A/N: Thank you for reading, commenting, and/or leaving kudos.
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) in the "The Complication."
Chapter specific C/W: There is some discussion of Data and Tasha's past trauma as they work through finding a comfortable rhythm for their own relationship and boundaries. There is nothing graphic nor any flashbacks.
The purpose of this was to show how they both are comfortable being there for one another, supportive, patient, and growing together as a couple. Mental hurt/comfort.
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.
Later that morning, Data left their quarters and made his way down the corridor toward the tailor. Although the Edo had provided Tasha with one of their rompers, it was hardly the kind of thing she was comfortable wearing.
Data had offered to fetch her something more comfortable.
Looking out of the large glass windows, Data could see the damage that was left from the storm. The ground was still wet and there were trees and branches strewn about across the once-pristine wilderness.
Approximately thirty metres away from the window there was a dark tree that was split down the middle, struck by lightning. It was evident the storm had caused significant damage.
When Data reached the tailor, he quickly selected something more to Tasha's taste. He was ready to head back to their quarters when he spotted Ensigns Walsh, Gomez, and Jeffords sitting with Lieutenant Harris at a table in the main hall.
The four raised their glasses to Data.
Feeling it was necessary to perhaps remind Walsh to behave, Data approached the group.
"Lieutenant Harris, I hope your leg wound has recovered from the hunting trip," Data asked.
He had been injured during their previous mission.
"Yes, sir. It's much better," Harris smiled.
"That is good," Data said with a small nod.
He gave Walsh a knowing look and turned to leave.
"Uh, sir. Wait a moment," Walsh said nervously.
Data turned back around and eyed Walsh cautiously.
"Sir, may I ask you a question?" Walsh asked.
"Yes, Ensign?" Data responded.
"I'm sorry I underestimated you. Clearly there's a lot more to you than I think any of us realised. You're not just a machine," Walsh said.
Data felt a strange sense of gratitude for Walsh's words. It wasn't often the other crew members admitted to their prejudice.
"Thank you, Ensign," Data replied.
"But you are a machine with the ladies," Walsh smirked as his demeanour changed. "What's your secret, Commander? How do you do it?"
Data cocked his head to the side as it took him 0.021 seconds to process Walsh was, in fact, mocking him and another 1.3 seconds to formulate an appropriate response.
"I treat people with respect, Ensign," Data replied coolly. "And if you find you are having trouble in your romantic endeavours perhaps you should consider changing that about yourself. Good day, gentlemen."
Data turned on his heel and left, leaving Walsh with his mouth hanging open, looking like he'd been smacked across the face.
"I bet she's only with him because he doesn't have any emotion. Just like her, soft as Klingon armour," Harris said.
"No. I'm telling you, I heard it from a guy that served with her on the Crazy Horse. Said she was insatiable. It only makes sense she'd go for a robot. He probably vibrates," Gomez said.
"Guys this is vulgar. They are our superior officers," Jeffords warned, looking around cautiously.
"Give me an hour with her and I guarantee she'd never go back to that tin can," Walsh boasted.
"Oh, I think it's going to be hard for you to find that kind of time when you're on report," Geordi said from behind Walsh.
The four men stiffened.
"Lieutenant, I didn't mean that-" Harris said.
"Save it. I heard every word. Harris, Walsh, Gomez you are on report the minute your shore leave ends and if you ever speak about another crew member that way again, I'll file a formal complaint with Starfleet," Geordi said in a low, warning voice. "And take my advice, Jeffords – find yourself better friends."
"He said what?" Tasha asked, as her eyebrows shot up.
Data had just informed her of his encounter with Walsh.
Tasha was fuming. She didn't like anyone calling Data a machine, especially an overly confident young Ensign with an attitude like Walsh.
"I'm going to speak with him about this," Tasha said as she got up from the table.
She shrugged off the dressing gown she had been wearing and grabbed hold of the clothes Data had brought back for her. It was similar to his own, a large shirt and loose drawstring pants.
"He needs to understand that you're a person. His behaviour has been completely unacceptable," Tasha said as she stepped into trousers.
She grabbed the drawstring to tighten it, but Data's hand grabbed her hand to stop her.
"You cannot expect to force acceptance onto others," Data advised.
She didn't respond. She knew he was right.
"I believe you promised that the duration of our shore leave would be spent doing what I wanted. And right now, I would like for you to put him out of your mind," Data said.
Data let his hands come to rest on her shoulders and then kissed her forehead.
Tasha leaned into his embrace, placing her head against his chest as she gave him a tight squeeze.
"Would you want to go for a walk?" Tasha inquired.
She was dying to get into the hot springs, but she wasn't sure that Data could. Tasha was also hesitant to ask lest it be a reminder of something his synthetic construction prevented him from enjoying.
Water was one thing.
Water thick with minerals and salts was another.
Data was eager to get out and explore so they slipped on their shoes and headed off on a trail that ran through the wooded area around the resort.
The storm had done considerable damage. There were trees ripped up right from the roots, downed branches, and overturned landscaping structures.
Hand in hand they strolled through the woods, doing the best to avoid the mud puddles. They initially discussed the results of the storm. Tasha shared that such occurrences were common on Turkana, particularly during the monsoon season.
Data had only ever experienced a handful of such thunderstorms. A minor one during a mission on Cristicus III and a few during his time at Starfleet Academy. Such storms were rare over San Francisco – and certainly nothing like the one they had experienced the night before.
After a while they fell silent, content to simply be in the presence of one another.
Tasha looped her arm through Data's and rested the side of her head against his bicep as they strolled in a comfortable silence, accompanied only by the sounds of the wildlife that surrounded them.
When they got back to their lodgings, Data stepped into the lavvy and turned on the tap. The Edo offered a wide variety of delicious foods. Tasha had to admire their commitment to enjoying life. Their room came stocked with trays of fruits, nuts, seeds, and biscuits.
The Edo called them De eldo. They were prepared, rounded trays that they Edo liked to keep on hand whenever hunger struck.
There was also wine.
Lots of wine.
Tasha snagged two glasses from the shelf, one of the trays, and two bottles of wine.
There was a large, tiled tub in their lodgings. It was similar to though not as big as the one in the public bathhouse. As the water began to fill the tub, Data stepped over to the counter to examine several of the options available. There were a number of oils and herbs that could be used to enhance what the Edo considered their restorative baths.
Data smelled the first vial. It was a potent, sappy scent similar to birchwood.
After shifting through the various options, Data decided on a blend of lavender and bergamot for an airy, bright scent.
He removed his clothing and folded it out of habit before placing it into a storage container designated for clothing that required laundering.
Data leaned over the tub to turn off the tap.
Tasha stepped into the lavvy and grinned. She let her eyes wander up the length of his lean calves, over his bare arse, and up to his shoulder blades.
He cut a striking figure, even though he didn't realise it.
I'll never get tired of seeing that. She mused to herself appreciatively.
Data turned around and stood up straight.
Or that. Tasha thought with a grin, her gaze fixated on the sharp edge of the v line that cut down over his bony hips to the cock that hung between his legs.
Data knew she was staring at him. It felt good to know he was desirable.
Tasha set the wine glasses and provisions down on the tile edge that surrounded the bath.
Locking eyes with Data she pulled her shirt up overhead and deposited it on the floor next to her feet. Maintaining his gaze she found the drawstring to her trousers.
Data stepped forward and gripped her backside. He had found he enjoyed the way he could rest his palms across it, the curve seeming to fit perfectly under his hands.
"The water should aid in the recovery of injuries," Data said.
From the way it was said, Tasha could pick up that there was a part of him that felt guilty for being the cause.
"Don't," Tasha said, nuzzling her face against his.
He'd been wrestling with his feelings on the matter since the night before.
"Data, you're the sweetest person," Tasha assured him.
His breath hitched.
Person.
She meant it. He would never hurt her. He may claim that it was because such actions were contrary to his programming – but Tasha believed it was because that's just the type of person he was.
Tasha took hold of his hand and kissed each of the tips of his fingers.
"You are so dear to me," she went on. "So tender. And I think it's kind of endearing that you, well-"
She trailed off and grinned up at him.
"That you can get all hot and bothered. It's rather flattering knowing that you get turned on like that," Tasha said.
She bit her lip. A distinctive blush crept across her face.
"By me," Tasha concluded.
It was exactly what Data had needed to hear. It was a strange feeling to know that he was utterly spellbound to another being – her presence hovering so close against him that a significant portion of his neural net was dedicated to her and her alone.
Tasha laughed softly, her tongue travelling across her teeth as she felt him grow hard.
She turned her eyes down between them and Data panicked.
"I-I am sorry," Data apologised.
"For what?" Tasha asked.
Data glanced down at himself, feeling embarrassed.
He hadn't meant to ruin such a tender moment with an uncontrollable stiffie like some kind of hormonal teenager.
Tasha's hand ghosted across his abdomen.
"There's nothing to be ashamed of," Tasha said, hoping to instil confidence in Data. "You're beautiful."
His modesty programming sometimes made it difficult for Data to feel comfortable in the nude. He had so often found himself fixated on the ways in which he was not human.
The subtle lines of his construction were a constant reminder that he wasn't quite human.
Close but no cigar. As a former associate had put it.
Tasha didn't care about the panel on his forearms, the deactivation switch on his spine, or the biofluid waste removal access port on his inner thigh.
There was something about being naked with one another that was helping Data learn to love his own body.
"What do you say we climb in before it gets cold?" Tasha inquired.
"The geological composition of these rocks means that they will retain heat for some time," Data advised. "Additionally, there is a heating source under the tub that will maintain the temperature of the water."
He had discovered how to activate such a device earlier when inspecting the room.
Tasha grinned.
"You're so clever," she mused aloud.
Data offered Tasha his hand to help her step up into the tub and then slipped in himself.
Tasha poured them both a glass of wine and then they settled in opposite of one another, their legs tangled across one another in the middle.
Data rested his head back against the warm tile. He wore a small, pleased expression.
Tasha relaxed too. She sank into the water, sitting at an angle so that just her shoulders were exposed above the water level.
Normally she didn't much go for this kind of extravagant romantic evening. Tasha was easy to please – a quiet night in with a cosy jumper and a good book was all the excitement she needed.
Data enjoyed them as well, but he was also keen to experience the kind of traditional, overt intimate activities that had never had the opportunity to share in with his previous sexual encounters.
Despite being no stranger to sex, Data's former partners had always seen him as a curiosity or a toy. To them, he was simply the android.
There was no acknowledgement of his feelings.
No care for his desires.
Except for Tasha.
She wanted to know how his day went.
She cared about his hobbies.
Most importantly, she had insisted from the start that they chart this new territory as partners.
Equal partners.
Yet, Tasha had been reluctant to put a label on exactly what they were.
Data understood there were a number of factors why it was difficult for Tasha to put a formal label on what they had. The life of a career Starfleet officer aside, Tasha had her own reasons for being sceptical of labels.
Commander Riker had shared with Data that Tasha had previously lost her fiancé due to a tragic accident during her time on the Crazy Horse. Data had never mentioned his awareness of this to Tasha but was ready to talk about it with her when she was ready.
He also understood that she had suffered considerable loss and suspected she was hesitant to make a commitment – even one in name only – for fear of losing Data too.
So Data was patient.
He would give her time.
She wasn't ready yet.
And he wasn't ready to walk away. He wouldn't give up on her that easily.
"What are you thinking about?" Tasha asked.
"I am thinking that I am quite pleased," Data answered.
"About what?" Tasha pressed.
"About us," Data replied.
He raised his glass to her.
"To us," Data toasted. "Whatever it is that we are, I am glad we have it."
Tasha cocked her head to the side and raised her glass.
"To us," she agreed.
After taking a drink, Tasha set her glass down on the edge. She crawled across the tub and began to pick through the contents of the tray.
"Try this one," Tasha said as she fed a piece of a square, green fruit to Data.
He felt slightly awkward as he wasn't used to someone else caring enough to feed him.
Data took a bite and was instantly hit with a potent, sour flavour on his tongue. It had a similar citrusy element almost like a grapefruit.
He nodded approvingly and Tasha flashed him a brilliant smile.
Eager to participate, Data selected a long stalk of a tart, blue fruit and offered it to Tasha.
She was pleased to see him get into the spirit of it.
With a satisfying 'crunch' she took a bite off the tip.
"Mmm, not bad," she said, covering her mouth.
The texture was a bit like rhubarb, but it had a more subtle flavour.
They spent time grazing. With his newfound sense of taste, Data was still navigating just what he found pleasurable, and which flavours he could do without.
But as Tasha gave him a quick peck on the lips after they'd polished off the pineapple bits, Data was still of the opinion that everything still tasted better on her.
While Data did not require food-based sustenance to operate, his body was capable of breaking down such material whenever he consumed it. His system could convert most of it into fluid to lubricate his biofunctions or material used to promote his follicle regrowth rate.
Data did not have an actual stomach, but he did feel a satisfactory sense of fullness as his body broke down the meal.
And with that fullness came an unusual feeling of euphoria.
"Are you alright?" Tasha inquired, noting that he appeared to be in deep thought.
"I am fine. Just processing this unfamiliar experience of being stuffed with food," Data confessed.
He glanced down at the water and then back up.
"I am sorry. It must seem strange to you. I suspect this feeling most humanoids do not recall experiencing for the first time given the manner in which childhood memories are often difficult to recall," Data acknowledged.
Tasha shook her head in the negative.
"I know exactly how you feel," she said as she took hold of his hand in the water.
Tasha could clearly remember the moment she had first experienced a feeling of fullness after a meal.
She had been seventeen and a student at Starfleet Academy. Even after being rescued by a Starfleet vessel at fifteen, Tasha had shared an unusual relationship with food.
She lived to eat and was frequently hungry.
It had been such a strange thing to learn that she wasn't expected to exchange material goods, services, or her body for a meal. Stranger still had been the fact that there was a world of variety at her fingertips – anytime, anyplace, and as much as she wanted.
Despite having all of that food available at her fingertips, Tasha had instinctively never finished her replicated meals. She had learned at an early age that whenever she had food, it was important to stash some away for fear that she didn't know if or when her next meal would be.
It had taken nearly two years of counselling to work through that. Her counsellor had urged her to enjoy a full meal without feeling guilty.
It culminated with Tasha eating a sickening amount of firecracker tofu accompanied by more than a few pints for courage. She had spent a considerable amount of time nursing a queasy gut after that. Ten years later, Tasha still couldn't stomach cheap beer with spicy food.
Even to this day, Tasha still kept snacks readily available – especially on away missions – because of the food insecurity she had grown up with.
A strange thought crossed Tasha's mind as she considered her position in Starfleet.
She was so grateful she had escaped Turkana.
At least my children will never have to know that kind of hunger. She thought pleasantly.
Instantly, she grew terribly uncomfortable and shook the thought from her mind.
Children? A little voice in her head said sharply.
"What occupies your thoughts so?" Data asked.
"Just thinking about food," Tasha replied with a smile.
It wasn't entirely untrue.
Tasha grabbed a flannel off the shelf and dipped it into the water.
She pulled Data's hand out and carefully washed each of his fingers, over his wrist, and up his arm. She caught a quick, subtle glimpse of Data as he watched her – his eyes lit up with wonder at the thought that she would treat him to such gentleness.
Tasha encouraged him to turn around in the water. Coming up close behind him, she cleaned over his shoulders. Data closed his eyes and relished in the feeling of the warm water on the back of his neck.
She pressed a series of slow, appreciative kisses to his neck and shoulders as she washed across his chest.
Data brought his hand out of the water and captured her wrist. He kissed the back of her hand. He took the flannel from her before turning to give Tasha the same attention.
Eventually, the flannel became secondary to his focus on her neck.
Data pulled her in close, nibbling at her neck. His lips closed around the pulse point on her neck and Tasha keened softly.
Data kissed along her jawline. He pressed his lips against her chin, dragging them across her face. Their noses rubbed against each other before he captured her lips in a deep, heartfelt kiss.
Their hands roamed over one another's bodies. Her tongue was in his mouth. The dry, acidic flavour of the wine, as complex and alluring as she was.
As they broke apart, her eyes were closed. She sat back against the other side of the tub. Her lips were red and swollen from the pressure.
Data watched the rise and fall of her chest as Tasha inhaled the steam that surrounded them, catching her breath from their unhurried kiss and cuddle.
For a moment, neither of them said anything as they settled back in on opposite sides of the tub.
Data shifted in surprise as he felt Tasha's bare foot creep along the inside of his thigh before pressing gently against his erection.
She grinned playfully as she dragged her toes up the length of him and back down to the base before letting it rest there.
From her side of the tub, she grabbed Data's left leg under the water and brought it up to rest on her opposite knee.
Data felt a wonderful sense of bliss as she rubbed his foot. He kneaded the balls of his feet with her thumbs. She massaged his toes and then his heel. When she was finished with one foot, Tasha did the same for the second.
Data rested his arms on the edge of the tub and smiled.
After she finished with his feet, Data returned the favour – starting at her feet and massaging the back of her calves.
Once he had finished both legs, he pulled her toward him.
Tasha snuggled up against Data, letting her head fall back against him. Data snaked one arm around her chest. His hand rested on her shoulder and Tasha's came out of the water to cover it.
"I used to imagine moments like these," Data whispered against her ear. "For a long time I have desired to share in such intimacy with another person."
He had spent years longing to connect with someone, hoping there was someone out there that could see him as a person, appreciate what he had to offer as a lover.
"I am so glad that it is with you," Data confessed.
He pressed a tender kiss to the spot just below her ear.
Tasha turned her head and pressed her lips to the back of hand.
"Me too, Data," she replied softly. "Me too."
Neither of them felt much more like talking, content to close their eyes and simply enjoy a quiet soak.
An hour later, they were enjoying the use of the fireplace. Their rooms were temperature controlled but hopping out of the warm bath had left them both with a bit of a chill.
So Data had started a fire.
They were tightly wrapped in two fluffy dressing gowns lying on the floor in front of the fireplace. They were both on their backs, staring at the ceiling with their heads next to one another, their bodies lying in opposite directions.
Tasha was feeling just the right amount of influence from the wine – her inhibitions were lowered. She was relaxed, but not yet intoxicated.
"Was this on your list?" Tasha asked, referring to his list of things he wanted to try.
"My list?" Data inquired.
Tasha could feel his head tilt on the floor. She grinned to herself. His mannerisms weren't just for show or to imitate human behaviour – they were a part of him, as real and natural as anyone.
"Your list about things you want to experience," Tasha clarified.
"Ah! I see," Data said.
The pair fell silent.
"Will you tell me about it?" Tasha asked.
Data understood that communication was critical for a healthy relationship. Still, he felt somewhat uncomfortable being put on the spot like that.
Tasha sensed he was shy.
"How about I share something with you?" she asked.
She didn't need to see his face to know just how he'd reacted.
"Well, you know how a good workout always leaves me feeling energised," Tasha started.
She chewed her lip, as she chose her words carefully. A part of her was eager to share her fantasies with Data. Another part of Tasha felt like she was probably being silly.
Her playful side won over in the end.
"Sometimes I think about coming back from a workout or a sparring session and we go to my quarters. And one way or another we wind up rolling around. It's just sort of playful and competitive at first," Tasha shared.
She took a heavy breath as she imagined what it would feel like to roll around, teasing one another, wrestling for control.
"And we tussle. You could end it at any moment, but you like giving me the illusion of it being a fair fight," she chuckled.
Data's superior strength meant that there was no way in which she could ever truly be a match for him. Yet, he understood her intention. He was capable of controlling his strength output and often did so whenever he played squash or sparred with humanoids.
"Just when I think I've got you and I'm ready to declare victory you flip me on my back," Tasha continued.
Her breathing was starting to grow heavy.
Just the thought of Data's strong arms pinning her down made her skin prickle with excitement.
Tasha reached back and brought her hand to the side of his face, pulling the side of his head against her own.
"That same kind of competitive energy carries over into some rather ardent lovemaking," Tasha shared. "And I guess I think it would be pretty hot for you to, well, you know go at each other like that. You, pinning me down with those gorgeous arms."
There was a faint gasp from Data.
She thinks about me. Data thought in amazement.
Not only did she think about him – she fantasised about him.
And if the current pattern of her breathing were any indication, Tasha was aroused by the thought of it.
There was no sound other than the crackle of the fire.
When Data didn't respond, Tasha felt that she had crossed a line.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable. I shouldn't-" Tasha started to apologise.
Data's hand shot out and took hold of Tasha's hand that was resting against his face.
"Tell me more," Data demanded, squeezing her hand.
Tasha was taken aback by his request.
Staring at the ceiling, Tasha was momentarily stunned.
Suddenly, she was the one on the spot. She felt terribly embarrassed and aroused at the thoughts she had secretly had about Data – even before they were together when he had simply been her commanding officer and a friend.
"Erm," she cleared her throat.
In for a penny. She said to buck herself up.
"Sometimes on poker night I think about what it would be like to come across the table," Tasha described.
She closed her eyes, thinking back to all the times she'd had that thought – and how hard she'd tried to keep her mind from wandering to that place whenever they were at poker.
"I'd sit down on your lap, rip that green visor off your head," Tasha went on.
Data felt a distinct shift in his system. The sound of her voice caused a rush of biofluid to run south as it reallocated from his primary systems to his sexuality programming.
"I'd run my fingers through your hair. Gently at first. And then I'd pull on the back of it, forcing you to look up at me," Tasha told him. "I want to watch your face while I ride you."
Data's cock twitched under his dressing gown.
Tasha undid the sash on her own dressing gown. With her free hand, she caressed across the swell of her own breasts.
"Tell me about your list, Data," Tasha urged. "I want to know what you think about in your big, juicy brain."
She cupped her left breast, stroking her thumb across her hardened nipple.
Data cleared his throat.
"It is a rather extensive list," Data confessed. "We would theoretically be here for days were I to describe every possible permutation of the ways in which I desire intimacy. For example, even amongst an act such as fellatio, I can think of ninety-two different variations."
Tasha's hand was halfway down her abdomen when she froze.
Ninety-two different variations.
Data felt somewhat embarrassed that his list contained items that were distinctly designed for his pleasure.
"Only with your consent. I would never expect you to accommodate-" Data assured her.
"Data, you've thought of ninety-two ways?" Tasha asked, stunned.
"Yes," he confessed, ashamed.
Tasha closed her eyes. He couldn't see it, but she was beaming.
"Good," Tasha replied in a husky voice as she stroked his cheek with her thumb.
She was pleased to know that his list involved things he wanted that were focused on his pleasure. Tasha felt it was important for him to recognise and lean-in to his sexuality. Exploration was healthy and he deserved to experience the rich, full possibilities of lovemaking.
Data was relieved. She hadn't been offended by the notion. In fact, his audio receptors could clearly pick up on the subtle sound of just how excited she was by the idea.
Tasha was touching herself.
"Data," she breathed against his ear. "Don't stop."
She turned her head to the side and pressed an ardent kiss against his ear.
"Please," she encouraged.
Data's neural net surged as he struggled to process so much sensory input at the same time that he was tasked with recalling the details of his extensive bucket list of intimacy.
"It is a substantial list," Data said. "Would you prefer I go in priority order, categorise by subgroups, or I could go through alphabetically."
"Sure, baby," Tasha panted.
Data moved his eyebrows up and down, signalling he understood that Tasha could care less where he started – she just wanted him to begin.
"In that case, I will proceed alphabetically," Data began.
Tasha's hips lifted a few inches off the ground as she rocked against her hand.
"I must confess that for time there has been something I would like proposition you on," Data said. "An intimate act that would involve lengthy and significant foreplay."
"Oh?" Tasha asked, grinning against his ear.
"Indeed," Data explained. "Preparation would be essential to ensuring that it is safe and pleasurable."
Tasha's mind raced with possibilities as she tried to guess what was on his mind.
Restraints? Some complex position?
She was intrigued.
"Mmmm …what do you want to do?" Tasha pressed.
"Anal sex," Data shared.
Data heard her breathing immediately change. She had stopped touching herself. Her body had stiffened.
He instantly regretted bringing it up.
"I apologise," Data said quickly.
"No, no," Tasha shook her head. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to throw you off."
Data frowned. He rolled onto his side so that he could look at Tasha while speaking to her.
"Your reaction would indicate that the idea is not one you find pleasurable," Data observed. "I will remove that and all related items from my list."
"No," Tasha's hand shot out.
She felt she'd put her foot in her mouth. The last thing she wanted Data to do was shut down.
"May I inquire, is your reaction based on a general disapproval of such an action? Or a personal dislike?" Data inquired before quickly adding. "There is no obligation to answer if you would prefer not to."
Tasha wasn't sure how to respond.
"I just, um, it was unexpected," she lied.
She couldn't look at him and was keen to change the subject.
"What's next on your list?" Tasha asked.
Data looked slightly dejected at her request that they change topics.
"I'm sorry," Tasha said, turning toward him.
Their faces were hovering inches from one another, and it was clear that there was something on Data's mind.
"I didn't even give you a chance to talk about it," Tasha acknowledged as she stroked his cheek. "This is rather important to you, isn't it?"
Data's expression changed slightly, indicating that he was searching for a response.
"During my early years of activation, in which I was held under captivity for experimentation, part of that study included testing my sexual functions," Data explained.
"Oh Data, I am so sorry you had to experience that," Tasha said.
Her eyes began to water as she cupped his face.
"It was when I first discovered that my design included an artificially constructed prostate," Data explained.
While the manner in which Data had learned of this discovery had been a painful ignorance of his rights by Starfleet, Data had found that the actual physical sensation of such an act was to his liking.
He shared with Tasha that he had rarely had the opportunity to explore it further.
"While some of my previous sexual encounters were with men, it seemed they all preferred that I be the partner responsible for penetrating rather than receiving," Data explained.
He surmised it had something to do with them seeing him more as a fully functioning sex toy than as a person with his own needs.
It had certainly felt good.
But there were times that Data wanted to be on the other end of things.
Tasha certainly hadn't expected that for an explanation.
"I didn't know," she admitted.
That put an entirely new spin on things.
The idea of helping Data explore that, of pleasuring him in that manner was not something that repulsed her. She would be more than happy to try it with him.
"Of course we can do that," Tasha assured him.
She smiled and stroked his hair.
Tasha was no stranger to pleasuring another lover with her fingers or a toy. After all, there was a reason she'd always kept her nails neatly trimmed. While such penetrative acts had only been with other women, Tasha figured it couldn't be all that different with Data.
She understood the need to go slow, to communicate, and to use plenty of lubricant.
It was like lifting a weight from Data's shoulders.
"I'd love to, Data," Tasha said. "Especially if it helps you take back something that was once a horrible memory."
Tasha understood the struggle of reconnecting with one's own body after experiencing assault. There were times that avoiding triggers felt like a minefield. But she had found empowerment in reclaiming her own body and eventually developing a healthier relationship with sex.
And during the months she had been with Data, it had felt like she'd travelled leaps and bounds forward in that respect.
"In my limited experience, such an act requires trust," Data said. "And, I believe, more intimacy than some of the other sexual acts we have engaged in."
Tasha reasoned there was truth in this. The communication and closeness of it could prove to be exceptionally intimate.
"And that is why I would also desire to pleasure you anally as well," Data confessed.
Tasha pulled her head back a few inches, blinking, shocked.
"Maybe we can talk about that another time?" Tasha proposed. "What else is on your list?"
Data cocked his head to the side.
"Tasha, that is the second time you have reacted negatively. I am led to the conclusion that such an act is not to your liking. I will gladly remove-" Data began.
"No," Tasha insisted. 'I just, let's not talk about it right now. Okay?"
"Tasha, if and when you are ready to discuss it, I will be here to listen," Data promised. "I did not mean to trigger a traumatic memory."
"I know," Tasha replied softly.
She reached up and tucked an errant strand of hair behind his ear.
There were some things that she wasn't quite ready to unpack. Even among her years of counselling with Starfleet, Tasha had barely opened up about the details to anyone – including Deanna.
It had been different when she'd first been rescued and had been given no choice but to meet with a counsellor. There had been no way to casually gloss over it. With her counsellors at the Academy and on subsequent assignments, Tasha had been more than happy to let them make their own assumptions about what 'sexual assault' meant and left it at that.
Data was so sweet and understanding. And they had been having such a lovely time. Tasha squeezed her thighs together. Tasha didn't want to lose the sexual plateau she had reached.
"I don't want to stop," Tasha said all of a sudden.
If she was willing to continue, then Data was more than happy to meet that request.
Tasha closed the distance between them and pressed a tender kiss to Data's lips.
She turned her body, lying down on her back with her head to the side so she could watch him.
"I want to watch you stroke your big, beautiful cock," Tasha purred.
She sat up and slipped her dressing gown down over her shoulders before lying back. Data watched with hungry eyes as her right hand travelled to her cunt. Tasha's left hand cupped her own breast, squeezing it and arching her back as she fluttered her eyelashes at him.
Data separated the flaps of his dressing gown to expose himself.
Tasha bit her lip at the site of his cock, the tip glistening with biolubricant in anticipation of sexual activity.
Data fingers closed around his erection, and he began to stroke himself for her. He circled the swollen tip with his thumb, spreading his natural lubricant.
"Is this what you desire to see?" Data asked.
"Yeah," Tasha keened.
Data had often wondered what it would look like to see her whole body tremble with ecstasy. It was a frustrating trade off – sacrificing the feel of her in order to see it all.
His eyes travelled up the length of her legs. Her heels were buried in the carpet, legs bent at the knees. Her hips raised off the floor, rolling slowly as Tasha rutted against her hand.
Tasha's left hand ghosted across her collarbone, doing her best to simulate Data's touch.
Data grunted, thrusting into his fist as his gaze followed the sharp angle of her neck – her head thrown back, her little chin pointed toward the ceiling.
She turned her head to the side and locked eyes with Data. After a few seconds, she dropped her gaze to his cock.
He was lying on his side, stroking himself furiously as his large, long hand travelled up and down the length of his shaft.
There was something insanely erotic about touching themselves in front of each other. It was almost like simultaneously indulging in hidden fantasies of both exhibitionism and voyeurism.
Tasha threw her head back, lifting her hips off the ground as she came.
She moved closer to Data and reached out to caress his thigh.
"You're so beautiful," Tasha commented.
Data stopped as her fingers ghosted across his abdomen.
"Don't stop," Tasha whispered.
Her hand dropped to cover his own, urging him to continue.
"Touch yourself for me," she murmured.
Data rolled onto his back. Tasha shifted closer and snuggled against his hip before letting her head rest there, tracing over his pelvic bone and up and down the musculature of his thighs.
Data closed his eyes and gave himself over to the moment. With his hand firmly around his hard cock, Data stroked himself toward orgasm encouraged along by soft words and even softer touches from Tasha.
When they finished, they lay cuddled on the floor next to one another in front of the fire. They were lying opposite one another, Data on his back and Tasha resting against his hip.
Data felt like he was encapsulated in a warm afterglow of sex.
He blinked back the moisture that pricked at the edge of his eyes. He was unaccustomed to being called beautiful, admired, and treated with such tenderness.
"You know there are a lot of other things that I want to do with you that are not sexual," Data shared.
"Me too," Tasha said, pressing a kiss against his body.
He felt it was important to establish that. They shared an undeniable element of sexual chemistry – but there was so much more between them, a sort of understanding, affection, and respect underlying their physical attraction.
Instinctively, they intertwined their fingers with one another.
Data felt loved.
More importantly, he felt worthy of that love.
Despite the storm forcing Data to rework his plan, they were still able to largely stick to his plan with only a handful of minor adjustments. They had been able to gain radio contact with the Enterprise again and so Data and Tasha were able to relax.
Upon Geordi's suggestion, they spent most of their time isolated in their quarters. The change of plans also afforded both of them the opportunity to spend some time with their friends. Tasha joined Worf for the martial arts class at the lodge. Meanwhile, Geordi and Data had snuck down to conduct some geological scans and do a bit of rock hunting for Geordi's collection.
Rather than dining in the main hall, Data and Tasha had enjoyed trying new foods in their quarters. The Edo really knew how to live, and their food represented that with its flavourful spices and exotic fruits.
"I found this while Geordi and I were rock collecting," Data said as he unwrapped a cloth containing what looked like blue mushrooms.
Tasha eyed them suspiciously.
"I have scanned them, and they are safe to consume," Data explained as he held them up.
He popped one into his mouth and Tasha bit back a laugh as his face turned sour. She watched as he slowly chewed the object before swallowing with a grimace.
"I do not understand. This tastes like dirt. Humans regularly consume fungi and enjoy them," Data said confused.
"Usually we cook them first," Tasha said, choking back laughter.
Data took hold of her forearm and pulled her into a kiss.
When they broke apart, Tasha licked her lips and grinned.
Data cocked his head to the side.
"You appear amused," Data observed.
"Best dirt I've ever tasted," Tasha winked.
As an alternative to the yoga he'd planned at the top of the mountain, they settled for moving the table in the main room of their quarters to open up space. Tasha was perfectly happy with the view from the large glass windows that overlooked the hot springs and tall pines that dotted the landscape.
Sitting on the floor, they pulled one another forward. Tasha marvelled at how flexible and humanlike his inorganic musculature could be. In her mind, this only reaffirmed he was truly humanoid in every way – just with a different set of building blocks.
An hour later, Data lifted her off the ground. The bottom of his feet were planted firmly on her backside. Tasha leaned back and gripped her ankles, Data stretched up to support her shoulders.
"Hey," she smiled, looking down back at him and feeling the stretch in her chest and quads.
"Hey yourself," Data replied.
"Still feeling OK after that mushroom?" Tasha asked.
"My system is not capable of being affected by ingestible items," Data stated.
"Well, it doesn't appear to have weakened you," Tasha said as she hung suspended in the air, Data supporting her weight.
"It is unlikely my endoskeleton would be weakened by an organic substance," Data said.
"So, what's the plan for the rest of the day?" Tasha asked.
"I think we should hang out here for the day," Data replied. "That way you can be certain that my system has not been weakened."
Looking backwards down at him she could see the smug look on his face.
"Have I wounded your pride, Commander?" Tasha asked playfully.
"Not at all, Lieutenant. Just reminding you that I am perfectly capable of remaining like this indefinitely or until you are satisfied that the fungi have not impacted my systems," Data said with a straight face.
"Alright you've made your point," Tasha said.
Data lowered her slowly, but before she could stand up, he tipped her back against him. He sat up and wrapped his arms around her.
"Perhaps you should conduct a more thorough investigation, Lieutenant? To satisfy your curiosity," he said in a low voice next to her ear.
Tasha squeezed his bicep as she studied him.
"Hmm, you certainly seem to have retained your strength," she said, providing a mock evaluation.
She brought both her hands up quickly on either side. Data caught them and they playfully pushed back and forth on one another for a few seconds.
"Reflexes unaffected," Tasha remarked.
Before she could register what was happening, Data had flipped her onto her back with his hand behind her head to ensure it was a soft landing.
Tasha found herself staring up at Data.
"And your speed is bang on," Tasha grinned.
His hand slipped down to guide her left leg up over his shoulder. Data pressed his weight against it as he leaned down over her. Tasha felt a delicious stretch in her hamstring.
"I didn't think my flexibility was in question," Tasha teased.
"Merely demonstrating my helpful nature," Data replied.
Tasha hissed as she felt Data's erection brush against her, straining against the fabric of his trousers.
"Are you in pain?" Data asked, concerned.
"No," she assured him.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him in for a kiss – grateful that Worf had insisted on adding more dynamic stretching to their training.
"Tasha, are you initiating a sexual encounter?" Data inquired. "As in, do you wish to proceed?"
He was hesitant about moving too fast given their rather enthusiastic activities the night before.
"Yes, Data," she assured him. "If you want to."
Data scooped her up off the floor and deposited her on the table. He pulled her shirt off and let it fall on the ground. He was just as quick to remove his own shirt before capturing her lips in a kiss.
His fingers slipped under the edge of her trousers. Data pulled them down off of Tasha's legs and tossed them aside.
Kneeling in front of Tasha, Data then kissed up the length of her right calf, stopping at the knee.
Gripping the back of her thighs, Data guided her to bend her legs up. Then he gripped her waist, pulling her down to the edge of the table and bringing her tight against his mouth.
Tasha shivered as Data's tongue swiped over her.
It felt heavenly.
But Tasha wanted more.
She wanted all of him.
His tongue laved over her, licking her clit with just the right amount of pressure to make her swoon.
"Data," she breathed.
Data stopped and looked up at her, grinning just below her navel.
"Please," Tasha pleaded.
Data stood up. He stepped back and removed his shirt.
His fingers loosened the knot on the drawstring of his trousers, and he let them drop away.
When he stepped back to her, Tasha lifted her legs to let her ankles rest on his shoulders.
Data's face lit up at the prospect. Tasha's face broke out into a broad smile at his delight.
Data leaned down. Pressing just a little bit of weight on her, Data felt a strange spark of energy in how limber she was. It excited him, everything she did was a turn-on.
From the angle at which she was currently pinned under him, Tasha could feel his cock hovering just above her. Data rubbed his erection across her slit slowly, teasing her with the length of himself.
Because of their position, it meant that the head of his cock brushed just above her backside, passed over her cunt, and ended up rubbing the head of his cock against her clit.
Tasha was momentarily struck by a memory.
Her breath hitched.
She reminded herself that this was Data staring down at her, his hands on the outside of her thighs.
Tasha closed her eyes. She couldn't meet his eyes at the moment. She turned her wrists, confirming that she was, in fact, free to move about.
She reminded herself that this was Data – Data would never harm her.
Data pressed a soft kiss against the inside of her leg.
Tasha's breathing changed. She reminded herself that in this setting, this time, this was an act of intimacy and love – not terror.
They both enjoyed gazing at one another during sex. This wasn't like before. Data hadn't put her in this position because he wanted to get off on seeing the pain or fear in her expression.
He would never do that.
After all, this was Data and not some mercenary.
"Tasha?" Data asked.
On instinct, Tasha had been so keen to dissociate from her own body that she hadn't even registered that Data had stopped touching her.
"Why did you stop?" Tasha demanded.
"Because you look frightened," Data answered honestly.
What had started as steamy foreplay had quickly changed. Tasha's body had stiffened, her face had changed. She looked panicked – and that scared Data.
Tasha blinked rapidly.
"Are you in pain? Would you like to stop?" Data inquired.
Tasha's chest was tight. She felt horribly embarrassed. She knew it was foolish to blame herself, but the feelings of guilt at ruining the moment remained.
"What can I do for you? Please?" Data asked as he reached up to cup her face.
He was so sweet, so very worried about her.
Data had seen that she was afraid and had immediately stopped.
He had seen her.
And he had seen her as a person – someone with feelings, and needs, and rights.
She wasn't some frightened, objectified child. She was his partner, and Data cared about her.
Data brushed away a tear from her cheek with his thumb. Tasha hadn't even realised she was crying.
"Tasha?" he asked softly.
"I, I, um-" Tasha's voice failed her.
Data took the initiative to change positions, stepping back and releasing her legs. He pulled her into a relaxed embrace and began to trace soothing circles on her back.
Data did not want her to feel suffocated.
"Is this alright?" Data questioned.
Tasha nodded slowly against his chest.
She took a series of slow, deep breaths and began to relax in his arms.
"I'm sorry," Tasha apologised.
"You have no reason to apologise," Data assured her.
Tasha sat back and wiped her eyes.
"This is so embarrassing," Tasha said.
"You have nothing to be ashamed of," Data replied. "When I noticed you were crying, I became concerned. It is evident that I have done something to frighten you for which I am truly sorry."
She gripped Data's hand and gave it a squeeze.
"This wasn't your fault, Data," Tasha attempted to explain. "I just, well, for a moment it reminded me of something I'd rather forget."
She closed her eyes and shook her head.
"It wasn't you," she added quickly.
She wanted to make sure Data understood that it wasn't him or anything he had done.
No, Data had seen she was crying, and he'd stopped – immediately - to ask if she was alright. He hadn't mocked or taunted her for it like the men on Turkana.
"How about I make you a cup of tea and draw you a bath?" Data offered.
Tasha sighed and let her head fall against his shoulder. She was starting to come back to the present – and to become more aware of her own body again.
It was a strange sensation – the memory having resurfaced but also still feeling aroused from Data's earlier foreplay.
Data felt Tasha shift against him.
She sat back and appeared to be in deep thought.
Tasha was reflecting on the advice she had given Data the day before when he had discussed his own desire to reclaim a previously traumatic act as one of pleasure.
Make a new memory.
Tasha had plenty of experience in the matter. When she had absolved herself of the feelings of guilt and shame associated with her abuse, Tasha had found it empowering to reconnect with her body and explore her own existence as a sexual being – in every manner save one.
She had learned to enjoy sex and intimacy.
Yet, she had adamantly kept anything anal as a hard boundary. It had by far been the worst and most frequent manner in which she had been violated. Because it was highly unlikely to lead to the risk of pregnancy, it was a favourite method of terror among the men on Turkana – especially when they intended to keep a captured victim around. Infants were a liability. The fewer mouths to feed, the better.
For a passing second, Tasha pondered how things might have been different were it not for a horrible ex-boyfriend during her first year at Starfleet Academy breaking her trust, disrespecting that boundary, and resurfacing all of her past trauma.
He hadn't seen her as an equal. She had been a student. He had been an officer stationed in San Francisco working as a liaison with the Academy. She had been young and desperate to be anything other than a scrappy little nobody from Turkana.
He never saw her as a partner. She was nothing more than another young, naïve victim for him to groom and manipulate.
But that kind of power imbalance didn't exist with Data.
Data would never treat her like that or abuse his position of power.
Maybe it was time to make a new memory? She reasoned.
Data had sat there patiently with her, offering silent support as she processed her thoughts.
Tasha reached up and stroked her fingers through his hair. She placed a slow, tender kiss to his lips. Her tongue darted out and skimmed across them, indicating that she wanted to deepen the kiss.
Data permitted it.
If she needed physical reassurance, Data was ready to provide such comfort.
When they broke apart, Tasha sat back and took a breath to steady herself.
"Would you like me to start that bath?" Data suggested.
Tasha shook her head.
She glanced down, fidgeting with her hands.
"Data, I, uh," she summoned her courage. "I still want to have sex with you. That is, if you want to."
She raised her head enough to meet his eyes.
"You are certain?" Data asked, worried that she was merely attempting to put on a brave face for his benefit. "I do not wish you to feel obligated to-"
"I don't feel obligated," Tasha said in a determined voice.
Indeed, it was the sheer fact that Data didn't make her feel obligated that gave her the feeling of security she needed to reclaim her own desire and feel good about it.
Data nodded in understanding.
"You will tell me if you wish to stop?" Data asked. "And we will stop whenever you desire."
He needed her to understand that.
"I know," Tasha answered. "And the answer is yes."
Data kissed the back of her hand and looked to her for guidance.
"How can I pleasure you?" Data asked.
For the first time in a while, Tasha smiled.
He was ever so considerate.
"Data, I know that you would never push me into anything or pressure me. And I want you to understand how much that means to me. How important us - you and I - is to me," Tasha began.
If there was ever someone that was going to be patient enough to try, it was Data.
"If you still want to, I would like to try anal sex with you," Tasha shared.
Surprise registered in Data's face.
"You penetrating me that is," Tasha clarified. "I, well. I know you won't hurt me. And I know you won't be upset if I decide I want to stop."
I decide. She thought to herself with no small sense of satisfaction.
"I understand," Data replied. "However, are you sure that you want to try this tonight? Your reaction was quite strong earlier and I have no wish to see you suffer."
Tasha cupped his face.
"I want to make a new memory with you," Tasha asserted.
Data nodded slowly.
He gave her a quick peck on the cheek.
"Please lie back. I will return momentarily," Data instructed.
Tasha lay back against the cool surface of the table.
Data did return a few moments later and knelt down in front of her.
She spread her legs. His nose brushed against her clit, followed by his tongue a moment later.
Tasha tensed and then relaxed.
He wanted her to unwind, to be wholly and solely fixated in a state of bliss before they made the attempt.
To his relief, it was working. She rocked against his face, eager for more friction as he lapped at her clit.
She felt his hands begin to massage her backside as he squeezed and kneaded at the soft flesh of her arse.
Just the day before Data had confessed his own fixation with that particular part of her body.
I do not believe I have ever properly conveyed my appreciation for this portion of your anatomy. He had said yesterday.
It made her feel desirable and she took pride in it – turns out all those deadlifts hadn't been for nothing.
Trapped between his tongue and his hands, Tasha felt marvellous.
Tasha felt one his fingers tease around the entrance of her anus. It was delicate, just enough pressure to let her know that he was there.
"Is this alright?" Data asked.
"Yes," Tasha replied.
"Do you wish to proceed?" he inquired.
"Mmm hmm," she agreed.
Data gently pressed one well-lubricated finger just inside.
He had temporarily paused his oral ministrations so as to shift his attention to observing her reaction.
Data pushed his finger in slowly until he had reached his third knuckle. He didn't move about as he wanted to give her time to adjust to it.
He pressed his lips to the inside of her thigh and waited.
"Oh," Tasha said softly in surprise.
"What is wrong?" Data asked.
"It's warm," Tasha said.
Data's heart sank. He hadn't realised there were additional properties to the lubricant. It was a massage oil and personal lubricant that had come with the room. He had analysed the label and determined it was safe for human (and android) use, but he had been unaware that it was designed to provide additional stimulus.
"It's not bad," Tasha added quickly, sensing his fear. "It's actually quite nice."
She clenched around Data's finger as a pleasant, warming sensation radiated inside of her.
The corner of Data's mouth curved upward.
So far, so good.
He began to stroke inside of her, hesitant to offer too much too quickly.
"Data?" Tasha asked. "I want more."
Data nodded, working a second finger in next to the first.
A noise of pleasure escaped from Tasha's lips at the stretch.
"Is this feeling agreeable?" Data inquired.
"Yeah," Tasha replied in a husky voice.
Data nodded and dove back in, his tongue darting out to lave over her eager pussy.
He began to cautiously toy with her arse, slowly pumping his fingers and preparing her for what was to come. Data understood just how delicate human tissue was – and at this angle, they would be prime for deep penetration.
The last thing he wanted to do was traumatise her all over again with a painful experience.
But it seemed she had relaxed and was receptive to his foreplay efforts. His face was glistening, coated with her slick as he continued to provide dual stimulation in hopes of giving her pleasure.
Tasha reached down for his hand that was resting on the back of her leg.
They wrapped their fingers together as she encouraged him to continue.
A third finger teased against her, pushing on the entrance to her tight hole.
She groaned in delight as Data pushed a third digit in, her body pleased at the pressure.
Data's lips closed around her swollen clit, and he sucked on the overstimulated organ.
Tasha whimpered and began to move her hips, fucking herself on Data's long fingers. If anyone would have told her earlier that she'd be splayed out on the table, wantonly clenching around something in her arse, Tasha would never have believed it.
But Data's gentle touch combined with the warming lubricant was unlike anything she had ever experienced.
This felt good.
It was nothing like the kind of harsh treatment she had experienced before.
Tasha wanted to see him. She wanted to feel him.
There was a lovely ache inside of her, yearning to be full of him.
She longed to watch Data as he slipped inside of her, to see his reaction as she held him snug inside of her, to feel the delicious stretch of his thick cock deep inside of place she had never shared with anyone else.
And that was an important distinction for Tasha.
This would be the first time she had ever willingly given this part of her over to another – and she was so glad it would be with Data.
Her hips jerked as she came on his tongue.
Data flattened his tongue and licked over her a few times slowly.
Then he stopped and looked up at her, wordlessly asking permission to proceed.
"Please," Tasha panted.
"Are you ready?" Data asked.
Tasha nodded.
"I need to hear you say it," Data pressed.
Tasha understood. He wanted explicit consent.
"Yes," Tasha replied, clenching around his fingers. "Please, make love to me."
Data kissed her pussy before withdrawing his fingers.
He stood up and set the bottle of lubricant and a flannel on the table.
Data cleaned his hand and then turned back to Tasha. With his hands on the back of her knees, he encouraged her to reposition herself, lifting her legs back so as to better expose her backside.
"Ooo," Tasha said softly in surprise as he squirted some additional lube onto the tender entrance to her arse.
It tingled. The warmth was a welcome sensation.
He carefully swiped his fingers around the edge, pumping inside her a few times to ensure she was ready.
Data cleaned his hand again and then filled it with lubricant.
He gripped his cock, stroking himself in order to coat it too for good measure.
Data lined himself up and slowly pushed the head of his cock inside.
Tasha's body tensed.
"Please take a breath with me," Data said. "In."
They both inhaled.
"And out," Data instructed.
As they exhaled together, Data pushed himself in another inch.
Tasha nodded.
They repeated it together until Data finally pushed himself in, bottoming out.
Tasha was pinned underneath him, her knees pressed against her shoulders with her feet thrown up over Data.
It was an intimate position being so close to one another – and the fact they were quite literally joined made it feel like they had reached a new level of confidence.
Data was fixated on Tasha's body, mindful of everything from her pulse and breathing rate to the muscles in her thighs.
He did not move at first. The base of his cock was pressed firmly against her arse. The length of him was buried deep inside her, warm and tight.
Data nuzzled his nose against Tasha's face.
"I love you," he whispered.
They were words Tasha had never heard before in this context and it filled her with a sense of security when she needed it most.
Slowly, Data began to fuck her, dragging his cock in and out of her at an easy, languid pace.
With one hand, Data braced himself up on the table. With the other, he found Tasha's hand.
"Data, stop," Tasha said abruptly.
Data immediately stopped.
"Are you alright?" Data asked.
Tasha nodded.
"I'm sorry," she stammered. "I want to keep going. I just, well I needed to confirm that-"
She trailed off, feeling bad that she had doubted Data.
"That you would," she finished softly.
Data gave her a small smile.
"Of course I will," Data promised.
"I know," Tasha replied.
"Whenever. As often as you want," Data went on.
They would go at her pace. Always.
Tasha nodded.
"I love you, Data," she said.
"I know," he replied with an uncharacteristic smirk.
Data adjusted his posture so that he could move his hand from the table to rub her clit. Stroking her along, Tasha relaxed as Data resumed his previous pace.
Tasha had never thought anal sex could be sensual, but Data's assessment of the activity had proven to be true.
Holding hands, they synchronised their breathing.
Gazing into one another's eyes, they made a slow, beautiful memory together.
One of the activities Data had been most keen to do on shore leave was to get in some landscape painting.
Instead of painting on the edge of a cliff as originally planned, they painted from the deck at the back of their lodging. Data incorporated the storm and lightning blending it with the tranquillity of the soft blue from the hot springs in the surrealist style he had been recently working through.
Tasha gave up working with the brushes he provided and opted to paint with her fingers instead. In analysing her work, Data observed it was a colourful piece but lacking in artistic value.
"I know it's bad," Tasha said as she watched him study her canvas.
"It is colourful," Data said.
He dipped his fan brush into the cerulean blue paint.
"Here," he said as he motioned for her to look at him.
Tasha turned to him and swiped his brush across her nose.
"Like you," he added with a smile.
"Data," Tasha exclaimed, chastising him.
They had about forty-five minutes of daylight remaining, and it was their last night on the planet.
"It would seem you need to clean up," Data said as he turned his gaze down to the hot springs before adding, "The salts and minerals will not harm me."
He knew she had wanted to take a dip in the hot springs since their arrival and he surmised she had avoided asking for fear that he wouldn't be able to join. While rock collecting with Geordi, Data had scanned the springs and concluded it would be perfectly safe for him to venture into them.
As the sun set, they made their way down to the edge of the hot springs. Despite their icy blue colour, they were pleasantly warm. And the minerals made the water incredibly soft.
Data was seated on a rock along the edge, the water coming up to his shoulders.
Tasha emerged from under the water a few feet back from him.
She shook her head to remove excess water and then took her hand to slick her hair back.
They had no swimming costumes. Data wasn't sure if it was the atmosphere of being on shore leave or the newfound level of connection they shared, but they had opted to slip into the mineral baths wearing nothing but each other.
Data thought she looked divine.
"I'll have to take shower when we go back up," she said as she slid over to him. "You probably should too. The salt isn't great for my hair and probably not for your circuitry."
She sat down on his lap facing him and wrapped arms around his neck.
"A part of me is going to miss this," she confessed.
"We could program the holodeck to replicate these conditions," Data suggested.
"I mean the domestic life. Not having to sneak around," Tasha said as she tucked an errant strand of hair behind his ear. "Besides I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable doing this on the holodeck."
"I think it is safe to say we are well past 'sneaking around'," Data stated.
"I suppose everyone knows in a general sense. But we still have our responsibilities and roles. And separate quarters. And our agreement with Captain Picard to be discreet," Tasha advised.
A sense of melancholy crept into his neural net. He disliked that she was correct.
Despite their routine of bouncing between their quarters on the Enterprise, there was something different about having a shared living space the last few days that had been wonderful.
"Then I guess we will have to treasure the moments we do have," Data said as he brought his hands up to rest on her waist.
Tasha glanced up at the sky.
"I was hoping we could lay back and watch the stars from the campsite, but the view is quite nice here," Data said as he followed her gaze upward.
Tasha looked back down at him. Sometimes she couldn't rationalise how lucky she was. For a brief moment she considered maybe it was time to open up to Data about her past, but before she could think about it any further Data inhaled.
"Tasha look," he said as his eyes widened.
Tasha cast her gaze up to the night's sky and smiled.
"A meteor that has collided with the air molecules of the planet's upper atmosphere. It creates incandescence and a streak of light as it-" Data began to explain.
"A falling star," Tasha smiled.
A moment later there was another flash of light. A few seconds after the second falling star there were four more meteors that streaked across the sky.
Suddenly, there were more that began to dot across the dark.
Data and Tasha looked at each other.
"I do not recall reading about an expected meteor shower of this magnitude," Data said as he accessed his informational database.
In the distance, the large bell above the lodge began to ring.
"God has seen fit to bless us with the dancing fire!" a voice called out.
"Do you think we should get out and see what's going on?" Tasha asked.
Before Data could respond, Geordi came running up. Data pulled Tasha against him, and she was thankful the water was cloudy - though she suspected it didn't make much difference with Geordi. She figured his VISOR allowed him to see there was nothing standing between them and the water.
"It's fine," Geordi said, breathing heavily. "The Edo said this has happened before. It's rare, but no large impacts. It should pass in a few minutes."
"Thank you, Geordi," Data said.
"I've already alerted Worf, and I ordered Harris and Jeffords to alert the other Starfleet personnel at the lodge," Geordi explained.
"Thank you, Geordi," Data repeated.
"I'm going to be sorry to leave this place," Geordi said as he gazed out at the steam rising from the hot springs and disappearing into the dark. "I hate this is our last night here. Got to make the most of it."
"Precisely. Goodnight, Geordi," Data said, hoping Geordi would get the hint.
To Tasha's frustration, Geordi stepped closer and proceeded to squat down next to them.
"What do you think the odds are of experiencing two of their once-in-a-lifetime phenomena in one trip?" Geordi postulated aloud as he stared up at the natural lightshow above them.
"Geordi," Tasha said, looking at him pleadingly.
Geordi looked down at Tasha. She blushed, humiliated at being caught in such a compromising position. They hadn't expected anyone to be wandering around this secluded section.
Geordi's gaze travelled over the dressing gowns lying discarded on the rocks.
Geordi suddenly realised they were sitting tightly against one another to cover the fact they were naked under the water.
He felt his face grow warm as awareness hit Geordi that he was interrupting an intimate evening.
"But we can figure that out when we're back aboard the Enterprise ," Geordi said. "You two have a good evening."
"Geordi wait," Data said.
His head was cocked to the side. His eyes were flipping back and forth rapidly as he calculated the likelihood of both events occurring in succession of one another.
"We don't need to do this tonight, Data," Geordi advised.
He wanted to put as much distance between them and him.
"It is incredibly unlikely these events were unrelated. Although I can theorise no manner in which a storm could cause a meteor shower. I will require additional information before I can properly formulate a hypothesis," Data said.
"Tomorrow," Geordi said as he got up quickly and left the two alone.
"Geordi is correct, this is most puzzling," Data said to Tasha.
"Not tonight," Tasha pleaded as she caressed his collarbone.
"I apologise. I find a significant portion of my neural net is now overwhelmed in attempting to find the connection between these two events," Data confessed.
He closed his eyes and tried to refocus his attention.
"I am sorry, Tasha. I am afraid that my thoughts are, as you would say, 'racing' and I am not certain I will be successful in redirecting my attention," Data explained.
Tasha put her head against his forehead.
"And there's nothing that could make you change your mind?" she asked in a low voice.
"I am attempting to redirect my-" Data stopped.
"Is this helping?" Tasha asked as she innocently rocked against him.
Data's mouth parted as his sexuality programme engaged.
"Tasha," Data said in a hushed voice.
With a wicked smile, Tasha sank into the water. Data felt her lips on his stiff cock. Her fingers closed around the base as she stroked him underwater.
He glanced around, suddenly very aware of how exposed they were.
It felt scandalous and more than a little stimulating.
She emerged a moment later. There was something enticingly graceful about the way she pulled herself out of the water – out of breath, slick hair, lips swollen, a wild look in her eyes.
Tasha crawled into his lap and rolled her hips against him.
Data snaked his arms around her waist, completely enthralled with the sensation of her body against his.
"You are so beautiful right now," Data breathed.
"Aren't I always?" Tasha teased.
"Always, but there is something distinct about the way you look when you are wet," Data confessed.
It was difficult for Data to describe with words. In a way, it reminded him of the first time they had made love – she had recently showered, and her hair had been wet. Something about it had seemed so natural and exposed that Data had always found it alluring.
"I can assure you I'm wet, Commander," Tasha said as she raised her hips and sank down on the length of him.
"May I remind you that we are not in our quarters," Data said.
"Are you uncomfortable?" Tasha asked, the mood instantly shifting.
She didn't want to pressure Data into anything he was uneasy about.
"If you are asking if I wish to proceed, the answer is yes," Data said.
Tasha grinned and rocked against him.
"I am merely pointing out we are outdoors, and sound carries across water," Data remarked.
He took hold of her hips so that she could not ride him, teasing her as he kept himself firmly buried inside of her.
"I can assure you that I'm an expert in covert operations," Tasha said in a low voice.
She pressed a series of soft kisses against his jawline.
"But perhaps you'd best keep your lips against mine just to ensure there aren't any breaches of security," Tasha winked.
"Darling, I am not sure a kiss is going to have the effect of silencing you," Data growled against her ear.
Tasha keened softly.
"Behave, Lieutenant," Data advised as he bounced her once on his cock.
Tasha whimpered in delight at finally getting some relief.
A second later, she squeaked as Data pinched her bottom.
"That was for making noise," Data warned. "Not one peep."
"Shut up," Tasha purred.
He released his hold on her, allowing her to move about freely.
Tasha brought herself up on her knees and relished in the feel of riding him. She ran her fingers back through his hair. When she reached the nape of his neck, she pulled on it, forcing his head back.
There was a dangerous gleam in her eyes as the falling stars reflected in her blown pupils.
She licked her lips when Data's hands cupped her arse.
"Fuck me," she said, the low, dark tenor of her voice sending a ripple of excitement through Data's neural net.
Tasha's hand closed around his throat.
"I said fuck me," she snarled against his ear.
She chuckled as she felt him pump into her, matching her thrust for thrust as she bounced on his lap.
Tasha released his neck in favour of clutching his shoulders.
"Satisfactory, Lieutenant?" Data asked in a deep voice.
"Uh huh," she whimpered, her previously dominant attitude melting away as Data plunged himself into her.
All of sudden, they both relaxed. Their pace slowed. Data smiled and Tasha laughed softly.
Resting their foreheads against one another, they continued at a familiar, unhurried pace.
Despite the awkwardness of how their relationship had begun, everything about where they were now felt right.
"I love you," Tasha reaffirmed.
It was now the eighth time she had said it in five days.
"I love you, Tasha," Data echoed as he brought his hands up to cup the sides of her face.
Panting, surrounded by steam and the light ripple of water as it lapped against the rocks from their easy, synchronous movement, Data and Tasha held one another until they came.
When they had finished, Data wrapped his arms around Tasha. He held her tight against him, almost suffocatingly so.
The sky above had long since settled, the meteor shower having ended. It had returned to a beautiful, inky black expanse dotted with stars.
Somewhere up above, the Enterprise was in orbit.
They would have to go back tomorrow. After all, it was their home.
Back to their ship, and with it their roles and responsibilities – and their subtle schedule of sneaking around so as not to draw attention to their relationship.
Data would miss this.
He tightened his grip on Tasha.
"Data?" Tasha asked, sensing there was something wrong.
"Sometimes I just want to hold you like this for no reason at all," Data confessed.
"Why?" Tasha asked, resting her head on his shoulder.
Data didn't answer verbally, rather he simply held her tighter.
