Part Eleven.

"Jean-Luc, won't we be missed?" asked Beverly as she allowed herself to be pulled out into the darkness. She was thoroughly enjoying this previously unseen side to Jean-Luc Picard, but she felt she ought to put up a little resistance.

"I'm sure they won't mind," he said as he slipped into a gentle jog, pulling her into one as well as they headed to the barn. "This reminds me of when I used to sneak out of my window late at night and run to the barn, hoping Papa wouldn't see me. I would look up at the stars for hours before finally going in."

"Oh yes," she said, smiling at the memories. "But when I did, it wasn't to stargaze."

Jean-Luc stopped in his tracks, pulling her to a stop as well before pulling her into his arms. They stood facing each other, noses touching and eyes locked.

"Want to enlighten me to what you got up to if it wasn't stargazing?" he asked, the hint of amusement in his voice letting her know he knew exactly what she was sneaking out for.

"I'll show you once we get into the barn," she promised, tilting her head slightly and kissing him gently on the lips.

He returned the kiss then planted soft, tender ones on her as he began walking backwards towards the barn, making sure their lips never really parted. He felt her smile against his lips and he returned the smile before kissing her properly. His arms snaked around her waist, holding her to him as his tongue pressed against her lips, begging for admittance. She gave it freely, letting him explore and taste her. Her tongue battled against his before letting him have dominance.

"We better get into the barn now," she whispered softly as the kiss ended, "because one more kiss like that, we won't make it into the barn to 'stargaze'."

Jean-Luc pulled away from her and turned to unlock the barn door. The wood creaked and echoed in the quietness around them. The door opened and Jean-Luc quickly pulled her in after him. Darkness surrounded them as he shut the door on them.

"Jean-Luc, it's dark," said Beverly, knowing she was pointing out the obvious.

"I know my way around here like the back of my hand," he assured her as he fumbled around in the darkness for her hand.

His hand enclosed around hers and he stepped forward. Carefully he manuvered them around the ground floor of the barn.

"Ouch," he said as he stubbed his foot against something. "Merde! What was that?"

"Are you okay?" she asked with concern, biting her lip afterwards to prevent her from saying that he obviously didn't know his way around the barn that well.

"Yes, fine," he replied before continuing on, hobbling slightly.

Jean-Luc reached out in front of him with his spare hand and found the ladder leading up to the next level. He stepped aside and guided Beverly to the wooden ladder, placing her hands on one of the steps.

"Go on up and straight ahead," he told her. "Wait for me."

Beverly giggled softly at their situation. She really did feel like she had reverted to her teenage years on Caldos. She had never clambered up a ladder in a barn before, but she thought a tree house ladder was close. She began to climb upwards, slowly. She wasn't too crazy about not knowing how far up she would be but the darkness helped a bit.

"That is not part of the ladder," she said as she felt a hand make contact with her bottom.

"I know," came the reply from below her followed by another gentle caress. "Couldn't resist."

Beverly reached the top the ladder and waited for Jean-Luc to join her. She felt his arms wrap around her waist and felt him nuzzle into her neck. She smiled softly and relished in his attentions. Never had she imagined him to be his playful with her.

She was definitely seeing a new side of him tonight. A side which she liked very much. She felt him gently push her forward and they walked in time deeper into the second floor of the barn.

"There is another ladder," he said as they reached it. "Only a short one and it brings us to my spot."

Beverly clambered up the ladder with ease, and only after bumping her head on the low beam did she realize the ceiling was low. She dropped carefully to her knees and smiled as she heard Jean-Luc bump his head as well.

"Damn, low ceiling," he muttered under his breath.

Beverly watched as he stepped over her and started fiddling with something on the roof. Moments later, moonlight filled their enclosed space and he sat down beside her. She could definitely imagine a young Jean-Luc Picard lying down on the hay and mesmerized by the night sky above. She had seen many stars in her travel through space, but sitting here, with him, she felt as though it was the first time she had seen them.

"It's beautiful," she whispered, not wanting to break the spell that seemed to be placed on them.

"I know," he agreed as he moved closer to her. "I'm so glad that I am able to share this place with you."

She turned to look at him, the moonlight illuminating his face. She reached up and touched his face lightly, tracing his defined features with her long fingers.

"Thank you for bringing me here," she said as she learned forward and brushed her lips against his lightly.

Jean-Luc returned her kiss and carefully lowered her down into the soft hay floor. The stars above their heads fading into the background as the only thing he was aware of was the woman beneath him.

"I love you, Beverly," he whispered as he lowered his lips to her ear.

"I love you, too," she repeated, her fingers running up his chest, unbuttoning his shirt as she went.

Slowly, they began to undress one another. Taking time to touch or to kiss the newly exposed skin. Losing themselves in each other and the feelings they were creating in one another. Clothes were thrown in many directions, neither one caring where the garments went or if they could be found again. Sweet, tender loving whispers passed between them as Jean-Luc carefully rested some of his weight on top of her. Beverly reached for him and pulled him down atop her. She needed to feel all of him on her. She wanted to feel his heart beat against hers. His hands rested on the hay just by her ears, bracing himself, making sure he wasn't squashing her. His head dipped down and he trailed light kisses across her collar bone and down to her breasts. His tongue bathed her pebbled nipples, his teeth grazing them gently at he took them into mouth.

Below him, Beverly arched up into his touch as her hands ran down his back till she reached his bottom. "Jean-Luc," she moaned softly.

He responded to the moan by rolling them over to their sides so they were facing each other and allowed his hands to touch her again. His fingers ran over her body, her skin soft and smooth. He captured her lips again with his as his hand travelled slowly down her body, cupping her between her legs. She pressed herself into the palm of his hand as her own hands explored him. They teased each other slowly, kissing and touching each other while looking into each other's eyes. Their hot, heavy breathing was increasing in volume as they both reached the point where they wanted more than just teasing.

Rolling Beverly on to her back, he positioned himself between her legs as he leaned forward to kiss her again. Slowly he entered her, gasping as he did. They whispered each other's names as they became one. Beverly brought a leg around his waist, bringing him closer and deeper into her. She clenched her inner muscles around him, holding him in place.

"If you do that again," he said breathlessly, "I won't be able to control myself."

The moonlight shinning down on them made Jean-Luc aware of the mischievous twinkle in her eye before she repeated her earlier movement. He moaned as he felt her, her actions causing him to dig his fingers into her arms.

"I warned you," he said with a smile as he begins to move, stroking in and out. His movements gradually increasing in speed and intensity.

Soft moans filled the barn loft as they gave themselves over to each other. Their movements becoming wild, almost feral like. They cried out together and clutched on to each other as they reach their goal together, in unison. Jean-Luc rested his head on her shoulder as he caught his breath, placing tender kisses there.

"Oh, Jean-Luc," whispered Beverly. "That was…"

"…beautiful," he finished for her.

She nodded and snuggled into the warmth of his arms. She had been blown away by the feelings he had created her in during their lovemaking. She finally felt complete, safe, loved, and warm. She hadn't felt this way for a very long time.

"You okay?" he asked softly.

"More than okay," she answered, looking into his eyes. "I love you, Jean-Luc Picard."

"I have dreamt of hearing those words for many years now," he revealed. "They bring me much happiness, ma cherie."

The remained snuggled into each other until the cool night air goose-pimpled their exposed skin. Reluctantly they broke contact and searched for their items of clothing. They attempted to help each other dress but the clothing was unbuttoned before it was even buttoned properly.

"Hay gets everywhere," said Beverly as she began pushing stray pieces out of her hair.

Jean-Luc chuckled and helped her rid her hair of hay. Carefully he got to his feet and made his way over to the open window. He leaned against the frame and looked up into the sky above him.

"Penny?" asked Beverly as she got to her feet.

"I have missed this place," he revealed.

"I may have to get Data to create a barn holo program for me," said Beverly as she wrapped her arms around Jean-Luc.

"He will be curious as to why you want one," he replied with a smile.

"I'll tell him because I want to roll in the hay," she answered as she nuzzled into his neck.

"Why doesn't that surprise me," he said, pulling back and finding her lips with his own.

"Mmmmm," she purred, pressing herself against him.

"We should be getting back to the house," he suggested. "We can start all over again then, minus the hay in the hair."

"Is it all out?" she questioned, running her fingers through her hair.

"I think so," he replied as he took her by the hand. "Let's go, love."

They made their way back down the ladder and out of the barn. Beverly waited as Jean-Luc made sure the barn was locked up for the night. Once he was satisfied it was locked, he reached for her hand and they took a gentle stroll up towards the house.

"Oh, there you both are," said Marie as Jean-Luc opened the door and let Beverly in.

Beverly blushed slightly and turned to look at Jean-Luc, he stood a little straighter and made his way to her side.

"We just went for a walk," he said as he casually put his arm around her waist.

"Beverly, what's that in your hair?" asked Rene, appearing in the kitchen with a mug of steaming hot chocolate.

Beverly's hand flew up into her hair, her fingers exploring the red mass, trying to pinpoint what Rene was talking about. She felt Jean-Luc move and felt his hand brush against hers. Moments later, he held out a piece of hay that she had obviously missed when trying to fix her hair.

"How did that get there?" questioned Rene, puzzled.

"Bed!" urged Marie, getting up from her chair and pushing her son into the next room, not minding if he spilt his hot chocolate on the floor.

"But, Maman, why does she have hay in her hair?" he asked again. "I only get that when I mess around in the barn."

"Rene, drink your drink," she advised as she shut the door.

"The back bedroom has been made up for you," said Robert with a wink before disappearing as well.

"Shall we?" asked Jean-Luc, his hazel eyes twinkling with amusement.

"We shall," Beverly agreed and allowed him to lead her upstairs.

THE END!!

Yes, mackillian, the end! I'm doing no-more.