This is my first Star Trek fic. I love the reboot movies and the have been wanting to write a Spock/Uhura story for awhile. Anyway, please read and review! Enjoy!
This story begins at Kirk's birthday celebration, as depicted at the end of the film:
The air is warm but joyous as lighthearted banter fills the room. However an unspoken emptiness looms over the crowd in the wake of the destruction of the Enterprise.
McCoy joins Spock at his side, following his intent gaze across the way to where lieutenant Uhura is standing.
"Well my pointy-eared friend, have you made a decision?" he asks, taking a sip of his drink.
Spock gives Bones his usual, unamused, sideways glance. "Yes," the commander states coolly. "I have chosen to stay with Starfleet. After all we've been through, leaving the Enterprise seemed… illogical."
McCoy scoffs, noting his hesitation. Logic my ass, Bones thinks to himself. The heartless bastard's in love.
"Well, not that it makes a lick of difference to me," he says, "but I'm glad you're staying. For Uhura's sake."
McCoy raises his glass in toast to his comrade.
"Thank you doctor, but your congratulations are unnecessary, as-"
"-you haven't told her yet, have you?" Bones teases knowingly.
Spock's expression changes, and much to his bewilderment, Leonard McCoy sees something vaguely resembling concern in the eyes of his Vulcan companion.
"I haven't found an appropriate moment to broach the subject, no."
"Look Spock, the longer you wait, the harder you're going to have to work to get her back."
"There is no evidence implying that relationships can be measured usi-"
"-Dammit man, this is the one area where my expertise as a human being trumps your cold, hard logic." McCoy pauses thoughtfully. "I don't know why I'm helping you, but give me your key card," he demands.
Spock raises an eyebrow. "I don't see how that-"
"Now," McCoy orders impatiently, holding out a hand. Against all reason, Spock obliges.
"Alright, when people start to leave, you invite Uhura back to your place to talk."
"That seems a bit presumptive, doctor," Spock interjects.
McCoy rolls his eyes. "Do you want the lieutenant back or not?"
"Yes, of course I do."
"Then trust me, Spock. You'll thank me later."
Before he can fully comprehend the situation, Spock is left standing alone and dumbfounded, unsure what Doctor McCoy could possibly be arranging.
In the meantime, Kirk is busy reveling in the attention of his various crew members.
It seems like an eternity before the party finally begins to wind down and McCoy returns. He slips the room key discretely into Spock's hand. "You owe me," he says, only halfway joking. "Now go get her."
Uhura is standing with a small group of women, laughing distractedly when Spock approaches.
He clears his throat. "Lieutenant-" he interrupts politely.
Uhura whirls around with a small smile on her face. "Spock," she greets cordially. The commander is pleased to see that she is still wearing the necklace he'd given her as a gift. "You know we're off the clock," she points out. "You can call me by name…"
"As you wish, Nyota," he replies, as if making a mental note to remember. His unyielding formality causes her smile to fade. "If you have a moment, I was hoping we could talk."
Uhura seems surprised but open. "Of course," she agrees civilly.
Though nobody would be able to tell, Spock is immediately relieved. "Given the delicacy of the situation, would you object to conversing somewhere more private?" he inquires. "My quarters, perhaps?"
Nyota hesitates, but her curiosity gets the best of her. "Okay, sure," she says, quickly disposing of her drink and excusing herself from the crowd. "Lead the way."
Spock and Uhura walk side by side through Starfleet's residential hall, each unsure of how to address the other.
"I trust you've been well since our return?" Spock finally asks, trying to make conversation.
Uhura considers the tight, hollow feeling in her chest. She wants to scream, "No I haven't been well! I'm miserable and I miss you constantly. I feel things that you couldn't possibly understand or feel toward me!"
But instead, she takes a calming breath and lies. "I've been alright."
Spock must've noticed the dishonesty in her voice, but he didn't push the matter any further.
When they finally arrive at his residence, Spock unlocks the door and politely motions for Uhura to enter. "After you."
He had no idea what to expect from McCoy, but if Uhura's reaction is any indication, then the good Doctor knew a thing or two about women after all.
Nyota's eyes widen as she steps inside, letting out a light gasp almost immediately. The commander's living space had been completely transformed from its usual, sterile aesthetic. There are delicate strands of light hanging from the ceiling, resembling the soft twinkle of fireflies in the night. A massive bouquet of exotic flowers is sitting on a table with petals strewn all around the room.
Spock couldn't help but cock his head at the sight. So this is what human women wanted? Fascinating…
"Spock…" Uhura breathes, rendered nearly speechless. "What is all this?"
"In light of recent events," he begins, "I realized that our parting of ways was made on infinitely selfish terms. After all we've been through together, I have concluded that I cannot bring myself to leave Starfleet."
"But why?" Uhura pushes. "You were so determined to help rebuild the Vulcan civilization. What changed?"
Spock pauses. "What changed, Nyota, is that I refuse to imagine a future for myself which doesn't include you."
Uhura melts inside. It was quite possibly the sweetest thing he had ever said to her, and he'd almost succeeded in winning her back with that statement alone. Almost. But she had reservations.
"I thought this would please you," Spock states, noting the conflict in her face.
"It does," Uhura admits freely. "It means the world to me that you care Spock. But," she pauses, "how do I know you won't wake up one day, years from now, and regret your decision to stay?" Uhura steps forward, tears welling up in her eyes. She places her hands lightly on his chest. "You are capable of amazing things Spock, and I don't want to be the one who prevents you from achieving them," Nyota says in a pained whisper.
The commander furrows his brow in confusion, horrified that she could think such a thing. "On the contrary, Ashal-veh (my darling), you have done nothing but help me grow in every way imaginable."
Uhura blinks, unintentionally releasing the tears from her eyes.
Spock pulls her into a gentle embrace, stroking her hair methodically. As Nyota calms down, he places a chaste kiss on her forehead and another on her cheek, his mouth brushing away her hot, salty tears. Spock pauses, gauging her willingness before finally pressing his lips against hers. It was a deep, slow, strained kiss, but it melted away the pain of their separation.
Spock finally pulls away, resting his forehead against hers. "Nyota, I am truly sorry if I hurt you. It was never my intention to cause you pain. I merely lost sight of what we had together. And I can assure you, that will never happen again."
Uhura stands still and silent in Spock's arms, completely and utterly content.
