Chapter Text
The warp core pulses white-blue light as it runs at a relatively tame Warp 2. However, the day hasn't been relaxing for you. Instead, you've spent your eight-hour shift monitoring the plasma flow due to a new upgrade.
Your best friend, Tanya, once said, "I despise monotony. It's more exhausting than a rock climb in Alaska."
You roll your shoulders and resist the urge to access the ship's chronometer. You've checked three times in ten minutes—the pain and stiffness in your left elbow are beginning to sing. You wish you'd taken it easy on your day off and skipped tennis. The chance to play against Data had been too enticing to turn down.
Data.
The first moment you laid eyes on the Second Officer, it was over. His pale, yellow skin, dark hair, stunning eyes, sculptured face, and body - all as if made for you to admire.
That day, your first day in Engineering, you couldn't forget. "Lieutenant, welcome to Engineering. Lt. Commander Data," Geordi said and gestured to his friend. "Our second officer, head of the Science Department, and a great engineer."
"It is nice to meet you, Lt. Smith." Data shook your hand.
You remember nearly gasping out loud. Data's hand had been warm and soft. Human. His eyes, strange but compelling, had curiosity in their depths. His clipped, formal way of speaking made you feel a little tingly inside.
"It's nice to meet you," you manage to answer without squeaking.
"You have transferred from the Trieste. It was my first posting in Starfleet."
"Oh," you said, kicking yourself that you can't follow up with something interesting. Data must think you're odd.
"Shift change," Laforge called out. "I want everyone to go home, eat, and get some rest. Avoid lingering or requesting time for personal projects. Thank you all. Good work!"
Laforge's voice brings you back to Main Engineering. You tap out a code to shut down your station, stretch your arms over your head, groan, and turn. And, almost bumped straight into Data.
"Oh hell," you squeak and then blow out a loud breath as Data's hands grip your forearms.
"I am sorry. I did not mean to startle you."
You watch his lips move as he speaks. The urge to kiss him in front of everyone surges, but you tamp it down. "It's okay. I was thinking about the first time we met."
Data's eyebrows lift. "Oh, may I enquire why?"
You feel the heat rising in your face as you say. "My elbow's aching, and my shoulders are throbbing. Too much activity yesterday."
You often wonder what it would be like to be Data. He never blushed; he wasn't capable, you suppose.
Data lowered his voice as three others from the day shift walked by and waved at them. "I attempted to convince you that – intimacy after such a vigorous match was unwise."
"You were right," you admit. "But," you whisper so low only Data can hear. "That blue tennis outfit was – hotter than noon on Vulcan."
"I should encourage you to visit sickbay, but I have an alternative that I would like to suggest."
"I'm intrigued," you respond, deliberately using one of Data's favorite adjectives.
"I have been researching an activity for us to indulge in and have reserved Holodeck 3 for the evening beginning at nineteen hundred hours. Will you meet me there after you've had a meal?" Data asked after a beat and a wink that surprises you into a chuckle.
"Yes. I'd love to."
"Please dress in comfortable attire."
"Yes, sir, Commander," you quip, your nerves beginning to sing.
Data cocked his head and said. "Are you teasing?"
"Yes."
"Then I shall return it by saying, "Dismissed, Lieutenant."
You fight the urge to laugh because some of your team are staring at you as they leave. "I'd better go before someone tattles to Commander Riker."
Data blinked and then said solemnly. "I concur, Animula."
You shiver over the pet name he'd given you, Latin for Little Soul. "See you in two hours."
***
The doors to Holodeck 3 clang shut behind you as you enter. You're wearing a pair of loose-fitting cream trousers that tie at the waist, paired with a lavender tank and matching ballet slippers. You’ve tied your hair in a loose ponytail, and you've removed all makeup except for lip gloss and mascara.
Data is just inside the door, wearing a sapphire blue tunic over matching trousers, and his feet are bare, and his sleeves are short. "Hello," he greets you with a brief kiss.
You notice he hasn't implemented the program yet. Instead, he takes your hand.
"It has been two years, three days, and twelve hours since I first initiated my emotion chip. Eight months, seven days, and thirteen hours have elapsed since we met and the Enterprise-E left the space dock. I have learned what love is to me. Because I love you, I wish to be there for you always."
"Thank you, Data," you breathe because he is the most serious you've seen.
"Therefore, I decided to write a new subroutine. I have studied romantic relationships. I have also studied human medical texts, including those related to mental health. I was intrigued by the concept of what you call a "Spa Day," and I wish to give you one."
You realize you're staring at your lover while trying not to giggle. His earnestness is adorable. You feel the stress beginning to seep away. "Data, I don't know what to say."
"You appear amused. Did I make an unintentional joke?"
"No," you hug him tight. "I'm sorry if I made you feel bad. I was so surprised, but now I want to know what you have planned for a "Spa Day."
"I have planned a facial and a bath or a soak in mineral springs. I wish the remaining itinerary to be secret for now.”
"It sounds wonderful."
Data nodded. "I hope so. Computer, run Spa Day program A."
You can't speak as the program initiates, and something, out of a dream, resolves around you.
You're standing on grass, but it's silver instead of green. The sky above is a deep amethyst and rose gold, with two moons rising. Rocks resembling marble dot the meadow. You turn in a slow circle and notice a flower, but it's unlike anything you've ever seen. The petals are deep purple, with sapphire stems. It glows as if lit from within, and you realize it's bioluminescent.
You turn back to Data, who's silently watching you. As you take a step toward him, you realize that something's different about how you move. "I feel light. Like, I'm floating just above the ground."
"We are," Data says, taking your hand and beginning to lead you toward a stone basin about a hundred yards to your right. "I have programmed this environment with a slight gravitational shift. How do you feel?"
"Like everything is slipping off my shoulders. It's amazing."
"I am glad."
As you approach the natural grotto of stone, you realize that it's glowing as well. Between the two great boulders is a pool of water. It is clear as a diamond, as still as glass, and reflects like a polished mirror. You reach out to touch the surface. The temperature is perfect, warm enough to soak and cool enough for relaxation."
Something niggles at the back of your mind as you watch the ripples settle and Data's face resolves next to you. "This is very familiar, but it can't be real, right?"
"It is not," Data agreed. "I programmed it with imagery from a dream you had six months ago."
"You filed it away," you ask and wonder that you're surprised. "I barely remember it."
"I catalog everything about you, unica mea."
Data's use of another pet name, "My only one," and his simple statement bring tears to your eyes. "I don't know what to say."
"Your response is not required. All I desire of you is to enjoy our time in this dream world."
You nod and squeeze his hand. "What's next, Lucem?"
The data indicates a pool of crystal water, shimmering in the fragrant air. "I have programmed mineral water for your soak. I have replicated a robe to match your color preferences." He pointed at a thin robe, the same shade as the sky. You reach out and touch it. It is thin and feels like silk.
"Thank you," You say as you kick off your slippers.
"Let me assist you," Data whispers.
You shiver in the warm air as you lift your arms. Data removes your tank and folds it nearly as you tug off your trousers, then your panties. Data unhooks your bra and takes your hand. "Shall I help you into the pool. There are three steps down."
You allow him to hold your hand because you're still adjusting to the difference in gravity. Truthfully, you like that he is as chivalrous as a Victorian gentleman.
The water is deep enough to cover you to just below your shoulders. As you sit back, you notice something odd. The stone beneath you gives the sensation of a gel cushion."
You sigh as the warmth of the mineral water begins to relax away the ache in your shoulder and elbow. "It's amazing, Data. Thank you."
You meet Data's eyes, and he smiles. You are welcome. I programmed the grotto for comfort. Would you like to begin your facial or soak for an interval?”
"The facial, babe."
"As you wish. May I get you a refreshing drink?"
"Not right now. I'll have something later."
He instructs you to lie back with your head on the stone ledge, made from the same gel-like material. It molds around you like a comfortable second skin. You close your eyes and think about the dream that inspired your lover's Spa Day scenario.
You can hear Data moving behind you, and even though you expect it, when he touches your face, you jump a little.
"Are you well?" Data asks.
His voice is velvet when you can't see his face. The words caress your ears and soothe your soul.
"I'm fine. Just anxious for what you'll do."
"Do you trust me?"
"Of course."
"I replicated a skin cleanser formulated with your favorite essential oils. It contains all the minerals and vitamins necessary for healthy human skin. I hope you enjoy the scent and texture."
Data's fingers smooth something cool and creamy, with the scent of vanilla mixed with rosewater, over your cheeks.
"It smells divine and feels incredible."
'You will begin to feel a slight tingle, but do not be alarmed. It contains an astringent for your pores and an exfoliant."
You begin to feel the tingling warmth as Data's fingers massage your face. You sigh and allow your body to relax completely.
"May I make a personal inquiry, Animula?"
The musical quality of Data's voice blends so well with the atmosphere, you nearly miss the question. "Yes," you say after a beat. "Of course."
"Why did you call me Lucem?"
You blink, catching Data's inquisitive gaze as his fingers lightly stroke your face. "I don't know. It popped out. I suppose it's because the word means 'light.' You're my illuminator, Data. You show me kindness, love, and when I need it, the truth. You have the purest heart."
To your utter surprise, a yellow-tinted tear rolls down Data's face. "Hey, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you."
"I am not upset, my love. I believe I am – moved. I have never felt such emotion."
You sit up, turn, and cup his face in your hands. "I love you."
"I love you, too."
You lie down and neither of you speaks until Data removes the cleanser from your face with a warm, damp cloth. "Would you like cucumber slices for your eyes, or gel patches?"
After your moment, you almost laugh at his question, but you hide the urge. "Let's go old school, cucumber slices," you request.
"As you wish."
The smell of the vegetable is refreshing, and the coolness soothes your tired eyes. You let yourself drift until Data massages in a moisturizer he says he programmed just for you.
"It will work in concert with your cleanser."
"I don't think my face has ever felt so soft," you admit as you touch your cheeks. "Thank you!"
"Of course."
You sit up after Data wraps your damp hair in a warm, terrycloth towel that matches your robe. You stand, take another towel, and dry off. He helps you into your robe and ties it for you."
"Thank you," you can't seem to stop saying the words.
"You do not need to thank me. I enjoy helping you relax."
"I feel like a new woman," you gently tease.
Data cocks his head to the left, and then he smiles as he takes your hand. "As I have heard humans say, you have not seen anything yet."
You laugh, a belly laugh that feels right. It's so wonderful to let go and enjoy your surroundings with the man you adore.
"Shall we move on to the next phase of your treatment?" Data asked.
"I can't wait to see what you have for me next," you say, and hug his arm.