LIGHT-YEARS AWAY (Data x Reader) // Star Trek

Chapter Twelve

You groaned as you stretched your arms as much as the cramped space of the wardrobe would allow, it had felt like hours since you had become trapped within the holodeck. "What if they never find us?" you complained.

Data tilted his head, "Statistically speaking, our absence should be noticed by now. A search team will be sent for us no later than tomorrow morning." 

You frowned, "you're probably right...". You were shocked to feel Data's arms wrap around you and pull you against him. You rested your head where his heart would be.

"The other day you showed me the act of hugging assists negative emotions such as the ones you are displaying right now. Is this true?" 

"Yes..." You whispered, feeling instantly more relaxed being held. "Thank you," you closed your eyes and sat in comfotable silence just feeling his presence. 

What seemed like an hour passed before either spoke again. 

"Data...can I talk to you about something sorta...awkward?" You began.

"Of course (y/n). I do not find any topic 'awkward'" 

You chuckled. "Good..." you nestled your head closer into him. "Listen, I know this might be a little odd. But, I feel that...well, you see...I feel that I have developed romantic feelings towards you."

"Yes, I have noticed your cheeks becomig more red in pigment when I am around." Data said, of course making you blush again. You sat silently for a moment again, wondering how you could possibly continue this conversation, and what you were even really trying to tell him. Thankfully, he broke the silence first.

"Would you like to engage in a relationship on romantic terms from now on?" Data asked.

"Uhhh...." you were slightly taken aback by the abruptness of the question so you shifted in your seat so you could look at his face. 

"As you are aware, I am devoid of emotions. Perhaps your hesitancy stems from this knowledge?" He said tilting his head while scanning your face for emotion.

You nodded your head. "Yes, I do believe you are right. Data, I would love to date you, and truth be told I am pretty...well adjusted to being by myself. I mean, I enjoy solitutde and I think I would be happy being single as long as my lifespan allows. So, with that, it's not like I really need a relationship to be all that emotional. Spending so much time with you I realized that I never really want all that lovey dovey sappy stuff, or heated arguments. I like that when I'm around you everything is straight forward and calm. I don't need you to love me, but I just worry that if we date it won't be really...I don't know...consensual; as the relationship would be almost one sided.." 

"(Y/n), my goal is to become more human. This is best achieved through experince, which a relationship with you would offer." He had a small smile, "I may not be able to love you, but I do have an attachement to you. When you are not in my presence, there is an emptiness." 

You swallowed and closed your eyes tightly, trying to think best about how to handle the situation. You decided to let your heart lead you, and without much thought you found your hands gently on either side of his cheeks and your lips softly meeting his for several long seconds. He put his hand on your hair. You felt his breathing hitch and you pulled back, you had discussed with him earlier how his breathing was made to cool his systems but the fact it would change upon kissing him you couldn't help but find rather charming. You were pleased to see that he was smiling, which of course spread a grin across your own face.

"Should I develop a romantic subroutine for our relationship?" He asked.

You laughed and shook your head no, "Of course not, I like just being with you Data. The less gifts and flowers the better, just be yourself and I'm happy. Although, I would prefer if we kept a monogamous relationship of this nature. I've always been a bit sensitive to people 'cheating'. But if you ever developed feelings, or something happens, just tell me and we will talk through it. You are still your own person." 

"Thank you. I will remain loyal to you." He said.

You smiled, "As I am to you." 

You leaned in and kissed him again, closing your eyes. You were worried kissing a "machine" would end up feeling hollow and cold but you were more than pleased to find him a perfect temperature and a kiss filled with emotion, it felt more right than any kissed you had ever shared before with anyone....

"Should I come back?" A third voice said from above with amusement.

You looked up to see that Riker had opened the wardrobe doors and was peering at the two of you with a huge grin spread across his face. 

You instantly turned a shade of red, "took you long enough." You snapped at him as you let go of Data and stood to your feet. 

Data following close behind, "Commander." He said in aknowledgment. 

"Well, it's a good thing you found ways to pass the time then, isn't it?" Riker said wiggiling his eyebrows. 

You just scoffed. "Is the holodeck safe now? Can we leave?" 

"Yes, we had to override it from the outside. You can thank Admiral McCoy for pestering me about your disappeance while I was trying to eat dinner or you might have been left here for the night...not that you two would have minded." He smirked again. You couldn't help but laugh. 

"Is there any knowledge of who trapped us in here?" Data asked. 

"Not at this time." Riker said.

"I have an idea." Data said to himself as he quickly walked out of the room. 

You tried calling to him to ask where he was going but he didn't hear as he was already out of the holodeck. You and Riker stood just staring at his absence. 

"Wonder where he's off to..." You said thankfully finding it more amusing than you did irritating. 

"So...you and Data?" Riker whistled. "I saw it coming." 

"You did not." You rolled your eyes but were more annoyed when instead of replying he simply laughed and started leaving the room, you trailed behind him.

You called goodnight to him and thanked him for saving you before quickly stopping by Bones's room to tell him you were safe and not to worry, then you made your way back to your own room for a much needed sleep. 

You weren't sure where Data had gone but you knew you would be the first he would tell. Within seconds you were asleep with a smile plastered across your face.