February 13th
Data stood in Riker's quarters, confusion evident on his pale features.
Riker smiled warmly at his befuddled android friend and patted his shoulder. "Don't worry so much, Data, you'll do fine!"
Data turned his golden eyes to meet Riker's blue ones. "I am not worried," he said as if stating a fact.
"Ok, let's go through it again, then." Riker said, eyes smiling. The first officer was enjoying teaching Data everything he knew about women and Valentine's Day. The poor android seemed so confused by the various little traditions and customs, which, instead of frustrating Riker, only made him more amused.
"Plan a nice, festive dinner for her because—"
"—consuming nutrients with another usually increases affection," Data finished.
Riker looked toward the ceiling as if trying to comprehend this strange way of finishing his sentence. Well, I wouldn't have put it that way but I guess he's got the right idea! Riker thought.
"Ok…and get some red roses for her because—"
"—women 'cannot resist the sight of roses'." Data decided to finish the sentence with Riker's words.
"Exactly!" Riker exclaimed, more and more pleased with how this was going.
Data tilted his head to the side, a question perched on his pale lips. "Is there some chemical in the human female brain I am not familiar with that causes the inability to resist red roses?"
Riker stared at the android, stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter.
"I do not see the humor in my words," Data stated, even more confused.
"I'm sorry, Data," Riker said, wiping his eyes. "This has just been very…amusing…for me." Riker quickly sobered up at the steady, impassive gaze Data was giving him. "Ok, Data, I think you get the idea. But I would advise you to go find Deanna and ask her if she has any un-replicated chocolates she would be willing to let you give Jenna. Women love chocolates. Then, go see if you can get some roses for tomorrow. I think that should do it!"
"Do what?" Data asked. The android reflected almost dismally on the fact that he seemed to only be getting more confused with this conversation. But he had learned a lot from Riker, and, despite the fact that these human customs on this amorous holiday had completely bewildered the emotionless android, he was still going to do his best and give Jenna the best Valentine's Day he could produce.
"That would make Jenna very, very happy," Riker stated, trying to get his point across without making it seem like he was talking to a child. Riker noticed Data was beyond maturity and extremely smart in some areas, while in others—like social customs—it was almost like Data was a just a child. Riker was fine with this; he would help the android get through tough social situations the best he could.
"I would be pleased to make Jenna happy," Data reflected. "I will go find Counselor Troi now. Thank you, Commander, for the instruction."
"No problem, Data. Come any time you like!" Riker said, patting the android on the shoulder again in encouragement. Data seemed to understand the gesture, and he smiled in gratitude. "Oh, and, Data!" Riker said before Data could leave. The android turned around, waiting for Riker to continue. "Remember: don't tell Jenna about any of your plans. Keep it a secret! Women like surprises!"
Data paused for a moment and his eyes slightly glazed over like he was noting this bit of information. Riker waited until he was done.
Data seemed to come to life again, and he said, "Thank you, Commander. I will remember not to 'clue her in'."
Riker smiled at the human colloquialism the android had just used. As Data walked out of Riker's quarters, the first officer smiled and shook his head. He hoped Data would take his advice and surprise Jenna with his knowledge of the holiday. Or tomorrow might just be an awkward mess.
~/~/~/~/~/~
Data stood in the turbolift, waiting for the doors to open, signifying he had reached his destination. He had just come back from speaking with Deanna Troi about the chocolates. Of course, Deanna had asked why, and the android had explained, and the counselor had found the explanation so "romantic". She had been overly willing to contribute to his having a successful courtship, and was excited to hear how everything went tomorrow.
The turbolift dropped Data off on Deck 17, Section 21 alpha. Data strode through the hallway until he reached the arboretum, humming "Che gelida manina" as he went, and hitting every note and rhythm of the aria with the precision only a computer or android could master. The doors to the large room swished open at his presence, and Data walked into the lush gardens.
He searched the expanse of vegetation until he found the slight form of Keiko O'Brien nestled within a patch of colorful flora. Data walked up to the petite woman. "Hello," he greeted.
Keiko looked up. "Hello, Data! It's so nice to see you!" Keiko sat back on her haunches and smiled a knowing smile. "How's Jenna today?"
"Jenna is, at the moment, frustrated," Data answered innocently.
"Oh, no, Data, what did you do?" she asked, quick to assume the man in the relationship had something to do with Jenna's frustrations.
"I did nothing, Keiko. She has been behind with her flute practice and is feeling…stressed." Data hoped that was the correct diagnosis of his girlfriend's emotions.
"Well, then, if I were you, I would get over there and comfort her!" Keiko brushed a strand of dark hair out of her face, leaving a mark of topsoil on her cheek.
"That is my intention," Data assured the slim Japanese woman. "But, at the moment, I am wondering if tomorrow I will be able to obtain some roses for Jenna."
Keiko smiled brightly at the thoughtfulness. "Red roses?" she asked.
"Since the color red, in this case, is the symbol of romance, and Jenna and I are in a romantic relationship, red roses are desirable."
Keiko nodded and wiped her hands on her apron. "You're telling me. Tomorrow—being Valentine's Day—everyone wants some red roses for their sweetheart. But, thankfully—" Keiko stood up and started to walk toward another part of the arboretum, motioning Data to follow her— "I have some extras just waiting for the occasion that will be ready for you tomorrow."
Data inspected the roses, hoping these were just what Commander Riker had been talking about and would please Jenna.
"Thank you, Keiko. You have helped me significantly." The genuine sincerity in Data's voice warmed Keiko's heart, even though the tone was probably just an imitation of what he should sound like at a moment like this. Keiko preferred to think of it as the android's way of conveying his feelings, even though they could hardly be called anything like 'feelings'. She did believe, though, that somehow, somewhere, Data felt something.
"Is there anything else? I'm only too pleased to help out."
"No, I do not believe there is anything else," Data answered. "Except—" he said, remembering what Riker had said about keeping it a secret until the day came. "I would appreciate it if you do not tell Jenna I was here asking for flowers for her."
Keiko smiled. "You don't have to worry about that!" Data nodded gratefully and started to leave. Keiko called after him, "Remember: come back tomorrow to pick up the roses!"
Data turned back around to her. "I do not think I will forget," he said, then he smiled and turned to continue on the path out of the arboretum. So far, everything was going as planned.