Disclaimer:

These characters don't belong to me, they're just on loan for the telling of this little tale. They belong to Paramount Pictures; oh great owners of anything Star Trek. No infringement of copyright is intended.

I do however own the idea for the story and the words said within. There is a same sex pairing being discussed and highlighted. There is nothing graphic but I would still give it an NC 17 alert for suggestion alone. So if you're not into that kind of thing or you're not old enough where you live to partake of the activity even if you wanted to. Please surf elsewhere.

WORKING IT THROUGH

Beverly applied an even layer of 'moonlight mystery' to slightly pouting lips, then dabbed them softly with the make up sponge. She glanced up into the vanity mirror one more time, checking and rechecking. Needing to be sure everything about her appearance tonight was just right.

Her hair shown gold red from its persistent brushing and she'd chosen to allow it out, free to lap around her bare shoulders. Less than calm fingers pulled gently on the front of her dress, repositioning the cleavage line which seemed to accentuate far more than it concealed. At that moment wondering why on earth she'd left it till now to try the damn thing on. Another firmer, more definite tug brought the garment into a more conservative alignment and she let out a relieved semi approving sigh.

Her choice of attire for the evening was an off the shoulder Ballarian silk gown she'd found some months ago when conducting a little therapeutic browsing on the clothing replicator. It was more credits than she was usually willing to part with, but everything inside her said she had to have it. She'd been saving it for just the right occasion. And as she fastened her last earing in place and took another look at herself in the mirror, she agreed the VIP dignitaries dinner presented that very opportunity. "No bad," she thought. "Not bad at all."

Kireel Odan's outstretched arms appeared from behind her and wrapped themselves around her waist contently. Beverly breathed in deeply the scent of her lover, fresh from the shower as elegant Trill features smiled back from the mirror. They stood admiring the vision their reflections had created for a moment. "You look good enough to eat, Dr Beverly." Odan murmured against her ear, holding her gaze ahead.

Beverly smiled back contemplating the site of them together, how wonderful it all seemed, how absolutely wonderful. Lacing her own hands around Odan's, she chuckled innocently. "What again?"

But she knew there wasn't really the time to play any longer. They'd put off getting up and preparing for the party long enough. Odan had boarded the ship a mere 8 hours earlier and other than the courteous introductions of Captain Picard and the already arrived Romulan Ambassador, they had stowed themselves away in Beverly's cabin, spending the better part of the day in what Odan called horizontal recline. That again brought a broad smile to her lips, as she watched wondering hands take her own on a journey higher to her open neck line.

"We'll be late." She whispered, tilting her head slightly to reach equally wanting lips. Odan seemed unperturbed, stopping the single minded exploration only long enough to respond. "Do you really want to go, Dr.......?"

Beverly couldn't help but laugh at the unrelenting attempts to return them to their bed. Or just how close Odan was coming to being the victor in the pretend struggle. As the day had drawn on, though pleasurable beyond words and imagination. Beverly's iron tight determination to proudly and publicly acknowledge her new relationship had begun to liquefy. That she was in love with Odan was not in question, she knew that with every fiber of her being. But with the start of the evening's celebrations only moments away, she felt she was right back where she'd started that morning. Full of ridiculous discomfort and ancient prejudice. She wanted to scream at herself for the nonsense and incongruity of her feelings and fears. This wasn't how love was suppose to leave you feeling.

She also knew if she didn't force herself to attend the function in Ten Forward, than there would always be excuses for her not to be seen in public with Odan. She'd promised herself she was going to do this. Hiding away was not going to be an option. It saddened her to think, and she hoped it didn't show on her face. Because if Odan truly knew what was going on in her head, she would be shocked. Trill's just didn't carry those same discriminatory belief that Terran's had, even if it was an echo from so long ago.

Before Warp Speed had been mastered, Earth experienced centuries of civil unrest and numerous conflicts fought over anything from religious atonement to gender equality. Petty and reactionary. Three world wars and billions killed because of their inability to accept difference. There had been long periods where same sex coupling was viewed as an abomination, as going against the grain of normal society. Where those participating in such relationships had been persecuted and sometimes killed. It made her furious to think her own people had that kind of history. So blind and murderous. Even though Earth had outlawed any form of discrimination based on race, gender, religion or sexuality in the 21st century, records had survived and on some outlying colonies attitudes remained as archaic as ever.

There was no reference point for Odan to anything so antiquated, therefore no need to think twice about whom she chose to love. There was just no way Beverly could let her know the foolishness trumpeting through her head. It was settled, they had to attend the VIP party and they were going to enjoy themselves.

"If you don't let me finish with my make up, we'll never get out of here." Beverly offered cautiously. Odan looked up and met her gaze once again in the mirror. Smiling she conceded. "As you wish, Dr Beverly." And stepped away.

Ten Forward was already crowded when they eventually made their entrance a little after 19.30 hours. An ocean of Star fleet dress uniforms blended with numerous colorful selections of civilian dress greeted them as they maneuvered their way through the bodies both sitting and standing.

Kireel nodded easily to familiar faces she had either met on her previous stay aboard the Enterprise or to acquainted Ambassadors invited for the same purpose as she. Without a thought she scooped up Beverly's hand under her arm and directed the way to their assigned table. Beverly braced herself, barely remembering to breath at the thought of hundreds of watching eyes. It wasn't the time or the place to pull away, part of her was actually enjoying the physical connection. But like a teenager on a first date, she wasn't sure weather being a public spectacle exhilarated or terrified her. A voice inside her head shouted at her to 'calm down and relax'. Another said 'what would your mother think?'. It wasn't the worry of having a panic attack that had her concerned, but the splitting migraine she knew she would have before the night's end. She looked poker faced into the crowd.

Commander Will Riker, on the arm of Deanna Troi for the evening approached them as they finally reached their place at the Captain's table.

"Beverly, you are positively glowing." He remarked in his usually flattering tone. He reached for her free hand and kissed it gallantly, flashing a knowing smile on the way down. Beverly had to smile then as Deanna gave him a brutal chastising thump to his upper arm.

"That's enough from you for one night." Chided the counselor as she apologetically extended a hand to Odan. "Ambassador I've heard so much about you, its truly an honor to meet you finally."

Will was still rubbing his arm, feigning injury from Deanna's assault when he took his turn at greeting the Trill. And another momentary sense of dread hit her as Beverly watched her previous, if so ever brief, and present lover interact. She thought for sure Will would not be able to contain a cutting comment towards the new host of Odan, now convinced that he could see the obvious attraction between Beverly held for her. Equally she knew Kireel well enough to know that anything disrespectful about 'her Beverly' would not tolerated. But whatever it was that she thought may be said or done between the two didn't eventuate. After an initial uncomfortableness of introducing the Trill Ambassador as her escort for the evening and dealing with one or two tempered stares around the table. Everyone around her returned to their own conversations and interest. The fact that she had been accompanied by Kireel Odan was of no real interest to anyone but her. Kireel and Will appeared to genuinely like one another. To the point that Will talked Jordi into swoping seats with him so he could hear more about Odan's new paper on cross cultural conflict.

"So you did it." Whispered Deanna when she thought no one else at the table could hear. Beverly just smiled. Yes she'd done it, one step at a time.

Beverly's head ache lessened and the threatening panic attack never arrived. It was the best she could have hoped for and in the end, even a less than diplomatic comment from Data about wishing to observe her apparent change in gender attraction more closely didn't dampen her spirits. In fact it gave her a much needed laugh along with everyone else in ear shot, including the usually unshakable Captain Picard.

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Beverly rolled over savoring the site beside her. Odan lay on her back tangled amongst the sheets and discarded night wear. Breathing steadily and smiling, apparently caught a colorful dream. One of the over sized pillows that had escaped eviction from their bed covered her nakedness as she hugged it to her in an affectionate embrace. Beverly thought it was a vision worth remembering, she almost looked childlike, remarkably peaceful, instead of the carrier of over five centuries of memories. Odan sighed softly and turned over on her side taking the pillow with her. Inaudible dialogue trailed on with her movements and then ceased.

She smiled and snuggled into the exposed back. It was wonderful. Delicious. They had woken up like this for the past fivedays. After five blissful nights of the most expressive, positively mind blowing sex she could recall. They'd hardly closed their eyes before three each morning since her arrival. Feasting in shear delight of one another, in what seemed to be an endless array of explosive orgasms and words of intoxicating betrothal. Odan was a poet, or at the very least, a champion in the art of making love. Beverly had never felt more worshiped or doted upon. Never felt more womanly. Each evening she had returned to her quarters to find a freshly replicated rose on the table, accompanied by a bucket of chilling wine. The apartment tidy and soft aromas music playing in the background. It was like something straight out of an old holo novel. But she didn't care, if this was the madness of love, the sort that made you declare yourself to ship loads of people in the middle of the night. Than the diagnosis was clear, she was infected and she never ever wanted to be cured.

It still shocked her how simple it all developed. Neither hesitated the first night in her quarters six months ago. My god on the floor of her quarters. A year ago, the very thought of that would have made her blush wildly. Now it just provided further fuel to fan her imagination. She just couldn't satiate the ache for Odan and wondered how she'd ever survived without it. It was almost pain. A pain that throbbed up through her center and drove a volcanic stake through her heart. The floor had been the start, but she had to admit the dinning room table and shower were fast becoming old favorites. And other than the first evening of Odan's arrival and her silly panic attacks about being seen together, the week had been a wonderful adventure into herself. At least into her sexual self. The second night they walked along the Alvarez shore line at sun set on holo deck two and made love in the sand till the water had risen around their shoulders. The third found them having dinner with Deanna and Will, practicing restraint in the presences of others, even though Beverly was certain her Betazoid friend had more than an inkling of what was going on. Afterwards they had been seconds away from being caught in a state of partial undress in the turbo lift. The forth night took them back to Ten Forward to listen to Data's quartet and playing out the fantasy of making love in a moving turbo lift. Thankfully this time without interruption. Last night they'd retired early to possibly every flat surface in her apartment. And still if she had her way, they'd be slipping in a quickie before breakfast.

The less pheromone effected part of herself also realized something else was quite clear. No one on the Enterprise thought and more or less of her for her choice in new lover. Well that may not be entirely true she thought with a mischievous grin, remembering the extra attention she was now being given in pathology by the beautiful Lt. Commander Briggs. Beverly had stopped wondering about the Lt. Commanders personal preferences completely. Yesterday confirmed all suspicions beyond doubt. Even though she had not the remotest interest in exploring her new discovered self with any other woman on the Enterprise, there was something extremely flattering about Commander Briggs' attention. It felt different from the kind of attention she'd experienced with men. More subtle and tasteful. Women were much more discerning in their choices. More selective. The interest shown felt more total, beyond the obvious momentary physical release. It felt good.

Certain she laid awake alone in her bed for long enough, Beverly moved in closer behind Odan's sleeping form. Oh how she loved that first contact of skin on skin. The resonating flame that simmered like dying embers only to be reignited with a single gesture, a look or a sigh. Her legs linked over Odan's semi fetal posture as she pressed against her suggestively.

Nipples hardening contra to creamy white skin. Ginger curls pressing firmly into the most inviting and perfectly shaped rear in the universe.

Grazing a slow purposeful instep along toned muscle and sensing it stretch out to meet her. Beverly sighed expectantly and waited, her arousal was building. But she wanted company to take it further.

A slight shift in position and a muffled groan came forth as reward. As anticipated it had been just enough pressure to rouse the women in front of her and just enough to deliver a message of need.

Beverly slid her free arm across the upturned waist line and allowed fingers to move to cup tender and very much more sensitive breasts than her own. She'd discovered some interesting differentiations in Trill and Human females over the last week. At least in the area of sexual stimulation. And she learned how to best utilize them in times like this. Her fingers spread easily and bathed in the tender mound. Lifting and holding it still. Gentle strokes applied at just the right pressure would,...yes. Her hand brushed the tort areola once and felt the shudder.

She locked an ankle around Odan's free leg and pulled it back closer to her own, it was just enough motion to turn her over on her back.

Odan eyes looked up smiling. "Dr Beverly, good morning." She breathed.

"Good morning, yourself." Beverly murmured pressing into her lips.

Odan had her arms clasped comfortably behind Beverly's neck pulling her down when the bedside communicator beeped once. The two women shared an expression of clear exasperation as Beverly mechanically tapped the open signal. Odan threw her head back in disgust.

It was the bridge and Beverly impulsively pulled the sheets tighter around her naked body knowing full they couldn't be seen. Deanna would want an explanation I'm sure, she told herself and impartially listened to Lt. Worf as he relayed the message.

"I have an incoming message for you Doctor," came the booming tones of his voice. "From Cadet Wesley Crusher."

Beverly thought her heart would stop. But some how she said "Thank you." and had the message diverted to a secure station inside her quarters.

Frantically she searched for the dressing gown she hadn't bothered with for the better part of the last week, while trying to way lay busily wondering hands from Kireel.

"Shoo shoo." she whispered in mock horror as she struggled to tie the belt around a disheveled robe. Odan just smiled and tucked her hands suggestively behind her head on the only pillow not sent crashing to floor during the night. "I will wait for you in this very spot than Dr Beverly. Do not be too long."

Finally free and alone in the living room, Beverly opened the channel that would give visual connection to her transmission with Wesley. His young pale features gleamed back in an instant as she forced her own motherly smile.

"Wesley, what a wonderful surprise!" Hoping he couldn't see her discomfort.

"I knew it would be, Mom." he looked his usual excited self, dressed in his second year cadet uniform and sparkling as only a 17 year old could. "I have a 36 hour stop over here on Deep Space Four, before my ship starts our battle simulations. Thought you might like a visit."

Beverly almost choked.

"Oh, that ....that would be lovely son." From behind her she could hear her guest start to stumble around in the bed room. Odan was now fully awake and Beverly held her breath and prayed she'd have the good sense to wait for breakfast in bed.

"Are you all right Mom?" the boy asked watching the death hold grip Beverly maintained around her dressing gown collar.

"Yes, yes of course, I .......you woke me out a deep sleep that's all. When shall I expect you?" Wesley rolled his eyes.

"About 6 hours.....Mom is everything all right?"

"Yes Wesley." Beverly forced another smiled. "Of course I'm.....I'm just a little distracted." She paused a moment telling herself she probably deserved this, Wesley arriving at the same time as Odan was visiting. She'd had plenty of time in the last six months to mention that she was seeing someone, but had avoided it. God, she didn't have time to go into why she avoided it, or to explain it to Odan. She just had. This was the consequence of trying to sneak around behind a teenager's back she thought feeling the start of fear setting in. The week had turned out to be one thrilling surprise after another. She couldn't go back now and pretend her life was something that it wasn't. It was full and exciting and most importantly she was in love and someone a very beautiful someone loved her back. But as she arrived at the entrance way of her bedroom. Watching the gloating eyes of Kireel stare back at her, she really didn't know how she was going to handle the latest surprise.