A/N: This is AU. It's smut. If that's no' your cuppa tea, then read something else.
This chapter is set during "The Storm" (chapter 15) of the "The Complication."
In "The Complication" we learn that after the storm occurs, Data's memories of Tasha are tied to a special part of his neural net – separate from his other friends and secured in an area that is safeguarded from surges/malfunctions.
In agreement with Charlie, we wanted to try and provide some background of how that occurred and why their connection is so deep.
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.
"It's like an Eden," Beverly explained as she took a sip of her synthesised wine.
She was back aboard the Enterprise after visiting the Edo planet.
"That's exactly how Lieutenant Moran described it," Tasha said.
During their time on the Strnad colony, the Enterprise had explored other M-Class planets in the same solar system. One of the planets they found was that of the Edo. It was a beautiful planet with lush gardens and a temperate climate. The people were technically advanced but lived a simple life of leisure and relaxation.
The Enterprise crew were long overdue for shore leave and this planet seemed like it may provide just the right thing for the overworked crew.
The initial away team, headed by Doctor Crusher, had made a formal recommendation to the Captain.
"And you think he will approve shore leave?" Deanna inquired.
Beverly nodded with a small smirk.
"I'm going to push for it. I think the Captain will agree," Crusher said.
They had concluded their mission on the colony, and everyone had felt the strain of the last week on both their minds and bodies.
"I think we are all due for a break," Deanna said as she cast her gaze at Tasha.
"You are going to love it," Beverly said as she recounted what their encounter had been like.
"The Edo sound lovely," Deanna smiled.
"You know I have to complete the report before we can even consider a rotating shore leave schedule," Tasha replied.
"Of course, but I know tonight I'll be dreaming about one of those massages," Beverly winked.
"Let's just not get our hopes up yet, OK? Every garden has its snakes," Tasha replied.
"I'm just a little surprised to hear you of all people urging caution on this," Beverly commented.
"It's my job," Tasha replied.
Beverly got up from her table and grabbed a bottle from a cold-storage container on her desk. She returned with the bottle in hand and popped it open, pouring all three women a drink.
"This is real wine," Beverly said with a smirk on her lips and a twinkle in her eye.
She placed the bottle in the centre of the table and slid back into her seat.
" If we get shore leave, how do you intend to spend it?" Will you be taking shore leave with the Captain?" Deanna asked the doctor straightaway.
"No," Beverly said quickly. "The Edo have a retreat of sorts complete with yoga and a sauna. I intended to relax, eat too much, and get a massage."
There was a brief pause.
"Or two," Beverly said mischievously as she leaned back in her chair.
"Well, that sounds stimulating ," Deanna smirked.
"I hope so," Beverly laughed as she took a sip of her wine.
"What about you, Tasha?" Deanna asked.
"No, I will not be taking my shore leave with the Captain," Tasha replied dryly.
Beverly choked on her wine and Deanna laughed.
"Very funny, Natasha ," Deanna said.
Tasha rolled her eyes.
Tasha hadn't really considered the possibility of what she would do with her time.
Suddenly, she came to a horrible realisation. She was always responsible for establishing the shore leave schedules with Commander Riker. These schedules divided the crew into three sections to ensure proper staffing on the ship. Usually leave would last a week. Each shift would get seventy-two hours of leave and the last twenty-four hours was spent on the Enterprise getting everyone back in gear for the next mission.
It guaranteed the Enterprise was still sufficiently manned in case of an emergency while simultaneously ensuring everyone got some down time to relax.
That is, everyone but Data.
During the time they had served together, Data had never taken shore leave. He had always been in Command during their previous shore leave trips to enable both Captain Picard and Commander Riker the opportunity to have some time off.
Tasha felt horrible. She knew Data was capable of working without rest, but she also knew he enjoyed his time away from work. He had hobbies and interests and friends. Never before had she even considered his personal feelings in developing the schedule.
"Tasha?" Beverly prompted.
"I am sensing you are feeling guilty. But these feelings of guilt are misplaced. Everyone's safety is the responsibility of all senior officers. It doesn't just rest on you," Deanna said.
"It's not that," Tasha said as she shook her head.
She tapped her combadge and paged Commander Riker.
"Have you finalised the potential shore leave draft schedule?" Tasha asked urgently.
"Not yet, Lieutenant," Riker replied.
"Can you hold off until tomorrow. I need to take care of something," Tasha asked.
"Of course," Riker said.
"Thank you," Tasha said as she tapped her badge in response.
"Everything alright, Tasha?" Riker asked as he noted the concern in her voice.
"I overlooked someone," Tasha admitted.
"Understood. We'll take care of it tomorrow," Riker said.
Tasha smiled and took a sip of her wine.
Beverly and Deanna looked to Tasha for an explanation.
"I think shore leave is going to be great," Tasha said as she raised her glass.
"I'll toast to that," Beverly said as she joined the toast.
"Mmm hmm," Deanna added as the three clinked their glasses together.
"What do you plan to do with Wesley during the trip?" Deanna asked Beverly.
"I'm sure he'll be more than happy to have the place to himself for a few days. When I got back from that medical conference on Tavarus VII, he had the whole room full of parts he'd ripped out from a mock warp core rebuild," Beverly said.
Tasha and Deanna laughed.
"And I think I'd like a few days on my own," Beverly admitted. "But I'm sure grateful that Wesley makes the responsibilities of motherhood easy. He's a good kid."
"Data thinks very highly of him," Tasha said.
Deanna cocked her head as she looked at Tasha. It was the first time Tasha had mentioned Data during any of their weekly get-togethers.
"Wesley's been grateful that he and Lieutenant La Forge have taken him under their wing in Engineering. They don't treat him like just a kid, and that means a lot to him," Beverly said.
"Well, that's because he isn't just a kid. He's bright and," Tasha paused for a moment. "And he treats Data like a person."
Tasha wasn't sure if it was the wine or the newfound confidence in her relationship with Data since the morning he'd arrived at the hunting camp, but she felt more at ease in opening up about her relationship with her friends.
After their return to the Enterprise , Data had filled her in on his ride with Ensign Walsh.
Tasha suspected he had left out some of the more unpleasant comments. She knew Walsh was a chauvinist. It was something she was used to encountering from time to time in her role as a security officer.
And she was fully aware that there had been gossip among the crew, in particular, the security crew that were hyper aware of her movements.
But at the moment, Tasha didn't feel so reserved about discussing her relationship with Data.
The three women had always shared an understanding about their personal lives. As senior officers, they knew there was a level of discretion that was expected from someone in their respective roles.
Furthermore, they were all three infatuated with someone they weren't necessarily supposed to be. Beverly had long ago confessed her old friendship and attraction to Captain Picard.
"Maybe in another life," Beverly would say anytime they raised the issue.
Deanna's history with her Imzadi was another case altogether. She still had deep feelings for William Riker but knew that his career came first and that had never quite set right with Deanna.
"Maybe someday," Deanna would say anytime they were on the subject.
Tasha had always been coy about her relationships with the two. She'd never told either of them about Alfie. She didn't talk much about her occasional one-night stands. And she'd kept Data largely a secret.
"Alright, I'm enacting the Circle of Secrecy," Beverly said as she refilled each of their glasses with the real wine.
The Circle of Secrecy was Beverly's favourite phrase to initiate conversation about their relationships (or lack thereof).
"So?" Beverly said as he raised an eyebrow in Tasha's direction.
Tasha scoffed.
"What?" Tasha asked.
"You shut down every time we talk about relationships. We know about you and Data. And so, we want to know about you and Data," Deanna explained.
"I can't imagine what you two want to know-" Tasha started to say but was cut off by Beverly.
"Everything," the Doctor said as she leaned forward and rested her chin on her fist.
Beverly had a wicked gleam in her eyes, and she was keen to know the intimate details.
"He's a one-of-a-kind sentient android. The only one in the whole universe," Deanna explained. "We know Data as the sweet, somewhat naïve android, but you know a whole other side of him."
"A side we didn't even know existed," Beverly added.
Tasha was dumbstruck.
"Obviously, you saw something in Data that we didn't realise he had in him," Deanna said.
"Well, a lot of people don't realise he's there," Tasha said, a little stiffer than she intended.
"You're right," Beverly agreed.
There was a pause.
"Tasha I'm sorry if this question sounds insensitive, but we know you don't like to get too attached in relationships," Deanna said.
Tasha felt her stomach drop. She understood exactly where Deanna was going.
"Have you considered that you feel comfortable with Data because he's…well," Deanna wasn't exactly sure how to phrase it.
"Look, if you think I'm doing this as some kind of safety net because I'm scared of commitment you've got it all wrong," Tasha snapped.
Deanna could sense she had touched a nerve. There was anger radiating from Tasha. She regretted her words, but she was genuinely concerned Tasha had different goals than Data.
She'd heard the comments, especially from the security ensigns under her command, about their thoughts on Data. There were many times that she had wanted to set them straight in regard to their crude ideas.
She understood Deanna and Beverly weren't asking for the same reasons, but something inside compelled her to make clear some things about their relationship.
Noting Tasha's clenched jaw, Beverly felt it was necessary to try and walk back their concern.
"Tasha, I'm sorry. I guess we're just worried about you and Mr Data. I don't want either of you to get hurt because he's like a child and you like to keep things casual," Beverly said inelegantly.
Tasha couldn't help it. She felt her face flush. Her throat grew tight. She closed her eyes and breathed deep, trying to keep herself from crying.
"Does everyone on this ship think I'm so unfeeling? Incapable of anything other than a casual lay and a 'thanks here's the door'?" Tasha asked.
Her tone wasn't anger - it was one of hurt.
"No!" Beverly said as she grabbed Tasha's hand.
"Of course not. It's evident you care a great deal for him," Deanna added as she grabbed Tasha's other hand.
"He's not as naïve as we all assumed. I was as guilty as any of us. But he's not. He understands more than we realise. People see him as an unfeeling machine, but he cares so much about this ship and everyone on it," Tasha said with a sniffle.
Beverly and Deanna nodded in support as Tasha went on.
"His rank isn't honorary. He earned it. He feels things. Just because he doesn't show it, doesn't mean he isn't affected by the things people say about him - when they call him a robot or the tin man, when people say his eyes are unsettling, or that he's annoying," Tasha went on. "He hears all of it. And he's so used to it because people have been doing it to him his whole life."
Tasha nodded to both women that she was better. She pulled her hands back and paused to take a sip of her wine.
"He feels. He has dreams. And desires. Believe me, he's had plenty of past experiences, but no one has ever taken into account what he wants. They just used him like some sentient sex toy and then left when their curiosity was sated," Tasha went on bitterly.
Wide-eyed, Deanna and Beverly exchanged a look of surprise.
"Which is really a shame because he's…well…he's really great at making you feel like you're the only person in the whole world," she said softly.
"Tasha, I'm very sorry that I upset you. And I'm sorry that I didn't see clearly before," Deanna apologised.
"For what it's worth, I'm sorry too. I'm happy you're happy," Beverly said.
Tasha waved them off.
"Sorry for getting so worked up. There's just been the gossip and there's still a lot of people that don't see him as a person," Tasha explained. "I guess I get a little defensive about it."
"Well, then I'm glad he's got you sticking up for him," Beverly smiled.
She poured another glass of wine for the three women.
"To healthy relationships and love," Deanna said as she raised her glass in a toast.
"I'll second that," Beverly said as she joined the toast.
Tasha smiled and raised her glass. They clinked their glasses together and all took another drink.
The anger she felt earlier was beginning to melt away.
"So when you leave, are you going back to your place or his?" Beverly winked.
Tasha shot the Doctor a look. Beverly shrugged casually.
Beverly's openness had shocked Tasha when she first joined the Enterprise. When she had first read the Doctor's personnel file, she had written her off as likely to be maternal-only, strait-laced, and not one to be interested in the extracurricular poker nights.
She quickly came to learn just how wrong she had been. Beverly was surprisingly open, vivacious, and more than just maternal. She was a great parent, but she knew how to take care of herself too. She'd coped with the tragic loss of her husband well and had adjusted to life with Jack.
Beverly was no stranger to romance. She knew what she wanted, and she wasn't afraid to go after it.
Tasha considered, briefly, that perhaps it might do her some good to talk with Beverly about her own loss of Alfie.
Someday, but not tonight. She thought. Tonight was for the ladies.
"I would be lying if I said I wasn't curious. You seem to be much happier since, well-" Beverly trailed off.
"You mean since I got drunk on polywater and tried to seduce a senior officer?" Tasha retorted.
Her sarcasm had returned and that was a good sign.
"I'm not really sure 'try' is appropriate since you were successful," Beverly teased.
Tasha felt her face flush. She was still a little embarrassed about how their relationship had come about.
"If you must know, I am going back to my own quarters. He's working on something with Geordi tonight," Tasha said.
Beverly looked a little dejected at her answer.
"C'mon, I'm a single woman on a Starship. Throw me a bone," Beverly said as she threw her arms out.
She wanted the salacious details. Something, anything to satisfy her curiosity.
Tasha could see Beverly's stare that she wouldn't be happy without some kind of answer.
"Fine. He monitors my vital signs and he's marvellous about seeing to my needs. After the incident with the Captain and the Entity he took really good care of me," Tasha explained.
"What do you mean by that?" Beverly asked with a devious smirk.
"Submersion in warm water for the purpose of increasing circulation to ease muscle pain, proper nutritional consumption, and a sleeping posture that will not irritate your wounds," she said in the best Data impression she could muster.
Deanna and Beverly laughed.
"AKA a hot bath, a nice meal, and extra pillows," Tasha summarised before adding mischievously, "I'll also say that his hands are a work of art, and he knows exactly what to do with them."
"You did say he was very intuitive," Deanna reminded her.
"He seems like he would be," Beverly replied.
Tasha smiled. She understood Deanna's implication but knew that Beverly and Deanna didn't know the half of it.
"He is. He truly is. I don't know why I didn't see him that way sooner," Tasha confessed.
"It sounds wonderful," Deanna said kindly.
"Does he have a brother?" Beverly joked.
The three women laughed.
Beverly sighed contentedly and took a long sip of her wine as she mused on the idea of a lover showering her with such tender affection.
"You're thinking about something specific," Deanna smirked as she observed Tasha. "A memory. A rather fond memory."
"Troi! That's not fair," Tasha protested.
Deanna couldn't help it, there was a warm, fuzzy feeling of fulfilment that was radiating from Tasha as she thought back to just how attentive Data was whenever they were together.
"Please just give us one teensy-weensy little hint? Something to tide me over until shore leave?" Beverly pleaded.
Tasha bit her lip. Her face flushed as she tried to maintain her composure under her friends' gaze.
"There's really nothing teensy-weensy about it," Tasha said as she averted her eyes.
It took a moment for her comment to register, a fact Tasha was grateful for as she hid behind a long, slow sip from her wine glass.
Two hours later, Tasha had made her way back to her quarters feeling a little tipsy. It wasn't often they drank real alcohol, but occasionally the woman did indulge themselves. It had been a very long week, and Tasha was grateful that Beverly had whipped out the real stuff.
She knew she would pay for it in the morning, but for the moment, she needed a little break.
Setting the 'do not disturb' lock on her quarters, Tasha stepped into her lavvy and turned on the tap.
Stepping back into her main room, she kicked her boots off and padded across the carpet into her bedroom. She grabbed her dressing gown and made her way back to the lavvy where steam was beginning to accumulate.
Tasha grabbed a clean towel and hung it on the ring by the shower.
She wiped the steam off the mirror and took in her appearance. Rosy cheeks and bleary eyes from the alcohol aside, she did look tired.
Sighing, she realised she also felt exhausted.
Sleeping on the camp cot had been a far cry from her own comfortable bed. She could feel it in her back. The tension between her shoulder blades had been irritating her all day.
Tasha stepped out of her uniform and toward the shower. She slipped on the wet floor but caught herself with the safety grip handle on the wall.
She sat down on the floor and leaned back against the wall. She tried to focus her vision, but the room was moving ever so slightly.
Tasha realised she was perhaps a wee bit more intoxicated than she had initially thought.
After a moment, she stood up and found her balance. She turned off the tap, understanding it wouldn't be safe to step into the shower at this time.
She slipped into her dressing gown and cinched it around her waist. Tasha went back to the main room and grabbed her PADD and combadge.
She went to the window and sat down on her sofa. Her body was tired, but her mind was wide awake. Tasha opened the latest Sherlock Holmes story she was working through. She had made some progress in her research for the holonovel she was designing with Geordi for Data. Both Geordi and Worf were helping her work through the various Holmes stories, but there was still a long way to go.
Tasha tried for several minutes to read, but found the bright light was irritating her eyes.
She turned off the PADD and set it down on the table. She leaned back and closed her eyes. She knew she should go to sleep, but she wasn't tired.
Suddenly, an idea popped into her head.
"Lieutenant Yar to Commander Data," she said tapping her combadge.
"Yes, Lieutenant?" Data replied a moment later.
"I've got something you should take a look at," Tasha said cryptically.
"Understood. Where?" Data responded.
Really, Data? So much for subtlety. She thought to herself.
She knew that it was late. And that they hadn't scheduled time together that evening. But all her chatter with Beverly and Deanna had set her imagination to work.
Tasha was aroused.
And she wanted Data.
She instructed him to meet her at the turbolift nearest her quarters. She knew that when he would reach it and not find her, he would come looking for her in her quarters.
Tasha turned around and sat on her knees. Resting her head on the window, she looked out into the stars. The only thing she didn't like about Data's quarters was that it lacked a window.
She loved staring out at the stars.
When she had been alone on Turkana, she had always stared up at the sky and told herself she would escape.
Now, being out in the sea of stars, she liked to look at them fondly and think of how far she had come.
There was a small beep as her door chimed.
"Lieutenant Yar?" Data's voice came through her combadge.
She verbally commanded the computer to open the door. It slid open and Data stood in the doorway, the light from the corridor behind him as he observed the darkened room.
Tasha turned around and smiled at him.
"Hey," she greeted in a slurred voice.
Data took in his surroundings. The room was dark, Tasha was in her dressing gown, and she appeared to be intoxicated. He quickly deduced her hail had, in fact, been a ruse.
"Have you consumed alcohol?" Data inquired.
"Yeah. Had some wine," she replied lazily.
Data stepped over to her replicator and requested a glass of cool water. He picked up the glass and stepped over to the couch. Data sat down next to her.
"Please, you should drink this," he said as he carefully held out the glass to her.
Tasha grabbed hold of the glass and took a sloppy sip. She tried to set it down on the table, but it slipped out of her hand. Water ran across the glass tabletop. Data managed to grab her PADD before the water reached it.
Tasha giggled.
She got up and stumbled to the lavvy. She grabbed the towel she had brought in earlier and turned to find Data right behind her.
She jumped at the shock.
Damn he was fast! She thought to herself.
Data put his hands on her arms and looked down at her with concern.
"I think I had a little more than I intended to," she said sheepishly.
"I will clean up the water. I believe you should lie down," Data suggested.
"Are you going to join me?" Tasha asked as she reached up to tap his nose playfully.
"Please go lie down," Data said in a polite but firm voice.
He directed her to the doorway of her bedroom. Reluctantly, she sat down on the bed as Data cleaned the spilled water off the table.
A moment later, he emerged with a second glass. He sat down next to her and held the glass for her as she took a drink.
"And now I think you should sleep," Data said as he set the glass down on the nightstand next to her bed.
"Thank you," she replied as she put her hand on his chest.
She ran her hand down across his chest and stomach, eager to feel the bioplast that covered his synthetic musculature as she marvelled at his construction. Data grabbed her wrist before she could go any further and pulled it away from him.
"Tasha, you need to go to sleep," he said sternly.
"I'm not sleepy," she protested as she blinked up at him.
"It is time for bed," he replied.
"Fine," she said stubbornly.
Data let go of her wrist and gave her a small nod.
"Thank y-" Data started to say but was cut off as Tasha lunged at him for a drunken kiss.
Data let it go for a moment but when her hands dropped from the sides of face to the zipper on his uniform, he abruptly stopped her.
"No, Tasha," he said as he pushed her away.
"I want you, Data," she said in a low, sultry voice.
"How would you say it? I am flattered, but it would not be appropriate at this time," he replied.
Tasha fell back against her pillow and groaned. She knew he was right.
But Tasha Yar was nothing if not persistent.
She prodded Data's side with her bare foot as she reached for the sash on her dressing gown. Tasha keened, arching her back and rolling her hips as she ran her hands over herself.
"I want you," she repeated, cupping her breasts. "I want to feel you inside me."
"Tasha, you are intoxicated," Data said in a soothing voice.
He reached out and rested his hand on her knee, hoping to settle her.
"Don't you want me?" Tasha murmured. "Fuck me, baby."
Of course he wanted her.
She was giving him that look. The kind of shameless longing that Data was unaccustomed to be on the receiving end of.
Her eyes were half-lidden. Her tongue darted out from behind her teeth, ready to nibble at his flesh. She rocked her hips against nothing, desperate for any kind of friction.
He wanted her.
But he wasn't about to initiate an intimate coupling encounter while she was in this state.
"Not tonight," Data said with an air of finality.
Tasha pouted. She grabbed hold of his hand and pulled it toward her aching cunt. She raised her hips, rubbing herself against him and urging him to concede to her desire.
Data knew it was time to end the argument – although it wouldn't be in the manner she wanted.
"Not tonight, Tasha. But I will stay here with you if that will help you to sleep," he said as he slid next to her and pulled her in close.
Tasha relaxed back into him as she felt the rise and fall of his chest with each artificial breath.
As he spooned up against her, Tasha took no small sense of satisfaction in feeling his prominent erection pressed against her.
Yes. He had wanted her. The proof was quite literally firmly pressed in the small of her back. Even if she wasn't going to get the kind of hip-smacking sex she wanted that night, Tasha was pleased with herself to know that she had that affect on him.
"Computer, lights," Data instructed as he brushed the top of her head with a kiss.
"You know you take very good care of me," Tasha said with a small yawn.
"I assure you, Lieutenant, that is my intention," Data replied.
"I love you," she said as she snuggled against him.
Data felt like his breathing stopped.
She had finally said it.
He suspected she may not remember it in the morning. And, truth be told, that left him feeling a little uncertain. But there in the dark, with her next to him, he allowed her words to envelop him like a warm blanket.
The next morning, Tasha awoke feeling more than a wee bit hungover. Her head hurt and she was grateful she was on a starship with no natural light. Data was already awake, sitting next to her, tapping on his PADD as he read through the initial security team report from the Edo planet.
"What time is it?" Tasha asked as she rolled over.
"It is 05:00 hours. You have been asleep for five hours and forty-one minutes. You should resume sleeping as your body requires additional rest," Data instructed.
"I think I'm too hungover for that," Tasha confessed as she lay back and stared at the ceiling.
Her eyes began to adjust to the darkness, and she felt a small wave of nausea. Breathing carefully, she managed to keep the feeling in check. She had no intention of vomiting all over Data.
"There is a glass of water next to you. You are dehydrated," he said intuitively.
Tasha smiled as she reached for the water. Her throat was scratchy.
"I really do think you should try to get more sleep," Data suggested.
Tasha shook her head.
"Can't," she said.
She took another quick sip and returned the glass to the table.
"I have an early meeting with Commander Riker on the shore leave scheduling," Tasha explained.
"I thought that was finalised yesterday?" Data inquired.
"I overlooked someone," Tasha confessed.
Data's neural net began to fire rapidly.
Could it be? He thought to himself.
Data had never pressed the issue, but he had always been left out of the shore leave rotation in order to command the Enterprise while the crew relaxed. He knew that he didn't need rest and he surmised it was his early years that had conditioned him into placing the needs of Starfleet above his own personal desires.
"Oh. It is fortunate you caught the matter," Data said.
"Indeed. Because I suspect this person is in desperate need of a little R & R and that he wouldn't have said anything otherwise," Tasha replied as she gave Data a knowing look.
There was a sudden, unknown sensation that gripped Data.
He felt overcome with an indescribable emotion. His chest felt heavy. His optical receptors were clouded by an unfamiliar moisture that began to leak down his face.
"Data?" Tasha said, alarmed as she turned to him and grabbed the sides of his face.
"I am confused," he said in distress.
"Tell me what's happening," Tasha instructed as she stroked his hair.
"I feel joy, but I believe I am crying. I do not understand," Data admitted, his eyes wide with fear.
Tasha wiped the yellow tears from his face with her thumb and smiled.
"Sometimes when humans are overwhelmed with emotion we tend to cry," she explained, "even if that emotion is happiness."
Data sniffled as he contemplated her statement.
"I'm sorry I overlooked you," Tasha said apologetically. "I'm so sorry I've overlooked you on every one of the shore leave schedules before now."
"You are the first person to notice," Data said with a small smile as he took her hand.
"Data, if anyone ever does something like that again, promise me you'll speak up? You deserve the same rights as the rest of us, organic or not," Tasha said as she gave his hand a small squeeze.
Data nodded.
Tasha gave him a quick peck on the cheek and ordered the computer to turn the lights on at a dim level.
She rolled out of bed and made her way over to the built-in shelving that held a clean uniform, fresh from the garment reprocessor.
She pulled out the uniform and set it on the shelf. Grabbing her hairbrush, she began to comb and style her hair using the mirror on the wall.
"So, what would you like to do with your shore leave?" Tasha asked as she reached into her top shelf and pulled out a toothbrush and clean flannel.
She tapped the button and the countertop slid back to reveal a sink.
"I am unsure," Data stated as he stood up. "Will we be permitted to take shore leave together?"
"I intend to ensure we are scheduled for the same rotation," Tasha grinned as she began to brush her teeth.
Data tilted his head to the side as he began to process the information he had read regarding the Edo planet. The initial away team had noted the planet was a paradise with exceptional flora, warm natural springs, a large ocean with beautiful atolls, and a culture that valued physical activity, leisure, and healthy living.
He had also read the planet boasted an environment suited for many athletic pursuits including rock climbing, diving, a game similar to tennis called 'yatzro', and numerous hiking trails.
"I believe there are a number of activities available that you would find enjoyable," Data stated.
Tasha rinsed out her mouth and put her toothbrush back into its sanitisation chamber. Wiping her face with the flannel, she shook her head.
"I want to know what you want to do," she insisted.
Data's mouth formed a small 'oh' as he realised she intended for their shore leave activities to be his choice.
"Are you certain?" Data asked.
Tasha nodded as dabbed a little mascara on her eyelashes. She didn't wear much makeup while on duty, but she liked to put a little on each morning.
Data came up behind her and gave her a hug.
"Well then, if you are certain, it will take me some time to plan an itinerary," Data explained.
"That's more like it," Tasha replied with a smile.
There was a brief pause. Data didn't let go of her. She could see in the mirror he looked nervous.
"Everything OK?" Tasha asked as she turned to face him.
Data looked away and then back to her as if he were uncertain.
"Do you remember what you said to me last night?" Data asked her.
He didn't give her a chance to respond. Doubt grew in his mind, and he felt uncharacteristically insecure.
"I do not wish to pressure you. If you do not remember, it is not a matter of importance. I was merely curious about the effects of human memory under the influence of-" Data said rapidly before Tasha pulled him down and pressed her lips to his.
After a moment she pulled away.
"Of course, I remember," Tasha said. "And I meant what I said. I love you, Data."
If androids could blush, Tasha was certain that's what Data was doing.
Their initial sweep of the Edo planet had run into a small snag. While the planet was an Eden and the people were lovely and welcoming, their curiosity about Data had surfaced a series of repressed traumatic memories.
Data had spent a share of the afternoon experiencing a paralysing flashback as he recalled his early days in the possession of Starfleet. It was a dark time when he had been subjected to repeated, dehumanising experiments as cyberneticists had studied his construction.
Data had never shared the details of that time with anyone.
Geordi and Tasha had beamed down with the away time. They had been onsite and ready to help Data as he tried to cope with the resurfaced memories.
When he reached a point where he felt safe enough to return to the ship, Data had asked Tasha to accompany him while he sought the help of Counsellor Troi.
After talking with Deanna and Tasha, Data had laid out a plan to begin regular counselling services upon his return from shore leave.
He and Tasha had left Deanna's office feeling excited about the prospect of three days together. They had spent the evening in Ten Forward with Miles and Keiko – who had gotten together around the same time as Data and Tasha had initiated their relationship.
Aside from a small, minorly embarrassing social faux pas in which Data had openly questioned Miles and Keiko on their intimate plans for shore leave, the evening had been a success.
Later that night, Data and Tasha bid Keiko and Miles goodnight and made their way back to Data's quarters. Tasha took a brief shower and then changed into an undershirt and comfortable pair of sleep shorts.
When she stepped into the bedroom, she found Data already on the bed, reading an old-fashioned paperback book. She slipped in next to him and nestled into her pillow.
Data set his book down and ordered the computer to dim the lights.
She thought she was just about asleep when she heard Data in her ear.
"Tasha," he whispered.
"Mmmm," she said as she jolted awake.
"Don't get up," he said, his hand on her arm.
"Too late," she replied without opening her eyes.
"Is coupling not the purpose of shore leave?" Data whispered in an alarmed voice.
"What?" she asked as she tried to understand his question.
It was far too late. And she was much too tired.
"Is coupling not the purpose of shore leave?" Data asked again, this time with increased urgency.
Tasha opened her eyes and rolled over to look at him face to face.
"Data, what are you talking about?" she asked.
"It is my understanding that most couples spend their shore leave with one another intimately," Data said.
Tasha looked confused.
"Intimacy. Coupling. Lovemaking. Fornication. Carnal knowledge. Mating," Data said in an attempt to clarify.
"I'm familiar with the act," Tasha said dryly.
"Dipping the stinger in the honey," Data babbled on.
"Don't ever call it that," Tasha warned.
Data stopped.
"I am sorry," he said immediately.
Tasha nestled into his chest.
"S' fine, Data. Why do you ask?" she said as she snaked her arms around him.
"After our conversation with Chief O'Brien and Keiko I have begun to second guess my understanding of shore leave," Data explained.
Tasha understood.
"I just meant that most people don't talk about their sex lives casually like that. At least not in that kind of setting," Tasha said.
Data considered her statement.
"Oh," he said.
There was a brief pause and Tasha could feel she was beginning to drift back to sleep.
"So, to confirm, coupling is the purpose of shore leave? Or at the very least features prominently?" Data asked.
Tasha sighed and pulled away from him. She let her eyes adjust to the dark for a moment as she took in the eager curiosity that was etched on his features.
"You've planned to spend most of our time in bed?" Tasha asked him dryly.
Data opened his mouth to protest. He hadn't planned for just a bed.
"I mean you intend to spend most of our shore leave intimately?" Tasha inquired.
"It occupies a significant portion of the itinerary," Data said sheepishly.
Tasha laughed and shook her head.
She wasn't opposed to the idea – but Tasha knew that the very nature of his synthetic form left him at an advantage. Inside, Tasha panicked a little, worried that she may not be able to 'keep up' as it were.
"My intention was not for this to be humorous," Data said, confused by her reaction.
Tasha pulled him close and continued to laugh.
"Tasha? Tasha, why are you giggling?" Data asked.
Tasha rolled on top of him and pushed herself up on her hands.
"You're really cute when you get like this," she said as she tucked an errant strand of hair behind his ear.
Data looked at her quizzically.
"You keep saying that. But my intention is to not make you laugh. My intention is to impress you," Data said seriously.
"You always impress me," Tasha said honestly.
Data's eyes lit up and the left side of his mouth curled upward into a smile as he looked up at her above him.
She placed a kiss chaste kiss on lips before rolling off him.
"Now go to sleep," she said as she turned away from him and nestled back into her pillow. "We've got to be up in, what, six hours?"
"Two hours, nine minutes, and eighteen seconds," Data said scientifically.
Tasha's eyes snapped open as she realised what had occurred.
She only thought she had been drifting off to sleep.
"Data, have you been lying awake thinking about this all night?" Tasha asked.
"Perhaps," he said as he curled up against her.
"Better hope you aren't too tired tomorrow," Tasha teased.
"But you know that I do not require-" Data started to say.
He stopped as he realised Tasha was teasing him.
"I assure you I will be fine. You had better hope you can keep up, Lieutenant," Data finished, flipping her own statement back on her.
Internally, Tasha was impressed. Her sense of humour was rubbing off on him and she enjoyed watching him experiment with it.
"Data!" she said with mock indignation at his comment.
"Go to bed, Tasha," Data replied sternly before tugging her closer and placing a kiss behind her ear.
The next morning marked the official start of their shore leave. Data had insisted that Tasha join Worf for a climb up the mountain that overlooked the Edo Capital.
It was a challenging climb. Though they had started early in the day, the temperature had risen significantly. But they time they had reached the last leg, Tasha and Worf were both exhausted and sweaty.
Worf was the first to reach the top and she was grateful when he reached back over the edge to offer her an arm up. It wasn't the peak of the mountain, but rather a cliff that was about twenty meters down from the peak.
Once on level ground, Tasha was grateful to strip out of her gear. Removing her helmet, she ran her hand through her hair and ruffled it a bit. It felt good to feel the gentle wind on the back of her neck.
She stepped out of her harness and tossed it unceremoniously on the ground.
After a quick stretch, she decided to join Worf in meditating. It was tradition for the two following a climb.
She sat down on the ground and folded her legs in. Rolling her shoulders, she closed her eyes and focused on the sounds around them – the soft rustle of the wind against the rock, the call of a flock of birds below, and there was the faint sound of running water like a stream.
Tasha suddenly went stiff as a pair of firm hands began to rub her shoulders.
"Um, what are you doing?" Tasha asked without opening her eyes.
"Do you find this relaxing?" Worf asked.
Suddenly, this all felt very awkward. Tasha opened her eyes and saw Worf sitting in front of her with a grin. Glancing down at her shoulder she recognised the familiar pale hands.
"Did you find our deception amusing?" Data inquired eagerly.
"Very funny," Tasha said tightly.
"Thank you for your help, Worf," Data said as he helped Worf and shook his hand.
"My pleasure," Worf said as he nodded to Data.
Data helped Tasha up and the trio followed a path that split into the rocks. About thirty metres back from the ledge, they reached the backside of the mountain. There was water flowing down from the peak that landed in a pool of cold, clear water. The pool wasn't terribly deep and only about ten metres long. At the edge, it fell over the cliff on the backside and raced down the rocks below.
There was a bit of short grass and some limited shrubbery, including a few blue mountain flowers growing along the rocks.
"All set in here," Geordi said, poking his head out from a tent that was set up.
Tasha looked to Data for an explanation.
"He will not be staying," Data assured her quickly.
A moment later, Geordi stepped out.
"So, this whole thing was a ruse to set this up?" Tasha said, piecing together the chain of events.
Data looked at her for approval.
"And you were both in on it?" Tasha added turning to Worf and Geordi.
"Well, Data knew you would want to go climbing and it was going to take time for us to get this set up," Geordi explained.
"Thank you," Tasha said genuinely.
"Well, Worf. I think we've got a mountain to make our way down," Geordi said.
Data showed her inside the tent and Tasha collapsed, exhausted, into the chair set up at the camp table. She was relieved to see that along the back of the tent there was a camp mat set up on the ground covered with bright cushions and pillows. It looked soft and inviting, but Tasha was afraid the minute she hit the soft fabric she was liable to fall asleep.
"This is quite nice, Data," Tasha said.
"Would you like me to continue where I left off?" Data said as he started to rub circles just under her shoulder blades.
"To be honest with you, I'm feeling quite mucky," Tasha confessed. "Please tell me you've got some kind of solution for-"
As if on cue, Tasha felt something cool and wet on the back of her neck.
"The water is quite safe," Data whispered in her ear.
Tasha's eyes shot open, and she sat up properly. Data smiled to himself, proud in knowing that he'd been right to surmise she would want to relax under the cool water this mountain spring presented.
He took her hand and helped her up.
"And I know that you like looking out at the stars, so Geordi and I rigged this," Data said as he indicated to a hand crank in the corner.
He stepped over to it and gave it a few turns. To Tasha's astonishment, the roof of the tent retracted and opened to reveal the sky above.
Data was quite pleased with himself as he took in the look on her face. He had never been on shore leave before and he had never had the opportunity to plan a romantic getaway for another person. His neural net was racing as he felt the excitement of knowing his efforts had been successful.
"You know it feels like it's getting hotter," Tasha said as she fanned herself.
"You are correct. The air temperature has risen significantly today. It is well beyond the average temperature the Edo typically experience," Data explained.
"C'mon," she said as she took his hands and led him outside.
Kicking off her boots, Tasha rushed into the water with no reservations. It was quite cold, but she had anticipated it would be as she waded into the water.
She dove below the water, submerging herself for a moment, before she resurfaced under the waterfall pouring down from the rocks above. Tasha leaned back and let the cold water run over her, washing the grime and sweat from the climb away from her hair.
"It's shallow enough that you won't sink," Tasha called, her eyes still closed as the water poured over her face.
She knew Data wasn't buoyant enough to swim. He'd sunk like a stone the last time he'd tried to with Geordi. But this pool was shallow enough along the edges that he would be fine.
"I am aware," he said in a low voice from right behind her.
He wrapped one arm around her shoulder and pulled her back against him. He planted a quick kiss on the side of her face and Tasha relaxed.
Tasha shivered against him. Despite the rising temperature, the pool was significantly colder than anticipated because of its location high in the mountains.
After splashing around for a while, they had retired to their tent.
Tasha was grateful to finally get a moment alone with Data. But she was utterly knackered from the climb.
She flopped down on the camp mat that he had set up along the back of the tent. With Geordi's help, Data had taken an ordinary camp sleeping mat (usually equipped to provide sleeping space for three to four crew members) and had added a plethora of soft cushions and silky pillows.
Tasha resisted the urge to sleep as soon as she hit the comforting surface.
"I'm sorry," Tasha apologised. "I know this probably isn't what you planned. I just need a minute."
The heat was making her sleepy.
"Do not get up on my account," Data said as he sat down next to her.
Data pulled her across his lap and placed a cool compress between her shoulder blades.
Tasha keened as she felt his hands set to work massaging away the sore muscles in her calves.
Magic hands was an understatement.
In part, Data had felt responsible for it given that he had insisted she go on the climb with Worf. Tasha enjoyed such strenuous physical activities, but Data understood the toll it took on her body.
Tasha needed rest and recovery and Data was happy to provide.
He kneaded at the back of her thighs, just above her knees as Tasha closed her eyes, the picture of total relaxation.
Tasha hissed pleasantly as he worked at a particularly painful knot. Her thighs burned from the strenuous climb and everything about this felt too good to be true. His hands were firm, and his touch was just the right side of too much to rub away the pain.
She grinned a moment later as Data's hands inched upward, slipping under her shorts, and squeezing her backside.
"Data," she said as his ministrations turned from massage to sensual rubdown.
"I do not believe I have ever properly conveyed my," Data paused, searching for the right word. "My appreciation for this portion of your anatomy."
Tasha suddenly felt shy and exposed.
"Well, I think you've got a cute bum too," she retorted, hoping to shift the focus away from herself.
"Darling, 'cute' does not begin to cover it," Data said as he squeezed her left cheek particularly hard.
She gasped and shifted her hips reflexively as Data's left hand slipped inside her shorts.
Data's right hand settled on the small of her back, signalling that she was perfectly safe in his care.
"Relax," Data said, dropping his voice an octave in the way that made her shiver.
A small noise of pleasure escaped from her lips as Data's agile fingers stroked her along toward her orgasm.
Tasha whimpered, resting the side of her face against the mat as she clutched at the sheet below her.
Data drank in the sight of her. He was having a hard time remembering to blink as he watched her taut arse squirm in his lap.
Data's hand dropped from the small of her back to the curve of her backside as he held her there. There were so many things he had planned for the next seventy-two hours – and an extensive list of ways in which he was prepared to spend the majority of their shore leave devoted to her body.
Data couldn't help himself anymore, he need to feel her in his arms.
Without warning, Data pulled her into his lap.
He wasted no time in sliding his left hand down the front of her shorts to resume rubbing her swollen clit. Data wrapped his free hand around her chest, cupping her breast and holding her tight.
"Ah huh," Tasha whined incoherently.
Using his fingers, Data spread her open and slipped two fingers inside. He planted his thumb firmly against her clitoris as he began to pump his fingers into Tasha.
Data's breath was hot against her ear as he pressed a series of hungry kisses along her exposed neck.
Tasha could feel his erection pressing against her.
"Data," she snivelled.
She was starting to reach the point that Tasha knew he had either better fuck her or finish her.
Tasha let her head fall back against his shoulder, panting as Data nipped at her ear.
"Tonight, I am going to lay you down and make slow, sweet love to you," Data whispered.
Data's hand closed around her throat, encouraging her to look in the direction of the camp table.
"And tomorrow, I intend to bend you over that table and watch your sensational little arse bounce on my cock," Data growled.
Tasha squeaked involuntarily. She was stunned, completely blown away at this sensual, devious side of Data that made her feel deliciously at his mercy.
Tasha understood that Data had an extensive knowledge of sexual practices. And he had shared a keen desire to work through his programming repertoire. But Tasha had never imagined it could feel so salacious.
Data bit down on her ear, pulling her back to the present.
"Do you feel how wet you are just thinking about it?" Data teased.
He worked a third finger inside of Tasha and groaned at the stretch, squirming against him in hedonistic ecstasy as he described his plans.
"Data if you're gonna-" Tasha choked out, indicating she wasn't sure how much longer she could go.
He shushed her.
"This moment is about you, sweetheart," Data assured her. "Do you like when I touch you?"
"Mmm hmm," Tasha whimpered.
He increased the speed of his thumb, rubbing her clit furiously as she rolled her hips in his lap.
Tasha covered his hands with her own as she clenched around his fingers. Data knew that he had Tasha right where he wanted her.
"Can you come for me?" Data asked.
He nuzzled her neck as Tasha rocked against his hand. She was so frustratingly close.
"So wet for me," he murmured.
And she was.
Completely, totally soaked from the sweet, scandalous things he had said to coax her along toward climax.
His name came out as a strangled sob of bliss as she came.
Tasha was trembling, whining as Data's fingers did not relent.
"Data, Data, stop," Tasha said, her fingers closing around his wrist.
Data immediately stopped. Tasha moved her hips, fucking herself gently on his fingers before he withdrew them as she came down.
Tasha let herself go limp against Data.
He traced a series of lazy shapes on her abdomen as she caught her breath.
"You are highly aroused," Data commented.
Tasha grinned, feeling hazy.
"I seem to have a problem controlling myself when you get, well," Tasha sighed. "Data, you can be so damn sexy."
Data's eyes lit up. He felt a rush of excitement in knowing that his seductive overtures had been successful.
Tasha relaxed. Between the heat, the climb, and the sexual release, Tasha was exhausted and ready for a nap.
"You are wet," he went on.
"Baby, I can't help it," Tasha protested weakly.
Data peppered her shoulder with a series of tender kisses.
"But not as wet as I think you will be after tomorrow," Data said in a silky voice.
Tasha could feel his breath against her skin. And she registered somewhere deep in brain that he was speaking, but she was having trouble thinking of anything other than the feel of Data's body pressed against her own.
"Mmm," Data said between a trail of kisses. "I am going to…mhmm…use you like a little toy."
He slowly rubbed his nose against her shoulder before capturing the spot below her ear in a rough kiss.
Tasha inhaled sharply as Data kneaded her breasts. She felt like putty, waiting to be moved and moulded in his hands.
"And once I have had my way with your incredible little body, I will kiss all the spots I have made sore," Data promised.
Tasha's eyes went wide, and Data felt her tense up.
The mood instantly changed.
"Only with your consent," Data assured her.
It was like he had flipped a switch and gone from seductive to empathetic in a matter of seconds.
But his promises weren't what had caused Tasha to panic. Rather, she had been struck with an unsettling thought.
Tasha quickly turned and cupped his face. She had a worried look in her eyes.
"Data, you know this trip is for both of us, right?" Tasha asked, concerned. "I mean, I don't want you to feel like you have to do anything extra or anything you don't want to do."
She stroked his hair, looking for any sign of understanding.
"I want you to enjoy yourself," Tasha explained.
While she adored all of his affections, Tasha didn't want him to neglect his own desires because he felt obligated to see to her needs. Based on what Data had shared about his past, the last thing Tasha wanted was for him to think of himself as some kind of sentient sex toy.
"Sweetheart, I don't want you to prioritise-" Tasha began.
Data silenced her with a slow kiss.
When they broke apart, Tasha regretted the loss of his lips.
"Tasha, I want to do this," Data clarified, tightening his embrace to demonstrate his intentions.
Tasha giggled softly.
"Well, if you insist," she grinned.
Another loud crack of thunder rang out across the sky as Data and Tasha sat huddled in their tent.
The afternoon had continued to grow hotter and more humid with each passing hour. Being so high up, they had spotted the dark clouds in the distance. Initially, they had considered paging the Enterprise to request pickup, but the Edo had told them storms were small and rare.
When the sky initially grew black, they theorised it would be a brief rainstorm that would pass quickly.
It had been two hours and the rain had not ceased.
Data's plan of opening the top of the tent for a little stargazing and soft lovemaking had been kiboshed by the sudden storm.
Even though they were huddled against one another, the severity of the weather had dampened any possibility of their close proximity becoming romantic.
It was a heavy downpour of large, thick drops of water accompanied by harsh winds that rippled across their tent.
The storm also appeared to be affecting their communications because they had been unable to contact the Enterprise since the start of the storm.
Suddenly there was a loud ripping noise as the retractable top Data had rigged up was ripped off and carried away by the wind. Data caught the support pole right above their heads and set it down gently as the walls of the tent collapsed.
There was a second gust of wind and most of the equipment they had blew dangerously close to the edge of the opposite cliff.
Lightning cracked and streaked across the sky. It had grown closer and more frequent since the start of the storm.
There was dust and small rocks being carried in the wind. Data's optical sensors also read that the water in the pool was rising due to the downfall.
Data twitched involuntarily as he suddenly felt the unwelcome intrusion of water in his audio receptors.
"Tasha I am afraid it would be unwise to remain here. We need to find shelter," Data said, unable to hide the urgency in his voice.
Tasha had recalled that there was an Edo resort located about an hour's run down from the top of the mountain. Braving the elements, Data and Tasha had slowly made their way down the trail through the wind and the mud.
When they finally reached the Edo resort, Tasha cried out in excitement and then pulled Data in for a kiss.
He hadn't been expecting it, but his informational databank gave him enough clues to piece together this was likely more celebratory than romantic.
The Edo retreat was a series of large wooden structures, with one central structure tucked back among the trees. It had beautiful big windows, and Data suspected that during normal weather it was filled with natural light.
Several of the trees around the structure had fallen under the pressure from the wind, ripped up at their very roots.
It took Data considerable effort for Data to close the door behind them against wind as they stepped into the main lodge.
Inside the bustle of activity came to a grinding halt. One of the Edo carrying a tray of refreshments, dropped it at the sight of the two new arrivals. The glass shattered when it hit the floor and the tray rolled for a moment before coming to a stop and falling to the side.
Data and Tasha suddenly felt like they were under the scrutiny of a hundred pairs of eyes as the guests at the lodge turned their attention to the commotion at the entrance.
They were dripping wet, caked in mud, and frozen.
Staring into the sea of Edo before them, Tasha was unsure what to say.
In the corner, someone choked back laughter.
Data cocked his head to the side and pulled down the poncho as he trained his audio receptor to detect where the sound was coming from.
The sound grew louder as it was evident someone was trying not to laugh at their predicament.
Data glanced around the room, but it was difficult to see clearly. There was a crowd, and it appeared the lighting was not working as there were candles splayed out throughout the vicinity providing low, intimate lighting.
The laughter grew louder, and Tasha nodded as she recognised the deep Klingon belly laugh and Geordi's unmistakable giggle.
A familiar face stepped forward from the crowd of Edo and offered them a hand.
"You have been out in the storm," Farren said, her eyes full of concern as she took in their condition. "I am so glad you are safe."
It was the same Edo that Tasha had met earlier when they had beamed down to the planet.
"Data, this is Farren, one of the Edo we met earlier today," Tasha explained. "Farren, this is Commander Data."
To Data's relief, she didn't seem interested in poking or prodding him like many of the other Edo had been.
"Are you alright? It is rare for God to gift us with such a significant light show. Most will only experience one or two in a lifetime," Farren explained.
"It's a big storm," Tasha nodded.
"You two look like you've been through hell," Geordi said as he approached the pair.
"There was a moment where I was quite concerned," Data confessed.
It may have come across as mechanical to the Edo, but Geordi's eyes grew wide at Data's statement. He knew the weight of what Data's words meant.
"All that work, and it looks like you two barely made it out with the clothes on your back," Geordi said as he looked them up and down.
"There was this gust of wind, and everything was gone," Tasha explained.
"There are lodgings available here," Worf informed them before adding, "and very few Starfleet personnel."
Well, at least there's that. Data thought to himself.
Part of why he had selected a camping excursion was to pick a secluded spot that was free of both other Starfleet personnel and Edo. He wasn't sure if he could cope with being crowded and touched like that again.
"I take it your emergency pack doesn't contain a clean uniform?" Geordi said as he looked at the mud in disgust.
"No, Geordi. Is there somewhere here where we can procure clothing?" Data inquired.
"As a matter of fact, there is," Geordi said with a grin.
"We will prepare lodgings for you. In the meantime, we will see to getting you clean garments and a place to freshen up. Once that is complete, your lodgings will be ready," an Edo man advised as he approached the group.
"Come, I will show you where you can wash," Farren advised as she took Tasha's hand and guided her out of the main room.
Data felt panic creep into his mind. He didn't want anyone touching or measuring him for clothing. Recognising Data's discomfort, Geordi decided to step in.
"This way, Data," Geordi said as he waved Data in the opposite direction.
Across the lodge, Farren had directed Tasha to a set of rooms with a large, stone bath. Farren touched the tap and water began to fill the basin and steam the room.
"We will launder your uniform, but it will not be prepared until tomorrow," Farren explained.
Tasha suddenly felt a little uneasy. She had no shame over the scars that marked her arms and back, something she had carried with her from her days before Starfleet.
But she didn't want the inevitable questions. She just wanted to relax.
There was a loud crack of thunder and Farren jumped.
"Hey, it's ok," Tasha said, noting the fear in her eyes. "You know where I'm from we have storms like this all the time."
Tasha was a nurturer at heart. Farren's eyes grew wide, and Tasha gave her a reassuring squeeze on the arm to try and let her know everything was going to be alright. She theorised that if the Edo had rarely experienced this, it must seem dreadful.
"It is so rare to experience a momentous storm like this," Farren explained. "Our tradition dictates that children conceived during the great light shows will be blessed with long lives, passion, and happiness."
Good thing that won't be a problem. Tasha smiled to herself.
Farren shut the tap off and then waited patiently, her hands crossed behind her back.
"Um," Tasha said, clearing her throat and looking at Farren.
"If you remove your garments, I will take them to be laundered," Farren said as she indicated to Tasha's mud-coated uniform.
"Right," Tasha nodded.
She knew the Edo were extremely open people. Assuming this was custom for the Edo, Tasha took it in stride, stripped down, and handed over her uniform.
"We will return this to you once it has been cleaned. I will fetch a fresh garment for after your bath," Farren said brightly before stepping out of the room.
Tasha breathed a sigh of relief and put a toe into the water.
A moment later Farren returned, and Tasha nearly slipped on the edge from the shock.
"I'm sorry, I did not mean to frighten you," Farren apologised before setting a cup on the edge of the bathtub. "This is a traditional tea that will soothe your muscles."
Tasha nodded and gave Farren a tight smile. Farren slipped back out of the room, apologising again as she left to get Tasha some new clothes.
Finally! Tasha said to herself as stepped in the water.
It was warm, perhaps a little too hot. She slipped into the deep tub and sat down.
The beverage Farren had put on the ledge had a sweet, slightly spicy scent that was beginning to entice her taste buds. Tasha took a sip of the warm liquid, almost tea-like, and smiled to herself.
Leaning back in the water, she rested her head against the cool stone tile ledge.
Once clean, dressed, and having removed the water from his servos, Data and Geordi made their way back toward the main hall where the Edo were sitting by candlelight, watching the lightning out of the large glass windows that ran the length of the back wall.
There was a large stone fireplace in the centre with a low fire that had long since passed its prime. Orange embers gave off a little warmth as Data noticed there were several Edo cuddling close to one another around the dim firelight.
"It doesn't look like Tasha's come back yet," Geordi said as he glanced around the room.
They sat down on a bench and one of the Edo approached them with a tray of beverages.
"Hello pale one," the Edo man said with excitement. "I am glad to see you again."
Geordi could sense Data's uneasiness as they took their drinks from the tray.
"I'm sorry about your plans," Geordi said suddenly. "But you'll like it here. It's pretty quiet. And this stuff isn't too bad."
Data eyed the drink in the stone cup. To Data's delight it was warm and sweet, almost like cinnamon.
"I take it you like that?" Geordi asked as he looked at his best friend.
Data's eyes had grown wide, like a child excited about something.
"This beverage is a most pleasing flavour," Data said as he took another sip.
Data relaxed a bit. It seemed, at least for the moment, the Edo were more interested in the storm than in him.
However, as Data surveyed the room he realised that Geordi's assessment about it being quiet was spot on. They weren't alone anymore. And there were no sound-dampening controls available.
The quiet meant that some of Data's plan were likely off the table.
Another loud crack of thunder snapped, rippling through the dark.
Data cocked his head to the side.
Unless. He pondered.
Between the thunder and the wind, the storm would be the perfect cover – but there would be no telling how long it would last.
"You don't even have to leave your quarters," Geordi told him.
"Although I do not require sustenance, human physiology does," Data advised. "Perhaps I should beam back aboard the Enterprise once the storm is finished. I know there are many activities that Tasha would find enjoyable. Besides, humans also require sunlight and-"
"Whoa, Data," Geordi said as he put his hand on Data's shoulders. "Slow down, buddy. First of all, Tasha wants to spend her shore leave with you. Secondly, you can stay in your quarters. You don't have to come out here if you're uneasy about the attention."
"But Geordi," Data started to say but Geordi cut him off.
"Ah, ah, ah. You really haven't ever been on shore leave, have you?" Geordi said, shaking his head.
"No, Geordi. As I have explained, I have never been on shore leave," Data said, confused by Geordi's comment.
"They'll bring food to your room," Geordi explained.
That would certainly make things easier in the morning. Data thought with delight.
Data nodded and looked out the window into the dark. Geordi noticed his shoulders slump a little.
"And Data, your quarters will have a place off the back where you can take Tasha to see the stars," Geordi told him, sensing Data's mood.
Data turned back and gave Geordi a wee smile. His plan hadn't failed after all.
"Thank you, Geordi," Data said.
They sat in silence watching the storm for a few minutes before the Edo man from before approached them to inform Data that his lodgings were ready.
"I can wait here and let Tasha know if you want to leave," Geordi offered.
"I can take you to your friend, the blonde one," the Edo man said.
"Thank you," Data said. "Goodnight Geordi."
Data set off with the Edo man down the dimly lit corridor, headed in Tasha's direction.
Tasha had to admit the Edo certainly knew how to relax. There was something incredibly invigorating about the steamy bath, the dim candlelight, and the storm raging outside.
Farren hadn't been lying, whatever had been in that tea had soothed the ache in her muscles. Feeling like a noodle in a pot of hot water, she told herself she would be perfectly content to remain there for the rest of her shore leave.
"Your friend is inside," the Edo man said to Data as he indicated to the entrance of the bathhouse.
Two firm, skilled hands found the sides of Tasha's neck and massaged behind her ears, down her neck, and onto her shoulders.
Tasha grinned as she felt the hands ghost down across her chest, brushing across her nipples, and caressing the curve of her breasts.
"My people also have a tradition that there is no higher way to honour God than through the intimacy of joining during the great storm," Farren said in Tasha's ear before she placed a kiss at the nape of her neck.
Tasha's eyes shot open.
She froze in the water.
"Um, Farren," Tasha said as she cleared her throat. "I'm flattered, but this-"
"I know you find me attractive. I can sense it," Farren said as she ran her hands back through Tasha's hair.
It wasn't a lie. The Edo were capable of sensing attraction. It was one of the things Tasha had read during her initial report on the people and their customs.
She just hadn't expected something like this.
"It's a lot more complicated than that," Tasha said as she sat forward to put some distance between the two of them.
Farren was certainly attractive. And if Tasha weren't in a committed relationship, she reasoned she may very well have sought such company during her shore leave.
But in this setting, the advance was unwelcome.
"I have offended you," Farren said apologetically. "Is it forbidden in your Starfleet?"
"No, no, no," Tasha shook her head as she spun around, arms crossed in an attempt to cover herself.
Gods this went off the rails. Tasha thought, unsure of what to say.
"I think I should explain that I'm actually-" Tasha tried to clarify.
"You do not have to explain," Farren said apologetically. "My heart is also fluttering."
Without warning, Farren gripped the sides of her face and pulled Tasha into a kiss. Shocked, it took Tasha a moment to register what was happening.
Tasha gently gripped Farren's shoulders and pushed her back. She was about to explain when she caught sight of the troublesome Ensign Walsh standing frozen in the doorway out of the corner of her eye.
"I knew it," Walsh gasped as he began to slowly clap.
"Ensign, this is not what it looks like," Tasha said as she covered herself with her hands.
"Don't mind me, Lieutenant. Just came to enjoy a bath. I just wasn't expecting this much steam," Walsh said with a cheeky wink. "Don't let me stop you ladies. Please carry on."
Tasha cringed internally. She fought the urge to roll her eyes and scoff at his assumption their kiss was a demonstration for his gaze.
Walsh felt like he couldn't breathe as his back made contact with the marble wall of the bath. A familiar pair of yellow eyes stared at him, and Walsh instantly regretted his words.
"You will apologise and leave. And if you ever speak that way again to any crewmember or Edo that have generously granted us stay on this planet, I will ensure you are assigned to carbon filter scraping for a month," Data said as he held Walsh by the front of his uniform against the wall.
He released him. Walsh regained his footing. He stood, coughing and adjusted his uniform.
"Sorry," Walsh said quickly, looking at the floor.
Walsh turned to leave. Data caught him by his arm and stared hard at the young, out of line Ensign.
"Sincerely," Data ordered in a commanding voice.
Walsh turned back to Tasha and Farren.
"I am sorry for what I said," Walsh said.
Data tightened his grip on the Ensign's bicep. Not enough to harm him, but enough to convey that he doubted the sincerity of his apology.
"It was inappropriate," Walsh added.
Satisfied, Data released him.
"Goodnight, Ensign," Data said coldly. "It's time for you to return to your lodgings."
Walsh nodded and left quickly.
Gomez is never going to believe me. He thought to himself.
Data watched Walsh leave to ensure that he really had gone before turning his attention back to Tasha.
His eyes were ablaze. His pupils dilated so that they were nearly black. The soft candlelight of the room danced off them before a crack of lightning reflected in his stare.
Tasha felt uncharacteristically tiny under his watchful eye.
Farren handed Tasha a towel as she stepped out of the water, not tearing her eyes off Data.
Looking between Data and Tasha, Farren could read their attraction for one another.
"I understand now what you were trying to tell me. You and the pale one are joined," Farren said, suddenly understanding Tasha's disinterest in her affections.
"Yes, he and I are sort of uh-" Tasha tried to explain, suddenly struggling to find the words.
There wasn't a polite way of saying 'he's the man I'm about to jump.'
"Well then, health and happiness to your union. May you honour God tonight with your joining," Farren said with a disappointed smile.
Farren retreated back to the main hall of the lodge, leaving Data and Tasha alone.
For a moment, neither of them moved. The only sound was the wind howling outside as it whipped through the trees. It was accompanied by the steady drum of rain pounding against the walls of the building.
Data's eyes travelled down over her body as she stood there dripping onto the tile. Clutching the towel tight around herself, Tasha shivered.
As mortifying as the experience was, there was something terribly exciting about Data storming in and throwing the mouthy Ensign that had tormented her for so long into the wall.
He radiated strength and it was intoxicating.
Their room was not far.
Data had counted all thirty-eight steps between this sauna and their lodgings. They were at the far end of the resort and well away from the main hall where most of the guests were gathered to observe the storm.
Farren had left Tasha a short romper on the bench along the wall.
Data spied it out of his peripheral vision. He snatched it and threw it under his arm. Data grabbed Tasha's elbow and escorted her down the corridor without a word.
When they reached their lodgings, the room was darkened save for a candle Data had lit on the centre of their table. Nearly one entire wall was outfitted with glass panels that overlooked the hot springs outside.
However, the storm prevented them from seeing much in the dark.
Tasha glanced around the room and was grateful they had found somewhere so cosy to seek shelter – even if it wasn't truly secluded from the prying eyes of their fellow officers.
The Edo lived simply but in wonderful comfort. There was a modern, sleek stone tile fireplace along the wall. The bed was a large, raised platform with soft linen sheets and bright white pillows.
It may not have been the camping experience they were hoping for, but the room seemed quite lovely considering their circumstances.
A large crack of lightning startled Tasha.
She jumped, clutching her hand to her chest. She caught sight of something, or rather someone, peering out from the darkness.
There in the shadow of the entrance to their room, Data stood motionless as he watched her. Were it not for the reflection in his eyes, Tasha never would have seen him.
Like a predator hugging the jungle for cover, Data was watching her intently.
"Thank you," Tasha said softly.
She grinned and blushed, chewing on the inside of her lips as she thought about how to voice her feelings.
"It was pretty hot the way you could just pick him up like that," Tasha said.
She wasn't going to lie – Data's strength was a turn-on and Tasha had always been a sucker for it. He cut a lithe frame, but it wasn't just his lean, sculpted construction that made her want him.
Data carried himself with a sense of authority. He was never condescending, but he knew when to flex his metaphorical muscle.
He could go from sweet and inquisitive to dominating in a flash.
And it excited her.
"You are aroused," Data commented.
It was not said as a question, but rather a statement of fact.
He hadn't moved since entering the room, still watching her from the shadows.
Tasha nodded.
Data lifted his chin as he observed her, inhaling deeply and he planned his next move.
Something flashed in his eyes.
He was at her in two paces.
The towel was discarded, forgotten on the floor as Data swept Tasha off her feet and into his arms.
He clutched the back of her wet hair, holding her close as he inhaled the scent of her – a warm, cinnamon-like scent from the Edo sauna combined with something that was so distinctly her.
Data's arms were underneath her thighs. His hands rested on her backside to support her weight.
Tasha wrapped her legs around his waist and rocked against him.
Through the thin fabric of his Edo attire, Data could feel how ready she was. Tasha's hardened nipples were crushed against his chest. Her dripping cunt rubbed dangerously against the erection in his trousers, soaking through the thin fabric.
"I want to take you," Data confessed.
He closed his eyes and swallowed hard, doing his best to maintain his composure.
Data had no desire to frighten her. But the situation with Ensign Walsh had left him feeling invigorated and the energy from the storm was calling to him, playing on his emotions, and urging him toward the kind of unbridled passion Data had feared surrendering to.
And Data knew this storm was going to be his only chance to take that now that their solitude had been interrupted.
Tasha gripped the sides of his face and pulled Data into a heated kiss. She bit down on his lower lip, earning a frustrated groan from Data.
Tasha snaked her hand down between them to find the drawstring of his trousers. She fumbled with the knot for a moment.
Data grunted and withdrew his hand to assist.
His trousers dropped away a moment later.
Tasha squeezed her legs tight around him. She sat back in his arms and lifted his light, shirt up and over his shoulders. She tossed it aside and then paused to stare at Data, wordlessly giving him permission to proceed.
Data pulled her tight against his body, caressing the length of her spine as he relished in the feel of her breasts pressed alongside his bare chest.
Data's hand crept up to support the back of her head as he tipped her backwards.
He dove in, suckling, laving over the soft swell of her chest.
For the first time since they had begun, a small sound escaped from Tasha's lips as Data took her left nipple into his mouth.
His teeth grazed over the sensitive organ before turning to give equal attention to her right breast.
Tasha used all of her leverage, her heels digging into the back of Data's thighs as she ground her cunt against his stiff cock.
"Data," she breathed as he licked up the length between her breasts, kissed across her collarbone, and stopped to sink his teeth into the pulse point of her neck.
Data could feel her wet heat pressed firmly against his own painfully hard erection. He had patiently waited all day to bury himself inside of her warm, delectable cunt.
But he had dreamed of giving her a massage and an orgasm first – and it had been the perfect post-climb activity to kick off their shore leave.
Then between the sweltering heat and the storm, his plans for slipping inside her tempting little pussy had been waylaid.
With the hand around his waist, Data lifted Tasha enough so that she was positioned just above his cock. It was just enough pressure against her entrance to put her on edge.
Data locked eyes with Tasha.
"Breathe," he instructed.
Maintaining her gaze, Data watched her reaction as he lowered her onto his cock. He was mesmerised watching her expression as she sank down the length of him.
Data closed his eyes for a brief second, savouring the sensation of being fully encased by her eager body.
"Tell me how it feels," Data requested.
Tasha inhaled sharply in response.
The stretch of finally taking him felt divine. The raging storm only seemed to amplify the need to be joined so intimately as they held one another, surrounded by the sounds of what the Edo considered a once-in-a-lifetime weather anomaly.
Tasha clenched around the length of him in an effort to convey her feelings.
"Splendid," she confessed.
Without a moment to waste, Data pulled her flush against his body and began to bounce her on his cock.
Data was grateful he did not register pain in the same manner as humans as Tasha heels were implanted firmly in the fleshy portion of his arse as she clung to him.
Tasha could feel Data grin against her shoulder.
Data held her tight as he fucked her, the noise of her breath nearly drowned out by the storm.
She pulled back far enough to capture his lips. Tasha caressed his shoulders before letting her hands come to rest against his chest.
Tasha moaned against his mouth. It was the kind of uninhibited moan that he'd only heard on a handful of occasions – namely the first time they'd had sex.
Usually she chirped or squeaked, timid, sniffling and whining as he plunged into her. Data adored the little noises she made. They were so out of character for the hardened Tactical Officer he was used to seeing on the Bridge.
But tonight was different.
Tonight she was back to making the same kind of low, loud noises she had made the first time he'd had her – the kind of throaty noises of pleasure that left her hoarse.
The type of vocalisations that Tasha was hesitant to make on the Enterprise because she was afraid to give herself over to someone else so completely.
"I meant what I said," she panted.
She grimaced in pleasure. It was nothing for Data to lift her up and down the length of him, maintaining a fervent, rhythmic pace as gravity did most of the work in enabling Tasha to truly take the whole of him.
He'd promised he was going to use her like a toy and Data had certainly made good on that offer.
"I… ah… meant," she stopped and squeaked. "Meant what I… mmmhhmm …said."
Data shushed her.
He guided her to lay her head down on his shoulder as he continued to thrust up into her.
"I love you, Data," Tasha choked out.
She squeezed his back.
"Mmmm …I love you," Tasha keened.
Tasha was ready to give herself over to him.
She wasn't afraid anymore.
Data stopped. His fingers delicately stroked the back of her hair and then stilled.
Tasha was afraid she had killed the moment with her confession.
Tasha had admitted her feelings the other night while intoxicated. Although she had assured Data the next morning that her sentiments were genuine, they had not discussed it further.
And now there it was, hanging out in the open between them.
Tasha sat back and bit her lip.
"Data, I-" she started to say.
"Shhh," he said.
Data moved his head in toward her, tentatively pressing a series of short, playful kisses to her lips.
He stopped and rested his forehead against Tasha's.
"You're the only person I want to be with," Tasha whispered. "The man I love."
"What other man could love you so?" Data asked in response. "Could do this for you? Take you like this?"
He was unlike anyone. It sent a shock to her core, making her nerves flutter in knowing that Data could reclaim just how special he was.
Tasha's breath hitched, once more surprised by his hidden charm.
There was another crack of lightning, this time close by. It was followed by a low, rumbling boom of thunder.
Tasha's breath was shaky as she hung there in Data's embrace, split open on his glorious cock, their hips locked.
Supporting her with one arm, Data took hold of her hand and pulled it to his chest.
"Will you permit me to physically demonstrate my affection?" Data inquired.
"Uh huh," Tasha agreed softly.
Data brought her hand to his lips and pressed a soft kiss on top of her knuckles.
"And you promise that you will tell me if it is too much?" Data asked.
Tasha nodded.
"I need you to say it," Data insisted.
He needed her assurance, the security of knowing that she would speak up.
"Yes," Tasha breathed.
Data carried her to the table and deposited her on the surface.
He gave her a long, sensual kiss before pulling away. He stared at her fondly for a few seconds as Tasha tried to guess what was to come.
Data offered her his hand and pulled her to her feet.
Taking hold of her hips, he turned her around and bent her over the table.
Data traced his hand down the length of her spine, coming to rest in the small of her back.
Tasha felt his cock brush against her. Data teased at her sex, rubbing the head of his cock against her clit in an effort to drag out the sensation.
He slipped inside and gave her a moment to adjust.
From her position, Tasha saw his left hand come down as Data braced himself on the surface of the table.
A second later, he plunged into her.
It was an unrelenting pace. Tasha could feel the tops of her thighs bang against the sharp edge as he took her against the table.
Data felt incredible. Despite the months they had been together and their healthy, frequent sex life, he had never felt safe enough to truly let himself go.
He knew that there were necessary considerations given his android strength. If he weren't careful, he truly could hurt her.
In spite of his nearly twenty years of existence as a sexually active being, Data had never been with someone that had allowed him to take his fill.
Not only did Tasha not mind – she wanted him to share in that experience.
Data removed his hand from her backside and shifted so that he had braced himself with both hands on the table for better leverage as he continued to drive into her.
It was wonderful.
But Data needed more.
"Ah, ah," Tasha choked out as they changed positions.
Data took hold of Tasha's arms and pulled them back behind Tasha. She arched her back instinctively. Tasha stared down at the surface of the table, hovering above it as she was completely suspended by his grip on her wrists.
Her body rocked, her backside smacking against his bony hips as he maintained a frantic pace with machine-like precision.
There was something steady about the cadence of each thrust, each smack, as his heavy balls slapped against her sore cunt.
This was what it felt like to be ravaged. Tasha was certain that this would be one of the sexual experiences she would think about in her old age and wonder how and why her body had ever been capable of enduring such a sweet torment.
It was the kind of memory that would make her burn.
For his part, Data had only theorised what it would be like to experience coupling with her in this manner – and it far exceeded his expectations in every way, except one.
She had grown considerably more quiet in their position and Data was growing concerned.
He released her hands and caught her body, wrapping his arms around her body. Data guided her back down over the table proper, pressing the weight of his chest against her naked back.
One of his hands slipped between her legs as Data began to stroke her clit.
Tasha whimpered.
It was a start, but Data wanted to hear the sultry tenor of her voice calling his name.
"You feel wonderful," he said.
Data nuzzled his head against her back. He kissed the centre between her shoulder blades and then turned his head to the side to rest his cheek there.
"I want to make you scream my name," Data shared.
There was a sharp crack of lightning and the wind picked up, berating the window with a torrential downpour.
"And no one can hear you scream tonight," Data growled.
If there was ever a time for them to have loud, hip-smacking, deity-screaming sex – it was tonight.
Tasha's legs were shaking. It all felt so incredible that she had been straining under the pressure to bear it for him.
All of sudden, her legs buckled.
Data's android reflexes allowed him to catch Tasha before she fell.
Stopping for the first time since truly letting himself go, Data realised he was breathing hard as his artificial breathing system worked overtime to maintain his functioning.
"Don't stop," Tasha pleaded.
Data gripped her hips. He picked her up and pulled her back onto his cock.
While it may have been a feat reserved only for the athletically endowed, it was nothing for Data to scoop Tasha up and hold her there.
For Tasha, it was a titillating notion.
Tasha was suspended on the length of Data's cock, her feet dangling inches above the carpet.
Satisfied she was secured, Data resumed his earlier, merciless tempo and he plunged himself into her.
Data was grunting, panting just like a man.
And so much more than a man. Tasha mused to herself.
And obscene noise filled the room. They both enjoyed the deep penetration the new position afforded them as Data's fingers dug into the flesh of her hips.
It wasn't one of the positions Data had envisioned, but he found that it was exactly what he had needed.
She had both symbolically and physically surrendered to him, trusting that Data would not harm her.
She was screaming his name now, sobbing as her breasts bounced with each new push, and begging any deity in the universe for Data to fuck her senseless.
Just before it reached the point that she thought she may have to tap out, Data's hips bucked as he spilled himself.
Tasha clenched around him, squeezing his cock as a thick load of biofluid spurted out the tip of his cock.
She felt full in ways she could never have imagined.
Tasha went limp in his arms as she let her head fall back against his chest. She felt downright spent and was ready to collapse into bed.
Data held her there, silent, and unmoving as he processed the wave of emotions that were surging through his neural net.
There was certainly delight.
A sense of fulfilment.
But there was something deeper, a connection shared between the two of them now that Data knew was different.
Their relationship had shifted, taking on a new, richer meaning. Not only had the nature of their very relationship changed - their bond was more profound than the connection Data shared with any other being.
He closed his eyes and willed himself to denote each sensation, every aspect of this moment to memory. Simultaneously, time felt like it was standing still and moving all too fast at once as he attempted to hold on to the feel of her twitching cunt, the salty taste of the perspiration on her neck, the heady smell of her sex that penetrated every available inch of air in the room.
Data could feel his own biofluid leaking out around his cock and felt a strange notion of pride in that fact.
Tasha's hand covering his own brought him back to the present.
Data pressed a soft kiss to the side of her neck.
He wasn't sure words could suitably translate how grateful he was for the opportunity to let himself go.
Data carried her across the room and casually, but carefully tossed her on top of the bed.
Tasha gingerly rolled over and found Data was already on top of her.
He could be alarmingly fast at times.
Tasha backed down toward the bed as Data closed in on her.
In contrast to his previous hunger, his kiss was tender.
Data's tongue skimmed across the bow of her lips, requesting permission to go any further. Tasha opened her mouth, welcoming his gentle touch.
Data's lips travelled to her jawline and then her neck.
He planted a delicate kiss on the swell of each breast before trailing his lips down across her abdomen. He skipped over her ravaged cunt in favour of tending to the bruised flesh on the inside of her thighs.
Tasha closed her eyes. She let her hands fall back against the bed.
No part of her wanted him to stop. She was certain that even if she could formulate the words, she would regret the loss of his touch.
His hands traced over the marks on her thighs, kissing to acknowledge each black and purple bruise that were evidence of their connection. He massaged the back of her legs, soothing her muscles.
It was an act of gratitude. He was thanking her for allowing him to share in such a profound act of devotion.
No one had ever done that for Data - allowed him to touch them like that before.
With his hands on the back of her thighs, Data guided her legs up as he spread her before him.
He licked up the length of her slowly. Data kissed her pussy and then flattened his tongue. He lapped at her clit, stroking her slowly as he sought to care for the places he had made sore.
It was more medicinal than sexual, an effort to help her come down from the intensity of their evening. And an attempt to communicate just how much he cherished what she had given him.
As she lay there, Tasha was certain she had died atop the mountain and everything she had experienced since was part of some divine afterlife.
Tasha relaxed into the soft bed as she listened to the wind howl outside. The steady pace of Data's tongue was hypnotic.
Eventually, Data registered a change in her breathing.
She was asleep.
Two hours later, the storm was still raging. Data had ensured Tasha was tucked in and sleeping soundly before he'd stepped out to check in with the Edo and the other crew. There had still been no contact with the Enterprise.
Resigned there was nothing else he could do until the storm system had moved on, Data returned to their quarters.
Tasha was still fast asleep, curled up with one arm tucked under her head and the other clutching the sheet.
The lone, solitary candle that had kept vigil during the storm was low. Its light was beginning to flicker as it reached the end of its life.
Hours earlier it had burned with an unmatched intensity, dancing off the walls as Data had poured himself into an equally fervent act of lovemaking.
It would fade, in time, just like the storm outside.
Even in the reduced light, Data could see that bruises marred the pale skin across her collarbone where he had been, perhaps, a bit too enthusiastic with his duranium teeth.
Data slipped out his shoes and climbed in next to her.
Tasha stirred, registering a shift in the temperature and weight on the bed.
"Do not get up," Data whispered.
Tasha responded with a lazy affirmative.
She rolled over and snaked her arms around him. Tasha hissed at the pressure of her tender flesh.
"I believe it will be better for you to lay like this," Data said, spooning up behind her.
She snuggled in against him, pleased that he had returned.
Tasha slept better when they were together.
Data shut out the sound of the storm and initiated his dream programme, feeling content.
When Tasha awoke, there was bright sunshine already streaming into the room. They had not even considered closing the shades given that it had been dark – and she had enjoyed drifting to sleep watching the storm.
She felt the weight of Data next to her on the bed.
"Sorry," she yawned, recalling that the last thing she could remember was having sex.
"I am not offended," Data assured her.
He nuzzled against her neck.
"It was my intention to help you reach a restful slumber," Data shared.
She was lying on her side. Data's fingers ghosted down the length of her bicep, over the curve of her hip, and along the length of her thigh.
He delicately traced the abrasions on her breasts.
"I'm fine," Tasha said, understanding that he needed reassurance she was not injured.
Data kissed her shoulder and then rolled away.
He returned a moment later and Tasha felt a chill as he placed a cool compress between her thighs.
"You are heavily bruised," Data said, feeling guilty.
To his surprise she giggled softly.
"Worth it," she said in a sleepy, amused tone before quickly adding a caveat. "We can't do this every time, though."
Data had anticipated as such.
Their actions in the early morning hours had been rather passionate.
With considerable effort, Tasha groaned and rolled over to lie on her back.
Data startled when he felt her palm his soft cock through his trousers.
"You're kind of big, baby," she said mischievously.
Her fingers closed around his cock, stroking him hard through the thin fabric.
"And you really know how to pack a punch," Tasha purred.
Data reached back toward the nightstand and grabbed a strawberry-like fruit.
"I took the liberty of having them bring some breakfast," Data said, hoping to change the subject.
He fed Tasha one of them and she took several more seconds than necessary to lick his fingers.
She grinned as she chewed it, eyeing him with a dangerous look.
Data knew where her thoughts lay, but he was concerned that she needed time to recover. He surmised the best option would be to confront the matter directly.
There would be plenty of other activities to occupy their time.
"Tasha, I do not believe it would be wise for us to proceed with sexual intimacy until you have had time to heal," Data advised.
"I don't seem to have any problem with my hands," Tasha said innocently.
Surprised by her forwardness, Data did not resist when she climbed on top of him. Nor did make a noise when she pulled the drawstring of his trousers and slipped them down past his cock.
"Good morning," Tasha teased.
Tasha flashed him a brilliant smile before taking him in her mouth.
Data temporarily ceased breathing as he watched her suck the length of him.
Her tongue stroked him, pushing him toward release.
Data's fingers instinctively went to her hair, brushing her bangs back.
Tasha looked up at him, meeting his eyes as she released his cock with a sweet 'pop.' It brushed against her swollen lips before she kissed the tip.
Data was on sensory overload as her tongue traced the artificial vein on the underside of his erection before she sank back down, taking the full length of his shaft.
It hadn't been an item on Data's agenda, but he certainly wasn't going to ask Tasha to stop. She wanted to pleasure him, to ensure that their experience on shore leave was one of mutual affection.
With his free hand, Data reached down and took hold of her own. His fingers intertwined with Tasha's, he found his release.
His hips bucked and then stilled.
When she finished, Tasha curled up and rested her head on his chest.
"Good morning, Commander," Tasha said as she kissed his chest.
"Good morning, Lieutenant," Data responded before kissing the top of her hair.
There was a sense of quiet domesticity of it all that Data would miss upon their return to the ship – waking up in the same bed, knowing they would have the day together, no responsibility, no need to sneak around.
A shadow passed by the window that spanned the length of the wall. There was a deck outside that overlooked the hot springs.
It was a group of three Edo.
Tasha blanched.
"Health and happiness to you!" they called, waving as they passed.
"We're gonna close the shade right?" Tasha asked.
"I believe that would be wise," Data responded.
