She steps into the messhall, into utter darkness.  Behind the counter is a bottle of champagne that Chell has put by for her to take to share with Chakotay, and she intends merely to collect it, and leave.  She isn't expecting anyone else to be around, and the silhouette by the window catches her by surprise.
"Hello?" she calls, wondering who else would be in the messhall at this hour, when even Chell has packed up gone long ago.
The silhouette turns, cast in darkness, and a voice states flatly, "Seven."
"Captain.  I did not mean to intrude - I merely came to collect something."  Some sixth sense makes her stop short of mentioning Chakotay's name.
"Go ahead."
Feeling self conscious, she walks into the little kitchen area, and retrieves the bottle, holding it carefully lest she should drop it.  She feels the Captain's eyes watching her every move, as if judging her actions.
"Champagne?"
The voice has a slight tinge of amusement to it as it makes the observation.
"Yes.  My research indicated that this is an appropriate beverage for romantic celebrations."
"Oh."
The conversation, could you call it that, ends and she stands, and heads for the door.  They sweep open at her approach, bathing the mess hall in bright light from the corridor outside.  She looks over her shoulder to see the Captain watching her, still watching, with a haunted look in her eyes that is uncomfortably familiar to her.
 

The only light in the darkened quarters is provided from a single candle on the table, nearly burnt out, and the stars streaking past the wide window.  By the bed stand twoempty champagne flutes; at the foot of the bed and across the floor are discarded items of clothing.
She feels safe in his strong arms - safe and secure in a way she's never felt before.  With him, she feels so many things she's never felt before.  Love, companionship, passion and satisfaction.  The gentle, warm glow that follows a night spent with him as they lie together like this.
She assumes this must be love.
She turns slightly, so that her face is inches from his.  Her hand cups his face and she kisses him tenderly as his eyes flutter open.  He runs a hand through her silken hair as he kisses her back.
"We should get up, you know," he says, rolling over onto his back.
Propping herself up on one elbow, she looks at him with a slight pout.  "I believe that is required.  However-"
"Hmm?" he asks, closing his eyes again.
She runs a hand over his chest teasingly.  "I wish it was not required."
"You and me both," he says with a sigh, rolling out from underneath her ministrations and standing up.  "But it is required."
She stands too, and kisses him.
"I love you," she says as he reluctantly pulls away.
He cups her chin in his hand and gazes into those steel blue eyes for a moment, with a haunted look that is uncomfortably familiar to her.
"I love you too," he says quietly, and leaves without looking back.

~END~