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“So, what kind of game is this?”
“Come by my quarters and I’ll show it to you.”
The smile Deanna gave Beverly held a different weight to the usual ones she offered her. There was a sense of mischief that danced within those dark eyes and, for a moment, the doctor felt herself getting lost within their depths. That was until the Betazoid stepped away, silently inviting her to follow; which she did. Willingly. Excitedly.
Ever since Riker’s return from Risa, and the introduction of a rather intriguing game that he brought back as a souvenir, whispers of it had made their way across the entirety of the Enterprise. It was the newest piece of gossip, and the information that had spread was nothing short of interesting. From what Beverly had gathered, it wasn’t just a game one played to have a bit of lighthearted fun. Apparently, it was a game with some rather pleasurable rewards. In her opinion, that sounded ridiculously far fetched.
That was until she caught wind of the fact that Deanna had played it.
The crew had been setting up for Wesley’s return in the lounge, mingling about as they anticipated the boy’s arrival, whenever the counselor brought it up. She had seemed lighter that afternoon, almost glowing with contentment, and it was something Beverly couldn’t help but comment on.
“Someone’s in an awfully good mood.” she noted, glancing at the brunette with a knowing smile playing on her lips.
“I am, actually.” Deanna replied, nodding her head once. “I’ve been spending a little more time… relaxing lately.”
The way she had said the word elicited curiosity within the doctor, whose head tilted in response. ”Oh, really? What kind of relaxation?”
“Well, if you’re interested, I’ve been playing that game Will brought back from Risa.”
Before Beverly had been able to do much more questioning, however, they received word that Wesley was heading down to the lounge. So, for the time being, she’d held onto those pressing questions until later… which truthfully didn’t take very long to arrive. After a warm welcoming back, the boy had excused himself to start settling down into his quarters, leaving the crew to mingle amongst themselves for a bit before dispersing back to their stations.
With the newfound opportunity, Beverly finally took the leap to express her burning curiosity. That same feeling had her eagerly following her best friend down to her quarters, steps only faltering whenever the doors shut and locked behind them.
“I can replicate you one of your own if you like it as much as I do.” Deanna offered, flashing the other a quick smile before disappearing into her bedroom. When she returned, there was a device in her hands.
At the sight of it, Beverly’s features scrunched with perplexity. “How strange.”
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t know.” the redhead breathed out, shrugging her shoulders. “I guess I’ve just never seen anything quite like it before.”
With a chuckle, the Betazoid walked over to the small table and settled into one of the chairs. Then, she motioned for Beverly to join her.
“Come sit. You’ll definitely want to.”
Quietly, the doctor made her way over and sat down in the seat opposite of Deanna’s. The device was then held out in her direction, and she took it into her hands carefully to study it for a moment, the scientific part of her mind always active.
“It’s much too difficult to explain. You really just have to try it out to understand.” the empath stated, sensing her friend’s ever growing confusion. “Just put it on and keep your eyes open.”
Almost hesitantly, Beverly slipped on the headset and let out a heavy exhale. Suddenly, an image sprung to life before her eyes. After aimlessly blinking at it for a moment, her gaze strayed past it to look at the counselor, searching for answers to what she was looking at.
“You see the cone and the disc, right?”
“I think so, yes.”
“Good.” Deanna smiled. It was warm and comforting, though still accompanied by that same sense of mischief she’d carried earlier. For some reason, it excited Beverly. “Move the disc to the cone.”
“How do I do that?”
“With your mind. Just relax… concentrate on what you want it to do, and it will follow.”
With a short nod, Beverly’s eyes refocused on the image, briefly studying the objects again. She let out another breath, allowing both her mind and her muscles to relax, before concentrating on moving the disc. When it began to follow her mental directions, she felt a sense of intrigue induced triumph… Though that feeling was suddenly taken over by another feeling entirely.
Pleasure.
Beverly’s lips fell open in a quiet gasp, hands moving to grip the armrests of the chair she was seated in. Deanna’s smile grew as she watched her friend, unable to hold back a chuckle as the woman composed herself.
“What…?” the redhead barely managed to get out, dazed with far too many emotions to think, let alone speak, with much coherence. “What just happened?”
“It rewarded you for finishing the level.”
“Does that happen every time?”
“More or less.”
As the next level loaded into view, Beverly couldn’t stop herself from completing another. She told herself that it was purely out of curiosity, though she wasn’t sure she fully believed that. Once again, she concentrated on moving the disc until it reached the cone. Just as before, pleasure flooded her consciousness and she fought back the urge to physically respond to the sensation. She wasn’t alone, after all. Deanna was still watching her — intently, at that.
When the third level booted up, the doctor didn’t allow herself to focus on it. Her eyes shifted up and were immediately met with those black ones that, somehow, seemed darker than usual. The sight alone caused Beverly to blush, though that very well could have been out of embarrassment.
After a moment of silence, the redhead felt the need to speak; to say something, anything to rid of the quiet that had washed over them.
“Do I just keep going? Is there even an end goal to this?”
A shrug met her questions first. “Honestly, I don’t know. I think it’s more so a game of experience rather than success, if that makes sense.”
“So it’s purpose is to…”
“Make you feel good, yes.”
“And is it supposed to make me…?”
“Oh,” Deanna laughed quietly, “that I’m not sure of. Perhaps if you get far enough along, I’m certain that could be a possibility.“
“How far along are you?”
“Level thirty.” the brunette replied, graced with a grin that could only be described as smug.
Beverly’s eyes widened slightly, simultaneously unsurprised by the answer and taken aback by it. Regardless, the thought of Deanna playing the game caused a familiar warmth to grow within her — one she actively attempted to ignore.
“Do the rewards change at all?”
“A little.” the empath briefly pondered, recalling her experience. “Sometimes the feeling is more intense, sometimes it lasts longer.”
Those blue eyes then flickered back to the image in front of her. Without even registering what she was doing, the disc slid over to the cone and she was struck with another surge of pleasure. Having been somewhat caught off guard by it, a muffled hum of approval sounded before she could even think of holding it back.
Sensing her friend’s apprehension, the brunette leaned back into her seat nonchalantly. “Don’t let me get in the way of your fun. Play as many levels as you like.” And then, she added in a softer tone, “Or you can stop. I understand that this can be a bit overwhelming.”
Part of Beverly did want to stop, if only to save herself the embarrassment of having someone else witness her while she was experiencing such a thing. It felt oddly intimate, which wasn’t surprising given the rewards, though it truly was only a game. However, there was also a part of her that longed to continue playing — to see just how many levels she could pass, curious on how the rewards would change or if it would get any more difficult to achieve them.
The latter voice was the one that won, eventually. Like before, she didn’t fully recognize that her eyes had focused on the image in front of her again until the next surge of pleasure hit. And then another. And another. She did her best to hide how it affected her, though she was certain it was obvious enough — chest rising and falling with her rapid breaths, features flushed pink, knuckles white from how tightly she was gripping the chair’s armrests.
To put it lightly, Deanna was enjoying herself. Though she didn’t necessarily want to intrude, unsure of whether or not it would make her friend uncomfortable, she couldn’t stop herself from watching. It was endearing to her, seeing Beverly like that. Aside from the feedback of pleasure that caressed her mind with each passing level of the game, she found it just as pleasurable to simply watch the redhead’s reactions. They were subtle, sure, but undeniable. It was erotic in the most subtle of ways, yet it excited her nonetheless.
Beverly had begun to doubt the Betazoid’s claims about the reward’s changing intensity, though level seven had only proved Deanna’s point. Unlike the other short bursts, this one was longer and more intense. Not by much, but enough to make her gasp again, thighs pressing together instinctively to stop herself from aimlessly rocking her hips down into the seat. The next two rewards were much more tame, going back to the short bursts, but it still fueled the desire within her. It wasn’t until she hit level ten that she found herself unable to remain composed, the length of the surge surprising her so much that a quiet moan slipped past her lips. The color on her cheeks deepened and her eyes squeezed shut as soon as the feeling passed, the embarrassment that had risen to the surface causing her to withdraw into herself.
Though she could sense the shame within Beverly, all that the Betazoid could focus on was the way she began to ache upon hearing the moan that escaped her friend. It was a sound unlike anything she had ever heard from her before, desperate and full of yearning even despite the simplicity of what caused it. But, by the gods, she loved it. She shouldn’t, but she did. And she found herself wanting to hear it again.
After taking a few deep breaths to steady herself, Beverly’s eyes opened once more. Her mouth opened to speak, to apologize for having lost herself in something that she should have saved for a more private setting. But, before she could say anything, Deanna intercepted.
“Don’t. It’s okay. You’re fine, Bev, I promise.” her tone was softer, though it sounded different to Beverly. Deanna’s accent was heavier, more pronounced than it usually was, and there was an edge to her voice that sent a shiver down the doctor’s spine.
“I just… I didn’t mean to…”
“I know.” the empath acknowledged. “But it feels so good, doesn’t it?”
Beverly shut her eyes again, suddenly dizzy with the arousal she hadn’t even noticed building within her. There was something about the way Deanna uttered that statement that had her thighs clamping harder together, and she bit gently on her lower lip to prevent another embarrassing noise from leaving her unexpectedly. When her eyes finally reopened, they were hazed over with what Deanna knew was lust. Well hidden lust, but evident enough that she could feel it radiating throughout her own body.
The redhead nodded and, when she finally spoke, her voice had deepened with desire. “It does feel very good.”
“I know.”
Though Deanna had played the game herself, those words struck Beverly in a way she wasn’t sure they were supposed to. Somehow, lost in the trance of playing the game, she had almost forgotten that her friend could most likely sense what she was feeling. No — she could definitely sense what she was feeling. And if she could sense the pleasure she received from the game, could she have sensed how having those dark eyes watching her made it all the more arousing? How hearing Deanna’s sharp intakes of breath whenever she had slipped up and let out those gasps and moans had made her desperate for something more fulfilling?
“What level are you on now?”
“I’m about to start eleven.” Beverly responded, surprised by how steady her voice was despite it all.
“Why don’t you keep going?” Deanna suggested, though it teetered so close to the edge of sounding like a command that it made the doctor feel weak. “Level fifteen was one of my favorites.”
Truthfully, that was all the convincing Beverly needed to press on. She was far too involved to just stop altogether, so she refocused her attention on the objects and continued playing. The rewards between levels ten and fifteen were all different, rising in length and intensity, though nothing could have prepared her for what level fifteen felt like.
Deanna was still watching, practically unable to look away from her friend as she writhed in her seat. The surges of pleasure hitting Beverly continued washing over her as well which, alongside the sound of the muffled hums the redhead tried to hold back, was enough to make her so aroused that she could feel its effect settling between her thighs.
And then Beverly passed level fifteen.
She had been breathless before the level even started, so focused on not making any real noise that she didn’t care how loud her breathing was. With her mouth already slightly open, there was no way she could have fought back the desperate moan that forced its way out of her. The pleasure was too much and too little at the same time, teasing her to an almost torturous degree, and it set her skin aflame with a warm, tingling sensation. This time, she couldn’t bring herself to continue. She knew it would only get more intense, and that was something she couldn’t bear to do in front of someone else.
Dazed, Beverly removed the device from her head and laid it down on the table. She blinked a few times to get used to her surroundings in full before finally gathering up the courage to look over at Deanna again. The expression she found on the Betazoid’s features was the last thing she had expected.
It was hard to decipher, at first. Overwhelmed was the only word she could use to truly describe what she saw, though there were hints of other emotions there. Surprise. Intrigue. Desire. Lust.
“Sorry, I just,” Beverly began after a moment, still somewhat breathless, “I don’t know if I can continue without getting…”
Aroused? Desperate? She already was, and she knew Deanna was well aware of that too. What she couldn’t afford was to lose herself to the point of being unable to continue without her hand between her thighs, which was an idea she had already considered for later.
It had become far too quiet for Beverly’s liking, and she couldn’t help but feel shame creeping back up to the surface. She shouldn’t have let it go that far. She should have stopped as soon as she knew exactly what she was getting herself into… but she hadn’t. It was likely that there was some addictive nature to the game that had made it so difficult to stop, though she knew that wasn’t all it was. She knew that the excitement of having Deanna watching her, feeling what she was, had spurred her on to continue. She knew that how aroused she had become was just as much from Deanna’s intense gaze as it was from the game’s rewards.
And Deanna was her friend. Her best friend. In good conscience, she couldn’t allow herself to keep going without doing something that could possibly ruin that.
So, Beverly straightened her posture and began to shift in her seat. “Maybe I should go.”
“No.” the brunette retorted, the word coming out a bit quicker than she had intended. “You don’t have to. I’d like for you to stay.”
“After you just saw that?” the doctor asked, looking positively puzzled.
“Well, I haven’t gotten to play yet, and you’ve made me want to try the next few levels I’ve been saving for later.” Deanna stated, underlying desperation laced within her tone. “Aren’t you curious to see what the rewards look like on the higher levels?”
Even if she wanted to argue, Deanna knew exactly how to intrigue her. She was curious. However, that wasn’t the only reason she agreed to stay. In fact, the simple idea of being able to witness how the game affected her friend had reignited the desire that had only dwindled due to her own embarrassment. So, she stayed put, settled back into her seat with her eyes focused on Deanna.
It seemed as though the game had the capability of recognizing its users, for there was no need for the Betazoid to switch it back to her previous status. Deanna simply focused for a moment, a look of concentration on her features, before eventually gasping out as she passed the level. Beverly didn’t know what she had been expecting to happen upon seeing such a response, but registering how wet she had become was not on the suspected list. She pressed her thighs together again and shifted to readjust herself, though she quickly regretted it as soon as the friction the movement caused made her core ache anew.
Without even acknowledging her, Deanna played another level. Beverly’s suspicion about the game’s growing difficulty must have been correct given the amount of time the levels seemed to be taking for her, though she had little capacity to focus on that with the building anticipation it elicited. Her mind was too busy fantasizing about what other reactions her friend would have — how her expression would shift, how her body would tremble, what her moans would sound like.
It was then that Deanna must have passed another level, because her palms instinctively hit the armrests of her chair and she let out a groan that had Beverly practically writhing in her seat again.
And that was when Beverly’s mind finally gave into the desire she could no longer force down. She could no longer resist the urge to let her thoughts wander, imagining the sounds she could pull out of that woman with her head between her thighs.
By the time the redhead had finally pulled herself out of her own thoughts enough to register what was happening in front of her, Deanna’s head was tilted back and her mouth had fallen open with another moan. At that point, Beverly was a goner. Any and all worries she had once been full of had washed away, leaving her void of anything but that desperate arousal she could no longer shake.
When the Betazoid’s body relaxed again, Beverly intervened before she had the chance to keep playing. She didn’t think she could keep watching. Not when she was aching so much it seemed almost painful.
“Deanna…”
The word veered too close to being a moan that it made the brunette whimper, those dark eyes shifting past the image to finally look at her friend again.
Unable to speak, all that sounded in response was a mumbled out, “Hmm…?”
“I don’t think I can watch you do this anymore.” Beverly replied, vulnerability very much evident within her tone. “It’s too much… I can’t…”
Without words, Deanna removed the headset and discarded it onto the table. After releasing a heavy breath, she leaned back into her chair and held the other woman’s gaze. Though she was no telepath herself, Beverly could have sworn they had a full conversation just by looking at each other. Unspoken, mutual desire hung heavy around them, and it was only a matter of time until one of them mentioned it.
Beverly did so first.
“I’m sorry, I just… seeing you like that is making me feel…”
“Aroused.”
The redhead sighed out, “Very much so.”
“And you think I’m not?” Deanna questioned, almost sounding amused. “Beverly, it was torture sitting here watching you play. You looked so relaxed and carefree,” and, after a small pause, she added, “and beautiful.”
Beverly’s cheeks grew hot, utterly flustered by the confession. “You liked watching me?”
“Honestly, I loved it. Seeing you. Hearing you. Feeling you.”
It was quiet, then. Beverly didn’t quite know what to say, so taken aback by the words to formulate any thoughts that didn’t have to do with Deanna being the one making her produce those reactions. Eventually, though, she found her voice.
“I liked watching you too. A lot.” Beverly admitted, almost shyly. “You’re always so gorgeous, but seeing you like that was…”
“Nice?”
“Better than nice.“ the redhead corrected, a smile curling onto her lips. “I also liked having you watch me… seeing how you reacted to what I was feeling, and feeling that pleasure when I knew you were experiencing it too.”
“It almost feels better that way.” the empath noted almost dreamily. “But feeling how aroused you were watching me play was enough to make me… well, I’m sure you get the gist.”
“Oh?” the doctor mused, head tilted playfully. Teasingly. “I’m not sure I do. I think you’ll have to spell it out for me, Troi.”
Deanna shivered, desperation clouding her eyes. It took her a moment to say anything, but she craved seeing the woman’s reaction too strongly to keep quiet. “Had I done any more levels with you watching, I’m sure that would have made me come.”
“Fuck.” Beverly muttered under her breath, whispered out through an exhale as if to hide it.
“But, I couldn’t let you see me that way.”
One of the doctor’s brows quirked curiously. “And why is that?”
“Because I’d much rather you see me that way from your own doing.”
Beverly felt blindingly dizzy with arousal, so much so that she had to close her eyes in order to regain any sense of composure she had left. There wasn’t much, frankly, and she hadn’t even met Deanna’s gaze again before the Betazoid continued speaking.
“You know, I’m glad you stopped playing, too.”
A look of confusion settled on the redhead’s features, eyes snapping back open to look at her friend. Silently asking her to continue because she knew she wouldn’t be able to get the words out.
“I was far too preoccupied wishing that I was the one making you moan like that to let you continue. Any more rewards, and I wouldn’t have been able to stop myself from dragging you to my bedroom.”
Beverly’s mouth moved before she had even registered the thought she was quick to voice. “What’s stopping you now?”
“I want to hear you ask for it.” the brunette stated, too close to begging for Beverly to refuse. “You have no idea what it would do to me to hear you ask for it.”
Blue eyes flickered from those hazed over black ones down to Deanna’s lips, straying there for a moment before meeting her gaze again.
“Deanna, please…” Beverly practically whispered. “I want you to fuck me.”
That was all it took to bring Deanna to her feet, wasting no time in taking hold of one of Beverly’s hands to drag her to the bedroom. Desperation had taken over her movements, finding herself unable to retain any sense of patience anymore. She needed Beverly too strongly, and knowing that the sentiment was reciprocated made her all the more impatient.
Still too dazed with desire to focus on much of anything, Beverly didn’t have the chance to do anything but follow the woman’s lead. Not that she would have wanted to do anything else. She was completely at Deanna’s mercy, and she absolutely loved it. She wanted nothing more than to let Deanna have her way with her, for her to lose herself in making her come undone. All for her. Just for her.
The way Deanna kissed her was gentle, at first. Hesitant almost, as though she were testing the waters. Her lips were soft and fit so perfectly with Beverly’s own that she couldn’t help but marvel at how right it felt. Quickly, the kisses grew more passionate. Desperate. Fervent. And then Deanna’s hands were wandering, slowly tracing the sides of Beverly’s body and familiarizing herself with the way she felt. The doctor’s hands had found their way to her hips, gripping them to pull her closer as their kisses deepened again before Deanna suddenly pulled away.
“I need to get you undressed.” the empath stated, so delirious that the words almost slurred together. “I need to see you. I need to feel you.”
Parting enough to rid of their clothing was much more difficult than they had expected, considering that getting out of uniform was not exactly a quick task. There was truly nothing seductive about it, though the way they looked at each other was certainly enough to make up for that. Their wandering eyes, taking in each inch of newly exposed skin with such awe that one would think they were looking at the most beautiful works of art. To them, that’s exactly what they were doing.
“Look at you.” Deanna marveled aloud, eyes trailing back up to meet Beverly’s gaze, only to find that those hazy blue eyes were still taking in her own body. “You are so beautiful.”
The rush of shyness that hit Beverly softened Deanna, who stepped closer to steal another kiss. A gentle one this time. A loving one.
“I mean it. You are absolutely breathtaking, Beverly.”
“Says you.” the redhead huffed out in a chuckle. “You know you’re the most beautiful woman on this ship, right? Likely the most beautiful woman in the whole universe, if you ask me.”
“You flatter me, Crusher.”
“And you love it.” Beverly retorted with a smile that only faded when she kissed the woman again.
“I do,” Deanna mumbled against her lips, “I love it very much.”
It didn’t take long for those passionate kisses to land them in Deanna’s bed, Beverly laid out in the middle with the Betazoid on top of her. If finally being able to indulge in the desire to be close to one another hadn’t been exciting before, the feeling of their skin pressed against one another’s made that all the more obvious. Desperation heightened, all they could do was feel — touching, kissing, yearning.
“Deanna,” Beverly murmured between kisses, barely whispering out, “please…”
Deanna couldn’t help but laugh softly, pulling back just enough to look down at the redhead. “What is it, pretty? Please, what?”
“Please touch me.”
It sounded so pathetic in Beverly’s ears when she said it, her tone so thick with impatience and desperation that she flustered herself. However, seeing how weak it made Deanna persuaded her to continue.
“I need you so badly, Deanna. I want you to make me feel good…” she continued, breathless already. “I need you touching me.”
When Deanna kissed her again, it practically took the air out of her lungs. They were needy kisses, ones that only faltered as Deanna’s lips began their decent along her jawline and down to her neck, where she took her time nipping and sucking gently on her skin in the spots that elicited the strongest reactions from Beverly. They then traveled lower, trailing across her collarbones before she decided to give her full attention to one of her breasts. Kissing here and there, allowing her tongue to graze the soft skin, before her mouth closed around one of her nipples.
Beverly moaned out happily, one of her hands coming to rest on the back of Betazoid’s head, fingers tangling in her hair. Deanna’s hand had come to rest on the breast she wasn’t teasing with her mouth, squeezing it gently and delighting in the contented sigh that was released with the added sensation.
Eventually, Deanna’s hand shifted lower, lingering touches left behind along the curves of her waist and hip, before coming to rest against her thigh. The whine that she was met with had the brunette shifting, allowing Beverly to spread her legs wide enough for her to settle between. As her hand finally made its way to the redhead’s inner thigh, she knew she had pushed her past her breaking point. Beverly was already writhing beneath her, so desperate to be touched that her hips had begun moving out of utter impatience. Still, Deanna couldn’t seem to deny herself the pleasure of teasing her… of seeing how far she could push her before she crumbled.
Her mouth had traveled over to the breast her hand had left unattended, while her fingertips gently grazed the skin along her inner thigh. Trailing higher and higher, though never quite reaching where Beverly wanted her.
“God, Deanna,” the redhead whimpered, “if you’re trying to kill me, it’s working.”
A hum sounded from the Betazoid, muffled by the kisses she was still peppering against her skin. “Oh, I know… You just feel so good, sweetheart. I can’t help myself.”
The whine Beverly let out practically sounded like a sob, her body twitching in anticipation beneath the brunette’s touch. All that accomplished was eliciting a low chuckle from Deanna, who paused those kisses only to grin up at her.
“I could do this for hours,” the empath mused, “kissing you… touching you… worshipping you… Maybe I will.”
“I would gladly let you.”
“Mm,” Deanna hummed approvingly, pressing more kisses against her friend’s skin, “that’s what I like to hear.”
That hand upon Beverly’s thigh trailed higher, getting teasingly closer to where the doctor needed her. In response, her body jerked impatiently beneath the Betazoid.
“Stop teasing me,” Beverly whined out, “please, Deanna… I want you so badly.”
“Oh, but I’m having so much fun turning you into a mess for me.” the Betazoid sighed, hand coming to a standstill. “It’s rather adorable, really. You’re so pretty when you blush.”
Beverly groaned, unable to keep her impatience hidden. “I am a mess for you, believe me.” she pleaded, attempting to push herself closer to no avail.
“Are you, now?” Deanna questioned, the sultry nature of her voice sending a shiver down the redhead’s spine.
“Yes, and you can find that out for yourself. Just please don’t make me beg for it again…” Beverly pleaded. “I’ve been so patient.”
The empath’s dark eyes reopened to gaze up at the woman beneath her, glossed over with desire. “I know. You’ve been so good for me.”
That statement elicited a whimper from the doctor that was so desperate Deanna was surprised she didn’t give in right then and there. Instead, she simply smiled at her.
“And since you’ve been so patient, I won’t make you wait much longer. Does that sound good?”
“Yes,” Beverly agreed eagerly, “I don’t think I can handle more teasing… I need you so badly, Deanna. Please, just—“
Her words were cut off by an unexpected gasp as Deanna’s hand finally reached where she needed her most. Still, it didn’t seem to be enough. Though the attention was heavenly, she knew well that the brunette was intentionally teasing her — fingertips barely ghosting over her clit, causing Beverly’s body to tremble.
“You need me so badly, don’t you?” Deanna asked then, tutting quietly whenever she was met only with another whimper. “Aloud, Beverly. Let me hear you.”
“Please,” the redhead obeyed, “I need you. I need you inside me, Deanna.”
“Good girl.”
Finally allowing herself to give into their desires, Deanna’s fingers trailed down to the woman’s center, unable to hold back a quieted moan as she touched her.
“You’re so wet… I knew you would be, but, gods,” Deanna noted in a haze of desire, fingers still teasing her, “you feel so good already.”
“All for you…” Beverly breathed out.
Deanna moaned again, a bit louder than before, and carefully entered her with two fingers. She allowed the woman a moment to adjust before moving them, starting a slow rhythm of thrusts that quickened whenever she sensed Beverly’s ever growing desperation return. And, gods, was she desperate. It had been quite a long time since she had last been touched like this — so intimately, so lovingly. In fact, it had been so long that the doctor avoided thinking about the topic of intimacy altogether. Despite her own desires of being close with someone else in that way, she figured that part of her life was far behind her.
Honestly, Beverly had always been attracted to Deanna. Since the moment she first laid eyes on her, she had been entranced by the woman’s ethereal beauty. Of course, as their friendship blossomed, the doctor never truly allowed herself to dwell on it much without any apprehension or guilt. She had never wanted to ruin what they had, after all. However, that didn’t mean she hadn’t spent a great deal of time fantasizing about her best friend — during their private meetings in Ten Forward or their holodeck adventures or their work out sessions. In fact, the more personal moments between them had only furthered those feelings no matter how hard she had tried to push down and ignore them. What Beverly had never intended on was actually doing anything about it, even though she had found herself desiring the woman on more than one occasion. Most of all, she had never once expected Deanna to share those same desires.
Little did the redhead know that Deanna had been enamored with her for years, quietly admiring and yearning for her in just the same way. Knowing of Beverly’s past and her hesitance to open herself up to others was what had kept the Betazoid from acting upon the feelings she had for her. She’d always wondered if her friend reciprocated them, though she had never been fully certain. At times, she would sense flashes of emotions that almost led her to believe it — bursts of deep adoration, affection, and a mysterious feeling of desire. Still, she always told herself that Beverly would need to be the one to make the first move if there would ever be a chance at something blossoming between them.
The game from Risa had completely changed things. It had finally opened them up, leaving their mutual longing for one another completely exposed in a way that could no longer go ignored. In a way, both women were grateful for that. Very grateful, indeed.
As Deanna’s movements steadied in their quickened pace, her lips had finally begun another decent down the woman’s body. She kissed along the valley between Beverly’s breasts down to her stomach, lingering across her hips before carefully readjusting herself to kiss along the inside of her thighs. The doctor’s reactions were nothing short of beautiful; the sound of her moans and the way her body moved beneath her causing the ache within Deanna to intensify. She knew how desperate Beverly was, could feel it coursing throughout her own veins, and that only spurred her to finally put an end to her teasing. She could no longer deny the redhead the pleasure she craved and deserved.
When the brunette’s tongue finally made contact with Beverly’s clit, the loud moan she let out was promptly met with a softened, muffled one from between her thighs. One of the doctor’s hands moved to Deanna’s head again, fingers tangling in her curls and absentmindedly pulling at the dark tresses as the pleasure built within her. Already, she knew she wouldn’t last long. The levels of the game she had played, and the ones she witnessed her friend playing, had pushed Beverly too close to the edge. Simply being this intimate with the woman she’d been yearning to be with for so long was enough to have her close, but she held on. She wanted to lose herself in the sensation of being touched — wanted to prolong and bask in how wonderful Deanna made her feel.
But, oh, what a difficult feat that was. When a third finger joined the ones moving inside her, having picked up the vigor to add more friction, and Deanna’s lips closed around her clit to suck on it, the redhead knew it wouldn’t take much more for her to come undone. The pleasure was steadily overwhelming her, causing the moans falling from her lips to grow louder and higher in pitch.
“Yes… Yes, just like that.” Beverly breathed out deliriously, body arching into the woman’s movements. “Fuck, Deanna!”
Hearing the groan that followed her words had the doctor crying out once more, muscles trembling with the closer her climax approached. Her breaths grew ragged and audible, mingled with those needy whimpers and moans that Deanna knew she’d never grow tired of hearing, until she suddenly grew quiet for a moment. Trying to hold on for even a second longer, not quite ready for that mind blowing pleasure to come to an end, but knowing she wouldn’t be able to do so.
“Deanna, please…” Beverly cried out, “please don’t stop! I’m so close.”
As if the Betazoid had any intention of stopping. She would have gladly continued pleasuring Beverly for hours if she was allowed to, so blinded by the desire it elicited within her that her mind was void of anything but completely ravishing the beautiful woman beneath her. She kept her ministrations steady, knowing the consistency would allow for a pleasant release, and eagerly awaited the feeling of it to wash over her entirety.
It only took but a mere few moments for Beverly to finally come undone, back arched off the bed and her head thrown back as she let out a cry of the brunette’s name that sounded so utterly arousing Deanna knew it would linger in her conscious for days. The feedback from the redhead’s orgasm hit her so strongly that she almost couldn’t continue, but she pushed through the urge to pull back with a desperate cry of her own in order to help Beverly ride out the waves of her release.
It wasn’t until the doctor’s movements stilled that Deanna’s own slowed to a stop, shifting her head to press a few gentle kisses against her thighs before sitting up and carefully removing her fingers. Beverly’s eyes reopened just in time to catch the sight of those three fingers disappearing into the Betazoid’s mouth, feeling herself growing weak all over again at the muffled groan that accompanied the motion.
Somewhat breathless, Deanna maneuvered herself to settle down next to the other, eyes falling shut as those lingering intense emotions continued coursing throughout her mind and body. It was overwhelming, to put it simply, and she felt the need to take a moment to gather herself in order to function at all. She was a flustered, desperate mess and she knew it would take a lot of strength to do anything other than immediately begging for Beverly to relieve her of the painful aching she was consumed by.
Beverly was still recovering from what was likely the most intense orgasm she had ever experienced, focusing on steadying her breaths and relaxing her muscles. More than anything, she felt content. Weightless. Free. It was wonderful, and she made sure to cherish the feeling, almost afraid she’d forget it. She couldn’t help but assume she’d never experience it again.
Eventually, Beverly regained enough of her senses to move, slowly turning onto her side to face the brunette. She watched her quietly for a moment or two, allowing herself to marvel at just how beautiful she was, before finally saying something. Some sort of appreciation was certainly warranted, given what the woman had provided her.
“That was incredible.” the doctor breathed out through a laugh that could only be described as utterly giddy, a lopsided smile gracing her flushed features. “I didn’t even know I could feel that way.”
Deanna chuckled softly, those dark eyes fluttering open and straying over to meet the other’s affectionate gaze. “I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. I know I did.”
“Oh, I could tell.” Beverly stated, that smile quickly transitioning into a smirk. “Hearing you moan just from touching me… It was intoxicating.”
A blush settled upon the brunette’s cheeks. “I couldn’t help myself. Not when you’re that perfect.” the empath paused briefly, before continuing in a tone slightly more needy than she anticipated. “You felt so good.”
“Deanna, are you flirting with me?” the doctor implored playfully.
“Maybe I am.” Deanna replied nonchalantly, though the smile playing on her lips was anything but.
“How cute.” Beverly noted, her voice shifting slightly, holding a different cadence than before. “I love seeing you like this.”
“Like what?”
“Desperate for me.”
The softest of whimpers sounded from the brunette, her expression finally cracking and giving way to that same sentiment. “It would be impossible not to be after feeling everything you were.”
“Mm,” Beverly hummed, “tell me more. How did that make you feel, beautiful?”
“Nothing has ever turned me on more.” came Deanna’s admission. “I’ve experienced my lovers’ climaxes before, but it’s never been quite that…. intense.”
“Did you like feeling me come for you? Knowing you were the one who made me feel that good?” the redhead teased, reaching out to slowly trace Deanna’s curves with gentle fingertips.
Shivering at the sensation, a needy sound emerged from within the confinement of the Betazoid’s throat. “I loved it. I loved every single second of it.”
“And fucking me?”
“More perfect than I could have ever imagined… and trust me, I have. Many times.”
“You have?” There was genuine curiosity within the redhead’s tone, though that sultry edge was quick to return. “Tell me, darling… do you touch yourself while fantasizing about fucking me?”
For a while, Deanna couldn’t find the words to respond. Sensing the raw desire and lust that radiated from Beverly was absolutely clouding her mind, and she knew all that would come out if she tried to speak would be a stuttering mess of desperate syllables.
“Come on, beautiful.” Beverly prodded, head tilted fondly. “You’ve piqued my interest now. Don’t leave me curious.”
A whine left the brunette’s lips first, the expression upon her features utterly pathetic with desperation. “Yes…”
“I bet you get so wet just thinking about it, don’t you? The thought of fucking me alone would be enough to have you soaked, isn’t that right?”
Deanna couldn’t have pretended to be unaffected by those words even if she wanted to. “Gods, yes.”
“Then I can only imagine the mess you’ve made now.”
“You don’t have to imagine.” the empath stated. “Touch me, Beverly… I want you to feel what you do to me.”
Beverly’s lips curled into something between a grin and a smirk which, alongside the desire coiled within the redhead, intensified the aching within Deanna. When their lips met, the doctor quickly took the lead, happily shifting into the role that had fallen into her hands the moment her friend went weak with desperation. With one swift movement, Beverly maneuvered herself on top of the Betazoid and deepened their passionate kisses in the process.
At that point, Deanna was so on edge that any and all touches against her heated skin felt like torture. She needed Beverly so badly that any ounce of patience she’d once had was long gone. Alas, the redhead seemed to have other plans. As soon as her lips lost the comfort of Beverly’s, she felt them traveling across her skin. The kisses against her neck earned softened gasps, mingled in with the occasional impatient whimper, and her hands moved to wrap around the slim frame above her. Nails gently digging into the skin on her back, silently pleading for more.
“You know,” Beverly mumbled against her skin, “I’ve spent many a night thinking about you too.”
A simple, questioning hum was all that Deanna could manage in response.
Halting those kisses, she pulled back enough to see the Betazoid, wanting to watch her every reaction. Beverly didn’t know much about the woman’s empathic abilities, but she knew enough to know that her words would most certainly have a pleasant effect on her friend.
“Sometimes I get so wound up with stress that there’s hardly anything that relaxes me… There is one thing that usually does the trick, though.” the doctor began, absentmindedly tracing the outline of Deanna’s breast with her fingertips. “Honestly, it gets so boring touching yourself with no real motivation other than to eventually feel the relief of letting everything go.”
All the brunette could do was listen, chest rising and falling with her heavy breaths and her heart pounding against her ribcage.
“I’ve always found you attractive… I’m certain everyone does, really, but I have always been so captivated by how beautiful you are. With the more time we spent together, the more I thought about it — the more I thought about you.” Even in such an intimate moment, there was a soft and genuine nature to Beverly’s words that made the empath’s heart swell with affection. “I can’t exactly recall the first time it happened, but I found myself thinking of you whenever I touched myself. It was almost innocent at first… thinking about the way you look in the clothes that hug your curves so nicely or the leotards you wear when we work out together.”
Somehow, Deanna’s eyes had grown darker than before. They hadn’t lost their usual warmth that Beverly adored, but they had become hazed over with something she could only identify as pure lust. The brunette was trembling beneath her already, so needy for any form of attention that she could no longer attempt to keep it hidden.
“Eventually, my mind started getting more creative. I’d think about how beautiful you’d look on top of me, how wonderful your lips would feel all over my body, how perfectly your fingers would feel inside me…” the doctor’s words trailed off as Deanna let out a whine, body shifting impatiently once more. “I loved touching myself while thinking of you… I always came so much harder that way…”
“Fuck, Beverly,” the brunette breathed out, “please…”
“Begging already?” she questioned, letting out a quiet chuckle. “What do you want, darling?”
Deanna groaned, a mixture of need and frustration evident in the sound. “Touch me… please, just touch me already. I’m aching, Bev.”
Hearing the Betazoid beg was enough to convince Beverly to finally give in, though she was having too much fun delighting in how desperate she had made her friend to obey so quickly.
“You want me to touch you, hm? Like this?”
The redhead’s hands moved to palm at Deanna’s breasts, massaging them for a moment before opting to tease her nipples with her thumbs instead. With a shaky sigh, the empath’s back arched to push herself closer to those touches.
“That feels good, but I need more. Please.”
“More?” Beverly posed, brows arched curiously. “Let’s see…”
Leaning down, she began peppering kisses against the brunette’s chest before gently taking one of her nipples into her mouth. Sucking on it for a moment, basking in the beautiful sounds it elicited from Deanna, then pulling back and letting it gently pass through her teeth.
“Is that what you’re looking for?” the doctor questioned then, before letting out an audible sigh whenever the empath simply shook her head. “Well, you’ve got to tell me how you want to be touched, then. Unlike you, I can’t figure that out for myself… Plus, it would sound so much nicer coming out of that pretty mouth.”
“Fuck me.” Deanna responded quickly, body twitching in anticipation. “I don’t care how; I just need you to make me come.”
“That’s a good girl.” Beverly praised, flashing her a smile before trailing kisses down the length of her body.
Maneuvering herself between the Betazoid’s legs, her hands came to rest on her thighs to keep them apart. Her eyes trailed up from where they had been focused, taking Deanna in now that she was fully exposed, and her voice slipped back into that lower register once more when she spoke.
“I don’t even need to feel you to know just how wet you are… You really have made a mess of yourself already.”
“Beverly…”
“Patience,” the redhead commanded gently, “I’ll give you everything you want; I just wanted to admire you first. You really are so, insanely beautiful…”
It flustered Deanna, being complimented in such a way while she felt so vulnerable — needy and exposed and completely at her friend’s mercy. A whimper was all she could respond with, and the last thing she saw before the redhead disappeared between her thighs was a grin.
Beverly’s tongue traced the length of her center, moaning as she tasted her, before settling with slow flicks against her clit. Quickly, the impatient movement of Deanna’s hips told her that she needed more, and the redhead was happy to oblige. The pace of her tongue’s motions quickened, adding more pressure in the process, as more of those muffled hums filled the air.
Deanna let go blissfully, head thrown back against the pillows and her mouth opened slightly to allow the moans to freely fall from her lips. Her hand settled on Beverly’s head, holding her steady as her hips rocked gently into her movements. She was so lost in her pleasure, so utterly relieved to be experiencing such wondrous feelings, that it came as a surprise whenever she felt two of Beverly’s fingers press into her, eliciting a breathless cry of the woman’s name.
A blissful, muffled laugh sounded from between her thighs then, movements pausing for a moment before coming back with a fervor they didn’t have before. That was all it took to have Deanna teetering on the edge of her release already. Sensing how much Beverly seemed to be enjoying pleasuring her only pushed her closer, mind full of so many raw emotions that she felt dizzy.
Deanna’s moans came more frequently, growing louder and needier with each and every one that graced Beverly’s ears, and it wasn’t long before she knew the brunette was close. The doctor doubled her efforts, determined and focused on pulling out the release she knew her friend had been craving. Hazed over blue eyes remained glued to Deanna’s face, yearning to see the beautiful expression that washed over it whenever she finally came undone.
“Bev… Bev—“ she stuttered out, before being interrupted by a gasp, “Beverly… I’m getting close.”
What finally pushed Deanna over the edge was hearing the desperate moan her warning had pulled out of the redhead, letting out a desperate groan as her climax encompassed her. Her whole body shook, one hand gripping tightly at the sheets and the other at Beverly’s hair, as her breathy moans grew softer and softer.
Instead of stopping her movements, however, Beverly simply slowed her thrusts and pulled her head back to gaze up at the Betazoid. A whine left Deanna then, hips twitching against the woman’s touches and eliciting a low chuckle from her in response.
“Sensitive, are you?” Beverly questioned, head tilted playfully to the side.
When those dark eyes finally reopened to meet Beverly’s intense gaze, Deanna found her focus shifting down as the woman licked her lips. Unable to reply, the overstimulation of the doctor’s gentle thrusts rendering her speechless, she only nodded in response.
Beverly made a little ’tsk’ sound, shaking her head slowly. “That’s a shame.” she began, pressing a few kisses against Deanna’s inner thigh. “You look so beautiful when you come for me… In fact, I loved it so much that I want to see it again.”
”Fuck, Beverly…”
“Hm? What’s that?” the doctor posed, a faux look of confusion on her features. “Do you like the sound of that, darling? Would you like me to fuck you again?”
Deanna’s hips moved absentmindedly against the woman’s movements, nothing but desperation written on her features. At the woman’s question, she let out a whine and nodded her head again.
“Now, Deanna,” Beverly began firmly, brows raised, “you know better. I want to hear it. Tell me what you want.”
A frustrated groan fell from the brunette’s lips, unable to stop herself from pouting for a moment. Eventually, she managed to speak, delirious as she was. “I need you to make me come again… feels so good… don’t want you to stop.”
“Oh, yeah?”
The fingers inside of Deanna curled as she spoke, pulling out such a needy moan that Beverly couldn’t hold back another quiet laugh.
”Yes, Beverly, please.”
With a hum of approval, the redhead quickened her thrusts again and marveled at the beautiful sight unfolding in front of her as Deanna began losing herself in the sensation. Her back was arched, hands tightly gripping the sheets, lips parted open to allow her heavy breaths and moans to pass freely through them.
In a spur of desire, a third finger joined the ones moving inside the Betazoid and the thrusts gained more fervor. With a gasp, Deanna’s body stilled for a moment as the pleasure overtook her mind again.
“Beverly,” she moaned out, “if you keep doing that… you’ll make make come…”
“Good,” Beverly purred, “I want you to come for me again. You’re doing so well, beautiful.”
It was then, as Deanna’s body began to tremble, that Beverly’s tongue reconnected with her clit. The empath groaned loudly in response, one of her hands quickly finding its way to the back of the doctor’s head to keep her there.
“So close,” the brunette uttered, voice so breathy it teetered on the edge of being a whisper, “keep fucking me just like that, please!”
Deanna had known she wouldn’t last long, and only a few more moments passed before she was finally sent over the edge. Another moan of Beverly’s name sounded, followed by a string of breathless expletives, as her body rode out her high. When her muscles eventually relaxed, those thrusts slowed to a stop and the head from between her thighs retreated. Unable to resist the urge, those three fingers were immediately licked clean as soon as they slid out of the Betazoid, accompanied by a contented hum.
Lazy kisses traveled up Deanna’s body until a final one reached her lips, and Beverly finally collapsed on the bed next to her to catch her breath. The brunette was still coming down, eyes fallen shut and a serene smile upon her lips.
“You were just as beautiful the second time.” Beverly informed after a minute or so, watching the other adoringly. “Possibly even more so.”
A shy giggle met her words, Deanna’s head turning to face the woman. “I think you’re just being too nice to me.”
“I could never be too nice to you.” the doctor retorted. “Besides, you deserve only the best treatment. With how wonderful you are, that’s the least you should receive.”
“Well, I have to say that I have received the best of the best.” came the Betazoid’s teasing reply. “I have truly never felt this amazing before. You’re absolutely incredible, Bev.”
“Oh, hush.” Beverly responded bashfully, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. “I was only returning the favor.”
Deanna chuckled softly, turning onto her side to face the other woman. She took a moment to simply admire her, features softened in a bout of vulnerability. “I’m glad we did this. Being close to you like this is so wonderful… It feels so right.”
Beverly’s eyes widened slightly, an almost surprised expression on her face. “Really? You think so?”
“I do.”
Unable to hide her shyness, a blush blossomed onto the doctor’s cheeks along with a softened smile. “I think so too. I was nervous at first, as I’m sure you could sense, but it really is incredible.”
“I know, but you really had no reason to be nervous. Besides, you were phenomenal.”
“Well, I know that now,” Beverly chuckled out, “but I couldn’t help it!”
One of the brunette’s brows quirked upwards. “Why not?”
“Come on, Deanna,” the redhead replied, her own brows raised, “I had every reason to be nervous.”
The Betazoid’s features furrowed slightly in confusion. “What do you mean?”
“I meant it, earlier, when I said that you were the most beautiful woman on this ship…” Beverly began, letting out a quiet sigh. “You could be with anyone you wanted to, easily. As much as I’ve wished something like this would happen between us, I never thought it actually would. Besides, I haven’t exactly had much experience in this department for quite some time and I figured I’d be rather disappointing.”
Deanna’s expression softened then, one of her hands reaching out to gently cup the woman’s face. “Beverly, honey, you are so much more than what you think of yourself. I happen to find you breathtaking, and I always have. In many ways, I see you in much the same way that you see me.” she reassured. “And you really don’t need to worry about that last bit, either… not when you made me come like that twice.”
“Like I said, I know that now.” the doctor giggled, leaning into that loving touch. “It’s just hard to fathom, I guess, that you feel that way toward me. I never would have thought that you did.”
“Well, I didn’t exactly think I’d have a chance with you, either. I was never certain on your feelings surrounding relationships or intimacy like this and I never wanted to test the limits, so to speak.” came Deanna’s response. “I just chose to quietly admire you from afar.”
“And fantasize about fucking me, apparently.”
Those dark eyes rolled playfully at the redhead’s teasing comment. “Oh, don’t act so innocent, Crusher. I might have been out of my mind, but I distinctly remember you describing in detail how you touch yourself while thinking about me.”
Beverly’s cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink, gaze averting bashfully. “You’re not supposed to mention that.”
“And why not?” Deanna posed, fingertips coming to tilt the woman’s head back up to look at her by her chin. With no response, she prodded again. “Why shouldn’t I, when you get so adorably shy about it?”
“Because it’s embarrassing!”
“Hardly!” the counselor retorted, laughing. “Bev, sweetheart, it can’t be all that embarrassing if it made me as wet as it did. I don’t think anything has ever turned me on quite like that.”
“Mm,” the doctor hummed thoughtfully, “you did like hearing me tell you about it… If I remember properly, it didn’t take long after that for you to start begging for me; isn’t that right?”
Despite her flushed features, the brunette merely nodded. “I couldn’t help it. You’re just… intoxicating, Beverly.”
“Am I?”
“Yes, you really are.” the brunette nodded in confirmation. “And I love it.”
Beverly laughed softly, leaning in to gently kiss the woman’s cheek. In response, Deanna then turned her head just enough to press one to her lips, allowing the loving embrace to linger for a moment before pulling away to cuddle up with her head against the doctor’s chest.
“So, you really have feelings for me, huh?” the redhead questioned after a moment, curiosity lingering in her tone.
“I do.” Deanna replied softly, nuzzling closer. “For a long while, actually. I tried convincing myself it was platonic for so long, but I think I’ve aways known it was more than that.”
Beverly’s hand had begun gently rubbing the woman’s back, comforting her absentmindedly. “How did you realize that?”
“Well, I don’t suppose friends fantasize about each other in the ways I was fantasizing about you.” the brunette joked with a gentle laugh. “You give me butterflies every time we were together, Bev. I’m just always filled with the most wonderful sense of warmth and joy around you. And, yes, I had been thinking about kissing you or being cuddled up with you like this a bit too much for me to pretend it was all just friendly.”
The doctor was blushing, a shy smile settled onto her lips. “I can say it was more or less the same for me. We were practically going on dates, you know? It felt that way to me, anyways. I’d get so giddy about seeing you that it was all I could think about. Being with you made me feel… well, it’s indescribable, really. I don’t think I’ve ever felt this way about anyone.”
“Well, I’m glad that you do.” Deanna informed, pressing lazy kisses against the woman’s chest. “Now we don’t have to hide it anymore.”
“Thank god.” the doctor huffed out in a laugh. “It was getting tiring. I really did want so badly to tell you. I hate that I couldn’t have done so sooner.”
“Shh,” the Betazoid shushed, “we don’t need to focus on that. No use in dwelling on the past when we have this moment right now… and a future together, if you’d want that.”
“Of course I do. I’d be crazy not to want that.”
“Love does make us do crazy things, so you never know.” Deanna noted in a softened voice, allowing her eyes to finally flutter shut.
Silence washed over them after those words left the redhead’s lips, giving way for both of the women to fully relax. It didn’t take long for Beverly to register that the counselor’s breaths had steadied completely, a sure sign that she was beginning to doze off. Luckily, she wasn’t too far from doing the same herself.
“Did I tire you out?” Beverly teased, though her softened voice carried it out as more of a genuine question.
“Mhm,” the brunette mumbled, “I’m so comfortable that I might just stay here forever.”
A warm smile blossomed onto the redhead’s features, her arms tightening around Deanna’s frame. “I think I’d like that.”
“Me too.”
After nuzzling her head into the pillows beneath her, Beverly’s eyes fluttered shut as well. Now, overcome with exhaustion, she couldn’t resist the urge to mutter out the phrase that had hung heavy on her mind that entire evening.
“I love you, Dee.”
A small pause followed, one in which she could feel the smile growing on Deanna’s lips where they were pressed against her skin.
“I know. I love you too, Bev.”