"Thank you, Morgan," the redhead finally said softly. "This is a very sweet gift." Morgan felt an uncharacteristic blush warm her cheeks and glanced down at the floor. Morgan’s eyes widened as Allison stepped closer to her and reached up to brush a kiss against her cheek. Morgan swallowed hard and nervously brushed her hair away from her face.

"You’re quite welcome, Miss Allison," she said, grimacing to herself as she heard how husky her voice was, "I’m glad you like the gifts." A slow smile curved Allison’s lips and she brushed her fingers against Morgan’s arm as she walked past her. Morgan struggled to regain control of her heartbeat as Allison carefully set her book on the table next to her chair.

"Are you leaving soon?" Allison asked without turning around. Morgan frowned.

"No…actually dinner will be here shortly. Why?" Morgan watched as the slight droop of Allison’s shoulders disappeared.

"Should I dress for dinner, then?" the redhead turned around and asked, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. Morgan cocked her head a little.

"If you like. It’s entirely up to you. I wasn’t really planning on anything formal, but I can have the table set up again like last night and we can have a civilized meal." Allison smiled at her and nodded.

"I think I would like that. I didn’t really feel up to eating lunch." Morgan looked at Allison apologetically and received a small smile in return. The younger woman went over to her trunks and set about pulling out various things until the corner looked like a hurricane had hit it. Morgan laughed softly and received an indignant look in return.

"Are you having trouble, Allison?" She asked. Allison sighed in frustration and gestured towards the mess.

"I can’t decide which one to wear!" Morgan walked over and stood behind the redhead, looking at the dresses laid out before Allison.

"Hmmm…..well…what about this one?" Morgan picked up a deep blue dress, turned Allison towards the mirror on the wall and held it in front of her, looking into the deep green eyes reflected there. "It’s a striking color," she said softly, "and I think it will look beautiful on you." The ear next to her lips turned pink and Allison glanced down at the dress in the mirror then looked back up.

"Do you really think so?" she asked shyly. Morgan nodded.

"Yes I do."

"I’ll wear that one then." Morgan smiled and turned the dress over to Allison. She deliberately moved across the room to the desk and sat down, trying to engross herself in her log to keep from watching Allison. She heard Allison drop the robe to the floor and the rustle of fabric and pinned her eyes on the pages in front of her, desperately ignoring the curves she could see in her peripheral vision.

"Morgan?"

"Yes?"

"Can you help me with this?" Morgan swallowed hard and looked over. Allison was holding her corset up, looking over her shoulder at her. "I still can’t reach the laces." Morgan walked over to stand behind Allison and reached out to work at the laces, trying to still her trembling hands. Come on, Morgan!! She cursed at herself. Allison looked over her shoulder at her. "Are you okay?" Morgan nodded and tugged gently at the laces, pulling the corset tight around Allison’s waist. Tying it snuggly she backed away.

"There you go," she said softly. Allison smiled at her over her shoulder and stepped into the rich blue dress. Pulling it up over her shoulders she glanced questioningly at Morgan. The captain chuckled and reached forward, tugging the redhead back by her dress. Finding her hands much steadier now that Allison was covered she deftly buttoned the back of the dress. She looked over Allison’s shoulder into the mirror and saw her own eyes widen in surprise. The dress that she had chosen fit the redhead closely, reaching from the neck down like she had hoped with only one problem. The bodice of the gown had a teardrop cut out that teased the eye with the full curves of Allison’s breasts, and the cut of the dress flattered Allison’s figure even more than the green one from the previous evening. Allison met her eyes in the mirror and Morgan’s breath caught in her throat. The silence stretched on as Morgan couldn’t find the strength to tear her eyes away.

*knock knock *

Morgan glanced at the door, grateful for a reason to break the tableau. Taking herself quickly out of Allison’s vicinity she went to the door and opened it. The desk attendant smiled at her as she waved him in, and he nodded when she asked him to set up the table. Standing back out of the way she watched as he rolled the cart into the room and started to lay the dinner out after retrieving a drop-leaf table from a storage closet down the hall. She watched Allison’s expressions as the younger woman looked on, noting the surprise that flickered across her face as he set a vase of flowers on the table. Finally all was set and he left with a bow, murmuring that if she liked she could leave the cart outside the door and he would retrieve the dishes there later.

Dinner passed pleasantly, Morgan engaging her companion in light-hearted conversation as they worked their way through the courses. The chocolate dessert was met with absolute delight, and they ate it slowly, savoring every bit of the rich treat. Morgan had placed the dishes on the cart as they finished them and she wheeled the cart into the hall after dessert. Morgan returned to the table and sat down across from Allison, offering to refill their wine glasses. Allison accepted with a gracious nod and toasted Morgan silently with her drink before sipping the sweet wine. They sat for a long time, talking idly as the fire on the hearth crackled. Morgan finally glanced at the clock on the mantel and realized that it had grown quite late. Allison smiled sadly at her as she caught the look.

"It’s time for you to leave, isn’t it?" Morgan nodded.

"Yes….past time." Morgan stood and stretched, feeling her head swirl momentarily with the effects of the wine. Allison did the same and Morgan hurried to her side as the redhead swayed dangerously on her feet.

"Mmm….I think I may have had a bit too much wine, Captain," she said, looking up into Morgan’s eyes. She laughed softly and nodded, guiding the younger woman slowly over to the bed.