The BLTS Archive - Other Obligations
by JacobedRose (djfogh@sbcglobal.net)

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Published: 07-17-05 - Updated: 07-17-05

Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek. Spoilers for "Haven".

Just a thought I had the afternoon after seeing the episode.

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"He has other obligations, Mother," Deanna interrupted abruptly.

Will's expression turned from shocked to surprised to a delighted
irritating grin that Deanna found both frustrating and exciting. Her
mother's amusement at this she found only annoying though. She was
sure she was blushing by the time her mother stepped onto the
transporter pad.

"Why in the universe did I speak so fast?"Deanna scolded herself. "If
only I could keep my mouth shut!"

A few minutes later, the three senior officers bordered a turbolift.
"Bridge," the Captain ordered, still angry over the Ambassador's less
than appropriate joke. Remembering the Captain's face as her mother
beamed out, she didn't have to be an empath to guess what he was
thinking.

"Deck 10," Will added, trying unsuccessfully to hide that impish grin.
Deanna kept her eyes firmly on the wall ahead, though she continued to
sense the emotions of the other two.

She was not able to keep her eyes on the turbolift wall any longer
when Captain Picard whirled on his first officer. "I don't know what
you think is so funny, Number One!"

Will's grin disappeared for a fraction of a second as he tried to
cover it with a cough. "Nothing, Sir. I was just contemplating."

The Captain turned back to the turbolift door, accepting he was not
going to get a better answer. Will turned back to his grinning now at
Deanna.

"Counselor, is that how all Betazoid weddings are carried out?"
Captain Picard asked.

"No, Captain," Deanna answered. "Besides, even if it were, I'm sure
Mother would have found a way to make it unique."

"Yes, she seems to have a personality all her own," Will added with a
look that showed his amusement.

"So may I assume you will be staying with us now, Counselor?" Picard
asked, eager to change the subject.

"Unless you are bonded to someone else?" Will teased, but Deanna could
sense his apprehension and hurt.

"Yes, I will be staying, if that's all right with you, Captain,"
Deanna answered.

"You have to admit it would have been a very interesting wedding,"
Will added helpfully.

Deanna sent, "You better cut it out."in his general direction,
wondering exactly how well they could communicate that way. Will's
grin grew. "Pretty well, I guess," she thought as her frustration
grew.

The turbolift stopped on the bridge. "I guess I'll leave you two to
whatever has you so engaged," the Captain commented dryly, not
bothering to look back.

Deanna's mouth hung open as the turbolift doors closed, mortified.

If it was possible, Will's grin grew even larger as he leaned back on
the turbolift wall. "So, what was that all about?"

Deanna clamped her jaw shut. "Well, I hope you're satisfied," she
began, though she could already sense he was. "The Captain probably
thinks . . "

"Well, it would be pretty hard to miss the way you were acting," Will
interrupted.

Deanna had to hide her shocked amusement. "The way I was acting? You
were the one grinning the whole time."

Will faked hurt. "You're dodging my question. You seemed pretty
definite back in the transporter room."

Deanna lifted her chin as she turned back to the turbolift wall. "I
don't know what you're talking about."

"A huh," Will added simply.

"Don't you start," she thought in his direction.

The turbolift stopped on Deck 10 and the two got out, heading for Ten
Foreword in companionable silence. Finding their usual table, they
were soon joined by a waiter. They both ordered a sundae.

"So you okay?" Will asked. "I mean about Wyatt?"

"Yeah, I think so. I mean I hadn't thought about the bond in years and
then he shows up. I always knew it would happen, but he's happiest
with the Tarellians. He's doing what he wanted to do, cure people."

"So what does that mean for us?"

"I don't know, Imzadi, that's always been the question before us."

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The End