Parterre: In Between

Author: Psycha
Codes: T, R
Rating: K+ (to be upped along the way)
Timeframe: just after The Nth Degree, two weeks after Parterre
Disclaimer: It's all fun and games until someone gets paid… which I'm not.
Author's Note: I promised the next Parterre installment around Christmas. This isn't it, sorry. I hope this brief, three (or maybe four) chapter story, will tie you guys over for a bit until I get more of the actual story written out (so far it's just a bunch of stand-alone scenes that need to be tied together). Enjoy!

Summary: Two weeks ago Deanna and Beverly stood on the threshold of a new relationship, but the doctor backed away. Now the situation is starting to demand its toll from the counselor, and what was supposed to be a relaxing poker game turns into something much more.

Time cools, time clarifies; no mood can be maintained
quite unaltered through the course of hours.
Mark Twain

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Part One: A friendly face
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Deanna Troi stomped through the corridors of the Enterprise D. Though normally not one to show her emotions – least of all the kind she was experiencing now – her control came up short this day. For the last three hours she'd been counseling a certain crewmember who struggled to deal with their latest mission. Her 'date' with Reginald Barclay earlier that day had been a nice change of pace, but couldn't replace the psychological help and support the engineer needed.

That alone wasn't the main cause of her current mood. No, that particular honor went to a certain redhead. As soon as she'd realized that her feelings for Beverly were no longer just friendly, she'd been perfectly aware those feelings might not be returned or appreciated.

They'd been so close to crossing the line just two short weeks ago. She could still feel the woman's lips on hers and found herself struggling to maintain the easygoing attitude she'd resigned herself to. To make matters worse, whatever had happened that night had created a bond between them. It was nothing like the one she once shared with Will Riker and its nature still eluded her.

What didn't elude her, were Beverly's feelings. Night or day, she could sense the doctor. Even her dreams were haunted by what she sensed through this new bond and it was driving her crazy. Never before had she been in a situation like this one. In love with someone who shared her feelings, but who wouldn't act on them.

It amazed her that they could still work together professionally. The redhead's anxiety around her was almost painful and her own frustration grew each day. She had to do something, but what?

"Hey Dea, wait up!" Though she didn't feel like it, she held her step and allowed Will to catch up with her. "Did you meet the captain's guest?"

Smiling a welcome she briefly studied his face. Keen interest and amusement tickled her mind, tinged by just a little surprise and attraction. "Vash?"

"Yeah," he stroked his beard as they rounded another corner. It made her feel old to remember him without one. Fresh faced and eager. He never took no for an answer. Perhaps she should channel a little Will 'The Thrill' Riker and chase the beautiful redhead? "She doesn't seem to be his type, does she?"

He followed her into her quarters without asking. She hadn't seen much of her friends off duty lately, too preoccupied with personal issues. They came to a halt in her living area. Face to face in the dim light of little used quarters. "What type is that?"

"I don't know. She just seems a little…disrespecting."

Deanna moved to sit down, but changed her mind. She'd been sitting all day. "Are you sure? Maybe she just likes to challenge him."

He chuckled. "Maybe. She reminds me of Beverly that way."

Silently she agreed. She'd only spoken to the visiting archeologist briefly, but had recognized a lot of qualities shared with the doctor. Good looks, yes, but mostly personality traits. Both women hid their insecurities by an almost intimidating mask of confidence. They were stubborn, driven, willing and able to face what life threw them without backing down. Those qualities attracted Picard, though Deanna was certain Vash's apparent disrespect for history and culture precluded a lasting relationship. In Beverly the captain had found a kindred spirit, someone he loved dearly but would never pursue because of their shared history. He thought about it, certainly, but always held back. A sigh escaped her.

"Are you alright?"

A little embarrassed she'd forgotten Will's presence, she nodded. "Yes. It's just been a long day." His earlier amused made place for concern as he eyed her carefully.

"You sure? You've been a little distant lately."

Almost she told him. She could use his advice, his support. Hell, talking to anyone would make her feel better at this point. Who counsels the counselor? The chief medical officer, usually, but things hadn't been 'as usual' in weeks. With a quick shake of her head, she allowed him a peek into her mind. He understood the hint and his arms closed around her. The warmth of him felt so familiar that she could finally relax a little. He didn't question, at least not verbally and just held her. As comforting as it was, after a just a brief minute she realized that Will's arms were a poor substitute for what – or rather who – she really wanted.

When she pulled away he caught her eyes. "Want to talk about it?"

"Yes," she answered earnestly, "but I can't."

A moment of understanding passed. They were Starfleet officers and she had a confidentiality duty to her patients. Some things couldn't be shared.

Had her feelings concerned anyone else, she could've confided in him. Could've bared her heart and appreciated his advice. But this was Beverly, a mutual friend and someone Will Riker would always consider off limits because of her complicated relationship with captain Picard.

The truth was she did feel a little guilt over that. A part of her couldn't help but feel she was somehow coming between the doctor and captain. Though certain neither of them truly wanted a relationship, the nagging feeling remained. As their friend and counselor, as an empath, she knew exactly how complicated and confusing their feelings for one another were.

His blue eyes, a shade or two darker than Beverly's, smiled at her before he pressed a quick kiss on her lips. "My quarters in two hours."

"What?"

"It's pokernight."

"Oh Will," it was sweet of him, really, but she just wasn't in the mood to socialize. Perhaps an extended meditation routine would revitalize her downtrodden mood. "I'm sorry, but-"

He silenced her with a finger against her lips. "No excuses Dea, I'll see you then."

He left before she could object and she didn't have the heart to call after him. This was his way of looking out for her and she loved him for doing so. Perhaps she would actually enjoy it.