One week had passed since the Enterprise had left the Ba'ku planet, and Will Riker had never been happier. The planet had rejuvenation effects that effected the crew, and it had caused him and Deanna Troi to rekindle their long-abandoned relationship. it had affected their ability rationally and the result was 1 week of pure bliss and the loss of his beard (which was slowly growing back). But now, the effects of the planet were wearing off and Riker was wondering what was going to happen to them next. Just as he was thinking, he heard someone beep at the door.

"Computer, unlock door and admit Counselor Troi." Riker instructed.

"Acknowledged." Came the computers automated voice. The door hissed open and Deanna Troi stepped in. She stood in front of Riker's sofa.

"Imzadi. We need to talk." was the first words that came out of Deanna's mouth.

Riker, couldn't help but have a sense of foreboding at her words. "What is it, Deanna?" he asked nervously.

She sat down opposite him, but would not look at him. "We need to talk about what happened during the last mission."

"What's there to talk about?" Riker asked. "I thought…"

Deanna cut him off "We can't…" she began.

He cut her off in quick succession "Deanna." He drew a breath loudly and wiped his, now beardless, chin. "Don't tell me you're having regrets."

"We weren't thinking straight, Will. The planet affected both our abilities to think rationally." She explained.

"So, you're here to tell me that it's over." he said sadly.

"It was already over, Imzadi. It was over the day you decided not to come to Risa." she said harshly.

"Deanna, what's wrong with trying again? Beverley and the Captain, agree that it's about time we stopped denying what we both want." he protested.

"Beverley and the Captain have nothing to do with this!" she exclaimed, standing up, quickly, and turning her back on him. "I don't want to risk this again."

"Risk what?" he asked, confused.

"Us." she replied simply.

Will got up, stood behind her and held her shoulders in his hands, she shook him off.

"Deanna, I'm not going to leave the Enterprise. I'm comfortable where I am. I want to take a chance with us, again. Don't turn your back on me, please, Imzadi. Don't tell me you don't want this." he said desperately.

"We can't not when we're…" she began before Riker cut her off.

"I'm sick of that speech, Deanna!" he said angrily. "What are you so afraid of to make you convince yourself that that is the reason you won't let yourself be with me?" He reached round for her hand and took it firmly. When she tried to take her hand back, he held on tighter. "That reason didn't stop you almost marrying Worf." he said protested.

"That's not fair, Will!" she shouted at him.

"Come on, Deanna. I know you want this to work. What are you afraid of?" he said, very desperately.

"I promised myself years ago that I wouldn't let myself fall in love with you again. If I let myself do that then you'll just leave like you always do. I don't want to feel that pain, Imzadi. I won't let you break me again!" with that she stormed out of his quarters.

Riker just stood still for a few minutes before deciding to go to the Ten Toward bar, that always made him feel better.