And here it is- the last chapter! Finally finished it, with a lot of prodding from Tineyboppa. Thanks for all your support :) So read on for the conclusion of the second part of The Charlotte Files!

The meal finished in much the same silence that it started with. Several time, Charlotte noticed Data make a move to speak, only to decide otherwise. If she hadn't known better, she would've thought he was nervous. But she did know better. Didn't she? Of course I do, she chided herself.

She straightened and emptied the last of the wine from her glass. "What now?"

Data hesitated. "Would you like dessert, or would you prefer to take a walk?"

"A walk might be nice, actually. I'd like to stretch my legs, and it looks pretty out there."

"Very well." Data rose and hurried to help her out of her chair. "Allow me."

Wow, this is new. She glanced curiously at his face as she got up, but he had made it unreadable. I wonder what this is all about. "Thanks."

Taking the arm offered, she let him lead her out the door and into the fresh, holographic night air.

Dusk had been replaced by moonlight, and the surface of the lake shimmered like it was alive. Birdsong had been replaced by crickets and frogs, and a soft breeze whispered and rustled the trees.

Charlotte breathed deeply and closed her eyes, savouring the breeze on her face and the sounds around her. Then she bent down and slowly removed her shoes.

"It's been so long. Feels good to be barefoot again." She opened her eyes and smiled serenely. "And the fresh air is so nice. I'd forgotten what the outdoors feels like. Maybe I should go to Earth more often, stay someplace like Alaska. Riker was always talking about it."

"Charlotte."

Something about his tone made Charlotte stop abruptly and turn around. "What is it?"

"Would you…" he began, then stopped, seemingly lost for words. "Do you wish to… ah…"

"Do I wish to… what?" Is he nervous?

Data glanced at a point just behind her. "Would you like to… go out in the boat?"

Charlotte whirled around to see a boat at the side of the lake. Honestly, all this fuss. What the heck is he so nervous about? "Sure."

They approached the boat, and Data made a move to help her in, but she refused his hand. "I love you to bits, but seriously, I can do some things myself, you know."

"Geordie emphasised the need to be courteous."

"Yes, but not to the extent that you're doing everything for me." She turned around and gave him a quick peck on the cheek before clambering into the boat. "Thanks anyway."

If Data had had a blood supply, Charlotte fancied that he might've blushed. As it was, the look on his face was adorable enough, and she had to resist the urge to kiss him again. Instead, she settled down in her seat as Data pushed the boat into the water and jumped in. She handed him the oars, and he worked the boat away from the shore.

They sat in silence for a while, enjoying the pleasure of their surroundings and each other's company. Then, Charlotte stirred, breaking the silence. "Can I have a go at the oars?"

Data moved over, and she took her place next to him and took an oar. They slipped into silence again, having nothing to say, or not wanting to.

Finally, Charlotte leaned back and stared up at the moon. "It's beautiful, isn't it? You really must've worked hard on this one. Or did Geordie help you with this, too?"

Data leaned forward. "Do you think me incapable?"

"No, but Geordie has a strong influence on you whenever he can. And you know how he can't keep his nose out of our business for long."

"You are right, but this program was, for the most part, all my own doing. I specifically chose elements of different simulations that I knew you would appreciate. From your reactions so far, I believe I have succeeded."

"Oh yes you did, Data. Yes, you certainly did." She closed her eyes and smiled. "You even included wind. I'm impressed that you know me so well. It's just so… beautiful."

"I, too, find it aesthetically pleasing." Data paused, before adding, "As I do you."

Charlotte's eyes flew open, pink tinging her cheeks. "Compliments now! You are the charmer tonight."

"I speak only the truth."

"Well, thank you. Geordie did say you like this dress." She rested her chin on her hand. "He's been acting so strange, lately. He's… I dunno… sort of bouncy. Like he knows a secret and he's bursting to tell. Or like a kid who knows something exciting's going to happen. Maybe he's expecting a promotion. Have you heard anything?"

"No. Charlotte, may I speak with you about something?"

"We are speaking about something." She spoke nonchalantly, but Charlotte could tell there was something serious on Data's mind; his ramrod straight posture confirmed that he was too preoccupied to pretend to relax. Not only that, but he was definitely more nervous than he was before. Guiltily, she added, "Sorry, that was rude. Go ahead."

He nodded. "I have been thinking about your actions during the incident with Shinzon."

Charlotte's face fell at the mention of the name. Although it had been many months, she was still recovering from the loss of the girl whom she had affectionately called her twin. She wondered what Data could possibly have to talk about regarding that time. "Oh?"

"You made a device with parts of our own technology from another reality. A device that would cut through the interference and transport you over to the ship, where you would take my place and destroy the weapon."

"Yes?" Charlotte had no desire to relive that time, or the time after. "I know what I did. What's your point?"

Data leaned forward, holding her eyes with his earnest gaze. "You were willing to die to save my life."

She dropped her oar and turned to face him fully. "And so was she. The only difference is, she did it instead of me. If she hadn't, I would've died, and you would be having this conversation with her. What is your point?"

"If not for your discovery of the porthole from which you came, she would be dead. And if she hadn't died, I do not believe she could've accomplished the same result as you did. You and your actions are unique, Charlotte."

Charlotte began rowing again, forcing Data to join in. "So what are you saying, that I'm better than my counterpart? I still don't understand what you're getting at."

"I am simply saying that I greatly appreciate your efforts."

She slowed down. "Oh. Well… you're welcome."

They plunged once again into silence, both contemplating the other. The little boat soon reached the opposite shore, and Data turned it around at Charlotte's heeding. They glided smoothly through the water.

Charlotte began to feel strangely uncomfortable, and trying to add a little something, commented, "We pull pretty well together, don't we?"

Data reflected on her comment, and decided that this was the time. "So well that I wish we might always pull in the same boat," he replied quietly, circuits buzzing.

"What?" She dropped the oars again and shifted position so that she could look at him head on. "What did you say?"

Data put his oars down carefully and faced her. "A comment B4 made after the wedding made me think about us. He wished to know the purpose of marriage, and I told him it is an agreement to share who you are with someone you love and care for; a vow to spend the rest of your lives together."

Charlotte moved back to her original spot in front of the android and leaned forward, a strange feeling in her stomach. "And? What did he say?"

"He simply brought to my attention my feelings for you." Data reached into a hidden pocket and brought out something she couldn't see, then leaned forward and took her hand. Turning it over, he placed the small item squarely in her palm. "I love you, Charlotte. I love you with every part of my programing. You loved me and put up with me even when you knew I could not love you back, and you were willing to die to ensure my survival. I cannot think of anyone else I would rather spend the rest of my life with."

She gawked at him, then glanced down at her hand. Her eyes widened.

Resting on her palm, shining in the moonlight, was a ring.

She looked back up at him, hardly able to comprehend what was happening.

Data closed her hand and brought it to his lips, staring into her eyes. "Charlotte, will you marry me?"

For the longest time, the neither moved nor uttered a sound. As the full meaning of what he had said sunk in, Charlotte was seized by a ridiculous feeling of joy. She leaped up and threw her arms around Data, ready to give him an answer. But her actions were too much for the poor little boat, and instead of romantically toppling into each other's arms, they rather unromantically toppled into the lake instead.

Fighting her way to the surface, Charlotte coughed, spluttered, and looked around in bewilderment for Data. He surfaced a moment later with the sound of air filling a balloon. With that, Charlotte began to laugh. She laughed and laughed, and grabbed hold of him so as not to be dragged down by her long dress. Data began to laugh as well, not a cheap imitation of others' laughter, but real laughing, something he rarely ever did.

The moon shone down, and the couple held each other, laughing at the ridiculousness of the situation, as well as with their joy and happiness of the recent decisions they had made. Never could they have believed that their past would lead them here. And now they had something to look forward to: a guaranteed future together. Forever.

I can't believe i'm finished this fic! But don't think that the story is over for Charlotte and Data, oh no. There's more to come, so watch this space for the third part of The Charlotte Files, which begins with her wedding preparations and some intervention from the annoying life form we all love, Q! Don't go away, and whatever you do, PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW!

Love y'all!