"That was a close one. Great job, Data," Rina said between two sips of apple-grape spritzer as they sat in Ten-Forward after the mission on Angel one.
He had noticed that she drank this particular beverage quite often.
"Thank you, you were a great help. It was fortunate that your immune system is stronger than a human's and you did not get infected."
"If your only food is blood you have to be prepared for anything in it."
"Blood is obviously not the only thing you drink."
She looked at her glass. "I know. I just can't get rid of these old habits. Now I know what Narzissa meant when she called me a shame for the family. I'm too weak to fight my human heritage even now that I am a full vampire." She looked down.
He reached forward and took her hand. "That is not what I meant. You do not have to be ashamed of your preferences. It does not matter if you are human or not."
"It's so easy for you. You know what you want. I'm a child of two completely different worlds. I never knew if I preferred my human or vampire half. As a vampire you have powers, immortality, eternal youth, you're always something special but you're also always a freak, an old woman trapped in the body of a 20-year-old. As a human you are free to express your feelings, you can admit when you're weak and need help but you also are considered beneath them." She sighed. "Being born as a hybrid is hard."
He studied her. "You do not have to pretend around me. Just be the way you are, apart from your species."
She smiled slightly. "Thanks. For not having emotions you say the sweetest things."
"I have a great knowledge of what makes you feel better."
Now she laughed. "I can see that."
She finished her drink and they went to her room. They sat down and Rina laid her head on his shoulder. Another thing she did often. He did not mind. It was good that she had no objections in touching him and being touched by him.
She looked at him, puzzled. "Are you wearing perfume?"
"Yes, I tried some on the planet. Although I do not understand the purpose of aphrodisiac."
She laughed again. "Sorry Data. I don't want to be rude. The truth is I don't really understand it myself. Where my mother comes from sex is not meant to be enjoyable for the female. Our only purpose is to please the male and bear children. And for humans there is a broad variety."
"From what I have heard you should be an expert. You had a lot of affairs."
She snorted. "Data, there's a big difference between having sex and making love. What I had was cold, uncaring and meaningless. I haven't found the guy to let myself fall and completely relax into it."
"I believe you will find the right man for you."
She came closer again. "I hope I will."
Sorry that it's so short. This is just the prelude to the grand finale.