Matters of the Heart (Part 3)
Title: Matters of the Heart (Part 3)
Author: Luvntrek
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Not my characters
A/N: Relationships can be a tricky business!
Kirk was surprised at how quickly he warmed to the Ambassador. He was both funny and unpretentious. The dinner turned out to be much more enjoyable than he had thought possible. Spock had been correct in his assessment of him and Kirk felt that the trip might not be so bad after all.
Kirk took them on a brief tour of the ship and then they returned to the Officer's lounge for drinks. He still did not know what to say to Aura and he kept himself busy with the Ambassador and avoided any opportunity to be alone with her. Occasionally he caught her smiling at him and he wondered what she was thinking.
Ambassador Grant was beginning to look a little worn and he knew it would not be long before he would want to leave and return to his quarters for the evening.
As he stood talking to Ambassador Grant, he glanced over at Aura and wondered if she realized he was avoiding being alone with her. She was now talking to Spock, most likely about her plans for the people of Terrin. Nichols and Nyota were talking and laughing. Kirk turned back to the Ambassador.
"Kirk, I'm a bit tired." he said. "It's been a long day for me. I hope you won't think me ill-mannered if I leave you. I am sure you want to catch up on things with Dr. Vanderleigh and it appears that Nichols is also preoccupied."
"Not at all, Ambassador" Kirk said "Let me get someone to escort you back."
"That won't be necessary. I can find my way." Grant said setting down the empty glass he was holding.
Kirk noticed that Bones was sitting alone and decided to join him. "Very well Ambassador, good night." He said as he escorted him to the door and then walked over to Bones.
"Well things seemed to work out well tonight, Bones." Kirk said sitting down. As he did so, he noticed Aura ending her conversation with Spock and began walking over to their table.
"Jimmy, you're such a busy man, can you squeeze a little time in for me" she asked approaching him. "I've been wondering when I'll be able to get you alone." she looked over at Bones. "Dr. McCoy, I understand you are Jimmy's friend. Would you be so kind as to remind him to come by my quarters so that we can have a little chat later on?"
Bones grinned at her "It would be a pleasure ma'am"
Kirk spoke up. "Why are you telling McCoy? Why not just ask me to come by your quarters!"
Aura laughed. "You have been avoiding me all evening and I need a witness. I know you don't really want to talk to me, so I need someone to remind you." Her face suddenly became serious. "I really need to talk to you Jimmy. I've missed you. Mama misses you too."
"Not now, Aura" Kirk said unable to look her in the face. "I promise I will come by a little later, ok?"
"OK Jimmy." She then turned to McCoy "It's been a pleasure meeting you Doctor."
McCoy smiled her. "Believe me, the pleasure is all mine."
Aura turned and walked back across the room unaware of McCoy watching her. Kirk noticed Bones' lingering stare and was amused that he caught him checking Aura out as she walked back across the room. He knew that look. He had given it to women plenty of times himself. Bones eyes followed her, watching the sway of her hips as she walked. Was that a little lust he saw in the good doctor's eye? Well, well, well....this could prove to be very interesting.
"Bones" he said turning to him "You like what you see?"
Bones cleared his throat. "What are you talking about Jim?"
"You know exactly what I'm talking about. I saw you watching Aura walk back across the room. You were practically drooling."
"I was not!" Bones said sounding indignant "She is a very beautiful woman, Jim. A man couldn't help but notice her."
Jim shook his head. "Oh no, doctor. We have been in the company of beautiful women before and I have never seen such a look from you."
"That's because most of the women you chase still have milk on their breath and are skinny as a rail. I like a woman with a little meat on her bones. She's smart and confident, unlike some of the women you tend to pick up. I listened to her while we were eating dinner. I like a woman who has her head on straight and knows what she wants. How old is she anyway? I'd say she's at least 30."
"She's 33. She's eight years older than me" Kirk said leaning closer. "So you're just attracted to her age and her brains right, Bones? I don't think you were watching her age or her brains as she walked across the room."
Bones face was completely red. "Give it a break, Jim. She probably already has someone anyway. A woman like that doesn't go without a number of admirers."
"I don't know, Bones" Jim replied. "She used to beat up all the boys when we were growing up. She was the biggest tomboy in town. I don't know if she even likes men." He laughed "But I am sure you will investigate the matter for yourself, won't you doctor?"
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Spock watched Nyota and Nichols talking as he conversed with Dr. Vanderleigh. He heard himself respond to her questions, however his mind was elsewhere. He wondered just how closed Nyota had been to this man.
It was illogical to think that she did not have a past. However the casual and easy way they related to one another bothered him. There was a familiarity, an intimacy they shared that was evident to him and he did not like it. He reminded himself that jealousy was a human emotion and that logically he should expect to meet someone from her past. But he did not like it. He did not like the way Nichols touched her, nor the way she looked at him. Would she tell Nichols that she was in a relationship with him? He heard Dr. Vanderleigh call his name.
"I'm sorry doctor, what did you say?" he asked bringing his attention back from across the room.
"I was asking you how long you and Jimmy have been friends." she asked glancing across the room. This vulcan was acting very peculiar. She saw him watching Nichols and the Lieutenant across the room. Was there something going on between him and the Lieutenant she wondered.
"The Captain and I were at the Academy together." Spock said "Our friendship is just developing. I gather, however, that you and the Captain are quite close."
"We were" she said.
Spock noticed that Nyota and Nichols were approaching from across the room.
"Will you excuse me, Mr. Spock" Aura said walking over to the table where McCoy and Kirk sat.
"Of course" Spock said watching Nyota and Nichols approach.
"Spock, Nyota and I have been catching up on old times." Nichols said looking at her.
Spock's face was unreadable. "Indeed" he said looking at Nyota.
"Yes, Spock. We have also been talking about you." Nyota said searching his face. "About us."
"Yes and I congratulate you two." Nichols said grinning "You're a lucky man, Spock. Ny here is one of a kind." He looked around the room. "Well I see the Ambassador has left, so I think I will also retire. You guys have a nice evening."
He kissed Nyota on the cheek. "We'll talk some more later, Ny. Goodnight Spock."
"Goodnight" they both replied in unison.
Spock watched him exit and then turned to Nyota. "Are you ready to retire also, Nyota"
She paused for a moment watching him. "Are you alright Spock? You seem troubled. You aren't worried about Nathaniel are you? We're just old friends."
"There is no need to explain anything to me, Nyota" he replied walking towards the door. "I realize that you had relationships prior to ours. You have informed Dr. Nichols about our relationship, therefore, I have no reason to be upset." He failed to tell her, however, that he was in fact upset and disturbed for reasons he could not fully understand. Seeing them together had fueled his insecurity and he did not know how to explain it.
She smiled at him. "Alright then, Spock. Let's go."