A/N: Thanks for reading! Set post Code of Honour. This is an amateur-made work of fanfiction. Data/Tasha angst & fluff. Content warning: discussion of the polywater incident.

Data looked at her for the first time since Geordi had exited the room.

"Am I the 'complication' of which you spoke?" Data asked.

Tasha blinked.

She did not need to register what Data had asked. She knew full well to what he was referring.

"I said there would be complications," she replied, emphasising the plural and avoiding the question.

"I have noticed that humans sometimes use the plural form of a word when they are attempting to-" Data had started to say but stopped.

He could perceive she was tense.

"Have I embarrassed you?" he asked.

"You told Captain Picard?" Tasha said incredulously.

She was lucky her career in Starfleet wasn't over. Not that she didn't trust Captain Picard, but she felt betrayed.

Tasha was mortified.

Captain Picard and Tasha had known one another since her time at the Academy. She considered him a role model and mentor.

She was utterly ashamed of her behaviour during the polywater incident with the Tsiolkovsky - and now Data had shared the details of that mistake with the Captain she admired.

"It was not my intention to betray your confidence," Data replied. "But Captain Picard refused to accept my resignation and ordered me to disclose the reason behind my request. I informed him that I had violated Starfleet regulation 1138. He ordered my to disclose the name of the other party involved and he was able to piece together what I had left out."

"Wait, Data. Your resignation?" Tasha asked as her anger dissipated.

"Yes. Officers are prohibited from engaging in fraternisation with those that serve in their direct chain of command. As Second Officer and Chief Operations Officer, you are directly under my command. I have emotionally injured you. Because of my failure, resignation was the only appropriate action," Data said flatly as if he were explaining a routine engineering procedure.

Tasha was at a loss for words. She had no idea that Data had attempted to resign. She felt horrible.

"Data, I," she paused, unsure of how to proceed. "The failure was not your fault-"

"If I may continue, I," he said as he rose and took a step toward her. He turned his head away briefly before looking back to make eye contact, "regret my actions and the feelings I have caused you."

"I'm the one that should be apologising," Tasha said as she threw her arms up. "It was my failure."

She began to pace in front of his workstation as she ran her hand through her hair.

"I outrank you, Lieutenant. The fault is mine," Data said in a tone that indicated the conversation was done. "When combined with the information you have disclosed about your past and my understanding of the situation on Turkana, I cannot stress how sorry I am for having caused you any trauma."

Tasha stopped.

"Look, I'm fine!" Tasha said emphatically.

"With all due respect, Lieutenant, you are not fine," Data replied matter-of-factly.

She hated that he was right.

The door chimed and Data and Tasha looked at each other. They had forgotten Geordi was waiting outside.

"Everything OK?" Geordi called from the doorframe.

Simultaneously, Tasha replied 'yes' as Data replied 'no.'

Geordi stepped in front of the workstation and looked from Tasha to Data.

"Thank you for coming earlier but I think Commander Data and I have the problem under control now," Tasha said.

Geordi cocked his head to the side.

"Do you have time, Geordi? So that we may remove the engrams immediately then?" Data said.

Tasha turned to look at Data.

"I don't think that's necessary," Tasha said as she looked at him.

Data had shared that he considered the memories to be 'of great importance to him.'

Tasha didn't have it in her heart to demand their removal. Just because he could remove them, it didn't mean he should.

Data may not have been human, but in her eyes he was still a person.

He deserved the same experience - even if that included confronting the uncomfortable reality of an awkward one-night stand.

Data cocked his head to the side as his processing began to focus on his questions.

"Have you changed your mind about discussing my questions?" Data asked as his brow furrowed.

"Goodnight, Geordi," Tasha said as she maintained Data's gaze.

"Alrighty then," Geordi said awkwardly as he shook his head and left.

As soon as Geordi left Tasha sighed and folder her arms.

"Why don't we sit down, and I'll answer your questions then, hmm?" Tasha said as she motioned to his sofa.

Data followed her into his sitting area and sat down on the chair.

"Can I get you anything before we begin?" He asked her.

"How about a glass of water?" Tasha replied.

Data asked the replicator to produce a glass of water at five degrees. He handed her the glass and took his seat on the chair again.

"Ok, shoot," Tasha said before taking a sip of the cool water.

"I will begin with my most pressing questions," he said.

Tasha had not anticipated what he'd asked. Data had wanted to know how he could help her and if she had someone to confide in regarding the events on Ligon II. He was genuinely, deeply concerned about her wellbeing. He was worried about her abduction and if it had caused or retriggered trauma from the violence she had experienced in her youth.

Additionally, he explained he was concerned that his actions had caused her further hurt as she attempted to process that trauma – both his actions since Ligon II and their encounter during the polywater incident. He wanted to know if she did not wish to be contacted during certain hours or not be contacted at her quarters at all.

"I observed you wanted to meet here rather than your own quarters," Data said. "Does my presence in your quarters cause you discomfort?"

Before Tasha could answer, Data also asked if she could describe what level of personal space she wished to have.

"If my presence causes you distress then I will stop attending the poker games," he explained.

Tasha listened intently and kept her focus on Data.

Despite his repeated insistence that he couldn't feel emotion, she could see it on his face. He was worried. His brow furrowed and there was a deep empathy in his eyes.

When she had first met Commander Data, she considered his eyes to be a constant reminder of something cold and machine-like. But she had learned quickly that Data was gentle and, in some ways, like a child.

Looking at him now, all she could see was his humanity.

Tasha explained that she continued to speak with Counsellor Troi. She shared that Ligon II had been a confusing experience. She assured Data that his concern did not cause her to feel hurt.

"You were very kind, Data," she explained. "I just wasn't ready to discuss it with anyone. Least of all you – not after I took advantage of you."

Data put up a hand to stop her.

"You did not take advantage of me," he explained as he angled his head to give her his signature 'look.'

Tasha scoffed and laughed.

"Look, Data. I know what I did, I know it was inappropriate, and I can't tell you how horrible I feel that you thought you had to resign," she explained.

Tasha took another sip of water and set the glass back on the table. Data looked away to consider something before looking back at her.

"Why do you believe you took advantage of me?" he asked.

This was the first time they had discussed the polywater incident and Tasha's comment had left Data with many additional questions. But presently, the one burning in his mind was something he often struggled with when it came to human interaction.

"Was it because you felt as an android that-" Data started to ask but Tasha shook her head.

"You're like a child, Data," Tasha said. "You're learning to be human and I completely took advantage of your naivety."

"Ah," Data nodded.

It was as he suspected. Data could not explain it, but he disliked when humans presumed he was incapable of having sufficient human experience to understand situations.

"If you believe you took advantage of me due to some naivety then I would like to clarify that in addition to my extensive programming I have accumulated a total of 8,280 hours of first-hand experience in the matter with twenty-three partners," Data said indifferently.

Tasha choked as she was taking a sip from the glass. Covering her mouth, she regained her composure and tried to supress a smile.

"You dog," was all she could think of to respond.

"Dog? Ah! Dog as in rogue, scoundrel, or libertine. Is this considered extensive?" Data asked as a quizzical look overtook his features.

Tasha bit her lip as she was unsure of what to say. She was shocked to say the least.

"Data if that's true then why did you have to ask Commander Riker for advice on dating at poker, huh?" she questioned.

Shortly before the polywater incident, Data had publicly asked Commander Riker for his advice on dating. It had gotten him a round of teasing from the others present. It was like a geeky younger brother asking for advice.

"I have found that a romantic relationship and sexual activity are not one in the same," Data replied calmly.

Tasha nodded, surprised by his comprehension of that fact.

Unease began to set in.

A large part of why she had told Data 'it never happened' after the polywater incident was a fear that he may misunderstand their encounter. She had been worried he didn't know enough about human interaction to understand that a sexual liaison was not a formal relationship.

"That's very true, Data," Tasha agreed. "I didn't realise that you understood that."

"It was a lesson I learned shortly after my first sexual experience," Data explained. "When I approached her the next day to ask if she would like to repeat the activity, she made it abundantly clear to me that she had no desire to engage in a romantic relationship. Kindly though, she did take the time to explain to me the nuances of the matter. Socialisation became much easier after that."

Tasha felt a sense of relief. She smiled.

"If you understand this Data then why all the questions?" Tasha asked.

Data stood up and paced back and forth as he explained he had other questions that he would like to have answered. But before proceeding he wanted to ensure she still wished to proceed.

Tasha gave her consent and Data sat back down.

"What attracted you to Lutan?" He questioned.

Tasha blushed.

"It's hard to explain," Tasha said as she shrugged. "I wasn't attracted to him, Data. In a way, it was nice to feel desired. Everyone likes to find out they have that effect on someone. It's very flattering. But after I learned that his real intention was to get rid of his wife, those feelings went away."

"Then I feel I should inform you that during the polywater incident I accepted the invitation to your bed because the sound of your laughter is enjoyable. I find you to be a clever and intriguing officer. And that you are aesthetically pleasing," Data stated.

Tasha felt like her breathing stopped.

"The polywater did not effect my positronic brain until eleven minutes into our sexual experience. That is why I felt it was appropriate to submit my resignation," Data said flatly.

It took Tasha a moment to fully register what Data had explained.

"Are you saying you feel guilty about what happened?" Tasha asked as she tried to process how she felt about this news.

True to form, he reminded her that he was incapable of feeling.

"But I do regret my actions," he explained. "As I have said before, I believe I took advantage of you. After you shared the information about your childhood, I should have made a different choice."

Tasha took a moment to absorb his words. Her unease about the polywater incident had been embarrassment over a perceived view that she had used Data and failed in her role as Chief Security Officer.

She wasn't ashamed of her behaviour during the incident.

Nor did she find the incident to be unpleasant.

"I don't know, Data," Tasha said honestly.

"It was never my intention to cause you harm," he said. "Nonetheless, my choice was unacceptable."

"You didn't cause me harm," Tasha replied.

Data had been so sweet. He had been sensual and surprisingly intuitive.

Thinking back, Tasha had told him she wanted 'gentleness and joy' and he had endeavoured to fulfil that request.

Despite being under the influence of the polywater, he'd asked for her consent throughout the encounter. Tasha recalled he had even apologised saying he was 'incapable of fulfilling her request for love.'

"Data the polywater only decreased our inhibitions," Tasha said. "It didn't force me to engage in anything I didn't want to."

"For all intents and purposes you were intoxicated and I took advantage of your inability to consent," he retorted.

"Well I think I get to make the choice about what I did or didn't consent to," Tasha said defensively.

There was a momentary pause in the conversation before Data nodded slowly.

"Data, may I ask you a question?" Tasha asked.

He nodded in agreement.

"When you asked Commander Riker for dating advice did you have someone in mind?" she asked bluntly.

"Yes," Data said.

"Was it me?" she said as she looked up at him.

"Does that make you uncomfortable?" He replied.

Tasha shook her head.

"No. It certainly explains some things," she said.

His earlier behaviour was starting to make sense – in a way. She found she herself now had several questions. For an allegedly unfeeling android he certainly seemed to be affected.

"Speaking of explanations, I would still like an answer to my previous question. Am I the complication?" he asked. "I observed that you alternated between looking at me when you mentioned it and when you explained your feelings on Ligon II. Alternatively, you avoided my eye contact at other times when you displayed signs of embarrassment."

Tasha asked Data to give her a moment before responding. Data told her to take all the time she needed to formulate an answer. Taking another sip of water, she reflected on his question.

"I suppose you could say you were a variable in the equation," she answered.

To her amusement, Data gave her a small smile.

"What are you doing?" she asked with a disbelieving smile.

Data's hand touched the left side of his face where the side of his mouth had turned upward into a smile.

"I do not know," he said. "But it…feels…wonderful."

Tasha smiled back as she took in his expression. She found it endearing.

"Does this bring you joy?" he asked.

"Yes," Tasha grinned.

Half an hour later, Tasha decided it was time to call it an evening.

Tasha had assured Data again that she wasn't feeling frustrated or uncomfortable around him.

She had tried to pry into his newfound past, but Data was quite coy with her regarding the details. He had only reminded her that he had spent four years at Starfleet academy and 19 years as an officer.

Although, chronologically he was only 26, he had largely functioned as a human adult for 23 years.

After stepping into the corridor, Tasha turned back to face him.

Data stood in the doorway wearing a neutral expression.

"Tasha, would it be alright if I were to check on your wellbeing tomorrow?" Data asked.

"Sure," Tasha nodded.

Data gave a small wave as he bid her goodnight.

Tasha walked down the corridor. Before she reached the curve she turned back to see Data was still standing in the doorway watching her leave.

"Goodnight, Commander," she said with smile before stepping onto the turbolift.

Later that night, Tasha towled her wet hair and inhaled deeply. The bath salts Data had gifted her had certainly made her feel at ease. It was an incredibly thoughtful gesture. She used the towel to wipe the fog from her mirror and took in her appearance.

"The sound of your laughter is enjoyable."

She threw on a dressing gown and made her way into the main portion of her quarters. She had the replicator create a cup of mint tea and she sat down on her own sofa. She set the tea on the ledge of her window. She rested her head on her folded arms and stared out into the stars.

"I find you to be a clever and intriguing officer."

Data was analytical and professional. But his comments had left her feeling that there was a lot more to the man that met the eye.

'Android' she corrected herself.

She wasn't exactly sure how to feel about his confession. He had all but confessed he had a crush on her. But he was supposed to be incapable of feeling.

Thinking back, the entire time she had known him he had frequently made statements about things he wished to do or not do, he had used the words 'I desire' or 'I would prefer not to', and she really couldn't answer if that was just a matter of his language programming or some kind of actual feeling.

Tasha sighed. It was going to be an unusual session with Counsellor Troi tomorrow afternoon.