Three Summers - Ch. 4

[sesh_khem]

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At 08:54 on the first day back at work, Spock rose from his chair and turned on the kettle. He retrieved a simply-wrapped package from his desk and placed it on Nyota's. The kettle boiled. He put loose tea leaves into the pot and poured the hot water, covering it to steep. He resumed his seat and waited.

Soon familiar footsteps approached and the door opened.

"Good morning, Commander," Nyota said with a smile.

"Welcome back, Cadet. You appear well-rested."

"I am, sir, thank you." He watched her as she approached her desk, and was gratified by her look of surprise when she saw the package.

She looked back at him. "For me?"

"It would appear so."

She unwrapped it, smiling. There was a wooden box, intricately carved. He heard her gasp as she opened it to find ten small tins of various Vulcan tea blends surrounding a black teapot adorned with red hand-painted flowers and four matching cups. She ran her fingers across the cool ceramic.

"Oh, Spock!" she whispered. "Sir, these are the most beautiful...thank you. You really shouldn't have."

She reached into her bag and pulled out a small package and handed it to him. "This seems quite paltry next to your gift."

He opened it to find a small box of tea. "The tea is grown locally and the blend is an old family recipe," she explained. "I make it whenever I'm home."

"You prepared this?"

"Yes, sir."

"I am honored," he said, regarding the box a little longer than necessary. After a moment, he rose to prepare their own tea.

He handed her the cup, rather than placing it on her desk as usual. She tried not to touch him, but grabbing the handle without doing so was impossible. She apologized, and he assured her there was no need. He sat behind his desk with his own cup, and watched her as she sipped the fragrant blend, closed her eyes and sighed. She thanked him with a smile, and then asked about his holiday. He muttered words like "adequate" and "restful," all the while attempting to return his heart and breathing rates to normal.

They settled in to work.

---

The paper was finished, reworked, and edited. The presentation was created and rehearsed. They were packed and on their way to the commercial shuttle station, or so Nyota thought.

"Spock," Nyota stopped. "Shuttle station's that way," she pointed behind her.

"I am aware of its location."

"Then where are we...Oh!"

"Because this is an academy-related event, we have the use of one of the shuttles."

She bounced like an excited child as they approached the hangar. Spock turned in their flight plan and received the codes for their assigned shuttle. Nyota tried and failed to hide her grin.

They entered the shuttle and stowed their bags. Nyota had taken basic shuttle training and assisted him with the flight check. When they were cleared by the flight deck, Spock stood and indicated she should take the helm. She stared at him open-mouthed.

"Spock, I haven't...I've only worked the simulators!"

"I am a qualified flight instructor and you have the requisite number of hours for flight training. Please take your station," he said with an almost-smile.

She grinned and took the pilot's chair. "I could hug you, Spock," she said as she double-checked the readings. "Any more surprises like this and you'll need to be prepared for random displays of excessive emotion."

"I appreciate the prior warning."

"Okay, ready?"

He nodded.

"Here...we...GO!"

Her take-off was a little wobbly, and her acceleration a bit tentative. But once she got the shuttle in the air, they were quickly on course and reaching cruising altitude. She let out a "Woo-HOO!"

"Well done, Nyota," he said.

"I did it!"

"Indeed."

She sat looking pleased with herself as she checked their heading. Her face fell slightly. "I could kill for a cup of tea," she said. "I didn't think to bring any..."

"I believe you will find some in the galley," he said, taking over the controls and adjusting their course. She stood and went to the tiny closet of a kitchen and found not only tea, but a full lunch in thermal containers. She shook her head with a smile. "Spock, you think of everything," she peeked out. "Tea?"

"Yes, thank you."

They sipped their tea and reviewed their notes for their presentation the next day. Spock then prepared their lunch plates as Nyota monitored the controls.

"Spock, would you mind if I put on some music?"

"Not at all."

She downloaded a few songs from her music player and soon music filled the cabin.

Spock tilted his head. "I am unfamiliar with this musical genre."

"It's Yann Tiersen, a 21st century artist from France. I thought it would put us in the mood for Paris. Do you like it? If not, I can change it."

Spock listened for a moment more. "No, it is appropriate and interesting music. Please, let it continue."

They took turns at the helm. As they neared Paris at twilight, Spock took over. Nyota was beside herself gazing over the city as they descended.

He landed at the shuttle port and they took the local transport to the Grand Hotel St Michel. Nyota took in the sights with awe, pointing out the Luxembourg Gardens and the Pantheon. They checked into the hotel and received their conference materials, then took the lift to their rooms.

They had a suite with identical bedrooms on opposite sides of a large sitting room that looked out over the Sorbonne, where the symposium would take place. Nyota looked out at the view as Spock took his bags to his rooms. She was still at the window when he returned. Tears were threatening to spill from her eyes.

"Nyota, what troubles you?"

She quickly wiped her eyes and laughed. "Happy tears, Spock. I just can't believe we're really here, in a suite in one of the best hotels in the most beautiful city on the planet. I piloted a shuttle today, and tomorrow I'll give my first academic paper at the Sorbonne!" She turned to him with a smile. "I warned you about random displays of excessive emotion."

"You did indeed. Does this mean I must prepare to be hugged?" he asked with a lift of his eyebrow.

"I'm afraid it does," she said with mock solemnity. But then she threw her arms around him and whispered, "Thank you thank you thank you."

"It is not my doing, Nyota. You earned this," he said quietly as he held her, tentatively stroking her hair. He was reeling inside.

She nodded against his chest. "But you helped. And I am grateful. For your being such a generous mentor, for your friendship, for…you." She pulled away, laughing now, wiping her tears. "Don't mind me. It's all just hitting me, I guess. What I need is a shower and a nap."

"Perhaps that is wise."

They arranged for him to wake her for dinner, and they went to their separate rooms, she for a hot shower and sleep, and he for a colder one and meditation.

---

The next morning they went for an early run in the Luxembourg Gardens, showered, changed, and headed for the opening breakfast at the symposium. After the keynote speaker, they went their separate ways to attend different lectures.

Their presentation was scheduled for 2:00 pm. They ate a light lunch together and found their way to the designated lecture hall. They set up their visuals, tested the microphones, and consulted with the Association member introducing them.

Nyota had no time for the butterflies threatening her stomach. They were on. She described their application of cognitive and neurolinguistics to the program while Spock summarized the programmatic algorithms and demonstrated the results. The presentation received an enthusiastic response from the audience and they took a several questions. Suddenly, it was over.

As they made their way back to the hotel, they discussed some of the more pertinent questions they received, what presentations they'd attend the next two days of the symposium, and whether there would be time for sightseeing.

When they entered the suite, Nyota flopped down on the sofa. "What time is it?"

"1645 hours," he replied.

"Can we order room service for dinner?"

"No. I am afraid I have made other arrangements."

She looked up, surprised. "What arrangements?"

"I thought that a celebratory dinner would be in order after the successful conclusion of our research and presentation thereof. We have 1 hour 11 minutes before we must leave."

She sat up, suddenly less tired. "Sir, being here is reward enough. You didn't have to go to any trouble…"

"It was no trouble, Nyota. I simply made reservations."

"Sir, sometimes…." She seemed to think better of whatever she was about to say. She shook her head and smiled graciously. "Alright, Spock. I will see you in an hour and whatever minutes." She stood and headed for her room.

"Nine," he supplied, before she closed the door.

He took a deep breath and headed for his room to prepare. He was so caught up in his own thoughts that his exceptional hearing did not register the "Ohmagod, Ohmagod, Ohmagod," coming from the other room.

---

"Mother," he said straining to keep the emotion from his voice. They were alone in his mother's study. He allowed her to embrace him, and surprised them both when his own arms encircled her shoulders.

She looked up at him. "Spock, what is it?"

She regarded her son, felt the turmoil of unfamiliar emotions through her parental bond, and hugged him closer. "I see . . . " she said with a sad smile. "Sit. Tell me everything."

When he couldn't find the words, she took his hand and raised it to her temple. He nodded, took a deep breath, and careful not to overwhelm her with the emotions that were threatening to overwhelm him, initiated the meld.

Amanda steeled herself for the flood of information entering her consciousness. There…a face, a smile, laughter, intelligence, music, an angelic voice. Then Spock showed his mother the effect these images had on him. She saw the colors this young woman evoked in her son's soul. Finally, he showed her the barriers keeping her from the girl; Starfleet Academy regulations, T'Pring, his father.

She sat back and opened her eyes as Spock released her. Her mind worked quickly. There was much to do, and she was pleased to be of some service to her son in this. She took her son's hand, and smiled. "Here's what we're going to do. . . ."

Spock stepped out of the shower, remembering his mother's advice. It was she who gave him the idea for this evening's dinner plans; apparently Sarek had planned a similar excursion during his parent's courtship and it left a lasting impression on her. She also paved the way for him to speak to his father about Nyota. He would never have guessed that his falling for a human woman would soften the discord between them.

While his mother provided much useful advice, it was Christopher who helped him navigate the difficulties with pursuing a student at the Academy. As soon as Spock returned to Earth, he sought his mentor's advice.

"Wait…you're telling me you want to initiate a romantic relationship?" Chris seemed more pleased than concerned with regulations.

"Yes, as I said…"

Chris threw his head back and laughed. "After all these years of trying to loosen you up, trying to hook you up, and you go off the deep end and fall for a cadet!" The older man smiled and shook his head. "All right, Spock, talk to me. We'll figure this out."

And they did figure it out, although it meant waiting. Spock had never been an impatient man until now, but Chris helped focus his attention on planning the trip to Paris, organizing the shuttle use, even shopping for the clothes he wore this evening.

Spock wore a collarless suit of dark grey. The shirt was high-necked and a crisp white. It required cufflinks, and while he managed to get one of them on, he required Nyota's assistance with the other. He went to the sitting room to wait for her.

She soon emerged wearing the dress she had brought for the symposium's closing banquet. Black raw Tellurian silk with thin shoulder straps, it came to her knees but had a short train of gathered silk in the back. A shawl of the same material hung on her shoulders. She'd put her hair up in a style Spock had never seen before; a high loose bun with wavy tendrils escaping at the temples.

"You look..."

"That dress is..."

"I've never seen you..."

She laughed. "You look very nice, Spock."

"As do you. I wonder…" he held the cufflink in his open palm, "Would you assist?"

"Of course."

She walked toward him and took the platinum and onyx link. As she fastened it, he breathed in the floral scents on her hair and skin.

"There you go," she said as she finished.

He cleared his throat. "Are you ready to proceed?"

"Yes."

They took a short taxi ride to a riverside pier. Nyota stopped short.

"We're going on that?" She gazed at the boat before them with its glittering lights and candle-lit tables.

"Yes," he said softly. "We will have our meal and observe some of the notable sights. Is this agreeable?"

"Oh, Spock," she breathed. "You have no idea how agreeable."

He allowed himself the slightest of smiles.

The host showed them to their seats, and a waiter brought champagne. Spock lifted his glass. "To the successful conclusion of our research. Well done, Nyota." She raised her glass. It trembled in her hand.

Spock sipped his champagne, never taking his eyes from her. She looked away, blushing.

Soon the boat left the pier and they were off for a twilight cruise of the Seine. Spock relished Nyota's excitement as they passed the legendary sites of Paris. Their meals arrived and he noted that neither of them seemed to have much of an appetite. Fortunately observing the city as they sailed by eliminated the need for forced conversation.

As they neared the Eiffel Tower, Spock stood. "Shall we view it from the deck?" he asked. She rose, somewhat surprised, and followed him. They reached the deck and she looked up at the illuminated tower. "Oh Spock, this is perfect."

He turned to her. "Nyota," he said softly. She looked at him, pulling her shawl more tightly around her.

"At 1624 hours today, we concluded our presentation. You ceased to be my student and intern. I wish to change the nature of our… I would like to pursue a romantic relationship with you. Would this be acceptable?

Her eyes widened. She nodded quickly.

"Nyota," he said, concerned. "Breathe."

She let out a nervous giggle. He took a step closer and raised a hand to brush a strand of hair away from her face. His fingers burned against her skin. He leaned closer and brushed his lips against hers. When he felt her lean into the kiss he wrapped his arms around her. Soon she was against the railing; their bodies pressed together, her arms around his neck.

A sudden noise surprised them out of their embrace. Passersby on the Left bank whistled and shouted their approval. Nyota smiled and hid her face in his chest. "Come on, let's sit over here." She led the way to a bench on the starboard side. He pulled her close and she rested her head on his shoulder.

"Spock, I had no idea. I mean, I sometimes thought you might be attracted to me, but figured it was all wishful thinking."

"I have always admired and respected you. I grew to value your friendship, and I sought to keep that friendship intact even when I admitted to myself that I wanted something more. Then you left for Kenya and I thought...I was..."

She squeezed his hand. "I had given up. I gave up on you feeling anything for me, especially knowing it would be impossible given the rules. I went home determined to purge you from my system. It didn't work, of course, but I came to some sort of resignation. When I got back, all I could do was try to hide my feelings from you."

"I could not speak," he said. "I was unsure of your feelings and was not at liberty to disclose mine."

The boat returned to the pier. The car waited to take them to the hotel. Once seated, she took his hand.

"You said you were unsure of my feelings. What made you risk it tonight?"

"I am afraid I took advantage of a...situation and...It was highly improper and I wish to..." He let his gaze rest on their joined hands.

"Spock, what are you talking about?"

"I...cheated. I ask your forgiveness"

"You what?" She asked with a grin.

"When you returned from your vacation, I…" he paused, momentarily unwilling to divulge his un-Vulcan-like actions. "I touched your hands. Intentionally. I should not have done so without your permission. But I ..."

Her eyes registered her comprehension. "The tea! My first morning back."

He nodded. "Under normal circumstances I would never have presumed...but I found I must know in what light you regarded me."

"Ah, Spock…" She forgave him with a kiss.

The car reached the hotel, and they boarded the lift to their rooms. She slipped her hand into his as the lift doors closed. As soon as they entered the suite, he pulled her close, kissing her forehead, her temple, the smooth, soft flesh of her cheek, her lips.

She walked backwards, stopping when the back of her legs hit the sofa, where they fell in an undignified tangle. She giggled as they situated themselves, drawing a ghost of a smile from Spock. But he grew serious as he drew her into his arms.

"I wish to be clear, Nyota. I am not seeking a casual relationship."

She regarded him, the depth of his statement sinking in. "Nor am I," she answered with the same intensity, and pulled his face to hers.

Their kisses deepened, growing more urgent as their hands began roaming, exploring. Before matters progressed further, Spock reluctantly sat up, bringing her with him. He kissed her forehead. "It is late, you should get some rest. Tomorrow is a long day."

She sighed. "You're right.

She leaned over and gave him a peck on the cheek. "Wonderful! Well…" she stood, but he caught her hand before she could walk away. "What is it?" she asked as he stood.

"I believe it is customary for a gentleman to escort a lady to her door after a first date."

She smiled as she wrapped her arms around him. "And what a first date it was! Spock, I had an amazing time. You sure know how to sweep a girl off her feet." She stood on her toes and kissed him.

"I am gratified that you found the evening pleasant," he whispered, holding her close.

"Mmm," she murmured into his chest. "'Pleasant,' my dear Commander, is the greatest understatement…ever."

They reluctantly released each other. "Goodnight, Nyota, sleep well."

"You too. See you in the morning."

---

He lay in bed, the cool sheets making him shiver in his Starfleet-issue sleep shorts and tee-shirt. The lights from the city made the room seem to glow. He stared at the ceiling, almost unable to fully believe what had just happened. She accepted his suit! There were no barriers to keep them apart—no T'Pring, no parental disapproval, no Academy regulations. What he had longed for had become reality, and he shivered thinking of her kisses.

He sat up. Sleep would not come easily this night and he considered turning on the light to read. No, he thought, meditation would be a better use of his time.

There was a soft tap at the door.

"Spock?" Nyota asked quietly. "Are you awake?"

"Yes, come in."

She opened the door and stood, slightly embarrassed in her Academy pajamas. "I couldn't sleep."

"Neither could I."

"Could I…I mean…I'm not ready for…I just wondered…"

He lifted the covers, and she climbed into the bed. He fitted himself next to her in a perfect spoon and kissed the top of her head. He held her as her breathing and heart rate slowed. He sighed, content, and drifted into sleep.

Chapter 5