A/N: This chapter covers the events of chapter 37 of "The Complication" (When it Rains, it Shines).
There's a lot of lovely scenes between Data & Tasha in that chapter – much of which is glossed over here in order to fit our steamier scenes around it.
And speaking of steamy – this chapter is certainly one of the more intense scenes I've written for Data and Tasha.
I've always imagined Data having a rather impressive depth of knowledge (AKA multiple techniques) and that Tasha is the type of partner patient & willing to enjoy working through that library.
Thank you for reading, commenting, and dropping kudos.
They had actually pulled it off.
The mission to rescue the team trapped in the shuttle approaching the black hole had been a success. The team was now safely back aboard the Enterprise and in Sickbay for a post-mission check-up.
For the team that had been on the shuttle, their ordeal had only seemed to take about seventy-two hours. In reality, more than three weeks of time had passed outside of the time dilation bubble created by the black hole.
That meant everyone was relieved the team was back safe and sound – particularly Beverly and Keiko. Beverly had done her best to keep up appearances. Yet on the inside, she had been a ball of nerves concerned for Wesley's safety.
Keiko's relationship with Miles was now serious. They were making plans and talking about a shared future together.
She couldn't bear the thought of losing him.
The entire time he was gone, she had felt his absence. Not a moment went by that Keiko wasn't thinking of him.
For Tasha, it was a relief to return to the ship and to finally have all of Data back.
"You're all set, Lieutenant," Nurse Ogowa advised as she concluded her final scan of Tasha. "But like Doctor Crusher said – stay off the holodeck, out of the shower, and no alcohol until the effects of the sedatives have worn off."
Tasha nodded.
Just as before, Tasha was feeling the full euphoric impact of the hypospray. It was a weird sensation to go from an uncontrollable amount of energy to this lethargic, relaxed state.
She felt like a noodle in a pot of hot water.
"I think I can get Data reattached in about eight hours," Geordi said. "But I won't know for sure until we get into it."
He turned Data's cranial unit over and examined the circuits again.
"Data, your connection circuits are unlike anything I've ever seen," Geordi said with a low whistle.
Even Bruce Maddox had never risked detaching his cranial unit for fear it would cause permanent damage. It was a last-resort measure.
"You should go lie down," Data said to Tasha.
"Mhmm?" Tasha said lazily before she realised what he was suggesting.
Tasha shook her head.
"No, no. I'll stay with you," she said.
"Geordi could you, erm," Data began.
Geordi understood.
He extended his arms and held Data's head so that he was level with Tasha.
"You should go lie down," Data repeated. "And when you wake up, it will be in my arms."
Tasha grinned and placed a kiss on his forehead.
"Is that a promise?" Tasha asked.
"I will be there to hold you," Data assured her.
"I can't wait," Tasha replied.
She was high enough from the relaxants that modesty had been blown out the hatch. Tasha leaned forward and kissed him.
"Guys, I'm right here," Geordi commented.
Across Sickbay, another happy couple was grateful to be reunited.
During the rescue, Miles O'Brien had suffered a broken leg.
"Doctor Crusher said the surgery will take about an hour," Miles explained. "And then I'll need to stay in Sickbay overnight."
"Sounds like a date," Keiko said brightly.
"I'll have a brace for two weeks," Miles went on.
"Then we'll skip the walks in favour of chess instead," Keiko replied.
"You're not mad, sweetheart?" Miles asked honestly.
Keiko frowned.
"Miles Edward O'Brien, the only thing I care about is that you're back safe," Keiko said.
She took hold of his hand and kissed the back of it.
As soon as Keiko was gone, Miles sighed.
"So?" Geordi prompted as he turned to the Chief.
"So what?" Miles asked in confusion.
"So how did it go?" Geordi pressed.
Miles's brow furrowed. He didn't understand what Geordi was asking him.
"Did she say yes?" Geordi asked, mindful to keep his voice low so as not to be overheard.
During their ordeal, Miles had resolved that he was finally going to pop the question.
"Haven't asked her," Miles replied glumly.
Geordi could see there was something off. The Chief looked as if he'd just gotten terrible news and that left Geordi worried.
When he pressed Miles for an answer as to why he had not yet asked Keiko, the Chief's shoulders slumped.
"How can I ask her now?" Miles sighed. "Look at me. I won't be able to do it right with the brace on."
"Chief, your appearance has not altered. Although we have been gone for three weeks, that rate of ageing is not visible to the human eye," Data said.
He wasn't exactly sure what the two men were talking about. But Chief O'Brien was a friend – clearly upset- and Data wanted to help.
"I also fail to understand how your appearance would impact your ability to ask a question," Data stated.
"I wanted to do it proper. Romantic reunion and all," Miles explained. "She doesn't like rings because of the dirt in the arboretum. But I got her a bracelet with a diamond that I've been saving for the right time."
Miles knew it was the right time and that the bracelet would be perfect.
"I wanted to get down on one knee and make her feel special," Miles continued. "I wanted everything to be perfect for her."
Data blinked rapidly as he now understood the context.
"You were planning to ask Keiko to marry you," Data said in astonishment.
He felt a strange sense of pride in knowing that he had been the one to set them up and that his prediction about their compatibility had proven to be accurate.
"Aye," Miles replied. "But I can't do it now. The moment's ruined. By the time I'm out of the brace it just won't be the same."
"I'm sure she won't mind," Geordi said comfortingly.
Miles grumbled.
"I can't. It needs to be perfect for her. She deserves no less," Miles said adamantly. "I can't offer her much of life on a starship – but I want to do this right."
Miles was grateful to have Keiko in his life.
She was everything he could imagine and more.
"The very least I can do is make sure her proposal is romantic and flawless. Like a diamond," Miles went on. "Hell, I'd shower her diamonds if I could."
Data's eyes began to flit back and forth rapidly.
"Chief, may I offer an alternative solution?" Data proposed.
When Tasha awoke, she grinned as she remembered the away team was back safe and sound.
Her head felt heavy, not unlike a hangover, but Tasha couldn't care less.
Data was back safe and sound and, most importantly, in her bed again.
Tasha threw her arms up, tensing then relaxing her body as she stretched with a satisfied groan.
"Good morning," she said softly.
There was no response.
Tasha reached across the bed. When she found nothing, she rolled over and discovered that she was, in fact, alone.
Don't panic. Tasha said, reminding herself to remain calm.
There was nothing to indicate there had been a problem of any kind. It was very possible Data had just climbed out of bed before her or even that Geordi's reassembly procedure had taken longer than anticipated.
"Computer, what is the current location of Lieutenant Commander Data?" Tasha inquired.
She rolled off the bed and grabbed her dressing gown.
"Lieutenant Commander Data is presently in the Chief Engineer's lab on deck fifteen," the Computer answered as Tasha went from her bedroom to the main room of her quarters.
Tasha checked the time.
She had slept straight through the night, and it was nearly 09:00 the next morning.
It wasn't like Tasha to sleep so late, but the relaxant had really taken it out of her.
Eight hours, indeed. She mused.
Hopefully, Data's absence just meant that they were taking their time and not a sign of trouble.
Tasha grabbed her combadge from the shelf and paged Geordi.
"Everything's fine," Geordi assured her.
It was welcome news.
Tasha informed Geordi that she was going to take a shower and then head down there.
"No, no, no," Geordi said quickly. "Uh, we've got it under control."
Tasha frowned.
What she didn't know is that Data and Geordi were doing their best to keep their current project a tight secret until it was finished.
They needed to keep it under wraps to ensure Keiko didn't find out.
At Chief O'Brien's request, they were to tell no one.
"I will be up to see you shortly," Data said.
Truthfully, they had been so wrapped up in their efforts, they had worked straight through the night alongside Lieutenant Barclay.
Tasha shrugged.
She knew they must have had a good reason. Tasha figured perhaps the opportunity to study Data's circuitry had provided them with some answers to his developmental changes. Or maybe the thrill of processing the information from the shuttle had been too irresistible.
It was hard to tell with those two.
Whenever Data and Geordi got together they were liable to dissociate from the world and work for hours. Tasha mused it was a good thing Geordi wasn't an android too. His stomach was the only thing keeping them attached to the wider world.
If Geordi didn't need to eat, she was certain the two of them might drift so far from reality it could be years before they would emerge from their labs.
"I will see you soon," Data promised.
'Soon' became more like 'late' with every passing minute.
Tasha had used the time to catch up on her emails, browse through the latest Parrises Squares draft picks, and clean her quarters.
Captain Picard had dropped by to inform Tasha that she had been nominated for the Karagite Order of Heroism.
The Karagite Order was more than just an award. It was considered a club, a brotherhood of some of Starfleet's most decorated officers.
It was given in honour of acts of valour in the defence of Federation worlds and people during times of conflict.
Unfortunately, the exceptional heroism required to earn such an award often meant that recipients were typically awarded the honour posthumously.
Former recipients included the likes of Christopher Pike, James T. Kirk, and Phillipa Georgiou.
The award recipient would be officially named at a formal banquet dinner during the Academy reunion and Command Conference on Earth.
It was an honour just to be considered for such a prestigious award.
Tasha wasn't much for the pomp and circumstance of such a ceremony. While some Starfleet officers relished in the chance to schmooze and mingle at these types of conferences, Tasha had always found them to be suffocating.
For Tasha, Starfleet Academy had been a means to an end.
There were two types of memories she carried forward from those early Academy days – the memories she wanted to forget and the ones she made off campus.
After a bad relationship with a terrible man at the Academy, Tasha had dedicated herself to her coursework. She took on extra responsibilities and duties in order to occupy her time.
Outside of that, she spent most of her time off campus with a decidedly different crowd.
It was part of why Tasha was hesitant to attend such social functions.
She knew the reunion was important for Data. Tasha had made a promise that she would attend with him as a couple if they managed to survive the rescue mission.
But Tasha was hoping to keep such an obligation limited to one evening. Now with this added awards ceremony, Tasha knew there was no way they could avoid it.
She would have to spend at least two evenings (plus the conference itself) in her dress uniform, sipping cocktails, and nodding at polite conversation.
Best polish my boots. Tasha mused.
She loathed hobnobbing with Starfleet brass. Everyone was angling for a promotion or trying to impress the right Admiral to make the case for why their department's research deserved more resources. It all seemed so insincere.
Tasha didn't have long to mull over the subject. Before she could think any further, the door to her quarters slid open.
Tasha recognised the familiar, lean shadow that stretched across the carpet as the light from the corridor spilled into her quarters.
Her eyes followed the shadow along the carpet to the welcome sight of standard issue black boots, over his lithe frame, and to the handsome face that was cocked to the side studying her.
It wasn't quite the wild embrace of a reunion that they had imagined.
Standing in front of him, Tasha could hardly believe that he was really, truly there.
She was staring at Data, struggling to process it. Tasha reached out and tentatively laid a hand on his chest.
She laughed softly as the touch confirmed he was real. A part of Tasha wanted to shout for joy. Another part of her wanted to weep with relief.
Data slipped two fingers under Tasha's chin and directed her to look up at him.
"Hi," she said.
Data cupped her face and planted a tender kiss on her lips. It was empowering to finally kiss her of his own accord without assistance.
Tasha was momentarily dumbstruck – simply grateful for the sensation of his hands on her face again, the feel of his soft lips against her own once more.
When they broke apart, she was beaming.
"We have three days of R&R," Tasha said, nuzzling his face. "And a lot of catching up to do."
Data pulled her into a strong embrace.
Tasha wrapped her arms around him. Data melted into her embrace.
"Would it be acceptable to stay like this for a moment?" Data asked softly. "I would like to enjoy this sensation."
It felt wonderful not just to hold her once again, but also to be held. Tasha squeezed him tight and smiled against his shoulder.
"You know with the time dilation, it's technically been over three weeks since I got to hug you," Tasha said.
"And because of my chronometer, I was painfully aware of each second of that time," Data confessed.
He let go of her in favour of other experiences he had missed.
Data took hold of her hands, intertwining their fingers and smiled.
"I have missed this," Data said.
"Sap," Tasha teased.
She kissed the inside of his wrist and gave him a knowing look.
"I know you trust Geordi implicitly, but I think it would be best if I were to make sure you're properly reassembled," Tasha said playfully.
She traced over his shoulders and down the length of his arms.
She stopped at his hands.
"Go over you bit by bit," she added as she kissed each of his fingers one by one.
Data couldn't blush, but he certainly felt a twinge of bashfulness at her suggestion. There was something that still made his system flutter in knowing that another being wanted him.
That Tasha wanted him.
So many people were unsettled by his artificial nature and inhuman appearance, it was reassuring to know that Tasha genuinely desired him.
"You know, a place for everything and everything in its place," Tasha whispered against his ear.
Data gasped as she cupped his cock through his trousers.
"I can think of a few places I'd like to put this," Tasha teased.
Data's artificial breathing programme stopped as Tasha's lips ghosted along the line of his jaw. She could bring the nearly unflappable Second Officer to his knees with nothing more than the sound of her voice or a soft touch.
"That seems wise," Data replied. "I believe I could accommodate that request."
To a casual observer, it would have seemed the opposite of sweet talk.
But Tasha found it endearing.
Tasha pulled Data toward the bedroom in her quarters with full intentions of ravaging him.
She was wearing a wicked smile. There was a devious twinkle as she eyed Data like a long-awaited prize. As Tasha pushed him toward the door, Data was momentarily struck by a memory.
It wasn't all that different from the night she had practically tackled him in these very quarters.
As soon as they were in the bedroom, Tasha pulled his combadge off and set it on the nightstand.
"You won't be needing that," she purred.
Tasha wasted no time in stripping Data's uniform off his shoulders and down over his arms. She grinned as she caressed his bare arms.
Data closed his eyes and savoured the feel of her lips against his neck as she kissed and nipped at the exposed flesh there.
And he was grateful to finally have the freedom to let his head drop to the side to grant her better access.
Tasha dropped to her knees and nuzzled against his body.
Her fingers hovered at the edge of his uniform, resting just atop his bony hips. Tasha glanced up at Data. Data swallowed hard when she grinned and licked her lips.
Tasha was just about to slip his trousers down and free her target when Data's combadge suddenly pinged.
"Lieutenant Barclay to Commander Data," Barclay's voice sounded. "I-I-I'm having a problem and need your help to sort it out."
A short growl of frustration escaped from Tasha's lips.
Data gave her a pleading look.
He didn't want to stop. He had waited weeks for this and had been seconds away from pure bliss. Yet Data also recognised he had agreed to help a friend in need and had an obligation to see that through.
"Go," Tasha said with a small, sad smile.
She knew it had to be something important if Data was looking at her like that.
Data felt guilty about delaying his time with Tasha, but they had to ensure everything was prepared for tonight.
Data cupped her face, caressing her cheek with his thumb as he held her there. With great reluctance, Data deactivated his sexuality programme.
"This will not take long," Data assured Tasha. "And I promise that when I return I will endeavour to satisfy your every need."
He smiled.
"I assure you that it shall be worth the wait," Data said.
After a quick kiss atop her head, Data dashed off to the lab.
Tasha flopped down on the sofa.
She was no stranger to tease and denial – Data was an expert at stringing her along to the peak of sexual frustration.
But it had been three hours since he'd promised to return soon.
Data felt terrible about the delay. He'd spent his entire time on the holodeck trying to help Reg Barclay, Geordi, Wesley, and Miles coordinate the surprise for Keiko.
As soon as things were set, Data had walked as quickly as he could from holodeck four to Tasha's door – offering his sincerest apologies to Doctor Jacobi of the astrophysics team who had cornered him on the turbolift.
Jacobi was keen to have Data share his experience with the black hole at an upcoming astrophysics symposium. Data was thrilled with the opportunity, but his mind was presently fixated in anticipation of an entirely different kind of thrill.
When he returned, Data found Tasha curled up on her sofa with her PADD in hand.
"I am sorry that it took longer than anticipated," Data said as he sat down next to her.
"Everything alright?" Tasha asked.
"Yes," Data replied.
He figured now was as good a time as any to break the news to her about tonight.
"Tasha, I know that it is your desire that we spend the evening together alone. However, I am afraid that I must request we postpone such an endeavour," Data apologised.
Tasha's heart sank.
Was something wrong? She thought.
Tasha figured there had to be an issue. She tried to keep her disappointment in check because she knew all of this disassembly and reassembly was new for Data.
But as she listened to Data's explanation, Tasha found herself with more questions than answers.
He explained that their presence would be necessary on the holodeck later – followed by a trip to Ten Forward. Data was scant with the details only to say the matter was of great importance and that she needed to be on the holodeck at 18:45.
Tasha was curious as to what Data had up his sleeve.
It wasn't anyone's birthday. Nor was anyone planning to celebrate their rescue. In fact, nearly everyone had agreed they would wait until the Chief was feeling better.
"Please Tasha, this is for a friend," Data urged.
"This is really important to you, isn't it?" Tasha asked.
She could see was fixated on the subject.
"We will be expected to join the others in Ten Forward afterward," Data advised.
Tasha was trying to be supportive, but she couldn't help feeling a little miffed.
"Fine," she said in compromise. "But let's not stay long. An hour at most, OK?"
Data nodded in agreement.
"And after that, it's just you and me tonight, Commander," Tasha said as she poked his chest. "That means you in my bed, not a stitch of clothing, and your combadge stays out here."
Data took hold of the PADD in her other hand and set it aside on the windowsill.
"Which leaves us five hours and nineteen minutes until tonight," Data said as he moved toward her.
"Oh?" Tasha asked as she leaned back against the edge of the sofa.
Although their evening plans were detoured, at the very least they had the afternoon to themselves.
"And just what do you propose we do with that time, Commander?" Tasha questioned.
"I can theorise 3,780 individual ways in which we may occupy our time," Data replied as he crawled on top of her.
He closed the distance between them and captured Tasha's lips in a welcome and overdue kiss.
Tasha let out an appreciative murmur against his lips.
This is what they had waited for. Despite the delay, it was worth every second.
Data's left hand snaked up under Tasha's shirt to cup her breast. He grinned against her mouth. He had waited weeks to be able to touch her like this.
Tasha gripped his hand through her shirt, wordlessly conveying how pleased she was.
"Now should I start here?" Data asked before nipping the spot just below Tasha's ear. "Or with your toes?"
Tasha chuckled.
"Don't tease," Tasha pleaded.
Data had the advantage. He pressed the entirety of his weight down to keep Tasha underneath him. She groaned when rolled his hips, grinding his erection against her thigh.
"You're a menace," Tasha said.
Data peppered her chin and jawline with a series of slow, tantalising kisses. His lips were everywhere and nowhere all at once.
"Data, please. We can do mushy later," Tasha urged.
She managed to finagle her legs up over his hips and pulled him flush against her body. Her fingers twisted into the back of his hair.
"Data, if you don't fuck me soon-"
"Hmmm, now I know exactly what to do with you," Data said with a smug sense of satisfaction. "I am going to push you up against the wall, spread your pretty legs, and make you squirm on my tongue."
A long, low whine escaped Tasha's throat.
Data gripped Tasha's chin, turned her head to look across the room.
"Then I am going to bend you over that table and give you what you have so patiently waited for," Data growled against her neck.
Tasha arched her back as his lips worked their way across her collarbone.
"And at that moment just before your legs give out, I will scoop you up and carry you to bed," Data said. "Where I will take you slow and sweet and just the way I like it."
Tasha whimpered as Data's hand dove between them to palm her cunt through her leggings.
"You are wet," Data said, thrilled at the prospect.
Tasha shot him a look.
Data smirked.
He was less than an inch away from capturing her lips when they were interrupted.
"Data, are you in the middle of anything?" Chief O'Brien's voice rang out from Data's combadge.
"Ignore it," Tasha urged.
She clutched the back of his head and pulled him down for another kiss.
"I need your help with summat," Miles added.
Data sat up and was about to respond when Tasha caught his hand to stop him.
"Tasha, I will need to see to this," Data said.
"After," Tasha insisted.
She removed his combadge and set it on the windowsill as she placed a series of kisses along his jawline.
"Tasha, it is imperative that I-" Data began to say.
He stopped as Tasha lunged at him.
"Mmm, later," she pressed as she nipped at his lower lip.
She rocked against him, encouraging Data to stay put.
"Data, it's been almost a month," Tasha said. "We can do this fast."
Data felt terrible for pulling away.
But he had made a promise to the Chief.
"Tasha, I made a promise to a friend to help them with a romantic gesture," Data explained. "Since I was responsible for suggesting the match, I have an obligation to see it through."
Tasha was confused.
"I warned you about playing matchmaker for Geordi," she said.
She was concerned that this had something to do with Geordi's crush on Sonya Gomez.
Geordi had gone through a rough patch as of late. He was a true romantic and took it hard whenever his endeavours failed. His problem was that Geordi always tried too hard.
Tasha was worried that if Data and Geordi were putting a lot of effort into something that it would be too much, and that they were setting themselves up for failure.
Geordi didn't need another heartbreak.
"It is crucial that I go to the Chief," Data went on. "The success of this evening depends upon it being flawless."
Tasha sighed and shook her head.
"Whatever you guys are planning, you're all getting way too wrapped up in it," Tasha said.
She took hold of Data's hands.
"Honey, if she really likes him, it's for who he is. Not for some fancy plan or intricately organised evening," Tasha cautioned. "For Geordi's sake, don't get carried away. Please."
Data wanted to set the record straight that this emergency was not, in fact, about Geordi. However, if Tasha believed it was for Geordi – that was for the best.
The less she knew, the better.
They simply couldn't risk Keiko getting wind of the plan.
"I will be back shortly," Data promised as he kissed the back of her hand.
Tasha sat up, giving Data one last kiss before he left.
Data relented, allowing her to explore his mouth with her tongue. Tasha reached for his cock and Data stopped her hand just shy of its target.
"I just wanted to… before you go that is," Tasha breathed against his mouth.
Data responded with a knowing look before slipping away out of reach.
He'd gone only a few steps when he stopped. Data whipped around and marched right back over to Tasha. Pulling her up into his arms, he captured her lips in an ardent kiss – completely with a dip.
When they broke apart, Tasha was breathless.
"You're not leaving?" she asked, hopeful.
"No. I must go," Data said.
"Then what was that for?" Tasha asked, touching her own lips.
Data smiled.
"Parting is such sweet sorrow," Data replied.
Tasha blushed.
Data pulled her upright and stared at Tasha, his gaze full of adoration.
Out of nowhere, he gripped her backside – pulling Tasha flush against his body.
"And that was simply because I wanted to," Data growled.
As soon as he was gone, Tasha flopped onto her back on the sofa. She groaned as she stared at the ceiling. Her head was swimming.
Every inch of her body was on fire.
Tasha was so worked up that she knew it wouldn't be possible to focus on anything but her body.
Tasha staggered as Worf landed a heavy blow to her left cheek. They were dancing around each other in the ring in the fitness centre.
Tasha had needed to blow off some steam and Worf was always down for a workout.
Tasha reached for his outstretched hand as Worf hauled her back to her feet.
Tasha hit her gloves together and cracked her neck.
"C'mon," she said, encouraging Worf.
He frowned.
"You are struggling to concentrate today," Worf said.
Tasha hated that he was right.
"C'mon," she said, playfully jabbing him.
She wasn't ready to stop.
"There is no honour in besting an opponent who is not here," Worf replied as he detached his gloves.
"Awww, Worf. I promise I'll pay attention," Tasha said. "Please? I really need to burn some energy."
"And we shall," Worf assured her. "Using the equipment."
He gestured to the room full of weightlifting equipment that surrounded them. There was more than adequate space available to work out all of their frustrations.
As Tasha readied her posture on the cable pulldown machine, she tried to push away the ache between her thighs.
It was bad enough waiting during the black hole incident. Now that Data was back and ready, desperate even to reconnect sexually like they had before, knowing he was full reassembled and still out of reach was more than Tasha could bear.
So she worked out her sexual frustration on the machines, pushing herself until her triceps, lats, obliques, and glutes were screaming.
Tasha knew she would pay for it. Her body was going to be sore for days.
But she also knew Data took no small pleasure in working out the tension in her muscles with his deft fingers.
And the knowledge that strategically dropping her towel was enough to capture every neuron in that big, juicy brain with nothing more than her backside made every deadlift worth the struggle.
Tasha extended her arms and lifted the dumbbells above her head.
After completing her final rep, she sat up off the bench.
She was about to move into her next set when she felt someone was watching her.
Glancing over to the corner, she saw Data standing in the doorway looking ashamed.
"I do not know what to say," Data confessed apologetically.
It had been three hours since he'd told her he would 'be back shortly' before departing her quarters to meet with the Chief in Sickbay.
"You got carried away, didn't you?" Tasha asked as she bent her elbow to curl her bicep.
Data opened his mouth to speak but Tasha cut him off.
"Ah! I warned you," Tasha said as she extended back to the resting position.
Data stepped over to her position.
"We need to be on the holodeck in one hour and forty-six minutes," Data said.
He took the weights from her hands.
"And you will require a shower before then," Data whispered.
Tasha grinned.
She couldn't stay mad at him.
Not when he was looking at her like that.
Tasha turned around to grab her Parrises Squares bag and retrieved a cooling flannel.
Data, still holding both dumbbells in one hand, came up behind her and wrapped his free hand around her waist.
"We will go to the holodeck, then Ten Forward, and be back to your quarters by 21:00," Data said in a low voice against her ear.
"Then let's not waste another moment," Tasha replied.
Data's combadge pinged.
"Data, I need your help," Geordi's voice rang out.
It was evident from his tone that Geordi was panicked.
Data could feel Tasha stiffen.
She set her Parrises Squares bag back down on the ground.
"Geordi, would it be possible for me to stop by later before-" Data started.
"Now, Data. Please!" Geordi urged.
Tasha turned to face Data.
He could tell she was agitated – and not because of the delay.
"Listen to him. He's completely flustered!" Tasha exclaimed. "You two need to cool it with the matchmaker stuff. Let it happen naturally."
Data was unsure how to respond.
He knew that if he were to explain the nature of the situation, Tasha would understand. However, he had made a promise to keep the plan a secret.
"You've gone all neurotic. This is Sherlock Holmes all over again," Tasha pleaded. "Geordi could get hurt."
"I assure you that is not the case," Data protested.
"Then what's going on?" Tasha demanded.
Data hesitated. He wanted to clear up the misunderstanding.
But he knew he could not. He had to keep his word to Chief O'Brien.
Tasha would understand in a few hours' time. He would have to apologise later.
"I gave my word I would not speak of it," Data explained.
"He's your best friend, Data," Tasha said in a cautionary voice.
She took the weights from him.
"Go," Tasha said begrudgingly.
"Tasha, I-" Data began to say.
"Go," Tasha repeated, miffed at the idea that whatever they had planned was going to end up with Geordi feeling heartbroken.
As Data examined the clothes strewn about the floor in Geordi's quarters, he had a sinking feeling that this latest emergency was not directly related to Keiko's surprise.
Two pairs of shoes were tossed on the bed. Geordi had a fluffy towel cinched around his waist as he fidgeted with his razor – checking and then rechecking the closeness of his shave.
Tasha had been correct - Geordi was a nervous wreck.
"Data! Thank goodness. Which outfit do you think gives the right impression?" Geordi asked, the desperation evident in his voice.
Data blinked slowly.
He couldn't shake the notion that he was missing a steamy shower with his beautiful partner and her wet, sudsy body in order to help Geordi decide between Orion satin and Tholian silk.
Tasha was probably just stepping under the water, letting it pour over her neck and shoulders. She was probably reaching for her lavender shampoo and working it up to a lather.
Data could be there. He could be the one washing her hair and scrubbing away the grime from her latest self-punishing workout.
Data had waited a month to get his hands on her. He wanted to demonstrate with the most tender of affection his appreciation for every inch of her.
Data found Tasha to be exceptionally aesthetically pleasing. To use a colloquialism, she was 'hot.'
But wet Tasha? Wet Tasha in my arms? Data thought.
The first time they had ever made love, Tasha had just emerged from the shower and Data thought she looked ravishing with her wet hair.
In Data's opinion, she didn't need anything – no jewellery or makeup, no fine garments, and certainly no pretence.
He felt his cock twitch as his mind wandered.
"Data? Data?" Geordi said.
Data snapped back to reality, manually overriding his sexuality programme in order to stop it from engaging further.
Geordi was planning to ask Sonya Gomez out for a date – nothing fancy, just a casual romantic evening.
And he was now in full panic mode as he tried to find the perfect attire.
"Something that screams I'm casual but suave, dishy you know," Geordi went on before quickly adding. "But not like I'm hung up on it. I don't want her to think I'm trying too hard."
"That is a complex set of parameters," Data remarked.
He glanced over the various outfits Geordi had selected. It looked like he had pulled out his entire closet.
Data considered Tasha's advice from earlier.
"Geordi, perhaps you should relax and let it happen naturally," Data suggested. "It is clear that she enjoys your company. If she wishes to pursue a relationship, it should be because she desires your presence because of who you are, not because of your attire."
Data paused.
"Lean into it," Data suggested.
Tasha had indeed been forced to shower alone. She had waited for some time, enjoying a nice cup of tea in hopes that Data might return.
But as the hour grew late, it became obvious that Data wasn't going to make it back.
She was due to arrive on the holodeck and Data had stressed it was important.
So after much deliberation, Tasha had jumped into the shower by herself. Typically, bathing was an activity they enjoyed together.
It was one small way Data and Tasha could work some extra time for themselves into the day. With incredibly busy schedules and huge responsibilities, that time was precious.
But Data had been unable to share in that during his disassembly.
They couldn't risk water getting into his circuitry. Data had been forced to wait alone while Tasha bathed by herself.
It was frustrating enough to shower on her own knowing Data was back and they'd planned to resume their routine.
But touching her own aroused body in a setting that normally involved some level of foreplay was agony.
For a brief moment, Tasha's hand hovered just above herself as she contemplated whether or not to simply relieve some of the tension on her own.
And Data? An annoying voice in the back of her mind asked.
Tasha grumbled to herself.
She realised it was just as hard on Data as it was for her. It wouldn't be fair to have an apéritif on her own while Data was left waiting.
Tasha resigned herself that gratification would have to wait. She sighed and let her head fall back as the water rinsed away her conditioner.
As soon as she stepped onto the holodeck, Tasha realised why this evening was so important to Data. And why he had spent the whole day running around.
Data had been playing matchmaker – but it wasn't to arrange a date for Geordi.
Miles O'Brien had been released from Sickbay earlier. He was still walking with a cane as the regenerative sleeve worked to heal his broken leg.
He was standing in the middle of a heart made with Keiko's favourite flower – gallica roses.
Most of the team was hiding behind a mirror projection on the holodeck. The plan was to surprise Keiko with champagne after the big ask.
Tasha noticed Data still hadn't arrived.
"He's fetching Keiko," Miles informed her. "Let's just hope she says yes."
Tasha gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Of course, she will," Tasha assured him.
"Computer, run programme Data 702," Barclay ordered.
The familiar lined walls of the holodeck were replaced with an inky blue-black sky filled with stars, swirling galaxies, and cloudy nebulas.
The terrain was a series of still bodies of water intersected by occasional bits of dark grass. They were smooth, like glass. And it offered the illusion of a seemingly endless mirror that reflected the sky above.
It was like standing in the middle of the stars.
Everyone waited in anticipation.
A few moments later, Data escorted Keiko onto the holodeck.
"Data, what is this?" Keiko asked.
"You will see," Data replied.
While Miles and Keiko spoke quietly to one another, Data snuck off into the darkness to join the others.
He silently slipped his hand in Tasha's as they watched in expectation.
"Do you like this?" Miles asked, looking around at the stars.
Keiko cupped his face.
"This is beautiful," Keiko replied.
"I wanted to do something special for you. I had a lot of time on that shuttle to think about you," Miles confessed.
Miles began to fidget.
"Look in your pocket," Miles said.
He had requested Data slip the bracelet into Keiko's pocket when she wasn't looking.
Keiko reached in and fished around in the pocket of her jumper.
Suddenly, she stopped as her hand closed around something with a chain.
She pulled out the bracelet and examined it.
"Miles!" she said in astonishment as she ran her fingers over the detailed engraving. "It's stunning."
"Like you," Miles said.
Keiko slipped in on her wrist and fastened the buckle.
"I also have something I wanted to ask you," Miles continued.
He took a breath.
"I wanted to do it proper and all for you. You deserve no less. Honey, I swear I'll do the best-" Miles began to ramble.
Keiko clasped her hand over her mouth as she realised what was happening.
"And I know life on a starship can be-" he went on.
"Yes!" Keiko said as she shook her head.
Miles stopped.
"You said yes?" Miles asked to clarify.
"Yes!" Keiko repeated as she threw her arms around him.
"Oof!" Miles grunted as he shifted on his injured leg.
Shouts of congratulations, applause, and the popping of the champagne corks followed.
A collective gasp of awe went around the room as the next part of the programme activated.
Data planted a chaste kiss at Tasha's temple.
Everyone stared in wonder as the holodeck sky was filled with falling rose petals and brilliant crystals that shimmered and reflected.
"Are you seeing this?" Wes asked in amazement. "It's-"
"Raining diamonds," Sonya said breathlessly.
From the corner, Tasha heard Worf sniffle. Klingons were incredibly romantic, and Worf was no exception. His collection of love poetry rivalled only Data.
She turned to him with a knowing smile.
"I have something in my eye," Worf said stiffly.
Tasha pulled Data over to the corner for a bit of privacy. They stood opposite of one another, holding hands.
"You were gone all night and day setting this up?" Tasha asked, glancing up at the stars.
Data dropped his gaze to the floor in shame.
"I must apologise," Data said.
"You delayed our reunion so you could arrange this for Miles and Keiko? So their moment would be perfect?" Tasha went on.
Data lifted his eyes, his face full of remorse.
"Are you upset?" he inquired.
"No," Tasha replied with a dreamy sigh.
Data was stunned.
"You're not?" he asked, feeling it was necessary to clarify.
"No. I think it's all terribly romantic," Tasha confessed.
Tasha wasn't usually moved by big romantic gestures. She found them a waste of time, effort, and resources. And in her experience, they were often used to deflect blame during disagreements rather than confronting the problem.
In Tasha's jaded view of romance, those kinds of things were merely fiction.
But tonight, she felt completely different.
This wasn't just for show.
Miles and Keiko loved each other. Their affection was genuine, and this moment would be something they would treasure forever.
"You're a good man, Data," Tasha said softly as she gave his hand a squeeze.
Tasha grinned.
"You big softie," she teased.
Data cocked his head to the side and frowned.
"Tasha, the construction of my synthetic skeletal musculature is composed of a duranium alloy with-"
Tasha silenced him with a kiss.
When they broke apart, she grinned against his lips.
"Tasha, we still have to go to Ten Forward," Data reminded her.
"I know," she whispered. "And after?"
"I will be dreaming of after," Data replied.
Data and Tasha's promise to one another to stay at Ten Forward for no more than an hour had crumbled.
Just like the rest of the day, obligation to friendship took precedence over any plans for a steamy reunion.
Geordi's evening with Sonya Gomez had been going great – right up until a young, handsome Ensign dropped by to remind Sonya she had accidentally double booked herself for the evening.
Geordi didn't know who this 'Luis' was – only that he was much closer to Sonya's age and clearly they were close.
And he'd been to shy to ask. If he had, Geordi would have learned that Luis was in fact Sonya's cousin and not a romantic interest.
Geordi's mind had been too clouded with self-doubt to consider any other possibility.
Data and Tasha had been just about to make their exit when Tasha spied Geordi. She kicked Data's leg, drawing his attention to poor Geordi who was staring longing at his coco nono by himself.
"I promised we would leave after an hour. And I have already broken too many promises to you today," Data said solemnly.
Tasha smiled.
"Data, he's your best friend. Look at him," Tasha urged. "Go to him."
Data could see that Geordi was hurting. However, he had made a promise to Tasha. Furthermore, Data felt that he had set Tasha aside most of the day in order to assist in the arrangements for the proposal and to help Geordi.
"You have already waited twenty-one days," Data said. "During that time, you have commented on numerous occasions how much you have been looking forward to the return of my body so that-"
"And you're worth waiting for," Tasha said, cutting him off. "Right now, Geordi needs you."
Tasha knew that there were some things that mattered more.
"I'll be here," Tasha assured him. "I'll always be here."
Data glanced down at Geordi and then back to Tasha.
"Go!" Tasha ordered.
With a quick nod, Data went to comfort Geordi.
As the evening wore on, the team began to filter out. Eventually, things had dwindled down to Data and Geordi at one end of the table and Tasha, Deanna, and Will at the opposite end.
"Poor Geordi," Will remarked. "He really had his heart set on asking that Ensign Garcia, Giancarlo-"
He trailed off, snapping his fingers as he tried to recall Sonya's name.
"Gomez," Tasha said. "And you all owe her. She's the one that put it all together. Saved your butts."
"Well, I can see why Geordi's enamoured with her," Riker replied. "Seems like a lovely woman. I'm sure he was hoping to spend the night ooof!"
Deanna elbowed him rather hard.
"What was that for?" Will protested.
"You know what," Deanna answered.
Riker shrugged.
"Look, I know that I would want to spend my first night back out and out of Sickbay with a beautiful person," Riker said.
Suddenly, his eyes narrowed as he turned to Tasha.
"Speaking of which – what are you and Data still doing here?" Riker asked.
Tasha smiled nervously, downplaying the question.
"Unless," Will said.
A broad, knowing grin spread across Will's face.
"That's it, isn't it?" Will asked. "This is a nice little break, eh? I suppose you two spent all day in bed."
"Actually, Data's had a full schedule," Tasha said, quickly dismissing the idea.
"Is that what you're calling it now?" Riker teased.
Deanna's heart went out to Data and Tasha. She knew how difficult the last few weeks had been for Data as he came to terms with the changes to his body due to the disassembly.
They had adapted and learned to love one another in different ways – and their relationship was now stronger than ever.
But Deanna understood just how much they were looking forward to the chance of being alone again, of exploring one another's bodies anew.
"Then you haven't… not since before you left on the rescue mission?" Deanna inquired.
Tasha snuck a quick glance down at Data before turning back to her drink.
"I guess you could say the schedule was a lot busier when he didn't have the ability to leave his quarters on his own," Tasha answered.
"But Data was just-" Riker began to say.
He suddenly stopped himself.
Riker's face lit up.
He looked from Tasha to Data and back again.
"T," he said in a knowing voice.
Tasha chucked a piece of popcorn across the table, hitting Riker square in the forehead.
"I wasn't trying to poke fun. I'm impressed," Riker admitted.
He looked down the table toward Data.
"Maybe I should ask for tips, you know?" Riker suggested.
Tasha threw her head back and chuckled. She set her drink down and beckoned Will over with one finger.
He leaned in close.
"Commander, try as you may – you can't make your tongue vibrate," Tasha whispered.
When they were finally able to slip away, Data's feet couldn't carry him fast enough to the lift.
"Computer deck-"
"Twenty-seven," Tasha interjected.
Data turned toward Tasha, confused.
"Let's take the long way back tonight," she said.
Tasha slipped her fingers through Data's. When the lift stopped, she pulled him out onto the darkened corridor on the lower decks.
In order to preserve power, lighting and gravitational systems fluctuated on some of the non-residential decks. It meant that these places were largely abandoned overnight.
And it was one of Tasha's favourite places for a late-night stroll.
The low artificial gravity on deck twenty-seven meant that their steps were a little lighter – not quite weightlessness – but enough that it was almost like walking in a dream.
Data's keen senses registered a drop in speed as the Enterprise slowed to impulse power.
Tasha glanced up at him.
"One of the built-in breaks. The ship has slowed," Data explained. "To rest the engines."
Long distances required cool down periods otherwise the engines would burn out.
Data escorted Tasha into one of the alcove lounges on the deck. They sat down on the edge of the angled windowsill of a large observation window.
"The whole time I was travelling in that probe, I longed for a window," Data shared. "I wanted to look out at something."
He had hoped he could look at the stars. In some strange way, the thought had made him feel less alone.
"I am glad that Miles and Keiko are engaged. I was not looking forward to having to deliver the alternative message," Data went on.
He took a long, artificial breath.
They had all recorded final messages just in case Data's head was all that made it back.
Data traced Tasha's jawline.
"I thought of you," Data admitted. "I thought of many things that I long to experience with you."
Data rested his forehead against hers.
Tasha's breath hitched.
"Data, if you're saying-" she began.
"I know that you are content with the current state of our relationship," Data assured her. "As am I."
Tasha relaxed a little.
The concept of marriage did not exist on Turkana. Despite most Federation humanoid species having some kind of marriage or marriage-like ritual, Turkanan culture was radically different.
And as strange as it was, Tasha couldn't help but feel a little hung up on the idea of getting engaged again after losing Alfie. It had been years, but for some reason Tasha couldn't shake a sense of betrayal to that memory if she were to get engaged again.
"There is an archaic song that states, 'to rush would be a crime' and I am inclined to agree," Data said softly. "I would like to 'make all the stops along the way' with you, Tasha."
Tasha closed her eyes as Data's thumb stroked her cheek.
"But I would like to know if I may call you my partner?" Data inquired.
Tasha had been reluctant to label their relationship. She had previously expressed that 'partner' was a term she considered to be quite formal.
But the question had weighed heavily on Data's mind.
With the Starfleet Academy reunion coming up – and Tasha's promise to attend – Data wasn't sure how to best introduce her to other officers that he was likely to reunite with at the event.
Tasha considered his question.
They were together. And she loved him – there was no question in that regard.
Hell, they'd gone through the entire ordeal of an embarrassing hearing over it.
And if that wasn't a testament to their feelings, Tasha wasn't sure what qualified anymore.
"Yeah," she said as she covered his hand with her own.
Data felt warm as relief washed over his system.
This was a step, another stop on the road ahead.
"We'll get there," Tasha promised. "I know you want more. Someday. And so do I."
Data understood.
This was part of why he wanted to begin more joint counselling sessions with Deanna. He felt that it would help Tasha to work through some of her hang ups and overcome her feelings of guilt.
"In time," Data replied. "And I will wait as long as it takes."
Tasha opened her eyes and smiled at him.
In the ledge of the window to space, the only light was the faint glow from a nearby moon.
It illuminated Data's bioplast and Tasha thought he looked like one of those beautiful statues from classical antiquity that she had seen so many years earlier on Earth.
"What?" Data asked as his head tilted to the left.
His pupils were blown, lips slightly parted – it took her breath away.
"Moonlight is a good look on you," Tasha replied.
Data looked out into space.
"The light is actually being reflected by the sun rather than-"
Tasha shushed him as she reached up and directed his gaze back to her.
Data said nothing as they stared at one another – him illuminated by the light of the moon and her shadowed in the angle of the window aside from a glint in her eyes.
"I want to lose myself with you under the moonlight," Tasha whispered.
Eleven minutes and forty-seven seconds. That was exactly how long it had taken Data and Tasha to travel from that window on deck-twenty seven to Tasha's door.
It had taken another fifteen seconds for Tasha to input her security code to unlock it and approximately a minute to step inside and slip out of their shoes.
As soon as they were inside, Data grabbed her face – pulling Tasha toward him and into a heated kiss.
They broke apart, panting and gasping for air. For a few moments, Data and Tasha said nothing. They simply stared at one another.
Suddenly and without audibly communicating to one another, Data and Tasha stepped back. The undressed in silence, racing to peel away every strip of clothing.
Data finished first but Tasha was just a few steps behind him.
She pulled herself up to her full height, straightening her back as she observed Data watching her. In spite of rushing to strip away her uniform and underclothes, Tasha now slowed her pace.
She reached back between her shoulder blades to unhook the clasp on her bra.
Tasha took her time in pulling each strap down over her shoulders, taunting Data as she clutched one arm across her breasts as if she were attempting to preserve some sense of modesty – a ridiculous notion given Data was standing stark naked and erect in front of her.
Due to his chronometer, Data was keenly aware of each passing second.
For an android, it was an eternity.
Tasha pulled away her bra and let it drop to the floor beside her.
Data looked her up and down.
He was captivated. Tasha stood before him, bathed only in the cool illumination of the ship's external lighting.
Not unlike moonlight.
Data ran his eyes over her body as Tasha's thumbs slipped just under the edge of her knickers – playing with Data as she teased removing them.
Tasha never got the chance.
Data was at her in a flash. He couldn't wait any longer. His cock was already leaking in anticipation of slipping inside.
Data gripped Tasha's shoulders and turned her away from him. His hand traced the length of her bare spine as his lips worked their way across her shoulders.
Tasha shivered as Data's warm breath teased against her ear.
Data's hand ghosted along the curve of her breasts, his touch feather-light as the back of his fingers travelled down over the side of Tasha's body.
Tasha was suddenly aware of how exposed she truly was as Data's body hovered behind her. She could feel his erection against her backside, separated only by a layer of thin, sheer fabric.
Data's left arm snaked around her torso as he held Tasha tight against him.
He placed a tender kiss to the side of her face right before he tore away her knickers.
There was a soft, barely audible intake of breath as Data rutted against Tasha's backside. He was ready.
Tasha squeaked as Data's free hand slipped between her thighs. With the arm that was across Tasha's body keeping her in place, Data kneaded her right breast.
Tasha swallowed. Hard.
"Did you miss these hands?" Data asked, nibbling at Tasha's neck.
"Uh huh," Tasha said.
Data buried his face against her shoulder, grateful for the chance to finally hold his lover again.
"No more waiting," Tasha urged, her hand coming down to rest atop Data's.
She turned in his arms and guided Data over to the sofa.
Tasha climbed onto his lap and slowly lowered herself onto his cock, relishing in the stretch.
She clutched the back of Data's neck with both hands. Eyes locked on one another, foreheads pressed together, Tasha slowly began to ride him.
Data shuddered as she clenched around his cock.
Tasha's thighs burned as she pulled herself up and down. She had overdone it in the fitness centre earlier and was paying for it now.
But she couldn't bring herself to stop. It felt too good.
Data nuzzled his nose against Tasha's face, cherishing every sensation of their connection – the feel of Tasha's skin against his own, the way her breath made his heart flutter, the small noises of pleasure that she could no longer contain.
Tasha squeezed her thighs around Data's body as she let herself go.
This was what it meant to lose oneself in the moonlight.
Data tried to reach for her clit, but Tasha bat away his hand.
They struggle for a moment, playing with one another as they pushed back and forth until Data caught her wrists, holding Tasha's arms up and away from either of them.
She whined and slowed her pace, dragging herself up and down the length of his cock. Data watched her move, completely enthralled.
Data knew that he couldn't wait any longer.
He released Tasha's arms and pulled into a tight embrace. Data grinned as he felt her breasts flush against the bioplast of his chest.
His hand clutched the small of her back.
Tasha put her head on Data's shoulder and gripped his biceps as he began to move, meeting her thrust for thrust. Data poured all of the sexual tension of the last three weeks into his movements as he plunged himself into Tasha's warm, wet cunt.
"Thadhaen," Tasha breathed.
Gods.
Data smirked, taking pride in the fact she was calling out for a deity – in her native Turkanan no less.
Tasha grasped his shoulders, her whole body tensed as Data kicked up the pace.
Draek.
Salachaan.
Iu faenmahair.
Data's bioplast prickled. His neural net surged with satisfaction. In between the snivels and groans, she was cursing in Turkanan.
All too soon, Data lost his rhythm. His hips bucked as he spilled himself deep inside Tasha. He gripped her hips, holding her firm against his body – thrusting once, twice, and finally a third time as he filled her cunt.
Then he stilled.
Tasha laid her head back against Data's shoulder as they both took a quick respite.
Data pressed a soft kiss against the side of Tasha's face, wordlessly communicating his gratitude.
Once more, he reached between her thighs.
Tasha caught his hand.
"Uh huh," she said.
Data immediately stopped.
Had it been too much? He wondered.
Tasha sat back and playfully nuzzled against his face, teasing him with a series of almost kisses.
"I want you to take all of me," she said.
"Anything for you," Data replied in a low voice.
"All of me, Data," Tasha went on.
"Whatever you desire," Data said, attempting to go in for a kiss.
Tasha kissed his jawline and then pulled herself up and off his cock. Before Data could say another word, she slipped back on.
Data felt the tip of his cock press against her anus.
He caught Tasha's hand and helped her to steady herself.
Holding his gaze, Tasha slowly sank down – giving herself enough time to adjust to the girth of his thick cock.
"All of me," Tasha repeated.
Data made no move except to support her. He wanted Tasha to go at her pace.
"The secret parts of my body that have only ever been for you," Tasha said.
Tasha had a complicated relationship with anal sex. For more than a decade, it had been a hard boundary. By far, it had been the worst and most frequent manner in which her body had been violated.
And while Tasha had learned to process her trauma, reconnect with her body, and take pleasure in sexual intimacy – she had never been willing to try anal sex.
Because between the trauma from her childhood and the abusive actions of an ex-boyfriend that violated that boundary, Tasha could never bring herself to trust anyone enough to try.
Until Data.
He had no expectations. He made no demands.
And when Tasha had initially opened up about her reservations, Data had made no attempt to coerce or pressure her.
Data simply listened.
That respect, that patience – it had been exactly what Tasha needed to inspire confidence in herself to make a new memory.
Anal sex was by no means a regular feature in their bedroom. Yet in the months since they had first attempted it, Tasha had discovered it was not only pleasurable – but profoundly intimate as well.
The intensity and depth of that intimacy was only heightened by the knowledge that this was a part of herself that Tasha chose to share with Data.
He was the only person Tasha had ever chosen to share herself with in that way.
When he bottomed out, Tasha paused and took a slow breath.
Data clutched the small of her back as his lips pressed a trail of soft kisses across Tasha's jawline.
They were so close, so very close to one another.
Neither of them moved as Data held Tasha against his chest.
"Do you feel that?" he whispered. "Do you feel the way my power cell beats in time with your heart? Perfectly aligned."
Tasha sat back and studied Data's face. She looked so moved by his words, her eyes were starting to tear up.
Data saw his opportunity and seized it.
He released her hand so he could hold the back of her head. Data tilted them together so was at just the right angle.
Data kept his eyes on her face, watching it for the slightest change as he began to move.
Their present angle allowed for deep penetration. Data buried his cock in her arse as he held Tasha in place.
The ship was stopped for an engine cooldown. That meant the Enterprise was at a standstill.
Because of the large window, the vast expanse of space was reflected against Tasha.
There were stars in her eyes.
Data kept his pace steady. It was rhythmic with powerful, dragging thrusts as she bounced in his lap.
Tasha's heels dug into his lower back. She squeezed her eyes shut as they watered, threatening to spill over.
"Don't stop," Tasha said as a tear escaped, running down over her cheek.
"Tasha-"
"Don't stop," she urged.
She wasn't in pain or upset. She was merely overcome with emotion. Data pulled her back, flush against his own body.
He reached between her legs. This time, Tasha made no move to prevent him access.
Data pressed his thumb against her swollen clit, rubbing circles there until she started to sniffle.
"Data," she murmured.
He slipped his two middle fingers into her cunt and smirked when she whimpered. Tasha couldn't recall ever feeling so full.
Between the fingers stroking the walls of her cunt and the delicious stretch in her arse, she was thoroughly stuffed.
Data could feel his own biofluid leaking out over his hand. There was something almost animalistic about it, as if he claimed every part of her.
"Look at me," Data instructed.
Tasha's breath hitched. She sniffled and twitched as he increased the pressure on her clit.
"Look at me," Data repeated, dropping his voice.
Tasha opened her eyes.
"Iu fein asa glos Kieran. Azura luna gweathren," Tasha whispered. "Iu fein asa-"
Data shushed her, placing his finger on her lips.
Tasha kissed the tip of it.
Tasha whimpered as she shook apart in Data's lap, grinding her cunt against his hand.
Data's right hand slipped away from the back of Tasha's head. He gripped her throat lightly, holding her chin as he spilled himself deep inside her arse.
Tasha collapsed against him.
Data made no move to extract his hand.
"Iu anwylyd," Tasha murmured into his ear.
She pressed a soft, slow kiss to his temple.
"I love you, Data," she said.
It was shortly after 02:00 hours when the Enterprise completed her cooldown and Data felt the ship lurch back into Warp speed. Looking up he saw the familiar sight of celestial bodies flying by – blurred by the speed of travelling through a warp bubble.
He glanced down at the woman fast asleep on top of him.
They were lying on the sofa in Tasha's quarters and Data was reluctant to move her.
It was the first time he'd been able to hold her since returning from the black hole and Data couldn't bring himself to separate even for the few moments it would take to carry her into bed.
She looked so peaceful that Data couldn't bear to rouse her.
Tasha murmured and shifted, snuggling against his chest.
Data felt wonderful as he focused on the rise and fall of her breathing against him. She wanted him. She adored him.
I want to lose myself with you under the moonlight.
Data blinked rapidly.
There were only limited records available regarding Turkanan custom.
But Data knew enough from Tasha to understand that the moon was regarded as sacred. Even among the anti-religious Coalition and Alliance that had sought to stamp out the 'old ways,' the moon was held in high regard for its symbolism and significance on the planet.
Data accessed the informational files that he collected on Turkana's traditions. It was the result of months of careful cultivation from limited sources and information that Tasha had shared.
Turkana had no concept of marriage.
No, commitments were different on Turkana and varied clan to clan.
The two main factions had outlawed any 'bonding rituals.' Some clans practiced polyamory. But for most of the unaffiliated population, family units were a matter of safety and security. They were not a matter of love or affection.
Rather, they were a matter of practicality.
Love for the sake of love was a forbidden notion.
It was dangerous and all too frequently ended in tragedy.
For those rare few that did choose to pursue an affair of the heart, their commitment to one another was made in a ritual known as the Ceangal Azurdorcha or "dark bond."
It was sealed with an act of coupling under moonlight.
But why under moonlight? Is that not considered dangerous? Data had inquired when she had first told him of the ritual months earlier.
He knew that Turkana was a perilous place full of both natural and manmade hazards.
So that only the moon knows your secret. Tasha had informed him. It's a promise shared between you, your lover, and the moon. And since the moon is constant, they believe that their love too will remain forever.
Data smiled to himself as he realised just how much more her request to 'lose herself under the moonlight' had meant.
Tasha carefully guarded her own Turkanan traditions – she had only ever shared a handful of these customs with Data, but he knew she held them dear.
This hadn't merely been an ardent reunion - it had been an act of the greatest devotion in a way that was so deeply personal to Tasha's innermost held beliefs.
Data's coolant system struggled to keep pace as he thought back to what Tasha had whispered. She was completely focused on their connection. The outside world had slipped away.
In that moment, there had been nothing save for Data, Tasha, and the connection they shared.
It was like an out of body experience, almost as if Tasha was in a trance. Her soft words were like a chant.
Data realised he probably shouldn't have shushed her.
Iu fein asa glos Kieran. Azura luna gweathren.
She was telling Data that she was his, that she had opened her heart in a way that she never had before.
She had given herself – every part of herself - wholly and completely to Data. Tasha had allowed herself to be vulnerable.
And she had done so in the closest thing they had to moonlight.
Surrendered in moonlight.
And when it was over, Tasha had called him her beloved.
Data recognised this was Tasha's way of solidifying their relationship was serious, that it ran just as deep as the love shared by Miles and Keiko even if they weren't ready to label it as such.
Data traced the length of her spine, stopping when he reached the blanket that rested a few centimetres above her backside.
He left his hand on her lower back, ensuring just enough pressure to keep her from falling off in case she rolled, but not enough to wake her.
"Goodnight," Data whispered, holding her tight.
Data brushed the top of her head with a soft kiss and then activated his rest programme.