Trilogy: The Proposal (NC-17), The Wedding (PG-13), and The Reception (PG-13)

The Proposal

Will went to Deanna's quarters to tell her about his new command. This time he was going to take the position, no matter what.

Since they left the Ba'Ku home world, their relationship had been rekindled. He realized he loved her very much and very deeply. So, much so that he wanted Deanna to come with him and to marry him. He did not want to leave her behind this time and he was trying hard to convince her to go with him.

However, the conversation was not going as he had hoped. In fact it was going very badly. So badly that he was almost thinking about giving up and leaving her behind. He was not going to pass this chance by this time, no matter what she said.

"I'm leaving in a few days." Will stated.

"I know." Deanna said sadly.

"I want us to be together."

"Will, we just can't run off and start a relationship that easily." Deanna responded.

"We are in one!" Will responded back indignantly.

"Not the same." She said flatly.

"Deanna." Will said gently. "You know how I feel about you and I beleive I know how you feel about me. We can't continue to live our lives in denial or try to shut down our feelings when we feel like things aren't going like we want them to go."

"Yes we can, Will."

"Maybe you can, but I can't. We've been together far too long to continue this charade."

"What charade?"

"Oh, you mean to tell me that when you come to me for comfort, that that kiss the other day and everything else that's gone on between us meant nothing to you!" Will retorted.

"Yes, Will. It meant a lot to me, but we'd risk a lot if we...."

Will interupted. "Risk what? Our careers? Losing each other because of our careers? What? You know as well as I do, all relationships involve risk. As far as careers go, success is nothing without someone to share it with. So what is it?

"I, I don't know." Deanna stammered.

"You're afraid." That wasn't the first time Will had said that to Deannna in the years they have known each other, but he rarely said it as a threat. "Oh, Deanna. I've never meant to hurt you ever."

"Will, I want to so much, but you'll be leaving in a few days to command your own ship and I don't want to be the one to stop you this time."

"Then come with me." He insisted.

"But my career is here on this ship."

"We'll work together on my ship." He informed her. "You can serve as my Ship's Counselor."

"Will, it's not that simple."

"Maybe so, but I'm going this time with or without you." And with that Will walked out of her quarters.

Deanna sat alone in her quarters on the verge of tears. She worked so hard on her career and to be near Will. Now, it all seemed to be fading away.

She loved Will very dearly and with all her heart and soul, but she was scared to take that leap. The leap that could cause her to risk everything she held dear. Will had yet to make a commitment. The commitment that meant a life time together. The commitment that she knew was on his mind and in his heart, but he had yet to ask her. If only he would come out and ask, her answer might be different.

She felt so confused and alone. She felt like she had to talk to someone, but she could not talk to the person closest to her. She wanted to tell Will how she felt and what she wanted, but everytime she wanted to talk to him, her mind was a muddled mess.

There was only one person left that she could possibly talk to and that was her best friend, Beverly Crusher. So she decided to go and talk to her.

"Deanna everyone knows how you and Will feel for each other. It wouldn't surprise anyone if you went with him or got married for that fact." Beverly stated. "What is it you want?"

"I want Will Riker."

"Then tell him." Beverly encouraged. "Look, Deanna, I married a Starfleet Officier and I had a career with Starfleet and a fine son. Sure I lost my husband, but I had some wonderful years with him." Beverly said this last as if it were a beautiful distant memory. "You could too if you let yourself. If you don't, you'll lose him anyway with no memories to be had with him. Then how will you feel?"

"You're right, Beverly." Deanna said. "You're absolutely right! I think I will take him up on his proposal." Then she rushed out of Beverly's office, down the corridor, to the turbolift, and down the next corridor.

She felt a sense of panic coming over her. She was scared to death that he might have changed his mind since he left her quarters. She just had to be with him. If she was not with him, her world would crumble and she would just die or so she felt.

She continued to run. Driven by panic, she did not stop until she got to Will's quarters. Somehow, Will sensed there was something urgent with Deanna and he met her at the door. Their bond was still very much intacted and they could feel what the other was feeling, especially if the emotion was very strong.

He saw her stressed face when he opened the door to his quarters for her. Her face looked on the verge of tears that could break like a damn had just opened it's gates. "What is it Deanna?"

Deanna threw her arms around Will and as she spoke there was urgency in her voice. "Oh, Will!" She sobbed. "I'm so sorry. I want to be with you! I can't live this way any more! Please, take me with you!"

With that, she kissed him full on the mouth, passionately. He cradled her in his arms, as though he was never going to let go. For if he did, she might slip away and be gone forever. He returned her kiss just as passionately. He slowly moved down to her chin and then to her neck. Gently kissing her all the way as he moved further down, little by little. Stopping just before her breasts. Then he picked her up and carried her to his chambers.

There they spent the night together repeating their passionate experience they had in the jungle many years before. Only this time, there was no holding back. They freely made love to each other with fervent urgency. Their need for exploration had long since past and this time they made love as two passionate lovers, who had known each other forever. They had hoped this night would never end, but they made love to each other as though it were going to be last time. The kisses were not soft and sweet this time, but of urgent longing to make this night one to remember. The fever of the jungle was within them and primitive lust was once again released.

Will devoured every inch of her within his mouth, as if it would keep her with him forever. Deanna in turn enveloped him within her mind and soul. Then, once again, they became one, in body, mind and soul. At the climax of their passion, there was still the promise of forever, just as it was long ago in the Jalara, and only one word between them. Imzadi.

When they had finished, they laid craddled in each others arms. Both had smiles on their faces.

Deanna spoke first. "Will, I love you."

Will was in shock for a moment. It had been a long time since he had heard those words from Deanna and now that he heard them once again, his heart skipped a beat. When it started again, it leaped for joy at the words.

He hugged her tightly. "And I love you, too, Imzadi."

He so desparately wanted to ask her the question that was on his mind, but he felt this was not the time to ask. It seemed like back timing to ask right after they made love. Even so, he wanted to ask her.

While Will contemplated when the right time to ask her was and as they laid cuddled together, they fell into a deep, contented sleep.

The next morning, Deanna was still sleeping as Will kissed her cheek softly. She awoke with a smile on her face. To Will she looked like a beautiful princess waking from a long slumber and he was just the prince to wake her from that slumber.

"Breakfast?" Will offered.

"Oh, how nice, Will." She sat up holding the sheet around her with one arm. Her clothes were still lost, from their escapade of the night before, on the bedroom floor.

"I have something else for you." Will smiled and pulled out a small black velvet box from his robe pocket. "I was going to give this to you when we were aboard my new ship, but I decided you should have it now."

Deanna took the box and opened it. As she did she said, "Oh Will! You shouldn't have!" A diamond ring was inside. "It's beautiful!" She exclaimed.

"Will you marry me?"

She was stunned as she looked back at him. She could not believe that he finally asked her to marry him. Then she heard Will continue.

"I know this is an awkward way to propose, and maybe bad timing, but I couldn't wait. Deanna, I love.."

Deanna's heart leapt in unbelieving joy. She smiled, wrapped her arms around him and kissed him a long and passionate kiss.

When she released him from the kiss, Will said, "I'll take that as a yes."

"Oh Will! Yes! Yes!" Deanna exclaimed, threw her arms around him, and kissed him again.

Then, when she released him from her embrace, she again readjusted the sheet around her. Once she had it readjusted and felt comfortable again, he reached for her left hand and slid the ring on her finger.

Then they once again showed their love for each other. As they did, the breakfast Will had made was long forgotten. Their passion for each other grew and became more intense as time passed.

Shortly after that they were both on Will's new ship and had even set a wedding date. The problem was, was it going to be a Betazoid wedding or an Earth wedding?

The Wedding

The guest were gathering for the ceremony on the Betazed. Friends from the Enterprise were there and new friends aboard Will's ship were also there. Friends and family from Earth and Betazed came too. Thus, it was a very large crowd which Lwaxana loved to see and she played the crowd to the hilt.

This was the second of two ceremonies. The other ceremony had been on Earth. That ceremony was a traditional Earth wedding, but this was a traditional Betazoid wedding, which Lwaxana insisted they have.

Tom sat in the crowd dressed uncomfortably in the traditional Betazoid style and admired the scenery. He could not help but smile, for it brought memories back to him of the days he and Deanna were in the Jalara. Then a twinge of jealousy rose over him again. He felt it was he who should have been getting married to Deanna and not Will and the worst part was, he had to sit through it twice. Then his thoughts were interupted by a familiar voice.

Lwaxana Troi was so excited about the celebration and as usual, was trying hard to be the center of attention.

"Everyone. Everyone, may I have your attention please?"

She was dressed in traditional Betazoid wedding dress. No clothes, except her hair dress. Everyone reluctantly turned to see what she was going to say.

"I am so proud that my daughter is finally getting married. And it's about time too." she said the last flatly and sarcastically. "I want to welcome all of you, even if you aren't dressed properly for the wedding." Implying it was a Betazoid wedding, not an Earth wedding. Lwaxana never kept a single thought to herself.

"Afterwards we will have a traditional Betazoid reception. Enjoy the ceremony."

She always had to draw attention to herself where ever she went. She also insisted that if she had to pay for the wedding it would be a traditional Betazoid wedding all the way. However, she refused to pay for the Earth wedding for it was not a traditional Betazoid wedding.

Will had been to a Betazoid wedding before, so he understood what all was involved and the meanings behind it. He also knew how important tradition was to Lwaxana, so he just went with the flow and allowed Lwaxana her fun.

She stepped down from being the center of attention and spotted Admiral Picard.

"Captain Picard!" she yelled to get his attention.

He turned and said, "It's Admiral now." He was dressed in his dress uniform.

"Oh, yes, well. Why aren't you properly dressed? You of all people know that at a Betazoid wedding we go without clothes to symbolize physically and spiritually that there is nothing to hide. That all are sharing completely in unity and harmony. Away of showing openness and honesty. Besides, I'm sure you have a nice body." she said a little seductively.

"Mrs. Troi!" No offense but I..."

The wedding was about to start.

She shrugged and said passively, "Go however you want. I won't think any less of you than I do now. Oh, and by the way, the scar on your chest, I wouldn't worry about it. Lots of people have scars. Now, I must go a prepare for the wedding to start."

Picard was taken aback. Who ever said he had a scar. Then he realized she was sensing his thoughts as usual, but not quite accurately. "She must still be going through the phase." he thought.

The guest were half and half. Half traditionally Betazoid dressed and half fully clothed. The room had quiet murmers of Human speech, but the Betazoids were quietly making facial expressions and hand gestures as no sound came from their mouths.

Deanna was seated in the crowd of guest, waiting to take her place as the bride. She dreaded the fact her mother insisted they have two different ceremonies. She would have been happy with just one. Then she sensed the wedding party entering and turned her thoughts back to the ceremony.

Kyle Riker entered with a melodramatic Lwaxana Troi clutching his arm. She sobbed faked tears as she screamed and wailed her surrealistic lament. Truth be known, she was enormously happy that Deanna and Will were finally getting married.

Geordi made his enterance next, for he was the Betazoid equivalent to the best man. As was the tradition, Geordi pushed Lwaxana and Will's father, who was fully clothed, out of the way. He enjoyed every second of pushing Lwaxana aside.

Will walked into the service last. He ignored Lwaxana and continued to walk past her as she tried to stop him. He could not believe how much she was playing up her role in this ceremony. It was almost nauseating, but he went on and ignored her, which he was more than happy to do.

Then Kyle Riker stepped in and put up a hand to stop him in the traditional Betazoid manner. Will pushed him aside and for a moment he thought he may have pushed the elder Riker a little too roughly, but when he saw his father recovering, he almost laughed. Will then took his place in front of the priest.

As Will stood there waiting for the rest of the wedding party, he observed the surroundings. The place was decorated with beautiful Betazed flowers and greenry. The lighting enhanced the colours of the plants, which made them even more vivid. Will was sure, without a doubt, that these plants came from the Jalara, for they looked exactly like the ones Deanna pointed out to him years ago. Then he saw the one plant that struck him as most touching. It was Deanna's favourite plant. Muktok. Will smiled as he noticed this little added touch.

Will waited up front for Deanna, seeming a little nervous and uncomfortable. Was it because he was completely naked or the groom or both?

Then Beverly, who was the equivalent to the maid of honour, approached Deanna. "I summon you to the place of marriage." Then Beverly led her to the front to stand beside Will.

Soothing traditional Betazoid wedding music started playing.

Deanna got up from her seat and strolled down the aisle smiling. She wore a beautiful Betazoid wedding head dress and carried a bouquet of flowers. Beverly stood on her left and Deanna stood beside Will.

Deanna was radiant and glowing on the out side. She kept a smile, even though on the inside she too, thought she was going to be sick. Her hair was down, with the band holding it back in place and her curls were even tighter than usual. She sensed Will's thoughts, briefly looked at him and smiled. Then they both faced the minister.

Lwaxana wanted Mr. Homn to do the ceremony, but Will and Deanna manage to talk her out of that one. The next part was the one part of the service that was Earth like and not traditionally Betazoid.

The minister addressed everyone in the traditional Betazoid language as he read from the scroll he held in front of him. Then he looked at Will and Deanna. Since Will did not know the Betazoid language fluently, the minister switched to Federation Standard to address the couple.

Deanna and Will had prepared their wedding vows to each other. Will and Deanna had chosen to face each other and recite their own wedding vows because they felt it was more intimate that way.

Deanna faced Will and spoke first. "Imzadi, my beloved soul mate. I take you to be my husband from here to eternity. My soul is your's forever, for Imzadi is forever."

Will thought, "How can I top that?" Then looking at Deanna in her deep brown eyes, he began his vow. "Deanna, my goddess, the one I deeply love and cherish. I shall love and cherish you forever until death do us part."

After he said the words he kicked himself. "God! I sound so human! Not at all in keeping with this ceremony!"

Deanna smiled at him and sent, "Imzadi, you are human. It's okay and it's beautiful."

Then they turned back towards the minister to listen to his finishing statements and they were declared husband and wife. At Will's request and Lwaxana's final approval, he kissed the bride in the traditional Earth custom.

Will took Deanna and kissed her passionately in front of everyone. He was also thankful he could have his clothes back for the reception. Lwaxana, somehow, arranged to have every stitch of clothing he had, taken from his quarters this morning to insure he dressed properly for the ceremony. She promised she would have them return in time for the reception.

The Reception

The reception followed and everyone was fully clothed again. Will was relieved, just as he was after the first Betazoid wedding he attended, to have his clothes back. He wore his dress uniform to the reception and as they entered the garden with the rest of their wedding party, there was a burst of applause.

Just as Lwaxana had promised Will had his clothes back. "Lwaxana is anything but cruel at least" thought Will to himself. "Frank and brutally honest, yes. A prankster, probably, but not cruel." Then he spotted Thomas, but before he could approach him, Lwaxana was attacking him about his self-consciousness.

Tom was begining to think a garden was a traditional setting for wedding receptions. It was also decorated with the same plants that were inside the chapel and the colours were just as brilliant. Tom could not help but think Deanna chose the plants to decorate the place due to their, or rather in this case, her and Will's Jalara experience together. He smiled broadly and with rememberance, but also felt sadden about a time once long gone.

Lwaxana approaches him and boldly says, "I don't know why you are so self-conscious of your body, Will. "

"A, it's Tom."

"Well, whatever." She dismissed with a wave of her hand. "You were just as self-conscious as he was. You have a very nice body, I can see why Deanna was so drawn to you."

Tom blushed. "Mrs. Troi!"

"Oh, don't take it so personally!" She frowned. "The humanoid's body can be a work of art and one's admiration doesn't have to have anymore baring than when one looks at a painting."

Now Tom felt he should be on display at the museum and this made him feel very uncomfortable.

"Humans!" Lwaxana scoffed and walked away to chat with someone else and get herself a plate of food.

"Tom." Will greeted as he finally approached him.

"Will." He frowned and turned away.

"Lwaxana sure can make one feel even more self-conscious, can't she."

"Yes, she can." Tom said flatly. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to get a bite to eat."

"Tom, you're not still upset?"

"No, just angry that we split and our lives have taken a different path." He answered. "That and no one can tell us the Hell apart! That in itself is so damn frustrating."

"I wouldn't say no one. Deanna can tell us apart."

"She's the exception, because she knows at least one of us like a book."

Will smiled. "You're right about that. Now, let's go get something to eat."

Betazoid music was playing softly in the background. Various foods were being served, especially Betazoid foods and of course, chocolate. Lots of chocolate desserts were available to choose from. "Poor Deanna." thought Beverly Crusher, "and it's probably because chocolate is her favourite. Wonder if she can control herself?" Then Beverly could not help but giggle.

There were fresh utteberries and utteberry pie. There was escoy and also Earth dishes. All the Earth delicasies, or at least what Lwaxana must of thought were delicasies. Shrimp, crab, and apple pie.

"I hope Lwaxana didn't cook the Earth dishes." Geordi said jovelly as he approached the Riker twins.

Will turned and smiled saying, "Oh, Geordi. I hope not too." He returned. "Thanks for being my best man."

"No prob. I wouldn't have missed pushing Lwaxana aside. That was the best part." He said laughing and so did the Rikers.

"Oh Will, Tom, Geordi." It was Lwaxana's voice again. "I see you three are enjoying yourselves. Will shouldn't you be with Deanna?"

"I was just.."

"I know, a man's stomach demands food. Do try my uttebarry pie." She dipped up a large slice for Will. "I think you'll like mine, even if you don't like utteberries."

Will was a little surprised, but just said, "Thank you, Mrs. Troi."

"And you Geordi. I'm glad you enjoyed the ceremony. That's the only time, and hopefully the last time, you get to push me out of the way." With that she took her food and sat down at the table.

"Beautiful wedding, son."

"Thanks Dad."

"She's a good catch, son."

"I know." Will said smiling in Deanna's direction. "If you'll excuse me?" He said with a grin. She had already gotten her food, especially chocolate, and was chatting at the table. Will could not decide what he wanted, but decided he had enough on his plate and went to sit down beside Deanna.

"Tom." Kyle greeted curtly.

"Long time no see, Dad."

"Yes, well, you could have came to the Earth wedding to see me."

"I did, but you ignored me."

"Yes, well, that's a two way street."

"Yes, it is. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm ready to sit down and eat." Then Tom walked off from his dad and sat beside Data.

Data was beside Beverly. Beverly was on Deanna's other side and Geordi on Will's other side. Picard was at one end and Lwaxana was on the other end. Will's dad sat beside Geordi. Mr. Homn, as usual, had the gong and he hit the gong everytime Lwaxana took a bite. He also, as usual, was imbibing large quantities of alcohol with no ill effect.

"I see you still practice praising the gods." Beverly said.

"Oh yes. Praising the gods for one's food aids in digestion." Lwaxana responded and took another bite.

"GONG"

"Actually Mother," Deanna began, "It's annoying."

"Really Little One, you should start trying it." Lwaxana suggested, "You'll be starting a family soon and I expect my grandchildren to be fully versed in Betazoid culture. Not that, that PEAGAN stuff on Earth!"

"Actually, Lwaxana," Will started.

"We are NOT PEAGAN! I'll have you know Will Riker!" Lwaxana sounded insulted.

"That's not exactly.."

"Oh, sure it was. Admit it. That's what you were thinking!"

Picard cleared his throat. "If I may change the subject. It was a beautiful wedding."

"You should know, Jean-Luc. You were just leering at my body." Lwaxana boasted.

All eyebrows went up in shock.

"With all due respect, I wasn't.."

"Oh, yes you were! Why humans can't admit what's on their minds I'll never know. Besides for a woman of my age, I do look pretty good."

"Mother!"

"It's true!"

"Don't start this!" Deanna demanded.

"Ladies!" Tom tried to intergect, but was ignored.

"Start what?" Lwaxana asked.

For once Data was sitting with the group, but was watching everyone around him with amazement.

"How does he do that?" Data asked referring to Mr. Homn. "And with no ill affects."

"Unlike humans," Lwaxana stated, "He has a remarkable metabolism."

"Fascinating!" Data exclaimed "And what is even more fascinating is how people act at these Betazoid gatherings. Do they always act like this?"

"They do if their Mother is annoying." Deanna mumbled.

"Humph!" Lwaxana exclaimed, "I know when I'm not wanted!" With that she took her plate and glass to another table. Mr. Homn one handedly, and with amazing strength, picked up the gong and moved it to where Lwaxana sat.

"You know Deanna she is your mother." Beverly said.

"Yes, I know."

"You could be nicer to her."

"Beverly," Deanna began, "Then I wouldn't be honest with my feelings."

"True." Responded Beverly.

"My mother is too open and honest with Humans, that she is taken wrong. She needs to figure this out."

"If she hasn't figured it out yet..." Beverly started to say just as a guest became very irrate at the table Lwaxana had sat.

"Mr. Woof, it was a Betazoid wedding!"

Worf's chair flew back and he stood. Anger raged in his eyes.

"Mr. Woof!" Lwaxana said in fear.

"My name, madam, for the last time," Worf growled, "Is Worf! And we are Klingons! We do not disrobe!" As he said this, he gestured to the rest of the people at the table.

Lwaxana looked horrified. "Yes, well.. a.. I.. a.."

Worf was still ranting when Picard said, "It maybe Worf speaking, but he may not be speaking for everyone. If you'll excuse me, I'd better get over there before there is an intersteller incident."

The other Klingons started getting voicetorous. Picard added, "If there's not one already." Then he proceeded to that table to smooth things over.

The reception ended soon after. With Lwaxana Troi on the wrong side of a hand full of Klingons, but not on the verge of being killed thanks to Picard.

"Not quite a good ending." Deanna thought. But she did not care. Neither did Will. All they cared about was one thing now. Their honeymoon at Risa, where there would be only the two of them. No one to bother them, not even Lwaxana Troi.

"Will." She addressed him as he walked up to her. "That was beautiful what you said when we said our vows. At least to me and that's all that really matters, right?"

He puts his arms around her and hugs her. "Yes, it is." Then he looked at her with a smile and kissed her.

"Oh, can't you two keep your hands off of each other for even a minute! Honestly! You're not on your honeymoon, yet!"

It was Lwaxana's voice. Will raised his head, released Deanna and turns to his mother-in-law. He did not say a word. Deanna on the other hand just blushed, slightly smiled and sent, "Mother, please! It's our reception and everyone can hear you!"

"Oh, so what lit..." She had a look of frustration. "Why do I have to break this habit? Anyway, who cares! Besides, I'm already in trouble with a bunch of primitive Klingons." Then she made a quick exit from the reception.

"Oh, Deanna." Will noticed a particular plant again as they themselves were about to depart and he pulled her over to it. He then touched one of the flowers and shook it gently. The pleasing sound came out of it as expected. "I noticed this during our ceremony. Was it your idea?"

Deanna smiled. "It was one of the first Betazoid plants I showed you. I felt like it should be here, as a symbolism, between you and me, of our first date together."

He turned to her with a smile and gently caressed the side of her face. "Oh, Deanna." Then he kissed her again, even more passionately than before.