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Spock had never been to a club before.
He quickly began to regret his decision as soon as he stepped through the door, raging lights, loud music, and pressing heat of bodies, yet he could not turn back now. He had made a promise to Nyota to attend the celebrations tonight. She quickly overrode his previous six refusals with her argument of “witnessing what real human graduation celebrations looked like”. When he had calmly explained to her that he was already a witness to human interaction, “I live on Earth Nyota”, “I am a professor Nyota”, “I have no interest in watching people debase themselves Nyota”, she had just rolled her eyes and stated that his science brain wouldn’t be content until he had witnessed all forms, including clubbing. Spock had to grudgingly accept that she was at least partially correct. This would lead to an interesting night in any case.
So there Spock was, sighing to himself. He moved quickly to the outer edges of the room to avoid the press of bodies after the third near-miss of being trampled. A quick glance told him that not only humans seemed to pass time here, but species of many Federation planets. Many Andorians, Tellarites, and a few Arcadians, Caitians, and even a member of the world Kashet were present, mingling and drinking and laughing with everyone around them. There were no other Vulcans in the room. Understandably.
“Spock!” he turned, spotting Nyota, only a meager 3.56 feet away, who was standing and waving wildly to be seen over the heads of everyone between them. How he had heard her was another question of his because the frankly obnoxious cacophony of people was grating on his nerves.
Spock quickly weaved toward the table that Nyota was sitting at, twisting sharply at one point to avoid a flying elbow. He had to pause for a moment in shock as he stared at the couple he had just avoided colliding with when he saw what their hands and mouths were doing. How inappropriate, and in public! Of course, none of his inner thoughts or feelings appeared on his face, but if that man were to look up from where they appeared to be eating their partner's face off, they would have received a very pointed Vulcan stare.
Spock reached Nyota’s chosen table without any more incidents and sank into the empty booth seat gratefully. Nyota grinned at him and had to shout once more to be heard over the music. “You look very nice tonight Spock!”
Well, he had put a little extra into his appearance, wearing one of the blue sweaters his mother had knitted for him. “Thank you Nyota, you look pleasing as well.”
Her cheeks flushed at that. She really did look nice, her hair down rather than up in the usual ponytail and wearing a green dress that complimented her skin.
“I’m glad you made it Spock! For a moment I thought you were going to ditch!”
“I would not ditch Nyota as that would be counterproductive to the promise I made you.” Ok, so maybe he was sulky. Sue me, he thought.
“Well, we’re glad you got here safely then! It has turned out to be quite a busy night!” Nyota’s excitement was evident in the wide grin splitting her face.
“‘Course it has!” Gaila Vro, the only Orion in Starfleet, said as she hip-checked Nyota further into the booth, ignoring the scowl she received in her direction. Her purple dress clashed with the tone of her skin but nevertheless drew many eyes due to the artful cutouts, as was its intended purpose.
“Hello Miss Vro,” Spock said and was offered a quick greeting before the redhead steamrolled along.
“We’re celebrating the end of the semester! I think everyone here is either a cadet or professor. Even teachers need a little R&R once they have a break.”
“Perhaps human teachers and more inclined, Miss Vro, but as a Vulcan I find constant activity of the brain to be even more beneficial than a long-term vacation.”
“You know no one will report you if you relax for a few minutes, Spock,” Gaila pouted. “And it's Gaila out of class.”
Spock hummed, “Very well Gaila. I do relax “for a few minutes”. I call it meditation.”
Gaila groaned in frustration, shaking her head, “Not that kind of relaxation Spock! What about getting out of the house, seeing the city, or visiting with your friends? Have you dated anyone since you’ve been on Earth?” At that, Nyota shoved her elbow into Gaila’s side hissing at her to shut up.
Spock eyed them with an eyebrow raised, before, “My friends consist of those sitting at this table, and I am interacting with you right now.” He chose to ignore the dating comment, but there was no doubt that they had caught it.
In truth, he had not had much interest in dating. His career always came first, and he was a Vulcan. Other than the example of his parents, Spock did not believe that hybrid pairings were very beneficial. No one thought about the side effects. He wanted no child of his, biological (though that would be a miracle in and of itself), adopted, or otherwise, to receive the amount of backlash and scorn and bullying he had received growing up.
“We’re saying it should happen more often, Spock! We miss you!” Gaila whined, looking to Nyota for enforcement, who nodded sagely as well, taking a sip from her nearly empty drink. Gaila whirled back to Spock and pointed an accusatory finger. “And don’t change the subject, we need to find you a woman! Or a man? I don’t know your preferences.”
“Gaila,” Nyota hissed again, “that’s not an appropriate question to ask.” Gaila did look a little shamed so Spock stepped in quickly to divert the conversation.
“It is alright Nyota. It is not the most insensitive question I have been asked,” Spock admitted and both of their eyes shone with distress and Spock continued. “I find the mind to be the most attractive part of my partners. I choose them according to our compatibility, rather than their gender.”
“Oh,” Gaila sat thinking about it for a moment before smiling again, “I guess that makes sense! A lasting relationship needs to be more than sexual after all!”
“Precisely,” Spock allowed a pleased turn of his lips. “And concerning your mentioning missing me, you see me every day? I do not understand what you could possibly miss when we see-”
Gaila flapped her hand, “Forget it, Spock! How about we get some drinks!” She began shuffling to the end of the bench, Nyota scooting beside her. But Spock hesitated. Alcohol had no effect on him anyway, and from what he had experienced before, the taste was not exactly pleasant.
“Just some tea for me please.” He received a confused look from Nyota and a look from Gaila.
“You're at a bar and you're drinking tea! C’mon, you Vulcan I'm going to get you a chocolate martini, and you are going to like it!” And with that, she was pulling Nyota by the arm and weaving through the throng with expert grace.
“Please do not-!” But too late.
Spock sunk lower into his seat trying not to growl as Gaila pranced and Nyota stalked behind her off to the bar, completely ignoring his requests. The Orion was an exceptionally talented student, he was glad to have been able to teach her, but he was glad that Nyota was usually there to rein in her more...impulsive tendencies. How they had found out that chocolate was as much an inhibitor to Vulcans as alcohol was to them was a mystery to him for he had never partaken in any except for the small Lindor truffle he shared with his mother the day he graduated from the Academy.
All at once, he stood to rush, no, not rush, but walk quickly to the bar to stop the girls, when he heard a gasp, a swear, and felt a body collide with his. The feeling of wetness quickly spread over his shirt and he realized that the woman’s drinks had spilled on him.
Spock closed his eyes for a moment, gathering all the patience he had left in his body before opening them only to have an eyeful of blonde hair as the woman proceeded to spew apologies and wipe at his shirt.
“I am so sorry professor! Oh my goodness just look at the mess, I am so sorry sir.” The woman flashed an apologetic grimace at him and he stood shocked at the intense color of her blue eyes. They were the same color as her dress, and Spock could see the curvaceous figure that was not hidden by the tight material. The dress reached midway down her tanned thigh and clung to wide hips and a strong waist. There was boning in the bodice to outline and accentuate her full breasts and he had to stop right now and shut his mouth because he was staring and that was unbecoming of a Vulcan.
Spock coughed lightly trying to, as humans would say, get his head back on straight, “It is my fault Miss…?”
The woman jerked again, blonde curls settling across her shoulders, and a few stray pieces stuck to her glossy lips which she quickly fixed to lay with the others. “Uh, Kirk. Jamie Kirk.” She seemed to realize at the same time as him that she was still patting his chest and they both flushed, Miss Kirk herself a delightful shade of pink, the blush starting to spread down her neck. Spock could feel heat rising in his ears and cheeks as well and took a small step back to further compose himself. Do NOT stare at her breasts, Spock, what is happening? He began to panic slightly as his heart stuttered in his side. An arrhythmia? Should he consult a healer?
She was by all human accounts, and his as well apparently, beautiful.
“Miss Kirk.” He coughed slightly, trying to gain his bearings. “The fault is my own, I should have been paying closer attention to my surroundings.”
She frowned slightly and tilted her head. “Are you sure? But your shirt-”
“Will be fine once I launder it,” Spock assured her and her face relaxed minutely and returned to its normal shade.
“I-um ok if-if you're sure, uh- OH! Make sure you use white vinegar and a light rubbing alcohol, and dab it, don’t rub it in further-”
“I assure you Miss Kirk it is no problem and I appreciate your concern. I will follow your directions. But if you are still sorry, if you would allow me to purchase you a drink. I do believe I owe you one. As I made you lose yours.”
A lovely blush once again spread across her freckled nose, and she ducked her head to hide a grin. She glanced up at him from beneath her long lashes and a jolt went through his heart in his side that made him catch his breath.
“I’d really enjoy that Professor.” He answered her shy smile with a quirk of his own.
“Please, just Spock. I have been informed that outside of classes, it is appropriate and expected to be less formal.”
She did not hide her grin this time and Spock almost gasped. “Ok, Spock. I'll take that drink, but you have to call me Jim, then.”
He nodded respectfully at her, “Jim,” he affirmed and motioned toward the crowded bar and she fell into step beside him.
“Are you celebrating the end of the term as well Jim?” He guided her through the throng of people with a light hand on the small of her back, making slow going so that they would not be separated. (Jim was not upset by it at all). Still, it only got more difficult to maneuver the closer they got to the hub of activity
“Yes!” They were back to shouting in order to be heard. “Though I won’t be on break for long. I’m fast track you see, command track, and I volunteered to pick up some classes to assist in the next semester so I need to get a head start on my classes. I think I got a little ahead of myself. The fast track doesn’t exactly leave much room for volunteering.”
“I myself was a fast track student and found the pace invigorating.” He smacked a hand that reached for Jim’s bottom and glared at the offending owner. Said owner gulped and dove into the crowd in order to leave the reach of the angry and protective Vulcan.
“Oh yes it is, don't get me wrong. Bones has encouraged me to slow down because he’s worried I’m going to burn out, but he's a worry-wort so I don't listen much.”
Spock paused momentarily. “Bones?”
“Oh! Ha, sorry,” Jim threw back her head and guffawed. “Leonard McCoy, he’s a friend, my personal doctor, and roommate. I met him on the shuttle here from Riverside. 'Bones' is a nickname for him.”
“I gathered that human nicknames have something to do with the name of the person but ‘Bones’-”
“Ah, yes it was something that he said to me on the shuttle when we first met. ‘All I've got left are my bones,’ he said. He complains about it but I figured that if he really hated it he’d actually do something about it.”
“I see.” He did not in fact, see. “Fascinating.”
Jim laughed again and Spock caught himself staring at her twinkling eyes and rosy cheeks. What was this odd sensation?
“What about you Spock? Are you here ‘celebrating’?”
“On the contrary. I found myself here involuntarily. My associates made a better argument of why I should attend than I did of why I should not. Apparently, some rest and relaxation are invigorating in small quantities.”
“It's not every day that someone can win an argument against a Vulcan. I'm impressed! Who were these ‘associates' if you don't mind me asking? I should be thanking them, otherwise, I wouldn’t have run into you.” Jim smiled up at him and his heart skipped a third time. She really was a masterpiece.
“That would be Cadet Vro and Cadet Uhura.”
“Ah yes,” she laughed, throwing back her head. “Gaila can be a tricky one!”
“You are familiar with Miss Vro?” He was curious, Gaila was in the engineering track, and usually, the fast track was for those going into command, so how had they met?
“Yes! I met her in the engineering club. And I met Uhura before that.” She mumbled so that Spock could barely hear the confession. Ah.
“Yes, I have heard the story.” Spock specifically remembers the way Uhura had ranted to him about the stupid blonde in the bar, brushing over the details that Captain Pike had later given him explaining the state in which Jim was found shortly after.
Alarm shot through Jim’s eyes and she opened her mouth to speak when all of a sudden Gaila and Nyota were there, Gaila greeting her friend with a joyous shriek and hug.
“Oh Jim! I'm so glad you're here! I missed you! Are you here with Leo and Gary?” Gaila pulled back to hold Jim by the shoulders and tried to peer over the heads of those around them, looking for the aforementioned persons.
Jim’s nose wrinkled in distaste. There was a story behind that and Spock was halfway intrigued. “Bones yes, Gary hell no-”
Jim and Gaila stumbled as they were shoved by Nyota forcing her way between Spock and the other women.
“What are you doing here Kirk?” Nyota interrupted, putting her hands on her hips, and shifting her body so that she was in front of Spock. He tilted his head in confusion.
“Well Brittany, as far as I understood, this was a public place-”
“My name isn’t Brittany, you farm hick. I meant what are you doing with Spock! Wanting to add another notch in your bedpost?”
“Nyota!” Both Gaila and Spock chastised her and the arguing women flushed, but for different reasons.
“You know her reputation Spock,” she threw a scathing look at Jim before turning pleading eyes back at him. “She’ll look at you with those darling baby blues and you're done for.”
“What the hell Ny-” Gaila thundered, pulling Jim close and glaring fiercely at the other woman. But Jim cut her off.
“Gaila it’s ok-” Jim was trying to reassure them, but her awkwardness and hurt were palpable.
“No, it is not! She’s jealous and acting like a bitch! She needs to get over what happened two years ago,” at that she swung back to Nyota, stressing the last words with a scowl. “That’s no reason to continue antagonizing you!”
“Gaila!” Nyota hissed, betrayed but Spock stepped in before the conversation could decline further.
“Miss Vro is correct.” The women looked at him as if they had forgotten he was there. Silly as he was one of the reasons they were arguing, Surak knows why. Spock allowed himself to speak coldly, looking down at Nyota who was still in between him and Jim. “That is not appropriate Miss Uhura and unbecoming of a Starfleet cadet.”
Nyota’s cheeks bloomed red with embarrassment at the scolding “But Spock!” she scoffed. “This is Kirk. You know her!” She flung a hand in Jim’s direction, almost smacking her in the face. Only Gaila’s quick sway saved them.
“I am familiar with her reputation as a student and as someone you dislike Miss Uhura. You will do well to remember that I can form opinions of my own. As I do so now.”
Nyota appeared abashed, blood further flushing her ears and neck.
Spock took out his personal pad and forwarded some credits to Nyota’s contact.
“I just sent you credits for the drink. If you would leave them here, I would like to continue talking to Miss Kirk.” His tone was final, yet Nyota continued to argue.
“Spock- I’m sorry-”
“I am not the one you should be apologizing to Cadet. Please leave us.”
Jim looked shocked at the turn of events. Her hanging jaw was closed gently by one of Gaila’s fingers, and the Orion kindly grinned at her before taking Nyota’s arm and dragging her back to their abandoned booth.
Jim watched them go with wide eyes before moving her gaze to Spock whose heart gave another jolt. He really needed to get that checked. Four times in close to as many minutes could not be a good sign at all.
“I- Spock...thank you.”
“There is no need to thank me. I should be the one apologizing for her rudeness.” Spock was slightly taken aback when Jim gripped his upper arm to emphasize her next words.
“But I do need to thank you! There aren’t many who would defend me, I mean.” She scoffed and shrugged, arms falling limply to her side once again. “Rumors are rumors, no matter how baseless they are. People will always believe what they want. It… it's fine, really. Uhura has reason enough to hate me, and it’s not like I do anything to change her mind, you know?” Jim glanced up at him and he nodded for her to continue. “She’s obviously mentioned me to you though. I'm honestly surprised that you are still talking to me.” She chuckled humorlessly, putting her hair behind her ear in a show of discomfort.
Spock stepped forward further into space, not touching but wishing to, and Jim looked at him with wide eyes.”Jim, I prefer to gain my own opinion of people rather than relying on what others have to say. I find that their opinions are biased, for better or worse, and do very little to tell me about the person. Rather, it tells me how they feel about the person. And when it comes to feeling, I am much more comfortable making my own decisions.”
Celebration continued around them. People shouted and danced and drank, yet at that moment all Spock knew was the woman standing in front of him, gazing back at him with shining eyes and a radiant smile. She sniffed subtly before touching his arm lightly again.
“Well, I'm glad Spock. Otherwise, we might not have had this wonderful conversation.”
“I am pleased as well, Jim. Now let us get our drinks, would it please you to find a table?”
They talked for what felt like hours. About anything and everything. From warp core engineering to the theory of transwarp beaming that evolved into storytelling once Jim mentioned her friend Scotty who had the misfortune of beaming one of Admiral Archer’s prize beagles to who knows where.
Spock found himself telling Jim things that he had not told others. About his childhood with and without I-chaya, what Vulcan looked like at night, the feeling of hot sand in the Forge. He told her the mishaps of his schooling, and growing up with a human sister and radical Vulcan brother. And he told her about his beloved human mother, and the regret he would live with for shunning her, and his human ways. Jim listened intently and smiled in sympathy. She reached across the table and held his clothed wrist.
“She knows that you love her Spock. Your mother sounds like an intelligent woman, she knows.”
“Yes she may, but, I…I wish I told her more.”
“What’s stopping you from doing it now?”
Spock raised an eyebrow at her. Jim continued. “You wish you would’ve told her, but you didn’t. That’s in the past, Spock. You can’t go back. It just hurts to hang on to past failings.” She shifted and her pinky touched his bare wrist with a sharp zap. He inhaled abruptly, eyes flicking to the point their skin was touching and back to her quickly. Holy shit. “You have time to say it now, so be grateful for the chances you have! Don’t put it off.” Spock would later say he could not look away as she spoke to him then, caught in the snare of her earnestness.
He pondered that, mind swirling with her words and trying to keep them straight from the other connections he had made at her touch. He curled his hand around her fingers and sighed as he memorized the feeling of her skin. “You are an intelligent human as well Jim Kirk. Thank you for your guidance.”
Later, she pulls him onto the dance floor. They are blind and deaf to the people around them. Jim throws her arms around his neck, and Spock pulls her close by the waist. They sway back and forth, heads pressed together, and he is content.
Unthinkingly, he pressed a human kiss to her forehead and Jim froze. Snapping to, and realizing what he’d done, Spock pulled back and glanced at Jim’s face. She was blushing scarlet.
“Jim! I- I apologi-” He tried to stutter out an apology at the apparent misstep but Jim cut him off.
She pulled him down, raised herself on her tiptoes, and kissed him.
It was Spock’s turn to freeze. His heart was pounding in his side and he could feel her breath on his lips. And then he closed his eyes and did what many Vulcans did not allow themselves to do. Feel.
Spock pulled Jim into his arms. Her hair brushed his cheeks, and he could feel her heartbeat against his chest, pounding in rhythm with his. Jim’s lips were warm and soft, tasting of a mix of artificial watermelon from her lip gloss, and the brandy he had bought to replace hers.
He pulled back for a moment to catch his breath and saw a glimpse of Jim’s flushed face, lips slightly open and wet, her eyes still closed. Spock brushed her hair out of her face and tangled his fingers into the curls at the base of her neck. Jim’s eyes fluttered half-open, and Spock memorized the scene of kiss-drunk Jim in front of him. He wanted to kiss her again. He kissed her again.
He tilted his head to meet hers, and heat swelled in his stomach. Jim’s lips parted slightly, allowing Spock to slip his tongue inside. Jim hummed and the vibration tickled his mouth. He could not help but purr in answer.
Jim’s left hand left his neck and stroked down his shoulder and bicep to grip at the crook of his elbow as if to keep him there. Her right stroked the skin of his neck and he pressed deeper, wanting to prolong this feeling and consume her. Spock tried to pull her closer, tight against his chest, and he slipped a leg between hers. Jim whimpered and took her turn licking into his mouth.
A sudden thought crossed his mind, whether, from him or Jim, he was not sure, but he did not want to rush this. He wanted her, that much was obvious. Desperately. But they had time.
Spock pulled back, Jim catching his lower lip between her teeth and he groaned at the pleasure jolting through him.
“Jim,” he sighed, and leaned his forehead to rest against hers.
They stood there, simply breathing, and holding one another. Spock’s fingers uncurled from the nape of her neck and stroked down her jaw. Jim patiently let him tilt her chin up and he brushed kisses at the corner of her mouth, across her cheek, and her eyebrow. Spock rested his lips there. He could feel Jim’s happiness and they began to sway in dance again.
Spock dropped his hand from her face and caressed her arm until he reached her hand. He brought them up to shoulder height. He watched her watch their fingers, as he stroked them and kissed in the Vulcan fashion.
“What is this?” She asked, flicking her gaze to his.
Spock carried on with the motions. “Vulcans are touch telepaths. When skin touches ours, or even if someone is projecting, we can sense emotion and pick up on stray thoughts if we are not shielding our minds.” Jim looked a little wary and frightened at that, and Spock continued in a rush. “It is a most severe crime to enter one’s mind without permission Jim, do not fear,” and she relaxed. Spock coughed slightly and he felt a blush reach his ears. “This,” he stroked her fingers in emphasis, “this is a kiss.”
“A kiss?”
“Our hands are extremely sensitive Jim. This is how partners would show their affection for one another.”
He gasped when she copied the motion, stroking two of her fingers against his and down his palm. Spock choked when she kissed them with her kiss-bruised lips.
“Jim,” he groaned, and she held his hand against her smile. “If we are to stop you must stop tempting me like that.”
Jim raised an eyebrow in a sultry manner and Spock gulped. “Who said we had to stop?” But in her eyes, Spock could see her hesitation. He could feel the emotions warring inside her and he spoke to assuage her internal conflict.
“You deserve more than just a single night in bed Ashayam.” Jim looked at him through her lashes in confusion, and he continued. “You deserve a lifetime. I want to know you, Jim. I want to court you and love you and one day worship you as is your right.”
Jim blushed at the statement and looked away. He touched her chin again.
“Tu t’nash-veh t’hy’la. You are t’hy’la.” He stepped back slightly to create some space between them and ceased the kiss, grasping her hands in his. “Can I-”
Spock was cut off as a loud, angry man stormed up to their sides, almost breaking their hold on one another.
“Goddammit Jim!” He blustered, and Spock raised a confused eyebrow. “I’ve been lookin’ all over for ya! What did you think you were doin’ just disappearin’ like that?”
“Aw,” Jim crooned, and the man’s face flushed with indignation. “Was Bonesy worried?” Ah. Spock nodded to himself at the name. That made more sense.
“Eh fuck that.” It was clear by the emotion in his voice that he was, but Spock was not going to say anything.
“I’m heading back to the dorm, Jim. The girls here are crazy and I’ve had enough of that in my life, thank you very much.” He looked away but glanced back to Spock out of the corner of his eye. What an odd human “I- uh, you coming back or..” he trailed off awkwardly, side-eyeing Spock again, trying hard to not say what they knew he was trying not to say.
Jim’s face was full of mirth, and when she met Spock’s eyes, he could feel the emotion shared through their touch. Her expression dropped minutely, and this time Spock could feel her desire to stay with him, and her unhappiness at the thought of parting. It gave Spock little comfort that she felt just as he did.
“I will meet you outside Bones.”
Dr. McCoy nodded and grumbled to himself as he walked away. Spock watched his head disappear into the crowd, before shaking his head. Odd indeed.
Spock once again led Jim through the throng of bodies, walking slowly, this time to prolong their time together. He gathered his coat, and seeing that Jim had none, wrapped it around her shoulders, with little protest from her, once they had stepped out onto the street.
“Can I see you tomorrow?” Spock asked, suddenly remembering what he was going to say before they were interrupted by Dr. McCoy.
Jim grinned and nodded, and Spock’s gut filled with relief. “I would love to see you again, Spock.”
He grinned and gave her a quick kiss. There was no chance to deepen it before they heard McCoy’s loud complaints.
“We can meet at the cafe near the navigation building. At 7:30? They have an excellent range of tea, and their pastries are excellent.”
“Ohh I love breakfast! I look forward to this courting you were talking about Mr. Spock.” Jim grinned cheekily. Spock stroked her fingers again.
“So do I Ashayam.” So do I.
Jim’s brow crinkled, “What does that mean? Ash a yam?”
Spock smiled softly internally at her pronunciation. “I will tell you tomorrow.”
She nodded sharply in agreement. “Tomorrow.”
Spock pulled her in by the lapels, and kissed her chastely, kissing her long enough to taste her and feel her breath.
At McCoy’s renewed groans, Spock broke the kiss and placed another, shorter kiss on her brow.
“Good night Jim,” he breathed and Jim’s hands dropped from his chest.
“Good night Spock. I’ll see you tomorrow at 7:30.”
He watched her stride over to Dr. McCoy’s side, they shoved each other good-heartedly and made their way side by side in the opposite direction than him. He caught her looking back once and raised his hand in the ta’al. She raised her fingertips to her puckered lips, then lowered them in his direction. He had no idea what that meant. Though, he supposed, she probably did not know the meaning of what he had done either. He winces as Dr. McCoy just barely manages to keep her from running into the light pole. And then they disappear around the corner.
Spock watched for a moment, then, after a sigh of longing, he turned and began his own trek back to his apartment. Remembering his and Jim’s earlier discussion, he pulled out his comm, and sent a quick message.
The walk was short, and Spock was just stepping in his doorway when his comm began ringing. He took off his shoes quickly, he sent the incoming call to his pad for video once he saw the ID.
His mother was there, looking panicked. Pieces of hair were poking out in disarray from her headscarf.
“Spock! Spock, are you alright?”
“I- “ he opened and shut his mouth. He was confused. “Mother, you can see that I am.”
She relaxed, slumped like her strings were cut, and sighed in relief. “Your message- I thought-. I thought that something may have happened. You can’t say out of nowhere ‘we must talk mother’ and not say anything after that!” It was a gentle chide, but one he would heed nonetheless.
Ah. His lips tilted slightly. “I see, mother, I apologize for worrying you. It is just that I wished to tell you I love you.” Once he did there was a weight off his shoulders and no cat holding his tongue.
But his mother froze and promptly burst into tears.
He panicked
“Mother!” He raised on his knees, and reached out, silly of him since this was a video and there was no way he could reach her. “I-uh I apologize I did not mean to cause you distress!”
She laughed and it confused him even more. “Oh Spock,” she cried and dropped her head in her hands and wept before lifting her head again. She was grinning brightly despite the tears coursing down her cheeks. The complexity of women astounded him.
“Moth-”
“I love you too, my sweet boy.”
He blushed at that, and grumbled a bit, “Mother.”
She laughed freely, and Spock took a moment to enjoy the sound, he had not heard it in years.
“I wanted to say it because..,” he paused and took a deep breath. “I met someone tonight.” Out of the corner of his eye, he saw his mother’s mouth fall open slightly. But he powered on before she could interrupt.
“I felt intrigued by her immediately, and,” he let a small smile cross his lips. “She is amazing. Beautiful, intelligent, driven, and I-I told her how I regretted not telling you of my affection and shunning that part of you and me. She told me that I should not waste my chances to tell you my feelings. And I wanted to apologize-”
“Sa-fu.”
He looked up, fully expecting to be admonished, but his mother had no anger on her face. Only calm understanding and love behind her shining eyes.
“I accept your apology, Spock. I love you so much.”
He choked up. “I was worried that- that you did not know.”
“I know Spock. I'm your mother, of course I know.”
Spock felt relieved and it must have shown on his face. “That is what she said.”
His mother grinned, “Smart girl. She must be quite the woman in order to gain your affections so quickly.” His mother was not entirely subtle when asking for more details, but it was about Jim, and Spock would be remiss if he missed any attribute regarding his woman.
“She is t'hy'la,” he confessed quietly and his mother gasped.
“Are you certain?” As he was staring at his hands, he missed her glance off to the side of the room and the mouthed conversation that followed.
“We already have a bond forming. Mother, I can feel her and she… she is radiant.”
His mother’s expression melted into a teary smile. “Oh Spock, I am so happy for you. We will have to meet her. Your father and I are coming to earth in two weeks.”
Spock was hesitant. He and his father were still not talking. “I-I find that I am still hurt by his words and lack of faith in me.”
“Your father was wrong in the way he spoke to you,” Amanda murmured, “But amendment has to start somewhere Spock. I think perhaps you should talk to this woman about your father as well. She seems to be full of good ideas.”
He narrowed his eyes at her imperceptibly and she raised an eyebrow cowing his attitude.
“Yes mother, I admit that you are right. If we are to dine together, Jim needs to be aware of...that. I believe she will enjoy the meal either way.”
“Jim? Is that her name?”
“Jaime Kirk,” he affirmed.
“Oh!” His mother looked surprised by that for some reason. “Well how about that,’’ she murmured, almost to herself and Spock tilted his head once again in puzzlement.
“Mother?”
His mother shook her head. “Don’t you worry about it, dear. I’m afraid I have to get going dear, it is time to prepare dinner.”
“Ah of course mother, I did not mean to disturb you-” but his mother waved off his apologies.
“Now you hush! You did no such thing. I am your mother, I like talking to my children.” They both smiled at that, Spock’s much more reserved than hers. “I love you Safu. Live long and prosper Kanbu.”
“Mother,” he groaned and she laughed again. His lips twitched and he supplied the answering farewell before disconnecting the call. He kneeled there for a few moments taking in his emotions and the newfound peace he felt.
He was glad for making the effort to reach out, no matter how uncomfortable it may have made him. Spock wondered if his mother’s words had some merit and if he really should reach out to his father soon. Extend the olive branch as was the earthly saying. He resolved himself to speak with Jim soon and gain advice on the matter.
It was very late by the time Spock had finished his nightly ablutions and meditation, but he found himself energized still, and sleep would not come.
He began the breathing techniques his healer had taught him and before he knew it he slipped into a dreamless rest.
&
Spock arrived at the cafe extra early the next morning. He was dressed in another sweater knitted by his mother, this time a deep purple, which she had always said looked very good on him.
He sat at a small table in the corner, in perfect view of the door. Spock tried not to fidget, but he couldn’t help straightening the condiments and napkins on the table.
Every time the bell over the entrance rang, he would straighten to attention and his gaze would dart to the door. And every time he would relax in disappointment when it was not Jim.
Spock glanced at his chrono and just as the hand moved to 7:30, the door opened, and there she was.
He hadn’t thought it possible for Jim to look as enticing in any other clothing than as she did in that blue dress from the previous night, but seeing her in her cadet reds definitely gave it a run for its money.
Her hair shone gold in the early morning sunlight.
He rose to meet her.
Spock thought briefly of Nyota and made a note to thank her for forcing him to attend the club the previous night. He would not have met this amazing woman otherwise.
Spock reached out, his long, cool fingers asking for Jim’s, and grinned as she did when she touched her fingers to his.