The wise El Aurian bartender stood up, and loudly suggested the group move on to Ten Forward, hoping she would be able to keep a better handle on the two Feeonix there. The group reconvened in the ship's tavern, and under Guinan's watchful eye, their informal dinner was a smashing success. Jagger managed to wrangle several bottles of various alcohols from Guinan's bar, and he and Naseema regaled the group with tales of their centuries of exploits. They rambled, laughed, and argued over details, on everything from the Crusades, to the Renaissance, the Napoleonic Wars, the sexual revolution of the 1960s, and even how many times Naseema was convicted of heresy and burned at the stake, much to the delight of their human companions. It didn't take the pair long to get rowdy. They engaged in multiple drinking contests, and as the meal concluded, Data found that he was quite enjoying the social research. He was fascinated by how the two Feeonix interacted. Naseema was the only one of her kind he'd ever met, and she became a different creature around her kin folk. She was aggressive and witty. The energy between the Feeonix almost crackled, and he found this version of Naseema exciting, and very attractive.

As the conversation progressed, the group learned that the Feeonix had found the entertainment industry an easy place to blend in during the latter half of the twentieth century. Jagger especially, considered this to be their glory days, and was particularly sentimental for this period in their lives. Naseema resisted at first, arguing that they were selfish, vain, and hideously decadent but she finally agreed that they were well suited to performing, and that there were good times. Jagger smiled, and reached across the table to take her hand. "You will forever be my muse," he said, his deep blue eyes gazing into hers.

"Oh brother," she replied, rolling her own large eyes, and pulling her hand away.

Jagger began to hum several bars of an unrecognizable song, and Naseema tossed her head back as she laughed. She watched Jagger rise up from his seat, swaying to the rhythm in his mind, and motioning for her to join him. She rolled her eyes again, and shook her head. Jagger took out a program disk, and after feeding it into the computer, it started to play the song he was now singing. From behind the bar, Guinan smiled, and shook her head gently, chuckling to herself.

"You are incorrigible," Naseema laughed as he pulled her up from her seat, into the routine he was dancing. She seemed, at first, as if she would abandon him on the dance floor but instead she fell into the steps effortlessly, and their companions, along with a few scattered crew members, were quickly watching with fascination, and delight as the pair relived their glory days in living technicolor. They were truly fantastic together, moving in perfect synchronicity, their energies combining in a feverish explosion as the archaic music blared. They came alive, losing themselves in their dancing, and never breaking their orbit around each other.

Data spotted Guinan leaning on the bar, watching the Feeonix, and went over to sit on a stool across from her. She smiled at him as he sat down. After a moment of silence where they just watched the impromptu show, Data intently observing Naseema singing along, and laughing with her former companion in this new form of storytelling. Her hair flying around her, her swinging hips, remembering every movement perfectly. He was almost totally hypnotized when Guinan finally spoke.

"They're really something else aren't they?" she asked, motioning towards Naseema and Jagger.

"Yes," he replied. "I do not believe I have ever seen performances quite so exhilarating. This has been a very fascinating evening, and I have enjoyed observing Naseema and Jagger interact with one another. They have a unique history, and a complex friendship. I hypothesize they once had a very passionate romance." Guinan could tell he was fishing for information. Subtly was not one of Data's strengths.

"One would think so, but no," Guinan corrected. "It wasn't for a lack of effort on Jagger's part though. There was a time when she did love him, I think, but he never wanted the party to end, and a romance never materialized."

Data watched the Feeonix again for a moment. "Are you sure that is the case, Guinan?" he finally asked. "They seem very attracted to each other, and greatly enjoying the others company."

Guinan laughed, "Of course they're attracted to each other, they're Feeonix. Those two, however, are nothing more than a good time. They're better off without each other, and they know it."

Data seemed to understand, and nodded thoughtfully. "I agree with your assessment," he said matter-of-factly.

The corners of Guinan's mouth curled into a sly grin. "Data, I'm getting the distinct impression that you don't like Ambassador Jagger much," she led.

"I do not know him well enough to either like or dislike him. However, I can say with certainty I do not like the way he treats Naseema. I find him to be controlling, and manipulative."

Guinan leaned towards him, and spoke in a low voice. "Data, are you jealous?" she asked.

Data paused for a nanosecond to think about her question.

He was definitely relieved when Guinan told him that Naseema, and Jagger had never been romantically involved. He also didn't care for the way Jagger behaved with Naseema. He had never been in a position to be jealous before, perhaps he was, and did not realize it.

"I do not know," he replied. "What does jealousy feel like?"

"Well," Guinan responded. "Do you wish Naseema was paying attention to you instead of Jagger?"

Data didn't even need to contemplate the question before answering, "Yes."

"Does the attention Naseema pays to Jagger give you any inclination to dislike him?"

"Perhaps," he admitted.

"Okay," Guinan continued. "How did you feel when you thought Jagger, and Naseema had been romantically linked?"

"I was not fond of the idea," he replied quickly.

"How would you feel if they were to become romantically involved now?"

Data's eyes widened with a hint of horror as he imagined it. "I would not like that at all," he again answered quickly, glancing at the Feeonix. "Naseema would not have time for me anymore."

Guinan nodded knowingly. "Is that the only reason you wouldn't like it?" she asked.

He dropped his eyes. "No, she might leave the Enterprise," was all he said in reply.

"Data, I think you just might be a little jealous."

"Intriguing," he said. "I am unsure of how I should respond to this revelation. What does it mean to be jealous?" he asked. "It is my impression that jealousy is a negative emotion, and not generally considered to be an attractive quality."

"Well, being jealous means you don't want other men paying romantic attention to her, because you want to be the only one paying that kind of attention to her. It also means you don't want her to respond to the attentions of other men, and you would rather her attention be focused on you," she explained. "You are correct that usually jealousy causes people to behave negatively, but sometimes it can spur a good man to finally admit his true feelings to the woman he loves. In such a case, I think a little jealousy can be a positive thing, wouldn't you agree?"

Data contemplated briefly, and nodded. "That is a reasonable assumption to make, in such an instance," he agreed.

Guinan smiled.

She knew that while Data understood what she was saying, he didn't quite follow that she was referring to him specifically. She needed to push a little harder.

"Am I correct in assuming that you like it when she pays a lot of attention to you?" she continued.

He nodded sheepishly. "Yes," he again admitted.

"So, you should think about what you want from your relationship with her. Do you see any potential to move beyond friendship?" she asked.

Data gave the El Aurian bartender a confused blink. "Are you inquiring if I desire a romantic relationship with her?"

Guinan nodded, a little exasperated, and replied, "Yes, Data, that is what I'm asking."

A distressed expression crossed his face as he answered her question. "The thought has crossed my mind, quite frequently, as of late, but I am unsure if I possess the emotional depth to fulfill the expectations of a romance. I am very unsure how, or even if, I should proceed."

Guinan sighed. "Whether you make a move, or not, is ultimately up to you, but I think most of your friends would agree that you absolutely have the emotional depth required for a romance, you just need a little confidence. I know the fairer sex is pretty out there sometimes, okay most of the time, but Naseema's not that complicated. She just needs to be loved for who she is, and if anyone asked me, I'd say you already fulfill that need for her, you just haven't shown her that you want to take that next step, and if you did decide to take that step, I can say you certainly don't require Jagger's moves to win her over."

Data's eyes darted towards the handsome, arrogant ambassador, and he snorted, "I could do what he does."

Guinan's face lit up with delight. "You are jealous!" she exclaimed quietly.

The android her gave a sheepish, lopsided grin. "I believe you may be correct," he said, before pausing to think for a minute. "Guinan, I require advice. How do I know if I should move forward with a romance? How do I tell if I am ready?"

"Only you know for sure if you're ready, but I suppose I can help you explore the idea," Guinan replied. "Let's start with this question, how does she make you feel when you're alone with her?"

The android contemplated quietly for several seconds before he looked at the wise listener, and answered, "I feel very contented, and comfortable in her company, and I would rather spend my time with her than anyone else. Is that what you mean, Guinan?"

"You're getting closer," she smiled gently at him. "You've had some time to experience a pretty wide range of emotions in the last year or so. Does Naseema ever make you feel things unfamiliar to you? Things that nobody else makes you feel?"

Data furrowed his brow. "Since you have mentioned it, I have, while in her company, experienced a strange sensation here." He moved his hand down to pat his abdomen.

Guinan raised an eyebrow. "Really?" She leaned towards him, and lowered her voice. "What did it feel like?" she asked.

"I do not know," he replied. "I was unable to find a basis for comparison, and all the diagnostics I ran on myself indicated that I am, and have been functioning well within proper parameters."

Guinan smiled and rested her chin in her palm. "This sensation, did it feel good? Like maybe there's something fluttering around in there?" she asked. Data's lips moved as he mouthed the word flutter to himself. "Like maybe, butterflies?"

He searched his databanks for a frame of reference and his eyes grew large. "Yes!" he exclaimed, pointing a finger and breaking into a grin. "That is it!"

Guinan's smile widened. "Can you tell me what the situation was when you experienced this sensation?" she continued.

"The first time occurred-" he started to say, but Guinan interrupted him.

"This happened more than once?"

"Yes," he replied, and Guinan nodded, satisfied that she was on the right track.

"Okay, please continue."

"The first time occurred a year ago, after Spot ran under her foot, causing her to lose her balance, and fall on top of me. In the second instance, she brushed against-"

Guinan interrupted him again. "A year ago. Hmm, well, you don't have to tell me about every individual circumstance but maybe you could tell me how many times it's happened since the first time?"

"Three hundred and fourteen times including today. I experienced the same sensation earlier when she held my hand outside the holodeck."

Guinan nodded slowly. "Really? So would it be safe to say that the common element in each of these three hundred and fourteen instances is physical contact?"

Data paused, searching his memory for the answer. "Yes, that is a reasonable hypothesis. I can recall some form of physical contact in each of the instances. Perhaps the energy field she emits is affecting my circuitry?"

Guinan shook her head. "No Data, I don't think it's your circuitry, I think you're in love, and you just haven't realized it." She smiled affectionately at him.

He furrowed his brow, perplexed. "Intriguing." he said. "I had considered that perhaps Naseema might be a suitable mate, but I had not considered the possibility of being in love."

"Well, maybe you should," she responded. "You shouldn't just decide that someone is a good match for you based on commonality and compatibility. It's more about what's in here," Guinan said, patting her chest. "Based on what you've told me, I would definitely say that you're in love."

Data paused and thought for a moment. "I have a great deal of affection for Naseema but I have doubts that I am a suitable enough mate for her," he surmised.

"I think you feel much more than affection for her, and don't be so quick to sell yourself short, Data," Guinan disagreed. "In your own way, you two are perfect for each other."

Data watched the still whirling aliens for another moment. "I am also unsure that I will be able to satisfy her needs in the way she deserves," he continued. "She is, after all, a Feeonix."

"Don't over think it, and don't listen to the rumors about her kind," Guinan cautioned. "Just this once, I want you to listen to your feelings instead of your logic. Do you think you can do that?"

"I am unsure. Coping with emotional responses still presents a challenge for me. I do not wish to risk making a mistake, and damaging our friendship," he told her.

"I think you're making excuses now." She wagged her finger at him, then sighing, she laid it out for him, "Look, Data, it's no secret that you're attracted to her, and have been for quite awhile. Everyone can see it, and Jagger picked up on it within seconds of being in the same room with you both. She knows how you feel about her even if you don't." He opened his mouth to speak but Guinan held her hand up and continued, "She's waiting for you to tell her yourself, and she's been patient this long. If she didn't love you, and didn't think you'd make a good mate, she wouldn't have hung around. If you ask me, the only mistake you could make is doing nothing. I can't promise she'll wait forever."

The android sat silently, processing the El Aurian's words. He finally looked at her with a grateful expression. "Thank you, Guinan. Your honesty, as always, is appreciated," he said. Guinan smiled and patted his hand, looking towards the group on the dance floor. They were all pretty drunk now. Riker and Deanna were making eyes at each other while Beverly, Geordi, and Jagger were doing shots of some muddy looking liquid, and laughing at whatever joke Jagger was delivering. Naseema, and Captain Picard were dancing, and enjoying a lively conversation.

"Always glad to help," she replied.

"May I ask you something?" he inquired after a few moments.

"Certainly," she nodded. "What would you like to know?"

Data looked down at his drink briefly, and Guinan could swear he was actually shy about asking his impending question. "You have known Naseema longer than anyone else on this ship, and I know that she considers you to be a close friend," he began. Guinan offered a silent confirmation, and motioned for him to continue.

"What was she like in her youth? She prefers not to discuss it but after observing her interactions with Ambassador Jagger, I have noticed a significant change in her, and I am interested in knowing more about the variations in her personality over the course of the time you have known her." He leaned forward across the bar, and she laughed gently.

"I thought you might ask something like that," she replied. "What did you want to know?"

"Everything," he said, and rested his chin on his hand.

Guinan laughed again. "She was definitely what you would call wild. They both were," she said, motioning towards the two Feeonix. "She liked to drink, and gamble. Singing and dancing were high on her list. They were perpetually on a quest for fun, the both of them, and destructive as all hell, but they knew how to entertain those humans, and so long as they did that, no one really seemed to mind if they did whatever they wanted. They were kind of like spoiled teenagers," she continued. "They were just teenagers, really."

Data cocked his head to the side in confusion. "It is my understanding that Feeonix are not technically born, but are formed by a particular combination of elements, and more or less explode, fully formed into existence," he interjected. "I was not aware that they were ever considered children, and in the mid-twentieth century, Naseema would have been approximately one thousand, one hundred, and forty-four years old. That would seem past the point of any type of childhood."

"Not if you're a Feeonix. They live for hundreds, of thousands of years, Data. Anyone under the age of a thousand is considered a child. Naseema, and Jagger are still very young," she answered.

"I was unaware of that. The information available on her species is limited, and much of what is on record is not based in fact," he said with disappointment in his voice.

Guinan furrowed her brow. "Why haven't you ever asked Naseema about any of this?" she asked him.

"She becomes very uncomfortable whenever I ask her to tell me about herself then, and insists that it does not matter, because she is not the same person anymore," he replied. "Then she changes the subject."

"Hmm, I see," she mused. "I wouldn't worry your pretty little android brain about it too much. I don't think she's keeping any deep, dark secrets from you. She's just embarrassed because she feels she was a shallow, single-minded being back then. Jagger's clearly not as ashamed of that time as she is. It's not like they ever did anything terrible, they just rarely did anything constructive," she told him. "As long as you can stand his obvious competitiveness, you should ask Jagger to tell you about her. He's known her longer, and he'll probably be more candid than I will. He doesn't have to stay on this ship with her," she added, laughing.

Data finished his drink and replied, "Thank you Guinan, I believe I will do that." Guinan refilled them again, and the two watched awhile as their friends rioted around Ten Forward until the alcohol finally took the better of them, and one by one, they diverged to their quarters leaving the four non-humans alone in the empty bar. Naseema moved to stand next to Data, and Guinan slid her a glass filled with blue liquid which she drank down without pause.

Jagger sidled up beside her. "So baby, whadda ya say, back to the holodeck?" he asked with an eyebrow raised lasciviously.

Naseema shook her head. "I do not think so, buddy," she replied.

Jagger turned to Guinan. "Guinan? We could go to old San Francisco?" he cooed.

"Not a chance, but nice try all the same," she laughed.

He finally looked at Data. "How about you, android?" He jutted his chin out, smirking. "You can tell me all about the things you, and blondie here have been up to."

What exactly does Naseema see in this artificial life form anyway? Jagger wondered to himself. He's such a stiff, there's no way he's any good in-

As the last thought crossed his mind, a shot glass whizzed by his ear. He jerked his head up to see Naseema glaring daggers at him.

"None. Of. Your. Business," she spat.

Jagger turned to Data again. "Shit," he said cheekily. "I forgot she was a mind-reader."

"I do not have to read your mind to know what you are thinking," she hissed.

Data maintained his calm, stoic expression. "She does not seem to appreciate your candor, Ambassador," he said simply.

Secretly, he enjoyed watching Naseema rebuke this arrogant visitor.

Realizing he was going to have to step up his game to gain a reaction from Data, Jagger gave up on him momentarily, and turned back to Naseema whose feathers were easier to ruffle. "How about a ballad then, love?" he suggested.

She thought for a second, and replied, "Yes, that would be acceptable."

Jagger furrowed his brow at her response. "That would be acceptable?" he mimicked her, and then looked at Data. "What the hell have you done to her? She doesn't even sound like herself anymore, she sounds like you!" He pointed his finger at Data, and pushed it into his chest.

Data looked back at Jagger, and replied innocently, "I have done nothing to her. She speaks in the same manner now as she did when I met her."

"Jagger," Naseema warned.

The Feeonix whipped his head up and glared at her. "Well, I guess if you want me to leave your robot alone, then you'll just have to distract me," he snapped.

Naseema threw him a sarcastic smile, went over to the bar's small entertainment platform, and took the microphone in her hand. Jagger started the music, and she poured herself into the song, swinging her hips in time, and tossing her hair around when the mood called for it. She directed the scathing ballad at Jagger, solidifying for him that she wouldn't be succumbing to his advances. Data didn't even realize she was telling her former companion off, his attention was locked, and he couldn't peel his eyes away from her. At her song's completion, Jagger decided to cede defeat for the time being. He rose from his seat. "Thanks babe, that was lovely, as always. I think I'll retire to my quarters to prepare for our meeting. I'll see you tomorrow." He nodded at the El Aurian. "Guinan, a pleasure," he said graciously, and then he turned to Data one last time. "Enjoy the rest of your evening, Commander," he smirked.

"Thank you Ambassador. It has been...interesting," replied Data politely.

Jagger pursed his mouth and nodded. "Yes," he agreed, and then bowed out of Ten Forward, and was gone, his ridiculous music still spooling from the speakers.

Naseema returned to Data's side, and at that moment, he realized he recognized the current song from when he'd learned to dance. He recalled how pleased she had been when he'd asked her to dance with him at Miles O'Brien's wedding, and based on his recent discussion with Guinan, and Commander Riker's suggestion of a romantic overture, he was struck with an idea. He slid from his seat, and stepped away from the bar, holding his hand out to her. With a quizzical look, she accepted, and he gave her a gentle yank, pulling her in tight to him. He slid his arm around her waist, and pressed his hand firmly in the small of her back. A smile of delight spread across her face as he swept her across the floor, moving with the same fluid grace as Jagger. She was impressed, not only by his spontaneity, but by his skill on the dance floor, and she was falling hard for his gesture. This was unlike the steady, predictable Lieutenant Commander Data she was familiar with, and she liked it. Guinan watched the pair for a moment before smiling to herself as she slipped out the door, leaving them alone. As the song faded out, Naseema found herself staring into his glittering, gold eyes, and there was something different about the way he was looking at her.

"Is everything alright?" she asked him, lightly furrowing her brow in curiosity.

He held his gaze on her, and nodded. "Yes, everything is fine," he replied. "I am simply enjoying this moment with you. I am aware that I have never told you this before, but I find you to be a very entrancing creature, and you have captured my attention."

She smiled warmly at him, mild surprise in her eyes. "Thank you, Data. That is very lovely of you to say." Her own attention was then caught by the first few bars of a slow piano ballad. Recognition filled her eyes, and she commented, "I knew Jagger would include this song. It was one of his favorites." She locked her eyes with his again, and this time the look in hers had changed. They were shining, full of affection, and mixed with something he couldn't identify. "I am glad he is gone," she confessed. "He and I shared this song many times, but I would much rather share it with you."

The song was slow and sensual, and Naseema felt every note. She kept her eyes on his as she changed their dance, moving slow, keeping him close, running her free hand up his arm, down his body, while keeping the fingers of her other hand entwined with his. She moved up to stroke his hair, and trace his jaw, pressing her hips on his as they swayed. She glided around him, dragging her hand across his chest, then came in close to breathe seductively in his ear, brushing their cheeks together, and nuzzling him with her nose. The fire in her eyes glowed, and Data could feel something stirring within him. A feeling he had never felt before. It was exhilarating, and made him feel more alive than he ever had before. As it roared up from his core, engulfing him inside, he realized it was arousal.

Perhaps Guinan was right, and he was ready.

She slipped her fingers under his collar to caress the back of his neck, and he closed his eyes and sighed.

Yes, he was definitely ready. He was sure he understood her feelings regarding the visiting Feeonix ambassador now. When she danced with Jagger, she was merely recapturing part of her youth, recapturing fond memories, and nothing more. She didn't draw close as she did with him now, nor did she lay her hands on him with the same intent. Her eyes did not reflect the same passion. She was not just dancing with him, she was seducing him, and he was letting her.

She brushed her lips across his, making him sigh again, feeling that familiar flutter, only far stronger this time. She rested her head on his chest, and he took in the scent of her hair, gently running his hand down its length.

It is now or never, he decided.