Title: Beardless in the Alpha Quadrant
Author: Zlanna@aol.com
Part: NEW 1/1
Rating: [PG] 
Codes: R/T (Imzadi)

Summary: Recently I read about the supposed bubblebath scene in the
new Star Trek movie. Just why did Deanna shave that beard off in the
bubble bath?

Disclaimer: Paramount, owns the characters in this universe. I supply
only the plot and the grammar.

I welcome all feedback. Please send comments to zlanna@aol.com


	NEW Beardless in the Alpha Quadrant 1/1 [PG-13] TNG (R/T Imzadi)
 by Zlanna@aol.com

	"You are kidding!" Beverly Crusher had to remember to close her
mouth as she sat across from her friend. She was staring at Commander
Riker who was on stage playing with his jazz band. The music of
Thelonius Monk filled the air. "Why in the world would you shave off his
beard, Deanna?"

	"Beverly! Betazoid men do not have facial hair."

	"They don't have body hair at all, but as I recall you have spoken
quite fondly of Will's in the past."

	"Well, that is different."

	Crusher followed Troi's gaze which was obviously focused on the tuft
of grey hair that was showing in the V neckline of the midnight blue
shirt Will Riker wore. Bev stole a quick glance around the ten-forward
lounge lest her whisper be overheard. "What makes you think there is a
difference my dear?"

	"Well, the beard, it, it tickles!"

	Suddenly Crusher understood. "Deanna, you made love to Thomas Riker.
He had a beard!" "One time, Bev. In the gymnasium. It was, rather,
rushed." 

	"And you didn't make love to Will before you asked him to shave
his beard?" It was as much an exclamation as a question. Now everything
was clear. The poor Betazoid had no idea. Bev had to admit, she felt bad
as the truth began to dawn on the empath.

	"No." Deanna's voice was small, hesitant and resounded with her
understanding of Crusher's insinuation.

	"And he didn't protest when you wanted to shave it off?"

	"No. Bev, I never thought that it might..." Deanna's eyes were now
turned toward Riker once more. "Is there some technique involved?"

	"Hmm-mm. And trust me, even if Thomas didn't know what to do with a
beard, you can bet Will Riker knows exactly what to do with that beard
of his."

	Deanna's groan was Beverly's only answer.

	"That's okay, Deanna. It will grow back." Crusher patted Troi's hand
and wondered, how in the world the young Betazoid had missed the
obvious.

	"I never knew."

	"Its okay, Deanna. I'm sure he'll grow it back if you ask nicely. I
can't believe he didn't explain things to you." Beverly could tell
Deanna wasn't listening, though.

	-------

	"Will?"

	"Hmmm?" Riker continued to run his tongue along the outside of
Deanna's earlobe. Then he stopped, suddenly wondering what it would be
like to end every evening like this, wrapped up in her arms. "What is
bothering you Deanna?"

	"I might have made a mistake."

	"A mistake?"

	"Yes."

	When no other comment came, Riker began to busy himself, exploring a
trail from Deanna's ear, down her neck to her shoulder, working his way
slowly to his intended target.

	"Would you?"

	Pausing Will stopped, then brought his face inches from hers.
"What's wrong? You're upset."

	"No, I. This isn't easy."

	Worried that he was the cause of the Betazoid's discomfort, Will
fell back against the sheets. "What is it? What did I do?"

	"No, no, you didn't do anything. I did."

	"Deanna." Riker took a deep breath, then carefully pushed a stray
strand of hair off of Deanna's face. "What is wrong?"

	"Will. Would you do something for me?"

	"Anything."

	"Would you regenerate your beard?"

	"Regenerate? I thought you didn't like the beard?"

	"I didn't really give it a chance."

	A wicked grin spread across Riker's face.  "You've been talking to
Bev!"

	"Why do you say that?"

	"Is it true?"

	"Maybe."

	Riker stole another kiss. "Did she detail the advantages of a beard
to you?"

	"Not detail, no."

	"Shall I?"

	"I'd rather have a demo, please."

	-------------------

	Crusher entered the lounge, scanned the couples seated for the
dinner hour and finally found the two she was seeking. Slowly a smile
crossed her lips. A smile she tried hard to conceal, but it managed to
reveal itself nonethless. Making her way toward the table, she paused
for a moment next to Deanna's side. Riker stood up gallantly, his face
revealed nothing, except the what was conveyed in the twinkling of his
eyes. "Doctor, I was going to get a bottle of wine. Would you like to
join us?"

	"No thank you, Commander. I have other plans for tonight." Beverly
watched the bearded First Officer make his way to the bar. When he was
out of earshot, the doctor leaned down to the Counselor, "So, where did
the beard come from?"

	"I asked him to grow it back." Troi said.

	"And?"

	"And afterwards I asked him to keep it."

	The end.