A/N: This is AU. It's smut. If that's no' your cuppa tea, then read something else.
In this chapter, Data and Tasha have finally gotten together and are beginning to explore their relationship – and each other.
On the themes that first drew me to this series was the idea that Tasha treated Data differently than the other officers. Like Geordi, she cares about his wants and needs as a person. That theme is central to the next few chapters of this story.
I know, I know – there aren't supposed to be zippers. But there's a zipper established in "The Naked Now" and clearly these uniforms don't have buttons. I like zippers. We're going with zippers.
Thank you to Charlie Fenwick for granting me permission to fill in some of the missing scenes from her story "The Complication" and support on this story. With Charlie's permission, I've used some of her text in this story to help tie in these missing scenes.
The problem now of course is
To simply hold your horses
To rush would be a crime
'Cause nice and easy does it every time
- Nice 'n' Easy
Tasha left Captain Picard's quarters feeling uneasy.
After Data had informed the Captain of their relationship the night before, Captain had spent the day stewing on the matter. While he had a deep admiration for both officers, Jean-Luc couldn't help feeling a number of reservations about the two of them pursuing a romantic relationship with one another.
Jean-Luc had known Tasha for over a decade. He'd only known Data for little over a year. But in that time, Data had grown on him like a son.
And while Jean-Luc wished them both nothing but happiness, he was worried for Data. He didn't want him to get hurt.
As it turned out, Jean-Luc made some grave assumptions.
Some grave assumptions that Tasha had quickly and sternly set straight.
She certainly wasn't the first person to express a sexual interest in the android – but unlike his previous partners, Tasha didn't see him as a curiosity or an opportunity.
She knew he was a person. And she knew he deserved to be treated like an adult.
In part, Tasha was also feeling more than a little miffed at the Captain's assumption that she was merely using Data with no regard for his emotional development.
He knew she'd struggled to form relationships, especially after the death of her fiancé.
Does he truly think me incapable of love? Tasha pondered.
The accusation had stung.
Data was more than just sex.
And even that's all her relationship with Data turned out to be – it wasn't anyone's decision but their own. Data was a sentient being and more than capable of making that choice.
Captain Picard had apologised, of course.
And Tasha had welcomed his admission of remorse for unfairly judging the pair of them.
She'd allowed her emotions to get the better of her back in his Ready Room. It was clear to Jean-Luc that Tasha did care about Data's feelings.
Even if she wasn't quite ready to admit that to herself.
As Tasha headed back to her quarters, she also couldn't push the thought from her mind – she had strong feelings for Data. Stronger, perhaps, than she had previously been ready to acknowledge.
Their relationship was all of a day old and in the first twenty-four hours she'd already firmly told Data 'no' when it came to any kind of dating outside of their quarters.
Tasha stopped. Instead of hopping on the turbolift, she turned left and made her way to Data's quarters.
"Enter," Data called.
Tasha came in and found him seated at his workstation. He paused his music and set down his PADD.
"Tasha?" he said with a small smile, surprised at her arrival.
Tasha bit her lip.
"Is everything alright? Did your meeting with Captain Picard go well? Has something happened?" Data asked her as his smile dropped.
"Would you like to meet me tomorrow in Ten Forward for a drink?" she asked.
Data deserved her time – in public. He deserved more than sneaking around in private. They could be discreet and still spend time in Ten Forward or the Arboretum.
"I believe I would find that enjoyable," Data said as he agreed.
"Great," Tasha said as she flashed him a million-watt smile.
The next day, Data and Tasha nodded to one another at the end of their Bridge ship as they headed for the turbolift. It was 16:00 hours and they had made plans to meet at Ten Forward in four hours.
Just before he reached the lift, Captain Picard called Data to his Ready Room.
She stepped onto the lift and headed off to her quarters, while Data joined Captain Picard.
"I'll make this quick, Mr Data," Picard said.
The Captain took a breath to steady his nerves as he stood over his desk.
"I want to apologise to you," Picard said.
Data cocked his head to the side.
"I can think of nothing that you have done to warrant such an apology, sir," Data replied honestly. "You have not wronged me."
Picard's expression changed, his face showing the pain he felt for hurting Tasha and misjudging Data.
Jean-Luc explained that after Data had informed him about his relationship with Lieutenant Yar, the Captain had made a number of assumptions about the nature of that relationship.
"I have misjudged you, Data," Picard admitted. "In an effort to protect you, I allowed myself to blindly disregard your rights, your sentience."
Picard trailed off for a moment as he frowned.
"Your humanity," he concluded.
Data blinked as he quickly processed what Captain Picard was referring to.
"You did not believe I was capable of making an informed decision about engaging in a romantic relationship with a fellow officer," Data surmised aloud.
Captain Picard nodded.
"Data, it was never my intention to-" Picard began to say.
"It is quite alright, sir," Data assured him. "It is, as you would say, nice to know that I can count on both you and Lieutenant Yar to share such concern for my well-being."
Captain Picard sat back on the edge of his desk.
"You discussed our meeting?" Picard inquired.
It wasn't like Tasha to share the details of a meeting with the Captain. However, he certainly couldn't blame her. After all, it did involve Data.
"No, sir," Data corrected him. "When I initially approached her about this matter, she shared what I presume was the same concern you had last night."
Captain Picard was taken aback.
"You approached her?" Picard asked to clarify.
He hadn't expected Data to be the type of person to initiate such a notion.
Furthermore, he had hardly expected Tasha to welcome such an advance.
"Yes, sir," Data answered.
Captain Picard chuckled.
Data frowned.
"I'm sorry, Data," Picard apologised. "It seems that once again I have misjudged you both."
Data's eyes shifted as he tried to decipher the meaning of the Captain's statement.
"I didn't mean anything by it," Picard explained. "It's just knowing Tasha for as long as I have, I'm pleasantly surprised she said yes."
"Because I am an android?" Data inquired.
"No, no," Picard assured him. "I just didn't see it coming."
"I do not understand, sir," Data admitted.
Surely, the Captain does not mean to imply I am an inadequate partner? Data theorised.
Captain Picard pinched the bridge of his nose.
He could see Data's thoughts were spiralling.
"While I may lack the finesse of Commander Riker or Geordi's romantic instincts, it would seem I am able to adequately perform the role of a solicitous mate to Lieutenant Yar's satisfaction," Data said.
"Data, that's not what I meant," Picard said.
"She has told me she enjoys my company both when engaged in sexual intimacy and when we interact 'outside of the bedroom' so to say," Data went on, completely oblivious to the Captain.
"Data," Picard groaned.
"She has commented on her fondness for my mannerisms on numerous occasions and stated she had experienced fear at the thought of not being together," Data went on. "Just last night she said, and I quote 'do not stop touching me.' Sir, I do not understand why you are surprised by-"
"Data!" Picard snapped tersely.
Data stopped.
"Sorry, sir. I did not mean to babble," Data replied.
Captain Picard eyed Data sharply.
"You're free to go, Data," Picard ordered.
Data nodded and started for the day.
"And Data?" Picard prompted, stopping Data just short of the door.
"Yes, sir?" Data asked as he turned back to the Captain.
"It would probably be best if you don't share with anyone else what you just told me," Picard warned.
He knew Tasha well enough to know just how embarrassed she would be if she knew Data had just shared such details with him.
Data's head cocked to the side and he raised his eyebrows as he realised what the Captain was saying.
"Yes, sir," Data said quickly. "Thank you, sir."
At 20:00, Data met Tasha in Ten Forward as planned. He had arrived early and chosen a table in the corner. Tasha arrived a few moments later. She grinned when she saw him.
The other day she had mentioned, offhand, that he looked good with his hair tousled.
Much to her delight, his usually impeccable hair was slightly tousled. It made him look a little softer, a little more casual. He gave her a small wave and he was pleasantly surprised when she sat next to him, rather than across from him at the table.
He'd taken great care in preparing for this evening. He wanted to impress her. Captain Picard's surprise at the revelation of their relationship had gotten Data thinking.
Tasha was a senior officer, and he knew that was considered an attractive person. In fact, Riker had joked more than once about Tasha being 'out of his league.' While he did not believe Commander Riker had any feelings for Tasha personally, he understood that it was a statement as to her position in the sort of hierarchical standing humans seemed to place on one another when it came to matters of coupling.
Data had never understood such notions.
But Data knew if Commander Riker held her in such high regard, then it must be some kind of miracle that she was interested in Data.
What Data didn't know is that Tasha was still scratching her head about the whole situation.
Tasha liked Data.
She liked everything about him.
He was a reliable friend, a skilled officer, and a pleasure to be around.
In her opinion, he was also handsome to boot.
And for the life of her, she couldn't figure out just why he'd given her a second look – particularly after she'd dismissed him for weeks.
But now, here they were sitting side by side with their gaze fixated on one another.
There was no awkwardness.
No trepidation.
Just two lovers content to be in the company of each other.
Across the lounge, Geordi and Miles were sitting in the opposite corner.
"Well, would you look at that," Geordi said in a low voice as they observed the pair.
Miles smirked as he and Geordi raised their glasses in a small toast.
Geordi felt a small burst of pride as he watched his friends.
Unbeknownst to them, Geordi and Miles weren't the only spectators.
Sitting at the bar, Deanna had noticed Data enter earlier with his hair looking different than usual.
He styled his hair? Deanna had thought to herself with amusement.
She had never known Data to change his appearance before aside from holodeck programs. When she saw Tasha enter a few moments later, it was evident he had done so for her benefit.
Deanna could sense great joy emanating from Tasha.
She watched them for a time and noted the subtle intimacy that likely went unnoticed by the rest of the lounge's patrons – Tasha smiling and gently touching Data's arm as he was speaking, Data's gaze as he watched her laugh, their subtle body language.
Eventually, Deanna noticed his hand slipped under the table and rested on her knee. Deanna smiled as she saw Tasha's hand come down to rest on top of his.
It was getting late, and Deanna was looking forward to finishing the last few chapters of her latest Western novel, so she decided it was probably best to call it an evening.
Before she left Ten Forward, she decided to stop by their table and bid them a good evening.
"Counsellor," Data said as she approached their table.
"I don't mean to intrude," Deanna said.
It was a lie and she felt slightly guilty about it, but her curiosity had gotten the better of her.
"You two look like you're having a good time," Deanna said knowingly.
"Yes, Counsellor," Data replied. "We are discussing our recent encounter with the Ferengi."
It struck Deanna that she wasn't just picking up on feelings from Tasha.
There was a strong emotional output coming from Data.
He was content and amused. But there was also a hint of lust.
Deanna smiled inwardly.
"I just came to see if the two of you would be attending poker night tomorrow?" she asked.
"I intend to," Data replied.
"I'll be there," Tasha said as she gave Deanna a look.
Taking the cue, Deanna bid them a goodnight and made her exit.
"I wonder if we are anticipating lower than normal attendance?" Data thought aloud. "If Counsellor Troi is concerned about attendance at the game perhaps we should ensure the rest of our regular crew will be attending."
Tasha snorted.
Data cocked his head to the right and looked at her quizzically.
"Data she was just using that as a ruse," Tasha said as she reached out and her fingers brushed his forearm coyly.
Data said nothing but looked down at his arm and then back up into her eyes.
"She was curious about us," Tasha explained. "She wanted to know how our night was going."
"And do you believe this evening was successful?" Data asked in earnest.
"What makes you think it's over?" Tasha said as she increased her grip on his hand that rested on her knee.
Data felt warm as his positronic brain began dedicating additional space to process the sensory input of Tasha's hand atop his own.
The tone of her voice made his breath hitch. If he had to pinpoint the emotion, he would classify it as 'desire.' The squeeze on his hand seemed to reinforce his assessment. His sensors registered a slight increase in her body temperature.
"What are you suggesting?" Data asked as he felt his neural net skip a beat.
"C'mon. Let's get out of here," Tasha said as she squeezed his hand.
He met her eyes and felt his pulse race. Data felt like she was inviting him to join her back in her quarters, but somewhere a nagging insecurity cautioned him that he should proceed carefully.
He leaned in close to Tasha.
"Is this an invitation to return to your quarters for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity?" Data whispered.
Tasha looked back at him. With a small grin, she nodded.
Data raised his eyebrows slowly and cocked his head to the left.
"I see," he replied as his eyes widened almost imperceptibly.
It took six minutes and nine seconds for them to reach Tasha's door. Data first realised his neural net was processing more rapidly than normal when they stepped on to the turbolift. His typical ability to process numerous thoughts simultaneously was instead overwhelmed with memories of the last time he'd seen Tasha in this state.
Deciding to take the advice of his best friend Geordi, Data decided to 'lean into it.'
He shut down unnecessary systems and focused his processing on a series of more basic commands.
Breathe to maintain temperature.
They stepped off the turbolift.
Focus.
There were thirty-nine steps between turbolift eight and Tasha's quarters.
Walk forward. Left then right. One foot in front of the other.
They were at her door.
As it slid aside, Tasha stepped inside. She left the lights off. She glanced back over her shoulder at Data who stood frozen in the doorway.
For a moment, Data felt his neural net overload with an unfamiliar sensation.
Before that moment, he had called his preference for certain activities or behaviours a 'want' or 'like.'
But he had never felt such a strong urge to touch and smell and feel.
"Are you just gonna stand in the doorway?" Tasha said bold as brass as she turned around to face him.
Data turned his head quickly to the left as if he were 'rebooting' his thoughts.
He stepped into her quarters and the door closed behind him.
"May I kiss you?" he asked.
There was trepidation in his voice but desire in his eyes.
"I was hoping you would," Tasha retorted.
He was at her in two paces.
Data took her face in his hands as he planted an ardent, yet chaste kiss on her lips.
Feel.
He told himself as he savoured the sensation.
Data deepened the kiss as his left hand moved back through her hair. He clasped the back of her neck. His right hand slipped down and settled in the small of her back to pull her closer.
Tasha relished in the feeling as she ran her hands up his chest and onto his shoulders. She found his long arms attractive, especially when they were holding her tight.
Data broke the kiss but didn't let go of holding her against him.
Tasha could see he was breathing heavier than normal.
"You are beautiful," Data said as he removed his hand from the back of her neck and stroked her cheek softly with his thumb.
Tasha took his hand between her own and brought it to her lips. She placed a small kiss on each of his digits and then the inside of his wrist.
It was an intentional move - and one that she hoped would elicit a specific memory of when he had done the same to her the first time they'd been intimate. She observed him as she went along, noting the look of awe on his face as he recalled the memory.
"I'd like you to stay the night," Tasha said as she pulled him down to plant a kiss on him.
"If that is your wish," Data said softly looking down at her as he rested his hands on her hips.
Tasha wanted this to be different from the times before.
No polywater.
No rush to finish so they could get back to business.
This wasn't the desperate act of two people forced apart by regulations and internalised insecurities.
This time it would be an act of two lovers taking pleasure in one another.
They could take their time. And Data fully intended to.
Tasha traced his jaw with her finger. Data's eyes closed as he soaked in the sensation.
Tasha snaked her arms around his frame and gently scratched his back.
He did not have a biological need to itch as his bioplast did not experience this sensation. It meant that Data had never felt the compulsion to experience scratching.
But the tender sensation of her nails gently running along his spine and over his shoulder blades felt both pleasurable and intimate.
"This feels-ah-," Data struggled to formulate words.
Tasha stopped scratching and pulled him against her.
"C'mon," she said as she placed a kiss on the tip of his nose.
Tasha took hold of his hand and led him into her bedroom.
"Computer, kill the lights," Tasha ordered.
"Computer, belay that order," Data instructed.
Tasha looked up at him, confused.
"Computer, lower illumination to two standard candles," Data commanded.
The illumination in the room dropped to a lower level, but not completely dark.
While Data's visual receptors were perfectly capable of seeing in the dark, this level of illumination provided a more romantic lighting than complete darkness. More than that, Data thought there was something symbolic about taking their relationship 'out of the dark.'
Data's hands found the clasp of her uniform. He unzipped it down to the waist and then stopped. Data removed his own uniform to the waist and then pulled her close, holding Tasha against his chest for a moment.
"Tasha, it is my desire to experience things with you," Data confessed.
He carefully unclasped her bra and let it fall away.
"Intimacy and pleasure," Data went on. "I would like to take my time with you, tonight."
Tasha closed her eyes, content to let him run his hands over her back and shoulders as he noted to memory the feel of skin under his fingertips.
"I want to share gentleness, and joy, and love with you," he continued.
Data stopped and cupped her face.
"And I desire to see every moment of that joy in you," Data said as he held her gaze.
Tasha wasn't sure what to say.
The way he was staring back at her was enough to make her heart stop.
Data traced the bow of her lip with his thumb.
"May I ask that you do something for me?" Data inquired.
"Uh huh," Tasha replied softly.
"Tonight, trust me," Data replied.
Tasha nodded.
Wordlessly, Data knelt down and stripped off the rest of her uniform and knickers. Starting at her knee, he placed a trail of kisses up the outside of her thigh.
He stopped and looked up at her.
And then he smiled.
Data scooped her up and set her down on the bed.
He quickly divested himself of his own clothing before turning his attention back to her.
Like a child in the sensory lab, Data wanted to touch everything - fingers ghosting across her collarbone and over the swell of her breast, thumbs tracing over each nipple as he noted to memory the exact feel and dimension of each angle of her body.
Tasha permitted Data to turn her over as he traced over the curve of her backside and up her spine.
Data's complex sexuality programme enabled him to know each and every erogenous zone on the human body. But he wanted to see her reaction to each of them to determine what she preferred.
With the tenderness of a lover and the precision of an android, Data set about studying her responses as he massaged the spot above her knee on the back of her leg, kissed her fingertips, and nibbled at the inside of her thighs.
Tasha could not recall the last time someone had treated her with such affection. Data was so attentive, that it was strange experience as she let herself go. Tasha relished in the sensation as she gave herself over to discovering new erogenous zones on her own body.
She keened as Data crawled back up the bed and rested his head against her shoulder. He captured her left breast with his mouth. At the same time, his left hand came to rest on her cunt. Data's fingers toyed with her for a few moments as he rubbed her clitoris slowly with his thumb.
After a time, he slipped one of his fingers inside. It was slow, probing as if to test her arousal and comfort. He didn't want to rush her. Nor did he have any desire to push her into something that made her uneasy.
With his thumb firmly planted on her swollen clit, circling it, and slowly building arousal, Data pressed another finger inside of her.
Data could hear the change in her breathing as he started to pump his fingers.
"Data-" she breathed.
Tasha rocked against his hand, desperate for more contact.
"You have mentioned my hands nine times since our first coupling," Data commented. "Do you like my hands?"
"I like them on me," Tasha replied.
She gasped as he worked a third finger inside. His hand stilled as he allowed her to adjust to the size.
Tasha had to admit that she did like his hands. She didn't just like them, she was perhaps a wee bit obsessed with them. He had beautiful hands and Tasha had caught herself staring at them on more than once occasion during their shifts together on the bridge.
And now those same hands were on her – inside her – driving her toward her own climax.
She could feel his erection pressing against her thigh and Tasha felt bad for ignoring him as she sought her own pleasure.
Data was taken by surprise when her hand closed around his erection.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
There was alarm in his voice.
Tasha immediately stopped.
"I'm sorry," she apologised. "Do you not like to be touched like that?"
Data's expression changed.
"I am just surprised," Data confessed. "As it was my intention to pleasure you."
"Stop," Tasha ordered.
Data's hand stilled and then he retracted it.
Tasha pushed him onto his back and climbed on top of him. She took hold of his cock and began to stroke it.
"Data, lovemaking is a mutual activity," Tasha said.
She let go of his cock and Data opened his eyes.
His eyes were wide with wonder as he watched her slowly lower herself on the length of him. She stopped when he bottomed out and sat still for a moment.
"Isn't that better?" Tasha asked with a smile.
Data nodded wordlessly.
He took hold of her hand and sat up. With his free hand, he held the small of her back. Tasha rested her forehead against his.
They had made love slowly.
Tasha was content to oblige as Data explored the sensations that accompanied his newfound feelings.
It was the kind of unhurried, deep sex that Tasha had never experienced before.
Tasha had always felt there was something far too intimate about being face-to-face – especially outside of the dark.
But as she gazed into Data's eyes, she couldn't bring herself to turn away.
It was safe.
It seemed so right.
And although Data had catalogued to memory the way Tasha bit her lip at the peak of climax, Data had never felt the way he did in observing it before that night.
When they were finished, Data lay back on the bed and Tasha collapsed against him.
For a time, they were both silent. Tasha closed her eyes as Data stroked her hair.
"Thank you," Data said after a while.
"For what?" Tasha asked.
Data paused.
He wasn't exactly sure how to properly convey to Tasha just what this experience had meant for him.
"In most of my previous sexual encounters, my partners have never, well," Data trailed off as he searched for the right words. "Have never much cared for my own enjoyment. Or, had the patience for my curiosity."
Tasha pushed herself up on her arms so she could look down at him. She wore a serious, pained expression.
"Data, that's awful," she said. "I am so terribly sorry that happened to you."
Tasha knew exactly what it felt like to be used in that manner – to be coerced, manipulated.
Data sensed where her thoughts were headed.
"It is not possible for me to be physically or emotionally injured in such a manner," Data said mechanically.
Tasha frowned.
"Just because it wasn't violent, doesn't make it any more acceptable," Tasha told him.
His hair was dishevelled. She reached up and tucked an errant strand behind his ear.
"And I don't believe you're emotionally invulnerable," Tasha contended. "I think you feel. You may process those feelings differently, but it doesn't make them any less deep."
No one had ever spoken to him with such kindness.
Hell, no one had ever looked at him the way she was currently looking at him.
"Tasha, why do you care about my feelings?" Data inquired.
"Because I care about you," Tasha replied.
She pressed a chaste kiss to his forehead.
"You are my friend," she explained.
Tasha kissed the left side of his jaw.
"And I respect you," she went on.
She kissed the opposite side of his jaw.
"And even if this doesn't work, you'll still be very dear to me," she said before leaning down to capture his lips in a slow, tender kiss.
She meant every word of it.
When she pulled away, she flashed him a shy grin.
Tasha sat back and stretched. Data had never experienced the biological need to stretch. His synthetic construction meant that the polyalloy, titanium, and duranium that functioned as his skeletal and muscular systems had no need to stretch.
Data had always found the elasticity of the human body fascinating.
But as he watched her raise her hands and arch her back above him, Data also found it oddly erotic.
She glanced over at the clock and yawned. She climbed off him and settled into the pillow next to him.
"I should probably get some sleep," she remarked. "I have a meeting with Commander Riker in the morning to go through the final preparations for the Antican and Selay delegations."
"I understand," Data said.
"Are you comfortable?" Tasha asked. "Do you…erm sleep?"
"I have a rest programme that I utilise once a week. It enables my positronic brain to conduct routine maintenance on my system," Data explained.
"Mmm," Tasha said.
To Data's surprise, she snuggled back against him. Data decided it would be appropriate to emulate the behaviour he had read about. He threw an arm around her waist and rested his chin on her shoulder.
As they lay there, Data replayed the events of the evening in his head.
Tonight was the fourth time they had engaged in an act of intimate coupling. And it seemed each time was a unique, new experience.
His thoughts drifted to Tasha's comment about lovemaking being a mutual experience. Data's extensive programming meant he had knowledge of every conceivable method of intimacy – sexual and nonsexual alike – and the capacity to theorise thousands of variations.
Data's mind began to race as he considered a number of possible ideas. Tasha genuinely cared about his own emotional wellbeing, and Data felt confident she would be receptive to at least discussing his desires.
He pondered what her skin would feel like when wet. Data was capable of, and quite enjoyed, the act of bathing.
Would she open to doing so together?
The first time they'd made love, she'd just climbed out of the shower. Her hair had been wet and Data had found it arousing.
Data wondered what it would feel like to wash her hair. He knew that hair washing could be considered an intimate activity between companions, and he would very much like to experience the sensation of his fingers in her hair, massaging her scalp.
It would be an act of service to demonstrate his affection.
Data considered that there would be other manners in which he could show his affection as well. He knew that she took her holodeck workouts seriously and had an affinity for overdoing it. Data made a mental note to offer a massage the next time she completed one of her programmes.
He took a shaky breath as he considered the possibility. Data was trained in a variety of massage techniques and surmised that with a little care he could transform the evening into something romantic – soft illumination, appropriate music, massage oil.
Data's cooling system was straining to maintain his body temperature. The thought of his hands on her bare back, rubbing the muscles of her thighs, it was all too much for Data.
His mind began to wander.
"Um, Data?" Tasha asked.
The sound of her voice brought him back to reality.
"Yes, Tasha?" he responded.
"Are you alright?" she inquired.
"Does my presence bother you? Is it preventing you from sleeping?" Data questioned.
"No, um," Tasha began to say in an uneasy voice. "I'm just, well, it's kind of hard to sleep when you're pressed against me like this."
Data had carefully calculated the amount of pressure necessary to hold her safely. He was not making noise. He conducted a quick scan of his internal systems.
"Oh," Data said, suddenly feeling embarrassed. "I apologise, Tasha. This has never happened before."
He was hard.
Again.
Obscenely hard - and it was pressing against her back.
"Perhaps it would be best if I were to go," Data offered. "It seems that I am having difficulty controlling my arousal in your presence. It is-"
He paused and cleared his throat.
"Stimulating," he finished, feeling utterly mortified with himself.
Is this shame?
"Tasha, I-" he began to say.
"Shhh," she said, shushing him. "It's alright. Kind of flattering."
Tasha squeezed his hand.
"I don't want you to go," she assured him.
Data closed his eyes and attempted to override his erection. Only, he found he was having trouble deactivating himself.
"I am sorry," Data said in a worried tone. "I am attempting to shut down that portion of my anatomy."
Tasha could feel his body tense.
Data had squeezed his eyes shut so tightly, desperate to try and regain some sense of control. He was always in complete control of his mind and body. It was alarming to think that his system was malfunctioning like this.
"Tasha," he said. "I seem to be experiencing a malfunction in which I cannot-"
The panic in his voice was evident.
"Data, it's not a malfunction," Tasha reassured him. "It's desire. And it's perfectly natural."
Her voice was soothing, and it calmed him a little – enough to stop his mind from spiralling.
She had called it 'natural.'
"In fact, it's very human," Tasha told him.
"It was not my intention to be so lecherous in your presence," Data confessed. "It is important for you to understand that while there is a physical component to my desire, my attraction to you is not solely one of sexual need."
He was worried she would misinterpret his intentions and afraid that it would set the wrong tone for just how deeply his feelings ran.
"I know, Data," Tasha said.
She guided his hand to her lips and pressed a soft kiss against his fingertips.
"Data?" Tasha asked. "Would you like have sex again?"
"You do not need to offer because of my-" Data began to say.
"I'm offering because you're aroused and I'm willing if you're keen," she explained.
Tasha rocked back against him to drive home her point.
She smiled to herself when she felt his hand on her leg. He pulled it up and back over his own before guiding his cock to her entrance. He rubbed himself against her for a moment, teasing her clitoris with his stiff erection.
She hadn't been lying.
She was wet.
A fact which Data was grateful for – not just because it validated the effect he had on her, but because it would also provide adequate lubrication.
An indecipherable, lazy affirmation escaped her lips as he slipped inside.
Data's thrusts were slow at first, tentative about how to proceed.
"Mmm, you feel nice," Tasha said.
She rubbed the back of her head against him in appreciation of the feeling.
Data gradually increased the pace, allowing himself to give in to the feeling of burying himself in the tight, wet heat of her eager cunt.
Spooned against one another, their position offered them a sense of closeness that both of them found comforting. His breath was hot against her ear.
To Tasha's delight, he was panting just like a human.
She'd always found him to be more than just a machine – and this side of him definitely proved her suspicions were correct.
Data's left hand ran down over her stomach and settled just below her navel. His other hand snaked around underneath her body and across her chest.
Holding her tight, he began to pump into her frantically.
"Tasha," he breathed.
"Mmmm," she keened, resting her hands over his own.
"Feels…ah…incredible," Data said in a strained voice.
So much for 'emotionless'. Tasha mused to herself.
He could barely formulate words, coming apart just like a man driven by his hormones.
Tasha was hungry for more. There was a wonderful pressure building inside of her. Everything about him heightened the feeling – his breath against her neck, the feel of his scrotum slapping against her with each thrust, the unmistakable care of his touch.
"Fuck me, Data," Tasha said, urging him on.
The hand that had been pressed on her stomach, holding her firmly against him dropped to her cunt.
In one swift move, Data rolled them together so that he was on his back, and Tasha was on top of him.
There was a sharp intake of breath from Tasha as she found herself staring at her ceiling.
"Spread your legs for me," Data said.
Tasha let her legs fall to either side of his body.
"That is it," Data purred against her ear.
It was a strange, invigorating sensation as he pumped into her furiously with his cock while his fingers delicately circled her swollen clit – a mix of tenderness and urgency that culminated in a delicious ache deep in her core.
She whined as he plunged into her.
Tasha could feel a wetness start to prick at the corner of her eyes.
She sniffled and wiped her eyes with the back of her wrist.
Data froze.
"Tasha?" he asked, concerned.
"Don't stop," she said with a snivel. "Please don't stop."
"But you are crying," Data protested.
"Because it feels good," Tasha said.
Data's brow furrowed.
"Please," she said in a needy voice.
Data raised his eyebrows and chalked it up to one more aspect of human behaviour that he failed to grasp.
Data gripped her hips and resumed his earlier pace, driving into her with an unrelenting rhythm.
"Gods, Data," Tasha moaned.
She was making the same kind of desperate noises she had made during their previous sexual encounter.
Tasha shivered. Her entire body tensed, each stab hitting against just the right spot to make her swoon.
All of a sudden, her back arched as her hips bucked against him.
Before she could react, Data rolled them together so that they were spooning on their sides again.
He threw his leg up over her and slowed his pace.
Tasha took hold of his hand and clutched it against her chest. Data kissed the spot just below her ear as he chased his own release.
His hips jerked as she felt him spill inside of her. His orgasm was accompanied by the softest, sweetest whimper of pleasure and Tasha had never imagined him capable of making such a sound.
When he slipped out of her, Tasha rolled over so that she could hold him.
She gave him a quick squeeze and kissed his chest.
Data brushed her bangs out of her eyes and thumbed away the tears.
"Tasha, why were you crying?" Data inquired.
"Sometimes humans cry when something feels really good or makes us happy," Tasha explained.
The side of Data's lip curled upward, and he felt inexplicable warm.
She gave him a quick peck and then turned over.
As they laid awake in a tangle of limbs, Data was resting his back against the headboard and Tasha had laid back against him. He had one arm wrapped across her chest as the other was intertwined with her own hand.
With her back against his torso, she could feel the rise and fall of his chest with each breath. Even though she knew that he needed to maintain atmospheric intake in order to sustain his temperature regulation, it was so human that she marvelled at his creation.
"I think it would be wise if you were to get some rest," Data stated as he kissed the top of her head.
"Will you stay?" she asked.
She was warm and enjoying the post-coital glow that she felt.
"I am quite content," Data replied.
Snuggling down into the covers, Tasha planted her head on her pillow. Data curled up behind her and she felt a wave of relief.
This felt right.
"Humans say 'sweet dreams' or 'sleep tight.' Betazoids say 'I will hold you through the night.' And the people of Riveetu III say 'may the stars keep you in their light'," Data whispered softly.
Tasha's eyes grew heavy as she listened to Data explain the various ways different cultures bid goodnight.
"Have you ever watched a moonbeam as it slid across a windowpane? Or struggled with a bit of rain?" Data went on softly as Tasha drifted off to dreamland.
For the first time ever, Data set his rest programme to go through the night. When he awoke the next morning, he rose with a sense of restfulness that he had never before experienced.
Data made a mental note to study this phenomenon in case the amount of rest directly influenced his work capacity.
To his surprise, Tasha was already up.
He got dressed and stepped out into the main room of her quarters to find her sitting at the table.
A table that she had set for two.
"Are you expecting someone?" Data inquired.
"Just you," Tasha replied.
She motions for him to take a seat.
Data blinked, completely perplexed why she would offer him breakfast.
"I do not require nutritional consumption," Data said.
Nonetheless, he slipped into the seat across from her.
"I know, but sometimes you still taste things and join us for meals," Tasha said. "I wasn't sure what your morning routine looked like."
Data was touched.
He'd never been asked to stay the night before.
And he'd been fully prepared to be booted out.
"In that case," Data said as he helped himself to a cup of tea.
Tasha grinned back at him from over the saucer in her hands.
She felt comfortable in his company in a way that she hadn't around other people before. Something about being with Data felt natural – like she could relax with him.
"Is there anything you need?" Tasha asked.
Data cocked his head to the side, failing to grasp the meaning of her inquiry.
"I am uncertain as to what you mean," Data said.
Tasha shrugged.
"Well I'm not sure what your morning routine is," she admitted. "If you need to shower or brush your teeth or anything you're welcome to."
She motioned to the lavvy.
"Or can I get you anything from the replicator?" Tasha inquired.
"My biofunctions routinely sanitise my oral cavity to filter out any particles automatically every three hours," Data explained.
"Wow," Tasha said in awe.
They talked about the upcoming mission regarding the Antican and Selay delegations for a time while Tasha scanned through the security log from the night before.
"You know, neither of these delegations seem like promising Federation candidates," Tasha commented.
Data nodded in agreement.
"Their record of violence and mutual animosity would indicate they are poorly qualified for the diplomacy required for Federation admittance," Data said.
As she watched him from across the table, Tasha couldn't help but focus on what she had learned about Data in the last twenty-four hours.
He had opened up a part of himself that he'd never shared with anyone else before.
And Tasha knew just what kind of trust was required to allow oneself that kind of vulnerability.
It broke her heart to know that others before her had taken advantage of his goodhearted nature. Data may have been constructed of some of the strongest materials, but he had a tender heart.
This revelation about his past got Tasha's brain thinking.
"You appear to be concentrating on something intently," Data observed.
"Nothing," Tasha replied strangely.
Later that evening, Data was in his quarters. He was seated at his workstation reading through a report on their upcoming mission to transport colonists to the distant Strnad system. It was a mission that was part relocation, part resupply, and part training.
The colony was located in a new star system and featured a variety of interesting megafauna that Data hoped he would get the opportunity to see in person.
He was about to que up the next portion of the report when his door chimed.
"Enter," he called out.
Tasha poked her head around the corner.
"Hey," she said.
"Hello," Data replied.
Data shut down his report and quickly stood up, walking to the front of his workstation.
"I was not expecting you this evening," Data said.
Tasha nodded.
"I know," she nodded. "Am I disturbing you?"
Data shook his head.
"Not at all. Please, come in," he assured her.
Data inquired if her visit was business or social.
Tasha confessed that she was dropping by merely for social reasons and had wanted to spend some time together.
"What are you doing for the next hour?" Tasha asked.
Data glanced around his quarters.
"I am presently reviewing our upcoming mission briefing for the transport and resupply of the Strnad colony. At 20:00 hours I planned to paint for ninety minutes followed by an analysis of Restoration Era prose."
Data paused.
"Why do you ask?" he inquired.
Tasha had folded her hands together in front of her as she rocked back and forth on the balls of her feet.
"I'd like to do something," she said cryptically. "Something for you."
Tasha stepped over to him and Data found himself trapped behind her and his workstation.
She cupped his cock through his uniform jumpsuit and rubbed it through the fabric.
"Tasha?" Data asked.
He swallowed hard. His sexuality programme was attempting to engage.
"You're wonderful," Tasha said. "And you deserve to experience the same warmth and joy you bring to others."
Tasha planted a series of unhurried kisses along his jawline.
"Will you let me do that for you?" Tasha asked.
She squeezed his erection and grinned when she felt it twitch in her hand.
Tasha held his gaze, staring at him in a way that left Data temporarily unable to use his synthetic breathing programme.
Data nodded slowly.
Tasha drug the zipper of his uniform down far enough to free his cock. She took it in her hand and stroked it gently, rubbing the head with her thumb as she nibbled at his neck.
"Relax," she purred.
Tasha peppered a line of kisses down his torso. Data watched with astonishment as she dropped to her knees in front of him.
Holding the base of his cock, her tongue darted out to kitten lick at the tip.
She looked up and made eye contact with Data. He was frozen in place, his lips slightly parted, pupils blown, and utterly mesmerised as they stared at one another.
Data tentatively reached down to stroke her hair. He wanted physical contact.
Tasha let go of the base of his cock in favour of resting her hands against his thighs.
Data shuddered as she took the length of him in her mouth.
He had often wondered what this would feel like. Despite his numerous sexual encounters, none of his previous partners had ever offered to gratify him selflessly.
The feel of her tongue skimming across the artificial vein on the underside of his cock felt extraordinary.
But it was nothing compared to the notion that another being cared enough about him to perform an act of service where the focus was for his satisfaction.
Data's fingers worked their way through her hair as he clutched the back of her head.
He closed his eyes and let his head fall back.
Tasha glanced up. She felt a thrill as she observed him. It was pleasing to see his mouth hanging open, a series of soft moans and tender vocalisations subconsciously rising from his throat.
Her mouth was warm and wet, and it was with great effort that Data restrained himself from thrusting into her mouth. He had no desire to frighten her.
Tasha's hand closed around his cock once more. As her tongue swirled around the tip of him, her hand worked the length of him, stroking him along toward his orgasm.
His system surged. The feeling was divine.
His hips bucked when he came undone as he shot a load of warm biofluid on her tongue.
Data panicked.
He'd been so lost in the moment, that he'd permitted himself to let go with any regard for Tasha.
Data's eyes shot open, and Tasha felt his body tense.
She moaned around his cock, licking him clean and reassuring him that it was alright.
Data glanced down as she slowly ran her tongue up the underside of his cock. She placed a soft kiss on the tip and then sat back on her knees, staring up at him with swollen lips.
She was looking at him again.
Looking at him in that way.
The way that made him feel like he was the centre of someone's universe.
But not just someone.
Her.
Data was speechless.
Tasha grinned and rose to her feet.
She could see he was struggling. Data wasn't quite sure how to respond verbally, but he was desperate to convey his feelings.
Data cupped her face with his left hand.
"You deserve to be loved," Tasha told him.
She kissed the inside of his wrist.
"Come here," she said.
Tasha took hold of his hand and guided him over to the sofa in the main room of his quarters. As he sat down, she pulled his head into her lap and began to stroke his hair.
After a few seconds, she felt him relax. His breathing slowed and he appeared to settle in.
Data had never before experienced a need for intimacy and reassurance, but after that he had felt an uncontrollable urge to be cuddled.
As he lay there in her arms, Data realised that he had gained a new understanding of the phrase 'over the moon.'
