Fan Fiction
TITLE: Details from a Subtle Romance
AUTHOR: Briana L. Wright
RATING: G
CODES: Doc, 7, C/T, AU
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Challenge response, extra fluffy. Contains lyrics from the song, "Wicked Game" by Chris Isaak. Revised as of 03/03.
SUMMARY: The Doctor and Seven of Nine make observations about Commander and Lt. Torres while attending the ship's annual costume ball.
"Tell me more about this 'sexual tension' you describe in lesson twelve."
"All right. But it's complicated."
"Elaborate."
"Well. Let's see. I think you'd learn best by example. Ah. Over here." He gestured to his left. "Take our Commander Chakotay and B'Elanna Torres, for instance. Now, from our perspective, there's nothing obvious about their behavior at the moment. Such is the way sexual tension works. It's subtle, discreet."
"I don't understand."
"Let me put it this way, Seven. It's kind of like...a Romulan cloaking device. It keeps a ship from being seen and detected from our ship's sensors, correct?"
"Correct."
"Then sexual tension is a cloak for hiding emotions between two people, in that respect. It protects others from seeing their true feelings. Sometimes it even keeps those feelings from the very people who feel them."
Seven watched Chakotay and B'Elanna from a distance.
"I'm afraid I'm still confused, Doctor. If two people have this sexual tension between them but are unaware of it, then how do they know it exists?"
The Doc grinned. "That's the tricky part. Most people already have a sense that it's there--they just deny that they have feelings for that other person, in spite of this knowledge. Sometimes, only one person may know, and in that case, the other remains oblivious unless something is said. Only in rare cases are both completely unaware."
"And the Commander and Lieutenant? Do you think either is oblivious to the other's feelings?"
At that, he chuckled. "You know, Seven, I think they have been for quite some time."
Seven watched as Chakotay put his hand on B'Elanna's. They were both laughing about something. Perhaps a joke one of them had told. She considered the Doctor's words.
"If your assumption is correct, Doctor, then wouldn't it be courteous as a friend to both Commander Chakotay and Lieutenant Torres to make them aware of their situation?"
He debated the idea before giving a response. She had a point. But to tempt the level-headed Commander and easily-tempered Chief of Engineering? He could risk embarrassing him and provoking her. Was that wise? Well, he thought, I have to practice what I preach if I'm going to be a good example to Seven.
"You're right. I think I have an idea."
Chakotay had decided to forgo a costume this year, in spite of the traditional dress code. B'Elanna Torres, on the other hand, he could hardly keep his eyes off of. An angel costume wasn't exactly what he envisioned her in, but he had no reason to complain. She looked precisely as her costume had intended -- heavenly. She was dressed entirely in white, from her dress to a feathery halo. Against her tanned skin, she was luminous. And despite of her attitude, she carried herself with the grace of a lady.
"I don't mean to burst any bubbles, but this party is dull." B'Elanna sat with her legs crossed, dangling one shoe off of her foot.
"It's early," Chakotay encouraged. "There might be some surprises in store for us yet."
She twirled her finger in the air, unenthused. "Whoo."
The lights in the mess hall were suddenly less intense. A soft, acoustic guitar melody began to play. Nearby, the doctor gave a nod of approval.
Torres gave him an amused look, as if to question the timing of Chakotay's words. The commander stood and stuck out his hand to her. "Would you like to dance?"
B'Elanna answered with a grin and abandoned her suspicions. "This is a party, isn't it?"
Nearby, the Doctor grinned to his companion as he glanced towards B'Elanna and Chakotay.
"Looks like things just livened up. Come, Seven. Dancing is one area in your teaching that I've been neglecting." He twirled her out onto the floor.
"World was on fire, no one could save me but you.
Funny what desire will make foolish people do."
Like the rest of the couples around them, Chakotay and B'Elanna clung to each other. The singer's voice had a hypnotic effect that seduced them under the influence of the already soothing rhythm. Their bodies came together almost seamlessly and their movement was fluid, even for simple swaying.
"I never dreamed I'd meet somebody like you."
The words lingered lazily, almost as if the artist was still debating in his delivery whether or not he was trying to speak or sing. It gave the song a mysterious quality. Dancing had given her an excuse to be in the arms of Chakotay, but the lack of conversation was ackward to her.
"It's too quiet."
Chakotay felt the warmth of her breath against his uniform. The next verse began and he drew back, finding her eyes. The music spoke to him.
"What a wicked game you play, to make me feel this way.
What a wicked thing to do, to let me dream of you.
What a wicked thing to say, you never felt this way."
Even without the costume, B'Elanna was divine. He didn't need her angel ruse to tell him that she was beautiful. From her intense eyes to her full lips, she was all woman. And the forehead ridges that served to her a painful reminder, only accentuated her beauty in his eyes. Chakotay touched her cheek.
"Sometimes there aren't any words to say," he said, kissing her softly.
B'Elanna, though surprised by his affection, she welcomed and returned it.
"I think you're right."
From their own safe distance, the doctor and Seven of Nine danced, still making observations.
"Doctor, I believe your plan was successful. The commander and lieutenant seem to be enjoying each others' company."
The EMH smiled at the results before him and agreed. "It appears so. I must say, I am impressed."
"Now that the sexual tension between them is resolved, what is to become of their relationship?"
The doctor held the former Borg closer to him. "They fall in love, Seven," he said softly. "They fall in love."
