by Overload

Data sat in Ten Forward, sipping at a strawberry milkshake.  Since he had gotten his emotion chip, he was discovering tastes that he liked and disliked, and strawberry milkshakes were proving to be a favourite of his.  He sat, lost in his own thoughts, when he suddenly felt a hand clap him on the shoulder.  He looked up and blinked at Commander Riker, who was grinning down at him.

"So Data,"  Riker spoke up, "I hear you moved your living quarters!"

Data nodded warily.  "Yes sir..."  
Riker barged on.  "Nice!  I'm really happy for you!  I'm sure you and Geordi will make really great roommates!"  Data startled a little at Riker's words, and tilted his head up quizzically at the first officer.  
"How did you find out so quickly?"  Did Geordi tell you about the new living arrangements?"
"No, not at all!  But word does eventually get out.  I wouldn't worry about it though.  It's not like anyone's going to think differently about it."  Riker then dropped his voice lower and leaned closer to Data.  "So tell me...you and Geordi..are you two just roomies or is it...you know, a little more than meets the eye?"

The android reared back a little, and then cocked his head again.  "We are..more than room mates, yes..."  he answered hesitantly, feeling rather cornered.  He squirmed a little as Riker grinned at him slyly, eager to hear more.  He chuckled a little.  "I had a feeling that was the case..congratulations!"
"Th..thank you sir...?"
"You're quite welcome!"  Riker grinned broadly and then leaned in even closer.  "So....have you two...you know..--"

 
But Data cut him off, asserting himself.  "I apologize Commander, but that is personal information that I don't think Geordi would appreciate me revealing."  Now it was Riker's turn to rear back.  He nodded in reply.  "Fair enough.  I didn't mean to pry, .  Again I say congratulations, though!"  
He smiled again, and Data smiled back shyly.  "Thank you sir..."

Riker then patted Data on the shoulder again and left the android alone once more with his beverage.  The first officer shrugged off the conversation as he did so.  Though disappointed Data  hadn't given him the gossip he was hoping for, he was sure he'd find out more about the situation as time went on, and he was willing to wait.

Fin