Chapter 4

Apologies

Deanna Troi walked into the Captain's ready room with a strong look of disapproval.

"What have I done?" Deanna's frown faded as she saw the captain was in turmoil.

"You are jealous of Data, a sentient android who has done nothing but be loyal to you, his captain"

It wasn't a question but more of a statement of fact.

Jean-Luc looked up at the Counsellor and felt so much shame for his behaviour.

"Data has become more human since receiving his emotion chip and I have behaved badly towards Beverly when I could have just given them my blessing."

"Captain, the only thing you can do now is apologise to both of them and hope against hope that they forgive you." She threw her arms around the distraught Captain.

"Thank you Deanna" Jean-Luc whispered

"Don't worry about it, sir, just give them some time, okay."

"I will, in the meantime I will let them enjoy their new romance. We need to gather the senior officers for our findings in the nebula."

"I am exhausted, who would have thought that telling the captain could be so….deflating."

Data continued stroking her hand in deep thought as he kissed her hair.

"It does not matter to me what he thinks, just know that I love you with all my heart" he whispered

"You make me feel so loved and protected." Wesley walked in and immediately gravitated towards his mom and Data.

"Hey, Mom, Hi, Data. Boy, the captain sure was in a foul mood when he found out." Beverly motioned for him to stop babbling and took his hands. "Wes, it does not matter what the crew feel Heabout our relationship but your opinion matters. Data would never try to take the place of your father. He sees himself as more of an uncle or a friend, one that you can turn to anytime if you need help. He has promised to be there for you, for us both, okay" Wesley grinned at both of them.

"Jeez, mom, has he proposed already? Data, that was fast work" Data's jaw dropped then he realised Wesley was teasing the both of them. "Thank you Wesley, I love your mother and I have come to admire you also. You have a good head on those shoulders. But no I have not proposed marriage. We would like to give each other more time to get used to this new romance."

"I am pleased for you both. Since mom has been seeing you, she has such a glow and I know that you will take care of her." Exaggerating a yawn and a stretch, Wesley hugged his mom and his idol and said goodnight. "You two, go have dinner or something, talk" He virtually pushed them towards the door and said he had homework.

Data's lips descended on Beverly's with a chuckle. As she kissed him back, out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Jean-Luc rounding the corridor.

"May I talk to you both in Data's quarters…please?" Beverly's eyebrow raised a notch.

"I warn you Jean-Luc, no more disparaging remarks towards Data, if you do, I will end this conversation!" Jean-Luc chuckled "I would expect no less for my behaviour earlier" He walked with them towards Data's quarters. As they entered Beverly invited Jean-Luc to sit down.

"I realise that my attitude towards Data and you was despicable, I could not help my jealousy"

"That is not an apology" Beverly said through her teeth

"No, it is not, I have no excuse but I ask that you forgive me. Data, when I brought her husband's body back to her I was suffering through guilt of having lived when Jack Crusher died. I swore I would look out for her and Wesley, eventually we lost contact and I was made Captain of the Enterprise."

"I meant what I said then and I mean it now. Whoever you are with, Beverly, I will still and to the day I die, look out for you and Wesley. I give you my blessing." He then turned to Data

"You have overcome so many challenges my friend, I am proud to call you a friend and my second in command. I am sorry for becoming like Maddox. I am surprised you haven't kicked my butt yet. I am sorry for earlier. Forgive me?"

Data surprised Captain Picard and shook his hand "Thank you, Jean-Luc"

"I will leave you two to talk" Jean-Luc made a quick exit and Data turned towards Beverly with a big grin on his face. His walk towards her was so seductive that it took her breath away. Beverly closed the distance quickly and kissed him with so much passion. Their clothes dropped to the floor one by one and Data lifted her wrapping her legs around his waist as he kissed her neck. "What do you say we continue where we left off earlier?" Beverly's head dropped back as she gasped and Data walked her to the bedroom. He laid her down on the bed and lifted her knees as he slid into her with ease.

They both gasped and held one another as he set his pace making sure she felt every inch of him.

"I love you, doctor crusher" Data moaned and the tenderness in his voice sent Beverly flying over the edge. But as her orgasm receded, another gripped her body. Data sped up his thrusts as his lips fell upon her neck. Soon he felt his impending release rush over him like a freight train.

"I love you, data" That did it, his body felt hot and his stomach coiled as his orgasm was ripped from him as he slammed against Beverly with one last determined thrust. "Beverly!" he cried out and he collapsed upon her with a shudder and Beverly's hand moved across his back in a circular motion.