Author's Notes: I do apologize. I plan on pausing on working on The Rescue. Just so I can focus on this one. I have so many ideas, I just need to compile them all and finally finish this dang fic already. *groans*

Chapter 14

"Hey. How are you holding up?" Commander Riker as he took the chair that Data sat in moments before.

"I am alright. I just want all of this to end." Nicole said.

"I know you do. Captain Picard is doing his best to figure out an option on a treatment plan. That way you can go back to work." Commander Riker said.

Nicole placed her hand on her father's. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For stepping in when you did. I don't think I would've had a chance to get over Tucker or deal with this."

Commander Riker placed his hand on top of hers. "You are welcome, honey. I may haven't been there before but I am here now. I will do what I need to in order to keep you safe."

"I just want the case closed." Nicole said as tears formed in her eyes.

"Hey." Commander Riker stood. He wrapped his arms around Nicole. "It will be alright, Nikki. I got you."

"Nicole!" Barclay exclaimed as Nicole was brought into Ten Forward by Commander Riker and Dr Crusher.

"Hey Reg." Nicole said, smiling as she hugged him.

"How-How do-you-you-feel?"

"I feel alright. Dr. Crusher is letting me see the concert." Nicole said.

Barclay smiled. He normally was on the day shift with Geordi but he usually worked with Nicole. He assisted her in training the other officers.

"Come on. Let's go sit down. Lieutenant Barclay can you stand on the other side of Lieutenant Riker in case she falls." Dr. Crusher said.

"She can sit here." Captain Picard said, keeping the chair beside him steady so Nicole could sit down.

Commander Riker took the chair on the other side of Nicole. And Dr. Crusher sat directly behind her. Troi was next to Commander Riker. Nicole's baby blues locked with the yellow ones of the Android. She smiled at him. Data mimicked the smile.

The whole time Nicole has been dealing with her past. Data hasn't left her side. Even if they weren't a couple, she could still see Data staying by her side. She doesn't know what she did to deserve someone such as Data.

"We have designed a special concert for Nicole Riker. I hope you all enjoy it." Data said, sitting down.

Nicole smiled a little bigger. She winced as she adjusted in her seat. She could barely keep her eyes off of Data as he played his Violin. They even locked eyes a couple of times. Each time she smiled.

Out of all the men Nicole dated she wouldn't have expected the Android to win her heart.

"That was beautiful, thank you." Nicole said after the concert was over. She had a smile on her face.

Data immediately came to Nicole who stood with the assistance of the Captain and first officer. His expression was filled with concern.

"I am alright, babe. I am still a little sore from the last panic attack."

"I told you Nicole. I care about you. I constantly find myself thinking about you."

Nicole grabbed Data's face. She gave him a gentle kiss on the lips.

"I love you too." She said, smiling. Data mimicked the smile.

"Come on, let's get you back to sickbay." Dr. Crusher said.

Nicole turned to the kind doctor. "Can I stay for a little? I would like to eat something that isn't hospital food."

"Very well, but I don't want you to move around too much." Dr. Crusher said.

"Thank you Beverly."

Dr. Crusher sighed and rolled her eyes. Nicole was just as bad as her father.

Nicole walked over to the bar where she stood besides the Captain and first officer. She rubbed her forehead. She kept trying to remember what caused her to seize.

"Are you alright, Lieutenant?" Captain Picard asked, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Yes. I am." Nicole said, wincing.

The pain in her head became unbearable. She felt the hypo spray go to her neck. Along with the sound of a medical tricorder.

"Come on. Let's go to Sickbay." Dr. Crusher said.

"I'm fine." Nicole said. Despite the pain she opened her eyes to glare at the doctor.

Dr. Crusher glared back. "No you're not, Lieutenant."

"Nikki, baby, we're just trying to help. You know you shouldn't let pain linger." Troi said, kindly.

Nicole turned around. She used the bar to lean on.

"I've been stuck in Sickbay since I've been back, mom. I am tired of seeing Sickbay. So if I get to be out and about, I am going to enjoy it!"

"But if you are in this much pain then you should be resting rather than walking around." Troi said, narrowing her dark irises.

"I can handle it! I am stronger than I look!"

"Enough!" Admiral Styrrec came over to the group. He looked right at Nicole. "You will report to Sickbay. Now Lieutenant. That's an order."

Nicole looked away. "Yes sir."

Data came by Sickbay sometime later. Nicole looked away. He took the seat next to her bed.

"I came to see how you are doing." Data said.

"I'm fine." Nicole said, annoyed.

"The sound of your voice tells me otherwise. Nikki, love, tell me what is wrong."

The sadness in Data's voice made Nicole deflate. She turned to her boyfriend as tears were falling down her cheeks.

"I am exhausted, Imzadi. I don't know how much longer I can fight this. I feel like too much is against me. This happened last time while I was going through the case." Nicole said, wiping the tears with the sleeve of her black long sleeve shirt.

Data lost control of his movements. He had this need to comfort his partner. So he did. He stood so he could hold her. Nicole cried in his arms.