Disclaimer: They belong to Paramount, and I have no claim whatsoever on these characters.

A/N: This story mentions T'Pol's age. I have no idea what it is, because as far as I've seen it hasn't been established, so please don't leave nasty messages based solely on that.

THE QUESTION OF SUITABILITY

Hoshi approached T'Pol carefully, deciding that the best way to handle this personal subject was to join her for a cup of tea. "May I join you?"

A slight nod of her head was T'Pol's affirmative answer. "Judging from Trip's mood today, I'm going to assume something happened between the two of you." The art of mixing tact with straightforwardness, never an easy task, was greatly complicated with a Vulcan.

T'Pol did not wish to discuss her personal business; however, she needed advice on matters of human behavior. Ensign Sato had provided helpful advice on this subject in the past, and she was a discreet and trustworthy individual. "Nothing happened. That is what provoked Commander Tucker's emotional response."

"He wanted something to happen."

Again, T'Pol hesitated to explain her circumstances, but was reminded of a human expression she had heard Charles use. "In for a penny, in for a pound." He had tried to explain its meaning, but at the time she did not understand. Now she believed she did.

"Yes." She hoped that Ensign Sato would pose a question, but that was against her patient manner. "He believes we would be suitable mates."

"And you don't?"

"I believe his logic is based on a flawed premise."

"Love isn't about logic, T'Pol."

"You are undoubtedly aware that there is no translation for the word 'love' in Vulcan." Ensign Sato nodded her assent. "I have tried to understand this concept because it is important to human culture. My efforts have been unsuccessful."

"Many people have tried to analyze love and failed. We know what it is and can't explain it. It's something you feel."

She raised her eyebrow slightly at the statement. "I trust this conversation will be kept confidential."

"Of course."

"I am unsure of how to interpret my emotions. There is no way for me to surmise if I feel something akin to love. Charles told me he loves me."

"Did you tell him this?"

"No. I informed him that we are unsuitable mates, and excused myself." The woman across from her cringed. "Was that an improper response?"

"It's very…blunt." She stumbled over her choice of words.

"How do I know if I am experiencing 'love' as humans define it?"

"I can't tell you if you're in love, T'Pol. If I were to even try, I would have to ask you how you feel about Trip, and I know that on Vulcan that is-"

She cut the younger woman off. "We are not on Vulcan." How could she explain to Ensign Sato what she could not comprehend herself? "I trust Charles. However, I also trust Captain Archer and you. There is more. It is complex. I do not understand these emotions. It is as though he completes me. The idea of taking him as my mate, and of matrimony, is illogical, yet I find the prospect of a future without Charles unsatisfying."

The ensign smiled. "I think that sounds like love, T'Pol. Even if you don't end up starting a relationship with Trip, I think you should talk with him. It's a human courtesy to tell someone why you turn them down." She decided to be optimistic and added, "And you could work things out."

"I will attempt to explain to him, but I do not anticipate it will be easy."

"Nothing worth having is easy to get."

"Thank you for your insight."

**************************************************************

"Cm'in," he said from within, casually.

She stepped through the doors, trying her hardest to mask the nagging apprehension she felt. "Charles. We must talk."

"We did that already, T'Pol. It was pretty mem'rable. I told you that I love you, and you told me that we are unsuitable mates." He shifted his feet, and she wondered what he hoped to accomplish by the movement. "Pretty damn mem'rable." She believed that his last sentence was spoken in a way Ensign Sato described as "bitter."

"I wish to discuss with you the reasons for that statement. Ensign Sato explained that this is a human custom." She paused, unsure of how to continue. "She also suggested that perhaps we are not as unsuitable as logic dictates."

"This ought ta be good," he mumbled under his breath. She chose to ignore the comment.

"First, I do not know what 'love' is. I know that you create a unique and somewhat emotional response in me with your mere presence. I know that I feel safe and perhaps complete with you. I know that despite logic, I find the prospect of a future without you disconcerting. All this I know, but I do not know if it is enough to be considered love."

For the first time since she had rejected him, he smiled. "You're serious?"

"Yes."

"Sounds an awful lot like love to me, T'Pol." He looked at her, and added, "I never thought that you'd say that."

"I never anticipated having the occasion to say it."

"Look, it's okay with me if you're not sure about human love. If you think it's anything like whatever passes for love with Vulcans, it's good enough for me."

"You will require a mate who can empathize with your emotional extremes."

"Nah, I don't think so. I think I need one who can be emotionally stable when I'm not."

"If this is true, then you have sufficiently addressed my first reason for believing we are incompatible mates."

He sighed. "What's next?"

"Our biology is too different to conceive a child."

"That's all?"

"I know that you care deeply for children, and anticipate that you wish to have children of your own."

"Yeah, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. If the doctors can't come up with something, we'll adopt."

"You do not object to the absence of genetic offspring."

"It's not a big deal. Number three?" Perhaps she had underestimated his flexibility. He was proving to be surprisingly adaptive when it came to the potential of a relationship with her. Surely this had ramifications, and logically these would be positive.

"When in a matrimonial relationship, Vulcans are bondmates. The reason for this term is not usually discussed with outsiders, but we are capable of limited telepathy."

"Would that affect us? I mean, since I'm not…" he trailed off, a perplexed look on his face.

"I believe it would. In a sense, we could share each other's mind." She hastened to assure him of his privacy. "However, our bond would be weak, and I can teach you simple techniques to raise mental shields. This would allow you to sense my katra- I believe you would call it "soul"- without forcing you to hear my every thought."

He pondered this for a moment. "I didn't expect that." Sure of himself, he continued, "but we can work together on it."

"You are not intimidated by the prospect?" she said, hoping he didn't hear the optimism beginning to rise in her voice.

"It's unexpected, an' I don't s'pose it'll be easy. The thing is, relationships aren't easy. I know you'll help me with it, an' I know I can trust you." Looking down at the floor, he sighed, "I hafta confess, I've got a question for you. Vulcans live for a long time. You'll outlive me easily."

"Yes, but perhaps not by as many years as you believe. I do not expect to live another complete century."

"A century? T'Pol, that's leaving you alone for, well, forty or fifty years!"

"I find that prospect less unpleasant than the alternative. The time we have together will be "time well spent," as Ensign Mayweather is fond of saying." He smiled again, which had the undesirable effect of bringing her emotions closer to the surface. "You could live longer if you did not consume large quantities of animal flesh."

"Well, I s'pose I can give up red meat."

"Your steak dinners are important to you, despite the fact that this "red meat" is the most detrimental to your health. They are social events you enjoy."

"They aren't as important as you. But I still get my catfish!"

"You are willing to do this for me?"

"We're gonna hafta compromise a lot, T'Pol. Even though we're on a human ship, I don't want you to be the one always giving up traditions." His blue eyes gazed intently at her face. "I want ta meet you halfway."

"There is one additional complication."

He sighed. "What's that?"

She had been sure that their conversation would never have reached this point. It was perhaps, of all the reasons she considered, the hardest to discuss with Charles. "Vulcans are not physically intimate frequently, as I am well aware humans are."

"Do you honestly believe all I want ta do is get you in bed?" He looked hurt.

This was territory she was distinctly uncomfortable in. "No, but I know that physical intimacy is an important factor in human relationships. Vulcan bondmates do not require it as often, in part because of the mental bond created. However, when we do mate, it is a violent passion. Every seven years…"

He cut her off. "I remember. They told me, the Vulcans without logic."

She continued as though he hadn't interrupted. "…Our emotions become volatile, and we must mate or die. The pon farr is a remnant of our emotional past. Some philosophers have suggested we experience it because we control our emotions at all other times. The reason for the facts is, for our purposes, irrelevant."

"So your emotions, when you can't control them, are stronger than human emotions?"

"Indeed. Were your emotions as strong as unchecked Vulcan emotions, you would be unable to function."

"Can you more often than seven years?" It appeared this conversation had arrived in territory uncomfortable for him as well.

"Yes."

"I told ya I'll meet you halfway, and I meant it. I don't just want to sleep with you, T'Pol. I want to have a real relationship. Do ya really think I'd give up steak if I weren't in love with you?"

"Your logic is unusually sound."

"Hell, we can wait 'till we're married for all I care. I love you, and it's not about your body." He decided that he should keep being honest. "Though I've gotta say, it's a nice one."

It was not the last statement that caught her attention. "You have already considered matrimony?"

"Oh. Yeah." He seemed regretful of this.

"This is a wise course of action. There is no logic in an extended courtship if we determine a romantic relationship between us is both viable and desirable."

He smiled again. "I love you, ya know." When she looked uncomfortable, trying to figure out a response, he hastened to add, "You don't have to say anything. You told me already."

"This relationship will require a great deal of effort, Charles. However, I believe the results will make our efforts worthwhile."

"Me too." For a content moment, he looked at her, making a mental note to thank Hoshi for whatever she said to T'Pol. "Movie night's tomorrow. We could go on our first date."

"Is it a humorous movie? I dislike that genre."

"Actually, it's a romantic drama. Kinda appropriate, I think."

"Perhaps this movie will prove educational."

He shrugged. "You never know. Hey, what do Vulcans do on dates?"

"We do note have "dates" in the human fashion."

This seemed to disappoint Charles, so she improvised. "I can teach you to play kal-toh. It is an exercise of logic."

"Sounds fun." When she raised her eyebrow, he went on. "Anything with you sounds fun. And I really do want ta learn more about your culture."

"It is difficult, but I think you will be able to meet the challenge."

"Thanks."

"I should allow you time to sleep."

"Oh, yeah, and you'll probly want ta meditate."

She nodded her assent. "I have much to meditate on. Goodnight, Charles."

"Night, T'Pol."

As she stepped out into the corridor and began walking to her own quarters, she found herself pleased with the outcome of their conversation. In the morning she would have to inform Ensign Sato that her advice was helpful. She anticipated that the positive outcome of the night would be enjoyed for years to come.