For Data

[haughty_alpha]

Avon sat on the edge of his bed as he re-read Data's card for the fourth time. No-one had ever been so open with him, had laid themselves so bare. It was a show of trust beyond anything he had experienced. It wasn't that Data was too naive and compassionate to see Avon's flaws, he realised now; instead, he was aware of them, accepted them, and

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[empirical_data]

Data had wondered out to collect a few things for Spot (because, he supposed, the cat deserved a few gifts as well). He returned with a small bag, a little apprehensive as he opened the door. Avon was a very private man; he might be bothered by an open expression of appreciation.

Peeling off his overcoat to reveal he was wearing the burgundy suit that Garak had given him beneath it, he looked at his roommate a little nervously. Ah... obviously he had... read the card...

[haughty_alpha]

Avon looked up as the subject of his musings walked into the room. "Speak of the devil," he smiled. "That's a very handsome suit." He spoke quietly, almost as if afraid Data would bolt.

He got up, still holding the card. "Thank you for this." It seemed an inadequate thing to say, but expressing his feelings in words had never come easily to Avon. He spoke with actions, and not always the most appropriate ones. He was determined to tread cautiously here.

[empirical_data]

"...I am glad. I was worried I did not choose my words well." He glanced down at the suit, and back up to Avon. He approached him carefully, dropping the small paper bag on a table as he went.

That was a little bit of an uncomfortable sensation. Apprehensive? Anxious? He could liken it to whenever Geordi had to implement some bit of experimental programming with him that he was unsure of. Though he had never experienced anything of the like getting close to someone, and especially someone that he was regularly close to.

[haughty_alpha]

"You chose them very well. Far better than I could have."

He licked his lips. He wasn't good at this. "I...want you to know that...well, I hope you're aware that..." he paused, frowned, tried again, "that I hold you in high regard."

Was there a way to say, 'you improve the utility of my existence' in a warm and affectionate manner? Perhaps it would sound warm to Data, but Avon didn't want to risk it.