Chapter Text
Ice Sprite
A Valentine's Day Story
By Rowena Zahnrei
1.
Attention: This hotel is hosting a trial program in partnership with representatives from Bynaus. Immediately report any problems or malfunctions to management, via the front desk.
"Curious." Data regarded the wall panel's small, glowing print for a moment longer, then turned his quizzical eyes to his friends. "What program do you think this might reference?"
"Geordi, Data, we're heading out," Dr. Crusher announced, adjusting her scarf and mittens as she, Counselor Troi, and Commander Riker strode through the sliding doors and into the wintery cold. "Ooph! This weather is no joke, Will. How did you ever convince us to come with you to Alaska…?"
"We'll meet you there," Geordi called back, and moved past Data to peer more closely at the message. "Hm. I'm not really sure," he replied to the android's question. "They're probably just updating the computer system. You know, information queries. Room service requests. That sort of thing."
Data didn't seem satisfied. "Perhaps."
"We could ask the computer," the engineer suggested. "Or head to the lobby, if you'd rather talk with the manager—"
"Maybe later."
Geordi raised a curious eyebrow over his VISOR. "Oh?"
"Dr. Crusher has invited me to skate with her," the android explained. "I do not wish to keep her waiting. Especially since I have a…a feeling…that she has not yet forgiven me for…well…"
"Shoving her into the water at Worf's promotion ceremony?" Geordi smirked.
Data winced in genuine embarrassment. Geordi gave the android's arm a friendly squeeze.
"Hey, you saved her life – all our lives – when you managed to keep the Enterprise's crash into Veridian III from turning us into wall-paste smears. She'll have to forgive you sooner or later."
Data pursed his pale lips and sighed through his nose. "I hope so."
Geordi chuckled and regarded his friend. "So, you're really going to let her drag you out on that ice rink?"
"She characterized her invitation to me as a 'last resort,' since no one else seemed willing. As I have never attempted to ice skate, I thought it might be an edifying experience. Do you not wish to skate, Geordi?"
Geordi held up his hands. "No way, pal. Not me. But I'll be happy to watch you fall on your face."
"I do not anticipate—" Data paused and blinked. "Ah! A joke! But…" He furrowed his brow, looking almost comically disappointed. "Geordi, I did not laugh."
Geordi smirked. "Neither did I. Not all jokes are meant to make people laugh out loud."
"Hm," Data acknowledged, then glanced at his friend with a rather pensive look. "Geordi… Do you forgive me for—"
Geordi knew too well where this was going, and rushed to cut the anxious android off before he could start.
"Data – enough, OK? We've been over this. You know I don't blame you for what happened on that stupid station, or the Klingon ship. It's not your fault the emotion chip malfunctioned like that."
"It is my fault for choosing to install it."
"Then it's my fault too, for performing the installation." Geordi sighed and pressed his gloved palms to his temples. "Look, I'm good. I'm fine. Even Dr. Crusher says my recovery's coming along better than expected. And speaking of the doctor…"
He gestured to the doors. Data nodded his understanding, but continued to hesitate.
"You are my best friend, Geordi," he said, his golden eyes direct and sincere. "I care for you a great deal."
"Yeah," Geordi smiled. "I know, Data. I love you too."
Data's expression lit up like a lantern. "You do?"
"Sure," Geordi's smile broadened. "You're the android brother I never had."
"I did have an android brother." At the memory of Lore, Data's face and shoulders tensed as if pained…or, perhaps, angry. Then, he offered Geordi a little smile. "I prefer you."
Geordi nodded. "Then we're good?"
Data returned his affirming nod. "We are good."
Geordi smiled again and clapped his hands together. "All right. Time to freeze our asses off. And yes," he joked as a wintery gust blew through the sliding doors, "I do mean that literally."
Data regarded him for a moment, then broke out with a genuine laugh, matching his friend's stride as they walked together across an elegant patio toward the bustling ice rink. It was the last week of January, by Earth's calendar, but the refreshment booths and surrounding stands were decorated with festive heart-shaped decorations and holographic balloons in anticipation of Valentine's Day.
"Geordi," Data said. "Have you ever experienced romantic love?"
Here we go... Geordi grimaced, realizing he should have expected this line of questioning. Especially now Data had installed his emotion chip. "Yeah. Yeah, I have, Data."
Data nodded thoughtfully. "I, too, have attempted a romantic relationship." He frowned a little. "It was not successful."
"No one said romance was easy," Geordi said, looking around for an excuse to change the subject. "That…that spark's not always there. And, even if it is, even if you start to think this is it – I've finally found the perfect woman…! It doesn't always last. It usually doesn't. Especially if you're both in Starfleet. I think I'll get some hot cider—"
"No living being can be truly 'perfect,' Geordi," Data pointed out. "I believe I would prefer to meet someone imperfect. Someone stimulating, inspiring…who might be similarly intrigued…well…by me."
He gave a shy little shrug, and Geordi felt his expression warm despite himself. "That's really nice, Data," he said. "But don't get your hopes too high. Relationships like that don't just fall in your lap. And you shouldn't jump into something just because you're lonely, or curious. Especially around Valentine's Day."
"I understand. You are concerned for my emotional well-being, and I appreciate that. Still…" The android sighed a bit wistfully, but didn't finish the thought.
"Yeah…" Geordi clasped his shoulder. "Welcome to the club, my friend."
Data quirked his eyebrows. "Club?"
Geordi smirked. "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts."
"That is a song reference," Data noted.
Geordi chuckled and nodded toward the rink, where Dr. Crusher was waving.
"I think someone's trying to get your attention."
"Indeed," Data agreed, and waved back. "Should I meet you here, Geordi?"
Geordi tested the wind and shivered a little. "Nah. I'll wait in the café with Commander Riker and Counselor Troi. After I get that cider. Stay safe out there, OK?"
"You need not worry about me," Data assured him, and turned his gaze to the ice, where a young girl slipped and stumbled, then limped to join her mother at the edge of the rink. "My concern is for Dr. Crusher…"
To Be Continued...