Exploring Humanity (Data x Reader)

Chapter 1: A Different Setting

NOTE: 

IMPORTANT TO THE STORY! DO NOT SKIP!
Before you begin reading the actual story, let me give you a little context on what has happened before. You got transferred onto the Enterprise during it's earlier voyages as the new Chief of Shuttlecraft and your ranking is Lieutenant. You became acquainted with many people on the Enterprise, including the bridge crew. Out of all the beings aboard the Enterprise, the most interesting person that stood out to you is Data. You both hit it off well from the beginning and became friends quickly. Because of your open-mindedness and interest on this Android, you both frequently met up and had discussions about humanity and its philosophies. You would patiently answer all of his questions that he had on humans, and in return you got to ask questions about himself and his own beliefs. This friendship blossomed and extended over a long period. During this time, Data discovers in himself basic human emotions like happiness, concern, trust --just to mention a few. One day you encounter him on the turbo lift as you ended your double shift, and he walks you to your quarters to inform you something.
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(I just a heads up. I haven't watched any of the movies because unfortunately Netflix only has the TV series available to watch. I've heard rumors on the emotion chip and all but I decided to base this story just towards the end of the TV series, around season 7.)
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And now, without further delay, enjoy this story!

A Different Setting

"What do you say if we do something different for tomorrow's discussion?" Data asked as you both walked down the corridor. He seemed to have a glimmer in his eye, there seemed to be a change in his attitude that you've never seen.

"Oh? What did you have in mind?" you asked intrigued as you arrived at the doorway of your quarters.

You both paused and you turned to completely face him.

"Lately I have been fascinated by trends that were set on Earth during the mid to late 2020's. When I did research on it, I found out it was a decade with many changes in culture norms and standards, all contributed by the outbreak of the Earth pandemic known as SARS-CoV-2, Covid-19, Coronavirus, Corona, the 'rona--"

"Yes Data," you interrupted him before he went on a loop. "I remember going over it a little at the academy. It truly was tragic; many people were ignorant and didn't follow the recommended guidelines which resulted in over 7 million deaths. Anyways, where are you going at with this?" you asked curiously.

"As you might recall, after the cure was discovered and the virus was no longer considered a threat to humans, there were mass celebrations all around Earth celebrating life. As my old professor once said," --his voice changed to that of an older man-- "humankind then came to a unanimous conclusion to celebrate every living, breathing day as a successful triumph." Data then went back to his own voice. "I want to do the same."

There was a small pause from him, he seemed to think through first what he was going to say. You continued to focus on him carefully and paid special attention to every facial movement he made throughout the conversation. Finally, after 5 seconds of processing, he continued.

"I want to show appreciation for the fact that I am able to think on my own, to come to my own calculated conclusions and more. But I especially want to celebrate the fact that I am able to now perceive some human emotions. To others it might not be a big deal, but for me, it is what you would call, a miracle."

His face slowly turned down as he looked deep in thought.

"I'm with you! It's completely worth celebrating, Data!" you added with a warm smile as you gently put your hand on his shoulder.

His face relaxed. If you didn't know any better, to you it seemed as if a heavy weight was just lifted from his shoulders when you said that. He looked back up and exchanged back a warm smile.

"I am glad that you agree. As you know, it is rare for people to understand me as an android, I am so different from the everyone. It means a great deal to me coming from one of my best friends. Only you and Geordi truly seem to get me."

His eyes pierced through your body; you felt like melting right then and there. You could feel your legs become jelly and felt pain on your chest. You urgently wanted to give him a tight hug and stay like that forever. You wanted to give him all of your undivided attention that was humanly possible. You felt your eyes sting as a warning before the waterfall flushed through. But you didn't. It wasn't pity you felt, it was a sense of tenderness. He said it so innocent and genuine. Never had you met someone so human than this android; the irony. But you wanted to appear strong for him and it took all of your will power to not give him a hug at that moment and cry.

"Data, I'm honored to be a part of your circle of trusted friends. I also consider you as my best friend. And you know what, it's everyone else's lost for not getting to really know you."

You didn't know what else to say, your brain cells at this point were mushed with emotions, one of your greatest weaknesses. Data nodded in agreement, then he looked down for a second, once again gathering his thoughts. He seemed to do this lately ever since you noticed he had developed emotions, being very careful with what he said. Then he glanced up over at you.

"Now, returning back to my point. In the same spirit of post Covid-19, I want to celebrate life with my recently acquired emotions along with our friendship. That is why I wanted us to go to the holodeck for tomorrow's discussion and have a formal dinner there. What do you say?"

Your mind went a million warps per minute.

"Yes! I love that idea!" you replied as you smiled like an idiot. You couldn't help yourself there.

"I will meet you at 19:00 outside holodeck 4. Dress semi-formal in mid 2020's style –-of course if you would like. If not, we can go with our uniforms like our usual discussions," he said as he slightly tilted his head informatively.

"No that sounds perfect. I'll take any good excuse to change out of these uniforms that we wear nearly all day, every day," you answered as you looked at your sleeves.

"I will see you until then. Rest well and pleasant dreams, (Y/N)."

He smiled with a soft curve on his lips as he began to turn around.

"Thank you, Data! Enjoy your night shift," you responded as you returned the smile back and entered your quarters.

You went directly to your fluffy bed covers. You didn't even bother to change into your PJ's; you had forgotten. You didn't even eat dinner; you had lost your hunger. But it was in a good way, as if that warm fuzzy feeling inside you satisfied your appetite. There was something different about him. And it wasn't just the conversation you just had, there was something about him that you couldn't quite put a finger on. And with that, you went into deep sleep, snuggled up with your pillows.

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For those new here, don't worry. This story will not be based on the pandemic! I just added this detail as a little humor for the chapter. ;)

[Author's Note: Hey everyone! I just wanted to say that this story is originally published on Archive of Our Own, and you can find me through their under the username @ bobby_11. Thank you for reading my first chapter! Let me know in the comments your thoughts and any constructive criticism that you have! Anything is welcome! Enjoy the next chapter! :) -Yours truly, Bobby!]