"A Quiet Flame"

Prompt: Post-Ba’ku, Will Riker and Deanna Troi share a candlelit dinner, their old spark flickering back. They joke about crew gossip and the captain’s reaction, hesitant to go public. Smiles and light touches show their ease, but Deanna voices concerns about complications. Will’s calm words anchor them, their evening a quiet step forward, rooted in trust and familiarity. Suggestions for 250-Word Plot (170 words): For a human, clear 250-word plot, highlight mundane moments to show Will and Deanna’s bond without clichés. Use details—like Deanna nudging a candle or Will folding his napkin—to reveal nerves. Keep dialogue light, with quips like “Geordi’s probably blabbing already” to nod at crew life. Show hesitation through actions, like Deanna’s pause or Will’s glance at the door, not vague feelings. Stay in her quarters, avoiding sci-fi terms. Focus on small stakes, like maintaining professionalism. Use short sentences for banter, longer for doubts, matching Star Trek’s character-driven tone. If expanding, add a brief comm buzz to hint at duty, showing their personal-professional tug-of-war without drama. This keeps it relatable, per Andy Mangels’ style.