, Jean-Luc," she murmured, "do you know how magnificent you are?" She bent and kissed him. And then she lowered herself down, taking him in, gasping as he filled her completely. He was hot and hard and strong and she set a sweet slow rhythm. He gripped her hips and gave himself over to her, allowing her to take the lead. She watched his face as long as she could, watched his ecstasy build until she was too overcome by her own pleasure to watch anymore. The rain increased, hammering against the leaves, but neither of them noticed. She leaned over him, abandoning herself to the sensations as she increased the tempo of her thrusts. She was close... so close... "Jean-Luc..." He opened his eyes. "Are you there, my love?" he whispered, and she could only nod, then whimpered as he stroked her nipple. "I love seeing you like this," he breathed. "Love watching you..." His voice, that voice urging her on pushed her over the edge and she sobbed out a "Yes..." as she felt herself fly apart. She shuddered as she came back together and managed to open her eyes to see Jean-Luc's head tilt back, felt him grip her more firmly as he arched up into her. She gripped him tightly inside. He sighed a long "Yes oh yes" over and over, and she felt him throbbing deep inside her. When his shuddering subsided, she relaxed into his arms, hugging him tightly to her. She couldn't find any words to say, and she knew that it really didn't matter. They lay together, listening to the rain, letting the minutes slip by. --- They emerged from the woods some time later, arms linked. As they trudged past the new monument toward the lights of the village, Beverly heard a stifled giggle. They both stopped as two figures came stumbling toward them. Will shushed the giggling Deanna and stood at attention before them, wavering slightly. "Sir," he intoned, "I was, I mean Deanna and I, we were... we were coming to look for you two. We were getting a little worried when you didn't show up at the party." Deanna nodded solemnly, or attempted to anyway. "Yes, we were." Beverly glanced over at Jean-Luc who was doing his best to look severe. "The doctor and I had some things to discuss. We're just on our way to the celebration now." "Yes, well..." Will paused and stared off into the woods. "I guess since we've found you, I suppose we should be getting back..." Beverly almost laughed aloud at his disappointed expression. "Oh, that's all right, Will," she replied. "The captain and I can find our way there by ourselves. You two go on." She pulled on the captain's arm and they began walking away. "Oh and Deanna," Beverly called over her shoulder. "If you feel the urge to 'become one with nature,' pick a dina tree. The bark is nice and smooth." Only stunned silence answered her. As they passed the monument, they both began to laugh. Jean-Luc stopped and pulled her to him. "There's that beautiful laugh, that smile," he said. "I don't ever want to miss them again." They kissed deeply for a long time. As they moved apart, a raindrop fell onto their clasped hands. --- AUTHOR'S COMMENTS: I'd like to thank De, zoinky, Kate and Tenille for cheering me on as I struggled to write this one. And to The Bevster: thanks for the encouragement and advice! You give great beta, baby! The first line of this one is dedicated to you!