Exploring Humanity (Data x Reader)

Chapter 4: The Dance & Realization

The Dance and Realization

You both stood at the clear space. It turned out to be a small dance floor, not extra space for pianist's colleagues like you had thought.

"The most elementary dance that beginners start off with is usually a waltz. A waltz is a style of dancing composed of a pair that turn rhythmically around as they progress the dance floor."

Oh no. As dreamy as that sounded to you, were hoping to do some tap dancing or something else that didn't involve close proximity. But you weren't about to complain either.

"Alright, we can try that," you responded, trying to sound confident.

"Computer, select randomized background music that accompanies with basic waltz, ¾ time," he said looking up.

While he was distracted, you touched your hair to smooth any possible flyways and felt your bun. Still the same as how you had last left it at your quarters, good.

With his back faced away from you both, the old pianist began to play a new beautiful melody. With the command given, you realized he wasn't an interactive character, so you began to relax. Glitch or not, the holodeck was known to sometimes portray very real characters that some people even began to question if they were self-aware since they appeared to have a mind of their own. But you knew this character would leave you unbothered, no judgement coming from your dance.

"The first step of waltz is the way you position yourself with your partner and will require close distance."

Data took a couple of steps towards you and faced directly in front of you. Your heart began to beat fast.

"The person who is leading the dance must place their right hand on the partner's back waist. In this case since I am teaching, I will fill in that role... Do you mind?" he asked politely, signaling at your left side of your waist. Any other person would have just done it, but he showed manners like a real gentleman.

"No, I don't mind at all," you replied looking up at him.

He then proceeded to do as he said. That first contact sent a shiver up your spine. Thankfully it wasn't enough for him to notice.

"As for you, you will place your left hand on my shoulder."

You did as told and you felt the texture of the suit he wore; nice quality.

"Now our other hands will join and clasp near shoulder height."

After extending your arm and making the third contact, you realized the warmth of his hand. You hadn't noticed it when you lined up your palms back at the table because of how focused you were to his words. But now your attention went to this. To your surprise, they were soft and the exact feeling as human. Despite his strength ability, he held yours gently, self-aware to not cause harm to you.

"Now," --he said as looked down at both of your feet, and you did the same-- "I will teach you the basic footwork for the simple box step."

"And this is where it will all go downhill," you laughed, trying to keep things light.

He looked back up at you.

'Oh crap. It probably wasn't the right moment to say that,' you thought nervously.

"I have learned that for humans the chances of success will likely increase if you maintain a positive and open mindset. I encourage you to view this with optimism. I believe you can do it, just like you believed in me," he said it with a reassuring smile and you even felt a small squeeze onto your right hand.

That totally caught you off guard. You meant it as a joke, but instead he turned it into an uplifting moment. He was so pure; you smiled back embarrassed.