Disclaimer: I do not own and I do not profit. I am just a fan.

A/N: This is my first foray into Star Trek fanfiction. I used to write Harry Potter fanfic exclusively, and I haven't written in years. So any constructive criticism will be helpful. I hope you enjoy, thanks.

Spock studied the thin, holographic flyer that Cadet Uhura had placed into his hand, his face betraying nothing of the internal debate going on inside his head.

STARFLEET'S CHORALE ENSEMBLE & STUDENT MUSICIAN ASSOCIATION'S

FUNDRAISER NIGHTS

JOIN US ON THE 2ND FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH FOR A NIGHT OF CLASSIC MUSIC AT THE SOIL-SIDE BAR.

2 CREDIT DONATION AT THE DOOR WILL BENEFIT REFITTING THE AUDITORIUM WITH ACOUSTICAL IMPROVEMENTS.

He knew it was illogical to be debating whether or not to attend the fundraiser at all; he had already made plans to play chess with Lieutenant Commander Roth this evening. But Cadet Uhura had asked him to attend. As illogical as it was, Spock found himself wanting to say yes whenever she asked for anything.

"So will I see you tonight, Commander?"

Spock finally drew his eyes away from the flyer. There was something intimate about the Cadet's question that made his human side nervous, causing his Vulcan side to clamp down immediately. "No," he responded, perhaps too quickly as he watched the Cadet's eyes drop from his face to stare at the floor.

Was that disappointment?

Feeling the need to fill the awkward silence if only for the sake of his human companion, Spock said, "I have a prior engagement this evening, but I will consider attending next month's performance."

"Well," she smiled up at him, brown eyes crinkling around the corners as they met his own, "I will just have to remind you sooner then, before your social calendar fills up."

She was teasing him. He was beginning to get used to this. "I will not forget."

That statement pleased the Cadet; her smile widened. A warm sensation boiled up deep within him, longing to break free.

"Have a good weekend, Commander."

"And you, as well, Cadet." She nodded and turned toward the double doors at the end of the now deserted hallway. "Cadet," he called. She turned halfway towards him, her high ponytail swaying with the movement, a posture that brought vivid memories to his mind.

"STARFLEET. STARFLEET. STARFLEET-,"

Spock could hear Cadet Stevenson chanting above the tumultuous applause and boos from the audience. The auditorium had erupted when Starfleet Academy was declared the winner of the Oxford Linguistics Invitational. The commander carefully picked his way through the sea of bodies to reach his students still standing excitedly on the stage. Even the normally composed, Cadet Uhura had abandoned her headphones and was hugging another teammate.

As he approached, the students began encircling him, chatting excitedly and slapping him on the back and shoulders. None of his disapproval at being treated thus showed on his face.

"Thanks, Commander. We wouldn't have been able to beat MIT without you!"

"Coolest Vulcan ever!"

"STARFLEET !" Stevenson continued to chant, pumping his arm into the air.

It finally occurred to one of his students that it was time to go celebrate, and, in a flurry of agreement, the crowd moved away as quickly as they had surrounded him, like waves on a beach. Cadet Uhura stopped halfway up the steps of the auditorium and turned back to look at him still standing on the stage, her ponytail swaying with the abrupt movement.

"Aren't you coming, Commander?"

As usual, she looked him directly in the eye. He noticed that they were glistening with excitement at the moment, and he wondered briefly if his were as blank as her's were expressive. An unfamiliar warming sensation boiled up deep within himself, urging him to say yes.

"Yes," he decided almost spontaneously, arguing that logic dictated, that as their chaperone, he keep an eye on the students.

But logic was all but forgotten when his reply was answered with a smile from Cadet Uhura; the warm feeling growing stronger as they hurried to catch up with the others.

"Cadet," he called. She turned halfway towards him, her high ponytail swaying with the movement. "It is customary for humans to wish a person good luck before a performance. I choose to honor that tradition in this situation."

Uhura tilted her head, and chuckled a little. "Thank you, Spock," she nodded and turned away.

"No thanks required, Nyota," he said quietly to her retreating back.