The BLTS Archive - The Answer
third in the Reasons of the Heart universe
by Whoa Nellie (whoa_nellie40@hotmail.com)

---

As always: Paramount owns all the marbles.  We just have a lot more
fun playing with them.

Feedback is always appreciated.

Authors' note: While writing 'Stolen Hearts' our original concept was
to follow up that story with the NC-17 version of  'The Answer.'
However, since 'Stolen Hearts' is a PG-13 story and 'The Answer' is a
sequel to it, we felt it was only fair post both the original NC-17
version and an edited PG-13 version.

---

With her mind reeling, Archaeology Councilmember Vash stood in the
cabin of a shuttle heading back to the Enterprise.  She had spent the
last six weeks on an archaeological dig on Nimbus IV.  Just forty-
eight hours ago, the Romulans invaded the site taking the entire
expedition captive and surrounding the planet with three warbirds.
Jean-Luc had out-maneuvered Starfleet and the Romulans to execute a
rescue.  For his next trick, he had made it abundantly clear to the
Romulan delegation, Klingon delegation, and Starfleet -- in the middle
of the diplomatic conference-- that he would consider any attack on
her as a personal affront.  Vash stared down in astonishment at the
gallant Starfleet officer on bended knee in front of her.  Her hands
trembled slightly in the strong grasp of his.  He was dressed in
civilian clothes, all black, emphasizing his sleek, powerful build.
His masterful voice was a deep, resonating whisper.

"Vash, will you marry me?"

Breaking the spell, Commander Data's voice sounded over the comm,
"Captain, we are approaching the Enterprise.  Admiral Nechayev
requests you return to the cockpit."

Picard's head fell to rest on their clasped hands.  Pressing a
poignant kiss to her small hand, he looked up into her lovely blue
eyes, "Vash?"

"Duty calls."  Vash responded softly with an indulgent smile. "Go,
Jean-Luc. It's all right."

"We'll discuss this later.  I'm not a man to be thwarted easily." He
teased gently.  Standing up, he leaned in, kissed her on the cheek and
spoke low in her ear, "In fact, I have a reputation for being quite
tenacious."

"I'm well aware of your tenacity, mon Capitaine."  Vash retorted,
giving his behind a playful swat.  "Now, go on before the lady admiral
decides to geld you."

"Je t'amie." Picard whispered earnestly, giving her hands a gentle
squeeze before turning around and disappearing into the cockpit.

With her heart pounding, Vash felt as if her knees were about to
buckle under her.  She flopped back down into her chair, emotionally
overwhelmed.  'He just proposed to me.  Jean-Luc Picard just proposed
marriage to me!'  Vash thought in amazement to herself. It wasn't the
proposal itself as much as the timing of the proposal that had taken
her completely off guard.  She caught sight of the graceful lines of
the Enterprise outside the window.  Suddenly feeling incredibly giddy,
she crowed softly, "Home, sweet, home."

--

In the shuttle bay of the Enterprise, Commander Geordi LaForge and
Nurse Alyssa Ogawa approached the shuttle as Admiral Nechayev, Captain
Picard, Commander Riker, Commander Data and Vash walked down the ramp.

"Welcome home, Captain.  I think you'll find everything in order."
Geordi greeted his C.O..

"Thank you, Mr. LaForge"  Picard replied.  He gestured to Riker and
Data behind him and added in a affable tone, "But, tell them.  I'm
still on leave."

"Aye, sir."  Geordi nodded.  Looking over at Vash, he gave her a smile
and extended a hand to help her down from the ramp. "Welcome home,
Vash."

Thank you, Geordi.  It's good to be home."  Vash returned his smile as
she accepted his help stepping off the ramp.  She turned to Ogawa.
"Hello Alyssa."

"Hi, Vash.  Since you've been off ship for six weeks, Dr. Crusher
wants you to report immediately to sickbay for a physical. She
promises it won't take long."  Ogawa replied, sounding apologetic.

"It's okay."  Vash assured her.  She glanced up at Jean-Luc. "It's
better than having to do it in the morning.  I won't be long."

"All right."  Picard agreed, watching as Vash and Nurse Ogawa left for
sickbay.   Good-naturedly, he addressed Riker, Data, and LaForge.
"Gentlemen, I'm still on leave for the next forty-eight hours, which
just happens to be the same amount of time it will take the security
teams to sweep the Nimbus IV site before the archaeology expedition
can return to work.  I do not want to be disturbed, except in a
situation of extreme emergency.  And that means there better be a Borg
cube sitting on our front door step."

"Disturb only in extreme cases, such as Borg cubes. Understood, sir."
Riker acknowledged with a familiar glint in his eyes.  He knew that
was more for the admiral's benefit than his, Data's or Geordi's.  By
the expressions on their faces, Data and Geordi were aware of it as
well.

"Captain,"  Nechayev called.

"Yes, Admiral?"

"We need to discuss security plans for the archaeology expedition.
I'd like to meet with you in your ready room . . .  in forty-nine
hours." Nechayev said with a smile, calling an unspoken truce between
them.  "Enjoy your leave, Jean-Luc."

"Thank you, Admiral."  Picard turned and left for his quarters.

--

In his quarters, Picard dropped his equipment next to his desk.  After
a quick sonic shower and shave, he got ready for bed.  He was relieved
that Vash was back on the Enterprise safe and sound. However, he was
very impatient not only to be alone with her but also to continue a
certain discussion that had been interrupted earlier. Glancing at the
bedroom ceiling, he asked, "Computer, what is the location of
Councilmember Vash?"

"Councilmember Vash is in turbolift 13."

Knowing she would be walking into his quarters in a matter of seconds,
Picard made his way to the bedroom door.  He leaned against the
bedroom doorway looking out into the cabin's main room and waited for
her to come in.  It wasn't a long wait.  As she stepped in the door,
Picard wondered how she managed to look that good in a pair of dusty,
khaki coveralls.  "Nice to be home?"

Hearing the warm timbre of his voice, Vash looked over at Jean-Luc.
Her appreciative gaze traveled over the masculine power of Jean-Luc's
body.  His short, grey pajamas emphasized the tightly, corded muscles
of his arms and legs.  The open V of the neckline allowed for a
tempting view of the coarse hair on his muscular chest. Despite his
outward appearance of casualness, Vash saw the intensity in his steel
grey eyes.  The emotions emanating from his eyes caused her heart to
skip a beat.  "Nice doesn't even begin to cover it."

"I missed you."  He confessed in a low, bedroom baritone.

"I missed you too." Vash replied as she slowly sauntered across the
room toward him.  She stopped to stand right in front of him, staring
into his eyes.  Reaching up with her right hand, she leisurely trailed
her index finger down over the hard bulge of his bicep and cooed
seductively, "In fact, I could hardly wait to get home to you and your
nice . . . big . . ."

"Bathtub."  She finished with an impish chirp, giggling as she darted
around him.  She heard his deep, masculine chuckle as she made a
beeline for the quarter's enormous bathtub.  As she drew her bath, the
subtle jasmine scent of her bubblebath and bath oil wafted through the
quarters.  Vash had the computer lower the light in the bathroom to a
candlelit glow and begin playing soft romantic music.

"Would mademoiselle like something to drink while she is in the bath?"
He offered, leaning against the bedroom doorway.

"If mon Capitaine brings her something French with bubbles in it while
she takes a bath, mademoiselle will even let him watch." Vash called
out playfully over the running water.  She climbed in the tub and
gratefully sank into the copious bubbles.  Using a rolled up towel as
a pillow, she laid her head back and closed her eyes.

'Mon Dieu, she is certainly in a mood.'  Picard couldn't help but
laugh to himself as he went to get her a glass of French champagne.
He had once told Will that Vash perpetually behaved as if she were in
the catbird seat, regardless of whether or not she actually was.  With
his unanswered proposal hanging in the air, he realized that he had
essentially given her an engraved invitation to make herself
comfortable.

As he stood in the bathroom door, Picard found himself mesmerized by
the sight of Vash reclining in the large tub nearly overflowing with
bubbles. His gaze slowly poured over her, her wet hair dark against
the towel, the delicate features of her face and the tranquil smile
she wore on her rose petal lips.

His throat ached with longing as he watched a droplet of water fall
from her hair to run down the graceful lines of her neck and past the
feminine curve of her shoulders to disappear into the luxuriant, white
foam lapping at the top curves of her breasts.  Her eyes fluttered
open to look up at him.  Kneeling next to the tub, he gave her his
most suave smile as he handed her the goblet, "Mademoiselle's
champagne."

"Merci, mon Capitaine."  Vash gushed, coyly looking up at him through
her lashes as she accepted the crystal champagne flute. Taking a sip,
she held one long, shapely leg out of the water and watched the
bubbles slide down her smooth skin.  She reveled in the open look of
lust that crossed Jean-Luc's face.  As he stared transfixed, she
repeated the procedure with the other leg and pondered the idea that
she was enjoying having 'Captain Heroic' on his knees a little too
much.  'Nah, it's good for him.'  She decided, noticing that he had
picked up the loofah sponge laying on the edge of the tub and was
lathering it with soap.  Sitting up as he began gently caressing her
skin with the soft sponge, she asked mischievously, "Did you really
run Sir Guy through with your broadsword?"

The sight of the rich, froth enveloping her ivory, satin skin and the
feminine curves of her nude body was wreaking havoc with his ability
to concentrate.  Picard side-stepped the issue, "He wasn't real,
chere."

"That's not an answer."  Vash teased gently as she felt the smooth
strokes of the sponge on the back of her neck.  She felt like purring
when he moved the sponge down to leisurely caress every inch of her
back.  Sipping her champagne, she relaxed under the soft sensation of
the sponge, feeling utterly adored and cherished by the man bathing
her.  Nevertheless, he wasn't getting off the hook that easily though.
After all, this was an issue of vanity. "Did you or did you not run
Sir Guy through with a broadsword while dueling with him over me?"

Reaching around with the sponge, Picard softly ran the sponge down the
column of her throat.  With a slightly guilty expression, he laid down
the sponge and admitted "I did."

Setting aside the now empty champagne flute, Vash took Jean- Luc's
face in her hands and pressed her lips to his in a sweet, lingering
kiss.  With feigned breathless naiveté, she cooed, "My valiant
champion.  I guess Sovak got off easy with only a broken nose."

"I punched the little troll in the face, but I did not break his nose.
And even if I had, with a Ferengi how could you tell?" Picard insisted
with a chuckle.

"You have a point."  She giggled, shifting around in the tub so that
the back of her head was facing him.

Obeying the implicit command, Picard picked up the nearby shampoo
bottle. As he lathered shampoo in her hair, he enjoyed the feel of the
silken locks through his fingers.  Several things had become obvious
to Picard since they had returned to the Enterprise. First, at the
moment, Vash wanted to indulge herself in every luxury afforded to her
by life on a Sovereign class starship. After spending six weeks in the
field, that was understandable.  Second, the love of his life was in a
very playful and mischievous mood.  This meant she wasn't going to
make anything easy for him and that he would have to redirect the
conversation back on the path he wanted.  'Well, Picard . . . screw
your courage to the sticking-place and get on with it, man!' He
admonished himself firmly.  Gently tilting her head back so he could
rinse the shampoo from her hair, he began, "Chere, . . ."

"As soon as I get out of the tub, I intend to make myself thoroughly
presentable - for the first time in six weeks."  Vash told him as she
sat up. "Jean-Luc, be a dear and get us some more champagne.  I'll
meet you in the front room."

He thought she looked perfectly presentable in nothing but bubbles.
However, he knew better than to suggest that.  Picking up her empty
goblet, he replied, "Of course, petite amie."

--

Taking his cue from the ambience Vash had set in the bathroom, Picard
instructed the computer to lower the lights and play the same, soft,
romantic music throughout the quarters.  After refilling her champagne
glass, he poured himself a glass of champagne as well.  He placed the
bottle back in a silver ice-bucket on the dining table.

"Have I kept you waiting?"  A soft, seductive, feminine voice came
from behind him.

Picard turned to see Vash standing poised in the bedroom doorway.  Her
brunette hair gently cascaded to her shoulders, perfectly framing her
lovely face.   The full-length peignoir made of vivid turquoise
charmeuse intensified the color of her blue eyes.  The opulent robe
had long bishop sleeves and was trimmed with lace and sequins.  The
robe hung open, displaying the negligee beneath.  A sumptuous amount
of her décolletage' spilled over the plunging scoop neckline of the
negligee, only thin spaghetti straps prevented the rest from escaping.
The negligee's lustrous satin skimmed the feminine curves of her
silhouette to fall into sweeping folds around her legs.  Quietly, he
marveled, "Mon Dieu, tu es beau."

"Merci, Monsieur Picard."  Vash cooed, gazing up at him flirtatiously
through her lashes.  She leisurely strolled toward him, savoring the
way the luxurious satin of the negligee's full skirt swirled around
her legs with each step. Pressing herself against him, she molded the
soft curves of her body to his hard, lean one.  Her hands drifted up
over his bulging biceps to rest on his broad shoulders.  With her lips
just a hairsbreadth from his, she inquired, "So, where were we?"

"I asked you to marry me."  Picard rasped as her lips brushed his.
The caress of Vash's lush lips against his was his undoing.  His mouth
captured hers in a passionately, ravenous kiss.  Wrapping his arms
around her, he pulled her delicate frame tightly against him. His
tongue plunged past her parted lips, decisively claiming everything in
its path.  He slid his mouth from hers, moving to explore the soft
skin of her neck.  As he nuzzled the skin under her earlobe, he
murmured, "Will you marry me?"  He heard Vash sigh softly as her head
rolled back.  Taking advantage of her bared throat, he placed heated
kisses over the sensitive area and murmured into the softness, "come
live with me. . . "  Feeling her rapid pulse against his lips, he
flicked his tongue against the pulse point briskly.  ". . . and be my
love."

He delighted in the ragged sound her breath made as she inhaled
sharply. The sight of her lush cleavage threatening to overwhelm the
satin confines of her turquoise negligee drew his attention.  "And we
will all the pleasures prove."

"Oh Jean-Luc," Vash moaned, reeling from the exquisite sensations
flooding over her, she felt as if every bone in her body had melted.
The timbre of his bedroom baritone reverberated against her tender
skin sending shivers of desire racing along her spine.  Her body felt
like it was made just for this man and the pleasure he could bring
her.  His lips claimed hers in a fiercely demanding kiss.  She wanted
more and deepened the kiss, nudging her tongue past his in her own
erotic search of his mouth.  Breaking the kiss, she implored him in a
seductive whisper, "Make love to me."

Effortlessly, Picard swept Vash up and carried her to the bedroom, the
sensuous material of her peignoir spilling over his arms.

Many long moments later, Vash lay snuggled up next to Jean-Luc on the
bed.

Her hands trailed through the curly hair on his chest.  "Ohhh my!  I
have to admit, I missed that considerably more than the bathtub."

"I'm delighted to hear that, chere."  Picard retorted with a rueful
chuckle.

With her cheek resting on his chest, Vash lightly trailed her fingers
over the sculpted muscles of his upper arm.  While she was gone, she
realized just how accustomed she had become to his ever- present love
and protection.  She knew she never wanted to be without the security
those strong arms offered her.  Dropping a kiss on his sweat-dampened
chest, she said, simply, "Yes, Jean-Luc Picard.  I will marry you."

With his heart pounding in his chest, Picard prayed that he had heard
her right.  Propping himself up on one elbow, he looked down at her to
search her lovely face for reassurance.  His voice was barely audible.
"Yes?"

"Yes."  Vash whispered resolutely.  Her eyes drifted shut as Jean-Luc
lowered his face to hers.  Her lips trembled as his lips brushed over
hers before claiming them in a gentle, but passionate kiss.  When he
broke the kiss, she smiled up at him serenely, "Je t'aime."

"Je t'aime."  Picard echoed softly.  Slipping his arm out from beneath
her, he sat up.  Patting her hip, he told her, "Wait here a moment,
petite amie. I have something for you."

Vash watched as Jean-Luc put back on his short, grey pajamas and
disappeared into the outer room of the quarters.  After slipping back
into her negligee, Vash lounged on the bed enjoying the way the
luxurious satin of the negligee felt against her skin.

"Close your eyes."  His voice prompted from the other room.

"All right."  She sighed.

"Are they really closed, Vash?"  He inquired teasingly.

"They are now."  Vash laughed,actually closing her eyes this time.

Stopping to stand in front of the bed, Picard found himself captivated
by the sight.  Vash was gracefully stretched out on the bed like
Cleopatra on a golden litter with the satin of her nightgown softly
veiling her feminine silhouette.  Sitting on the bed next to her, he
held the item in front of her. "All right, chere.  You can open your
eyes."

Opening her eyes, Vash stared down in astonishment at the resplendent
engagement ring.  The center stone of the platinum ring was a one
carat, flawless, white diamond.  On either side was a quarter carat
white diamond, each equally flawless.  Her eyes welled up with tears
and there was a tremor in her voice as she held out her left hand.
"Jean-Luc, it's gorgeous.  It's the most beautiful ring I've ever
seen."

As he slipped the ring on her finger, he told her, "I had been
planning for weeks to propose to you over dinner once you got back.  I
had the ring custom-made at Cartier.  I have all the paperwork, so if
there is something you want to change . . . a larger stone perhaps?"

"Larger stone?  Johnny, I'll need a security detail to wear this rock
off-ship as is."  She giggled brushing a stay tear from her cheek.

"A consideration that is inconsequential.  Due to the fact that from
now on you will not be leaving the ship without a security officer."
Picard stated as he gazed at her expectantly.   When the anticipated
outburst did not occur, he asked warily, "No argument?"

"I had resigned myself to that little fact of life when I first caught
sight of the Romulan soldiers."  Vash admitted with a sigh of
exasperation.

"And Vash,"  Picard decided to nip a potential debate in the bud.
"Doctor Crusher and Counselor Troi are not security officers. They
don't count."

Although she already knew the answer, she inquired playfully, "What
about that hulking Bolian officer who you had  shadow me all through
our last visit to Deep Space 7?"

"He counts."  Picard replied succinctly.

Studying the sparkle of her newest bauble, she baited him
flirtatiously, "Johnny, you do know we're going to have to indulge in
a little revisionist history here.  We can't exactly tell our future
children that their father got - up - on his knees to propose."

"Now, I got down on one knee and proposed on the shuttle after
rescuing you from the Romulans.  It is not my fault, mademoiselle,
that you waited until I had you on your back before you accepted."
Picard chided her, chuckling.

"Jean-LUC Picard!"  Vash exclaimed as she grabbed one of their large
bed pillows.  Swinging the pillow at him full force, she sent him
sprawling onto his back.

Laughing, Picard yanked hard on the pillow pulling Vash down onto his
chest giggling with delight.  He finally calmed her giggles by
capturing her lips with his in a passionate kiss.  Breaking the kiss,
he vowed softly. "I promise that I will make you happy."

"You already have."

--

continued in the fourth story in the Reasons of The Heart universe
'The Specter of The Enterprise'