Wow, thank you, and happy birthday! :) I miss my dog so very much. I think maybe this story's really for him. ;)
Here's the third part! One more to go, I think...
III.
"It's subtle, but it's there," Dr. Crusher insisted as she cleared away the detritus from their recently finished poker game. This week, it had been her turn to play host, and the game had run a little later than usual. "He seems more…I don't know…more relaxed, more confident." She smiled a little. "It could be the cat. Having someone to care for, who can return that affection… Pets really can do wonders."
"They can, but this is Data you're talking about," Troi said, helping the doctor with the folding table. "We both know he's not capable of the emotions you're attributing to him."
"Then, how do you explain his mood tonight?" Crusher asked. "When we play poker, he usually sits there and observes, speaks when spoken to, participates only when and how he thinks it's expected of him. Yet, tonight he volunteered to act as dealer. He goaded Worf into revealing his bluff, and even sampled some of the snacks I'd set out without asking my permission first. Now, I ask you: have you ever known Data to behave so…so comfortably in someone else's quarters? Like a friend who felt he belonged at the table with us, and not just an invited guest?"
Troi looked a little hesitant, then shook her head.
"I still think you're overstating things," she said. "Data's an android. He sets routines, builds habits… He doesn't feel friendship the way organic humanoids do."
Crusher quirked her eyebrows.
"I don't know, Deanna," she said. "Data's come a long way these past few years. I think it might be time for a new evaluation."
To Be Concluded...
References include: The Schizoid Man; Cause and Effect; Legacy.