Song for a Winter's Night – Part II

The smoke is rising in the shadows overhead

My glass is almost empty

I read again between the lines upon each page

The words of love you sent me

If I could know within my heart, that you were lonely too

I would be happy just to hold the hands I love

On this winter night with you

Stardate 44992.57

(Friday, 29 December 2367, 7:00 AM local time)

Beach Haven, Centaurus

I was in the shower when Data arrived at our house.

Beach Haven, on the coast of the continent of Great Oreas, had a climate that wasn't all that different from Santa Cruz, California, on Earth, which meant the winters were usually wet and cool but not cold. Every so often, there would be an off-season hot spell, and we'd been in one since the day after I'd arrived. Oh, we had weather nets to ensure a reasonable distribution of rain and lessen the effects of really dangerous weather, but hot spells were considered normal, and weren't generally tampered with.

Translation: The temperature had reached already twenty-eight degrees at seven in the morning, and I had already done dawn patrol surfing with some of my local friends, and come home sweaty, salty, and starving. As I shut off the water (oh, blissful, plentiful, unregulated water) I heard the doorbell ring and yelled, "Dad, I'm not dressed! Get the door!" because when he was in the kitchen, he tended to forget that the rest of the world existed. He was like that when he was composing music, too, but less so when he was playing it.

I heard my father's muffled acknowledgement, vaguely heard the front door opening and closing, and two voices in conversation, but it was early, so I assumed it was one of my cousins coming to check on Gia. Instead, my father's voice came bellowing up through the house. "Zoetrope, get a move on, would you? Your Mr. Data has arrived, and breakfast is in fifteen minutes."

Normally, I would have put a fresh bikini on and thrown shorts over it, but lately, I'd been trying to dress a little bit less like a kid. On the other hand, it was already too hot for the sort of clothing we'd typically be wearing at that time of year. I chose a skirt that was light enough for the weather, but not too summery, and a blouse that I tied at my waist. My hair was still damp, and I wasn't wearing any makeup, but I slid my feet into sandals and dashed down the main stairway, and through the house to the kitchen.

"Ah, here's my mermaid," Dad teased as I entered the room. "Did you leave any hot water for the rest of us?"

"A little," I answered, matching his jesting tone. I turned to our guest. "Data, you said you weren't likely to arrive 'til afternoon." I stepped closer to him, not sure if I should hug him, kiss him, or do neither. "I'm glad you're early."

"I was able to leave Kneriad sooner than I had anticipated," he answered mildly. "I was not certain it was early enough to warrant calling ahead."

I shook my head. "No complaints here. Why don't I show you where you're staying while Dad puts the finishing touches on breakfast?" I glanced at my father for his approval of my plan, and he winked at me.

"That would be acceptable," Data said. "Maestro," he added, nodding to my father.

"Call me Zach," my father corrected.

"If you will call me Data," came the smooth response.

I turned around and led Data back the way I'd come.

"It's actually faster to take the back stairs from the kitchen," I said. "But it's prettier this way, and you should get to experience it at least once. Besides, the main stairs are wide enough to do this." I slipped my hand into his and led him up the steps to the balcony, then left, and up three more steps. "The middle one in this set creaks, but it's not dangerous or anything," I pointed out, as we entered the family wing. "My room is here, and yours connects to it through the bathroom." I led him through the door into the sitting room of my two-room suite, then through my bedroom, and the bathroom, and into the pair of rooms we'd made up for him. "Sorry about the sharing-a-bathroom thing, but Gia's parents are due here tomorrow, and the suite closest to the master has been remodeled into a nursery."

"We have shared a much smaller bathroom before," he observed softly. "Please do not concern yourself. I am certain I will be quite comfortable."

"I hope so," I said. "There isn't a lot to do in the middle of the night, and I don't want you to be bored or…" I stopped myself. "I'm sorry, I'm a little nervous about… in the shuttle it was like we were in this romantic bubble, and now I'm not sure how to be with you." I paused. "Should I have hugged you, earlier? Should I have kissed you? I wanted both."

"Zoe…" The firmness of his tone silenced me, and I turned to face him. "If you are not comfortable with my presence in your home, I do not have to remain."

"I'm not uncomfortable with you being here," I said. "I'm glad you're here. I'm just… a little overwhelmed."

"According to my research," he said after a beat, "'hello' kisses are also important rituals among couples."

I stepped closer to him and smiled up into his yellow eyes. God, I loved his eyes. "Can we start this again?" I asked and waited for his brief, affirming, nod. I slid my hands up his chest and behind his neck. "Hi," I said, feeling just a little bit shy, a little bit silly.

"Hi," he answered in kind, looking down into my eyes. The word didn't fit well in his mouth, but it didn't matter, because his hands went to my waist and our lips met in a brief, sweet, kiss, and then I stepped backwards, and gave him a light shove.

"I definitely prefer 'hello' to 'goodbye,'" I told him. "Feel free to unpack or freshen up if you need to. I'll be downstairs. From here, you can either take the main stairs – reverse the way we came up – or go across the landing to the back stairs at the other end of the house."

"I will find my way, Zoe," he assured.

I had a feeling he meant more than just the kitchen.

(=A=)

"So, what are you two doing today?" Gia asked as we ate the meal my father had prepared. "Personally, I plan to curl up with a good book while Zach waits on me hand and foot."

"Whatever Data wants," I said. When all three of my tablemates favored at me with their respective 'surprised' expressions (Data's was much subtler than Gia's or my father's), I shrugged. "Data's the guest here, not me, and he should get to choose our activity." I focused my attention on my android - I couldn't really call him my boyfriend, could I? – friend. "The museum of holographic art is interesting, and the music museum has a traveling display of Vulcan harps right now," I said.

My father caught Data's eye and grinned. "Zoe's suggesting things that require driving, so she has an excuse to use the Christmas present we got her."

"You passed your licensing exam?" Data asked, his tone one of delight. "Congratulations. I was certain you would do well."

"It was actually kind of hilarious," I told him. "My examiner was this really nervous man named Carl who reminded me a lot of Lt. Barclay, though, oddly, his demeanor made me feel more confident. It was almost like something in me decided that someone had to be the competent adult in the vehicle, and since it clearly wasn't going to be him, it might as well have been me."

"But the actual test was uneventful?" he asked.

"Cake," I said. "It was cake. Actually, the best part was at the end when I gave him the documentation of instruction hours and required practice time, and he read Geordi's name and title on the form. Apparently, he doesn't have a lot of applicants whose training was supervised by the chief engineer of Starfleet's flagship."

"You must be sure to relay that to Geordi when we return to the Enterprise."

"Oh, don't worry; I will."

"You know, what you two could do," my father suggested after a few minutes, "is visit the music museum, then stop on your way back to pick up the sparklers."

"Zach, really, don't make Zoe do errands on her vacation. Not while her beau is here."

I turned sharply to Gia. "I'm sorry, did you just refer to Data as my 'beau'?"

My stepmother smiled softly at me. "I wasn't sure of the exact nature of your relationship," she said.

"Data, are you my 'beau'?" I asked, partly teasing him with the antiquated term, and partly wondering if he'd found a label for us, yet. Not that we'd discussed it. "

"'Beau,'" Data repeated, and I could tell a list of synonyms was about to follow. "'Boyfriend, cavalier, escort, flame, honey, gentleman caller, paramour, partner, suitor, sweetheart.' There are many options, Zoe. Is there a term you prefer?"

Dad and Gia were both chuckling, and I could feel a blush rising to my cheeks. I stood up and began collecting plates – we'd all long since finished eating – and loading them into the dishwasher. "Beau's good," I decided. "For the moment." I wasn't ready to claim 'boyfriend' despite the acceptance of us as a couple. "But don't be surprised if you see me in a corset and hoop skirts." I started the 'clean' cycle, and returned to the table, "Is there something in particular you'd like to do, Data?"

"How would you spend the day if I were not here?" he asked.

"She'd be in the water," Dad and Gia said together. "Or on it, if not in it," my stepmother continued.

"Zoe's mother and I were always half-convinced she really was part-mermaid when she was little," my father elaborated, apparently not caring if he was embarrassing me. "She was swimming before she could walk, and surfing before she could ride a bike."

"Dad," I interrupted, "I'm sure Data really doesn't need to know every hobby I've ever had."

"Oh, no, Zoetrope. You bring home a beau, you have to suffer through listening to me tell baby stories."

"Dad!"

"Zoe, why don't you come chat with me for a bit?" Gia suggested, pushing herself away from the table. "Let your father and your Mr. Data have their conversation."

I rolled my eyes at her, but then I remembered that Data had mentioned wanting to speak with my father, and I rose to follow her. "Sure," I said. "Why don't we get you settled in the den? It's more comfortable there." Gia lumbered out of the kitchen, and I touched Data's shoulder as I passed him. "Come find me when you're through?"

He met my eyes and gave a curt nod.

(=A=)

Two hours later, Data and I were on a ferry heading out to the Oreas Light – the lighthouse on one of the nearby offshore islands. It wasn't really in use as a navigational beacon anymore, but it still hosted a science center, nature park, and one of the best restaurants on all Centaurus. We'd chosen this activity after I'd checked the weather and learned that our summery temperatures were likely to be gone by morning.

I leaned against the rail, enjoying the ocean spray against my skin, while Data, in his uniform, stood a little bit further back. It wasn't the high season for tourism, so we had the boat almost to ourselves, even with the unseasonably warm weather.

"Are you afraid of getting wet?" I asked him, glancing backwards. I was mostly teasing, but it occurred to me that I had no idea if he was waterproof – water resistant – whatever.

"I am incapable of experiencing fear, Zoe," he reminded me gently, but he came closer to the rail and stood next to me. "You appear to be enjoying yourself."

"I love the water," I said. "Dad and Gia were dead-on about that. Sailing, swimming, surfing – I'm not picky. But… I wanted to do something you'd enjoy, and somehow I don't think this is working."

"Your assessment is incorrect," he said. "I am pleased to be learning more about how you lead your life away from the Enterprise, and I am looking forward to seeing the lighthouse and the nature park."

I turned away from the water, leaning my back against the rail. The temperature ashore had been hot, but here on the water, it was much cooler. Still, looking at Data in his uniform made me wonder, "Aren't you hot?"

"I do not perceive heat and cold the same way you do," came his answer. "I can discern the ambient temperature, of course, but, in order for me to experience discomfort, it would have to be significantly hotter or colder than the typical range that humanoid life can tolerate."

That made sense, but still. "Looking at you in all your layers, makes me feel hot," I confessed. "Data, do you even own civilian clothes?"

"I have never required any. When I use the holodeck, appropriate attire is replicated for me, and as most of my activities are related to my role as a Starfleet officer, civilian clothing has never been necessary."

"What about when you're on leave – like now?"

"I rarely use my accrued leave," he answered. "When I have, it has usually been to attend conferences or pursue personal projects without leaving the Enterprise."

"So, wait... what about when you were at the Academy? Summers and holidays? Didn't you go home with classmates, ever?"

"I did not." From anyone else the simple answer would have been laced with pain. From him, there was maybe a slight hint of wistfulness, but nothing else. Nevertheless, the isolation he must have experienced hit me hard. "So, this weekend is…?" I began.

"The first time I have ever 'visited a friend,'" he completed for me. "Yes, Zoe."

"And I dragged you on a boat, when you're so not water-guy or beach-guy." I was suddenly mortified. "We can do a turnaround. Skip the lighthouse and the park and go to a museum. The science center is…"

"That will not be necessary." He stepped closer to me, into my personal space. "If you would like to take me to the beach later today or tomorrow, I will embrace the experience. I accepted the invitation to join you for the holiday in order to spend time with you. To see the things that are meaningful to you is enjoyable for me, because it gives me insight into the woman I spend so much time with. If there was a proposed activity that I truly did not wish to participate in, I would tell you."

I was quiet for a long moment, watching him, weighing options. Then I smiled. "Okay." I turned around again, but this time he stayed close to me. Looking out at the water I said, "But you cannot wear your uniform to the beach. And next vacation, you choose the destination."

His reply came as a whisper in my right ear, "I accept."

(=A=)

We spent the morning at the lighthouse, joining a tour that was about to start, and hearing all about how the early human settlers of Centaurus were people who had worked on or near the sea on Earth. Because our planet had so many island-continents, it seemed obvious that there would be a thriving coastal community, and they weren't wrong. As people had moved inland, arts and music had also flourished, to the point that my homeworld had become the Federation's center for holographic design and rivalled only Earth for music and theater instruction and opportunities.

The lighthouse, our guide explained, was built as much as a reminder of marine history, as it was for practical use. "And when the weather nets go down, we still activate the various lighthouses around the planet," our guide added at the end. "Though we no longer have any keepers in residence." The guide let us all have several minutes to explore, or just to enjoy the view. Then it was time to go.

Slowly and carefully, we all climbed down from the tower, me being extra cautious because sandals really weren't meant for such activities. Salty, damp metal was more slippery than most people realized. I noticed Data helping some of the other members of the tour as they descended the spiraling steps, and I paused to watch him: if there was a poster for 'gracious,' his face would have to be on it.

We left the lighthouse and walked down the path that wound through the nature park to the café at the bottom of the cliffs, built right on the beach. We saw many kinds of birds, some of which I would have missed if Data hadn't seen them first, and directed me where to look, and he didn't seem to mind when I spent time playing with the Orean singing rays in the tide pool exhibit.

At the café, we shared a pot of strong black tea, and I had a bowl of their clam chowder, and we talked more about Centauran culture and what it had been like growing up here, as opposed to Data's four years at the Academy, being isolated in a sea of people.

"You had friends, though, didn't you?"

"I had… a small social group."

"But you still crave it, don't you, Data? Connection. Belonging. Family."

"I would not use the word 'crave,'" he said softly. "But those wishes are not unknown to me."

"You already have a family," I pointed out. "Actually, you have two."

"I… am not certain I understand."

The deviation from his standard response didn't go unnoticed, but I chose to concentrate on the conversation we were already having. "You have the chosen family of the people on the Enterprise – Geordi and Commander Riker and Counselor Troi, and your other friends there. You also have…" I hesitated slightly. Was it too soon to claim this? "You also have me. My family."

"Thank you, Zoe," Data began, but whatever he was going to add was cut off by the whistle blast announcing boarding for the ferry. "That is our boat," he said.

We left our table, paid for the soup and tea, and walked out of the café and down to the secondary pier, our hands finding each other as we moved. Such a little thing as holding his hand in public shouldn't have given me such a thrill… should it?

If I was pensive on the boat ride home, Data chose not to comment, merely sitting with me on one of the benches on deck. I'd had enough salt spray in my face for one day. It would have been nice if he'd put his arm around me, but he didn't offer, and even though I was sure he wouldn't refuse, I didn't feel like asking. Even without that kind of contact though, our silence was an easy one. Comfortable.

Back on the mainland, the temperature had climbed even higher, and all I could think about was going home and plunging into the pool, but I also knew that there would be extra people arriving at the house over the next few days, and that meant having a few extra treats around. As we got into my flitter, I asked, "Do you mind if we make a stop on the way home?"

"I do not," he said.

It was weird being the one at the controls, but Data insisted he trusted me, although he did advise, "If you reduce your upward thrust more gradually, you will enter flight mode more smoothly."

"I'll try that," I promised. We turned inland, continued for about fifteen minutes, and then landed in the parking lot of Brolly's Farmstand. "I want to get some extra fruit for the weekend," I explained. "And Brolly's is also the best source for bagels on the continent."

He watched as I picked out a variety of native and introduced produce – mostly berries and melons – and then added a dozen 'everything' bagels and two tubs of homemade cream cheese. My friend Kell was working the check stand, and she held the line to ask me how I was doing, and how long I'd be home. "We're gathering at Surfside at dawn on Sunday, if you're interested," she invited.

"I'll think about it," I said. On the one hand, I wanted to surf with my friends while I had the chance. On the other, I didn't want to waste a second of Data's visit. "Oh, hey, you need to meet someone. Data – this is Kell. She's one of my oldest friends."

"Hiya," Kell greeted him, extending her hand.

He met her handshake. "It is good to meet you."

Kell grinned, "Welcome to Beach Haven. Any friend of Zoe's, and all that. Oh, Zoe… Kavan's been asking about you… wanting to know if you're back."

"Back," I said. "And completely unavailable."

Kell looked from me to Data and back. "So, wait, are you two together? Because I have to say, I think Zoe's better off with someone older. Not that you're old-old."

I deferred to Data for the answer, mainly because I was laughing at my friend. Data said, "Yes. We are together," and then took the boxes of produce from the counter. "Allow me."

Kell mouthed nice to me, and we chatted a few minutes more, and then turned to go. "Hey, Zo'. Tell Gia good luck!"

"I'll do that," I promised."

"What is Surfside?" Data asked as we got back to the flitter, and he'd placed my purchases in the cargo space.

"It's the beach on the other side of the yacht club," I said. "Massive swell at this time of year, especially at dawn. New Year's Eve morning, everyone who's anyone meets there for an informal surf-off, then we all go to breakfast."

"You wish to go." He wasn't asking.

"Well, yeah, but…" I took a breath. "I'm also really enjoying spending time with you, without duty and school stuff getting in the way. You're welcome to come, if you want. You don't have to actually surf. You can watch – lots of people just hang on the beach – or, if you want to participate, we do tow-surfing, so if you're into driving a jet ski…?"

"I will consider the options you have offered, and let you know," he said.

"Fair enough." I left the parking lot in ground mode and used Data's tip when launching. He'd been right, of course. The transition was much smoother. I made the banking turn that would take us back out toward the coast, and home.

The house was empty when we arrived. Empty and dark. But when I walked through to the kitchen to put the produce away, I saw my personal communicator and a message tag on the table. I picked up the tag first and pressed the button to read the message. "Data!" I called.

He didn't come running, but he appeared in the kitchen faster than any human would have. "Zoe, is something wrong?"

"Well, I'm going to be yelled at for leaving my comm at home, but other than that…Gia's in labor. They want me at the hospital."

"I will come with you."

"You don't have to…" I began, but the truth was, I wanted him there. "I need to go change. Hospitals are always chilly, and I'd rather be comfortable, than not. I grabbed my communicator and called my father while I walked upstairs to change, returning a few minutes later having replaced my skirt with a pair of jeans, and my sandals with regular shoes. "Would you mind driving?" I asked. "I'm too excited to focus."

(=A=)

Stardate 44994.53

(Saturday, 30 December 2367, 12:08 AM, local time)

By midnight, I was pretty bored, even with Data and my father for company. Dad kept going into Gia's room to see if she needed anything, but she had a team of medical professionals, as well as a hired doula, and she kept sending him back out, promising he'd be called in 'when it was time,' though she did emerge for a couple of sessions of walking up and down the corridors – apparently that was supposed to help.

At one point, Dad came out of the room and asked me to go in. I was a little nervous – Gia and I weren't close, though we were beginning to forge a solid friendship – but it's bad etiquette to argue with a woman in labor, so I went in, sat on the edge of her bed, and doled out ice chips while she talked to me.

"Zoe," she said between contractions. "I'm really glad you're here. Zach wasn't sure you'd come, but I told him it was important. You're part of the family, and you need to bond with your little brother."

"It's a boy?" I asked. "I thought you chose not to know."

She laughed, though it was cut short by a contraction. When she could speak again, she confessed, "Your father chose. I needed to know."

"So, he has no clue?"

"Nope."

I grinned. "Go, Gia. Way to join the dark side."

Another contraction left her momentarily speechless and reaching for my hand. I let her squeeze it, but I felt like Mariah – the doula – was judging me the whole time.

"I don't want you thinking of him as a half-brother. Family is family. He's a whole person. You're a whole person." Another pause, another contraction moved through her, but she caught her breath and then continued, "Are you okay with that?"

I opted for honesty. "I'll try to be." I offered her some more ice. "Have you picked names?"

"Your father wants a Z-name. I want something Italian."

"If you name him 'Zeppo' I'm disowning the lot of you," I threatened, teasing her. "You could always give him an Italian middle name."

"We thought about that. Guess it will be a surprise."

"I guess so…"

"You're uncomfortable being here," she said. "It's okay. I would be, too. Just know that… your father loves you. And I love you, too, and this baby is going to adore his big sister."

I couldn't tell her I loved her, too, because I wasn't sure I did. I mean, she and Dad had only been married a year, and she'd been sprung on me with little warning. Instead I said, "I know that. And… thank you."

She laughed. "Alright, go back to your beau. I like him, by the way. He's good for you."

I smiled. "Yeah, he is," and left the room with the realization that 'beau' was going to be a family in-joke possibly for the rest of my life.

(=A=)

Shortly after midnight the endless waiting became a little less endless. Dad was called into the room apparently to stay. I'd been sleepy, dozing on one of the couches while Data and my father had chatted about trends in music composition, but suddenly, I was completely awake again, and I moved to sit next to Data. "Thank you for being here. I know this isn't the visit you signed up for."

"I 'signed up' to spend time with you, as we have been doing. If I can also be a support to your family, I am happy to do so."

"Is it wrong that part of me didn't want to be here? In the hospital, I mean."

"May I ask why?"

"There's a part of me," I said, keeping my voice low, "that still feels like Dad is creating a whole replacement family. Gia's his replacement wife, and the baby will be his replacement kid, and there won't be room for me. I'm happy for them – I really am – but I kind of resent it, too."

"All available evidence shows that your father and Gia want you to be included in their family, and a vital part of your new sibling's life. Has something else led you to the conclusion that –"

"No." I interrupted. "This is a purely emotional reaction. Not an intellectual one. Anyway, it's not like I actually live here full-time anymore, and even if I did, I'll be going away to college in less than two years… things would have changed. It's just… I don't know…" I was quiet for a moment, thinking, and then I said. "Don't faint, but I kind of feel like I understand Lore a little better. He was also the older sibling, and he really was replaced, by you."

"That is true, but in his case, it was necessary as he was a danger to himself and others."

"I know that. And I know he's turned the same yearnings you have – home, family, connection, belonging – into something dark and twisted. I'm not saying I agree with what he does. And I'm certainly not complaining about your father's choice to create you – though I'm a little biased where you're concerned. I'm just saying… I guess I don't see him as so much of a demon anymore."

"He was never a demon," Data agreed. "But he is dangerous, and I am still working to determine his plan."

I nodded. "I know." I yawned and fidgeted next to him on the sofa. "Lift your arm."

"Zoe?"

"I'm tired and chilly; you're here, and solid, and warm."

"Ah." He lifted his arm and drew me close, so I could lean against his chest. "Is that better?"

"Much." I nestled against him, wrapping my own arms around his middle. "Much better."

He squeezed my shoulder very gently, and kissed the top of my head, and said, "Rest."

(=A=)

I'm not sure if it was Data, urging me to wake up, my father calling my name, or the arc of lightning that flashed outside the waiting room window, but around 1:30, I was shaking my head to clear it, and stretching slightly.

"Zoe," my father said again. "Do you want to meet your baby brother?"

"Ah," Data said before I could answer. "It is a boy. Congratulations."

"Thank you," my father told him. "Zoe? Actually, both of you should come."

I stood up and followed my father into the delivery room, where a mother and baby who both looked way more tired than I felt were propped up in a freshly made bed. "Hey," I said. "We heard there was a new member of the Harris family."

Gia smiled softly at my teasing. "He's anxious to meet his sister," she said. I stepped closer to the bed, and she showed off her tiny pink bundle. "Meet David Ezekiel Harris," she said. "He'll go by Zeke."

"David isn't Italian," I pointed out. But I leaned closer to examine the baby, and decided I approved. "It sounds good together, though."

"No, actually… we decided to name him after another new member of the family."

My father took over, "Data, whatever the future holds for you and my daughter, you're important to her, and therefore you're important to us. Besides, she wouldn't have survived the last year without your friendship."

"Daddy, that's so sweet."

Data's eyes were as wide as I'd ever seen them. "I am honored, Zach, Gia."

I reached behind me for Data's hand, felt him move closer to me. "I have a baby brother," I said, in a weird tone that was a combination of sleep and pride. "Isn't that just stellar?"

"Indubitably," he said.

Not long after that, my father made the strong suggestion that Data take me back to the house, and I was as happy to agree as he was to oblige. Dad and Gia would be with Zeke in the hospital overnight.

(=A=)

I was happy to let Data take the controls of my flitter, and pilot us home. The lightning I'd seen before had been only the beginning of a storm, and I would have been nervous driving in actual weather.

When we got to the house, and I'd made sure all the doors and windows were locked, I headed upstairs to change. "I'm getting ready for bed," I said. "Come and say goodnight in a few minutes?"

"I will do so."

But once I had changed, I was more wired than tired, and when Data knocked on the door from the bathroom, I had started a video on the entertainment system in my room. Some holiday musical thing about people meeting at the World's Fair, whatever that was.

"Hey," I said. "My brain's too spinny for sleep. Wanna watch with me a while? Just kick your boots off. There's plenty of room." I adjusted my vast array of throw-pillows, so he'd be able to lean against some of them, as well.

"Yes." He removed his boots, and sat, gingerly, on the edge of my bed, but after a moment's hesitation, he mimicked the way I was positioned, on top of the covers, legs crossed at the ankle, and after a few minutes more, he put his arm around me, and we shared a kiss.

As the storm raged outside, and the vid played on, I drifted to sleep cuddled against Data's chest, dimly aware that he was playing with my hair.

Notes: Centauran culture and geography is based in part on Memory Beta, and several of the expanded universe novels, and partly on my own experience growing up in various coastal towns. Singing rays are completely made up (but don't they sound cool?). The video Zoe and Data watch is Meet Me in St. Louis.