Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

-March 16th-

“Lal, you have been able to do this task in the past, you have the ability to replicate the results.” Data encouraged gently.

Lal and Data were sitting in the entryway of their apartment fussing over their shoelaces. Lal sighed dramatically and let go of her laces. She curled into a ball and put her knees to her chest.

“It’s too hard. I can’t do it,” She said.

”I can demonstrate it once more if you would find that to be helpful,” Data offered.

Lal nodded and spread her legs out as she watched Data pick up his own shoelaces. He intentionally demonstrated on his own shoes as to not tie Lal’s shoes for her. He knew she would cover her shoe with her hands and try to preserve Data’s work so she wouldn’t have to tie it herself.

”Follow along,” Data suggested and untied his shoe.

Lal picked up her shoelaces again as their cat, Spot, made her way to the pair.

Data instructed Lal step by step and she eventually tied her own shoelace.

”Very good job, Lal,” Data said with a small smile of approval. Lal beamed with pride beside him. “Now attempt to tie your other shoelace.”

”Okay,” She switched her feet and took the other shoelaces in her hand and began repeating the lesson. “You first cross the laces like this, then you would create a loop that looks like a bunny ear. You then cross the other lace behind, and pull another loop-or bunny ear- through.” She leaned back for Data to examine her shoe.

”You need more practice with perfecting the tightness of the bow, however, you have completed the task well Lal.” He leaned down and pressed a small kiss on her hair. Which earned Data a big smile from his daughter.

Spot wiggled herself in between Lal and Data and began to meow softly. Data picked Spot up and gave her some well needed attention.

Once Lal finished tightening her laces she smiled up at her Dad. “Are you prepared for school?” He asked. Lal nodded and stood up, she went to grab her backpack off of a low hook situated on the wall next to the door.

Data lowered Spot onto the floor and stood up, grabbing his own bag and coat. “We will be back at about 1600 hours as usual,” He told Spot.

Spot meowed softly in return as she looked up at the two.

”Bye Bye Spot,” Lal said as she and her dad left the apartment.

Many of their mornings follow this pattern. He often stuck to a routine that was helpful for the both of them. But since Lal’s 6th birthday (that just occurred four days ago), he has been adding in more small skills for her to learn. Teaching her to have a sense of independence and have her take the small steps into growing up.

Three years ago, when Data and Lal first moved in. Data was given the suggestion from his across the hall neighbor, now friend, Beverly Crusher, to throw Lal a birthday party.

Data never liked his own birthday, and as he got older, he kept forgetting to celebrate. He never had any special connection to his birthday. Every birthday party he had felt like it was only for his twin brother Lore and not for the both of them. Lore would bask in the attention given to him and he would invite all of his classmates. But Data wasn’t sure his classmates even liked him, they all seemed scared of him.

Data would spend those parties playing by himself. His father, Noonien, would give Data a few extra gifts knowing Data would be cast out of the activities. But that wasn’t true, Data just didn’t want to participate in a loud party.

He figured that was one of the reasons Lore had always acted out. He believed that Noonien favored Data over him. Those formative moments in childhood still stuck with Lore to this day. It shaped his behavior into something manipulative and evil.

Having that kind of connection to his birthday, he didn’t even think of wanting that for Lal. But then Beverly mentioned it would be a good way for the both of them to make friends in the building. It took a couple of birthday parties to realize what the gesture of a party was meant for. It was to celebrate the person. To show them how much you love them, to make them feel special because they deserve to feel that way. not just commemorate another year of age. So like the year after last, Lal had a birthday party.

But their routine stayed the same with the little adjustments. He still brought Lal to school and dropped her off like any day. Then he went to work and parked in his usual spot. He then walked into the research center and made his way to the east side of the building where his lab resided.

His lab was on the fifth floor and it was a relatively small room. It had enough room to build the models he needed to build but not much more.

He put his bag down and started his work routine. Which included: checking his email, responded to them, added important dates into his calendar, checked his calendar for upcoming ones (He had a meeting with his team right after lunch today), checked the room, checked his model, then got back to examining the blueprints and working.

Data has been tasked with creating a scale model of a solar system that one of their probes discovered. They only have readings of it so far and it's still picking up data. He has had to tweak the model so many times he couldn’t count (except he did, it has been 38 tweaks in the past two weeks he has been assigned this project).

His job was usually on the theoretical side, being a theoretical physicist and all, but they decided to give him a challenge and flex his engineering muscles a bit. So they had him build the solar system, thinking (correctly) that the merge between his Theoretical Physics knowledge and the engineering ability he has would meld to make the model more accurate.

So there he was, tinkering away in his lab on a model that feels as though it would never be finished as long as the probe continued to find more information. But he didn’t mind though, he loved his job, it's his passion. His father may have preferred he became a cyberneticist, but he doesn’t mind the endless tweaking of a model he finds simple.

Over halfway through the day, 1228 hours to be precise, Data was about to stop working in order to go eat his lunch. Instead, he caught the strong abrasive smell of burning plastic. He looked at his model to see nothing that could be causing that smell.

The fire alarms started ringing and flashing as bright and as loud as they could. Data jumped and covered his ears, falling to the ground at the sudden explosion of sound.

Only when he looked back up, he noticed the far wall being licked by flames and those flames rising up quickly, burning a hole in the floor and depositing black smoke into the room.

Fire is quicker to spread than most imagine. No one ever told Data that it could happen so quickly. He grabbed his keys and dashed out of the lab.

The smoke was much worse in the hallway, he could barely see a thing besides the flames crawling closer. The smoke stung his eyes and filled his lungs. The only sounds he could hear was the crackling of the fire, the screams of the people trapped in, and the pounding of his own heartbeat.

The fire inched closer, Data punched the glass of the fire extinguisher case, getting glass shards stuck in his skin. He grabbed the extinguisher and sprayed the chemicals over the hungry fire, they made no difference, the fire continued to spread. Data ditched the extinguisher.

He sprinted through the halls, he could hear people running past him and hear people in the rooms. With the rapid spread of the fire, he couldn’t imagine the response teams making it in time to save them. He had to do something, these people have lives, they have families. These people were screaming out for them, for someone to help. How many of these people had kids, wives, husbands. That’s when he thought of Lal. He can’t let these people's kids lose their parents because of a fire. He can’t let them die.

The fire nipped at his clothes as he rushed into one of the rooms closest, looking for people. The floor was caving in in this room and a woman on the edge paralyzed with fear. He grabbed her hands before the floor collapsed below her and pulled her up. “Run, get to the stairs,” He said loudly and she sprinted away.

He ran in the opposite direction, wheezing and going as fast as his legs would take him, listening out for voices among the crackling.

There was a loud bang coming from his side and next thing he knew, Data was on the ground with a sharp pain in his left leg. He looked up and tried to get his eyes to focus, the air vent had exploded. He felt dizzy, he felt like laying there and never getting up.

After a few seconds, he forced himself up with all the energy he had. He needed to keep going, no matter how much it hurt. He was smarter than most, Stronger than most, he could save these people.

He hobbled down the corridor and continued to listen for more people. He stopped in front of a lab that he heard quiet sobbing from. He pushed the door in and saw a support pillar completely collapsed on top of someone. The roof had caved in but Data could barely tell with all the dark smoke.

The crying noises he heard came from under a pile of rubble. He heaved the pieces of concrete off the scientist who was phasing in and out of consciousness. Data was coughing badly but didn’t stop.

”Can you stand?” Data asked, his voice hoarse. The person was unstable on his legs, but stood anyway.

“My wife,” he said, looking over at the pillar.

Data rushed over to her. At a closer glance, he noticed her torso was completely crushed, and her eyes were lifeless and blank.

”She’s gone, we have to go,” Data got up and put an arm around the other man. They rushed to the nearest stairwell. Data couldn’t take the heat or smoke anymore. He had to get out.

The two men supported each other down the stairs and only stopped so Data could pick up a crying young woman whose legs were completely crushed. They all went down the stairs together as the ceiling began to crumble. They had at least two more floors to go down.

Two firefighters came running up and spotted the struggling three people. One of the firefighters was speaking directly to Data but he could barely focus on what they were saying. The other fire fighter took the two people from him and brought them downstairs.

Everything happened in a daze, Data could only remember him mumbling something in response and then feeling strong arms picking him up as he lost consciousness, taking him out of the burning building.

—

Riker and his team were on the move, a science lab nearby was burning up. They suited up and piled into the truck with their usual speed and set off. The truck sped across the streets as cars moved to get out of their way.

O’Brien was the one to drive the truck, he was always reliable behind the wheel, Riker trusted him and his crew with all he had. A fire squad had to be like a tight-knit family in order to carry out their duties.

O’Brien gripped the wheel like always—steady hands and sharp instincts. Worf, his fire lieutenant, rode shotgun, his sharp gaze already scanning the building. In the back, Geordi ran a systems check. Tasha sat silent beside him, calm and ready, the way she always was before a storm.

The only person who was absent from their team at the moment was Wesley Crusher, their Probationary firefighter. He was currently attending college and couldn’t work on Tuesdays and thursdays.

Riker was the fire captain of this unusually small team. He commanded the missions they went on. Today was no different.

Any firefighter will tell you that fire spreads much faster than one may expect. It can get out of hand in a matter of seconds. This job was no different.

As Riker and his team approached, he could see the black, billowing smoke coming from the east side of the building. The fire already looked worse than most.

Riker did his quick mental list, the fire was spreading towards the rest of the building. There were no trees close enough for it to catch onto. There was a high possibility of people being trapped due to the size of the building. The east side is starting to cave in, there are some open entrance points scattered as well.

He jumped to the ground before the truck could stop. He ran over to where the other responders were standing. “Anyone still inside?” He asked immediately.

A man, presumably a building supervisor, nodded frantically.

Riker called out to his crew, they put their helmets on and Tasha brought Riker’s over. They ran to the building as another fire truck pulled in to the scene.

Riker climbed the stairs with Worf close behind. They found a group of three people descending. One of them held two people up while looking injured as well.

Worf rushed in and took the two people from the disheveled man.

“There may be more,” the man said, his voice scratchy, no doubt filled with smoke.

”Sir, I have to get you to safety,” Riker told him.

”First and second floor cleared,” Tasha said as she and O’Brien came up from behind with other firefighters in tow.

”I’ve got this man, look for others,” Riker said as the man in front of him began to sway. Riker picked him up with ease and rushed him out of the burning building.

He brought the man over to the EMS truck and laid him down on an empty stretcher.

The firefighters must have evacuated everyone because the streams of water started gushing onto the building.

Riker took off his helmet and looked down at the man before him, who was rather pretty despite all the soot on his face. The man was going in and out of consciousness.

“Try to stay awake,” Riker said as an EMS technician threw a thermal blanket over the man. To which Riker adjusted to fully cover him, he earned the warmth. The technician put an oxygen mask on him and checked his heart rate, then proceeded to shine a light on his eyes. That’s when Riker noticed the pale gold color of the man’s eyes.

“What’s your name?” Riker asked.

”Data,” The man said weakly after a moment of silence.

Data started pushing the oxygen mask aside the second the technician left to check on other injured scientists. “Hey, hey— leave that on. You’re safe here.”

Riker scooted up closer to Data’s torso. He shouldn’t be here for this long. He has a job to do but his crew can take care of it. Everyone they could get safely out was safely out so the bulk of the work was done. He just couldn’t help but be entranced by the man.

Judging by Data’s voice, burns, and general attitude, he had been in there for much longer than he should have. And it seemed he stayed by choice. Not having any experience in fire rescue (to Riker’s knowledge), Data still decided to stay and help people out. Carrying two people while he was injured in a situation like that takes guts.

“I’m Captain Riker, I need you to stay awake for me, Data.”

Data looked at him with his soft pale eyes and RIker felt safe himself.

”I have to go do my job now,” He said. “Stay here and stay awake for me, and I promise I will come check on you.”

Data nodded slightly and ragged coughs ripped his throat.

Riker stood up and ran back to his crew and continued his work as Data was being loaded into an EMS truck.

Chapter Text

-March 17th-

Riker’s team ran the Alpha shift—on at 7 a.m., off 24 hours later, like clockwork. Beta shift would roll in just as they were rolling out.

His Battalion Chief, Jean-Luc Picard, was usually there to see them off every morning, briefing them before and after shifts, even sometimes coming along on the truck in an emergency if he was there.

He was a confident older man who had all the strength to be a leader and Riker respected him.

Picard stopped him just as he was getting ready to leave for home—a small, stuffy apartment he’d tried (and failed) to call home. It was almost suffocating, not because of the size, but because of the quiet, lonely feeling he gets. It’s why he prefers the station. He would gladly take the risks of the job as long as he has the people he loves with him.

“You did good, Number one,” Picard said.

”Thank you, sir,” Will smiled and picked up his duffle bag, getting ready to leave.

”May I talk to you for a second?”

”Of course sir, what is it?” He asked.

”Several members of the crew had noted in their reports you weren’t with them for the beginning of the extinguishing procedures. You obviously weren’t in the building, you gave your clear as usual. But where were you?”

“I was bringing an injured person to the EMS station,” Riker stated

”Did you stay with them?”

There was no way to move around that fact. “Yes sir,” he said.

”Next time, let the EMT’s take care of it, Worf is not in command, you are,” Picard said sternly.

”Yes sir,” Riker said

“May I ask you why you stayed?” he asked

Why he stayed… Riker wasn’t so sure. ‘Because the man was pretty’ is not a good answer to the question, but it was a factor that Picard of all people had to know.

“Curiosity,” Riker said after a beat.

Picard raised an eyebrow. “Curiosity?”

“The man was critically injured but still carried others out—insisted on going back. I’d never seen anything like it.”

”I see, well don’t let curiosity get the best of you next time. Your team needs you Number One.”

”Aye sir.” Riker said.

the older man smiled and clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Go home and rest,” He said.

Riker nodded back and left the station; the walk home felt like a grim reminder of his rather lonely life.

He wishes to create his own family someday. A partner to call his, a house that feels like what a home should be, maybe even a kid or two in the future.

Issue is, he isn’t getting any younger. The one night stands started becoming less frequent on his own accord. He usually seeks it out, or lets himself be sought out at a bar. As gratifying the experiences are, and learning what a bedmate wants or likes is exhilarating. He has more recently found the hopping around less appealing. He would now much rather start settling.

Unfortunately, firefighting isn’t the right profession for that kind of thing. There is more to lose when you get attached to someone. He wouldn’t want to put that on his own family.

He didn’t really have a life outside the station, but he wanted to change that. Riker knew one sure way to change his life— by following the curiosities.

Maybe that’s why he left the house that afternoon. Maybe that's what brought him to the hospital. Maybe that's why he asked the desk attendant about a patient named Data. Maybe that's why he sat down next to the bed Data was in. Maybe it was the promise he made to him that brought him there, or maybe it was the loneliness talking.

Riker wasn’t sure. But he wanted to know this man. He wanted to stop making friends and flings at bars. He figured this might be a good way to meet someone outside of that scene. Maybe even make a friend.

Riker stared at the sleeping man, He looked worse for wear, he looked very pale, slightly disheveled but seemed to be doing okay. Riker watched as the man’s chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm. He was going to be okay.

—

Data’s eyes cracked open slightly. He could see bright lights, hear the soft beeping of machinery.

Then he remembered the fire, the heat, the screaming.

His chest rose in a sharp inhale. He saw the ceiling tiles, then looked over to his arm, an IV needle stuck in it. The feeling of gauze on him. Even the stiffness of his fingertips. Smells, textures, and sounds flooded his senses, unfamiliar, all of it. A shiver of panic rolled down his spine.

He sat up quickly.

He immediately felt the sharp stabbing pain of his lungs, his left leg. The pain rattled through his ribcage and stung his shoulders. He felt the wires pulling against him and the monitors beeping louder. He gritted his teeth and tried to move.

“hey, hey— take it easy.”

That voice—he didn’t recognize it, but something in its calmness slowed the rising panic.

“You’re okay, Data,” Riker said softly. “You’re in the hospital, you were caught in a fire at your lab. You made it out, You’re safe.”

Data looked at him, his eyes trying to focus. He was still breathing too quickly, trying to make sense of his memory. He took another look at himself. The IV, the bandages, the pain he was feeling.

Riker’s voice was gentle, Data looked back up at him when he spoke. “You carried two people out of the building, you saved their lives. You did good, okay?”

That seemed to ground Data a bit, he closed his eyes and forced himself to breathe. His jaw clenched tight as he closed his eyes. Filtering through the memories. Until he remembered something important.

His eyes ”Lal, where is she?”

“Lal?”

”My daughter” he tried to sit up, pain suddenly shot through his body but that didn’t stop him from trying to take out his IV drip.

Riker stood up and held his shoulders gently. “Where was your daughter last?”

“Lal was at school,” Data said. “I promised her I would be home.”

”You will, just not today. Chances are, Lal has gone home with the emergency contact you put in her file. We could call them if you’d like.”

Data didn’t respond, he just looked down at his lap.

”Rest, okay, lay back down,” Riker said.

Data listened and looked up at him, watching as he sat back down in the chair.

”Do you know who I am?”

”I do not believe I recall.”

“My name is Captain Will Riker, I carried you out of the fire yesterday.”

Data looked at him, slightly puzzled. “Why are you here?”

Riker smiled, “Figured someone should. You didn’t have any family listed so I thought you might not want to wake up alone.”

Data looked at him, as if trying to discern an ulterior motive.

Riker held up a hand, not out of offense, but of amusement. “I’m just checking in, that’s all. And to be honest with you, I was curious. You were carrying several people out of a building while being half-conscious yourself. And you did it like it was instinct. That’s not something I see often.”

”It was not my intention to impress you,” Data said.

“I didn’t think you were trying to,” Riker said.

A few seconds later, the door opened to reveal a tall woman with bright ginger hair. Her name tag read “Dr. Crusher”

“Good to see you up, Data.” She smiled and looked at the readings.

”Beverly, Is Lal okay?” He asked.

”She’s fine, Wesley picked her up from school and dropped her off this morning. Her routine was followed to a T and I stayed with her overnight.” She said as she made her way over to the machines and wrote down his vitals.

“And yes, Spot was fed. So she’s fine too. But Lal is worried about you, but I promised she could come see you after school if you’re okay with that.”

”Yes,” Data said, “Please.”

”Alright, I’ll give Wesley a call then. Would you like for me to list your injuries?”

”Yes, I would find that to be helpful,” Data said. He was much calmer than before, Riker noted.

”You’ve sustained a myriad of injuries,” Beverly said. She looked down to her clipboard, “Including second and third degree burns, damaged lungs due to smoke inhalation. Your left fibula is fractured as well. You have also possibly sustained minor head trauma but we will have to run some tests to confirm that. Other than that you just have some cuts and bruises that will heal up nicely.”

Riker looked to Data. He seemed calm about the whole thing. As if he was just told his shoe was untied.

Riker has been at a few bedside tables before to know how to deliver unfortunate news. Soften the blow with something positive and give examples of treatments to show the patient it can be healed or cured. She just laid it on unfiltered and Data took it with no issue or fear.

Riker sat up straighter in his chair and tried not to show his outrage at her informality.

”And the good news?” Riker prompted.

”Good news is,” Beverly started. “It’s just about 2:30 which means Wesley is on his way to pick up Lal. We can run some tests and discuss treatment plans after she visits.”

”Thank you Beverly,” Data said.

Beverly smiled, “I’ll bring Lal over when she gets here.” She made her way to the door, her eyes flicked over to Riker for a moment as she left the room.

Data sat in the quiet room, looking at his hands which were resting in his lap. “I assume there is a reason you came to visit me , and it has to do with your occupation,” His voice was barely a whisper.

Riker rested back into his usual sitting position. He leaned over to the right side of the chair, his right arm propping him up. “It’s Not my job to figure out what started it, I just make sure we get everyone out. Besides, as I said before, I came here to see you.”

”I see,” Data said.

”Out of personal curiosity though, how long were you in the burning building?” Riker asked.

”Approximately 7.2 minutes,” Data said.

Riker’s eyes widened, “Seven minutes? Data, inhaling smoke for seven minutes can kill a man.”

”But I am not dead,” Data stated, more as a fact rather than confusion.

“You could have gotten killed though,” Riker said

”I was and am still aware of that fact. There were people trapped. I heard them and I could not leave them behind. The danger was imminent and I was not entirely certain when help would arrive.”

Riker could feel his heart strings being tugged at. It was rare to find selfless people, selfless enough to go this far for others. To put their own life on the line for someone they likely didn’t know.

”Anything else you would like to know?” Data asked.

“Not about the fire, but what is your job?” He asked, his head lolling to the side as he watched the man in front of him look over.

“I’m a theoretical astrophysicist,” Data said.

”What do theoretical physicists do?” Riker asked, his head tilting a little more.

He already knew, of course. In highschool he read every beat-up, worn-down book that occupied the living room shelves in his childhood home. Engineering manuals, Star charts, flight theories, whatever he could get his hands on

Will’s father was a pilot, and a damn good one. He was working on trying to become an astronaut too but Will doesn’t know if that's been going well. His father was absent and his mother died when he was young. He had nothing to do but raise himself in his rural town. He kept a good life balance by himself and stayed on top of his studies.

When he finished schooling, his dad was never really home anyways. He saved enough money from working, then made his way down to California to start a new life.

He had roommates throughout the years, kept a steady job, then eventually chose to pursue firefighting,

So acting like he didn’t know a thing about Astrophysics wasn’t going to hurt anyone. Ha asked because he wanted to hear Data speak. To watch as his mouth moved, precise but gentle, and to hear his voice smooth out as he got used to talking again.

They talked for a little while and Riker had to say. Data was blunt, kind of monotone, and had interesting syntax. But by God, the man was charming. Riker was entranced, hooked even, and he couldn’t even begin to explain why. He for sure couldn’t get himself to stay away now.

Data was kind, analytical, and had an interesting pattern of thinking. Almost machine-like in operation, Riker just wanted to know more. He wanted this warm feeling in his stomach to stay forever. He wanted to feel the skin of his pale cheek under his fingertips.

Just then the door opened and his stomach turned to ice. A little girl came running in. Her short dark hair was slightly wind-swept as she ran over to the gurney.

“Daddy!” She said and looked up at him with big eyes and tried to climb up to see him.

‘That’s right,’ Riker thought. ‘A kid probably means he has a wife too.’ He watched as Data smoothed back the little girl’s hair. ‘but if he did have a spouse, wouldn’t they be here with him?’

”Have you been okay, Lal?” Data asked.

“I’ve missed you Daddy,” She said

”I have also regretted your absence Lal,” Data kissed her forehead.

He had a soft smile on his face. He clearly loved his daughter. And that started to thaw the cold feeling again.

”Captain Riker?” Asked a familiar voice.

Riker looked over to see Wesley Crusher at the door.

”Why are you here?” His provisional firefighter asked.

”I’m visiting Data after the accident yesterday, I wanted to check up on him.” He looked over at the father and the daughter and then stood up. “Let’s give them some space for now,” He suggested and left the room with Wesley in tow

They began walking down the halls. Like all hospitals, it had a sterile smell that lined the white walls and light colored tiles. People were bustling in and out of rooms, Doctors and Nurses in scrubs, wearing masks and some in thin
Apron-like gowns.

“So,” Wesley started. “Do you usually check up on people who you’ve saved in the line of duty?”

Riker blushed slightly and looked away. They were off duty so Wesley could technically talk to him like this. Hierarchy of the fire station only applied when they were on the clock, most importantly when they were in a crisis.

“Not often, but he worried me in particular. He was trying to save people from the top floor of his lab. No protective gear. He was there for seven minutes. So I got a little curious.”

”That’s Data for you. He doesn’t think about himself often and it shows.”

”How do you know Data and Lal?” Riker asked.

”He lives in the apartment across from my Mom and I. We are like a joint family, almost. We help each other out and we even have breakfast together on Saturday mornings before Shabbat Service.”

”I see, and I'm guessing your Mom is Dr. Beverly?”

”Yep,” Wesley said.

They continued talking and took a few more laps, Riker explained the fire at the lab and how that went since Wesley wasn’t there, They eventually wound up back at Data’s room.

Beverly was in there crouching in front of Lal who was sitting on the edge of the bed next to her Dad.

“…so that means your dad is going to have a sleepover here while we make sure everything is okay.” She explained to the little girl.

”I want to stay with my Daddy,” Lal said.

”I know you do, but he has to rest here. I promise you will see him after school tomorrow. Wesley will pick you up and your Dad will be waiting for you at home. Plus, who will play with Spot if you stay here? She would be pretty bored without you.”

”Okay,” Lal sighed in defeat.

”Go with Wesley,” Data said. “I will make you chicken and gnocchi for dinner tomorrow and go for our Thursday walk.” Data said.

Lal nodded in agreement and kissed her father on the forehead. “Bye Daddy,”

”See you tomorrow,”

“Bye bye” Lal hopped off the bed. She went over to Westley and held his hand as he guided her out of the room.

Data watched his daughter leave the room. He looked distant and upset. Riker couldn’t blame him. He’s been through a lot these past few days.

Riker was tempted to stay — to sit beside him for as long as he was needed. But he didn’t want to overstep, or worse, become a bother.

As Riker considered sitting back down, he didn’t realize Data’s eyes were on him. Those beautiful pale yellow eyes.

“Captain?” Data sat up a little.

“Yes?” Riker snapped to attention.

“I would like to thank you for saving me,” Data averted his gaze for a moment before staring at Riker’s chest. “May I cook dinner for you sometime?”

Riker blinked, caught off guard. Of course he wanted that — but he hadn’t expected to be asked. “I’d love that Data, but get better first.”

Riker went over to the bedside table and wrote down his name and number. “If you need anything— and I mean anything— call or text me, if I’m at work, Wesley knows my schedule.” Riker put the pen down and smiled over his shoulder, “Goodbye Data.”

Riker began walking to the door.

“Goodbye Captain,” Data said.

He paused before the door and looked back once more. “Call me Will,” he smiled and left.

Chapter Text

-March 18th-

Data had been cleared to go home, but he wasn’t ready. Not really.

Still, Beverly drove him home that morning. Helped him into bed, elevated his splinted leg a little higher than what was comfortable, and only returned later to drop off a casserole she insisted he eat.

The apartment was too quiet. He could hear the air moving through the vents, the clock ticking from across the room.

Data liked to believe he was indestructible — that nothing could take him down. It was a noble mentality, maybe, but it had him burning the candle at both ends. Overexerting himself. The kind of behavior Beverly specifically told him not to do — and exactly what left him wrapped in bandages in the first place.

He laid in bed, trying to catalog the events of the last forty-eight hours. Sort them out. Make sense of the timeline.

The seven minutes he’d spent inside the fire were a blur — yet they were all he could focus on. Everything else faded into the background.

Spot jumped up on the bed, stretching out in the sunlight beside his legs. Data would have reached down to scratch behind her ears — right where she liked — but the effort to move was painful.

He opened his phone. Checked his email again.

The last message was from the university: the remaining staff would be transferred to another lab, temporarily. He was instructed to retrieve his personal belongings.

Data didn’t even know if his office was still standing — or if it had crumbled away with the east side.

It was Thursday afternoon. He should’ve been at work. His internal clock didn’t know what to do with itself.

He needed normalcy.

So he slowly got out of bed, The shuffled around the room, pulled on halfway decent clothes. Struggled with his shoes. Tried to comb his hair back. Grabbed his keys. Hobbled out the door on his crutch.

He waited at the bus stop just outside his building, sitting on the bench and watching people pass by.

Eventually, the bus rolled in. He scanned his old card — unused for ages — and took a seat up front, staring out the window.

When he stepped off, he stood on the sidewalk for a moment, staring up at the building.
A third of it had burned. Black char marked the edges.

He took a breath. One step. Then another. He headed for the north entrance.

He scanned himself in, skipped the elevator — out of habit or maybe just stubbornness — and took the stairs up to the fifth floor.

As his office drew closer, he felt lightheaded. The smell of ash thickened with every step.

His mind tried to convince him the fire hadn’t happened. That the halls behind him were still intact. That if he looked over his shoulder, everything would be normal again.

But he didn’t look.

A fantasy wouldn’t save him now.

The walls got darker as he made his way through. Passing co-workers, he barely registered that they were there. When he got to his office he touched the door number, melted off partially, only the 5 could be read. He wiped the little plaque under it. It too was melted and warped. His name was unreadable.

He looked to his right and saw that just a few doors down, the building crumbled into the blue sky above. The floor on that end looked like it could fall at any moment.

Data walked into his lab. The project in the center was unsalvageable. He got close to it, the metal melted, the wood burned away, the model planets smashed by rubble. He’d have to start again.

He looked behind him to see his desk was a charred mess, he could only guess that all the research he had in there was now just a mere pile of ash.

On the floor right in front of it was one of the few sentiments he kept on his desk. With difficulty, he knelt down and picked up the photograph, still being held together by parts of the hand-painted frame Lal had decorated.

The photo was of Lal, she was smiling big for the camera. She was wearing her favorite pink shirt and purple overall skirt. Her caterpillar stuffed animal was tucked under one arm.

He kept the photo on his desk so he could see her smile whenever he missed her. He remembered the day the photo was taken — Lal had been very brave at her doctor’s appointment. She had just been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis and was undergoing allergy testing for the first time.

It had been a frightening experience for her. Data held her hand through every moment, and afterward, they got ice cream and he bought her that caterpillar toy. She held onto it for the entire day and eventually fell asleep clutching it in her arms.

Now the photo was burned, the glass cracked, and the frame burnt and crumbling.

Data heard the sound of heavy footsteps off to his side. He stood up (with some struggle) and looked over. There in the doorway stood Fire Captain Will Riker.

Riker crossed the room and stood by Data’s desk, keeping a respectful distance. “Data, what are you doing here?”

Data held his crutch tight — like a deer in the headlights, he was caught, but it didn’t show on his face. “I am gathering the belongings that are still intact in order to move offices.”

Riker crossed his arms, not in judgement, but more like a concerned and comfortable way. “Data, you should be at home, resting.

Data said nothing and looked back at the photo in his hands, half of her face and shoulders remaining in the picture.

”How are you though?” Riker asked in a low tone, it was gentle, full of concern.

”I am… functioning within normal parameters,” he said, still staring at the photo.

Riker chuckled at that. Data looked over, expecting Riker to be laughing at his response. He just had a warm look on his face, in his eyes. Not belittling or insulting, not at all. It was something soft, something Data could only describe as charming.

”You have an interesting way of saying things, Doctor.” Riker smiled, still warm. He usually couldn’t tell the tone very well, but Riker was someone he could read rather easily. It made his stomach twist slightly, but pleasantly.

”I have been told that on numerous occasions.”

”I don’t doubt that, can I help you grab anything?”

Data looked around the room, there were some things covered by rubble that might have survived.

“Yes, over here,” Data led him to a table built into the wall, there were rocks blocking the cabinets and covering the surface.

Data rested his crutch against the cabinet and picked up a large piece of rubble with ease. Pain shot up his left leg as weight was put on, he winced and set the rubble down on the ground.

Riker ran up to his side. “Hey, no. You are only hurting yourself more,” Riker put a hand on the man’s shoulder. It was pleasantly warm and not unwelcome.

“I’ve got this,” Riker said, looking at him

Data nodded, grabbed his crutch again and stepped back as he watched Riker remove the rubble.

When he was finished, Data searched through the cabinets to find some of the things that were still intact. Riker left the room and came back with a big cardboard box.

Data thanked him and they both started quietly placing the salvageable bits into the box.

”I believe that is all,” Data said.

Riker stood up and held out his hand for Data. He took it and helped him up, putting his other hand on Data’s shoulder to steady him.

Data grabbed his crutch and Riker picked up the box. The two men walked out of the lab in silence.

Riker looked over at him, and slowed his steps to match. “What kind of work have you been doing recently?” He asked.

Data glanced over at him for a moment before looking ahead again. “I have been charting a model of a solar system based on readings a satellite has picked up in the beta quadrant. We are calling it 40 Eridani.”

“I see,” Riker said. “Is there anything special you’ve found there?”

”40 Eridani is a triple star system, which as you may understand, is quite uncommon.” Data said.

Riker nodded, looking at him again.

Data continued, “it is approximately 16.3 lightyears away from our sun. There are three suns in orbit around its sun, one is too small to actually classify as a sun. Then there are the two exoplanets, I believe they are in orbit around each other while orbiting the sun. That would be the only possible explanation for the readings.”

Riker listens, fascinated, “think there is any life there?”

”It is hard to tell at the moment. We have not obtained that information from the planets yet. However, I believe that one of them could be considered an M class planet, while the other is a G class planet.”

”What does that mean?” Riker asked as he moved the big box to one arm and clicked the elevator button.

“A class G planet has a crystalline surface, while a class M is a planet that can sustain humanoid life.

”Think we might meet some aliens some day Dr. Soong?” Riker smiled.

Data’s lips turned up slightly at the corners, “There is a possibility.”

They entered the elevator and descended to the first floor.

—

Riker stood by as Data talked to the desk attendant. He got assigned a new room in the building next door. His keycard was reprogrammed for the other building and he was sent off to a lab on the second floor.

“I am guessing it is your day off of work,” Data said.

Riker nodded and hummed in approval, “Yeah, I go back tomorrow morning. But I didn't have anything to do today so I thought I could be useful and help people find their things here.”

”That is… kind of you,” Data said thoughtfully. “Do you normally visit those who you rescue in the hospital as well?”

Riker blushed a little, “Well no, I just- I promised you I would check up on you again. But you were already taken to the hospital by the time we were finishing up. I didn’t want to break a promise I made.”

Data nodded, “I see.”

They stayed quiet as they went on the next elevator up to floor 2.

As they got closer to the door, Data finally said something. “Will you still be accepting my invitation for dinner?”

”Yeah, of course,” Riker smiled.

They stopped right outside of Data’s new lab. “Do you have any prearranged plans for this Saturday night?”

“No, I do not.”

”Is 6pm an adequate time for this endeavor?”

”6pm is perfect, Data.”

Data nodded, “I will send you my address.” He took the box from Riker in his free hand and went into his new assigned room.

Riker walked back down the hall, feeling much lighter than he did before, not just because he wasn’t carrying the box anymore.

—

The first thing Data noticed as he walked in his new lab was that half of it was bare, except for a few boxes scattered around. The other half was a controlled chaos of mechanical parts, wires, and tools. Storage racks and shelves reached to the ceiling. Using every square cube of volume the half of the room had to offer. Even though it was messy, Data could tell everything had its place.

Data knew that he was going to be sharing the lab with someone. So this was no surprise to him, he didn’t see anyone at first until a man rolled himself out from behind the whiteboard.

The man stayed seated in his desk chair, looking over at Data, who was placing his one box onto the desk.

“You must be my new lab mate,” The man said.

Data looked over at him, he was hard for him to read. He didn’t seem hostile, but he didn’t seem friendly either. “That is accurate, my name is Dr. Soong. I will be temporarily working here until they can rebuild my old lab.”

The man’s eyes widened as soon as Data opened his mouth. He looked genuinely interested now, it made Data take a step back. The man got up from his chair and crossed the room to meet him. “I’m Dr. Bruce Maddox, I’m a cyberneticist.”

”It is… good to meet you doctor,” Data half-lied. He wasn’t actually sure if it was a good thing.

”It’s good to meet you too Dr. Soong, what do you do here?”

Data attempted to keep eye contact with him, “I am a theoretical physi-“

”What’s your first name?” Maddox cut him off.

Data hesitates, “My name is Dayton, but my friends call me Data.”
Maddox’s eyes were still bright in a way that still bothered Data. “Dr. Dayton ‘Data’ Soong,” His voice was soft, as if he was in awe.

”I would prefer if you call me Dr. Soong”

Maddox’s smile flickered, just for a second, before he started walking backward to his chair. “You know Dr. Soong, you remind me of an android. Has anyone told you that?”

Data has been called robotic on many occasions, usually as an insult. Saying he is too stiff, his speech is too formal, he expresses emotions in a strange way, he follows routines and tasks like he isn’t living. It’s made his skin crawl in the past, and it’s no different now.

“It’s a compliment, don't worry.” Maddox assures, as if sensing Data’s inner conversation. “I’m practically married to my work, It’s my whole life. I like what I do and I’m good at doing it. Sure, people call me obsessive, but I'm actually just… passionate.”

Data narrowed his eyes slightly, “I see.” He recognized this as unhealthy behavior, but Data was in no position to critique the Doctor’s lack of a work-life balance. “I will return to work on Monday. Goodbye Dr. Maddox.”

Maddox was already turned back around his chair and hiding behind the whiteboard. Focusing on his work again. “See ya on Monday Data.”

Data was about to open his mouth and protest at Maddox for using the nickname. But he decided not to bicker and left the office, uneasy but unwilling to show it. He got back to his car that he left in the parking lot during the fire, and drove himself home.

Chapter Text

-March 20th-

Riker stood in front of the mirror for a good ten minutes. Staring at his reflection until his face became distorted and his hair started looking wrong.

He wondered if he was being too dressy, or not dressy enough. He started wondering if his face was symmetrical or if he had a slight lazy eye.

He didn’t understand why he was nervous. It wasn’t a date, this was a thank you, a gesture he normally wouldn’t have taken. He was just doing his job, there is no reason to be thanked for that. It was that goddamn curiosity that got him here, getting ready for a dinner at Data’s home. Which in all honesty, was hook, line, and sinker for Riker. He was being pulled into Data’s orbit, taking the bait he is giving and letting himself be reeled in.

His mind swirled with questions as he debated weather or not he would wear a tie. Was it weird to keep seeing someone after they thanked you like this? What if Data let him go after this. What if he never wanted anything to do with him again. What if Data never reaches out again. What if he reaches out instead and Data doesn’t like that.

His head was spinning so fast he almost started feeling dizzy. All he could do was offer to see him more and hope Data accepts.

Riker closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He looked fine, he was just nervous. Things will run their course, everything will be fine.

Riker set the tie down, put his jacket on, picked up the flowers he bought and began walking to Data’s apartment.

—

Walking over did help calm Riker’s nerves. However, when Data buzzed him up, they spiked up all over again. He was standing outside his door when he finally had the courage to knock.

He took a deep breath as he heard little footsteps pattering closer on the other side of the door.

The door opened and there stood a little girl. She had short brown hair and the biggest eyes that held the most blank, yet curious stare.

She stuck her hand up, “Daddy’s cooking, may I take your jacket?”

Riker froze for a second then chuckled at this strange little kid and shrugged off his jacket, “of course, thank you Ma’am”

She took the heavy coat and put it on a low hanging hook next to a small purple backpack with sparkly stars on it. The coat hung so low it was almost touching the floor.

“This way,” She stated and ran around the corner and into the kitchen.

Riker followed her and saw that she was already clinging to her Dad’s leg, who was attending to a pan on the stove.

Data was looking down at her with a fond, small smile. She whispered sort of loudly to him about how she think’s Riker keeps rocks in his jacket because it was so heavy.

Data looked up at Riker, the fond look still on his face, “Hello Will.”

Riker’s chest started to warm up and he smiled too, “Hey Data.”

Data turned back to the little girl, still clinging onto his leg. “Lal,” he said. “You did a very good job at inviting Mr. Riker in. However, there is a step you have forgotten.”

She looked up at her dad, chin resting on his leg. Her head tilted to the side, “What did I forget?”

“You have forgotten to introduce yourself,” he said.

“Oh,” she said simply. She detached from Data’s side to look at Riker, still holding onto Data’s leg lightly with one hand. She thought for a second and then padded over to Riker and stuck her hand up to him. “I’m Lal, it’s nice to meet you officially.”

Riker smiled, he could tell she practiced that. He took her hand and shook it lightly. “I’m Will, it’s nice to meet you too Lal.

When he let go of her hand, she went back to the kitchen and zoomed past Data.

Data wiped his hands on a rag and grabbed his crutch, he then made his way over to Riker.

Data was wearing an apron. It was blue with the words ‘Best Chef in the Universe’ written on it in crooked letters. It was decorated with stars, planets and glittery paint. No doubt Lal’s handiwork.

Riker held out the flowers, “I wanted to thank you for inviting me to dinner.”

“You did not have to,” Data said, his voice rather soft. It sent a pleasant static-y feeling on Riker’s back. “Making you dinner is my way of thanking you for visiting me when you did not have to.”

“I wanted to bring you flowers. I’m happy you invited me.”

Data gently took the flowers, his fingers brushing against Riker’s. He inspected the flowers with reverence. “I will have to find an adequate way to thank you for this gesture.”

Riker leaned against the counter and tilted his head deliberately. “So that I can just thank you for it, that sounds like a never ending cycle?”

Data stood still, his face blank as he turned his head to think. He looked back at him “Perhaps it would be.”

He turned around and walked over to a cabinet and took out a vase to put the flowers in.

Lal came pattering back with a lilac apron with the words ‘Taste Tester’ written on in the same handwriting. Flowers and ladybugs patterned hers. Undoubtedly her work as well.

She tied it up with care and looked up at Data. “Can I help Daddy?”

“Unfortunately not Lal, I am able to perform this task by myself. But you may help plate the food when I am done.”

Lal nodded, seeming to find this compromise fair. “Okay Daddy,” She said.

“How about you finish your drawing? I am sure there are more muffin houses that need to be constructed.”

Lal nodded and skipped over to their small living room.

Riker sat down on a stool at the counter while Data filled up the vase with water.

“She seems lovely,” Riker said.

Data nodded slightly, “Lal is a very spirited young girl. She has a myriad of interests and is always looking to learn more.”

“What kind of things?”

“She has a fascination with insects of all kinds. She has a wide creative range, especially when it comes to baked goods.

“She likes to create recipe ideas such as Jelly Bean Cupcakes. She also has created many stories surrounding food and baked goods. She is currently working on her Muffin Village diagrams for her so-called ‘Sweets Land’.”

Riker smiles, “So she is quite the artist.” His eyes drifted to the refrigerator with pieces of paper covering every inch. All with various crayon and colored pencil drawings. Many of which had just Data and Lal.

“So it’s just the both of you?” He asked.

“Yes,” Data said, turning back to his cooking.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to come off as prying.”

“I understand, I did not interpret your tone as you being invasive.”

“Good.”

There was a beat of silence.

Data took it as an invitation to talk about it, “Lal does not have a mother in her life. Unless you count Beverly. She is somewhat of a motherly figure towards her.”

“I understand what that’s like,” Riker said. His brain pulled him back to his youth. Only him and his father who was never really there.

“You do?” Data inquired, he looked back at Riker and continued to stir.

Riker continued to stare at the fridge, memorising every crayon stroke and wonky letter. “Well yeah, My mom died when I was young. I barely remember her.”

“I am sorry to hear that,” Data said. “I sometimes wonder if it is hard on Lal too. She never met her mother. We do not often expand upon the topic. Lal seems to be doing adequately without her birth mother. Although, I often find myself wondering if the absence weighs her down, or perhaps holds her back.”

Riker turned his attention back to Data and smiled, “If my dad had half as much concern for me as you do for Lal. My childhood would have been much easier. Trust me, you are doing fine.”

Data couldn’t help but smile warmly, It made Riker’s stomach flip. “Thank you,” Data said.

Riker could feel his face growing warmer.

Data turned back around, and removed the wooden spoon from the pot and called Lal over.

“Coming!” Riker heard Lal’s small feet pattering against the floor as she ran to her dad’s side. She still wore her apron, her hair a wild mess as she stood on the step stool Data pulled out for her.

Data smoothed her short hair back and out of her face before grabbing a serving utensil for her to start scooping pasta into three bowls. Making surprisingly little mess.

She grabbed one of the bowls and took it to the table. She placed it gently at one of the seats. “Mr. Firefighter,” she called out. “You can sit right here.”

Riker smiled, “Thank you Lal,” He made his way over to the table and sat down.

Lal rushed back to the kitchen to get her own glittery plastic bowl and put it carefully at her place. She climbed onto her high stool and sat down, waiting for her dad.

Data came over last with his bowl and forks for everyone. He passed them out and sat down, He said a sentence in a language Riker didn’t understand and then turned to Riker.

“I figured Spaghetti Bolognese, being a simple dish that a large percentage of people tend to enjoy, is something that you may enjoy too.”

”You’re very considerate, trust me, I love some good pasta.” Riker smiled. He twirled his fork into the pasta and began eating. “This is really good,” He said

Data inclined his head slightly. “Thank you, I have been attempting to refine my technique. As you may have noticed, Lal enjoys helping, though I suspect her main interest is sampling the ingredients.”

”I only eat some of them,” Lal said, her mouth stuffed with some spaghetti. “Mostly the cheese.”

”That is accurate,” Data said, his face didn’t change much but his tone was fond.

Riker chuckled, glancing between the two of them. There was a spark of energy floating around the room. It was a feeling of warmth he hadn’t felt in so long. He was truly in their world and it made him feel some kind of way. It could be envy? Or maybe just longing?

“Did you always want to be a space scientist?” Riker asked, focusing his attention back to Data.

Data paused to think, “I suppose I have been drawn to space exploration all my life. I was intrigued by the questions that come from looking outward and onto space. The possibilities of what could be awaiting. The attraction has not lessened with age.”

Riker nodded slowly. “That makes sense, you strike me as the type who reaches for the stars. Asks the hard questions and doesn’t take silence for an answer.”

“I suppose that is an accurate assessment. While I often don’t understand people, science has always made sense. It is forgiving as you learn the rules while people are not as such. I am still willing to learn how to navigate humanity. Part of me believes that searching the stars will help me find the answer.”

”Yeah,” Riker said, his voice soft. “That makes sense.”

From beside both of them, Lal spoke up. “Do you think I’ll like bugs forever?”

”There is a possibility,” Data responded.

”Okay, that’s good.” She said, “Because I really like bugs,” She stuffed another forkful of pasta in her mouth.

The corners of Data’s lips turned up slightly. Even such a small movement made Riker’s chest feel warm again.

Lal slid out of her seat after she finished and carried her bowl carefully to the sink, darting back to the living room to presumably finish her picture.

”She’s got a good heart,” Riker said.

Data watched his daughter as she plopped back down onto the carpet and grabbed her crayons to continue her scribbling. “She is my center, everything else comes second.”

There was something solid in the way he said it. No fanfare, no bravado, just truth.

“I think that makes you the best kind of parent,” Riker murmured, “You’re doing a good job with her Data.”

Data looked back at Riker as he stood up and took his dish, and Data’s, to the sink. Riker rinsed the dishes as Data put away the leftovers. The scent of tomato sauce lingering in the air, covering the moment in a warm blanket.

”Would you like some tea?” Data asked as he placed the container in the fridge.

”Yeah, I’d love that,” Riker said, his heart fluttering slightly.

Data nodded and filled a kettle with water and placed it onto the stove.

Riker wandered into the living room and saw Lal scribbling away with a crayon in hand. Her tongue poked out as she focused.

”What are you drawing?” Riker asked.

She held up the paper for him to see, “I’m working on the Blueberry muffin village, This one has a jelly bean stand where the jelly bean people can sell candy.”

Riker crouched down beside her, “That’s very innovative. They have to get their candy from somewhere. Do the other villagers ever visit other villages?”

She shook her head. “Not really, the jelly bean people can only visit because the villages are next to each other, but hear this! once they build a chocolate bridge to the center of the land, everyone can meet everyone!”

”I’d love to see that someday.”

Lal smiled. “You will, I promise you. But only when it’s done.”

Data appeared with two mugs of tea. “She has promised to let me see it as well, but only after I meet a certain quality threshold in my bedtime stories.”

Riker took his mug. “Tough critic.”

”Very.”

”I think I got the better bargain.”

”You did.”

They sat together on the couch. The lights were low, the air calm. Riker sipped his tea and let himself be in the moment.

Lal eventually moved back to her room, insisting that Data was not allowed to see the top secret parts of her next muffin village. Leaving the two adults alone on the couch in silence

”I am under the impression you are not use to being thanked,” Data said, breaking the silence. “May I ask why?”

Riker looked down into his tea, as if the answer would be there. “Well, most of the time, people are too shaken up to say it. Or they do, but it feels like they don’t mean it. I guess I just don't really… expect it anymore . I don’t really feel like I need it. And I am also not used to being invited to dinner for saving someone’s life. It’s just apart of my job.”

“Yet you accepted my invitation.”

”I guess I wanted to know you more,” Riker said, quietly. “I think that’s what it came down to.”

Data tilted his head slightly, studying him. “I’m glad you did.”

Riker met his eyes, and for a moment, neither of them looked away.

—

Eventually, Data got up to settle his daughter into bed and Riker was left on the couch, cradling his lukewarm tea.

He sat there in silence, basking in the warm feeling in his chest. He wanted life to be like this forever. No more drills, no more fires, no more lonely nights. But he wouldn’t ask more from Data, he wouldn’t push for more.

Data emerged from her room a few minutes later, switching off the hallway light as he rejoined Riker on the couch.

”She wanted to show you her cookie castle, I had to persuade her to wait until next time.”

Riker’s chest fluttered. “Next time, huh?” His smile started to grow.

Data sat down carefully. “She has already decided you will return. I hope that is not presumptuous of us.”

Riker shook his head, his smile only growing. “Not at all.”

A comfortable silence settled between them. The only noise being the muffled sounds of cars passing and the low hum of the apartment.

“She’s a good kid,” Riker said, glancing at Data. “You’re doing a good job.”

Data’s eyes lingered on the floor, his back still perfectly straight. “I often question whether I am meeting the standards of what she needs. I do not quite have the hang on the subtleties of social development and often fear I do not have what it takes. I research, of course. I consult Beverly for advice, since she knows Lal to understand her specific needs. Yet I still… wonder.”

”I may not be a parent, but I know parents. Any good parent wonders.” Riker said. “I’ve seen families fall apart because the parents didn’t wonder. You are here for her, attentive, steady. That’s more than a lot of kids get.”

”I appreciate you telling me this,” Data said quietly. “I do not receive reassurance often.”

”You should, You’re doing something hard, and to me, it looks like you’re doing a great job.”

They sat in silence for a moment, Data considering Riker’s words.

Riker leaned back, letting his shoulders press against the couch. “You ever let yourself just… relax? Or do you just let your mind think this much?”

”I attempt to relax. I am just not something I am skilled in.”

”Well, I’ll have you know, you don’t have to try too hard. Not around me anyways.”

Data looked at him. Really looked at him. Not being invasive or judgmental, but rather being contemplative. Considering Riker as he is.

“I enjoy your company,” he finally said. “You are… easier to talk to than I expected.”

Riker gave a soft laugh. “You say it like that surprises you.”

”To some degree, it does. Do not misunderstand, it is not a reflection on you. Rather a reflection on… past outcomes.”

Riker looked down into his nearly empty mug and thought about how wonderful it was to feel so at ease in someone else’s home. He usually didn’t let his emotions move this fast. But this didn’t feel fast. For the first time in a while, it felt right.

”Will?” Data’s voice was soft, almost hesitant.

”Yeah?”

”Would it be acceptable if i asked you to stay for a while longer? Just to talk?”

Riker looked at him and they locked eyes. “I’d love that.”

Data nodded, his expression open, he looked happy.

They sat there and talked. They got to know each other. They talked about books, childhood memories, growing up. They let the conversation flow into the late hours of the night, by the time it was nearly midnight, Riker finally stood, slow and reluctant.

“I should make my way home, It’s getting late.”

Data lead him to the door, limping slightly without the crutch. “Thank you for coming.”

”Thanks for having me, dinner was great.”

They stood there for a moment, neither of them making a move.

Data’s voice was quiet when he eventually spoke up. “I hope I can anticipate your return.”

”I will,” Riker said. “If the muffin villagers would allow it.”

The comment making Data suppress a smile. “I believe you have already been granted a visa.”

Riker laughed softly, “Goodnight Data.”

”Goodnight Will.”

Data opened the door for him, Riker took a step out, still looking at Data. “Text or call me whenever and I will catch a flight over.”

”I will.”

”Bye,” Riker said.

”Bye,” Data said, he closed the door.

The feeling of warmth lingered in Riker’s chest as he walked back home and got ready for bed. The happy feeling rocking him to sleep.

Chapter Text

-March 23rd-

During the Dinner on Saturday, Riker offered to help Data with rebuilding his Planetary model. As much as Data insisted he didn’t need help and could manage it himself. Riker wanted to assist.

There were a lot of extra wood palettes at the station that the crew had been trying to get rid of for some time. So Riker at least offered to bring them to him. To which Data found to be a reasonable compromise.

7 AM rolled around slowly. They had another hard night at the fire station. At midnight, when everyone was settled deep in their REM cycles, the fire alarms blared, waking them up from the peace and quiet of the night.

Riker’s team sprinted out of their beds, got suited up, and jumped onto the truck, on their way to extinguish a nasty apartment fire.

The flames were brutal and merciless, taking many lives in the process. That was the harsh reality of late night fires. Not everyone in the fire can wake up in time, not everyone was awake enough to make it out alive.

They saved as many people as they could before the structure collapsed under their feet. Leaving many people in the building, many of which were probably still alive until the moment the building crashed into itself

Everyone in the kitchen could feel the weight of the last few hours as O’Brien passed out mugs of coffee. Placing one in front of a spaced out Wesley Crusher. Who didn’t look like he got a lick of sleep since they were called.

Riker pulled out a chair, throwing his leg over the back of it and sitting down. Setting his half-empty mug of coffee onto the table.

“Wanna talk about what’s on your mind?”

Wesley sighed, “I don’t know,” he rubbed a hand over his forehead.

Riker gave him a moment, “None of it was your fault, don’t be hard on yourself. You did the best you could.”

“I know but if we got there sooner, if I ran a little faster.”

“Hey,” Riker stopped him. “Speculating what could have happened doesn’t do anyone any good. We can’t focus on that.”

“But people died! They died because I couldn't do anything about it!”

“We couldn’t do anything about it. My team did the best they could in a bad situation. Everyone gave it their all. Part of this job is learning that you can’t always save everyone, Wesley. But none of you half-assed your way through this job and that’s all that I could ask for. In my book, you did great.”

“But-“ Wesley stopped himself. He stared at his untouched mug and took a breath. “It still hurts.”

“I know it does.” A beat, “Schedule an Appointment with Deanna, she can help you sort these feelings out.”

“Good idea.”

“Good,” Riker gently patted him on the back and stood up.

Riker drank the rest of his coffee in a few large swigs, rinsed out his cup, then put it in the half-empty dishwasher. He turned around and left the room.

He went downstairs and found Battalion Chief Picard in his office like he always is at 7 in the morning.

Riker reached in his bag and took out his mission report, setting it on his desk. Picard smiled and nodded, silently saying goodbye and to have a nice day.

Riker did the same and left the building, the wood planks already in the bed of his beaten up pickup truck. He sat in the driver's seat with the car off for a moment.

He rested his forehead on the wheel. Right now he didn’t have to be the strong Fire Captain Riker. He let himself be Will. He let himself feel the stress of the day. Something no one will get the chance to see. Especially not his team. He was the strong one, he had to keep his team brave by being brave himself. Or at least acting brave.

He took a few clearing breaths and looked up and turned the key, revving the car to life and then drove himself home to get ready for the day at Data’s lab.

—

Data stood outside his lab. Riker was supposed to be there ten minutes ago. He wondered if it would be appropriate to send a text, Or that would possibly distract him from driving, Or maybe something came up at the fire station. Data didn’t know.

Riker came up carrying a few wooden palettes. A big smile across his face, “Don’t worry, I have more if you need extra.”

“Hello Will, I am able to carry one of the palettes for you,”

“No, You’re healing, I want my favorite astrophysicist to get better.”

“May I inquire as to how many Astrophysicists you know?”

Riker chuckled, “Just you, how are you liking your new working accommodations?”

Data paused for a moment. “That is a…complex answer to say the least.”

Riker smiled, “What does that mean doctor?”

“It is just that… while the facilities serve the function of my studies adequately, I find that the personnel are… overly friendly… to put it kindly,”Data began walking towards the building.

Riker followed him, “So you prefer being holed up in an office alone is what I'm hearing?”

Data opened the door, “While solitude is preferred, I do not mind sharing my space with a companion. However, my lab companion is not as well versed in the importance of social, emotional, or physical boundaries.”

“Ah,” Riker said, “So they’re nosey.”

“That may be an… understatement, but the sentiment is accurate.”

Data went into the elevator and pushed the button for the second floor.

Riker carried the wood into the lab as Maddox poked his head out from behind the whiteboard again. Glaring over at Riker as he walked in before disappearing again.

”Thank you for helping, But I can take it from here.” Data reached for one of the palettes

”I would like to help you at least a little, you should keep off your foot.”

Data went quiet, “I suppose an hour would be alright.”

Riker smiled and began taking out his tools.

Data began guiding Riker through the process of building, helping out where he can despite his injury. Data’s insistence to help did not go unnoticed by Riker, they worked in tandem.

Riker began to notice what Data was talking about when mentioning his new roommate. Maddox more or so pretended to work while observing Riker and Data.

It was unsettling, but Riker pretended to not notice.

Data eventually excused himself to the bathroom and left Riker alone with Maddox.

Maddox appeared by Riker’s side. “Isn’t he clever?” Maddox asked, “So methodical. I’ve been watching him for days, it’s remarkable.”

Riker looked up at him from the floor. Maddox’s tone made his stomach turn. “He’s a pretty remarkable guy.” Riker said and went back to drilling.

Clearly not getting the hint, Maddox continued. “So Captain Riker, You’ve been spending a lot of time with Data then?”

“How would you know?”

“I’m guessing you are the friend he invited to dinner last Saturday.”

“Why do you assume it was me?”

“He doesn’t seem the type to have many friends, so I just assumed.”

Riker’s brows furrowed

“You must find him interesting too,” Maddox stated.

“You and I might have different definitions of interesting,” Riker said firmly. “I’d call him charming.”

“Oh?” Maddox’s face shifted into an unsettling smile. “Charming huh? Now that’s interesting.”

A few moments pass as Riker decides what to say. Should he confront the guy? Should he tell him to stay out of Data’s business? Should he let it go?

His train of thought broke off as Maddox began talking again, “Does he always act so machine-like? Even at home?”

Riker made up his mind, “His life is none of your concern. Let him have some privacy.”

”I assure you, Captain, My curiosity towards Data is purely professional. He acts like how I imagine an android should. Methodical brain patterns, extremely smart, monotone and metronome speech. He’s almost like a blueprint for me.”

Riker felt his ears grow hot, he raised his voice, “He is not your experiment, he’s a human being. He has a right to privacy, so respect that.”

Maddox’s eyes went slightly wide, quickly replaced with a look of anger on his face. He went back to his desk and stopped talking.

Luckily Data came back shortly after and he was spared the awkwardness of the moment.

They continued working until eventually, their time came to an end.

Data walked him to the doorway, ”Thank you for helping, the beginning process has gone and will continue to go faster with your contribution.”

”I’m happy to help,” Riker smiled.
There was a pause.

”Are you attending dinner this Saturday at the Crusher’s?” Data asked, tugging on his own sleeve.

”I wasn’t aware I was invited again,” Riker’s heart started to squeeze and then pick up pace.

“I was told Wesley would be extending the invitation to you and your fire crew.”

Riker blinked, “I don’t think he has told us yet.”

”Ah,” Data said.

Riker smiled, “But, I will be glad to go.”

The corners of Data’s lips rose slightly, he was pleased, and the simple gesture made Riker’s heart speed up a little more.

”Alright,” Riker said a little breathlessly. “I will see you on Saturday then.”

”I-“ Data hesitated. “I am… excited.” It felt like a confession, something that said a lot more under the surface.

Riker could tell his face was pink and reaching red territory. “So am I, Goodbye Data.”

”Goodbye Will.”

Riker smiled and left the lab. He doesn’t remember the last time he felt so giddy over someone or something. He just knows what is happening is good, and he will let it come.