Songfic Challenge
Remember the neato challenge for us to incorporate song lyrics into a story?
(My
apologies for not remembering whom to credit for issuing the
challenge.) Here is my very short response. My writing gears are
rusty but I do want to give an teeny tiny bit back to thank all of
our great and generous writers. PS - This is nearly a PWP but what
the heck! This is one of my favorite songs. I could not resist
using it.
TNG: R/T
Rated: G
Part 1 of 1
Dislaimer. Paramount owns Star Trek.
Song Lyrics:WILL YOU LOVE ME TOMORROW? - words and music by Gerry
Goffin and Carole King
All are used for fun and not for profit or disrespect. Happy endings
rule! // indicate where the lyrics apply //
=======================
"Stay in the moment," Will Riker told himself. Isn't that what she
would tell him to do? Commander William T. Riker looked across at
the table, trying to drown himself in the onyx eyes of his lovely
companion. For if he didn't, he knew his worries would ruin the
evening. // Tonight you're mine completely You give your love so
sweetly Tonight the light of love is in your eyes But will you love
me tomorrow? //
The Commander's companion, Deanna Troi, looked at him and smiled.
They sat at a table in 10-Forward, holding hands. Even though they
were in their dress uniforms and in a public place, they felt alone.
Time had stopped. The moment was too perfect. Almost. Deanna felt a
quiver of unease in her beloved's emotions. Quickly it was banished
and replaced by feelings of contentment and love that he sent to her
through their Imzadi bond. Still, that moment of unease triggered
her own memories of times past. Old fears and old hurts stung her
eyes quickly. // Is this a lasting treasure Or just a moment's
pleasure? Can I believe the magic of your sighs? Will you still love
me tomorrow? //
"Let's go, Deanna."
"Allright, Will. I'm ready."
The couple left the commons area hand in hand. By now their
relationship was public knowledge on the ship. Deanna and Will walked
in companionable silence. It was the end of a long day of performing
administrative duties. Deanna looked forward to a hot bath and a
back rub from Will. Will just wanted to be with her and back in her
soothing presence. Soon enough, they arrived at their quarters. "Are
you hungry, Dee?"
"Just for a snack." Will punched up an order in the replicator.
Will enjoyed cooking, even with this impersonal system. He longed
for the kitchen in his boyhood home. Home. He was feeling nostalgic
tonight. "I guess it's normal, after all."
As usual, a snack from Will equaled a real meal. He had replicated
onion soup, garlic bread, a Cobb salad with real bleu cheese
dressing, and of course, chocolate ice cream. "Wholesome," Will
called it. Decadent, decided Deanna. "As usual, you outdid
yourself, Will. You missed your calling. And if you keep cooking
that way, you will miss my old figure."
"Deanna, you'll always be beautiful. Nothing you do can change
that."
Deanna smiled radiantly at the complement. Then her eyes grew sly
and she said "I will really feel beautiful after a bath." She kissed
him quickly and disappeared into the bathroom.
Will was sorry to see her go. Sometimes, when we was feeling
especially vulnerable, he felt like he could not let her out of his
sight. In recent months, he sometimes felt he did not deserve to be
so happy. Lucky and successful he often was, but after his Mom died
and before he met Deanna, he did not know what it meant to be happy.
Would he lose that now? This time, he could not resist his feelings
of worry. And he knew he could not delay what he had to do.
Deanna, again sensing his unease, pulled herself outside of her bath
and wrapped herself in a fuzzy white robe. Still damp, with her hair
pinned haphazardly on her head, she came to him and put her hands on
his bearded face. She looked into his worried blue eyes and sent
feelings of love to him through their Imzadi bond. It was almost more
than he could take.\\ Tonight with words unspoken You say that I'm
the only one But will my heart be broken When the night meets the
morning sun?\\
Then he said those dreaded words. "We have to talk." And Deanna
forgot to breathe.
Will took her hands in his and led her to the couch. His blue eyes
were clear, but glistened with repressed tears. "Deanna, my love,
I'm so sorry."
"For what, Will?"
"For….for…. having to leave you." Will got up and paced
the room.
How could he let himself do this to her again? If he had to do it, he
would do it right, and let her know everything. He went back to her
and looked her in the eyes again, hating himself for causing her
pain. "Deanna, I have to go on a mission, undercover. It could take
months for me to return. It kills me to leave you, but I might be
able to save many lives. I don't want to go, but it's the right
thing to do, except for hurting you. Oh, Imzadi. I can't go and I
can't not go. Please forgive me."
Deanna absorbed what he said in parts. Part of her acted as the
ship's counselor, finally understanding Will's moments of unease.
Part of her was the Starfleet officer, realizing the importance of
such a mission. Part of her was Will's best friend, supportive and
understanding. The rest of her was a heartbroken Imzadi, fearing the
loss of love lost and found. Would it be lost again?
"Will, do you love me?"
"With all my heart and soul, Imzadi."
"Does this change how you feel about me?" \\So tell me now, and I
won't ask again Will you still love me tomorrow?\\
"No. Never."
"Can you use an empath on your mission?"
"Deanna, do you know what this means? You would be separated from
your friends and family for months at the least. We would be a small
group against great odds. You would have to give up so much."
"But I would have you, and we would be together. You know you are
stronger with me than without me. From the sounds of it Will, your
crew may need some counseling and negotiating support. I am a bridge
officer and have many other qualifications for this type of mission.
I am yours if you will have me."
Will's blue eyes glistened again, this time with joy and amazement at
his Imzadi. His chest felt ten times lighter and he felt a smile
growing on his bearded face. "Commander Troi, will you join my
mission? Full details in the morning."
"Aye, Commander Riker. Yes, Imzadi," Deanna replied. Will and
Deanna sealed their agreement with a handshake, then a kiss.
Full Lyrics
Tonight you're mine completely You give your love so sweetly Tonight
the light of love is in your eyes But will you love me tomorrow.
Is this a lasting treasure Or just a moment's pleasure? Can I believe
the magic of your sighs? Will you still love me tomorrow?
Tonight with words unspoken you say that I'm the only one But will my
heart be broken When the night meets the morning sun?
I'd like to know that your love Is love I can be sure of So tell me
now, and I won't ask again. Will you still love me tomorrow? Will you
still love me tomorrow?