**Duty and Leisure**

Deanna smiled as she invited Will into her quarters, the soft glow of the candlelight casting a warm ambiance over the space. The dinner she had prepared, a simple yet elegant meal of roasted chicken and steamed vegetables, wafted a savory aroma through the air, mingling with the scent of the candles. Will took a seat at the table, and Deanna busied herself pouring a glass of wine for each of them. As she handed Will his glass, their fingers touched, and a spark of electricity ran through Deanna's body. She quickly pulled her hand back, focusing on the wine. "So, how's life on the Enterprise?" she asked, trying to sound casual. Will took a sip of his wine, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. "It's been busy. But I have to say, I'm enjoying the downtime. Geordi's been keeping me on my toes, as usual." Deanna laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'm sure he has. He's always been a bit of a chatterbox." Their conversation flowed easily, covering everything from ship gossip to their personal interests. Deanna found herself feeling more and more at ease, the tension she had been expecting to feel around Will noticeably absent. As they ate, Deanna accidentally nudged the candle, causing the flame to flicker. Will playfully teased her about her clumsiness, and Deanna laughed, feeling a sense of comfort with him that she hadn't experienced in a long time. As they continued their meal, their hands occasionally brushed, and they exchanged warm smiles. Deanna couldn't help but notice the way Will's eyes seemed to linger on hers, and she felt a flutter in her chest. But as the evening wore on, Deanna's concerns began to surface. She paused, collecting her thoughts before speaking. "Will, can I ask you something?" "Of course," Will replied, his expression serious. Deanna hesitated, unsure of how to phrase her question. "It's just...I know we've been friends for a long time, but...I don't know if this is a good idea. Reconnecting, I mean. We're on the same ship, and...it could get complicated." Will set his glass down, his eyes never leaving hers. "I know what you mean," he said, his voice calm and reassuring. "But I think we can navigate those challenges. We're adults, Deanna. We can handle it." Deanna studied his face, searching for any sign of hesitation or uncertainty. But all she saw was calm and confidence, and she felt a sense of reassurance wash over her. Will folded his napkin, a small action that revealed his nervousness. "Let's not worry about it too much, okay? Let's just enjoy the evening, and see where things go." Deanna smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "Okay," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. As they continued their dinner, the candlelit atmosphere a symbol of their quiet, growing connection, Deanna couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, they could make this work, despite the complications and challenges that lay ahead.