A/N: Yeah, I know, the medical stuff is probably wrong; if you have any suggestions, I'd be glad to hear them.

A week had past, and Sam had been unable to face Data. She was still ashamed of herself for letting him see her break down. Then one day she was shook up

once again. Sam received a message from Geordi, asking her to see him later in the morning.

The doors to the Ten forward opened silently, revealing the normal buzzing crowd inside. Sam made her way toward the bar, to see her friend Guinan. The

older woman smiled at the sight of her young friend.

"The usual?" She asked, reaching for the bottle of mineral water. Sam nodded. As she poured the water, Guinan asked,"So how come you've not gotten asked

on a date yet? You've been on this ship almost a month, and I've never seen you with any male, except Mr. Data."

Sam thought for a moment. "I'm just not really ready for that. besides, No one else really catches my eye."

Guinan smiled, knowing full well what the young girl meant by that, even though she knew Sam would never admit it to herself. She leaned closer to her, and

said in a low voice,

"Maybe you should tell him that." She straightened up, before Sam had the chance to respond other then looking up at the bartender. She seemed to nod in

the direction behind Sam. The young girl turned in time to see Data approach.

"Hello, Samantha. How are you today?" he asked, sitting down beside her. Guinan kept herself busy, which caused Sam a little discomfort, knowing her friend

knew how she felt about the unbelievably gorgeous android standing in front of her. But what Guinan didn't know was how embarrassed, and ashamed

Samantha was was still unable to meet his eyes.

"Um...I'm fine, Mr. Data. How are you?" She stammered. The android cocked his head to one side, noticing her nervousness. This was going to be harder than

he thought. He said,

"I'am functioning properly. I came to ask if you would care to join me for a walk?"

"Well, um, Data, I received some samples this morning, and I promised Geordi I would help him sort them out. They've been giving him a bit of a hard time, with

his VISOR."

"I understand. Well, perhaps another time?" Sam did not miss the look of disappointment written across his face. She nodded, giving him a small smile. As he

left, Guinan gave her a stern look.

"What?" Sam said.

"You like him, I know you do. Everyone on this ship knows it. And I am now one hundred percent sure that he knows it, and feels the same way. So why are

you pushing him away?"

Sam sighed, and said

"I'm not ready. I guess I just need time."

Later, she entered Geordi's quarters, to find him at his desk. He looked up, a slightly angry look on his features.

"Why are you here so early? I thought you were gonna be with Data for a little while."

Sam frowned.

"He asked me to go for a walk with him but I turned him down. I needed to come here, remember?"

Geordi sighed, rubbing his forehead.

They began sorting through the samples, one by one. As Sam studied the sixth one, about an hour later, she noticed Geordi watching her.

"What's the matter?" She asked, a little worried. Geordi frowned, and said,

"You know, I've never seen Data act the way he's been acting lately. And it's because of you."

Sam bristled slightly.

"Excuse me? I have been-"

"Avoiding him? Yeah, I know. So does he. He's been driving himself nuts, trying to figure out what he could have done to make you afraid of him."

"I'm not afraid of him. Why does it matter any-?" Geordi leaned closer to her, and said softly,

"Data's fallen in love with you, Samantha. He talks of nothing but you all day. Sometimes he loses focus, which is so not Data like." He sighed and continued,

"Look, I know you have feelings for him, too. I can see it in your eyes...every time someone says his name, your heart skips a beat. But what I don't know is

why you are pushing him away. He would never hurt you, or lie to you, or cheat on you. "

Sam opened her mouth, but was cut off. Geordi stood up, and said,

"I'm not the one who you should be talking to about this. You should be trying to find Data, and talk to him. Please?" He asked. Sam sighed, giving in. She

nodded.

"But what about-?"

"I can finish up the rest. To tell you the truth, I just wanted an excuse to hear how your walk with Data went...Go on."

"Where would he be? I don't want to disturb him if he's on duty."

"He won't be. His shift ended about fourty minutes ago. Most likely he will be in his quarters...Pacing."

Her anxiety grew with each step she took toward the turbo lift. When she entered, she took a deep breath, saying "Deck five" before closing her eyes. A

second later, the turbo doors opened, and she opened her eyes. Data stood outside the lift. his expression was unreadable, but Sam saw a hint of sadness in

his yellow eyes. She swallowed as he stepped in beside her.

"deck five" he said. Data did not look at her, but said,

"I was under the impression that you were working with Mr. LaForge."

"I...I was...but I need to...see you. I was on my way to your quarters, just now..." Sam stammered. Data slowly turned to face her, his expression softening.

"You were on your way to see me?" He asked, surprised. Sam nodded, blushing slightly.

"I...I've been avoiding you, and I must apologize..." Sam began. Data held up his hand, shaking his head.

"Please, Wait until we get to my quarters. We can discuss it then." Data smiled slightly. This did not make her feel any better. When the got to his quarters, he

opened the door, and they both entered. Spot raced for them both, and meowed, alerting Data to her empty bowl.

"Hey, Spot. How you doin' sweetie?" Sam reached down and stroked the orange cat's back. She purred, rubbing against her hand. Data put down a fresh bowl

of food, and called Spot to eat. As Sam stood up, they both stared at each other for a moment.

Sam sighed, coming to stand directly in front of Data, who watched her closely.

"I'm sorry for avoiding you...Geordi told me everything." She said softly. Data looked into her eyes and said, seriously,

"Did he tell you that I wish to be more than just friends?" Data glanced down, afraid of what he was going to hear.

"Yes. And I know that you're aware that I...feel the same way." She said. Data looked up, shocked.

"I was not aware of that fact until this moment. Why are you avoiding me, if that is how you feel? Do you wish to not feel this way?"

"No, Data, it's not that. I just-"

"Is it because of what I am? Because I am an android?" Data prodded, starting to feel slightly angry. Sam felt her eyes well with tears. One hand clenched into

a fist, but she let go after a second. Data's eyes softened as he saw the tears in her eyes. She took a deep breath, calming herself. After a moment she spoke,

"From the moment I met you, not once have I ever considered you anything less of an individual. I don't care that you need a little chip to feel emotions; I'd feel

this way about you even if you didn't have it. Don't you dare accuse me of being that shallow!"

Data reached out and gently wiped the tear that had fallen from her eye. He swallowed, gently touching her shoulder.

"then what is it?" He asked, in a pleading voice.

"Data...I have scars. scars from many years ago that still hurt. Physical ones, and emotional ones. What I've been through has impacted the way I look, feel,

and the way I live. I have never been with anyone. And...I'm scared."

"Of me?" Data asked.

"No, no. Not of you. Gosh, I could never be scared of you. I know you would never hurt me. But could you handle me? I have nightmares, that wake me up

screaming in the middle of the night. Some days I have to walk with a cane, because of my leg. And it's hard for me to trust people. I'm still trying to understand

how it is that I already trust you so much."

"You would not lose me. I cannot die, remember? Android." Data pointed to his own chest

"I refuse to acknowledge that word!" Sam spat, turning away so that he couldn't see more tears fall.

"Why?" Data asked, frowning.

"Because...I hear the way everyone talks about you...and it angers me...I've gotten to know you, and I know you are an android, but to me, you're so much

more than that."

Sam turned around to face him again. Data gasped, seeing her tear stained face.

"That's why I love you. I know the man that is Data. the kind, sweet, gentle, caring, and absolutely beautiful man. I could tell from the moment I met you, that

you were special. I also believed that I was beneath you, that you would never fall for someone like me."

"But you knew that I had." Data stated. He motioned toward the couch, noticing that Sam was getting slightly paler from the pain in her leg.

"Please sit." he said

Sam sat, and he sat beside her.

"I had a feeling, but I didn't want you to fall for me, at first. I have never been comfortable with men, for some reason. I don't know why, but...for some reason

I get nervous around them."

"I do not understand why. You are the most amazing, intelligent, sweetest, most beautiful woman I have ever known. I have noticed many males on the ship

try to get you to go out with them, but you turned them down. I do not know why I thought I would be any can I not fall for once, and it not be complicated? "

He said the last part a little bitterly.

Sam choked back a sob, unable to hold back the tears. Data looked up at her, concerned. He made a move toward her, but she stood up quickly.

"Data, just...please...understand me. I want to be with you, I do. I really really do. But, I'm...just please...give me some time. Can you do that for me?" She

said, tears rolling down her cheeks. Data almost couldn't resist the urge to pull her into his arms. He hated seeing her cry.

"Because I love you, and care for you...yes. I will give you all the time you need. But please, know that I am here for you."

"Thank you. thank you so much." Sam stood up on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek.

The following weeks, Sam noticed a change in Data. He seemed to really want to respect her wishes, so he did not ask her to join him for anything that she

may have considered a date. He did ask her if she would watch over Spot while he was on an Away mission, which she was more than happy to do. She was a

little nervous when he insisted she stay in his quarters, because Spot did not like being left alone over night. So that night, Sam packed her duffel bag, and

went to Data's quarters. Spot was lounging lazily on the sofa, a ball of string next to her.

"Hi, pretty girl." Sam greeted the cat, patting her gently.

"I really appreciate this, Samantha. I did not think you would agree to this, but I am quite glad you did. I do not think Spot will ever forgive me for making her

stay with Mr. Worf." Data called from his console.

"It's ok. I don't mind." Sam said, cooing at Spot.

"I do not understand why she does not like any one except me, and now you." Data wondered aloud as he watched them.

"Well, Data, I can tell you from experience, that some cats are one person cats, so to speak. They get attached to one person, and that's it. It's not a bad

thing. She probably feels close to you because you've taken such good care of her for so long, she doesn't trust anyone else. You treat her so well."

"That seems logical."

Sam slept on Data's sofa, not wanting to mess up his perfectly made bed that night. Data had noticed, but did not say anything when he returned. If that was

more comfortable for her, then he would respect her decision.

they never brought up the heated conversation they had had in his quarters, and after about a month, Sam was starting to have second thoughts. She made

her final decision. The bridge crew was extremely busy with an ongoing mission, so Sam decided to wait until they were finished.

She woke up one day feeling a tightness in her chest. ignoring it, she walked a little slower toward engineering. Data met her in the turbolift, greeting her with

a kind smile. His extra senses picked up on her paler than usual skin, and colorless lips.

"Sam, are you alright?" he asked, frowning slightly.

"Yes, Mr. Data. Just a little tired, is all. I'll be fine." The walk from the turbolift to engineering was torture. Every step she took, she felt her chest closing up.

luckily, Data was standing directly behind her. She didn't even stop when she collapsed. Data caught her in his arms, and carefully lowered her to the floor.

"Data to sickbay. Medical emergency in engineering!" Data called frantically into his communicator.

What seemed like seconds later, or so it seemed, Sam woke. She kept her eyes closed, afraid of what she'd find if she opened them. But something cool and

soft was holding her right hand. She lifted her left, and reached out, feeling a head of hair beside her right arm. She opened her eyes the same second the

head shot up. Blue eyes looked into yellow ones.

"Samantha! Doctor, she is awake!" He tightened his grip on her hand, gently. Sam reached out her arms, gesturing to Data for a hug. He didn't need another

signal. He reached up and wrapped his arms tenderly around her. She hugged him back, rubbing his back as she heard him choke back a sob. Data's eyes were

filled with orange tears.

"Good, you're awake. Do you know why you're here?"Dr. Crusher came in, holding what looked like Samantha's inhaler. The young woman felt her stomach

drop. Data glanced at the doctor, then back at Sam.

"What is going on, Doctor?" He asked.

"The easy way to explain it, Data, is this; her lung collapsed."

"I do not understand, how could that happen?" Data asked, letting go of Sam, but still holding her hand. Sam let out a sob.

"It's happening, isn't it?" She muttered, more to the dark figure standing in the doorway, who she recognized. Doctor S'lia stepped forward, into the light. He

was her doctor on Vulcan.

"Yes, it is happening now. But you're in the proper place. Dr. Crusher is going to allow me to perform the necessary operation." he said.

"what-?"

"Data...There was a lot of damage done to her internal organs when she was held captive. They were able to hold this off for a while, but since she has

stopped her treatment, there is nothing more they can do except remove it. But she will be fine, humans can survive with one lung, so in this case, she'll have

one and a half lungs. She'll be fine."

Data nodded. He glanced down at Sam, waiting for her to say something. She looked up at him, closing her eyes and nodding.

"I'll be ok, Data; I've had a lot worse."