The Experiment (Data x reader)

Anger

You hid a smile- classic Data. "I didn't know you played the violin," you said once you could muster a straight face.

"Oh, yes, y/n. I would be delighted to demonstrate my skills if you desire," Data said, standing and gathering his notebook.

Well... it was your last class of the day, and you didn't have that much grading to do. "Of course, Data. I'd be honored."

Data led you to his quarters, explaining his observations about music and its effects on human emotion. "Two violinists could play the same exact piece," Data said ponderingly, clearly baffled. "And yet, the music they produce is completely different. Musicianship seems to be a series of emotional perspectives placed on the piece, executed best by the player feeling them. As I cannot feel emotion, nor have an emotional perspective, I am afraid that my playing may disappoint you." At this, the android seemed genuinely concerned, looking over to gage your reaction.

"Data," you said gently as you stepped inside his quarters. "I don't care if you play me the worst violin I've ever heard, I'm not going to be disappointed. Friends support each other no matter what."

Data opened his drawer, took out his 'posterity' notebook, and began recording what you'd just said. You smiled fondly as he wrote, wondering what else was in that notebook. "An interesting take on friendship," Data said thoughtfully as he placed the notebook back in the drawer and retrieved his violin case from underneath his desk. "Is that perspective widely shared?"

"I'm... I'm not sure. I hope so. I think that among my friends, we all believe that."

"So, then, I will believe it too," said Data resolutely. You smiled at this in pleasure. "I will begin playing now, if you wish, y/n."

You nodded, and he readied his bow. Before he could begin, his communicator went off. "Come in, Commander Data." You recognized Captain Picard's voice.

"Commander Data acknowledging, sir," Data responded, putting down his violin carefully.

"You are to come to the bridge and take temporary command. Commander Riker and I will be beaming down to Jerido. It shouldn't take more than an hour."

Disappointed, you looked down at the floor with a sigh. It had been so long since you'd gotten to see Data, and you'd very much enjoyed the time you'd got to spend with him that day. Data had very clearly become your friend, and it hurt to see him so constantly busy.

"Understood Captain. I will report shortly. Data out." Resuming the transmission, Data looked over at you. "Are you ready?"

"Ready?" you echoed, confused.

"Y/n, surely you know that I will require your presence whenever possible in order to conduct further research. As I will be in command of the vessel, there is no further permission I must obtain before inviting you to the bridge. I would like you to accompany me, if possible."

"Well... yes, absolutely," you said, standing up. "Let's go."

You were in a very good mood as the turbolift rattled its way to the bridge. For the first time, you felt important on a larger scale than the education section, and strangely, you were okay with that. Data was exceedingly polite, and besides that, you enjoyed the conversation that he provided. To be such an important presence as to be summoned to the bridge by him rather delighted you. Once more, you attributed this to your vanity, and reprimanded yourself internally.

The doors opened, and you and Data stepped onto the bridge. Data continued confidently to the captain's chair and sat, then looked back and you and gestured to the empty seat beside him. "Please, y/n, be seated."

Data was almost a different person in the captain's chair. What was it Picard had said? Dignity. He conducted himself with dignity. He sat up straight, his eyes trained on the screen ahead, alert and attentive. You sat timidly beside him, gazing around at all the lights and people.

"Commander," said Worf urgently. "Asteroid approximately five miles away from us."

"Onscreen." Data stood, rising elegantly from his seat. You knew you should be more concerned with the threat of the asteroid, but you couldn't help but notice how terribly attractive Data became once he took command: as he stood, his chest puffed out rather authoritatively, his hands pressed firmly behind his back, you forced yourself to acknowledge that it was not only your vanity that made you love spending time with Data. All those endearing habits of his- they'd gotten under your skin somehow, and you realized that you'd fallen hopelessly in love with your android friend.

"Mr. Worf," said Data after a moment. "I fail to see why you have brought this to my attention. This asteroid is not, nor will it likely be, on a collision course with the Enterprise."

"I never said that it was, sir," grumbled Worf, and Data turned to consider the head of security- you thought you saw a glimmer of... humor? Yes, a glimmer of humor in Data's eyes, and you began to wonder if the android was as emotionless as he claimed to be. 

"Well, Mr. Worf," said Data evenly, sitting back down. "Perhaps you should perform an evaluation of these matters before bringing them to my attention."

You heard Worf growl in the background, and you couldn't help but smirk over at Data, surprised at the amount of sass in his reply. You wondered if sass was another human expression he was studying.

Your problem remained, you reminded yourself, gazing at Data and reclining back in your seat. How could you ever have been stupid enough to fall in love with an android? 

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