Title: A Matter of Height
Fandom: Star Trek: The Next Generation
Pairing: Jean-Luc Picard/Beverly Crusher
Rating: PG
Length: 518 words
Summary: During an early morning in sickbay, Beverly Crusher, Deanna Troi and Alyssa Ogawa discuss whether height really does matter.



“What do you think, Doctor?”

Beverly looked up from her PADD with a start. Her head nurse, Alyssa Ogawa and Deanna Troi, who had come in early for a routine check up, had been chatting about something or other. She had been far too focused on Deanna’s chart to pay much attention.

“I’m sorry Alyssa,” she apologized, “What do I think about…what exactly?”

Deanna and Alyssa smiled at each other.

“Nurse Ogawa and I were discussing ancient Earth dating practices,” Deanna explained, turning towards the doctor, “Apparently, in the 21st century, it was rather common for women to dismiss a potential suitor if they weren’t over a certain height.”

“6 feet and over,” Alyssa added.

“Well, that seems archaic,” Beverly responded, “Love shouldn’t be about how tall someone is.”

“Oh no, of course not,” Deanna agreed.

“But,” Alyssa added, sharing a glance, “Counselor Troi and I both agreed that having a taller partner has its perks.”

The two women giggled for a moment.

“What kind of perks?” Beverly asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Well, for one, when they hug you,” Deanna said, “Your head is at the perfect height to rest right into their chest.”

Beverly smirked, knowing that she was definitely talking about a certain tall, broad chested commander.

“And it’s always nice when they lean down to give you a kiss,” Alyssa sighed.

“You two are hopeless romantics,” Beverly said, shaking her head, “Being a similar height is pretty great too you know?”

“Oh really?” Deanna asked, a wide grin forming.
“Yes, please enlighten us,” Alyssa added, also smiling ear to ear.

“Alright, well, for starters,” Beverly explained, “Resting your head on someone’s shoulder when they hug you is just as nice as their chest. Especially because they’re able to whisper things into your ear.”

“Oooh,” the other women swooned.

“And kissing them,” Beverly added, “Well, you don’t have to worry about anybody getting strained leaning down or up.”

“How very doctor-like of you,” joked Alyssa.


“You did forget one perk,” Deanna said with a glint of mischief in her eyes.

“What’s that?” Beverly asked.

Just then, they were cut off by the chirp of Beverly’s communicator, followed by the deep baritone voice of their captain.

“Picard to Doctor Crusher.”

Beverly tapped her communicator.

“Crusher here. Is everything alright Jean-Luc?”

“Doctor,” Picard asked in a strained tone, “Is there anyone else in sick bay with you?”

“Just Nurse Ogawa and Counselor Troi,” Beverly responded, confused, “Why do you ask?”

“Doctor, I suggest you look down at your uniform.”

Beverly looked down and her eyes opened in shock. Instead of her standard blue medical uniform, she was in red. Feeling the collar, she felt an extra pip.

“I see the issue,” Beverly responded, her face turning as red as the uniform she was sporting, “Meet me in ten to remedy this issue?”

“My thoughts exactly Doctor,” Picard replied, “Picard out.”

As soon as the communication link ended, the nurse and the counselor burst out laughing.

“You two were right,” Beverly sighed, covering her now beet red face, “Maybe taller IS better. Or at least, a little less embarrassing.”