Fic: "Human Relationships: Mating Rituals" 3/?
Fandom: Star Trek 2009
Title: Human Relationships: Mating Rituals, 3/?
Characters/Pairings: Spock/T'Pring, Spock/Uhura, Sarek, Amanda
Rating: PG-13 (this ch., R eventually)
Word Count: ~3,800
Summary: Spock discovers that navigating a relationship with a Human woman is more complicated than he expected. Particularly since the Human woman in question is still a cadet, and Spock has a Vulcan fiancée waiting in the wings.
Author's Note: Again, thanks to my beta reader, mrstater. Chapter 1. Chapter 2
Chapter Three
When Spock was sixteen years old his family spent five weeks on Earth while his father completed diplomatic duties. This was the fourth such trip of Spock's lifetime, but the first in three years. The first three weeks were mildly interesting, but he spent most of his time in the Embassy guest quarters studying--his Science Academy entrance exams were only a year away.
During the fourth week, he and his mother went to Seattle to stay with Spock's Human uncle, Robert, and his family. Spock had two cousins, the fifteen year old Marissa, and the eleven year old Kate. Though Spock desired only to continue his studies, his mother was determined to draw him into social interactions with his cousins.
He was obliged to attend a family "cookout," only to be frustrated when the scent of the charring meat made him slightly nauseous. Amanda dragged him and his cousins along to the community swimming pool, where he cringed at the way the other Human children stared at him.
Finally, on Friday night, Amanda insisted that he accompany Marissa to a party with her friends. "It will be the perfect place for you to learn more about Human social interaction," she said. "You need to stop hiding from your Human half and start embracing it once in a while!" Spock knew better than to tell his mother that he had no interest in embracing his Human half.
Marissa was not a disagreeable person. She worked hard to find topics which she could converse with Spock about, and he tried to reciprocate. But the thought of spending an entire evening solely in the company of Marissa and her friends was extremely unpleasant. Nevertheless, Spock did as his mother demanded and went to the party.
The party area was far too crowded, and Spock had difficulty evading unwanted physical contact. The noise levels were too loud, making conversation difficult. There were few vegetarian offerings among the provided food. And many of the beverages contained gaseous carbon dioxide--something Spock found extremely disagreeable.
Eventually he was able to locate a comparatively quite corner with a small sofa on which to sit. After only moments Marissa appeared with one of her friends, and the two young women squeezed in beside him.
"Spock, this is Celine. She's been dying to meet you," said Marissa.
The girl waved. "I am sooo interested in Vulcan," she said. "I want to ask you all about it."
Marissa stood, leaving Spock alone with Celine on the sofa. "I'll leave you two to talk."
Spock watched helplessly as his cousin strode away. Celine slid closer to him, until their legs touched. Her smile was broad and artful. Spock was unsure of her true intent, but he felt certain that learning more about Vulcan was not her primary objective.
Fortunately, Celine was not as empty-headed as she had at first appeared. Her curiosity about Vulcan proved to be, at least in part, genuine.
For more than a half an hour Spock was able to converse intelligently with Celine about his home world, and after the first ten minutes he was almost able to ignore the pressure of her leg against his.
Just as Spock was finally beginning to relax, Marissa and several of her friends beckoned them, inviting them to join some sort of social ritual that involved spinning a bottle. Celine leaped to her feet, and grabbed Spock's hand, pulling him up beside her. He cringed at the unwelcome touch, and grudgingly followed her to the small room where Marissa and her group were now sitting in a tight circle on the floor.
Spock managed to detach himself from Celine, and sat in between Marissa and a young man.
One of the other young men in the circle placed an empty beverage bottle in the center of the circle, and spun it on the ground. When the bottle ceased its revolutions, the mouth of the bottle pointed at Marissa.
Spock looked on in stunned silence as the young man and Marissa leaned across the center of the circle to kiss on the lips as the other young people laughed and whooped. Marissa then spun the bottle, and when it pointed to a young woman across the circle, once again the two leaned in to kiss on the lips.
Spock sat with growing discomfort as the ritual proceeded. Eventually, it was Celine's turn to spin the bottle. She carefully gave the bottle a small half-twist, and it quickly stopped, pointing directly at Spock.
Every muscle in his body tensed. It was his social obligation to complete the ritual, but every ounce of his cultural training cried out against it. The entire circle fell silent, watching him. He could perceive the pressure of their gazes as if it was a tangible weight.
After what seemed like minutes (though Spock realistically knew that only fourteen seconds had passed), he unclenched his muscles, shifted to his knees, and leaned into the circle to do his social duty.
Spock's eyes remained open as Celine leaned forward, placed her hand on the ground to steady herself, closed her eyes, and pressed her lips against his.
Her lips felt cool and soft, and she moved them against his immobile lips in a kind of gentle dance. He was utterly unprepared for the sudden flood of endorphins into his bloodstream. He could feel his heart rate increasing as blood rushed to his face and his groin. With a sharp intake of breath, he felt himself leaning into her touch, his lips parting ever-so-slightly. She took advantage of his reaction, and ran the tip of her tongue briefly between his lips before pulling back with a grin on her face.
Spock sank stiffly back to floor, crossing his legs and folding his arms in his lap in an attempt to hide his physical reaction.
"Your ears are turning green," Marissa whispered in his ear. He watched in silent gratitude as she took the bottle for herself and spared him the ordeal of having to spin it.
Fortunately the ritual ended a few minutes later.
As Spock attempted to make his way to the cool quite of the back garden, Celine was suddenly at his side. "That was your first kiss, wasn't it?"
"Yes." He avoided meeting her eyes, but her smile was not unkind.
"I've never been anyone's first kiss, before. I like that. For the rest of your life you'll remember that Celine Knudsen was your very first kiss."
Spock was astonished by the obvious look of pleasure on her face.
Less than an hour later his uncle Robert arrived to pick them up. Spock had never been more grateful to see his uncle.
The next morning his mother asked him about the party.
"It was unpleasant and chaotic," he replied. After a moment's hesitation, he added, "One of Marissa's friends kissed me on the lips."
Amanda's brows rose. "Is that so? Did you like it?"
Spock's eyes darted away from her face. "It provoked an unexpected physical reaction. Fortunately the light was dim and I was sitting on the floor. I believe was able to conceal the signs of my reaction."
Amanda's eyes went wide, and, after two seconds, she smiled and chuckled. "It sounds like you've discovered that you're more Human than you ever suspected."
Spock was troubled by her insight. He was not eager to experience any more unexpected Human sensations at unwanted moments. He decided to add more meditation time to his daily schedule. Perhaps that would be enough to gain better self-control.
***
As Nyota begins her thesis research in earnest, her availability for socialization beyond work hours grows increasingly restricted. Spock reminds himself daily that he is pleased for her ambitious enthusiasm and does not at all miss her company. His reminders do not always suffice.
Just before the winter holiday she and her roommate submit their proposal. Before she leaves for the holiday, he is able to take Nyota to a presentation of a traditional Human dance production, The Nutcracker, before she departs for her two week break. He finds the story inane and the dancing merely proficient, but is very pleased to spend time with Nyota again. He hopes that now that her proposal is complete, she will have increased free time after the break.
Unfortunately, such is not the case. Nyota seems busier than ever after her return.
Spock seeks out other ways to fulfill his social impulses. He begins to play regular games of chess with Captain Pike, as they once did while serving together on the Exeter. He attends a chamber music concert with the xenolinguistics department chair, Commodore Ripley. He visits a technology exposition with Captain Olvedos, head of Campus Computing Services. And he enters several local chess tournaments.
Those diversions are agreeable, but Spock still finds himself looking most forward to his rare hours with Nyota. Though her evenings and weekends are largely occupied, she begins joining him for lunch more often than their usual Thursday appointment. Often she only has time for a half-hour rendezvous in one of the dining halls on campus, but he is pleased with any time she can spare.
Though Spock has often heard the term "best friend" in the past, he never understood the full implications of such a relationship until now. He recognizes that he prefers Nyota's company to that of any other friend he has ever had. Her character and personality compliment his own in a way that he finds deeply satisfying. And, now that she is busier, he discovers that there is no adequate substitute for her companionship.
He fears that his attachment to Nyota is taking on undesirable emotional overtones. In his next conversation with his mother he asks her for more information regarding the Human relationship of "best friends," and inquires if she has observed any corollary relationships among the Vulcans of her acquaintance.
When she assures him that Vulcans do indeed have best friends, and describes the characteristics of such friendships, Spock concludes that his fears of excessive emotionalism were unfounded. It is logical to form close mental and social bonds with compatible friends.
When his mother asks him why he wanted to know more about "best friends," he answers truthfully. He tells her that he has developed such a relationship with his teaching assistant.
"Your TA is a young woman, is she not?" Amanda asks.
"Yes. Nyota Uhura is twenty-two years of age."
"Hmmm." His mother nods.
"You seem troubled."
"No. Not troubled. Simply…curious. I'm pleased that you have a best friend, Spock. I'd love to hear more about her."
Spock sees no reason not to indulge his mother's desire. He speaks of Nyota at some length, and is somewhat surprised by how much he has to say about her. More than an hour passes before he realizes he needs to return to his duties.
Before terminating communication, Amanda remarks that she would very much like to meet Miss Uhura if the opportunity presents itself. Spock has no objections, though his mother's expression seems to conceal some hidden motive. He cannot guess what it might be.
***
In mid-February, Nyota begins excusing herself from any extra lunches with Spock. He understands her desire to get a good start on her thesis, but he does not understand why she must spend nearly all her lunch hours studying. It seems excessive.
On the first Thursday of March, during her morning work session in his office, Nyota tells Spock that she will have to excuse herself from their regular Thursday lunch. She offers no excuse or explanation. It is the first Thursday (other than holidays) that they have not lunched together since September.
"I understand," says Spock, with a nod. He clenches his jaw and turns back to his console, feeling a surge of frustration.
Even after Nyota departs, the frustration remains. During his phonology lecture, he finds himself snapping at a cadet after he makes an uninformed reply to one of Spock's queries.
Normally, when Spock's emotions rise he is able to repress them through a series of simple mental exercises. Today, however, none of his normal exercises seem to work. He resolves to get his emotions under control by spending his lunch hour fasting and meditating.
He feels almost himself when the hour concludes.
When Nyota returns for afternoon work session, he greets her calmly, and assigns her several tasks.
After sixteen minutes of working in silence, Nyota speaks. "You're perturbed with me, aren't you?"
He continues to work at his console as he responds. "That is an inaccurate description of my current state."
"Is it? You've hardly spoken to me all day, and this morning when I canceled our lunch you looked like you wanted to break something."
He spins to look at her. She gives him a pointed look and raises her eyebrows.
"I apologize if my reaction this morning led you to believe I wished to commit acts of violence. I assure you I desired no such thing."
Her lips slowly curl up. "Maybe not consciously."
"And you believe that you understand my unconscious desires better than I do?"
"Sometimes I think I might." Before he has a chance to respond to her outrageous statement, she continues. "I think I owe you an explanation for why I've been avoiding you lately."
His stomach stirs uncomfortably. He had not allowed himself to think of her actions of late as avoiding him, but he sees now that is exactly what she has been doing. He wonders if he has misinterpreted the closeness of their friendship.
"There's two reasons--one good and one bad," she says. "I think I'll start with the bad, and get it out of the way."
She takes a deep breath. "People have noticed how much time we've been spending together--especially since we've been eating lunch together on campus so often. One of the other TAs told me that there are some nasty rumors circulating about us."
"What sort of rumors?"
"People are saying…" she, fidgets and glances down at her hands. "They're saying that we're more than just friends. They're insinuating that we're having some sort of affair."
His stomach clenches into a tight knot. "This is unacceptable. Who is spreading these rumors?"
She shakes her head. "I'm not completely sure. Mostly other TAs."
"Such malicious gossip is utterly unprofessional. I consider it a gross violation of our privacy. What right do these people have to actively apply such uninformed misinterpretations to our relationship?" His hands clench into fists at his side. He has not felt so angry since the day he stood before the Vulcan High Council as they insulted his mother and his heritage.
"None! It's ridiculous the things people will talk about just for entertainment." Somehow, Nyota seems less concerned than she should. As if the situation is no more than a minor annoyance.
"We should attempt to discern the source of these rumors, so that we can confront the persons responsible," he says.
"Oh, I don't think that's a very good idea."
"Why not?"
She sighs. "It's one of the quirks of Human culture. Confronting people about this sort of gossip usually makes things worse instead of better. It will make it look like we're trying to conceal our guilt."
His brows knit. "This is highly illogical."
"I know." She shrugs. "Unfortunately, that's just they way these things work."
"What course of action do you recommend?" Nyota seems to be far more aware of how to handle such delicate social situations than he is. It makes sense to defer to her expertise.
"I think we should take a break from spending time together on campus outside of my office hours. If people stop seeing us socializing together, they'll lose interest in the rumors and the gossip will fade away on its own."
Spock dislikes this solution immensely, but cannot think of any persuasive refutations, given that the situation defies logic. "Very well."
"This doesn't mean we have to give up our Thursday lunches," she says quickly. "Your friendship is important to me, and I'm not going to let some ugly gossip bully me into giving that up. We'll just have to pick restaurants a little further from campus."
This is much more agreeable. His anger begins to dissipate. "Your friendship is important to me, as well, Nyota. That is why these rumors are so disturbing."
"I know." She rolls her eyes. "You'd think that Starfleet cadets would be mature enough to realize that men and women can be friends in a purely platonic way. Besides, you're the very last man at the Academy who would ever violate the Academy Code of Conduct."
He notes that she says nothing in regards to whether or not she would ever break the rules, but he chooses not to read unintended meanings into her words. "No. I most certainly would not."
After he speaks, it occurs to him that if compelling logic dictates him to act in a manner contrary to the Code of Conduct, he very well may break the rules. But such a circumstance is highly unlikely to occur.
She nods. "Yeah. Of course not." He does not allow himself to read disappointment in her expression. The slight downturn of her lips and faint wrinkles in her forehead could mean anything.
"Well," she says, "if we keep our outings discreet, the gossip will probably die off in a month or two. Then we can get back to living normally again."
"I dislike having to alter my patterns of behavior merely to quell gossip, but if you think it is best, I will follow your recommendation." He recognizes that he is far too emotional regarding this issue. Perhaps spending less time with Nyota will make it easier to regain his emotional control.
"I do think it's best."
"Then I will comply. Thank you for bringing this matter to my attention."
"You're welcome. And there's one other thing that will help end the gossip pretty quickly." A soft smile forms on her face.
Spock raises an eyebrow. "What is that?"
"Well, it's actually the other reason I've been avoiding you--the good reason. And I haven't really been avoiding you so much as going out of my way to see someone else." Her smile blossoms into a grin.
"Explain."
Her eyes dart away from his, but her grin does not falter. "Two weeks ago, Gaila convinced me to go to a nightclub with her on Friday night, to unwind. And while I was there, I met someone." She looks back up to meet his eyes. "A man. His name is Cedric Long. We really hit it off and… we've started dating." Her smile looks almost timid.
Spock's stomach clenches again, acid rising in his throat. He does not understand his physiological reaction to her news. Romantic relationships are a normal part of Human life--a part that most Humans seem to need in order to feel truly fulfilled. He should be pleased that his friend has found an acceptable outlet to satisfy her emotional need. But he is not.
Suddenly all his indignation over the gossip disappears. His mind is now wholly occupied with Nyota's new revelation.
"You have time for this sort of relationship?"
She chuckles, shaking her head. "Probably not. But I'm making time. I've always been one to go on the occasional date, just for a change of pace. But with Cedric, things are different. We've already seen each other six times in the last two weeks. It's almost…magical."
Spock is concerned for Nyota. She is not one to let emotion overrule common sense, but her emotional needs may be driving her to make hasty decisions. He asks several questions about Cedric Long, seeking to obtain the information he requires to determine the man's suitability for Nyota.
She tells him that Cedric is not, as he at first suspected, another cadet. Instead, he is a musician--a violinist with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. Nyota explains that when the orchestra is not performing, he moonlights in a classical/rock fusion band. He was performing at the club the night they met.
As she speaks her eyes take on an uncharacteristically glassy appearance. Her mind seems unfocused, and she gazes at random points of the wall rather than focusing on either Spock or her console. Her level of distraction is very troubling.
Spock wishes to meet this man who has so unsettled her mind, and judge him face to face. But such a desire is both impractical, and illogical. Nyota is a woman fully capable of making her own decisions in such matters.
Finally, he asks. "Nyota, does this new relationship make you happy?"
Her smile softens again. "It does. Very much."
Spock nods, and replies against his own inclination. "That is most agreeable. I… am always pleased to see you happy."
***
Discussions of music have dominated Spock's weekly conversations with T'Pring for several months. On the third Sunday in February, however, her mind is occupied with other matters.
T'Pring tells Spock in detail of an important breakthrough she's made in her development of a new protein-rich hybridized grain crop. Spock has never before seen her speak with such enthusiasm about anything. Her excitement brightens her eyes considerably. At this moment she is very nearly as aesthetically pleasing as Nyota.
He silently chides himself for making such a meaningless comparison when he should be fully engaged in T'Pring's description of her achievement.
He compensates by asking several questions about her work. Her responses are illuminating.
Eventually, he remarks, "Have you ever considered expanding your specialty to include xenobotany?"
"I briefly considered the field many years ago, but soon abandoned it in favor of my current specialty. I have seen no reason to alter my chosen vocation."
"I made my inquiry with the thought that if you specialized in xenobotany, you could join Starfleet. Given your current level of education and expertise you would be exempted from undergraduate studies at Starfleet Academy, and would be able to enter a graduate program immediately after completing six months of officer candidate training."
"I see no purpose in joining Starfleet."
Spock feels a twinge of frustration. Surely the logic of such a course is apparent. "Your enlistment in Starfleet would greatly facilitate our ability to be together after our marriage."
T'Pring's lips tighten briefly. "Not long after you left for Starfleet Academy I concluded that our relationship would largely be an absentee marriage. I am prepared for this arrangement, and will be content with living apart."
His frustration intensifies. An absentee marriage holds no appeal for him. He has always admired and aspired to the close companionship and partnership of his parents. The idea of entering a marriage with no such closeness is barely tolerable.
Spock is able to restrain his emotions sufficient to close out the conversation with several polite remarks, but ends the communication after only twenty-one minutes, rather the usual thirty.
ETA: Chapter 4 now up
Title: Human Relationships: Mating Rituals, 3/?
Characters/Pairings: Spock/T'Pring, Spock/Uhura, Sarek, Amanda
Rating: PG-13 (this ch., R eventually)
Word Count: ~3,800
Summary: Spock discovers that navigating a relationship with a Human woman is more complicated than he expected. Particularly since the Human woman in question is still a cadet, and Spock has a Vulcan fiancée waiting in the wings.
Author's Note: Again, thanks to my beta reader, mrstater. Chapter 1. Chapter 2
Chapter Three
When Spock was sixteen years old his family spent five weeks on Earth while his father completed diplomatic duties. This was the fourth such trip of Spock's lifetime, but the first in three years. The first three weeks were mildly interesting, but he spent most of his time in the Embassy guest quarters studying--his Science Academy entrance exams were only a year away.
During the fourth week, he and his mother went to Seattle to stay with Spock's Human uncle, Robert, and his family. Spock had two cousins, the fifteen year old Marissa, and the eleven year old Kate. Though Spock desired only to continue his studies, his mother was determined to draw him into social interactions with his cousins.
He was obliged to attend a family "cookout," only to be frustrated when the scent of the charring meat made him slightly nauseous. Amanda dragged him and his cousins along to the community swimming pool, where he cringed at the way the other Human children stared at him.
Finally, on Friday night, Amanda insisted that he accompany Marissa to a party with her friends. "It will be the perfect place for you to learn more about Human social interaction," she said. "You need to stop hiding from your Human half and start embracing it once in a while!" Spock knew better than to tell his mother that he had no interest in embracing his Human half.
Marissa was not a disagreeable person. She worked hard to find topics which she could converse with Spock about, and he tried to reciprocate. But the thought of spending an entire evening solely in the company of Marissa and her friends was extremely unpleasant. Nevertheless, Spock did as his mother demanded and went to the party.
The party area was far too crowded, and Spock had difficulty evading unwanted physical contact. The noise levels were too loud, making conversation difficult. There were few vegetarian offerings among the provided food. And many of the beverages contained gaseous carbon dioxide--something Spock found extremely disagreeable.
Eventually he was able to locate a comparatively quite corner with a small sofa on which to sit. After only moments Marissa appeared with one of her friends, and the two young women squeezed in beside him.
"Spock, this is Celine. She's been dying to meet you," said Marissa.
The girl waved. "I am sooo interested in Vulcan," she said. "I want to ask you all about it."
Marissa stood, leaving Spock alone with Celine on the sofa. "I'll leave you two to talk."
Spock watched helplessly as his cousin strode away. Celine slid closer to him, until their legs touched. Her smile was broad and artful. Spock was unsure of her true intent, but he felt certain that learning more about Vulcan was not her primary objective.
Fortunately, Celine was not as empty-headed as she had at first appeared. Her curiosity about Vulcan proved to be, at least in part, genuine.
For more than a half an hour Spock was able to converse intelligently with Celine about his home world, and after the first ten minutes he was almost able to ignore the pressure of her leg against his.
Just as Spock was finally beginning to relax, Marissa and several of her friends beckoned them, inviting them to join some sort of social ritual that involved spinning a bottle. Celine leaped to her feet, and grabbed Spock's hand, pulling him up beside her. He cringed at the unwelcome touch, and grudgingly followed her to the small room where Marissa and her group were now sitting in a tight circle on the floor.
Spock managed to detach himself from Celine, and sat in between Marissa and a young man.
One of the other young men in the circle placed an empty beverage bottle in the center of the circle, and spun it on the ground. When the bottle ceased its revolutions, the mouth of the bottle pointed at Marissa.
Spock looked on in stunned silence as the young man and Marissa leaned across the center of the circle to kiss on the lips as the other young people laughed and whooped. Marissa then spun the bottle, and when it pointed to a young woman across the circle, once again the two leaned in to kiss on the lips.
Spock sat with growing discomfort as the ritual proceeded. Eventually, it was Celine's turn to spin the bottle. She carefully gave the bottle a small half-twist, and it quickly stopped, pointing directly at Spock.
Every muscle in his body tensed. It was his social obligation to complete the ritual, but every ounce of his cultural training cried out against it. The entire circle fell silent, watching him. He could perceive the pressure of their gazes as if it was a tangible weight.
After what seemed like minutes (though Spock realistically knew that only fourteen seconds had passed), he unclenched his muscles, shifted to his knees, and leaned into the circle to do his social duty.
Spock's eyes remained open as Celine leaned forward, placed her hand on the ground to steady herself, closed her eyes, and pressed her lips against his.
Her lips felt cool and soft, and she moved them against his immobile lips in a kind of gentle dance. He was utterly unprepared for the sudden flood of endorphins into his bloodstream. He could feel his heart rate increasing as blood rushed to his face and his groin. With a sharp intake of breath, he felt himself leaning into her touch, his lips parting ever-so-slightly. She took advantage of his reaction, and ran the tip of her tongue briefly between his lips before pulling back with a grin on her face.
Spock sank stiffly back to floor, crossing his legs and folding his arms in his lap in an attempt to hide his physical reaction.
"Your ears are turning green," Marissa whispered in his ear. He watched in silent gratitude as she took the bottle for herself and spared him the ordeal of having to spin it.
Fortunately the ritual ended a few minutes later.
As Spock attempted to make his way to the cool quite of the back garden, Celine was suddenly at his side. "That was your first kiss, wasn't it?"
"Yes." He avoided meeting her eyes, but her smile was not unkind.
"I've never been anyone's first kiss, before. I like that. For the rest of your life you'll remember that Celine Knudsen was your very first kiss."
Spock was astonished by the obvious look of pleasure on her face.
Less than an hour later his uncle Robert arrived to pick them up. Spock had never been more grateful to see his uncle.
The next morning his mother asked him about the party.
"It was unpleasant and chaotic," he replied. After a moment's hesitation, he added, "One of Marissa's friends kissed me on the lips."
Amanda's brows rose. "Is that so? Did you like it?"
Spock's eyes darted away from her face. "It provoked an unexpected physical reaction. Fortunately the light was dim and I was sitting on the floor. I believe was able to conceal the signs of my reaction."
Amanda's eyes went wide, and, after two seconds, she smiled and chuckled. "It sounds like you've discovered that you're more Human than you ever suspected."
Spock was troubled by her insight. He was not eager to experience any more unexpected Human sensations at unwanted moments. He decided to add more meditation time to his daily schedule. Perhaps that would be enough to gain better self-control.
***
As Nyota begins her thesis research in earnest, her availability for socialization beyond work hours grows increasingly restricted. Spock reminds himself daily that he is pleased for her ambitious enthusiasm and does not at all miss her company. His reminders do not always suffice.
Just before the winter holiday she and her roommate submit their proposal. Before she leaves for the holiday, he is able to take Nyota to a presentation of a traditional Human dance production, The Nutcracker, before she departs for her two week break. He finds the story inane and the dancing merely proficient, but is very pleased to spend time with Nyota again. He hopes that now that her proposal is complete, she will have increased free time after the break.
Unfortunately, such is not the case. Nyota seems busier than ever after her return.
Spock seeks out other ways to fulfill his social impulses. He begins to play regular games of chess with Captain Pike, as they once did while serving together on the Exeter. He attends a chamber music concert with the xenolinguistics department chair, Commodore Ripley. He visits a technology exposition with Captain Olvedos, head of Campus Computing Services. And he enters several local chess tournaments.
Those diversions are agreeable, but Spock still finds himself looking most forward to his rare hours with Nyota. Though her evenings and weekends are largely occupied, she begins joining him for lunch more often than their usual Thursday appointment. Often she only has time for a half-hour rendezvous in one of the dining halls on campus, but he is pleased with any time she can spare.
Though Spock has often heard the term "best friend" in the past, he never understood the full implications of such a relationship until now. He recognizes that he prefers Nyota's company to that of any other friend he has ever had. Her character and personality compliment his own in a way that he finds deeply satisfying. And, now that she is busier, he discovers that there is no adequate substitute for her companionship.
He fears that his attachment to Nyota is taking on undesirable emotional overtones. In his next conversation with his mother he asks her for more information regarding the Human relationship of "best friends," and inquires if she has observed any corollary relationships among the Vulcans of her acquaintance.
When she assures him that Vulcans do indeed have best friends, and describes the characteristics of such friendships, Spock concludes that his fears of excessive emotionalism were unfounded. It is logical to form close mental and social bonds with compatible friends.
When his mother asks him why he wanted to know more about "best friends," he answers truthfully. He tells her that he has developed such a relationship with his teaching assistant.
"Your TA is a young woman, is she not?" Amanda asks.
"Yes. Nyota Uhura is twenty-two years of age."
"Hmmm." His mother nods.
"You seem troubled."
"No. Not troubled. Simply…curious. I'm pleased that you have a best friend, Spock. I'd love to hear more about her."
Spock sees no reason not to indulge his mother's desire. He speaks of Nyota at some length, and is somewhat surprised by how much he has to say about her. More than an hour passes before he realizes he needs to return to his duties.
Before terminating communication, Amanda remarks that she would very much like to meet Miss Uhura if the opportunity presents itself. Spock has no objections, though his mother's expression seems to conceal some hidden motive. He cannot guess what it might be.
***
In mid-February, Nyota begins excusing herself from any extra lunches with Spock. He understands her desire to get a good start on her thesis, but he does not understand why she must spend nearly all her lunch hours studying. It seems excessive.
On the first Thursday of March, during her morning work session in his office, Nyota tells Spock that she will have to excuse herself from their regular Thursday lunch. She offers no excuse or explanation. It is the first Thursday (other than holidays) that they have not lunched together since September.
"I understand," says Spock, with a nod. He clenches his jaw and turns back to his console, feeling a surge of frustration.
Even after Nyota departs, the frustration remains. During his phonology lecture, he finds himself snapping at a cadet after he makes an uninformed reply to one of Spock's queries.
Normally, when Spock's emotions rise he is able to repress them through a series of simple mental exercises. Today, however, none of his normal exercises seem to work. He resolves to get his emotions under control by spending his lunch hour fasting and meditating.
He feels almost himself when the hour concludes.
When Nyota returns for afternoon work session, he greets her calmly, and assigns her several tasks.
After sixteen minutes of working in silence, Nyota speaks. "You're perturbed with me, aren't you?"
He continues to work at his console as he responds. "That is an inaccurate description of my current state."
"Is it? You've hardly spoken to me all day, and this morning when I canceled our lunch you looked like you wanted to break something."
He spins to look at her. She gives him a pointed look and raises her eyebrows.
"I apologize if my reaction this morning led you to believe I wished to commit acts of violence. I assure you I desired no such thing."
Her lips slowly curl up. "Maybe not consciously."
"And you believe that you understand my unconscious desires better than I do?"
"Sometimes I think I might." Before he has a chance to respond to her outrageous statement, she continues. "I think I owe you an explanation for why I've been avoiding you lately."
His stomach stirs uncomfortably. He had not allowed himself to think of her actions of late as avoiding him, but he sees now that is exactly what she has been doing. He wonders if he has misinterpreted the closeness of their friendship.
"There's two reasons--one good and one bad," she says. "I think I'll start with the bad, and get it out of the way."
She takes a deep breath. "People have noticed how much time we've been spending together--especially since we've been eating lunch together on campus so often. One of the other TAs told me that there are some nasty rumors circulating about us."
"What sort of rumors?"
"People are saying…" she, fidgets and glances down at her hands. "They're saying that we're more than just friends. They're insinuating that we're having some sort of affair."
His stomach clenches into a tight knot. "This is unacceptable. Who is spreading these rumors?"
She shakes her head. "I'm not completely sure. Mostly other TAs."
"Such malicious gossip is utterly unprofessional. I consider it a gross violation of our privacy. What right do these people have to actively apply such uninformed misinterpretations to our relationship?" His hands clench into fists at his side. He has not felt so angry since the day he stood before the Vulcan High Council as they insulted his mother and his heritage.
"None! It's ridiculous the things people will talk about just for entertainment." Somehow, Nyota seems less concerned than she should. As if the situation is no more than a minor annoyance.
"We should attempt to discern the source of these rumors, so that we can confront the persons responsible," he says.
"Oh, I don't think that's a very good idea."
"Why not?"
She sighs. "It's one of the quirks of Human culture. Confronting people about this sort of gossip usually makes things worse instead of better. It will make it look like we're trying to conceal our guilt."
His brows knit. "This is highly illogical."
"I know." She shrugs. "Unfortunately, that's just they way these things work."
"What course of action do you recommend?" Nyota seems to be far more aware of how to handle such delicate social situations than he is. It makes sense to defer to her expertise.
"I think we should take a break from spending time together on campus outside of my office hours. If people stop seeing us socializing together, they'll lose interest in the rumors and the gossip will fade away on its own."
Spock dislikes this solution immensely, but cannot think of any persuasive refutations, given that the situation defies logic. "Very well."
"This doesn't mean we have to give up our Thursday lunches," she says quickly. "Your friendship is important to me, and I'm not going to let some ugly gossip bully me into giving that up. We'll just have to pick restaurants a little further from campus."
This is much more agreeable. His anger begins to dissipate. "Your friendship is important to me, as well, Nyota. That is why these rumors are so disturbing."
"I know." She rolls her eyes. "You'd think that Starfleet cadets would be mature enough to realize that men and women can be friends in a purely platonic way. Besides, you're the very last man at the Academy who would ever violate the Academy Code of Conduct."
He notes that she says nothing in regards to whether or not she would ever break the rules, but he chooses not to read unintended meanings into her words. "No. I most certainly would not."
After he speaks, it occurs to him that if compelling logic dictates him to act in a manner contrary to the Code of Conduct, he very well may break the rules. But such a circumstance is highly unlikely to occur.
She nods. "Yeah. Of course not." He does not allow himself to read disappointment in her expression. The slight downturn of her lips and faint wrinkles in her forehead could mean anything.
"Well," she says, "if we keep our outings discreet, the gossip will probably die off in a month or two. Then we can get back to living normally again."
"I dislike having to alter my patterns of behavior merely to quell gossip, but if you think it is best, I will follow your recommendation." He recognizes that he is far too emotional regarding this issue. Perhaps spending less time with Nyota will make it easier to regain his emotional control.
"I do think it's best."
"Then I will comply. Thank you for bringing this matter to my attention."
"You're welcome. And there's one other thing that will help end the gossip pretty quickly." A soft smile forms on her face.
Spock raises an eyebrow. "What is that?"
"Well, it's actually the other reason I've been avoiding you--the good reason. And I haven't really been avoiding you so much as going out of my way to see someone else." Her smile blossoms into a grin.
"Explain."
Her eyes dart away from his, but her grin does not falter. "Two weeks ago, Gaila convinced me to go to a nightclub with her on Friday night, to unwind. And while I was there, I met someone." She looks back up to meet his eyes. "A man. His name is Cedric Long. We really hit it off and… we've started dating." Her smile looks almost timid.
Spock's stomach clenches again, acid rising in his throat. He does not understand his physiological reaction to her news. Romantic relationships are a normal part of Human life--a part that most Humans seem to need in order to feel truly fulfilled. He should be pleased that his friend has found an acceptable outlet to satisfy her emotional need. But he is not.
Suddenly all his indignation over the gossip disappears. His mind is now wholly occupied with Nyota's new revelation.
"You have time for this sort of relationship?"
She chuckles, shaking her head. "Probably not. But I'm making time. I've always been one to go on the occasional date, just for a change of pace. But with Cedric, things are different. We've already seen each other six times in the last two weeks. It's almost…magical."
Spock is concerned for Nyota. She is not one to let emotion overrule common sense, but her emotional needs may be driving her to make hasty decisions. He asks several questions about Cedric Long, seeking to obtain the information he requires to determine the man's suitability for Nyota.
She tells him that Cedric is not, as he at first suspected, another cadet. Instead, he is a musician--a violinist with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. Nyota explains that when the orchestra is not performing, he moonlights in a classical/rock fusion band. He was performing at the club the night they met.
As she speaks her eyes take on an uncharacteristically glassy appearance. Her mind seems unfocused, and she gazes at random points of the wall rather than focusing on either Spock or her console. Her level of distraction is very troubling.
Spock wishes to meet this man who has so unsettled her mind, and judge him face to face. But such a desire is both impractical, and illogical. Nyota is a woman fully capable of making her own decisions in such matters.
Finally, he asks. "Nyota, does this new relationship make you happy?"
Her smile softens again. "It does. Very much."
Spock nods, and replies against his own inclination. "That is most agreeable. I… am always pleased to see you happy."
***
Discussions of music have dominated Spock's weekly conversations with T'Pring for several months. On the third Sunday in February, however, her mind is occupied with other matters.
T'Pring tells Spock in detail of an important breakthrough she's made in her development of a new protein-rich hybridized grain crop. Spock has never before seen her speak with such enthusiasm about anything. Her excitement brightens her eyes considerably. At this moment she is very nearly as aesthetically pleasing as Nyota.
He silently chides himself for making such a meaningless comparison when he should be fully engaged in T'Pring's description of her achievement.
He compensates by asking several questions about her work. Her responses are illuminating.
Eventually, he remarks, "Have you ever considered expanding your specialty to include xenobotany?"
"I briefly considered the field many years ago, but soon abandoned it in favor of my current specialty. I have seen no reason to alter my chosen vocation."
"I made my inquiry with the thought that if you specialized in xenobotany, you could join Starfleet. Given your current level of education and expertise you would be exempted from undergraduate studies at Starfleet Academy, and would be able to enter a graduate program immediately after completing six months of officer candidate training."
"I see no purpose in joining Starfleet."
Spock feels a twinge of frustration. Surely the logic of such a course is apparent. "Your enlistment in Starfleet would greatly facilitate our ability to be together after our marriage."
T'Pring's lips tighten briefly. "Not long after you left for Starfleet Academy I concluded that our relationship would largely be an absentee marriage. I am prepared for this arrangement, and will be content with living apart."
His frustration intensifies. An absentee marriage holds no appeal for him. He has always admired and aspired to the close companionship and partnership of his parents. The idea of entering a marriage with no such closeness is barely tolerable.
Spock is able to restrain his emotions sufficient to close out the conversation with several polite remarks, but ends the communication after only twenty-one minutes, rather the usual thirty.
ETA: Chapter 4 now up