Music wafted through the air, as mouth-watering as any succulent aroma. It permeated the lungs, the pores, and the very souls of those who walked the streets of Anshari City, capital, trading hub, and favorite shore leave port of Prestal VI. The crew of the starship Enterprise walked the busy streets today, enjoying a respite from the tedium of a shakedown cruise. Even the engineering department took a day off, an event unheard of since the Flagship left spacedock for the final time.
The captain and chief medical officer strolled down the crowded sidewalk hand in hand, a rare display of physical affection on Captain Jean-Luc Picard's behalf. Dr. Beverly Crusher didn't mind in the least. The street was packed on either side with vendors and people, dotted by the occasional outdoor cafe. And through the cacophony the music played, courtesy of a local band in the center of the chaos. The music captured the noise of the voices, the sounds, and tamed them, making them part of the music itself. The effect was giddying.
Jean-Luc halted by a vendor selling the most deliciously sinful scented flowers. He grinned at his companion, the rare, full smile she loved so much, and plucked a flower out of the bunches, a delicate, rose-like bloom the exact color of Beverly's eyes. He paid the vendor and playfully bowed before the doctor, offering the flower.
She accepted it with a laugh, and kissed him on the cheek. As they walked away, she glanced over at him, a curious, teasing look on her face. "What happened to my reserved, solemn best friend and captain?"
They were passing by a hat vendor, and Jean-Luc selected a burgundy and black one that was reminiscent of a late twentieth century baseball cap. After ridding himself of more money, he plopped the hat on backwards, brim in the back, and slung his arm around Beverly's shoulders, hugging her to him. "I locked him in my ready room today with a lot of unfinished reports. He should be relatively content," he joked. "Beverly, I haven't set foot on a planet since we left Earth. I'm in the company of a gorgeous, brilliant woman, and I promised myself I'd have a good time."
Beverly slid her flower behind her ear, and reached up to link her fingers through the ones that Jean-Luc was dangling loosely over her far shoulder. She smiled at him. "Even if it means acting goofy for a day?"
He nodded. "Even if. I can't describe it. Maybe it's the music, or the fresh air, or the freedom, but I feel like I'm eighteen again! And it's so damn fun, too," he laughed.
Beverly grinned, thrilled at getting a glimpse at this never-before-seen side of her best friend: the roguish teenager that never grew up. If she was only going to have him for a day, she was going to enjoy it.
They ate an early dinner at an outdoor cafe that consisted of fewer than five tables, and savored a meal that was absolutely to die for. Each bite melted in their mouths, and, when they were finished, they personally complimented the chefs and paid for their meal. They staggered down the street, feeling ready to explode, but enjoying every moment of it.
The couple made their way to the bandstand in the middle of the bazaar. They listened, absolutely entranced, as the music continued to weave its magic with the people. The band was playing a light, yet excitable tune, almost waltz-like. Without warning, Beverly found herself tugged into a small opening in the crowd around the bandstand and was swept into the arms of Jean-Luc Picard.
"Dance with me," he said, grinning from ear to ear. Without waiting for an answer, he began to move, and Beverly had no choice but to follow.
"Jean-Luc, have you lost your mind?" she exclaimed in shock.
He actually threw his head back and laughed. "Yes! And it's wonderful!"
His enthusiasm was infectious. Beverly matched him, step for step, as they moved together fluidly with the music. "We're surrounded by people!"
"Yes, we are," he smiled. "It's rather crowded, I'd say." He kissed her nose and pulled her closer, oblivious to the crowd that had pulled back, clearing a space for them, or the delighted looks of the Enterprise crew that had heard the news and gathered to watch.
When the song ended, the crowd burst out into enthusiastic applause and cheers, quickly bringing Beverly and Jean-Luc out of their blissful haze. They both blushed deeply, and Beverly was about to pull Jean-Luc into the crowd and anonymity when he stopped her and tugged her back to him. The captain whipped his hat off his head and made a grand bow, eliciting more cheers and applause. Beverly, now laughing with the absurdity of the moment, matched his gesture. This time, he allowed her to pull him to safety.
As they made their way into the rapidly-emptying street, Beverly spied a small park a block or so away. They made their way there and collapsed onto their backs on the cool grass, watching as the stars began to come out in the darkening sky. "I'm having you committed, Jean-Luc. You're crazy," she muttered, not having enough energy to say it any louder.
His delighted chuckle rumbled in her ear as he rolled onto his side, his body now in contact with hers. He lifted a hand and smoothed her mussed hair back off her forehead. "You wouldn't do that. You'd miss me."
She propped herself onto her side as well, and faced him, nose-to-nose. One finger came up and lightly traced along the outside of his ear, then down his neck and along his jaw. "I guess I would."
The twinkling merriment in his eyes mellowed at her touch, and, as impulsively as he'd done everything else today, he leaned in and kissed her. He'd expected her to pull away. Instead, she pulled him closer, and delved deeper into his kiss. In time, they broke apart, breathing stridently. Beverly climbed to her feet, and held out a hand to him. He took it and stood, and she slipped her arms around him.
The music still reached this far, and its distant melody enveloped them. With the stars shining overhead, and love shining in their eyes, Beverly smiled at him. "Dance with me."
He hugged her close, and their bodies began to sway to the far away tune. "Always," he whispered.