The Experiment (Data x reader)

The Bridge Again

It was only half an hour later that Captain Picard returned, and in his absence, you'd gained a new respect for him. Data had broken up more than a dozen potential conflicts, monitored every potential threat that Worf had pointed out, and still been able to maintain a conversation with you. You could only imagine what the job would be like on a daily basis, and you sincerely believed that Captain Picard deserved an award for the amount of work he had to handle. Despite the stiffness that he always seemed to take on in your presence, you decided he didn't intimidate you anymore.

In fact, as Data reported the ship's status to Captain Picard and Commander Riker, you felt a rush of affection for the ship and its crew that you'd never experienced before. No one on the bridge had questioned your reason for being there; people seemed to have accepted that Data felt the occasional need to be accompanied by you. In fact, you felt that you'd been rather welcomed. Wesley had arrived a few minutes after you and Data had gotten to the bridge, and he was delighted (albeit surprised) to find his favorite teacher sitting next to the captain's chair. After a bit of explanation on your part, Wesley was enthused about Data's experiment and wished his friend luck.

Meanwhile, when Data wasn't attending to official business, he was carrying on a deep philosophical conversation with you; what exactly it was about, you couldn't say, because you'd only just become aware that you were in love with an android, and that seemed to merit a bit of thought. Besides, Data's yellow eyes seemed to appear more golden now, and you couldn't help but take note of how attractive he was. Thank heavens that Deanna wasn't on the bridge just then, or you would have been found out instantly.

Your newly found fondness for the ship and its crew could only be attributed to Data, who had allowed you to experience the bridge in the first place. You wanted to keep pondering, but Captain Picard turned and noticed you.

"Data, I see you've brought Miss y/l/n to the bridge again," said Captain Picard, clearing his throat uncomfortably and looking over your shoulder as if to ensure that there were no unwanted children hiding behind you.

"Is that a problem, sir?" asked Data, tilting his head to the side. "I find it beneficial for my research purposes to have her nearby as often as possible." Your heart fluttered a little at these words, and your face heated up as you looked to Captain Picard for his response.

Picard smiled gently at the android and attempted an awkward grin at you. "Of course not, Data, as long as we're not hindering Miss y/l/n with her... work... with the children. Er, how are the... the young 'uns, Miss y/l/n?"

It took every bit of self-control not to burst out laughing. "The young 'uns have been conducting themselves with dignity, Captain," you said, doing your best to maintain a straight face. You thought you heard Worf snort from behind you, and Wesley turned to give you an odd look.

"Oh... yes, well..." Captain Picard allowed himself an embarrassed grin, and you smiled warmly back at him. "Given my age, it should be obvious that I'm out of touch with today's youth. Today's 'kiddos'," Picard added thoughtfully.

"Sir, just stop," muttered Riker, rolling his eyes. You laughed, glancing over at Data, who seemed quite confused about the whole exchange.

"The 'kiddos' sir?" asked Data, tilting his head to the side in that way that was so endearing to you.

"Never mind, Commander Data," chuckled Picard. "You are dismissed. You and Miss y/l/n may continue your experiment elsewhere."

As much as you enjoyed your time on the bridge, you were relieved that you and Data could be alone again. Data led the way to the turbolift, but to your surprise, the doors wouldn't open.