Chapter Text
The next few weeks after Dorme received her orders was a flurry of checking the gear she had, trips to the Supply Squadron for the desert gear she didn't have, updating paperwork, and packing for the deployment. It boggled Data's mind just what went into a four to six month deployment to an area like Iraq!
“Dearest, are you required to have ALL of….this?!”
He stood next to the edge of two large laundry bags, as Dorme was folding them up for transport. Also on the floor were desert rated sleeping bags, desert camouflage uniforms with tan boots, flip flops, and other things he couldn't identify, though he swore he saw a gas mask amongst everything.
Despite the fact she was worried about the upcoming deployment, she grinned at Data. “Oh, yeah, all required equipment, love. Most will be returned to Supply when I get back. I'm packing as much as I can now, so I don't have to worry about it later. Hand me that corner of the laundry bag if you could.”
Data did as she asked, a bemused smile on his face as he helped her finish folding and packing the bags. The pain of her impending departure was like a physical ache, but light hearted moments like these helped….a little.
Later, during dinner, he reached for her hands, tears in his eyes. “This….will not be easy, for either of us, dearest love. I….am doing my best to remember you are as worried as I am, though my positronic net seems to be caught in a logic loop of how much I will miss you.”
Dorme nodded. “I know. I'm not shocked you're having a hard time processing things. Just remember, you have a support network. Use it while I'm gone. And if you forget, don't be hard on yourself. You're still getting used to having the amount of support you have.”
Data sighed. “You are correct. I promise, I will do my best.”
“That's all I can ask for, love.”
___________
May arrived, and Data made sure they celebrated Beltane, and ‘cut loose.’ He was thrilled he was able to record everything from that night, knowing it would be a source of comfort while his wife was gone. And only days after Beltane, another milestone: he became an American citizen.
Members of Dorme's squadron, and much of the family were there to celebrate the event. Holding his right hand up, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, Data felt amazing. He was officially an American.
The party afterwards was the last bit of fun and relaxation for the newlyweds, before the remaining week was filled with final checks of gear, the AWACS and all equipment, and final debriefings.
It felt like a countdown. Data stopped using his dream program, wanting to watch Dorme as she slept after they made love, committing every sound, every movement to memory. And he prayed. A lot. To the Lord and Lady, to Morrighan. It helped, but it didn't dispel the figurative weight that seemed to settle in his chest as the days passed.
Eventually, it dawned the morning of departure. Everything was staged by the fireplace, ready to go. Dorme just….didn't want to. But as she got up, and dressed, she knew she had no choice.
As she finished securing her hair, she saw Data's haunted face in the reflection of the bathroom mirror. Turning, she opened her arms, holding him tight as he clung to her. “Data, I'll come back. I doubt the Gods would bless me with you if it wasn't meant to last.”
Trying not to cry, he nodded, face buried in her shoulder. “I know. But….I am frightened. I wish I was as calm as you are right now, my amazing bride.”
She snorted. “Oh, I'm not calm, love. Not at all. I'm a fucking mess! I'm just good at hiding it. I'll fall apart later, when I don't have to be strong. But I have hours of flying ahead of me. I have to be focused.”
He sighed, and straightened up. “Then I will do the same. You inspire me, dearest. If you can be strong, so can I.”
Staring into his golden eyes, Dorme smiled. “You're stronger than you give yourself credit for love.”
A lingering kiss, and it was time to leave. He grabbed some of her gear, then followed her to the Floo. They arrived in the AWACS squadron office minutes later, and made their way to the hanger, Data standing with other families of those deploying in the designated civilian area. He spotted Sergey and Yelizaveta, and stood with them.
Sergey wrapped an arm around his son in law. “How are you holding up, son?”
Data sighed. “Not as well as I would like.”
The burley Russian nodded. “This is the second time my little girl's left. It's not any easier for Liz or I. So, you're in good company.”
Data nodded, as everyone came by for final goodbyes. Dorme hugged her parents, and then cupped her husband's face. “Remember, you have support love. And I'll call when we're able. It won't be often, I'm afraid. But I will call.” Their kiss was deep, bittersweet, and he didn't want to let go. But he had to, and he took in a shuddering breath as she headed for the plane.
He watched, as the two flight crews boarded, and the AWACS was sealed, and pushed out of the hanger. He watched, as the engines started, the whine louder due to how close he was this time. He watched as it taxied, as the engines went full throttle, as it moved down the runway, gaining speed before lifting off.
Many families started to leave then, but Data didn't. His android eyes focused on her plane, watching, watching. But finally, it was high enough that even his eyes couldn't see it anymore. She really was gone.
And he cried.
______________
The first week after Dorme left, Data felt….lost. This was far different than any other time a friend had left for a mission. It clicked for him that he was in no way really prepared. Especially as communication with her was spotty at best. She was in a warzone, after all. And OPSEC had to be maintained to keep everyone alive.
He hated it.
He wandered the house when he would get home from his day at the school, like a ghost. Even poor Midnight started to avoid him, as his withdrawn behavior unsettled her.
He withdrew from his fellow professors as well, and after almost two weeks of it, Ruslan had had enough.
Striding into the break room at the school's main office, he spotted Data alone, staring out the window. Before Data could react, his legs and arms were bound, and he was being levitated out of the break room, and down the hall, Ruslan laughing. “No more moping, cousin! Aunt Yelizaveta and Uncle Sergey are having a cookout, and you're going. Non negotiable.”
Data couldn't help the incredulous laugh at Ruslan's methods, and nodded. “I am not arguing. And as I cannot escape these bindings, I am at your mercy, cousin.”
“Good! You figured out I have a point. Smart man.” Ruslan laughed as he Apparated to Sergey and Yelizaveta's house, releasing Data from the binding charm he used when Yelizaveta started to scold him.
The next few hours, Data was both fussed over by his mother in law, fed a bunch of baked cookies, and asked to tutor several of the younger kids in math, which eventually evolved into telling stories (again) of past missions he'd been on, things he'd seen, and so on. The sadness that had plagued him was fading, and he realized Dorme had been right: he had a support network. He didn't have to handle anything alone if he didn't want to.
He said as such, as he sat with Sergey, Ivan, and Pavel on the front porch later that evening after dinner, several shots into Ivan's newest vodka brew. Data knew he would probably not be sober enough to Floo home, but he wasn't worried. There was a guest bedroom that Yelizaveta always kept ready.
“I…am rather drunk, but you knew that would happen, Ivan.” Data slurred at Ivan, a loopy grin on his face.
“I don't hear you complaining, boy,” Ivan countered, feeling a good buzz by now; despite everything, his new nephew in law was still a lightweight.
Data laughed, and just raised his glass for a refill. “Nope, no com…complaining! I jus’ wish I'd done this sooner…my beauf-tiful bride told me I have support. I'm jus’ used to being alone.”
Ivan refilled Data's glass, but only a little. “Just glad you finally realized it. Now, drink up, it's time to put you to bed.”
“Yeah, I'mmm….not goin’ home. Dad, can I stay the night?”
Sergey nearly fell out of his chair at Data's words, he was laughing so hard. “Yes, son, you can stay the night.”
After downing the small amount of vodka left in his glass, Data cheered as Ivan and Pavel helped him stand, and they all headed back inside.
_____________
After Ruslan's “intervention,” Data realized he needed to let more people in, as the saying went. He wasn't the only one missing a deployed loved one. The Spouses Club on base welcomed him with open arms, and he made a point of checking in with Renee and Mary weekly.
And he made sure to be there for the Ivanovitch/Orlov 4th of July party, getting drug into a game of Flag Football with many of the extended relations.
It was a few days after the 4th of July that his other ‘mum,’ Mary Poppincourt, bustled into the Herbology greenhouse on a mission. “Son, go wash your hands. We're heading to the Ministry office. You need a passport.”
Data blinked. “Why do I need a passport?”
The bubbly woman grinned. “I'm taking you to England! You need a change of scenery, and you've mentioned wanting to see how the British magical community differs from the American one.”
He was stunned. Going to England?!
“Mum,....I do not know what to say…thank you.”
Mary walked over, giving the startled android a hug. “You'll love it, dearie. Plenty of places to see, and I have a surprise for you while we're there. So, come on, wash up!”
Laughing, he did as she asked, then joined her for a trip to the Alaskan Ministry of Magic office. A few hours later, and he had his passport.
He was still a bit shocked by the offer when he finally had the chance to talk with Dorme via a video call that night. It was so good to see here, though he could tell she was a bit tired.
“I've missed you, handsome. So much.”
He nodded. “And I you, my dearest love. Mum Mary is taking me to England at the end of July.”
Dorme laughed. “Good, I asked her to. Just because I'm not there doesn't mean you stop living, my love. Have fun, bring back cool souvenirs. Oh, Ryan, and the rest of the crazy Devil Dogs just arrived a few days ago.”
She tilted the camera, showing Ryan, Anthony, and the rest of the Marine unit, waving. Tilting the camera back, she giggled. “We found out Ryan can, in fact, hit a high C note and shatter glass.”
Data tilted his head. “How so?” He almost regretted asking when Dorme held up a HUGE dead Camel Spider. He actually jumped, startled. “THAT is a Camel Spider?!”
Laughter from the Marines could be heard, and Ryan poked his head over Dorme's shoulder, his Cajun accent thick. “The fucker crawled over my face while I was asleep last night!”
Data shuddered. “That is terrifying. What are you going to do with it?”
Dorme laughed. “We're framing and mounting it on the wall!”
All he could do was chuckle at his wife's excitement. “I am not surprised, dearest. Enjoy.”
The call lasted a few more minutes, but it was wonderful. It made the pain of separation just a tiny bit less.
____________
A few weeks later, Data stood with Mary Poppincourt at the Floo in the Alaskan Ministry office that was connected to the Floo in the London Ministry office. It was new, and Mary was excited. “I normally fly, but this will be much faster! Ready?”
Luggage at his feet, he nodded, excitement making him…antsy. “Ready.”
Stepping into the Floo, Mary tossed the powder, and in a flash of green, they were on their way….to England.