Burning Bright

Drabble
By E. Wallace
2000

"Jean-Luc, exactly what is this... aversion... you have for my clothing?"

"I wouldn't call it an aversion."

"No? What would you call it when you've gone from ripping it off to setting it on fire?"

His gaze dropped guiltily to the charred scrap of silk dangling from her fingers.

"Beverly, I didn't aim for the candle."

"Is that going to be your 'explanation' the day a red flag pops up on the ship's stores report and during the next staff meeting, Data is compelled to ask why I have to replicate a new wardrobe of underwear nearly every two weeks?"