by Quoth

Geordi slouched back on the couch, arm behind head, dressed comfortably in
casual civilian clothing. He sighed in boredom as he continued to read some
seemingly never-ending Engineering schematics on a PADD. It was dull, but it
did need to be done, and it did help to pass the time while he waited for
Data to come to his quarters that evening, as arranged.

Geordi let himself take a quick break to stretch a little, and smiled at the
thought of Data. They'd been together for almost a year now, and he wondered
if it might be a good idea if they stopped with all the 'my place or yours'
worry and just moved in together. It's not like everyone didn't already
know, after all-- even though they'd never actually made their relationship
public, pretty much everyone had figured it out.

Geordi smiled. Maybe he'd ask tonight if Data wanted that as well. Even if
Data didn't feel ready yet, Geordi decided it couldn't hurt to ask, anyway.
At least it would let Data know he was interested in the idea.

Then again, he reflected, Data had seemed a little edgy and jumpy lately,
most probably due to being nervous about this new experiment. After all, if
it succeeded, Data would be universally acknowledged and admired-- if it
failed, he would be publicly pitied and privately mocked. As many times as
Data swore to the fact that he was not nervous and had no image to lose, he
still seemed like a bundle of nerves lately. Geordi smiled affectionately
and shook his head. [No, Data,] he thought, [the experiment isn't worrying
you at all. Of course not.]

The door chime interrupted his thoughts. "Come in," he called, and was
pleased to see Data, still wearing his always-impeccable uniform, step
inside.

"Hello, Geordi," Data said quietly, as he crossed the room to sit in a
chair.

"Hi, Data. How'd the experiment go?" he asked, wanting to know. Data's
serious face did not bode well.

"The experiment functioned within normal parameters, Geordi. Approximately
98.629 percent of the maximum yield was returned, much higher than the yield
that was actually expected. There can be no doubt that the Smarter-Holly
Theory is correct." Data sat motionless in the chair, voice flat, body
language mute, staring fixedly at the floor.

Geordi grinned in delight. He'd been certain that Data's solution to the
theory would hold. "Well, that ought to have all those stellar physicists
salivating. They've been waiting for confirmation of that theory for
years."

"Thirty six years, seven months, three weeks, six days..."

"Which translates to a lot of relieved sighs when you send them the data.
You're gonna be real popular on the party circuit over at Daystrom
Stellographical." Geordi grinned and began to launch into a dramatic
retelling of the experiment from Data's perspective. "There I was... manning
the Ops console.... when I saw It. The first known white hole in the history
of the universe."

Data kept very still, his eyes lowered. "But I do not plan on attending any
parties at Daystrom. My duties aboard the Enterprise preclude that," he
pointed out logically.

"Oh, come on," Geordi coaxed. Data was just too modest for his own good
sometimes. This was an important step in having Data's scientific
achievements recognized by the anti-android types-- making sure Data
acknowledged them himself. "We've got to at least get one trip to a
conference out of this. This is big news."

"If you say so, Geordi, then I shall believe you. I will try and be
entertaining while telling the story." Data's facial expression was still
distant, his body held rigid.

"Never mind that. You just concentrate on being entertaining on the shuttle
trip." Geordi smiled teasingly, still pleased as all hell. [This'll show
some of those high-ups that Data is capable of achieving things as a leader
as well as part of a group.] The thought of the shuttle trip wasn't exactly
unpleasant either...

"Of course, Geordi. Whatever it is you wish me to do, I shall do," Data said
quietly.

Geordi's smile faded. "It was a joke, Data." [What's going on? I thought
he'd relax once the experiment succeeded. Maybe he just needs time to
release the nerves. Oh, yeah, Mister "I do not feel worry".]

Data looked at Geordi, uncomprehending. "Oh. I see. I apologize for not
'getting' it. I will try harder to 'get' your jokes in the future." He
looked up unsurely at Geordi, as if hoping to have appeased some imagined
annoyance on Geordi's part.

"It's okay, Data." Geordi smiled again, feeling a little playful. "I guess
I'll just have to make sure you get it tonight."

The android tilted his head in confusion, looking bewildered. Which was
somewhat the norm lately, Geordi realized.

The engineer sighed. "I'm hinting that I want you to come over here." He
tossed aside his schematics and made room on the sofa for his lover.

Instantly, Data moved obediently to Geordi's side, looking at him
uncertainly and shyly.

"You could take off your top, firs..." Geordi raised his eyebrow as he
watched Data immediately slip off the tunic, leaving only a black t-shirt.
[Okay, he seems pretty eager...] Geordi grinned, and patted the sofa again
when Data made no move to sit down. Taking the hint, Data instantly sat.

"C'mere," Geordi said affectionately, as he pulled Data to him, kissing him.
Data obediently kissed back.

"Mmmm, been wanting to do that all evening," Geordi muttered, pulling out
the sofa-back cushion and tossing it aside, making more room.

Data raised his eyebrows, startled. "You have?"

"Yeah." Pulling Data closer, he kissed him again, enjoying the silky texture
of those lips, the smoothness of Data's skin. They hadn't had time recently
to be intimate, and damned if he wasn't going to make sure they both enjoyed
it...

Except Data didn't really seem to be enjoying it much at all. In fact, he
still seemed tense and miserable-- more so, if anything.

Puzzled, Geordi continued the kiss for a moment, stroking the android's soft
hair gently, the way he knew Data liked, willing him to relax and calm down.
[He can't be THAT wound up about the experiment STILL, can he?]

Oh, sure, Data was doing everything they both knew Geordi liked, working
very hard to make sure Geordi was enjoying it... but that was exactly what
it was. Working.

Geordi broke the kiss gently and eased off, studying Data's face for any
kind of clue as to what could be wrong.

Data turned away slightly from the scrutiny, eyes darting down to his lap.
[I did not perform adequately... He did not like it... I have failed him
again...]

"Hey," Geordi said gently. "What's wrong?"

"All systems are functioning within normal parameters," Data answered
flatly.

"Whoa, Data, what's going on?" Geordi quickly struggled to sit up, hands
bracing behind his back. Data hadn't said that in years. Something was very
wrong.

Data looked uncomfortable. "It-- is nothing of any significance, Geordi. I
apologize for my failure to please you. I will make a second, hopefully more
successful attempt--"

"Your 'failure to please' me? What're you talking about? Data, if you're not
in the mood, that's okay. I didn't mean to be pushy. I just missed you,
that's all."

Data raised his head, a look of surprise on his face, and also a faint trace
of... was that hope? "No, Geordi, it is not that I am... 'not in the mood'.
I was merely unsatisfied with my erroneous performance. That is all," Data
said quickly, beginning to look alarmed at the scrutiny Geordi was giving
him.

Geordi looked very hard at Data, skeptical and confused. "Would you mind
telling me what you did wrong, since I seem to have missed it?" he asked.

"I...," Data looked bewildered. "I obviously failed to fulfill your desires,
since you stopped."

Geordi raised his eyebrows. Where was all this coming from? It was beginning
to seriously worry him. "I just got the feeling you weren't really, you
know, enjoying it. And I'm getting the feeling that something's bothering
you. Do you want to talk about it?" He sat up, swinging his legs over the
side of the sofa. He hesitated for a moment, then tentatively took Data's
slender hand in his.

Data stared at the hand in shock, floored by the simple gesture of
affection. He knew that Geordi sometimes held his hand, when he was pleased,
but how could Geordi be pleased with him now? He was confused.

The human sighed a little, realizing he has to do some detective work; his
lover always found enunciating his desires extremely difficult, and Geordi
just had to get used to it. [Sometimes I feel like Deanna, trying to coax
some kind of response out of Data.] "Well?"

"I..." Data looked away, distress and confusion clearly marking his face.
"It is not important."

"Yes, it is important, because it's bothering you. Come on, Data, you can
tell me, can't you? Is it something about me? Did I do something that upset
you?" Geordi asked, gently testing the ground.

Data reacted immediately. "Oh, no. No, Geordi, you have not done anything at
all."

"Ohhkay." He thought about it for a moment. "Is it something I *didn't* do?
Did I forget to do something that I should have done?"

Data blinked, looking puzzled. "No, not at all. You are completely
blameless. It is me--" he abruptly cut himself off. Too late, however.

"What about you?" Geordi asked, squeezing Data's hand encouragingly.

Data took the android equivalent of a deep breath, then began to talk
slowly, head bowed. "I am sorry. I have tried to be everything you need and
desire, but I have failed."

Geordi stared at Data, genuinely mystified. [What the hell? Has he lost his
mind?] "*What* are you talking about? I couldn't be happier with you. With
*us*." Not really knowing what else to do, he tried to lighten the mood.
"Unless we get that trip. I could be a little happier if we got to spend a
week alone each way in the shuttle..."

[Ah. A specific desire. I can fulfill that.] Data instantly spoke. "I will
arrange it immediately, if you wish it, Geordi."

[Oops, wrong move. Great one, LaForge!] "I mean, not just that I want to,
well, I mean, I do, but..." Geordi trailed off, unable to think of anything
to say. What had gotten Data so mixed up?

Data was worried. "Geordi? Are you all right? I do not understand." Data
sighed sadly. [That is the problem, is it not?] "Perhaps this is yet another
thing only a human could understand."

"Data, look, I don't need a shuttle trip to be happy. I was just trying to
say that I'd like some more time with you. We've been so damned busy lately
that we hardly see each other any more. That's all. I've just been lonely
for you. And I was trying to joke about that."

Data stared at Geordi in disbelief. "You.. have been lonely... for *me*?" he
asked, stunned.

Now it was Geordi's turn to stare incredulously. "Data, come on, you can't
be serious. Of course I miss you when we can't be together. And I don't
mean just physically. Sure, I miss that too, but I just like to talk to you.
Or just watch you paint. Or whatever."

"Are you certain? You do not wish for.. human warmth and companionship?
Human attention?"

"You mean, being with a human rather than you?"

Data nodded. "Would you not prefer a human who could better predict and
fulfill all your needs? Especially emotional needs. I am aware that
emotional needs are among the most important in a relationship, and the ones
that are most difficult for me to fulfill. I decided that if I had failed
you, you should choose someone you prefer." He looked at Geordi, almost...
afraid?... of the answer, yet paradoxically, relieved as well.

Geordi was silent, not trusting himself to speak for a moment. When he did,
his voice was low, and sad. "Data, I *did* choose the person I prefer. I'm
sorry I obviously don't let you know that clearly enough. I love you. I need
you. I need to be near you. To touch you, sometimes. When you're holding me,
or even just looking at me the way you do sometimes, that's about all the
emotion a guy can handle."

Data's lips parted with surprise, but he could not speak, stunned into
silence throughout this speech. "Then..." he finally managed to say, "my
actions within this relationship are acceptable to you?"

"Yeah! Of course they are. Okay, we have to work things out sometimes, but
everybody has to do that."

"I.. thought that perhaps you would tire of 'working things out' and turn to
someone who did not require endless explanations of what you desired and
would supply human warmth. I am told that that is what most human males
prefer-- mmph."

Geordi leaned over and kissed Data again, deeply. "Data, you're talking too
much."

After hesitating for just a moment, Data tentatively wrapped his arms around
Geordi, glancing at him constantly for any sign of displeasure or lack of
permission. "I am sorry. I will stop talking now."

Geordi watched Data's face for a moment, then sighed. "You can feel this. I
*know* you can. Can't you tell how much I want to be near you right now?" He
hugged Data tightly.

Data nodded. "Yes. But I must admit, I am confused. You say I have not
failed, yet by all accounts, I have failed you."

[Huh?] "Whaddaya mean by 'all accounts'?" [Okay, maybe now he'll tell me
where he got all that from.]

"She did say that human warmth and emotional--"

"She?" Geordi cut in. "She who?" He wracked his brain, trying to think of
women Data would take advice from. The most obvious candidates for advice
were out. Deanna wouldn't say anything so stupid and destructive to Data's
confidence, and neither would Guinan.

Data looked uncomfortable. "I... should not break a confidence. She asked me
to be discreet, and she was only trying to help."

"Wait, wait a minute. If someone's talking about us, you and me, then I
don't think it's breaking a confidence for us to talk about it," Geordi
said, pointing out the flaw in this logic.

He was relieved to see that Data seemed to be considering that with his
normal, pragmatic outlook. "That is logical. Perhaps I was also mistaken in
this."

"All right then." Geordi waited.

"In any case, Ensign Tyler--" Data broke off, seeing Geordi's momentarily
blank expression as he tried to place a 'Tyler'. "She is assigned to
engineering, Geordi."

Geordi spoke thoughtfully. "Ensign Belinda Tyler... yeah. Oh, yeah. Okay."
He winced as he finally placed her, remembering all too well the huge crush
she has on him. [That girl is incapable of taking a hint... but hold on,
what's she been saying to Data?]

Data nodded. "Yes, that is her name. She has commented many times on how you
deserve human warmth and companionship of the best quality, and how she
hopes that your emotional needs are being met..." his voice trailed off as
he saw that Geordi was starting to look... irritated.

Geordi gritted his teeth, noticing that Data had stopped talking. "Oh,
please, go on. I've got to hear this." He listened as Data continued,
starting to fume.

"She often sits down next to me in Ten Forward to talk about you. I believe
she is very concerned for you and your happiness."

Geordi laughed, shortly and humourlessly. "Oh, I'll just bet she's concerned
about my well-being," he muttered, voice dripping with sarcasm.

Data missed the sarcasm. "Indeed. It is very kind of her to attempt to help
me."

Geordi shook his head in disbelief and disgust. "Data, you don't get it, do
you."

Data looked at Geordi, puzzled. "I do not understand. 'Get"? Is there
something I should 'get'?" [What have I failed to do now? He seemed content
with me a moment ago...] His mind raced as he tried to think.

"Yeah, there's something you're going to get in a minute," Geordi promised
him firmly. "But, first, you've gotta understand what's going on here."

Immediately, Data straightened up, listening attentively. "Yes, Geordi?"

The engineer sighed, still a little nervous, but mostly still pissed off.
"She's been coming on to me and I've tried to be tactful, but obviously she
just doesn't want to get the point." He saw Data was still attentive, but
not making the connection. He sighed. "Translate all her remarks as 'I'm
better for him than you are, so scram.", Data."

Data pondered that for a moment, frowning slightly in thought. "Are you
suggesting that she was attempting to misinform me, rather than assist me?"

Geordi snorted. "Well, at the very least, she was trying to help herself,
and whatever happened to you was probably pretty inconsequential."

Data considered that for a moment. "Then I should not pay attention to what
she is saying, because her behaviour is unacceptable to you?"

"Absolutely not. How about you let *me* be the judge of how I think things
are going in our relationship? Don't let anybody else tell you how I feel."
He thought about it for a second. "Except for maybe Deanna. But even then,
talk to *me* first."

With a sigh, Data bowed his head. [My attempts to make things better made
them worse.] "I am sorry, Geordi. When she offered her advice, I merely
thought to make use of the advice I believed was kindly meant, and make you
happy."

"I'm sure she wanted you to think that. She deceived you, Data. The sad
thing is that most humans grow out of that sort of immature, jealous
behavior by the time they're in their late teens. It's very manipulative."

"She is quite young," Data noted. "Perhaps she is simply not yet grown
emotionally." [I am hardly entitled to judge her, after Lore. My own
behaviour regarding emotions has certainly been reprehensible, and far worse
than hers. I was not simply childish. I was cruel.]

"I suppose it's possible," muttered Geordi, not feeling nearly generous
enough to give Tyler the benefit of the doubt. Not where Data was concerned.
"Or maybe she's just a nasty, manipulative woman who wants to get what she
wants, regardless of the cost." He shuddered. "I feel sorry for the guy, or
woman, who winds up with her."

Data nodded, "Geordi, there is one thing I do not understand."

Grinning now, Geordi looked at his lover fondly. "Only one?"

"Well, one main thing," Data clarified. "If her aim was to be your partner
in a relationship, why did she not attempt to impress you, rather than send
her efforts through me? What was she trying to achieve?" He reached out
uncertainly to clasp his lover's hand.

Geordi laughed. "Oh, I assure you, she was trying to impress me." He
snickered with the memory of last week... "She told me she wanted me to
check this calibration work I'd assigned her, up in sector 78. You should
have seen her wiggling her butt when she was going up the access ladder."

Data stared at Geordi, confused. "But I do not wish to see that, Geordi. Not
at all."

Geordi burst out laughing even harder. "Neither did I!!!" he managed to gasp
out, holding his sides helplessly.

Thinking it over, Data quickly realized what Geordi meant. "Ah. I see.
Sector 78. I recall that problem quite well. Recalibration of the EPS
modulation units, was it not, Geordi?"

Mystified, Geordi said "Yeah. How'd you know?"

"The ensign asked me to assist her on the work. She did a lot of talking, as
I recall, while I did the more sensitive calibrations. Actually... most of
the calibrations." He hesitated, seeing the growing anger on Geordi's face,
then admitted quietly, "All of them. She seemed to think you would be
pleased with the result. She thanked me, while continuing to... advise me on
how to make you happy and what you would need as a human. At the time, I was
happy to do the work in return."

Geordi's jaw dropped in disbelief. "Oh, that just takes the cake. She was
using you to make her look good! And I fell right for it, too, told her what
a good job she'd done." He was disgusted and furious.

"I am sorry, Geordi. I did not know you had assigned the work to her
specifically as a test."

"No, Data, that's not it. I don't have a problem with someone asking for
help or training. It's just that she *used* you." Geordi continued to fume
for a while, until a thought suddenly struck him. "What else has she been
asking you to do for her?"

Data hesitated, then asked in a small voice, "Did you also assign the warp
core injector alignments, and the replicator repairs to her?" He looked
guiltily at Geordi. [He is going to be unhappy about that.]

An angry breath hissed through Geordi's clenched teeth. "Oh, she's a prize,
all right. She's been handling both of us like a pro." He shook his head,
beginning to rant. "And I was so glad that she hadn't gotten demotivated
because I wasn't interested in her. I even made a few nice remarks about her
in front of the whole division. Well, I'll have a few spot checks done on
her repairs, right now."

"That is most likely not necessary, Geordi. She is a competent engineer from
the... limited... amount I have actually seen her do. The work she *did*
perform on the level one diagnostic routine was more than capable. Of
course, I could do the work much faster, so logically, I did. And she did
return the favour by giving me more advice..." Despite his self-resolution
about not judging, he could not help but become a little... chagrined... at
how he had been manipulated. [I do not like this... why do I always believe
those who lie to me?]

"Such as?" Geordi asked, suspiciously. He didn't like the sound of this.

Tilting his head, Data began to recite a list. "Such as that intermarriages
between humans and species such as Vulcans were relatively rare, as humans
naturally gravitate towards emotional species."

Jokingly, Geordi noted, "But you have a greater mass than most humans, and
so your gravitational pull is greater than..." Data gave him a reproachful
look. Geordi snickered, paid attention again

"That you are a very nice and charming man who deserves the best."

Geordi couldn't help but grin, still trying to make fun of Tyler's meanness,
take some of the sting out of it. "Why, yes, I am. And I do deserve the
best." He mock preened, hoping to amuse Data.

"That she--" he gave Geordi a look at the comment, then smiled and took it
in the spirit offered, then continued. "That she is very lonely."

"Oh gee, I wonder why." Geordi observed sarcastically.

Data raised his eyebrow, but refrained from commenting and continued with
the list, which now seemed to him much longer than it had been while she had
been dispensing her advice. "That she admires anyone that could impress you
to the extent of starting a relationship, because that person would have to
be spectacular to hold your interest for long."

Geordi turned serious. "Yes, she's right about that too. Completely." He
squeezed Data's hand affectionately, and was rewarded with a small smile
from Data. However, that quickly faded.

Data hesitated for a moment, then whispered the last comment. "And that it
would be a great pity if you were to go unhappy, because you would be too
noble to say if your needs were not being met--"

Data broke off his monologue to look at Geordi. His lover did not look
'noble' at this particular moment. In fact, he was wearing the particular
expression that Data had come to associate with what Geordi called 'pissed
off'.

Wincing, Data finished the comment. "And that it should be up to your
partner to do all the work and make sure you are..." [I do not think he is
going to react well to this.] "Served correctly and completely in all ways."

Geordi smacked his hand to his head, face like a thundercloud. "I can't
believe this. 'Served correctly and completely'? What the hell is that? I
don't want a servant."

Data sighed, touching his forehead in imitation of a human gesture of
exhaustion. "I am sorry Geordi. It seemed sensible at the time. Quite
logical, in fact. It is well known that I am an android and that I would
find it difficult to fulfill emotional needs. And you are too kind to say if
you are unhappy. I assumed that being a fellow human allowed her to perceive
your unhappiness, and that I was therefore failing you, by not perceiving it
as well."

"Well, I'm certainly unhappy with HER." Still fuming, Geordi forced himself
to cool it. [The *last* thing Data needs right now is to think I'm angry at
him.] "Data, she's got some problems, let me tell you. She doesn't have
anything approaching a mature attitude towards relationships. She thinks the
way to win someone's love is being what they want, not what she is. Who she
is."

Data frowned. "But you say she is being immature, and that is not what you
want. Why would she think that making me... unsure of myself.. would attract
you? Surely she had to realize the risks if she were caught passing off
someone else's work as her own, for example." His brow furrowed in
confusion.

Geordi shrugged, not knowing or really caring at this point. "I don't think
she really thought she'd get caught. I think she laid out this grandiose
plan, and she never thought it would fail. And she's good, I mean, she
fooled both of us about some things." Data seemed dissatisfied with that
explanation, so he thought about it for a moment more. "Data, young people
think that they can make somebody love them by being a certain way, and they
try to be that. They don't understand that -- even if it works in the short
term -- it can't possibly last. The other person has fallen in love with an
illusion."

Data spoke very quietly. "I also tried to mould myself into whatever I
thought you wanted me to be, in an attempt to please you. Are you angry at
me?" He waited, head bowed, for a response

With an affectionate sigh, Geordi gave Data a hug, lifting his chin so that
Data was looking at him again. "I know you did. But Data, I fell in love
with you before you did all that, didn't I? You don't need to change."

Data gratefully returned the hug, laying his head softly on Geordi's
shoulder for a moment.

Inwardly cursing Tyler for hampering Data's self-confidence progress, Geordi
gently cupped Data's chin in his hand and kissed him lightly. He looked at
him carefully. "Listen. I'll do whatever it takes to convince you that I
love you."

Data spoke very softly. "Whatever it takes?"

"Yeah. Just name it."

Data spoke in a serious tone of voice, but there was a tiny mischievous
smile on his face, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Are you certain?
Because once you have said so, I will not allow you to take your promise
back."

Geordi pretended to reconsider, then said, mock-grudgingly, "Yes, Data." A
wide grin split his face.

Data smiled back before kissing his cheek, gently. "In that case, I shall
not tell you what I want. I believe I shall show you." He then proceeded to
kiss his lover hungrily, pulling him close and on top of him.

Geordi moaned softly at Data's touch, kissing back just as eagerly. He
started to press his hips down against Data, moving slowly and teasingly,
rewarded with the sound of Data moaning in return. He twined his fingers
around Data's, clasping the delicate hands as Data began to push his hips up
to meet Geordi's

Data murmured softly in pleasure as his eyelids flickered open when the kiss
finally ends. Smiling, he reached up to touch Geordi's face.

Geordi stared down at Data, willing him to believe what he was about to say.
"I want you, Data. More than anybody."

"I share the same desire towards you," Data said quietly. His voice was
solemn, but there was a calm certainty in his eyes that had recently been
missing.

Geordi slowly let loose one hand and slid it under Data's t-shirt, along
Data's side. Becoming less gentle, he started tugging at Data's shirt,
breathlessly, urging Data silently to take the shirt. Smiling, Data aided
Geordi in removing his shirt, then stroked his hand lazily down Geordi's own
shirt, a question in his sparkling eyes.

The human smiled back, and closed his eyes behind his VISOR as Data
continued to stroke him through his civilian shirt.

"Please," Data whispered heatedly.

"Name it," Geordi whispered back, huskily.

"I.. I want..."

"Anything, Data, just tell me what you want."

Data sighed softly as Geordi's hands slid gently across his cheek. "... I
would like you to make love to me."

In answer, Geordi stopped trying to remove his shirt and leaned forward,
straddling Data's hips, letting silky fabric slide along Data's chest, with
only the faintest pressure of weight. Supporting himself on knees and
hands, Geordi leaned down, closer, and brushes his lips against Data's ear,
whispering "I told you that you were going to get it," as he licked along
Data's ear, breathing slowly. Data smiled, finally 'getting' it in both
senses of the word.

Kissing the spot behind Data's ear, then trailing lips and teeth -- just
barely -- along Data's jawline and then under his chin, and slowly down,
Geordi spread his knees a bit so a little more of his weight ended up
pressing down on Data's groin.

Data moaned, his hands rubbing along Geordi's arms, eagerly. He whispered
heatedly. "More... oh yes, please, Geordi. Please."

"Take your pants off." A gentle command.

Data quickly obeyed, sliding his hands down to remove the black trousers,
pushing them down over his hips.

Geordi turns around, helping to remove the boots and the trousers.

"Thank you."

Geordi grinned. "Don't mention it." He pushed Data's trousers further down,
at a torturously slow pace, breath shushing hotly over Data's skin. Finally,
he slid them down all the way, and removed them along with the black
regulation boots. Backing up slightly so his hips were over Data's face,
Geordi's erection was clearly visible to his lover through the thin cloth of
the casual pants.

While Geordi was occupied nibbling at Data's inner thighs, Data lifted his
head up to try and kiss Geordi above him. The human immediately discouraged
that by shifting his hips upward and away with a sharp warning nip.

With a sigh of mingled pleasure and disappointment, Data dropped his head
back onto the sofa cushion, hands lazily stroking along Geordi's backbone.

Geordi pushed Data's thighs further apart and began licking his balls,
sucking one in slowly, then the other, occasionally placing a gentle kiss.
Moving up, he licked along Data's shaft, upward to the head and licking
around the crown. Using one hand to hold Data upright, in firm grasp, his
tongue flicked wetly around the rim again.

Data's hips started moving, almost beyond his control for a few seconds,
before he regained enough self-control to force himself to be almost still.

Geordi smiled at that, then slowly, very slowly slid Data between his lips,
warm and wet, his tongue busy. Data gasped involuntarily as the sensation
surprised him and his hands gently grip onto Geordi's sides.

Geordi continued to slide his mouth down on Data, until his nose was against
Data' balls. Staying a few seconds before he had to come up to breathe, he
started to use shorter strokes, mingled with deeper ones. Cool silky fabric
draped down from his body, brushing against Data's chest and face as Geordi
lowered himself slightly, sucking Data gently, one hand playing with Data's
balls and the tender skin behind them.

Data moaned and murmured, soft noises of pleasure, as he stroked his hands
down Geordi's spine and along his shoulders, trying to please him too.

[Where is that damn lube?] Geordi thought to himself, fumbling a bit under
cushion in annoyance. [I could have sworn I kept some here just in case...]

Data lifted his hips hungrily, almost too distracted by all the touching to
realize what the delay was.

Using his fingertips to stroke Data, Geordi dug more determinedly under the
cushions. Opening his eyes at the pause, Data finally realized what the
problem was. "Oh. It is under the second cushion, Geordi."

Fumbling in that general area, Geordi finally found it. Giving an especially
deep throat as thanks, he quickly opened the flip tube and began rubbing
Data's opening with a fingertip. Data moaned louder as Geordi slipped the
finger in, shallowly, then out again, circling. Applying a little more lube,
the finger slid in deeply and easily, brushing firmly against the gland.
Data's cry of pleased surprise was more than ample reward. Pushing his hips
against the soft traces of the finger, the android wanted more. Badly.

"...please... please, Geordi. Geordi... please... I want you now..."

Geordi lifted his head enough to say hoarsely, "What do you want me to do?
Fuck you after you come in my mouth?" Hungrily, he began to suck again.

A loud moan was his first answer. "Oh... yes... yes, Geordi." The thought of
it alone was enough to push him close to the edge.

Sensing this, Geordi smiled as he sped up and used his fingers and mouth to
best advantage. He was rewarded as Data's body tensed, then shuddered as
Data cried out loudly and came. He took Data in as deeply as he could,
enjoying the taste as he licked gently through the aftershocks.

Geordi turned around quickly and stood up, slipping off his clothes.
Meanwhile Data lay there slowly recovering, beginning to regain his senses.
Blinking softly, he opened his eyes and smiled to see Geordi preparing
himself.

Finishing lubing himself, Geordi rubbed around Data's opening with his cock,
breathing heavily as he touched himself, looking at Data's spread legs,
hardly aware of Data's gaze on him. Gently, he guided his cock slowly into
Data, who sighed in pleasure as Geordi moved upward to kiss him, now
sufficiently recovered enough to tilt his head and watch. A happy, expectant
smile hovered lightly on his lips.

Geordi began pumping his hips slowly, pushing deeper each time, sighing.
Moving more quickly, he bent down for another quick kiss, thrusting more
quickly and roughly as he started to get too close to the edge himself to
control himself, his moans mixing with Data's as the android made sure that
his lover heard his pleasure.

Geordi's chest was shiny with sweat as he slowed slightly to try to regain
some control. Data, however, did not like that idea at all. Deliberately, he
whispered Geordi's name, over and over again, with a heated tone Geordi was
sure must be illegal on at least a hundred planets.

The human groaned at the sound, shifting his hips to change the angle
slightly and breathing very much harder. Thrusting hard and fast now, Geordi
was completely absorbed in what he was doing, sweat dripping off dark skin,
face contorting.

Data gladly took the thrusts, his own lips parted in passion, Geordi's sweat
droplets landing softly on his golden torso. When he felt Geordi's body
tense and saw his face contort in impending climax, he deliberately squeezed
his internal musculature at just the right pressure.

Geordi froze for an instant, then groaned loudly and thrusted as quickly as
he could, crying out as he came, each pulse exploding out in pleasure.
Taking one last shuddering breath, he collapsed on top of his lover, who
quickly caught him.

Gasping Geordi tried to catch his breath, too spent to even kiss Data. His
cock twitched inside Data as Data teasingly squeezed him again, and rewarded
with a faint moan from Geordi.

Geordi felt delicate hands stroking gently over his face, neck and back.
Looking up, he saw Data looking at him, smiling like an angel. He sighed and
rested his head back on Data's shoulder, shifting his hips so he slipped out
of Data, as Data gently hugged him closer.

"Thank you Geordi."

Geordi found he could only whisper hoarsely, "Oh, god, Data, that was so
good..." Kissing Data's neck, he rested back down on top of Data, his limbs
rapidly turning weak and shaky.

"And also for me, Geordi," Data replied softly as he braced him more
comfortably on top of him. He waited for Geordi to get off him and move to
the bedroom, then realized, with some amusement, that Geordi had no
intention of moving just yet. In a quietly amused whisper, he said, "Do you
not feel you would be more comfortable in bed?"

Geordi groaned. It was a good idea in theory, but when he tried to put it in
practice... "I can't move," he muttered, whole body totally limp.

Data gently lifted Geordi up off him, then stood up and carried him
carefully to the bedroom. "You cannot sleep on the couch, Geordi. You will
hurt your back." He heard an indistinguishable mumble from the engineer that
might have been agreement, or perhaps not. Data laid him down gently on the
bed, and turned to go get Geordi's sleepwear.

Half asleep, Geordi frowned. Why wasn't Data next to him yet? He reached his
hand up, seeking Data.

The android stopped as Geordi's reaching hand touched him, and instead slid
gratefully into the bed, listening as the human's breathing was already
slowing. Carefully, he removed the VISOR from Geordi's face, placing it in
the customary place on the nightstand.

Snuggling closer, he gave Geordi a chaste kiss on the cheek. "Good night,
Geordi. 'Sweet dreams'" he whispered in Geordi's ear, using a human phrase
he had sometimes heard.

There was no answer, save for a faint snore.

A soft smile lit Data's features as he closed his eyes, feeling more secure
than he had in weeks, before drifting off to his own dreams.

***********

Yawning, Geordi stretched to get all the knots out of his muscles, before
switching his attention back to his lover and the end of their conversation.
"So, Data, what do you think? Interested in moving in together?" he
finished.

"Yes. If you wish it, too," Data said quietly, smiling. Geordi grinned. It
wasn't often that anyone got to see Data smile, and it had been especially
rare lately. Which made the smile on Data's face now seem all the more
precious now.

"If I didn't want it, I wouldn't have asked, would I?" Geordi pointed out
logically, grinning. "Come on. We have to get up now, or we'll be late.
We'll work out the details later tonight, okay?"

"Oh-kay." Data sighed, momentarily annoyed at his continued inability to
pronounce such a simple word correctly. Then Geordi dragged him out of the
bed and into the shower, and Data decided there were more important things
to devote his attention to than human pronunciation.

Showered and dressed, Geordi gave Data a quick kiss and a few short words
before they left for their respective positions. "So what've you got planned
for tonight?"

Data's smile turned almost... impish. "Now, that, as Counselor Troi would
say, 'would be telling'. I shall not 'tell' just yet."

Geordi's brow creased for a minute, then he raised his eyebrows and grinned.
"Sounds even better." [What a change from the Data of twelve hours ago. That
reminds me... I'm going have to do something about Tyler.]

Down in Engineering, it was busy. The monthly level one diagnostics had come
up, and they took time and energy. There were a lot of systems to be done,
and Geordi was glad when he finally stretched his neck and signed off the
last PADD. Officially, as of 1900 hours, he was off duty, but there were
still a few tests to be done. They wouldn't take long, though, and the Gamma
shift could easily take care of them. Still, he wanted to know the results
as soon as his staff got them...

"Ensign Tyler?" he called out, keeping his voice calm with an effort. He'd
had her assigned to work with Barclay today, and a mystified Reg had obeyed
his superior and kept an eye on her work.

"Yes, Commander LaForge?" she asked, walking up to him with a sway of her
hips that he guessed was supposed to be seductive, batting her eyes. He
fought the urge to yell at her to grow up and quit it. Knowing about all the
mind games she'd been playing on him, and more importantly on Data, made
even more drastic action seem extremely tempting.

Instead, he merely said, "Listen, I'm going off duty right now, but I'd like
to have this analysis delivered to me sometime later tonight."

Ensign Tyler straightened immediately. "What time, sir?" she asked, trying
to not seem as eager as she felt.

"Well, I guess it doesn't matter. I'll be with Data in his quarters all
night. Stop by whenever you get a chance." Pausing for a moment to let that
sink in, he added, "Um... make sure you call first."

THE END.