Work Text:
conclusions
Spock was well aware of Chris' feelings about Tilly, and indeed, of her feelings for Chris. He had hoped very much that forming a relationship would be beneficial for both of them, but it is not until he sees them together at the Farragut-Enterprise holiday party that he realises how correct that supposition was.
Nyota has chosen to spend some time with other friends; Spock appreciates that she will allow him to be alone if he is not in the mood for large groups, and does not require his constant presence by her side. It is enjoyable simply to watch her, to savour her happiness, without being obliged to socialise beyond his own comfort level.
His attention is caught, however, when he sees Chris and Tilly on the dance floor. The music is upbeat; Tilly laughs as Chris spins her, and when she ends up back in his arms, they appear to be continuing a conversation right there, despite the music. Tilly cranes up to murmur in his ear, maybe to tease him; Chris laughs aloud, cheeks turning pink, smile as wide and free as Spock has ever seen it.
Their mutual companionship is palpable; Spock is glad he allowed himself to be drawn in to the crew's mischief-making, even as he himself considered more sensible courses of action. He does not know Tilly well, but well enough to be fond of her, to find pleasure in her happiness for her own sake, not just as Michael's friend. Chris is of course most important, in many ways more of a father to him than Sarek ever was. To witness their joy is gratifying on many levels. He has rarely seen shipboard shenanigans and hijinks lead to such a pleasing conclusion, and feels a deep satisfaction in knowing he had even a small part in bringing it to pass.
The music changes to something slower and, if Spock's still tentative understanding of human courtship is at all accurate, more romantic. Although the nuance frequently escapes him, he is learning to recognise the effect, even if he does not entirely understand what makes one piece merely sensual and another a love song.
Chris tugs Tilly in close, and she tucks her head under his chin. Her eyes fall closed and she looks serene. Chris buries his face and one of his hands in her hair, holding her tight with the other. The moment is so very tender, it seems almost a trespass merely to watch, and yet it plucks at Spock's chest like skilful fingers moving over a ka'athyra; he finds it difficult to pull his gaze away.
It is a thing of rare beauty to see his friends so happy.
For several minutes, he is quite spellbound, then suddenly he is seized with sharp, unfamiliar yearning. He finds Nyota again, and is gratified to discover her eyes are fixed on him.
He rises and crosses the room to her, unable to resist, and holds out his hand in supplication.
"Nyota," he says, as warmly as he knows how. "I was hoping you might do me the honour of dancing with me."
She seems to sparkle in the lights as she smiles; has she taken note of their success with Chris and Tilly, or is it merely his own mind playing tricks on him because he has become so enamoured?
Whatever the cause, she is indeed quite irresistible.
"I'd love that," she says, voice soft, and allows him to pull her to her feet and onto the dance floor, into an embrace warmer and closer than Spock has permitted himself in public till now.
"It is good to be here with you," he says. "I am... glad."
She laughs gently. "Me too, Spock. Me too."
She is warm and relaxed and lovely in his arms; he is startlingly content.
~ fin ~