Work Text:
“Let me help.”
Why did three simple words work so hard to shake Data to his absolute core?
Data was attempting to create a celebratory dinner for Geordi, who had finally been able to solve a logistical issue with a faulty dilithium regulator that had result in a multitude of shenanigans over the past two weeks (or, to be precise; thirteen days, nineteen hours, fifteen minutes, seven seconds and counting milliseconds). There had been the offer of a party that night, however, the commodore had declined in favour of returning to his quarters and resting.
The android had decided to take this opportunity to surprise his closest friend. Based on what Geordi had originally wanted to do that evening, Data had concluded that creating a handmade warm meal alongside viewing whichever film the other saw fit was quantifiable as proper relaxation.
This was similar to the “movie nights” the two occasionally had, however with the lack of popcorn or nachos in favour of pasta and wine. He supposes it is more appropriately a “wine and dine” event, or “wine night”.
Data smiled, ever so pleased that he now had a fitting title to describe his plans. He himself was impartial to surprises, however, any pleasantries usually showed love that could not be expressed. A song came to his mind and he began to hum as he stirred the pasta idly. It was something containing an Enaran musical instrument, the soft sixteen beat melody that Geordi had been humming all weekend on loop in this moment of calm. He briefly entertained the notion of learning the song to play to his partner.
The man of the hour walked in, the hefty sound of the mechanics opening the door leaving no room for discretion.
“Data? Are you cooking?”
A feeling of near excitement brewed in the pit of the androids’ stomach, holding in a small chuckle before honing his reply.
“Yes, Geordi. It is a congratulations on your contribution to the welfare of all in Starfleet, in the form of a warm meal and a film. I was thinking we could partake in a wine night.”
Before he could turn around, Data was greeted with a warm embrace on his back. He relaxed, leaning his hand just far enough to the side to touch the others and closing his eyes for a moment. Geordi released the other, cracking his back with a groan.
“Thanks Data, that sounds great. What should I help with? Do you need me in here, or should I set the table or something?”
The android minutely shocks his head, simultaneously beginning to pour pasta water into a separate pot to commence a cheese-based sauce, or tomato-based if it does not come to fruition. He had already anticipated this response, though increasingly peculiar. Data was more than competent in doing things alone; there was zero need for concern yet the other continuously inquired as if something would have changed.
“I do not require any assistance. Please, go sit in the living room and examine the film choices that we have available. Dinner will be ready in approximately nine minutes. If you want, you could also choose a full-bodied white wine or light-bodied red wine to match.”
Geordi came back around, this time taking the android"s chin to kiss his cheek with a playful smirk. Though Data could not see any humour in this discussion, he appreciated the affection and thus smiled as well.
“I can’t wait for the day where you’ll say “Yes my beautiful wonderfully magnificent boyfriend, I want you to help so very much!!!” and then you jump up and down out of joy or whatever.”
The android repressed the urge to shoot the other a befuddled glance, instead searching for seasoning in their cabinet as he replied.
“Geordi, you may be awaiting that moment for a lengthy period of time. I rarely need to be helped when you ask, and additionally … that would be embarrassing.”
A laugh could be heard in response from their living room, allowing Data to shake his head and continue his attempt at creating a perfect meal. Cooking was often a form of therapy for the other; routine, measuring, and tending to the human he loves, all things he sought to relish in often.
He ended his escapade thirty seconds faster than anticipated, now working on the transportation stage. The android had perhaps overestimated the difficulty of preparing the meal, as he had neglected to dress the table until he had finished. The next logical decision to make would be to speed up the experience.
This is what led to Geordi entering the kitchen, seeing his sweetheart balancing two plates of pasta on his forearms, with a matching pair of wine glasses in his hands, both brimming with an appropriate pinot noir. Alongside the food and drink, a container of parmesan, secured under his left armpit.
“Data, next time just call me when you need help in the kitchen. I won’t actually make you jump up and down.”
With a slightly exasperated chuckle, the engineer rushed to grab the plates from the other and set them down, making sure to hastily pull placemats under both to avoid staining the new dining table.
“I did not require assistance, my centre of gravity is at a point which allows for optimal balancing capabilities when necessary. There was no excess of physical exertion.”
The two sat down, Geordi taking a sip of wine, thinking for a moment before replying.
“I get that you don’t need to be helped but, I want to help you in these situations, even when you"re fully capable. Let me help. It"s an irrationality I"m sure you"re familiar with even without having thought of it previously.”
Data mulled over this as he watched Geordi take a bite of the pasta. He couldn’t really understand it, though it was a familiar irrationality as his boyfriend had pointed out. Let me help.
He felt as though he was already constantly in a state where he owed Geordi something. He provided plenty of help on a daily basis, both professionally and socially. His significant other worked hard, explaining both engineering concepts and the nuances of sarcasm. He would always work on his repairs and maintenance personally.
He was the first to truly see him as normal as opposed to another mechanical achievement. Geordi allowed Data to spew information on the novelties of humanity for hours, to list numbers to the final decimal, to be the small spoon and cuddle in bed even though he does not sleep. Let me help. He helped no matter what. There was no need to require another layer of dependance, especially when he himself was made to be independent in those actions.
Data’s deep thought was only momentarily broken but the pride he felt as Geordi complemented his cooking.
“Thank you, Geordi. https://housewife.ca/50-top-dinner-ideas-for-hubby/ is the database where I got the recipe, though I decided to remove the mascarpone as it made little sense in the sauce and added little nutritional value. However …”
He hesitated, meeting Geordi’s eye as the other wiped sauce off the corner of his lip. The other grew a kind smile, answering his unasked question.
“You don’t get it?”
“Affirmative. I do not understand knowing you are being irrational and still continuing to ask to come to my aid.”
Geordi takes another bite, reaching out to hold Data’s hand as he swallows. He traced the other’s knuckles with his thumb as he spoke. His voice was always so kind, so patient.
“Well, OK. It’s like how sometimes you ask me to fulfill your menial duties when Spot falls asleep on your chest. You could just get up and push her off to go do whatever, she wouldn’t care and she isn’t heavy. However, you want to show care for her, because she is precious to you. So …?”
Data was slowly understanding.
“So … I do not move.”
Geordi grinned, all teeth showing as he nodded.
“It’s a form of love. I love to do things for you, because I love you. So, next time, let me help.”
For a brief moment, Data wondered if this is how those of religious background regarded their God; as if staring at some kind of beautiful idol. As if looking into the eyes of a perfectly imperfect man and feeling warmth radiate through their body.
“I … I will let you assist me next time, even when unnecessary.”
Was God the view of a queer man eating your pasta and caressing your hand? Or feeding your cat? Was it worship to sit and stare at your lover with adoration?
“I love you too.”
He’ll ask after they view the film, and wash up the dishes. Together.