Lieutenant Commander Data found himself in the company of his young friend Timothy on a break from the helm for yet another time. For the past few weeks, the two had been becoming increasingly closer to one another. So it came as no surprise to anyone when the two had seated themselves in their usual spot at the ship's bar. After a short while of idle chat, which Data was becoming quite good at, Timothy suggested something strange and unfamiliar to the communications officer.
"A race?" Data paused to process the child's wording, his head tilting as his mind raced to piece together the context of the statement. "Ah, you mean to challenge me in order to find out which one of us can consume their beverage the quickest." Data looked back to the young man, brows raising to emphasize his assumption.
The boy smiled and laughed at the assessment. "Yes, Data. That's what I meant."
Data nodded, then glanced at two filled glasses as they were presented to them by the bartender. "I must warn you, my ability to consume liquids far surpasses that of a human's. It is unwise to challenge me in this situation." The android leaned towards the boy, eyes locking on the opposite pair.
Timothy huffed in reply and grabbed his drink, drawing it closer to him. "Those are big words, Data. I hope you can back them up!" Furrowing his brows, he gestured quickly to Data's glass and put the straw in his mouth. "Reft's go-" he muffled.
Data shrugged and adjusted the long straw before mimicking the boy's action and placing the straw in his mouth. Timothy raised his hand and counted down from 3. As soon as his last finger went down, the two began to sip without any restraint.
Before he could even reach half way, Timothy broke away from the straw and began heaving in deep breathes. Data on the other hand, continued to drink until the glass was completely empty. If he had the emotional capacity, Data would have felt pride for his accomplishment. Instead, he pushed the empty glass away and looked over to his companion.
"It appears I have won," he mused, golden orbs scanning the half full refreshment still setting in front of Timothy.
At first, the young male pouted. But after only a few moments, he began to laugh, which made Data become curious. "Why are you laughing? Is it not human nature to feel angry or upset upon losing a challenge?"
Timothy merely shook his head in reply. "I'm not laughing because I lost, Data. I'm laughing because your lips and tongue are now purple!"
"Oh?" Glancing at his reflection on the polished counter top, he found that this was indeed the truth. Sticking out his tongue, he noticed the shade to be a deep purple. "Interesting."
With Timothy still giggling and sipping away at the rest of his drink, the android's communicator chirped and the captain's voice requested that Data return to the bridge. "I am on my way, sir," he replied, tapping his officer badge. "I must go now, Timothy," he stated, looking back to the boy who nodded in understanding. "I shall, as you say, see you later." And with that, Data stood and returned to continue his duties leaving behind his friend to eat a sundae.