| Released November 19th, 2008 The Road to There by Missbevcrusher Enventually rated [R] Chapter 5 The first time Jean-Luc realized that there was indeed the beginning of a friendship forming between he and Beverly was just two weeks after their evening at O�Callaghan�s Pub. They�d made great progress as a team and could now work seamlessly with one another. Their efforts had been enough to convince Commander Perry that they had indeed learnt their lesson. In fact, he�d kept them after class to inform them that they were now free to pair up with the person of their choosing for their next assignment. As the two had exited the class and had started toward their respective locker rooms, Beverly turned around. �Jean-Luc, wait.� Curious, he waited. In a manner that seemed borderline shy, a small smile appeared on her face. �If you don�t have a partner for sit-ups tomorrow� well�� She gave a small chuckle and averted her gaze. Jean-Luc was pleasantly puzzled by this change between them. So without the slightest hint of amusement or teasing, he gave her a genuine smile and said, �Looking forward to it.� The unexpected swarming of butterflies that seemed to invade her insides took Beverly aback. She hadn�t expected this sudden urge to ask him to pair up with her again. What�s going on with you, Bev? After she�d disappeared in the girl�s locker room, Jean-Luc remained in the corridor for a few seconds more. This voluntary step toward him had been enough to convince him that they�d made more progress than he�d realized. At that moment, he was glad he hadn�t given up on getting to know her after their first couple of disastrous meetings. * * * * One night, while the two were playing a game of pool, Picard finally felt compelled to ask, �Why is it that you continue to call me Jean-Luc while everyone else just goes with Johnny?� Beverly looked up from her pool stick which was already carefully positioned to get the cue ball to knock the stubborn number eight to the corner pocket. �Because I like your name.� The smile that accompanied her words filled Jean-Luc with sudden warmth. How profoundly she could affect him with so little. It amazed him still. At times, he suspected she had feelings for him, too. Not by anything outwardly obvious, but rather by the subtleties in her eyes, in her smile when she looked at him. Her sense of humor, he quickly came to find out, was as fierce as anything he�d ever seen. He�d been right about her all along. The multi-faceted personality she had was something that she openly shared with her friends but tempered whenever she was around people she didn�t know. Two pool tables away, a loud ruckus of laughter could be heard as the rest of the gang were engrossed in a silly contest to see who could shoot all the balls in the pockets the fastest. Of course, out of everybody, Valerie was the loudest. When she finished with a better time than Corey, she let out a small yell of victory as she pointed at him. �Try to beat that.� From across the room, Jean-Luc laughed quietly as he observed the commotion. �Is she always so�� �Rowdy? Yes, she is.� Beverly laughed as she straightened up. �I missed. It�s your turn.� �Now I�ll show you how it�s done.� With raised eyebrows, the redhead shot him a look that read, �we�ll see about that�. He leaned forward and analyzed his shot carefully before proceeding. From a bar stool on the sidelines, Beverly hoped that he would miss. But alas, the number eight ball glided with lightning speed toward the corner pocket where it twirled around the rim a few times before finally falling in. The gloating grin he shot her was enough to make the med student roll her eyes. �Okay, you�re good at pool. I get it. Is there anything you�re not good at?� �Spelling,� he answered, deadpan. Beverly descended from her perch on the bar stool and handed him her pool cue. �Well, Mister Hotshot, why don�t you make yourself useful and go put this on the rack.� He chuckled. �Yes, ma�am.� Once the pool cues were back on the wall, Jean-Luc turned to see Beverly looking at her watch. �You�re gonna call it a night?� he asked. �Yeah, I should really start heading back.� �I�ll walk you home.� �Oh, you don�t have to. Stay with your friends, have fun.� He smiled, �Nah, that�s okay. I have a lot to do tomorrow so I could use an early turn in.� Of course that wasn�t entirely true, but any excuse to spend time alone with her was worth it. �I�ll let the others know we�re leaving.� Jean-Luc watched from afar as Beverly went to do just that. While she spoke to Valerie, something happened that left him wondering. Valerie shot a look in his direction, and then back at her friend as she smiled mischievously. In turn, Beverly reacted with what seemed like a warning glare. Picard was not only intrigued, but amused as well. �What was all that about?� he asked as the redhead walked past him. �Don�t mind her. She just loves to get under my skin at times.� He laughed as he followed her out the door. The two walked in silence for some time. The air was warm, a soft breeze tickling the sides of their faces. From time to time, Jean-Luc would glance sideways at Beverly. Her hair had been gathered in a low ponytail at the base of her neck, leaving the strands that fell around her face to move slightly in the night air. Finally, Picard looked toward the sky. He marveled at the clarity of the black, star-filled heavens. Since the progress of the past few centuries regarding air quality in Earth�s atmosphere, gone were the days of smog. Only the shimmering lights of the city now stood as a slight hindrance to the spectacle above, but it made it no less wondrous. �Orion�s belt�� Beverly looked at her companion and smiled. �What was that?� He pointed upward. �Orion�s belt, my favorite constellation.� Jean-Luc pointed to the beautiful formation. �I see� it is beautiful.� �When I was little, I used to look up at it all the time.� �And dream of a life in Starfleet?� she teased. �Yes.� Beverly�s teasing expression vanished as that thought warmed her. �How was it? Growing up in France?� Jean-Luc shrugged. �It had its ups and downs. I grew up on a vineyard, very picturesque, very�� he searched for the right words. ��stuck in time� You see my father�� Beverly noticed his demeanor change ever so slightly. There was a lot of pain there. That much was obvious. Patiently, she waited for him to continue. ��he�s very set in his ways. Wants nothing to do with any of the technological advancements that have been made these past centuries. To him, bowing to modern conveniences is the same as losing our values.� �He mustn�t have been pleased by your choice of careers then.� �No, he wasn�t. And neither was my brother. In fact, the two have barely spoken to me since I enrolled.� �That�s too bad.� �I feel bad for my mother mostly. This feud has cost us a lot in recent years and she wants nothing more than to keep her family together.� �You�re really close with her?� �I am� unfortunately with all the tensions at home, I don�t exactly feel as though it�s a good idea to go back right now.� �She must miss you.� �We keep in touch, correspond a lot.� �I�m sure that�s not the same as seeing you in person.� �No, it isn�t.� He now wanted to shift the focus away from his own problems, so he asked, �What about you? Where did you grow up?� �Several places,� she answered. �I was born on Luna. My parents were scientists. When I was three, they were killed when their research vessel was caught in an ion storm. The only other relative I had left was my grandmother from my dad�s side. She took me in and raised me.� Beverly�s thoughts seemed to wander as her gaze became lost into nothingness before her. Jean-Luc could see that there was something bothering her but he remained silent. If she ever chose to open up to him, he�d listen attentively, but he wouldn�t push. In any case, he marveled at the turnaround. Not too long ago, she wouldn�t give him the time of day and now here they were, having a nice casual chat, like friends. Before heading toward their respective dorm rooms, Beverly gave him an enigmatic smile, almost shy in its quality. He was blown away by it, wondered what was hidden behind its beauty. Perhaps something was developing between them after all. * * * * �How the hell can you make heads or tails of this, Bev?� Valerie frowned as she rotated the padd several times over in an attempt at trying to better decipher the anatomy diagram of a Cresellian. �Simple.� Beverly smiled and snatched the padd away from her friend. �I studied it.� Symes sat further back in her chair. After class, the mess hall often turned into a more popular version of study hall. Many upper-class cadets came here to get a start on their homework as well as hang out with their friends over dinner. �So how are you finding combat class nowadays?� �It�s alright.� Although Beverly had answered casually with her attention still focused on her studies, Valerie sensed the change within her friend. �You and Johnny seem to be getting along quite nicely now.� The only response that elicited was a brief unreadable glance from her friend. �If I didn�t know any better�� That got Beverly�s full attention. She looked up and eyed her roommate, who now had a knowing smile on her face. �What?� Valerie leaned forward and spoke in a discrete voice. �If I didn�t know any better�� she repeated, ��I�d say that you�re starting to have feelings for him.� �No, uh-uh, definitely not true. I don�t know where you get your ideas, but you�re wrong.� �Come on, I know you better than anyone else around here. Somewhere along the way, you started to change your mind about him.� The redhead remained silent, her challenging stare unwavering. �There�s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Johnny�s a great guy.� �That�s enough, Val.� Beverly tried to sound all serious but her attempt fell short. Symes bowed to her friend�s wishes and refrained from adding another remark. The impish look in her eyes, however, did not fade as she picked up an apple from the table top and took a bite. * * * * Sparring examinations were coming up and most of the cadets in Commander Perry�s class were somewhat nervous about it. The commander was a very demanding instructor and he�d come down hard on quite a few exemplary students since the beginning of the year. Jean-Luc had immediately picked up on Beverly�s apprehension and had offered to train with her after class so that they could fine-tune their techniques. The gym was empty when he got there, the late afternoon sun poured through the large windows that faced the west. While he waited for his classmate to join him, the cadet started with some light warm-ups. He was just about done with leg stretches when he heard, �Sorry.� Beverly rushed through the doors, still in the process of tying her long hair into a knot. Picard smiled. �That�s alright.� The two quickly went through the rest of their warm-ups and then got into sparring positions. �Now tell me,� he asked, �what are you most worried about?� �My timing. At times it�s spot on but with frustrating regularity I get it all wrong too.� �I think you might be a bit too hard on yourself. Your timing is better than most. Nevertheless, let�s do a few rounds to see.� Both overachievers in their own rights, Jean-Luc and Beverly�s focus was something to be envied. The two proceeded with a series of attack combinations with cleverly thought up defense and counter techniques. At one point, the redhead�s attack was so well executed and disguised amid a few feints that it threw her opponent completely off and he failed to block properly. Luckily for him, Beverly�s control caused her to stop her attack just before it would have connected. Jean-Luc smiled. �Perfect.� The med student could clearly see his impressed demeanor and it served to ease her nerves somewhat. In the warm light, his features seemed even more incredibly attractive than usual. His light brown hair shimmered as he passed his hand through it. At that moment, Beverly�s heart rate started to increase. Oh, no� This seemingly growing attraction she had toward him was something of an annoyance to her. Despite having done a 180 and willingly formed a friendship with him, that by no means meant that she was willing to accept what her heart was slowly starting to nag her about, which was that Jean-Luc Picard had been right all along and that he would slowly win her over. She couldn�t exactly pinpoint the reason why she resisted, but she suspected it was because she�d always been someone who wanted to control her own destiny. In other words, she�d blatantly told him several times over that he never stood a chance with her, a fact that she herself had been convinced of. Until now. With forceful determination, Beverly tried to shake the pull he had on her. �Okay, let�s try it one more time. And this time, you better be ready,� she teased. Their eye contact was fierce during this next sparring match. Jean-Luc had expected for her to start with a punch like she often did, but he couldn�t have been more wrong. Beverly judged her timing perfectly and engaged him with a front kick. He managed to block it but barely. If she�d ended her attack just then, he would have been okay, but she didn�t. With the same foot that was extended forward for the front kick, she pulled back slightly but just as soon shifted her hips so that she could continue with a roundhouse kick to the side of his face. If Jean-Luc had been on his game, he�d surely have been able to at least dodge it. Instead he blundered and for some reason leaned right into it. His lapse in concentration prevented her from fully stopping short of contact and so he basically got kicked on the cheek. �Ow!� Stumbling backward, it took everything he had to remain upright. Beverly�s eyes went wide as she gasped and covered her mouth with both of her hands. It took about two seconds for the med student to get over her shock and approach him. �Jean-Luc, are you alright?� Out of concern, she grabbed his face and tried to assess him. �Look at me.� Still seeing stars, Picard blinked hard a few times until finally he opened his eyes and met hers. Fortunately, she�d controlled her attack enough so that he wasn�t hit full force. Quickly, he started to regain his senses. The concern in her sapphire eyes touched him as she tried to make sure he was okay. �How�s your vision?� �Couldn�t be better.� He managed a smile as he got lost in her gaze. Beverly sensed the sudden electricity that had taken form between them. It left her unsure of what to do at first, so she remained frozen in place, her breath coming out in small tremors. Jean-Luc�s expression softened as his gaze started to slowly glide from her eyes to the delicate line of her jaw and finally to her mouth. She seemed to mirror his silent longing. And it was at that moment that he took the initiative and leaned forward. Without an ounce of thought as to what was happening, Beverly tilted her head sideways so that his lips could meet hers more easily. The kiss was soft, sweet, and it left them both breathless. His lips moved against hers, and in return she accepted and matched his gentle exploration. His hands sought out her waist and he pulled her closer still. Helpless� that�s what Beverly felt in that moment, for she was falling for him and it seemed there was nothing she could do about it. A part of her wanted to fully accept this and perhaps move forward with him, but another part, the one that many people called her unrelenting stubbornness, refused to believe that she was at the mercy of her heart�s whims. Less than a few weeks prior, she couldn�t even stand the guy, and now here she stood in his arms, kissing him with a longing she hadn�t thought possible. Finally, her mind got the upper hand on her heart and she pulled back slightly. �I�m sorry.� Unable to keep eye contact, she looked down. �Beverly.� He�d said her name in such a tender way that she had no choice but to look up at him. Jean-Luc�s hazel eyes were filled with warmth as he brought the back of his hand to her jaw and brushed it lightly. �You can�t imagine how far I�ve fallen for you�� His admission caused her to experience a wave of small shivers that ran through her body and she began to wonder how he could turn her into mush so easily. Her mind kept screaming at her that she wasn�t ready for this. She wasn�t ready to accept the fact that she had no control over whom she fell for. Furthermore, there was one lingering suspicion that always surfaced whenever she caught him looking at her. And it was one she could not ignore. When she felt his hand caress her cheek, her eyes fell heavily and she sighed. �Jean-Luc� we can�t�� �Why not?� he whispered. �Because�� Picard chuckled in disappointment, his eyes momentarily darting down and back up again. �That�s a really original explanation.� �That�s not exactly fair.� She could have easily spoken out of anger, but instead her delivery was still gentle. �You�re right, I�m sorry. It�s just that� you and me� damn I just can�t seem to get the idea out of my head, you know?� �Are you sure it�s the idea of us? Or rather the idea of having what you can�t have?� It was a question she�d been afraid to ask, but could not in good conscience avoid. �Do you really think that�s all this is?� Her next response was accompanied by a soft laugh. �Oh, come on. You can�t deny you don�t like a good challenge.� She crossed her arms. �Is that what I am? A challenge?� �Now which one of us is not being fair?� �It�s a perfectly valid question. Afraid to answer it?� �No.� His answer was sharp but his eyes held no anger. �Okay, then� I�m waiting. And don�t you dare lie to me.� The spell now broken, the redhead stood there, her expression serious. His posture seemed to lose some of its confidence as he took a breath. �Alright� I admit it. I thought you were a challenge�� �I knew it.� She cut him off and gave him a disappointed look before she turned and started to walk away. �At first! But things quickly changed. I slowly got to know you and I swear� I do have genuine feelings for you.� She stopped and looked over her shoulder. �I don�t have time for games.� �This isn�t a game. You�ve got to believe me.� �I�d really like to, but you do have quite a reputation. I just can�t take that chance. Thanks for helping me with my training.� �I can�t believe this.� There was another brief moment of eye contact, and then it was over when she turned and left. Once he was alone, Jean-Luc�s frustration culminated and he snapped at both himself for his blunder and at her for getting under his skin like she had. �Dammit.� * * * * Beverly picked at her salad without much enthusiasm. She couldn�t eat. Her stomach was in knots, as it had been since the day before, when he�d kissed her and she�d kissed him back. This is so screwed up� She was upset. Upset because she had been right about him. Hell, she�d been wrong on many other aspects of him, why couldn�t she have been wrong about that one also? Since when do I like to be wrong? The fact that he�d been right about winning her over had irritated her and now the fact that she�d been right about his motivations aggravated her even more. Damn you, Jean-Luc Picard. Thanks to you I make no sense whatsoever. Combat class had been nothing short of hell for her that morning and it hadn�t been because of her sparring examination. No, in fact, she�d aced that one. Rather it had been the awkwardness between the two of them. They hadn�t spoken and hadn�t made eye contact once during class. A cold spell was now fully entrenched between them and it was unsettling. Had she overreacted? Hell no. The pull he had on her was so intense it was borderline incomprehensible. Her attraction to him strong enough that she knew it would leave her open to deep wounds in the off chance that he was indeed only after the thrill of the chase. It was a risk she couldn�t take. But at the same time� Could Jean-Luc really hurt her so? She had a hard time believing that, and yet� The sounds of the cadets that filled the tables around her did little to extract her from the melee of contradicting thoughts that filled her. Only one thing that could have pulled her from the depths of her own mind and it chose that exact moment to enter the mess hall. Beverly�s breath caught in her chest as Jean-Luc scanned the room and saw her. The hurt she saw in his eyes made her doubt herself even more. Yeah, she felt like shit. But then again, this is not all my fault. Jean-Luc averted his gaze from hers and headed toward one of the replicators that lined the wall. He put in his order and a tray of food appeared. He�d gotten the message loud and clear. Beverly had not changed her mind about him after all. He couldn�t really blame her, for she�d been right to some extent. But then truths change, people change, and he�d developed genuine affection toward her since they first started to cultivate a friendship. But dammit things were complicated, she was complicated. And he was a mess because of it. How could she have such a profound effect on him? Never before had a girl managed to turn things so topsy-turvy, especially a girl with whom he�d never actually been in a relationship with. Aggravated, that�s what he felt like. He was aggravated with himself as well as with her. She�s so pig-headed. I was telling the truth, dammit. But could he really blame her? Perhaps not� From afar, Beverly watched him stand there with his tray of food. At first, he seemed lost, unsure of what to do. Finally, he headed for a deserted table and sat down. He didn�t look at her after that. Saddened by the whole situation, the redhead turned her attention back to her plate. Ugh, I can�t eat this� The only thing she wanted to do was to get out of there. And so she got up. �Where are you going, Bev?� Valerie said as she went to set her tray on the table. �I�m not feeling very well. I�m just going to head to the lab early to work on this biology assignment.� �Okay. I�ll see you later then.� Symes watched her friend leave and frowned. �What�s the matter with Beverly?� asked Danielle as she sat down. �Not sure,� Valerie answered. But I have an idea� continue to chapter 6 library |