"You cannot be serious."
"Miss Amanda" — and Amanda has to giggle at that, at this stoic Vulcan referring to her by the same title as her first grade students — "I assure you, Vulcans are always serious."
She leans back to regard him. Against the backdrop of San Francisco, Sarek looks uncomfortable, out of place — and she supposes he is, given he'd just done the unimaginable: a public declaration of emotion.
A date. He asked her out on a date. Perhaps not in those words, but a date all the same. Her, a human! And, if she were honest with herself, an emotional one at that. What in the world was Sarek thinking?
The silence stretches on for a little too long and suddenly Sarek is gathering himself, standing straighter, smoothing out his features into a carefully blank expression.
"My apologies," he says. "This was a mistake."
"What?" Amanda asks. She's openly gaping at him and she's positive she looks ridiculous, but he presses on, undeterred.
"I meant no offense. I ask that you forgive me."
And he's turning to leave and no, he can't leave, not yet, she hasn't said yes yet, and she reaches out to place her hand on his arm, shivers both at his warmth and the sudden electricity that courses through her skin. The fact that this is the first time they've ever touched is not lost on her and it's dizzying.
"No, if there's anyone who should be apologizing, it's me," she replies, suddenly breathless as he turns to look at her. "Forgive me for being insensitive. You must understand, I haven't been on a date in years, and I hadn't thought — I had no idea you would be interested on going on one with me."
"Is this unacceptable?" He asks, knitting his brow, and she shakes her head.
"No, it's — it's more than acceptable. It's something I've thought about for a long time now." An exhale. "Sarek, I would love to attend the conference with you."
Something in his expression softens then. A smile, she thinks. She finds herself smiling in return.
"The conference begins at 17:00. I will send for you at 16:30."
"And I assume I'll be waiting for your Vulcan entourage?"
"Indeed. However, as you would be my escort, it is only logical that I accompany you as well."
"Very logical." She echoes, nodding solemnly.
"I am gratified that you agree, Miss Amanda. I endeavor to be so."
Her smile turns into a grin.
