Loved this post-ep. You're definitely right - it would have been so great to see PIcard and Beverly discuss Jack's death. The scenes we did get in The Bonding, with Beverly and Wesley, and then Wesley and Picard were great, but Picard/Beverly is where it's at. I really enjoyed the atmosphere you evoked here, with the darkness and the pauses in the conversation. The parallels between now and the aftermath of Jack's death were interesting. And I loved the connection to Beverly also losing her parents when she was young. Very thoughtful and sweet fic. Thanks! :)

Interesting story, but Wes is mostly OOC and Bev’s even a bit OOC. I highly doubt Wes was “stoic” and calm in the face is his father’s death.

Also, Beverly’s a strong, mature woman; sure she cried loads when Jack died, but she would NOT look to her then-five-year-old son to “comfort” her; she’d be the adult who is responsible enough to be a real parent and comfort her small son and supporting him thru both of their grieving time.

There are loads of hints in several eppies that Wesley cried oceans of tears just like his mother over their loss of Jack. And it’s a bit of a cliché to call Wes a “stoic little soldier” and compare him with a President’s son. Wes takes after his mom in lots of ways. The Crushers are nothing like the Kennedys.

And actually, Wes has green eyes, not dark ones. I think other than Jack’s dark hair and maybe some of his facial features, Wes looks very much like Beverly; I’ve noticed they even have lots of the same mannerisms and facial expressions.

And actually, Bev never “dragged” her son from “one end of the galaxy to another”; she was much more stable than that; she actually lived in one place on Earth during Wes’s formative years until she and Wes came on board the Enterprise.

Neat, touching ending; I loved when Bev cried herself to sleep (I know she’d definitely do that), Jean Luc whispers good night in French before he leaves.

Good writing; you write very well!

Well written, evocative story. I watched The Bonding recently, and it didn't occur to me that both Beverly and Wes endured the loss of their parent(s), and could empathize with Jeremy. Nice catch. In character: it's believable to think of Picard grieving alone, but returning to the role of guardian/comforter with anyone else, even Beverly.

You write so beautifully. My only criticism is that Beverly did not awaken after the transport and tell Jean Luc the time for sacrifice was over! Please write again, soon.

Even though this story was very sad in a way it was also very, very cute :)

Perfect!

You're a very good writer. This ship is lucky to have you. :)

chapter 2?

very well done. i enjoyed and thought you captured them both so brillantly.

Beautiful thanks for gentle prusher.

Aw, that was so sweet, especially the end!