Another week later, anyone who put their ear to the door of Charlotte's quarters would be amazed at the music coming from within. Inside, the room was filled with music that rarely stopped for an instant. They played songs over and over again, getting them perfect, committing them to memory. Music filled Charlotte's very soul, reverberated around her mind. She played until her fingers were sore, and then she play some more. Not surprisingly, Data followed her perfectly, and every time she looked up at him, playing the violin, getting every note right, making the songs mean something, she felt nothing but love towards him. And that love made her play better.

After they had played her favourite for the sixth time, she disappeared into her bedroom and brought out another instrument- a small harp.

"I've been practicing another song," she said, sitting down on the sofa and patting the spot next to her. "It's called 'Sound of an Angel', and it's really beautiful. Here's the sheet music," she unfolded it and laid it on his music stand. "Do you want to try it?" He nodded.

She started off, slowly plucking the strings, glancing at Data now and again. Just before he started playing, looked at her and their eyes locked. Charlotte smiled, and was surprised to see him smile a little before putting the bow to the strings. Heart completely full of happiness, she closed her eyes and played the beautiful notes from memory, keeping time to Data's violin.

Both were so absorbed that neither heard the door chirp several times before opening. As Charlotte plucked the last sweet notes, they were startled by clapping. Looking up, they saw Commander Riker standing in the doorway.

"Very good!" he said, walking over. The expression on his face was one of amazement. "I don't think I've ever heard anything so beautiful!"

"Thank you, Commander. Charlotte is a very talented musician," said Data.

"I'd say." Riker looked at her, eyes kind. "How about you two give a concert next week? I'm sure everyone would be delighted to…"

"A concert?" Charlotte looked away, embarrassed. "I don't think I'm good enough for that."

"Nonsense! You're brilliant!" The Commander knelt in front of her. "It would do everybody good to hear you play."

"And the selections of songs we have played have not been used in the past. I am certain the crew would enjoy them." That came from Data, who regarded her with such an earnest expression that she could feel her heart start to melt.

"Are you two ganging up on me?"

Riker's eyes crinkled with amusement. "You could put it that way."

"Then I suppose…" she paused, feeling helpless, "I'll play."

"Good. Tomorrow night, 1900 hours okay?"

"Tomorrow?" Charlotte gasped, "But…"

"We have practiced sufficiently to be able to play tomorrow. We will be there." Data began to pack away his violin, and Riker rose, smiling.

"I'll spread the word."

Charlotte sat at the piano, watching as more people streamed into the room. Beside her, Data sat calmly with his violin on his lap.

When everyone was there, she glanced at Data, and played the opening chords of 'Felt So Right'. Data picked up the tune and soon they were playing in harmony. The audience listened, spellbound as they played.

They played a few more songs, including 'Sound Of An Angel', a couple of piano duets, a song called 'Turning Page', and finally a solo- 'Broken Wings'. This was Charlotte's, and as she played, Data watched her closely. For the first time, he noticed how beautiful she looked in her deep purple floor-length gown, how her shock-white hair fell down her back in waves, how lithe and pretty she was, playing with all her soul. He noticed things he had never noticed before, and something akin to feelings began to stir in his circuits.

Geordie LaForge was listening attentively to the music, and happened to glanced at his friend. Although his VISOR didn't let him see things the way others could, he did notice something. He studied Data for a moment, then leaned back in his chair and began to smile.

When the song was finished, and Charlotte couldn't hear anything over the clapping of the audience, Captain Picard came up and shook her hand, smiling.

"We all knew of Data's musical side, but none of us knew of your talent! I hope you'll consent to play for us another time."

Charlotte looked around, at the clapping and the smiles, and got a warm feeling in her heart. "I'd be glad to, Captain."

Late that night, after finally managing to get away from everyone, Data and Charlotte walked slowly down the corridor.

"Grandfather left as soon as the concert finished," Charlotte said, and yawned. "I can see why."

"You are tired by the day's events?"

"Yes." She threaded her arm around his and looked troubled. "I hope I'll be able to play at another concert, like Captain Picard wanted. But I don't know if I'll be able to stay on board for much longer."

"Has Lieutenant Johnson made a decision?"

"Almost." She sighed. "I've just about given up hope of changing his mind."

They silently walked the rest of the way, and stopped in front of Charlotte's quarters.

"Thank you for walking me."

"You are wel…" Any answer Data was going to give was silenced as Charlotte put a finger to his lips and then gently kissed him. She pulled away as a crew member walked past, and stepped towards her door. It hissed open, and she flashed Data a smile. "Goodnight."

The doors closed, and a tiny smile tugged at the corners of Data's mouth. He turned and left for his quarters, musing on the events of the evening, as a tired but happy Charlotte sung softly as she got ready for bed.

"I love you

I don't know what else to say…"