Disclaimer: I don't own Star Trek. Reviews are welcome. I don't own any characters other than Fenix Flarestone. Enjoy and stay ethical y'all.

Chapter 13: Mandroids and Donuts

Previously...

I was wrong to treat her as such. She had tears in her eyes… He stopped dead in his tracks as his eyes widened. I hurt her. I hurt her. I hurt her. I hurt her. With his last thought, he hastily left the room and headed for 10-forward. He had to do something he's never done before, apologize. It felt very foreign to him and made him feel uncomfortable. Just push through it… she needs an apology from me. I did her wrong. I need to fix this. When he entered 10-forward, his eye twitched seeing the love of his life with the one person he never wanted her to be conversing with, his little brother. He clenched his fists and cussed under his breath as the watched the two.

Meanwhile...

As Fenix was making her way to 10-forward, Data saw her walking down the hall, he waited to see if Lore was around. Once he realized he wasn't around, he followed her keeping his distance. Once they got to 10-forward, Data watched her from the entrance. He watched make her way to the bar, she ordered about a dozen fried-dough like confectioneries. She looked sombre and not anywhere near as energetic as she was when he first met her. He looked at her soft feminine face, her amethyst eyes, her long dark straight hair and down to the clothes she wore. He preferred to examine her from afar without the distraction of conversing. She played with her food instead of consuming them whilst staring at her plate of confectioneries. She seems preoccupied. I wonder what had happened to cause her to be so... Once he was ready, he made his way to her. At first, he stood at the end of the counter. He awkwardly looked at her and then he moved a little closer. Fenix noticed someone was looking at her so she turned her head to see Data. Her heart skipped a beat initially thinking he was Lore but his uniform signified that he was Data. Their eyes met, Data faintly smiled. Fenix returned the smile and invited him over to sit next to her.

"Hey Data." she greeted him as he took a seat next to her. "Hello, Fenix. How are you doing this evening?" Data asked. "I've been better. But I'll be okay. Hey, I'm sorry for how Lore acted towards you. That was a real dick-move to do that." "Dick-move?" Data quirked an eyebrow just as Lore does from time to time. Seeing Data's similar gesture to Lore and her heart hurt momentarily, "Mean. Rude. Inconsiderate act." Fenix answered. "Ah, I see. Forgive me if I am overstepping my boundaries for asking, did you and Lore have an argument? You seem melancholy. You are lacking the energy you showed earlier at the main shuttle bay." He asked seeming concerned. "Yeah we did. It was actually our first argument and to be honest, I'm kind of feeling lost. We've never fought before, ever. I can't get into details on what it was about since I don't think it's my place to talk about it." Fenix replied. "I understand, you respect his boundaries." Fenix felt relieved that Data did not press on the matter and enjoyed a moment of silence before Data continued, "I am curious, what made you decide to reactivate him?" his curious eyes looked into her sad ones. "Hmm... that's a mildly complicated question but I'll tell you because I enjoy talking to you." Data faintly smiled as she continued, "At first, I was curious about him. For one, I've never seen an android before… with a bit of TLC- an acronym for 'tender, loving care' or 'a bit of work'- I would be able to meet him. Secondly, I felt saddened by the sight of him. He was left in pieces just collecting dust like he was thrown away like an old used-up machine... just as I have..." Her eyes stared at the doughnuts for a moment before continuing, "And… I was tired of being alone." She took a break and sipped on her bubble tea, "Any ways, I guess I saw similarities between us. I wanted to help him." She sighed feeling dread creeping back in. Data looked at her feminine face full of sorrow and let her continue, "I don't know if that argument just ended our friendship or not." Tears welled in her eyes as she took a sip of her drink, "God, I hope not. He's my best friend, Data." She confessed. Data reached for her hand and held it showing that understands.

"He cares for you very much so. He would not throw your friendship away so easily. Counsellor Troi is an empath. She felt Lore's emotions towards you. It is also not my place to say what she assessed but I know he cares very deeply for you. You reciprocate his care and do not take him for granted. I hope one day I experience something similar to what you and Lore have. He is very lucky to have you." Data stated still holding her hand. It was hard for Fenix seeing Data's face. He looked identical to Lore, but his expressions were very different than his. Data's expressions were more subtle whereas Lore was usually smirking or snarling, even when his expression were neutral, there was something intimidating aura about him. The times he'd be laughing and genuinely smile brightly was what she loved the most. His smiles were infectious. She began, gently caressing his hand with her small thumb, "You're very sweet Data. I wouldn't change what I have with him or how he is even though sometimes I wish Lore was more sincere at times. He can be cynical, bitter, sarcastic and narcissistic... But we naturally understand each other very well and have a strong connection. He's really deep... Like he's emotionally very complicated. But emotions are also a double-edged sword." She vented and took a bite of her apple fritter with her free hand. She was starting to get her appetite back. "I would give almost anything to feel emotions, even if it meant feeling negative ones just to have fleeting moments of positive ones." Data replied. Fenix kindly smiled at this, "Data, that's beautiful. If everyone thought the way you did, the world would be a better place. Let me guess why you wanted to talk to me tonight, you wanted to learn. Am I right?" asked Fenix. He nodded as he released her hand, "Yes, I have the desire to learn and keep learning. To learn and to evolve and to better myself each day." Data stated. "Desire to learn is a very human emotion. Desire to be loved and to have friendships are also very human emotions. They're there..." She lightly tapped the middle of his chest with her pointer finger, "...you may not feel hatred, anger or malevolence but you feel emotions. You just feel them differently, I think you just haven't figured out how to appoint value to them." His eyes shone as she continued, "Please don't deny them and don't let anyone discredit your emotions either. You're awesome exactly the way you are. Don't ever forget that." She concluded as she took another bite of her doughnut. Data looked at her stupefied, his yellow eyes innocent and wide and his curved lips slightly ajar. He took a moment to process before replying, "That is the first time anyone has ever said that I have emotions. I have never thought of it the way you have. Fenix, that was a profound moment for me, I will remember this moment very clearly. It is being stored into my positronic net as we speak." Fenix smiled brightly at him and answered, "Glad I was able to enlighten you a little, Data." and she giggled. Data shyly smiled. "Data, did you want to try a doughnut?" Fenix asked, her mood improved from talking to Data. She remembered the first time she offered doughnuts to Lore, it seemed like a Deja'Vu in a way. "I cannot experience pleasure from anything but I will try." and he picked a jelly doughnut and bit into it. He assessed the experience, "It is sweet, chewy, soft, powdery on the outside and it has a jelly-like substance on the inside. Deep fried dough. Sugary. Very high in calories." Fenix chuckled. Her smile reminded Data of a warm sunset during the golden hour and kept staring at her shamelessly as he ate.

"Oh, here..." Fenix gently wiped the sugar that landed on his chin. Her fingertips lingered a moment on his jaw when their eyes met and she blushed. She quickly retreated her hand back. Oh man... Data is very... cute. Well, duh… Obviously... Data is just as handsome as Lore and I AM attracted to Lore even with his complicated-ass personality. Data's awkward in the sweetest way. He has a certain innocence that's undeniably adorable. Oh Lore... Why did we have to fight? Oh yeah, because you were being a dick to your sweet brother. Damn it Lore! Damn it! Her eyes widened in her epiphany. Oh my god... I love Lore. I. Love. Lore. How could've I not have noticed this whole time? The past God-knows-how many months!? Six? Eight? Ten? Wait… How long was I on Omicron Theta…? I never realized how much I've fallen for him until now. Upon her realization, her heart raced in anxiety knowing she had talk to Lore. "Data, talking to you made me realize how much I love Lore. I love him. I think you enlightened me, too." Data faintly smiled as she continued, "Thank you, Data. I think I need to go back and talk to him. I'm sorry but I gotta leave you." and hopped off the stool. He saw a glimpse of his brother, "You do not have to leave. He is here." Data stated and took another bite of his doughnut. Fenix looked back to the entrance to see him with a very stern look. She ignored his expression, "Lore! Over here!" Fenix waved at him. He pushed away his initial feelings of jealous rage and hurt from seeing them together, he took a moment to compose himself and walked towards the pair. He stood between them. He saw Fenix and Data pigging out on a large plate of doughnuts and chuckled. "Did Fenix order a dozen doughnuts?" "Yes, she did. She was in need of sustenance due to her elevated stress levels." reported Data and kept eating. Lore closed his eyes, his head hung in defeat and prepared for his apology. "Data I owe you an apology for my antagonistic behaviour towards you. That was inexcusable. We got off on the wrong foot. Would you accept my apology and start over, little brother?" Lore sincerely asked. Data nodded, "Yes, Lore. I accept your apology. After all, we are family, I also hope to become good friends as I have with Fenix. Speaking of... I think you need to apologize to her, too. She was most sombre and lacked her exuberant energy." Data looked at Fenix and faintly smiled. Lore noticed the sadness in her eyes, "Fenix, I'm so sorry for all the terrible things I said earlier. I let my jealousy get the best of me. What you said... everything you said... you're right. I need to work on it. Please forgive me." Lore pleaded, his eyes held anxiety as he waited for her response. She sighed, "I forgive you, Lore. But what you said really fucking hurt, you know." her eyebrows knit together, her expression was hard. Wrapping his arms around her, he squeezed her tight as she remained sitting, she nuzzled into him and returned the embrace. She released him and looked into his eyes and said, "I think Data needs to join our hug." Lore rolled his eyes suppressing a groan. "Come here, Data! We're friends. And you're also my best friend's brother. That means something." Data blinked a few times, stood up and embraced her small form. Lore sighed, "My little Data..."I know you can't feel emotions but I hope you understand that you have a family, now.Fenix was sandwiched between the Soong brothers and she was feeling a bit overwhelmed. "This is really awesome and all being stuck between two really handsome brothers but I'm getting 'smooshed'." Data released her and said, "I am sorry Fenix. I did not mean to 'smoosh' you. Oh, it is actually time for my night watch. I must make my way to the bridge. Fenix, thank you for that enlightening conversation. My dear brother, Lore, I am glad we were able resolve our differences." Fenix and Lore smiled and bid Data 'see you later'.

It was Fenix and Lore left at the counter with a plate of doughnuts. Fenix saw him pouting and started, "Will you stop pouting already and eat the rest of the doughnuts with me. I already have five, Data tried one, too." Lore quirked an eyebrow, picked out a jelly doughnut just as Data had and bit into it. "You know, Data picked the same doughnut as you." She noted with a giggle. Lore rolled his eyes, "Of course he did." he answered sarcastically. She then noticed the song she picked out finally came around, 'Ordinary World' by Duran Duran started playing, she smiled. Lore recognized the song immediately. "How very fitting, except for the doughnuts. I don't know how doughnuts play any part of it." He stated. "What do you mean? Doughnuts fit into every situation very seamlessly. You could say they can even be... enlightening." retorted Fenix as she licked her fingers. Lore took a moment to muster up the courage before he blurted out, "Fenix, I love you." She looked at him dumbfounded and remained quiet as she tried to process what she heard, all she could say was, "What?" Lore tried to contain his frustration but growled, his eye twitched as he elaborated, "You daft woman! Surely, you've noticed by now?" She was wide-eyed and still dumbfounded. Lore sighed and continued, "I think I started falling in love with you even before you fixed my emotion programming. When you fixed me, it was like a blockade was removed and I was able to fully feel all emotions. I didn't know at the time what I was feeling being around you, but that night..." Her eyes softened, "...that night under the stars on our planet when I pledged to be your eternal... that's when I knew that I... that I loved you." His eyebrows knit together, his eyes full of anxiety searching for her answer. She gently caressed his face with both of her dainty hands and softly kissed him. Lore's eyes widened and his non-existent heart stopped briefly. Then, closed his eyes, enjoying her clumsy, chaste kiss. She tasted sweet from the doughnuts. She slowly ended the kiss, pulling away. Lore noticed a blush stained across her cheeks, he was overjoyed yet kept his expression neutral, "If you feel the same way I do, say it... Tell me you love me." He demanded. She was embarrassed about her kiss, it was nowhere near as skilled as his were and she answered, "Yes. I do. I love you, Lore." His eyes widened in relief, "And I'm not daft, you ass! I'm just- I'm just a late bloomer, okay? Just so you know, if I didn't talk to Data tonight, I wouldn't have realized that I loved you. So, you can thank your brother for that." She chuckled and nudged his arm. "Oh definitely, I'll be sure to bring him a thank you card and a box of chocolates and say, "'Hey Data! Thanks for playing couples counsellor!'" He mocked. Fenix burst out laughing at that. Lore adoringly looked at her. When her laughter subsided, she noticed how he was looking at her. His eyes flicked to her lips hinting her that he wants a kiss. She picked up on his cue and leaned in to kiss him again. This time, Lore skilfully lead the kiss. They continued kissing tenderly, forgetting about any possible onlookers and the few doughnuts that were left on the counter. In the dark corners of the bar, with intense interest, wide-eyed Beverly Crusher, Deanna Troi and Tasha Yar were observing the whole scenario from the moment Data tracked down Fenix at 10-forward.

Deanna used her abilities as an empath and lived vicariously through Fenix and Lore. Her expression dreamy as she commented, "Now that's what I call love." Beverly looked to her with a smirk, "Young love at that." Deanna sighed, "I wish you two could experience what I'm getting from them. It's so passionate and very deep. I've never felt a connection between two people as strong as theirs." Tasha finished off her whisky and answered bitterly, "Yeah. I need to go." Beverly seemed perplexed, "I thought you were free tonight?" Deanna nudged her foot under the table. Tasha replied, "I remembered I had some things I needed to do. Excuse me." then left the two women. Beverly waited for Tasha to leave 10-forward and looked to Deanna with confusion. Deanna took ate a spoonful of chocolate ice cream and rhetorically asked, "What?" Beverly sighed and shook her head and looked back at Fenix and Lore, "Do you think Tasha was… offended?" Deanna shrugged, "I don't see why. But she seemed like she didn't want to see them together for some reason." The two returned to conversing about past lovers and what not.